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 Laughton, Gracemere Branch

Margaret Laughton, Gracemere Branch

Published in the April 2023 edition of the Monthly Munch. Here are a few words from Margaret Laughton at QCWA Gracemere Branch in Capricornia Division about being a Country Kitchens facilitator:I have been a Country Kitchens facilitator with the Gracemere branch since...

Su Ranson, Charleville Branch

Su Ranson, Charleville Branch

Su has been a Country Kitchens Facilitator for Charleville branch, since 2017.Su enjoys cooking new recipes, reading, gardening, and sharing meals with friends and family. Her interest in the program began after attending a Country Kitchens workshop, where she had a...

Lydia Woods, Middle Ridge Branch

Lydia Woods, Middle Ridge Branch

  Published in the December 2023 edition of the Monthly Munch. Here are a few words fromLydia at Middle Ridge Branch in Darling Downs Divisionabout why she decided to become a Country Kitchens facilitator: I have been a part of the QCWA Country Kitchens program for 4...

Michelle Donohue, Quilpie Branch

Michelle Donohue, Quilpie Branch

Published in the November 2021 edition of the Monthly Munch. Here are a few words from Michelle Donohue at Quilpie Branch in the Warrego Division of the QCWA. I have been a part of the wonderful Country Kitchens program as a facilitator for 4 years now. Originally,I...

Donna Formosa, Freshwater Branch

Donna Formosa, Freshwater Branch

This month we would like to highlight Donna Formosa from QCWA Freshwater Branch in Far Northern Division. Here are a few words from Donna about being a Country Kitchens facilitator:My name is Donna Formosa and I have been a QCWA Country Kitchens facilitator for three...