Entertainment
31 July, 2026
Party held for good causes
A SEA of festive colour filled the El Arish Memorial Hall as 150 ladies in their finest Christmas attire gathered for QCWA Silkwood’s sold-out Christmas in July High Tea, raising vital funds for the Tully Friends of the Foundation while celebrating one of the branch’s biggest events of the year.
Guests were treated to a generous spread of homemade sandwiches, warm savouries, mini sweets, tea and coffee beautifully served by hospitality students from Tully State High School on 18 July.
With 45 lucky draw prizes, trivia, raffles and prizes for best dressed, the hall buzzed with community spirit from start to finish.
Funds raised through recipe book sales, raffle, auctions and donations were warmly received by foundation members Suzette Reis and Christine Boric. MC Judy Fisher said community fundraising remained essential for public health services.
“There is always inadequate funding for public health, so organisations like the Tully Friends of the Foundation help support the needs of the hospital,” she said.
The foundation has already funded a $28,000 patient transfer trolley, four pressure-relieving mattresses and two state-of-the-art patient monitors for the emergency department.
“So far in 2026, the group has handed over close to $80,000 worth of vital medical equipment. These volunteers do an amazing job, which is why we chose to support them through this event.”
Proceeds from the high tea will also help QCWA Silkwood meet ongoing hall maintenance, rates and insurance costs.
Formed in 1930, QCWA Silkwood is now in its 96th year, with 18 members, three associate members and three new members.
At the recent AGM, the 2026-2027 executive was confirmed: Judy Young (president), Agnes Tait and Jean Rosendahl (vice-presidents), Alex England (secretary) and Kylie Buchbach (treasurer).
Each year QCWA branches take part in a country of study, with Samoa selected for 2026 and strawberries named the primary product of the year.
The branch hosts craft mornings every Tuesday from 9am to 12pm at the Silkwood QCWA Hall.
Cost is $5 including morning tea, offering a relaxed and welcoming space for women of all ages to connect.
Anyone interested in joining QCWA Silkwood can contact Judy Young on 0428 281 675.
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