Edition 21 May 2024

New line’s Olympic rush hour

By Mitch Gaynor

A TRAIN could pass through Beerwah every 2.5 minutes as they ferry passengers to and from Brisbane during the Olympics on the new Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line (DSC), it can be revealed.

There will also be four services per hour each way through the upgraded hinterland station during normal peak hour times when the $5.5 billion DSC is opened in 2032. Work is set to start on the new rail line in 2026, with a completion date in 2032 ahead of the September Games that year.

“In event mode, DSC has been designed to cater for up to 12 trains an hour getting people to an event and up to 12 trains an hour getting people from the event,” a Transport and Main Roads Spokesperson said following questions from Full story p5

Things ‘improving’

A TOP economist has told a pessimistic Hinterland audience that interest rates were increasingly unlikely to fall this year but that the economy was improving.

Bank of Queensland Chief Economist, Peter Munckton, delivered his assessment of the Federal Budget at

a Glasshouse Country Chamber of Commerce After Hours event last Thursday evening.

Speaking to about 60 people at the Glasshouse Christian College, Mr Munckton said he expected rates to fall ‘less and later’. Full story p3

WEDNESDAY, 12 NOON

MITCH GAYNOR Managing Editor mitch@gcnews.com.au

SONIA ISAACS Deputy Editor sonia@gcnews.com.au

KIRRA LIVINGSTONE kirra@gcnews.com.au

TINA GRIEVE tina@gcnews.com.au

LEWIS KWARCIANYI lewis@gcnews.com.au

SHARON KING & KATIE BUCKLEY design@gcnews.com.au

ANGELA USHER angela@gcnews.com.au

FROM THE EDITOR

A SHOW of hands for a taste of reality?

Last week the hinterland was lucky enough to have Bank of Queensland’s Chief Economist, Peter Munckton, drop in and give a talk about the state of the economy at a Glasshouse Country Chamber event.

Coming two days after the Federal Budget, it was a timely and welcome analysis of what Canberra is forecasting for the year ahead in contrast to the Reserve Bank’s commentary around future rate movements.

The cause of a lot of frustration and tension boiling to the surface is how there are simply no clear-cut answers.

Canberra says one thing about rates, and the Reserve is even less spectacular as it has an each way bet.

Stuck in the middle, are real people, households and business owners just trying to stay in the race, let alone getting ahead.

Perhaps then the most telling part of the BoQ talk was when Mr Munckton asked the audience whether they thought the

economy would be worse, the same or better in 12 months time.

The answer was a decisive ‘no’.

Anecdotal as the show of hands was, the business owners and community in the audience is seeing exactly what is happening on the ground, and it isn’t pretty.

Huge mortgages and high rates are taking a toll and after the RBA turned the screws last year, this year we are all paying the piper’s price.

The result? Discretionary spending is way down and that’s put clear pressure on those exposed small businesses from cafes, bars and restaurants to homewares, hairdressers and bakers.

The feeling was that there was no quick fix or improvement in sight.

The questions from the audience were also couched in frustration. Where have all the staff gone since before Covid? Things were alright in 2019 – what’s changed? And how do we possibly bring in necessary migrants from overseas when there is nowhere to house them and no quick fix to that

solution? Good questions and no easy answers.

The good news from Mr Munckton was that despite the tangible harsh reality being felt by the hinterland communities, the economy would be in better shape in 12 months time.

A gradual increase in wages, combined with falling inflation, means that when interest rates do come down - and the consensus seems to be more towards next year - then we will be in a better position. These are harsh reminders of the challenges at the coal face of the economy.

During Small Business Month GC&M News, as always, shines a bright light on our SME community (p10-11). These small business owners are our local heroes and our newsroom always looks to buy local where possible – whether it’s printing flyers, legal advice when Crank gets out of hand, new shirts, signage, office plants, physio or a simple coffee.

We’re encouraging you to do the same and support our local community to thrive in the face of adversity. FOLLOW US ON OUR SOCIALS

Mitch

Mitch Gaynor

Coast is ‘bursting at the seams’

FEDERAL Member for Fisher, Andrew Wallace, said the Sunshine Coast was “sprinting” towards an infrastructure meltdown even with the likely construction of a Beerwah to Caloundra rail line by the 2032 Olympics.

Speaking after the Federal Budget last week, Mr Fisher told GC&M News that the coast was already “bursting at the seams” with a population of 340,000 and the state government wants us to be a population almost double that in 20 years.

“We are sprinting towards a huge infrastructure problem on the Sunshine Coast as we are with a lack of housing.”

Mr Fisher said he expected Labor to call an early election and that he would continue to lobby to restore full funding of the Beerwah to Maroochydore rail line.

He also said it was critical to fund the Mooloolah River Interchange project, which was cancelled by the Federal Government last year.

“Almost every person I speak to says infrastructure is a top priority. I accept the Federal Government has put $1.15bn on the table for rail to Caloundra but let’s not forget we are getting a third of the project for twice the cost.”

‘We’re on the mend’

BoQ Chief Economist says economy improving

By Mitch Gaynor

A TOP economist has told a pessimistic Hinterland audience that interest rates were increasingly and unlikely to fall this year but that the economy was improving.

Bank of Queensland Chief Economist, Peter Munckton, delivered his assessment of the Federal Budget at a Glasshouse Country Chamber of Commerce After

people at the Glasshouse Christian College, Mr Munckton said that increased government spending and cost of living measures were not expected to fan inflation, which was falling in tandem with a global trend.

But he said it was clear that businesses and ‘middle Australia’ especially, were doing it tough.

Asked for a show of hands about people’s thoughts on the state of the economy in 12 months time, a clear majority thought it would

be worse.

But Mr Munckton said all indicators were pointing to improvements.

“I’m as confident you can possibly be that the economy will be better this time next year,” he said.

“We’re not doing great as an economy right now.

In effect it’s darkest before dawn, but as the months go on it will slowly get lighter.

“The amount of work still outstanding is more than it’s been before. There’s a huge amount of work that needs

“And those numbers don’t include the houses we have to build, green transition, defence or all the things in the care economy, such as aged and childcare.”

Mr Munckton said while inflation was falling globally, Australia was lagging about six months behind Europe and the US, which were looking likely to be cutting rates soon.

“On the inflation side, there’s good news,” he said.

“We’re following the world.

per cent and the rest of the world is at 3 per cent. He said the net result would be that rates would fall “less and later”.

“Later means we might not get rate cuts this year and when they go down they might go down less, maybe half a percent or more,” he said. He said as wages increased faster than inflation, this would put more cash into households, which would see an increase in spending.

From left: Mark and Michele from The Coffee Club serving up the good stuff. Kristy and Peter. Jane, Katrina and Janie. Ann and Lynda.

Geoff Martin, Tamara Hazelden, Peter Munckton and Martin Kavanagh

Jett’s historymaking season

Jett in action on May (main) and celebrating his victory with his supporters (inset).

Credit- Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Landsborough’s Jett Lawrence rewrites the record books in rookie year

By Kirra Livingstone

LANDSBOROUGH

Supercross superstar Jett Lawrence has made history, winning the 2024 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship in his rookie season.

He is the third rider in Supercross history to win in his rookie season, and in January he became the first rider to win his debut Monster Energy AMA Supercross race in the 450 class.

After winning the Championship on May 12, Jett said his emotions hadn’t quite kicked in yet.

“I think mostly the season is finally over really, it’s felt like a long season but then also it’s gone kind of fast,” he said.

“I guess the emotions will probably set in more tomorrow, but right now I’m just obviously super happy about it and just more so happy to do it for the team.”

Jett and older brother, Hunter, left Landsborough for the US after shining bright on the Australian Motocross circuit back when they were just 10 and 14 years old respectively.

As an 11-year-old, Jett

was the one to watch as he scooped up the 65cc Junior MotoCross World Championship and was also two-time junior national titleholder.

In 2018 the then 14-year-old moved up to

race in the 250 European Motocross Championship. With eight wins this

season, Lawrence ties second place with former champ and Aussie Chad Reed.

The Landsborough native premiered in the 450 Class last summer, moving up mid-way through the SuperMotocross series.

Jett became the SuperMotocross World Champion in the inaugural year of the SuperMotocross League.

Taking on the premier 450 Class full-time in 2024, Jett jumped back into the record books in January by becoming the first-ever rider to win his debut Monster Energy AMA Supercross race

ROADWORKS are set to start on Steve Irwin Way as part of a multimillion-dollar upgrade to improve safety and reduce crashes. The works will commence in the coming days on the section of road from the north of Reed Street to the south of Amy Drive in Glass House Mountains.

Key improvements include road widening, wide centre line treatment and shoulder widening, new right and left turn lanes and installation of service roads on both sides of the road at roadside shops in Glass House Mountains.

in the 450 Class.

Jett, recently coined the ‘Justin Bieber of Motocross’ by ESPN, now becomes the third racer in history to win in his rookie season.

After the opening round victory, Lawrence overcame challenges throughout the season as he battled against the best Supercross racers on the planet, including four former 450SX Class champions.

After 17 rounds, the title fight came down to the season’s Final and Lawrence delivered, earning a seventh-place finish to win the title by 15 points.

kirra@gcnews.com.au

“There will also be dedicated entry and exit points, sealed parking, turning lanes to roadside shops, vegetation removal to improve visibility, road pavement rehabilitation and street lighting improvements,” Transport and Main Roads said. Construction is expected to be complete by mid-2025, weather and construction conditions permitting, with most works undertaken during the day between 6am and 5pm Monday to Friday. Night works will be required initially and intermittently during the project, between 7pm and 6am Sunday to Thursday, as well as intermittent weekend works.

kirra@gcnews.com.au

Red tracks closed for rehab

By Kirra Livingstone

REHABILITATION works on the Big Red and Little Red tracks in the Twins Logging Area is expected to be completed by May 24 by HQ Plantations (HQP), to reinstate safe access to fire trails. A HQP spokesperson said the rehabilitation will address soil erosion, the effects of site runoff on catchment water quality, and to provide access for fire protection and forest operations.

“Access for fire management is particularly compromised by damaged tracks and can prevent firefighting resources from being able to rapidly and safely access wildfires to extinguish them,” they said.

The spokesperson added the condition of the tracks has deteriorated in the last few years due to recent heavy rainfall and intensive 4WD recreation.

HQP advises against driving on these tracks.

The Olympic express

Trains set to run every 2.5 minutes during 2032 Games

By Mitch Gaynor and Sonia Isaacs

A TRAIN could pass through Beerwah every 2.5 minutes as they ferry passengers to and from Brisbane during the Olympics on the new Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line (DSC), it can be revealed.

There will also be four services per hour each way through the upgraded hinterland station during normal peak hour times following the opening of the $5.5bn DSC in 2032.

Work is set to start on the new rail line in 2026, with a completion date in 2032 ahead of the Games scheduled for July 23 to August 8.

“In event mode, DSC has been designed to cater for up to 12 trains an hour getting people to an event and up to 12 trains an hour getting people from the event,” a Transport and Main Roads Spokesperson said, following questions from GC&M News.

The supercharged services don’t include a timetable for the upgraded Nambour line, which is currently undergoing a $1bn upgrade to add services.

“DSC has been designed to cater for up to four

trains an hour travelling to Brisbane in the morning peak and up to four trains an hour to the Sunshine Coast in the afternoon peak period,” the TMR spokesperson said.

“Detailed timetables setting out how many trains will run during peak, offpeak, and event mode will be developed as the project approaches opening.”

The DSC will also require the upgrade of Beerwah station to include three platforms, including a new island platform capable of ferrying 5000 passengers a day.

Two new pedestrian bridges will be built along with a new park ‘n ride, bus interchange and bike facilities.

TMR could not say if or how long Beerwah station would need to be closed for the upgrades.

Sunshine Coast Division 1 Councillor, Jenny Broderick, said the DSC project was “wonderful news for the

Sunshine Coast without improved public transport

hinterland”. “It will allow connectivity between the Hinterland and Caloundra, opening up positive and potential opportunities for both sides of the highway.

“However, we can’t stop there. We will also need to be planning for efficient and effective integrated transport solutions for Caloundra to the rest of the Coast. “I’ll be excited to see what that looks like when the time comes. We will need this solution sooner rather than later, with the Olympics only eight years away.”

A Sunshine Coast planning expert said the project was a “great step forward for the coastal plains connectivity to major transport

45% daily private trips by 2046

49% daily private trips between Brisbane and Sunshine Coast by 2045

12% vehicle travel speeds

16% vehicle travel times

49 congested lane kilometres in 2021

187 congested lane kilometres by 2046

3+ hours: Peak hour trips from Sunshine Coast to Brisbane by 2046

(Source: DSC Business Case Study summary)

infrastructure”.

But Sunshine Coast University’s Dr Nicholas Stevens, said the ‘devil would be in the detail for the rollout of the project, which is planned to run through the greenfield Beerwah East development and Aura.

“It cuts right through the Beerwah East future development area, which has capacity for up to 20,000 homes,” he said.

“These residents will either have to access the line at Beerwah or Nirimba Station. The question is how will they do that? Current thinking expects them to drive there.

“(DSC) is also a major rail corridor – these are big - it bisects Beerwah

East so there will need to some way to allow vehicle crossing north and south in Beerwah East. There is also the question of potential rail noise and buffering through the development. So there is the potential of all the impacts of the rail, but without a station.

“In the shorter term, these kinds of potential impacts are perhaps of greater focus in Aura, lots of people are investing and moving there, and while a rail line is a great asset for them, there will be implications in the current Banya and future Acacia residential areas.

“How this is managed will indeed provide insights for the future management of the corridor in Beerwah East.”

Jason Hunt, Macey Searle and Steven Miles

30 years of volunteering

By Sonia Isaacs

LAST week Glass House Mountains Visitor Information Centre’s longest serving ambassador, Rodger Thomson, marked 30 years of sharing his passion for the Sunshine Coast with visitors from all over the world.

As the longest serving and eldest volunteer ambassador, the still sprightly 91 year old said he had always had a keen interest in tourism and experiencing new places.

Speaking previously to GC&M News, Mr Thomson said he had enjoyed a rich background in tourism that included working for Ansett and P&O cruises. He said he had been fortunate to have worked extensively in the travel industry and travel to every continent (except Antarctica) during his lifetime.

“Working as a tourist ambassador, meeting people from all over the

place and volunteering keeps me young at heart!”

Mr Thomson said.

Visit Sunshine Coast CEO, Matt Stoeckel, said volunteers like Rodger Thomson made an enormously valuable contribution to the local economy.

“You really can’t underestimate the importance of an authentic experience of meeting a local who can share the ‘secret spots’ as well as simpler but critical information such as the opening hours and best directions for a tourism attraction,” Mr Stoeckel said.

Mr Thomson has proven to be a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the landmarks, attractions, stories and history of the local region.

A celebration party was held in his honour at the Glasshouse Visitor Information Centre on Wednesday May 8.

It’s never too late for giving

Downturn noted, National Volunteer week

By Sonia Isaacs

QUEENSLAND, in line with the rest of the country, is experiencing a steep decline in volunteering, a new report reveals.

This sobering outlook on the back of national volunteer week has long been echoed by community groups throughout the Glasshouse Country and Hinterland regions.

Volunteer organisations have faced a multitude of challenges and sadly, in some cases, closure.

Local groups say they have struggled to attract and retain volunteers; citing changing societal values, time restraints, health and cost of living pressures.

A comprehensive new report commissioned by Volunteering Queensland, has confirmed this downward trend, both in the number of people volunteering and the overall time spent.

National volunteering data released during National Volunteer week (May 20-26) by Volunteering Australia also reiterates this decline. The State of

Volunteering 2024 Report revealed that 64.3 per cent of Queenslanders (aged over 15 years) volunteered in the previous 12 months, which demonstrates a decline of marginally over 10 per cent in the last three years. According to Volunteering Queensland CEO Mara Basanovic, the reason people don’t or can’t volunteer more is a multifaceted issue. She said research identified several key barriers.

“Most notably people’s restrictions on time, health factors and the rising costs of living,” she said.

According to the report, the cost of volunteering forms a major barrier for Queenslanders who wish to volunteer, being estimated that the combined cost of volunteering in Queensland was $25bn in the 2022-23 financial year.

The lack of knowledge around volunteering possibilities is another factor echoed throughout organisations, with 23 per cent of those surveyed, who did not volunteer, saying they had never been asked or were unsure how to

volunteer.

Despite the decline and costs involved, one of the principal findings of the report revealed the benefi of volunteering significantly outweighed the costs, resulting in a substantial return that enriched the whole community.

“The report found the economic value of volunteering in Queensland was over $117 billion in 2022-23. The labour replacement cost to replace all volunteers would be over $31 billion. For every dollar invested in volunteering, there is an economic return of $4.70,” the Volunteering Queensland CEO said.

Ken Husband from Morris House Neighbourhood Centre acknowledged that the long-running Landsborough-based community run organisation had “always found it hard” to attract volunteers. He said while he firmly believed that there were people in the community who may wish to volunteer or have valuable skills that could benefit an association, he felt people were potentially not aware enough about

committee,” he said. He said an ongoing issue was often it was the same people putting their hands up to help year after year.

“I’m 82 and although I’d like to step back after so many years, we’re just not getting new people stepping up. These types of positions would be perfect for the

SINCLAIR TOUR & TRAVEL

Bankfoot House and Landsborough Museum

Grassroots to Glory exhibition and film

Now until Sunday 8 Sept

Enjoy memorabilia, historic photos, film and artefacts celebrating our local Sunshine Coast aquatic sport heroes. Free. No bookings required.

Film screening: The New Boy

Monday 27 May 7 - 9pm

Set in 1940s Australia, the film tells the story of a nine-year-old Aboriginal orphan and a renegade nun. Bookings essential.

Tony Long, Ilia Starkovsky, Jim Hoffman, Judy Jim Handscomb, Jach Julius, Steve Newton, Rex Shelton. Inset - Ken Husband, Geoff Martin, Ann Husband, Vicki Allen and Jennifer Stevenson.

Rodger Thomson’s (centre) celebrated 30 years as a volunteer

recently retired, but without people getting involved, it’s left up to the same people who just get too old or burnt out,” explained Ken.

Debbie Philpott from Mooloolah Valley Community Centre said outside of the community run Op shop, it had always been difficult to attract volunteers to the Centre, particularly to the management and events committee’s. She said people seemed to have less availability or just couldn’t afford the time.

Despite these challenges, one of the positive aspects she observed was the joy of companionship and opportunity for people to be part of a collaborative community.

“I’ve seen so many people flourish and gain confi through volunteering and being able to interact meaningfully in the community,” she said.

Tony Long from Glasshouse Country Rotary said like many other clubs they were desperate for new members, and had also struggled over the past few years. He said it seemed an inevitable yet unfortunate sign of the times that less people were volunteering. He also acknowledged that attracting a younger cohort remained an elusive challenge.

“People just don’t seem to have the time anymore, and frankly it also takes a particular type of

she had seen first-hand the ongoing struggles for groups to remain viable. She said the need for dual incomes and cost of living pressures had impacted the time people might have previously given to volunteering and giving back to their community. She said there had been a societal shift in the volunteer landscape. One of the biggest issues she had seen over the last 20 years was “volunteer burnout”.

“Perhaps we need to consider more creative ways to make volunteering outcomes more achievable to attract greater community involvement.”

Volunteer of the year vital

BeeGees president goes above and

By Kirra Livingstone

BEEGEES club president Amanda Milburn has once again been recognised for her dedication towards being a community volunteer, winning volunteer of the year at the Female Football Week

The awards are run by Football Queensland, and although Amanda didn’t know she was nominated, it is likely she was up against a large number of nominees for the award. It wasn’t until she got the call from BeeGees communications volunteer Tasia Higgins that she realised she had won the state-wide award, which recognised Amanda’s continuous efforts to ensure the club runs smoothly.

“I am very thankful for it but it’s something that I don’t expect, I do this because I really enjoy being a part of the club, so to be acknowledged is really nice,” Amanda said.

“I won volunteer of the year through Football Sunshine Coast in 2022, but hadn’t won another volunteer award until now, and it’s my first year as club president, so it’s nice.”

Amanda has been volunteering at the club for nine years, wearing a number of hats at the club, but her whole family are volunteers, so it just comes

naturally for her to help the community.

“My sister, she was involved with the Beerwah Bulldogs for a long time, and then she’s now the president of the Junior Sunshine Coast Falcons, and my other sister volunteers with Kindys,” she said.

“We are a family of volunteers; my dad volunteered in the SES for a very long time so it’s just what we do.” Because she has grown up being aware of how important volunteering is, she stressed the significance of community volunteering.

“It is extremely important, our club is built on volunteers so without that it would be very hard to deliver any kind of programs, have any kind of functioning games, it just wouldn’t happen,” she said.

“Last year we had a lot of people come and help in the canteen and with games, it wasn’t until they volunteered that they realised its easy and fun, and understood what goes on behind the scenes.”

kirra@gcnews.com.au

Female Football Week volunteer of the year winner Amanda Milburn.

QFES to be dissolved as new laws passed

By Sonia Isaacs

NEW legislation has passed that will effectively dissolve QFES (Queensland Fire and Emergency Services) as part of a suite of sweeping changes set to boost the state’s resilience capability and response to disaster and emergencies.

The reforms reflect the most substantial departmental shake-up in decades of the state’s disaster and emergency management framework.

Minister for Fire and Disaster Recovery and Minister for Corrective Services, Nikki Boyd, said the new legislation passed on May 2, 2024 was about

By Kirra Livingstone

WHAT Marg

Enkelmann

describes as crazy shenanigans, others call creativity and a bit of fun!

Marg is a cotton farmer of more than forty years, who lives in Silverleaf with her husband Peter, but in her spare time, she designs quirky clothing out of farming waste instead of throwing it away.

Back in 2005, Marg entered into a rural competition, in which she created her first piece, sparking her inspiration and passion in creating fun, sustainable fashion.

“I make fashion out of farm waste, I used to burn it all but when you look at it there’s twine and there’s plastic bags for seeds, there’s just so much waste,” she said.

“There was actually a competition going in 2005 at Biloela at the QRWN and

providing Queenslanders with the best possible frontline support through more resources, more personnel, and a better alignment of emergency services.

“The establishment of the new Queensland Fire Department (QFD) will better position our fire services to respond to the increasing impacts of emergencies and natural disasters. The legislation will not only set up the structures for Rural Fire Service Queensland (RFSQ) and Queensland Fire and Rescue (QFR), but also provide more protection for our volunteers,” Minister Boyd said.

I thought it would be fun, and I made an outfit out of cotton fertiliser bags, and I got nowhere but it was very fun.

The changes will also see Queensland Police Service (QPS) take on primary responsibility for the state’s expanded disaster and emergency coordination functions, with the State Emergency Service (SES) along with Marine Rescue Queensland (MRQ) expected to transition to QPS in June 2024. The new laws will establish QFR and RFSQ as two separate fire services under the umbrella of the newly created QFD set to take effect from July 1, 2024.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES)

Acting Commissioner Steve Smith said the reforms heralded a new era for fire services in Queensland

featured at Queensland Rural, Regional and Remote Women’s Network (QRRRWN) events, flood recovery occasions, the

“Passing of this legislation marks a critical milestone as we transition from QFES to the QFD. It will also mean committed budgets for RFSQ and QFR, and dedicated leadership with experience for each service in the urban and rural environment,” AC Smith said.

Craig Young, Group Officer of the Caloundra Rural Fire Brigade Group which includes seven local brigades, including Beerwah, Glass House Mountains, Landsborough and Maleny, said he was pleased that the RFSQ would see a significant increase in funding and resources, including 146

farm waste, and is in her 19th year of her unique hobby.

“The next parade we had, I asked two of my friends and we went as Kath and Kim and their friend Sharon, and once the competition finished, and I was afraid I was hooked.”

Her fashions have

Queensland Broncos Club, the Cotton Fibre Expo in Narrabri and in many other Queensland locations.

Now, the trash fashion designer has a total of 38 fabulous outfits made sustainably from cotton

paid rural fire service positions throughout the state to support the volunteer base. He said locally this would see an additional brigade training officer and finance officer.

He said while he was cautiously optimistic about the reform, there still remained a bit of grey area around how the local rural brigades will manage their financial concerns.

“We don’t want excessive involvement from QFD on how we operate and manage our finances and funding, however if these changes are rolled out as presented then I am lead to believe they will be good,” Mr Young said.

Repairs in Bald Knob

TEMPORARY traffic lights will remain in place on Landsborough-Maleny Road near Hovard Road for the next six weeks while landslip repairs are undertaken.

Traffic lights will be operating approximately 12 hours a day from 6.30am to 6.30pm Monday to Friday, with the potential for some weekend and night works. One lane of Landsborough-Maleny Road will be closed and under traffic control during work hours, with no impact to Hovard Road.

Glasshouse MP Andrew Powell welcomed the repairs, saying delays to dangerous landslips posed a risk to drivers. “Efficient lane control seems to be occurring,” he said.

Marg described why she has continued this passion project, taking her to QRRRWN events and flood recovery occasions.

“It’s quite funny because often I have seen people waiting for a model that they know to come out and because their character on stage is so different, they don’t even recognise them.

“There’s no age limits; I’ve had a 90-year-old model, who was just as enthusiastic and wonderful as my 17-year-old models, and size and colour are nothing.

“It’s cheap fun and just a little bit crazy and what I find with older ladies is that they actually adopt it so well and it’s fantastic, it really brings out the confidence of all my models from all walks of life.”

The fashionista’s favourite piece she has created was funnily enough for a free Lady Gaga ticket from her daughter.

“I think my favourite would be a leather dress that I made out of tractor tubes, I made for a Michael Jackson outfit,” Marg said.

“We both went in outfits made out of tractor tubes, but the only thing I didn’t think of is my outfit had empty bullet shells on it, which prompted security to check my outfit but they eventually let me go.”

Marg is showcasing her fashion at this year’s Maleny Show. https:// tickets.lup.com.au/malenyagricultural-show-2024.

AUDITIONS for the Maleny Players next production will be held at the Playhouse, Maleny Showgrounds on Saturday and Sunday May 25 and 26 from 2-4pm. Performances will be from Friday 26 through to Sunday 28 July and Friday August 2 through to Sunday August 4. A suite of three one-act plays include Home Truth’s, Shelter, Loggerheads and Escape. All relate to the theme of home, meaning not just a physical structure but an emotional ‘safe haven’. For further information or to arrange an alternative time for audition, contact Andrew Wallace 0467038755 or wallacea@westnet.com.au.

Sue Duncan, Melody Black and Danielle Perry

Hazelden Realty

JTS 12 Volt

ONE year ago, Tamara graced these pages as a new business owner; today, she returns with a seasoned team by her side. In the span of just 12 months, her business on pillars of integrity, trust, and honesty but has also woven it into the fabric of the community. Her dedication to fostering local prosperity led her to assume the role of President for The Glass House Chamber of Commerce, a testament to her commitment to supporting fellow businesses.

Tamara’s passion for her community runs deep, cultivated by her upbringing in the Hinterland. She envisions a future where her children inherit the same adoration for their surroundings—a sentiment that fuels her dedication to community involvement.

As a devoted mother of two, Tamara’s presence is not an active participant in local events and initiatives. Whether you spot her championing local causes or assisting clients in their property endeavours, Tamara’s commitment to excellence shines through.

With over 17 years of experience in the Real Estate industry, Tamara’s expertise is unmatched. She approaches each client’s needs with meticulous care, recognising that every situation is unique. Her mission is simple yet profound: to guide individuals towards their property aspirations while ensuring a seamless experience throughout the process. Join us in celebrating Tamara and her team’s journey the personalised service and unwavering dedication she brings to the realm of real estate.

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Show your support for local small businesses

Glasshouse Country and Maleny News is helping celebrate the incredible contribution our local business owners make across the hinterland community every day.

During Small Business Month we are shining a light on some of those enterprises who, in their own words, write about the passion and dedication behind their ventures.

All In One Fitness

Adjust to Life Chiropractic

BERNETTE is a Chinese Medicine Practitioner at her business, Acupuncture @ Beerwah in Turner Street. Bernette has embraced the study and practice of Chinese medicine and has been in practice since 1999 and in Beerwah since 2013.

Bernette uses Chinese medicine to help people feel well and energetic and to maintain general wellbeing.

Bernette explains, “Acupuncture eases pain, tension and stress, and by doing this helps alleviate and or prevent many issues before they happen.”

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine is not a miracle cure, it usually takes several treatments to achieve results and then periodic treatments for maintenance. Bernette likes people to decide for themselves from treatments and their ongoing maintenance.

“If you can’t abide needles there are alternative treatments available that still use Chinese Medical protocols some of these are cupping, herbs and moxibustion.”

Cupping is also a great treatment for muscular tightness, stress and for activating acupoints works well for bursitis of the hips, corked muscles, and general muscle tightness from sport and work.

Herbs are for treating issues

acupuncture.

Moxibustion is an herb (usually Artemisia Vulgaris or Artemisia Montana) that is burnt over acupoints to stimulate the acupoint areas.

Bernette looks forward to assisting people to understand and manage their health issues.

Call to book or you can also book online.

WHAT a rollercoaster it has been since we bought the gyms almost 3 months ago and we are loving it! So much has happened in this short time and we will continue to work hard to create a gym that we are proud of and that you want to be part of.

We have an amazing team at All In One Fitness Centre and pride ourselves on being a friendly and welcoming Gym here to support everyone journey.

A massive thank you to our family, Admin/Reception

Personal Trainers and of course our members we are so grateful for your support.

We are the Gym that Cares with two great locations, great prices, 24/7 access available, PT sessions, programs and we now have 30+ classes on our timetable across both sites and will continue to tweak this until we get it right.

Our members span the generations, all shapes and whatever your goal we would love to hear from you, pop in for a chat and check out the gym, give us a call or shoot us an email, follow us on Facebook, to keep up with what is happening and see our

Keep an eye out for our new signs and our June promotion: Half price joining fee $25 and we cover the other half donating the “$50 joining fee” to Give Me 5 For Kids fundraiser.

Free class or gym trial. Plus mention this ad when joining

We look forward to meeting you!

Shop4b/21 Peachester Rd, Beerwah

5439 0949

10-12/2 Karanne Drive, Mooloolah

5494 7236

IN the heart of Beerwah, a revolution in wellness and community engagement is taking place at Adjust to Life Chiropractic. Established

chiropractic clinic in the area, Adjust to Life has become a beacon of healing and vitality. Over the past three years, Dr Jason Sparks and his team have doubled the clinic’s size and expanded to include three skilled chiropractors who serve the community six days a week. With a mission to “restore health and enhance vitality for every family,” Adjust to Life is not just about adjusting spines but also about enriching lives. Dr. Sparks emphasizes the power of innate intelligence system to unlock each individual’s full potential. This philosophy extends beyond the clinic’s doors, reaching into the community through sponsorship of local athletes like Dana Deadly Coolwell (boxing) and to support Carolyn’s body for the ascent up Mount Kosciuszko to raise awareness for Orangutangs, just to name a few.

The clinic holds fortnightly educational classes on chiropractic care, emphasizing proactive health management. To celebrate Queensland Small Business Month, Adjust promotion: an $80 package for new patients, valued at $225. This includes an initial consult, X-rays (if necessary), a comprehensive report of

Don’t miss this opportunity to transform your health. Call Adjust to Life Chiropractic today experience the transformative care.

21 Peachester Road, Beerwah

Acupuncture @ Beerwah

These enterprises employ locally, buy locally and invest locally, making them a vital part of the region. GC&M News urges everyone to get behind our small businesses. Purchase their products or use their services and enjoy the mutual benefits of a growing, vibrant and dynamic hinterland community.

Liberty Maleny

A TRULY independent business, Liberty Maleny is best possible fuel prices at the top of the hill in Maleny, 7 days a week from 5am to 8pm.

Maleny team, Lucky, Sam, Sehaj and Cae would like to thank everyone for the support that has been shown over the business.

donate fuel vouchers to help them deliver the much community.

They are proud to be able and would also like to take this opportunity to thank that help them provide the best possible service to their customers.

some of the best fuel prices

foods available for your convenience every day.

From their hot box of delicious quality foods, and other fried morsels of pizzas to be made fresh for of fresh sandwiches and wraps all to be enjoyed with your tank and your tummy!

consultation.

Forest Heart ecoNursery

THANKS Glasshouse Country Maleny News for supporting small business month, we are very fortunate in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland to have such a great community-oriented newspaper that works with our small businesses, which are at the heart of our communities.

Forest Heart ecoNursery is a speciality is supplying local native plants, cultivar native plants and fruit trees suitable for our area.

Forest Heart ecoNursery has been trading for over eight and a half years from 20 Coral Street, Maleny and is the retail face of Brush Turkey Enterprises which is a family business that has been in operation and based in Maleny for over 25 years.

We specialise in the restoring the amazing native nurseries, bush regeneration contracting, education and consultancy services.

We are passionate about what we do and love to share our enthusiasm for our local native plants whether that be for their beauty, bushfood and wildlife.

Also based at 20 Coral Street

Gallery, with a great exhibit by three well-known local artists participating in the Open studios program coming up at the end of this month.

Celebrate this Small Business Month, buy local and support small businesses who in turn support and build our communities.

Forest Heart Eco-Nursery is open Tuesday to Friday from 9am to 4pm and Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 2pm.

AT Glasshouse Property Sales, we deeply value the vital role small businesses play in our local community. As an authentic, family-operated real estate agency serving the Sunshine Coast Hinterland for over ten years, we take pride in delivering a superior service without any corporate ties.

Throughout our journey, we’ve observed the evolving local economy and understand that the survival of small business hinges on community support. Particularly in today’s economic climate, where living costs are high, it’s crucial to rally around our local businesses for goods and services. This not only fosters job creation but also nurtures local economic growth by keeping money circulating within our community.

With over 30 years’ combined experience and knowledge of our local area, our business thrives on the dedication, professionalism, and commitment of our agents.

honest, and straightforward insights into the local market, contributing to our ongoing success. This sentiment is echoed by our clients, by awarding us the RATEMYAGENT “Agency of the Year” for Glass House Mountains

If you’re seeking an agency don’t hesitate to contact Glasshouse Property Sales today. No matter where you are in your real estate journey, your Glasshouse Property Sales agent

Whether it’s recommending reliable, local tradespeople for tackling those lingering odd jobs, or providing accurate obligation free appraisals, we’re here to help minimise the stress when selling one of your largest assets. Let us guide you through the process and help you achieve the results you deserve.

Paint Place Beerwah

AS a long-time local and award-winning business, Paint Place Beerwah has stood the test of time.

Owner, Anthony Austin, has a lifetime of experience in the paint industry and along with his long term team, he has been helping locals for over 20 years now with their painting needs.

As a local himself, and especially as a local business owner, Anthony knows how important it is to provide services for residents of the area and for locals to support their local operators.

Embracing the motto “Buy Local - Support Local”, Anthony expertise, from his store on the corner of Simpson Street and Pine Camp Road, with the convenience of parking out front.

Your local Paint Place is shop with the lot! With their professional advice catering to all budgets, computer colour matching and a complete range of leading brand paints including industrial, automotive, decorative, textures, wood care, accessories and a complete range of mostly Australian owned products such as Haymes, Concept, Norglass Marine and Luxury Paints, the team at Paint Place

For professional advice about your next painting project, drop in to see Anthony and his team at Shop 3, 28 Simpson Street, Beerwah and let the experts guide you. Paint Place Beerwah is open Monday to Friday from 7:30am to 4:30pm and Saturdays from 8:00am to 12:00pm, and you can contact them on 5439 0999.

Shop 3, 28 Simpson Street, Beerwah

19 Macadamia Drive, Maleny

Speak Up Now Maleny hosts poignant candlelight vigil

By Sonia Isaacs

DESPITE adverse weather conditions, a good turnout of around 50 people attended Maleny’s Speak Up Now candlelight vigil at the Maleny neighbourhood Centre on Thursday May 16. The annual event honours those who have lost their lives to Domestic and Family Violence (DFV). Andrew Powell MP, Senior

Sergeant Jonathan McBride (OIC, Sunshine Coast DFV and VPU) and retired magistrate Stephanie Tonkin spoke at the event, accompanied by the beautiful harmonies of the

Sweet Chili Choir. The speakers shared insights that provided a heartfelt yet sobering awareness into the unfortunate prevalence of gender-based violence in

our society, and the need for all community members to stand up and help stop the violence. Ian Demack from Maleny NHC said recent data had shown a 30% spike in gender based violence.

DFV calls on rise

Services struggling to keep up with DFV demand

By Sonia Isaacs

DVCONNECT, a leading Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) support service, reports receiving a call for help every four minutes.

Speaking to GC&M News, Michelle Royes, Director of Clinical Governance, at DVConnect, confirmed incoming calls to the services Womensline had increased by 35% in the last quarter.

She said the Queensland base service was struggling to keep up with demand.

“Our funding is already failing to meet this demand

let alone keep pace with the increases we are seeing in the last six months alone,” Ms Royse said.

This increase in reported DFV and resulting demand on community resources is echoed by Queensland Police Service (QPS) representatives.

Last week speaking in Maleny at the SpeakUp Now candlelight vigil honouring those who had lost their lives to DFV, the Sunshine Coast QPS lead for DFV and VPU (Vulnerable Person’s Unit), Senior Sergeant Jonathan McBride said last financial year QPS attended 171,000 DFV-related

incidents.

“DFV happens in every suburb and the numbers are only increasing. Dealing with DFV requires a huge demand on QPS resources, with approximately 50% of all policing is DFV related,” he said.

Snr. Sgt McBride said there was still a long way to go, and unfortunately DFV still remained a hidden or unreported crime.

He said continuing to raise awareness of DFV was vital.

He said over the last seven years the figures for DFV had doubled, with QPS struggling to keep up with

the numbers.

“There still remains a massive gender inequality in cases of DFV. Men play a key role in addressing this in our community,” Snr. Sgt McBride said Snr. Sgt McBride said he believed there had been a significant change in community education and awareness around DFV in recent years, however there was still work to be done in challenging and changing values, behaviour, attitudes and beliefs around DFV.

1800Respect (www.1800respect.org.au) on 1800 737 732 (for 24/7 counselling support)

“It is important for every member of the community to say ‘Stop. Enough. No more women or children should fall victim to this scourge’,” he said.

From left: Snr Sgt Jonathan McBride, Leigh McLean, Sgt. Nick Paterson. Anni Philp, Madonna Hampson, Sheryl Gregory and Stephanie Tonkin. Andrew Powell MP, Ian Demack and Greg Williams

Candles placed in honour of DFV victims

with Andrew Powell State Member for Glass House

ANZAC Day Reflections

WITH some 20 different services held across the Glass House electorate every ANZAC Day, I simply can’t be everywhere. So I want to pass on my thanks to Michelle (Wamuran), Rowena (Mt Mee), Sarah (Caboolture), Matthew (Maleny) and Wendy (Glasshouse Mountains) for representing me and laying a wreath on my behalf at the ceremonies I couldn’t attend. I am very grateful. The services I attended personally were poignant and powerful and I’m constantly awed by the increasing numbers of locals that come out to commemorate this pivotal day. We will remember them! Lest we forget!

Latest Local

Heroes Winners

Congratulations to the first winners of my Local Heroes Grants for 2024. I usually only choose four winners per round, but with so many worthy causes

submitting applications this time around, I simply couldn’t narrow it down.

The winners are …

• Maleny State High School – to assist with producing their yearbook;

• Health Smallacombe –sponsorship for the National Athletics Championships in Adelaide for U/18 Men’s 100 and 200m sprints;

• Waraba Cricket Club –supporting the costs of rebranding from ‘Moreton Valley’ to ‘Waraba’ Cricket Club and the purchase of equipment to help start a junior cricket program;

• Maleny Country Fair –funding to put on the fair;

• Sacred Heart Church Maleny – supporting the costs associated with hosting a 100th anniversary celebration; and

• Maleny Netball Association – assistance for some players registration fees. Funding for round two is currently open and will close on Friday 24th May.

with Winston Johnston Division 5 - Sunshine Coast Council

Thank you

THANK you to the community of Division 5 for re-electing me as your Council representative for another term. During the campaign it was great to meet residents from right across Division 5. I’m appreciative of the campaign support that I had from family, friends, mentors and volunteers.

New art trail

Montville has a new, public art trail for you to discover. ‘Monts’ are seven sculptures by local artist Finn Cossar. They were installed around the hinterland town in April as part of the ongoing Montville Streetscape Beautification Group’s levy program, managed by Council’s Placemaking team. Council will also be installing signage to accompany the project. This is the first of four projects overseen by the Beautification Group and Council.

Sun smart park

It’s great to see that the much sought after shade sail located at Tesch Park, Maleny has been completed. Along with the shade sail and galvanised posting, the project included new turf and tree trimming to make the space user-friendly.

Roadworks

The rainy start to the year has taken its toll on our hinterland roads and Council will be undertaking resealing work on Nicklin Way, Palmwoods and Shekinah Court, West Woombye this May - rain permitting. If you have a pothole to report please lodge a service request with Council via www.sunshinecoast.qld. gov.au, 5475 7272 or the Sunshine Coast Council app. Keeping you connected Please keep an eye on my Facebook page for the latest Division 5 news and information. Visit www.facebook.com/ winstonjohnston division5scc .

National Reconciliation Week kicks off at Mapleton

NATIONAL Reconciliation Week runs from May 27 to June 3 and celebrates achievements in Australia’s journey towards reconciliation, with many events held nationwide.

Next Monday, May 27 a special launch event will be held at Mapleton.

This year’s theme, Now More Than Ever, serves as a reminder that the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people must continue.

All community members are invited to a family friendly event to experience food, performances, activities and First Nations speakers on Monday, May 27, from 3.30pm at Triballink Cultural Activity Centre in Mapleton.

This event, and the entire week, provides an opportunity to come together as a community and reflect on the importance of National Reconciliation Week and all that it represents.

Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said Council

placed a high priority on building stronger relationships with First Nations peoples.

“We value their cultures and heritage and their contribution to the social fabric of our community,” Cr Natoli said.

“Events like these help us to build strong and respectful relationships.

“National Reconciliation Week brings Council and our key stakeholders together to support and celebrate reconciliation efforts.”

For a full list of events visit Council’s website and search ‘National Reconciliation Week’. Free launch event runs 3.30pm-7pm,TribalLink Cultural Activity Centre, 70

Live healthier and happier

Community strategy action plan refreshed and open for community consultation

THE SUNSHINE Coast

Community Strategy has been formulated to ensure Sunshine Coast residents live healthier and happier lives.

It aims to promote active lifestyles, better community connections and ensure vibrant and connected places and spaces. Creativity, along with First Nations culture and heritage is celebrated as a cornerstone of the strategy.

The strategy has recently undergone a refresh after vital feedback from more than 1800 community members. Collaborative solutions to transport and housing and homelessness support, more emphasis

on community facilities and local activities to bring communities together, and a renewed focus on inclusion and diversity in all its forms are some of the priorities highlighted.

Other priorities suggested by residents include ensuring balance in the built and natural environment, strengthening community connections as the Sunshine Coast grows, and developing further recognition of First Nations people.

Sunshine Coast residents are invited to provide their feedback on the draft refreshed Community Strategy and Action Plan 2024-29.

BEERWAH PICTURE

for the region. ects

our changing Sunshine Coast community priorities,” Cr Natoli said.

“Here on the Sunshine Coast, we’re connecting and engaging with our communities to build a better future for everyone.

“Residents can provide their feedback by attending one of our community sessions, completing the online survey or, for more detailed feedback, using the feedback template before June 10.

“Residents can also get creative and enter the photo competition by sharing a photo that represents our strong Sunshine Coast community.”

Community members

who enter the photo competition can win gift vouchers of up to $500, with open and junior categories available. There will be a range of opportunities to provide feedback during the engagement period, including community sessions held during May and June. There is also online community survey or feedback templates available on Council’s Have Your Say website. More details, registration information for the community sessions and updates available at www. haveyoursay.sunshinecoast. qld.gov.au/sunshine-coastcommunity-strategy-refresh

Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli encouraged on this important strategy

Health

& WELLBEING

Re-opening of JAG Pilates

Elevate your wellness journey with JAG

JOIN us for our Grand Opening on May 25th from 11am to 2pm, a celebration featuring complimentary Pilates sessions, nourishing food, and joyful laughter with Gail Goodall.

It’s a golden opportunity to immerse yourself in the holistic sanctuary of JAG Fitness and Pilates.

Discover the transformative benefits of Reformer Pilates and circuit training, carefully crafted to enhance core strength, balance, flexibility, and heart health.

Nourish your body and soul with our comprehensive nutrition programs, complementing your fitness regime for holistic vitality. Whether in group sessions or personalised oneon-one training, we’re dedicated to helping you

achieve your wellness goals.

At JAG, we’re more than just a fitness studio—we’re a vibrant community committed to your wellbeing.

Engage in monthly gatherings and immersive workshops, delving into the realms of sound healing, meditation, and breathwork.

Our five-week Wellness and fitness programs offer deeper exploration

into mind-body wellness, empowering you to thrive.

Gail Goodall’s holistic approach to fitness and wellness comes from years of adapting and evolving from her own experience through various trainings, coaching and teaching modalities and qualifications.

You’ll experience a supportive, nurturing environment tailored to your individual journey. Make JAG Fitness and Pilates your sanctuary for transformation. Visit us at 20 Back Creek Road, Beerwah, and embark on a journey to a balanced, vibrant life. Elevate your well-being with us at JAG Fitness and Pilates—where every step is a celebration of self-care and growth. For more information, visit www.jagfitness.com and take the first step towards your empowered wellness journey.

What’s the buzz on Bee Day

WORLD Bee Day provides the perfect opportunity to raise awareness and celebrate the contribution bees make to our wellbeing via their role in food production, biodiversity and ecosystem health.

Did you know that bees help to pollinate most of the crops we eat, and that nearly two-thirds of Australia’s agricultural production benefits from honeybee pollination?

And of course they make fabulous honey!

And we are not just talking about honeybees. In Australia we have more than 2,000 species of native bees. A very special native bee is

the Blue Banded Bee. These bees perform an unusual type of pollination called buzz pollination, something that honeybees can’t do!

Saturday May 25, Pattemore House will be buzzing with activity, with the Friends celebrating World Bee Day at 15 Porters Lane, North Maleny from 11am to 4pm.

Renowned bee expert, Dr Max Whitten, will be on hand to chat about bees, and answer any questions you may have about honeybees and native bees.

The Powerful Pollinators Guide for SE Queensland is a great resource for selecting species to plant to increase

the health and diversity of pollinators in your local area. Copies will be available for purchase. You can explore our regular heritage displays and stories too, and enjoy morning or afternoon tea served on the verandah. This month our teas will have a honey focus, and will be available from 11am to 4pm. ‘Bee’ there!

QCWA Cooking workshop

QCWA Maleny Branch Members invite you to join them for a cooking workshop focusing on preparing healthy meals for 1 or 2. Participants will learn our top tips on grocery shopping, food preparation and meal planning to give them the skills needed to make delicious, healthy and affordable meals. This workshop is perfect for those living in smaller households or on their own.

The workshop will be held at the Maleny Community Centre Verandah Room

on the 25th June, 9.30am to 1.30pm. For only $10 participants will receive

a recipe booklet, apron, shopping bag, morning tea and lunch on the day.

Are you flood prepared?

ARE you prepared for floods?

Local property owners are invited to a ‘How to Make your Property Flood Ready’ workshop on Saturday May 25 at Mooloolah River Landcare, 2671 Steve Irwin Way.

Residents of the Sunshine Coast are invited to a free one day workshop to learn how to make your property flood ready.

During this interactive day participants will learn various flood mitigation techniques and community resilience tips.

MRL projects off Jessica Raintree, said the free event was a great way to pick up invaluable skills and prepare for fl disaster at a grassroots

community level. “Residents can learn land management techniques to reduce flood impacts, and ways to bring your community together for a stronger recovery,” she said. The workshop will also look at ways to care for wildlife following a natural disaster, and

environmental resilience. All attendees will receive a disaster preparedness kit, an erosion control plant pack and food all day. Although the day is free to attend, bookings are essential for catering: https://events.humanitix. com/how-to-make-your-

Terribly disappointed

QUEENSLAND has to be the noisiest state in Australia. We also have a bunch of questionable politicians, none I would employ or pay.

Please read on, why is it the noisiest state? R U Deaf?

Vehicles require Silencers (Mufflers) fitted when made, the Baffles inside the actual silencer deadens the noise, so that U can hear yourself think.

Queensland police are faced with a major problem: they cannot issue a Defect or Traffic Infringement Notice unless they have in their possession a Decebel Instrument used by their local Council and a Council employee to operate the same, or the Magistrate will throw the matter out of Court.

What absolute stupidity. This stupid law also cancels the offence: “Undue Noise Manner Operated”, which is when the operator of the vehicle revs the engine causing Loud and Undue Noise and then drops the clutch, spinning the wheels and usually leaving black rubber residue on the bitumen/cement road.

Whilst I am on our Court system in Queensland, I am told Magistrates cannot allow “Reasonable Doubt”. If true, what a fiasco that is. That in effect means that if you or your solicitor can prove “Reasonable Doubt”, the Magistrate can dismiss the case.

Do you wonder why these out-of-control juveniles are

arrested by police, then Bailed and back on the streets quicker than having been arrested? Police have nowhere to place them and they have the right to Bail, however, Bail can also be made unobtainable. But the problem is our Government think it’s much more important to have a railway out to Caloundra etc. Ask our schoolteachers what the Government do for them when dealing with these out-of-control students. Absolutely NOTHING. The teacher is apparently at fault.

Omnibus drivers, just a couple of weeks back a driver went to the aid of a passenger and was sacked – LOST his job – so the latest assaults complained, what did the driver’s do? Closed the doors and watched. They still have their jobs. Police have had many laws or powers taken from them. This causes great concern and ties their hands. No wonder they do not want to leave their respective stations. Not all police are crooks, just that few who turn the general feeling ... I am a retired NSW police officer, out some 25 years now.

Our local politicians leave a lot to be desired in my opinion, a pity they don’t sit back and look at what is going on in their area. Someone should introduce Hunt & Powell to each other and suggest that they get together and attempt to work together instead of

rubbishing each other. Be constructive –hopefully they know what that means – and people may respect them a bit more.

I came to Queensland in 1999 when I retired. I picked Queensland simply because I saw what was happening in New South Wales, however, I am not sorry, but terribly disappointed.

Brian Stallworthy Beerwah

Peace through Hope, Knowledge and Logic

PERHAPS some people may find relief in knowing that being critical of the methods of the Israeli government and the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) does not make a person antisemitic. And that being critical of the methods of Hamas does not make a person anti-Muslim. The many people, including Jews and Israelis, advocating for a free Palestine and for a fair

share of the land that these people once occupied for their homes and farms are not being antisemitic. They are hoping for fairness and peace in our World.

Garry Claridge Maleny

Language - where DV starts

TWO weeks ago, DV was front page news in this paper. We all know it’s bad - Australia has seen double the murders of women by their ‘intimate partners’ this year. But many of us have absolutely no idea where violence against women comes from. It firstly comes from the language we use.

Then I read the “Just For Laughs” from last week. The punchline was about how women are perceived as impossible to understand. This is where DV starts! The ‘common knowledge’ that woman are complex, hard to understand, difficult, from Venus when

us ‘rational beings’ are from Mars (Look up where the word ‘hysterical’ comes from).

NO, NO, NO! This humour, unchecked, is designed to keep woman in their place - as second class citizens, to spread the insidious message to our boys that they are inherently better. And, unfortunately, it’s working.

And before someone says, “Lighten up mate, it’s only a joke”, jokes and humour have a very important role to play in our world. They are often used to punch down; to keep oppressed groups in line. When I was a kid, the jokes were all about the “Dumb Irish”, a theme that I (shamefully) happily played on with, even though I have Irish forebears.

What a soul-crushing day it was for me, when I realised that the Irish were oppressed by their English counterparts for 400 years, and simply the easiest and most effective way to keep the status quo is through humour - a highly infectious cultural meme that another race is dumber or more inbred or more [insert slander here] than the one who has power. (Irish jokes largely morphed into the ‘blond jokes’ in the 80’s).

CONDITIONS Please keep your letters under 300 words, your

I

not be personal attacks on individuals. Letters may be

experience of myself is that I’m complex, sometimes irrational. I’m human. Just like a woman - no more or less complex, no more or less irrational.

Hyper-masculinity is a cancer and it starts with language and the jokes and memes we spread. Please, Glass House Country and Maleny News, stop these inane and incorrect cultural memes that are perpetuating these myths - for we know that the pen is mightier than the sword, and said enough times, men, boys, woman and girls start to believe it.

THUMBS UP

Just a short complimentary note to say how much I enjoy CRANK the croc column in your newspaper. He always gets a reaction out of me whether it be good (mostly), bad or indifferent.

Thanks CROC.

Brian Chandler

These type of jokes are written by men for men, and if you, as a woman, laughed along, you have been colonised by men. My

really do like people ... at least I try

OH, WONDERFUL. I’ve got myself an arch nemesis. I wasn’t even in the market for (another) one, so thanks a lot Andrew McLean. Mr McLean has written a mean letter that calls me names and somehow conflates my unwillingnessand let’s face it, inability - to buy an electric vehicle, with a rise in domestic violence incidents on State of Origin

night. I found it hard to follow the argument, but the logic went something like this: I’m a grumpy alpha croc, alpha crocs like football, domestic violence rates spike on State of Origin nights, therefore... I’m not sure, you lost me. I should buy an electric car? I don’t know either. What I do know is, I wouldn’t be so grumpy if

people weren’t so stupid. On that point, we’re at an impasse. My original thought was that there is a lot to consider when buying an EV. And during a cost of living pinch it’s not as simple as just wanting to do good. They’re bloody expensive and the resale value is dire and about to get a lot worse (just look to the US and the number of

second hand Teslas about to hit the market). I didn’t even mention that they randomly self combust, but there you go. Flaming cars!

E-CRAZED

OF COURSE we could all just ditch cars for the world’s most pointless invention since the fidget spinner: E-scooters.

The council is now asking what people really think

about them as a trial on the coast reaches its end.

Strangely the questions posed all lead to the answers of ‘awesome’ or ‘more awesome’.

Much like all good government inquiries.

Strangely there’s no option for ‘how many bones you broke the first time you used one’.

Commonsense won’t prevail but it would be great to hear from the local hospital about the number of admissions they have received in the past year directly related to people falling off scooters. A lot, I would say.

Andrew McLean Maleny

Rosetta’s Great Reads

Think Twice

Reviewed by Lea Dodd

instalment in this series, however, there is enough back story to drop in anywhere in the series. A former client of Myron’s has been accused of murder – the only problem is he is dead! Or is he? This question will keep you guessing throughout the book as it is intermittently laced with chapters in the killer’s perspective. We also get to enjoy the human side of the characters through the development of their own lives, alongside the fast-paced action. Harlen Coben proves again that he is the master of the crime puzzle as this jigsaw of an investigation slots into place piece by piece, with an ending that you’ll never guess! RRP$34.99

30 Maple St, Maleny 5435 2134

Slavic-inspired alternative folk Peachester songstress melds cultures

By Sonia Isaacs

ENIGMATIC Peachester songstress Innessa, is about to embark on her first Queensland tour.

Fusing alternative folk with Eastern-European influences, her ‘Golden Wreath’ tour shares Innessa’s hauntingly beautiful musical stories.

Her unique yet captivating sound provides a magical insight into a unification of East meets West, melding music and culture with tradition and contemporary technique.

“That incredible feeling of capturing East-meets-West, when different cultures come together, that’s what my music is all about,” explained Innessa.

“Celebrating the elements that make our cultures unique, and infusing these to create something multidimensional is what I strive for musically,” she added.

sharing it with the world.

She said since settling in Australia in 2010, she has dedicated several years to studying the music industry in Australia. Golden Wreath is her latest album, blending contemporary genres with the heartfelt influences of her Slavic heritage.

“Touring is a crucial component of this endeavour to share my music,

“It is allowing me to personally connect with the Australian audience and introduce them to my new music. It’s a significant milestone in my musical journey,” Innessa said.

a journey that transcends borders, enveloping them in a comforting embrace that soothes the soul and celebrates the beauty of diverse cultures.

GIFTS COFFEE

Horoscopes

GEMINI

MAY 21 – JUNE 21

The radiant Sun and charming Venus, beaming their welcome vibes into your social sign during the last week of May, illuminate this year’s glorious cosmic birthday present: Jupiter making its oncein-twelve-year visit to Gemini until June 2025. Welcome to an exciting, expansive new cycle!

CANCER

JUNE 22 - JULY 22

VIRGO

OPEN 7 DAYS

Speaking with GC&M News, Innessa said she first began writing her own songs at 16, nurturing a dream of creating music and

WEEK BEGINNING MAY 21

AUGUST 24 – SEPTEMBER 22

Jupiter, spending the coming twelve months in your personal zone of closure, assists in de-cluttering your life of outdated habit patterns and connections no longer beneficial to your wellbeing. Which might include telling the good, the bad and the truth when the full moon on 23 May hands you the mic.

LEO JULY 23 – AUGUST 23

With Jupiter heading this week into your zone of friendship and the collective for the coming 12 months, get very clear about what you want to put out to the world. Gemini season is all about communicating and connecting, so look for ways to amplify and broadcast your message.

Welcome to a refreshing new Jupiter cycle. As the red-spotted giant begins its yearlong trek through a fellow mutable sign like yours, supported by this week’s Sun and Venus, the exchange of information ramps up to the point where sanity suggests limiting online input.

LIBRA

SEPTEMBER 23 – OCTOBER 23

With Venus in the sign of the Twins, get ready for plenty of mixed messages. The full moon on 23 May could stimulate the urge to stand up and speak out, so it’s worthwhile identifying beforehand where you need to turn up the volume and question conventions that aren’t working for you.

SCORPIO

OCTOBER 24 – NOVEMBER 22

With Venus in curious mode, the urge to experiment could be strong, and the likelihood of meeting someone interesting through a mutual connection high. Scorpios are intense, so you might want to know that in the time of Gemini there’s a definite bias to keep things light and airy.

SAGITTARIUS

NOVEMBER 23 – DECEMBER 21

Innessa has performed at some of Australia’s largest festivals like the Canberra Multicultural Folk Festival and the Woodford Folk Festival and has, several times, been a finalist in the Queensland Music Awards. Through her music, Innessa invites listeners on

Her tour kicks off on May 24 in Brisbane as part of the multicultural BEMAC unplugged series. The tour which runs from May through to July includes a local performance at the Maleny Playhouse June 29. More information at https:// innessamusic.com/

The Sagittarius full moon on 23 May opens a portal for connecting with loved ones at a distance, and your ruling planet Jupiter makes its annual move, this year into your relationship zone, asking: Have you possibly been thinking too small in the partnership department? This is your time to dream big, Archers.

CAPRICORN

DECEMBER 22 – JANUARY 20

PISCES

FEBRUARY 19 – MARCH 20

When the tearaway full moon on 23 May issues your ticket to ride beyond the comfortable and familiar, a getaway from your everyday routine is wholeheartedly encouraged. If actual travel isn’t possible, take an internal trip to a fresh mindset, a new perspective, another way of thinking. Do something different.

AQUARIUS

JANUARY 21 – FEBRUARY 18

As this week’s astral energetics spark ideas and dialogue in fellow mindsign Gemini, which loves all things local and new, explore what’s on offer in your neighbourhood. Or maybe experiment with a seasonal style-over in that Aquarian way of naturally drawing attention without looking like you’re trying.

ARIES

MARCH 21 – APRIL 20

The planetary triad of the Sun, Venus and Jupiter, coming online in the sign of communication, invite you to reach out and connect, to upgrade your tech skills if necessary. And this week’s visionary Sagittarius full moon beckons to explore beyond the borders of what’s comfortable and familiar.

The full moon’s excellent recommendation on 23 May – to expand your viewfinder and assess things from a wider perspective – is this week’s number one gamechanger. So stretch: your mental horizons, with informative podcasts; your emotional parameters, by reaching out; your body, with different dance or exercise routines.

TAURUS

APRIL 21 – MAY 20

With Venus flitting into social butterfly mode, expect flirty chit chat, witty exchanges and increased online interactions. Jupiter, entering your money zone, opens up a new financial cycle, so start considering this week what new options are likely to go the distance: fact check, crunch numbers, develop project plans.

with Lilith Rocha

40 years of Senior Citz club

Sconetime, good time

By Sonia Isaacs

Judith and Robert Smyth, Shelia Verity, Lorraine H and Alistaire Waddell

Rod Layt and Judy Jurek

Lottie and John Nisbett

Greg Howard, Alice O’Connell and Rod LaytHelen Butcher, Lenore Howard and Gail Farran

Shirley Sagar, Sandy Murphy

Greg Howard, Jenny Eggleston, Charles Farran

Frank Maroney, Pam Matthews and Jan Hunter

Denise and Max Pinwell, Jenny and Justin Neubecker and Grayham and Sandy Murphy

Bonny Breitkreutz, Dot harrison, Rita Cruishank, Dell Davis

Bec and Jenny

Sharon and Andrew Members of the GC Men’s Shed with Shed Martin

Mitch, Tony and Lewis

NEWS Church & Communit y

2.3 Billion Followers

2,300,000,000 is not a small number. In fact, if that was the balance of your bank accounts, you would be happy with what you’ve accumulated and the financial security and many options in life it provides.

However, I’m not talking about money. I’m talking about the number of people who today identify as followers of Jesus Christ.

Time Magazine in 2000 deemed him as the most influential man in the last 1000 years. Yet he never travelled outside his own country, never wrote a hit song, never authored a book, never raised an army and never went to war. So, what did he do, say and accomplish in the first century that 2.3 billion are following him today?

Why does Jesus stand out from all others? What makes him so unique?

The Bible says in the

Gospel of Luke 1:31 that the angel Gabriel appears to a young woman, Mary and says; “behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.”

Mary, being a virgin, asked the very obvious question: “How can this be?”

The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the most-high will overshadow you.” (Luke 1:35)

His beginning was unique; divinely conceived, God seed, God DNA. But this is not the only unique aspect of this man’s life. It is further seen at his birth with a host of angels suddenly appearing to shepherds in fields announcing “for unto you is born this day in the City of David a saviour who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11)

“Born this day” – it happened on a specific day

in history, in a real city - the City of David.

“A Saviour” – If you have ever sinned against God, you need a saviour. The Bible is clear – this refers to all of us.

I’ve never heard of angels announcing anyone else’s birth.

The real uniqueness of Jesus is that He is heralded by angels as the saviour of mankind. However, this is just the start of the recorded evidence of Jesus’ uniqueness.

Take a moment to read the Book of Luke or listen to it on YouTube or via a free Bible App. You’ll be amazed too!

Children of Courage Awards

Contributed by Di Hobson

THE MALENY Blackall Range Lions Club recently held their inaugural Children of Courage Awards at the Maleny State High School.

Three students were nominated by their support teachers to participate in the awards.

Awards is not a competition.

The awards recognise a very special group of young Australians with ‘special needs’ and their families

They recognise the courage and bravery shown by the children every day. The benefits to the child from receiving the award include acting as an encouragement to their future, helping them to believe in themselves and helping to increase their self-worth.

The Lions Club appreciate the commitment of the Head of the

Kitchen aims to support community

THE People’s Kitchen is a community kitchen dedicated to providing home cooked meals for individuals and families who are in need of a free hot and nutritious dinner for any reason. There are meat and vegetarian options, salads or soups and desert and meals are served up each Wednesday from 4:30-6:30 at Maleny RSL. The great thing about The People’s Kitchen is how many community groups and local businesses work together to make this happen. Local businesses and individuals

donate food which is then served or cooked up into meals by the three people running the kitchen. Attendance has grown from under 10 people when it started to nearly 50 people. The People’s Kitchen helps facilitate social connections within the community, provide meals for individuals and families in need, and helps reduce

GLASSHOUSE COUNTRY CALVARY CONGREGATION

You are most WELCOME to join us 9.00am each Sunday Reed Street, Glasshouse Mtns (next to RSL) Sunday School, Women’s Fellowship, Bible Study

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

Holy Communion

St Mary’s 1 Memorial Cl Montville Sun 8am

St Augustine’s 13 Hill St Palmwoods Sun 8.30am

St Luke’s 17 Anne St Kenilworth Sun 9am

St George’s 2 Walkers Dr Maleny Sun 9.30am Taizé Maleny 1st Sun 5pm Feb - Dec

A Christ-centred and community-loving church where everyone belongs!

CATHOLIC WEEKEND MASSES

Saturday 5pm: Peachester Rd, Beerwah Sunday 7am: Caloundra St, Landsborough Sunday 9am: 45 Cedar Street, Maleny Ph: 5430 9390 9am to 1pm Mon-Fri www.caloundracatholicparish.net

Department of Diverse Learning at Maleny High School, Scott Day and the support teachers from the Diverse Learning Department, Shelley Moye and Ben Blaylock who nominated the children for the award.

We also wish to thank the participants parents and family members who attended the award ceremony We also thank Member for Glasshouse, Andrew Powell and Lions District 201Q3 District Governor Andy Fitzgerald, who officiated and presented the awards, together with Lions President Rob Hobson and Immediate Past President Helen Johnston.

GHC social group garden visit

GLASSHOUSE Country Social Group made a visit to Stonebridge Gardens this week we had an interesting walk around the gardens after morning tea and returned for lunch at the kiosk - it was a beautiful sunny morning and the gardens were well maintained and a joy to walk around.

The menu at the kiosk was interesting and very well presented. Next month

WASTE MATTERS

Tetra Pack Recycling WAM Member Marie recently asked a question about recycling Tetra Packs, the paperboard, plastic and foil packs (some with spouts & lids) used for milk, juices and other liquid food products. There were concerns the new Sunshine Coast Council Material Recycling Facility (MRF) would not be able to recycle them, but Council advise

leave plastic spouts & lids on; they cannot be recycled and will be discarded into general waste during the processing.

BEERWAH CHURCH 27 Beerwah Parade Sundays 9.30am & Kids Church

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

MALENY CHURCH Maleny Sports Park, via Porter’s Lane Sundays 9.30am & Kids Church

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

GLASSHOUSE COUNTRY

BEERWAH: Sunday 9.30am Mary MacKillop Centre, 160 Peachester Rd MOOLOOLAH: Wednesday 9am and 1st Sunday of month 4pm ST THOMAS, 31 Bray Rd

Local contact: Rev Tony Halstead 0455 554 930

Welcomes you each Saturday at 27 Maleny Street 9.30am – All Age Small Group Meetings (Includes Children and Youth programs) 11:00am - Worship Service 1st Saturday each month 12.30pm Community Lunch Contact

Country Uniting Church 29 Twin Peaks Drive, Beerwah Come and worship with us Beerwah – Sunday 8.30am

THEY CAN RECYCLE TETRA PACKS. Best Practice: empty contents, rinse container, leave lid & spout on, flatten carton and place in your recycling bin. Council advice is to

If you do remove the spouts & lids, put them in your general waste bin, not your recycling bin.

With Waste Action Maleny

Andy Fitzgerald, Abbey-Lee, Caelan, Linden and Andrew Powell.

with Pastor Ivan Westbrook Church on the Rise Maleny

May outing, Glasshouse Country Social Group visited Stonebridge Gardens .

What’s

Peachester State SchoolUnder 8’s Celebration

When: Tuesday May 21st, 9.00am - 11.00am

Where: Peachester State School, 966 Peachester Rd, Peachester

Info: Join us for a morning of fun-filled activities and crafts, held within our beautiful school grounds.

Beerwah Men’s Talkabout

When: Wednesday May 22nd, 10.30am

Where: The Coffee Club Beerwah Info: We meet every Wednesday, All welcome, all ages and even the Grumpy Old Men!Presenting topics as: A book Club, English sports cars and maintenance, historical facts, personal stories. Please RSVP at https://www.facebook.com/ events/3758461761093319

National Simultaneous Storytime

When: Wednesday May 22nd, 11.45am - 12.45pm

Where: Maleny Library, 5 Coral St, Maleny

Info: The NSS Storytime sessions are sure to take you on an adventure with Aura Parker’s blue-tiful book Bowerbird Blue. Every year a picture book, written and illustrated by an Australian author and illustrator, is read simultaneously in libraries, schools, pre-schools, childcare centres, family homes, bookshops and many other places around the country. Now in it’s 24th successful year, it is a colourful, vibrant and fun event that aims to promote the value of reading and literacy.

Glasshouse Mountains State School - Under 8’s Celebration

When: Thursday May 23rd, 8.45am - 10.00am

Where: Glasshouse Mountains State School, 58 Coonowrin Rd, Glass House Mountains

Info: Glass House Mountains State School will be hosting a fun filled morning and they’d love for you and you’re under eight-yearolds to join them. There will be craft activities, games, dancing, STEM activities, Emergency vehicles, local businesses and community groups visiting to keep everyone entertained! . Activities are suitable for toddlers to age seven and their carers. There

ON IN THE HINTERLAND

will be a free sausage sizzle for the kids, along with a coffee van and cupcake stall for purchases. The morning will finish off with a Masterpiece Dance-off in the School Hall.

Tech Help

When: Thursday May 23rd, 9.00am - 12.00pm

Where: Maleny Library, 5 Coral St, Maleny

Info: Trying to keep on top of technology is difficult. Libraries have skilled volunteers willing to assist if you need help using a device, platform or program. Tech Help sessions vary in length. Beginners are encouraged to attend and you are welcome to bring your own device. Volunteers work with you one-on-one in the library. Visit https://events. sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/

Maleny RSL presents Rhonnie

When: Friday May 24th, 6.30pm Where: Maleny RSL, 1 Bunya St, Maleny

Info: Sunger songwriter playing popular and original songs from present to past eras. $10.00 cover charge. Bar open from 4.40pm, dinners from 6.30pm. For table bookings call 0400 464 907 or 5494 3717.

Blue Light Disco

When: Friday May 24th, 5.00pm9.00pm

Where: Beerwah Community Hall Info: The event is open to all school aged children, in reality our events are mostly older primary and early secondary children.

Down Under Craft

When: Saturday May 25th, 8.30am - 12.30pm Where: Landsborough Community Hall, 485 Old Landsborough Rd, Landsborough Info: Need some winter woolies. Beanies & Scarfs. Come and explore.

How to Make your Property Flood Ready

When: Saturday May 25th, 10am - 4pm

Where: Mooloolah River Landcare 2671 Steve Irwin Way, Glenview Info: Residents of the Sunshine Coast are invited to a free one day workshop to learn how to make your property flood ready. Lunch and snacks provided. Free erosiion control plant pack for attendees. Register now at https://events.

humanitix.com/how-to-makeyour-property-flood-ready?

World Bee Day

When: Saturday May 25th, 11.00am - 4.00pm

Where: Pattemore House, 15 Porters Lane, North Maleny Info: World Bee Day provides the perfect opportunity to raise awareness and celebrate the contribution bees make to our wellbeing via their role in food production, biodiversity and ecosystem health. You can explore our regular heritage displays and stories too, and enjoy morning or afternoon tea served on the verandah.

Sustainable Self-Care

When: Saturday May 25th, 10.00am - 11.30am

Where: Beerwah Library

25 Peachester Rd, Beerwah Info: Love the skin you’re in with these fresh and natural products. Join Mandy Spooner, The Eco Warrior, for a fun back-to-basics hands-on workshop creating personal products from scratch. Session details: BYO 500ml glass jar. All other material supplied. $5 per person. Registration essential. Ages 16 and over. For more information visit https:// events.sunshinecoast.qld

Storytellers: Leigh Sales And Lisa Millar

When: Saturday May 25th, 2.00pm - 3.00pm

Where: Maleny Community Centre, 23 Maple St, Maleny Info: ABC legends Leigh Sales (Storytellers) and Lisa Millar (Muster Dogs) unpack the craft of turning real life events into narrative, drawing from their recent books and a combined 65 years in journalism. Cost: $15.00

Open Studios Sunshine Coast - Hinterland Art Trails

When: Saturday - Sunday May 25th - 26th

Where: Various locations

Info: Take a look at what happens inside the studios and pop-up galleries of 70 plus established and emerging local artists as well as enthusiastic hobbyist during this dynamic annual event. Entry is free, and visitors are encouraged to take self-guided tours, meet local artists, view artistry in action, purchase art, participate in workshops, and gain a new

appreciation for the creativity of talented local artists. www. openstudiossunshinecoast.com.au

Play Like A Girl

When: Sunday May 26th, 11.30pm - 12.30pm

Where: Maleny Community Centre, 23 Maple St, Maleny

Info: Cheer on the athletes kicking goals for women’s sport. Olympic rugby gold medalist Chloe Dalton (Girls Don’t Play Sport), Australia’s most decorated cycling Olympian Anna Meares, and world champion pro-athlete Jana Pittman (Enough) chat with host Tracey Holmes. Cost: $15.00

Day On The Green

When: Sunday May 26th, 2.00pm - 5.00pm

Where: Club Glasshouse, 6 Gardner Street, Glass House Mountains

Info: Bring your best 80’s vibe! Get those leg warmers out and those neon tights ready! We will have 3x best dressed draws between 2-4pm. What to expect from 12pm: Miss Donna as a Roaming and Circus Workshop 2-4pm, Jumping castle from 12pm, Membership draw from 12pm, Raffles from 12pm, Poker machine draw between 12pm-3pm.

RESTAURANT OPEN ALL

Maleny Sunday Market

When: Sunday May 26th, 8.00am - 2.00pm

Where: RSL Hall Bunya St Maleny Info: A trip to Maleny is a delight to the senses. The scenery is just beautiful, the town has many interesting shops and cafes and on Sundays the popular market is a must to visit. It is not a huge market but it has a variety of food, coffee, collectables and art and crafts. It is also indoors which is great on a rainy day.

Peachester Heritage Centre

When: Sunday May 26th, 10.00am - 2.00pm

Where: Peachester Heritage Centre, 956 Peachester Rd, Peachester Info: Come and explore the district history. Cost $5 and children free.

Maleny Neighbourhood Centre Working Bee

When: Sunday May 26th, 8.00am11.00am

Where: Maleny Neighbourhood Centre, 17 Bicentenary Ln, Maleny Info: A Garden working bee will

be held at Maleny Neighbourhood Centre with a sausage sizzle after for the volunteers. Please come and join in. “Many hands make light work!!” Just show up with gloves and any gardening tools that you have. Please call 5499 9345 if you have any queries.

Free Soil Ecology Presentation

When: Saturday June 1st, 2.00pm

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

Info: Do you have living soil or just dirt? Find out how easy it is to improve the health of your land, animals and people. For more information visit polyculture.com. au

Mooloolah River Landcare

Presents: The Bug Day Out

When: Saturday June 8th, 9.00am - 1.00pm

Where: Mooloah River Landcare, 2671 Steve Irwin Way, Beerwah Info: A Fun Day for All Ages! Lots of inspect inspired art. Come dressed as your favorite bug. Insect exhibition. Adobt a stick insect. Food and coffee van.

Palmwoods Singers

Forty Years Celebration

When: Saturday - Sunday 8th - 9th June, 2pm - 4pm

Where: Palmwoods Guide Hut, Palmwoods-Montville Road, Palmwoods Info: To celebrate Palmwoods Singers significant milestone of 40 years of musical theatre accomplishment, this year Little Village Theatre’s group of madcap entertainers will present ‘The Royal Galah Performance’, a lighthearted romp around the world flying with Royal Galah Airlines. Tickets are $30, which includes afternoon tea. For bookings: Call Moira on 0409 026 145.

Unique concert for St Georges -in-the-Hills

When: Sunday June 9th, 2pm

Where: 2 Walkers Drive Maleny Info: St George’s will bring their patrons a unique musical experience, with an interesting mix of instruments and music genre. Tickets at only $25 are available at Humanitix.com, or call Susan for inquiries on 5494 3062.

Proposed Development

Make a submission from 20 May to 10 July 2024

Development Permit for Material Change of Use of Premises to Establish a Tourist Park

Where: 1286 Steve Irwin Way BEERWAH QLD 4519

On: Lot 3 SP 211912

Approval sought: Development

Permit for Material Change of Use of Premises to Establish a Tourist Park Application ref: MCU23/0308

You may obtain a copy of the application and make a submission to:

Sunshine Coast Council

Locked Bag 72

Sunshine Coast Mail Centre Qld 4560

mail@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au 07 5475 7526 www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

Public notification requirements are in accordance with the Planning Act 2016

O’LEARY, Ray Dennis

Late of Allora formerly of Roma and Maleny.

Passed away peacefully on May 13, 2024. Aged 88 Years.

. Loving husband of Rita(dec’d). Friend of Doreen. Dearly loved father and father-in-law of Denise and Matthew. Loved Pop of Laura, Blair and Janis.

Nambour 5476 2866 www.gregsonweight.com.au

30/03/1952 – 16/05/2024

Aged 72 Years

Late of Glasshouse Mountains

Cherished Wife of Kelvyn. Beloved Mother of Callan and Kele-Jane, and loving Grandma. Family and Friends are invited to attend Lorraine’s Funeral Service, to be held on Monday, the 27th of May, commencing at 11am at The Gregson & Weight Chapel Caloundra, 5 Gregson Place, Caloundra. Please join in light refreshments after the service at Glasshouse RSL.

We are looking for a full-time panel beater and apprentice to joining our growing

You must be able to only work 4-day weeks, enjoy a free lunch on Friday and be willing to enjoy what you do. Please call us for a chat to see if we are the right fit for you. Ph: 5499 9200

Family and friends are invited to attend the celebration of Ray’s life to be held at the graveside, Witta Cemetery, Witta Road, Witta on Thursday May 23, 2024 at 11am. Are you our next panel

CARS, BIKES, CARAVANS & BOATS

Witta Tennis

Contributed by Pauline Fraley

WITTA Tennis Club Tournament Sunday 2 June. Entries to paulinefraley@gmail.com. Nominations close 26 May. The Whistlers played at Palmwoods against the Allsorts. We were worried the rain would come again, but thankfully it stayed away. And the tennis was great with lots of running. We all were all exhausted by the end and had enough for the day. We managed to bring a win home, but only just. Score was 38-36 games, 5-3 sets. Team was Donna Kuskopf, Aki Lepper, Paula Cudmore and Brenda Warner.

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

Social tennis: Monday ladies 8am and Saturday mixed 1pm. All are welcome. Court bookings please call 0437 295 501 or go to the website: www.wittatennis.com.au.

RESULTS S p ort

Maleny Bowls

Contributed by Brett Gillis

MALENY Bowls Club is proposing to install a bowls green canopy that will allow year-round activity, a welcome change to being at the mercy of mother nature and the interruption caused by rain while also insulating players from the colds of winter whilst providing a sun-safe environment so imperative in protecting players.

It is envisaged that our facilities will become a terrific alternative for other Maleny sporting groups who would have an alternative to having to cancel fixtures due to weather conditions and play lawn bowls as a way of maintaining connection with participants and team building initiatives.

There is also the option to conduct other sporting codes like indoor soccer,

netball, touch football, pickleball, volleyball as well as other physical activities including yoga, tai chi, martial arts and exercise classes. It would also cater for community groups, local businesses and the general public for a wide range of functions.

The facility would also be available for neighboring Maleny State School and Maleny High School enabling lawn bowls to be extended from current activity to become part of their sporting curriculum for all students.

To finance this major project we will be applying for suitable grants to offset costs and make it all possible. We would appreciate any support, advice or assistance that advances our project to deliver an outdoor, undercover facility for Maleny.

Glasshouse Country Bowls

Contributed by David Hayes

WEDNESDAY 15.05.24

9.30am Bowls. Ladies Certified “B” Singles Rd 1 Carolyn Malcomson def Seija Munster 25 - 12. Sally Squires def Jos Evans 25 - 8. Steph Sleeman def Nicki Bedwell 25 - 13. Jenny Hobson def Annette Capern 25 - 23. Social - Trish Jackson, Shirley Marr (visitor) and Noelene Annakin def Jeff Clayton, Joy Reason and Rob Scullion 17 - 16. Allan Pashby, Steve Phillips and Di Hume def Robyn Pitt, Scott Bedwell and Margaret Gibson 24 - 19. John Palte and Steve Cassidy def Mick Clark and Graeme Pitt 2413. Winners of the day with the lowest winning margin was Noelene Annakin’s team. R/Up were Di Hume’s team. Thursday 16.05.2412.30pm Social Pairs / Triples. Winners of the day with 2 wins and a score of 48 were Robyn Pitt, Graeme Pitt and Barb Whitfield. R/ Up with the highest winning score in either game of 26 were Steve Cassidy and Max Viterale. Lucky draw with a $20 250 ticket were Frank Buckley and David Booth. le win was won by Trish Jackson. $20 cash went to Sally Squires with the $10 going to Boothy. Saturday 18.05.24 Rd 2 Men’s “B” Grade Singles.

Scott Bedwell def Phil Siggers 25 - 7. Simon Richter def Ross Harris 25 - 1. Zach Flood (Junior) def Paul Chirgwin 25 - 24. Graham Nicholson def Mick Clark 25 - 3. Peter Bousen def John Palte 25 - 10. Darcy Wilson def Troy German (Forfeit). John Annakin def Jeff Clayton 25 - 0. Gavin Linnan def Brett Collinson 25 - 22. Quarter Finals 1.00pm. Simon Richter def Scott Bedwell 25 - 11. Graham Nicholson def Zach Flood 25 - 12. Darcy Wilson def Peter Bousen 25 - 17. Gavin Linnan def John Annakin 25 - 22.

Sunday 19.05.24 10am, Mens “B” Grade Singles Semi Finals. Gavin Linnan def Darcy Wilson 25 - 7. Simon Richter def Graham Nicholson 25 - 21. 1pm. Fimal. What an amazing crowd on hand to watch the final. Over 20 people.. and what a game of bowls. Gav was up 19 - 13 but Simon came home strong. Simon Richter def Gavin Linnan 25 - 23. Great game of bowls. Congrats, Simon.

Range Croquet

Contributed by David Kerr

SHAKESPEARE probably didn’t play croquet, a sport invented in Ireland and introduced to England in the 1850s, but he was something of an expert in predictions … “For the rain it raineth every day.” Clearly the Bard knew of our rainy town, where croquet is the most happening allweather thing! Last week we had the pleasure of our friends from Caloundra Gardens join us for another sojourn up the range. Your correspondent was there

As for competition at the club on Thursday, in between showers and providing strategic advice, Wallace Roy accounted again for David Kerr and in the process scored a personal best of 7 hoops in succession. On the number 1 court, Sarah and Nic scored 16 hoops to the 9 of Donna and Lynette. Then with Sunday’s play, Dianne did well scoring 26 to Donna’s 5 and Wallace continued his good form with a win over Sarah and Stuart. Play days: Association: Thursday and Sunday. Please arrive at 1.00 pm for games to be arranged by 1.30 pm. Contact Sarah Widin

Caloundra Gardens visitors. Inset Irish Peel

Gav and Simon

Rory Upshall makes a mark at BMX Worlds

Beerwah boy puts best foot forward at fi

By Kirra Livingstone

HINTERLAND nineyear-old Rory Upshall has just returned from the experience of a lifetime at the World BMX Championships held in the United States.

The Landsborough State School student and Hinterland BMX Club rider recorded a third place in his Moto 1 race, second place in the Moto 2 race, and first place in the Moto 3 race.

In his 1/8 final, he overcame a slow start to fight back from last to finish in fifth place, just missing out on advancing to the next round. Rory finished a commendable 40th out of 98 riders.

Rory’s mum, Sarah, said his family was proud of his accomplishments.

“We are obviously extremely proud of Rory and all of his hard work and dedication that he’s shown in his training and in the lead up to this event,” she said.

“We are super excited that we had the ability to give him this opportunity for this experience at such a young age and to go and have a chance to ride against some

of the best riders in the world is pretty amazing.”

Sarah added that Rory has always been fascinated with bikes, so BMXing came naturally.

“He was always a kid who was on a bike and anything with wheels he’s interested in, so from a young age he was riding a bike at three and was super keen,” she said. “We took him to the track one day for a little bit of fun and then he said he really liked this so we looked into the local club.

“The people at Hinterland BMX Club were really helpful in getting us involved in the club, so he raced his first race and now he can’t get away from it.”

The Landsborough State School student council organised a fundraiser for Rory with nearly $500 raised to help cover costs to the event held in South Carolina. “We are very proud of Rory for what he has achieved and for travelling over to the USA to compete in the BMX World Championships,” principal Selina Barry said.

“Students were asked to dress as their favourite sports star and to bring a gold coin donation.”

Beerwah Bulldogs Reserve team is untouchable

THE Beerwah Bulldogs Reserve Grade team has remained undefeated for the first five games of the season, scoring at least 30 points in every match this year.

Bulldogs Reserves team coach, Stevie Reay, coached the C Grade to a grand final in 2021, and is now in his second year of leading the Reserves.

While the season was still in its early days, Stevie said

the squad that we’ve got, I think anything is possible and we don’t want to sell ourselves short, we want to play finals football,” he said.

“The goal is to play finals footy, and a minor premiership would be nice as well but don’t want to look too far forward yet.”

Stevie provided some insight on what the team was doing well, and where they need to improve.

“They have good patience, I think they are playing a little bit more

patiently than what we did last year, and probably prepared to put in the work a little bit more than what we did last year,” he said.

“The best thing they are doing, we are averaging 10 points against per game which if you look over to the good sides they are averaging between eight and 14 points so we are pretty happy.

“I think we need to be a little bit more ruthless sometimes, I think sometimes we get out to

a good lead and then we play down to their level a little bit, we just don’t execute some potential tries sometimes.”

He added that while a number of Reserve Grade players have stepped up and filled in for A Grade players who have been out to the injury and suspension, their return to the squad will be welcomed.

Bulldogs’ best game this year

DESPITE a slow start to the season, the Beerwah Bulldogs Open Women team came the closest they have to a win this year.

The team lost against the Maroochydore Swans 26-18 on May 11, but this is the smallest deficit the Doggies has seen in 2024.

Bulldogs centre, Sophie Zipf, scored two of the four tries the squad scored, with Beerwah second rower Stef Gallagher also scoring a try. Maroochydore scored five tries, however, the Bulldogs missed three conversions, which would have bumped them up by six points.

The Swans missed two of its five conversions, and is sitting in third place on the ladder.

The Beerwah Bulldogs Open Women team, who is sitting at the bottom of the ladder, will play the Kawana Dolphins at the Beerwah Sportsground on May 25 at 2:30pm.

There are six more rounds left in the Open Women Sunshine Coast Gympie Rugby League competition.

“I think the biggest adjustment is the speed of it so they are just adjusting to how fast the A Grade games are,” Stevie said.

Grade which is good for club culture.

“If you have Reserve Grade players who want to play up in the A Grade team, it gives you a little bit of competition for position which is good.”

Rory Upshall on his BMX at the Hinterland BMX Club

TXT talk for the oldies

So as not to feel left out, apparently the oldies have adopted their own version of TXT talk.

ATD: At The Doctor’s

BFF: Best Friend Fainted

BTW: Bring The Wheelchair

BYOT: Bring Your Own Teeth

CBM: Covered By Medicare

CGU: Can’t get up

CUATSC: See You At The Senior Center

DWI: Driving While Incontinent

FWB: Friend With Beta Blockers

FWIW: Forgot Where I Was

FYI: Found Your Insulin

GGPBL: Gotta Go, Pacemaker Battery Low!

GHA: Got Heartburn Again HGBM: Had Good Bowel Movement

IMHO: Is My Hearing-Aid On?

LMDO: Laughing My Dentures Out

OMMR: On My Massage Recliner

OMSG: Oh My! Sorry, Gas.

ROFL... CGU: Rolling On The Floor Laughing... And Can’t Get Up

TTYL: Talk To You Louder

WAITT: Who Am I Talking To?

WTP: Where’s The Prunes?

WWNO: Walker Wheels Need Oil

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SMALL furry creatures with sharp teeth, claws and beady little eyes get a lot of bad press in our culture, thanks to the feral rats that have followed us across the planet. However, we also have many native rodents and other small furry creatures that play important roles in our ecosystems. The Bush Rat Rattus fuscipes can be found in our forests and heathlands

and is cute and timidalthough they can still give you a nip when cornered! They feed on native fruits and seeds and help disperse native plants. Also found in our area are the amazing Antechinus. Antechinus are not rodents at all but small carnivorous marsupials, high energy predators that have short life spans, especially the poor males, who live for nine months before going

out in a blaze of glory after exhausting all their energy in the mating season.

All our small mammals are prey for larger fauna, which brings me to the delicate issue of rodent control. Please consider carefully when deciding how to control those annoying little critters that are scratching in your ceiling. Many rat poisons, particularly the systemic poisons (they

don’t just kill the rats but also the animals that eat the poisoned rats) are dangerous to other animals. Victims can include Owls, Tawny Frog Mouths, Carpet Snakes and Quolls to name a few. Snap Traps are brutal but effective with no chance of killing the predators listed above.

If you think you might have Antechinus instead of introduced mice, use a

Live Trap to catch them, then release outside. If however, you do have an Antechinus in your house and can tolerate them (they can stretch the friendship at times), you will never have a mouse or cockroach problem again!

So remember, next time you are jumping on the table as a small furry creature scurries by, it may just be a friendly local and not necessarily a “dirty rat”!

10

years of real excellence

RAY White’s journey began in 1902 in the small town of Crows Nest, Queensland. We have come so far since and have expanded to over 1,000 offices internationally. Ray White is now a fourthgeneration family business and has achieved the market-leading position. This is owed to the tireless efforts and dedication of countless individuals, including Elite Member, Alex Garden.

Alex’s journey began at the young age of 18 years old, not too far from the original Crows Nest shed, in the town of Toowoomba. Ten years ago, at just 20 years old,

¼ Acre in the heart of Glass House

WELCOME to 4 Vista Court, your future home nestled in the heart of the picturesque Glass House Mountains.

Marketed at $840,000, this charming residence is a testament to comfort, convenience, and potential. Located at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, this wellmaintained brick and tile

home boasts a spacious 1079m² on an elevated block, offering ample space for outdoor activities and potential expansions.

Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by the timeless appeal of brick and tile construction, a hallmark of durability and aesthetic charm. With a generous 186m² of living space, this home provides a perfect balance of functionality and comfort for families or individuals alike.

Features of the home and property:

• 3 spacious bedrooms with ceiling fans.

• Master bedroom with walk-in robe & ensuite.

• Formal lounge with fireplace.

• Split system airconditioning in lounge and master.

• Generous kitchen with pantry and gas cooking.

• 5.81kw solar system and solar hot water.

• Single remote garage with workshop area.

• 1079m2 fully fenced block with side access.

• Approx 4.4m x 2.8m shed.

• Several established fruit trees.

Beyond the confines of the home, you’ll find yourself immersed in the vibrant community of Glass House Mountains. Conveniently located within walking distance to the local shops, parks, and public transport, this property ensures easy access to everyday amenities and recreational opportunities. Call Reece Osborne 0447 177 230 from Glasshouse Property Sales and book your inspection today.

Alex made the move to the local area of Beerwah with his partner Hailey and their young son Riley. Exceeding expectations and quickly advancing through his career, Alex became the youngest Ray White owner in the history of Queensland at the age of 25 and now owns 3 offices, including Ray White Beerwah, Landsborough & Mooloolah Valley.

Keeping the family business tradition alive that Ray White is known for, Alex’s partner Hailey and his mother Tracy support Alex in the dayto-day operations of the business, allowing him to continue to be the #1

Ray White agent within our local areas and their surroundings, and this shows. On the 14th of May 2024, Alex attended the Ray White Queensland Elite awards night, which once again put Alex in the top 3% of Ray White agents within the entire Group.

“Nothing I do would be possible without my amazing team of colleagues supporting me, from my family, my sales team, property managers, and most of all, the relationships that I have created with my clients over the last 10 years. Thank you everyone!” Mr Garden said. Congratulations, Alex!