100 Years of QCWA: Scones, Social Change, And Charity

The largest regional and rural advocacy group in the country celebrated a milestone in delicious style last week, inviting communities across the state into their halls to celebrate their centenary.

Queensland Country Women’s Association (QCWA), founded in 1922, opened its doors for a ‘Sconversation Day’ – a morning tea backed by home-baked goods - on August 11 in honour of their 100th year anniversary.

The hundreds of branches of the organisation across Queensland honoured their organisations founder, Ruth Fairfax, as well as looked towards its future in an ever-changing landscape for women.

Often associated with cooking and craft, QCWA have been and become much more than that – they are a place for effecting positive change. A place for women to connect and empower themselves, to improve the conditions of women and children everywhere – especially those in rural and remote Australia.

Although the country may have changed in the hundred years since it began – communities are closer than ever before - the need for social connection, and the need for a kind community has not.

With a symbol of the early days – scones and tea, which had been an icon of the association from the 1920s onwards – QCWA celebrated their colossal impact on rural Australia, but most importantly, the impact they had on women.

The Proserpine Branch of the QCWA marked the occasion at their premises on 4 Faust Street, with members having spent the morning diligently baking scones, cupcakes, and other tasty treats for the centenary.

“As a state, CWA is one hundred years old, and in celebration of that birthday, all branches are having scone day today,” Branch President Elaine Fieldman said.

“For me, what CWA in my 16 years of membership has meant, is having the support of other women. I think that’s why a lot of members come and be a part of the organisation.

“You meet really nice people who are generous with their time and their support, and that’s always what we’ve wanted to generate – that friendship group.”

For the Proserpine Branch, though, it acted as a dress rehearsal for celebrations next year, when they reach their own 100-year anniversary.

“Next year will be our own 100 years, and we’ll be celebrating it alongside the Mackay branch and with the public,” Ms Fieldman said.

“Dates have not been finalised, but it will be an excellent celebration, I assure you.”

QCWA Proserpine Branch President Elaine Fieldman, Treasurer Robyn Creighton, Lindsay Creighton, and Councillor Al Grundy enjoying scones and a tea at the centenary celebration

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