What’s Happening?
Two Mackay volunteers have received regional recognition for their contribution to community nutrition education at the Queensland Country Women’s Association’s annual State Conference in Maroochydore.
Janice and Marjorie, from the Mackay Branch in the Pioneer Division, were named Northern Region Facilitators of the Year through the association’s Country Kitchens program.
The recognition acknowledges their contribution to local cooking activities and community engagement.
Why It Matters
The Country Kitchens program helps Queenslanders develop practical food skills and improve their understanding of nutrition through community-based education.
Its activities encourage people to build confidence preparing meals at home and include more fruit and vegetables in their cooking.
The program is a partnership between the Queensland Country Women’s Association and the Queensland Government, funded through Health and Wellbeing Queensland.
Local Impact
Janice and Marjorie partnered with Mackay Farmers Markets during school holiday periods in 2025 and 2026, delivering cooking demonstrations, offering food tastings and sharing practical ideas for preparing nourishing meals.
Their involvement provided opportunities to introduce Country Kitchens recipes to local families while raising awareness of the Mackay Branch.
The pair have also delivered cooking workshops, helping participants develop food preparation skills and cooking confidence.
Key Points
- Volunteer preparation: Country Kitchens facilitators complete training modules known as the training PATHway, building on their existing cooking knowledge and skills.
- Community delivery: Activities include interactive displays, cooking demonstrations and hands-on workshops.
- Local partnerships: The program works with schools, local councils and community organisations to deliver nutrition education across Queensland.
Zoom In
Janice and Marjorie’s involvement in Country Kitchens began at the 2024 Queensland Country Women’s Association State Conference, where they first discovered the program.
Drawing on their shared interest in cooking and previous teaching experience, they recognised an opportunity to contribute their skills to community nutrition education.
Their subsequent involvement in Country Kitchens led to the regional recognition announced at this year’s conference.
Zoom Out
The three-day conference in Maroochydore brought together more than 300 Queensland Country Women’s Association members from across the state.
The gathering provided opportunities to share knowledge, strengthen connections and celebrate the achievements of members and volunteers.
Beyond the individual awards, the Country Kitchens program supports communities across Queensland in adopting healthier lifestyle behaviours.
What To Look For Next?
Information about the Country Kitchens program, including its nutrition education activities, is available through the QCWA Country Kitchens website.
