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 levels. It’s so true that volunteering is as beneficial for us as those we are helping, especially in the areas of self-esteem and emotional wellbeing.”
Over the past two years, Chaille has completed all 6 levels of the Country Kitchens facilitator training program. Chaille started with Country Kitchens due to her personal interest in healthy lifestyles. “I’ve always thought that my target demographic would be school aged children, as I have a background in early childhood. I believe that if we want to change adult behaviour, we need to educate the next generation.”
Chaille explained that she was given the impetus to do more with Country Kitchens when her peer, Gaileen Wengel, joined the Gayndah QCWA branch last year. She said that it was Gaileen who initially organised for them to hold a Country Kitchens showcase, and approached Binjour State School about running our Back to Basics cooking workshop series.
Regarding the workshops, Chaille said “I was very nervous and not at all confident for the first session. The principal soon put me at my ease with the group, and Maddy [CK Buddy] was very encouraging and supportive.”
Chaille has since completed all four sessions of the Back to Basics series and reports having overcome her nerves in doing so.
“The children loved the sessions, and I have been asked if I can go to the school more regularly as we have all had so much fun. I am looking forward to hearing from the principal as I’ve really enjoyed my time there and the children are so keen to learn which makes it especially rewarding for me,” Chaille said.
Chaille recently started a second Country Kitchens Back to Basics series at Burnett State College, where she teaches nutrition education and healthy cooking to young teenagers.
“I’m finding these sessions easier, as I’ve already practiced each session at Binjour State School and
found my feet in a very supportive environment. Working with these students and their wonderful teachers is a joy. Everyone involved is keen to participate. Hopefully they are learning information and skills that will hold them in good stead for life after schooling.”
Chaille also added, “I’ve always worked on the premise that if you don’t ask, then the answer is always ‘no’ Now is the time to get out and ask. You’ll not only benefit your community, but you’ll also benefit yourself in so many ways you would never have imagined!”
If you or someone you know is keen to work with the QCWA Country Kitchens program, get in touch with the team on 0417 539 663, or head to our website.
