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

Fiona Owens, Longreach Branch

Fiona Owens, Longreach Branch

This month we would like to highlight Fiona Owens from QCWA Longreach Branch in Central Western Division. Here are a few words from Fiona about being a Country Kitchens facilitator: I have been a QCWA Country Kitchens facilitator for five years now, joining the...

Tara McGrath, Dimbulah Branch

Tara McGrath, Dimbulah Branch

This month we would like to highlight Tara McGrath from Dimbulah Branch in the Atherton Tableland Division of the QCWA. Here are a few words from Tara about her time as a facilitator:I am a new facilitator to the program, having only signed up in July last year. I am...

Sheila Marshall, St George Branch

Sheila Marshall, St George Branch

This month we would like to highlight Sheila Marshall from QCWASt George Branch in Western Division. Here are a few words from Sheila about being a Country Kitchens facilitator:I became a Country Kitchens facilitator eight months ago because I’m passionate about...

Sandy Machan, Emu Park Branch

Sandy Machan, Emu Park Branch

This month we would like to highlight one of our Fabulous Facilitators in Capricornia Division. Keep reading to find out what inspired Sandy to get involved in the Country Kitchens program. My name is Sandy Machan and I am a member of Emu Park branch in Capricornia...

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...