Edition 13 December 2022

Crime levels at new high

By Jennifer Kent

A SPATE of recent crimes has seen Maleny record the highest levels of offences in the hinterland town in two years. Queensland Police Service Crime Map statistics show there were 345 offences across the Maleny police division in the past two years with 79 ‘other theft’ crimes topping the list. The next most recorded crimes were 62 traffic offences, drug offences (49) and other property (46).

FROM THE EDITOR

WITH so many vested interests in the world it’s hard, if not impossible, to know when you’re getting a clearcut and objective perspective from any group or individual.

And in today’s age of 24/7 noise, debate becomes argument and the rational becomes irrational in a blindingly frustrating instant. A case in point is social media and its telling hand in the devolution of sensible and respectful commentary.

It’s a place where it is impossible to walk away feeling you’re better informed, let alone feeling like you’ve made a contribution that wasn’t immediately hijacked and cast into the spiralling drain of what counts for modern-day commentary. That’s why organisations like Maleny Forums is so critical to smaller communities in the modern world.

At a time when regions find it hard enough to be heard, Maleny Forums is able to cut through in a thoughtful, objective way that identifies issues and through community engagement looks at ways to affect positive change. Our feature on its achievements (p6-7) show

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how busy it has been in the community since its inception in 2019.

From pathways to EV charging stations, parks and parking, Maleny Forums has helped advocate the needs of the community to local, state and federal authorites for real results. With no vested interests MF is able to impartially tackle issues that impact the community, making it much easier to get results. It is now calling for input into topics to consider for 2023. Last weekend had to be peak pre-Christmas events. From the late night shopping at Maleny to Beerwah Heart Community Fair Day and carols at every corner there is a great vibe in the air (p10-12). And congratulations to all the graduating year sixers and especially to Flyn and the captains at Beerwah State School who were great participants as we dressed them up with 30 metres of string lights, tinsel and a reindeer. Seemed like a good idea.

Beerwah State School leaders Flyn and Stephanie are A. thrilled to be graduating and B. excited it’s Christmas. Check out our graduating hinterland Year 6 students.

Mitch

Mitch Gaynor

Glasshouse Country & Maleny News @gcmnews

Sconetime says bye to Bankoot

THE bon-bons were popping and the festive mood was high as Sconetime held its final event at Bankfoot House.

In spite of the hot and humid morning the Christmas tunes were cranking and guests enjoyed a lovely morning of tea, Montville coffee and homemade scones courtesy of Sunshine Coast Foodie, Martin Duncan, and the Beerwah QCWA team.

From next year, Glasshouse Country Sconetimes will be held at Beerwah Heart Community Centre.

The first one will be on Thursday, February 9.

Clean air a burning issue

By Jennifer Kent

THE SUNSHINE Coast Council is being asked to consider clarifying rules around backyard burning after residents across Glasshouse Country raised concerns that fires were causing acute health issues.

The introduction of green waste bins earlier this year signalled a potential reduction in backyard burning, but residents said they were concerned that there had been no change in the level of burning.

One reader shared: “In the past I’ve contacted council and received conflicting advice, and also met with a designated investigating officer at my property.

“According to council, in a rural/ residential designated zone the whole issue of what constitutes ‘nuisance smoke’ is ambiguous at best, and laughable at worst”.

Another reader shared similar thoughts: “One council officer informed me I was too far away from the smoke to be affected (200m). Then another told me that for smoke to be a nuisance an authorised officer must be within my house and detect smoke throughout”.

GC&M News sought clarification from the Council on the matter, with a spokesperson stating fires must not cause a smoke nuisance and those that do may

be investigated by council officers under the Environmental Protection Act 1994, or by Queensland Fire and Emergency Service to determine if the necessary permit was issued. “When having a fire, only use dry, untreated wood, to minimise smoke for yourself and your neighbours,” the spokesperson said. “Green waste, plastics, treated wood and paper must not be burned.”

Council’s advice prior to lodging a formal complaint, residents are encouraged to take steps to try and resolve the issue with the person causing the smoke nuisance, such as writing a letter or speaking directly with them. In

a recent You Said It letter, Division One Councillor Rick Baberowski stated that while burning is legal, he encouraged the use of the green bins.

“Some garden waste would be considered unsuitable material and it is likely that they would be unlawful due to nuisance odour and or smoke. If you suspect a fire isn’t lawful then reporting it is the best option for it to be logged to become part of a body of evidence and assessed by an officer of Council’s Environmental Health Team,” he wrote.

Residents who witnessed thoughtless or careless open fires were encouraged to call council on 5475 7272.

Pantomime casts a spell

THE Maleny Players Christmas pantomime ‘The Magic Opal’, written and directed by Rob Hobson and co-directed by Kim Zwalf, was performed last weekend at the Playhouse, was once again a resounding success. The Fairy Godmother (Kim Zwalf) set the scene and encouraged a very receptive audience to participate in true pantomime style with lots of ‘booing ‘and “Oh Yes, it is” reverberating around the theatre.

Comments on social media included “The future looks great for the Maleny Players if you’re capturing the enthusiasm and potential of youth.

The mutual opportunities for growth are plentiful” (Catherine Day) and from Clair Bear “Thanks to the cast and crew for showing the young ones how it’s done, keeping them safe and happy and encouraging them so much. Benji loved the whole thing and came home today on a huge High”. We would like to thank everyone who came along to see the pantomime and look forward to seeing you at the playhouse 2023.

The Maleny Players committee are planning a full program for 2023. If anyone is interested in becoming involved with the Maleny Players with either; participating in our play readings, performing, directing, sound and lighting; working backstage and props and/or would like to receive our monthly newsletter, please email malenyplayers.org.

Maleny pool officially opened Story Dogs needs volunteers

“We

to thank everyone who has supported the Maleny Swimming Club

A fundraising drive to ensure health and safety compliance was also successful.

The pool is open daily including from 10am to 3pm on weekends.

Entry is $5 for adults and $4 for seniors and

ANinitiative helping children improve their reading skills while surrounded by lovable dogs is looking for new volunteers. Story Dogs is a fantastic non-profit running a literacy program in primary schools Australia-wide. The program is designed to make reading fun for children, so they become confident lifelong readers. Their mission is to ensure that no child is left behind in literacy.

Maree Keating and her Golden Retriever Jasmine joined the program last year. “I can honestly say that Story

Dogs is one of the most rewarding things I’ve done. When children read to a dog the outcomes are amazing.” Maree said.

Volunteers must be able to give two hours per week for the school year, where they will work with the same four students.The dogs must pass an accreditation test carried out by certified Assessors and must all have annual vet checks, vaccinations, have council registrations and be clean and groomed before going into schools.New volunteers receive training. For more information call Maree on 0403774640.

Contributed by Diane Hobson

Maleny crime spree

By Jennifer Kent

A SPATE of recent crimes has seen Maleny record the highest levels of crime in the hinterland town in two years.

Queensland Police Service Crime Map statistics show there were 345 offences across the Maleny police division over the past two years with 79 ‘other theft’ crimes topping the list.

The next most recorded crimes were traffic offences (62), drug offences (49) and other property (46).

The town was hit last month by a series of violent robberies with the local IGA and Woolworths targeted. CCTV footage showed up to five people, one holding what appeared to be a crowbar, stealing large numbers of cigarette cartons from the Woolies. Days later Maleny Jewellers were targeted with footage showing a violent attempt to break into the local retailer. No charges have been laid and investigations are continuing for both incidents.

November saw the most recent increase in offences in the past three months 16 offences recorded across Maleny QPS division, including six Unlawful Entries, two Trespassing and Vagrancy and three Other Property Damage offences. However, the highest rate of offences over the past two years in the region were recorded in April 2022 (24), followed by August 2021 (24).

A QPS spokesperson said staffing levels at Maleny were appropriate.

The police station is serviced by four staff consisting of one Sergeant (Officer

in Charge), two Senior Constables and an Administration Officer.

A QPS spokesperson said when allocating police resources, the QPS takes into account the service delivery requirements of each area, community policing initiatives and the complexity of providing an equitable policing service.

“The priorities of the Sunshine Coast District police remain focussed on the safety of local communities, their officers, and ensuring the highest levels of service delivery are maintained at all times,” the spokesperson said.

“While staffing levels within individual workplaces will fluctuate from time to time due to issues such as planned and unplanned absences, the QPS has

Australia zoo’s healthy grant

AUSTRALIA Zoo received $400,000 from the state government to build eight luxury cabins at the iconic tourist attraction.

The funding allowed the zoo to build its Crocodile Hunter Lodge, after it successfully applied for a grant through the $8 million Growing Tourism Infrastructure Fund 2018.

The lodge is an exclusive property with rates for a two-night stay for two adults on weekends nearly $1900, which includes entry to the zoo and breakfast.

The lodge also boasts a high-end restaurant, group camping ground, pool and reception.

Opening the lodge in September this year, Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said it would see “$4.5m feed back into the local economy each and every year going forward”.

sufficient staff and resources to deliver professional policing services to all residents of and visitors to the Maleny

QPS has sufficient staff and resources to deliver professional policing services to... (Maleny)

By Mitch Gaynor

be addressed in 2023.

It has been a big year for MF, with a change of leadership and a number of forums held over the course of 2022 including the consideration of a multigenerational park for the hinterland town.

MF was created in 2019 as an unfunded non-incorporated independent entity that provides a means of community engagement and better decision-making through the use of community forums.

From waste reduction to pathways, EV charging stations, traffic and parking issues and disaster preparedness just to name a few, MF has been incredibly active in its short history.

Founding member, Barry Smith, said that MF provides all community residents with the opportunity to raise, discuss and act on matters that impact on the broader community or sectors of it.

Maleny Forums approach was chosen by the community.

“The approach aims to ensure the voice of the community is not shackled by vested interests or controlling structures,” Barry said, adding “Maleny forums is not politically aligned.”

“The partnership between Maleny Community Centre, Hinterland Business Centre, Maleny Neighbourhood and Maleny

community engagement and empowerment is still valued highly in Maleny.”

Waste Action Maleny’s Yvonne Holmes said WAM “is grateful for Maleny Forums which gave voice to the community interest in reducing waste in our town”.

Joan McVilly, member of the Pathways working group and also member of the Maleny Forums Coordinating Team, explained that the working group emerged from the first Forum held by Maleny Forums, out of a deep concern for the unsafe and absence of footpaths and bikeways in Maleny.

“The group was encouraged and

right through to the final collation and presentation of the extensive survey to SCC at a well-attended Maleny forum at Maleny Community Centre,” she said.

“This report was submitted to Sunshine Coast Council, and was re-submitted during the recent SCC consultation on Streetscaping in Maple Street.”

More recently, the issue of a lack of park space for people was raised in a working group discussing a Multigenerational Park for Maleny.

Rossina Moore, Co-convenor of the working group, said that she appreciated “the supportive environment for families

and the structure to the meeting which created a space for productive discussion”.

“There is great enthusiasm in the working group,” she said.

With 2023 on the horizon, the Maleny Forums Coordinating Team is now inviting ideas from Maleny residents about community issues which would be helped along by a community forum.

To be considered for a forum, the issue must be something where there is strong community concern, and where deepening peoples understanding of the issue and the formation of a working group would be helpful.

Maleny Forums is unlikely to convene or promote forums about issues already being addressed by an existing group, or if it is a matter of conflict resolution. How does MF decide which issues to explore?

Forums are convened on key issues that exist within the Maleny community, typically raised by Maleny residents and where it can be shown that there is already strong community concern, but no action group exists to address the issue.

A forum provides an opportunity for informative, factual, inclusive and respectful community wide discussion and decision-making.

Generally, a working group is encouraged to form to take action about the community issue. Maleny Forums Coordinating Team provides initial support to any working group formed. All working groups have an identity independent of Maleny Forums.

A short history

Maleny Forums itself arose from a

The approach aims to ensure the voice of the community is not shackled by vested interests

public forum in 2019, attended by 80 residents.

A range of community engagement approaches were offered and the group selcted the approach in use by Maleny Forums.

The original Maleny Forums Coordinating Team consisted of Barry Smith, Claire Booth and Sheila Bryden, Roger Westcott, Spencer Shaw, Barry Eastman and Amelia Ross.

Who is Maleny Forums associated with?

Maleny Forums works in partnership with Maleny Neighbourhood Centre, Hinterland Business Centre, and Maleny Community Centre.

Maleny Forums has an ongoing relationship with the Sunshine Coast Council through Sharon Beatie, the SCC Community Engagement Officer.

In February 2022 MFCT met with the SCC Chief Executive Officer (Ms Emma Thomas) to inform her of the role of Maleny Forums, and to draw to her

attention issues that have been raised by the Maleny community including: the Pathways Report, Maleny Library Extension, Maleny Streetscape Project

and the need for additional toilets in the Maleny CBD.

Forums held since 2019?

• Establishment of the Maleny Forums model

• Traffic and parking

• Meet the SCC election candidates

• Meet the Qld Govt election candidates

• Disaster Preparedness

• Responses to climate change

• In-depth discussion climate change responses

• In-depth discussion on EV charging stations

• NBN issues in and around Maleny

• Reduce, reuse, recycle and repair (4Rs)

• Forum for the Pathways Survey Presentation

• Meet the Federal Govt election

candidates

• Placemaking and Streetscaping

• Community E-bus

• Multigenerational Park

Who are members of the Maleny Forums Coordinating Team?

Current members are Joan McVilly, Ernie Marcum, Glenys McAlpine, Jane Sherwin, Ritva Vilppola and Jana Zehr. Looking to the future...

Cooridanting Team member Jane Sherwin said the Maleny Forums has learned that much can be gained when residents are brought together.

“It’s always exciting when a working gorup forms so that residents work together to solve local issues,” she said.

Joan McVilly said that the Coordinating Team is very hoepful of receiving ideas from Malenyresidents for forums in 2023.

Send Maleny Forums an email with your contact details and a brief description of the issue to malenyforums@gmail.com.

“STOP multi-tasking, Just drive”.

That’s the clear and simple message from RACQ that will be plastered on billboards across the State from todayin a bid to change driver behaviour and create awareness about the dangers of distracted driving. The Club’s General Manager Advocacy Joshua Cooney said the campaign will run during the summer holidays when tens of thousands of families are on the road.

“Our message to Queenslanders is simple – Stop multi-tasking. Just drive,” Mr Cooney said.

“Last year 23 people died in road crashes involving inattentive or distracted motorists, but according to our 2022 Annual Road Safety Survey, many Queenslanders still don’t take distracted driving seriously.”

Just drive Council moves to City Hall

THE Maroochydore Customer Service counter and Development Information counter will be located at the new Sunshine Coast City Hall from December 12, alongside many other council departments. Service Excellence Portfolio Councillor Christian Dickson said the new location was located a short walk from the previous location. “We understand some Sunshine Coast residents prefer to communicate with us in person so we made sure the new Maroochydore Customer Service counter was just down the road and in a central, convenient and accessible location,” Cr Dickson said.

Big year for business

Contributed by Jenny Broderick

THANK you to all of our incredible businesses who have supported our Chamber this year.

A special thank you to all of our volunteer Chamber Committee who consistently give of their time. We are very fortunate to have such a committed team.

The Chamber Committee have been busy throughout 2022 hosting events and supporting our Business Community.

Through our Business Shopfront Survey, we have been able to gain valuable insight into the concerns and needs of our businesses, enabling us greater understanding into what our Business Community needs.

We will continue to build on this information in order to advocate for the issues that are important to you.

Thank you to our local businesses who were able to help us gather this information.

After several meetings and information sessions, have also had the opportunity to submit, on behalf of our Chamber, our considerations for the new Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme.

We will continue to push forward with this in 2023, with the formation of our ‘Future Planning Sub Commmittee’, with a focus of representing our business community to all levels of Government in future planning decisions affecting our region; including the upcoming Planning Scheme, Infrastructure, Transport and Zoning.

Among our many networking events this year, our biggest event was hosting our Annual HinterWonderLand Street Party in Beerwah, with Jack Rabbit Events.

Thousands came out to celebrate all that is great about our community with live music and entertainment, market stalls, school performances and more.

The night was a huge success and we are grateful for all the support and Sponsorship from our many local businesses. We look forward to doing it all again.

Our AGM is always a big success with the showcasing of our fabulous local produce, with this years menu grafted by Alec from Club Glasshouse.

We are grateful for our producers for providing us with such delicious ingredients! With a new Committee for 2023, we are excited about the year ahead.

Next year our Sponsorship and Membership structure for the Chamber will be changing, with the goal of being able to support even more Glasshouse Country Businesses.

Keep an eye out for the changes and if you are keen to find out more about our Sponsorship program, please contact us.

On behalf of the Glasshouse Country Chamber, we would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year, and we look forward to working with you in 2023.

Glasshouse Country Chamber members at the launch of this year’s HinterWonderLand

Fix it cafe celebrates 10th anniversary

Contributed by Jim Straker

THURSDAY November 24 was a special day for the Fix It Cafe at Maleny Neighbourhood Centre. It marked the 10th anniversary of the organisation started by Dolina Sommerville and Paul Williamson. After a normal start to the day, around 20 people celebrated this milestone with stories, meetings of past and current members, MNC members, media, and guests.

A large cake was cut by Dolina to round off the day. Current Fixers are Nev for bicycles, Josie and Pam for sewing, Peter for sewing machine maintenance and Jim for tool/knife sharpening plus small furniture repair and odd challenges.

Nev was one of the first Fixers for the group and is still going strong at 90 years of age.

Maleny Fix It Cafe is a social enterprise run from Maleny Neighbourhood Centre. Run entirely by volunteers, the group

encourages social connection and aims to reduce landfill and promote the benefits of recycling and re purposing.

All repairs are assessed and if fixable are repaired for a small, suggested donation cost of between $5-$10 for more complex or sewing machine repairs, with the money donated directly to MNC.

MNC Fix It Cafe operates on the second and fourth Thursday of the month with the final café for 2022 on Thursday December 8. Fix It Café will be back in the new year, with Thursday January 12 most likely the first day back.

New customers and Fixers are always welcome to help with the actions as well as being reserve Fixers. MNC Fix It Cafe operates 9am to 2pm with a community lunch at 12.30pm. For more details contact MNC on 5499 9345 for information.

Wootha Prize is now open as Maleny Wood Expo returns

AFTER three years of cancellations due to the pandemic, Barung Landcare is excited to host the return of the Maleny Wood Expo to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland in 2023! Held over the May long weekend, the expo has been a feature of the region since 1996. Bringing together some of Australia’s finest woodworkers and timber artisans, the Wood Expo offers an exciting three-day program of entertainment, workshops,

sustainably crafted pieces from wood artisans and furniture makers from all over Australia. This year, entrants are invited to explore the theme ‘Dovetails’. With a first prize of $10,000 the Sunshine Coast

Wootha Prize is a great opportunity to feature a diversity of talented artisans, skilled at working with wood. Previous winners have gone on to further develop their skills and talent, and benefit from the lift in profile that the competition offers.

Entries for the Sunshine Coast Wootha Prize are currently open, and close midnight March 17, 2023.

Visit www.malenywoodexpo.com for more information and to enter.

Christmas lights guide

Glasshouse

Mountains

• 18 Spanner Rd

• Aspect Way

The entire estate is in on the action

• 94 Outlook Drive

• 23 Alpha Drive

Landsborough

• Hardwood Road

• 4 Layt Ct

• 6 Gowen Drive:

Chair with photo op for lights & giving out lollies for kids

• 1 Bunderra Court

MALENY

• 3 Lawrence Place

MOOLOOLAH

• 20 Dorson Drive

• 26 Maddock Avenue

• 13 Fairview Court

Includes Bethlehem dress ups and photo booth for family pictures

Matilda shines with Xmas Carols

MATILDA Cuervo and guitarist Barry Koppitkke were highlights among many at the Beerburrum Community Children’s Christmas Party held on Saturday, December 3.

Families and friends were entertained throughout the day thanks to the support of volunteers as well as local organisations and businesses (See ‘You Said It’ p15).

While Santa was a standout hit, a trackless train, face painting, crafts, animals and singalongs kept families entertained.

A trail of Christmas joy

LIGHTUP@CHRISTMAS is back for its 10th year with 15 dazzling Christmas displays along the trail at Maleny Uniting Church. Bring the whole family or enjoy at your own pace, and see the beautiful displays the many local community organisations have brought together for the community to enjoy.

Maleny Uniting Church’s Peter Callaghan explained the trail would run around the outside of the Church leading inside where eight beautiful Christmas trees will be set up.

“We’ve got quite a few local community groups involved this year and the MCU Charitable Trust have come on board with a grant supporting the event,” Peter said.

“Like last year, we have a combination of Christmas tree displays and Christmas light displays following this year’s theme of ‘Peace’. There are some spectacular displays outside as well as beautifully decorated trees inside.”

Local organisations involved include the Maleny Neighbourhood Centre, Maleny Hospital Auxiliary, RangeCare, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Maleny Girl Guides, Blue Care Erowal, Rotary Club of Maleny, CWA Maleny, Sacred Heart

Catholic Church, Men’s Shed Maleny, Maleny Dairies, Blackall Range Horseless Carriage Club, Ladies Friendship Group, Busy Needles and Witta Recreation Club. Previous years’ events welcomed up to 700 people over the week’s opening, however, like many other events in recent years Covid put a halt on allowing the walk-through event to go ahead. Peter shared during that time, with the support of community organisations, the event transformed from their Christmas Tree Festival to incorporating lighting up the whole building and grounds.

interesting to see how people interpret the theme of the year.”

LightUP@Christmas is a free family event running from 7-9pm, December 18–23 at Maleny Uniting Church, 1290 Maleny-Landsborough Road, Maleny. There’ll be kids giveaways and refreshments are available for donation with all money raised will go to the Maleny Community Centre in support the work they do. (see ad on page 11)

A very RangeCare Christmas

By Kirra Livingstone

RANGECARE’s volunteer and client Christmas parties on December 8 and 9 were a great success, allowing all to connect with those they don’t usually see.

Marketing officer Toni Hinton said the RangeCare Christmas tradition was going well for another year and highlighted the importance of volunteers to the organisation.

“Our volunteers don’t get to interact with clients from different areas so it’s nice to have everyone in the same place to celebrate the new year,” she said.

“We couldn’t do what we do without our volunteers, they make up a massive part of our workforce… over half a million dollars worth of labour for us.

“I think we have about 150 volunteers across the coast… I don’t think

RangeCare would be where they are today without them.”

Toni said RangeCare had many struggles this year due to the pandemic and the floods in late February, however, there are big things and developments coming for them in the next few years.

“We want to continue to expand across the coast and in Gympie, we just want to get bigger and support more people in the community,” she said.

“There’s a lot of big projects coming up, and we are introducing more support programs in the new year to give people more opportunities to connect with new people and experience new things.”

Hinton also thanked the volunteers, staff and clients for sticking with RangeCare, and spoke about the vitalness of their organisation to the community.

A fine Xmas fair

THE QCWA’s Beerwah Heart Christmas Fair was a resounding success going by the buzz at the Community Hall on Saturday December 10.

Local small businesses, community groups, face painting, live music, a beautiful Summer’s morning and of course, Santa, all combined to make the inaugural Christmas event a hit.

Hundreds of people attended, picking up local handmade gifts from dozens of stalls for loved ones. Market coordinator Debbie Ives said it was great to see so many people turn out to the festive event.

Christmas WHAT’S ON

Reesville Christmas Party

Time: 5pm, Monday Dec 12

Where: 460 Reesville Road, Reesville

Dec 12

Info: The Reesville Christmas Party is back for the 32nd year and everyone is welcome! Bring your own drinks and finger food to share. Tea and coffee will be provided by Lili Ziegert. Rail, hail or shine the party is on from 5pm.

Creative Christmas Community Day

Time: 10am-2pm, Tuesday Dec 13

Where: Glasshouse Country Uniting Church, 29 Twin Peaks Drive, Beerwah

Club Glass House Kids Christmas Party

Time: From 12pm, Sunday Dec 18

Where: Club Glass House, 6 Gardner Street, Glass House Mountains Info: Join us for our KIDS CHRISTMAS PARTY! Bring your family, dancing shoes, swimmers and a towel and have a great time with us. There will be presents for the children, inflatable waterslide and James G Brennan live on the deck.

Dec 18

Community Carols by Candlelight

Time: 7-8pm, Wednesday, De 21

Where: 295 Witta Road, Witta

Info: Bring your own candles/light, chair or rug. If it is raining the event will be cancelled.

Dec 13

Info: Children over 5 and carers, and older adults all welcome to enjoy some Christmas craft fun! BYO water bottle or mug and special dietary food if required, plus scissors, glue sticks and coloured pens. Donations of old cards and Chirstmas paper or ribbons, colourful magazine, tinsel, gum nuts or pine cones will be appreciated. Register with Rev Dr Elizabeth Nolan on 0448 358 774 or email churchgcuc@gmail.com by Dec 9.

Montville Carols on the Green

Time: 6-8pm Wednesday Dec 14

Where: Village Green, Main Street Montville Info: Join the community on the Village Green for carols, games and prizes, with the Salvation Army Band playing. BYO Picnic at 6pm for carols to begin at 7pm. There will be free games, prizes and glow sticks for the kids, plus special guest Boomer the Chirstmas Kangaroo! Best dressed with an Aussie Christmas theme wins!

Peachester Community Barbeque

Time: 6.30pm, Saturday Dec 17

Where: Peachester Community Hall

Info: Back in 2022, the Peachester Community Christmas Barbeque will be on at the hall, from 6.30pm. Tickets for the meal this year include a family ticket for two adults and two or more children $50, otherwise adults $20, primary age children $5, pre-schoolers free. Drinks on sale. There will be a raffle supporting hall funds, and we hear that Father Christmas will be making an appearance!

LightUP@Christmas

Time: 7-9pm, Monday19 - Friday 23 Dec

Dec 19-23

Where: Maleny Uniting Church, 1284 Maleny Landsborough Road, Maleny Info: Walk around the outdoor Christmas lights displays and come into the hall to enjoy supper amongst Christmas trees or overlooking our grounds. The theme of the displays this year is PEACE. Several community organisations will create both outdoor and indoor displays to complement the church’s displays. There will be bags and activities for children. Proceeds from donations and supper will go to the Maleny Neighbourhood Centre.

Woodford

Folk Festival

Time: December 27-January 1

Where: Woodford

Info: The Woodford Folk Festival is held annually over six days and six nights, from Dec 27th through to January 1st. More than 2,000 local, national and international, artists, musicians and presenters put on over 438 acts to an audience of an estimated 132,000 people. The festival begins each year with the iconic Opening Ceremony and closes with the spectacular showcase, the Fire Event on New Year’s Day. This year will be the 35th Woodford Folk Festival and the 28th held at Woodfordia.

Glasshouse Chamber Xmas Breakfast

Time: 7.30am, Tuesday, December 20

Where: The Coffee Club Beerwah

Dec 20

Info: Come and Celebrate Christmas with the Glasshouse Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday 20th December from 7:30am. Come for brekky, or simply grab a cuppa and say hello on your way to work, as we farewell 2022 and celebrate all the good things to come in 2023! glasshousecountrychamber.com.au

Glasshouse Senior Citizens

Time: Second Tuesday each month

Where: Beerwah Community Hall

Info: Glasshouse Senior Citizens’ Club is planning for its 2023 events, locking in the Beerwah Community Hall from February. Held on the second Tuesday of each month the Club encourages 50+ seniors to reach out and meet new friends. Call 0448 762 637 for more information.

IT might have been a bumpy start to the school year when term 1 was delayed due to Covid and floods and storms played havoc on our lives, but the Hinterland Year Sixers have finished their primary schooling on a high. Well done to all on an amazing year and good luck on your high school adventures!

HINTERLAND EDUCATORS

Glasshouse Christian College

Beerwah State School

Mooloolah State School

Glenview State School

Maleny State School

Landsborough State School

Great Maleny Safe Robbery

By Christopher Lee

IN the early hours of 1st December 1937, the night air of the small town of Maleny was shattered by a thunderous explosion. As the smoke cleared, down in the bed of Obi Obi creek, two men rifled through a shattered safe. From the nearby streets the two men could hear shouts and see torches flashing as a crowd ran down towards the creek. Grabbing what they could from the safe the two men sprinted into the darkness.

Maleny was a quiet little town above what would later become the Sunshine Coast. The main street wound uphill from the bridge over Obi Obi Creek, not far from which sat Victor Magee’s drapery shop, Magee & Co. General Drapers.

On Wednesday night, 1st December 1937, Cyril McKillop, noticed a light on in Magee & Co and immediately phoned Magee. Upon hearing the news Magee promptly called the nearest police station in Landsborough, before heading towards his shop.

Before he was able to investigate there was a loud explosion. As Magee and other townspeople rushed to the site, they found the safe blown apart beneath the bridge and the cash draw missing. Two men were seen running away from the creek but, despite an extensive search of the area, they were not found.

Despite their efforts, all the thieves managed to make off with were two leather overcoats and £3 worth in cash. Though the haul was meagre, the spectacular way in which they had carried out the robbery ensured the two men were the subject of an intensive manhunt. A search was made of the area around Maleny, but no trace of the men was found.

As news of the robbery spread, the police in Brisbane were told to be on the lookout for any suspicious characters. At 3.45am on Thursday, a freight train pulled into Zillmere station, plainclothed constables Moses Murphy and William Brown along with the stationmaster searched the train as it waited. Approaching an open truck, they spotted a young man crouched in the corner wearing a leather overcoat. As they neared, a struggle ensued as the man struggled to get past them before managing to break free and sprint away. Another man wearing a similar overcoat appeared from a nearby carriage and ran off, leaving behind the leather overcoat as he went. PC Murphy pursued the first man while PC Brown ran after the second.

Realising the man was getting away, PC Murphy drew his gun and, calling the man to stop, fired two warning shots. However, the man did not stop, jumping a fence and fleeing though backyards and onto Murphy Road. Another warning shot was fired to which the fleeing man complied. When asked why he had run, the man replied, “It’s pretty rough a man getting pinched for train jumping.”

PC Murphy stated that he believed the man he had just caught was Ronald Stokes and the other man had been Jacob Russell. The man confirmed that he was Ronald Stokes but refused to admit his accomplice’s identity. Upon being questioned, the man admitted to the Magee safe robbery along with ‘his mate’. Stokes stated, “I suppose I’d better make a clean breast of it. I suppose I’ll get a good stretch for it…”

In the meantime, an extensive manhunt was mounted for the second man who had fled Zillmere railway station. Despite being pursued for some distance in the direction of Geebung by PC Brown the man managed to escape by fleeing into dense scrub. The suspect was later spotted on Robinson Road, Geebung. Around 100 police officers and cadets were brought in to search the area but there was no sign of the fugitive. Convinced that the man who had escaped was Jacob Russell, the police issued an arrest warrant in his name.

On Saturday December 1, a man fitting Russell’s description was seen near a picture theatre in Fortitude Valley. However, by the time the police were able to throw a cordon around the area, he was nowhere to be found.

There was no sign of the wanted man until a few days later when Toowoomba police were made aware that a man fitting Russell’s description had been spotted nearby. On Tuesday December 7, Detective Sergeant Elford and Detective Constable Nesbitt were driving along Campbell Street when they spotted the wanted man. As the police car approached, the man fled into

a narrow lane connecting Campbell and Norwood Street. A chase ensued on foot as the suspect fled from police, ending when he was overtaken after running back onto Campbell Street.

The police were able to confirm that the man they had arrested was Jacob Russell. However, when informed about the warrant, Russell denied any involvement or knowledge of the robbery, claiming he had been in Toowoomba at the time.

Both men possessed extensive criminal records, each with a long string of robbery-related convictions and were well-known to police. Russell was regarded as highly dangerous, “a daring and desperate criminal; of a violent disposition; is invariably armed when operating and will not hesitate to shoot when cornered”. Russell was also known to have considerable experience in using explosives to blow safes. It is quite likely Stokes and Russell had become acquainted with each other while they were in prison, serving their sentences at the same time.

Stokes pleaded guilty during his trial in mid-December 1937. He explained that they had ‘jumped’ a train from Bowen Hills railway yard to Landsborough before making their way to Maleny. He stated that they had to break through the fibro wall after failing to kick the front door in. Upon opening the safe and running away, the cash draw was quickly discarded as it rattled too much. After fleeing the scene, they hid in bushes on the side of the road as cars searching for them passed by. They walked some distance and hitched a ride on the back of a northbound mail truck to Gympie,

before taking the southbound freight train to Zillmere, where their journey ended abruptly.

Despite hoping for leniency due to his early guilty plea, Stokes was given a three-year sentence. When pressed about the identity of the other man Stokes only stated that it had not been Russell. As such, Russell pleaded not guilty to the charge, claiming he had nothing to do with it. Regardless, due to his long history of similar crimes and his recent prison release, the police were convinced that Russell was guilty.

However, when the trial commenced in June 1938, the prosecution’s case quickly ran into trouble. When their witness, PC Murphy, took the stand he was questioned about his surety of Russell’s identity as the second man. As there was no clear identification of the second man, nor evidence linking Russell to the crime and Stokes’ assertion that he had not been involved, the case against Russell collapsed and was withdrawn.

The robbery of Magee’s had been no well-planned heist but instead was a rather shambolic affair. Despite the effort taken to enact the crime, the thieves only got away with a small amount of cash, which was quickly tossed, and two leather overcoats, of which one was discarded and the other lead to a prison sentence.

Image Source: Queensland Police Gazette

I suppose I’d better make a clean breast of it. I suppose I’ll get a good stretch for it…

Magee & Co. General Drapers

Jacob Russell

Ronald Stokes

200 years to income equality

AUSTRALIAN women have lower income, less labour force engagement and poorer health than men, a Monash University-led report has found.

The first Australian Women’s Health and Wellbeing Scorecard: Towards equity for women found that at current rates it will take 70 years to reach full time employment equality with men, and more than 200 years to reach income equity.

Women’s labour force absence alone cost $72 billion in lost GDP annually, driving health inequities and deterioration, prompting calls for urgent action.

Elective surgery lowest since ‘11

THE number of patients treated in the 2021–22 financial year from Australia’s public hospital elective surgery waiting lists fell to the lowest level since 2010–11.

Overall, The Women’s Health and Wellbeing Scorecard found economic indicators for women were improving but that a gender gap remains for all indicators except unemployment.

In this context, more women than men experienced elevated psychological distress, which has risen sharply in women aged 18-24 and 55-64 since 2001, linked to financial inequity.

Women aged 18-24 reported the highest distress in all years since 2001. Women aged 55-64 went from reporting the lowest distress in 2001 to the second highest in 2018.

This was associated with disruptions to hospital services as a result of COVID-19.

Information on public hospital elective surgery waiting times and emergency department care in 2021–22 with national, state and territory, local hospital network and hospitalspecific data was released today on the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s (AIHW) MyHospitals platform.

“In 2021–22, public hospitals performed 623,000 elective surgeries, 131,600 (17%) fewer compared to the previous year,” AIHW’s Dr Adrian Webster said.

“This followed periodic suspensions of lower-urgency elective surgery starting from March 2020, which have aimed to help ensure the health system maintains adequate capacity during the pandemic.

Help to have a stress-free Xmas

As the festive season approaches, Triple P – Positive Parenting Program encourages parents and carers to take a proactive and positive approach to communication with children to ensure a stress-free holiday period.

While Australians face a cost-of-living crisis, Triple P offers some simple ways for parents to manage their children’s expectations.

“This year could be a real challenge for many parents who are watching their Christmas spend closely,” Carol MarkieDadds said. Evidence-based, positive programs like Triple P can offer new strategies to maintain a happy household over the festive season:

Look After Yourself First

It might sound odd, but caring for your own needs first and taking the time to recharge your battery by doing something healthy and nurturing can make it easier to remain calm and positive during stressful times.

The Conversation

Children are more aware than you may think and often pick up on feelings of stress or anxiety. They take their cues from parents, so having proactive, honest, and positive conversations that are sensitive to their needs, can help them build resilience and understand why all families, not just your own, are paying more attention to their finances this year.

Numbers Game

Less can indeed be more, so ask children to list one or two presents that would be special on top of their ‘must have’ wishes –and within a set price range!

Online tutoring’s positive turn

THE second trial of an online in-home tutoring program run by children’s education charity, The Smith Family, has achieved strong results for children struggling with numeracy and literacy. The Catch-Up Learning program first ran in 2021 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and aimed to contribute to addressing the gap in educational achievement between students experiencing disadvantage and their more advantaged peers. The evaluation of the first pilot showed promising evidence of the program’s capacity to engage students and support greater than expected gains in both literacy and numeracy.

The program targets students from Years 4 to 8 on The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program who are struggling in both these subject areas. The evaluation of a second trial showed strong that two in three students made greater progress in numeracy than might typically be expected over a six-month period; more than half (53 per cent) of the participants made greater than expected progress in literacy than might typically be expected over a six-month period; and more than two in five (44 per cent) students who completed the Catch-Up Learning program made greater than expected progress in literacy and numeracy.

SAGITTARIUS

NOVEMBER 23 – DECEMBER 21

Sagittarians can now either dive wholeheartedly into life’s pleasures or create something new at work. From what the planets promise, there should be ample rewards for your efforts. So if you want to make some changes, now’s the time to do just that. Travel may also be thrown in, or at least the chance to mingle work with play.

CAPRICORN

DECEMBER 22 – JANUARY 20

It’s strange how sometimes you can feel invisible, as if people are walking straight past or through you. Other times, you’re suddenly the centre of attention - when even strangers catch a second glance. Well, this week you’re both visible and magnetic. The planets offer the right encouragement to catch up with old friends and simply have fun.

AQUARIUS

JANUARY 21 – FEBRUARY 18

A little flirtation is all well and good, but only to a point. Someone could take your harmless remarks more seriously, expecting you to follow through. On the flip side, is someone stringing you along? Either way, if you’re not ready to go there - simply enjoy the attention and chemical reaction. There’s no rush.

PISCES

FEBRUARY 19 – MARCH 20

Start this week by doing what you love. Enjoy those long lunches, indulge in shopping sprees and, perhaps, some pampering days. With the cosmos on your side - you’re back at your best. A bargain, new business or financial opportunity should soon present itself. But wait until next week before you sign any contracts or accept and deals.

ARIES

MARCH 21 – APRIL 20

From time to time, the least amount of effort can bring the biggest rewards. Ariens have charm and confidence, but this week your ambitious spirit also steers many advantages your way. Plus, your words and actions ensure you deliver the goods. It’s a winning formula at a time when you’re urged to mix business with pleasure.

TAURUS

APRIL 21 – MAY 20

Most of your spending is ruled by practicality. You aim for quality, rather than quantity. Taureans generally know their financial limits - when diminishing returns no longer justify further outlay. Keep this sensible approach in mind, because this week’s feeling financially reckless. Don’t spend what you don’t have.

GEMINI

MAY 21 – JUNE 21

You’ve been moody for a while now, Gemini - perhaps feeling a tad abandoned. This week the cosmos presents even more demands. You may have to wrestle with extra challenges or there’s unfinished business to complete. Remember though, that you’re truly adored and those who truly love you will never let you down.

CANCER

JUNE 22 - JULY 22

Don’t know about sticks, but this week it’s verbal stones that could break your spirit. If someone is being deliberately cantankerous, conflict could follow. Someone needs to be the peacemaker. Let it be you. Lead by example, Cancer - it’s a role you usually play well. Of course, there are more challenges than usual to cope with.

LEO

JULY 23 – AUGUST 23

Tensions flare as power struggles promote either fight or flight. Your fiery Leo anger can be explosive, but suppressing emotions isn’t healthy either. If you have a problem, aim for a positive outcome rather than just venting. Either clear the air or take very long walks. In any case, your health can only improve with a little extra exercise.

VIRGO

AUGUST 24 – SEPTEMBER 22

You see things from a different perspective this week. Most Virgos feel more confident and ambitious. Work could also take an unexpected turn as you try something new. If you cope well enough, you may be offered retraining. And should someone ask your opinion on an important matter, answer with conviction.

LIBRA

SEPTEMBER 23 – OCTOBER 23

The past has a bad habit of reappearing on your doorstep when you least expect it. If this sounds like a recipe for disaster, don’t worry. It’s simply a case of using your common sense. By late week, many Librans find that their cashflow improves. It’s been a long wait, but you may finally start to pay those overdue bills.

SCORPIO

OCTOBER 24 – NOVEMBER 22

This week many Scorpios feel ambushed, or feel they’re being forced towards a disagreeable direction. Yet through all this, you’ll end up the winner. Fiesty Mars, for one, indicates victory. Truth is, you’re not really one to stand still for long. Romantically, too, there’s plenty to hope for. Even some friendships are in for a surprise shift of status.

Rosetta’s Great Reads

Waiting for the Storks

Reviewed by Karin Markowski

In award-winning author Katrina Nannestad’s third book set during WWII, eight-year-old Zofia lives with her loving family in German-occupied Poland. As a blond, blue-eyed girl, she attracts attention and is snatched by soldiers, transported to Germany, forced to give up her Polish identity and to become a ‘Good, German girl’. Thousands of children were kidnapped under Himmler’s Lebensborn program, to help create their vision of a pure race. Adopted by a German family, Zofia becomes Sophia and although happy, she struggles with her new identity as memories of her past life bubble to the surface. Nannestad deals delicately with topics of separation, trauma and guilt but there’s also times of joy, kindness and most importantly, hope. Age 10+. RRP $19.99

The Battle of Long Tan

Reviewed by Rob Dodd

Australian favourite, Peter FitzSimons, continues his passion for bringing us real stories about real Australians once again in his latest book that details the miracle of how heavily outnumbered Australian forces withstood a Viet Cong assault in Vietnam’s deadliest battle. In his dramatic telling of these personal stories, he puts you in the combat boots of the men who were there. ‘The smoke grenade had been thrown, but of the choppers, no sign! But wait! What is that now? It starts as a distant drum-beat…’ Full of tension, bravery and hope, this book also asks hard questions about war and its toll on those who served their country. RRP $49.99

Ready to glamp at Woodfordia

IT WAS a big moment for Woodfordia last week with the launch of 20 new permanent glamping tents, officially opened by the Minister for Tourism, Stirling Hinchliffe.

Moreton Bay Regional Council Mayor Councillor Peter Flannery and Councillor Tony Latter, Member for Glass House Andrew Powell and Queensland Tourism officials attended the opening.

Minister Hinchliffe said the 20 tents will be a permanent fixture at Woodfordia, with each accommodating up to four people and fully furnished with beds, seating, kitchen facilities and an ensuite bathroom.

“The Queensland Government supported their construction, awarding the project $1.2 million through the $25

million Growing Tourism Infrastructure Fund 2020/21,” Minister Hinchliffe said.

“Their project supported seven jobs during construction and will create three ongoing operational jobs and will be a significant visitor drawcard for the region.

Woodfordia General Manager, Amanda Jackes, said it had been a challenge to finish the units in time due to weather and Covid. “The units are suitable for couples and families, and are in a private bush setting, very close to our beautiful natural swimming lake, Lake Gkula,” she added.

The glamping tents will be available, along with the usual options of pitch luxury tents, tent city and BYO camping for Woodford Folk Festival.

GIFTS

Amanda Jackes and Stirling Hinchliffe (photo Jack Tindal)

Glamping Tents - Woodfordia (photo Jack Tindal)

Lake Gkula (photo Martin Ollman)

What Rings Their Bell

with Dr Michael Whiticker

THIS is the fourth in a series of monthly articles embracing the offerings of some of the great musicians who live in our region.

I recently welcomed the opportunity to chat with former Maleny resident but now Brisbanebased, Irish born singer and environmental activist Jenny Fitzgibbon. Jenny arrived in Darwin in 1988 at the age of 25 with traditional music in her blood. Singing was something that came naturally to her as both her parents were lovely vocalists and schools in Ireland encourage everyone to sing and participate in community singing activities. Gifted with a gorgeous voice Jenny was soon active in the Darwin folk scene and learnt much from the talented itinerants who frequented its arts scene. One of the first salient lessons given by her was to question every song you sing. As she says, just because a song is popular is no reason to sing it. Along with folk music, a passion for the environment was ignited in those days and she was soon writing songs warning about global warming to tour through the Northern Territory.

After ten formative years in the Territory, she realised that nearly everyone who inspired her was gone or going South. Many of her folk friends had moved to Maleny so she decided to visit en route to a move to Melbourne. Well, she didn’t make Victoria, but she did travel widely over the next years as an a capella artist. Tulku Mor, the SE Qld band led by Fred Graham, which played traditional Irish music, was another important step for Jenny. She joined the band in the early noughties and it allowed her to develop her own tradition, but in a band setting. In the years since, she has broadened her canvas and moved further from Irish music. Recordings of her work with different artists are found online and readers are encouraged to seek it out. The influence of traditional Irish music is never far away but her development of original material and exploration of politics through the arts is singularly impressive.

For although music has allowed Jenny to establish herself as an artist, her passion for the environment has never faltered and she finds that it dominates her activities these days, though in a healthy way.

I asked Jenny if she might have something to offer aspiring musicians and her response was immediate. It is a very difficult job to be a commercially viable musician, she said. Every community needs local, live participatory music-making opportunities. It is human to make and share music. Huge numbers of people driving to big, centralised gigs is not sustainable. The commercial music industry only picks up certain styles, certain people. If the motive is only profit, everyone loses. Think local, she said, we can’t keep growing. Using our creative talents to build a new world is an urgent and worthwhile aim. Thank you Jenny for your striking thoughts, words and music.

Full house for Vianta Arts exhibition

IT WAS a full house at Robert Irwin’s photo exhibition opening at Vianta Arts last Friday and although Robert wasn’t present, he did send a short welcoming video describing his work. His large canvas ‘Lion’ portrait was auctioned and sold successfully, as well as few of his other works with proceeds going to nature

Sunset silhouette at Seventeen Seventy

When I turned 89, I said “I have a final wish; To skinny-dip just one more time, Pretend I am a fish.”

My son said “You can do it, Mum; If you can walk on rocks; I‘ll even dunk you in, Mum, Wear my hat – But not my jocks.”

I staggered with my wonky knee, Determination strong; “Who cares if I look like a whale.” My happy mermaid song.

To once more have a skinny dip Would warm my ancient heart; And as I tossed my clothes, I said; “At least this is a start.”

Of course, my body’s gone to pot, Obesity gone mad; But my son said “Well who cares, Mum.”

He’s a most discerning lad. He then approached two anglers, “Do you mind my Mum’s last wish; To have a sunset Skinny Dip She will not scare the fish.”

I wallowed in the water, Looked like Moby Dick, the whale; I felt like putting up a sign, “Happiness for Sale.”

My withered legs I stretched and flexed, Bum – anchored in the sand; The water gently stroked my ribs; And Chris put out his hand.

Disaster can strike anytime, anywhere and it’s not a matter of if, but when. We all have a role to play and being prepared is everyone’s responsibility. There are three simple steps to ensure your household or business is prepared for extreme events.

Had also skinny dipped; ‘Cause a sailor cannot wear his gear To careen and clean his ship.)

I also had a niggling doubt My legs would let me down; If Marg and Chris abandoned me, At high tide I would drown. At least Marg did a photo shoot, A modest silhouette; A rear view of my son and me; Of a day I’ll not forget.

It nearly took a forklift To haul me from my groove; My legs had turned to jelly, I really couldn’t move.

But Chris kept on hauling The tub of lard called “Mum”;

And yelled out “well done, love.” And then the bliss continued At “Caterina’s on the Bay.” When Christ bought me my first cocktail So good – I yelled “Ole.” We ate fish and chips at water’s edge, Watched the sun cast final rays; And I’ll always treasure memories Of that very special day.

Lisa Plucknett Maleny

(Thank you Chris and Margaret, for being so supportive, especially to Chris for making it happen and getting me in and out of the Pacific. And to Margaret for recording the moment for posterity and for my funeral – whenever.)

Michael has a recording studio in Peachester. If you would like to find out more contact him on

mwhitick@bigpond.net.au.

Glasshouse Musos at Beerwah Hotel: second Tuesday of the month, 6 – 9pm http://www.facebook.com/groups/musosclub/ Muzika, Maleny at Maleny RSL: first Thursday of the month 6.30 - 9pm https://www.facebook.com/MuzikaMaleny/

Thanks to local support

A massive thank you to all the organisations and businesses that supported the Beerburrum Community Children’s Christmas Party held on 3rd December 2022 at the Beerburrum Hall on ANZAC Avenue in Beerburrum. These wonderful donations made our event and Christmas raffle a great success. The donors were Dianne Martin, Coochin Creek Co-operative, BCF Morayfield, Glasshouse Country Meats, Body Stress Release GHM, Australia Zoo, Bunnings Morayfield, Officeworks Morayfield, Beerwah Stationery, Caboolture South Woolworths, Lions Club of Beerwah, Glasshouse Property Sales, Rosemary, Dianne and Matilda Fruit Barn. We would also like to thank Sunshine Coast Regional Council who granted us a partnership with a generous amount to have the party annually with the next one planned for late November 2023. And lastly, but also the most important, the volunteers who organised the day, starting in March of this year – without your countless hours, enjoyment would not be had. The families that attended enjoyed the trackless train, face painting, animals, crafts, singing, Santa and much more!

Patricia and Kirsty Beerburrum

Volunteer groups hitting brick walls

The GC&M News editorial of November 29 is echoing similar themes throughout the Glasshouse Mountains district. The Beerwah Sportsground Committee appears to be facing imminent dissolution as they are confronted with forever ending bureaucracy.

The Glasshouse Mountains Advancement Network, or GMAN, is also hitting brick walls in its attempt to secure a permanent site for its plant nursery. A nursery that is essential to support GMAN’s 500 koala food tree plantation that exists to supply browse to sick, injured and orphaned koalas in the district. A nursery that supports the propagation of local native shrubs and trees which encourages biodiversity and once grown provides food for species such as the endangered bird wing butterfly.

They also provide shelter and dispersal opportunities for a range of other wildlife in our region.

Two potential solutions to our struggle to secure a nursery site were dashed in recent times. A meeting with Sunshine Coast Council to explore options on our existing plantation site after a suggestion from SCC itself was rejected. The one size fits all policy ensures no progress can be made.

Another meeting, this time with the Glasshouse Community Hall Committee to look at utilizing some of the enormous piece of land that the hall sits on, met with outright rejection.

This committee appeared to be completely unreceptive to our request for approximately one quarter of the expansive land the hall is sitting on to establish a nursery benefiting the entire region.

It is disappointing that Sunshine Coast Council and other NGOs are unable to assist a volunteer not for profit incorporated association erect a nursery focused on the propagation, replanting and sale of endemic native flora to support the community.

John Quinn Sec/Treas GMAN

Sincere thanks

We extend our grateful thanks to the generous people of Glasshouse Country who donate nonperishable items in the Food Bin at Fresh and Save throughout the year; to the management and staff of Fresh and Save for providing the space for our food bin; and to the marvellous band of volunteers at Morris House, Landsborough, who distribute the collected food items to those in need.

This year, over 110 families have received assistance and close to 3,000 food items have been provided.

All of you are greatly appreciated and we look forward to your continuing support throughout 2023.

Ted and Eunice Pricknett Coordinators for the Anglican Community Food Bank - Glasshouse Country

Burning needs education

I just could not let pass responding to the ‘You Said It’ letter by JW on burning off within the local area. One thing I can agree with JW is the burning off of green waste. With the emphasis on it being Green (fresh) which can generate excessive smoke. The same people may also burn off without looking at the weather forecast.

But people who do this are just inexperienced and possibly inconsiderate neighbours. Which is an educational and social behavioural problem on their behalf. The activity of individuals rallying councils to legislate region wide blanket bans and punishing the experienced and considerate community people that make places like the hinterland so liveable, has unfortunately become the toxic norm. We have stopped living as good neighbours and rely on council legislation and officers to make rule after rule and fight our own grievances.

The Green Bins are for weeds and small branches. There is no way your average sized block (not 300sqm) would have enough room for all green waste. Especially when it is a requirement to be no longer than 30cm!

Council is actively encouraging the community to plant larger trees to create canopies that have disappeared from development across our region. They currently have a service that was promoted by them at the recent Beerwah Street party. Link below: https://www. sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/Council/ Planning-and-Projects/Council-Plans/ Street-Tree-Master-Plan

Recent research has shown housing developments with small blocks and no trees, increase the temperature of the suburb from large surface areas of roof

metal with minimal to no shading. If we truly want to improve shading, habitat, food, aesthetics and even air quality overall in our rural areas, and promote people to do so, we need to continue to allow people to care for, maintain and burn off items that do not fit in a small green bin.

This needs to be for all sized blocks as there are plenty of blocks less than one acre that have an abundance of vegetation or boarder large rural blocks or forestry that would generate huge amounts of vegetation waste.

I suggest instead of unleashing the cancel culture brigade to extinguish the fires, we educate on how to correctly burn.

Many of us have to endure incompetent dog owners and their barking dogs, or two-stroke kid’s motorbikes in tiny blocks. Or drones flying over your block. In my opinion, smoke is the least invasive nuisance of them all.

I would hope Cr. Baberoswski would consider all his constituents if he is seriously considering this call.

producer of wind turbines reported $2 billion in losses this year.

The CEO of Vesta’s, Mr Henrick Andersen, reported recently, and I quote, “Every time we sell a turbine, we lose 8 per cent and in the race to create bigger more powerful turbines, the cost is blowing out by hundreds of millions of dollars”, so since all this information is from your Vestas website, Mr Lowry, I would suggest you need to check your pearls of wisdom.

G.M.

Glass House Mountains Ruffled Feathers

Well going by Mr Dyer’s and Mr Lowry’s comments in GC&M News, Nov 22, it seems I have ruffled some feathers.

Mr Dyer things the Albanese Government points the way to the future; I beg to differ, so I simply asked, “who says those people are right”, I didn’t say “I was right”, I’m just not convinced closing down our current power stations and shifting to wind turbines as an alternative power generation sources is the best way to go.

I think they have a long way to go till they get it right, and at this stage it’s certainly not cost effective or sustainable.

Mr Lowry also references the same publications Ken Dyer does, I merely stated some figures on the cost of building a wind turbine that I read in a publication I believe to be correct, but he too believes he is right, and everybody else is wrong, and since Mr Lowry suggested I “check my pearls of wisdom” and bring my attention to the Vesta’s website, I did just that.

As it so happens not all is rosy with his Wind Turbine industry, because Vesta’s is in deep financial trouble, recently reporting losses of $151 million for the third quarter; Siemens Gamesa, who are considered to be the premier manufacturer of offshore wind turbines, reported an annual loss of $965 million, and 2,900 people will lose their jobs; and General Electric, yet another large

It should also be noted, the Chinese are building wind turbines as well, and competing for a share of the market, but tells us, the Chinese definition of a ‘share’ means domination of the market, so the Chinese will flood the market with cheap inferior quality turbines, just like they did with solar panels, many of which failed and as a result, thousands of useless Chinese solar panels are now stacked up in warehouses, because nobody knows how to recycle them. So when cheap unreliable Chinese turbines fail, and they WILL, the cost of repairing and or replacing them will amount to billions more than it cost to build them in the first place, so what does that say about your eight month payback period Mr Lowry? And since your Albanese government are now so chummy with the Chinese, there are no prizes for guessing where Albo will buy the turbines for Australia.

Peter Bowles Glasshouse Mountains

Renewable Energy

70 per cent renewables by 2032 is a key part of the Queensland Government’s $62 billion Energy and Jobs Plan. That Plan, released on 22nd September 2022 outlined several projects and actions that included a commitment to convert all of Queensland’s publicly-owned coal-fired power stations into clean energy hubs by 2035, backed by a Job Security Guarantee for workers.

The Plan included a commitment to progress two new pumped hydro projects by 2035 - Borumba and PioneerBurdekin - and a pathway to build the new Queensland SuperGrid, which will connect our solar, wind, battery and hydrogen projects across the state and unlock new capacity and storage.

Already, across Queensland, more than 21 per cent of Queensland’s electricity needs are met with cleaner, cheaper energy. Cleaner, cheaper energy means more solar panels, more turbines and more electricity storage, meshed together with an intelligent power sharing electricity network, providing safe, clean affordable despatchable electricity as and when required.

This directly translates into a $175 cost of living rebate that will appear on everybody’s electricity bill, and is part of the Queensland Government’s Affordable Energy Plan.

None of this would be achievable unless the Queensland Government planned to close its dirty, expensive coal fired power stations, and to ignore the LNP’s call for nuclear power stations, the most expensive type of power, that would take up to 30 years to build – too late.

Some might see the above as an advertisement for the Palaszczuk Labor Government, and in a way it is.

This is the future, something that people actually voted for, and those naysayers and deniers need to take note. Labor is getting on with the job, unlike the LNP who talk a good story but never deliver, and have never delivered at a State or a Federal level for years.

Ken Dyer Landsborough

Seniors celebrate

SENIOR members of the Landsborough Seventh-day Adventist Church with guests and visitors enjoyed an awesome Christmas buffet lunch together for their final activity for 2022.

It was a time of fun, food and fellowship together as well as a Secret Santa activity where everyone took home a little gift.

The church wishes all the senior members of the Glass House Country community a blessed Christmas and the richest of God’s blessings of health and happiness for the year ahead.

A message of love Landsborough State School has new chaplain

By Kirralee Livingstone

LANDSBOROUGH State School has a new chaplain, Anita Kelly, who is passionate about bringing the community together and providing support to students who need it.

Anita said she has been working for the school for five weeks now and has a background in community service and development which drives her passion in her new role.

“I’ve had a few years off due to little kids, but children, families and how they strengthen the community has been in my heart for a long time,” she said.

“The role was something that landed in my lap actually, a friend of a friend said there was a chaplaincy role available, and the purpose of the role got me passionate straight away. My job is to provide the social and emotional support of the children and the whole school community as well and to be supporting in whatever needs they have.”

Anita is involved with the Nambour Christian Church, which she said works well with the courses she is developing for students to take part in during chaplain visits.

“I’m just planning for next year, but I’m making different courses to help kids deal with anxiety, conflict resolution, and to support the school’s process in that as well,” she said.

“There’s a lot of things we talk about to kids who suffer from anxiety like gratitude, those values that come through, they are biblical values but they are also values worldly people appreciate.”

Anita originally comes from the Darling Downs but said she has had a love for the Sunshine Coast for as long as she can remember.

“I live in Nambour, we’ve been on the Sunshine Coast for eight years, I used to come up to the Sunshine Coast every Christmas holiday since I was two, so it has always felt like home,” she said.

“I absolutely love the beaches and the natural parks in the area. I really love getting back to basics and I think we just live in such a beautiful area.”

Maleny High’s Chappy Hampers

AS IN previous years, the tradition of distributing Christmas food hampers has once again been part of Maleny State High School’s Chaplaincy Services.

The hampers are an initiative of the ‘Christmas Box’ project of Life Church Brisbane. They were partnered in this program by Your Dream School Programs (the employing group for many chaplains).

Chappy Donna Turner helped to organise the distribution of the hampers, which will be sent to families in the school community who are going through some difficult circumstances.

It’s just another of the many ways in which chaplaincy gives practical support and assistance.

The School Chaplaincy Committee wishes all families a Christmas and New Year of goodwill, happiness and peace.

JESUS Christ came on earth to reveal an extraordinary message, a message of love, hope, joy and peace. Christ asks us to have love for one another, to be reconciled to one another and to accept one another.

Jesus said: “I have come so that you may have life and have it more abundantly.” Giving us life is the first purpose for which Jesus came into the world.

The second purpose is that the life promised by Christ is a source of joy and hope.

By His coming, the promise of our salvation has been achieved: we have been delivered from the slavery of sin. We are now children of God and we will therefore never wander in darkness but always in the source of Light: Jesus Christ

Each of us has been entrusted with a special gift, a sacred responsibility: to show others how the mystery of God is among us.

We are called to go out into the world and share the message of God’s love for all mankind.

My message to you all is, let the joy of Christmas penetrate our hearts and souls, so we may change our lives to become peacemakers, love others as we love ourselves, and love God above all things.

I hold you in my heart and in my prayer this Christmas season, asking God to bless

Pastor Dave Kelsey Landsborough Seventh Day Adventist Community Church

My job is to provide the social and emotional support of the children and the whole school community

A show-stopping equine estate for sale Rural Lifestyle,

horse-loving buyers.

Delivering nearly 40 acres of prime South East Queensland farmland, coupled with dual living capabilities, 82 Smiths Road, Elimbah is an absolute masterpiece. Endless water from the large open dams, cleverly designed paddocks and an abundance of machinery sheds, this breath-taking property is now ready for its new caretakers.

The homestead offers a well-thought-out floorplan with copious amounts of space for the extended family. With a fresh colour

homestead is designed for low maintenance,

for office space or separated living, with a designated private entrance. The delightful two bedroom cottage offers distinct dual living capabilities and is located at the front of the property. Strategically designed for family members or take advantage of an additional income stream.

Bring reasonable offers to make sure you don’t miss this once in a lifetime opportunity to create your abundant future. Call Tracey Kay from Century 21 on 0401 733 133.

breeding and fattening, with appropriate infrastructure in place, abundant water, and a classic farmhouse; just 15 minutes to Kenilworth and 25 minutes to Maleny.

The four bedroom charming country homestead is currently rented to longterm tenants on a six-month lease; who are happy to stay, giving you the versatility of running the property as a business and living elsewhere.

There is also a number of ideal buildsites that could one day accommodate your new lifestyle home of choice.

40 head, capacity for 100 or more; two paddocks, one with 270m river frontage; machinery/hay shed approx. 8m x 20m; backs directly onto Maleny National Park; school bus pickup at the front gate for Conondale State School and Maleny High School, this truly is an exciting and rare opportunity to secure some tightly held pristine acreage in Mary River country.

This spectacular property has only just hit the market so call Jason Bartholomew at Maleny Realty on 0429 771 229. malenyrealty.com.au/21090827

Country living at its best! Newly renovated and immaculately presented

IF YOU really want to live in a place with privacy and peaceful surroundings to wake up to every day, look no further than 12 Beech Road, Landsborough.

This 3529sqm property is situated on the back skirts of the beautiful hinterland township of Landsborough. Close to the train station, schools, and a close commute to the coast and Brisbane CBD.

This modern open plan family home has been renovated with style and quality craftmanship. With the sleek and stylish layout, you will fall in love with the large bedrooms and freshly renovated bathrooms. The property consists of a large colourbond shed, with extra

is separately fenced with another small shed. A Great area for the kids or even a pony. Enjoy the tranquillity and tropical surroundings of an in-ground saltwater swimming pool and a spacious alfresco area, which will be sure to impress at those dinner parties and family gettogethers! Features include four generous sized bedrooms/possibility of teenage

retreat room four; main bedroom offers a large walkin robe and stylish ensuite; modern study nook with built ins; main bathroom with seperate toilet; ceiling fans throughout; enviro wastewater system; and NBN. This property is an absolute Beauty and won’t last long.Contact Suzie O’Neill at Clarke & Co Real Estate Executives today on 0401 921 657.

INTRODUCING SUZIE O’NEILL

We are excited to welcome Suzie O’Neill to our team at Clarke and Co Real Estate Executives Beerwah.

Suzie has been a member of the community for 20 years now, working at the Beerwah Hotel and the Glasshouse Mountains Tavern for most of this time as well as working on various surrounding hinterland farms. It is the’ Heart and Soul’ of this area our long-established Strawberry and Pineapple farms in which have been handed down for generations. This farming area over years has given work to so many dedicated locals and I am lucky to be one of these people. I have worked hard and feel proud that over the years people have come to trust and know the person that I am.

With my enthusiasm, commitment, and local knowledge of the area we needed an agent like myself, down to earth and easy to talk too!

Your home is an asset to you, you work hard to maintain and pay for this, most likely the majority your life!!

With the vastly changing property market sellers have been experiencing, we have entered a more challenging time, and this means as a real estate agent my skills and ways of communicating with buyers and sellers have changed to accommodate this current market and understanding this is important.

When I list a property, I work for you, and it is my job to bring the buyers to your property and then give you the feedback which gives indication of where the market sees value in your property in comparison with similar properties that are currently for sale or been sold recently.

Communication and consistency with buyers enquiring on your property is crucial and not all agents do this. For the best results and of course, a sale at a price your property is worth your agent needs to work hard for you and you should be able to see that till your property is SOLD!!!

If you are thinking of putting your Property on the Market, I would love to work with you.

921 657

Check your citrus for bugs

WE had a cracking citrus season this year with an abundance of lemons, limes, grapefruits, oranges, mandarins and cumquats to be seen across the region.

But growing all that fruit has taken its toll on the citrus trees and now they’ll be suffering from what I call ‘general tiredness’, making them susceptible to pests and diseases.

At the moment, it seems that the most common problem is the Bronze Orange Bug, or Stink Bug as it’s also known. And if you haven’t got them, you probably soon will.

Bronze Orange Bug is a native sap-sucking insect which only feeds on citrus family plants. It breeds quickly and the juveniles are small and hard to see in amongst the foliage.

With our citrus feeling a little worn out, their leaves are madly photosynthesising and changing sunlight into high energy sugars which they transport about in their sap stream.

The Bronze Orange Bugs take advantage of this by boring a little hole into the stems and tapping into this sap stream, drinking their fill of the sugary goodness within.

In normal years, this isn’t too much of a problem for citrus

trees, as they can produce more sap than they need; and a healthy citrus tree can withstand a few Bronze Orange Bugs stealing their sap.

But at the moment, your trees need all the sap they can muster to recharge their batteries and put the energy into the small developing fruits they are growing.

Bronze Orange Bugs are particularly fond of the new fresh shoots of the citrus, starving them of sap and leading to the shoots wilting and dying, as well as dropping their developing fruits, meaning less for you next year.

This weekend, go out and take a look over your citrus trees. If you see any Bronze Orange Bugs, you’ll need to take action now and then every week or two over the summer months.

The control approach used to be to spray the tree with an insecticide that is absorbed and transported around with the sap stream – called a systemic insecticide. The Bronze Orange Bug would take a drink of sap and receive a tiny yet fatal dose of insecticide as well. This would give the trees protection through the whole summer.

But over time, these insecticides have been restricted in their use for backyard gardeners and so now the options are to use a softer, but less effective spray, on a more frequent rotation; or you resort to doing it by hand.

I’ve found the most effective spray to use is one of the pyrethrum products. These are less-toxic plant-derived contact insecticides that breakdown quickly in sunlight. Because of this, you are best to use them in

the evening.

You also need to spray all the leaves – both sides – to ensure you treat all the pests, including the tiny juveniles you can’t easily see. And you’ll need to spray fortnightly. And follow the label safety instructions.

You can also collect them by hand using the ‘knock them into a bucket of hot soapy water’ technique, or – as some people do – using an old vacuum cleaner.

Using this control technique, you generally only remove what you can see – which are the dark adults and the larger almost-adults. The hordes of tiny juveniles will remain to suck sap and grow bigger.

So this technique will need to be repeated weekly or – better still – twice weekly.

But take care, as the adults squirt an unpleasant chemical from their backsides which can be irritating on the skin or damaging to the eyes.

Collected bugs then need to be disposed of appropriately. Don’t feed them to your chooks and they probably won’t like their foul taste and then the bugs just fly back to your citrus.

Keep on top of the Bronze Orange Bugs and your citrus will reward you with juicy fruits come winter.

Image courtesy of NSW Department of Primary Industries

Maleny Realty

JuStliSteD

Dual living ½ acre, Walk to toWn

This Queenslander-style home on a pristine, fully useable ½ acre block backing onto farming land offers expansive living across two levels with a floor plan that can effortlessly facilitate dual occupancy - this could suit an extended or large family perfectly, as well as providing other versatile options including work-from-home or income generation via Airbnb. Charming family home boasting: 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, study + study nook; elegant well-equipped kitchen + kitchenette; ¾ wraparound covered verandah on upper level; covered patio on ground floor2nd alfresco space; double carport + side access to single bay shed; hardwood timber floors, 9-foot ceilings and fireplace. Located in a quiet, no-through road within walking distance to schools, childcare, and Maleny town centre. Buyers in the market for a home with charm and warmth, along with excellent versatility and functionality - will find this property a ‘stand out’ in every sense.

eXPreSSion oF intereSt agent - Jason Bartholomew 0429 771 229 7 Walkers Drive, Maleny malenyrealty.com.au/21082768

BelltHorPe 630 Ha in 6 titleS

Open Forested Timber Country. Red volcanic soil to the North with Wet Sclerophyll Rain Forest. Remote campsites with views forever down the valley. Natural springs and running creeks, a private paradise. Lot 252: The most Northern block has 300 acres of red soil - wet sclerophyll forests and is surrounded by the National Park. Lot 260: The smallest block of 66 acres has an open forest with spring-fed wetlands. Lot 157: The largest block is 602 acres. Adjoins National Park to the North has a remote campsite on the ridge line with spectacular valley views. Rocky outcrops falling away to the valley below. Lot 162: 160 acres of forested range lands. Lot 176: 150 acres Forest. Lot 77: 278 acres with frontage to Kilcoy Lane. Your opportunity to secure 1556 acres in 6 titles as one parcel (Sales considered on individual blocks). High on the Bellthorpe Ranges just 1hr- 40min to Brisbane Airport. 1hr Sunshine Coast Beache Township. Unique acreage and a wonderful landholding for your future. Expressions of

onondale malenyrealty.com.au/21094558

Land onLy

Build your Mary Valley masterpiece on this pristine 6.47-acre parcel of lush, fertile north facing land with a delightful outlook across a picturesque, sandstone-block lined, spring fed dam and beyond to Mary River and glorious verdant rolling countryside. A large site house pad has already been cut and is build-ready (stca) - positioned perfectly on the vacant parcel to maximise aspect, views, privacy, natural light, and gentle breezes. Custom-design the acreage lifestyle home you’ve always dreamt about, create something truly amazing and embrace gentle, semi-rural living of the very highest calibre. The property is fully fenced and horse friendly, with rich pasture, and gentle undulation. Fully useable, it lends itself to many possibilities, from micro-agribusiness, hobby farming, livestock agistment, and more. 5 minutes to the Conondale General Store, primary school, public pool, park, and community hall; a 20 minute drive to Maleny’s major amenities, 25 minutes to Kenilworth, and 55 minutes to Caloundra’s stunning beaches - you can enjoy all the benefits of a quiet country lifestyle, without oFFerS in tHe $800s agent - Jason Bartholomew 0429 771 229 397-405 aherns road, conondale malenyrealty.com.au/21083796

3 2 5

eScaPe to tHe countrY

Immaculately maintained, this 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom, low level home on 2,799m2 of land with north facing valley views is located in the peaceful town of Conondale, walking distance to the General Store and the local primary school. You will love the easy maintenance yard and gardens, all the hard work is done just sit back and enjoy looking out at the valley views from your private patio. With only 17 mins drive to Maleny with all the major shopping and amenities, it makes living here really enjoyable.

Features include:

• Ducted zoned Reverse Cycle aircon throughout.

• 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 4 car.

• North facing views

oFFerS over $725,000 agent - Jason Bartholomew 0429 771 229 1671 Maleny kenilworth road, conondale malenyrealty.com.au/21094224

cuStoM-DeSign Your MarY valleY MaSterPiece!

New coach set to

SPORT RESULTS

Range Croquet

Contributed by Ken Barker

OUR Christmas party was held on the 10th of December. Sixteen well-behaved club members enjoyed the event in the excellent Maleny Grove facilities with Christmas treats, secret santa and the real reason, good company. Many thanks to Maleny Grove for hosting this event.

Only two players visited the lawn on Thursday. Sally Adams and Dianne Horsman played a game of ricochet croquet which Dianne won 14 – 8. It would have been a good game to get those scores.

There is a point in a game where everything hinges on what happens in a couple of seconds. Wallace Roy is attempting hoop 3 with partner ball Black on the non-playing side. The blue ball falters for a couple of seconds then goes through … Wallace can breathe again. The attached photo shows the hoop being made.

THE new Beerwah Bulldogs open women’s side coach is bringing 20 years of local and international experience with her as she looks to inspire the team to new heights in 2023.

Former Great Britain player Becky Jones has taken the reins for the upcoming season and with training now underway is getting down to business to understand each player’s strengths.

Becky said she hopes she can bring out the best in the girls come next season, to develop them into better players and to get them further in the finals next year.

“I want the girls doing the small things right, staying in the game, keeping hold of the ball and put ourselves in a good position on the field so we can put ourselves within the try line,” she said.

“I’m excited, obviously it’s a challenge

but it’s one that I am looking forward to.”

New Beerwah Bulldogs President Stephen ‘Ref’ Hammil said he was keen to see Becky’s positive influence on the team alongside the assistance of ex-women’s coach Rod Kerr.

“I’m looking forward to working with her for the season, I think she’s going to bring a lot to the club, and development wise we’ve got the same ideas,” he said.

Becky was recruited into the Australian system while touring with Great Britain a few years ago.

Asked to stay and play in Australia Becky was all too happy to oblige.

“From there I stayed in Australia and played in Canberra, then went to Toowoomba and from there through the

Becky’s credentials include playing at the World Cup as well as for Queensland. She also played in the A-grade women’s SEQ comp, winning titles with Toowoomba Fillies, Brothers Ipswich and South Logan Magpies.

“I stopped playing a few years ago now when I had my little boy, but I came over here about 20 years ago and I’ve been involved in football on and off ever since,” she said.

Becky has also coached various teams in Great Britain and in Australia.

“I coached the u16s rep in the UK, a few years in SEQ for u16s where we successfully won a couple of years,” she said.

“My last coaching role was as a co-coach for Brothers Ipswich in the A

Red belt brothers win nationals

JACK and Charlie Taplin from San Training have been crowned red belt champions in their respective divisions at the National Taekwondo Championships in Bendigo.

The championships, which were on December 3-4, was attended by around 1050 competitors including 9 San Training students, which owner Cameron Taylor said two students won gold.

“Charlie and Jack both won their finals and became the national title holders of their divisions, Jack is in the senior opens division and Charlie is in the cadet division, which is for twelve- to fourteenyear-olds,” he said.

“They actually just came across from New Zealand this year… they are new to the club and they’ve been doing really well and working really hard, so I think it’ll be a good next year for them”.

“…especially for the older one Jack, he’s in the open division so he’ll be competing in a lot more major competitions next year.”

The Taplin brothers weren’t the only ones who impressed at Bendigo though.

Beautiful playing conditions on Sunday brought six players onto lawn one. Kath Smith and Dianne formed a team to play against Lynette Evans and Stuart Craig. In a good-natured and friendly game Dianne and Kath got up 10 – 7. Donna Manning and Ken Barker played a contrived game of singles which steers the play into the endgame. After making hoop one the partner clip is moved to hoop ten. Most players in division two and three need practice in finishing the game. This is a good way to go about it. Donna ended up finishing ahead of Ken 18 – 16 in a game riddled with fundamental errors. More practice is needed for 2023!

Play days: Thursday and Sunday. Please arrive at 2 pm for games to be arranged by 2.30. Contact Sarah Widin 0417640704 for other days.

Coaching: is available on Saturday mornings at 8 am Our web address is: https://

Jack and Charlie (centre) with Cameron and the team

Pushing his luck

A MAN and his wife were awakened at 3am by a loud pounding on the door. The man gets up and goes to the door where a drunken stranger, standing in the pouring rain, is asking for a push.

“Not a chance,” says the husband, “it is three in the morning!”

He slams the door and returns to bed.

three months ago when we broke down, and those two guys helped us? I think you should help him, and you should be ashamed of yourself! God loves drunk people too you know.”

The man does as he is told, gets dressed, and goes out into the pounding rain.

He calls out into the dark, “Hello, are