Facilitator Spotlight

Michele Connors, Emu Park Branch

This month we would like to highlight Michele Connors from 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

Glynis Stevenson, QCWA Chinchilla Branch

Glynis Stevenson, QCWA Chinchilla Branch

This month we sit down and have a chat with Glynis Stevenson from QCWA Chinchilla, who has been part of the Country Kitchens program since Day 1 and was integral in the rolling out and uptake of the program across the Southern Region. Glynis became a Country Kitchens...

Dianne Tonkin-Taylor, Beerwah Branch

Dianne Tonkin-Taylor, Beerwah Branch

This month we would like to highlight Dianne Tonkin-Taylor from Beerwah Branch in Nambour and North Coast Division. Here are a few words from Dianne about why she decided to become a Country Kitchens facilitator:I had been to a Country Kitchens friendship afternoon...

Judy Tully, Mount Larcom Branch

Judy Tully, Mount Larcom Branch

Judy joined the Country Kitchens program five years ago. In addition to her role as a facilitator, she has held various positions within the QCWA, including Branch President, Branch Vice President, and previously, Capricornia Division Convenor. When asked why she...

Diane Donaldson, Herberton Branch

Diane Donaldson, Herberton Branch

This month we would like to highlight Diane Donaldson from Herberton Branch in the Atherton Tableland Division of the QCWA. Here are a few words from Diane about being  a Country Kitchens facilitator: My name is Diane and I have been a QCWA Country Kitchens...

Chaille Twine, Gayndah Branch

Chaille Twine, Gayndah Branch

Chaille Twine from QCWA Gayndah Branch recently reflected on her journey with Country Kitchens. She said “good intentions are never enough; we need some action. I’m glad now that I was given that impetus to get going. It has been so rewarding on so many different...