Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
The QCWA Flying Fish Point hall was destroyed by fire following an electrical fault, leaving the branch working to rebuild its facilities. Photo supplied by QCWA Flying Fish Point
Queensland Country Women's Association (QWCA) Flying Fish Point is calling on the community to come together for a day of fundraising as the group works to recover from a devastating fire.
Members will be holding a Cent Sale at Innisfail’s Queens Hotel on Saturday 21st November, with proceeds helping fund repairs and refurbishment of the branch’s cottage on Alice Street, as well as plans to eventually rebuild its hall.
“Unfortunately, our hall was destroyed by the fire due to electrical fault, leaving us without the larger meeting and community space that was such an important part of our Branch,” said 2026 QCWA Flying Fish Point President Deborah Blennerhassett.
“We are determined to keep moving forward and restore the Cottage as a welcoming space for our members and the wider community.”
Since the fire, the cottage has faced several attempted break-ins, creating further repair costs and leaving the branch in need of new furnishings.
QCWA Flying Fish Point is the only remaining QCWA branch in the Innisfail area, with members keen to ensure the organisation keeps going. Broader fundraising efforts have included selling raffle tickets and Hundred Boards through local businesses and community events.
“Our future plans include restoring our cottage, working towards rebuilding our hall and eventually promoting the cottage and hall as a community venue and destination for functions and weddings,” Deborah said.
“We would love to see the cottage become a place where people can gather, hold events and enjoy the beautiful Far North Queensland area.
“We want to get back to doing what we love — supporting our community. Over the years, our Branch has supported many local causes and community organisations, and having our cottage and hall back up and running will allow us to become even more involved and continue giving back to the community.”
Members have continued to meet despite the loss of their facilities, with regular meetings and craft days taking place. The branch is welcoming new members from Innisfail and surrounding areas, with no previous QCWA experience required.
November’s Cent Sale will feature a range of prizes, with doors opening at 9am ahead of the first call at 10:30am. Entry is $10 per person, with numbers limited. Attendees will need to bring their numbered invitation, which will also serve as their lucky door prize number.
A pre-sale afternoon will also be held on Friday, 20th November, from 3pm to 6pm for people without a booked seat who would like to purchase their tickets ahead of the event. Bookings are required before the event, with the branch encouraging people to secure their places early by emailing admin@qcwaffp.com or calling 0457 971 111.
“Every ticket purchased, donation made and person who comes along to one of our fundraising activities helps us take another step towards restoring our Cottage and rebuilding our hall,” Deborah said.
“For our members, this is about much more than simply raising money. It is about bringing our Branch back to life, creating a place for our members and community to come together, and getting back to supporting the many local causes that are so important to us.”
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