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

Margaret Gallagher, Middle Ridge Branch

Margaret Gallagher, Middle Ridge Branch

This month we would like to highlight Margaret Gallagher from QCWA Middle Ridge Branch in Darling Downs Division. Here are a few words from Margaret about being a Country Kitchens facilitator:I joined Country Kitchens as a facilitator in 2018. Country Kitchens has so...

Roslyn Reen, Middle Ridge Branch

Roslyn Reen, Middle Ridge Branch

This month we sit down and have a chat to Roslyn Reen, one of our Fabulous Facilitators from QCWA Middle Ridge Branch in Darling Downs Division. Ros joined the Country Kitchens team in 2022 and was jointly awarded the Country Kitchens Rising Star award at the 2023...

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...

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...

Michelle Donohue, Quilpie Branch

Michelle Donohue, Quilpie Branch

This month we would like to highlight Michelle Donohue from Quilpie Branch in the Warrego Division of the QCWA. Here are a few words from Michelle about her time as a facilitator:I have been a part of the wonderful Country Kitchens program as a facilitator for 4 years...