WATER PARK WORK BEGINS

IN a twist of synchronicity, the long awaited and much talked about Glenview water park has lodged an operational works permit application with Sunshine Coast Council in the same week that the Glass House wave pool proposal advances to the community consultation stage.

Planning consultants for Sanad Capital lodged the Glenview infrastructure plans with the council this week, seeking approval to start the groundworks for the Steve Irwin Way tourism resort (called Invigorate) and water park stage (called Actventure).

This stage does not include the proposed wave pool concept (called Endless Surf), which is planned as a separate stage sometime in the future.

The works permit application sets out the plans for road works, drainage works, landscaping, stormwater, earthworks and clearing vegetation.

Under the plans, the existing water channels and wetlands are to be excavated and enlarged to form a massive waterbody as a central feature for the entire development.

The fi ll removed will be used to build up other areas to allow for the construction of carparking, the resort and water theme park areas and the future wave pool zone, ensuring they are above expected fl ood levels.

In a totally unconnected development, work has begun on the construction of a house fronting Steve Irwin Way adjacent to the water park site. This block is not connected to the Sanad Capital development and is privately owned.

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COMMUNITY welfare advocates welcomed the recent Telstra announcement that all standard national calls from Telstra payphones are free across the country since August 3.

Telstra currently operates 3,647 payphones across Queensland as part of its national network of more than 15,000 payphones.

In the past year, around 11 million calls were made across Australia from Telstra payphones. These included more than 230,000 calls to critical services like 000 and Lifeline, proving that the payphones off er a crucial service for some of the country’s most vulnerable people and communities, especially those in regional and remote areas.

Telstra CEO Andrew Penn said the decision meant that everyone could now use payphones to make a free local or national call to a standard fi xed line or Australian mobile number when needed.

Mr Penn said the decision to make national calls from payphones free was because they played such a critical role in the community, particularly in times of need and for those in need.

“Payphones have been part of Australia’s landscape since they were fi rst used in the 1880s. Since mobiles became nearly universal, a lot of Australians might not give payphones much thought until there’s a natural disaster or until you’re in vulnerable circumstances,” he said.

“For many Australians, the availability of a payphone is a vital lifeline, especially for the vulnerable including the homeless, people who are isolated or someone escaping an unsafe situation.

“During COVID-related lockdowns, we’ve seen domestic and family violence agencies report a 60 per cent rise in new clients seeking help for the fi rst time, and an increase in abusive behaviours overall. It’s not always easy for people in these situations to use a home phone or their mobile to get help, so I hope making payphone calls free might play a small part in helping them get the assistance they need,” Mr Penn said.

Val France from local group Speak Up Now (Stop Domestic and Family Violence Maleny and Blackall Range) said she welcomed the news and thought it was a wonderful initiative.

“This will provide another pathway for those fl eeing domestic violence to be able to seek urgent assistance,” Val said.

“If someone is forced to leave an unsafe environment or is in an emergency without the necessary provisions or safety plan in place, this initiative provides vital access to support networks and assistance.”

Rick Paget from the Maleny Neighbourhood Centre said payphones provided a helpful option for people to be able to access services, assistance and loved ones.

He said that most people assumed that everyone has use of or access to a working mobile phone and sometimes that was not the case.

“People can lose their mobile phones or wallet, or can fi nd for whatever reason that they are out of credit and cannot easily contact the services they need, so this is a great opportunity to allow people to connect if needed,” Rick said.

While standard national calls will be free, international calls and calls to premium and satellite numbers will still incur a cost. From October 1, payphones will also become coinless with Telstra phonecards recommended for dialling international and premium numbers.

Each of the townships in Glasshouse Country and the Maleny area still has one or two payphones. To see where they are located, please go to this link: https://ppol.pbspectrum.com.au/connect/analyst/ mobile/#/main?mapcfg=Citizen%20clone%20plus%20 GNAF

Telstra CEO Andrew Penn announcing that payphones are now free for calls to Australian standard and mobile numbers

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Ben supports new resident event

LONG time locals will recognise the name Ben Messina as the awardwinning renowned landscape and nature photographer based in the hinterland.

Ben’s collection of inspiring panoramic images has been described g as having heart, emotion and amazing depth.

Since opening his gallery in Maleny in 2012, Ben has been keen to support the great work of the local Lions Club. Each year he has donated a prize for the Lions raff le as part of their annual event to welcome new residents.

Ben believes this is a great way to connect with residents who choose to make Maleny their new home .

At Ben’s Maleny gallery you will fi nd a large selection of his most popular Australian landscape images including large framed panoramas and large canvas prints that are available in editions of 100, 200 and 450.

To see more of Ben’s spectacular work check out his online gallery at www.benmessina.com or drop into his galleries at 3/41 Maple Street Maleny and 178 Main Street Montville (next to the water wheel). They are open seven days a week from 10am–4pm. g s n

MCS Strategic Advisory Pty Ltd

HOLISTIC, CLIENT FOCUSED ACCOUNTING & TAX ADVICE

CONTACT MICHELLE FOR ADVICE ON:

Michelle Christopher

YOUR LOCAL ACCOUNTANT WITH OVER 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE

SUITE 9

68 SIMPSON STREET BEERWAH

THE Lions Club of Maleny Blackall Range is pleased local landscape photographer Ben Messina has once again donated a sensational photograph, this time of Kondalilla Falls, as the fi rst prize in the raff le to be drawn at the 16th annual Lions Club of Maleny Blackall Range welcome to Maleny event. Maleny event.

The event is planned for Saturday, September 11, from 2- 5.30pm. and will be held at the Maleny Sports Precinct at the end of Parkland Avenue off Porters Lane, North Maleny.

The Orangery Maleny will serve a delicious aft ernoon snack, Lions will run a bar service at the 18+ event and the Brouhaha crew will be on hand doing tasting of their products. Newcomers will learn more about the local area they now call home and the many things it has to off er. Guests will also take home a sponsor’s magazine and plants donated by Barung Landcare. Tickets are $20 per person and can be purchased online at: www.ticketebo.com.au/ malenyblackallrangelions If you are not able to purchase online call Nicole on 0404 232 770. COVID protocols at the time will apply.

Kondalilla Falls_Ben Messina© 2020

Ben Messina’s image taken Be at a very misty end of the at day at Kondalilla Falls just d as the sun broke through a for a brief moment f

Familiar face in the accounting world back in business

CRUNCHING the numbers and helping people create a solid fi nancial foundation is what drives Michelle Christopher in business. That’s why she’s keen to get back into the accounting and tax game aft er a few years away from doing what she loves.

Through the new business and brand MCS Strategic Advisory Pty Ltd, Michelle will focus on assisting businesses and individuals with all their accounting and taxation needs and, in doing so, hopefully take some of their stress and burden away.

With an emphasis on achieving the best long-term outcomes for her clients through a holistic review of their needs, Michelle prides herself on explaining things in plain English and developing solutions based on each client’s unique situation. Michelle’s small practice also enables her to provide close personal attention to every client.

“I get a buzz out of helping people and I love looking at strategies tailored to each individual client and their circumstances,” Michelle said.

An established name in the region for more than two decades, Michelle’s experience and passion for the local area is what sets her apart.

“I like to review my client’s business aff airs and perform a business health check, including putting people and businesses in contact with others that can help them and making sure they’re going down the right path,” she said.

“That’s the benefi t of having an experienced local accountant – you get local knowledge and expertise.”

To see what Michelle can do for you - phone her on 07 5494 6675 or 0401 629 037 or email michelle@mcsadvisors.com.au

BUSINESS buzz

Live life at Maleny Grove

EVER wondered what life is like at Maleny Grove? See for yourself why residents love living here with a personal tour of the village on August 21 from 10am2pm.

Overlooking the rolling hills of Maleny, the popular retirement village off ers thoughtfully designed two- and three-bedroom homes with practical features to make living easier.

The generous living spaces mean you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes from independent living, while still being a part of a supportive environment.

Maleny Grove is operated by Live Life Communities, an experienced Queensland-based operator off ering a selection of architecturally designed fl oor plans with a variety of design options to suit your style.

The well-designed homes include spacious living rooms, generous storage, air conditioning, a deck or patio and a lock-up garage.

Your new lifestyle can be as independent or as supported as you choose, with assistance available when accessing a variety of support options.

Maleny Grove offers plenty of ways to stay active with generous green spaces, a gymnasium, billiards, graded walking paths and even a heated hydrotherapy pool.

You can also read a book in the library, relax at a group arts and craft session or enjoy the wonderful community gardens.

The homes are also pet friendly, so your furry friend can always remain by your side.

There is plenty to check out at this Saturday’s open day, with staff keen to take the time to answer all your questions and help you make the best possible choice for your situation.

To make sure guests remain safe, a COVID Safe plan will be in place and everyone attending will be asked to adhere to current social distancing guidelines.

Expressions of interest will also be accepted for the upcoming stage 3A of the development.

Maleny Grove is located at 9 Palm Street just behind the Maleny Soldiers Memorial Hospital.

To fi nd out more check out the website www.livelifecommunities.com.au

Renos under way

IF you are not following the Glasshouse Mountains Tavern’s Facebook page you won’t know just how dramatic the internal renovation is going to be.

Here is one of the photos worth checking out to see what’s been happening behind closed doors recently.

It looks like the new owners, the same team behind the Beerwah and Palmwoods hotels, have made some signifi cant changes to the venue.

Head to their Facebook page to see what’s been happening. @glasshousetav

Open House

Saturday 21st August 10am – 2pm A relaxed lifestyle within a friendly community close to all amenities.

Join us for your personal viewing of Maleny Grove.

Stage 3A Expressions of Interest accepted.

Call to register your interest 1300 55 65 75 LiveLifeCommunities.com.au 9 Palm Street, MALENY

Mary Garden author of ‘Sundowners of the Skies’

MALENY author Mary Garden published ‘Sundowner of the Skies’ in 2019. It is a bravely written yet compelling memoir and biography of her late father, the New Zealand aviator Oscar Garden. The book has gone on to receive rave reviews both in Australia and overseas and was shortlisted for the 2020 NSW Premier’s History Award.

This month a second edition with a new cover, additional information, logbook extracts and photos has been released by New Holland.

We caught up with Mary to fi nd out more. Q: What prompted you to release a second edition?

My book had sold out quickly but with COVID disrupting things my publisher was initially reluctant to do a reprint. Ironically, there was renewed interest in my book, especially in New Zealand, when my younger sister published her own book on our father, and ongoing interest aft er it was short-listed for the NSW Premier’s History Award 2020. Fortunately, my publisher decided to not only do a reprint but a new edition. Q: How did you feel about the award shortlisting? It was tremendously e exciting and very unexpected. It was a huge honour, especially to be alongside two eminent historians whose books were published by Yale University and Columbia University. Interestingly, the fl aws of my father appealed to the judges. One of the judges later told me: “I admired the way you went above and beyond the typical [aviation] biography and painted a rounded, though diff icult, fi gure of your father”. Q: Where have you sourced the content for the 70 additional pages in this edition?

There are many more photos in the new edition. I sourced these from the Alexander Turnbull Library

t A d Q t e e gy, in Wellington, New Zealand and the Hocken Collections at the University of Otago. A few of those photos had my father’s surname as Gorgon (instead of Garden) so we had never seen them before. Luckily, I had dad’s logbooks scanned some years ago so was able to use extracts from those for the new edition. Q: Since publishing your book do you think your dad is still the forgotten aviator?

I knew that dad deserved to be remembered, which is why I wrote the book. I don’t think he is the forgotten aviator anymore and I am constantly surprised by the ongoing interest in his story. Not that it is a book for just aviation buff s. It has appealed to general readers as it is also a memoir, threaded with my story and my mother’s story, who thankfully was still alive when I began working on it, and she wanted it to be a warts and all account.

Dad was an extraordinary aviator, one of the few to survive that golden age of aviation when intrepid men in tiny biplanes crossed the globe in fl ights that startled the world. Q: Tell us about the mural of your dad in the departure lounge of Tauranga Airport in New Zealand?

Since my book was released in 2019, a large mural of my father has been painted by internationally renowned Māori artist Graham Hoete.

He had been commissioned to do a large portrait for the airport and aft er reading my book knew that he wanted Oscar at the airport. He said he wanted the forgotten aviator to be remembered. The unveiling and the Māori blessing that took place was a very profound experience, with quite a few tears. Rosetta Books is organising an in-conversation event with Mary as well as former ABC radio presenter and author Mary-Lou Stephens on Saturday, September 11 at 2pm at RSL Maleny. Bookings essential. Tickets are $5 and available through TryBooking or from Rosetta Books Maleny.

DINNER & AGM DINNER & AGM

with a difference!

We are excited to host our AGM Dinner with a difference!

This year Hideaway Weddings will be creating a stunning menu featuring our incredible Glasshouse Country produce, while we’re entertained by the very talented Andrea Kirwin. This year’s Dinner & AGM will showcase the best produce our Glasshouse Country has to offer. Come and delight your taste buds while connecting and celebrating with our incredible local businesses.

For all enquiries, please contact us on

info@glasshousecountrychamber.com��� www.glasshousecountrychamber.com.au

Once in a lifetime

1233 Steve Irwin Way, Beerwah

The AGM formalities will begin at 5:30pm, with dinner starting at 6:15pm. Price per head: Member $45 | Non-member $60 All members will be sent the AGM agenda and nomination forms prior to the event. This event is open to members and non-members Limited seats | Bookings Essential Book by 24th August Please note that only current members will be able to vote in AGM formalities.

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