Edition 28 March 2023

Meeting over ‘harvest pain’

By Sonia Isaacs

ROAD closures, increased heavy truck loads and noise and dust pollution are some of the concerns raised following revelations hundreds of hectares of pine trees are set to be harvested by HQ Plantations this year.

In response HQP said it will meet with residents and is planning drop-in sessions to explain what the harvesting means for locals. “We want to know what people’s concerns are so we can act on them,” HQP chief operating officer Steve Walker said. Full story p3

NEWS TEAM

MITCH GAYNOR mitch@gcnews.com.au

JENNIFER KENT jennifer@gcnews.com.au

SONIA ISAACS sonia@gcnews.com.au

KIRRA LIVINGSTONE kirra@gcnews.com.au

ADVERTISING

TINA GRIEVE tina@gcnews.com.au

LEWIS KWARCIANYI lewis@gcnews.com.au

FROM THE EDITOR

16

CONTACT OUR TEAM 5438 7445

PO Box 190, Beerwah 4519

www.gcnews.com.au

A THREE-year study into the future of local news was published last week and made a number of findings and recommendations with the aim of preserving and growing a local media presence in regional Australia.

The challenges to media generally don’t need repeating beyond the recognition that two US tech companies have both gorged on and eviscerated journalism in equal parts.

That’s not going to change, but how this masthead and similar deal with the challenge that presents needs to be an ongoing conversation.

Why? Well I for one believe that journalism and the media plays a key plank in maintaining a strong and healthy democracy.

One of the findings of the Deakin University report, Media Innovation and the Civic Future of Australia’s Country Press, was the strain caused by the loss of revenue from government advertisingnamely state and federal (See page 8). Government media agencies demand deep analytics proving reach and engagement as though small local publishers should be nipping at the heels

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of the Wall Street Journal or Daily Mail. They’ve got to be kidding.

All we can provide is proof of our deep commitment and rich level of engagement with our local community by virtue of the stories we publish day in and out. The report highlights the essential role local media plays in serving its community and delivering civic journalism. This is something GC&M News takes seriously. Yet while others say they play the same tune, behind the scenes they syndicate copy, wade into the miasma of lifestyle stories and use audiences as a number to dazzle big advertisers.

That is, they pay lip service to communities who of course see straight through it. We prefer to show our readers respect. We employ journalists, photographers, sales staff, designers, distributors, with the aim of delivering stories that genuinely connect our incredible community.

Mitch Gaynor

Vollmerhouse (participant) at The Flourish Connection.

Fears grow of harvest pain

By Sonia Isaacs

ROAD closures, increased heavy truck loads and noise and dust pollution are some of the concerns raised following revelations hundreds of hectares of pine trees are set to be harvested by HQ Plantations this year.

In response HQ Plantations said it is meeting with residents and planning drop-in sessions to explain what the harvesting will mean for locals.

Almost 30 years on from a devastating wildfire that tore through Beerburrum and surrounds and razed 5000 hectares of forestry, trees planted in the wake of that event have matured and are ready to be logged.

But the announcement has come as a shock to some who say there has been little consultation despite concerns about the impact it will have on the surrounding community.

Local resident Steve Runge who lives near the Johnston Road section of the Glass House Logging Area said he only became aware of the major harvesting and haulage operation through the media.

“Many concerns could have been addressed if the neighbouring communities had been given the opportunity for diligent discussion,” Mr Runge said.

He said there were concerns about the potential impact of the operation for surrounding residents including potential water tank contamination and excessive noise and dust from a quarry

communication with residents and its ability to adjust harvest plans to mitigate concerns.

“(In response to the harvesting announcement) we’re going to open some drop-in sessions,” Mr Walker said.

“We want to know what people’s concerns are so we can act on them.

“In regards to concerns about noise

Johnston Road for the next 10 months and with peak estimates of up to 40 loads per day along haul tracks to include singles, Mini-B and B-Double trucks, Mr Runge has cited concerns for safety and amenity including the allowance for huge B-Doubles to run on Johnston Road.

“I don’t believe this is safe, particularly when consideration is given to the

location of some of the driveways and the widths and turning movements of B-Doubles,” Mr Runge said.

“From what I can make of it, no adequate traffic safety assessment has been made.”

Roads within the plantation were being closed for safety reasons for the duration of the harvest, Mr Walker said.

Mr Runge also questioned what he said was a lack of transparency around traffic safety, impact and assessment processes despite numerous correspondence with both HQ Plantations and Sunshine Coast Council.

A Council spokesperson said the matter was being treated seriously.

“Heavy vehicles generally do not require permission to access the local road network when they comply with the general access vehicle conditions set by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator,” they said.

“Vehicles complying with the general access arrangements do not require a permit to access the road network.

“A review of active permits in the area revealed a low number of permits for limited access to poultry farms and plantations during logging.

“All permits are subject to a review by Council ensuring oversize vehicles are not granted access to unsuitable routes where they pose a risk to public safety or infrastructure.”

The council said logging access permits had been in place for years to prohibit them would have “significant economic impacts”.

Glass House Mountain resident Steve Runge

I’m in disbelief that given the magnitude of this project the first we heard about this was to read about it in the local media.

Steve Runge

Three holes in one on just one day

By Kirra Livingstone

THE odds of a person getting a hole in one happens to be one in 12,500, so three of them on the same day is pretty special.

And that’s exactly what happened at Maleny Golf Club on St Patrick’s Day when competitors from the Golfer Tour hit the luckiest of streaks.

Maleny Golf Club general manager Steve Porter said the club has a hole in one roughly every six weeks but was very rare for three people to get one in one day, two of who were a husband and wife team.

“It’s unusual to get one hole in one although it happens, but two or three just very unusual and for a husband and wife to do it, I reckon the odds must be in the tens of millions,” he said.

“Liam Turner was the first to get a hole in one on the day on the 1st hole, followed by Gary Macpherson on the 17th hole, and then Gary’s wife on the 1st hole as well.”

Steve said their course is not an easy one to play on and suggested maybe some Irish luck had to do with it.

“Our course is challenging, it’s a beautiful course… the greens are

Clock ticks for rail link

THERE are fears that time is running out to build the Beerwah to Maroochydore rail link in time for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

Sunshine Coast MPs Ted O’Brien and Andrew Wallace say it is imperative state Labor commits its 50 per cent share of the esimated $3.2 billion project.

Both the former federal LNP and then the current Labor governments have agreed to commit a $1.6 billion share of the project, which is estimated to take eight years to complete.

“Everything was in place this time last year,” said Mr O’Brien.

“The 2032 Games had been secured, an Olympic sport had been earmarked for the Maroochydore CBD, a business case for the rail was done, federal funding was allocated and all that was needed was for the Queensland Government to confirm its contribution and get going.

fairly fast and undulating, it looks innocent but it’s not and it’s unique,” he said.

“The luck of the Irish rubbed off on three players, one of our members volunteered to run the BBQ on the day and he is Irish so it must have been him.”

It was also a record-breaking day for the Maleny Golf Club for single day turnover revenue, thanks to the Golfer Tour’s spending on the day.

“But the Coalition lost the federal election and everything changed. The Queensland Labor Government turned its back on the business case it had helped formulate and the Federal Labor Government postponed the release of any funding for the project.

“In a highly inflationary environment, where supply chains and human capital are constrained, Labor’s indecision and delay will see project costs skyrocket and the $3.2 billion will be rendered insufficient to build rail to Maroochydore.”

Mr Wallace said regardless of the importance of getting this project done for Olympics and Paralympic Games events

on the Coast, this crucial project was long overdue with our significant increase in population. But the catalyst for starting this project now is the Games.

“As each day ticks by and the start of this project is delayed, opportunities are lost here on the Sunshine Coast. The people of the Sunshine Coast are tired of being ignored by Labor, and they demand a fair go,” Mr Wallace said.

“Because of the delays by Federal and State Governments, particularly the State Government, this project is now at risk.

“Over the last twelve months we have heard absolute crickets from the State Government about their willingness to match the Federal Government’s $1.6 billion.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey argued the previous LNP Government was never committed to the project.

“No progress was achieved at all on a direct rail line to the Sunshine Coast during the LNP’s decade of dithering when in power in Canberra,” he said.

The State Government is still working on a jointly funded $6 million planning study to determine costs for the project, which is yet to be completed.

“This work is running on schedule and will be completed later this year which we will be very pleased to share with the public when it is ready,” he said.

“The Palaszczuk Labor Government will then fully consider the outcome of that work when it is complete.”

Beerwah capturing industry

By Kirra Livingstone

TWO huge sites near a proposed Coles development at Beerwah are set to boost industrial development in the hinterland town.

Civil works at a former strawberry farm at 42 Roys Rd are set to start in just days with 38 lots ranging from 1500sqm to nearly 4000sqm already sold on the 13 hectare site.

While a development application lodged just last week proposes to make use of 33,000sqm at the corner of Roys Rd and Moroney Pl.

The site, directly opposite the proposed Coles site, is partly occupied by hardware and trades supplier, The Bunker.

The application, by Upton Trading Pty Ltd, proposes to use just 7000sqm for light industrial with 18,000sqm - fronting Roys Rd - set aside for future consideration.

“The proposed development will occupy approximately 7,149 m2 of the northern part of the 33,020 m2 land area,” the application states.

“The central part of the land is occupied by the Bunker development and the global stormwater management and bio-retention system, which in combination, consume approximately 8,000 m2 of the total land area.

“The remaining 18,000 m2 of land area that fronts Roys Road will remain vacant for the time being, pending on-going investigations

Introducing

into its future development options.

The Beerwah Industrial Park at 42 Roys Rd, was being promoted by Colliers as adjacent to the Coles development - currently under appeal - and will require upgrades to the Steve Irwin Way intersection, namely the extension of the right hand turning lane onto Roys Rd.

A Sunshine Coast Council spokesperson said that site would help address a shortfall of developed industrial land in the region and would “create new employment opportunities”.

“The development is predicted to further activate and broaden Beerwah’s Town Centre, bringing increased economic activity into the town,” the spokesperson said.

“Our region and townships are

experiencing considerable growth, which brings more jobs, more services, more visitation, and more revenue to our community.”

As part of a traffic impact assessment, the development will require the lengthening of the existing right turn lane onto Roys Rd be increased.

“Approval conditions for the Roys Rd industrial development … involve pavement widening and sealing of Burys Road for the length of the site,” the council spokesperson said.

As reported in GC&M News last week grocery giant Coles has lodged a request to amend its application appeal to include a U-Turn facility off Roys Rd that can cater for vehicles up to the size of B-Doubles.

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.

FREE DENTURE & DENTAL CONSULTATION

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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.

The site of the Beerwah Industrial Park and (insets) the 16 Moroney Pl proposal.

The development is predicted to further activate and broaden Beerwah’s Town Centre

Sunshine Coast Council spokesperson

A visionary project

By Sonia Isaacs

WITH the release earlier this month of the Draft Master Plan for the proposed Sunshine Coast Ecological Park, community members were able to gain further insight into the magnitude of this visionary major regional project that promises to deliver significant environmental and social benefits through a transformative and evolving long-term restorative process.

With a substantial parcel of land totalling 65 hectares adjacent to the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve already acquired and earmarked by Council, this ambitious future focussed ‘ecological wonderland’ represents ‘a once in a generation’ opportunity, however for this project to come to fruition additional external funding will need to be sourced.

Division 5 Councillor Winston Johnston said in order to bring the project up to the desired national and international standard would cost a large amount of money which Council does not have the capacity to fully fund.

“If achieved, without a doubt, this would become one of the most significant environmental and ecological projects in Australia. In reality, this will take a large amount of external State and Federal funding including the possibility of private and entrepreneurial backing,” said Cr Johnston.

Project advisory panel member Spencer Shaw said he agreed the proposed Sunshine Coast Ecological Park would certainly be a major infrastructure/

ecological restoration endeavour, however he believed Federal and State Ecological Restoration funding would be well spent to support the project.

Mr Shaw said the present Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve represented only a tiny remnant of less than 1% of the unique rainforest that once covered the plateau area of the southern end of (what we now call) the Blackall Range.

“For its size, this precious remnant preserves enormous ecological diversity, but this iconic rainforest is also under threat, due to its small size and isolation in the landscape. The proposed Sunshine Coast Ecological Park will be many things

to her death at Mt

Beerwah

A 28-year-old woman died after falling 40 metres during a climb at Mount Beerwah on Saturday.

The accident happened down the eastern side of Mount Beerwah at about 1.30pm.

Emergency Services attended two other serious incidents on the same day including a man who suffered serious leg and head injuries after falling 30 metres and a man in his 20s who slipped and fell 10 metres.

to many people, but personally I see this as a unique opportunity to not only double the size of this rainforest remnant, but also provide crucial connectivity to other remnant rainforests such as the Upper Mooloolah Nature Refuge and the Obi-Obi Creek corridor,” said Mr Shaw. In addition, Mr Shaw said it was also valuable that the proposed ecological restoration works would be in a public space allowing community observation and participation that would hopefully also inspire others to preserve and restore more of the amazing ecological biodiversity that exists throughout South East Queensland.

“Our thoughts condolences go out to all those impacted in today’s events,” a Queensland Ambulance Service spokesperson said.

“Please take extra care when enjoying recreational activities on our beautiful mountains.”

Artist illustration of how the Maleny Eco Park treetop bridge may look.

Help save Peachester Forest

By Sonia Isaacs

At the end of last year a powerful local campaign saved logging in Ferny Forest (Beerwah State Forest), now community concerns are turning to the protection of other state forests in our region including Beerburrum, Luttons, Peachester and Delaneys Creek.

Parts of Peachester State Forest are scheduled to be logged, and conservation activists are urging people to head along to a special Forest Watch Bioblitz event on Saturday April 1 from 8.30am-12.30pm.

With 5000 hectares (ha) of state forest in the Glasshouse Mountains region home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna, campaigners are calling for these area to be protected.

Organised by the Queensland Conservation Council, this local citizen

A big Hats for Heroes thanks!

Contributed by Debs Swain KNITFEST would like to send a big thank you to everyone in the community who contributed to their Hats for Heroes project last year. We recently delivered Comfort Bears, beanies and scarves to our wonderful heroes who save many lives each year. Knitfest donates dozens of Comfort Bears to our local first

responders crews, to give to out during trauma related incidents.

They have made such a difference to patients in the midst of traumatic incidents. To all our first responders, Knitfest Yarn & Fibre Arts Festival salutes you!

Knitfest is back on this year in Maleny on July 1st – 3rd.

science project invites community members to get involved and help record the unique forest biodiversity around Peachester Forest to highlight why the area needs to be protected. The Forest Watch Bioblitz will be a family friendly event with participants encouraged to come along, chat with conservation experts, meet other interested people in the community and survey plant, animal, fungi using the iNaturalist app. There is no need for previous experience using iNaturalist or plant and animal identification, as organisers will team people up with those with more experience. Participants will meet at Peachester Town Park for a briefing, divide into groups and then carpool to survey locations. queenslandconservation.org.au/forest_ watch_bioblitz_peachester

Black Spot grants now open

APPLICATIONS have opened for Mobile Black Spot and Regional Connectivity proposals.

This is a combined grant opportunity, bringing together the Mobile Black Spot Program and the Regional Connectivity Program in two streams, and providing dedicated First Nations funding:

• The $50 million Mobile Black Spot (Round 7) stream will provide grant funding to Mobile Network Operators and infrastructure providers to deliver new handheld mobile coverage to rural, regional and remote locations across Australia.

• The $100 million Regional Connectivity (Round 3) stream will provide grant

funding to projects that provide placebased new or improved broadband services and/or improved mobile services in eligible locations across Australia.

• Both streams include dedicated funding for solutions to improve telecommunications infrastructure in First Nations communities. $22.5 million is identified in this round to support solutions that contribute towards achieving Target 17 of the Closing the Gap initiative, which aims to ensure First Nations people have equal levels of digital inclusion by 2026.

Applications for this combined grant opportunity close on 31 May 2023. To apply, visit: grants.gov.au

Local news a ‘critical’ story

A NATIONAL report into local news sustainability is challenging the perception of print newspapers and is calling on governments to revise their advertising rules to help local news providers and better target regional and rural communities.

These are two recommendations of 22 in the new report, Media Innovation and the Civic Future of Australia’s Country Press, the culmination of a three-year Australian Research Council project, led by Deakin University, in partnership with Country Press Australia, the nation’s peak local news lobby, and RMIT University.

Project lead Professor Kristy Hess, of Deakin’s School of Communications and Creative Arts, said the project’s aim was to examine the local media landscape to identify challenges and opportunities for sustainability and innovation.

“We wanted to examine the challenges facing small-town news providers given the commentary in recent years about the crisis they are facing in Australia and across the world,” she said.

to preserve and grow rural and regional news for future generations.

The study began at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in the temporary or permanent closure of dozens of local mastheads across Australia and a shift among some to digital-only platforms.

It found people in many regional and rural towns and cities were passionate about their local mastheads but rejected an overreliance on syndicated content, in print and digital, sourced from neighbouring areas or other parts of the country. The research team conducted two main national surveys – one with local news audiences and one with those who do not engage with local news; 35 interviews with Australian news editors and proprietors; and seven interpretive focus groups with editors, journalists and advertising managers within the Country Press Australia network.

obsession with digital reach. That’s all well and good, but a local masthead, whether in print or online, isn’t designed to reach 1 million people. If we use the digital reach metric as an indicator as to which news outlets should get government advertising, these independent regional and rural outlets are going to lose out every time,” Professor Hess said.

local and civic news that readers crave more than ever, often as the only local media outlet serving a particular region,” he said.

Our members continue to provide the local news that readers crave more than ever.

This was the first comprehensive report of its kind in Australia and its recommendations provide a blueprint

The report supports a recent Parliamentary Inquiry recommendation that stipulates 20 per cent of all Federal Government advertising expenditure be directed to regional and rural news organisations.

“Coming out of the pandemic, many publishers have reported a strong revival in their readership, underpinned by a focus on hyper-local and unique news that has been a common denominator of country papers since their inception.”

One key finding was the strain on local mastheads hit with lost revenue from local, state and federal government advertising, which in recent years had prioritised social media and metropolitan news outlets with a larger digital reach.

Andrew Manuel

“Our research found there is this

E A S T E R P R O G R A M

Situated on the expansive grounds of the Maleny State Primary School, this licensed service provides quality care to primary school-aged children from 6:30am to 6:30pm weekdays during school vacation periods (excluding Public Holidays).

Fees are $85 per day and, depending on CCS eligibility and rate, the gap can be as low as $12.75 PER DAY!

CPA president Andrew Manuel said people living in country areas remain passionate and engaged with their local mastheads, and the report highlights the need to better support local news, and equally, the pivotal role and responsibility of country papers to communities scattered across the continent.

“Our members continue to provide the

He urged the government to recognise the importance of CPA members in the local community and for government to adapt the way they seek to engage readerships. “Acting on the recommendation for 20 per cent of the federal government’s advertising expenditure to be allocated to regional and rural news organisations,” he added.

Hub identifies most sought after jobs

SUNSHINE Coast Council and Study

Sunshine Coast have partnered to launch the Sunshine Coast Jobs Hub, a new and free platform designed to connect job seekers with the region’s most soughtafter jobs, industries and locations.

Since its launch in December 2022, the Jobs Hub has garnered close to 1,000 job listings, attracting significant interest from early users who are spending an average of 3.27 minutes on the site, viewing almost nine pages per session, which is well above industry benchmarking statistics.

The most sought-after job over the past two months included a program events and social media coordinator at NatureArt Lab in Maroochydore.

This was followed by customer service and contact centre manager roles at IT and Services giant Genpact, a glazier position, ranger position, registered nurse at an intensive care unit at Birtinya, surveyor position in Maleny, commercial attendant at Sea Life Mooloolaba, support officer with Sunshine Coast Council and team member at Officeworks, all of which demonstrate the diversity of job opportunities on offer.

Mayor Mark Jamieson said the Jobs Hub was developed in collaboration with business and industry representatives to help the region thrive. The Jobs Hub also has a student jobs section for students and graduates to connect with industry and job opportunities.

THE MALENY Wood Expo is just around the corner and it’s bringing together some of the finest woodworkers, craftspeople, and exhibitors from across the country.

For three days over the Labour Day long weekend, April 29, 30 and May 1, the Maleny Wood Expo will be the hub of all things woodwork.

Not only will visitors get to see a wide range of stunning timber and tool exhibits, but they will also have the opportunity to work with some of the best in the business through a range of hands-on workshops.

This year, the Maleny Wood Expo is celebrating its 24th year, and it promises to be bigger and better than ever before.

The event is hosted by Barung Landcare, and it’s their biggest fundraiser of the year.

All funds raised will help the organisation deliver its environmental activities across the Blackall Range and surrounds.

The expo will showcase some new and exciting features this year, including a Tiny House exhibit that showcases a range of sustainable living options.

There will also be the launch of an electric car raffle, an impressive lineup of speakers on a range of sustainability topics, and incredible local musicians and street performers.

For the kids, the expo will offer plenty of fun activities, including building “Cool Stools” with the Bayside Woodies, making wooden Mother’s Day presents through the Children’s Workshops with the Blackall Range Woodies, creative bush crafts with Bush Critters, model dinghy building with the Wooden Boat

Association of Qld, and much more!

The expo will feature adult workshops as well, such as handheld wood carving with master woodcarver Don Powell, steam bending with Ross Annels, make your own milking stool with Richard Knight, as well as flute making and much more!

If you’re eager to be part of this exciting event, tickets for the Maleny Wood Expo and a range of workshops are on sale

now! But hurry, tickets for workshops are selling fast, so be sure to book now to secure your spot.

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to be part of the Maleny Wood Expo.

Visit www.malenywoodexpo.com today.

Build a kids cubby with Kris Martin

Steam Bending

Country View thanks Helen

Contributed by Janet Kitchin Glasshouse Country View Club’s March lunch meeting had an interesting speaker in Helen Butcher who is on the committee of the local Glasshouse Country Senior Citizens Club – she told us how the club runs and how it could be of interest to some of our members and also in the possibility of joining clubs for certain events in the future.

Our next outing will be on the 5th April when we will meet in Turner Park at 10am for morning tea with an Easter theme fun morning to include an easter egg hunt.

Our club raises funds for the Smith Family and the Learning for Life Program in all their activities.

Our club currently supports 5 Learning for Life students. Any ladies who are

Markets on the green

Contributed by Debs Swain

every 2nd Sat and 4th Thursday of each

interested in coming along to one of our events or would like to join our club should contact either Adrienne on 0408 486 124 or Janet on 0448 845 303. You can also visit our website on www. view.org.au or facebook

2023 Probus Maleny AGM

THE Combined Probus Club of Maleny Inc. held their AGM on Wed 22nd of March. Our President, Diana Begbie, was elected for a second term. We welcomed the return of former committee members as well as new members on the committee. Our guest speaker on the day was Neil Halpin who spoke about the Glass House Mountains Rescue Service, its history and some of the hazardous rescues performed. On May 3rd the club will travel to Stradbroke Island for a day trip. This will be our second attempt as last year the trip was cancelled due to bad weather. Several more trips are

in the planning stage. Our Club is all about Friendship, Fellowship and Fun and a monthly guest speaker. The Club meets every fourth Wednesday of the month at 10.00 am at the Uniting Church, Landsborough Rd, Maleny. We always enjoy an extensive Morning Tea catered by the wonderful ladies of the QCWA. New members and visitors are always welcome. If you would like to find out more about our group please contact Margaret, our membership officer, on 0408 070 823 or email malenyprobus@gmail.com.

month, weather permitting on the green between Peace of Green and Maleny Realty,. Stalls are $25. To book your stall, email us at malenymog@gmail.com or text mob 0498 953 190. You will need your own public liability. Don’t forget to like our Facebook page, ‘Maleny Markets on the Green’, for updates.

Grants open for playgroups

SUNSHINE Coast playgroups are being encouraged to apply for a one-off grant to enrich their play experiences.

Play Matters Australia is a not-forprofit that facilitates play groups, play experiences, and music therapy to more than 15,000 families every week, in every state and territory across the country.

This year, the charity turns 50, and to celebrate, it’s offering 50 Grants for 50 Years to local playgroups.

The grants, worth $500, can be spent on toys, equipment, art and craft, and more at EducationAll.

Play Matters spokeseperson, Julia Oreopoulos, said play is an essential part of childhood, with research demonstrating its impact on children’s development.

“Learning through play is different to being taught,” she said.

“Play can shape cognitive, emotional, and social development. It helps children fine-tune their motor skills, problemsolving and hand-eye coordination, develop their language and social skills, and enhance their physical and emotional wellbeing.”

“Playgroups are an ideal setting for children to engage in play.”

Ms Oreopoulous said the the organisation encouraged all local providers to become affiliated with Play Matters Australia and apply for one of their grants.”

To apply, head to playmatters@org.au. Applications will close on Monday, April 24, 2023.

*Please note that an out of pocket fee applies for initial consultation for all new patients but we continue to bulk bill patients under 16 and pension card holders for standard consults

Vice President Lynda Flanigan thanking speaker Helen Butcher for her talk

Flourishing good time

By Sonia Isaacs

REALISING a need for a local creative space for people with a disability to come together, create and develop friendships and meaningful social connections, Michelle Thomas established ‘The Flourish Connection’. Operating out of studio retail space in Beerwah, this social and recreational group provides its participants with engaging, fun and creative opportunities through a variety of weekly all ability arts, crafts and social activities.

GC&M News caught up with Michelle to find out more about this unique disability support service which first started three years ago. Michelle said she began by offering a small weekly class with just four participants at the Beerwah CWA hall which evolved over the last few years into now operating out of a dedicated studio running numerous activities throughout the week attracting 19 regular and numerous casual clients. Michelle said she initially created the service after having spent years working locally as a support worker and realising so of the people she worked with were similar in age but just didn’t know each other or had the opportunity to meet.

“We’d often be searching for groups to attend or art and craft activities to go to. I knew if given the opportunity to meet each other they would get on and have opportunities to make new friends and connections. So, I created Flourish with the premise of fostering friendships for participants through creative based projects,” she explained.

Michelle said the studio offered different creative activities each week, as well as opportunities to collaborate within the community. A recent collaborative project which was an amazing experience for the

Seniors safety a hot topic at Speak Up Now

A LIVELY Q&A session was a highlight of the Seniors’ Forum Speak Up Now, Maleny & Blackall Range Domestic and Family Violence group, held recently in the RSL Hall in Maleny.

The audience of more than thirty were keen to share their own stories and ask questions on their concerns, especially about the challenges of preparing an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPOA). The Q&A session followed a video, Piano Forte, prepared by the Sunshine Coast Legal service, showcasing EPOs and incidents of coercive control on an elder person by their family.

The Speak Up Now committee was pleased with the response that reflected the need for a booklet they are currently preparing as a guide for seniors’ safety. This follows a popular handbook the committee produced recently on teenagers and young people starting or travelling on their dating journey.

creative talents unleashed and confidence

Julian Porter, Managing Solicitor of the Sunshine Coast Legal service pointed out people can get free legal advice around elder law issues. He said the legal service provided advice on a wide range of other issues, including domestic violence, family law, tenancy law and neighbourhood disputes. “People can call us to make an appointment on (07) 53767800, or online at Suncoastcommunitylegal.org/bookappointment,” he said.

“I love watching their excitement when we create together. It’s watching how friendships have evolved and strengthened over time and the love and support the participants and their support workers show each other. It all about celebrating all our achievements

Services like The Flourish Connection offer the community access to amazing talented groups of people and gives them an opportunity to connect with them through friendship and creativity,” said Michelle. To find out more or to get involved, visit www.facebook.com/

Also on the panel answering audience concerns were Senior Constable David Shoots of the Police Vulnerable Persons Unit, and Kirsty of Kirsty Mackie Solicitors.

Other speakers at the forum included Ben O’Rourke from Relationships

Australia Queensland, a group funded by the Queensland Government that gives free advice including dealing with family disputes, a subject also highlighted in the video Piano Forte.

“If you are experiencing, or you think you are at risk of, elder financial abuse, we can help you. We can give you a financial health check and help you ensure your income and assets are protected. Our service is free to Queenslanders aged 60 plus, or 50 plus for First Nations people, and they can get more information at raq. org.au or by phoning 1300 063 232,” said Ben O’Rourke.

Centacare Sunshine Coast can be accessed on (07) 54309300 or on cfrs. sunshinecoast@bne.centacare.net.au.

Flourish ladies enjoying their creations

Firing on all cylinders

transformed Beerwah Mechanical Services into the go-to repair shop for locals seeking industry-leading vehicle diagnostic testing, exceptional customer relations, and transparent repair costings.

As a second-generation mechanic and the only RACQ-approved repairer in Beerwah, Dale and his team are breaking down the stereotypical traits assigned to mechanical workshops.

They are dedicated to providing real-world advice on vehicle spending, increasing business efficiency to attend to customers’ needs more quickly, and

regardless of your vehicle’s age.

They are passionate about reducing their carbon footprint and helping customers do the same.

As a Beerwah resident of nine years, Dale has become an integral part of the community and knows exactly what his customers need.

He welcomes you to bring your vehicle in for the best service in town.

So why settle for anything less?

Head on over to Beerwah Mechanical Services and experience the difference today!

Great tips in a prang

LIVING in one of the most stunning places in Australia, we’re incredibly fortunate to have plenty of local businesses that take great care of their community.

We have all the amenities we need right here in the mountains, without having to travel more than 45 minutes.

Maleny Accident Repair Centre is one of those fantastic businesses that’s always

there to help out locals if they’ve been in a car accident.

So if you find yourself in that unfortunate situation, Juan and his team are on hand to offer free advice and whatever assistance you need to get back on the road as quickly as possible.

They’ve been serving our community for three years now, taking care of everything from major insurance work to minor private repairs.

Being involved in a smash, even if it’s a minor bingle, can be overwhelming. But remember, accidents happen – even to the best of drivers. In the event of a minor car accident, it’s important that you know what to do.

Here are six tips from Maleny Accident Repair

Centre on what to do after an accident, but remember, in the case of a serious accident, contact emergency services first on 000.

1. Stop the car and breathe. Accidents can happen.

2. Turn on your hazard lights to prevent a secondary accident from occurring.

3. Make sure everyone’s OK and then move your car off the road if it’s safe to do so.

4. Swap details with all drivers, passengers and witnesses (full names, registration details, addresses, contact numbers and licence) and take photos.

5. Don’t admit fault to anyone – your insurer will work this out later.

6. When you’ve collected the other drivers details, contact your insurance company and let them know what has happened.

Unfortunately, insurers will often try to convince you to go to a repair shop down the mountain by using scare tactics like:

“You won’t get a warranty on work”

“You won’t get all the benefits we offer”

Drivers not behaving around roadside crashes

RACQ has released shocking new footage showing drivers failing to move over and slow down around roadside workers – despite it being law for the past six months. The terrifying close calls were captured by RACQ vehicle dashcams and highlight how roadside officers’ lives are frequently put at risk because of these near misses. One incident showed a speeding black hatchback cut across a

medium strip and almost swipe a brokendown car that crews were trying to tow on the busy Pacific Motorway. In September 2022, the State Government introduced MoSlow laws which require motorists to move over and slow down when passing roadside incidents. However, RACQ Chief Executive of Assistance, Glenn Toms said roadside crews were yet to see a change in driver behaviour. “RACQ advocated for

five years to see this law implemented, but we’re still seeing incredibly dangerous driving behaviour,” Mr Toms said. “Some motorists are refusing to give crews space on the side of the road when they should move over and slow down and near misses are occurring far too often.

“The State Government has acted and has passed this law - now motorists need to do the right thing and follow it.”

“Your car won’t be assessed until next month”

But don’t let them fool you! There are plenty of good reasons to choose a local repairer near your home:

It’s more convenient and less timeconsuming.

You won’t have to wait as long for your repairs to be completed.

You can choose a specialist repairer you trust.

Industry associations have expressed concerns about insurers pressuring repairers to cut corners and save costs.

Maleny Accident Repair Centre, use the latest technology and equipment to ensure their clients always receive the best possible service.

“Our clients have given us nothing but positive feedback, and we’re proud to say that we now employ seven staff members and train four apprentices, two in panel work and two in paint,” says Juan.

“We’re also committed to becoming more environmentally friendly by recycling all our steel, cardboard, and thinners and we’ve recently switched to water-based paint technology.”

Juan and his team are always looking for ways to give back to their community. Let them help you as well.

Safe travels with B&A Tyre & Mechanical

TRAVELLING this Easter? Is your vehicle in tip-top condition and ready for the trip?

Ben and his team at B&A, in the big red building on Peachester Road Beerwah, have been keeping local families safe on the road for the last 15 years.

Offering pre-trip safety inspections, B&A Tyre and Mechanical will check all those crucial items for reliability and most importantly, safety; brakes and suspension, tyre condition and pressures, belts and hoses, fluid levels, battery condition and much more.

They use the latest software for up to the minute manufacturer specifications and invest heavily in up-to-date technology/workshop equipment to keep your vehicle running at its optimum level.

“Our mission is for our valued customers to drive safe, reliable and wellmaintained vehicles,” says Ben. “Regular servicing and inspection is critical to achieve

this.” B&A keep meticulous records of service history and repairs for all vehicles on their books.

This helps greatly to identify maintenance issues before they become problems – all just part of their continuity of care.

“We take our duty of care very seriously,” says Ben.

The team at B&A Tyre and Mechanical make sure to take the time to explain every part of a repair process and offer extensive, itemised, transparent vehicle reports and quotations.

You can have peace of mind when there is an understanding of all works carried out (and why), and that they will prioritise any urgent repairs and discuss everything with you before any work takes place

Tried and trusted by generations of locals already, make sure you book in for that all-important safety inspection before hitting the road this Easter.

Taking charge

By Lewis Kwarcianyi

Did you know that DC Voltage is your one stop shop for all things related to 12 volt dual battery set ups?

And they’re conveniently located close-by in Morayfield – you can’t miss their bright orange shop at 61-65 Morayfield Road in Caboolture South. shop for 12 months and their product range has grown exponentially. the industry, including Enerdrive, Redarc and Victron as well as a large range of products from a number of other brands. provide top-quality installation as well as tidy up and fault find for existing work. If you’re looking at getting your 4WD, camper trailer or caravan fitted out with a dual battery system then give them a call to discuss options and pricing.

lights, USB charging sockets, fans, and compressors can be so handy!

They also have their own manufacturing department that can design and manufacture a custom wire harness for DC or DC to DC charger or any other reason

 YES we do Pre-trip safety inspections

 YES we can log book service your vehicle without voiding your warranty.

 YES we do general servicing - Car, SUV, Ute and 4WD.

 YES we use the latest software for up to the minute manufacturers speci cations and maintenance schedules for all makes and models.

 YES we search our suppliers for the right tyres for your car at the best price available.

 YES we do brakes, clutches, batteries, wheel alignments, tyres and ALL repairs.

 YES we have not one but TWO courtesy cars available for your convenience!

YEARS FAMILY OWNED

Rosetta’s Great Reads

The Bookbinder of Jericho

CULTURE CLUB Discovery of a new writer

Reviewed by Lea Dodd

This utterly enthralling new book by Pip Williams follows in the footsteps of her highly successful first novel, The Dictionary of Lost Words. An equally absorbing mix of historical research and engaging storytelling, you’ll recognize Oxford and a few of the characters. But this is an entirely new story about twin sisters Peggy and Maude, and their work in the book bindery folding book pages as the men who work around them head off to war. Williams builds a rich world where you are drawn into the characters’ hopes and desires in a time when gender and class were limiting. Peggy is expected to fold the books and not read them, and you’ll love the rebellious ways she breaks that rule. RRP $32.99

Wandering with Intent

Reviewed by Steven Lang

Kim Mahood grew up on a cattle station in the Tanami Desert known as Mongrel Downs. Her first book, Craft for a Dry Lake, chronicled her efforts to reconnect with that land. It won the Age Book of the Year and a NSW Premier’s Award. Her new book, Wandering with Intent, a series of marvellous, witty, ground-breaking, essays, continues to explore her relationship with that place and the First Nations people who call it their home. She describes it as the writer’s equivalent of hunting and gathering… a product of wandering among the contradictions of the cross-cultural world I have chosen to inhabit. Her writing is sparse yet lyrical, punctuated with a deep sense of the ironies of her life. Highly recommended. RRP $35.00

Kim Mahood will be in Maleny for Outspoken on April 18.

Contributed by Steven Lang

ONE of the purest joys must surely be the discovery of a new author; that and the revelation this writer, whom a friend has recommended, or whose book we have picked up by chance, has more than simply one book; that there are whole new worlds to be explored.

I envy those of you who have not yet found Kim Mahood, for many many hours of delight await you. Those of you who have encountered her work will know what I mean: here is a writer of the most lucid prose, serious but with the lightest of touch, whose subject are places in the centre of this continent; places where there are few maps, and where those that exist are doubtful, in both provenance and accuracy.

Her first book, Craft for a Dry Lake, chronicled her efforts to reconnect with the land where she grew up, a cattle station in the Tanami Desert known as Mongrel Downs. It won the Age Book of the Year and the NSW Premier’s Award for non-fiction. Her second book, Position Doubtful, preserved some of the ‘spare lyricism of the earlier work… while also exhibiting a much sharper sense of the contradictions of present-day reality in Indigenous communities.’

Kim will be in Maleny to speak about her new book, Wandering With Intent. It is a collection of essays she describes as ‘the writer’s equivalent of hunting and gathering… a product of wandering among the contradictions of the crosscultural world I have chosen to inhabit…’

Horoscopes WEEK BEGINNING MARCH 28

ARIES

MARCH 21 – APRIL 20

If you’re in a relationship and no longer want to be, now’s the time to rethink long-term plans. Ending any kind of partnership can be painful, but don’t stay for the wrong reasons. At work, if something fails and it wasn’t your fault, don’t accept the blame. But if you were wrong, admit it. You won’t lose dignity, but will gain respect.

TAURUS

APRIL 21 – MAY 20

This is a time of healing, Taurus. You need to rest and recharge after suffering a difficult experience that took the wind out of your sails. No matter how your mind pushes and pulls you to take action, stop and calm mind, body and soul. You need rest in order to recover from an exhausting situation, stress or an unexpected illness.

GEMINI

MAY 21 – JUNE 21

Cancel that appointment with your therapist, Gemini. Your recent erratic behaviour is just the effects of some disruptive planets. Instead of worrying about your uncharacteristic conduct, figure out how to benefit from being outrageous. If throwing a well-timed hissy-fit can help you get what you want, use the drama to your advantage.

CANCER

JUNE 22 - JULY 22

You may feel irritated with close friends or relatives this week. If they’re leaning too heavily on you, you need to either hand back some responsibility or recruit some outside support. You can’t be all things to everyone. It’s often said, “time is the most valuable commodity”. So spend it wisely, Cancer - on yourself.

LEO

JULY 23 – AUGUST 23

Here’s a week of opportunity. Determination continues to push you forward, so throw all your might into plans and projects. It’s also a time of Leo singlemindedness. Should someone try to block or derail you, anger will follow and heated words could be exchanged. Whatever happens, it’s a week to keep busy.

VIRGO

AUGUST 24 – SEPTEMBER 22

Keep your ideas quiet, Virgo. This is no time to give competitors the edge, nor is it a time for a leap of faith. Despite your impatience to move on, the current cosmic line-up discourages hurry. Neither should you do or say anything that will be seen as a challenge. The same goes for your love-lifeunless you’re a fan of one-night stands.

LIBRA

SEPTEMBER 23 – OCTOBER 23

Recent times have been dramatic - you may have felt fragmented or out of control. Sometimes, though, it takes adversity to force a reshuffle. When you refuse to instigate change - the cosmos will do it for you. Mars encourages new studies. The Sun revives friendships, while Mercury pushes for material and financial gain.

SCORPIO

OCTOBER 24 – NOVEMBER 22

This week finds you focusing on health. With Mercury travelling through your fitness sector, it’s time to stop burning the candle at both ends. Address any health issues that you have ignored for too long and concentrate on improving diet and exercise regimes. Treat your body like a temple, Scorpio, not a rubbish bin.

SAGITTARIUS

NOVEMBER 23 – DECEMBER 21

You now get to go where the mood takes you. If business-related travel is on the agenda, that’s perfect - as you can now tackle negotiations forcefully, yet tactfully. Should this trigger a rewarding offer, expect a positive change in your lifestyle. Perhaps in love, too. Expect a surprise if you attract someone different from your usual peer group.

It involves what she refers to as groundtruthing:

“My version of that,” she writes, “begins with the physical attributes of place, and moves onto what has happened there. It puts people into place, which brings into play science, stories, husbandry, history, metaphor, and myth. This form of mapping has been called various things — co-mapping, cross-cultural mapping, counter-mapping, radical cartography.

“The wordsmith in me likes the flamboyant suggestiveness of radical cartography, but my bullshit detector finds it pretentious. There’s nothing radical about what I do. The only surprising thing about it is that it hasn’t been done before.”

And, introducing: Louise MartinChew speaking about her biography of Batjala artist Fiona Foley - a beautifully composed, intimate account of the artist’s practice.

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear these fabulour authors/speakers.

They will be in conversation with Steven Lang.

Tickets from $28 at outspokenmaleny.com

CAPRICORN

DECEMBER 22 – JANUARY 20

Chances are you’ve felt restrained by regulations lately, but you’re now given a chance to break free. Where others might hesitate before the fear of an uncertain future, you lead by example and show no doubt that you’re ready to move on. This could mean letting some old grievances drop, so be ready to forgive and forget.

AQUARIUS

JANUARY 21 – FEBRUARY 18

Given your amazing capacity to learn quickly, this week should suit you well. The planets promote an atmosphere of open chat and communication, enabling you to share your thoughts and opinions. At the same time, you’re encouraged to discard outworn attitudes and embrace all that’s new. Don’t shy away from the unexpected.

PISCES

FEBRUARY 19 – MARCH 20

Disappointment can be hard to bear. But you’ve shouldered your burdens well - and the cosmos now offers a reward. For some, life does a complete turnaround. Instead of retreating from battle, you go on the attack. Others simply get lucky - in money, or love. Singles suddenly go on the prowl, and parties are wilder for your presence.

Accident Waiting To Happen

The stretch of Steve Irwin Way at Glass House Mountains adjacent to the Pineapple Patch and the group of shops opposite, has been the site of some nasty car accidents in the past, and is at great risk of further accidents in the future.

Hopefully TMR and the Council have some planning in place to make this stretch of road safer. In the meantime a very simple and inexpensive measure could be implemented to reduce the risk.

Lower the speed limit to 60km/h on the approaches to the shopping precinct.

The more cautious drivers slow down anyway, if the area is busy.

This stretch of road is in sharp contrast to the section of Roys Rd which has a 60 km/h speed limit for the Council depot. The number of vehicles entering or leaving this facility is a very small fraction of the Steve Irwin Way stretch.

Chris M Glass House Mountains

Recipe for a disaster

Regarding the new Health Hub at Beerwah - Turner St. My comment is that you can drop your childcare infant at the door. Wow. 105 children. I have never seen or experienced the ability to drop off a 12-18 month old child at a child care centre and drive off like a fast food centre as the next car drives up.

I think it will be that the car arrives to the door, the child is removed from his child seat restraints, the nappy bag etc is gathered, they wander in to the centre, greet the staff, make sure little Johnny or Amy is settled and then go back to the car? 20 mins.

Multiply this by 105 and it will not be a smooth transition. What was the council thinking? Ohh? Mr Baberowski has not returned my emails or contacted me? - In the last four years! And then you have a Medical Centre on the same premises.

The old and infirm looking for a park close to the centre at pick up and drop off time ? How will that happen? As for the nearby businesses, no parking, no customers, as it’s too hard.

Add all of that to the traffic congestion on the Turner St, Peachester Rd intersection and you have a recipe for disaster.

Ronald Bond Beerwah

Climate change agenda

A Recent Rasmussen Poll in the USA has found that 60% percent of voters now believe that the Climate Change agenda is more about religious fervour (ie- A cult mentality) Exercising dominance and control over the population and nothing to do with the climate.

As copied from Rasmussen“Do you agree or disagree with this statement: Climate change has become a religion that actually has nothing to do with the climate and is really about power and control?”

Agree – by Party: Democrats: 45%, Independent: 59%, GOP: 79%, All Voters: 60%

Shane Daly Peachester

YOU SAID IT

A Statement from the Heart

I could not help noticing in recent editions, conflicting statements from other correspondents covering both sides of the Voice Referendum.

Whilst I understand that the sentiments and desires expressed in their letters are genuine, nevertheless, it highlights for me the general lack of understanding of what the Voice is, its impact on Australians, and what the referendum actually means.

The Referendum is based around an invitation - The Statement from the Heart.

“We ask Australians to accept our invitation to walk with us in a movement of the Australian people for a better future.

We call for the establishment of a First Nations Voice enshrined in the Constitution and a Makarrata Commission to supervise a process of agreement-making and truthtelling about our history.” (www.ulurustatement.org)

The model of the Voice has been developed since 2017, and underwent several processes.

1. 12 Regional Dialogues

2. First Nations Constitutional Convention (The Statement from the Heart)

3. 2018 Joint Select Committee on Constitutional Recognition relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

4. 2019-2021 Indigenous Voice Co-design process run by National Indigenous Australians Agency.

It is quite understandable that following such an exhaustive process, a prescriptive model of the Voice could have been included in the Constitution. However, this was strongly resisted, as it would have not have been democratic.

The constitutional amendment proposal that Australians will be asked to vote on is

government on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

3. The parliament shall, subject to this constitution, have power to make laws with respect to the composition, functions, powers and procedures of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. In other words, a yes vote will simply change the Constitution. Any further actions to be undertaken will be decided by our democratically elected members of Parliament.

There is nothing hidden, or deceitful in this proposed constitutional change. As The Voice from the Heart says, “...aspirations for a fair and truthful relationship with the people of Australia.” Vote yes “for a better future.”

Ken Dyer Landsborough

A question of identity

Later this year we will be invited to vote in a Referendum regarding the status of Australian Aboriginals in Australia. At present there is very little information regarding the “Voice”. However, we are told it is to increase the Aboriginal representation to our duly elected democratic Government. Will this be a lobby group or more?

Surely the first question that needs to be asked... Who is an Australian Aboriginal and how can this be verified?

I understand there are already many democratically elected Aboriginal members in both Federal and State Parliament who are, I am sure, an excellent “voice” for their people. Also, in both Federal and State Government, there are specific Ministers solely responsible for Aboriginal Australians. These are questions that need to be answered.

Paul Smith

Concussion can be a symptom due to Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) as a result of contrecoup phenomenon when the brain is forced to the opposite side of the skull from the site of sudden impact The brain is surrounded by cerebrospinal fluid which tends to act as a cushion to reduce injury, but this can be insufficient if the force is excessive.

HNT in football are not the only culprit, just falling down and striking the head, motor vehicle accidents (Cervical whiplash), other sporting injuries, domestic/public violence just to name at few.

If you are a parent with young children who are keen on taking up a sport it would be wise or, consider directing to a less traumatic game especially if they are slim and tall.

The NRL must have the HNT totally banned for ever and replace it with a Rugby type tackle.

Tackling a player in the chest region should be outlaw as the player could fall backwards with the possibility of a severe TBI or cervical spinal fracture. When a player is grounded and in possession of the ball no more than three players should be allowed to hold him down and any rough techniques should be outlawed with penalties.

Pushing a player in the back/chest for no reason at all should result in a trip to the Sin Bin All players to wear protective head gear would be strongly recommend .

To bring the NRL to the 21st Centenary, like Cricket,and Tennis , a “Third Eye” umpire should be able to view the rights and wrongs made by the field umpires and he will be able to communicate with the field umpires if necessary.

Contact body sports today are more toxic and the players are far more brutal once on the field, and they seem not to care how many get injured, as the saying goes “Win at all costs”

The way the game is played today, I feel is a bad influence on the younger population who will copy their favourite players.

The NRL need to redefine some of the rules for the next generation of players, if not I can see a lot more serious spinal and brain injuries even resulting in loss of life.

Dr Keith Holdway Maleny

Park your ideas

The council is planning a big futuristic park somewhere and there are two communities asking where is our local park in Maleny and Peachester. The whole Maleny precinct could be turned into a huge combination of permaculture, common land or land for reliable and carers and koala plantation ponds for birds. Community gardens. Native botanical gardens. An environmental school to university. Are council pondering to which liberal votes or the local community. How

Dirty old debt or a shiny new stadium

OH lordy. Stop your whinging Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said in Parliament last week.

Stop whinging about what exactly?

Just the $1.7 billion blowout in the cost of rebuilding the Gabba.

Apparently we should all just sit back and marvel at what will be an amazing 2032 Brisbane Games.

Well a three-term government sitting on an overall debt of about $110 billion would say that. And net debt is forecast to hit $39 billion by 2025. Yikes.

There’s no coming back from those numbers and who knows how quickly the cost of servicing loans will spiral as the price of money goes through the roof.

Instead we’ve got a lot of, ‘hey, look over here’ at all these shiny new stadiums. You know where this is heading.

If the government is so nonchalant about a $1.7 billion cost blowout (the Premier is blaming Ukraine by the way - wonder what the excuse will be when that ends), then what about looking outside of Greater Brisbane and the infrastructure this area is

While I’m leaning more on the Yes side of the matter, you have to wonder what is going on when the wording of it gives opponents the opportunity to stoke fear by saying that it guarantees judicial activism. That’s not a great to start to getting a yes vote over the line.

Very unfortunate the way it’s being handled so far, and one wonders if the polarisation of social media makes such referendums even less likely to succeed in the future.

Time will tell.

with Rick Baberowski

Division 1 - Sunshine Coast Council

Beerwah’s Vital Signs

We all know that our region and townships are experiencing considerable growth, which on the positive side brings more jobs, more services, and more visitation to our community.

Of course, this growth also comes with its associated challenges, particularly for our roads. As you would have seen, the Beerwah Health Hub development is now underway. The new facility has been predicted to further activate and broaden Beerwah’s Town Centre, offering a mix of tenants from food and drink outlets to health and medical services, and a potential childcare centre. Understandably, members of our community have raised concern over how the development may impact our local roads and the Turner Street intersection.

As part of the development application, a detailed traffic engineering assessment was submitted.

The report indicated the new Health Hub would not overtake the design capacity of the intersection or surrounding traffic network.

It also suggested the potential for a redistribution of township traffic but this may take some time to reveal itself. In the meantime, we appreciate your patience as Council continues to monitor the changes to ensure community safety.

Bankfoot House First Nations Family Fun Day

Be sure to mark your diary for Saturday 15 April when Bankfoot House comes alive for a special celebration of First Nations culture. The free family event from 10am – 2pm features activities and workshops for all ages including cultural education, art, storytelling, weaving, painting, corroboree, dance, and digeridoo playing. Bring a picnic or order bush tucker, coffee, and drinks from the food van, while enjoying spectacular views of the Glass House Mountains. For more information, visit Council’s website.

Grants for community projects now available

NEED support for a community project, event or activity?

Funding is now available for community organisations through Sunshine Coast Council’s Community Grants Program.

Community Portfolio Councillor David Law said notfor-profit groups could apply for a Minor Grant to support one-off projects and programs.

“Groups can apply for a Minor Grant of up to $2000 to help fund projects with broad community benefit,” Cr Law said.

The program aims to acknowledge and strengthen the valuable contribution community groups and their volunteers make towards achieving our shared goal: a strong community.

Applications are now open and close on May 2.

One of last year’s minor grants supported hall hire costs, marketing and resource printing for a senior LGBTI community forum at Buderim Memorial Hall.

The Sunshine Coast LGBTI Community Ageing Network planned the event, which informed, educated and empowered their community on the importance of keeping healthy, maintaining social connection and planning for the senior stage of life.

Minor Grant applications can be submitted in one of six categories: Community Development, Community Facilities, Creative Development, Cultural Heritage, Economic Development and Sport and Recreation.

Visit www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/grants for more information and to start an application online. Round opens: March 27, 2023. Round closes: May 2, 2023.

First Nations Day at Bankfoot House

These school holidays, mark April 15 on the calendar to make sure you enjoy the free, First Nations Family Fun Day at Bankfoot House in Glass House Mountains.

Our Kabi Kabi and Jinibara First Nations community will share their stories and culture with hands-on workshops and activities the whole family will enjoy.

Between 10am and 2pm, you’ll find weaving, ochre painting, corroboree, dance, didgeridoo playing, bush tucker, stories and games.

And since Bankfoot House has the best views of Mt Tibrogargan, why not pack a picnic to enjoy in the spacious grounds. Bush tucker-inspired food,

New leadership at Woodford Folk Festival

LONG-Time executive director of the Woodford Folk Festival, Bill Hauritz, has announced he is stepping down from the role. In a letter published last week, Bill said it was time after 35 years with Woodfordia, to pass the baton on and bring fresh blood to the hinterland festival.

Amanda Jackes has been appointed as the new Managing Director of Woodfordia by President Lachy Brown and the Committee. With this role, Amanda will also take on the Directorship of the Woodford Folk Festival. Bill and Amanda have worked closely together for 25 years, and he said he had completel faith that her knowledge, vision, and dedication would lead the team to greater heights.

Bill will remain on the Committee as Vice President, and he plans to slow down and work on Woodfordian projects that he previously didn’t have time for. He will also be contracted by Amanda to assist her initially and start some projects. He plans to attend this year’s festival, which will be a different experience for him.

The Woodford Folk Festival started in Maleny in 1987, and Hauritz and his team were ambitious for the folk movement and to explore the nation’s lore and innovate.

“Serving you has been a great privilege in my life. Thank you,” Bill wrote.

“The opportunities Woodfordia can see in its future are incredible and the thought of what the next generation can achieve is almost scary.

“The contribution we can make to our broader society, through our small ripple, will act as an agent for change for the better beyond the geographical boundaries of Woodfordia.

drinks and coffee will also be available from the coffee and snack vans.

Sunshine Coast Council Division 1 Councillor Rick Baberowski said the First Nations Family Fun Day would take place during the Australian Heritage Festival.

The precinct is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 3pm. Bankfoot House is located on 1988 Old Gympie Road.

“Our Sunshine Coast Heritage is rich and very long, so this event provides a fun way to unite our communities through a shared respect for culture and heritage to build stronger relationships.” Cr Law said.

This project will be supported by the Sunshine Coast Arts and Heritage Levy.

For more information visit heritage. sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

Fun-and-Friendly Easter activities to fill up the school holidays

By Charlotte Robertson

SCHOOL holidays are just around the corner and for those staying home this break there are plenty of free activities on offer to keep the kids busy and entertained.

With short drives to activities from Beerwah to Maleny, comes more time on your hands to keep busy and active throughout the break.

Providing morning easter fun, the Bank Foot House will be hosting

a free egg hunt from 10am to 11am on April 5, allowing kids to search the twoacre property with friends. For another easter themed activity, head over to the Landsborough Museum from April 1-16 with free entry for easter egg basket making, an easter egg hunt with a chance to win a prize.

The Bank Foot house is also providing a familyfun-day to connect

with nature for the celebration of the First Nations culture from 10am to 2pm on April 15.

Join in on the workshops such as cultural education art, painting, learning some of the cultural dances all with the beautiful view of the Glasshouse Mountains from the two-acre property.

Beerwah Community Hall will also be hosting a movie night on April 13 with free food and drinks provided, welcoming children of all ages.

For children who are keen on spending their well pent-up energy, head to the

Beerwah Skate Park on April 11 from 9am to 5pm to celebrate the Beerwah Youth Jam-Skate Competition.

Grab your wheels to participate in the free lessons as well as the chance to enter the scooter and skate competition.

Spending your free time at the library these holidays can be educational and beneficial for your children.

There are various Sunshine Coast library locations offering a wide range of card and board games all day, every day.

For further detail on library events, head to https://library.sunshinecoast.

Oberammergau Passion Play

Time: Tuesdays, 9.30am to 10.30am

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

Mar 28

Info: All are welcome to experience the Easter story in a new way with a dramatic reading of the Oberammergau Passion Play script scenes, followed by discussion and morning tea. Contact Rev Dr Elizabeth Nolan on 0448 358 774 for more details.

Glasshouse Senior Citizens

Time: Tuesday, 9.30am

Where: Beerwah Community Hall

Mar 28

Info: Our annual Free Morning Tea is being held on Tuesday 28th of March at 9:30am and open to all 50+ seniors at the Beerwah Community Hall. Apart from a scrumptious morning tea, there is also entertainment, the Koala Care stall, the Men’s Shed with their woodwork, an artisan jewellery stall, plus our plant/produce/book stalls. Enjoy fun, food and fabulous raffle and Lucky Door prizes.

Beginner Bridge Lessons

Time: Thursday, 9am-11.30am

Where: The Maleny Contract Bridge Clubhouse, Parklands Drive (off Porters Lane), North

Maleny

Mar 30

Info: The Maleny Contract Bridge Club will hold beginner lessons starting on Thursday 30 March 2023 and continuing for eight weeks. The lessons run from 9am to 11:30am on each Thursday and cost $60. This includes morning tea and a book “Introduction to Bridge” by Paul Marston. Bridge is a popular card game and lots of fun. It is a valuable exercise for the mind and provides the opportunity to meet new people in a friendly environment. Email malenybridgelessons@outlook.com or phone Stuart on 5494 2990 for information or to enrol.

Maleny Players present ‘Seventeen’

Time: March 30-31 7pm, April 1-2 2pm and 7pm

Where: Maleny Showgrounds

Forest Watch BioBlitz Peachester

Time: Saturday, 8.30am-12.30pm

Where: Meet at Peachester Town Park 8.30am

Maleny Markets on the Green

Mar 30-31

Info: What advice would you give your future self? Maleny Players present the Queensland premiere of Matthew Whittet’s 2017 play ‘Seventeen’. Rated M for mature audiences 16+ strong language and adult themes. Tickets available through trybooking.com or limited cash sales at Maleny Art Direct.

Eco Creative Festival Maleny

Time: March 31 - April 2 Friday, launch from 12-6, Sat/Sun 9-3

Where: Maleny Community Centre

Apr 01

Info: Forest Bioblitz is a family friendly citizen scientist event to help save Peachester Forest. Participants are encouraged to come along, chat with conservation experts, meet other interested people in the community and help record the abundance of forest fauna, flora and fungi using the iNaturalist app. All welcome, no previous experience using iNaturalist or plant or animal identification required!

Lucas Parklands Classical Concert

Time: Saturday-Sunday 3pm

Where: Lucas Parklands, 126 Narrows road, Montville

Apr 1-2

Info: Captivating violin performances, influenced by the historic pedigree of former Soviet Russia, combined with the vibrance of recently independent Latvia, will be performed at Lucas Parklands featuring sensational Latvian violinist Sophia Kirsanova, to join Sam Lucas cello and Daniel Le piano. Featuring works by Elgar, Liszt, Rachmaninov, Tedesco and more. Bookings and further information available at lucasparklands.com.au

Creative Craft Day

Time: Tuesday, 10am-2pm

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

Time: Saturday, 8am

Where: On the green between Peace of Green and Maleny Realty

Info: Maleny Markets on the Green

Apr 8&22

Maleny Markets on the Green is held every 2nd Sat and 4th Thursday of each month, weather permitting. Stalls are $25. To book your stall, email us at malenymog@ gmail.com or text mob 0498 953 190. You will need your own public liability.

Annual Orchid Show

Time: Friday 9am-4pm, Saturday 9am-2pm

Where: Caloundra Uniting Church Hall, Crn Queen and Ulm Streets Caloundra

Apr 14-15

Info: Spectacular Orchids on show, showcasing hundreds of plants from eight Orchid Societies across the region. Talks on orchid culture, sales of orchids and bromeliads, anthuriums, ferns and foliage. Flowering orchid raffles, Entry fee $4 adults and children free. Morning and afternoon tea and light lunch options available for purchase. Orchid growing equipment, floral art arrangements and presentation of prizes.

Outspoken with Kim Mahood

Time: 6pm, Tuesday, April 18

Where: Maleny Community Centre

Apr 4

Info: Creative Craft Day for children and adults. Cooking, crafts , drama, and games for the Easter school holidays. All welcome. More details and bookings for catering please contact Rev Dr. Elizabeth Nolan 0448 358 774

Free kids’ school holiday program

Time: 10-11am

Where: Rosetta Books, 30 Maple St, Maleny

Info: Storytelling, craft activities and book

signings

Thur 6 April - MJ Gibbs, author of Jesse Wins

Through

Apr 6

Apr 11

Tue 11 April - Ky Garvey, author of Easy Peasy Fri 14 April - Matthew Middleton, author of Princess Bee and the Boy Coffee shop open. More details at www.rosettabooks.com.au Register by phoning 54352134 or drop into the store.

April 14

Mar 31 -

Apr 2

Info: Hosting a creative range of stallholders and exhibitors including makers, artists, designers, cooks and growers who incorporate ‘eco’ into their craft. A celebration of waste to art, with functional items and extraordinary ideas.

Community Easter Egg Hunt

Time: Saturday, 8am-11am

Where: Beerwah State School Oval. Old Gympie Road.

Apr 8

Info: Want something super fun to do Easter Saturday? Hop on down to Beerwah State School for a super fun Easter Saturday family fun event. Hosted by Beerwah State School P&C association, the morning will feature an Easter egg hunt, games, brekky BBQ, petting zoo, raffle, market stalls and bake sale. 91.9 Sea FM will also be there to broadcast the fun. All welcome.

Apr 18

Info: Kim Mahood will be in conversation at Outspoken where she will be speaking about her new book, Wandering With Intent. It is a collection of essays she describes as ‘the writer’s equivalent of hunting and gathering… a product of wandering among the contradictions of the cross-cultural world I have chosen to inhabit…’ It involves what she refers to as ground-truthing. Tuesday April 18, 6 for 6.30pm. outspokenmaleny.com

Colours of Australia Art Exhibition

Time: 9am-4pm (Closed Mondays)

Where: Matthew Flinders Gallery, 191 Sunderland Dve, Banksia Beach

Apr 18-30

Info: Landsborough and Moreton Bay artists Ron Bryant, Karen King, Jo-Ann Middleborough and Tricia Taylor present Colours of Australia, celebrating all things Australian and filling the Matthew Flinders Gallery with a burst of colour. The exhibition officially opens at 2pm on April 22, with light refreshments and nibbles.

Country Music Day

Time: 10 am, May 13

Where: Maleny Pioneer Village

May 8

Info: The April Country Music Day at the Maleny Pioneer Village falls on the Easter weekend and with that in mind we will be observing the holidays so there will be no meeting for the month. The next Country Music Day will start at 10 am on May, Saturday 13th in the big barn and will have a Mother’s Day theme. Join us in the audience or nominate on the day to perform a couple of songs. Everyone is welcome. There will be on-site parking, tea/coffee, and a sausage sizzle.

Jules from V8 Supercuts in Beerwah has been offering quality haircuts for men, women and children of all ages since 2002.

A qualified barber and hairdresser with over 30 years of industry experience, Jules specialises in old fashioned barbering with a modern style, as well as ladies and children’s hairstyling and cuts. She also offers the more traditional short back and sides/tapering with a cut throat razor. Drop in today and freshen up for Easter. No appointments are necessary –just walk in and wait.

Hinterland Body & Soul

Local mother, daughter duo Shannon and Jenny have been looking after all of your beauty needs in Beerwah for 13 years! With many years of experience and exclusive stockists of the beautiful OKEONE’ skincare range, you’re assured to be in the best of hands. Make the best of Autumn by getting your skin ready for Winter. Enjoy, relax and feel rejuvenated with a back scrub and mask made especially for dry, oily or scaling skin followed with a deep, relaxing massage leaving your feeling refreshed and ready to take on winter.

1st Birthdays & 30th Birthday!

Come one and all to a trio of celebrations in Maleny! Peace of Green Gallery is celebrating it’s 30th birthday and Imelda’s of Maleny and Boho Asylum are each celebrating one year under new ownership, plus the release of their new winter fashions!

In the spirit of supporting small businesses and artist’s collectives, we invite you to join us for an evening of fun, fashion, art and good company. Make a night of it; supporting local businesses and having some fun with us! We can’t wait to see you there.

Hinterland Foliage is a family-owned nursery in the heart of Landsborough offering friendly service and great advice. There is a great range of indoor and outdoor plants and a huge variety of planter pots, even some local artisan pottery. The shop has recently expanded to showcase more beautiful plants and pots than before. Hinterland Foliage is packed with fabulous gift ideas and there are gift vouchers available. Take a stroll through this lovely Hinterland Gem, conveniently located at 36 Cribb Street, Landsborough, opposite the train station. Open 7 days, 9am-4pm.

Treatment of The Season

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. People of all ages are welcome on the Camel Cuddles Tours but bookings are essential. They also take private group bookings, bus tours, school trips and parties Mon-Fri. Book your next Camel Cuddle online now.

Friday 21st April, from 5pm Maple Street, Maleny

Let God do the impossible Initiative breaks down loneliness

THE names Adam, Jonah, Uriel, Boaz, Judith, and Hannah might sound familiar.

They are the names of people found in the Bible.

They are also the names of date palms growing on a farm in Israel. They were propagated from original seeds found at archaeological sites over 2,000 years old.

The seeds were from trees growing at the time of the writing of the Dead Sea scrolls.

Scientists planted, watered and fertilised the seeds that sprouted and grew into trees.

Amazingly they were still viable after two thousand years. And today they are producing their own fruit and new trees have been propagated from them.

To the eye of a novice, they looked worthless and unviable. But the trained naturalist saw potential.

Given the right conditions, water, soil, light and nurture, the seeds grew and thrived after appearing dead for so many years. Scientists are unable to explain how this could happen. It is a miracle of the natural world that only the Creator could explain.

And even then, we probably wouldn’t comprehend it.

One of the scientists who studied these plants said, “It was so remarkable to bring these trees back from the dead - they were really just sleeping. To see them grow several metres high and have babies

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

with Charles Russell

Landsborough Seventh-Day Adventist Church

was a ray of light at a time like this when people are worried and depressed.

It is a sign of the remarkable resilience of nature in the face of this terrible destruction of species. Nature will not give up without a struggle. That’s a motif for our times.”

People are sometimes like dead seeds.

Sometimes we may be inclined to give up on those who after many years don’t seem to be making it good in life.

But often the miracle of God’s grace takes time to sprout in the lives of individuals. When the time is right, with nurture, care and patience they respond. And maybe not in our lifetime.

The famous mathematician Alan Turing once said that “Sometimes it is the people no one can imagine anything of, who do the things no one can imagine.”

Like a dead seed it seems impossible for growth to occur in the lives of some people even after many years. But Jesus said: “With men it is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26).

Just provide nurture, care and patience, and let God do the impossible.

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

Contributed by Mark Henderson

‘CHATTY Café’ seeks to break down social isolation and loneliness through people gathering at a ‘Chatty Table’ to simply have a chat over a cup of tea or coffee. The concept originated in Britain a few years ago and recently arrived in Australia, and now has arrived in Maleny.

Everyone has been impacted by loneliness and the feeling of social isolation at some time in their lives, particularly during and after the recent pandemic. It has also been proven that a lack of social interaction can be very damaging to a person’s mental health.

Mindful of this, the Maleny Lions Club is introducing the area’s first Chatty Café. Anyone feeling a bit alone is invited for a cup of tea or coffee and a chat about

whatever takes their fancy. The friendly Chatty Café volunteers are there to host the Chatty Table.

Chatty Café will open at the Maleny Library at 5 Coral Street, just beside Tesch Park on Tuesday 11th April from 10.30am to 11.30am. A Chatty Table will be hosted at the library by volunteers every Tuesday thereafter, aside from public holidays, for people to come along to this safe, discreet and quiet environment to have a friendly chat.

In addition, if you know of a family member, friend, associate or neighbour, who you feel might benefit from someone to talk with, please pass on the information about this new community initiative to help reduce loneliness and social isolation.

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

h Parade hurch

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

Sundays @ 9am

12 Cedar Street, Maleny malenypc.org.au

GLASSHOUSE COUNTRY CALVARY CONGREGATION

You are most WELCOME to join us 9.00am each Sunday

Reed Street, Glasshouse Mtns (next to RSL) Sunday School, Women’s Fellowship, Bible Study

Contact: 5439 9341 or 5496 9671

www.glasshousemountains.lutheran.org.au

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 p: 0424 901 301 f: @LandsboroughChurch w: landsborough.org

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

Maleny Sports Park, via Porter’s Lane Sundays 9 30am & Kids Church

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

Jobs for the yard in April

• Plant new pawpaw trees, apply some boron to existing plants at a rate of 20 grams per tree and spray them with a copper spray if black spot is seen.

• Carefully cut off side shoots of bromeliads to create new plants. Plant these in the garden or in pots using a well-drained potting mix.

• Lightly trim back lavender and rosemary

• If you didn’t do it last month, you should fertilise the lawn with a complete fertiliser right away

• Mound soil around bean stems to stop them from falling over should the bean fly have been active

• Bare rooted roses will be in stores now but don’t rush in and buy as the optimum time is the end of May

Asparagus pea or winged bean

Vegetables

Plant beetroot, broccoli, radish, cabbage, leafy lettuce, carrot, rhubarb, celery, cauliflower, Asian greens, garlic, leeks, spring onion, potatoes, sweet potato, turnip, kohl rabi, capsicum, chilli, silver beet, beans and tomato.

Sunflower

• Plant sweet peas, snow peas, sugar snap peas, climbing peas and bush peas. Plant as either seed or seedlings into soil that has had some dolomite added. Maybe try asparagus peas (or winged beans).

• Start to reduce the frequency you mow the lawn and start raising the blade height to allow the grass to keep a reasonable amount of leaf during the cooler months.

• Fertilise your roses, especially if you haven’t done it for a few years.

• It’s time to dig up, divide and replant your hippeastrum and lilium bulbs.

• Bougainvillea cuttings can be taken now and struck in a good propagation mix.

• Clean up the last of the summer vegetable crops. Use all the prunings, weeds and the remains of summer vegetables that have finished to start a compost heap.

Flowers

Sweet peas

Plant alyssum, petunia, marigold, carnation, sweet pea, gaillardia, everlasting daisy, Livingstone daisy, sunflower, verbena, pansy, viola, primula, snapdragon, nemesia, Iceland poppy, dianthus, cleome and salvia.

Pawpaw tree

JOHN

MCGRATH

There has been a slight increase in the number of women homeowners in Australia over the past 12 months. That’s according to CoreLogic’s third annual Women & Property report, which found that 26.8% of Australian property is solely owned by women, up from 26.2% a year ago. The percentage of properties owned solely by men remained the same at 29.9%. There was a very slight decline in male-female joint ownership from 43.5% in 2022 to 43.4% in 2023. So, why are more women buying property, and why are they tending to buy apartments? Well, there are a few reasons. Firstly, women are increasingly concerned with attaining their own independent financial security. Over the past two decades, single career women have become an influential buying force in the property market. When I started in real estate 40

– PROPERTY OWNERSHIP AMONG WOMEN IS RISING

years ago, it was very rare to conduct an auction and have a 28-year-old female on her own buy the property. Nowadays when you put a well-located, beautifully designed apartment block on the market, it is very likely the first 10 apartments will be sold to single career women.

Clearly, women are seeing real estate as a good path to take in creating long-term financial security. This is smart, especially when you consider the sad statistic that the fastest-growing cohort of homeless people in Australia is women aged over 55, according to the Australian Human Rights Commission. That’s just one reason why it’s great to see young women attaining home ownership as early in their lives as possible. It’s not just about financial security, but also health and wellbeing. Of course, that goes for men, too. We also know from recent

government research that home ownership is the absolute key to a comfortable and financially secure retirement in Australia. This is another very good reason for young women and men to aspire to property ownership as early in life as possible. Once you’re in, you can move up the price ladder as your needs change. Notice I said ‘property’ ownership there, not ‘home’ ownership. That reference was in recognition of the fact that many young people are getting around affordability challenges by ‘rentvesting’. That’s where a young person will buy an investment property before they buy their first home. They typically target affordable areas with good growth prospects, then rent a home for themselves where they want to live for lifestyle reasons (usually close to capital city CBDs and beaches). Over time, as their investment gains value, they can make new decisions and potentially buy a home using the equity that their investment delivers.

Now let’s talk about apartments, and why women own more of them compared to men. I think there are a few factors here. The obvious one is that apartments offer security due to their elevation, with most new buildings these days providing secure parking with internal access and video intercom entry to the building. In my experience,

McGrath CEO

security

Secondly, apartments are more affordable. The markets with the highest percentage of sole female owners give us some interesting insights. One of them is that in the major East Coast capitals, women favour blue-chip inner city areas. In Brisbane, women prefer the Inner City area 30.5% and South Brisbane 28.2%. In the regions, they favour the Gold Coast 27.2% and Toowoomba 26.6%. The report also highlights something very important for both men and women. And that is that owning property is a more effective way of growing your wealth over working. This is because growth in property values has been outstripping wage growth in Australia for two decades. Over the past 20 years, Australian dwelling values (that’s houses and apartments combined) have increased by 140% while wages have increased by 81.5%. That’s something to think about.

HOw tO GEt tHE rEntal HOME yOu want

Below are our top five tips when looking for your new rental property.

There is still time to include your masterpiece in the running!

The competition closes Monday 3rd April 2023. Winners will be drawn and announced on our social channels Tuesday 4th April, 2023. All prizes will be ready for collection on Thursday 6th April, 2023.

Prizes:

1st Prize | Chocolate Hamper

+ $20 Timezone Voucher

2nd Prize | Chocolate Easter Bunny

+ $20 Timezone Voucher

3rd Prize | Chocolate Egg + $20 Timezone Voucher

Email fombeerwah@mcgrath.com.au or hop into the office to collect your copy of our colouring sheet.

• Most agencies use online application forms, however they will use different platforms. It’s important to know the platform the agency is using in advance allowing you to be well prepared (we use Snug.com).

• Ask your current or previous property manager for a copy of your rental ledger to include in the application. This provides verifiable evidence that you pay rent on time.

• Include character references in your application from your employer or previous property managers. If you have pets, include photos, cover brief and references for them too.

• Arrive on time for the inspection and bring a tape measure to check your furniture will fit. If you are unable to attend, ask the agent for a video link or discuss a possible sight unseen application.

• If you miss out, ask the property manager about upcoming listings. It’s worth developing relationships with managers as you might get a head start on the next suitable property.

& Founder - John McGrath women highly value

features.

Presenting a carefully curated collection of design, sustainability and comfort paying homage to nature with the principles of permaculture and closed-loop farming at the forefront, creating the ultimate self-sustainable homestead with an abundance of opportunities at your fingertips. Stretching over 35 acres dotted with dams, creeks and paddocks sits this exemplary home drinking in ocean views and offering an unparalleled opportunity for a sustainable living lifestyle amidst a jaw-dropping visual masterpiece. This property is available to view by private inspection only. Contact Cassi today!

AGeNt Cassi Nuske 0415 304 127

Introducing the epitome of industrial lux living situated amidst the tranquil surrounds of the Sunshine Coasts’ Diamond Valley, this breathtaking four-bedroom home on two acres of land, complete with a pool, shed and beautifully landscaped gardens, boasts high-end finishes and modern design features making it the perfect sanctuary for those seeking style and tranquility. With its sleek and contemporary design permeating every inch of the generous living spaces, this property embodies the perfect blend of sophistication and functionality. Contact Cassi today to organise your inspection.

Cassi Nuske 0415 304 127

for lea S e l ea S eD

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.

271 Lower Mount Mellum Road,

Signage solutions with ATL Graphix

AS A business owner, your signage is often the first thing potential customers will see, which means it needs to capture their attention!

Barry and the team at ATL Graphix can help you with all your signage needs, including vehicle and boat wraps, 3D options, illumination to make you truly stand out; all backed by quality and efficient installation with friendly customer service.

Barry took over ATL Graphix as the new owner 12 months ago and the business has continued to thrive with their small yet powerful team who has over 80+ years of combined experience. Barry himself has over 24 years in the industry and has come from an architectural signage

background but is still experienced in all areas of signage.

ATL has modernised artwork options for all signage, especially eye-catching boat wraps, plus 3D custom illuminated signage that is fabricated in-house by our team!

ATL can cover all areas from basic vehicle signage to large scale billboards, window signage, lightboxes, and anything in between.

ATL Graphix is based in Beerwah in a convenient location right on Steve Irwin Way – you can’t miss their signage! Drop in and say hi at Shed 6, 5 Beerwah Parade, Beerwah.

Phone 5494 0666

Email: admin@atlgraphix.com.au

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 272 272.

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.

CLEANING

FLEITER, Loyd Henry

Late of Conondale.

Passed away peacefully on 16 March 2023. Aged 85 years.

Dearly loved Husband to Mary (Dec’d).

Cherished Father to Rex, Judy, John & Lois. Beloved Father-in-law to Amanda, Warren, Sharon & Ricky.

Adored Grandfather to Kellie & Mitch, Mitchell, Ben, Bree & Callan.

Friends and family are invited to attend a celebration of Loyd's life at a service to be held at Conondale Public Hall, 1695 Maleny Kenilworth Road, Conondale on Friday, 31 March 2023 at 11:30am.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to RangeCare, Maleny. Forever remembered. Always loved.

Caloundra 5491 1559 www.gregsonweight.com.au

BENGTSON, Valerie Jessica

Late of Maleny.

Passed away peacefully on Tuesday the 14th of March 2023

Surrounded by family at Maleny Hospital. Aged 91 years.

Dearly loved Mother, Mother-in-Law, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Aunt and Sister-in-Law.

Loving friend to many.

Family and friends are invited to Maleny

Uniting Church

For a celebration of Valerie’s life on Monday 3rd of April 2023

CARS, BIKES, CARAVANS

CALOUNDRA

CASH FOR

REAL ESTATE

Range Croquet Club

Contributed by Helen Uhlmann

FOR SALE

A new home with a legal, structural warranty. 2 car accommodation and a very large beautiful garden. The home is situated in the Sunshine Coast area. $395,000 negotiable, or nearest offer. For any enquiries please call 0421 005 121.

TO RENT

ONE BEDROOM UNIT, $185 per week. Suit mature, single person. Phone 0439 960 208.

PETS & LIVESTOCK

Your

AS mentioned in last week’s report, Donna Manning represented Queensland as a reserve player at the Eire Cup in Melbourne, a national competition involving teams from six states. Since writing that report, it has come to light that by the end of the tournament, Donna had played in two doubles matches and 6 singles matches, acquitting herself very well by winning three of her singles matches. A hearty congratulations to Donna (pictured) from everyone in our club!

In other news, our Bray Cup pennants team was off to a cracking start, winning all three matches against Bribie Island on Saturday 25th March. Well done Lynette Evans and Dianne Horsman for making us proud.

Thursday 23rd presented us with beautiful weather for our play day. We had a doubles match with Donna Manning and Helen Andrews taking on Kath Smith and Stuart Craig. Donna and Helen narrowly won this match with 12 hoops to 11. Meanwhile Lynette Evans won against Wallace Roy 10:5 in a singles match while Dianne Horsman was successful against Sarah Widin with 12 hoops to 10.

Sunday 26th saw one doubles match up with Lynette Evans and Sally Adams taking on Wallace Roy and Kath Smith. This was won by Wallace and Kath 8:3. Meanwhile, Nick Cram played a great singles match against Dianne Horsman, winning with 12 hoops to Dianne’s 3. Ken Barker was playing well again in a singles

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 this publication. Compliance with the Trade Practices Act 1974 rests with the advertiser. Every care will be taken in the preparation and place shall not be liable for errors or omissions or subsequent effects due to same. Any adjustments by way of remuneration or replacement adv who place display advertisements before the deadline of midday Friday will receive a proof of their prepared advertisement. No responsibili submissions received after our advertised deadline.

Buster

Landsborough, 9 Caloundra St

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

Glass House Mountains, 3/11 Bruce Parade, Mon – Fri 9am – 4pm Phone: 5438 7177

This ad is sponsored by www.glasshousevets.com.au

Furever homes are needed for...

Ragdoll/Domestic Short Hair

Age: 1 year 4 months

Sex: Male Adoption Fee: $49

Weight: 5.5 kg

Summary: Buster is a gorgeous, friendly young boy who loves to snuggle and enjoys a good chat. He has come from a home with children and would love a home that will include him in their family with preferably no other furry siblings (cats or dogs). Buster has had outside access in his previous life and he would love a home with a cat run to allow him to feel the breeze in his fur.

Korra

Mastiff/Unknown

Age: 2 years 1 month

Sex: Female Adoption Fee: $350

Weight: 34 kg

Summary: Korra is a great girl who is super sweet and sooky, she would make an excellent family dog that will include her in their day to day activities due to her calm and placid nature. Korra is a beautiful girl that is relaxed and has had some training! She is clean in her pen and is good to walk and loves to play ball. Come and meet this gem of a girl today!

Phone 5494 5275 info@sippycreek.com.au www.sippycreek.com.au or find us on Facebook

2011 Lotus Platinum Series Caravan for Sale

Glasshouse Little A’s state success

By Lewis Kwarcianyi

LITTLE Athletics Queensland held their State Championships in Townsville over the weekend from 24 - 26 March.

Over 75 clubs from across Queensland descended upon the Townville Sports Precinct for the 3 days of competition. The State Championships is held in North Queensland every four years.

Glasshouse District Little Athletics had 43 people travel to Townsville for the event, including parents and officials,

Maleny Bowls Club

Contributed by

Brett Gillis

THIS Week on the Bowls Green

Maleny High School program for Year 11 lawn bowls commenced on Monday 20 March with 17 students being introduced to the sport of lawn bowls. The program will be conducted over 9 weeks with games of Scroungers and medallions being awarded to winners.

Maleny State School lawn bowls on Friday afternoon saw a new record 64 Grade 6 students participating in a welcome sight on our bowls green. Due to it’s popularity it is planned to conduct after school sessions during term 2 that will allow interested players to continue their lawn bowls journey. We

1500m to come fifth in the State.

Izaac Kwarcianyi from Glass House Mountains brought home the club’s only medal from the weekend with silver in the under 12’s 80m hurdles.

Estah Muller from Glasshouse Mountains just missed out on a podium finish coming fourth in under 12’s Discus and Javelin.

It was a special event for club captains Josh McKellar and Ben Young along with Maddy Small, who are all in Under 17’s, Little Athletics, so it was a memorable trip committee, who are all parent volunteers,

The Glasshouse District Little A’s squad registered excellent results.

Cross, who worked tirelessly to book flights, accommodation, transport and meals. This was a huge logistical effort and is somewhat unique given most Little Athletics clubs expect individual athletes who qualify for States to organise their own travel plans, which can prohibit some families from attending as it’s quite expensive. The club subsidised the cost of the trip, which meant more athletes could participate; 29 athletes from the Glasshouse District club qualified for the State Championships and 23 were able to travel and participate, which was a great achievement.

It also meant it was a wonderful team trip with everyone staying together at a local holiday park where they enjoyed meals together and time in the pool.

Witta Tennis

Contributed by Pauline

Fraley

WHISTLERS played at Witta against Mooloolaba Legends on our newly resurfaced courts. We felt a bit different and were happy to play on the fantastic courts. And as usual, we had good sets with lots of rallies and running. We had a close win, and it was a good catch up with all our friends off the court. Score was 39-30 games, 5-3 sets. Team was Paula

also encourage their families to come and experience our game during these sessions.

Friday Scroungers saw 21 players (7 rinks of bowlers) enjoy competitive bowls on a beautiful Maleny afternoon. We welcomed back Glasshouse visitors as well as some new bowlers who all had a great time. Visitors are always welcome and new bowlers encouraged to come and give lawn bowls a go.

Monthly Pairs Competition is being held this coming Monday welcoming visiting teams from Kilcoy, Woodford, Mapleton, Glasshouse and Mooloolaba Bowls Clubs. Maleny Hotel is once again sponsoring the event that is very popular with our neighbouring clubs and our own members with 16 teams vying for cash prizes.

Cudmore, Maree Hooley, Donna Kuskopf and Aki Lepper.

Katya’s Tennis Drills Thrills and Fitness is on Friday Nights at 5:45pm. Cost is $20. Come along and join in the fun. All levels are welcome. Enquiries: 0437 295 501 Social tennis: Monday ladies 8am and Saturday mixed 1pm. All are welcome. Court bookings 0437 295 501 or www. wittatennis.com.au.

And the group got to enjoy some of the tourist sites around Townsville including The Strand water park and Castle Hill. There was great team spirit and camaraderie as everyone cheered for each other at the stadium over the 3 days.

The club is currently fundraising to help cover some of the costs of the trip with an online raffle open until Friday April 14.

Jason Hunt MP has donated a Nintendo Switch as the major prize. Tickets are $5 each. If you would like to support the club, please visit: https://cutt.ly/N4DZhcr

Hot and humid for Glasshouse Bowls club

Contributed by David Hayes

SATURDAY 18.03 Mens Pairs Semi’s Semi’s were underway in more hot conditions.

In a cracker of a game, down by 1 last end, after leading most the way, Lindsay Henderson, Riley Patterson, junior, Warren Blackbourne and Vic Muscat def Zack Flood junior, Dennis Hume sub, Bill Tumbridge and Paul Chirgwin 18-17.

David Hayes, Bruce Malcomson, Brendan Freshwater and Rodney Sharpe def Jack Timm, well done Jack at 90 years of age, Frank Hollywood Buckley, Troy German and David Booth 21 - 13.

David Hayes, Bruce Malcomson, Brendan Freshwater and Rodney Sharpe def Lindsay Henderson, Riley Patterson, Warren Blackbourne and Vic Muscat 23 - 12 in the Mens Four’s Final. Congrats to all players.

Sunday 19.03 Mens Club Championship

A Singles. Rd 1 part 1. 10am. Rodney Sharpe def Leon Boutcher 25-5. Lindsay Henderson def Kerry Munster 25-21. Peter Wibberley def David Hayes 25-12. John Annakin def Troy German 25-19. Darcy Wilson def Simon Richter 14 all on Forfeit medical. Mac Townson def Brett Collinson 25-16. Jack Chirgwin def Grant Podmore 25-19. Brendan Freshwater BYE

Rd1 Part 2 12.30pm. Vic Muscat BYE. Graham Nicholson BYE. Bill Tumbridge def Kevin Cook 25-19. Gavin Linnan def Keith Hopkins 25-10. Warren Blackbourne def Dick Coppa Forfeit Medical. David Booth def Mick Borchers Forfeit Medical. Paul Chirgwin def Russ Turner 25-11. Peter Bousen def Frank Buckley 25-20.

Rd 2 10am. Rodney Sharpe def Lindsay Henderson in the longest game of the round 25-17. Peter Wibberley def John Annakin 25-12. Darcy Wilson def Mac Townson 25-16. Jack Chirgwin def Brendan Freshwater 25-18. Graham Nicholson def Vic Muscat (Forfeit) medical. Gavin Linnan def Bill Tumbridge 25-14. David Booth def Warren Blackbourne 25-6. Peter Bousen def Paul Chirgwin 25-18.

Thanks to those members who marked. Rd 3 12.45pm. Peter Wibberley def Rodney Sharpe 25-14. Jack Chirgwin def Darcy Wilson 25-23 after being down 17 to 23. Graham Nicholson def Gavin Linnan 25-12. David Booth def Peter Bousen 25-21.

This Saturday is the semi finals at 10am. Wibberley vs J Chirgwin and Nicholson vs Booth. Markers are Rodney Sharpe and Gavin Linnan. Final will be 12.45pm..

Our ladies Gamma team participated in the round Robin Finals at Coolum Beach Bowls club over the weekend. Overall, they came 2nd. Well done, great effort

Rodney Sharpe, Brendan Freshwater, Bruce Malcomson and David Hayes

Ladies Gr8’s Gamma side in the finals at Coolum Beach Bowls Club

2018 NRL FOOTY TIPPING ‘Pip the Pollie’

Beerwah Masters swim star wins masters athlete of the year

LENE Knudsen has been smashing records over the years swimming for the Beerwah Masters team, and her efforts have been recognised by Sunshine Coast Sports, as Masters Athlete of the year.

“I’m a bit competitive I love the competitive side it has to it but the masters sport in general is about the fun side and the friendships,” she said.

“I just love being in the water and moving in the water.”

Maleny Realty

The speedy swimmer has done the sport since she was five years old, played competitively into her twenties, and said she was honoured to have won this award on March 22, only starting in masters two years ago.

44 Maple Street, Maleny 0438 616 064 www.malenyrealty.com.au

“I was very pleased because my team mates actually nominated me so that means a lot, and was excited to have won the award especially since they don’t hand it out every year,” she said.

Great Atmosphere – Great Food

“I didn’t have as much success swimming in my twenties as I do now, and in masters it’s a bit of a lighter competition.”

Knudsen said she is proud of her swimming efforts so far in the pool, including holding several state records and one national record in her masters age category.

Loggers thank BoQ support

AS another cricket season comes to a close for the Landsborough Loggers, the club thanked their sponsors for a great year, BOQ Beerwah in particular.

A representative from the Landsborough Cricket Club thanked the business on their continued support to the Loggers.

“Landsborough Loggers want to say a massive thankyou the Martin and at BOQ Beerwah team for their generosity over the cricket season,” they said.

BOQ Beerwah owner Martin Kavanagh said the bank loves to sponsor local

community clubs and spoke about the importance of supporting local.

“We love the opportunity to support local clubs in our community we get along with them well, we ran one of their barbeques too and we just love the community atmosphere that’s there,” he said.

The accolades keep on coming for Lene, as she ranked 5th for 100m fly and 6th for 50m fly in her age category in the 2022 masters top ten world rankings.

30 Maple Street, Maleny Phone 5435 2134 reading@rosettabooks.com.au

“I have one national record in the 100m fly and another national record which was recently beaten by someone else, I have a few Queensland records too but I’m not sure how many,” she said.

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“They have a fantastic club and there is a lot going on out there.”

The bank sponsors other clubs in the region including the Beerwah Bulldogs, the Glasshouse Hinterland AFL Club, and the Tibros Netball Club.

“I didn’t realise I’d be that highly ranked so that was really nice to find out a few weeks ago.”

Lene credits her ongoing motivation to be the best that she can be to the thrill of competition and is looking forward to continuing her masters swimming career.

A Grade Men prove their worth in season’s first round victory

THE Beerwah Bulldogs A Grade team have carried on with the good form of their recent nines victory on March 25, defeating the Caloundra Sharks 34-20 to kick start the season.

Beerwah Bulldogs A Grade coach

Brett Hill was happy with the team’s performance in the first half but was less than impressed with their second half

Maleny Credit Union (MCU Ltd trading as) Bunya House, 28 Maple St, Maleny Ph: 07 5499 8988 www.mcu.com.au

However, Brett said he was proud of the boys for snagging their first win for the season in their first game, and noted all teams in the competition will take a while to find their feet.

Beerwah Bulldogs

Beerwah Sportsground home to the Doggies. secretary@beerwahrlfc.com.au

efforts. “We started off really good, we stuck to our game plan but at half time we got a little bit lazy and there were a couple of penalties,” he said.

“Our defence was really good I just think because in the second half we gave away a couple of penalties and dropped a few balls.

continuing to grow and gets better and better each week.

1 / 16 Lawyer Street, Maleny 5494 3444 mexh@tpg.com.au

“It’s always good to get that first one out of the way, everyone was a bit rusty, we play Kawana next Saturday, it’ll be a tough game, but we are prepared because we know they’ll be fired up,” he said.

“The competition is a bit stop and start in the beginning of the season due to easter holidays, but I think it will take pretty much every side a few weeks to get some consistency.”

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“Because it was really hot it was hard to defend for long periods of time, in the first half we had a lot of ball and we put points on them and then in the second half they had a lot of ball and put points on us.”

As for the rest of the senior teams, they weren’t as lucky unfortunately, with the open women’s team losing 26-18 to the Caloundra Sharks, as did the reserve grade to the same club 20-6.

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Corner Peachester Road & Turner Street, Beerwah

Hill said Sam Humphries and Mathew Kidd were standout players, with Humphries assisting with ball carries for the forwards and Kidd setting up three tries and scoring the team’s first try.

Kidd is also the captain of the A Grade Beerwah Bulldogs side this year, and his coach said he is

The Beerwah Swim team’s next swim meet won’t be until June or July, and Lene is preparing to compete individually in the World Masters Swimming Do

129 Connection 5494 info@mooloolahvalleycountryclub.com.au 10am until

Parker Matheson, Martin Kavanagh and Oliver Gannon

the

OVERALL POSITION

5

PollieS’ OVERALL POSITION

for Glass House 5318 8100 glass.house@parliament.qld.gov.au

SWAMP

JUST FOR LAUGHS

PATTON staggered home very late after another evening with his drinking buddy. He took off his shoes to avoid waking his wife, Kathleen.

He tiptoed as quietly as he could toward the stairs leading to their upstairs bedroom but misjudged the bottom step. As he grabbed the banister to catch himself, his body swung around and he landed heavily on his rump. A whiskey bottle in each back pocket broke, making the landing especially painful.

Managing not to yell, Patton sprung up, pulled down his pants and looked in the hall mirror to see that his butt cheeks were cut and bleeding. He managed to quietly find a full box of Band-Aids and

FOR THE KIDS

began putting a Band-Aid as best he could on each place he saw blood.

He then hid the now almost empty Band-Aid box and stumbled his way to bed.

In the morning, Patton woke up with searing pain in both his head and butt and Kathleen staring at him from across the room.

“You were drunk again last night, weren’t you?” she said.

Patton said, “Why you say such a thing?”

“Well,” Kathleen said, “it could be the open front door, or the broken glass at the bottom of the stairs, or the drops of blood trailing through the house, or your bloodshot eyes, but mostly...it’s all

Band-Aids

SUDOKU

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