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 organised by our Division in March 2022 to “enjoy the company of other CWA members, learn about this unique program, [and] grab a recipe….”. The flyer wasn’t wrong! I was impressed with the resources and support in place to get the message out to the community about how important it is for everyone to eat a wide range of healthy foods. It wasn’t until seeing Aleks again at the Central Region Conference that triggered my registering for training. I’ve personally had my own challenges with food intolerances/allergies, as well as witnessing other people’s needs and/or preferences, not from choice but by health, to alter their intake of certain foods.
Our branch has monthly markets and I’ve had a couple of stalls promoting Country Kitchens recipes, taste testers, and baked goods for sale. Our branch has held two breakfasts for International Women’s Day showcasing healthy Country Kitchens approved recipes. The offerings have included new recipes which our members have been happy to submit for inclusion in the CK collection of recipes on the website.
Our branch has been involved with the Sunshine Coast Council community activities at our local Beerwah Heart and Community Hall for Mental Health Week and Christmas Markets the last two years. Country Kitchens has been showcased at these events with taste testers, recipe handouts and sugary drinks displays. As the Nambour & North Coast Division’s Country Kitchens Convenor since October 2022, I started a newsletter for my fellow CK facilitators, and organised a Country Kitchens cooking competition at Division level, which saw even non-CK facilitators participate (and win)! There were three categories in the competition; sweet, savoury and salad.
In my free time I like to travel, read, catch up with friends and family, and am interested in spirituality. I think others should get involved with the Country Kitchens program as it’s a wonderfully positive way to promote the QCWA, good health, and wellbeing. It’s beholden on us all to be involved and interested in others wellbeing, and as I said earlier, it is so well resourced, and the CK team are so supportive in every way. As with all things, we each have different strengths, interests and capabilities. Don’t doubt what you can bring to the table; you will surprise yourself!
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.
