This month we would like to highlight Belinda Thorburn from QCWA Gracemere Branch in Capricornia Division. Here are a few words from Belinda about being a Country Kitchens facilitator:
I joined the Country Kitchens program almost two years ago. I am a wife and mother to four children. I work part time, and originally joined the program to improve my knowledge about nutrition and good food, as well as learn easy ways to make good nutritious choices. However, I soon found I was getting much more from the program than I imagined.
I have been involved in numerous Country Kitchens activities such as sharing and promoting Country
Kitchens recipes and setting up showcases at shopping centres and community market days. This year I have enjoyed working closely with Margaret, a fellow Country Kitchens facilitator in my branch to deliver Country Kitchens activities. Together, we have embraced the opportunity to pilot the Level 5 workshops and provide feedback that would help with continuous improvement of the program. Since then, we have been running two Back to Basics Food Literacy Workshop Series with children and older adults. Seeing the joy on the faces of those we are teaching new skills to is where I have really found a sense of fulfilment in the role.
More recently, I have proudly accepted the role as Country Kitchens Convenor for Capricornia Division. As Convenor I have been working on fostering support, good communication and sharing resources amongst our division. I firmly believe the more people practicing and spreading the 5 Key Messages, the more we will be able to help improve the health of our state.
If you or someone you know is keen to work with the QCWA Country Kitchens program, we are always looking to increase our volunteer workforce. To learn all about what we do, please get in touch with the team on 0417 539 663, or head to our website: qcwacountrykitchens.com.au
