Who’s Who in 2022, Community Groups: QCWA Pine Rivers

Moreton Bay residents stepped out in their best outfits to celebrate the centenary of the Queensland Country Women’s Association (QCWA), with a gala ball hosted by the ladies from the QWCA Pine Rivers Branch this year.

The ball was held at the Show Hall at Pine Rivers Showground on September 24.

QCWA Pine Rivers President Jill McLeod told Moreton Daily in May 2022 the committee was determined to mark this important milestone in style.

“It’s not every day you get to be part of a 100th anniversary celebration. It’s a big milestone for any organisation to celebrate,” Jill said at the time.

The event featured dancing, live music, and a traditional supper of sandwiches and cakes.

About QCWA Pine Rivers

The Queensland Country Women’s Association (QCWA) Pine Rivers is one of more than 220 branches across the state.

The QCWA Pine Rivers Branch was established on June 29, 1938, in what was then known as the Pine Rivers Shire.

Unfortunately, due to irregular record keeping, or documents being lost, early information relating to the group, its founding members and meetings is very limited or non-existent.

The group has been operating out of the QCWA Hall at Anzac Ave, Petrie, since 1962. When the group first moved in, the cost of the building was about 800 pounds, which would equate to about $1400.

To celebrate that momentous occasion, branch members celebrated the opening day with a community fete. From that day, 85 pounds was raised which went toward purchasing a new piano.

Through the group’s fundraising efforts, by 1996 they had paid off the debt associated with the hall.

The group has about 35 members who enjoy a wide range of activities including hosting fundraisers for important causes and charity, handcraft and cookery competitions, and taking part in leisurely group activities like cent auctions, morning teas and more.

In 2022, members held one of their biggest events – a gala ball to mark the centenary of QCWA Queensland.

The ball was hosted at the Show Hall at the Pine Rivers Showgrounds on September 24, with a big crowd getting dressed up and attending.

It was one of many events held across the state, as women of all ages celebrated the founding of the QCWA on August 11, 1922.

Since 1922, the QCWA has been about women from all over Queensland coming together for many different reasons, whether it is about meeting new people, making new friends, learning new skills or getting involved in the community to make a positive difference.

The group meets at the Pine Rivers Showground on the first Wednesday of the month (except in January) at 9.30am. Each meeting features a guest speaker or an activity, followed by morning tea.