CWA Qld closes Brisbane accommodation, hit by Ekka no-show

It’s a nearly century-old organisation renowned for its scones, and it’s been dealt a double blow amid the coronavirus crisis.

THE Country Women’s Association was yesterday dealt a double-whammy but has committed to rebuilding after the coronavirus crisis.

The organisation, which has been running for 98 years, announced it was temporarily closing its Brisbane accommodation along Gregory Terrace, Spring Hill, while also learning this year’s Ekka would also be scrapped.

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CWA Queensland president Christine King said the decision to close the 27-room facility came after a drop in bookings.

Ms King also described the decision to close the Ekka as a blow to farmers who relied on the August show to reunite with friends and family and travel to the city.

“Not to be able to come and have that catch-up is probably very disappointing both for them personally, and business-wise.”

Country Women’s Association Samford branch president Anne Hadlow said the decision to cancel the Ekka and other events like the Samford Show had been a blow.

“They’re fun things to do, we enjoy doing them,” Ms Hadlow said.

“That’s a really big shame because we can’t take part in that.”

The CWA has been forced to withdraw from events. Picture: File.

Brisbane’s CWA branches had been planning to continue their proud tradition selling scones and preserves at their stall at this year’s Ekka, despite suspecting it would be cancelled.

But Ms Hadlow said when the pandemic was over, her branch of the CWA was committed to bouncing back and continuing efforts to fundraise for drought assistance.

“The drop off (in fundraising) will cause problems, but we will just have to work extra hard on the other side,” she said.