QCWA CELEBRATES CENTENARY
With QCWA continuing to celebrate it's centenary in 2023 we look back on how the organisation celebrated 100 years at the annual conference in Toowoomba, which was held between Saturday 29th October and Wednesday 2nd November, 2022.
It all started with an Expo at the Goods Shed.
Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Paul Antonio and Toowoomba Region town crier, Kevin Howarth, officially opened the QCWA State Exhibition of Creative and Practical Arts on Saturday 29 October, 2022, with QCWA State President, Sheila Campbell, and QCWA Exhibition organiser, Phoebe Mitchell, Darling Downs Division. Ms Mitchell said, "The Expo showcased the talents and versatility of QCWA members and a diverse range of local artisans."
Visitors strolled through the shed admiring the different sections of handcraft, patchwork, floral art, knitting and crochet, sewing, photography and cooking. Throughout the two-day event there were demonstrations and workshops that people of all ages could participate in.
A few highlights from the Expo included the State Handcraft chairman Rhonda Walton, Tully, and vice-president Rhonda Rose, Mackay, donating knitted and crocheted rugs to the residents of the Mount Lofty Nursing Home.
The State Photography celebrated 20 years at the expo and past convenors reminisced about the times gone by, how things had changed and how they were all looking forward into the future.
St. Andrews Hospital Blush Breast Care nurses Gaye Fool and Mary Kelsey, received breast cushions from Lesa Bradshaw. The breast cushions were made by the Toowoomba City Business Women Branch and Emu Park Branch members.
Janelle Mittelstadt from Jinghi Valley Branch was named the shortbread winner and Shane Gray was named the winner of Class 7, Any Other Slice - not already mentioned.
QCWA member and author Arlene Roberts was there to promote her book, Historical Journal of Country Women in Capricornia 1944 – 2022. Ms Roberts who is the Mt Morgan Branch president, launched the book earlier in the year and has been overwhelmed with the positive feedback that she has received.
Glamour, Glitz and Glitter......
Members, executives, dignitaries and councillors donned their best to attend the Gala Ball at Picnic Point and be entertained by Soprano singer Ashleigh Denning, Brisbane.
The State Executive Board and Centenary Team cut the centenary cake at the annual conference and members were treated to a variety of empowering guest speakers and members.
Introducing the 2023 State Executives:
Mrs Barbara McMillan, State International Officer
Mrs Jeanette Weston, State Vice President Northern
Mrs Sheila Campbell, State President
Ms Tamara Stephensen, State Vice President Central
Mrs Sue Baillie, State Vice President Southern
Extract taken from the QCWA website:
Mrs Sheila Campbell | State President:
I have been a member of QCWA since 1996 in that time I have seen many changes, the one constant is the friendships made and the support from members shared amongst all members of the association.
As we enter 2023 the words written by Ruth Fairfax in her letter to members in 1921 are still as relevant today as when written 100 years ago, “I believe we are an association for all of us to be proud of, we know there will be differences of opinion, but these matters can be overcome, and our association will grow in strength over the next 100 years.”
May the celebrations continue and this truly magnificent organisation continue for many more decades to come.
To see more images celebrating the Centenary in Toowoomba at the 2022 QCWA State Conference, click here
