When it comes to tea and scones, no one does it better than the ladies of the Queensland Country Women’s Association (QCWA).
The Bundaberg QCWA Branch will celebrate this year’s Australian Heritage Festival with these traditional treats and a special morning history talk.
We asked organiser Lyn Rehbein to spill the tea on the group’s plans for their event.
What are you doing for Australian Heritage Festival this year?
Edna Buck, our QCWA Bundaberg Branch historian, will be giving an in-depth talk on the history of QCWA in Bundaberg along with the history of our rooms.
We will have displays of early QCWA in Bundaberg.
Followed by tea and scones.
When and where will your event be?
Our event will be in the QCWA rooms situated at 15 Quay Street Bundaberg (next to RSL building) on Saturday the 16 May 2026, starting at 10 am.
How can the community get involved or attend your event?
We ask that those attending phone our rooms on 4151 3503 to make a reservation for catering purposes.
Why did you decide to get involved in this year’s heritage festival?
Preserving the history of the Bundaberg QCWA Branch matters for several deep and practical reasons, especially in a regional community like Bundaberg.
In short, preserving the Bundaberg QCWA branch history isn’t just about the past – it strengthens community identity, honours overlooked contributions and provides knowledge that can still shape the future.
Why do you think it is important to preserve and appreciate heritage in the Bundaberg Region?
Preserving and appreciating Bundaberg’s heritage isn’t just about looking backward.
It’s about understanding the identity, resilience and character of the region so future generations inherit something meaningful.
Bundaberg has a surprisingly rich story for a regional city, and when you unpack it, the reasons for protecting that heritage become compelling.
Anything else you’d like to tell us?
Local historians, students and researchers rely on records like meeting minutes, photographs and recipes to understand social history.
The QCWA archives provide insight into rural life, gender roles and community development in Queensland.
Australian Heritage Festival runs from Saturday 18 April to Monday 18 May.
For more events and activities, see the full Bundaberg Region Australian Heritage Festival program here.
QCWA Bundaberg Branch Tea and Scones
When: Saturday 16 May, 10 am
Where: 15 Quay Street, Bundaberg Central
Phone 4151 3503 for bookings.
