Community Awards open to nominations

John Muir

field trial work that had heralded positive outcomes and excited industry advocates.

As well as his own long-standing interest, he credits Maleny man Phil Warner, founder of Ecofibre Industries, Operations over two decades ago as being one of the pioneers of the Australian industrial hemp industry.

“Phil is like the father or old man of the hemp industry and has been working with and promoting hemp products for years. Any discussion around Maleny locals and their involvement in this industry needs to acknowledge him,” said John.

Maleny builder, Johan Tijssen, runs Hemp Block Australia and is also a key figure in the development of the hemp building industry in Australia. Speaking with GC&M News, Johan said his company supplies and builds with structural hemp crete blocks. He also operates Hemp Block New Zealand and USA and is currently overseas developing further interest in his product.

Johan said it was fellow Maleny-ite John Muir who initially sparked his interest around 15 years ago by suggesting that he look into incorporating hemp crete into the building process. Johan said he became very interested in discovering the numerous benefits of using hemp. In collaboration with Phil Warner, he looked to revitalise Hemp Crete Australia before switching over to a hemp block system approximately five years ago and establishing Hemp Block Australia. He said he was pleased that there had been a good response to the product with a number of houses around the Maleny and further afield built or planning to be built using the building product.

“There are so many benefits to using this product, it is a natural and sustainable product that bonds to an incredible strength. Carbon is captured within the blocks which transforms or petrifies into rock so it provides enormous benefit as a building product as it never degrades. It is a fantastic fire retardant (BAL FZ) and termite resistant, and it provides great insulation values of R4.8 so basically the homes are cool in summer and hot in winter,“ explained Johan.

Johan said he had built three houses in Maleny and said there had been increasingly positive interest in both using the blocks locally and internationally, as well as the possibility of manufacturing the blocks here in Australia. Currently the blocks are manufactured in France as Australia currently does not the processing plant facilities to support local production, however Johan said he would be keen to attract the investment to establish an Australian facility.

THE 2023 Queensland Community Achievement Awards are now accepting nominations, inviting everyone to acknowledge the remarkable individuals who make a difference in their communities. From the tireless community workers to the local businesses that go the extra mile, these awards aim to recognise the contributions, big or small, that improve lives.

The deserving nominees will be the selfless heroes who dedicate their time and efforts to helping others within their communities.

To nominate someone, visit awardsaustralia.com/qldcaa and select ‘Nominate Now’, or call 1300 055 096 or email qcaa@awardsaustralia.com to provide the nominee’s details. The process has been made convenient for everyone.

All nominees will receive a letter of congratulations and a certificate of encouragement for their outstanding contributions. Nominations will close on Tuesday, August 22, and judging will take place throughout September. The winners will be announced on Friday, November 17, during the prestigious 2023 Community Achievement Awards Gala Presentation Dinner.

To learn more about the award categories and entry conditions, visit awardsaustralia. com/qldcaa. Now is the time to express gratitude and recognise those individuals, businesses, and community groups that tirelessly work towards making a positive impact on the lives of others. Let us come together and celebrate the people who go above and beyond to create a better future for all.