Edition 28 February 2023

Criminalise coercion now

By Kirra Livingstone

NEW COERCIVE control laws introduced into State Parliament should go further by criminalising the insidious attacks on victims, according to local domestic violence protection group Speak Up Now. The long-awaited laws aimed at curbing the scourge of domestic abuse were unveiled by the Palaszczuk Government last week. The laws include modernising the offence of unlawful stalking, broadening the definition of domestic and family violence and strengthening the court’s response to cross applications for protection orders. Story page 4

MITCH GAYNOR mitch@gcnews.com.au

JENNIFER KENT jennifer@gcnews.com.au

SONIA ISAACS sonia@gcnews.com.au

KIRRA LIVINGSTONE kirra@gcnews.com.au

CONTACT OUR TEAM 5438 7445

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FROM THE EDITOR

THE very first pitch for an Olympic Games in Queensland was that it would be a statewide event that would bring regional centres together beyond the traditional city-focused format.

Indeed it was the SEQ Council of Mayors who in 2016 were the real drivers of what ultimately became a successful bid for the 2032 Games.

It was a bold tilt to host a global sporting phenomenon that promised to fast-track transport and infrastructure and connect the south east in ways we could only ever have imagined.

But in a very short period of time, with the world clawing its way out of the Covid pandemic, money becoming more expensive the reality of the ‘real’ cost of the Olympics is being laid bare.

Mitch Gaynor

$2.7bn - and that’s before a single yellow seat has been removed.

And let’s think about the increase in costs. It’s remarkably close to the $1.6bn that the state government is yet to commit to the Beerwah to Maroochydore rail line.

Is the money that would otherwise have gone to the rail line been diverted into a stadium?

Just for the record a 50,000 seat stadium costing $2.7bn prices each seat at $54,000 per seat. Seems like an awful lot of money for a bucket seat.

TINA GRIEVE tina@gcnews.com.au

LEWIS KWARCIANYI lewis@gcnews.com.au

Mignonette Tamayo Tracy Mellors

Tracy provides compassionate in-person and online mental health and wellness support to individuals and groups. She has two university degrees and is a student of Life. Alongside private practice, Tracy has 20 years of experience working with people within government-funded programs such as Family Support and Disaster Recovery Counselling in addition to her cherished role as a social worker and counsellor at a Women’s Health Centre.

Funding blowouts for an Olympics are no new phenomenon. But as costs increase for apparent non-negotiables - eg The Gabba - the loss to the regions crystalise.

Of course an Olympics host needs a high quality stadium, but the numbers are frightening.

The increased estimate from a $1 billion stadium redevelopment has now hit

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In terms of an Olympic legacy - outside of The Gabba - this railway line should be the big kahuna. The vision is there, the planning has been done (and repeated). The line is needed, regardless of the Olympics, but the state government will never have a better opportunity to deliver on this project in a way that will benefit for generations far beyond a Gabba sellout.

BERNETTE is a Chinese Medicine Practitioner at her business, Acupuncture @ Beerwah. Bernette has embraced the study and practice of Chinese medicine and has

Tracy is passionate about working with people and provides therapeutic counselling support and groupwork across a broad range of topics. These include: depression and anxiety, grief and loss, self-identity and for mental health, healthy relationships, healthy aging and life transitions. evidence-based support aligned with clients’ needs and goals. Compassion and mindfulness-based approaches such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Narrative Therapy are a few examples. Expressive Art Therapy, Walk and Talk Therapy and hypnotherapy are also further support clients’ goals and desired behaviour changes. Tracy provides strength-based, compassion-focused care across all-abilities and within NDIS participants; NDIA-managed, plan or self-managed. Tracy is also a registered ACA supervisor providing professional supervision to counsellors. Ihiligent eosam utatem re ea quatam, sae dolorpo repratur maximet ped quiatat iorempos mo odic totasitate dolupiduntum remporu mquate nonsecum fugiatiat yourwellnessmatters.com.au

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View is set for a trim

Council plan focuses on transport

SECURING investment for a reliable public transport network is a key pillar of the Sunshine Coast Council’s latest corporate plan.

wildfire that tore through Beerburrum and surrounds and razed 5000 hectares of forestry, trees planted in the wake of that catastrophic event are ready to be harvested.

The forestry, now owned by HQPlantations is set for a staged harvesting from this week with the view, especially from Wild Horse Mountain set to change completely for a generation used to seeing a green ‘mosaic’ of pine trees soaring from ground level with the majestic Glasshouse Mountains in the background.

HQPlantations’ Stephanie Hunt explained that the way plantations were planned had been forever changed following the 1994 fire in order to avoid

into structural timber used to build Queensland homes and businesses for generations to come. HQPlantations raises 10 million seedlings a year to maintain its annual planting program, with the species Southern Pine taking 25-30 years to mature.

The area from Moffatt Rd and Johnston Rd to the north, Red Rd to the south, Steve Irwin Way to the west and the Bruce Highway to the east will be closed for public access from February 27 to December 22, 2023, with HQPlantations

periods where traffic control will be in place. The closure is 24 hours a day, seven days a week and applies to all public access including motor vehicle drivers and riders, cyclists, horse riders and walker, including people exercising dogs; only authorised forest workers can enter the closure area. HQ Plantations advised that access to the Bora Ring during this period will also be affected and they are working with First Nations people to accommodate access when needed. Visit www.hqplantations.com.au for more.

Councillors endorsed the Corporate Plan 2023-2027 at last week’s council meeting. The plan, which outlines the direction and priorities for the region over the next five years, focuses on boosting local businesses, enhancing the region’s liveability and preserving its natural assets. It also aims to strengthen the community’s agility in responding to change. Mayor Mark Jamieson said the plan would advance the council’s vision for the Sunshine Coast as Australia’s most sustainable region. He also highlighted the importance of securing investment for a reliable and sustainable public transport network and expanding the region’s conservation estate.

Mr Jamieson emphasised the significance of managing the region’s growth with the development of the new Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme. The current scheme has been in place since 2014, and the council is drafting a new planning scheme in consultation with the community to shape land use and development across the region for the next decade and beyond. The council’s involvement as a key delivery partner for Brisbane 2032 also provides opportunities for the region’s prosperity, liveability, and reputation, it stated. www.sunshinecoast. qld.gov.au/Experience-Sunshine-Coast

Power stays on for Mooloolah

MOOLOOLAH Valley Community Association Inc has recently been awarded a grant of $25,000 by the Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal for solar batteries.

Jason Carroll, Events & Grants officer said: “This grant has allowed us to install batteries which will allow the centre to operate when we have a power cut and in times of weather emergencies with prolonged power outage.”

“The storms last February made us all think about how best we can react in an emergency. By having a battery backup, we will be able to provide support to local residents to allow for phone charging and portable torch recharging”. The installation was completed by Soalhart.

Have a say on local economy

THE 2023 review of the Regional Economic Development Strategy (20132033) provides an opportunity for local business and industry to have input into the next 10 years of economic development. Developed in consultation with leading business, industry and university representatives and the state Government, the REDS outlines a comprehensive agenda to improve the resilience and strength of the regional economy and position the Sunshine Coast as one of Australia’s leading regions. surveymonkey.com/r/QK6D2YG

QCWA’s Pineapple Cooking Competition

JAM is the word. Pineapple Jam to be precise! It was the QCWA Beerwah’s famous pineapple jam that led to the group’s idea of doing what they do best, planning a Pineapple Cooking Competition in support of struggling local growers. And now they’re calling on the community to grab a few extra pineapples and get creative in the kitchen.

There are four cookery sections to enter including: cake baking, preserves, desserts and children’s entry, and entry fees are just 50c per entry.

The competition will be held at their upcoming March 18 market, and QCWA Beerwah says there will be plenty of pineapple jam available to buy on the day. Visit their Facebook page or email qcwabeerwah@gmail.com

Strengthen abuse laws

By Kirra Livingstone

NEW COERCIVE control laws introduced into State Parliament should go further by criminalising the insidious attacks on victims, according to local domestic violence protection group Speak Up Now.

The long-awaited laws aimed at curbing the scourge of domestic abuse and stamping out coercive control were unveiled by the Palaszczuk Government last week.

The laws included modernising the offence of unlawful stalking, broadening the definition of domestic and family violence and strengthening the court’s response to cross applications for protection orders.

But the legislation could go further according to Speak Up Now Maleny and Blackall Range.

“The Speak Up Now group is keen to see

changes to the Criminal Code, hopefully as soon as early 2024, to make coercive control a criminal act,” spokesperson Val France said.

“This again will make it easier for action to be taken through the criminal court and stronger penalties can then apply.

“It should not just stop at these [law amendments and implementations] as there is certainly room for much stronger protections to be given to victims of domestic and family violence…”

She highlighted that not only does legislation need to change, but police training needs to be updated in line with coercive control changes too.

“In order for acts of coercive control to be dealt with in an appropriate way by the police attending reports of such abuse… there must be more training given to frontline workers such as specialist domestic violence services,” Val added.

An ongoing issue for Speak Up Now is the impact of coercive control on seniors.

Val said in response to growing concerns about this form of abuse, the group is hosting a Seniors Forum on Monday March 20 at the Maleny RSL from 9 to 11:30am.

It will allow seniors to ask questions to industry professionals in law and domestic violence support about coercive control and other concerns local elderly people may have.

The event is free and to RSVP for catering purpose, contact Val on 0419 599 042 or email speakupnowstopdomesticviolence@ gmail.com. If you are a victim of coercive control, the group recommends you reach out to 1800Respect, DV Connect (24hr for women) 1800 811 811 & (24hr for men) 1800 600 637) and for seniors to contact The Elder Abuse Helpline 1300 651 192.

QCWA member Robyn with Jason Hunt MP at the recent SconeTime Beerwah.

What a discovery

By Mitch Gaynor

BEERWAH State High School students’ contribution to science is now one for the record books thanks to an inquisitive bunch of year 8 students who have discovered a new species of wasp.

The tiny parasitic insect was discovered last year during a nationwide citizen science project.

The year 8 students, who had been recording findings from studying surrounding school bushland, had no idea of their incredible discovery until this year when scientists confirmed the findings. While the wasp may be small its behaviour is not for the faint-hearted.

As part of its ruthless quest for survival the wasp, in the genus Mirax, lays its eggs in caterpillars which then eat the caterpillar from the inside-out.

It’s a grisly fact not lost on two of the students who were part of the Year 8 scientific team.

Noah and Kai, both 13 said they were chuffed to have been a part of the discovery.

“It’s especially cool knowing that it eats the caterpillar from the inside,” Noah said. A further bonus to the discovery is that the students get to name the species.

“I’d like to name it after the school to recognise where we found it,” Kai said.

The investigation was undertaken as part of a collaborative science project between universities and schools called Insect Investigators. The Year 8 Pinnacle class, which conducted the investigation, has now been invited to name the wasp.

Kai and Noah, both 13, were part of the Beerwah High cohort that discovered a new wasp species.

Science teacher, Paul Schneider, said it was a proud moment for the students and the school. “Well done to all students and the science staff who participated in this program,” Paul said.

“After almost 12 months, the DNA tests and study by University of Adelaide taxonomists Mollie-Rosae Slater-Baker (a PhD candidate) and Dr Erinn FaganJeffries, showed that we discovered a new species of wasp. We were really excited

to be a part of the program but for the students to actually discover a new wasp was something else.”

The students have been invited as special guests to be part of the World Science Festival in Brisbane in March where the new name will be revealed.

Scientists from University of Adelaide and University of the Sunshine Coast will be visiting the class shortly to help with the naming.

MALENY FORUMS

Ideas for 2023 forums?

Maleny Forums Coordinating Team is in discussion with local residents who suggested topics regarding insufficient local Child Care, an opportunity to create local Community Battery Storage, and community responses to the challenges of Ageing well in Maleny.

Other important topics were raised but not pursued. Two such topics were with regard to issues around the local pool and housing/homelessness. Local groups already exist around these issues and so those details have been shared with the people interested in that topic.

Updates

The ‘Maleny Park for All’ working group

If you’d like to be kept informed of the progress of the working group, please email malenyparkforall@gmail.com

Waste Action Maleny (WAM)

WAM is seeking volunteers with a passion for a local sustainable environment who can assist with activities and projects. The intent of WAM is to run initiatives that inform, educate and empower local people to find local solutions to the global problem of waste and its many related issues. Prospective volunteers are invited to email wasteactionmaleny@gmail.com

Maleny Forums collaborates with the Maleny Neighbourhood Hinterland Business Centre, and Maleny Community The ongoing support of local Councilor Winston Johnson Interested in any of the topics? Like to receive notices of working groups? Please email malenyforums@gmail.com

The Maleny Forums Coordinating Team

If you would like to become involved with the team that convenes and promotes events to inform and engage the community, please contact the team by emailing malenyforums@gmail.com

Centenary show time

By Jennifer Kent

THE 2023 Maleny Show is still some months away, but organisers are in full swing to make this year’s show a huge success.

After the Maleny Show Society last year celebrated their 100 year milestone, celebrations are set to continue this year as it marks 100 years since the first ever Maleny Agricultural Show.

On Thursday, February 23, organisers, volunteers, businesses and supporters came together to officially launch the 2023 Maleny Show, thanking guests for their ongoing support and encouraging what support and action is needed to make this year’s show a great success.

Maleny Show volunteer coordinator Lyn Burgess has been busy encouraging businesses throughout Maleny, as well as Landsborough and Beerwah, to get involved and support this year’s show. She said the response has so far been encouraging, with people prepared to listen.

“Some of the ways people and businesses can get involved is through sponsorships, volunteering time and skills, getting involved in trades and even sponsoring show person contestants,” Lyn explained. “We’d really love to get younger generations involved, so our fantastic stewards can work with them and pass on their guidance to ensure the continued success for future years.”

One thing that sets the Maleny Show apart from other agricultural shows is that it has remained on the original grounds

since day dot. While it may not be the only agricultural show to do this, organisers said this was an important part of the Show’s history and one in which should be celebrated.

“One of the most exciting things about our show is that it is held on the same grounds as it was in the beginning, unlike other shows that may have had to change location within the same town or region, the Maleny Show has never been held anywhere else,” Lyn shared.

“It’s grown and modernised and as trends have changed and things have

Road delays are a pot hole lot of trouble

MEMBER for Glass House, Andrew Powell MP, has asked a Question on Notice in Queensland Parliament of the Minister for Transport and Main Roads (TMR), regarding the prolonged closure of one lane at Kilcoy-Beerwah Road at Cedarton.

“I asked the Minister to provide a timeline for the reopening of two lanes of the Kilcoy-Beerwah Road at Cedarton following the closure of one lane nearly 12 months ago,” said Mr Powell.

The road was closed on March 3, 2022, when a depression in the road surface indicated a drain had failed and the land underneath had slipped following the heavy rain the area was receiving.

The road has been managed by temporary traffic signals since.

happened over the years, so did the show.”

Maleny Show Society secretary Lois White said they have some exciting plans in the works for this year’s show, including the release of a commemorative book about the history of the show and a forthcoming film produced through Council.

With plenty of fun family-focussed entertainment planned over the two days, as well as an exciting new night program, Lois said: “watch this space.”

The 2023 Maleny Show will this year be held on Friday 2 and Saturday 3 June.

“I completely understand why the closure was necessary and supported the decision. What I don’t understand is why now, almost 12 months later, nothing has happened,” he said.

“The community is still none-the-wiser as to when repairs will begin, end and the road reopened. They deserve better than that.

“I appreciate when infrastructure is damaged during a natural disaster, there are negotiations between the federal and state governments regarding ‘disaster funding’ but this is getting ridiculous.

“I worry that if another downpour of rain hits, the road will slip further and end up costing millions more to repair than it would now.”

The Maleny Show will celebrate 100 years in 2023.

We’d really love to get younger generations involved

Lyn Burgess

Thank you, Chappy

By Lewis Kwarcianyi

ON WEDNESDAY February 22 the chaplaincy services of Beerwah State High School and Beerwah State School held their ‘Thank You Breakfast’ event.

This has long been a tradition at the high school where the Year 11 hospitality students prepare and serve a wonderful sit-down breakfast for supporters and community leaders to be able to celebrate and connect with each other on a yearly basis.

With Covid interrupting events like these over the past years, this was a return to something very special, with around 35 guests in attendance.

This year, Beerwah SHS celebrates 30 years of chaplaincy, and 11 years for Beerwah SS.

Coralie Lillecrapp and Pam Innes, foundation committee members from

Nominations open for top tourism towns

QUEENSLANDERS are being urged to nominate their favourite regional hotspots, hidden gems, and local treasures for the 2023 Queensland Top Tourism Town Awards. The annual awards, presented by the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC), recognise the state’s diverse and outstanding regional destinations.

The awards program has four categories: Top Tourism Town Award for towns with a population over 5,000; Top Small Tourism Town Award for towns with a population between 1,500 and 5,000; Top Tiny Tourism Town Award for towns with a population below 1,500; and Top Tour Guide Award, a new accolade introduced in 2023.

QTIC CEO Brett Fraser said the awards allowed Queensland to shine the spotlight on its favourite destinations and reward communities who are united in delivering a great holiday experience. He added that the awards are a great way for Queenslanders to discover hidden treasures, with the winners of the Top Tourism Town Awards sure to become new favourite getaways for families and holidaymakers.

Last year, 35 towns were nominated for the awards. The winners of Queensland’s Top Tourism Towns and Top Tour Guide awards will be announced in June at an awards ceremony in Brisbane. Nominations are open now and will close on March 6th.

Justin Evans and Cassi Nuske

All over Allstralia

En route to Melbourne with Bonza

THE SUNSHINE Coast is now a hop, skip and a flight to some of Australia’s most desirable regional hot spots with dozens of new routes giving travellers a smorgasboard of new flight options.

February 21 marked the very first flight to Avalon, but the lowcost carrier has unveiled 17 destinations and 27 routes to choose with flights starting from $79.

The very first flight to Avalon Airport from the Sunshine Coast flicked the go switch on Bonza’s stated aims of connecting more Australians than ever before.

“It is a significant milestone as we get wheels up into Victoria for the first time,” said Bonza CEO Tim Jordan.

“South East Queenslanders can now fly direct to Avalon for a wide range of holiday experiences in Melbourne, Geelong, the Surf Coast and the Great Ocean Road. Likewise, Victorians can now fly direct from Avalon to the Sunshine Coast to visit loved ones and take a well earned break.”

HITTING the Great Ocean Road for hinterland locals just got a whole lot easier with budget airline Bonza launching the first ever direct service flight to Victoria’s Avalon Airport.

Avalon, which serves as the gateway airport to southern Victoria is just 29 minutes from Geelong and the famed Great Ocean Road, while also only 55 minutes into Melbourne’s CBD.

Bonza’s Carly Povey, said Sunshine Coast hinterland residents now have access to 17 new destinations and 27 routes.

“For Sunshine Coast Hinterland travellers, this means the opportunity to reconnect with families and friends in destinations they have not previously had access to without long drives or annoying connecting flights,” she said.

Along with accessibility for outbound travellers, the hinterland would also benefit from inbound tourism.

“Over the next 12 months, Sunshine Coast Airport estimates the region will see an additional 772,000 seats into the region, which will generate more than $86

million in visitor expenditure,” Ms Povey said.

GC&M News was invited on board the inaugural Avalon flight to experience first hand travelling with Bonza.

True to their laid back vibe and “Allstralia” branding, we boarded “Bazza” a new Boeing 737 Max at 8.55am for the two and a half hour flight.

First impressions were Bonza knows what people want with those pesky magazine compartments moved to the top of the backrests, giving your legs a bit more space to move. The headrestsoften seemingly an afterthought by some airlines are actually very supportive, which is helpful for our longer flight. Bonza only offers standard economy seats on all their flights.

There is also an adjustable head rest and tilt mechanism along with two USB ports to keep your devices charged. Alongside the friendly service with their kind smiles and laid back positive attitude, it was nice to note the effort gone to source food and drinks from local firms. A ham and cheese croissant was supplied by the

Everyday Café in Caboolture, while The Happy Snack Company based in Landsborough, provides their healthy snack, Pizza Fava Beans.

The menu offered a wide array of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and snacks including wines, spirits, juice, soft drinks, coffee and tea, cheese and crackers, croissants, sandwiches and cookies.

While entertainment options were limited with no TV series or movie streaming options– an increasingly moot point given how much we have on our own devices – there was a selection of free books, podcasts and games on the Bonza browser to keep you busy.

You can also order food, drinks and check in for flights on the Bonza app.

Arriving on time in Avalon a few minutes after 1pm, travellers, who included the U14’s girls North Shore Jets team were entertained with a brass band and local food and drinks to celebrate the first flight.

Although it was a quick turnaround for, the benefits for actual tourists ready to hire a car and travel along the southern coast were evident.

Just moments from Geelong and the start of the Great Ocean Road, you easily avoid the rush of Tullamarine and are out of the terminal in minutes.

It was a great day with friendly Bonza staff, a welcome event at Avalon Airport to mark the occasion, and great facilities on board to make your flying experience enjoyable.

The reporter flew as a guest of Bonza

Maleny biz on the right path

By Mitch Gaynor Maleny Commerce is hitting the ground running in 2023, with a focus on making the most of the region’s tourism strengths as well as support for all businesses through the year.

Holding its AGM breakfast at Tranquil Park on February 18, the new committee was formed with Spencer Shaw from Forest Heart ecoNursery returning as president.

He was joined by new vice president,

Adrian Anderson from Shotgun Espresso, Nicole Hilton (secretary) from Qld Artisan Festivals and Events; Doug Evans (Treasurer) from Barung Landcare; and committee members Fi Emberton from Maple St Coop, Kim Herringe from Kim Herringe Studio, Karen Shaw from Forest Heart ecoNursery and Melissa Chaddock from Remax Hinterland. Spencer said the region was going from strength to strength and he was excited about the committee’s plans for 2023.

Bonza will fly direct between the Sunshine Coast and Avalon three times per week with flights available to book on the Fly Bonza app, or with a registered travel agent, until late October 2023.

Sunshine Coast Airport CEO Andrew Brodie, who flew with Bonza customers said: “The Sunshine Coast is a highly sought after holiday destination for Victorians, and being able to fly directly out of Avalon will make travel so much easier for people who live in Greater Melbourne.

“Similarly, people who have friends or family in Victoria, now have greater options for travel as Bonza will be operating three flights to Avalon a week.

“This new route is also great news for Sunshine Coast locals who love their sport events or who want to spend time enjoying the incredible foodie culture that Melbourne is known for,” Mr Brodie said.

Mr Jordan thanked both airports for their partnership in the lead up to the milestone.

“Today is a result of a strong partnership with Sunshine Coast Airport, Avalon Airport and its owners Linfox,” he said.

By Kirra Livingstone

North Shore Jets U14’s girls team players

Sheila Bonza Chief Commercial Officer Carly Povey and Sunshine Coast CEO Andrew Brodie

with Andrew Powell State Member for Glass House

Parkinson’s

Fundraising

Like many other Queenslanders, I have a personal and close relationship with someone living with Parkinson’s. To say it has turned their world upside down is an understatement. This year I am once again taking part in ‘1,000,000 Steps Ahead of Parkinson’s’ – a hike through the Sunshine Coast national parks which takes multiple days. The trek navigates some of the Coast’s steepest terrain to symbolise the difficult journey of someone newly diagnosed with a disease that affects over 100,000 Australians. The aim is to raise at least $30,000 for Parkinson’s Disease, which will assist specialist Parkinson’s Nurses, contribute to early diagnosis support and greater access to educational resources, local clinics and therapies.

All donations above $2 are tax deductible. Please give generously at1000000-steps-ahead-of-pd.raisely.com/?fb clid=IwAR3zcmK8HcWP9CA3qRF40Nr94cXlhsRhx7Dj5sqn ZLmDY-b5WFM8uUXml54

Fairplay Vouchers

2023 FairPlay Vouchers are now available for lowincome Queensland families to assist with the growing costs of signing on to sport and recreational activities Eligible parents, carers or guardians can apply for a voucher valued up to $150 for their child. Visit www.qld. gov.au/fairplayvouchers to find out about your eligibility.

Youth Crime

Last week in Parliament, the Palaszczuk Government finally admitted they got it wrong in 2015 by watering down the state’s youth justice laws. Despite our calls to resume parliament sooner to deal with the current youth crime crisis, they have only now adopted our policy to introduce breach of bail as an offence for young lawbreakers to keep Queenslanders safe. And it won’t be debated and passed until mid March. Whilst a great win for Queenslanders, it’s only the first step towards tackling youth crime. It shouldn’t have taken this long.

with Rick Baberowski Division 1 - Sunshine Coast Council

Clean Up Australia Day

The 33rd annual Clean Up Australia Day will take place on Sunday, March 5 and I invite you to join one of the proactive clean-up groups across Division 1. Everyone is welcome to join in – you can even create your own clean-up event. It’s a wonderful opportunity to meet more people in our community while making a real difference to our stunning natural environment. Visit the Clean Up Australia Day website and search for an event nearby by entering your postcode or suburb.

Let us do the driving

We are all too aware of the cost of fuel and increased congestion on our roads so it’s pleasing to see the Flexilink public transport trial underway. The service offers affordable, reliable and accessible transport options between our hinterland towns. You can now catch a ride from Peachester to Beerwah and Conondale to Maleny three times a day, Monday to Saturday. For timetables visit the council website or call 1300 511 163 and ask for Flexilink.

Howard Walker Park

Thank you to everyone who recently shared their thoughts and concerns on the future of the much loved Howard Walker Park in Peachester. Through the community we identified a range of priorities for the park including seating, sheltered picnic tables, natural play areas, and possible future amenities. As reported in GC&M News, planning is underway to deliver the priority of park fencing and that will subsequently lead to seating and pathways. I certainly want and expect to see the fencing completed in 2023 and despite the genuinely tough funding environment, I’m very confident we will continue to work closely with the community to deliver a solid range of improvements over the next few years. For more Division 1 news and information visit facebook.com/CrRickBaberowski or drop me a line at Rick.Baberowski@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.

Fees waived for those doing it tough

IN recognition of the housing crisis and cost of living, Sunshine Coast Council has waived permit fees for those having to temporarily live in a tent, car, caravan or mobile home and who, due to extenuating circumstances, will find it difficult to pay.

Service Excellence and Customer Service Portfolio Councillor Christian Dickson said council understood rising housing pressures had placed a burden on many local families.

“Some people have no choice but to live in a temporary home until their circumstances improve,” Cr Dickson said.

“Prior to today’s decision, the $514 application fee to apply for a temporary home permit may have made it difficult for people struggling to make ends meet.

“Waiving the fee for those who are experiencing financial hardship or other legitimate circumstances such as family or domestic violence, will help them gain approval for temporary housing sooner.”

Approval is for a limited duration, depending on the type of temporary home:

• less than three months for a tent

• six months for a car

• 18 months for a bus, caravan, or mobile home. Where more time is required, the fee to reapply for a temporary home approval is $392.

However where council has previously waived the fee, council will again take into account any extenuating circumstances.

Cr Dickson said no two cases were the same and council would carefully consider the circumstances of each application.

“I’m not going to pretend to know all the hardships people are going through and the local law and application fee may be preventing people having a safe place,” Cr Dickson said.

www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/Living-andCommunity/Community-Support/temporary-home We need a strong plan for growth: You Said It, P12

FLOWERS AND GIFTS WORKWEAR

Probus at its best

Contributed by Gordon McCormack

THOSE members who attended the lunch/Birthday bash last week were privileged to witness a Probus Club working at its best. The occasion was catered by two of our members, whose boundless energy prepared both the venue and the food. This fabulous duo quietly got on with the job with smiles and clockwork precision. Any of the 26, or was it 27, attendees will vouch for the quality and quantity of the meal.

The weather was cooler than expected, and with a little help from electric fans, there was no fear of heat exhaustion.

The demonstration of Probus in action came about in response to an invitation to lunch at a private venue. Those who participated brought their own chairs and cups and dined in the garage.

The most wonderful part of the day was the interaction of all members, who moved from group to group to share news

members out of their homes to gather in the company of others, newly retired, or newly come to the area, and naturally a mix of ages. This day will go down in our

club history as memorable for energy, co-operation, smiles and sociability of all present. It was amazing how the nontalkers found a voice. Our Annual General Meeting will be held on March 8 at 10am at the Glasshouse R.S.L - what a time to join Probus. If you are interested, call Norma on 5439 0446 or Dagmar on 0402 076 410.

$1.6m boost for kids’ health

APPLICATIONS are now open for $1.6 million worth of grants through Health and Wellbeing Queensland for community-based projects and research focused on nutrition, physical activity, sleep, health equity and wellbeing.

Queenslanders with exciting ideas to improve the health and wellbeing of children and young people can apply for a share of funding to bring their projects to life.

Applications for GenQ Health and Wellbeing Queensland Community Grants and GenQ Health and Wellbeing

Queensland Impact Grants are open now and will close on 22 March 2023. Further funding rounds under the Health and Wellbeing Grants Program will open later in the year. For more information about the grants and how to apply, visit www. hw.qld.gov.au/grants

Mooloolah Night Market... Another great success! Have a whale of a time

THE second Mooloolah Night Market was held on Saturday, February 18 in Mooloolah. The event is organsied by the Mooloolah Valley Community Associaiton Inc.

“We have been bowled over by the support the community has given us, not only in Mooloolah but in Glasshouse Country,” said events officer Jason Carroll.

“We had some great local accoustic bands and locals singing along with some cracking food trucks! which we will be adding even more food to the event.”

SCHEDULED to open in April, Whale Park will be the first park in Banya, a suburb in Aura. The park incorporates an ocean-themed design, drawing inspiration from the whale.

The park will also be equipped with BBQ facilities, making it the perfect go-to destination for a family get together or birthday celebration.

Stockland project director, Josh Sondergeld, said: “It’s great to be working on another park for the Aura community.

“Our residents value a healthy lifestyle, and Whale Park is another recreational space in Aura where families and children can enjoy the outdoors and stay active.

“We look forward to celebrating the opening of the park with the community in the coming months.”

Brian and Sue

Regions continue to be discriminated against

Former PM Tony Abbott and his then Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull made the decision in 2013 to commit Australia to a 2-tier NBN. Those living in the large cities would have an adequate but not good Tier-1 internet while those in the regions would have an inadequate (but hey, they’re just country people) Tier-2 internet. Tier-1 being essentially copper/fibre and Tier-2 being wireless/satellite. Some households and businesses on the main streets of country towns got copper/fibre but the majority did not. As usual, this decision was made on financial grounds (don’t spend too much money on the regions) and not on what was best for the regions.

PM Albanese promised to upgrade the regional NBN on forming government by improving the NBN infrastructure in country towns. These upgrades are being done now around the country and due to be completed next year.

Disastrously, there is a major flaw with this upgrade. Because the initial regional NBN rollout was done on the cheap by the Coalition government, thousands of households and businesses suffered badly because they were forced to adopt either wireless or satellite – both inferior technologies for large parts of the bush where sparsely placed Wireless towers often offer poor line of sight to the antenna and vegetation/poor weather means frequent patchy internet reception, especially around the Sunshine Coast hinterland with its inclement weather. The current upgrades, costing $2.4 billion, promise better download speeds, up to 500mbps, for those lucky few who have received a copper NBN i.e. FTTN connection. For the rest, the upgrade involves the installation of supplementary equipment that is supposed to improve the signal from the sparse wireless towers and the unreliable satellites system. Even NBNCo is somewhat dubious of its success. Critically, for the thousands of unfortunates around regional Australia who are still on 20 year old ADSL technology (because they cannot get wireless or satellite), there is no upgrade path and they are condemned to an uncertain internet future, locked in at 12mbps download speeds. It is important to note that forcing Australians to buy the expensive US Starlink system is akin to forcing Australians to fly to the US for health care. We have already paid for the NBN through our taxes!

So in keeping with the history of inferior servicing of regional Australia by federal governments, to the great shame of the National (Country) Party, the internet will remain second-rate i.e. Tier-2.

A better solution would have been to do it right in the first place i.e. to extend FTTN (copper) in all regional towns (not just the main streets) and then rollout the upgrade to FTTP (fibre) Australia-wide.

This is a bad miss by Labor.

Richard Proudfoot Maleny

The mind boggles

Isn’t it amazing what alarmists like Ken Dyer see as the future (The Future is Here, Feb 7 issue of GC&M News). He often refers to a website or paper written by selfproclaimed experts we have never heard of, and they are usually from America, and have produced a video or written a paper, and we are expected to believe what they say is factual, and if we don’t listen to these “academics” as he calls them, we are all doomed. I’m sure Mr Dyer is a nice guy and has our best interest at heart, but when people make statements and write garbage like what he wrote in his latest letter, clearly they are delusional, these clowns have been proven wrong so many times it would take a series of books to cover the subject matter he and all his so called “academic” mates are wrong about.

On a brighter note, in Shane Daly’s article (Doomsday Passed By, also Feb 7 issue of GC&M News), Shane has hit the nail right on the head. I too am old enough to remember all the alarmist predictions through the years, and as Shane points out, not one of these predictions have come to fruition in the last 50 years, but as long as governments, who have no mind of their own (like our current labour governments at both State and Federal level), continue pandering to these clowns, they will keep coming up with ridiculous theories and getting ‘Government Research Grants’ that will do nothing but

bolster their bank accounts.

I’m not a scientist, I’m just an older citizen who has been around for a long time, I’ve been lucky enough to experience many aspects of life, I’m proficient in the application of a variety of trade and academic skills, and have achieved certificates of accreditation in different fields of expertise, that most of these doomsday clowns can only dream about, and I’m an ex-servicemen, but that does that make me an “expert”, no it doesn’t, it just means I have skills in those particular fields, a willingness to learn, and some common sense, and over the years that common sense has taught me enough to recognise garbage when I read it, and the things people like Mr Dyer write about is just that “garbage”.

These self-proclaimed “experts” have been proven wrong so many times, on so many different levels, it’s almost laughable, but we all know the definition of an expert don’t we, ‘ex’ is an unknown quantity, and a ‘spert’ is a drip under pressure. In my humble opinion, all these alarmists suffer from what I like to call, “ID-10-T” Syndrome.

Peter Bowles

Glasshouse Mountains

Unwed and pregnant

I was saddened to read the story about Jack Wilcox’s father and grandmother. This was an awful practice that carried on well into the 1980s. An estimated 150,000 babies were forcefully adopted between 1940s to 1970s.

It has similarities to the Stolen Generation although maybe for different reasons, the pain is still the same.

We have more in common with First Nations People than we thought.

Derek Browning

Opinion piece: Growth and housing on the Sunshine

By Sunshine Coast Business Council Chair, Sandy Zubrinich

THE Sunshine Coast is recognised as a high growth region when measured both by population and economic growth. Over the past decade the region has seen its population boom, a strong increase in Gross Regional Product (GRP), higher improving household income, a diversifying economy and a strong investment pipeline leading into the next decade.

During the three-year Covid period from 2020 to 2022, the region experienced higher than average growth in housing prices, largely due to migration from southern states, with the regional housing market continuing to perform well despite the expected national market correction. The flip side of this good news, however, is the resultant pressure on rental cost and availability to accommodate families and workers.

Housing availability and affordability remains a growing problem and demands meaningful actions by state and local government. The big question for the wider community to grapple with is, do we want to live in a region equipped with affordable housing and accommodation, social, health, education and other sustainable infrastructure required to support a growing population and a diversifying economy.

Or do we want to somehow stop or slow population growth, understanding this will limit employment opportunities, limit investment in housing and all other classes of infrastructure including hospitals, schools and the social infrastructure to keep our community engaged. Both options have consequences that need to be understood within the wider community and that is the responsibility of our regional political leaders.

This is the time for pragmatic, decisive regional leadership that ensures we have the most effective policy levers, including competitive incentives in place, to attract new investors and encourage those already here to continue to deliver the vital infrastructure required to create the jobs and keep our economy prosperous well to the future.

We know with a great deal of certainty, that investors place their funds in regions where growth is planned for and not limited. We must remain that region.

Box 99, Beerwah 4519 or text to 0488 444 525

Time waits for no man, or croc

READING last week’s paper I nearly choked on my Wheaties when learning that a bunch of Peachester families weren’t within cooee of getting a decent park.

That issue has been going on for longer than when I left, ummm... it’s been a long time.

It’ll be my kids kids that might eventually get to know the joys of a park with a swing and toilet block.

The Olympics would have come and gone for goodness sake.

And all this current generation really wants is a fence for safety’s sake.

But apparently a sign for the park’s name (cost: $4000) and mowing is all that’s budgeted for in the next 10 years. Is

it because it’s too small a town to matter?

always willing to step up and out to make their voices heard. Did someone say discretionary fund?

Rail of a time

only’, this next plan is exclusively targeted at The Jetsons.

ask me to apply for a new job.

He wants to see me appointed chair of the High Speed Rail Authority.

It’s a new board being established that - as the packet says - will investigate high speed rail down the east coast.

The cunning plan is I get on the board - infiltrate it Lidia Thorpe-style - and

then don’t budge until the Beerwah to Maroochydore rail line gets built.

Sure it might end up costing a bit more to deliver high speed, and sure you probably won’t have much chance of breaking any speed records between the towns, but at least I could get it built, which is a sight more than the state government is doing to deliver a bog standard railway line.

Aside from that pie in the sky plan, the idea that there will be high speed rail service this generation will get to enjoy is hilarious.

Gladstone would have held an Olympics by then.

A sense of porpoise

I still remember the days of going to see

the Crushers in the Lang Park outer and supporting them because they weren’t the Broncos and quite frankly nothing has changed. The Dolphins are a breath of fresh air for the NRL and SEQ and good luck to them.

Tracy Mellors

Hinterland Foliage is a new family-owned nursery in the heart of Landsborough offering friendly service and great advice.

Troy is passionate about providing a wide variety of indoor and outdoor plants and pots, including an amazing range of local artisan pottery.

Friendly service and great advice Indoor and outdoor plants and pots Local artisan pottery Gift vouchers available Located at 36 Cribb Street Landsborough, opposite train station Phone 0406 525 575 | Open 7 days, 9am to 4pm Follow us on Facebook FEBRUARY 28, 2023 | 13 www.gcnews.com.au HINTERLAND GEMS

Sat March 18...Floral Dream Catcher

Sat April 29......Shibori Tie Dye Tote Bag

Sat May 20......String Art Floral Board

9.30am – 12noon $60 Age 7-12

Contact

Liz 0407 930 091

Did you know that QCamel Dairy on Bells Creek Road welcomes visitors to meet and greet their beautiful camel family for a truly unique farm gate experience? Learn how they produce the world’s only Certified Organic Camel Milk, then meet and fall in love with their camel herd. These tours have become so popular they are now on EVERY Saturday.

‘Camel Cuddles’ Farm Tours

h Th

M

Sunshine Coast Skin Therapies in Landsborough is now stocking Bare Roots Organic Skincare (COSMOS certified) to help provide support for intolerant and compromised skin concerns. Sharon from SCST says, “I have noticed that skin sensitivities are on the rise of late and I have been looking for the perfect range that ticks all the boxes and caters for these skin concerns for my clients, which the Bare Roots range does.” It’s benefits are; Aloe Vera based (not water); Heals and supports PH; Antiinflammatory; Skin compatible lipids; Barrier repairing; Certified Organic/environmentally friendly; Australian made and owned.

Yes! ‘Happy’ does include managing life’s challenges. Tracy understands that a happy life will look a little different for each of us and looks forward to working together with you, clarifying your ‘happy’ including the challenges. Working together toward your goals in ways important to you. Reconnecting more to your life with vitality and purpose.

Tracy offers neurodivergent affirming, compassion-focused care across all-abilities and as a NDIS registered provider, can offer support to all NDIS participants; NDIAmanaged, Plan or self-managed. Tracy is also an ACA registered supervisor providing supervision for counsellors and social workers.

Readers

Only Special Mention this add when booking: 1hr Organic Spa Facial $79 (includes consultation and take-home samples) Book Now!!! Call or Text 0409 961 924 open Tues to Sat by App Ph 0409 961 924 4/3 Maleny Street, Landsborough Stockist of: Payot Luxury French Skincare Yuva Australian Natural Active Skincare Bare Roots Pure Organic Australian Luxury Skincare Sunshine Coast Skin Therapies We also offer many different treatment options for all skin types and skin condition concerns.

Ensemble Trivium play Hayd’n Seek

but are aimed at delivering compositions with variety to broad spectrums of audiences. “I like to find hidden gems in my repertoire and many pieces that aren’t so well known but they are masterpieces people don’t know about,” Monika said.

“The mix of old and new pieces gives people something they’re familiar with and something they’ve never heard before.

“I like to do programs that offer variety.”

Monika said the group prided itself on giving audiences a unique classical ensemble performance through the programs they curate.

Throughout the night will be renditions from compositions including Trio in D-major Hob XV:16 by 18th century composer Josef Haydn, and Limestone & Felt by modern composer Caroline Shaw.

“The program traverses the sublime simplicity of sparkling Haydn to the ravishingly lush sounds of rarely heard French master Maurice Duruflé, bridged by three exhilarating duos showcasing some of the best of current compositions,” she said.

Great Paper Shortage

By Lisa Plucknett, Maleny

You can use a kitchen paper towel, You can use cosmetic pads; But do not stoop to cotton buds, ‘Til things get really bad.

You can use an aspidistra, The skins of avocado; But stay away from prickly pears, unless you’ve got bravado.

Use downsides of a pumpkin leaf, ‘Cause the upper side is rough; Take staples from your A4 sheets, ‘Cause bums are not that tough. You can use old Woman’s Weekly’s, Ita Buttrose on the cover; Use up your treasured greeting cards, But not ones from your mother.

I’ve got a friend who smokes a lot, Rolls her own with Tally Ho; I’m hoping that she’ll lend me one, When I find it’s time to go.

MALENY is about to experience something magical when Ensemble Trivium hits town in March.

The talented Brisbane quartet - a dynamic collective of Brisbane’s leading musicians, performing chamber music centred around the flute - will be performing in the hinterland town on March 19.

Since 2015, Ensemble Trivium has been dazzling audiences with their imaginative, vibrant programming and inspired combinations of instruments. They perform traditional and contemporary chamber repertoire,

including commissions of new works and has a passion for unearthing hidden gems.

Various combinations of the group include flute, violin, viola, cello, double bass, clarinet, voice, piano and percussion.

Ensemble leader and flutist Monika Koerner said their Hayd’n Seek series - coming to Maleny on March 19 - was aimed at bringing something familiar but exciting to audiences.

Monika described the program as a taste of old and new compositions, some of which may be unknown to audiences,

“We are motivated to offer something a little bit different, something familiar something not so familiar, every concert has a different combination of instruments, you never get the same thing.”

Ensemble Trivium will be performing at the Maleny Community Centre on March 19 at 2pm, and then again with a different program at the Montville Village Hall on August 20 at 3pm.

Tickets are available for the Maleny performance now on their website, https://www.monikakoerner.com/ ensemble-trivium.

There are some things just too painful, Like Gympie Nettle tree; You’d wipe your eyes and cauterize, Or be high on Ecstasy.

There’s a man called Winston Churchill, Lived eighty years ago; Who made a stirring speech or two, When Hitler struck a blow.

“We shall fight them in the trenches, On the beaches and the groynes; No foe shall ever beat us, Its time to gird our loins”.

Well – my loins are girded also, I’m careful what I’ve eaten; I’ll just be constipated, ‘Til this shortage has been beaten. In the spirit of our Diggers, We’ll bunker down and fight; We’ll just make do with what we’ve got, ‘Til Corona’s taken flight.

CULTURE CLUB

Local debut author earns a two-book contract

By Kirra Livingstone

MOUNT Mellum author Kerri Day has a busy year ahead as she promotes the publication of her first children’s book, Beside the Sea, and continues work on a second for release later this year.

The former primary school teacher reignited her passion for writing following her retirement and submitted a number of her stories into writing competitions.

She won the CYA Conference Category 2 Picture Book competition in both 2015 and 2021, which included the opportunity for an assessment session with a publishing editor.

“My session was with a publishing editor from Windy Hollow Books in Melbourne, and she got me to submit two manuscripts, one from the competition that I won,” Kerri said.

“The editor provided me with feedback and decided to publish both books… honestly that was beyond my wildest dreams, I was so pleased to get that tick on my list, I’m very happy about that.”

Following this experience Kerri has just published Beside the Sea, with a second, Run Pups Run, due in October 2023.

Beside the Sea is a fictional narrative about a grandmother and grandchild helping save turtles disorientated from light pollution and ends with the community coming together.

“It’s all about community care and protection for

the environment and people working together and the lovely relationship with the grandchild and grandmother in there,” she said.

Kerri said the book was illustrated by award winning illustrator Jess Racklyeft and the collaboration process was enjoyable. “It was a lovely creative collaboration, and it was very generous of her to share her work during the process,” she said.

Run Pups Run, will be published later this year. While she was keeping details close to her chest, we were told it is a completely joyful story about kids and their dogs who spend a hot day at the beach where “silliness ensues”.

Rosetta’s Great Reads This Other Eden

This incredibly moving book is inspired by the true story of Malaga Island off Maine, whose raciallyintegrated inhabitants were forcibly removed in 1911 in a bid to “save them from themselves” in the height of the Eugenics movement. Pulitzer prizewinning author, Paul Harding, fictionalises the story to explore themes of racial prejudice and the strength of family bonds. Things start to go wrong when a well-intentioned white missionary establishes a school on the island, and the story develops in heartbreaking ways. The characters are intimately drawn and the prose dotted with Biblical and Shakespearean references, which add additional layers to the looping storytelling method and poetic prose. If you like books that question history, then this one is for you. RRP $32.99

Pow Pow Pig #4 Loch Ness Adventure

This latest instalment of Anh Do’s Pow Pow Pig, supported by fun illustrations by Peter Cheong, really packs a punch. The action is part-story, partgraphic and includes a special appearance by one of Anh Do fans’ other favourite characters, Ninja Kid and his buddy H-Dude! This time the Z team are on a mission to rescue the Loch Ness Monster from being hunted, in their ultimate aim to save the world. Their mission leads to a hilarious adventure with lots of laughs that kids are going to love. With the artful use of a variety of visual elements, this is a series designed to get your children to love reading. Ages 6-10. RRP $15.99

Horoscopes WEEK BEGINNING FEBRUARY 28

PISCES

FEBRUARY 19 – MARCH 20

When you put your mind to something, you want to see it through. This week you tackle tasks you’ve been putting off for ages - from re-establishing contact with old friends, to finally updating files and devices. At work, it’s the usual conflict: freedom versus a steady pay packet. Not to worry. By week’s end, life starts to settle.

ARIES

MARCH 21 – APRIL 20

If you’re feeling restless or drumming your fingers for action, a happier cosmos should supply it. In other words, you have planetary permission to prosper and enjoy. This extends to romance too. An irresistible magnetism keeps love on its toes, so don’t be surprised if someone’s eager to grab your exclusive attention.

TAURUS

APRIL 21 – MAY 20

It’s my guess you need a rest, Taurus. Take advantage of this week, which offers a spot of relaxation: maybe some contemplation. Find somewhere warm - kick through the sand or curl up under the doona. Some of you, though, may find it hard to slam on the brakes. Try or you’ll end up exhausted when work spurs into overdrive after the 2nd.

GEMINI

MAY 21 – JUNE 21

The world needs its colourful characters and you’re undeniably one of them - even if you occasionally test less optimistic souls with your utopian visions. In matters of the heart, though, this week you may need to choose between old love and new. We know you can be impatient. Still, Gemini, don’t hurry. There’s no rush.

CANCER

JUNE 22 - JULY 22

You’ve been working hard for some time now, and this week is no different. An upbeat cosmos creates a buzz around work and money, while your creativity dazzles all. If there’s a project going, you’ll be the obvious candidate. Even challenges can become blessings in disguise. The snag? You might attract more attention that you bargained for.

LEO

JULY 23 – AUGUST 23

Despite being a natural entrepreneur, it’s not every day that you get a real financial break. Sure, some offers can look like great opportunities. There may have even been times when you’ve taken the bait before you saw the hook attached to it. This week appears more genuine and generous.

VIRGO

AUGUST 24 – SEPTEMBER 22

If it becomes clear that others are making unfair demands on you, don’t try too hard to accommodate them. Accept the fact that you can’t please all the people all the time. It’s never been more important to simply be yourself, without capitulating to others’ constant needs. Declare this a ‘me first’ week.

LIBRA

SEPTEMBER 23 – OCTOBER 23

A certain someone needs careful handling this week. They’re mean and moody. No matter how blustery they can be, avoid being dragged into their stormy tempest. Give this person a wide berth, or one of you will end up harbouring grudges. Thankfully, week’s end brings some welcome fun.

SCORPIO

OCTOBER 24 – NOVEMBER 22

Feeling confident? Great, because you now finally get to call the shots. No matter what mayhem the cosmos creates for the rest of us this week, most Scorpios should rise over any opposition. But not without some effort. Although auspicious planets surround you, you can’t expect everything to fall into your lap. If you want something, go after it.

SAGITTARIUS

NOVEMBER 23 – DECEMBER 21

Many Sagittarians have an important task ahead of them. Take your time and plan carefully - that way fewer mistakes will be made. It may all seem terribly tedious, but the end result will be worth it. In romance, singles should consider a fun weekend trip away. Couples can also find carnal satisfaction and increased commitment.

CAPRICORN

DECEMBER 22 – JANUARY 20

If I say there’s change on the way, don’t run. While things may be flowing a tad too swiftly for your liking, you’ll soon get the hang of it. Perhaps you’re being asked to retrain or take an unexpected detour? Whatever happens, know that the heavens are steering you in the right direction. Follow your dreams, Capricorn.

AQUARIUS

JANUARY 21 – FEBRUARY 18

Aquarians can be outrageous flirts who live life to the full and, this week, you’re feeling particularly high spirited. Not in the mood for dreary obligations, any restrictions on your freedom will seem unbearable. If outworn love is holding you back, then perhaps it’s time to give yourself some muchneeded breathing space.

Local author Kerri Day.

Never too late to fit in

ENGAGING in regular physical activity, at any age, is linked to better brain function in later life, according to a study published in the Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry.

The long-term research suggests that maintaining an exercise routine throughout adulthood is best for preserving mental acuity and memory. Although physical activity is modestly associated with a lower risk of cognitive decline, dementia and loss of later life mental acuity, it is unknown whether the timing, frequency, or maintenance of leisure time physical activity across the life course is key to later life cognitive abilities.

Researchers examined the strength of associations between cognitive tests at age 69 and reported leisure time physical activity at the ages of 36, 43, 53, 60-64, and 69 in 1,417 people (53 per cent women) taking part in the 1946 British birth cohort study.

Participants’ physical activity levels were categorised as inactive, moderately active (1–4 times/month), most active (5 or more times/month), and summed across all five assessments to create a total score ranging from 0 (inactive at all ages) to 5 (active at all ages).

Analysis of the results showed that being physically active at all five time points was associated with higher cognitive performance, verbal memory, and processing speed at the age of 69. The effect sizes were similar across all adult ages, and for those who were moderately and most physically active,

Regular sport helps improve sleep pattern

REGULAR exercise has been found to improve sleep quality, according to sleep health specialists.

In a bidirectional relationship, good sleep makes it easier to exercise, and regular exercise appears to improve sleep. However, it can be difficult to exercise when you are not sleeping well. Sleep health specialist, Dr Moira Junge, recommends that exposing oneself to natural sunlight every morning can help reset the sleep-wake cycle.

Another factor that affects sleep is bodyweight. Maintaining a healthy bodyweight can help lower the risk of obstructive sleep apnea.

“suggesting that being physically active at any time in adulthood, even if participating as little as once per month, is linked with higher cognition,” write the researchers.

But the strongest association was observed for sustained cumulative physical activity and later life cognition, and for those who were most physically active at all ages.

The positive association between cumulative physical activity and later life cognitive performance was partly explained by childhood cognition, socioeconomic position, and education. However, the researchers acknowledge that this is an observational study and cannot establish cause.

Furthermore, the study included only white participants and had a disproportionately high attrition rate among those who were socially disadvantaged.

No information was available on exercise intensity, duration, or adherence either.

Nevertheless, the researchers conclude that their findings support guidelines to recommend participation in any physical activity across adulthood.

They also provide evidence that encouraging inactive adults to be more active at any time, and encouraging already active adults to maintain activity, could confer benefits on later life cognition.

Experts used to warn against exercising before sleep, but there is now evidence to suggest that high-intensity, latenight exercise is fine as long as there is a two-hour wind-down period before sleep. Short bursts of high-quality, highintensity activity such as taking the stairs instead of the lift or jogging while children play can help increase daily movement. Additionally, it’s important to find an exercise routine that you enjoy and that fits into your lifestyle, as this can help to increase motivation and adherence. Dr Junge suggests trying different types of physical activity, such as swimming, yoga, or team sports, to find what works best for you. By incorporating regular physical activity into your routine, you may find yourself sleeping better and feeling more energised throughout the day.

INTRODUCING DR TAYEBI

Dr Mali Tayebi, Female GP, speaks English and Farsi. She graduated with a Doctor of Medicine in 2014 and worked as a GP both overseas and in Australia.

Dr Mali has worked at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital for the past 3 years and advanced her knowledge in surgical specialties and emergency medicine.

Dr Mali has a great interest in art and painting, she enjoys exploring nature with hiking and scuba diving.

Dr Mali is available for appointments Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Areas of interest are Dermatology, Minor surgical procedures and skin cancer, contraception, sexual and Women’s health.

Sticking together makes the world of difference in mid-life

NEW research published in the open access journal General Psychiatry has found that satisfying relationships in mid-life with partners, friends, or work colleagues are linked to a lower risk of accumulating multiple long term conditions in older age for women.

The study found that the less satisfying these relationships were, the greater the risk of multiple chronic diseases, even after adjusting for influential factors such as income, education, and health behaviours.

The research was conducted using data from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health, which looked at factors associated with the health and wellbeing of women aged 18–23, 45–50, and 70–75 in 1996. The study drew on 13,714 participants, all of whom were aged 45-50 in 1996.

Their health and wellbeing was tracked roughly every three years via questionnaire up to 2016.

The women were asked to rank their levels of satisfaction with each of their five categories of relationships on a four-point scale, and to indicate if they developed any of 11 chronic conditions. Accumulating two or more of these conditions was defined as having multiple conditions.

The final analysis included 7,694 women, of whom 58 per cent accumulated multiple long term conditions over 20 years of monitoring. Compared with women reporting the highest level of satisfaction, those who reported the lowest were more than twice

Shockwave Therapy for Heel Pain

By Carly O’Donoghue

For those suffering from heel pain, Podiatrists Jason and Mia from Stepping Out Podiatry speak around their Shockwave Therapy machine and how it has been an amazing addition to providing heel pain treatment success stories.

What is Shockwave Therapy?

“Shockwave Therapy helps improve the function and movement in you joints and muscles” explained Mia. “It works be emitting acoustic waves which penetrate the deeper tissue of our body, helps break up scar tissue and improves blood flow to the area.

How does it work for Heel Pain?

as likely to accumulate multiple long term conditions after fully adjusting for potentially influential factors.

The strength of the association was comparable with that of well-established risk factors, such as overweight/obesity, physical inactivity, smoking, and alcohol intake. The study suggests that at the individual level, women could benefit from starting or maintaining highquality and diverse social relationships throughout middle to early old age. At the community level, interventions focusing on social relationship satisfaction or quality may be particularly efficient in preventing the progression of chronic conditions.

Introducing Dr Denture

Dr Richard Hamilton Johnston is a rare breed, Dr Johnston’s introduction to dentistry was as a top Cosmetic Dental Technician working in Brisbane. This means he is extremely good at making beautiful and functional dentures.

Richard then took a hiatus from the dental profession and joined the Australian Defence force in Army Aviation. Dr Johnston then returned to the dental profession, qualifying as a dentist in 2008. This combination of Cosmetic Dental Technician and qualified Dentist, means Dr Johnston can look after all your dental and denture needs, understanding your oral anatomy, your dental health and how to create functional partial or full dentures that look amazing.

Studies have shown that microtrauma from the shockwaves results in your body releasing factors necessary for the healing of damaged tissue in the plantar fascia and surrounding tendons and muscles of the foot.

“Shockwave Therapy is proven to increase the natural healing properties of the tissue and decrease the levels of pain within the heel” Jason says. “This together with the other heel pain remedies such as strapping, orthoses and footwear changes, leaves our patients skipping down the hallways ready to take on the world again” laughs Jason.

What can I expect?

“Initially the treatment will give you an analgesic effect which will decrease your pain” says Mia, “then because the shockwaves stimulate more blood flow to the heel, your injured tissue around your heel will start to mend itself. Generally 2-3 treatments and most people have made a dramatic improvement.”

Call Stepping Out Podiatry on 1300 881 082 to make an appointment. Their website steppingoutpodiatry.com.au also

Top Implant Dentist Dr Michel Zabik has been serving the Beerwah and Woombye communities since 2017 and has now teamed up with Dr Johnston to provide a range of Implant retained denture solutions including All-On-Four and Dr Zabik’s own ‘Snap In Denture’ Securely retained with Dental Implants, Dr Zabik’s Snap In Denture, means you get the feel and function of real teeth matched with the artistry of Dr Johnston’s cosmetically designed dentures –the perfect combination.

Mia and Jase

Ray helps empower people to take control of their health

RAY is a local Dietitian, passionate about a holistic approach to the health and wellbeing of her clients and local community.

Ray’s passion for food, and interest in how it affects the body, formed the basis of her search for answers when experiencing food intolerances in her own family.

This led to a career in Nutrition and her experiences have provided Ray with a clear understanding of the difficulties and challenges people experience when making changes to their diet or lifestyle.

Working with clients to overcome barriers and difficulties through practical, realistic dietary and lifestyle advice to make changes that are achievable, Ray fits in with individual lifestyle and family needs, enabling changes to be maintained long term.

Her aim is to help clients develop a food knowledge and understanding that makes healthy choices the easiest choices.

Ray (pictured above) holds a Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics degree from the

USC and has completed further training in gastrointestinal disorders, particularly IBS and food intolerances.

She is committed to current best practice to address her client’s health concerns, particularly digestive issues, diabetes, heart disease, weight management and food allergies, as well as health eating advice and gut health.

Ray loves food and is an enthusiastic cook, passionate about fresh local produce, whole foods and gut healthy foods that taste great!

She is committed to empowering her clients through increasing their confidence in how food works in the body, how lifestyle factors influence health and provides support to achieve their health and wellness goals.

Ray is very approachable and would be happy to discuss your health concerns, and can be contacted on 0425 331018 or follow her on Instagram @ raysbalancedplate

Feeling great inside and out with Amcal Beerwah

THE saying may be that beauty’s only skin deep, but the truth is that looking good starts with having good inner health. So what steps can we take to look good and feel even better?

Let’s take a closer look.

Vitamins and minerals: Healthy bones and a healthy mind are a great framework for living well. Magnesium plays an important role in many bodily functions, and a number of studies have shown that it may help to fight anxiety. Vitamin D, meanwhile, helps us effectively absorb calcium to protect bone health.

A Little About Acupuncture

The goal of acupuncture is to establish healthy body function by restoring the natural circulation of blood and energy to correct balance.

Skincare: Having healthy skin isn’t just important for appearance – it’s important because skin performs so many essential tasks for our bodies, from cooling to being our first line of defence against bacteria.

Digestive Health: A healthy digestive system can be the key to good health, unlocking a stronger immune system, clearer skin, healthier hair and better energy levels.

From improving your digestive health to achieving healthy and glowing skin, the team at Amcal Beerwah can help you look good and feel better. Call in today at Beerwah Marketplace.

Treating with acupuncture is an effective method to alleviate stress, pain and to calm emotions; by using the correct points and methods many issues are addressed pain relief, stress and muscle tension can be alleviated.

When you put needles in certain places in the body, you will relieve the pressure oftentimes on a nerve such as a cranial nerve that affects the head. By relieving that pressure on a nerve, the muscles begin to relax, the blood begins to flow into an area, and pain is released partially through that mechanism and partially through the nervous system releasing endorphins.

The outcome of regular acupuncture treatments have been clinically proven as an effective choice for pain relief.

Bernette from Acupuncture @ Beerwah would love to help you with your pain relief needs.

Opening

Bernette 0417 723 944 Shop

Dementia is nation’s biggest health issue

DEMENTIA has overtaken coronary heart disease as the biggest health issue for Australians aged 65 and over, according to the latest update to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) compendium report Dementia in Australia. The report shows that dementia was responsible for 4.4% of Australia’s disease burden in 2022, including both the impact of living with the condition and dying prematurely.

Dementia Australia said the new data reinforced the need for an interconnected, dementia-informed healthcare system to ensure that everyone impacted by dementia receives appropriate support and care throughout their experience of the disease.

With more than 400,000 Australians

living with dementia and the number expected to increase to over 800,000 by 2058, Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe AM has said that dementia is the chronic disease of the 21st century. “It’s imperative that we have an informed system where staff working across healthcare industries have education in dementia and that all health and aged care workers and Australians know to contact Dementia Australia for support and information,” Ms McCabe said. An integrated healthcare system that supports people living with dementia, their families, and carers includes a more consistent experience of diagnosis, access to post-diagnostic support services, access to supports across the trajectory of the disease that focus on maintaining

the dignity and autonomy of the person impacted as well as their families and carers, and access to palliative care services that meet the needs of people with dementia. Ms McCabe said that with dementia having so many touchpoints across the healthcare system, it is crucial to ensure that the different parts of the system talk to each other.

Ms McCabe added that without a major

medical breakthrough, this trend is likely to continue, with the number of people living with dementia on the rise. “While there is nothing definitive you can do to prevent dementia, there are many things you can do to help reduce your risk of developing dementia,” Ms McCabe said. “These include looking after your brain health, body health, and heart health and it’s never too early or too late to start.”

‘Practice You’ with Exist Yoga

YOGA is such a beneficial practice for everybody because it helps to improve circulation, build strength, improve mobility, reduce levels of stress and bodywide inflammation, increase mental and physical energy and also boosts alertness and enthusiasm.

Yoga teaches us to access our own body’s abilities rather than seeking outside superficial fixes.

Exist Yoga in Beerwah (near the Post Office) has a team of amazing professional instructors who aim to provide you with an opportunity to ‘Practice You’.

They provide a variety of wellness experiences to promote physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Offering regular classes, events, personal training, exercise physiology, workshops and retreats that promote wellbeing from the inside out. Exist Yoga is passionate about giving you the tools to live well and also provide discount packages so you can have a regular affordable practice.

Go to existyoga.com.au for further information, timetable and bookings. They hope to practice with you soon.

Family Movie Night

Time: Friday, 6.30pm

Where: Glass House Mountains State School oval

WHAT'S ON

International Women’s Day Brekky

Stamp Fair

MAR 3

Info: Glasshouse Mountains State School P&C presents The Lion King Family Movie Night. Sausage sizzle, popcorn, drinks and glow products all available on the night. $25 per family. Tickets available online via QKR or can be purchased at the gate.

World Day of Prayer

Time: Friday, 9.30am

Where: Uniting Church in Beerwah

Mar 3

Info: Taiwan will be the country of focus this year for World Day of Prayer (WDP) on Friday, March 3. Local services will be held at the Uniting Church in Beerwah at 9.30am. Believing that prayer and action link people together around the globe, organisers of the 2023 WDP are hoping people will be inspired to bring peace and reconciliation into the world by this year’s theme for contemplation and prayerful action. www.worlddayofprayeraustralia.org

Beerburrum Hall Country Market

Time: Saturday 8am-12noon

Where: Beerburrum Hall, 7 ANZAC Ave

Mar 4

Info: Beerburrum Hall Country Market is seeking more stall holders especially those who love to enjoy the outdoors (all weather market). If you have fruit, vegetables, breads, sweets, crafts and/or herbs we would love to hear from you. To have a stall, call Patricia on 0430 433734 or email beerburrumhallpresident@ gmail.com

Beerwah Bulldogs Launch Night

Time: Saturday from 4pm

Where: Beerwah Sports Grounds

Mar 4

Time: Wednesday, 7-9am

Where: CWA Hall, Simpson Street Beerwah

Mar 8

Info:QCWA Beerwah will be hosting their 2023 International Women’s Day Breakfast with special guest speakers. Enjoy a light breakfast inspired by QCWA Country Kitchens recipes, lucky door prizes, and panel discussion. Tickets $25 available through trybooking.com.au

March into March

Time: Saturday, 2pm

Where: Kawana Community Hall, Nanyima Street, Buddina

Mar 11

Info: The Sunshine Coast Concert Band presents “March into March”. Tickets are $20 available at the door and includes afternoon tea and a lucky door prize ticket. Visit www.sccb.org.au for more info.

Motorcycle Club Swap Meet

Time: Saturday from 6am

Where: Maleny Showgrounds

Mar 11

Info: On March 11, the Sunshine Coast branch of the Historical Motorcycle Club will hold their annual Swap Meet at the Maleny Showgrounds. Motorcycle enthusiasts from around the country will descend on the Showgrounds for what will be the 29th Maleny Swap. Not only does the swap fund the running of our club, but the money raised supports charities which include the Qld Cancer Council, Prostate Cancer and Bloomhill Cancer Care to name a few. Entry tickets $10, Stall tickets $10.

Time: Saturday 8.30am - 3.30pm

Where: Kawana Community Centre, Naminya Street, Buddina (off Point Cartwright Road)

Mar 18

Info: The Caloundra and Sunshine Coast Stamp Clubs are hosting a joint Stamp Fair and welcome members of the public to come along for free. There will be SEQLD Stamp Clubs and professional stamp dealers in attendance, with viewing and the opportunity to purchase. There will be on site refreshments, ample parking is available with ground floor disabled access.

Maleny Film Festival

Time: Various film times over three days

Where: Maleny Community Centre

Mar 24-26

Info: The Maleny Film Society is pleased to present a curated selection of four films about writers at work. The festival will showcase She Said (USA, 2022), Adaptation (USA, 2001), Paterson (USA, 2016) and Lost Illusions (France, 2021). Keep an eye on the website for more information www.malenyshowsociety.com.au

Paul Ballum-Cross Concert

Time: Sunday 2pm

Where: St George’s Anglican Church, Maleny

Mar 26

Info: Come and enjoy this afternoon of classics and compositions executed with skill, sensitivity and joy. Paul, who has a Doctorate in Musicology, is a well-known and respected musician, composer, and teacher in the Brisbane community. His performance includes pieces by Mompou, Arregui, Sor and Tarrega. Tickets are available through trybooking.com

Pineapple Cooking Competition

Time: Saturday, from 9am

Where: QCWA Hall, Simpson Street, Beerwah

Mar 18

Info: QCWA Beerwah is hosting this Pineapple Cooking Competition at their monthly markets to share the love and to raise awareness around our locally grown, seasonal, fresh pineapples. To help our pineapple farmers sell their fruit. For entry details, contact QCWA Beerwah directly through Facebook or email qcwabeerwah@gmail.com.

Entries due March 17.

Beerwah Community Hall (Mar 11) and Buderim War Memorial Hall (Mar 18)

Mar 11 & 18

The Buderim Male Choir is presenting a new show, called Great Southern Land, a showcase of Australian music from bush ballads to the likes of Peter Allen and the Seekers, covering the earliest days of the

The road of reflection

AS we approach the significant date on the Christian calendar, we prepare ourselves for Easter.

The death and resurrection of Christ needs more of our reflection than what type of overpriced chocolate we are going to buy.

If we are spiritual beings on a physical journey (Which is what I believe) as opposed to physical beings on a spiritual journey then our eternal values and perspective needs reflection and repentance.

Easter is a Remembrance of the death of Christ and a celebration of the resurrection of Christ where He delivered on His promise and proved He was exactly who He claimed to be.

Why is this evident so significant?

Because this moment frames our faith

World Day of Prayer 2023

with Pastor Aaron Jackson Church on the Rise Beerwah

acknowledgement of His deity in our personal lives.

As we approach Easter this year let’s not simply go through the motions of an over zealous commercial mindset, but take time to consider the Lordship of Jesus over your own personal life.

Whether you acknowledge this truth or not Jesus still died on the cross for your salvation.

This free gift offered to all is so that you would know Him and be known by Him.

pastor who I am confident will only be too

TAIWAN will be the country of focus this year for World Day of Prayer (WDP) on Friday, March 3. Local services will be held at the Uniting Church in Beerwah at 9.30am.

Believing that prayer and action link people together around the globe, organisers of the 2023 WDP are hoping people will be inspired to bring peace and reconciliation into the world by this year’s theme for contemplation and prayerful action - I have heard about your faith.

Attendees are invited to unite for one global theme of prayer that is celebrated in more than 170 countries, while also meeting others and gaining insight into the culture of a different country.

Following the service guests are invited to enjoy a fellowship morning tea and refreshments. COVID Safe requirements will be in place at all locations.

To find out more about World Day of Prayer visit www.worlddayofprayeraustralia.org

Call out from Calounda Senior Citizens Club to newcomers

IF you’re new to the Sunshine Coast or visiting and want to form a friendship, be involved and connect with like-minded people with social companionship in the

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

Glasshouse Country Uniting Church

29 Twin Peaks Drive, Beerwah

Come and worship with us

Beerwah – Sunday 8.30am Peachester Community Church –last Sunday of the month 5.30pm

Minister: Rev Dr Elizabeth Nolan Ph. 0448 358 774 Email: churchgcuc@gmail.com

GLASSHOUSE COUNTRY CALVARY CONGREGATION

community, or membership this could be the answer.

Caloundra Senior Citizens Club has an extensive range of activities, entertainment and excursions.

All recreational facilities are disability and wheelchair accessible with inclusion and social companionship for members & guests for the over 50s.

Attend any activity you’re interested in, for information and times contact Monica or Ray Phone: 07 5438 1403

A Bible Teaching, Community Loving, Hope Filled Church on the Hinterland

You are most WELCOME to join us

Sundays @ 9am

12 Cedar Street, Maleny malenypc.org.au

BEERWAH CHURCH 27 Beerwah Parade

Sundays 9 30am & Kids Church

Arise Youth: Fri 7pm (grade: 7-12 | term time)

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

Welcomes you each Saturday at 27 Maleny Street 9:30am - All Age Bible Study Hour (Includes Children and Youth programs) 11:00am - Worship Service

First Saturday of the monthCommunity Lunch Contact

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

Poster created by the World Day of Prayer committee of Taiwan

Jobs for the yard in March

caterpillars, as they can destroy your seedlings overnight.

• At the start of the month, put spring flowering bulbs, such as freesia, anemone, ranunculus and daffodil, in the fridge veggie crisper and plant out at the end of the month.

• Plant strawberry runners towards the end of the month into well-mulched beds with lots of compost and manure.

• Prepare the soil for winter veggies (such as broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower) by digging in loads of compost and manures.

• If you haven’t done so, prune back your geraniums hard to stimulate fresh new growth. The trimmings can be used to propagate new plants.

It’s when I start sowing my winter vegetable seeds into punnets – broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower – to start planting into the garden in late March.

It’s also the time when you are still battling grasshoppers and pests, so you have to remain vigilant.

It’s also the end of the storm season so heavy rains could still cause havoc and cyclones are a real possibility.

But the cooler autumn months are on the way… something to look forward to.

• Wait until the rain eases a bit before giving your gardens a fertiliser boost coming into autumn, or else it’ll just wash away and be wasted.

• At the start of the month, put spring flowering bulbs in the fridge veggie crisper and plant out at the end of the month.

for cut worms. This soil borne pest chews through the seedling stem at ground level. At the first sign, spray with Carbaryl or Success.

• Try not to plan any work in the backyard which needs heavy machinery or vehicles, until the soil dries and firms up. Otherwise you risk compacting the ground and churning up soggy soil – not a good practice.

• White cedar caterpillars are on the move. Wrap a hessian bag around the trunk and check underneath for the damaging insects as they’ll congregate there during the day. Squash or spray them with a pyrethrum spray.

• Start planting broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower seeds so you have seedlings for late March. Watch out for little green

• If you haven’t done so yet, fertilise bananas, citrus, macadamia, mango, avocado, custard apple, carambola and pawpaw with a quality fruit tree fertiliser.

Vegetables

Plant carrot, leeks, beans, cauliflower, lettuce, silver beet, spring onion, radish,

Flowers

Plant alyssum, petunia, marigolds, sweet pea, ageratum, aurora daisy, nigella, calendula, cyclamen, delphinium, impatiens, dianthus, salvia, everlasting daisy, forgetme-not, gaillardia, foxglove, linaria, lobelia, lupin, nasturtium, polyanthus, schizanthus, Iceland poppy, primula, snapdragon, cleome, strawflower, verbena, cineraria, phlox, cornflower, pansy, statice, stock and viola.

Let us help you with your print and digital advertising plans

White cedar caterpillar

Heavy vehicles and wet soil don’t mix

Fennel

Sweet pea

JOHN MCGRATH – PRICE FALLS MODERATING AS BUYERS RETURN

Australian home values are still falling, but the decline in January was the smallest monthly drop since June last year, according to CoreLogic research released last week.

Even though interest rates are likely to increase again, I do think we’re either at or approaching the bottom of the market cycle, and this latest data supports that view. In a downturn, price falls begin to moderate when buyers stop watching the market and start buying again. They do so when prices have fallen to a point where they see value and opportunity for themselves in upsizing their home and/or buying an investment. That appears to be starting now. So, here’s the data.

The national dwelling value fell by

monthly fall since June 2022. Drilling down on the East Coast cities, the fall in median home values in Sydney in January was -1.2%, which was lower than the December reading of -1.4%.

The fall in Melbourne in January was -1.1% vs -1.2% in December. In Brisbane, it was -1.4% in January vs -1.5% in December. In Canberra, it was -1% vs -1.2%. In Hobart, it was -1.7% vs -1.9%. Most regional markets are following suit or at least not falling any faster than before.

Regional NSW recorded a -1% decline in January vs a -1.5% decline in December. Regional Victoria and QLD were steady with -0.7% and -0.8% falls respectively in both months. Regional Tasmania bucked the trend with

Lawless says the numbers “are clearly pointing to a reduction in the pace of decline across most regions …”.

The biggest silver lining of a market downturn is the prospect of buying high-quality property for the long term, in the best locations, at a discount. Interestingly, the current moderation in price falls is occurring most at the premium end. Across the capital cities, upper quartile price falls were -4% over the 90 days to January 31. This compares to the September 2022 quarter, when values fell by -6.1%. That might sound like a small difference but it’s not. We’re talking about all capital city upper quartile markets grouped together, so a 2.1% difference is a material change in momentum.

McGrath CEO & Founder - John McGrath to January 31, CoreLogic says upper quartile values in Sydney fell by -3.9%. This is a substantial slowdown on the 90 days to August 31, when premium home values fell by -7.7%.

Sydney’s premium market rose the most during the boom, so it’s fallen the furthest during the downturn. CoreLogic quantifies the drop at -17.4% since the peak in January 2022. That can present good buying opportunities as premium buyers are less impacted by interest rate rises, so it seems many are seeing these softer prices as a window to upsize and/ or invest.

Additionally, Sydney attracts a large proportion of Australia’s expat buyers, and as I mentioned last week, a -6% fall in the Australian dollar against the greenback is giving expats buying in US dollars a further discount on top of that -17.4%. These factors are likely contributing to a greater moderation in price falls at the prestige end.

Regardless of the type of property or price level you’re interested in, I see 2023 as the year to buy.

From 1st October 2022, a number of changes to Queensland’s tenancy laws came in to place including: New laws around ending tenancies, framework for negotiating renting with pets, introduction of repair orders and other important amendments related to tenancy obligations. The most common request we are currently receiving and discussing with landlords and tenants is relating to the framework for negotiating renting with pets. Please see some helpful information below, sourced from www.rta.qld.gov.au/rentallaw-changes.

A tenant must seek written approval from the property owner/manager to keep a pet at the rental property. It is a significant breach if an animal, other than a working dog, is kept at the premises without the property owner/manager’s approval.

If a tenant wishes to rent with a pet during a tenancy,

they should formalise their request by completing a Request for approval to keep pet at premises (Form 21) to seek the property owner/manager’s approval. The property owner/manager must respond to the request in writing within 14 days of receiving the request form and state two key pieces of information:

1. whether they approve or refuse the tenant’s request, and

2. other conditions for approval, or reasons for refusal of request.

If the property owner/manager does not respond within 14 days or the response does not satisfy the legislative requirements mentioned above, the pet request will be automatically approved.

Keep in mind that any nuisance and damages caused by an approved pet is the responsibility of the tenant and pet damages are not considered fair wear and tear at the end of the tenancy.

If you are a current or future landlord wanting to ensure your Property Manager is offering you trusted advice and service, please contact Rebecca Hill – New Client Consultant on 0488 771 626 who is always at your service to answer any questions you may have.

RateMya gent – a u St R alia’ S nu MB e R one R eview S , R ating S and R anking S we BS ite fo R R eal e State agentS – ha S announced the winne RS of thei R 2023 awa R d S !

McGrath Coast and Hinterland are so proud to have received a total of 14 awards in both the rental and sales categories. The team are

industry, and are based on customer satisfaction and genuine client reviews. To win means to have secured the highest satisfaction rating – celebrating and recognising real estate agents and agencies that focus on and provide excellent customer service to their clients. “The Agent of the Year Awards acknowledge agents in our industry who go above and beyond for their vendors and landlords. Performance-based reviews are the qualifier towards receiving an Agent of the Year Award, with

Our amazing property management team have worked hard throughout the last 12 months to achieve the award for Beerwah Rental Agency of the Year.

winners having received the highest satisfaction rating across the country from their transactions in the 2022 calendar year. We know that every one of our winners is tremendously proud of achieving,” said RateMyAgent

CEO Michael Davey. “We congratulate the winners and nominees of 2023 and look forward to another fantastic year across our industry and the continuation of lifting the bar for a great customer experience”.

fo

R lea S e

If you would like to speak to our team regarding buying, selling or renting, we would be delighted to assist you further. For leasing and new client enquiries please contact Rebecca Hill - 0488 771 626. For all sales enquiries please contact Cassi Nuske – 0415 304 127. We look forward to being of service for all of your real estate requirements.

Team members Kate Godwin, Cassi Nuske (centre) and Jo Daley celebrate their wins for 2023.

Talking Trade with Mary’s Cross Digging

MARK and Arran Griffiths are a father and son team that run Mary’s Cross Digging, in Maleny and surrounds.

Where does the name come from?

Before moving to the Maleny area one and a half years ago, Mark and Arran, ran the family farm in Kilcoy called ‘Mary’s Cross Farm’. The name originates from the farm where Mark was born in Eversley Cross, England, where a lady called Mary looked after Mark as an infant.

The Kilcoy farm coincidently was off of Mary Smokes Creek Road, hence the name. Mark started up his newest venture, helping other people with their property and gardening needs. It was this experience on a working farm that helped both Mark and Arran gain the skills to be

able to do a wide variety of jobs with their

1.5 tonne excavator and new Kubota BX26 80 compact tractor with 4 in 1 bucket attachment, and grass friendly tyres, perfect for moving soil or mulch etc. It is also fitted with a 5ft grass mowing deck.

With the new machine and Arran now onboard full-time, Mary’s Cross Digging can help you out anyday of the week with those jobs that would take weeks by hand and they can save all that back breaking work for a fair and reasonable fee.

As Arran says, “we are here to help save you the backache, handache and headache!”

From site clearing, trench digging, driveways, post holes and fencing, animal burial, stump removal and even larger

landscaping

often

Certain work defined as 'building work' in the QBCC legislation may only be undertaken by licensed contractors or, if undertaken by unlicensed contractors, only to the value of $3,300. However, work falling outside of that definition may be performed by unlicensed contractors and is not subject to any value limit.

To check whether a contractor holds a QBCC licence visit www.qbcc.qld.gov.au or call the QBCC on 1300

VINYL RECORDS

SPORT RESULTS

Range Croquet Club

Contributed by Helen Uhlmann

WE have much pleasing news of the exploits of our club members who have been playing in various tournaments so this will be the subject of this week’s report.

Donna Manning and Ken Barker played in Toowoomba in the Joy Gardner 2nd division trophy over the weekend of the 18th and 19th February. Donna played brilliantly in parts, making an eleven break with three balls, and finished with three wins from six. Ken finished with four from six coming second overall behind Bill Habner from Nambour club. Conditions were beautiful both days, but hot on the Saturday. The organisers did a great job under very trying circumstances. Some were stranded in New Zealand because of cyclone Gabrielle.

Meanwhile, also on the 18th and 19th Lynette Evans was brilliant in winning Division 4 of the Bribie Island Traditional Furerals Assocoiation Croquet Gala Event. It a very exciting competition with six games played and the result going down to the wire, being undecided right up to the very last game. Dianne Horsman also enjoyed competing in this tournament, with some healthy wins and some losses too. The attached photo shows Lynette with her trophy after the presentation.

In other away competitions, on the weekend on the 25th and 26th February, Donna and Ken have been competing in Division 2 section of the Mary Masters Association Croquet tournament at Bribie Island. In addition, on Monday 27th and Tuesday 28th Lynette and Dianne are off to Bribie Island again to compete in the Sunshine Coast Ricochet Regionals tournament, We eagery look forward to hearing how these players went and as always wish them a great time playing and every success. Results will be published next week.

Play days: Thursday and Sunday 2.00 pm for 2.30. Contact Sarah Widin for other days. Please arrive at 2 pm for games to be arranged by 2.30. Coaching: is available on Saturday mornings at 8am. Our web address is: https://rangecroquetatmaleny.org.au 0417 640 704 (President )

Disclaimer

All advertising and copy is accepted subject to the approval of the publisher, Seven of Clubs Media Pty Ltd, who reserves the right to make adjustments in keeping with the general format of this publication. Compliance with the Trade Practices Act 1974 rests with the advertiser. Every care will be taken in the preparation and placement of advertising but the publisher, staff or agents shall not be liable for errors or omissions or subsequent effects due to same. Any adjustments by way of remuneration or replacement advertising is at the discretion of the editor. Customers who place display advertisements before the deadline of midday Friday will receive a proof of their prepared advertisement. No responsibility will be accepted for the inclusions of or errors in submissions received after our advertised deadline.

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Mon – Fri 8am – 6pm. Sat 8am – 1pm Phone: 5494 1337

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Lynette Evans and her Division 4 winners trophy.

Dana and Big Daddy are ready to rumble

State school’s swimming team performs swimmingly

FOUR of our very talented swimmers (Edwina, Levi, Fraser and Emmett) competed in the Glasshouse District Swimming Carnival on Friday 17 February at the Beerwah Swimming Pool.

Edwina competed in the 9 year girls 25m breaststroke event. Levi competed in the 9 year boys 25m backstroke, 25m breaststroke and 25m freestyle events. Fraser and Emmett both competed in 25m

butterfly and 25m breaststroke events.

Congratulations to these four students for representing our school at district swimming. Congratulations to Levi who came 3rd in the Boys 9 years 25m Backstroke and 1st in the Boys 9 years 25m Breaststroke.

Special thanks to Carolyn Brewer (P&C President) for helping out on the day and to Mrs Janelle Murphy who was place judge.

Steve praised Dana’s efforts in his preparation for his first international bout, which will showcase his talent to a

“Preparation has been really good, we want to ensure Dana’s sparring is the best it can get for this fight, and he’s on at the

moment it’s like a switch has been flipped, we think we are going to do well,” he said.

The bout is on March 18 at Dubai’s Agenda Arena, and if all goes to plan, Dana is expected to be fighting in California in May this year, although dates have not been confirmed yet.

Bennett dominates in Maleny

THE Maleny Bowls Club are well into the swing of their social inhouse competitions for the year, with long time member Les Bennett winning the men’s singles championships, with the men’s pairs championships kicking off last weekend.

On February 18, Ian Porter and Les Bennett battled it out in a neck-to-neck game, with both showing class in their playing and resilience throughout the match, but in the end, Les came out

Although the ladies were unable to

a great introduction into their inhouse playing season.

“It was a knockout competition with 20 men’s member players, so if you got beaten once you were out,” he said.

“Due to our lack of women members, they won’t have a pairs competition this year either, however the men’s pair championships started on February 25 with five pairs teams competing.”

The men’s pairs championship will only go for two to three weeks with only 10 male members competing, however club members regardless of gender still plays other hinterland clubs every Monday for cash prizes for first place, runners up, and a lucky draw for the third recipient.

Les, Ian, Ray and Basil

SWAMP

JUST FOR LAUGHS SUDOKU

I LOOKED at my wife one day and said, “Honey, 36 years ago we had a cheap apartment, no car, no TV, no money and slept on a sofa bed, but I got to

holding up your side of things.”

My wife is a very reasonable woman.

She told

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