Facilitator Spotlight

Judy Fysh, Nelia Branch

Judy Fysh from Nelia branch has been a facilitator for 7 years. Judy has worn many hats within the QCWA at a branch and division level over the years, demonstrating her dedication to the association. In addition to being a Country Kitchens facilitator, she is also the current division convenor for the Country Kitchens program in North Western Division, a role she has truly enjoyed.

On why she joined the Country Kitchens program, Judy said “I really like the idea of being a helping hand and working in my community. Previously, I was a child nurse for 35 years and feel that experience assists me in teaching the 5 key messages and the program’s goal of obtaining good health”.

In her spare time, Judy shares “I like cooking, creating recipes and patchwork.” She fondly recalled getting her grandkids involved in the kitchen during their visits, fostering a love of cooking that she hoped to pass on to the next generation.

Judy says she really loves working with children, allowing them in the kitchen, running cooking classes
with them and helping them to learn about healthy food. When asked about her favorite aspect of the program, Judy said, “The 5 key messages sell themselves because they are simple.”

Throughout her years with the Country Kitchens program, Judy has contributed numerous fantastic, vegetable-loaded recipes that have become staples in our recipe collections, social media, and website. Some of her well-loved recipes include pumpkin risotto, sweet potato, zucchini, and feta muffins, and salmon with tomato for two. These dishes continue to be loved by QCWA members and the public, highlighting some of Judy’s important contributions to the program.

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

Belinda Thorburn, Gracemere Branch

Belinda Thorburn, Gracemere Branch

This month we would like to highlight Belinda Thorburn from QCWA Gracemere Branch in Capricornia Division. Here are a few words from Belinda about being a Country Kitchens facilitator: I joined the Country Kitchens program almost two years ago. I am a wife and mother...

Colleen Dunn, Glenmorgan Branch

Colleen Dunn, Glenmorgan Branch

This month we would like to highlight Colleen from Glenmorgan Branch in Maranoa Division. Here are a few words from Colleen about why she decided to become a Country Kitchens facilitator: I have been a part of the Country Kitchens program for 2 years now and decided...

Erika La Budda, Supporter Member

Erika La Budda, Supporter Member

This month we would like to highlight Erika La Budda - our first QCWA supporter member and Country Kitchens facilitator. Here are a few words from Erika about her time as a facilitator:My name is Erika and I have been a QCWA Country Kitchens facilitator for just over...

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...

Wendy Gordon, QCWA Oakey Branch

Wendy Gordon, QCWA Oakey Branch

This month we have a chat with Wendy from the Oakey Branch who started her Country Kitchens journey back in 2019. She was drawn to the program because she loves cooking, sharing new skills and helping her community. She took to the Facilitator role like a duck to...