Divisional President Frances Gray said the Cloncurry Community Precinct and Shire Hall were a hive of activity for the weekend.

“We’ve had ladies bring in fresh fruit to share, we’ve had ladies bring in tea towels for the judging competition, and some ladies undertake a ‘train-the-trainer’ course to facilitate the Country Kitchen program,” Ms Gray said.

“I would like to take this opportunity to welcome the State Executive from Brisbane; it is a pleasure to have them here,” said Ms Gray. 

Ron Major welcomed the conference to country and gave a didgeridoo performance with mayor Greg Campbell officially welcoming the conference to Cloncurry.

“I’m very happy Cloncurry has been given the opportunity to showcase our town by hosting the conference this year,” Cr Campbell said.

“The QCWA has a special place in the hearts of all rural people and I appreciate the efforts of all who travelled here.”

Divisional president Marie Badisch thanked the Cloncurry branch for all their organisation and hard work for the conference.

QCWA state president Robyn Macfarlane drew laughter when she began her speech by saying they had a great phrase in the CWA “wing it”.

“It’s all hands on deck when we come out to these small towns and it’s wonderful when we come out here,” Ms MacFarlane said.

“Those 15 ladies that came out here on the train said they had a ball on the train.”

This was despite being delayed for many hours due to the derailment on the line on Sunday near Julia Creek.

“The ladies made the most of it and had a great choices on the train, ham and cheese, then they had cheese and ham, then they had ham and cheese,” Ms MacFarlane said.

The meeting closed on Sunday at noon with a performance by Classical Flamenco dancers in the Shire Hall, a performance is delivered in partnership with Cloncurry Shire Council.

The community was welcome to attend this free performance.