Facilitator Spotlight

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 months, and decided to become a facilitator to learn how to positively influence others on how they can better their health and wellbeing
through eating a healthy diet.

I have been involved in several Country Kitchens community activities across the Toowoomba region.
I have consistently volunteered alongside other facilitators to deliver hands on nutrition workshops for
local refugee groups, through St. Vincent de Paul Society and Range Allied Health. These workshops are a great way for participants to socialise and receive some inspiration for healthy and affordable meals to cook for their families. I have also been involved with events at Meringandan State School and Farmfest.

In the future, I am hoping to continue with the program and connect with the Pick of the Crop program
which is run at some local schools through Health and Wellbeing Queensland. I truly believe that there is something for everyone in the Country Kitchen program, and you can be involved at whatever capacity suits you and your lifestyle. It has a simple message, with a powerful impact on people’s health and wellbeing.

Outside of QCWA and Country Kitchens, I am a busy mother of a toddler with another on the way. I am currently studying interior design and decorating, and work within my family business.

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: qcwacountrykitchens.com.au

Other Country Kitchens Facilitators

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...

Chaille Twine, Gayndah Branch

Chaille Twine, Gayndah Branch

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...

Wendy Gordon, QCWA Oakey Branch

Wendy Gordon, QCWA Oakey Branch

Here are a few words from Wendy at Oakey Branch about her journey as a Country Kitchens facilitator.  Wendy 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...

Tara McGrath, Dimbulah Branch

Tara McGrath, Dimbulah Branch

Published in the April 2022 edition of the Monthly Munch.  Here are a few words from Tara McGrath at Dimbulah Branch in the Atherton Tableland Division of the QCWA.  I joined the QCWA Country Kitchens program as a facilitator in July 2021. I am currently studying a...

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...