QCWA Annual Report 2018-2019

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

STATE VICE-PRESIDENT’S REPORT SOUTHERN REGION Elaine Kieseker (July–October 2018) June 2018 was a busy month starting with the Northern Region Conference followed by meetings with several Southern Region branches and meetings with Country Kitchens. In July I attended annual meetings around the area and ended the month with the start of Southern Region Conference. Thank-you to South Eastern Division for organising this, with several excellent guest speakers. I attended Glen Morgan’s Anniversary lunch and it was a pleasure to see so many young enthusiastic members with new ideas. A meeting with Queensland Health and Country Kitchens was positive with ideas on the way forward being discussed. At the end of August, we headed to Canberra for the CWA of A Conference. It mainly consisted of small group lectures which I found very interesting. Meg Trimble did an excellent session on Bouncing Back . I attended Annerley/Yeronga’s Anniversary morning tea/lunch: a very enjoyable day. Deb Frecklington requested a meeting with us, mainly to learn more about what we do, and how she might be able to support our work. In October I attended the Maranoa Division meeting, along with visits to other branches around the district. I phoned some of the areas I could not get to, just to touch base with them. Conference was upon us all too soon, so plans to visit Western and Warrego Divisions did not happen, due to my sudden resignation. I was only doing my job, promoting Country Kitchens . I need to thank the staff at State Office, and a special thanks to Marie Baulch for her guidance and support over the twelve months I was on State Executive Board.

STATE VICE-PRESIDENT’S REPORT SOUTHERN REGION Margaret Grayson

During the 2018 QCWA State Conference I was unexpectedly elected as a State Vice-President. Thank-you for this honour. This role has its challenges, surprises and rewards. Post-Conference Council followed by the State Executive Board meeting was challenging as the reality of my new position began to unfold. Thank-you to the State Councillors for your encouragement and patience during our meetings. Planning for Southern Region Conference began in earnest with dates, venue and program to be decided very quickly. The members of the host Division, West Moreton, ensured that the Conference was a great success with excellent resolutions sent forward for deliberation at State Conference in October. State Executive Board meetings have occurred in October and November 2018 and February and May 2019. During my stays in Brisbane for the meetings I have been fortunate to attend, among other things: morning tea at Government House with our gracious Patron, Mrs Kaye de Jersey, and also meet the Governor-General; the launch of Sandgate Branch; a meeting with the Australian Charities and Not-for profits Commission (ACNC) Commissioner; a meeting with the editor of Ruth magazine; the State Committees meeting (albeit only a short time due to illness) and the bursary presentations for very deserving recipients. In February I attended the very successful, enjoyable and informative International Weekend Conference hosted by State International Officer Mrs Maria Keys and her wonderful committee in Urangan. The State Executive Board meeting at the end of February saw us travel to Crows Nest Branch for the official opening of their new deck. As part of the Interagency Group focusing on drought initiatives in the Southern Downs area, I have attended two meetings with the Drought Commissioner, Major-General Day, in November 2018 and May 2019.

STATEWIDE

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