March 13, 2024
QCWA Nanango is pleased to announced that Stage 1 of renovations at its clubhouse in Fitzroy Street have been completed.
In 2021. the kitchen at the clubhouse was reviewed by the South Burnett Regional Council and suggestions made regarding upgrades which would enable the building to become a facility to hire for events.
QCWA Nanango secretary Julie Robinson said grants were required to enable the upgrades as well as replace appliances which previously had been brought in by members from their own homes.
The grant applications were made by Julie, as well as some with assistance from Leisa Wilson, from Council.
They were sought from Council, the Heritage Nanango Community Fund, the Community Enterprise Foundation (Bendigo Bank) and Member for Maranoa David Littleproud.
Julie said club was successful with three of the applications.
“(We are) very grateful for the grants received from Heritage Bank $10,550, South Burnett Council $4700 and Community Enterprise Foundation $5157 (as well as a) $5000 donation from Boots’n Bulldust,” Julie said.
The grants enabled work to begin on Stage 1 of the renovations.
“Members, friends of QCWA Nanango and family members went to work dismantling existing cupboards, removing old furniture, placing crockery and glassware in boxes, and cleaning and preparing areas in the kitchen,” Julie said.
Panelling was installed to cover the existing tongue-and-groove wooden walls and stainless steel sheets placed behind the stove.
The cupboards, walls and ceiling were also painted.
“Most of this work was completed by QCWA members and husbands who brought their expertise and labour,” Julie said.
“A dual-fuel, free-standing oven with cooktop – a wonderful Westinghouse 90cm pyrolytic stove with air fryer – was installed.
“This has been invaluable in the catering of events … like scone days, gingerbread for Pioneer Park Christmas celebrations and the Heritage Bank grant presentations at the QCWA Nanango.”
The oven was made possible by a grant from the SBRC.
The cooking and cleaning equipment, wall and ceiling panelling and shelves came from the grant from Bendigo Bank
The stainless steel backing was made possible from money donated by Boots’n Bulldust.
“In early 2024, we were able to get Floorworld to install commercial-grade vinyl that was coved up the wall in both the kitchen and store area,” Julie said.
“This has made a huge difference to the cleaning of the areas and also the colour and brightness of the areas.”
This was made possible from grants received from Heritage.
“The oven has enabled us to fundraise for future renovations and give back to the community,” Julie said.
Regular events at the QCWA Nanango include scone days every two months, craft days on the second Friday of the month, and QCWA meetings on the third Friday of the month.
“Organisations and individuals can hire the premises,” Julie said.
“At present, entertainment and games on Tuesdays are conducted by Neil Rose and a church service (is held) on Sundays.
“Persons interested in hiring the facility can contact the branch via email or by phoning 0438-323-079.
“The renovations will be ongoing and hopefully with more grants we will be able to achieve more, working towards a commercial kitchen.
“We would also like to acknowledge the businesses in the South Burnett who have supported us in the renovation process, as they also gave a discount or waived some costs.
“The businesses are Astills Electrical, Fiedler Brothers Plumbing, Airds Hardware and Nanango Gas Suppliers.”
