Celebrating 90 years of women’s spirit in Mossman

COUNTRY WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION

Jamie Jansen

Journalist

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Branch President Ethel Rutherford has dedicated 59 of the QCWA’s 90 years to the Mossman branch, following in her mother’s founding footsteps. Picture: Jamie Jansen
Ethel Rutherford, one of the founding members of the Mossman QCWA branch in 1935 and mother of current president Laurie Taylor. Picture: Mossman CWA Branch Supplement

This month, the Mossman branch of the Queensland Country Women’s Association (QCWA) celebrates an extraordinary 90 years of service - and few have been part of that journey as long, or as passionately, as Laurie Taylor.

Laurie, now the branch President, has dedicated 59 of the QCWA’s 90 years to the organisation, following in the footsteps of her mother, Ethel Rutherford, a founding member of the Mossman branch in 1935.

Ethel, a teacher from Townsville who was transferred to Miallo School, became a driving force in those early days.

“A lot of women lived in isolation back then,” Laurie explained. “There were no bridges, they’d travel on dirt tracks, ride horses through rivers, or go by boat just to connect with one another.

“Mum really believed in connection, especially for women living in isolation.”

Laurie joined the branch at 19 - initially to learn to play bridge - and soon found herself deeply involved in the organisation’s international outreach. 

“I was really interested in the international side of things,” she said. “Each year we’d focus on a different country. I’d study it and then organise activities so other members could learn about it too.

“The club’s purpose has always been about giving back to the community.

“From raising money during floods to providing bursaries for students, we’ve always tried to support those who need it most.”

Qld Country Womens Ass. (QCWA) Mossman Branch Members congratulating Charli Osborne, one of QCWA Far Northern Division's (FND) local recipients of their Annual Education Bursaries.

Over the years, she’s helped lead education programs for local schoolchildren, knitted trauma dolls for police to distribute, and supported flood-affected families with thousands of dollars in food vouchers.

That same determination saw the Mossman branch achieve major milestones, lobbying for electricity north of the river, funding the town’s high school, and building the CWA Hall in 1967. 

Laurie still remembers the long nights catering weddings and events to pay it off. “We didn’t qualify for a loan, so we earned every brick. I’m very proud of that achievement,” she said. 

Today, the branch has 16 members and continues to host weekly craft mornings, sing-alongs, and social gatherings that offer a sense of belonging. 

“It gives you purpose,” Laurie said. “You make friends, help others, and feel part of something.”

Laurie acknowledges that times have changed. “With women now working and smartphones taking up so much of people’s time, volunteering has become rarer,” she said.

“But we’re trying to adapt. We’ve got one junior member who’s 13, and we’d love to see more young women get involved.”

As for the future, the focus is on celebrating the past, and inviting the community to be part of it. 

On June 14, the branch will mark its 90th birthday with a themed party featuring a musical medley, games, and dress-ups.

“We’re paying tribute to the women who came before us and to the community that’s always supported us,” Laurie said. “That’s why we’re still here.”

Members of the Mossman QCWA branch in 1995, with Laurie Taylor pictured third from the right in the back row. Picture: Mossman CWA Branch Supplement

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