QCWA Annual Report 2018-2019

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

NORTHERN DIVISION

NORTHERN NORTHERN REGION • DIVISION REPORT Fay Lambert

President Secretary Treasurer

Fay Lambert

Denise Schneider

Fiona Gardner

Branches

Abergowrie-Long Pocket

Magnetic Garbutt

Unfortunately, Mingela Branch closed at its 2019 AGM. This was an inevitable outcome for this tiny community, but the branch held on for 53 years with four foundation members still active. Across our 14 branches (four based in Townsville) we have a fair amount of property, with 10 halls, one leased backpacker accommodation and one leased house. The Division owns two accommodation properties: Kissing Point Units with 22 holiday units and Denham Street with nine studio units. Kissing Point Units are on The Strand and have ocean and island views. They are well booked—especially during the peak season—but ongoing maintenance is always a priority. Once we engaged with Booking.com Denham Street saw an uptick in bookings. This year, Woodstock Branch received a GCBF Grant, and a Premier’s Grant to replace its roof, and repairs to kitchen and storeroom. Abergowrie Branch also received a GCBF Grant for air-conditioning. Bunnings again assisted with donations, some workers helping with small work projects and vegetable gardens. Woodstock, Rosslea and Magnetic Garbutt Branches were very appreciative recipients for this work. We always talk about the weather ‘dome’ sitting over Townsville that doesn’t allow rain in: well, in February it lifted and let a major rain depression in—and then didn’t let it out again for some time. This caused some severe damage and flooding across a large area. The need to open the Ross River Dam flood gates meant the number of residents who needed to be evacuated was considerable. In most cases they left with nothing and were also left homeless. Although both Denham Street and Kissing Point Units suffered some damage (mainly rain and excessive mold), the staff worked very hard to make the units livable, and we opened our doors to many displaced residents.

Alligator Creek

Mingela Rosslea

Ayr

Charters Towers Forrest Beach

Townsville Upperstone

Giru

Willows

Halifax

Woodstock

Some guests stayed for a couple of days, and others for some weeks. We charged a minimal rate for these guests, and over that period we essentially forfeited approxiamtely $11,000 of income, but the Committee thought this was the right thing to do for the Townsville community. The Division had received a large amount of PRCF funding prior to the flooding, and this came in handy after the event. We also received $10,000 of Disaster Funds from State Office; this was distributed with vouchers for food and some whitegoods. We were also the recipients of $3,000 of IGA vouchers from the LNP Women’s Group . The high profile of the QCWA’s work throughout the state saw us receive additional donations from various organisations. The Brewery brewed a special beer and donated the proceeds, and we also had a special day at Harvey Norman which raised funds for the Division. These events and fundraising also raised our profile in the community. I have been a QCWA member since 1978 and this is my second and last year as Division President. Thank-you to all my colleagues, friends and members.

DIVISIONS

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