Facilitator Spotlight

Sheila Marshall, St George Branch

This month we would like to highlight Sheila Marshall from QCWASt George Branch in Western Division. Here are a few words from Sheila about being a Country Kitchens facilitator:

I became a Country Kitchens facilitator eight months ago because I’m passionate about health and wellbeing, and helping others learn how to grow their own food. I am a Nursing Director at the St George hospital with 40 years nursing experience and run my own permaculture business called Grow Eat Learn.

I recently completed my level 4 training and ran my first hands on nutrition workshop out in the community last month. I have partnered with the Balonne Kindergarten at St George where I have built a fruit and vegetable garden and teach the staff and children on a regular basis, recently delivering a foodie art workshop to the children.

Four-year-old children are learning how to grow different fruit and vegetables, such as zucchini, corn, herbs, cherry tomatoes, blueberries and strawberries. The worm farm and compost teach children about sustainability and the nutrients that fruit and vegetables need to grow. The children have learnt the difference between dirt and living soil. I have been able to show children the paddock to plate principles by incorporating child-friendly nutrition education and cooking experiences with Country Kitchens foodie art workshops.

Whilst I am new to my Country Kitchens journey, I have been teaching my community how to grow, cook and preserve their own food for the past five years. I believe the Country Kitchens program is a great way to engage with your community and make a difference to its health and wellbeing. As the Country Kitchens Division Convenor for the Western Division, I am excited to collaborate with other Western branches for future Country Kitchens activities.

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

Gabriella Field, Tin Can Bay Virtual Branch Member

Gabriella Field, Tin Can Bay Virtual Branch Member

This month we would like to highlight Gabriella Field from QCWA Tin Can Bay Branch in Gympie and South Burnett Division. Here are a few words from Gabriella about being a Country Kitchens facilitator: I became a Country Kitchens facilititator in April 2022 and in...

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...

Mary-Therese Watson, Sarina Branch

Mary-Therese Watson, Sarina Branch

This month we would like to highlight Mary-Therese Watson from Sarina Branch in Pioneer Division. Mary-Therese began her journey as a Country Kitchens facilitator in 2022. As a passionate supporter of the program, she began by bringing Country Kitchens activities to...

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 joined the QCWA Country Kitchens program as a facilitator in July 2021. I am...

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...