Facilitator Spotlight

Michele Connors, Emu Park Branch

Published in the September 2024 edition of the Monthly Munch.

Here are a few words from Michele Connors at Emu Park Branch in Capricornia Division.

Michele embarked on her journey as a facilitator in September 2022. With a background in teaching and a passion for cooking and education, she has seamlessly integrated her skills into her role as a Country Kitchens facilitator. Recently, Michele stepped up as the Country Kitchens Division Convenor for Capricornia Division and is eager to support her fellow facilitators in this new capacity.

Michele has actively participated in numerous showcases, Hands on Nutrition Workshops, and promotional events in collaboration with various community organisations such as Play Matters, Life Without Barriers, Oak Tree, Drakes Supermarket, and soon, Anglicare and Max Solutions. She is always on the lookout for opportunities to forge partnerships and spread the Country Kitchens 5 key messages to different community groups.

One of Michele’s notable collaborations is with Coowonga State School, where she organised an international-themed Country Kitchens Hands on Nutrition Workshop day for all students and teachers. More recently, she guided the students in making fruit and yoghurt cups during their Under 8’s Day. In her free time, Michele volunteers for St Vincent De Paul and teaches at a local school. She also enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, gardening, and learning new sewing crafts with her fellow QCWA members.

When asked what she enjoys most about Country Kitchens, Michele said, “I enjoy being able to share information about healthy cooking and eating with a wide range of people.” She finds working with children particularly rewarding, especially when they and their parents express enthusiasm for the food, recipes, or overall workshop experience.

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.

Other Country Kitchens Facilitators

Astrid Naughton, Blackwater Branch

Astrid Naughton, Blackwater Branch

This month we would like to highlight Astrid Naughton from Blackwater Branch in Central Highlands Division. Astrid has been a Country Kitchens facilitator for eight years, and recently shared a bit about her time in the role with us. Astrid got involved with Country...

Mary-Therese Watson, Sarina Branch

Mary-Therese Watson, Sarina Branch

Published in the October 2024 edition of the Monthly Munch. Here are a few words from Mary-Therese Watson from Sarina Branch in Pioneer Division about why she decided to become a Country Kitchens facilitator: Mary-Therese began her journey as a Country Kitchens...

Margaret Gallagher, Middle Ridge Branch

Margaret Gallagher, Middle Ridge Branch

Published in the August 2023 edition of the Monthly Munch. Here are a few words from Margaret Gallagher at Middle Ridge Branch in Darling Downs Division about her journey as a Country Kitchens facilitator. I joined Country Kitchens as a facilitator in 2018. Country...

Donna Formosa, Freshwater Branch

Donna Formosa, Freshwater Branch

This month we would like to highlight Donna Formosa from QCWA Freshwater Branch in Far Northern Division. Here are a few words from Donna about being a Country Kitchens facilitator:My name is Donna Formosa and I have been a QCWA Country Kitchens facilitator for three...

Judy Stubbs, of Maleny Branch

Judy Stubbs, of Maleny Branch

Published in the October 2020 edition of the Monthly Munch.  Here are a few words from Judy Stubbs from Maleny Branch in the Nambour North Coast Division about her time as a facilitator:The Country Kitchens program offers a wonderful extension of the QCWA’s commitment...