Sale of the Century: Maleny branch to celebrate QCWA milestone

A recent Meet & Greet hosted by the Lions with Mary Wheeler & Patsy Lee.

How fashions have changed! Members of the Maleny CWA taken in 1934.

To celebrate the 100 year Anniversary of the Queensland Country Women’s Association (QCWA), the Maleny Branch will be holding an old-fashioned  “Cents for Centenary” Cent Sale.  This event will be held on October 15 from 10am to 2pm at the Maleny RSL  in Bunya Street.

“This will be a fun event with numerous local businesses providing donated goods,  together with members of the Maleny Branch,” said Publicity Officer Diane Kirkman.  “Entry will be by gold coin donation and you can buy your cent sale tickets at the door. Morning tea and lunch will be available. There will be Floral Art and cooking demonstrations and a raffle, with the prize being a pretty single bed-size quilt made by one of the Maleny CWA members.”

The QCWA was founded in 1922 thanks to a most inspirational woman Ruth Beatrice Fairfax, who as a country woman in the early 1920’s saw a need to address loneliness and hardship of people living in remote isolation in country areas.

“After much consultation and travelling throughout Queensland, QCWA branches were formed and Ruth Fairfax became the founding President of the QCWA in 1922,” Diane said.

Throughout the early years of the QCWA, branch members helped many rural communities survive the economic depression and consequent unemployment by providing essential food and clothing to many struggling families.

During World War Two the QCWA stepped in again to lend their support to the war effort. In recent years, millions of dollars have been raised, including fundraising by  CWA branches towards various drought, flood, and fire relief appeals.

One hundred years later, the QCWA has over 220 branches operating in rural remote, regional towns and cities throughout Queensland. It is active in all states and territories throughout Australia.

“The CWA is famously known for their Tea and Scones but there is so much more to this Association, including advocacy to Local, State, and Federal governments,” said Diana. The CWA raises issues such as medical and dental services, education, environment and water resources and so much more, particularly those that affect communities in remote and rural areas.”

The Maleny Branch was formed in 1928 and  continues to support their local community to this day. They have provided financial support to the Maleny Girls Guides, local schools Chaplaincy, shelter boxes, provided  catering to members of their local Probus Club, Tea and Scones at the annual show, street stalls, information days, and fundraising for drought and flood relief.

“Last year our members ran a very successful Melbourne Cup function,” said Diane.  “And this year we are excited to continue our fundraising with our Cent Sale. It is going to be a lot of fun, and is always for worthy causes.”

Members meet on the first Tuesday each month.  New members would be most welcome.  Further information contact President Marlene on 0407 133 679.