FEATURE - MORE THAN SCONES
- Ronalyn
- 1 day ago
- 6 min read
‘More than Scones’ – the Yandina branch of the Queensland Country Women’s Association brings women together in a hub of activity, learning and friendship.
by Rebecca Mugridge
In 1922, many women and communities faced the realities of living in isolated and remote communities across Queensland. Ruth Beatrice Fairfax decided to make a difference. She became president of, and began building, an organisation in Queensland that, through her passion and dedication, grew to 283 branches and 13,000 by 1928, the Queensland Country Women’s Association (QCWA).
“QCWA provides support and friendship for women of all ages in all areas of the state, rural and city. Handcraft, cookery, photography, international study are a few of the many activities. We lobby to improve conditions for women and their families.” - states the QCWA website.
A visit to any QCWA branch meeting is the chance to witness this in person, where there are also inspirational members like Sharon Tilly who is the Wishlist Coordinator for QCWA Nambour North Coast Division Project.
“She is a very hard-working lady for Wishlist,” says Wendy Bebbington OAM, President, Nambour North Coast Division.
“Delivering items down to Kawana and arranging workshops and branch donations for us. Now the members in the Division have donated 11,018 items to this worthy cause.
Sharon received, at the October Division Meeting, a Cultivating Kindness Award for her efforts in her work for Wishlist.”
Another member was also recognised, “Georgea Rule, Division Dressmaking Convenor, also received a Cultivating Kindness Award for her work involved with the members in the Workshops for Dressmaking,” says Wendy.
Lynda Tomkins, owner of Crochet Australia, was the first president of the Yandina Branch of the QCWA and says it was her mum’s love of the CWA that drew her to seek out a branch.
“I’d only been here in Yandina for a year, and I just wanted to get out and meet people.
My mum had always been involved when I lived in central Queensland.”
Lynda says the group has a wonderful social aspect to it.
“We do things together, we have high teas, we do the markets, we have craft days, we have outings where we go and learn things. I like that we have that connection. Even when it’s a meeting, we can still have a bit of fun and a talk.”
Lynda is also a talented crocheter.
“I was taught when I was young by my mum. I lived in rural Queensland where you learned sewing, knitting, crochet and I just loved crochet. I stopped for a long time as I was in the business corporate world for 25 years, but when my son was born, I remembered that years ago you used to crochet for other people’s babies and I wanted to crochet for my baby. I got back into crochet again and didn’t stop.”
For the women who worry they might not fit in at a QCWA because they are not skilled in crafts or a baker, Lynda says, “We have women come along and say, ‘Oh, but I’m not crafty, or I don’t bake scones. But we say, it doesn’t matter. Come for the company. You don’t have to be crafty or bake scones. In fact, most of us don’t! We are more than scones!”
Diane Reedman, who does bake beautiful scones, joined for the friendships.
“I retired from work, having been in hospitality in a café in Nambour for years and years.
Holly’s was like an institution in Nambour. I’ve got an album of all my customers, some of them have sadly passed away now, but everyone still remembers me around Nambour.
“My husband was president of the Men’s Shed in Nambour at the time, and I went to the Christmas party and one of the women there was a member and she said to come along, that was nine years ago now. I love it.
“I lost my husband just over 12 months ago, so this has been wonderful for me, I needed this. The girls wrap their arms around you whenever anything bad happens.
“I do also love what the QCWA does. If you look back on the history, QCWA has been a driver of some important things, like seatbelts.”
According to the QCWA website the organisation has a proven record of effectiveness when lobbying for change and action, including: improving access to midwifery services; dental care and speech therapy in remote/regional areas; patient transport subsidies; seatbelts fitted on school buses as part of National CWA Network; the introduction of white lines on road shoulders as part of the National CWA Network, and compulsory wearing of seatbelts as part of the National CWA Network, amongst others.
While the QCWA may be best known for the iconic scones and tea they have famously served at the EKKA since 1924; and they are renowned for their exceptional crafts, bakery, jams and preserves, their history is also interwoven in many people’s stories, members’ lives, in caring for so many towns, cities and communities, and as lobbyers of change and providers of practical support in times of need.
Back to the scones at the EKKA though! They are baked fresh on site, with members said to bake almost 1,000 fresh scones a day. Members come to volunteer from across Southeast Queensland, to keep this wonderful tradition and history alive.
During World War II, the QCWA were pivotal in supporting the war effort, and they held communities together through the Great Depression, devastating droughts, floods and fires.
In 2026 the Sunshine Coast will be the host for the QCWA State Conference, October 26-28.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli says, “It is so very exciting. We are delighted to welcome the Queensland Country Women’s Association State Conference to the Sunshine Coast in 2026.
“The QCWA has a proud history of supporting communities across Queensland, and we are so lucky to have not one, but nine branches doing great things within our region. Hosting this event is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate that legacy.”
Wendy Bebbington OAM, President, Nambour North Coast Division says, “The QCWA State Conference is held yearly in the different regions. Our QCWA Nambour North Coast Division is hosting the 2026 State Conference to be held at the Maroochydore RSL, Memorial Avenue.
“We are expecting around 350 members from all over Queensland and will have displays of all competitions, including cookery, floral art, handcraft, knitting and crochet, patchwork and many more. There is no cost to view the displays.”
Yandina Branch President Jenny Douglas says she found the QCWA through the Yandina Street Fair.
“Once my husband and myself retired, I always wanted to volunteer. I went to the fair and went to the QCWA Hall, had a very beautiful cup of coffee, scones and sangas, at a very reasonable price; then headed out to the crafts and bought a heap of wonderful handmade gifts. I went home and googled the QCWA, and the next thing I joined the Yandina Branch.
“My husband and I support the Smith Family and we both are country raised. This was a perfect match. I love receiving emails about supporting our community and with our small branch working incredibly hard to raise funds. We are very focussed on women (and children) – it’s a wonderful feeling helping others,” she says.A misconception is that you have to be retired to join, but Jenny says that isn’t so.
“You don’t have to be retired, we have a number of members who work part-time, with school children. If any female, no matter what age, wishes to volunteer and help others, look no further than the QCWA.
“You don’t need to be skilled in anything but if you are handy with the sewing machine, crochet hook or knitting needle or love to cook – this is the most exquisite way of showing off those talents.
“Or if you are new to the Sunny Coast and are looking for friendship or fun times, everyone is welcome to our coffee catchups, craft days and meetings. Come and have a look, that’s the best way to find out and it’s free.
“We look after funding for school children at the Yandina State School and North Arm School every term. We are involved in “Wishlist”, DV victims and are currently looking into local charities around Yandina.”
The QCWA really is all about nurturing community and building friendships - a true place of connection and care … and delicious scones!
Find out more on the Queensland Country Women's Association (QCWA) at their website www.qcwa.org.au
The QCWA Yandina Branch holds their meetings at 11 Stevens Street, Yandina on the 4th Friday of every month. Contact: Jenny Douglas, President QCWA Yandina Branch, 0417 784 908, yandinabranch@qcwa.org.au
The QCWA’s Public Rural Crisis Fund, established in 1990, provides support for Queensland women and families suffering from natural disasters or other crises https://www.qcwa.org.au/Public-Rural-Crisis-Fund
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