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Tom Malone 40 years a fire warden - a lifetime of volunteering
Tom Malone is a man many in the hinterland will recognise and, if you’re lucky enough, you may have had the pleasure of meeting him. Tomorrow, September 12, Tom celebrates his 90th birthday - proof that when it comes to volunteering and helping out the community age really is no barrier. Tom - who is not one to boast – says volunteering and being involved in the community is just part of who he is. And he has been continually volunteering for close to 70 years. “It has been a big part of my life and I’ve been lucky that throughout my life my work has allowed me time to be able to contribute to different projects in the area,” he said.
Governor of Queensland, Mr Paul de Jersey AC presenting Tom with a certificate of appreciation for outstanding contribution towards the historic Maleny farmhouse, Glenferna, restoration project
“I’ve been volunteering since I left school and I feel lucky that I still have the ability to continue with it now.” For a large part of his life, Tom has been involved with the State Emergency Service (SES) and Rural Fire Brigade. He was pivotal in the establishment of the Maleny and District Rural Fire Brigade. Tom has since retired from those memberships but not before making an impact through many rescues in the region. In 1980, he was appointed fire warden for the Maleny district and has held that position for almost 40 years. While he is no longer active in fighting fires, he plays an integral part in the overall running of the volunteer fire brigade, which provides an invaluable service to the local region. Tom takes his role very seriously, taking the opportunity to remind the public that fires over 2m require a permit. Over the years, Tom has been involved in a number of projects throughout the region, many of which continue to have a big impact in our local community. Among his many contributions, Tom was heavily involved with Rotary establishing the caretaker’s residence at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve and pivotal in setting up the Maleny Senior Citizens Club and local soccer club. Tom has also been heavily involved with St Vincent de Paul Society over the years and was the regional chairman for a number of years. You’ll still see Tom helping out at Landsborough Vinnies, where he provides support for people in need.
Maleny launches 18-hole member drive with three-year deal Maleny Golf Club is offering a special three-year membership option to new members as it prepares to bring the final six holes of the award-winning Sunshine Coast hinterland course into play in early 2020. Maleny Golf Club, which opened in 2015, is known for its welcoming country hospitality and still has significant growth capacity to accommodate new male, female and junior members interested in playing socially or competitively. There is currently no nomination fee. Anyone taking up the $2,244 offer will enjoy full gold membership from the day they sign up until 31 October 2022 and avoid anticipated annual fee increases in the meantime. The 2019/2020 full gold membership fee will be $748. President Dr Max Whitten said the offer represented both good value for money and an opportunity for members and newcomers to help the club fund mowing and maintenance fleet additions to service the expanded 18-hole course. “We will be bringing the last six of our 18 holes into play early in the new year and have committed to purchasing and leasing additional equipment so we can continue to deliver our high standard of course presentation,” Dr Whitten said. The current 12-hole, par-46 course incorporates an environmentally low-impact design by golf architect Graham Papworth that preserves and integrates existing wetlands and native flora. The completed 18-hole course will be comprised of two par 5s, ten par 4s and six par 3s, presenting a par 68 layout featuring unique revetted greenside bunkering, Tifdwarf Bermudagrass greens and kikuyu fairways within a peaceful, scenic hinterland setting.
It’s Time to Join Maleny Golf Club 18-Holes completed Special 3-year deal available Quality award-winning course
Wayne Perske PGA Pro/Manager Picturesque setting Electric carts for hire
Call Now! Ph: 5499 9960 or Wayne Perske on 0417 005 591 15 Porters Lane, North Maleny
shop@malenygolfclub.com.au www.malenygolfclub.com.au 10
When asked about the most rewarding part of his volunteering over the years, Tom said there’s no simple answer but being able to support and be supported by others and to have the ability to “help get things done” had always been a part of what he loves about it. A fine example that age really has no barrier when it comes to volunteering, Tom has no plans of slowing down heading into his 91st year and says life is not much fun if you don’t keep busy. Member for Glass House Andrew Powell said Tom was simply amazing. “Everywhere I turn in the hinterland, there he is. And such a gentleman. “Our local area, indeed the state and nation, would grind to a halt if not for our volunteers and Tom has been, and continues to be at 90, one of the best. “Happy birthday Tom!" Andrew said.
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Glasshouse Country & Maleny News
