November 2, 2015
by Lois Thurecht
Members of local QCWA branches returned home at the weekend after attending last week’s State Conference in Gympie.
Gympie Regional Council provided a lovely venue for the occasion, and there was plenty of space to show the public what QCWA members do.
Competition displays were set up, and South Burnett members took out many prizes.
Many thanks must go to Mayor Mick Curran and Councillor Rae Gate’ for their tremendous support.
The conference was opened by an ecumenical service conducted by Pastor Peter Rodriguez from the Lutheran College, and a collection of $930 was presented to the college.
The gathering heard speakers on the topics of organ donation, isolated children, bullying and the Man Up prostrate cancer program.
Dr Kate Gray spoke on women’s health and Dr Jeannette Young spoke about Country Kitchen, an initiative of the last State Government.
Dorothy Coombe, the National President of ACWW (Associated Country Women of the World) also gave an address.
The State Conference heard that the QCWA’s Public Rural Crisis Fund (PRCF) had assisted many drought-affected families over the last year with funds of $250,000, and a similar amount had been given to assist businesses in drought-affected areas to help them keep trading.
More farmers and other members of the public are now realising it is perfectly OK to ask the QCWA for help.
$22,303 was also raised for the 2015 External Appeal for Blaze Aid, and another $5,000 was donated to them for a support trailer.
An annual donation of $3300 was made to the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Next year the external appeal will be the Melanoma Project, which QCWA will study and raise funds for, and the country of study will be Greenland.
The QCWA lobbied the government last year to have medicinal cannabis available for chronic illnesses.
This year, with the ice epidemic ravaging many communities, the emphasis will be placed on drug education programs in schools.
The QCWA will also be advocating that more fitting sentences be given to domestic violence offenders so that they are not released to offend again; that one vote, one value be bought into our voting system; and that there be clearer labelling of Australian grown and packaged foods.
Members will also be urging the living away from home allowance for remote education be increased.
Serenette Crombie, the State Young Leader, gave her exciting report for the last year’s happenings and announced their summit for next year.
The conference concluded with “The Happening” – a concert put together by members.
The State Executive proved the most popular act with their Village People item.
- For further information about the QCWA or any of the South Burnett’s QCWA branches, contact Lois Thurecht on (07) 4162-3824.
