50 years of making a difference: Quota Beenleigh’s 2023 milestone
From improving literacy among schoolchildren, to putting on the biggest performing arts competition in Logan and helping out those struggling financially, Quota Beenleigh will give anything a go.
And the team will do a fantastic job.
This year, as Quota celebrates 50 years of the Beenleigh branch, it’s a time for reflection, celebration and moving forward. And while time has moved on, the values in the group of motivated, compassionate and determined women have remained constant.
Quote Beenleigh chair Judy Ludwig joined Quota 6 years ago. After a year, she became treasurer and now, as president, is more passionate about the group and its mission than ever.
‘I enjoy the company – all of the women are so lovely and welcoming, and it is very social – but we all really want to help,’ she says.
‘We just get things done – if there is a need, we put it out there to the group to see who has availability to help, and then we get started.’
The first mission of the group, in 1973, was purchasing 2 wall heaters for Beenleigh Nursing Home.
Since then, members have provided a huge amount of support to disadvantaged people. Their core purpose is to look for community need and develop a project to assist or fundraise.
They launched Beenleigh’s girls’ netball club, as well as the City of Logan Eisteddfod – which grew from a 3-day event to a 28-day extravaganza with more than 21,000 young performers competing.
Judy says seeing the talented young people who participate is a highlight for her.
‘I love the little ones that come in from about 4. They are so cute and are playing instruments at such an early age. All of the performers are so lovely and well mannered,’ she says.
The group also launched QuoCKa Reading in 2007, which provides Year 2 students, and school libraries, with free books, as well as volunteers to read the books with children.
Other programs include ‘Feel the Music’ for deaf children, ‘Quota Cares Cupboards’, which provides school uniforms, personal care and funds for excursions to 6 local schools – and many more.
The group has also mentored 3 Junior Quota clubs, since 2009, to train young future leaders.
‘We have such dedicated members, volunteers and sponsors, and a great deal of goodwill in the community,’ Judy says.
‘We’ve kept up a steady number of members but of course we always encourage more to join us in our quest to serve the community.’
