QCWA Annual Report 2018-2019

The Queensland Country Women’s Association

2018–2019

Empowering and inspiring women through friendship, education, service and advocacy since 1922

Extend your signal with the Telstra Go Repeater. The Telstra Go Repeater extends your 3G and 4G coverage in low reception areas giving you fewer dropouts. Available to Telstra customers only.

For more information visit us in store or online today.

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW: Both the portable and stationary versions of the Telstra Go Repeater have been tested, authorised and approved by Telstra for use on the Telstra Mobile Network. The Telstra Go Repeater is compatible with Telstra’s Next G® Network and 4GX service operating on 3G 850MHz and 4G 700MHz / 1800MHz bands. A single External Antenna (not included) is required to receive the macro-network signals, and a single Indoor Antenna (included) is required where you need service. The type of External and Internal antenna is dependant on the specific use cases and coverage scenario. The Telstra Mobile Network offers 4G in all capital CBDs and associated airports, most surrounding suburban areas and in over 600 regional towns. You’ll automatically switch to our fastest available 3G in other coverage areas around Australia. Check coverage at telstra.com/coverage.

The Queensland Country Women’s Association • Annual Report 2018–2019

Ladies, it’s official: we’re GREAT!

On behalf of the QCWA, State President Christine King receives the 2019 Queensland Great plaque from the Premier, the Hon. Annastacia Palaszczuk MP, at a Queensland Day event, 6 June 2019.

1

Annual Report 2018–2019 • The Queensland Country Women’s Association

OVERVIEW

QCWA ORGANISATION OVERVIEW

OUR MISSION

OUR MOTTO

With three Regions, 20 Divisions and more than 240 Branches, the QCWA is the largest and most widespread women’s organisation in Queensland. Since 1922, the QCWA has been about women from all over Queensland coming together for many different reasons, whether it is about meeting new people, making new friends, learning new skills or getting involved in the community. Whatever the reason, it is friendship and the overall desire to help others

Empowering and inspiring women through friendship, education, service and advocacy since 1922. OUR VISION For the women of Queensland to come together to support communities, while celebrating their interests and forging friendships in a respectful and caring environment. OUR PURPOSE To advocate and provide opportunities for women, centred around education, health and community throughout every phase of a woman’s life.

Honour to God, Loyalty to the Throne, Service to the Country, Through Country Women,

For Country Women, By Country Women. OUR CREED

I would be true,

for there are those who trust me

I would be pure,

for there are those who care

I would be strong,

that has banded the women of this organisation together.

for there is much to suffer

I would be brave,

We support them by advocating and providingopportunities for women centering around education, health and community throughout every phase of a woman’s life.

for there is much to dare

I would be friend to all

— the foe — the friendless

I would be giving,

and forget the gift

I would be humble,

for I know my weakness I would look up — and laugh — and love — and lift.

~ Howard Arnold Walters

qcwa.org.au

qcwa1922

2

The Queensland Country Women’s Association • Annual Report 2018–2019

OVERVIEW

QCWA PATRON Mrs Kaye de Jersey

CONTENTS

2 5 6 7 8

Organisation

Patron’s message Sponsors, Partners

OVERVIEW

Connections, Public Rural Crisis Fund

Notice of Meeting The 96th Annual General Meeting of The Queensland Country Women’s Association (QCWA) will be held during the 97th State Conference from Monday 21 October to Thursday 24 October 2019 at the Brolga Theatre and Convention Centre, 5 Walker Street, Maryborough Q 4650. Business • Confirmation of the Minutes of the 95th Annual General Meeting held on 24 October 2018; • Presentation of the State President’s Report for 2018–2019; • Receive and adopt this Annual Report for the 12-month period from 24 October 2018 to 24 October 2019; • Presentation of the Annual Financial Report for the 12-month period from 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2019 included in same; • Appointment of Auditors for the coming year; • Appointment of Returning Officers; • Motions for Resolutions; • Various other Reports, speakers, presentations and prize awards; • Nominations for and election of State Vice-President Northern Region; • Announcement of 2020 State Executive Board; • Announcement of 2020 Health Awareness Speaker and 2021 Primary Product; • Transact any other business for which due notice has been given and/or which has been suitably adopted.

Media | Recognition

10 11 13 19 19 20 21 22 24 26 28 30 30 31 32 34 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 46 47 48 48 49 49 50 50 51 51 52 53 54 54 55 55 56 56 60 62 63 64 65 66 67 71

Regions and Divisions map

Past State President State President Valued Volunteers In-kind donations State Secretary ACWW Conference

EXECUTIVE

Vice-President Northern Region Vice-President Central Region Vice-President Southern Region

International Officer

STATEWIDE

New branches

Sister branches / Pen Pals / Friendship

Ruth magazine Country Kitchens

Public Rural Crisis Fund

Cookery

Dressmaking

Floral Art Handcraft

International Study Knitting and Crochet

COMMITTEES

Patchworkers Photography

Essay and Public Speaking

Art Competition

Atherton Tableland

Far Northern

Northern

NORTHERN

North Western

Pioneer Burnett

Capricornia

Central Highlands

CENTRAL

Gympie and South Burnett Nambour and North Coast

REGIONS

Port Curtis

Border

Darling Downs Greater Brisbane

Maranoa

SOUTHERN

South Eastern

By order of the 2019 State Executive Board and State President, QCWA ABN 22 621 683 521

Warrego Western

West Moreton

State Executive Board

Auditor’s Independence Declaration

Profit or Loss

Financial Position Changes in Equity

FINANCIAL

Cash Flows

Notes to the Financial Statements

Statement by members of the State Executive Board

3048CWA_MD&C

3

Annual Report 2018–2019 • The Queensland Country Women’s Association

The QCWA State President, State Vice Presidents, State International Officer and Division Presidents, following the 2018 Conference in Cairns.

4

5

Annual Report 2018–2019 • The Queensland Country Women’s Association

OVERVIEW

SPONSORS

PARTNERS

6

The Queensland Country Women’s Association • Annual Report 2018–2019

OVERVIEW

CONNECTIONS

MASTHEAD DE S IGN CREATI VE

PUBLIC RURAL CRISIS FUND

7

Annual Report 2018–2019 • The Queensland Country Women’s Association

MEDIA SELECTION

OVERVIEW

8

The Queensland Country Women’s Association • Annual Report 2018–2019

OVERVIEW

RECOGNITION

9

Annual Report 2018–2019 • The Queensland Country Women’s Association

NORTHERN REGION • Divisions

OVERVIEW

1 8

Atherton Tableland

QUEENSLAND MAP REGIONS AND DIVISIONS

Far Northern

13 14

Northern

Branch locations are listed in the Division reports in alphabetical order, grouped by Region, commencing on page 46.

North Western

15

Pioneer CENTRAL REGION • Divisions

3 4 5 6

Burnett

Capricornia

Central Highlands

Central West

10 12

Gympie and South Burnett

Nambour and North Coast

16

Port Curtis SOUTHERN REGION • Divisions

8

2 7 9

Border

Darling Downs

Greater Brisbane

1

11

Maranoa

17 18

South Eastern

Warrego

19

Western

13

20

West Moreton

14

15

6

5

4

16

3

10

12

11

18

16

9

20

7

17

2

10

The Queensland Country Women’s Association • Annual Report 2018–2019

EKKA was a busy time which included a visit to the Auction Arena where, again, I accepted a cheque on behalf of the QCWA from Santos for the Drought Appeal , with the Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries, the Hon. Mark Furner mp, present. I was also invited to attend the Show night and fireworks display by Telstra , which has given us great support and presented us with a cheque at the Conference. I attended the Capricornia Division Annual Meeting in Rockhampton which was great and, as it was Gloria Wakefield’s last meeting, I was so pleased to be able to attend. It was a good meeting and lovely to catch up with the ladies from in and around the Division. I attended the CWA of A Conference in Canberra, 27–30 August, with the other State Executive Board members and many other members from the QCWA. It was great to meet members from right across Australia and hear which they are all doing. The drought was a main topic as it has affected all the states, with New South Wales and Queensland being the worst hit. I flew up to Longreach as I was invited to an event that was being televised by Channel 7 and, to as it was in the Central Region, I invited SV-P Jan Street to attend with me. Emily Dwyer, our Membership, Media and Marketing Officer, was the main person who organised this event in co-ordination with Channel 7. This was a great event and a lot of money was donated on the night to the Drought Appeal fund. September was busy with the administering of the Drought Appeal funds. This is very time- consuming and I seemed to just about live in Brisbane during this time and until Conference. It was and is very important that applications are administered as efficiently and effectively as possible. When one reads the applications, I know I say ‘thank-you, dear Lord, that I live in an area where I can get food, etc’ … but then I remember that without the farmers I wouldn’t get the food I need to keep going, so we must help as much as we can. We also need to be more aware that by sending parcels and so on to affected areas that we are not helping the local communities as a whole. If people are not purchasing from the local stores they will shut – and, believe me, many have. In the big picture the drought won’t be over in a year even if we get rain, so we need to be mindful of all our country people and look after them – after all we are the Country Women’s Association.

PAST STATE PRESIDENT REPORT Joy Coulson (July–October 2018)

EXECUTIVE

The last few months in office were extremely busy with the drought appeal happening. July started off with Annual meetings being held in and around the State at Branch-level followed by August and September division meetings. July was also a busy month with the audits starting to be prepared and all the necessary paperwork coming in from branches, divisions and committees to be collated ready for our auditors. From all accounts, the paperwork was well-presented with only minor problems; a big thank-you to Finance and Administration Manager Mike Harpley, for having run successful Treasurers’ Workshops during the year that helped all our ladies doing the Treasurer’s role – well done, ladies. I was lucky to do the rounds of the branch Annual Meetings in the Central Highlands Division and meet all the lovely members in and around this Division. It is always a great opportunity to experience and mix with the members. Thank-you to Division President Jenny Ryan and Carol Ferguson for looking after me so well during this visit, which covered altogether over 900 km – a great trip. Southern Region Conference was held on the Gold Coast, hosted by the South East Division. This was a good meeting, friendly and welcoming to all. Thank-you to Elaine Keiseker and Gai Johnson for your hospitality to the State Executive Board members, who all enjoyed meeting the delegates from in and around Southern Region. Central Region Conference was held in Gympie in the second week in August, which was hosted by the Gympie and South Burnett Division. Thank-you to State Vice-President Jan Street for the invitation to myself to join you. I was able to attend for two days but had to return to State Office as there was an important event happening at the EKKA which I was required to attend. This event turned out to be a special presentation by Premier the Hon. Annastacia Palaszczuk mp regarding drought relief. On behalf of the QCWA, I accepted a cheque for $100,000 to kick-start the Premiers Drought Appeal for the farmers who are doing it so hard at the present time. This appeal took off like a house on fire and donations started to pour into State Office for us to administer.

11

Annual Report 2018–2019 • The Queensland Country Women’s Association

The State Executive Board was fortunate enough to have meetings with the Leader of the State Opposition, the Hon. Deb Frecklington mp, and she is always happy to listen and help where she can. I attended a fundraiser on the Green Lawn at Parliament House which raised funds for the Drought Appeal . I also attended a horse-racing thoroughbreds awards night and presented the Country Horse of the Year award. Funds raised from the races at Birdsville will be presented in the coming months to the appeal for which we are most thankful. October was a busy month preparing for the Annual State Conference and making sure all was in order for the four days. A big thank-you to Mandie Quince, our State Secretary, for her support and friendship during the two years that we worked together. We both got ‘thrown in the deep end’ as the saying goes and had to learn to swim. Life goes on and with her support I got through to the end. To all the State Office staff both past and present – thank-you for the time we shared together. I know I learnt a lot and am grateful for your support. To the members who supported me during my time: thank you. It was and is appreciated. To end, I would like to quote some words from Denis Waitley, who says: “Happiness cannot be travelled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace and gratitude.” All the happiness for the future. Joy Coulson

EXECUTIVE

12

The Queensland Country Women’s Association • Annual Report 2018–2019

Board members have offered to travel to Brisbane at times when assistance is needed in the office and attend meetings to important events with myself. Resolution from Conference 2018 passed to sell our City building, Ruth Fairfax House , was actioned by a committee under the Board to assist in this process. This has commenced, and matters are underway as at 30 June 2019. Darling Downs rooms have been offered and accepted as a home for the State memorabilia collection and the process of cataloguing and packing of items held in the State Archives has commenced under the leadership of Judy King and her team. We thank these ladies very much, as this is ongoing as more items keep appearing for packing, et cetera . An Archive and Memorabilia Committee was established under the SEB with the President and Phoebe Mitchell establishing a committee of local Darling Downs members to discuss plans to convert the rooms to be made suitable as a display venue. This will be an ongoing project leading up to our Centenary. Further resolution at Conference 2018 was passed to review wording in the Constitution and governance documents. A Constitution Committee under the SEB was formed to look at the governance of the State Executive Board and Council roles; however, no presentation was forthcoming at May Council to address this matter from the Board. Our Patron, Mrs Kaye de Jersey, invited the new Board members to morning tea at Government House and we experienced a high tea featuring local Queensland produce. We took this opportunity to advise of the work of the Public Rural Crisis Fund (PRCF) supporting drought applications, and our strategic direction for the year. The Governor, His Excellency the Hon. Paul de Jersey ac, invited our association to have a seat at his table for dinner to acknowledge the work of charities for drought support and it was a very special night to attend with my husband at Government House; a great memory. We have been constantly addressing our financial security with our Association accounts. In November 2018 our membership was dipping and one concern which affects our ability to sustain our State Office staff wages. At 30 June 2019 we have four staff on wages and thank Greater Brisbane Division for sourcing volunteers to assist on office projects. We thank most sincerely the work and initiatives presented by our staff to our association over this year. All staff have been very supportive of each other and sharing and learning skills to ensure the office keeps ticking over.

STATE PRESIDENT REPORT 2018–2019 Christine King

EXECUTIVE

It gives me much pleasure to present the 96th Annual Report of the Queensland Country Women’s Association from Conference 2018 to June 2019 for our 97th year on behalf of the State Executive Board. The newly elected State Executive Board at Conference 2018 in Brisbane presented great opportunities for QCWA members to move forward with our Strategic Plan towards our Centenary celebrations. Identifying our focus for the coming year, communication lines between members, Divisions and State Office were addressed with State Vice-Presidents becoming the conduit for our leaders in divisions to have the connection with mentoring. The State Executive Board (SEB) moved to have five face-to-face meetings per year with all business shared daily by email, allowing more time to be active in their regions. Post-Conference Council held over three days at Red Hill Bowls Club , the agenda covered our Strategic Plan moving us forward with decisions to be actioned by the May Council meeting. This council agreed with the proposal of State President’s travel around the divisions with training to include continuing and newly-elected Division Presidents and their teams, giving consistent knowledge to them to lead their members in governance and enthusiasm to grow membership and retain members in their divisions. The regional State Vice-President would accompany the State President to these meetings. I am thrilled to report that these meetings have been well-received and attended by members, who have reported learning information about our association they never knew. Thank-you to all the members who extended homestays, driving and hospitality. These are the unique opportunities we have experienced this year of meeting members from across the state. Our combined State Contest Committee and Convenors meeting was held on 30 January 2019, with requests for better result forms, and consistent by-laws. SEB meetings have been held in December, February and May this year in Brisbane. Opportunities at these meetings allow for Board members to meet with partners and receive presentations from interested organisations in person.

13

Annual Report 2018–2019 • The Queensland Country Women’s Association

We will need to secure a new database this year as the membership platform presently in place does not perform to cover all the aspects needed across the office with membership data. It is an advantage living in Brisbane that attending meetings, both in-house with partners and meetings beyond the office, has been very beneficial in building relationships for our Association. It is so important that we do not stand alone and take every opportunity to build our lobby base, not only to support our advocacy and lobbying ability but also to support our partnerships. Our sponsors, partners and connections share their logos in this report without hesitation and we thank them for their response for requests for recommendations on governance matters during the year. There are member benefits now offered through these partnerships, which is a great forward action. Many of our connections have given funds to our PRCF and we express our thanks for these donations. Together we have formed more than affiliations with partners, connections and sponsors. These connections will continue to grow as our influence and marketing reach out through business and associations in Queensland, as the QCWA is held in high regard wherever we engage in community. On behalf of the Association I thank our sponsors for Conference 2019: Elders Insurance , Oak Tree Retirement Villages , Telstra and the Commonwealth Bank — we appreciate your support immensely. The work of our Public Rural Crisis Fund has been constant since August 2018, continuing to the present. It would not operate so efficiently without dedicated staff who always act confidentially and with a sense of compassion.

Funds to cover their wages have been sourced or given independently as no expenses are taken from donated funds. Assistance given from applications covering drought and flood requests amount to $10,983,680 as at 30 June 2019. There is a separate report detailing the donations received in this Annual Report. We are amazed that the corporate and community response had allowed us to keep this project continuing and we have at no time had to request donations. The letters received back expressing relief and thanks reduce a person to tears. Special mention must be given to the Australian Red Cross which presented our Association with $4 million to our PRCF for distribution. New branches have been launched at Mount Tamborine, Sandgate, Burpengary Green Wattles and Beechmont, and we welcome them aboard. These branches had started as groups through to sub-branches and all have established and understood QCWA procedures and attained solid membership. A new group has been formed at Yeppoon under the guidance of Central Region Vice-President Marina Taylor. New members joining are excited to know they can be involved in forming resolutions to present at conference, learn new skills and networking. Membership Committee was appointed in March 2019 under the SEB and the initial process was engaging with established branches through the State President’s Workshops to secure our present branch membership and introduce shorter meetings which will attract younger women to join. This is ongoing in the new year as we work to establish twilight branches. New membership numbers for April to June 2019 were 78.

EXECUTIVE

14

The Queensland Country Women’s Association • Annual Report 2018–2019

We have supported the Country Kitchens (CK) Project Manager, Fiona McKenzie, and the team at all Queensland Health meetings since November 2018. The CK program is now firmly embedded in our Association, included in the agenda and minutes at every level of our Association and our Strategic Plan . Results this year have been outstanding, including community engagement increasing – especially through our partner Oak Tree Retirement Villages throughout Queensland. Please do read the CK report and you will see the results of the work through the numbers of branches and facilitators active across the state. May Council Meeting was held this year at Cairns in the Freshwater Hall over five days. It was the first time the council meeting has been taken out of Brisbane; while this creates extra organisation it was the opportunity for local members to come to observe and learn of the work and discussions held at Council. We thank most sincerely the members of Freshwater Branch for healthy catering for lunch and one dinner, it was much appreciated. We also thank those who offered to drive myself and Marie Baulch around Cairns investigating venues for conference in 2020. All members should be proud of the Association being awarded and receiving the Queensland Great Award from Queensland Premier the Hon. Anna Palaszczuk mp on Queensland Day, 6 June 2019, before an amazing audience of influential Queenslanders. Whilst, as the State President, I was presented with the replica plaque, the award recognises our founder Ruth Fairfax and all the ladies she engaged and influenced to join an Association in 1922, those who continued to join, our present members and the welcome we will be extending to future members.

An Agricultural and Environmental Committee was appointed under the State Executive Board under the Chairmanship of Jennie Hill oam and this committee receives all information coming into the Association that can be covered by the members who nominated from different rural and environment backgrounds. It is early days for this Committee, and we hope that external resolutions will be forthcoming on topics that need our action at Conferences. The committee is also responsible for the Primary Product of the Year presentation. Attending our Southern and Northern Region Conferences was a pleasure to meet the members and see their communities – congratulations to Vice-Presidents Margaret Grayson and Marie Baulch for chairing excellent conferences. Our International Study Conference in February 2019, organised by Maria Keys, was well- attended, very professional and set the standard for the year. The Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW) Conference in April 2019 in Melbourne was also well-attended by our members, led by a delegation comprising State President Christine King, International Officer Maria Keys and including Marina Taylor, Robyn McFarlane oam, Meg Trimble, with ‘reserves’ Lyn Kelman am and Phoebe Mitchell. This delegation included experienced and new members. Country Women’s Association of Australia ( CWA of A ) meetings have not been attended by me this year as State meetings had been locked in when dates were announced. Maria Keys attended as a non-voting delegate in March 2019, however, and there have been teleconferences joined, including those regarding the drought. The Queensland Country Women’s Association achieved a seat at Major-General Day’s drought strategic planning meeting in Brisbane.

EXECUTIVE

15

Annual Report 2018–2019 • The Queensland Country Women’s Association

We must always remember those who have gone before us which enables our members to still have our Association that is held in such high esteem today. To increase our footprint in branding and broadcasting our identity across Queensland it has been important to re-establish our partnership with Queensland Country Life with a monthly full-page article at a subsided cost, and other opportunities of posting our Conference photos on their Facebook page. A journalist working off site is responsible for the presentation of this material. The SEB established a committee under the Board in March 2019 for Publicity and Marketing with Maria Keys as Chairman. These members are working on projects to produce more handouts and advertising material for use by Branches. Examples are on display at Conference 2019 for members to take back ideas and purchasing details to their branch for direct purchase. Face-to-face quarterly meetings have been re-established with the Ruth Magazine team in Toowoomba and a contract signed which gives a quarterly income stream for our Association. There is a separate report on Ruth , our newsstand magazine, and we thank Jan Ross for her input as co-ordinator on behalf of our Association. Creating a partnership with Video Domain (formerly Webber Media) has improved our social media knowledge, with Dylan Webber giving workshops at two of our region conferences pro bono . Dylan is available for advice on all social media matters and we are very grateful for this. Important meetings during the year have included with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) Commissioner and Director.

At the ACNC it was underscored that the QCWA has been a charity since formation. Meetings with Elders Insurance and Crowe Horwath Auditors have been constructive. Also, meeting the Anti- Discrimination Commissioner Scott McDougall provided links that could be established to assist in our Association to move forward on the diversity front. The Queensland Country Women’s Association Bursary evening presentation, held at the NRL premises at Milton – with Country Kitchens catering for our recipients and their family to enjoy, was attended by most recipients with Tim Fairfax ac in attendance to present his bursary. This year’s bursary recipients are shown below.

EXECUTIVE

2019 QCWA BURSARY WINNERS Billie Maykin Bursary

Bianca Martini

Billie Maykin Bursary

Jessica Bolin Hannah Cook Kate Lockyer Rhoslyn Carney Grace Rackemann

Darling Downs Dance Bursary

Audrey J Hoskins Bursary

Mallalieu Foundation Bursary Mallalieu Foundation Bursary

Midwifery Bursary

Jade Maley

Patchworkers Bursary Patchworkers Bursary

Casey Barrett

Nikita Campman Tan Sanyodkam

Qld Youth Orchestra Bursary Qld Youth Orchestra Bursary Ruth Fairfax Memorial Bursary Ruth Fairfax Memorial Bursary

Tayler Basham

Lydia Paine

Daniel Strazzeri

16

The Queensland Country Women’s Association • Annual Report 2018–2019

We continue to support DV Connect across Queensland with emergency toiletries packs, and many of our Divisions have co-ordinators who discreetly deliver these to safe places for women and children who have been removed from a situation; we thank all those members involved in this project. A Working Party under the SEB was formed at May Council with Marie Baulch as Chairman to work on the ‘Bouncing Back’ peer support document created by Meg Trimble. This document is intended to be available through the divisions for printing and available at events for members of the public to take home. This party is still to be firmly established in the New Year and to work on how this document will be presented as a ‘fridge list.’ Other events during the year included: • the Prime Minister’s lunch event at Albion; • Girl Guides AGM meeting at Graceville; • Anzac children’s school service at Anzac Square; • Masonic commemorative night event at Masonic Grand Lodge ; • National Council of Women lunch; • Premier’s Cabinet Christmas event; • Moreton TAFE Institute of Fashion Design : QCWA Patchwork Bursary presentation; • Volunteering and Leadership Forum in Ipswich; • Opening of the Anzac Legacy exhibition at the Queensland Museum; • World Day of Prayer at St John’s Cathedral; • AgriFutures 2019 Rural Women’s Award , meeting with Deb Frecklington mp; • Board members of AgForce ; • Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine ; • Australian College of Midwives breakfast; • Queensland Nurses and Midwives Union .

It was a pleasure to attend with the Board members the opening event of the new deck and ramp at Crows Nest Branch and the 95 birthday celebrations at Killarney. Forming a partnership with Harvey Norman to support our Association with Sky News ’ Paul Murray ‘0ur Town’ series, to feature Townsville and Toowoomba, was a great opportunity to further promote our brand across Queensland. Both televised evenings gave important coverage to our Association and the work we engage with in our communities. At the latter, members from Darling Downs Division served scones to the customers, and funds raised through the Harvey Norman store were for the PRCF, supporting children’s sports clubs for equipment, and travel for children to continue their involvement in sport during drought conditions. Donations received at the Townsville event were to be directed for workshops in the Townsville community following the February 2019 monsoonal floods, to offer uplifting opportunities for participants to experience new skills. Identifying the need to establish new branches in the Northern Division for Twilight meetings, a further $10,000 was given to this project. We have received great press coverage, not only at the State level but also across local branches and you can see a few examples in this report. Thank-you to all the Marketing and Publicity Officers for working to promote your branches and divisions and their diverse activities. I thank most sincerely all our leaders – both Branch and Division – across the Association for their input and duties they have performed on behalf of the QCWA: all the action happens at branch and you are a most valuable cohort of our Association.

EXECUTIVE

17

Annual Report 2018–2019 • The Queensland Country Women’s Association

I cannot finish this report without acknowledging the dedication and moral and physical support of the SEB members. I have travelled over the past seven months with each of them and congratulate every one on the connections they are making with members and the communication they are handling on behalf of our Association. Whilst our Board meetings are ‘full on’, together we have worked for the Association to prosper as we move towards 2022 – our Centenary year. It is always sad to have a member complete her term of office and this year we will see Northern Region State Vice-President Marie Baulch leave the Board. Marie has served four years and made a huge contribution to all her divisions and to the State Board: we thank you, Marie, for your knowledge and humour along this journey. ‘Securing our Future’ – the theme for Conference 2019 – is very significant as the Centenary Committee appointed under the SEB will be increasing the activity and planning in the coming year in readiness for our celebrations. The Committee chairman is Marina Taylor and we all look forward to our Centenary, to 100 years and beyond, coming up very quickly. It has been an experience, this term of office, that I never thought I would have in QCWA. It has been enjoyable but also enlightening, challenging, learning, tiring and thought- provoking. I have experienced positive feedback and support and I thank those members for those words: a little thanks goes a long way.

EXECUTIVE

I must acknowledge my patient husband for his ongoing support, cooking and back-up at home, otherwise I would not be able to serve our Association in this position. I am confident that together we will continue to attract ladies to our Association, increase our branch presence and become a force to represent women from all walks of life on community issues that face us. I have much pleasure in moving the Association’s 2018–19 Annual Report for adoption. Christine King

18

The Queensland Country Women’s Association • Annual Report 2018–2019

VALUED VOLUNTEERS

IN-KIND DONATIONS

CATEGORY

QUANTITY

DIVISION

HOURS

EXECUTIVE

INTERNATIONAL Kits for kids

Northern Region

285 190

1 8

Atherton Tableland

15,000

Birthing kits

Far Northern

183,200

36

Stamps (kilograms)

13 14 15

Northern

60,274

1.6

Coins (kilograms)

North Western

78,000

8.0

Jewellery (kilograms)

Pioneer

138,000

6

Primary School reading books (boxes)

SUB-TOTAL

474,474

16

Reading glasses (boxes)

Central Region

25

Zippers for New Guinea

3 4 5

Burnett

140,000

AGED CARE / HOSPITALS Quilts

42,695

Capricornia

68

Central Highlands

8,000

1,104

Knee rugs

10 12 16

Gympie and South Burnett

650

239

Emergency toiletry packs

62,000

Nambour and North Coast

1,069

Premmie-baby items

35,669

Port Curtis

100

Turbans

SUB-TOTAL

307,441

120

Toys

Southern Region

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CONNECT Care Packs

2 7 9

Border

34,036

3,088

Darling Downs

27,928

Greater Brisbane

93,854

COMMUNITY Community shopping bags

11

Maranoa

36,436

476

17 18

South Eastern

50,045

4

ANZAC Day – Book Donations

Warrego

6,952

830

Make and Sale of Poppies

19

Western

16,734

331

Lamb Jackets

20

West Moreton

14,933

156

Qld Police Service Rugs

SUB-TOTAL

280,918

DEFENCE FORCE PARCELS

93

1,062,833

TOTAL VOLUNTEER HOURS

COUNTRY BEARS

1,288

19

Annual Report 2018–2019 • The Queensland Country Women’s Association

Since the 2018 Conference we have had some staff turnover at State Office, including the resignations of Mike Harpley, Emily Dwyer and Mandy Quince. Currently, we have four paid staff, two volunteers for the PRCF, and sometimes need to call for other volunteers to assist, so we ask for members to be patient when contacting or requesting information from State Office. Also, it would be appreciated if members could follow ‘the QCWA Line of Communication’ that was started post-Conference in 2018 — Branch to Division to State Vice-President to State Office. This process has cut down on the number of phone calls coming to State Office, as someone up the line may be able to solve any problems that arise before something needs to get to Brisbane. Julie Laing has held her role in Accounts for just over three years, and seems to get the accounts done so easily; she is also very conversant with the taxation rules, who owes us, and who we owe. She also processes all the incoming and outgoing accounts, as well as payroll and monthly financials. Assets Officer Tania Kelly has been lodging many GCBF Grant applications for branches to upgrade halls, and we have seen some nice renovations of halls, rest rooms, kitchens, and so on. A lot goes into a grant application at the branch end, and then more is done at State Office before it gets sent off, so it is always exciting to hear about successful grants. Tania is also our property and insurance specialist extraordinaire and knows the ‘ins and outs’ of all of our properties. Admin and Membership Officer Natalie Enlund handles the stock, membership updates and queries, and compiles the Express Newsletter. She also is usually on the other end of the phone to callers to State Office.

STATE SECRETARY REPORT Marion Vannucci

As some of you will remember I was State Secretary back in 2003—2006 under the State Presidency of Lyn Kelman and Heather Wieland, so I am happy to advise it is great to be ‘home’ again. During this time, I had been volunteering in State Office, as well as doing the PRCF applications, assisted with the Country Kitchens Queensland Health funding submission, and I also wrote a report on behalf of the PRCF for the QCWA’s Queensland Great Awards application. On the evening of 1 March 2019, I assumed the State Secretary’s role, with the QCWA Bursary Presentation that evening as my first official event. It was very interesting to speak to the bursary winners, who came from many different towns and to hear their stories, and whose lives are heading in many exciting directions. In early March, State President Christine King commenced her ‘Royal Tour’ to visit many of the branches throughout Queensland and, on the first outing, it was to Western Division. For me it was another big learning (and remembering) curve to get used to the QCWA ways again while she was away. Many things that we do in QCWA have changed over the last 13 years, so I have had to adjust along the way! On the evening of ANZAC Day, the State President and I attended the United Grand Lodge of Queensland at the Masonic Centre Brisbane for their ANZAC Ceremony. This was an honour to attend and I was awestruck and loved the pomp and ceremony of the whole evening. (My parents would have been happy I attended, as they were both Past Worthy Matron and Patron and Brother of the UGLQ and the OES.) Throughout the year since then, State Office has been inundated with PRCF applications: some days 40 or 50 come in on the emails alone, and then the same amount come by postal mail. The ladies assessing the applications are working at speed to get these completed, the bills paid, and the vouchers sent off to the applicants. State Office has also received many ‘Thank-you’ cards and emails — and we even received a large envelope of garlic through the mail, by way of thanks from a farmer!

EXECUTIVE

20

The Queensland Country Women’s Association • Annual Report 2018–2019

29th TRIENNIAL WORLD CONFERENCE OF ASSOCIATED COUNTRY WOMEN OF THE WORLD (ACWW)

The ACWW World Conference was held in Melbourne on 4–10 April and was hosted by the Victoria CWA. From Registration right through to the Closing Ceremony, the Conference was a vibrant mix of women— as well as some intrepid men!—representing many associations from many nations around the world: about 650 people in total! There were many opportunities to renew old friendships and meet new friends during the Concurrent Sessions, as well as networking during meal breaks. Many reports were presented on the work of ACWW, including by Mrs Ruth Shanks am (World President’s Report); ACWW CEO Ms Tish Collins (the Central Office Report); World Treasurer Mrs Heather Brennan (the Finance and Membership Committee Report); as well as Committee Chairmen’s Reports (Projects, Communications and Marketing, the United Nations, Agriculture, and the Triennial Conference); and the nine Area Presidents’ Reports—including that by Mrs Gail Commens, our ACWW South Pacific Area President. Main Conference business was to debate and vote on 18 Resolutions across two categories, presented and voted on by the Voting Delegations, including: • Constitutional changes, such as the adoption of the New ACWW Constitution and By-Laws, Standing Orders, and Rules of Procedure; • Subscription increases for the different categories of membership, the role of Deputy World President and Chairman of the Agriculture Committee;

Policy Resolutions included: elimination of dog-mediated rabies; registration of old landfills; protection of shared marine environment, sustainable coral reefs and fish stocks; use of plastics; action on Climate Change; textiles and clothes; Domestic Violence; iron deficiency; gender-sensitive healthcare; health and nutrition; pollinator protection; Q or Query Fever; and safe and secure access to toilet facilities for all. Opening Ceremony Keynote Speaker, CEO of Fletcher International Exports Mrs Melissa Fletcher, talked of the development of the Dubbo family business, exporting lamb and sheep meat products. Dr Andrea Britten spoke on Dog Mediated Rabies Elimination , Sr Viji Dali on Women’s Leadership and Human Trafficking , Mrs Sandi de Wolf am spoke on Domestic Violence , and Nick Newland reported on the Global Survey of the Living Conditions of Rural Women . Sadly, this survey was not well-received/-supported around the world: of only about 2,000 total responses, Australia led the way with just over 500. The low numbers will not enable ACWW to use the results as a benchmark as had been hoped, so a second survey will be needed. Delegates also enjoyed some stunning entertainment, including the multi-talented and very energetic Principal Vocalists of Victoria State Schools Spectacular at the Opening Ceremony, a Creswick Woollen Mills fashion parade and the New Zealand documentary “She Shears” produced with Rural Women New Zealand, and hysterically funny comedienne Kelly Nash. The 90 Year History book of ACWW was launched at this event by Mrs Ruth Shanks, and the author Nick Newland from ACWW Central Office, was also in attendance.

The formal event of the week, the Gala Dinner saw the attendees dancing the night away (some even hitting the dance floor before dinner was served!) to an amazing band playing hits from many Australian bands, including AC/DC! Topics presented in the Concurrent Sessions were many and varied, allowing delegates to move into smaller groups, and then rotate into different breakout rooms to hear the different presentations. The guest speakers included QCWA’s own Country Kitchens Co-ordinator Fiona McKenzie presenting on CK, Warwick Shanks about Sustainable Development Goals, a representative from Creswick Woollen Mills talking about body shapes and scarf-tying techniques, speak- ers about Bush foods, and many more. At the Closing Ceremony, members of the new ACWW Board of Trustees 2019-–2022 were formally introduced. With Mrs Ruth Shanks’ retirement, Mrs Magdie de Kock from South Africa was inducted as new World President. The QCWA thanks Mrs Shanks for her wonderful years of service to ACWW, including six as ACWW South Pacific Area President, then another six as World President! A huge commitment for Ruth, and we wish her well in retirement. Welcome to Mrs Magdie de Kock and her wealth of knowledge in her new role, for which she is well qualified, having served as ACWW Marketing and Publicity Committee Chairman for six years. Congratulations to both these wonderful women and ACWW World leaders!

EXECUTIVE

21

Annual Report 2018–2019 • The Queensland Country Women’s Association

The first week in November we started the new line of communication around the State – Branch to Division to State Vice-President to State Office/State President. This was to streamline our emails and reporting across the State. Across the Northern Region, Country Kitchens workshops have been held with more branches show an interest in the program. Workshops have been held in Oak Tree Retirement Villages in Townsville and in Cairns. As I travel around, I notice it is the CK program that is attracting younger members to our Association, especially where we are opening new groups. I congratulate Fiona McKenzie and her CK team for all the time and effort they all put into this program. In December 2018 I travelled to Atherton Tableland Division for the first planning meeting for the Northern Region Conference. A very successful Conference was held during 6–9 June 2019 at Atherton International Club with two keynote speakers – Krista Watkins from Natural Evolution and Tanya Fleming from Atherton Hospital Midwives . Thank you to Ann Kelly and members for hosting Northern Region Conference in Atherton. Also thank-you to the ladies who hosted the SEB members in their homes during that conference. Far Northern Division President Noelene Byrne and inspected the Kurrimine and Cairns units, also meeting with the ladies from Cairn Branch and attending the division’s Christmas break-up. On return from the Far North I arrived home to bushfires in the Pioneer Division. Marj Bundesen organised a team of ladies to help with the catering in the Recovery Centre at the top of Eungella Range. As I travel across the Region it is great to see branches and divisions applying for grants to upgrade buildings. Northern Region branches were also fortunate to receive funding from the Premier’s Grant to upgrade buildings. Just before Christmas, the Federal Assistant Minister for Children and Families, the Hon. Michelle Landry mp, announced $325,000 for a new hall for Collinsville Branch, Pioneer Division from the Community Development Grants Programme . We are still waiting for these funds to come through. The 2019 year began with the State Committees meeting in Brisbane followed by an SEB meeting. On returning home from the board meeting in February the rain had started falling across the Northern Region. After the planning meeting in Atherton, I continued down to Cairns to meet with

STATE VICE-PRESIDENT’S REPORT NORTHERN REGION Marie Baulch It gives me great pleasure to present my fourth and final report as State Vice President, Northern Region. What an amazing journey it has been working with three different State Presidents over the four years. I have encountered many challenges, changes and I learnt so much along the way about this wonderful organisation. The most important thing to remember is we must always listen to our members as QCWA is a member-based organisation. The first four months of the financial year I worked with State President Joy Coulson, Sara Faddy, Jan Street and Elaine Kieseker on the State Executive Board. After Branch Annual Meetings in July, I travelled down to Brisbane to attend the Southern Region Conference at Southport. While I was there, Coles announced its donation to our Public Rural Crisis Fund (PRCF), which was very much appreciated as State Office was receiving many applications for assistance. On 17 August, Joy and I travelled to Townsville to attend the Northern Division Annual General Meeting. While in Townsville we inspected the office where Northern Region Health Promotion Team Leader for Country Kitchens was located. We also visited branch halls and holiday units as Joy had not seen them since the upgrades had been done. Two days later, we travelled back to Brisbane for the Special Council Meeting followed by a State Executive Board (SEB) meeting. After that meeting we all flew to Canberra for the CWA of A Conference. This was a first for me and I found the conference very informative with very interesting sessions, covering many issues that affect people across Australia, such as rural health, telecommunication, food sustainability, and agriculture, just to name a few. I was home from Canberra in time to chair the Pioneer Division AGM and then later in September Joy and I attended the Racing Queensland awards night, where the PRCF was donated money from a race in Birdsville. At Conference 2018 in October we welcomed our new State President, Christine King and the new SEB members; I was the only Board member continuing. After Conference we had a very full Agenda at Post-Conference Council.

STATEWIDE

22