Edition 4 June 2024

‘Telstra is leaving us hanging’

By Kirra Livingstone

HINTERLAND residents say they receive better phone coverage in the jungles of Indonesia than in Landsborough following a

Telstra is currently upgrading its services in the Landsborough region, telling customers to expect nearly two weeks of outages.

Frustrated businesses said they had lost thousands in trade while others had been forced to take up Starlink to guarantee any service.

“The Sunshine Coast is so far behind, they can’t even keep up with the remote jungle in Bali,” Natalie Hazelden said.

“I had better reception there then I do in Landsborough.”

Six feet going under

By Sonia Isaacs

THE future of burial sites at Beerwah and Mooloolah are under pressure after a leading funeral service announced Caloundra Cemetry was almost at capacity. Gregson & Weight’s, Luke Gregson, said Council had been in discussion with his company about the issue for around 12 months. “I never thought I would see Caloundra close to new burials (but) ... this has to be expected at some point,” he said.

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NEWS TEAM

MITCH GAYNOR Managing Editor mitch@gcnews.com.au

SONIA ISAACS Deputy Editor sonia@gcnews.com.au

KIRRA LIVINGSTONE kirra@gcnews.com.au

TINA GRIEVE tina@gcnews.com.au

LEWIS KWARCIANYI lewis@gcnews.com.au ADVERTISING

DESIGN AND LAYOUT

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

ADMIN & ACCOUNTS

ANGELA USHER angela@gcnews.com.au

THE COVER

FROM THE EDITOR

BEING a reasonably responsible parent, I’ve spent the past two decades walking around the house switching off lights in rooms with no obvious human presence.

Nobody in the room, no lights required.

Simple enough rule that’s been ignored by everybody because it’s all too difficult.

Yes, I probably did the same when I was 12 but I wasn’t paying an outrageous power bill.

In fact neither were my parentsthings were so cheap back then!

So it seems strange that in the real world, dimming the lights is much more complicated.

It may be a surprise to learn that on the Sunshine Coast, the Landsborough Train Station is the most ‘light polluted’ site outside of the Maroochydore CBD.

That’s due to the expansion of the Park n Ride facility as part of the Beerburrum to Nambour upgrade (which by the way has shot out to a $1 billion upgrade from a $550m estimate).

Because it’s State Government property it doesn’t have to abide

by local lighting management laws, and so it’s lit up like a stadium every night even though there is about five hours between train services.

Security and safety are critical factors, but during the upgrade of the Park n Ride, Transport and Main Roads had the functionality to dim the lights.

Despite this, they continue to choose not to.

Why would would you have a dimming feature installed if there was not a policy framework that allowed the feature to be deployed.

Perhaps it’s just gone into the too hard basket.

We asked the Sunshine Coast Council if it was concerned or engaged with TMR over lighting.

This is the same council that wants to create a Dark Sky Reserve on the coast.

Their response was that it was a matter for the state.

It’s true that the state government doesn’t have to abide by local council lighting management, but you would think

there would be a halfway meeting point.

Are council-lit zones somehow less safe than State Governmentlit sites?

Maybe they could sit down and talk.

With Beerwah set for a huge upgrade in coming years and three new train stations to Caloundra on the way - that and another 300,000 people moving to the coast, it is an issue that’s not going to go away.

Let’s hope they see the light, or something like it, soon.

Speaking of dimwits, Telstra is in fine form on the hinterland once again.

On again, off again ‘upgrades’ have seen businesses lose thousands in sales and households unable to use their phones or internet for days at a time.

This then falls into the lap of Elon Musk, with people moving over to Starlink.

Of course nothing helps if some bozo runs over your Starlink dish with their car, as Natalie Hazelden found out last week.

Whoops. (p3)

Mitch

Mitch Gaynor

Lisa Plucknett is launching her latest anthology at the ripe young age of 90. See page 25. Picture: Sonia Isaacs.

Airtrain cheaper

TRAIN tickets to Brisbane Airport have been reduced by 50 per cent.

Half-price tickets on Airtrain services will be available from August 5 2024 for six months.

Significantly reducing the cost of catching the train will encourage more people to leave the car at home busting road congestion and providing a cheap, fast and reliable alternative to Queenslanders.

This initiative will result in real savings for Queenslanders, with ticket prices reduced from $21.90 to only $10.95 for go card and EMV and $11 for paper tickets when traveling from Central Station to the Airport.

Nominate for 2025 awards

THE NATIONAL Australia Day Council is inviting nominations for the 2025 Australian of the Year Awards. Citizens can recognize inspiring individuals in four categories: Australian of the Year, Senior Australian, Young Australian, and Local Hero. Nominations close midnight July 31 2024. Submit nominations online at australianoftheyear.org. au and help celebrate those making a significant impact across Australia.

Telstra’s no help at all line

‘Better service in the middle of a Bali jungle than an hour from Brisbane’

By Kirra Livingstone

HINTERLAND residents say they receive better phone coverage in the jungles of Indonesia than in Landsborough following a series of ongoing outages.

Telstra is currently upgrading its services in the Landsborough region, telling customers to expect nearly two weeks of outages.

But the timing has been made uncertain with a series of messages announcing the start and then delay of the upgrades.

Upgrades were to have started on May 15, but another message said they would instead start from May 20 for 13 days.

On Telstra’s website, they have stated there will be planned maintenance outages on the 3G and 4G mobile networks to be

completed at 11pm on June 2, with further outages to end on June 5 and 7.

Hairdresser, Natalie Hazelden, said she was forced to use Telstra’s 4G network after someone drove over her Starlink service last week.

“Our business couldn’t make phone calls, nor access the appointment book, which we are relying on for our work so we didn’t know when clients were booked in or cancelled,” she said.

“Telstra kept on sending me texts that they are upgrading the network. But I’ve been getting these messages for months now and it is getting worse.

“The Sunshine Coast is so far behind, they can’t even keep up with the remote jungle in Bali, I had better reception there then I do in Landsborough.”

Telstra regional general manager, May Boisen, said workers have had to turn of their mobile sites at various times while upgrades are underway.

“We’re upgrading our mobile base station at Landsborough to deliver improved services to the region, including 5G in the area for the first time,” she said.

“There’s never a good time for work like this to occur and we’re working as quickly as we can.”

Mooloolah Produce owner, Lauren Lindfield, said she was forced to buy

Starlink after a week of having no internet or phone reception, and lost $6000 worth of potential sales due to her EFTPOS machine not working.

“I’m absolutely furious, I know it’s not the workers faults, but I could tear Telstra to bits and put it this way, it has really annoyed me that much that I’ve ordered Starlink which is going to cost a fortune,” she said.

“I shouldn’t have to do that but we had to do that because we need to know when we have the front doors open, we can trade.”

Bionic Self Storage and Container Hire office manager, Charmaine McGregor, said the outages affected her business last week, despite using Optus and Starlink services.

“Our business relies heavily on phone and email contact as well as online inquiries so when the internet is out, there’s a delay in responding to clients,” she said.

“Even for existing clients it’s a problem if there’s a delay to get back to them in regards to something about their account, it impacts our business a lot.”

Natalie Hazelden has been tearing her hair out over Telstra’s poor service.

New portfolios prioritised

Councillors confirm new term portfolios

By Sonia Isaacs

SUNSHINE COAST

councillors have finalised their portfolios for the 2024-2028 term, shaping the governance structure for the new council.

The portfolio allocations were officially adopted at last Thursday’s ordinary council meeting.

Cr Jenny Broderick will be taking on responsibility for Outstanding Organisation (along with Cr Ted Hungerford), and Cr Winston Johnston retains his Service Excellence portfolio along with Cr Christian Dickson.

The current system aligns each portfolio with the five key Corporate Plan goals; Strong Community,

Resilient Economy, Service Excellence and Outstanding Organisation, and the associated regional strategies, with two Councillors assuming responsibility for each portfolio.

Cr Jenny Broderick said she was excited to be taking on responsibility for Council finance, revenue, and procurement, and becoming involved in Council’s Audit committee.

“I am honoured to share the Outstanding Organisation portfolio with Cr Ted Hungerford, dealing with overarching long term financial planning and strategic governance,” Cr Broderick said.

“Throughout the

regarding representing with integrity and accountability. This portfolio speaks to the heart of that.

“It includes many of the ‘big picture’ overarching policies and practices that keep our Council accountable to the highest of standards, including corporate values and behaviours.”

Mayor Rosanna Natoli will lead the Regional Portfolio which includes project oversights of Region Shaping Projects including the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic games and regional advocacy.

Cr David Law and Cr Taylor Bunnag will take responsibility for Community Development, Community Sport and Recreation, Arts and Heritage.

Environment and Liveability has been allocated to Cr Maria Suarez and Cr Tim Burns, and Cr Terry Landsberg and Cr Joe Natoli take on the hot ticket responsibility for the regions economic development.

Get busy at ‘The Bug Day Out’

By Sonia Isaacs

MOOLOOLAH River

Landcare’s free family friendly event ‘The Bug Day Out’ is back for its third ‘bug-tastic year! Enjoy an exciting morning of insect focused fun and activities on Saturday June 8 from

9am-1pm. Come along to sample eating insects for sustainability, ‘dress up as your favourite bug’ competition or enjoy the unique opportunity to adopt your own stick insect!

MRL Project officer, Jessica Raintree, said the MRL team were

excited to be hosting another activity-filled day celebrating the often overlooked but fascinating world of insects.

“Insects are quirky and cool and a crucial part of our ecosystem,” Ms Raintree said.

MRL is located at 2671 Steve Irwin Way, Glenview.

Sunshine Coast Councillors 2024-2028

Entomologist Davina Parterson will be bringing a range of live insects to Bug Day Out this weekend.

Maleny SHS educator honoured

DEPUTY Principal of Maleny State High School, Glenn McIntosh, has been honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his remarkable contributions to state education.

On May 22-24, Mr McIntosh attended the annual Queensland Secondary Principals Association (QSPA) conference in Brisbane

Mr McIntosh, who marks 38 years in education this year, said he felt extremly honoured to be recognised with such a prestigeous award.

“I am very proud of the recognition I received as it focused on two areas that I value highly,” he said.

“Service to state education as well as service to the Queensland Secondary Principals Association.”

Mr McIntosh said he had worked in hinterland

End of life for cemetery

Grave concerns for Sunshine Coast’s cemetery capacity as population grows

By Sonia Isaacs

WITH Sunshine Coast cemeteries nearing capacity, concerns are mounting over the future of key burial sites with Caloundra, Beerwah, and Mooloolah either full or at limited future capacity. These southern coastal locations, are situated in regions forecasted for significant population growth, raising urgent questions about the sustainability of local burial

Last week, leading Sunshine Coast funeral service Gregson & Weight announced they had been advised Caloundra Cemetery would soon be ‘at Gregson & Weight’s general manager, Luke Gregson said Council had been in discussion with his company about the issue for around 12 months.

“I never thought I would see Caloundra Cemetery close to new burials, however after 114 years this has to be expected at some point as all cemeteries fill up eventually,” he said.

With the Sunshine Coast’s population expected to reach 400,000 by 2028, demand for interment services continues to grow, and in some cases exceed availability at the 18 Sunshine Coast Council managed cemeteries.

A Sunshine Coast Council spokesperson confirmed land at Caloundra Cemetery was “reaching its capacity.”

They said since opening in 1910, approximately 2600 people had been buried at the cemetery.

“It is expected that Caloundra Cemetery will close to new burials in July 2024,” the spokesperson revealed.

They said while Caloundra

Cemetery would close to new adult burials, sites would be still available for ash interments.

The Sunshine Coast cemetery plan 2019-2028 highlights awareness of capacity shortfall concerns, identifying cemeteries at Beerburrum, Caloundra, Flaxton and Landsborough at having no further capacity (2024-2028).

The plan indicates Mooloolah cemetery falls under the ‘transitional’ category where capacity

is limited and alternative solutions required.

The Council spokesperson said burial sites were still currently available at Beerwah, Crohamhurst (Peachester), Mooloolah and Witta cemeteries. They said Council managed Kulangoor Cemetery was positioned to serve the community for the next 80+ years.

“The proposed lifespan of the Mooloolah and Beerwah Cemeteries for new adult burials is expected to be between three to 10 years,”

they said.

“Council continues to investigate land opportunities in the southern part of our region to support the future growth.

“With the ongoing planning of the cemetery network and the community choosing alternative options of interment, Council will continue to investigate options to meet the immediate and longer-term needs of our community.”

sonia@gcnews.com.au

Inset: Gregson& Weight General Manager, Luke Gregson

MSHS Deputy Principal Glenn McIntosh

Vale to KLM Gas business founder

Hundreds farewell much loved

GHM local

By Sonia Isaacs

OVER 400 people packed into the Gregson & Weight Chapel at Caloundra last Monday May 27 to celebrate the life of Lorraine McNamara.

By all accounts a beautiful and brave woman who fought her untimely illness until the end. Lorraine will be remembered by many; especially throughout the Glass House Mountains community, as someone who dearly loved her family, fast cars (including her beloved mustang, ‘Black Pony’) and family history.

Lorraine Jennifer McNamara (nee Morgan) was born March 30, 1952. Fondly known as Lol, Lorraine was born at the District Hospital in Maleny, and was the fifth and only daughter of George and Thelma Morgan and sister to her four older siblings, Des, Barry, Glen and Keith. Growing up on the family farm in Glass House

Mountains, Lorraine enjoyed a childhood of fun and freedom; swimming in the creek with a rubber tube from a car or tractor, playing hopscotch in the sand and playing games of cricket.

As a teenager, Lorraine enjoyed sewing and making her own clothes, and like many young people of the time, spent most of her socialising days at the DriveIn movies or at the beach.

Lorraine worked at various places in Glass House including the local 4Square store. This is when she bought her first car, an Austin A30, just the start of her life-long passion for cars.

Eventually Lorraine moved to Brisbane for work and met her husband Kel at the Souths Rugby League Club one Saturday night.

Describing the initial meeting to long term family friend Brian Machin who delivered the eulogy at Lorraine’s service, Kel said he saw Lorraine’s beautiful face and long hair.

“I asked her to dance and the rest is history,” Kel recalled.

In 1973 Lorraine was given the

opportunity to visit her family in the UK, which ignited another passion - Lorraine’s love of family history.

On Lorraine’s return from England, Kel was waiting with a ring and a proposal. Their first child Callan was born in December 1975. and in January 1981, their daughter KeleJane was born. The family of four lived on the Gold Coast for several years but always made time to come up to Glass House

Morgan family land.

In 1999, Kel and Lorraine took a gamble and founded their own business KLM GAS.

One of the benefits

Lorraine would say of having their own business was being able to look after her beloved seven grandkids.

was stoic until the end, and never complained. She felt great comfort in being surrounded by her loving family and friends,” He said.

Member for Glasshouse, Andrew Powell gave a heartfelt reading of the poem ‘Do not stand at my grave and weep’ at Lorraine’s service.

Lorraine’s passion for the area led her to become involved in the community, especially with the RSL.

Her father George, along with others, was a founding member of the Glasshouse Country RSL Sub-Branch, serving as an active member for over 50 years. In 2020 a refurbished room at the RSL was named in the Morgan family honour.

Family friend and President of the Glasshouse

“Lorraine was a superstar. One of those true locals that our hinterland is built on,” he said.

“She gave so much back to her community in so many ways, and her warm personality drew everyone to her.”

Daughter Kele-Jane said her mother was a ‘lead foot’ and a ‘rev head’ who was loved by all.

Lorraine and Kel, surrounded by family

Lorraine and Kel at Whiskey Au Go Go Nightclub 1973

Lorraine at Tangalooma 2023

Proposal for new church

By Kirra Livingstone

A PROPOSAL for a new church in Glenview has been submitted to the Sunshine Coast Council.

Nambour Gospel Trust has applied for a material change of use to 33 Ballantyne Court, Glenview, with plans for a place of worship at the site.

Using the same building on site - currently a residential home - the Trust will operate a church on Sunday mornings and Monday evening.

“The proposed place of worship will provide a significant benefit to the Glenview community, by enabling the (Trust) to conduct their charitable endeavours,” the planning report said. “Such as occasional housing for community members as required, weekly supper on Sunday morning and rapid relief to help the homeless, feeding first responders.”

The congregation would meet at 6am on Sundays for 45 minutes, and 7pm on Mondays for 25 minutes, the application stated.

Glass House Mountains family hit with news no family wants to hear

Oliver may be young, ghter

By Kirra Livingstone

IT was the devastating Mother’s Day news that tore Jayde Codey’s heart in two. A doctor at Sunshine Coast University Hospital had just told her and partner Nick that their twoyear-old son, Oliver, had been diagnosed with the rare acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

‘Ollie’s’ mum and dad, Nick, were simply lost for any way to express their shock.

In just a matter of days their “happy and funny little man” had become exhausted and apathetic.

Out of an abundance of caution his concerned parents took him to hospital where he underwent a series of tests before the shock diagnosis.

The tests showed a high white blood cell count and to make matters even worse, Ollie had a rare genetic mutation that meant he only had a 50 per cent chance of responding to normal treatment.

“It was heartbreaking to hear,” Nick said.

“We were just a normal family. We didn’t know

It was heartbreaking. We knew nothing about leukemia.

It’s horrible.

Nick Friske, Oliver’s dad

anything about leukemia except some kids get it and some of them die.

“When it’s your own son, you just don’t know what to think. It’s horrible.”

What was even harder, was explaining to Oliver and his five-year-old brother, Mason, as to why they had to go to hospital.

“I think at first he didn’t get it and kept asking us to go home which as a parent and knowing what’s wrong, it’s just so heartbreaking, but after a while he realised there must be a reason why I’m here,” Nick said.

“Ollie doesn’t really understand we’ve just told him that he’s sicker than usual and he has to be at

the hospital and that his medicine is not immediate and it’s going to take some time.

“That’s the way we have tried to explain it to Mason too, the first thing he asked me when we spoke to him about it was ‘Is my brother going to die?’ and that is a confronting question when people do die from Leukemia.”

Nick said they were trying to stay strong for Ollie, but said it was a huge challenge to try and get down to the Brisbane Children’s hospital each week for chemotherapy. Their only reliable transport vehicle suffered a blown head gasket just before Oliver’s diagnosis, and Nick said they need to organise a different mode of transport to ensure they can safely get him to his appointments.

Oliver’s family have started a Go Fund Me to try and organise a more reliable transport method and to cover ongoing medical expenses and accommodation near the hospital.

To donate, visit https:// cutt.ly/zeuwOPyL

Oliver Friske in hospital with some of his favourite toys

Research on koala health

RESEARCHERS at the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) are set to develop new diagnostic tools to assess chlamydia risk in koalas and employ detection dogs to identify hotspots. Two projects will share nearly $200,000 from Queensland’s Community Sustainability Action Grants.

In collaboration with Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, the first project aims to create a simple test to pinpoint koalas at higher risk of chlamydial disease, potentially reducing unnecessary antibiotic treatments that can harm their digestion.

Dr Sam Phillips of UniSC highlighted the need for such a tool, noting that not all infected koalas develop symptoms but are often treated with antibiotics, disrupting their microbiome. The new test will combine markers for disease progression, aiding treatment decisions.

A second project led by Dr Romane Cristescu will use drones and detection dogs to map chlamydia hotspots. This will enhance understanding of koala health and inform conservation efforts. Community engagement and collaboration with wildlife rescue groups are key components of this initiative.

stop having

IT was Maleny Show weekend, so of course the skies opened up, but not enough to stop thousands from celebrating the best in local agriculture and entertainment!

“It was such a great turnout and there were so many kids on the Friday which was great to see,” Show Society president, Lynda Burgess, said.

“And despite the forecasts we were able to have fireworks both nights.

“I’d especially like to thank all our volunteers and sponsors who suppport the show and help make it such a success. Without them we simply couldn’t do it!”

Good times at the Maleny Show.

Even the rain didn’t dampen the show

Go nuts and shed the stress

CONSUMING more nuts, fruit, and legumes, and fewer sugary drinks can help people over 60 feel less anxious and stressed, according to research by the University of the Sunshine Coast.

Led by Dr Anthony Villani, the study of over 300 older Australians found that a Mediterranean diet, rich in these foods, reduced anxiety symptoms.

Dr Villani noted that legumes and nuts, in particular, were beneficial due to their fibre, healthy fats, and antioxidants.

High vegetable intake also correlated with lower depression symptoms.

The study, published in Nutrients, highlights the importance of a healthy diet for mental health, regardless of other factors like sleep or exercise.

“Overall, the research found a lower intensity of anxiety symptoms in people who followed a Mediterranean style diet,” Dr Villani said.

“When we examined individual food groups within the diet, the strongest impacts on easing anxiety and stress were related to a high intake of legumes and nuts and a low intake of sugar-sweetened beverages – less than one can of soft drink a week.

Bridge is under repair

PEOPLE who regularly use a bridge just outside Palmwoods are being advised of an upcoming road closure and detour, while essential maintenance works take place.

The bridge, which spans Paynter Creek on the Palmwoods-Montville Road, will undergo maintenance works for about six weeks, starting mid to late June.

The works involve replacement of structural timber components, the addition of some new steel piles, requiring concreting, plus resurfacing and line marking to provide a safer

and smoother surface.

During the closure of the bridge for up to five days, a detour using Hunchy Road, Blackbutt Road and Old Bowling Green Road will be signed, with traffic management in place.

For the remainder of works, local traffic will be able to cross the bridge using one-lane shuttle flow.

Maintenance work on timber bridges is commonplace in the Sunshine Coast, and the condition of all state bridges is regularly monitored and repairs prioritised, Transport and Main Roads said.

Rosanna, Andrew, Lynda and Andrew

Glassies Gala evening

THE ANNUAL Small Business Awards Gala,

affectionately known as ‘The Glassies,’ celebrated the best of Glass House’s small businesses last Monday night, May 27 at the Mooloolah Valley Country Club. Hosted by Member for Glass House, Andrew Powell MP, in collaboration with local Chambers of Commerce, the event marked the culmination of two months of nominations and voting.

Nearly 2,000 votes were cast for 90 businesses and

41 employees, highlighting the community’s appreciation for their local enterprises.

The awards include silver

“Glassies” based on popular votes, bronze “Glassies” selected by Chamber of Commerce Presidents, and the prestigious gold “Glassies” handpicked by Andrew Powell and the Chamber Presidents.

“This year’s nominees showcased exceptional quality, making the selection of bronze and gold winners a challenging task,” said Powell.

The gala also continued the “Hall of Fame” category, recognising businesses and employees with a consistent record of excellence.

Winners of the 2024 Glass House Small Business Awards

Montville:

Bronze Business: The Barn on Flaxton. Silver Business: Fudgyboombahs.

Bronze Employee: Shiralee Cooper from Illume Creations.

Silver Employee: Molly Graves from The Barn on Flaxton

Maleny:

Bronze Business: Easton Lawyers.

Silver Business: Concept Coffee.

Bronze Employee: Kirsten Dance from Maleny Veterinary Services.

Silver Employee: Tilly Beckett from Concept Coffee

Glasshouse Country:

Bronze Business: Glasshouse Country & Maleny News.

Silver Business: Crossfit True Phorm.

Bronze Employee: Billie Glover from That Little Dress Shop.

Silver Employee: Kiana Devine from Whites IGA

Mooloolah

Moreton Bay:

Bronze Business: Wamuran Country Meats.

Silver Business: Grind & Graze

Bronze Employee: Tammy Cochran from Peries IGA Woodford.

Silver Employee: Taylor

Bloomfield from Grind & Graze

Hall of Fame: Clock Shop, Maleny Jewellers, Crystal Multiverse, Rosetta Books

Gold Winners:

Business: Club Glass

House and Employee: Michelle McNeill from Max 24 Hour Fitness Wamuran Powell praised Club Glass House for their community involvement and charitable efforts.

Michelle McNeill was recognised for her dedication to the Wamuran community and her remarkable personal resilience.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our community, contributing to its unique character and economy. The Glassies celebrate their hard work and dedication,” concluded Powell.

Glasshouse Country Winners including Gold Glassie Business winner Club Glass House.

inset from top: Montville, Maleny, and Moreton Bay winners

Join in ARB Caboolture Open Day

A one stop health hub

Integrated healthcare is the focus of newly opened Beerwah centre

By Sonia Isaacs

CORNERSTONE Group have launched their newest purpose built ‘Health Hub’ at Beerwah.

The development marks the company’s eighth integrated healthcare development along the east coast of Australia.

Managing Director, Ben Child, said Beerwah had been primarily chosen due to its key location within an identified growth corridor.

He said the town and its surrounding region also presented a very high demand for health services.

He also praised the accessible location of the new complex.

“Given its central location within Beerwah, the site emerged as the optimal choice for the development of an integrated health hub,”

Mr Child said.

“It is well positioned to serve the evolving

healthcare needs of the growing community.

“The Beerwah Health Hub will offer an integrated health and medical centre offering a comprehensive range of services, including a well-established GP clinic, pharmacy,

allied health provider, along with a childcare centre and a café.”

Mr Child said the development took 12 months to complete, with first patients receiving care at MyLocalDoc on Monday May 27 2024.

Guide to get help after hacking

THE Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, has released a guide to help small businesses secure their social media accounts. With hacking incidents rising and cases more than doubling since July 2022, the guide provides essential

tips on mitigating risks. Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, is involved in two-thirds of these cases, with 75 per cent of disputes last month concerning account recovery after hacking.

Mr Bilson criticised the complexity of resolving such issues, highlighting the

absurdity of needing access to a locked account to resolve being locked out.

The guide includes recommendations on setting privacy controls, managing user access and enabling communication methods for account recovery. The guide is free on the ASBFEO website.

“The health hub offers six tenancies, five of which have been successfully leased. One tenancy still remains available with prominent frontage to Turner St,” Mr Child said.

The Wellness Practice by CHM which will include physiotherapy, exercise physiology

and mental health support, and Happy Hearts Childcare are the two next businesses scheduled to be opened at the Beerwah complex over coming months.

Mr Child said recognising the need for accessible healthcare, the Group remained dedicated to the ongoing development of such health hubs within communities where it is needed.

“While there are no firm future projects in the Hinterland, the group is actively looking at the needs for Maleny, Nambour and others,” he said

“We look forward to delivering future Health Hubs for the Sunshine Coast community shortly.”

ARB Caboolture will be holding an Open Day on Saturday June 8, and they are keen to see you there! As ARB won’t be there at the National Caravan and Camping show this year, they are running a trade price Open day to make up for it. There will be demo cars on display, a coffee van, a sausage sizzle, special deals and a giveaway! Be sure to come on down, grab your morning coffee and chat with the team about all things Suspension, GVM upgrades, Bullbar’s, 4x4 accessories and more and score some awesome deals.

Fully equipped demo cars on display: Toyota Landcruiser 300 Series; Toyota Landcruiser 79 Series Dual Cab; Nissan Y62 Patrol; Ford Next Gen Ranger; Suzuki Jimny; Toyota Landcruiser 40 Series

Anyone who makes a purchase at the Open Day will go into the draw to win an ARB Fridge Freezer! While we are on the subject of free stuff, check out the free Weber BBQ deal! All you have to do is order a bar, winch and lights and you will qualify for a free ARB Weber BBQ. Don’t miss out!

Report digs into small biz mindset

QUEENSLAND Small Business Commissioner Dominique Lamb has unveiled insights from a report, “Understanding the Life Cycle and Mindset of Queensland Small Businesses,” conducted by CQU.

The report identifies four life cycle stages: initiation,

growth, stabilisation, and exit. Stability, rather than growth, is the primary goal for these businesses.

Small business owners prioritise customer focus and competitor awareness but are cautious, avoiding risk and preferring not to adopt new technologies early. They seldom use

analytics, research, or external advice for decisionmaking. These findings will guide the Commissioner’s office in enhancing support through tailored services, promoting trusted networks, and encouraging data use to better meet the needs of Queensland’s small businesses.

QUEENSLAND IS BLUEY’S WORLD FOR REAL LIFE

TOURISM and Events

Queensland (TEQ) has launched its largest tourism campaign in over a decade, marketing Queensland as “Bluey’s world, for real life.”

The campaign, inspired by the globally popular children’s show Bluey, aims to attract international visitors to experience the Queensland lifestyle depicted in the show.

Tourism representatives and community groups across Queensland will attempt to set a world

$250 million for small biz

record for the largest Keepy Uppy game, inspired by Bluey’s favourite game, involving a giant red ball and spanning nearly 2,000 km. The campaign, a collaboration between TEQ and BBC Studios, includes exclusive deals from Qantas Group, Expedia Group, Flight Centre Travel Group, and Accor Group. It features a significant local and international publicity blitz expected to reach millions in key markets, including

Australia, New Zealand, the US, UK, Japan, and Singapore.

A major advertising campaign will also run across various media platforms in Australia and NZ. The television ad stars Australia Zoo’s Robert Irwin.

TEQ is also offering a 12-night Queensland holiday giveaway, including a special experience at the Bluey’s World Brisbane launch. queensland.com/ blueysworld

Funding recognises pressure on business with package to address cost challenges

THE State Government has announced a new $250 million initiative to support Queensland’s small business sector.

Launched at the Queensland Small Business Friendly Conference in Cairns last week the Queensland Small Business Strategy aims to address operational cost pressures and economic challenges over the next three years.

The new strategy seeks to sustain small business growth through a variety of support measures, including direct grants, free financial counselling, and wellness coaching.

These services will be available statewide to help small business owners navigate financial challenges and improve their operations.

The strategy also focuses on maximising procurement and supply chain opportunities for over 200,000 small businesses in sectors such as construction, technical professions, and real estate.

Minister for Employment

and Small Business Lance McCallum said the strategy aligns with Queensland’s extensive infrastructure projects in housing, energy, hospitals, schools, and transport.

Key initiatives of the strategy include simplifying procurement processes, introducing a small business action plan, and appointing a dedicated Small Business Procurement Advisor.

Additional investments will be made in cybersecurity, safer retail precincts, and continuing successful grant programs. There will also be expanded mentoring and upskilling opportunities for Indigenous businesses and free training under the Free TAFE program to ensure workers have the necessary skills. Mr McCallum said the strategy will address key challenges such as operating costs and skill development.

“This plan will enable small businesses to innovate, adapt, and thrive,” he said.

“We can thank small businesses – our local

tradies, hairdressers, and cafe owners – for growing our economy and supporting our regions and local communities.”

The strategy is expected to benefit over 480,000 small businesses and support more than a million jobs. Business Chamber Queensland chief executive officer, Heidi Cooper, said the initiative provided practical solutions to current challenges and preparing businesses for future opportunities.

“It is an important time for business in Queensland and it is essential that small businesses are supported to meet current day challenges while also ensuring the state’s business community has the confidence it needs to capitalise on the opportunities ahead in our state,” she said.

Queensland Small Business Commissioner Dominique Lamb also supported the continuation of the Small Business Financial Counsellors program and regional activation initiatives.

Sharing in the seasonal love

Connection to local food sources and support of local growers key to co-op

By Sonia Isaacs

Producers Name :

Ketakii

Jewson-Brown

Location: Witta

Q: In a few words how would you best describe your fresh produce gathering?

My husband and I have a small garden behind the house that we are renting in Witta.

We plant seasonal produce and currently have green beans, snow peas, broccoli, silverbeet and asian greens.

We have an abundance of different varieties of chillies that seem to do well all year round, as well as an incredible lemon tree.

Q: Why is this important to you?

Growing up my mother was always gardening, in fact she still is to this day. It is something that feels so normal and natural to me, it would be weirder to not have a garden.

It is so beneficial for one’s wellbeing as well as the

planet and is a form of quiet rebellion in this capitalist society we live in.

Q: What are your backgrounds/interests?

My interests are wide and varied. I am very creative and my work is primarily as a photographer and artist. I am interested in community, health, wellbeing and creativity. I am interested in closing the class gap that seems to only be getting wider and wider. I am interested in affordable housing and universal basic income. I am interested in life being really good for all and not just a rich few.

Q: What is your favourite produce to share and why?

Favourite produce to share would be anything I have enough of because I have grown it and now get to share it with others

Q: Why do you love being part of the co-op?

I love the co-op because it reflects my values. It is an incredible place to

shop knowing the care and connections that go into everything involved in running an ethical business.

Q: Why do you think it is important for people to share local produce and join their local co-op?

Connection first and foremost - to one another and to where your food is being grown and produced. Less food miles as most produce is sourced as locally as possible.

Supporting local growers. For those interested in belonging to the Maple Street Co-op, it cost $25 to buy a share and become an owner-member plus an $11 annual admin fee. More details available from www.maplestreet.coop

Shop Local Series

Lovin’ Landsborough

By Lewis Kwarcianyi

for their rapidly expanding business.

Similar stories can be found in the new Lenco Crescent estate, with the team at Glasshouse and Landsborough Automotive

new sheds because they needed a bigger workshop.

Landsborough Screens and Security recently relocated to the same area because they needed more space after successfully operating their family-run business next to the Landsborough BP fuel station for 30 years. At the other end of the spectrum, new kids on the block, Tom and Britt from True Phorm Fitness started their business a few years ago and just won the Silver Glassie at Andrew Powell’s Small Business Awards.

The young entrepreneurial couple have big plans to build their own purposebuilt gym in Landsborough. The long-established business estate off

Tythereleigh Avenue is home to well-known

Shop Local Series

businesses like BIGA Bathroom & Plumbing Solutions and Savage Landscape Supplies, which was recently bought by young couple, Amanda and Aiden Young. Moving to the Western side of the train tracks, Cribb Street is experiencing a revitalisation as streetscaping work continues and businesses continue to innovate and grow. Troy from Hinterland Foliage has transformed an unused alleyway into a beautiful boutique nursery filled with amazing plants, pots and giftware. CJ’s Pastries has just renovated the old Bucks Bakery to open their newest store.

Landsborough Hotel has a long history in the town and is a well-known venue for drinks, meals and events. The new owners at Meat

and Sue Denning, have just celebrated their one-year anniversary since taking over the shop.

Around the corner, along Maleny Street, Ray White recently opened their third office in the hinterland, signalling their confidence in the burgeoning property market, further emphasised by Krystle Kirk from McGill Group Real Estate who just opened a brand-new office with a modern cafe that serves coffee, breakfast and lunch for the surrounding community. Next door is Stepping Out Podiatry, a much-loved local business that chalked up their 20year milestone last year.

All of these business stories are an indication that Landsborough truly is a small town with a big future.

Landsborough Snapshot

Savage Landscape Supplies Kylie, Trace, Aiden and Ash

Heather and Troy from Hinterland Foliage

Landsborough Screens & Security Em-J and Lisa

Mooloolah Produce & Stockfeeds Lauren and Scott

Stepping Out Podiatry Amanda, Jason and Amanda

Shop Local Series

Cribb St takes shape

Local town to reap benefits from new street project

By Kirra Livingstone

LANDSBOROUGH is

getting a big new facelift thanks to streetscaping now well underway along Cribb St.

Stage 2 is now in progress, which will include multi-use covered shelters, fenced playground area, additional shade trees, lawn area for community events, and improved pathway connections.

Stage 1 is already completed, with footpaths widened and new pavement areas, a raised pedestrian crossing with new lighting, and interpretive signage and public artwork.

Division 1 Councillor, Jenny Broderick, said the project will give the town a whole new lease of life.

“This next stage of the streetscape will not only look amazing, but benefi the area as a whole, with easy access to businesses, provide a space for the community to gather together, meet friends for

picnics,” she said. “The open green space will also allow the opportunity for various community events.”

Cribb street and the large open green space available for community gatherings – whether movie nights,

acoustic music and many other opportunities,” she said. She added while some residents were concerned about the

and they weren’t keen on another toilet block with one across the road available,” Cr Broderick said.

“However, we recognise

y

Carer support group resurrected

By Kirra Livingstone

A GROUP of ladies and Glass House Mountains Neighbourhood Centre volunteers are rallying

has been without one for several years. Glass House Mountains Neighbourhood Centre committee member and volunteer, Leigh McCulloch, has been one of

the house but I manage the money, drive him around and more,” she said.

“I was recently looking for a place to get carer support but I couldn’t find any local groups who offered this service.

“So, along the help with a few other neighbourhood centre volunteers who are also carers, we are organising to create a locally based support group.”

Leigh hopes this carer support group will eventually hold monthly events, and will include a range of activities including crafts, as well as connecting on a deeper level.

The events will allow carers to go out and socialise with similar people, without the people they care for.

The group’s introductory event will be held at the Glass House Mountains Neighbourhood Centre on Wednesday, June 5 at 10am.

Biggest Morning Tea

Jodie

Biggest Morning Tea raised $1500 for the Cancer Council.

Our clients enjoyed an amazing day of food, games and raffles with so many prizes donated by

The event will include a free morning tea and chat with a guest speaker from Wellways Carer Gateway, inviting carers of all ages and genders to come along.

All are welcome, please RSVP to Leigh by calling 0403 314 346 or email admin@ghmnc.com .

History group meets up

Contributed by Ron Gillinder

THE NEXT community meeting of the Glasshouse History Group is scheduled for Tuesday 18 June at 1.30pm at the Glass House Mountains Neighbourhood Centre (behind the Post Office). The theme for June is Primary Schoolphotos and memorabilia.

staff had a bake off as part of the celebrations, which was very competitive.

The Glasshouse History Group was formerly known as the Friends of Bankfoot House.

In recent years, the group has expanded its objectives to promote interest in the history of Glasshouse Mountains district from early settlement to the present. Anyone interested in local history is welcome to attend meetings. Friendly bunch of local history buffs. More details visit our facebook page.

Contributed by

Crozier, Glasshouse Country Care

Glasshouse History Group

Linda Howels , Lesley O’Dea and Leigh McCulloch

Nicci and Bill Gaynor

Collen Butler

Lynn Pearton and Dianne Kluver

Grants on offer to benefi t wildlife rehabilitation

PEOPLE with a passion for caring for sick and injured native animals and releasing them back into the wild are encouraged to apply for funding to increase their capacity for rehabilitation services.

Up to $500,000 in funding is available. This funding is available to existing or

new wildlife carers and organizations with valid Queensland rehabilitation permits.

Individual carers can apply for grants up to $10,000, while organizations can apply for up to $25,000.

Grants will cover expenses such as training, care equipment, hospital and feeding supplies, and food storage.

Minister for the Environment, Great Barrier Reef, Science, and Innovation Leanne Linard said, “Our wonderful wildlife carers provide a vital service, and the Government is committed to supporting them,” she

Sustainability

THE state government is building the recycling industry to meet Queensland’s ambitious waste diversion targets, create jobs, and support a clean energy future.

The $45 million package is aimed at large scale, high recovery projects, and was launched on the Gold Coast this week as Ministers from the Miles Government held Community Cabinet in the region. State Development Minister, Grace Grace, visited BMI Group’s Stapylton Resource Recovery Centre, which is diverting over

said.

“This new funding will help our dedicated carers expand their capacity to support wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and release. Importantly, it will also help train the next generation of wildlife carers, ensuring the continued care of animals in need.

“Providing care for sick and injured animals can be a 24/7 responsibility and there is great joy when our wildlife carers release rehabilitated animals back into the wild.” Minister Linard added.

The $500,000 investment is funded under round eight of the Community Sustainability Action grants.

in Queensland

185,530 tonnes of waste from landfill every year by separating co-mingled construction and demolition waste like timber and concrete to produce materials for industry and homeowners, such as roadbase and chipped timber for landscaping soils.

The facility was partly funded by a $2 million grant from the Miles Government’s Resource Recovery Industry Development Program (RRIDP) and creating 16 jobs. Today’s announcement builds on efforts to create a sustainable resource recovery industry through programs such as the RRIDP and the Queensland Recycling Modernisation Fund. By 2030, Queensland aims to recover 80 per cent of all waste and achieve 65 per cent recycling rates across all waste types.

May for Macie success

By Kirra Livingstone

JESS Davidson is doing everything she can for her daughter, Macie Honeysett, who has a rare syndrome called ring 18, impacting every aspect of her life. Despite being non-verbal, being in a wheelchair and having a feeding tube, Macie is a bossy, funny and resilient, nine-year-old girl from Glass House Mountains who lives every day to the fullest. Jess set up a Go Fund Me in April to raise $60,000 to buy a new van to make transporting Macie easier to and from critical hospital appointments, Palmview Special School, the beach and parks.

Macie’s mum created the campaign ‘May for Macie’ to boost fundraising, and held a number of community BBQs in Landsborough throughout the month.

The family has now

reached $10,000 over the weekend, through running a mega raffle to continue to raise money to buy Macie a

generosity.

“We are running events like the trivia night, because we want Macie involved in these fundraising efforts by doing events she would personally enjoy.”

we raised a few hundred dollars from the raffles, and my son was selling the tickets and had someone offer him a $50 donation, he was so moved by the

There is a wide range of raffle prizes including a one-night stay at the Glass House Mountains Eco Lodge, as well as vouchers from a number of local cafes. Jess added that events like the community BBQs, and local businesses posting about Macie’s health journey, is giving people in the community more confidence to say hello out and about.

“It’s nice to meet people in the community who know about Macie’s condition and who want to help out, the community support has been amazing,” she said. https://www.gofundme. com/f/macies-wheelchairaccessible-van

caption Macie Honeysett at a community BBQ event

Macie and Ellie

Mel Kaese lives and breathes volunteering

Mel volunteers her time at the Landsborough P&C and GHMNC

By Kirra Livingstone

MEL Kaese is a seasoned community volunteer, who has been volunteering for the Glasshouse Neighbourhood Centre and Landsborough P&C for four years.

Despite having her trip around Australia getting cut short and finding herself stuck in Landsborough during peak COVID-19 lockdowns, she admitted it wasn’t a bad place to get stuck.

“We lived in Kalgoorlie for many years until my husband injured himself in his mining job, so we decided to travel around Australia for 18 months,” Mel said.

“This was until we got stuck with COVID at the Landsborough Caravan Park, so that became home for about six months, and we fell in love with the area.

“We thought we’d rent until we could find somewhere that we absolutely loved, and Glass House Mountains became that.”

Once they were settled, Mel found volunteer spots

available at the Glass House Neighbourhood Centre and Landsborough P&C, as she enjoys being heavily involved within the community.

“I love mixing with alike people, everyone I’ve found in my volunteer roles and with the committees I join, I don’t know if it’s my influence but I would like to believe it’s a joined alliance,” Mel said.

“We all just kind of have the same mindset of providing for the community, but in a manner that is creating connection and that’s what I love about volunteering.”

Mel is a psychotherapist and hypnotherapist, and has recently excused herself from an executive position in the Landsborough P&C committee, to study full time to get her degree in counselling.

“I am formalising my counselling I’m doing a psychology sciences and counselling degree, many people come to me wanting formal counselling so I’m formalising that to help out a bit more in that aspect,” she said.

kirra@gcnews.com.au

Halcyon Coves comes to Bells Creek

STOCKLAND has announced Halcyon Coves, a land lease community designed for over 50s, located in Aura.

Halcyon Coves is the sixth land lease community on the Sunshine Coast following Stockland’s Halcyon Parks at Caloundra, Halcyon Landing and Halcyon Lakeside at Bli Bli, Halcyon Nirimba also located at Aura, and B by Halcyon at Buderim.

Halcyon Coves is located along the northern edge of the Bells Creek South conservation area, a short drive to beaches and the Glass House Mountains.

Upon completion, the community will span 20 hectares and include 431 architecturally designed homes.

There will be several centrally located resortstyle facilities in Halcyon Coves, including a pool, clubhouse, pickleball courts, community gardens and a bowling green. The first release will be

Mel Kaese outside GHM Neighbourhood centre

Letters and Opinions SAID IT....

You

Green with frustration

The Greens get frustrated and criticise the two old parties because the Greens come up with ideas like “Free Public Transport” years ago, and then the old parties go public, lampooning the idea as “ridiculous” and “ideological nonsense”, but privately they wait for an election and bring out a half-baked Greens policy.

I’m sure you can see the Greens frustration.

For example, in this case, the government spends almost the entire income they get from fares on fare collection company systems. So, cheap fifty cent fares with complex ticketing systems lose taxpayer money. Lots of money. Make public transport free, drop the go-card, make public transport better and make QLD an even more

enticing tourist and working visa destination!

When Anna Bligh was Premier of Queensland, she set in motion the upgrade of the railway line between Caboolture and Nambour. Here we are in 2024 and that upgrade has only got to Beerburrum. All I can say about the railway line from Beerwah to the Sunshine Coast is don’t hold your breath waiting.

Andrew McLean Maleny

Blackspot

Australia’s NBN has become an increasingly important national public asset. That said, we’re falling behind the world, now rated as 92nd for fixed broadband (rated by the Speedtest Global Index). Leaving us with poor, non existent services and blackspots etc., locally.

Local Member Andrew Wallace demands that Labor fix it (GC&M News

May 28). It’s almost as if the previous Government that rolled out the NBN as a cheap, cobbled together solution, complete with poor, non existent services etc never happened.

And he missed it.

We didn’t.

Andrew Moran Battery Hill

The lucky country?

When I arrived here in 1970 it was still a very lucky country.

Plenty of jobs, plenty of houses, and by 1980 I had a 50 per cent deposit toward buying a home.

I found a house in Newgate St in Greenslopes, two storeys with a great outlook, on the largest block in the street. It cost $22,500. My earnings for the same year were about $22,000 approximately the same as the house price, with just a cleaning job!

10 Years later prices started going crazy. Many people attended seminar after seminar learning how to invest in property and the Government didn’t act on what was to become a ridiculous over investment by some, leading to the situation we experience today. I believe there are three main things where there should be no investment profits made,

WHAT YOU’RE SAYING ONLINE ..

Your reaction to phone interruptions during recent Telstra upgrades:

As an ex resident of Landsborough I concur. Had to stand outside to take a call with Telstra and my sons has no chance of contact with Vodafone.

Jen

We went to Starlink. Best thing we ever did.

Ann

All I can say is thank god we have Starlink for our small business at the moment. Home on the other hand ... nothing. It’s disgusting that we

have to pay “full price” for something we can’t use. It’s crazy.

Linda

Knowing this was coming makes little difference.

On the upside it’s a short term situation that will see good improvement to service.

Maleny and Witta recently had their towers upgraded & there’s definitely a better capacity and stronger signal.

Gadj

Landsborough here. Very frustrating trying to contact clients. Yesterday I drove up the coast, pulled over and got some calls made.

Ridiculous. Kindness First Dog Grooming

People - we want better services, also peoplenooooo don’t do upgrade and disrupt my services

Wally

No mobile phone reception or internet on phone at my house in Glasshouse have to use wifi calling to phone anyone

Jodie

disadvantaging citizens further.

1. Houses as residences

2. Water

3. Electricity

People are earning 10 times less than the houses they need to buy.

But they must pay for the water meters, and the parking meters that cost a great deal to manufacture and install and maintain, all at a cost to the taxpayer who pays so much for the infastructure that is not productive to them. We are generating the business to charge ourselves to use!

As houses have increased 10 times in value, compared to the wages of the buyers, it makes it almost impossible for ordinary people to achieve security with all the extra charges.

Could the government have done a better job of diverting this terrible situation of a lack of housing and homelessness?

I definitely think so, as non-productive outlays such as the referendum of The Voice cost the taxpayers multimillions of dollars.

I cannot understand how Australia has allowed the building of new suburban houses on very, very tiny blocks with no room for any trees. You could walk from roof to roof. As well as a huge fire risk, the lifestyles of the people have been minimised.

Many pensioners like myself, who live by themselves, could benefit so much from shared living with others, sharing costs, transportation, accommodation. But they don’t want to jeopardise their pension. It could be a very positive step for many who are finding the cost of living crippling. It could be a great solution for not only governments, to ease the burden of accommodation for all, but to the pensioners and low-income earners who could have hope instead of disillusionment, losing trust and hope in the leaders, and their future. Hope of the people lies in the present government’s hands. Hope lies in the hands of the leaders and the future. We only have hope if they take action NOW!

Kurt Jensen Mooloolah Valley

TALK about falling on your sword. New Mayor Rosanna Natoli revealed at last week’s ordinary meeting that both her and husband Joe couldn’t take any part in the vote on the Mooloolaba Foreshore development. The project is kind of a big deal, but alas the couple had been offered and accepted five nights accommodation (valued

at $2,200) to stay at the Peninsula Beachfront Resort on the foreshore. Wouldn’t you know it, but said resort could be a beneficiary of the development. Why would you have accepted it in the first place, is one question that comes to mind. Nonetheless it was Mayor Natoli’s extreme offer to

make amends: “I will now execute myself,” she said. Really? Who needs the Crime and Corruption Commission with this new breed of self-regulating harikari councillors. In saying that we commend the strong leadership and raised regulatory expectations. As it happened Cr Natoli quickly corrected the record to ‘exclude’ herself from the

vote. From one extreme to the next. Boring. BAD ADVICE

DECIDED to go and see a financial adviser to make sure I can afford at least one P&O cruise a year when I step back from being a famous columnist. What a disappointment. I wanted bling. Some smooth talker living how I wanna be. Someone

REPS Elected

with Jason Hunt State Member for Caloundra

With the Budget coming up next month, the Queensland Government has announced a swathe of ‘Cost of Living ‘ measures including lowering Translink public transport fares to 50 cents per trip.

If you take the bus, train or ferry you won’t pay more than 50 cents per trip from 5 August for 6 months. I know a lot of hinterland residents commute to Brisbane which means they’ll be saving a huge amount each week on transport costs.

By lowering fares to 50 cents, we’re taking pressure off household bills and easing traffic congestion.

The average commuter

stands to save thousands of dollars, and also time on the road if they make the switch to public transport because of this initiative.

This direct action is on top of the historic cost of living relief being delivered by the Miles government including:

• $1,000 off your energy bill (with $300 more from the Albanese Government)

• Free TAFE

• Free Kindy

Because we made the multinational mining companies pay their fair share, we can deliver more direct cost of living relief that makes a real difference to the everyday lives of Queenslanders.

with Jenny Broderick

Division 1 project updates: I’m happy to share that two new shaded picnic settings have now been installed at Settlement Park, Beerwah and that works have started on upgrading the perimeter fence at Pioneer Park, Landsborough. We are also investigating potential upgrades to the Beerwah stormwater infrastructure improvements from Tudor Court to Arcadia Drive.

Landsborough Museum Street Festival: On May 18, I was thrilled to attend the centenary celebration for the Landsborough Museum and the Landsborough School of Arts. It was lovely to see so many people enjoying the day and making new memories, while reliving old ones.

It’s time to ‘Have Your Say’: The following three topics are relevant to Division 1 residents.

Whether you live in the new suburbs of Aura or one of our many historical hinterland towns, I

encourage you to have your say at https://haveyoursay. sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/ Community Strategy Refresh: Feedback on the draft Community Strategy can be made online until June 10.

Dark Sky Reserve: A Dark Sky Reserve in the Sunshine Coast hinterland through the International Dark Sky Places Program is being considered by Council and we are seeking your feedback on the proposal by June 16.

Active Transport Plan: Residents can assist Council to achieve a connected, safe, healthy and sustainable transport system by completing the online survey by June 17. Council Budge: Council will consider and adopt its 2024-25 budget at a Special Meeting on June 20. I look forward to sharing the outcomes and highlights for Division 1 following the meeting. I look forward to seeing you out and about in our community soon.

who uses words like ‘leverage’ and ‘borrow’ and ‘golf’. Someone in a fancy boardroom with Bloomberg playing in the background and a Powerpoint deck with shiny line graphs all pointing up. Instead I got a drab boardroom, cheap laptop that doesn’t connect to the TV and an adviser using horrible words like

‘budgeting’ and ‘means’.

These people might sleep well at night but I bet it’s in budget accommodation. Next.

TIME OUT Hinterland

“The Glassie” gets a gold glassie

By Kirra Livingstone

CLUB Glasshouse is continuing to thrive after winning the Gold Glassie Business award at the Glassie Small Business Awards (May 27).

Geoff Martin has been the manager of Club Glasshouse for the past three years, and his hard work to make the business more family friendly has come to fruition.

“It’s kind of nice after three years of building it up to what it is now, it’s a good feeling,” he said.

“I know I teared up, it’s an achievement, it really is, I think I felt vindicated.

“No one even knew we were here a few years ago, so it is really nice to be recognised for the work the whole team puts in to the venue.”

This comes as Club Glasshouse just installed

their new playground, which the Club has never had before, further adding to the family friendly nature of the venue.

“We’ve never even had a playground at Club Glasshouse before, so it was just another thing we needed to do to continue to grow the venue,” he said.

“So far, the kids who have played on there seem to love it.”

The Maleny Singers’ introduces this

year’s production of ‘Mikado’

Coast’s Oriana Choir, in which they continue to play active roles, on and off the stage.

AT this year’s production of The Mikado, Maleny Singers welcome off stage couple Ian and Ruth Rix who, as Ko-Ko and Katisha, will be married on stage for the first time. Between them they have nearly 80 years’ experience of treading the boards. They have been part of Maleny Singers’ family for six years, in addition to which they are both long-standing members of Sunshine

In The Mikado, Ko-Ko and Katisha’s relationship starts off as one of repulsion, being engaged to the much younger Yum-Yum and Nanki-Poo. When Ko-Ko sentences Nanki-Poo to death, he is at the mercy of the Mikado and realises his only chance of life is to convince Katisha to marry him.

The Maleny Singers, a beloved community group in the local arts scene, are thrilled to announce their upcoming performance of Gilbert and Sullivan’s timeless classic, ‘The Mikado.’ This marks a

historic moment for the group as they revisit this iconic production for the second time in their 21 year history.

Under the direction of Musical Director, Margaret Taylor, this rendition of ‘The Mikado’ promises to captivate audiences with its blend of wit, charm, and unforgettable melodies.

The Maleny Singers’ production of ‘The Mikado,’ supported by the Maleny Performing Arts Orchestra will take place at The Maleny Community Centre on June 8, 9, 15 and 16.

Tickets from www.trybooking. com/cqkql

hav

Ruth and Ian Rix in Maleny Singers production of the Mikado. Inset Ruth and Ian

GC&M News Sonia, Tina and Mitch

Sharon, Kelly and Andrew

Tony, Andrew and JennyTamara, Billie, Lauren and Tess

Tamara, Martin and ShirraleeJodie, Kiana,and Diana

Andrew with Katie and Geoff

Wickedly waggish poetry

Maleny poet’s fifth book

By Sonia Isaacs

DELICIOUSLY wicked and roguishly witty, Lisa Plucknett is a sprightly superstar who embraces life with gusto and pluck.

Known for her infectious energy and spirited charm, Lisa continues to captivate audiences and defy expectations with her vivacious approach to life.

The Maleny based writer is now set to launch her fifth book of irreverent poetry, which showcases her still razor sharp wit, life observations and even the occasional offering of nonagenarian wisdom.

Her new book, ‘In the bath and up the garden path’ features 55 poems depicting Lisa’s acerbic wit as she continues to gleefully share her romp through life.

‘My fifth book of verse is now ready to be aired and

shared, and I invite people to enjoy my latest offering that covers a multitude of sins,” Lisa laughed.

Chatting to GC&M News, Lisa said she had been drawn to expressing herself through poetry ever since she was a young child, and said she even recalled writing her very first poem, at aged eight.

She said to a certain degree, writing was in her blood.

“My father was a journalist with a daily newspaper, the Brisbane Telegraph and I was always fascinated by language and words,” she said.

“I love the rhythm and rhyme of words and poetry, and words just constantly churn around in my brain.

“Poetry is a way for me to express what’s in my mind, and if I can share my thoughts with a bit of fun

“My Last Request - Don’t Look”

Dear God……. Don’t let me die in my sleep - dear Lord, ‘Cause I still like to sleep in the raw; God forbid the poor Ambos who find me, Fall in a heap on the floor.

Just give me a ten second bell - dear Lord, That i can crawl under the bed; Just find the jar with my dentures And pop them right back in my head.

And if there is time, don my knickers, If I trip, I fall flat on my face; If the last sound I hear is a snicker, I’d look for a much nicer place.

And I’d like to go out with Kahlua, The last dregs I’d happily drain; To leave a few drops for a stranger, Would give me considerable pain.

And maybe I could find my caftan, And fumble until it is on; To share my spare tyre with the medics, fear would be terribly wrong.

and frivolity, then why not!”

An avid gardener, musician and quick witted bon vivant, Lisa has lived in Maleny since 1989.

Her latest book of verse is dedicated to her late husband Kevin, who Lisa said was her best friend, fellow happy horticulturist

And I don’t need advice given freely, To sleep fully dressed with my teeth; I’ll just leave a note on my pillow, “Look away! - if I die in my sleep.”

and far sighted dairy farmer who filled her life with love and zest for 33 years. In the past, Lisa’s wit and prose has been compared to the poetry of British comedian Pam Ayres. Lisa’s latest book of poetry joins her previous works that include ‘the Cow Cockies

Lament and other bits of wicked wit,’ and the hilariously titled ‘Return of the fruity old tart’.

The launch and ‘christening’ of Lisa’s ‘new baby’ will take place at a private residence in Maleny on Sunday June 9 from 1.30pm. All are invited to

attend and celebrate with a gentle slurp of punch or cup of tea at 9 Curlew Court, Maleny.

For more details contact Carole on 0414 373 734. Books available for cash purchase, and $2 raffle with proceeds benefiting Maleny Ladies Hospital Auxillery.

Maleny poet Lisa Plucknett ready to launch her fifth book book

CULTURE Hinterland

Supporting local artists

By Mitch Gaynor

THE Sunshine Coast Arts Foundation has launched its annual fundraising campaign to support the region’s flourishing creative sector.

Launching the Gifted Program at Altitude 9 at the Sunshine Coast Council chambers last Thursday (May 30), SCAF chair, Jennifer Radbourne, urged donors to help reach a target of $30,000.

“We need your help to keep creating a bright and active future for the arts on the Sunshine Coast,” Professor Radbourne said. The program invests in

the creative development of artists to ensure their success and the growth of the region’s artistic prosperity.

through their Musical Theatre Australia.

SCAF also partners with creative organisations and this year is working with Maleny duo Aleathea Monsour and Katy Ford

A donation to Musical Theatre Australia goes directly to the cast, set designer, choreography, costume makers, lighting designer, and musicians who be will making “A Girls Guide to World War” a nationally recognised hit. Anyone interested in donating to MTA can contact them through musicaltheatreaustralia. com or email info@ musicaltheatreaustralia. com.

To find out more and donate to SCAF, head to scartsfoundation.com/ support-scaf/

Woodford tix hit stage

Festival early ticket sales ‘really strong’ as loyal fans get behind iconic music festival

By Marina Gomide

WOODFORD Folk Festival tickets have gone on sale last week and Woodfordia president Amanda Jackes said the sales are going “really strong”, leaving “no doubt the festival is going ahead” this year.

“We’re very pleased with sales”, she said.

“The festival has such a high, loyal audience, with 70 per cent of people being returning attendees.”

Ms Jackes said almost half the tickets are sold before the festival program even gets released, showing the confidence festival goers have in organisers delivering an amazing experience.

People who want to attend the festival but may not have the means, can apply for volunteer positions in September.

Volunteers typically work five hours per day, every day of the festival, and get free entry in return.

This exciting news comes after many big Aussie festivals have been cancelled due to financial pressures and lower ticket sales than expected.

expenses increased 30 per cent during that period and some costs haven’t dropped since. Combining this with increasing cost-of-living prices, festivals today need to basically sell out to pay bills.

“You can’t pass these expense increases onto ticket holders, which means festivals are having to absorb costs”, she said.

go into the pricing, include employee costs, which make up over 12 per cent of expenses (Woodfordia has full-time, part-time, and casual employees, hired security, on top of over 2500 volunteers, who also cost money), insurance costs, food and beverage licenses and purchases, performers, and interest

Ms Jackes estimates before COVID every one in five festivals wouldn’t do well, often having to do with weather conditions and other similar factors.

Today, she estimates it’s every one in three, with festivals that rely more on international acts being harder hit.

Ms Jackes said putting on festivals has definitely become a riskier business since COVID, as festival

Some costs ticket buyers may be unaware of, that

It is estimated 93 per cent of festival goers come from outside the local area with 40 per cent coming from outside Queensland, generating an estimated economic impact of $32 million overall in Queensland. Tickets and more information available online via www. woodfordfolkfestival.com/

Artist of the month

Contributed by Raye Lewis

MY earliest and fondest memory of my embroidery journey is sitting at the old kitchen table beside my Grandmother as she taught me to embroider by a kerosene lamp.

I have since learnt much more than stem and chain stitch. “Stump work”, Shadow Embroidery, “Silk Ribbon” and “counted cross stitch” are among my favourites.

A poster queen to me a number of years ago said “What you are is God’s gift to you”, what you become is your gift to God”. After reading this I decided to share my gift of embroidery.

My journey into teaching started about 20 years ago and I have been teaching ever since. So, every Tuesday morning since January 2021, I have coached and taught a full

range of embroidery at Down Under Craft

I have a wide range of other hobbies including patchwork and quilting, floral Art, Cahn Maille and Gardening. Down Under Craft is located downstairs at Landsborough Hall (Old Landsborough Road). The Embroidery Group meets from 9am until 12 noon on Tuesdays, more details contact 0412 707 440.

Raye Lewis artist of the Month

A Girls Guide to World War.

Picture: Bulimba Studios

David Bongiorno. Picture Eyes Wide Open Images

Beerwah’s romantic night

A night of music romance comes to Beerwah

THE Sunshine Coast Chamber Music Festival (SCCMF) is back in 2024 and will run across three fabulous days from Thursday June 6 to Sunday June 9. The festival presents a wonderful opportunity for music lovers from around the country to immerse themselves in the vibrant and innovative program.

Bursting with bespoke events featuring internationally celebrated classical music artists, alongside First Nations, jazz

and world musicians, all coming together to share their passion in some of the most stunning natural locations and intimate venues across the Sunshine Coast.

This year’s program features several exciting Queensland and Sunshine Coast premieres with some of the biggest names in classical music in Australia, including Elena Kats-Chernin, TamaraAnna Cislowska, Simon Tedeschi, Alex Raineri, and the Orava Quartet.

Locally, A Night of Romance with the Orava Quartet will be performed at the Beerwah Community Hall on Thursday June 6 from 7pm-9pm.

Widely heralded as the most exciting young quartet on the block and predicted to become one of our proudest cultural exports, they will perform the Queensland premiere of Swoop by celebrated composer Holly Harrison. Tickets on sale NOW via https://www.sccmf.com.au/

Rosetta’s Great Reads

The Glass House

Graeme Simsion & Anne Buist

Dive into the chaos of an acute psychiatry ward at Menzies Hospital in Melbourne, where protagonist Hannah Wright is new to her role as a psych registrar. The Glass House reads like an episode of a fast-paced medical television drama and Hannah individuals for major personality and behavioural characteristics, than a psychiatrist. Buist’s background in psychiatry provides authenticity to the stories and the dedicated cast who work tirelessly within a high-stakes drama to keep at risk people alive. The contrasting

Horoscopes

GEMINI

MAY 21 – JUNE 21

A new moon in your sign only happens once a year, and it’s your invitation to reinvent yourself. With five planets in Gemini, ideas will be effervescing like a flock of butterflies, but keep it simple. Less is more. Avoid overpromising, or telling people what they want to hear.

CANCER

JUNE 22 - JULY 22

VIRGO

essential elements of good judgment. RRP $34.99

is a haunting crime thriller, written by an Australian author. regional California and taken lives, but one of them is disputable. Andrew Doyle, a family friend of the story’s main character,

murdered, locked in his shed. The murderer could be any of the townspeople. Alex must search through the ash, looking for the truth. A good read for Australian and American crime lovers alike. Many big crime authors have given positive reviews on Michael Brissenden’s work, Smoke RRP $34.99.

WEEK BEGINNING JUNE 4

AUGUST 24 – SEPTEMBER 22

The quicksilver new moon in the sign of the scintillating Twins on 6 June could spark some delicious synchronicities and unexpected connections. Since Gemini rules local relationships close to home, this week could rekindle a fresh chapter of events with a sibling, neighbour or co-worker.

LEO JULY 23 – AUGUST 23

The new moon in your personal sector of allies and future plans rewards collaborative efforts working together for a common goal this week. With chatterbox Mercury in talkative mode passing the mic, it’s worthwhile taking advantage of this media-savvy transit to advertise your current projects.

Your planet mentor Mercury’s scintillating meetup with expansive Jupiter in the sign of ideas makes for communication magic, connecting you this week with a wider reach. Though naturally this flurry of new options and possibilities will require further research, thorough scrutiny and practical assessment.

LIBRA

SEPTEMBER 23 – OCTOBER 23

Vivacious Venus, joining four other planets in a fellow air sign, is at her most entertaining and eloquent this week, which stimulates a host of silver-tongued charmers with exciting ideas, intriguing propositions and unexpected offers. Enjoy the buzz, but don’t believe everything you hear and read.

SCORPIO

OCTOBER 24 – NOVEMBER 22

SAGITTARIUS

NOVEMBER 23 – DECEMBER 21

Both Mercury and Gemini influence transportation and technology, and this week’s conditions for electronics’ shopping or anything to do with mobility are particularly auspicious. It’s also a favourable time to look for travel deals and book holidays – but keep receipts and records just in case.

CAPRICORN

DECEMBER 22 – JANUARY 20

Leave Transmit-Only Syndrome to others this week, and for best results, listen as much as you speak and keep communication succinct - though you’ll probably have trouble getting a word in anyway. Your guardian planet Saturn’s advice? Assume nothing, take nothing for granted, check everything.

Even Scorpios are likely to be more talkative this week, which is one of the year’s most voluble - though good luck trying to wrestle the general convo away from small talk, gossip and chit-chat into deep and meaningful. The silver lining? It could galvanize you into taking overdue action.

PISCES

FEBRUARY 19 – MARCH 20

AQUARIUS

JANUARY 21 – FEBRUARY 18

Your kind of week Aquarians: lots of interaction and exchange with like-minded others. Celestial energy, in your sector of pleasure and creative play, brings an uplifting wave of optimism, and the new moon activates a reset of your important connections, with a possible clarification of recent misunderstandings.

ARIES

MARCH 21 – APRIL 20

With five planets in the sign of twice-as-much, if any week of the year was likely to induce cerebral overload, it’s this one. Should too much incoming information become a headache, you can probably learn more by paying attention to peoples’ body language than by listening to what they say.

If Mars has had you somewhat tunnel-visioned lately, this week opens a dizzying array of options. But its furious brainstorming calls for the mandatory balance of downtime: exercise or massage to refresh the body, mental relaxation, the spiritual rejuvenation of nature in your garden, a park, the bush or beach.

TAURUS

APRIL 21 – MAY 20

Follow your curiosity this week, which is all about communication: the way you speak to yourself, what you say and how you use your voice with others. The new moon could bring exciting invitations, intriguing news or possible offers. So stay flexible and open to exploring something different.

with Lilith Rocha

Orava Quartet will perform at the Beerwah Community Hall on June 6

National Spinal Health Week’s helpful research

WITH more than 6.1 million Australians suffering from debilitating back pain, National Spinal Health Week (20-26 May 2024), an initiative of the Australian Chiropractors Association (ACA), is dedicated to improving the spinal health of all Australians through increasing awareness of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) including Low Back Pain (LBP) which currently costs the Australian economy over $55.1 billion annually. Four in every fi Australians experience back pain at some point in their lives, usually as a result of MSDs which account for the greatest proportion of persistent pain conditions and the second largest contributor to disability

worldwide. According to the new World Health Organisation (WHO) guideline for nonsurgical management of chronic primary low back pain in adults in primary and community

experienced LBP, equating to an estimated 619 million people - a 60% increase since 1990, with cases of LBP expected to rise to an estimated 843 million by 2050. The guideline written by a range of health professionals, provides evidence-based recommendations on holistic non-surgical interventions including chiropractic treatments. ACA president, Dr David Cahill, welcomed the WHO’s first guideline aimed at addressing LBP and chronic LBP, recommending nonsurgical interventions be a fully integrated, drug-free, person-centred approach; to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for LBP erers.

Signs of bowel cancer

NEW international analysis of nearly 25 million patients younger than 50, across 81 studies, found the most common presenting signs and symptoms of early-onset bowel cancer were blood in the stool (hematochezia), abdominal pain, altered bowel habits, and unexplained weight loss. Published in JAMA Network Openi, nearly half of individuals (45%) presented with blood in the stool, 40% presented with abdominal pain, and more than one-quarter (27%) presented with altered bowel habits, which included constipation, diarrhoea, or alternating

bowel habits. The study reviewed 81 articles from 1985 to May 2023.

Blood in the stool and abdominal pain were associated with a 5 to 54-fold and 1.3 to 6-fold increased likelihood of early-onset bowel cancer, respectively. Bowel Cancer Australia Medical Director, A/Prof Graham Newstead AM said, “In Australia, the risk of diagnosis with bowel cancer before age 40 has more than doubled since 2000ii and knowing the symptoms is only part of the solution.” “This latest study sends a clear message to GPs and younger people of the need to have a high

suspicion of red flag signs and symptoms and to work together to ensure prompt access to colonoscopy to rule out early-onset bowel cancer as an underlying cause or to improve outcomes.”

The research authors suggest GPs put in place a 30-to-60-day follow-up visit for younger individuals to confirm whether the original diagnosis was correct, the red flag sign or symptom has resolved, or to refer for colonoscopy.

Early-onset bowel cancer is on the rise both in Australia and is the deadliest cancer for people aged 25-44.

ON IN THE HINTERLAND What’s

Carer Support Morning Tea

When: Wednesday June 5th, 10.00am

Where: Glass House Mountains

Neighbourhood Centre, 1 Ryan Street, Glasshouse Mountains

Info: The Glass House Neighbourhood Centre are inviting all carers to attend a presentation with Wellways Carer Gateway for information & support for anyone caring for a loved one in the Glasshouse area.

Followed by a morning tea & a chat. RSVP: Leigh: 0403 314 346 or admin@ghmnc.com

C&K Maleny Community Kindergarten Open Day

When: Wednesday June 5th, 11.00am - 12.00pm

Where: 15 Cedar Street

Maleny

Info: Engage with our professional and nurturing educators and let your child explore our indoor and outdoor spaces. Our environments are designed to spark curiosity, ignite imaginations and build confidence. Talk to our educators to discover how we focus on children being powerful learners and how STEM, literacy, cooperation and resilience are the foundations of our play-based philosophy.

Learn more about our accredited kindergarten program and how it will provide your child with a lifelong love of learning and prepare them for a successful transition to school.

Declutter Your Mind

When: Thursday June 6th, 10.00am - 11.30am

Where: Maleny Library, 5 Coral St, Maleny

Info: Feeling mentally dusty? Join author Janika Galloway to find out how to take back control of your personal narrative. Over time, the stories we tell ourselves become jam packed from the past, memories, wishes, regrets, and conditioning. Learn how to sweep out old mind clutter and move forward with a clean slate. Discover how story room mapping, narrative object sorting, and symbolic story release can assist you to let go. Take part in fun group activities and go home with a tidy tale. Free. Registration essential. Ages 16 and over.

Heritage Talk - The Sunshine Coast....What heritage?

When: Friday June 7th, 10.00am11.00am

Where: Landsborough Museum, 4 Maleny Street, Landsborough

Info: Enjoy a lively discussion with Peter Connell, exploring tales of the weird and the wonderful from our region’s history. Free event. Bookings essential. Morning tea provided. Landsborough Museum is open Wed to Sun 10am-3pm. Closed public holidays.

Seed Sessions with Soul

When: Friday June 7th, 10-11.30am

Where: Beerwah Library, Peachester Road, Beerwah Info: Find out how seed saving can help your food budget and the planet. Join Soul Cauley from the Maleny Seed Library for basic seed-saving techniques. Discover the difference between open pollinated and hybrid seeds and how to store seeds correctly. See a variety of seeds on display that are easy-to-save like lettuce, tomato, bean or pea plants. Learn about Libraries Seed Library, a free seed swapping program and how you can contribute. Go home with a goody bag of seeds to get you started. Supported by council’s Living Smart program for World Environment Day. Session details: $5 per person. Registration essential. Ages 16 and over.

Mary Garden Book Launch

When: Friday June 7th, 5.00pm Where: Rosetta Books, 30 Maple Street, Maleny

Info: Cost $5.00 including a glass of wine and cheese on arrival. Join us for a conversation between former local Mary Garden and local writer Gay Liddington to celebrate the launch of Mary’s memoir ‘My Father’s Suitcase’

Mooloolah River Landcare

Presents: The Bug Day Out

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

Where: Mooloah River Landcare, 2671 Steve Irwin Way, Beerwah

Info: A Fun Day for All Ages! Lots of inspect inspired art. Come dressed as your favorite bug. Insect exhibition. Adobt a stick insect. Food and coffee van.

Heritage Talk - The Sunshine Coast....What heritage?

When: Saturday June 8th, 10.00am - 11.00am

Where: Beerwah Library, 25 Peachester Road, Beerwah

Info: Love a good story? Join Peter Connell from council’s Cultural Heritage team to hear strange tales of the Coast’s yesteryear. Showcasing weird and wonderful images from Picture Sunshine Coast, enjoy rollicking yarns and hometown tales - including why an elephant shows up in a shop. Light refreshments provided.

Peachester Village Markets

When: Saturday June 8th, 8.00am - 12.00pm

Where: Peachester Hall, 960 Peachester Rd, Peachester Info: Hosted by Peachester QCWA. PHC volunteers are running the canteen – helpers welcome.

Public Stargazing

When: Saturday June 8th, 5.00pm

- 8.00pm Where: 15 Porters Ln, Maleny Info: This is a free, ticketed event. Sunset 5:02pm. Be there before sunset if you have not been before. Well before, if you have a telescope to set up and/ or want to help us set up, and learn a bit more about our telescopes. (help gratefully accepted!!!). Parking will be at the front of Pattermore house and co-ordinated by attendants. This avoids headlights disturbing stargazers. Bring a torch to use on the way back to your car.

Landsborough Tennis Club

Open Day

When: Saturday June 8th, 2.00pm - 5.00pm

Where: Maleny Road, Landsborough Info: Coaching sessions, social tennis, community BBQ, games, prizes and more.

ARB Open Day

When: Saturday June 8th, 9.00am

- 2.00pm

Where: 129 Morayfield Road, Caboolture

Info: There will be demo cars on display, a coffee van, a sausage sizzle, special deals and a giveaway! Anyone who makes a purchase at the Open Day will

go into the draw to win an ARB Fridge Freezer! While we are on the subject of free stuff, check out the free Weber BBQ deal! All you have to do is order a bar, winch and lights and you will qualify for a free ARB Weber BBQ.

Palmwoods Singers

Forty Years Celebration

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

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

Unique concert for St Georges -in-the-Hills

When: Sunday June 9th, 2pm

Where: 2 Walkers Drive Maleny

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

Gosti

When: Sunday June 9th, 2:00pm3.15pm

Where: 2 Walkers Drive Maleny Info: We are excited to welcome Gosti performing as a part of our 2024 St Georges In The Hills concert series! The music played by Gosti is mostly original compositions by Linsey. The sound of Gosti is fresh, but listeners can also hear the maturity and depth that longterm musical partnerships can bestow. Complimentary nibbles after the show. More info at events. sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

Lisa Plucknett - Book Launch

When: Sunday June 9th, 1.30pm

Where: 9 Curlew Court, Maleny Info: Book of Verse titled “In the Bath & Up The Garden Path”. 55 poems covering a multitude of sins and romping through life.

RSVP: Carole 0414 373 734

Glasshouse Musos’ “Open Mic night”

When: Tuesday June 11th, 6.30pm

Where: Beerwah Hotel, Beerwah Parade, Beerwah

Info: We’re on from 6.30pm with around 3 hours of top live music and a great opportunity to network with other musicians and music lovers. Free entry, very reasonably priced meals and a bar with great sound. . If you’d like to play, email us (whitickerm@ bigpond.com) to book yourself a spot as there is only occasionally room on the board.

Graeme Simsion & Anne Buist In Conversation

When: Thursday June 13th, 5.00pm

Where: Rosetta Books, 30 Maple Street, Maleny Info: Cost $5.00 including a glass of wine and cheese on arrival. Join co-authors Graeme Simsion and Anne Buist, in conversation with local author and health professional Alex Penhaligon, to discuss their new book ‘The Glass House’.

Outspoken presents: Hugh Mackay in Conversation

When: Friday June 14th, 6.00pm

Where: Maleny Community Centre, 23 Maple St, Maleny Info: In his self-described ‘final book’, The Way We Are, Hugh Mackay - long recognised as Australia’s leading social psychologist - presents a compelling portrait of the country as it stands today. Tickets $27.50, students $18. Bookings Essential: www.outspokenmaleny.com

Yandina Country Music

When: Sunday June 16th, 12.00pm

Where: ACMA ‘Hall of Fame’ 24 Steggalls Road, Yandina Info: Yandina celebrates the 60th anniversary of the ACMA with a special concert, featuring special guest artists including highly acclaimed Lindsay Waddington! Sausage sizzle by the Lions Club and raffle prizes. Entry $10. See you at the Hall of Fame. Ring 0449 181 638 for bookings. Enjoy a great afternoon of quality entertainment!

NEWS Church & Communit y

There is always more to see!

“IT seemed to me there were two paths to the truth, and I decided to take them both.” (Georges Lemaitre, Belgian priest and physicist who proposed the Big Bang Theory.)

If I hadn’t become a priest I would have been a cosmologist. I am fascinated by the beginnings and endings of things, but equally fascinated by the perspective of physicists.

From Albert Einstein to Brian Cox, their writing drips with a curiosity and awe for life and it seems to me this is something the science and faith traditions have abundantly in common. So I’m always baffled when people ask me how I reconcile my faith to my love of science.

The so-called conflict between faith and science is largely exaggerated, yet somehow the myth persists that taking scripture seriously somehow demands the exclusion of other fields of reasoning. After all, isn’t this the reason why Galileo was condemned by the church in 1633 for asserting that the earth is not the centre of the universe but in fact moves

around the sun?

Scripture has never claimed to be a scientific description of reality. Theologians for many centuries before Galileo understood that scripture should be read alongside other fields of knowledge, not because scripture is inaccurate, but because other eyes help us expose the assumptions we read into it.

External lenses help us distill what is not there and achieve better clarity on what is. For eg. there is no claim that the earth is the centre of the universe. There is also no statement about same sex relationships. There is, however repeated condemnation of exploitative relationships and economic oppression. But most of the time we don’t know what we don’t know (or what we’ve misread) until we are provoked to look in a different way.

St Paul alludes to this sense of humility when he writes that we ‘see through the glass darkly’ (1Cor13.12.) Some 350 years after Galileo’s condemnation, Pope St.

John Paul II confessed that the whole saga arose because “science obliged the theologians to examine their own interpretationMost of them did not know how to do so.”

In truth, the only real disturbance between faith and science occurs in the place where faith lacks humility - the remedy for which is to cultivate curiosity, adopting the posture of a learner in boundless awe for the incredible wonder of life we are participating in.

“Here, on the edge of what we know, in contact with the ocean of the unknown, shines the mystery and beauty of the world. And it’s breathtaking.”

(Carlo Rovelli, theoretical physicist)

Young people make commitment

Contributed by Charles

Russell

LANDSBOROUGH

Seventh-day Adventist church members were pleased to witness the baptism of six young people and welcome them into church fellowship.

Max, Emma, Kyle, Nikita, Poppy and Marcus were

baptised into Christ at Wurtulla on the Sunshine Coast.

Before the baptism, Dr Dwane Jackson took a special church service at Landsborough speaking about the ripple effect of our witness in the world, illustrated by the release of live butterflies into the congregation.

WASTE MATTERS

The young people then shared their testimony about how they made the decision to follow Jesus. Relatives, friends and church members then enjoyed a picnic lunch together by the water where Pastor Ben Ah-Sam performed the baptisms. The church welcomes their newest members.

info@malenypc.org.au facebook.com/malenypc

BEERWAH CHURCH 27 Beerwah Parade Sundays 9.30am & Kids Church

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

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

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

GLASSHOUSE COUNTRY

BEERWAH: Sunday 9.30am

Mary MacKillop Centre, 160 Peachester Rd

MOOLOOLAH: Wednesday 9am and 1st Sunday of month 4pm ST THOMAS, 31 Bray Rd

‘The Rubbish Trip’ low-waste living THIS week we’d like to introduce you to an inspirational New Zealand couple, Hannah and Liam, who have been living without a rubbish bin since 2015. This was prompted by their concerns about the damaging effects of plastics, and the huge waste of energy and resources associated with producing

and managing disposable products. They decided to live a low-waste lifestyle, and travel NZ to help others see how they can reduce waste and why that’s important.

Their website, The Rubbish Trip (therubbishtrip.co.nz) has videos, podcasts, interviews, articles and recipes to inspire others to move towards low-waste living. Check out their easy waste-busting recipes (click food/drink headers for recipes) which reduce packaging waste. View ‘The Rubbish Trip’ video (17mins) on YouTube.

WAM’s aims are to educate and empower people to take action on waste and related issues, at a personal and community level. To find out more, visit our website www.wasteactionmaleny.org , Facebook group WAM Waste Action Maleny or email us at wasteactionmaleny@gmail.com.

A Christ-centred and community-loving church where everyone belongs! f: @LandsboroughChurch w: landsborough.org

Local contact: Rev Tony Halstead 0455 554 930

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

GLASSHOUSE COUNTRY CALVARY CONGREGATION

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

With Waste Action Maleny

with Rev Deb Bird Anglican Parishes of Maleny and Palmwoods

The talking centipede

A SINGLE guy decided life would be more fun if he had a pet. So he went to the pet store and told the owner that he wanted to buy an unusual pet. After some discussion, he finally bought a talking centipede, (100-legged bug), which came in a little white box to use for his house. He took the box back home, found a good spot for the box, and decided he would start off by taking his new pet to church with him. So he asked the centipede in the box, “would you like to go to church with me today? We will have a good time.” But there was no answer from

his new pet. This bothered him a bit, but he waited a few minutes and then asked again.

“How about going to church with me and receive blessings?” But again, there was no answer from his new friend and pet. So he waited a few minutes more, thinking about the situation. The guy decided to invite the centipede one last time.

This time he put his face up against the centipede’s house and shouted, “hey, in there! Would you like to go to church with me and learn about God?”

This time, a little voice came out of the box, “I heard you the first jolly time! I’m putting my shoes on!”

Bowls

Contributed by Brett Gillis

10 weeks after reintroducing the Tuesday Jackpot Pairs competition it was won last week by John Greany and Brett Gillis with a margin of +5 sharing the jackpot prize of $334. This week the jackpot starts at $50 and a forecast of sunshine with no chance of rain we look forward to filling the rinks. Club selected teams playing 2 - 4 - 2 pairs games with 2 x rounds of 10 ends including a break for morning tea. Members, visitors and new bowlers welcome to attend - we would love to see you there.

Monthly Jackpot Pairs held on 27th May saw 7 rinks of bowlers representing Kilcoy, Woodford, Mapleton, Glasshouse, Kenilworth and Woodgate Bowls Clubs playing against Maleny teams. The event is sponsored by Maleny Hotel with Chris McLeod on hand to present winners Greg Staniforth and Lester Bechley from Kilcoy

seeking advice and suggestions from parents and carers regarding the best days and times to conduct sessions. Open to children aged 5 to 18 years this all abilities sport is free to participate. Lawn bowls are supplied with skills activities followed by games including children versus parents and carers which is always a lot of fun. Please send suggestions to secretary@ malenybowlsclub.com.au.

Summary:

Handsome

consider Arnold! s

Glasshouse Bowls Club

Contributed by David Hayes

WEDNESDAY 29.05.24

9.30am Bowls. Ladies “B”

Grade Singles Final. A close contest all the way with Jenny Hobson taking out her first B Grade Singles title winning 25 to 21 over Carolyn Malcomson. Great game ladies .

Social. Allan Pashby, Gaylene Coppa and Noelene Annakin def Los Evans, Margaret Blair and Jill Kirchheiner 29 - 22. Shirley Marr (Visitor), Steve Cassidy and Marilyn Podmore def Annette Capern, Grant Podmore and Sally Squires 21 - 16. Nicky Bedwell, John Palte and Di Hume def Seija Munster, Steve Phillips and Sylvia Chamberlain 31 - 13. Viv James, Joy Reason and Frank Buckley def Trish Jackson, Mark Whittam and Allen Owen 15 - 14.

Clayton, Dick Coppa and Brendan Freshwater 19 -14. Winners of the day with the highest score was Di Hume’s team with 31/. R/Up with the 2nd highest score Noelene Annakin’s team with 29.

Thursday 30.05.24 . 2.30pm Social Bowls. 42 players took the green which made the day all triples. Winners of the day with two wins and a score of 76 were Steve Phillips, Peter Bousen and Allan Own. R/up with the highest winning score in either game were Frank Buckley, Keith Hopkins and David Booth. with 42. The lucky draw prize was won by Jack Timm, Kerry Munster and Rodney Sharpe. Raffle winners with $30 were Russ Turner, $20 to Brendan Freshwater and the $10 to Allan Pashby.

Richter, Graham Nicholson and Rob Scullion 23 - 12.

Range Croquet

Contributed by David Kerr LAST week Maleny Showgrounds hosted the Hinterland’s premier Agricultural Show, a cracker event that goes back to 1922. You may be interested to know that “shows” or “exhibitions” have a place in the history of the game of croquet.

that balls aren’t picked up and placed. It’s now come to my knowledge that this is why Ricochet is preferred for people who may have trouble bending but do like being outdoors playing a game of skill in friendly competition. If you like the sound of this, come down Tuesday morning and have a look and maybe a try.

Saturday 01.06.24 Men’s Certified Triples rd 1, 1 pm start. David Hayes, Brendan Freshwater and

Jimmee Gainsford, Zach Flood and Bruce Malcomson def Mick Clarke, Scott Bedwell and John Palte 2614. Darcy Wilson, Kevn Cook and Gavin Linnan def last years winners Peter Bousen, Grant Podmore and Brett Collinson 22 - 19.

Sunday 02.06.24 Mens Triples 2 bowl Semi Finals. Frank Buckley, Paul Chirgwin and David Booth def David Hayes, Brendan Freshwater and Rodney Sharoe 28 - 20. Darcy Wilson, Kevin Cook and Gavin Linnan def Jimmee Gainsford, Zach Flood and Bruce Malcomson 25 - 19

Final 1pm. In a close game Frank Buckley, Paul Chirgwin and David Booth def Darcy Wilson, Kevin Cook and Gavin Linnan 19 - 16

SCHOOL HOLIDAY

London’s Great Exhibition of 1851 was an event that sought to promote British design and engineering. And it was at that event that the game of croquet was unveiled and demonstrated for the British public. The rest as they say, is history!

On Thursday in the Sunshine Coast region Ricochet pennants at the Coolum, Dianne and Sarah played very well, achieving 2 out of 3 wins for our club. Earlier in the week in the Tuesday Ricochet at home, Priscilla (11) and Sally (10) had another close game.

As mentioned last week Ricochet is like the Association form except

Witta Tennis

Contributed by Pauline Fraley

RE-SCHEDULED Witta Tennis Club Tournament to Sunday 21 July. Entries to paulinefraley@gmail.com. Nominations close 14 July. Perfect winter tennis

In the Association games this week, on Thursday Lynette and Wallace scored 20 to Nic’s 14. Sunday afternoon saw Nic and Wallace (21) overcome Dianne (10). It is worth recording that Wallace

won on three occasions. (FYI “pegging out” is the last shot of a ball that has completed the circuit and hit the centre peg.) Well done, Wallace! Play days: Association: Thursday and Sunday. Please arrive at 1.00 pm for games to be arranged by 1.30 pm. Contact Sarah Widin 0417640704 for other days. Ricochet: Tuesday. Please arrive at 8.45 a.m. for games to be arranged by 9.00 a.m. Coaching: is available on Saturday mornings at 8am. Our web address is: https:// rangecroquetatmaleny.

conditions for the Whistlers match against the Caloundra Coast Busters. It was close sets all dayCaloundra the winners with 5 sets and 39 games to 3 sets 32 games. Whistlers this week were Donna, Brenda, Amali & Maree. Katya’s Tennis Drills Thrills and

Fitness is on Friday Nights at 5:45pm. Cost is $20. Come along and join in the fun. All levels are welcome. Social tennis: Monday ladies 8am and Saturday mixed 1pm. All are welcome. Court bookings please call 0437 295 501 or go to the website: www.wittatennis.com.au.

The Great Exhibition 1851 – Croquet was there!

Triples winners Paul Chirgwin, David Booth and Frank Buckley

Ladies B Grade Singles. Winner Jenny Hobson. R/Up Carolyn Malcomson

Local tennis open day

Landsborough Tennis Club wants YOU to join in on an active and fun day

By Kirra Livingstone

THE Landsborough Tennis Club is hosting their annual open day on Saturday, June 8, to celebrate the best of what their club and the sport has to offer.

Club president, Nardia Porfini, said tennis is a great sport to get involved in, keeping you fit and social.

“We’ve got a lot of our members still playing well into their 80s, and you can’t do that in many other sports. It’s also very mentally challenging, and you can meet a lot of friendly good people, it’s also quite social because you can’t play by yourself,”

she said.

Nardia provided insight into what you can expect if you stop on by to the tennis club’s open day.

“We will have a sausage sizzle but to expect from the open days, our coach Katya will be there and she will be running games for the kids so just fun games, won’t be coaching, adults can join in too if they want to,” she said. “We would love to get some new people on the committee too so if you think you’d want to get involved come down and meet the committee.

“We are always looking for extra committee members or people who would like

to bring something to the club.”

She added they would love more active club members too, to bring more life back into the club.

Nardia and the Maleny, Montville, Witta, Mapleton and Mooloolah Valley Tennis Clubs, have been working together to grow tennis in the hinterland over the last 12 months, by hosting local social competitions.

“Our last hinterland tennis competition was run by the Maleny Tennis Club, and it’s a way to connect with other hinterland tennis clubs and players,” she said.

“We are hoping to run a Wimbledon Whites themed

tennis competition to have a bit of fun, dress up, and play some entertaining tennis!”

Tennis Queensland is supporting the open day,

which Nardia said the Landsborough Tennis Club is very grateful for the support.

kirra@gcnews.com.au

By Kirra Livingstone

Corey’s world number 4 ranking in BMX

By Kirra Livingstone

HINTERLAND BMX rider, Corey Frieswyk, had a successful trip to the USA, after placing fourth in the world in masters at the World BMX Championships.

GC&M News spoke to Corey as he travelled back to Australia from the USA, and said he was happy with his results at the championships.

“I’m proud of my effort and performance in my

races at this year’s worlds,” he said.

“Our race day got cut short because of some bad weather so I didn’t get to truly race for the title I got, but regardless I’m proud of my achievement.”

Corey added this was his first time back racing for a while, but loved every second of competing.

“I enjoyed the feeling of getting back into feeling the pressure of lining up on the gate at such a big

event,” he said.

“Feeling of nerves and butterflies, and going out executing good laps.”

Frieswyk has been racing since 1997, so it’s safe to say he is dedicated to his craft, and he added why he loves the sport so much.

“The variety of tracks to ride and the friends you make along the way.”

Corey has had quite a successful career so far, winning numerous national and international titles.

“I love that BMX is an individual sport, the competitive side of it,” he said.

“No matter what age you are there is always something for everyone.

“I have won the National Championships twice in elite men category, as well as winning the Continental Championships also in elite men and masters categories,” he said.

The talented BMX rider

is now gearing up for his upcoming competitions.

“I will probably race the Queensland Championships and National Championships later this year and then head back over to USA for a race called the Grands in December,” he said.

Corey has been racing for the Hinterland BMX Club for the last four years, and he says it’s his favourite club.

kirra@gcnews.com.au

Weckert memorial game

By Kirra Livingstone

IN loving memory of Nathan Weckert, the Beerwah Glasshouse Football Club’s premier women team had its annual memorial game on May 25.

Nathan’s aunty, Melissa Weckert said although Nathan never played for the BeeGees, she and Nathan’s sister, Jordyn have both played for the club for a combined 10 years.

“Nath tragically passed away after he was hit and killed by a car on the Bruce Highway at just 17 years old on 30th August 2021,” she said.

“The memorial game has been held each year since he passed between Buderim and Noosa as they were Nathan’s grassroots clubs.

“The money raised from

the day goes to the children’s charity, inclusive kids.”

Melissa added the memorial game day represents Nathan’s background in grassroots sports and ‘Nath’s game’.

“The 23s Buderim v Noosa is considered “Nath’s game” as that was the age group he was playing in along with all of his mates,” she said.

“A lot of the players Nath played with when he was a kid, still play for those clubs.

“It’s a chance to bring everyone together and talk about Nath and the character he was.

“It’s also a day where all the family are supported by the amazing football community we have here on the Coast.”

Premier women coach, Amy Higgins, said the game is about supporting Mel and

Jordyn, to remember their loved family member.

“We support them by putting 120% into that game and being sure that everyone feels supported,” she said.

“We wear wrist bands with Nathan’s name and Jordyn and Mel captain the side.

“Football is more than just football. It’s a community and when we need to come together to support someone, we do.”

BEERWAH State High School’s dance group, Beerwah Dance Company, recently competed at the Sunshine Coast Eisteddfod, facing up against competition from across the state and as far as Tasmania, and came home with brilliant results.

The Beerwah Dance Company snagged three gold medals, two silver medals, two bronze medals, one 5th place and a very highly commended for Ceilings- Lyrical A.

Beerwah won first for their performances Red Light in Hip Hop, Artificial Intelligence for Contemporary B, and Magic for Jazz A. They got second placings in Lyrical B, Musical Theatre B, and third placings in Musical Theatre A and Contemporary A.

Beerwah State High School said they were very pleased with the results from all their students.

Beerwah Dance Company Reserves break win streak

By Kirra Livingstone

THE Beerwah Bulldogs Reserve Grade Men tied against the Nambour Crushers 18 all, breaking the team’s season long winning streak (June 2).

Nambour scored the first try of the game eight minutes in, however Beerwah winger, Glen Morris, wasted no time, scoring two minutes later.

Beerwah dominated the rest of the first half, scoring two more tries keeping the Crushers scoreless. But the Nambour Crushers came back and scored three more tries in the second half, keeping Beerwah scoreless.

But it was the Crusher’s lack of successful conversions which tied the teams at full time.

The Reserve Bulldogs has won every game this season before their game last weekend.

Beerwah’s next game will be against the Kawana Dolphins at the Beerwah Sportsground at 4:00pm on June 8.

kirra@gcnews.com.au

Corey Frieswyk reflecting on the World BMX Championships

Landsborough Tennis players

IN THE Garden

Encourage wildlife into your backyard

Contributed by Ethan Mimnaugh Mooloolah Landcare Nursery

WE all enjoy our gardens, and nothing is more spectacular than seeing a colourful butterfly or beautiful songbird visiting our homes for the first time. Of course, we all want more of a good thing, so how do we get it? Let’s go over some simple ways to attract more wildlife into your garden. Food sources will increase the temporary visits from all kinds of creatures by encouraging them to forage at your

home. A birdbath is an easy, and a total classic. Some birds, like our beautiful aussie parrots, love eating the seeds of our native trees and grasses, others prefer to eat nectar, or insects. Our fruiting rainforest trees, like the Lillypilly, are great tucker for all kinds of possums and tree dwelling marsupials. Bandicoots and lizards love searching through a deep, rich mulch of fallen leaves for their foods, they are after the insects which eat the leaves, bark, and nectar of all our native species. Gliders are special, and

they enjoy eating the sap of various Acacias and Eucalyptus trees. Don’t be discouraged if you see a native tree that has been stripped by caterpillars; instead be proud to have fed and grown so many native butterflies.

Another way to bring in the critters is to create permanent homes for them. Artificial hollows can be made or purchased to increase these rare habitats. Dense shrubs provide great habitat for small birds, while large and long vines can be a bridge for climbing creatures to navigate to

and from the ground.

Always layer your vegetation for maximum habitat creation, and don’t be afraid to leave a pile of rocks or logs in an open place for reptiles to make a home in.

There are endless ways to attract wildlife into your garden, but the long and short is to plant native plants, they are the food and the homes of the beautiful creatures we have on the Sunshine Coast. Come down to Mooloolah Landcare Nursery where the experienced staff can help make your property a Garden for Wildlife.

Bumper speaker lineup to celebrate Garden Expo 40th year

THE Queensland Garden Expo is set to celebrate its 40th year with the largest gardening speaker program in Australia, expanding to a four-day event from 4 to 7 July. Held at the Nambour Showgrounds, the Expo will feature over 150 free lectures and demonstrations across six live speaker stages. The speaker program includes gardening experts like Jerry Coleby-Williams, Costa Georgiadis, Sophie Thomson, Phil Dudman,

Millie Ross, and Claire Bickle among the 50-strong lineup. Visitors can also explore over 360 exhibitors and displays, including 55 nurseries, spread across the seven-hectare immersive

Event Manager, Marion Beazley, highlighted the event’s emphasis on sustainable gardening.

“As we celebrate 40 years of exchanging gardening ideas, practices, and plants, our speakers and exhibitors

are focusing on how we can all make our gardens more sustainable and beautiful for years to come,” Beazley said.

Jerry Coleby-Williams, a fixture from ABC’s Gardening Australia, will share insights from his 20 years of sustainable gardening in Brisbane.

“Creating sustainable and productive green spaces has never been more important,” he noted, adding that the Expo

has witnessed significant changes in Australian gardening over the past four decades.

The Expo also offers hands-on workshops and interactive activities for all ages. Popular attractions like the Poultry Spectacular return with an expanded program, and the Floral Art Workshops allow participants to create beautiful floral art pieces.

The beloved Kitchen Garden stage will feature cooking demonstrations by chef Matt Golinski and

Sunshine Coast Foodie Martin Duncan, showcasing how to grow and cook with homegrown produce.

The four-day Queensland Garden Expo will be held from Thursday 4 July to Sunday 7 July at the Nambour Showgrounds, Coronation Avenue, Nambour.

Entry is free for children aged 15 and under, with a giant kids’ playground available. For the full speaker program and tickets, visit qldgardenexpo. com.au.

Water dragon

Inset: Banksia bird

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* Master bedroom with external sliding doors to the private balcony.

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* Seamless, Contemporary Kitchen.

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* Complete private, waterfront property with no road in front.

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* Walking distance to restaurants, Sandstone Point Hotel and Spinnaker Marina. Contact us today to secure your own slice of paradise !