Edition 10 October 2023

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‘Smoke alarm’ for the bush

Council launches new fire detection system for the hinterland ahead of summer scorcher

THE hinterland faces one of its most threatening fire seasons ahead but now has a world-leading tool to help safeguard people, properties, and natural assets. Developed by local company exci (formerly Fireball International),

this AI-assisted program analyses satellite images and on-ground cameras to swiftly spot heat and smoke.

The equipment will be fitted across the coast including Maleny. Once a fire is detected, emergency services and council

will receive immediate reports and can consider an appropriate response.

‘Exci’, which means alarm in Latin, already has been used to great effect in wildfire-ravaged California.

Local Disaster Management Group Chair and Sunshine

Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson welcomed the announcement for this lifesaving technology that will benefit and help protect our region. Mr Jamieson made the announcement as he helped launch Get Ready Queensland Week which

runs from October 9 to 16.

“The swift arrival of our firefighters can be the difference between an easily contained minor incident, and a major bushfire that can lead to extensive destruction,” he said.

Full story P5

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Caloundra LNP candidate for State election

SUNSHINE Coast businesswoman, Kendall Morton, has been announced as the LNP candidate for Caloundra to run in the 2024 state election.

The seat is currently held by first-term Labor MP, Jason Hunt who holds the seat with a 5 per cent margin.

Mr Hunt defeated LNP candidate Stuart Coward in the 2020 state election.

LNP leader David Crisafulli said Ms Morton was an “outstanding choice” to represent the electorate of Caloundra.

“As a dedicated mother of four, dynamic small business owner and passionate community advocate, Kendall is well known in her community,” Mr Crisafulli said.

“It is her love for Caloundra and its people that has encouraged her to channel her energies into standing up for the growing region in the Queensland Parliament.

Ms Morton said she would be focused on cost of living and youth crime.

“We need a government that listens to locals and delivers solutions,” she said.

“The only way to deliver real action to reduce the cost of living, improve housing accessibility and affordability and tackle the scourge of youth crime is to change the government in 2024.”

Mr Crisafulli said he believed there was a mood for change in the electorate.

$21m Beerwah land sale

Prime 31-hectare site sold in ‘significant’ hinterland property deal

By Mitch Gaynor

A huge 31-hectare parcel of land just moments from Beerwah’s town centre has been sold for more than $21 million.

The ‘significant’ sale of the prime hinterland parcel of land at 68-77 Newells Road was settled on Friday (October 6), with the as yet unnamed buyer believed to be a state-based property development group.

The land has been in the Newell family for about 100 years.

The site, just two kilometres from central Beerwah and adjacent to Steve Irwin Way could eventually be turned into a 92-lot subdivision or a 249-lot land lead community designed on a code accessible basis.

The property is largely cleared and level and is one of the few remaining developable properties on the Sunshine Coast of scale.

Positioned within the Beerwah local plan area, it is also within a low density residential zone, similar to much of the hinterland town.

Ray White Special Projects director, Tony Williams, said it had been a very competitive sale.

“Through this process we had

25 offers that were presented,” he said.

“There were strong positions put forward and ultimately the contract was settled.”

Mr Williams said the sale, showed the high level of competition for developable land in the hinterland.

“There’s very strong interest in large part due to the lack of supply of quality land that can be serviced.”

A smaller 18 hectare beachfront site was recently sold at Yaroomba for what was

believed to be more than $100m.

The land, bought by the Dennis Family Corporation from Sekisui House, had gained significant controversy after a seven-storey five-star resort was approved by the council.

The deals come as concerns about housing supply have been growing this year.

The Sunshine Coast population is forecast to grow by about 150,000 in the next two decades.

Pressure is building between developer Stockland and the

council about the best location for large new housing estates. While the council prefers Beerwah East as a major new housing site, Stockland is pushing to expand its Aura project through the development of the 1231 hectare Aura South (also known as Halls Creek).

Aura South could eventually be developed into 10,000 homes.

Beerwah East has capacity for about 20,000 homes. editorial@gcnews.com.au

A 31-hectare property on Newells Rd, Beerwah, has been sold for $21.5 million.

THE shot over the bow that was the recent hinterland fires has certainly sparked the community and local government into action.

We reveal this week that the council is launching a new fire detection system - excithat identifies fires and alerts authorities within minutes of starting.

The system uses ground systems - with one based in Maleny - and satellites.

suggest the desire for people to go to a website or look at an app to be told there might be an issue across the way, is a bit ambitious.

Speaking of general ambitions, have I mentioned the single most annoying modern-day hate of mine is sitting down at a cafe or restaurant and being told to use a QR code to access the menu and order from it? No. Well there you go. If I could be bothered with a Yelp review, they’d all get zero stars. Where do these places get off charging the same prices when service is barely perceptible.

Please don’t bring this despairing trend into the hinterland.

This brings me to a report I read last week about the advent of artificial intelligence and technology which is apparently set to wipe out 25 per cent or 300,000 retail jobs in the next three years.

Social assistance and healthcare is also going down the gurgler,

because, obviously, technology is much better dealing with people than people are.

But it’s all going to be okay.

Because this same report suggests what the ideal job could be for someone who is sidelined from the menial work that Big Tech is telling us someone couldn’t possibly derive any satisfaction from. So despite the destruction of these hundreds of thousands of low-paid basic skilled jobs, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel.

The report suggests “skill pivots” which go like this: Sales Assistants have a 91 per cent fit for childcare worker. Doubt it. Checkout operators have a 78 per cent job fit for Customer Service Manager. Doubt it. And my favourite: Store person has a 68 per cent job fit for a School Teacher. Very much doubt it.

It’s so absurd, but people are taking it seriously. Go figure.

Fire, disaster mitigation meetings on

By Sonia Isaacs

RESIDENTS of Glasshouse

Country are strongly encouraged to attend a bushfire information session at Mooloolah Public Hall on Sunday October 15 at 10am.

Acting Inspector Aaron Sheehan, bushfire mitigation manager for the North Coast region will be leading the session, and with bushfire conditions set to intensify over coming months this presentation from QFES (Queensland Fire & Emergency Services) will share valuable information and knowledge about how the community can best prepare for the bush fire season ahead.

The hour-long morning session will give members of the public the opportunity to ask questions and gain insights directly from OFES bushfire mitigation officers, and will benefit both long term and less seasoned locals to be ready and prepared should fire disaster occur.

Jason Carroll, events officer for MVCA said that part and parcel of living in a country town, surrounding by bushland and National Park is for the community to be well prepared for not only flooding but bushfires. Bacon and egg burgers will be on offer from the Mooloolah Lions from 9.30am for all those attending. For more information go to facebook.com/ MooloolahCommunity or call MVCA on 5494 7822.

Where there’s smoke

New hinterland satellite system to detect fires in just minutes

THE hinterland faces one of its most threatening fire seasons ahead but now has a worldleading tool to help safeguard people, properties, and natural assets.

Developed by local company exci (formerly Fireball International), this AI-assisted program analyses satellite images and on-ground cameras to swiftly spot heat and smoke. The equipment will be fitted across the Sunshine Coast including Maleny and Mount Coolum.

Once a fire is detected, emergency services and Council will receive immediate reports and can consider an appropriate response in consultation with partner agencies.

‘Exci’, which means alarm in Latin, already has been used to great effect in wildfire-ravaged California.

Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) Chair and Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson welcomed the announcement for this life-saving technology that will benefit and help protect our region.

Mr Jamieson made the announcement as he helped launch Get Ready Queensland Week which runs from October 9 to 16.

This encourages residents to know their risk, prepare emergency plans and pack an

emergency kit. While previous seasons have focussed on storms and flood risks, the Bureau of Meteorology is predicting this one to bring heatwaves and threat of severe bushfires due to the El Niño weather pattern.

Mr Jamieson said the roll-out of the bushfire detection system was part of a collaboration between QFES, HQ Plantations, Powerlink as well as Sunshine Coast based businesses exci and Landwatch Australia.

“The swift arrival of our firefighters can be the difference between an easily contained minor incident, and a major bushfire that can lead to extensive destruction,” he said.

Exci managing director, Christopher Tylor, said he was extremely pleased to deliver an Australian made and owned fire detection system for the Sunshine Coast.

“The exci system can automatically detect bushfires within minutes, using satellite and ground-based sensor data analysed by powerful, machinelearning algorithms.”

Mr Tylor said exci would collaborate with Landwatch Australia, a family-owned business located in Palmwoods, known for delivering remote, camera surveillance solutions to Australian farmers and rural communities.

Council takes up fast food fight with Coles

Too big, too ugly, appeal hears

THE Sunshine Coast Council has amended its argument for refusing an application by Coles to build a homemaker centre on the outskirts of Beerwah, stating that the proposed fast food outlet is too large for the site.

Coles is appealing a refusal by the Sunshine Coast Council in August 2021 to allow a homemaker centre - including grocery store, petrol station and fast food outlet - on the corner of Steve Irwin Way and Roys Rd. It appealed the decision in August 2021.

The amendments are a shift in tack from the council, which says the appeal should be refused based on the “size and function of the food and drink component”. It follows a judgment in the Planning and Environment Court in September to allow a proposed U-turn facility to be included in the appeal.

That facility would require all traffic turning out of the Moroney Place industrial site to turn left on to Roys Rd.

“Notwithstanding the changes made to the development application, due to its location,

layout, building appearance and associated signage, the food and drink outlet component of the proposed development is visually obvious as it is not effectively screened from Steve Irwin Way,” the Council’s amendments regarding refusal state.

On the proposed site itself, the council argues the fast food outlet “would prevent the full potential of the Beerwah industry and enterprise area from being realised by compromising and frustrating the integrity and orderly development of the Beerwah Medium impact industry zone”. The Council continues, arguing that the character, setting and identity of Beerwah as a modern country town would fail to be protected by the proposed development stating it is “contrary to the reasonable expectations of the community”.

In its own amendment in support of its appeal, Coles, stated that it understood council and Village Fair Investments now “do not contend the service station component of the proposed development is an inappropriate use”.

A HUGE weekend of local boxing has seen Beerwah’s Dana Coolwell move into the top 15 world rankings after a dominant

TKO victory over Angelo Beltran. A world title now beckons for the featherweight, who joined Hinterland Boxing Club stablemate

Liam Pope on the winners podium at the Mooloolaba Bowls Club fight night on October 7.

Full Story p39

The Hinterland Boxing Club celebrates a successful fight night.

Local research targets seniors driving testing

UNIVERSITY of the Sunshine Coast researchers at the MAIC/ UniSC Road Safety Research Collaboration are developing an online screening tool to identify older people who may no longer be cognitively safe to drive.

MAIC/UniSC Road Safety Research Collaboration research fellow, Dr Kayla Stefanidis, said there is an urgent need to do research towards developing a screening tool to test an older persons cognitive fitness to drive.

“The ROADSAFE Study is exploring the relationship between cognitive function and fitness to drive in older adults, with the overarching aim of determining the combination of cognitive performance measures that best predict driving capacity in this cohort,” Dr Stefanidis said. The Study will be recruiting healthy older adults aged 60 years or older with a Queensland driver’s licence to attend sessions at the University and healthy older adults, with subjective memory or cognitive complaints.

Participants will undergo a two-hour comprehensive neuropsychological assessment and complete a driving assessment on a virtual tour driving simulator.

“For older adults, the benefit of this research is a reduction in costly and unnecessary assessments,” she said.

Senior Living Feature P19-26

Maleny park for all

Support needed for multigenerational Maleny community park

By Sonia Isaacs COMMUNITY

advocates pushing for a multigenerational park in Maleny are calling upon residents and local organisations to gather evidence and data to boost the grassroots campaign.

The push to establish a district park that meets the needs of all ages, abilities and backgrounds continues to grow as numerous community organisations throw support behind the ‘Maleny Park for All’ (MPA) concept. Campaign organisers have drafted a template for supporters to complete, and several community organisations endorsed the concept of an allinclusive community play space for Maleny.

Maleny Visitor Information Centre, Maleny State School P&C, Maleny Neighbourhood Centre, Maleny Playgroup, TULE, Maleny Rangers Football Club, Blackall Range Care and Maleny CWA amongst others have lent their voice to the community-led campaign, and now MPA is seeking supporting data and additional letters of support, which can be forwarded to Sunshine Coast Council, to reinforce their position.

GC&M News spoke with MPA’s Rossi Moore, who said while a number of small parks exist around the district, current playgrounds are mostly suited to below school-age children, day-trippers and visitors. She said

existing playgrounds were limited in appeal for older children, teenagers and the community at large.

Rossi said MPA strongly advocated for a green space that could not only be enjoyed recreationally by people of all ages and abilities, but also created capacity for the community to be truly connected, as well as being reflective of the Maleny identity.

“A multigenerational district park aligns directly with Sunshine Coast Council’s Community Strategy and Action Plan,” Rossi said.

“Maleny is a town filled with innovative and creative people who have a relatively diverse

greater cohesion and inclusion for our community,”

Rossi said demonstration of genuine community buy-in for the concept was vitally important, and substantiating that position with letters of support and evidence of community need and engagement crucial.

She said while the group had identified potential location sites at Maleny Community Precinct or underutilised land between Bicentennial Lane and Coral Street, she said MPA were cognisant of the challenges with

both options; however, the priority

district park to be accessible to all young people, families and individuals within walking distance from the town centre, services, schools and public transport hub,” she said.

“If we can prove community unity and be on the front foot in showing community need and buy-in, these are the bigger issues that need to be addressed rather than location at this stage.”

To find out more or get involved email malenyparkforall@gmail. com sonia@gcnews.com.au

Frances Harper, Rossi Moore with Callie, Maggie and Stirling

Linda and Pauline from Maleny

and Ishkhan. John and Pattie

Maleny Hardware Rural Supplies family Betty Diefenbach Lyn, Malcolm, Barb and Paul

The Maple Street Co-Op crew. Monica, Jack, Tina and Wolfgang Melissa, Steve and Julie

Garden Club’s spring in step

THE Maleny Garden Club held its biggest ever Spring Fair as a beautiful day welcomed over 1000 people to the showgrounds.

Garden Club president, Jan Maguire said she was thrilled with

the turnout as visitors snaked their way through the pavilion and around the outside stalls.

From Day Lillies to cactii (which are very on point these days... in more ways than one).

Lynda Evans, Lyndell Burns and Helen Killeen

Kerryn Lawley

100-year-old gates painted

The Landsborough Cricket Club’s gates get a makeover for its anniversary

By Kirra Livingstone

A LANDSBOROUGH local was walking past the town’s cricket club fields when he noticed the gates were about to turn 100-years-old.

The local, David Wilson, contacted Councillor 1 Rick Baberowski to see if some maintenance could be done, such as painting the gates, for its birthday.

This was then completed by the Sunshine Coast Council, in which a spokesperson said they are

managed in accordance with best practice heritage conservation principles,” they said.

“To this end, Council recently completed works to restore and re-paint the 100-year-old gates at Peace Memorial Park in Landsborough, after a request was received from a member of the public.

“Restoration works on the memorial gates included cleaning, sealing and rust treatment. The gates and surrounding elements were then re-painted heritage green and white - in what is believed to have been the original colours 100 years ago.”

Cr Baberowski was excited about this proposal, and was very happy with the final results.

“Council’s Heritage staff did the research in collaboration with our park’s maintenance staff before undertaking these works,” he said. “Everyone leaned into the opportunity to restore the original look of the gates.

“The end result looks and is really authentic, and the gates have very much been restored to their former imposing status, which is a wonderful way to mark their 100-year anniversary.”

The gates official anniversary date is unclear, but was said to have been unveiled either on ANZAC Day or Remembrance Day in 1923. Check out the before and after photos of this repaint job, including snaps of the gates from the past 100 years. kirra@gcnews.com.au

Community kitchen launches at Maleny RSL

By Sonia Isaacs

A RETIRED engineer turned cook is offering free nourishing meals every Wednesday afternoon at the Maleny RSL.

Realising that even subsidised meals could prove too expensive for people in need, Maleny resident, Brian Nixon, decided to offer completely free meals once a week from a ‘pop up’ community kitchen every Wednesday afternoon

from 4.30pm-6.30pm at the Maleny RSL.

Brian said since launching the initiative in early September he, along with team members Maggie Beal and Rayna Bond, had received generous donations from local food retailers such as Maleny IGA, Woolworths and Maleny Cheese.

Brian said he has previously volunteered as a cook for five years with the Maleny Neighbourhood Centre’s and knew

community members may be struggling to pay for meals, or suffering from loneliness.

“Our community kitchen is open to anyone who could benefit from this free service. We offer a ‘one bowl wonder’ using whatever has been donated to us for the week, but it’s always a freshly made bowl of nourishing food,” he said.

Maleny RSL president, Paul Gilmour-Walsh, said the RSL was excited to support the initiative, and the club

was always pleased to look at ways they could assist people in the community. “As soon as Brian approached us about the idea we jumped straight in at the chance to support it... anyone can turn up each week, whether it’s people doing it tough, veterans or someone who just want to drop in for a yarn and a free meal,” Paul said.

Brian said he wants people to take advantage of this initiative, for more details, call Brian 0412 033 304.

The freshly painted gates (Inset: before)

Community Kitchen Volunteers Maggie Beal, Brian Nixon and Rayna Bond

Leap before you crawl

Beerwah Para war vet tells of his entry to exclusive Caterpillar Club

Contributed by Ron Gillinder BEERWAH resident, Bill Morgan, was awarded membership to the exclusive Caterpillar Club during his two years as a National Serviceman in Britain in the late 1940s.

The only requirement for membership is to have one’s life saved by an Irvin parachute while jumping from an aircraft.

The gold caterpillar badge is associated with the silk worm and silk parachute.

Bill recalled: “As an 18 year old I was called up for British National Service on June 5 in 1947.”

“My first posting for six weeks basic training was with the Royal West Kent Regiment at Maidstone in Kent,” Bill (pictured) said.

“At the completion of basic training I was then sent to the No 1 Training Regiment Royal Engineers (I had completed a Carpenters Apprenticeship).

“This was a 13-week Sappers Recruit Training course held at Malvern, Worcestershire. Nearing the end of this course we were visited by two members of the Parachute Regiment, complete with parachutes. They explained the joys of parachuting and called for volunteers. I put my name down, and subsequently commenced Para training.”

Training meant the completion of eight jumps to attain your ‘wings’ and a red beret. The first two jumps were from a hot air balloon and the

balance from an aircraft. Bill was granted the Parachute Badge on January 21 1948. As a parachutist, Bill was aware he would receive an extra 2/6d per day in pay!

Bill’s next posting was to the Rhine in Germany in March 1948; first to Bielefeld, then Hamburg and finally to the 3rd Airborne Squadron in Neumunster, Schleswig Holstein.

Shortly after arriving in Germany there was a call for volunteers for the Airborne Forces Experimental Establishment (AFEE) at Beaulieu Airfield in Hampshire, England. Once again, Bill put his hand up and by April 2 1948 he found himself back in the UK.

The work at AFEE was mainly testing various aircraft’s suitability for parachuting, using British aircraft and equipment. Parachute drops were an integral part of the testing. 300 ‘dummy’ drops from an aircraft at 600 feet were made when testing equipment, before 300 ‘live’ drops.

Load testing during ‘live’ drops meant 30 fully equipped men jumping from one aircraft at 2000 feet.

Bill described the experience of having 80lb of concrete attached to his legs, a 28lb main parachute pack on his back, a 28lb reserve parachute pack on his chest and a kitbag attached to his belt.

In June 1948, Bill bailed out of the aircraft at 2000 feet but his

tried to release the reserve chute but the spring mechanism failed. After a few anxious moments he succeeded in pulling the reserve chute out of its pack, released the kitbag and it hit the ground before getting to the end of its 20ft rope. Bill hit the ground hard with moments to spare. His first thought was, ‘I need a smoke.’ Bill’s officer-in-charge told him to get another parachute and go

The episode entitled him to membership into the Caterpillar Club and he duly received his golden caterpillar and certificate.

Bill remained with the AFEE until his release from National Service on June 14 1949.

In November 1950, Bill arrived in Australia as a migrant.

Unfortunately, Bill’s Caterpillar gold badge was lost when his home in Brisbane was burgled.

Amazing variety and tasty daily specials

Luncheon, with a phenomenal group of local business women who are making waves in their respective industries. A huge shout-out also to Landsborough Hotel for providing such a fantastic venue. The variety of lunch options was amazing with some great daily specials and very

generous servings! Wednesdays at Landsborough Hotel is also a great option for a midweek dinner with 2 for 1 meal deals with a different selection of dinners to choose from every week. Check out their menu and other dinner and lunch options such as their

Networking over breakfast

THURSDAY the 5th of October was the monthly breakfast catch up for the Hinterland Women’s Network. The breakfast is a great networking event for ladies across the Hinterland to connect with other like-minded women in business and share what is happening in their business.

A lot of the ladies attending wear multiple hats around the region and volunteer their time in the community, so it is also a great chance to share what

some of our wonderful community groups are up to. The breakfasts are held the first Thursday of every month at 8.30am at Mountain View Café which offers a fantastic breakfast menu in a warm, inviting setting at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve.

For more information about the group or to find out how to join the last breakfast of the year on Thursday, November 2, search for and join Hinterland Women’s Network on Facebook.

Entree Chilli Squid

Steak Sandwich and Chips Garlic bread Bowl of chips Caesar Salad

We can do better

I thank Ms. Annette James and Messrs. Ron Batty and Peter Bowles (26/9) for highlighting the billions of dollars spent on indigenous programs stretching back years, and perhaps decades, clearly with little progress made to bring health, education and life expectation into line with nonIndigenous people, and even less understanding.

The 2020 Closing the Gap report highlighted these facts. In 2018, the indigenous child mortality rate was 141 per 100,000, compared to non-Indigenous children (67 per 100,000). That figure remains stubbornly high. School attendance rates for Indigenous students barely improved over the last five years. Literacy skills improved slightly, but below the minimum, and Year 12 completions levels lag behind.

From 2008 to 2018, the employment rate for Indigenous people barely changed from 49 percent compared to 75% for nonIndigenous Australians.

In 2015-2017, life expectancy at birth was 71.6 years for Indigenous males (8.6 years less then nonIndigenous males) and 75.6 years for indigenous females (7.8 years less than non-Indigenous females).

One reason for this high mortality rate is Acute rheumatic fever (ARF). Rare in most developed countries, but rates among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are among the highest in the world. It is almost non-existent among nonIndigenous Australians.

The point of these comparisons may have escaped those who point to billions of dollars of expenditure going back decades with poor outcomes for indigenous people, and perhaps ask themselves, why is this happening and how do we do better.

For too long, indigenous people have been told what they should have, rather than being asked what is best for them. One only has to read the history of the Aboriginal people of Doomadgee, Queensland to understand this. This is what the voice is all about, giving these people the opportunity to have a voice in their own life outcomes.

Voting No condemns indigenous Australians to more of the same grossly inadequate and hugely expensive taxpayer funded programs that have literally condemned these people to life as second class citizens. We can do better.

Ken Dyer Landsborough

involved with Aboriginal Welfare (the figure is around 370 out of 60 000 Charities), nor even 109 government organisations, as many NO campaigners claim. These exaggerated figures include bodies that no longer exist, are based outside Australia, or do not overlap the Voice function, therefore are not relevant.

For example, the list of 109 includes ATSIC, abolished in 1978, the Assembly of First Nations in Canada, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission disbanded in 2005, the Australian Aboriginal Progressive Association which closed 100 years ago, sporting, art and NFP groups.

Of the NFP’s, these are not advisory bodies, though some are involved in advocacy for all disadvantaged groups.

Many others listed are not organisations, just reports and lists, some dating from as long ago (1934 and 1937). There is even a doctor from another country listed who died in 1986, along with general organisations such as Fred Hollows Foundation!

In any case, none of these agencies advise Parliament on matters specifically affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, nor are they constitutionally enshrined. They do not fulfil the role of the proposed Indigenous Voice to Parliament, according to constitutional law experts.

Some supporting the NO vote quote large sums being spent on indigenous-specific programs. One figure used is $30.3 billion. Of that $5.7 billion is general government expenditure including defence, foreign affairs and industry, which benefits all Australians.

In fact the Productivity Commission estimates only 18.6% of this $30.3 billion goes to indigenous specific or targeted services. 20% of Indigenous people live in remote areas, which requires greater spending to achieve the same service level (and, further, still fails to provide such services in many areas). 68.5% of the gap between indigenous and somewhat less non-indigenous welfare expenditure is because of the younger age profile and greater need of indigenous groups. The actual number of Indigenous Australians is estimated to be around 750 000 in 2016 (many do not fill in the census forms or are unable to get them) and would be much greater now, not 500 000 as quoted by some NO politicians.

attendance, which is of concern to most Aboriginal parents. Much current schooling has little cultural relevance. Children see the lack of job opportunities for their parents along with workplace discrimination, which reduces their incentives to learn.

Roger Callen Beerwah

Misleading voice debate

It is very disappointing to see the Referendum debate become so bogged down in controversy and mis-information. Instead of being an uplifting and forward moving process for the country it has become side-tracked in irrational political spin and self promoting grandstanding which has left many people disillusioned. I believe we are better than that. This is an opportunity to recognise our Indigenous community in the Constitution and to recognise that to help improve their situation in life, particularly in regional areas, we need to give them more say in the services they receive. It is not about more funding but about much better directed outcomes. By listening to the needs of communities and recognising the importance they place on family, culture and country, substantially increases the prospects of better results. By giving them more say in decisions effecting their lives gives them more ownership and more incentive to succeed.

By voting yes we have the opportunity to move forward together.

Ross Hurwood Maleny

Privilege blurs voice

The Uluru Statement From the Heart has a similar purpose to the historically famous Magna Carta of the 13th century that was drawn up to grant great freedom to the people of England from a tyrannical king. Aboriginal elders have pleaded in The Statement for freedom from the overwhelming control of their lives and lands by the settler people of Australia. They define a link between their people, their land and their ancestors. They continue in part: “We are not innately criminal people. Our children are alienated from their families at unprecedented rates. They should be our hope for the future. This is the torment of our powerlessness.” Just as the Magna Carta provided freedom from royal control to the English people, and has contributed to the wording of every English speaking Constitution ever since, the Uluru Statement would broaden

Australia’s constitution, which is what the Voice referendum is about.

It was surprising to find the howto-vote card of those opposing The Voice displays the image of two aboriginal descendants, Warren Mundine and Jacinta Price, both of whom are wealthy and powerful people in Australian society, who have become immersed in the culture and economy of the settler community. Their voice supports the status quo that would enable them to enjoy the power and comfort that they have aspired to. By their opposition to the voice they are frustrating the wishes and aspirations of the many powerless and desperate First Australians.

Mike Foale Maleny

Voice bound to fail thanks to the PM

It would appear that the upcoming referendum is probably going to fail. It should be a simple question whether we want to recognise our First Nation People in the Australian Constitution or not. I believe that had this been the question, it would have been accepted overwhelmingly and should have been in our constitution from the beginning. After all that’s what most of us want. However, the Prime Minister chose to include a Voice to Parliament in the question. It is obvious that this has what has caused all the angst. If he was serious about recognition he should have deleted any reference to the Voice, but for his own belligerent reasons he has chosen not to. As far as I can see the blame lays clearly at his feet and no one else’s.

Derek Browning Glass House Mountains Opportunity lost

I so wanted to vote “Yes” but feel badly let down. Fifty million dollars now spent on a referendum that can only leave the country deeply divided. A lost opportunity to bring all people of goodwill together was trashed when we were committed to support or reject an initiative starved of issue education, clear thinking and detail. With great sadness this is why I will be voting “No”.

1. Our Indigenous leadership is grievously divided. If those who represent the people the Voice is proposed to support are so deeply apart and cannot agree on priorities, structure and direction, it will inevitably fail.

2. Billions have been spent to “close the gap” to little avail.

Senator Price has highlighted a study by the Centre for Independent Studies that identified 1082 Indigenous specific programs. Only 88 of these have been evaluated for their effectiveness. The rest, well who knows?

It would seem fundamental to determine what is actually working to “close the gap”. Then fund the success stories and discard the failures.

There are programs that really inspire. The Australian Indigenous Education Foundation (aief. com.au) is a wonderful example. They have a 97% strike rate of kids they support finishing year 12 . Programs like these merit sustained support. But without proper evaluation the gap will not close. The flow of funds will continue to those on the suspect side of ‘Aboriginal Industry’ who profit from lack of scrutiny. Their motivation is to ensure the gap does not close.

3. Aboriginal Australia needs to “look in a mirror”. Justice Judith Kelly has pointed out that between 2000 and 2022 tragically two Aboriginal men were shot by police. There was massive press coverage, marches, school children with placards and a tidal wave of “Black Lives Matter” outrage. In the same period 65 Aboriginal women were murdered by their partners. The national media was silent. You would be lucky to find even a mention in a local newspaper.

There are significant numbers of Aboriginal men in prison but what never gets mentioned is a similar wave of Aboriginal women in morgues or hospitals. Why is it deemed ‘racist’ to talk about domestic violence in Aboriginal society? The Voice is silent where Aboriginal failures are starkly evident.

4. The Uluru Statement is militant. It’s end game is Treaty, Makarrata, Truth Telling and certainly reparation and compensation. The proposed Constitutional changes are about achieving these goals. The Prime Minister talks in terms of the Voice being “warm hearted and generous.” I am not convinced we should take our political class at face value. It seems a sort of “trust me, I’m from Head Office” type moment!

It is uncosted and an additional layer of bureaucracy will be eye wateringly expensive and guess who will be picking up the bill?

The Voice

How many indigenous organisations are there, and are their functions the same?

There is one Government body involved with indigenous matters at the federal level, the NIAA, with only 23% of its staff as indigenous. Under the previous Liberal Government 39% of its grants went to non-Indigenous organisations.

The NIAA is in the PM’s portfolio and one of its many functions is to coordinate policy and service for Indigenous Australians. There are not ‘2000’ organisations

Thus the actual amount per head spent on indigenous Australians is not much different than the average for all Australians. In any case, the Voice is not about quantities of money spent, but making it go to the right programs and right people by providing accurate advice and doing away with the current paternalistic bureaucratic system.

Roger Callen Beerwah

Close the gap

Targets for Closing The Gap are not being met in crucial areas such as incarceration and child removal. The Voice will give Indigenous peoples a chance to address this, along with such matters as low school

The tragedy is that regardless of outcome Indigenous women will continue to be murdered. We will continue to make movies about frontier wars, argue about colonisation, Dark Emu theory and enjoy endless smoking ceremonies. If the Voice gets up, our virtue signallers from corporate Australia will go home with their cash thinking “don’t we look good”.

My hope is simple, that a powerful leadership will emerge. It will insist on a bipartisan approach, determine what is working, allocate funds and drive accountable change. You don’t need a Voice to make that happen, just an ability to listen, and the persistence and courage to press on.

Angus Richard Glass House Mountains

Do what’s right for all

I am a simple citizen who doesn’t like committing to things that seem complicated or unclear.

That brings me to write in the hope that informed and knowledgeable people may be able to assist when it comes to voting one way or another in the forthcoming referendum.

I am seeking answers to a couple of questions that have been bothering me for some time. As one of the most favoured migrant destinations in the world, we need to be sure before deciding to change the Constitution that has afforded all Australians a common justice and equality under the law.

The first question is, “Does the current Constitution as it stands, deny any Australians be they First Nations, Islanders, Chinese, Italians, Greeks, eastern Europeans or any citizen of Australia, fair representation to Federal Parliament?”

“Whereas we the people ………” encompasses all Australians in the Constitution preamble. It doesn’t deny anyone based on race, creed , religion, ethnic origin, sexual orientation or even if one identifies as a cat!

There seems to be little evidence that in its current form, the Constitution denies fair representation, however it does provide protection to all people in multicultural Australia from governments changing whatever rules they want at any time. Therefore, why change it?

It is profoundly obvious that many minority groups achieve

Elected

legislative changes via accessible representation already – lobbyists are alive and well after all!

Isn’t the parliamentary process such that change is brought about by representation made by ministers charged with making things better for all Australians, and correcting inequity when it is confirmed? A partisan act of parliament maybe an option?

There seems to be more than enough NGO’s, consultative committees, and special interest groups that governments take advice from already, so why have another social experiment, this time with our Constitution? Be very aware before playing with fire.

Our leaders take oaths of office to all Australians and are paid to get things done within the rules that bind the government to specific activities and actions. The cause of the current Voice concerns is not our Constitution.

It seems to me that these rules are not broken, are not discriminatory and remain critically important to defend , particularly on October 14.

It seems very unwise to mess with the Constitution when we have paid representatives to make this democracy work well within the current rules of government.

Locally , it has been recommended that we all read the Uluru Statement from the Heart before voting. Sure, but read it in along side the Constitution of Australia, even the preamble – it is proven to be of substance and is for ALL Australians.

Kent Bell Landsborough

REPS

Maleny aims to draw attention to coal exports with blockade

Contributed by Steven Lang

THE People’s Blockade is a family-based event to be held on Newcastle Harbour over the weekend of the 24-27th November.

The aim is to draw attention to the role Australia plays in the changes to the climate we now witness every day. The organisers call for no new coal mines to be approved.

At a meeting held in Maleny in late September, Dr Barry Traill AM, executive director of the Climate Action Network in Australia, gave an outline of why such events are important.

“Australia is a small country. Our domestic carbon emissions are only about 1.3 per cent of the global total,” he said.

“But our export of coal and gas means our real share is four times that.”

Newcastle is the largest coal loading facility in the world.

It processes an astonishing amount of coal each day. The event aims to block the port for at least 30 hours by launching a grand flotilla of kayaks, tinnies and other small craft into the harbour’s main channel.

The Blockade is designed as non-violent - and will not disrupt the everyday lives of people in Newcastle - but will show coal exporters, and the Australian Government, that Australians are deeply concerned about climate change and are desperate for our government to stand up to the fossil fuel lobby.

The event organisers are Rising Tide, a group who describes

stop fracking - have come about through civil resistance.

Dr Traill, a Maleny resident, spends a lot of his time in Canberra, lobbying politicians of every stripe to lift their ambition about climate.

He told the meeting that “the present Labor Government’s heart is in the right place. Chris Bowen, Tanya Plibersek, are as worried about the climate as you and me”.

“They are working hard to achieve the transition to renewable energy. They are, however, surrounded by the very powerful forces of the status quo. Everywhere they look they see the constraints on radical action. What we need to do is show them that the Australian people support them to act. This is why events like this are so important.”

themselves as “ordinary people, called by extraordinary times.”

They believe the situation with the world’s climate requires civil resistance, which is to say, peaceful resistance to the power of the fossil fuel lobby. They argue that many of the major changes to policy over the last hundred years - from the US Civil Rights Movement to Indian Independence, from the Franklin River to campaigns to

The Blockade is likely to attract international attention and will highlight the fact that Australia is a significant exporter of fossil fuels, just one week before COP 28 in Dubai. It presents a real chance to pressure the Government to stop approving new mines and gas fields. Want to get know how you can get involved? Visit www.risingtide.org. au. Maleny contact for those going to the blockade: citizenmaguire@ protonmail.com

with

Andrew

Wallace Federal Member for Fisher

Referendum Day, October 14, is nearly here and prepoll booths are now open right across Fisher.

On an issue such as The Voice Referendum, fairminded and well-meaning Australians will have differing views.

I have held nearly 50 listening posts and market stalls since I announced my position on the Voice Referendum. It is overwhelmingly clear to me that many Australians are concerned with the divisive and uncertain nature of the proposal, not to mention its permanency.

The Voice won’t address the cost-of-living crisis. It won’t fix the housing crisis in Queensland. And it won’t restore the cuts to essential services with which Australians are now contending.

However, the Voice proposal will fundamentally shape the function of our democracy and future of our country.

I will be voting NO because Labor’s Voice will divide us along the lines of race, not unite us. And Prime Minister Albanese’s risky amendment to our constitution won’t help our most marginalised

Australians. It won’t make an iota of difference to closing the gap for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

When it comes to closing the gaps in healthcare, education, employment and justice, the solution

with Andrew Powell State Member for Glass House

Welcoming Maleny’s Refugees

Recently, I had the privilege of catching up with the amazing people at Welcome to Maleny who are dedicated to supporting people seeking asylum and from refugee backgrounds.

Disgraceful Cuts to Local Sport

Grassroots sporting organisations are paying the price for Labor’s cuts because of budget blowouts and wasteful spending like Wellcamp. The Labor Cuts come after

A sincere thank you to support services involved in responding to the recent fires. I went to the Beerwah Rural Fire service to do just that and was so impressed at the dedication and determination of everyone involved. Do consider volunteering, there cannot be many better ways of contributing and feeling deeply connected to the community.

Minor Grants

Council’s Minor Grants program offers up to $2000 to support one-off projects and programs. We’re calling on our community groups to apply with projects that make our community more active, inclusive, resilient and creative. Help your vision become a reality with Council’s Community Grants. I encourage you to apply today! Applications are now open and close on October 30.

Seniors Month

To celebrate Queensland Seniors month (October 1-31), there are free community programs on offer at Beerwah Library from 10am to 11.30am. They start on Tuesday 12 October

with ‘Facebook Marketplace’ where you can learn to buy and sell online. On Tuesday 17 October, is a workshop called RelationSHIFT to help you create stronger, happier relationships. On Wednesday 22 November you can learn about the famous ‘Get Started Canva’, which is an introduction to website creation and finally on Tuesday 5 December you can explore an introduction to online family history. Register now by visiting Council’s Libraries website.

Join the Garage Sale Trail

This is a great way to recycle items within our community and give them a second life. This year sees two weekends of garage sales held simultaneously around the nation on 11-12 or 18-19 November. Register your garage sale for free at www.garagesaletrail.com. au/Sunshine-Coast.

Check your rainwater tanks

Finally, for those of us on rainwater tanks please remind yourself to check your levels and rate of usage and order early enough to allow for several weeks wait for a delivery of water.

with Rick Baberowski Division 1 - Sunshine Coast Council

Healthcare tops concerns for over 65s Bloomin’ marvellous

By Sonia Isaacs

Beerwah QCWA ladies had a lot of fun with their recent ‘blooming marvellous’ contribution; making a bunch of old fashioned ‘bloomers’ for council’s Bankfoot House education program. Debbie Ives from Beerwah QCWA said the ladies had been approached by Council to sew clothing for the ‘Cheerful Chores with Clementina’ program designed for students in Year 1 and 2 to learn more about pioneer life.

Debbie said the ladies sourced old sheets from local Op shops and had a lot of laughs making the bloomers.

“We were approached to sew old-fashioned garments, so that the clothing the children wash is more reminiscent with pioneer life. By giving the students the opportunity to wash clothes that looked similar to what Clementina wore assists their understanding both of her and the life she lived. We just had so much fun making them!” she said.

Survey results highlights issues

IN A state-wide survey that engaged nearly 5,000 older Queenslanders, healthcare and the cost of living emerged as the most pressing issues for seniors aged 65 and over. The survey, conducted by the Palaszczuk Government to inform the forthcoming Seniors Strategy, provides insights into the priorities and concerns of this demographic.

Healthcare ranked as the paramount concern, with 71 percent of respondents highlighting its significance.

This underscores the critical need for accessible and highquality healthcare services for older Queenslanders.

Additionally, the cost of living was a significant worry for 67 percent of survey participants, highlighting the financial challenges faced by seniors in today’s economy.

Independence and mobility were key priorities for 55 percent of those surveyed, emphasizing the desire to maintain autonomy and the freedom to move around

their communities. Staying in their own homes was another top concern, with 54 percent expressing a strong desire to age in the comfort of familiar surroundings.

The survey also revealed that 81 percent of seniors believed they could easily navigate their communities, thanks to their own vehicles or affordable and user-friendly transport services. Furthermore, 72 percent of respondents felt that their communities provided safe and accessible environments, complete with open spaces, shaded areas, walkways, and public buildings.

Digital literacy and access to information proved to be crucial, with 67 percent expressing confidence in their ability to access the necessary information to stay informed and connected with their communities, family, and friends.

The Seniors Strategy aims to embrace the cultural, social, and economic contributions of seniors.

Helen Johnsen, Krystl Nowaczyk, Debbie Ives, Claudia Little (SCC) and Robyn Baker.

New hearing clinic offers unique facilities to Beerwah, and a wealth of knowledge Chat with conversations

IT is exciting to announce the opening of Beerwah’s first fullservice hearing clinic.

Audiologist, Shevawn Becker, first brought full-time hearing services to Beerwah in 2016, however due to restrictions from the American ownership she was limited in what services could be offered to our local community.

This September she has bravely taken the step in opening her own, independent hearing clinic to offer better and more hearing services to our community and would very much value your support!

Everything in the new clinic

clinic room design.

This extensive maintenance and repair equipment can test the functioning of the hearing aids and also clean the individual parts.

The purchase of this equipment was a significant investment toward providing a gold standard of care to hearing aid wearers, however, Shevawn believes it is a worthy investment in providing a service to her clients that increases the optimal functioning and longevity of hearing aids.

Another first for Beerwah is the availability of Medicare rebates rebates as Shevawn is a registered,

Shevawn is also offering hearing

travel up the coast to receive these services.

Shevawn has lived in our local area for over 35 years and has a background in hearing assessments, hearing aids, cochlear implants, auditory processing, tinnitus management, aural rehabilitation, clinical trainer and researcher at the University of Queensland.

During the last 12 months she has dedicated her time to training in the ‘Buffalo Model of Auditory Processing’ assessment and training, and is currently the only audiologist in Queensland offering this auditory processing.

Auditory processing is what the brain does with what it hears, so through positive changes to the brain we can improve its ability to hear and understand, especially

both children and adults, with or without a hearing loss.

Due to Shevawn’s significant research and interest in brain health she was one of only two Australian audiologists invited to attend an audiology neuroscience conference in the United States last May and she is currently involved in research at UQ in creating global aural hearing rehabilitation program.

Now with Trish joining the hearing clinic using her skills and knowledge gained over 20 years of experience in the hearing profession you can be assured your hearing health will be well cared for.

Pop in and see how your hearing needs can be met at Conversations Hearing Clinic!”

They’re loving retirement

The Glasshouse village with a big heart

IT’S our home and we love it!

That’s

in 2008, the Glasshouse Views Retirement Village until recently, was a McKenzie operation, now purchased by Bolton Clarke, who

Residents live independently, in 24 spacious, purpose built

said Village manager Kristy Brinton.

While living independently, those residents who hold My Aged Care packages can retain the services provided, otherwise, if needed, seek private arrangements. There is also a resident’s caravan parking area.

Residents come from an array of backgrounds, get along well and form friendships; respecting each other and living in peaceful coexistence.

This little village provides a wide variety of activities for enjoyment and fellowship. Activities range from appropriate exercises indoors or in the pool, games afternoons including; board games, croquet, bowls or billiards, craft afternoons, café style coffee mornings with birthday recognition and occasional entertainment, monthly lunch

meetings, a community library and a men’s shed. Movies are routinely shown in the theatre with special dinner events staged. Residents have an upcoming high tea lunch with a movie showing of ‘Mrs Harris Goes to Paris’. All this is enjoyed without leaving the village.

Residents walk in open areas, safe and secure in resort like surroundings. While venturing further afield on bus trips, residents support local venues for events, such as the annual Christmas lunch.

Resident comments include “I wish I’d moved here earlier”, “Don’t leave it too long to move and down size, put your name down to make the choice yourself, while you are still mobile and can enjoy the benefits, rather than have someone (like your family) make it for you,”

Gentle and safe ear wax removal - now available

Excessive or impacted ear wax affects nearly one in ten people causing hearing loss, pain, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), itching, discharge and other issues. It can be the result of:

• Narrow, hairy or curved ear canals

• Wearing hearing aids, ear plugs or ear bud headphones

• Water sports or working in dusty environments

• Using cotton buds or other objects in the ear

Removing ear wax is a delicate process requiring special training. We offer ear wax removal by registered nurses who are qualified in the same gentle, effective and dry ear microsuction process used by Ear Nose & Throat specialists.

For more information or to make a booking, talk to our friendly reception team.

the ‘catch cry’ of residents at Glasshouse Views Retirement Village.

Time for socialising after a game of croquet with Josie, Leanne, Del, Elaine and Terry

Genealogy SC’s jam packed October Rural women’s day event

QCWA Maleny and Maple St. Co-Op members are inviting the public to meet the local women who produce agricultural goods, to celebrate international rural women’s day on October 15.

The women will provide a wide variety of certified organic and ethically produced food, in which these fresh fruits and vegetables promote the key message of the QCWA Country Kitchens healthy eating program. Enjoy taste testing and sharing their stories.

The CWA Product of the Year, which is Dragon Fruit, will be

The theme of the celebration is “Rural women cultivating good food for all”and highlights the

and girls play in the food systems of the world.

Raffle of fresh produce will be drawn on the day.

The event will be held at the front of Maleny Maple St Co-Op and will run from 9am onwards.

GENEALOGY Sunshine Coast has monthly meetings all year round. Each meeting has a different theme, and take place every third Saturday of each month.

The activity theme for the October meeting is for participants to bring along a baby photo of themselves, and the group will have to guess who is who!

This theme produces a lot of laughter and interesting debate, and next month’s theme for the November meeting is to bring along your favourite hat.

Meetings commence at 9.30am, and are followed by morning tea at 10am, all welcome.

Genealogy Sunshine Coast also has a ‘writing family stories workshop’ run by Lee Goleby on October 28, where she will have lots of tips about how to research

and put a personal diary or journal you would like to write up together.

There are also beginners classes back due to popular demand which will be held on Saturday November 11 and Sunday November 12 from 9.30am-4pm.

Cost is $10/day with morning tea supplied, but book now as the centre already have a wait list.

Don’t forget to enter the date of our ‘Irish Seminar’ to be held on February 16 and 17, 2024 into your diary now for next year.

Come along and find out how to solve your Irish brick walls.

To attend, contact the centre on 5329 2315 or by email on genealogysc@gmail.com.

The centre is located on Petrie Park Rd. opposite the swimming pool in Nambour.

A

week at the Coast

THE Sunshine Coast Friendship Force welcomed 10 ambassadors from Saitama, Japan, in October for a week of activities to showcase our beautiful and

Wellness Physio Program

Are you aged 55 and over?

Would you like to learn how to prevent injury and live your best life?

RangeCare has partnered with local physiotherapists from Sunshine Coast Wellness to create a weekly program that will keep you fit and healthy as you age.

Learn how to help keep your joints happy, improve your heart healt h and learn the importance of integrating movement into your daily life.

The Japanese members were home-hosted with Sunshine Coast members which is the best way to learn about different cultures.

Each day was planned for different experiences such as a day in the scenic hinterland, cruising on the Noosa River, lorikeet feeding at Caloundra, a Surf Life Saving presentation at Mooloolaba beach with fish and chips at the Spit, a visit to Wildlife HQ and, of course, time for shopping. Our cultural journeys continue next year with a week being home-hosted by two German clubs, and our club to host members from Manitoba and Nagasaki. For further information about Friendship Force, contact Jenny on 0448 866 141 or info@ ffsunshinecoast.org.au

Lemurs at Wildlife HQ

Advocates call time on ageism

AUSTRALIANS have been reminded of the harmful and damaging effects of stereotyping, discrimination and mistreatment directed towards older Australians.

EveryAGE Counts, is a national coalition of organisations and individuals including the Australian Human Rights Commission, over 30 local government councils and over 100 community based, advocacy and research organisations working together to tackle these issues in the Australian community.

The results last year of an EveryAGE Counts major national survey of over 1000 people aged 50 years and over, revealed that 68 per cent agreed that ageism against older people is a “serious problem in Australia” and this figure increases as people get older.

EveryAGE Counts campaign spokesperson, Robert Tickner, said: “Ageism is not some hollow empty trendy word.”

“There is hard evidence that stereotyping and discrimination against older people is damaging to the health and well-being of older Australians in many areas,”

he said. “It often starts when people in their earlier 50’s are denied jobs or promotions.

“Later on in life it is often a root cause and contributor to elder abuse and the mistreatment in aged care as exposed by the Aged Care Royal Commission.”

He said the statistics on unemployment of people over 50 reveal a disturbing trend.

Ninety years of history

By Lisa Plucknett

Well, I made it, just turned 90, And I’m joining the Senior Citz; And I guess it’s an achievement, And I’m really thrilled to bits. I might just share our history, Though it’s all computerised; Australia since the 30s, As it’s flashed before my eyes.

intergenerational solidarity.

Older Australians like the rest of the community want to be treated as individuals and not treated differently simply because they are older.”

I recall the closing days of winter, ’39 – Distant days of yore; The stirring voice of Churchill, “I fear we are at war.”

We had Holden cars in ’48, A building boom as well; The farmers were all happy, But the Russians gave us hell.

“Twenty years ago one in 20 people who were unemployed were between 50 and 65 but now that figure has doubled to one in 10, and worse, these people make up a much larger group among the long term unemployed,” he said.

“All of us, if we live into our 50’s or older will be impacted by ageism and that is one of the reasons we support

“There are so many false assumptions about older people which strip them of their agency and right to control their own lives, as our survey also revealed. “Things like false assumptions about the inevitability of dementia as we age, lack of capacity of older people in the workforce when many want to, and are capable of, working, and false assumptions about needing help when many want to be self-reliant. Too often older people are talked down to in the community and in health care which further strips them of their autonomy and dignity.

“Sure some older people may need support but the bottom line is that it is best to see older people as individuals and not make generalised assumptions or gratuitous, thoughtless and offensive jokes about their age.

“Our EveryAGE Counts website (everyagecounts.org.au) features a fabulous publication called

In ’54 the young Queen came, and gave a royal wave, And the PM got all smitten and did a royal rave.

We had conscription in the 60s, Sent boys to Vietnam;

’The Real Old’ which I encourage people to read. It is a myth busting publication blowing false stereotypes about aging out of the water.”

Responding to the Federal Government’s recent Intergenerational report, which highlighted the nation’s ageing population, Monash University’s Dr Pei-Chun Ko said: “Behind such a fiscal prediction drawn from the aging demographic, we may further consider other trends on the population level.”

A gap between life expectancy and healthy life expectancy in an aging population implies a certain level of continuous care

Went all the way with LBJ And our PM went and drowned. And women joined the workforce A feminist called Germaine; Said ‘Toss your bras and burn ‘em Liberation is the name’. We had pills for our protection, Or to take you on a trip, And KFC and Chico Rolls On Everybody’s lips. Credit cards, computers, All part of daily life; Mortgages, gay marriages, and And keeping out of strife. I feel I’m self-sufficient, In my cottage with my cat; Wobbling to 100, Is not where I’m at. I might slip off at 93, While still mobile and intact Feeble in a fuzzy fog Is not a happy act.

required from the health sector and aged care. Besides planning ahead for the care of older adults, it’s important to think about what kind of social infrastructure we can design to sustain the necessary social engagement among older people, reduce the ageism towards older adults, and improve financial wellbeing of older adults. Social and financial wellbeing of older adults will be crucial to empower the agency of this population group,” he said.

Mr Tickner said the nation needed to be a world leader “in the work of tackling ageism and enhancing the quality of life of people growing older in Australia”.

‘Don’t underestimate the value of experience’

All of us, if we live into our 50s or older will be impacted by ageism and that is one of the reasons we support intergenerational solidarity

Join a Plant Based Cooking Program

Cooking programs are of interest to many people in the community especially when they can sample the completed dishes. Here we are presenting food that is wholly plant based, a new concept for many who are used to meat or fish on their plates at mealtimes. However if plant based dishes are cooked with interesting herbs and spices, presented attractively and garnished for eye appeal, many may not even notice the absence

of meat. Research studies have shown that a plant based diet and a change to a healthy lifestyle can reverse many of today’s chronic Western diseases. We aim to present three courses of an international flavour, food that is not only tasty but good for you as well.

Join the next plant-based cooking demonstration on Sunday the October 15 at the Maleny Neighbourhood

book.

Seniors want to have fun

Council on the Ageing planning a host of activities for Seniors across October

OLDER Queenslanders are set to enjoy greater social connections during Queensland Seniors Month with a vivid array of engaging events and colourful activities planned across the state.

Hosted by the Council on the Ageing (COTA) Queensland, Seniors Month will provide opportunities for people across all generations to connect while challenging stereotypes around ageing.

Eighty-one community organisations have received a grant of up to $2,000 to host events

and activities throughout the month.

The third annual Seniors Month celebrations will see older Queenslanders snapping selfies, bowling barefoot and connecting through croquet as communities around the state get involved.

With the 2021 Census showing almost 20% of Queenslanders are aged over 65, Seniors Month is an important time for people across all generations to better understand the challenges and opportunities older Queenslanders provide.

Last year’s Seniors Month celebration set a record for the number of events held, with 1581 events registered in the online calendar, engaging an estimated 146,171 people.

Darren Young, CEO, Council on the Ageing (COTA) Queensland said “Humans have a fundamental need to connect with each other. As we age, our social connections become increasingly important, and the research is clear on the positive impacts social connections have on our health and wellbeing.

“We need caring and supportive communities that foster and support social connections through space, places, and activities, so that people can participate no matter where they live. "COTA Queensland and the Queensland Government value the contribution older people make – whether as volunteers or in the workforce, community leaders or carers, grandparents, or advocates and we take this opportunity to invite you to join in the celebrations.”

https://qldseniorsmonth.org.au/

Organiser Margaret Owens, far right.

What’s

OCTOBER 10

Open Mic Night

ON IN THE HINTERLAND

OCTOBER 15

OCTOBER 21 & 22

OCTOBER 29

When: Tuesday October 10, 6.30 - 9.30pm

Where: Beerwah Hotel, 53 Beerwah Parade

Info: Glasshouse Musos are hosting an open mic night. For more information, head to http://www.facebook.com/groups/ musosclub/

OCTOBER 11

Community Information Session

When: Wednesday October 11, 10am-12pm

Where: Glass House Mountains Neighbourhood Centre, 1 Ryan St

Info: What’s going on with Centrelink: General income and assets – Payments for Older Australians. Scam and Debts awareness. Retirement Planning. Age Care. Loans – personal and home. Tea, coffee, and biscuits will be served. RSVP 5438 7000.

OCTOBER 11 & 12

Mix Tape: Dance night

When: Wednesday 11 and Thursday 12 October, 5.30pm

Where: Beerwah SHS Performing Arts

Centre, 35 Roberts Road, Beerwah

Info: Come along to a night of exceptional talent from our amazing dance students at Beerwah State High School. Doors open at 5:30pm. Don’t miss out! https://www. trybooking.com/events/landing/1086751

OCTOBER 14

Peachester Village Markets

When: Saturday October 14, from 8.00am

Where: Peachester Community Hall

Info: Stalls will be in the Annex as Referendum voting will be in the hall. Variety of stalls - baking, crafts, plants and more, plus great raffle.

OCTOBER 15

Disaster Awareness Day

When: Sunday October 15, 10am

Where: Mooloolah Public Hall, 42 Bray Rd, Mooloolah Valley

Info: Bushfire information session. Free bacon and egg rolls from 9.30am. Part of the ‘We Recover Together’ initiative.

Plant-based Cooking

Demonstration and Health Talk

When: Sunday October 15, 1-4pm

Where: Maleny Neighbourhood Centre, 17 Bicentenary Lane, Maleny

Info: Cost $20 per person. Booking and details phone RADS 0410 069 200

Yandina Country Music

When: Sunday October 15, 12-4pm

Where: 'Hall of Fame' 24 Steggalls Road

Info: Yandina welcomes guest artist Lynda Hansen to the ACMA country music concert. You’ll also enjoy popular country music and other upbeat favourites from local artists backed by a great house band. Raffle and door prizes, byo lunch, free tea and coffee. Entry $8. Enquiries 0437 191 004.

Celebrating International Rural Woman's Day

When: Sunday October 15th, 9am onwards

Where: in front of Maleny Maple Street Co-Op

Info: QCWA Maleny Branch and Maple St. Co-Op members are inviting the public to meet our local women who are providing a wide variety of certified organic and ethically produced food. Enjoy taste testing and sharing their stories. The CWA Product of the Year, which is Dragon Fruit, will be featured. Raffle of fresh produce will be drawn on the day.

OCTOBER 19

Family History Meeting

When: Thursday 19 October, 1.30pm

Where: Sunshine Coast Turf Club Precinct, Pierce Ave, Corbould Park

Info: Guest Speaker Pauline Cass will be presenting the topic ‘Copyright, Privacy and Ethics’. Non-members are requested to register their attendance at: hello@caloundrafamilyhistory.org.au

OCTOBER 20

Festival of Small Halls tour

When: Friday October 20

Where: Mooloolah Public Hall, 42 Bray Rd, Mooloolah Valley Info: Featuring Atlantic Canadian folk troubadour Shane Pendergast, indie folk songwriter Monique Clare and local Sunshine Coast songstress, Anjali Leonard. Tickets at www.festivalofsmallhalls.com or can be purchased in person at the Mooloolah Newsagency or Mitre 10 Hardware store.

OCTOBER 21

2023 STUFFit Student Film Festival

When: October 21 Saturday, Time- 2pm-5pm

Where: Black Box Theatre Nambour

Info: Be amazed by the best student-made short films from around the world. This year 6 films from Maleny SHS students have been entered, and 4 of them have been shortlisted! Students $10, adults $15; https://cutt.ly/kwncSQKS

Festuri Festival

When: Saturday October 21, 10am-6pm

Where: Beerwah Sportsground, 32 Sportsground Drive, Beerwah

Info: Festuri brings the world to your doorstep with their free family-friendly festival featuring live multicultural music and dance, international food, and cultural workshops. Register at www.festuri.org.au.

Festival of Small Halls Spring Tour

When: Saturday October 21, 7pm

Where: Mapleton Hall, 31 Obi Obi Rd, Mapleton Info: A music tour including Canadian, Shane Pendergast, and Australian Monique Clare. Support musicians are Shaky Roza. Our local gym are providing food & bar sales from 5.30pm. Tickets can be purchased at www.festivalofsmallhalls.com

Historic Walking Tours

When: Saturday, October 21 and Sunday October 22, 9.00am

Where: Bulcock Beach, Caloundra

Info: The Bulcock Beach Walk starts at 2:00 pm concluding at 2:45 pm. Both walks will take place on Saturday and Sunday. For more information and to sign up for these great events visit our website: https://caloundrafamilyhistory.org.au/

The Shake-speare Project

When: Saturday, October 21 and Sunday

October 22, 2pm and 7pm

Where: The Playhouse, Maleny Showgrounds

Info: The Maleny Players next production will be ‘The Shakespeare Project’ written and directed by local playwright Andrew Robjohns. Tickets $30 or $25 for groups bookings of 10 or more can be purchased from www.malenyplayers.com https:// www.trybooking.com/CLJPU or cash sales from Maleny Art Direct

OCTOBER 24

Three Act Night

When: Tuesday October 24, 6.30 - 9.30pm

Where: Beerwah Hotel, 53 Beerwah Parade

Info: Glasshouse Musos host a three act night on the fourth Tuesday of each month. http://www.facebook.com/groups/

David Marr in Conversation

When: Tuesday October 24 from 6pm

Where: Maleny Community Centre

Info: David Marr and Mirandi Riwoe will join Steven Lang in conversation at Maleny’s upcoming Outspoken event. Tickets start at $18 for students and $25 for adults. www. trybooking.com/events/landing/1113188

OCTOBER 27-28

Seniors Beginners Family History Research Course

When: Friday, October 27 and Saturday

October 28, Check website for time

Where: Sunshine Coast Turf Club Precinct, Gate, Pierce Ave, Corbould Park

Info: These training sessions break down the task of where to begin and where to find those answers. A nominal fee will cover course notes, refreshments, and lunch on day one. For bookings visit: https://caloundrafamilyhistory.org.au

OCTOBER 28-29

The Shake-speare Project

When: Saturday, October 28 and Sunday

October 29, 2pm and 7pm

Where: The Playhouse, Maleny Showgrounds

Info: The Maleny Players next production will be ‘The Shakespeare Project’ written and directed by local playwright Andrew Robjohns. Tickets $30 or $25 for groups bookings of 10 or more can be purchased from www.malenyplayers.com https:// www.trybooking.com/CLJPU or cash sales from Maleny Art Direct

Sunshine Coast Country Music Club

When: Sunday October 29, 12pm

Where: 24 Steggalls Rd., Yandina

Info: Put fun into sunshine. Relax in foot tappin’ style in a family friendly atmosphere. Walk ups and line dancers are always welcome. Raffles, door prizes, BYO lunch, free tea and coffee. Admission $8. Phone 0421 484 870.

UNTIL OCTOBER 29

Evoke Modern Studio Artists

When: Open 7 days: Monday to Sunday 6.30 am to 4pm

Where: Vianta Arts, 70 Simpson St, Beerwah Info: This exhibition reflects the works by six Sunshine Coast artists. Cheryl McGannon, Michelle Mann, Lyn McBain, Corol White, Alyssa McBain and Fiona Lynch.

Orange Sky Laundry service

When: October, 9am-12pm

Where: Maleny Neighbourhood Centre

Info: People who don’t have access to a washing machine, or their washing machine is broken are welcome to visit the Orange Sky Laundry Team at the Maleny Neighbourhood Centre. See you Tuesday or Thursday...... We can even make you a cup of tea!

NOVEMBER 17

Montville Unwrapped

When: Friday November 17, 4-7pm

Where: Top of town, Montville

Info: Boutique shopping, Christmas wrapping, Christmas entertainment, Free shuttle from bottom to top of town. Enjoy local cafes and restaurants.

RECOVER BETTER TOGETHER

Stalls at upcoming events will be an opportunity to get creative with an artist to paint our ideas for how we can recover better together. Bring the kids along for book reading with puppets to help little minds think about disasters. Come along for some fruitful discussion and give-aways that can be helpful in times of disasters. Local community members are encouraged to come to the ‘We Recover Better Together’ stalls and chats at the following locations:

• Beerwah Tower Green Market: Saturday 21 October, 8am – 12pm, Beerwah Tower Green, Simpson Street

• Festuri Multicultural Music & Dance Festival, Saturday 21 October, 10am –4pm, Beerwah Sportsground

Rosetta’s Great Reads The

Seven

Chris Hammer’s latest novel The Seven is the third in a series with DS Ivan Lucic and DC Nell Buchanan, but can just as easily be read as a stand-alone novel.

‘The Seven’ are the powerful and entitled families who founded and continue to control a prosperous irrigation scheme in the fictional NSW town of Yuwonderie. The intricate plot weaves together three time periods, the stories of which are artfully drawn together by the end of the novel as Lucic and Buchanan solve the mysterious death of the family’s accountant. Hammer again proves his prowess in Australian crime writing with this suspenseful novel, as he draws you deeply into the characters’ lives, the rich landscapes and the politics of water trading that continues today. RRP $32.99

Lola in the Mirror

Trent Dalton’s much-anticipated novel, Lola in the Mirror, grabs you by the throat from the very beginning and doesn’t let go as he takes us on another captivating emotional rollercoaster of a journey. This time he tells the story of Lola -- the girl with no name because names are dangerous when you are on the run -- and her search to find herself on the mean streets of Brisbane. The locale is in many ways recognisable, but in other ways Dalton reveals the hidden world of homelessness and family dysfunction in his distinctive prose that is both beautiful and haunting. Lola will take hold of your emotions and make you reassess your life with gratitude. RRP $32.99

Maleny Players present ‘The Shake-speare project’

THE Maleny Players next production will be ‘The Shakespeare Project’ written and directed by local playwright Andrew Robjohns.

This November marks the 400th anniversary of the printing of ‘The First Folio’ a large single volume of Shakespeare’s plays.

It has been widely accepted that If this book had not been produced, then more than half of the plays attributed to

Horoscopes WEEK BEGINNING OCTOBER 10

LIBRA

SEPTEMBER 23 – OCTOBER 23

As your galactic guide, Venus, leaves the sign of flash and dazzle for the zone of critical feedback, efficiency and clarity take a welcome turn around the j-curve. Don’t get sucked into hair-splitting and nitpicking, because this week needs extra diplomacy: which is, of course, your forte.

SCORPIO

OCTOBER 24 – NOVEMBER 22

Fire-starter Mars steams into your sign this week with energy to burn and the definite likelihood of power plays. With the feisty planet lighting a match to your volcanic personality, it may take all of your considerable willpower not to get triggered by someone pushing your buttons.

SAGITTARIUS

NOVEMBER 23 – DECEMBER 21

Patience isn’t a Sagittarian virtue, but empathizing this week will win more hearts than your normal straightforwardness. Been running on empty? Venus shifting into her healthy place suggests restoring with what you enjoy, whether that’s dance class, kickboxing or a walk in nature, the original antidepressant.

CAPRICORN

DECEMBER 22 – JANUARY 20

Completing its intensive four-month retrograde in your sign, Pluto’s forward turn this week brings some welcome relief as the possibly uncomfortable realizations that became obvious during Pluto’s powerful downshift become simpler to process, decision fatigue eases and an existential weight seems to lift.

AQUARIUS

JANUARY 21 – FEBRUARY 18

After an extended emphasis on close relationships, Venus shifting into her healthiest placement shifts the focus back to you and your personal wellbeing, so think about rebooting some of those wellness routines that may have lapsed. Or investigating a few new ones to restore your glow.

PISCES

FEBRUARY 19 – MARCH 20

Artistic Neptune in your sign supports this month’s strong aesthetic to revisit unfinished creative projects, while ethical Saturn – also in Pisces – insists that if you feel something isn’t sitting right, even though you mightn’t be inclined, this is the time to speak up rather than letting it slide.

ARIES

MARCH 21 – APRIL 20

Shakespeare would have been lost to history.

While renowned as the greatest writer ever in the English language and the worlds’s pre-eminent dramatist; very little is known of who he was, and the circumstances that led to his amazing outpouring of plays in the 1590’s.

The Maleny Players attempt to solve the mysteries associated with the production of the first folio, along with many

Mars, diving into the sign of secrets and intrigue, escalates this week’s intensity levels, causing an increase in competitive flare-ups and power differentials. The benefits? Bonds can deepen and certain connections strengthen under this transit, as you get a better sense of who you can trust.

TAURUS

APRIL 21 – MAY 20

As your guiding planet Venus relaxes from a fiery element into an earth-sign like your own, there’s strength in numbers, so consider teaming up on a co-operative project or communal income opportunity. Is there some way to consolidate resources for a mutuallybeneficial win-win?

GEMINI

MAY 21 – JUNE 21

Busy Geminis are often in a rush, but slowing down and negotiating patiently is the key to harmonious relationships and communications this week. As October progresses, Mercury is advocating taking back control of your time from the droves of data-tracking apps absorbing your everyday attention.

of the great questions surrounding the writing of these plays. ‘The Shakespeare Project’ is an original play that will premiere at The Maleny Playhouse on Saturday October 21.

Tickets $30 or $25 for groups bookings of 10+ can be purchased from www. malenyplayers.com or via trybooking.com/CLJPU, cash sales from Maleny Art Direct. Performances 7pm Saturday October 21 and 28, and 2pm Sunday October 22 and 29.

with Lilith Rocha

CANCER

JUNE 22 - JULY 22

For lunar-ruled Cancerians, this week’s moon cycles nicely align with Mercury to promote objective judgment based on facts, not feelings, and press restart on personal and professional partnerships. Could your work benefit from a collaborator who complements your own skill set?

LEO

JULY 23 – AUGUST 23

If your majesty has been feeling a little off-centre in these days of rampant change, and who hasn’t, this week recommends indulging your heart and brain in some of that awesome creativity you were born with. And, yes, looks definitely do matter this week, so style up for a win.

VIRGO

AUGUST 24 – SEPTEMBER 22

Last month others loved you up, and this month now it’s your turn. When Venus steps into your precise and fastidious sign this week for Virgo’s annual season of self-love, allow yourself to be pleasantly surprised and pleased by your own qualities, capabilities and achievements.

Minnette and Shelley in character

Summer tour hits Beerwah

Hinterland venue is set to host Festival of Small Halls Summer show in December

By Sonia Isaacs

BEERWAH Community Hall has just been announced as the Hinterland host venue for the Festival of Small Halls Summer Tour 2023. Presented

tour offers local communities the opportunity to experience some of the world’s best folk and contemporary acoustic artists up close and personal.

Tour producer, Isobel Bartlett, said Festival of Small Halls allowed both the artists and the audience to celebrate and foster community

“We’re so grateful to be welcomed into these amazing small towns, and to put shows on with our incredibly talented dynamic artists. Together, we forge events that are retold as stories for years to come,” she said.

Since launching in 2018, headlining act Assynt are renowned for their powerful and intuitive stage show and tight-knit fiddle and pipe playing blend. The band have been looking

forward to touring Australia for over four years, and audiences will experience first-hand the band’s engagingly contemporary original melodies inspired by the historic piping, fiddle and Gaelic traditions of the Highlands of Scotland.

Jackie Marshall is a folk musician, singer and songwriter who brings a genuine warmth, energy and presence to her performances. Heavily influenced by the Western folk and country music of the 1960s and 1970’s. Jackie said she was looking forward to sharing her unique personal and personable style with intrepid music lovers. Tickets are on sale now, more information at www. festivalofsmallhalls.com sonia@gcnews.com.au

Church & Community

Guilt and Forgiveness

I WONDER if anyone reading this article can say that they are completely guilt free?? Anyone who can say that they have never said or done anything that they regret? God thinks we are all “sinners”!

1 John 1:8. “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.”

Romans 3:23. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”

So, what can we do? We can say we are sorry and ask for forgiveness.

What is forgiveness? It seems to me that human forgiveness is conditional. I will forgive you as long as you never do it again. I will forgive you if you are thrown into jail! If someone killed any of my family for no reason, I would find it very hard to forgive. Quite often we may choose to just forget it and get on with our lives. I think it would depend on how serious the situation was.

What about God’s forgiveness?

It seems to me that God’s forgiveness is UNconditional. There is nothing we can do to receive this grace.

Ephesians 2:8,9. “For it is by grace that have been saved through faith… and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of god…not by works, so that no one can boast.”

We all live with some guilt. We can let it destroy us, we can ignore it, or we can do

Cafe Church breaky success

with Robert Smyth Calvary Lutheran Church

our best to make up for it, put it behind us and accept that God gives us unconditional forgiveness, and go out each day, doing the best we can.

Paul sums it up it in his letter to the Romans.

Romans 6:11-14. “In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore, do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but grace.”

God does not follow our rules of crime and punishment. You do wrong and will be punished! In Christ we don’t get what we deserve, i.e punishment. We get forgiveness and acceptance.

Contributed by Rev

Dr Elizabeth Nolan

THE Glasshouse Country Uniting Church held another Café Church breakfast worship service on their patio exploring two Bible stories in table groups following their fruit, cereal, toast and mini quiche breakfast time together.

Deline and Merindi began with worship songs and later helped the usual music team lead our singing.

Discussions about the stories brought out many new ideas and the congregation

enjoyed talking with one another sharing their complaints and blessings, their experiences of grace and mercy, like the biblical characters.’

A comfortable cuppa & chat

Contributed by Barbara Ramadge-Ross

THE Glasshouse Country Uniting Church held it’s twice-monthly Cuppa & Chat on Tuesday morning 26th September, from 10a.m. to 12 noon. It’s held every second and fourth Tuesday of each month, and has become a very enjoyable social gettogether for any number of members of the congregation. This last Tuesday there were 10 men and women, including Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Nolan, who sent us off on an interesting journey back into our childhood for memories of our primary schooling -- a very long journey for most of us!

but caring people along the way, and a loving God and his son Jesus Christ, were instrumental in that.

Everyone was listened to and guided by our minister - whether it was telling difficult stories of being orphans, being used and abused, or driven to the streets. Those who had a good childhood and schooling came to realise how lucky they’d been, compared with some others. Everyone was different we realised, no two were the same. Those who had survived great traumas and difficulties were able to state that their experiences had made them strong, brave and resilient! That no matter what happened, they survived and indeed have thrived!

A Bible Teaching, Community Loving, Hope Filled Church on the Hinterland

Sundays @ 9am

12 Cedar Street, Maleny malenypc.org.au

GLASSHOUSE COUNTRY

BEERWAH: Sunday 9.30am

Mary MacKillop Centre, 160 Peachester Rd

MOOLOOLAH: Wednesday 9am and 1st Sunday of month 4pm ST THOMAS, 31 Bray Rd

Office: caloundra@anglicanchurchsq.org.au

Priest in charge: Fr Paul Fletcher 0493 362 676 Local contact: Rev Tony Halstead 0455 554 930

CATHOLIC WEEKEND MASSES

Saturday 5pm: Peachester Rd, Beerwah Sunday 7am: Caloundra St, Landsborough

Sunday 9am: 45 Cedar Street, Maleny Ph: 5430 9390 9am to 1pm Mon-Fri www.caloundracatholicparish.net

GLASSHOUSE COUNTRY CALVARY CONGREGATION

You are most WELCOME to join us 9.00am each Sunday

Reed Street, Glasshouse Mtns (next to RSL) Sunday School, Women’s Fellowship, Bible Study

Contact: 5439 9341 or 5496 9671 www.glasshousemountains.lutheran.org.au

BEERWAH CHURCH 27 Beerwah Parade

Sundays 9 30am & Kids Church

Arise Youth: Fri 7pm (grade: 7-12 | term time)

E: wecare@cotr.org.au W: churchontherise.org.au

MALENY CHURCH Maleny Sports Park, via Porter’s Lane Sundays 9 30am & Kids Church

E: info@cotrmaleny.org W: cotrmaleny.org

Glasshouse Country Uniting Church

29 Twin Peaks Drive, Beerwah

Come and worship with us

Beerwah – Sunday 8.30am

Peachester Community Church –last Sunday of the month 5.30pm

Minister: Rev Dr Elizabeth Nolan Ph. 0448 358 774 Email: churchgcuc@gmail.com

We dredged up our memories which ranged from good, funny, interesting, difficult and sad; and covered a couple of other countries too, such as Papua New Guinea and Southern Africa. Our primary schooling ranged from almost non-existent, to very mixed, to quite good and close to excellent. How some of us came through those experiences to become the loving, caring and very capable adults we now are, is astounding in a couple of cases;

Welcoming contribution

Contributed by Mooloolah Valley Community Association

WE are delighted to receive our new Events Gazebo from Andrew Powell, MP. for Glasshouse.

It all made this Cuppa & Chat one of the most beneficial and interesting and left us with a profound sense of gratitude for our Church, and the friendships we have developed, or are still developing. Many thanks to everyone, for making it such a wonderful Cuppa & Chat!

Jason Carroll, the MVCA Events Officer, said “Andrew has given us so much support for our events over the last few years.

“Now as we add more and more events for the community of Mooloolah and Glasshouse Country we were delighted to receive our new Events Gazebo which we will add to our collection of sun and rain! gazebos for our events. This gazebo will be used as an entrance welcome gazebo.”

Andrew Powell M.P, Jason Carroll (Events Officer) and Sam Tucker (Deputy Events Officer)

Good cardio ‘helps lower cancer risks’

YOUNG men with good cardiorespiratory fitness have up to a 40 per cent lower risk of developing nine specific cancers later in life, according to a longterm study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. These cancers include head and neck, oesophagus, stomach, pancreas, liver, bowel, kidney, and lung cancers.

Cardiorespiratory fitness, which measures a person’s ability to engage in aerobic exercises like running, cycling, or swimming for extended periods, has been associated with lower cancer risks in the past. However, this study, based on linked Swedish registry data spanning from 1968 to 2005, is one of the largest

and longest-term investigations across multiple cancer sites. The research involved over a million men, who were aged between 16 and 25 when they started their military service. They underwent various assessments, including cardiorespiratory fitness, at the beginning of their service. The final analysis covered a monitoring period of 33 years, during which 84,117 men developed cancer in at least one site.

The results revealed a linear relationship between higher cardiorespiratory fitness and a reduced risk of specific cancers. It was associated with a 5 per cent lower risk of rectal cancer, a 12 per cent lower risk of pancreatic cancer, an 18 per cent lower risk of

bowel cancer, a 19 per cent lower risk of head and neck cancer, a 20 per cent lower risk of kidney cancer, a 21 per cent lower risk of stomach cancer, a 39 per cent lower risk of oesophageal cancer, a 40 per cent lower risk of liver cancer, and a 42 per cent lower risk of lung cancer.

However, the study also found that higher cardiorespiratory fitness was linked to a 7 per cent increased risk of prostate cancer and a 31 per cent increased risk of skin cancer. The researchers suggest that prostate cancer screening and sun exposure may explain these findings.

The researchers acknowledge they didn’t have complete data on other lifestyle factors like diet.

Early intervention key to mental health

The Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation (AKKF) is advocating for increased investment in early intervention mental health services ahead of Mental Health Month in Australia, observed in October.

AKKF’s campaign seeks to raise awareness of mental health’s significance and encourage helpseeking behaviours.

Noella Ennis, Head of Clinical Services at AKKF, underscores that early intervention programs, such as those provided by AKKF, can

significantly enhance the health, social, and economic outcomes of young people, particularly those with parents experiencing mental illness.

Recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics reveals that 3,249 lives were lost to suicide in Australia in 2022, with over 75% being men.

AKKF chief executive officer, Renee Coffey, stresses the necessity for investment in mental health strategies from an early age, referencing research

indicating increased depression risks for children with parents facing mental health challenges.

AKKF offers services to young individuals affected by family mental illness, with a focus on building resilience and coping strategies through camps and activities.

To support AKKF’s initiatives and contribute to their cause, you can make donations through their website, helping them reach more children impacted by family mental illness.

PAGE Puzzle

A talk with the Almighty

A MAN takes it easy, lying on the grass and looking up at the clouds. As he identifies shapes, he begins to talk with God.

‘God,’ he asks, ‘how long is a million years?’

God answers, ‘In my frame of reference, it’s about a minute.’

The man asks, ‘God, how much is a million dollars?’

God answers, ‘To me, it’s a penny.’

The man thinks about this for a brief period, and then asks, ‘God, can I have a penny?’

God answers, ‘In a minute.’

Scotch and water

A lady goes to the bar on a cruise ship and orders a Scotch with two drops of water. As the bartender gives her the drink she says, ‘I’m on this cruse to celebrate my 80th birthday and it’s today.’

The bartender says, ‘Well, since it’s your birthday, I’ll buy you a drink. In fact, this

FOR THE KIDS

one is on me.’

As the woman finishes her drink, the woman to her right says, ‘I would like to buy you a drink too.’

The old woman says, ‘Thank you. Bartender, I want a Scotch with two drops of water.’

‘Coming up,’ says the bartender.

As she finishes that drink, the man to her left says, ‘I would like to buy you one too.

The old woman says, ‘Thank you. Bartender, I want another Scotch with two drops of water.’

Coming right up,’ the bartender says. as he gives her the drink, he says, ‘Ma’am, I’m dying of curiosity. Why the Scotch with only two drops of water?’

The old woman replies, ‘Sonny, when you’re my age you’ve learnt how to hold your liquor. Holding your water, however, is a whole other issue.’

Contributed

by

Eunice Prickett

SOLUTIONS

CLASSIFIEDS

Email: reception@gcnews.com.au or Phone: 5438 7445

Thank You

From the bottom of our hearts we would like to thank everyone for their love and support, beautiful owers, thoughtful cards and telephone calls since the passing of George. We are truly blessed to have you all in our lives.

From Betty, Dale, Jodie, Jacob and Danica Diefenbach

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Network Inc will hold its 2023 Annual General Meeting on Sunday 22nd October at 2pm, in the Glasshouse Mountains Neighbourhood Centre, 1 Ryan Street (opposite the Post O ce). Nomination forms are available by contacting the Secretary at ghmgman@gmail.com.

Nominations for O ce Bearers must be lodged with the Secretary by 5pm on Friday 13th October.

New members are most welcome to attend.

MAPLE STREET CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY LIMITED AGM

6pm, Wednesday 25 October 2021 Maleny

Community Centre Main Hall

Proxy voting forms available at www.maplestreet.coop/memberpage or 37 Maple Street, Maleny or from secretary@maplestreet.coop

Nominations for Director have closed. Thank you to all who applied. Each Co-op member will be given free beverage voucher and tasting platter at door. Bar open from 530pm.

Special Guest Sam Byrne, CEO The Co-op Federation Sam will be sharing his insights into innovative co-operatives and tell us about the new national organisation, ‘Co-op Grocers’. Come and meet some of our many talented local growers and producers and hear from some of your fellow members. Further information available from Fi, assistantmanager@maplestreet.coop

Disclaimer

Mick McDowall

WANTED

VINYL RECORDS & TOYS , breakfast cereal toys, Matchbox cars, tin toys, dolls, vintage surfboards. Text or phone Steve 0421 030 056. TO BUY

CASH FOR CARS

Scrap metal bins supplied (conditions apply) Call Bryan & Leanne Eaton 1300 132 013 or 0414 925 890

METAL Servicing Locals for over 20 yrs

PETS

Energy Healing Treatment. Evening Appts available. Ph. 0422 909 598 E:champey67@gmail.com

ALWAYS TIDY & CLEAN Comprehensive service for domestic & commercial clients. & LIVESTOCK

GLASSHOUSE MOUNTAINS ECOLODGE

We are seeking a housekeeper for the cleaning of our 12 room Ecolodge. Applicants should preferably live locally in the Glasshouse/Beerwah area. Hotel/Motel cleaning experience is desirable though training will be provided. Flexible days/hours each week but must be available to work most Saturdays and Sunday from 10am till 2pm or as required. Please email brief resume to info@glasshouseecolodge.com

5494 0008 31 MORONEY PLACE BEERWAH Mon-Fri 8am – 5.30pm Thurs til 6pm Sat 7.30am-12noon Pet shop, pet food & care, flea & tick treatment, stock feed & supplies Your friendly local pet shop PUBLIC NOTICES THANKS CLEARING SALE facebook.com/glasshousecountrynews Keep up-to-date with all the IN THE HINTERLAND Follow us on Facebook BREAKING NEWS

Landsborough, 9 Caloundra St

Mon – Fri 8am – 6pm. Sat 8am – 1pm

Phone: 5494 1337

Glass House Mountains, 3/11 Bruce Parade, Mon – Fri 9am – 4pm

Phone: 5438 7177

This ad is sponsored by www.glasshousevets.com.au

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us on Facebook facebook.com/glasshousecountry&malenynews

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Somerset Media Pty Ltd. ABN: 74 640 850 228. Shop 2, 47 Mary St, Kilcoy QLD 4515. PH 07 5497 1788 or 07 5497 1410 Email: production@sentinelnews.com.au Website: www.sentinelnews.com.au Business Directory: ww w.sentineldirectory.com.au > Tractors > Farm Machinery > Earthmoving > Classic Vehicles > Workshop Tools ONLINE CLEARING SALE 20-24th October sales@rlps.com.au Trevor 0488 284 822 Mike 0417 320 590 More listings wanted in Woodford, Glass House, Maleny and Kilcoy areas. CLEARING SALES CLASSIFIED DISPLAY AD Cost: $138.60 incl GST per appearance (28 Sep & 5 Oct 2023 editions)

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Age: 1 year 8 months

Sex: Male Adoption Fee: $300

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Summary:

100+ OCTOBER 10, 2023 | 37

Big boy Flake has spent a long time in foster care building confidence and working on his anxiety, and now he is ready to take on the world in search of his forever home. Flake loves attention but also enjoys solitude; he is still afraid of big changes, but can cope a lot better once he is settled in and feels safe and comfortable. Flake loves other cats; sadly the other cat in the foster home does not want to play with him, which makes poor Flake cry. If you are looking for a steady companion to travel with you on the road of life, look no further - arrange a meeting to meet Flake today.

Diesel is a one year old sweet boy who loves people, and he’s great with kids. He loves all the volunteers and loves playing ball and with his toys. We have been training Diesel and he has heaps of potential. All he needs now is a new owner that can commit to him. As he is very young, without much socialisation with other dogs, he needs to be an only dog at this stage. His new owner will need to put time and patience into his ongoing training. Come and meet this lovely boy if you are looking for an active mate to keep you busy.

Phone 5494 5275 info@sippycreek.com.au www.sippycreek.com.au or find us on Facebook

Range Croquet Club

Contributed by Ken Barker

Please Note: Start times for Play days Thursday and Sunday changed on October 1st to summer times ie start time is 2.00 pm for 2.30 pm. Start times for Ricochet and Coaching remain the same.

Tuesday ricochet players enjoyed fine weather to play a doubles match in which Lynette Evans and Priscilla Vickers had a 9 –2 win against Sarah Widin and Sally Adams. Social play with unrecorded scores were the order of the day on Thursday with Helen Andrews and Wallace playing Lynette in one game and Ken Barker playing Donna Manning on another lawn. Very enjoyable.

Five players (Sarah, Lynette, Dianne Horsman, Wallace Roy, and Ken Barker from

Beerwah Ladies Golf

Contributed by Brenda Briese

THURSDAY 28th September we held a Men’s Invitation Day with a field of 84 players (42 pairs). We played a 2ball Aggregate Stableford. Winners with a score of 76 pts were Phil & Helena Slade. Rs/Up Joey Eccles & Karen Kemp on 75 pts. Third place Shannon Gardner & Cathy Stone 74 pts, Fourth place Paul & Maree French 71pts. NTPs 2. Sonia Kenway & Marshall Caldwell. 5. Karen Kemp & Alan Black. 16. Jenny Rutley & Rod Layt. 18. Geoff Williamson. BRD went to 66 pts.

Saturday 30th September was a Stableford with 22 ladies playing. Winner on 40pts was Marilyn Walsh, followed by Di Flint 37pts. NTPs 2. Wendy Bradley. 5, Jo Malone.16 Joey Eccles. 2nd shot 18 Di Flint. BRD went to 32 pts.

Maleny Bowls Club

Contributed by Brett Gillis

OUR Wednesday Twilight Bowls players have been enjoying the warmer nights. We invite locals and visitors to come and join this fantastic activity that starts at 6pm with $5 burger barbeque followed by 12 ends of lawn bowls including use of club bowls. Triple play competition is a terrific introduction to our sport so why not come along and give it a go.

We also invite locals and visitors to join us on Friday afternoons from 2pm to play

The Range played in the October Windsor Brooch making us by far the greatest (in so many ways) contingent. Wallace came away with a brooch, placing second in his section. Well done, Wallace. Keith Williamson (Eildon) won Block A; Lesley Johnston (Headland) Block B; and Renee Molyneux (Eildon) Block C. It was an enjoyable tournament for all. Congratulations to the organisers, in particular Francesca de Wytt (Windsor) who managed the event. The attached photo shows Sarah and Keith discussing a position in a game.

Scattered showers made for a bleak and uncomfortable day on Sunday. Wallace, Dianne, Donna, and Lynette were all ready to play but the weather beat them.

It is with deep regret that we note the passing of Gail Denver, former member, friend, and great supporter of our club. She will be sorely missed here and in the Maleny community.

Play days:

Association: Thursday and Sunday. Please arrive at 2.00 pm for games to be arranged by 2.30 pm. Contact Sarah Widin 0417640704 for other days.

Ricochet: Tuesday. Please arrive at 8.45 a.m. for games to be arranged by 9.00 a.m.

Coaching: is available on Saturday mornings at 8 a.m.

Our web address is: https:// rangecroquetatmaleny.org.au. For details contact Sarah Widin 0417640704 (President).

Thursday 5th October we played a Monthly Medal with a field of 42 players in 3 divisions. Div1. Winner was Marilyn Walsh 72 nett R/up Helen Lewis 73 nett. Div 2. Winner Bronwyn McNicol 75 nett from Wendy Bradley 76 nett. Div 3. Winner Maree French 75 ocb from Lorraine Dillon 75 nett. Gross Winners Div1. Dot Smith 87. Div2. Mavis Brimelow 97. Div 3.Lyn Steele 117 ocb. NTPs 5. Wendy Bradley. 16. Marilyn Walsh. 2nd shot 18 Maree French. Best putter. Helen Lewis. BRD went to 79.

Saturday 7th October was a Medal with 24 players. Winner on 71 nett Wenday Bradley followed by Cathy Stone on 73 nett. Gross Winner Jo Malone 79. NTPs 2 & 16 Cathy Stone. 5. Debs Rutherford. 2nd shot 18. Karen Gannon. BRD went to 76. Thanks again to Ray White Real Estate for the continued support of Beerwah Ladies Golf.

singles handicap lawn bowls competition with rink prizes. Whether you are an experienced bowler or never played before you will be made feel welcome.

Our annual Oktoberfest Family “Come & Try Day” is being held from 10am on Saturday 21st October 2023. This free event is open to all ages where you can come experience lawn bowls for yourself with family and friends.

A German Sausage BBQ featuring Bratwurst Hot Dogs will be available and our licensed bar will be operating. We would love to see you there.

Witta Tennis

Contributed by Pauline Fraley

THE Whistlers played at Witta, against the Mooloolaba Legends. Perfect weather for a great day of tennis after 2 weeks off.

It was good to be back on the court. And good tennis as usual, with 2 tie-breaker sets. We did not win but we had a good day. Score was 0-8 sets, 23-48 games.

Team was Paula Cudmore, Maree Hooley, Aki Lepper and Cindy Harris.

A close match for our last game of the 2023 Vet’s season; Witta Wikings played Nambour. With inclement weather supporting lots of cups of tea, the match result was determined by the last set, won in a tie-breaker 17 - 15 by Nambour.

Nambour ended up winning by one game, with equal sets.

Witta players were proud of their performance and declared unanimously that they’d be back playing together again next year.

Based on their skills on the day, they’re wondering if they’ll be promoted to Division One.

Interestingly Nambour were keen to sign up our young Kevy for next year, however he stated that he will remain loyal to Witta for one more season at least.

Witta accepts though that it’s only a matter of time before Kev turns professional and is drafted by stronger clubs.

While most of the players wore bandages, support braces and inner soles, we are pleased to say that Glenn’s toe behaved without incident, Graham played without his expected injury, Kev embraced everyone with a hug despite his recurring haemorrhoids, Rob left early because he

Glasshouse Country Bowls Club

Contributed by David Hayes

WEDNESDAY 04.10.23 9.00am Social Mick Clark, Allan Pashby and Di Hume def Jill Kirchheiner, Kerry Munster and Dennis Hume 18 - 5. Scott Bedwell, Marilyn Boulton and Warren Blackbourme def Carol Lewis, Seija Munster and Sylvia Chamberlain 14 - 6.

Noelene Annakin, Jack Timm and John Palte def Nicki Bedwell, Sally Squires and Rae Farrell 14 - 8.

Lyn Griffiths, Annette Capern and Jenny Hobson drew with Steph Sleeman, Margaret Smith and Margaret Gibson 8 all.

Thursday 05.10.23 Social Bowls 12.30pm

was on a promise, and Maree and Cindy giggled their way through every game.

For the final round of the season Witta Wompoos travelled to Gympie for the second and third place playoff to determine the final two teams for the season’s final against Nambour.

On a blustery and rain interrupted court, playing conditions were far from ideal for both teams.

Gympie got off to a flying start winning four of the first five sets before the Wompoo’s ladies secured a second win in the lady’s doubles.

The team of Sean Lepper, Haydyn Craven, Andrew Blowes, Brenda Warner and Jim and Paula Cudmore then found a second wind to secure the final two mens doubles and two mixed doubles.

All matches were extremely close constantly see sawing in the challenging conditions including two rain delays.

Final result saw Gympie and Witta even on sets with six sets each, with Gympie winning the tie by seven games.

The result however should be still enough for Witta to maintain their second place and playoff against Nambour in the final of the Sunshine Coast Div 2 Vets competition in November.

Thanks to all our players particularly Brenda who excelled on the day winning three of her four sets.

Katya’s Tennis Drills Thrills and Fitness is on Friday Nights at 5:45pm. Cost is $20. Come along and join in the fun. All levels are welcome.

Social tennis: Monday ladies 8am and Saturday mixed 1pm. All are welcome. Court bookings please go to the website: www. wittatennis.com.au.

Winners of the day with 2 wins and a score of 42 were the Triples team of Mick Clarke, Jenny Morris and Lindsay Henderson.

R/Up on count back with 24 points counted over the 1st 9 ends with a 3 way tie between Jenny Hobson and Di Hume, Scott Bedwell and Darcy Wilson, Kevin Cook and Gavin Linnan was won by Jenny and Di Lucky draw went to Sally Squires and Don Teirney. The $30 meat voucher was won by Noelene Annakin with the $20 cash going to Mac Townson.

We are aiming for a 1pm social game this Saturday, if we have 12 players by Friday night we will proceed with the game. Sign up on Team up..

Weekend after is our Spring Carnival, lets

Softball club hosts state champs

THE Suncoast Hinterland Softball Club hosted the U18 Men State Championships on September 29 to October 1, with seven teams attending their home ground to battle it out for the title.

Wynnum and Redcliffe faced off in the grand final, with Wynnum taking out the trophy.

The club thanked all the dedicated players, hardworking officials, and the club volunteers (pictured) for making the event such a grand success.

“Your skills, sportsmanship, and commitment to our sport truly elevated the experience for everyone,” the club said.

“We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our amazing volunteers who contributed to the tournament’s success!”

Keeble keeps on winning

Strong preparation pays dividends for Hinterland Boxing Club

Deadly and Pope take titles with dominance

HINTERLAND Boxing Club’s Dana ‘Deadly’ Coolwell has taken a giant step towards a world title with a dominant TKO stoppage in Mooloolaba on the weekend.

Coolwell joined Liam Pope in the winners ranks, after Pope came back strongly from a tough opening to secure a fourth round TKO.

Dana’s main event victory over Angelo Beltran finally earned the Hinterland Boxing Club professional the WBA Oceania Featherweight title.

He was due to fight for the title in July before his opponent withdrew a week out from the bout.

Speaking to GC&M News, Coolwell said it was a great result after an intense preparation.

“To secure the win I just listened to my corner, worked off my jab and broke my opponent down,” he said.

“To get the job done, I had to stay smart and two steps ahead of my opponent, working off my jab and countering every time I made him miss.

“He challenged me a fair bit

“He had very heavy hands and was dangerous all the way to the

Pope also finished off his opponent with a TKO.

Facing off against Jack Tresidder, Pope secured the Australasian Super Bantamweight title in the fourth round.

“He had a bit of a tough fight, his opponent hurt Liam in the

The best Bulldogs of the season

THE Beerwah Bulldogs junior and senior presentations have taken place on October 7 and September 29, recognising the best of the best of the talented squads; three of which won premierships.

Players from the Pups program and U6’s, all the way up to the A Grade Men’s side were recognised for their great efforts, with a select few of each team shining extra

The club reflected on a great season the senior men had, and how proud they are of everyone who received an award at both the junior and senior presentations.

“The overwhelming triumph in the grand final, coupled with an undefeated season, provided

us with an immense cause for celebration,” the club said.

“Furthermore, we wholeheartedly acknowledge and extend our warmest congratulations and deepest gratitude to the recipients of our season’s prestigious awards.

“Their remarkable achievements deserve our highest praise and admiration.”

The senior presentation award

recipients are as follows:

• C grade: best and fairest - Scott Floss, best back - Troy Edwards, best forward - Tristan Boss, most improved back - Toby Glover, most improved forward

- Oscar Hetherington and coaches award - Iszic “chur”

Alexander

• Reserve grade: best and fairest

- Rhys Storr and Rakarl Kake, best back - Josh Bartholomai,

way for some big fights. “Liam and Dana’s next fight will be December, one more fight before the end of the year, it’s hard to find opponents for Liam now because he’s dangerous, he’s 7-1 now, he’s rolling along quite well,” he said.

“The tedious part of his career is finished now that he’s in the world ranks, this is now where we identify who we want to challenge next and pick them off one by one.

“It’s taken us 10 years to get here and we are so close to his goal at a world title which will be

HBC professional Joel Walsh did not fare as well, losing his second professional bout.

“He had a four rounder which didn’t go to plan. He went real well in the first round and kind of burnt himself out a little bit and then the tide turned and the other guy came back on top with a few good body shots,” Pitt said.

“The ref stopped it after two rounds so it wasn’t a good outcome but big ups to Joel it was his second professional fight so it was always going to be a struggle to get to that place and that level.”

Steve said he was extremely proud of all his boys, and how great it was to have a local atmosphere throughout the fight card. “It was a relief that they won, we put a lot of preparation in and when you get to the pointy end of that you get to the fight; and that’s what you want to win the most,”

“Both boys did me really proud.” kirra@gcnews.com.au

best forward - Jordan Bain, most improved back - Glen Morris, most improved forward

- Lachlan Mclure and coaches award - Kaleb Coolwell

• Open women: best and fairest

- Jordan Jackson, best back

- Reegan Hicks, best forwardAnnette Brander, most improved back - Tahlea Corcoran, most improved forward - Charleigh Dunn, coaches award - Courtney Lockwood and rookie of the year

- Kayla Smedley

A grade: best and fairest - Daniel Kidd, best back - Nic Jennings, best forward - Jamie Hill, players player - Nic Jennings, rookie of the year - Jackson Kite and volunteer of the yearAsh Hoskin.

Dana ‘Deadly’ Coolwell. Image: Tasman Fighters.

MOOLOOLAH Boxing Club’s

Cheap potting mix won’t really save you money

I WAS at a local garden centre not long back and overheard a couple talking while looking at the bags of potting mix.

“I’ve seen bags for half this price at the supermarket,” exclaimed he to she. “Can’t be too much difference”.

And off they happily went to said supermarket to buy their said cheap potting mix.

What could go wrong?

Lots … most likely they ended up with pots of dying or dead plants which then cost them more than the money they ‘saved’.

Like oils, potting mixes ain’t potting mixes.

To make things a little easier, there is a simple grading of standards of mixes.

If it meets the superior grade set out in the Australian Standards for potting mix, it will have a series of red ticks on the bag. This means it’s the best quality you can get and your plants will love you for it.

If it has a series of black ticks, it meets the general standards for a good all-round potting mix. This is at least the basic stuff you should buy. But it lacks slow release fertilisers, so you’ll still need to buy and add some of these.

If it has no quality ticks, it probably shouldn’t be called a potting mix – rather a ‘bag of pot

filler’. To be honest, you may as well use styrofoam.

For my money, if I’m spending good coin on quality plants (from a quality local nursery), I want them to grow and perform at their best, so I’m always going to go with a premium red ticked potting mix.

To achieve the red tick premium standard, the mix must meet or exceed high standards of nutrient

– all the things needed for healthy plant growth.

It already has the fertiliser to feed the plant for at least two months. It has a wetting agent to make sure that the mix holds water well and can be re-wet easily. And it has the right mix of different materials, components and sizes to allow the roots to

Tis the season to

cost a little more, but it is almost ‘fool proofing’ the health and success of your container plant.

As the saying goes, you pay for what you get. You don’t put a $10 plant in a $1 hole and expect it to blossom. By paying that little bit extra, your precious potted plants will repay you in spades by growing healthily and happily.

A good potting mix is important for growing success

37 Harold Place, Peachester

• King sized master suite with WIR and ensuite

• 3 additional bedrooms with built-in robes

• 3 living areas and dining

• Main bathroom with both bath and shower

• Wrap-around verandah

• Fully fenced 3 5 acre property

• 3 horse paddocks

• Solar system, water tanks and electric hot water

• Large 10m x 15m shed with 3-phase power

www raywhitebeerwah com au

4 2 6

AUCTION

Date: 21st October Start Time: 2:00pm

Matthew Kimpton 0421 795 807 matthew kimpton@raywhite com

41 Youngs Road, Glass House Mountains

• Master bedroom with en-suite

• Kitchen with electric cooking, dishwasher, fridge space and walk-in pantry

• Multiple living areas

• Air-conditioning

• Internal laundry with outdoor access

• Outdoor entertaining deck

• Stunning mountain views

• 809m2 fully-fenced land with side access

www raywhitebeerwah com au

90 Paget Street, Mooloolah Valley

• Master bedroom with walk in robe and ensuite

• Main bathroom with shower and bath

• Modern kitchen with gas cooking

• Large space downstairs which could be converted into a large living area or extra bedrooms

• Beautiful pool with amazing outlook

• Outdoor entertaining plus deck

• 2 car garage

• 1,041m2 of land

www.raywhitemooloolahvalley.com.au

2

4 1

AUCTION

Date: 25th October Start Time: 5:00pm

Alex Garden 0407 245 287 alex garden@raywhite com

3 2 3

AUCTION

Date: 28th October Start Time: 3:00pm

Jack Cornford 0484 241 803 jack cornford@raywhite com

JOHN MCGRATH – WHY QUALITY MARKETING IS WORTH IT

When listing your property for sale, marketing is an investment. It directly contributes to the potential profit of your sale. The aim is to generate as much buyer interest in your home as possible to allow competition to push the price as high as it can possibly go. My recommendation is to start with professional photography and copywriting, a signboard and internet advertising, then add other elements on top of that. Whatever you do, don’t skimp on quality. Your marketing materials are designed not only to inform buyers that your home is for sale but also to prompt them to act. Quality marketing implies a quality property.

Inspection time slots between agencies can collide, which means buyers have to choose between one property or another. So make sure they choose yours by creating an irresistibly great first impression through your marketing.

Many people will argue that internet advertising on its own is enough. Internet advertising is fantastically effective but it will only reach active buyers. Active buyers are those who are proactively searching for homes like yours in your suburb. Passive buyers are those who aren’t actually looking to buy, but they’ll be so attracted to your home that they just have

to inspect it, and maybe even buy it. This happens a lot more often than you think. Remember, Australians are very aspirational when it comes to real estate. Passive buyers are especially important these days for regional sellers.

COVID inspired many city homeowners to make a seachange or treechange to the coast or country, or buy holiday homes, and this trend continues today. We also have an ageing population looking for a great retirement lifestyle, and they’re open to many different locations. How do you get your home in front of buyers who are waiting to be inspired?

The first step is the signboard. In my experience, about 60% of buyers come from the local area – either the same suburb, an adjoining suburb, or within 5km to 10km. Locals will be walking or driving past your home every day and they’re a crucial audience for your marketing campaign. Here are some great extra marketing channels for reaching passive buyers:

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Print ads – These reinforce that you’re serious about selling. They’re especially important for regional sellers targeting city buyers.

Social media – We all know how prevalent social media is in people’s lives, and a digital campaign can be targeted to a narrow audience that matches your likely buyer profile. Good quality marketing can make the difference between a good sale price and a fantastic sale price. It’s the key to attracting the maximum number of buyers possible to compete for your home, and it’s competition that will drive your sale price up. When you’re selling your biggest financial asset, it’s worth the marketing investment.

Offering the perfect opportunity to operate your retail business in a prime location. Featuring 78sqm of floor space, kitchenette and ample signage opportunities. Available now with three months free rent upon signing a 3 year lease!

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A fantastic retail opportunity in the heart of Beerwah, this affordable space has great signage opportunities, open plan office/ shop with divider wall, kitchenette and shared complex amenities. Tenancies at this rate per sqm are hard to find.

If you would like to speak to our team regarding buying, selling or renting, we would be delighted to assist you further. For leasing and new client enquiries please contact us on 07 5438 8548. For all sales enquiries please contact Cassi Nuske – 0415 304 127. We look forward to being of service for all of your real estate requirements.

McGrath CEO & FounderJohn McGrath

Leda Boulevard, Morayfield

Simpson Street, Beerwah

Lenco Crescent, Landsborough

The unit is perfectly located within close proximity to Brisbane, the Hinterland and the Sunshine Coast and offers 76sqm of ground floor space plus the mezzanine area.

This modern industrial warehouse in a new complex features a mezzanine office area, kitchenette and extra high roller door.

What does the fourth consecutive interest rate hold mean for the Hinterland market?

With the Reserve Bank holding the cash rate at 4.10% for the fourth consecutive month, there is much discussion about what this will mean for the real estate market. While there remain predictions of possible rate rises to come, the current reprieve for mortgage holders is having a positive influence on the real estate market with buyer confidence and property sales increasing in the past three months.

According to Colin Mason of Mason Finance Group, inflation will be the key to determining the RBA’s next move. If it continues to trend down, they may refrain from making further rate hikes, but if inflation begins to rise again, the RBA may opt to increase the cash rate.

For those seeking to assistance with their mortgage and financial needs, Colin and his team are experts and stay on the pulse with current lending conditions.

So, what does this translate to for the property market in the hinterland?

Cassi Nuske of McGrath Beerwah says, “we are witnessing first-hand a growing confidence among buyers together with an increase in the number of people seeking property in the Glass House Hinterland region. With a total of 501 open home attendees over the past quarter, it’s clear to see that this beautiful region is holding buyers’ attention”.

Cassi continues, “the balance of supply and demand for properties in this region,

coupled with the hold on interest rates has created ideal selling conditions. McGrath Beerwah’s average property sale price rose from $934,000 to $973,000 over the last quarter. Additionally, average days on market has dropped from 41 to 36 and property sale numbers increased from 20 to 25 compared to the previous quarter of 2023.”

The Glass House Hinterland region continues to prove that a relaxed rural lifestyle with easy access to beaches and city services is a draw card for buyers, so if you’re considering selling, interested in an up-to-date appraisal or for free market advice, contact Cassi Nuske at McGrath Beerwah on 0415 304 127 for a confidential, obligation-free chat today.

35 Anderson Road, Glass House Mountains

Positioned on a level half-acre parcel sits the beautiful and thoughtfully refurbished residence of 35 Anderson Road. Boasting a spacious 293sqm floorplan, an abundance of sheds and delightful design features and gardens to enjoy, this home truly represents the quintessential Hinterland tree change. Inspect today!

7 Coochin Hills Drive, Beerwah

Nestled on an easy care 1503sqm parcel close to both Beerwah and Glass House Mountains sits this versatile property offering a gorgeous, lowset home, spacious self-contained studio, lush gardens and a bespoke outdoor kitchen, this property truly represents an ideal entry-level opportunity in the heart of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Don’t miss out!

Presenting a carefully curated collection of design, sustainability and comfort paying homage to nature with the principles of permaculture and closed-loop farming at the forefront, this stunning designer home, 35 acre oasis and studio dwelling have just sold unconditionally for $1.95m!

This Hinterland gem, ideally positioned at the end of this manicured estate, features a sprawling, modern home on a landscaped 4,777sqm level block with all the comfort of sublime acreage living with a large shed and tropical pool and just sold unconditionally for $1.425m!

271 Lower Mount Mellum Road, Mount Mellum

Shaws Road, Beerwah