By Jeremy Sollars
The Stanthorpe Branch of the Queensland Country Women’s Association (QCWA) has been permanently closed, with members apparently gagged from speaking publicly about the decision.
It is understood members were informed of the closure with little notice late on Friday, 5 June.
Branch members have posted their dismay and anger on social media over the weekend, saying “a more dedicated and caring group of women would be impossible to find…another blow to our struggling Community”.
One member posted that “as per a directive I cannot tell you the truth about what happened”.
Members had been planning upcoming ‘Market Week’ activities at the Stanthorpe tea rooms.
“The Stanthorpe Branch of CWA had far reaching effects on many members of this community,” one member stated on social media.
“From those that we help obtaining financial relief through the drought, to those that just needed and ear when everything was lost during the recent fires.
“The members of the community that needed somewhere to go to have a little bit of me time at our craft group where many a shoulder of support was given, or a real belly laugh during some pretty dark times.
“This was what CWA was about, this was the grass roots that the CWA was built on it was a safe place.
“I fear for the health and well-being for those that found comfort in the rooms in Victoria St.
“One day the powers to be may share with the community what we are forbidden to share.”
The Free Times is seeking comment from the QCWA Border Division and the QCWA state organisation.
• In the meantime if you have any further information about this story you would like to share confidentially please call Free Times editor Jeremy Sollars on 0427 090 818. Sources of information are protected.
