QCWA Looks Back On 100 Years

February 27, 2024

One hundred years ago, Kumbia was a very different place … but there are two things time travellers would recognise: the hall, and the hard work of a keen bunch of local women.

Kumbia Hall (officially, the Memorial School of Arts) celebrated its centenary in 2022.

And on Saturday, a couple of hundred people packed into the hall to celebrate another 100th birthday … that of the Kumbia branch of the Queensland Country Women’s Association.

There were speeches, a cake-cutting, the unveiling of a plaque and lots of memories shared.

Much of the history of the Kumbia branch was also on display, with tables full of craft, memorabilia, newspaper clippings and photos.

Kumbia QCWA president Julianne Cross recalled how she joined the QCWA more than 30 years ago.

“From that very first day, I knew this organisation – which has helped so many and changed so many lives nationwide – was quite special,” Julianne said.

“The ladies would teach me many life lessons all the while helping the community.

“I have made many special friendships.”

Back then, the branch had 25 members, but these days it was just eight – and they all toiled into the wee hours to get the hall ready for Saturday big celebration! 

“Our aims have not changed and that is to help anyone in need and to keep our rooms open for the community with lots of hard work, heaps of fun and lots of laughter,” Julianne said.

Other guest speakers included Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington, who recalled how her cakes didn’t always match the QCWA’s high standards, and former radio journalist Gerald Tooth who spoke about his family’s connections with the Kumbia QCWA.

Kumbia QCWA secretary Moira Curtain read from her history of the branch, prepared especially for the celebration after she scoured decades of minute books.

She also shared her award-winning poem (see below) which was inspired by a collection of 1930s cups and saucers donated to the Kumbia QCWA when the Boyneside group closed.

Compere for the day was Peter Curtain, who pointed out that Australia’s favourite chocolate  bar, Cherry Ripe, was also celebrating its centenary this year.

This prompted the distribution of Cherry Ripes as lucky table draw prizes throughout the morning.

Special guests at the centenary celebration included QCWA State President Sheila Campbell, Vice-President Central Region Tamara Stephensen, representatives from the Gympie & South Burnett Division, and members from other branches.

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Long-time member Moira Curtain shared a summary of the history of the Kumbia QCWA as well as a poem which sums up many of the QCWA’s values:

 

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Gallery Of Photos

[UPDATED with correction]

  Kumbia