RESIDENTS will face another Christmas uncertain if their homes will be bulldozed for Stage 4 of the Bruce Highway Alternative after the government revealed new plans would not be released until 2025.
Transport and Main Roads made the announcement
Elimbah resident, Jason Smith, criticised the lack of communication about scrapping the current routes, calling the announcement merely “rhetoric and a timeline.”
“What we need to see is clear written communication that the current proposed routes have been removed from consideration in their entirety,” he said.
State Member for Glasshouse, Andrew Powell (pictured), deemed the announcement “bitterly disappointing” and criticised the ongoing uncertainty for affected communities.
Transport Minister Bart Mellish stated that the community “had been listened to” and that new investigations aim to reduce the impact on urban areas. Full story p5
Maestro to play in Maleny
By Sonia Isaacs
IN a spectacular coup for the Maleny Arts Council, internationally acclaimed pianist Piers Lane AO will be performing all 21 of Chopin’s Nocturnes, promising a memorable
concert experience for hinterland audiences.
This will be the first time in over a decade that the Australian ex-pat pianist performs in Maleny.
Piers will perform on Friday, July 19 at the Maleny Community Centre. Full story p21
Having performed to sold-out audiences across the globe, received standing ovations at Carnegie Hall, and boasting a wide-ranging concerto repertoire, Lane has engaged with many of the world’s greatest orchestras and musicians.
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
THE good news is we’ve just reached 18,000 Facebook followers!
Thank you to our supporters, followers, advertisers and the GC&M News team of course, who work tirelessly to bring genuinely newsworthy events and issues to the attention of our local audience.
I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that if what we were publishing on Facebook and our website wasn’t resonating, then we wouldn’t have anywhere near the following and engagement as we do across the hinterland.
It has more recently argued that nobody is interested in reading news on its platform.
What it does do, and quite well, is make billions of dollars by selling ad space around other people’s content - including news.
So as we get sucked into those death-scrolling rabbit holes, Facebook is watching, waiting and scraping with an ad or similar content to keep you glued to its site. And isn’t that a healthy way to while away our time? Or not.
A couple of weeks ago a Facebook executive told a parliamentary inquiry in Canberra (with a straight face) that social media didn’t harm children.
ADMIN & ACCOUNTS ON THE COVER
Internationally acclaimed pianist, Piers
will visit Maleny for a special concert, and is pictured with cousin Margaret Taylor. p21
The bad news though, is that if the murmurings out of Canberra are true, then the tech giant is about to flick the switch and turn off your access to legitimate news. This is for a number of reasons, but can be boiled down to the fact that Facebook doesn’t want to pay for the content produced by news organisations. Facebook has long argued that it is not a publisher and that its role is as a platform for user-generated content rather than a creator or editor of content.
Fisher MP, Andrew Wallace, shot back, saying “You cannot be serious”. But serious they were.
GC&M News is a member of the Country Press Association, which writes this week about the issues facing regional news organisations striving to deliver fact-based and relevant news articles to local audiences.
“Facebook particularly has evolved into an antisocial entity
ANGELA USHER angela@gcnews.com.au
that has provided a haven for toxicity, fake news, scams, blackmail, cyberbullying, doxing, revenge porn, trolling, deep fakes, political interference, surveillance capitalism and the spread of mis and disinformation that has caused so much damage within our communities,” CPA president Peter Kennedy writes (p19). Clearly there’s no more room for good news!
My partner asked me the other day if I’d seen a story about Sam Kerr getting a black eye that had been popping into her Facebook feed. I hadn’t, but it was, of course, fake news. That’s one small example of the rubbish that will intensify across our feeds if real news is abandoned by the social media giant. Let’s finish on a positive note though - I’ve never been prouder to own and publish a real live newspaper. Chock full of information that’s been written, edited, designed, produced, printed and delivered by real live people who genuinely believe in the value of local news.
Happy reading!
DENTAL IMPLANTS
Dental Implants are a way of replacing lost natural teeth where suitable bone is available. From an Implant Crown to preplace one tooth, to retention for a Full or Partial Denture, to a Full Fixed Arch of teeth, our dentists at Dental Excel will advise what is possible for you. All implants are planned in conjunction with the MIS
Implant Centre in Melbourne and use the MIS MGUIDE for precision placement. Mini Dental Implants for same day stabilization of lower dentures also available for suitable cases. If you would like some advice as to what is possible for you, please book for a FREE consultation.
Lane
Telstra upgrades
TELSTRA has announced plans to upgrade its telecommunications facility located at 3-5 Western Avenue, Montville, QLD 4560 from July 8 to July 12.
The upgrade will enhance the site with 4G and 5G technology.
The proposed works include replacing six existing panel antennas with six new panel antennas, each no longer than 2.8 meters.
Additionally, nine existing Remote Radio Units (RRUs) will be replaced with six new RRUs.
Other ancillary upgrades will involve TMAs, RRUs, feeders, cable trays, fiber, and electrical cabling, as well as internal work within the existing equipment shelter.
Telstra has classified these upgrades as Lowimpact Facilities under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018.
For more information, visit RFNSA.
‘Take it easy on the road’
Roadworks a headache but upgrades to deliver safety improvements to region
By Kirra Livingstone
POLICE are urging motorists to drive with more care following a series of serious hinterland accidents and extensive and ongoing roadworks along Steve Irwin Way (SIW).
The start of the winter school holidays in late June was marred by serious accidents on the Bruce Highway, with subsequent ‘rat running’ on Roys Rd and SIW resulting in further accidents. Roadworks along SIW range from 60km/hr, to 50km to 40km and then nally back to its usual 80km after the traffic lights on the Roys
While residents have complained about speed limits, a Queensland Police Service (QPS) spokesperson said motorists must always adhere to the speed limits
and drive to the conditions.
“Roadworks present a range of hazards including uneven road surfaces, narrow road shoulders, changing speed limits, and road workers and traff controllers present at the roadworks site,” the QPS spokesperson said.
“Driving through roadworks requires a driver’s complete care and attention to be aware of the changing road conditions.
“For the safety of road workers and all motorists within these zones, the Sunshine Coast Highway Patrol assists by performing mobile patrols and speed detection.”
The QPS spokesperson added police are running Operation Cold Snap over the school holidays, ramping up police presence on roads and static operations from June
associated with speeding, fatigue, seatbelt use, driver distraction, driving while impaired and vehicle safety standards,” the QPS spokesperson said.
As of June 25, four people have died on Sunshine Coast roads this year, highlighting the importance of the operation.
The upgrades to Steve Irwin Way aim to widen the road to provide turning lanes, service roads, entry and exit points and road pavement to improve safety
said the upgrades are scheduled to be complete by mid-2025, weather and construction conditions permitting.
The spokesperson explained the project’s completion will reduce the potential for crashes.
“Reduced speed limits are in place across the work zone to advise motorists of the changed traffic conditions, and to provide a safe roadside environment for motorists and workers,”
“This stretch of road has a significant crash history, including rear-end, run-offroad and head-on crashes.” Division 1 councillor, Jenny Broderick, said she understands that the roadworks are frustrating.
“With roadworks often comes pain for a greater gain. Thank you for your patience as the improvement of SIW continues,” she said.
“We know the outcome will be well worth the wait.”
Steve Irwin Way
Rangebow backed
Council backs the Rangebow festival with three year grant
By Sonia Isaacs
AMID the cancellation of large-scale music and cultural festivals across the country, Sunshine Coast Council (SCC) has doubled down its support towards the Rangebow Festival.
Council has committed to a three year funding program through its Major Events Sponsorship, Emerging Events category.
Division 5 councillor
Winston Johnston OAM, said council had amplified support for the festival due to several reasons.
He listed community roots, cultural diversity and inclusivity, and potential for future growth and tourism opportunities as key factors.
“The Rangebow Festival stands out as a homegrown, community-based event with a highly diverse presentation. In contrast, many other festivals are material-specific and very costly.”
Cr. Johnston
explained.
“There has been a general decline in festival ticket sales across the board. Additionally, with the economic downturn, people are more selective about what events they attend.
“Rangebow attracts a different audience, and I am confident in its growth potential.”
CEO of Visit Sunshine Coast, Matt Stoeckel, said the Rangebow Festival made a substantial contribution to local tourism, especially during off-peak periods.
He emphasised the value of the festival’s vibrant blend of arts, entertainment, music, food, and fun; with a strong focus on diversity, inclusion, sustainability, and reconciliation.
“Major events bring visitors to the Sunshine Coast during our cooler months and outside peak periods, which is crucial,” Mr Stoeckel stated.
Moby Vic’s to see major upgrades
By Kirra Livingstone
COOCHIN Creek’s iconic
‘Moby Vic’s’ service station off Bruce Highway will see huge developments, following a two-year development application approved early this year.
The MCU application to the Sunshine Coast Council was originally submitted by Project Urban on December 22, 2022.
facilities.
According to the development plans, the food and drink outlets which will be going in include a Starbucks, KFC, and Red Rooster.
The existing McDonald’s and Hungry Jack’s will remain at the service station. After a few years of back and forth between Project Urban, De Luca Corporation, and the
continues to expand each year and does an excellent job of showcasing our wonderful hinterland towns,” he said.
Festival Director, Wayne Parcell, said the question everyone asked was why Rangebow continued to evolve from strength to strength when so many others were cancelled or post-postponed. He said some of the answer lay in
the fact Rangebow was both
community,” Mr Parcell said.
“Council and others who support the festival recognise that this festival offers a diverse range of arts and culture.
“I believe Council recognised that our festival values and our offering speaks to the foundation of prosperity for everyone; for all abilities, all interests, all perspectives and every community.”
Plans include: “the demolition of the existing service station and mechanics workshop currently located on the site, and the construction of a new service station and multiple new tenancies including truck parking and manoeuvring areas,” Project Urban said in their development application.
The new service station will include eight doublesided car fuel pumps, three truck fuel pumps, and three food and drink outlets with double-lane drive-thru
Sunshine Coast Council, the decision was finalised on January 12 2024.
The council made an information request on 16 January 2023, which was completed on January 30, 2023. The application’s decision was scheduled for August 28 2023; however, it was extended three times up until early January this year.
Project Urban and the Sunshine Coast Council were both contacted for comment.
kirra@gcnews.com.au
Rangebow performer John Reid
Highlights from Rangebow 2023
Protesters at Elimbah Soldiers Memorial Hall
2024 Bushcare group
Protesters at Pumicestone electorate ‘Community Cabinet’ meeting July 3
QLD’s fi rst RFB 75th milestone
GHM Rural Fire Brigade celebrates 75th year
By Sonia Isaacs
THE Glass House
Mountains Rural Fire Brigade proudly celebrated it’s 75th anniversary on Sunday, June 30.
Around 50 members, friends, and family, along with representatives from the Landsborough, Beerwah, Peachester, and Fullerton.
Speaking with GC&M News, Dave Gower recounted that the brigade was first formed in December 1948, due to the increasing need for a locally
in June 1949, making it Queensland’s first Rural Fire Brigade.
“Our official brigade number is 00001,” Mr Gower said.
“We’ve got a picture of the First Officer from the very first brigade, Charles Gardner, being presented with the ‘number one Bush Fire Brigade’ certificate by
Mr Gower expressed his pride in celebrating 75 years of the brigade and the enduring community spirit of the volunteers involved.
“We’ve come a long way from the days when we had to buy our own personal protective gear,” he laughed.
“We’ve now got a new shed, training room, equipment, and a lot of support from the Fire in keeping our community safe.”
First Officer, Anthony Rook, said the GHM RFB was thankful to have had the support of the community for so many years.
”It’s because of our community that our brigade continues to keep going
Alex Rowley, Charlie Pike, Aiden Young, Anthony Rook, Scott Wilson, Steve Rook, David Gower. Inset: Historic pic held by Anthony of The Minister for Lands presenting the No 1 Bush Fire certifi
Original registration and fire boundary and map
GHM RFB members at the 75th celebrations
Council land grants available
FROM July 8, the Environment Levy funded grants will open once again for expressions of interest for the 2024 funding round.
Rural landowners can apply for financial help to complete on-ground environment projects on their private property.
Grants of up to $15,000 are available for projects, including bush regeneration, reducing sediment loss on farms and controlling environmental weeds.
Expressions of Interest open July 8, 2024. Submit Expression of Interest before August 12, 2024. Apply online before September 30.
Botanic gardens is on the map!
THE Maleny Botanic Gardens last week were awarded the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice, Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best 2024, and ranked number 5 for Things To Do in Queensland.
The award winning tourist destination were also awarded the Travellers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best for Top Attractions in Australia, coming in at number five.
Congratulations!
Memorials reinstalled
By Sonia Isaacs
FAMILY members say they have found a sense of peace as 10 memorial plaques stolen from Peachester Cemetery have now been replaced and reinstalled
In the lead-up to last year’s Remembrance Day, callous thieves stole and defaced several brass plaques honouring well known community stalwarts from the BeerwahPeachester district, including Nev Anning, Cliff Barr, John (Jack) Barry, Bill Neill, Keith Simpson, and Alan (Dick) Strong.
Helen Page, President of the
the reinstatement of the memorials, noting the distress their initial loss had caused. Her father, Clifford Walden Barr, was among those commemorated on the stolen plaques.
the PHC was able to commission replacements.
Mrs Page said that the history committee’s long-running involvement in the installation and upkeep of the plaques ensured the PHC had ready access to information and pictures to assist in
their replacement.
‘“Fortunately we had extensive records on file to assist us to replicate the plaques,” she said.
In early May, family members were invited to a special viewing of the new plaques at Peachester Hall, bringing a sense of consolation and comfort to those present.
Despite delays due to adverse weather conditions, the plaques were eventually installed onsite by committee members last month.
Mrs Page highlighted the collective effort involved in the installation.
“We had a fair bit of rain these last few months which meant we had to keep postponing the actual installations at the cemetery,” Mrs Page said
“In the end, we had a few of our members come down and spend a few days installing the plaques. It was a definitely a team eff
“We are just all very happy to finally have the memorials of our loved ones laid back in the cemetery,” Mrs Page said.
Two men, aged 38 and 45, from Caboolture, were
Members of Peachester History Committee (PHC) gathered last week at Peachester cemetery
Ross and Mike
TriCare village plans on nose
Council wants detail on density, roads, odour
RETIREMENT village
developer TriCare has been ordered to go back to the drawing board over a proposed 235-unit complex on the outskirts of Beerwah.
Sunshine Coast Council says the original application doesn’t comply with the local planning scheme, with concerns including the scale of the project, its lack of access to public transport, and the density of dwellings.
TriCare purchased the 32 hectare site last year for $21 million.
It lodged a development application earlier this year but in response council said that the site was intended to provide for large residential lot sizes that accommodate detached houses in a manner which are “sympathetic to the character of adjacent residential areas” and provide an appropriate transition and separation to the surrounding rural areas.
“It is not seen how a stand-alone Retirement facility on the site, at the scale proposed, could be integrated with the surrounding community,” the council stated.
“This is mainly because it is isolated on the periphery of the urban area, surrounded by rural lands to the north and west, conservation park to the east and environmental park to the south.
“Further, the layout does not include sufficient space to provide separation between dwellings that results in a building scale that is compatible with surrounding low density residential development.
The council wrote that it was concerned the development would not be well-connected to or integrated with the surrounding community.
The site is located about 1.5km from the town centre with no public transport
services available.
TriCare has also been asked to address potential odour issues from the nearby Woodlands poultry farm.
The council said the design also lacks sufficient information regarding the proposed Newells Road upgrade.
“The submitted design drawings do not include a proposed connection to the existing road network to the south,” the council stated.
“It (also) does not demonstrate how the development would be integrated with the surrounding community, nor does it adequately address emergency access and resilience for the facility.”
40th QLD Garden expo
By Kirra Livingstone
DESPITE the wet weather last week, hundreds turned up to the Queensland Garden Expo’s 40th anniversary event at the Nambour Showgrounds.
The event’s launch on July 4 kicked off with a
welcome to country by Gubbi Gubbi traditional custodian, Lyndon Davies.
There was a selection of interesting speakers that followed, who shared expert knowledge about everything garden.
The green thumb enthusiasts expo stretched over four wonderful days,
VETERINARY CARE PROMOTING BUSINESS
with numerous displays of beautiful plants and flower arrangements, and 360 incredible exhibitors!
The Expo also launched its inaugural crowing competition, to find Australia’s Grand Champion Crower.
For more pictures from the Expo, see p17.
WORKWEAR
Lola enjoying the Garden Expo
The pain of self-destruction
He is my youngest son, Stephen. He is dead. Stephen was addicted to the drug ‘ice’ (methamphetamine hydrochloride). Living alone, in Melbourne, he had been dead for several days.
MALENY author, Jack Wilcox AM, reached out to GC&M News to share a deeply personal insight into the devastating impact the drug ‘ice’ had on his own family.
By bravely revealing some of the harrowing details that contributed to the ‘pointless death’ of his son, Jack said he hoped that by sharing his message, even one family could be helped, making it worthwhile.
Contributed by Jack Wilcox AM THE apartment is eerily quiet and strangely empty. No clothes in the wardrobe, no food in the fridge, nothing except an empty wine glass and a bible on a small table. A man lay on the floor, a pillow under his head, seemingly in sleeping mode.
Finally, after several suicide attempts and years of cruelly tormenting himself, his family, and his friends, this tortured soul was now at peace, free of his addiction.
A subsequent autopsy found no trace of drugs in his system and could not establish the cause of death describing it as ‘unascertainable’.
Failure to find traces of the drug can be discounted. Any ice would have probably dissipated during the twoto-three-week gap between his estimated death and the autopsy.
Linking the sterile, funereal scene in his apartment with his references in his recent emails, to suicide as an obvious option, made me wonder about the cause of his death.
He often said he would
not take suicide while his parents were alive because of the trauma it would cause them. Easily said in his saner moments but during an unhinged ice rant. I wonder. His emails were frequent
can’t beat.
His messages were sometimes lucid but often rants of drug-fuelled, obscene attacks on his parents and friends.
This lost him a lot of
and lengthy, sometimes for hours at night.
So many in fact that I did not read them all. Reading them now, for the first time, is painful as some were a cry for help - an example - ‘no one is listening to me, I am crying as I write this.
I have no friends, no job, no money an addiction I
friends and estranged some family members.
The shadow of violence was never far away.
On one occasion, he torched several vehicles, spilling petrol on himself resulting in third-degree burns which put him in hospital for several weeks.
On another occasion,
I was visiting him in Melbourne, we had a pleasant dinner and then walked to a nearby pub down some darkened streets. His mood changed suddenly. He came up behind me and said, ‘You know, if I had a knife, I could kill you’.
I thought he was joking except for the cold, malevolence in his voice.
The recent massacre at Bondi had all the hallmarks of an ice rage.
It reminded me of that night in Melbourne.
It was never mentioned again.
Stephen had been a clever successful lawyer before his addiction. But he recently handed in his practicing certificate as a lawyer becoming a depressed lonely man dependent on drug dealers for his next ‘hit’.
Stephen’s demands for money have been endless.
Over the years Stephen’s drug problems have cost the family, several hundred thousand dollars.
I did not understand the evil depths of this drug until an email from Stephen
describing the different forms of addiction.
He said drugs, like heroin and cocaine, are physical addictions from which you could recover with enough discipline and help. Ice, which directly affects the brain, he described as a mental addiction -- ‘you don’t have the will to give it up’. This is not a lecture to parents by an old man grieving for his son. It is a WARNING to those who think it’s ‘cool’ to experiment with drugsplaying Russian roulette with the embrace of something much more evil - ICE. For the addict, a lifelong journey into hell. For family and friends, misery and despair, as a loved one self-destructs.
If you or anyone you know needs help: In an emergency: Call 000 Lifeline on 13 11 14 Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 Other counselling and support services include: National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline 1800 250 015
Stephen and Jack Wilcox
Dynamic duo make a smart move
FOR twins Nathan and Matthew Weir, a career in the real estate sector is a way for them to help their single mum pay off her mortgage.
er working together in previous jobs at Bunnings and as apprentice electricians, Nathan and Matthew have recently joined the Ray White team to lead their Mooloolah ice.
As passionate co-agents, they are combining forces
Service champion
By Sonia Isaacs
BEERWAH Shell service station manager, Karina Degan, has just returned from Singapore after representing Australia at the Global Service Champion Awards.
to best serve their clients. They are solutionfocused and want to build genuine long-term relationships with sellers and buyers.
A key motivating factor for Nathan and Matthew is their mother, who raised them as a single mum, and now they want to pay her back by forging a successful career in property to help pay off her mortgage.
Nathan and Matthew know that if they work
hard, they will get the results, helped along by the support and mentoring from Alex Garden and the Ray White team. The brothers have coined an innovative concept called The Smart Move to better support clients through the buying and selling process.
To learn more, or to discuss your property goals and get a free appraisal, give the twin team a call.
Singapore to attend the Shell international conference and awards ceremony as part of her prize. Karina described representing Australia and Beerwah on the global stage as an unforgettable yet surreal experience.
everyone was to be there, along with the medal ceremony and then the gala, was definitely an experience I won’t forget any time soon.”
“We have never had the travel bug, but after visiting Singapore, we would like to go back and see more of the country.
As previously reported in the GC&M News (March 5 edition), Karina was awarded the 2023 National Service Champion of the Year, with a trip to
“Just realising how big Shell is all over the world, with 46 countries attending the conference, was incredible,” she said.
“Our takeaway from the trip was just how global Shell is and how proud everyone was to support Shell in every country. We really are very lucky to have such an innovative company here in Australia.” Beerwah Shell manager
“Seeing how proud
Karina said the trip marked the first time she and her husband Joh had travelled overseas together.
“Singapore itself is fantastic. Very clean and safe feeling, and people are beyond helpful and friendly,” she said.
Karina Degan with husband Joh in Singapore
Cafe serves as hub
By Kirra Livingstone
VWF Command Post
Café is Beerwah’s newest café and community hub, run purely non-for-profit, focusing specifically on providing veterans’ health and wellbeing, as well as anyone who is in need.
The hub is the first of its kind in Australia, serving as a one-stop shop for veterans seeking mental, health, and financial support, located at Beerwah’s new health hub, with a wellbeing officer based at the café.
Owner, Pete Kennedy, said since opening last month, the hub has helped many people looking for support through the café and his new charity, ‘Veteran Wellbeing Foundation’.
“I have probably had ten people through the back to the triage that I’ve already given assistance to, because realistically the café is just the facade,” he said.
“The café is here for a number of reasons, but the café is what gets the people through the door. The real beating heart, I suppose, of Veteran Wellbeing Foundation is what happens in the back.
“The general feedback from the community has been fantastic so far. It’s not about competition between cafés or anything like that,
it’s providing a unique service that no one else is doing.”
Support available for veterans is endless at the hub, which can help with their health, mental health, financial support, anything that they need.
“We offer veterans help with their general health, allied health, and mental health, all those kinds of things,” he said.
“We have a conversation advocate in there for the DVA paperwork.
“We also have a wellbeing officer in there who’s a veteran and understands that landscape.”
Pete added that all the profits that the café makes will go straight back into the community, which is what the hub is all about.
“Basically, the only people that get paid out of this are the girls and boys working in the café because that’s their job,” he said.
“Any other profits that are made out of it will go into a welfare fund, and that will be available for us to run any projects, provide assistance. We will be able to provide meals if someone is struggling.
“You can also pay it forward with a pie or coffee and leave a note on the giving board for those who need something to eat or drink, providing a dignified experience for those who are struggling.”
VWF Command Post Café is located at the Beerwah Health Hub on Turner Street.
kirra@gcnews.com.au
By Andrew Wallace
Sebastian , Pete, Candace and Haylee
NEWS Communit y
Caloundra’s youth member Guitar Collections
Macey Searle’s seat in youth parliament
By Kirra Livingstone
BEERWAH high student
Macey Searle is this year’s youth member for Caloundra, and will be working alongside MP Jason Hunt and other youth members across the state.
Macey has been in the role since April this year and will finish up in September, and has so far met a range of people from all walks of life, including a number of state politicians.
“I love just meeting new people, I meet such a wide age range, I have met like 150 other kids because there is 151 of us in youth parliament,” she said.
“I’ve met a lot of ministers, like the minister of health, as well as a range of people from the community.
“My favourite person I have met so far is Sally Stannard, the director general of Transport and Main Roads.”
As a youth
member, Macey works with others just like her from across the state, and practice writing legislative bills, with the possibly of the bill going to state parliament.
“I’m in the health committee and each committee makes a bill and then we go to parliament and debate it in youth parliament with each other,” Macey said.
“Our bill we are working on is making sure there is a safe work place for nurses and doctors, through upping security guards and having the minimum safety requirements.”
She has previously worked with Jason Hunt during her work experience last year, which is how she was then offered this opportunity.
Macey stressed how much she loves politics and why she is passionate about going into politics one day.
“As a kid I always wanted to find a way to make a change. I was going through each career, lawyer, teacher, but politics is just on another level like you can actually make legislation that can then help people,” she said.
“I find that you need a solid career first, so my plan is to become a migration lawyer and from there I’ll just build up in the community and hopefully become a state member.”
kirra@gcnews.com.au
With our regular columnist, local musician Dr Michael Whiticker
I WAS just reading an article online on the auctioning of Ian Bairnson’s 1974 Gibson Les Paul Custom (guitar). Who is Ian Bairnson you might ask? None other than the lead guitarist who featured on Kate Bush’s 1978 hit Wuthering Heights; a song produced by Pink Floyd’s Dave Gilmore who certainly knew a thing or two about guitar players and guitars! Ian Bairnson was a Scottish session guitarist and multi-instrumentalist, best known for his work with Kate Bush and the Alan Parsons Project. In 1973, he joined the Scottish rock group Pilot, scoring UK top 20 singles. During his time with Pilot, he met Alan Parsons and later featured on every Alan Parsons Project album, including the 1984 offshoot Keats. He went on to play on Bush’s first four albums, and also did recording sessions with Kenny Rogers, Tom Jones, Sting, Paul McCartney and
Stanley Clark – where his Les Paul was invariably slung around his shoulders. So as a guitarist he was in demand - a force to be reckoned with, and his recent death has made that clearer as we look back at his many achievements. Returning to his Les Paul and its auctioning, they are anticipating it’ll fetch 30,000 pounds. As the offer includes all 12 of Bainston’s guitars as well as his 4 gold records and vintage Marshall and Soldano amplifier stacks, I think they are severely under anticipating!
Why so much attention for guitars? Does it matter who previously owned the guitars you might buy and play? Well to most of us guitar nuts it does matter as we feverishly study the work of the master players, and to be able to hold the guitar that was used for this or that solo or riff is pretty special. But, in the case of 99.99% of us, we won’t get to touch those master’s guitars as a collector will buy them and they will be put behind glass…that’s sad but that’s
the nature of things today. People like to have their possessions and I’m no different to everyone else…I do love guitars and I have more than I can play at any one time. Most professional players believe you need at least five electric guitars to cover all tones required, typically a Gibson Les Paul and Gibson 335 (for blues or jazz tones), a Fender Strat and Fender Tele, and something like a Gretsch for some variety! Then you’ll need some acoustic guitars and you’ll possibly have lapslides and resonator guitars as well amongst your other instruments.
Aah, guitars…the collecting aside, as musicians we can at least dream to play beautifully and in our best moments - even just in our personal space and at our own level, whatever that is, we get there. No one else can ever achieve our sound. Contemplate that next time you sit down, guitar in hand. Play a chord, let it ring, strike a harmonic, bend a note…there is you in sound.
NEWS Communit y
Stay safe with self defence Lions changeover
By Kirra Livingstone
JOANNE Turner is running her third free self defence class in Maleny, to help runners and outdoor enthusiasts to stay safe. Joanne is the event
and effective tips and techniques in a safe, fun environment. The free event is inspired by an increase of attacks on female runners.
Joanne said there will be a few instructors helping out on the day, and she hopes
Celebrate NAIDOC Week
Online map and research report about local First Nations place names can be viewed at Glass House Mountains Visitor Centre.
NAIDOC
peoples.
Some local activities include; First Nations Dyungungoo digital interactive and immersive experience from July 10-14 (10am-3pm) at Bankfoot House, Old Gympie Road, Glass House Mountains and a Self-Guided Tour – Bark Canoe and documentary at Landsborough Museum July 10-14 (10am-3pm).
More details via Council’s Heritage website or www. sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/ living-and-community/firstnations-partnerships/first-
Probus club on safari
Contributed by John Gyzemyter
LATE last month our club took to a bus trip to the Wildlife HQ Zoo at Woombye.
29 of our members viewed the many animals on display, including Gibbons, Tassie Devils, Sun bears, Tamarind Monkeys, Spider Monkeys and more. Walking passed the Meerkat enclosure we were closely watched by the Sentry perched on the highest point! Afterwards we adjourned to the Banana Benders Pub for lunch. Probus is an organisation for the retired and semiretired to foster friendship, fellowship and fun. We have monthly guest speakers who discuss a variety of
Club members at Wildlife HQ
topics. Our last speaker, Kathy Zannes spoke about ‘Black Dog’ motorbike rides which raise awareness of mental health issues. Next month’s speaker is Lucy Haslam who will speak about the benefits of Medicinal Cannabis.If you are interested in joining our group or would like to hear Lucy speak you are welcome to come along on the fourth Wednesday of the month at the Uniting Church, Maleny at 9.30am Non member visitors are always welcome but we do ask for a $10 contribution to defray the cost of an extensive Morning Tea. Please contact Lynette for catering purposes malenyprobus@gmail.com Lynette 5494 2351.
IT was a night of celebration on June 27 when Blackall Range Lions held their Changeover Dinner. The club celebrated a year of achievement in the form of donations to international, national and local causes, as well their assistance to individuals and organisations on the Range in the form of working bees and other physical help. In the coming year, the club looks forward to serving their community under the leadership of their new President, Meryl Gamgee.
Club members Helen Smith, Ann Head, Neil McKee, Anne King and Marcia Jensen were given awards for their community work during the year. One of the highlights of the evening
was the presentation of a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellowship pin, to Lindsay Stewart, who joined Lions in 1973. The Melvin Jones Fellowship is Lions most prestigious award, and Lindsay was awarded this many years ago. His level of service to various communities has not waned however, and this was recognised by awarding him the pin on the night.
Winners are grinners!
Contributed by Beerwah Marketplace
THE Beerwah Marketplace recently run a Giveaway Lucky Envelope Promotion, with an array of people winning great prizes!
There was a wide range of prizes on offer to those who entered the promotion, giving everyone a chance of winning something perfect for them.
Some of the prizes include a dinosaur toy (pictured right), a doll, a plush toy, a
Nathan, David, Candace,
Joanne, Lindsay
Previous NAIDOC week celebrations
Buying Now
Mike and Nate Cornish will be travelling the Sunshine Coast area between July 10th and 20th. We want to buy your unwanted items listed below. Please visit us at one of the venues shown below for an ‘on the spot’ appraisal. See www.heritageint.nz for our full schedule.
If you live outside the area, have too many items to bring in, or would like a home visit, phone Nate on 0426 820 646 NOW to arrange a time. These events are often compared to the ‘Antiques Roadshow’ on TV, but without the long queues. Don’t miss this opportunity!
Fully Licensed Antique, Numismatic, and Precious Metal Buyers with over 45 years Industry Experience. Security Supplied by Security International Limited.
Australian Proof & Uncirc. Gold, Silver, Proof, Uncirculated, C-Mint, Old or Modern Coins and Sets, Collections & Accumulations. All RAM and Perth Mint. Any tins, bags,
Coins Full and Half Sovereigns, Nuggets, Bullion, $200 Aust. Coins, Commemorative Coins, World Gold Coins, Holed or Worn, Gold Medals & Fobs Silver Coins
– Crowns, Half Crowns, Florins,
Caloundra RSL (Foyer Function Area) 9:00am – 1:00pm 19 West Terrace, Caloundra WEDNESDAY 10TH JULY
Home Visits
1:00pm – 6:00pm Phone 0426 820 646 For a Home Visit
Trays, Baskets, Vases, Jugs, Cigarette & Card Cases. Silver Bars of any size
Landsborough Hall 12:30pm – 3:00pm 485 Old Landsborough Road
Glass House Mountains Community Hall 3:30pm – 5:00pm 8 Coonowrin Rd
Mapleton Bowls Club (Hall) 9:00am – 11:00am 5 Post Office Road
Woombye Bowls Club (Bistro Area) 11:30am – 1:30pm 5-9 Hill Street
Buderim Tavern (Function Room) 2:00pm – 3:30pm 81 Burnett Street
Home Visits 3:30pm
Beerwah Meeting Place (Room 3/3A) 8:30am – 12:00pm 25 Peachester Road MONDAY 15TH JULY TUESDAY 16TH JULY WEDNESDAY 17TH JULY
Home Visits 4:00pm – 6:00pm Phone 0426 820 646 For a Home Visit
Yandina-Eumundi RSL Hall 9:00am – 11:30am 24 North St, Yandina THURSDAY 18TH JULY
Cooroy RSL 12:30pm – 3:00pm 25 Maple Street
Home Visits
3:00pm – 6:00pm Phone 0426 820 646 For a Home Visit
stones, Brooches, Pendants, Lockets, Bracelets & Bangles, Gold Cuff Links, Necklaces, All Broken or Worn Jewellery ellery y ngles, Cuf Broken or Worn
ockets, fLik f n Neck
By Marina Gomide
THE largest medieval festival in the southern hemisphere took place this weekend, with 30,000 people flocking to the Abbey Medieval Festival 2024 in Caboolture.
The three day event featured jousting tournaments, sword fighting, archery, morris dancing, and a lot of stalls selling various medieval inspired products.
The on again, off again didn’t deter the lords and ladies from enjoying the event, actually adding to
The Puccini effect
By Sonia Isaacs
A FULL house for Maleny Arts Council on Saturday June 29 with the extraordinary production of The Puccini Effect.
This one woman ‘Puccini Powerhouse’ performance at the Maleny Community Centre was written and performed by the talented soprano Vanessa West. Featuring associate artist, Angus Grant on piano, the Puccini Effect tells the tale of the real life women who inspired Puccini’s operatic heroines including Tosca, Madama Butterfly and Mimi.
Margaret Taylor and Vanessa West
John and D’Arcy Wilson
Vanessa West on stage
Dale and Michael Brennan
Hayley Ballinger and Kelly Smith
Hand-made costumes
Jouster Lady Liberty
Irish Wolfhounds joined the fun
Most attendees dressed up
Turkish Oil Wrestling
Full house for Puccini Effect
GHC Rotary changeover
By Sonia Isaacs
GLASSHOUSE Country
Rotary held their changeover dinner last Monday July 1 with a solid turnout of 26 guests at the Beerwah Hotel. It was a fun and friendly evening, with the proceedings jovially conducted by club Treasurer Tony Long. In attendance were representatives of several surrounding Rotary clubs, Cr. Jenny Broderick, Area Governor Bernie Wilson and District Governor Charles Guesden. Steve Newton stepped up to take on the role of President and thanked immediate past president Judy Handscomb and the executive and members for all they had achieved to date. Steve said he was pleased that the club was welcoming three new members and said he hoped the club would continue to attract new interest from the local community.
Queensland Garden Expo flourishes into its 40th year
By Sonia Isaacs
ONCE again the Queensland Garden Expo delighted the crowds with a packed four day program at the Nambour Showgrounds.
Celebrating 40 years, the Expo was a plant lovers paradise attracting big crowds from across the state for the much loved annual event. Featuring hundreds of workshops, displays and presentations by some of the country’s leading gardening experts, this year’s garden expo proved a blooming success despite the downpour.
Ask any Queenslander and they will tell you we’re number one. Number one for sunshine and lifestyle. We are also number one to benefit from coal royalties.
Coal royalties help to pay for cost-of-living support like electricity rebates and free kindy. They also help pay for infrastructure and services.
Peter and Dianne
Bernie, Rosemary and Charles
Tony, Jennifer, Paulette, Greg
Rotary Club Glasshouse Country members
Costa
Kristy and Oriel Ben, Adalyn, Lola, Tyson
Robyn, Paula, Andrew, David
Rachel and Mark Milo and Trevor
Jessica
Samba La bamba dancers
Pantastic Steel band
Kim Newton, IPP Judith Handscomb and Steve Newton
Ursula and Ilia Jack, Rex and Deb
Council Double Standards
I VISITED a Sunshine Coast Council library today. I brought along a cake (it cost $8) to thank the staff for the great service they provide to the community, and to help me celebrate my 80th birthday. I was told that staff cannot accept any kind of gift. I fully understand conflict of interest having 30 years experience in government procurement at Commonwealth, State and Council levels.
Sunshine Coast Councillors are allowed to accept hospitality from companies who may do business with Council as long as they record it in a diary. Why can’t staff accept a shared, low cost gift and do the same? A touch of hypocrisy on the part of Sunshine Coast Council I think. I donated the cake to a charity foodbank.
Ray Sanderson
A higher order use
Are we missing the point Roys Road/Steve Irwin Way?
Love or not the idea of Coles, they have identified this as a higher order of use site.
Higher order of use being something many of us will use regularly.
Tin sheds and industrial (the council position) is not something that will be used by many of us, or by the passing road users.
(No offence to the industrial fraternity we need you!)
In a short time, we will
have Aura etc full/8000 homes Beerwah East/park and ride Beerwah plus new station and a bigger hinterland.
How many more cars will travel these major arterials, Roys Road and Steve Irwin Way in 5, 10, 15 years?
Will the marketplace handle the future? Is it handling it now? Are 2 service stations enough?
Something on the east side of the Steve Irwin Way will take the pressure off, you mightn’t go there but enough will. What do Steve Irwin Way users see of Beerwah? Is there anything for them to stop or even slow down?
We are missing an opportunity here…. Coles haven’t fought council for 3 years because the site is a dud.
This irreplaceable, strategic, and once in a lifetime site is a lot better than tin sheds and industrial.
I urge you to contact your local councillor Jenny Broderick and the Lord Mayor if you feel this way.
Once it’s gone it’s gone.
BM Beerwah
Native forests of great value
State Forests –Yabba, Peachester, Jimna, Squirrel Creek, Bellthorpe, Beerburrum West and others - are part of the 20,000 hectares moving into National
Parks. (GCN 25th June)The Hinterland will have much more wildlife habitat far from cities and highways, a valuable contribution to the work of protecting wildlife into the future. This transition is based on research showing that species like koalas and greater gliders are not holding their own. S.E. Qld patches of forest are being cleared for houses and highways.
The two industries affected by this change are hardwood timber and tourism. Qld Department (DAF) has carried out a twenty-five year plan and is funding timber industry research into new products and plantations. Timber workers are supported. Research by ecologists shows that publicly-owned native forests are most valuable as protected ecosystems. Tourism is Sunshine Coast’s most
important industry. Walking in old growth forests, viewing birds and koalas in the wild, are precious tourist experiences. Thankyou to everyone who over three decades brought us to this change.
Gillian Pechey Maleny Nuclear Power I find the Australian Government quite hypercritical with regard to nuclear power. On one hand they are quite happy to sell uranium to other countries to power their nuclear power stations. But forbid us from using the same technology. This is across all political spectrums. John Howard even supported the original ban. I assume this decision was taken before climate change became an issue. The abundance of coal reduced the need to look elsewhere for base line power.
They obviously made the wrong choice, given that we are now supposed to be the one of the most polluting countries in the world. We are constantly being told that is too expensive and will take years to build.
Chris Bowen could have made a decision to allow us to look at the issue two years ago, which has already left us two years behind.
I understand that people are concerned about what happened at Chernobyl and Fukashima. Chernobyl was an accident waiting to happen, in a rush to open it before all testing had been carried out. Fuksashima on the other hand was remarkably contained. There is apparently no contamination of the surrounding countryside. It is all contained in the damaged reactor.
Pumped hydro is the new big thing in renewables. They haven’t looked at the probability of prolonged drought in the future. What are they going to pump, mud?
Another $b30 dollars down the drain. As for wind power, I just checked the wind speed at both Melbourne and Launceston airports. Melbourne is 10Kph, the minimum speed needed to power large turbines, Launceston was 8Kph which is below the minimum windspeed required to power large
Caught speeding? Best to panic...
HOW many bloody speed signs can you have in one 2km stretch?
About six if you’re running the Steve Irwin Way upgrade.
The most annoying thing about it though is when motorists reach the digital speed monitor that’s on a slight bend heading into Beerwah.
Yes, you’ve been
speeding. We all have... all it does is flash red. In fact I wonder how accurate it is. But instead of a reasonable response - ie easing the foot off the pedal - motorists (and they’re always the ones directly in front of me), seem to feel the need to plant both feet on the brakes like they’re a foot away from hitting a
stray child, or dog as they scream ‘brace, brace!’.
It’s okay folks, it’s not a speed camera, just apply commonsense not your two feet.
I love learning new things. For instance I didn’t know until last week there was a Labor Senator from WA called Fatima Payman.
As you would all now know, she played the race
card and decided the party that won her a six-year term in parliament wasn’t good enough for her and has quit over something happening in the Middle East.
What’s happening globally is of concern, but what is happening in our backyards is what really matters.
Whichever your political colours (not thinking green though), you would like to
turbines. As you are aware Bass strait is where they want to put these off shore wind farms. Not very smart. I think that targeting existing coal fired power stations as possible sites for nuclear power is the most sensible thing. All of the network infrastructure is already there so we don’t have to build a whole new grid at great expense. I think we should give it some serious thought.
Derek Browning Glasshouse Mountains
Thank you
I would like to thank the good soul who found my much loved & worn 12 year old Kathmandu jacket last Wednesday and hung it up on a tree near Aldi. I had stupidly hung it over my bag & didn’t notice it fall off.
I never expected to find it when I retraced my steps on Thursday & was so thrilled with the honesty of the finder.
Thank you so much.
J Martin
think there is some loyalty card that should be in play.
The Prime Minister should have got in first and dumped her though.
Letting Senator Payman resign was weak.
At such a critical juncture, domestically and internationally, it really riles me to think policies of the major party in power will
with a ratbag bunch of independents and their singular ideology.
Beerwah
Don’t silence us
It’s time for Meta to face the music and pay its dues
LAST month, Country Press Australia (CPA) – the largest representative association of newspaper publishers in Australia, appeared before a joint hearing in Canberra into social media and its impacts on Australian society.
The hearing was convened out of concerns about the negative impacts social media platforms have upon our community, including the recent decision by Meta to no longer pay news publishers for content posted to the company’s platforms.
That announcement has been met with anger, frustration, disappointment, worry and concern among news publishers, and the news industry shares the concerns of the broader community over Meta’s outrageous behaviour that has had such a damaging impact on so many sections of the community.
Facebook particularly has evolved into an antisocial entity that has provided a haven for toxicity, fake
news, scams, blackmail, cyberbullying, doxing, revenge porn, trolling, deep fakes, political interference, surveillance capitalism and the spread of mis and disinformation that has caused so much damage within our communities.
The live streaming of massacres, images of unrealistic so-called beautiful people and conspiracies are also part and parcel of social media today.
In the case of the news industry, Communications Minister Michelle Rowland has said Meta’s decision to no longer pay for news content in a number of jurisdictions “represents a dereliction of its commitment to the sustainability of Australian news media,” a comment CPA endorses wholeheartedly.
Meta has shown complete disdain for Australian media outlets, the News Media Bargaining Code and the Australian Government by announcing its intention not to renew agreements with publishers.
Meta has been deemed an unavoidable trading partner, and as such, is expected to conform to the same standards and expectations as the rest of us.
In short, we believe Meta fails to meet those
standards, and that the company long ago ceased to be just a provider of social media platforms.
Just last month, the US Surgeon General called for social media to have warnings attached to it over mental health concerns for users.
It’s one of the great paradoxes of our time that rather than tackle unacceptable elements and accept responsibility for the damage caused by providing the habitat for such scornful matter, Meta has instead opted to diminish the presence of the real news and of truth by continually adjusting its algorithms and rendering public interest news content more and more difficult to find.
The federal government has the News Media Bargaining Code at its disposal, a mechanism established to ensure social media platforms can be held to account and that media organisations are treated fairly in their dealings with the social media giants.
Should the government designate Meta under the Code, the company is likely to block news sites from its platforms just as it has done in Canada. And in that country, it’s been regional and rural publishers who have been negatively impacted the most.
In this instance we encourage the government to insert a ‘must carry news’ clause in the code forcing them to negotiate with publishers or impose a 20 per cent tax on Meta’s Australian revenue.
Proceeds from the tax can be used for mental health programs to assist young people negatively impacted by social media, and a component distributed to publishers as compensation for Meta’s use of their content.
If Meta refuses, they should be banned from Australia.
Meta is a publisher just like our members; however, their platforms are not subject to laws including defamation and contempt of court, editorial standards and regulatory frameworks.
If they were, I would not need to write this opinion piece and there would be a lot less social harm and mental health issues in our community today.
what is right, just as we as publishers do. Meta’s commercialisation of the negativity it allows to fester on its platforms is a scourge upon that company and has created significant hardship and misery for many Australians.
Meta’s Facebook has little, if any, checking mechanism prior to content and comments being published. Its algorithms serve up content based on popularity regardless of what may be appropriate for the audience. It has no transparent complaints process, is not held to account in any way and
Drinking levels risky
Longitudinal study tracks drinking habits of young men
ALMOST half of young adult men (aged 18-29) are consistently drinking at risky levels, with 48% consuming more than four standard drinks on a typical occasion, according to a new report by the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS).
Researchers from Ten to Men – a longitudinal study which has been tracking over 16,000 boys and men over the last 10 years –surveyed males aged 10-57 years four times between 2013-14 and 2022.
Some boys (aged 10-17) also reported high-risk drinking. When first surveyed all were under the legal drinking age – yet 6% consumed around nine
standard drinks on a typical drinking occasion. Across all age groups, consuming alcohol underage was shown to be a strong predictor of risky drinking in later life. Young adult men (aged 18-29) who consumed alcohol for the first time while underage were 4.4 times more likely to have high-risk drinking patterns over the subsequent 10 years than those who waited until they were of legal age.
Living in a regional area was also a strong predictor of later risky drinking.
Boys living in a regional or rural area at ages 10-17 in 2013-14 were almost twice as likely as their city-based peers to be drinking at risky
levels over the subsequent 10-year period.
Lead of the Ten to Men program at AIFS, Dr Sean Martin, said surveying the same men over time helps pinpoint some of the predictors of high-risk drinking later in life.
“Boys living in rural and
To suit its narrative and justify its agenda, Meta claims its users don’t go to Facebook for news, however the University of Canberra’s Digital News Report: Australia 2024 released in June found that 49 per cent of Australian users of Facebook use it for news and one in four rely on it as their main source of news – our trusted, independent
In line with the increase in the use of social media platforms for news, concern about what is real and what is fake on the internet has skyrocketed to 75 per cent. This is an increase of 11 percentage points in the past two years and echoes an increase in the global rise of six percentage points over the same period.
It suits Meta to claim Australians don’t use the company’s platforms to read the news and for it to be allowed to continue to ride roughshod over our communities. But it suits the rest of us for Meta to be held to account.
Older men (aged 45-57) with disability were more likely to drink at risky levels – consuming around 6 standard drinks on a typical drinking occasion – than those without disability.
Ten to Men is the largest longitudinal study on male health in the world, funded
Contributed by Andrew Schreyer CPA President
CPA executive director Peter Kennedy, committee chair Kate Thwaites MP and CPA president Andrew Schreyer
Hinterland
TIME OUT
Artists shortlisted for high calibre art prize
By Sonia Isaacs
WITTA artist David
Bongiorno has been short listed as a 2024 finalist in the Lethbridge 20,000 Art Award for his still life genre oil painting, ‘Zucchini Soup’. Conondale artist, Tania Small, has also been shortlisted for the award.
David said he was extremely pleased to be nominated as a finalist.
“It is a highly respected prize for representational
artists and the calibre is so high,” he said.
“To be short listed is quite an honour and a validation of your practice.”
With a first prize of $20 000, the Lethbridge Art Award is open to national and international artists for small-scale artworks.
Judging is based on equally evaluated criteria of creativity, originality, and skill, with the winner announced July 13. www. lethbridgegallery.com
Montville plays host to pianist
‘Unknown composers’ to be revealed at classical concert
SUNSHINE COAST
audiences will discover the glory of unknown composers and the thrill of forgotten music when Italian pianist, Ida Pelliccioli, performs her only Australian concerts at Lucas Parklands, Montville.
Ms Pelliccioli, a professor at the Paris Conservatoire, will perform two matinee concerts for classical music lovers on Saturday, July 20, and Sunday, July 21, at 2pm.
“My aim is to introduce
something new to my audience, to make them discover a forgotten piece or an unknown composer, so that when they go home they wish to continue to listen to this music after the concert,” Ms Pelliccioli said.
Negotiations for Ms Pelliccioli to perform at the private Lucas Parklands Montville auditorium have been ongoing with owners Ian and Lee Lucas for some years. Finally, with both their schedules aligning, it is
Horoscopes
CANCER
JUNE 22 - JULY 22
With the Sun in your domestic sign, you’ll find your happiest and most fulfilling moments with family of origin or choice this week. So consider engaging the whole mob, kids included, in crafting a house-blessing ritual as a combined birthday celebration and midyear energy cleanse for your home zone.
LEO
JULY 23 – AUGUST 23
LIBRA
now happening.
Ms Pelliccioli will join an enviable list of worldclass classical musicians, including piano maestro Piers Lane AO and Konstantin Shamray, who have performed at Lucas Parklands over the years.
The venue, which has been running successfully for a number of years, represents a long-held dream for Ian Lucas to create a natural environment where the
world’s best musicians could come to relax, feel at home, and revel in the beautiful acoustics while treating guests to their most inspired works.
The venue continues to schedule world-class artists, while larger venues that traditionally hosted festivals and larger performance events are regularly closing due to rising costs of regulation and insurance.
“Lucas Parklands has continued to host
WEEK BEGINNING JULY 9
SEPTEMBER 23 – OCTOBER 23
Sweet Venus is mending fences and fostering more genuine levels of connecting this week, especially when the 13 July moon in Libra strengthens negotiating skills to discuss where emotional issues may be obscuring facts. Stay open to different perspectives, and don’t be slow to apologize if necessary.
Breaking astro-news for your majesty is late week Venus sashaying into your audacious sign for a playful vacation that takes everyday life from milder to wilder. Even better, she’ll be followed next week by the radiant Sun flicking on its party lights to set the stage for Leo birthdays.
VIRGO
AUGUST 24 – SEPTEMBER 22
SCORPIO
OCTOBER 24 – NOVEMBER 22
If this week’s Venus/Pluto opposition aggravates trust issues, listen to your intuition because things may not be as they seem. The weekend moon on 13 July, in the most balanced and strategic of zodiac signs, offers the best assist for addressing a potentially challenging conversation.
This week’s solar energy, in your astro-sector of friends, group activities and the broader picture, is nudging you to stretch. Towards what? Whatever shakes up the status quo, gets your blood pumping and excites you to do something beyond the same old, same old is a good place to start.
SAGITTARIUS
NOVEMBER 23 – DECEMBER 21
Getting a dose of cabin fever from too long at home and itching to roam? If you’re planning a trip, consider somewhere that reacquaints you with your roots. Staying put? Then zoom off online in the comfort of your casa with ancestry.com or the relevant travel docos on Netflix.
affordable classical music performances, in line with our aim to ‘keep the music alive’, at a time when rising costs are crippling many arts venues,” Mr Lucas said.
“This is an emerging and developing crisis
CAPRICORN
DECEMBER 22 – JANUARY 20
Certainly people want to be part of a winning team, but they’re likely to be sensitive and resistant this week to any kind of assertive vibe. Let sensible Saturn, in its most compassionate placement, help craft a laid-back approach to making a pitch, plus soften your response to challenges.
AQUARIUS
JANUARY 21 – FEBRUARY 18
ARIES
MARCH 21 – APRIL 20
This week’s meet-up, between feisty Mars and your planet driver Uranus, could be combustible or enlightening, probably a combination of both. It’s advisable to steer clear of controversial topics while fuses are short, and be aware that a stubborn stance could set off landmines on the path to peace.
PISCES
FEBRUARY 19 – MARCH 20
Neptune retrograde in Pisces pumps up your intuitive powers, but Saturn, also backspinning in your sign, suggests that this week’s backstories could be much more complex than they appear. Don’t take anything for granted, and rather than try to figure out what people mean, ask them to please explain.
TAURUS
APRIL 21 – MAY 20
Your planetary mover Mars, in workhorse mode till 21 July, can be a bit of a slavedriver. But even trailblazing Aries innovators need a break sometimes, so practice the liberating art of saying No this week, then lavish yourself with lashings of old-fashioned, home-style comforts.
With Venus gracing her most vivacious station late this week, expect extravagant displays, dramatic stances and bold declarations. This saucy season responds to a show of belief in yourself, so if you have a service, talent or product to promote, it’s an auspicious time to schedule that big reveal.
GEMINI
MAY 21 – JUNE 21
This week love planet Venus invites you to break out your dancing shoes as she struts into theatrical mode for the next month. Get ready for some glamourous antics, enjoy the extended fireworks display of this playful, passionate transit, and perhaps dust off a neglected talent of your own.
with Lilith Rocha
Witta artist David Bongiorno oil painting ‘Zuccini Soup ‘
Ida Pelliccioli
Artist David Bongiorno
Internationally acclaimed pianist Piers Lane to play Chopin by candlelight
Piano Maestro to play Maleny
By Sonia Isaacs
IN a spectacular coup for the Maleny Arts Council, internationally acclaimed pianist Piers Lane AO will be performing all 21 of Chopin’s Nocturnes, promising a memorable concert experience for hinterland audiences.
Having performed to sold-out audiences across the globe, received standing ovations at Carnegie Hall, and boasting a wide-ranging concerto repertoire, Lane has engaged with many of the world’s greatest orchestras and musicians.
This will be the first time in over a decade that the Australian ex-pat pianist performs in Maleny
Speaking with GC&M News, Piers Lane credited his parents for instilling his love of the piano.
He recalled his early competition wins, including his teenage participation
in the very first Sydney International Piano Competition, where he won the prize for best Australian.
“It’s been lovely that I went on to be the artistic director of that competition since 2015,” he said.
“And in fact, the next one will be in 2027, which will be the 50th anniversary of the first one, so a nice trajectory for me.”
Piers acknowledges that his craft has afforded him an incredibly interesting life, from his childhood in suburban Brisbane to travelling the world for up to eight months a year.
Over the years, he has held artistic stewardship of numerous high calibre events such as 11 years with the Australian Festival of Chamber Music, and has played at some of the most prestigious venues, festivals, and concert halls on the planet.
“I have to be extremely
grateful,” he said.
“As a musician, you get to go everywhere from Buckingham Palace to coaching little kids in Eskimo land in Alaska and Africa, those sorts of experiences are priceless.”
From playing in the heart of Zimbabwe to giving a memorable concert in a village in Ecuador, Piers reflected, “I’ve had really treasurable experiences, and long may they continue,” he laughed.
Piers said he still tries to practise every day.
“When I was young, I would practise for hours and hours every day; now it’s probably less - but it depends on what I’ve got to do,” he explained.
“Some things I’ve played hundreds of times in my life and they don’t need as much work as things that are new.”
The Chopin Nocturnes by candlelight is a concept
Piers started in 2010 for the bicentenary of Chopin’s birth.
He has just been booked to perform another 13 shows internationally, and said he is looking forward to bringing the recital to Maleny.
“It’s been one of the most popular recital programs I’ve ever had,” he said.
“To hear them all in one go is actually quite rare, to have an evening of just Chopin nocturnes.
“It’s also very special to perform it by candlelight.”
Piers said that, as well as playing, he’ll speak a little throughout the performance.
“I have always enjoyed that aspect as well, and meeting people afterwards. I think I’m a people person, really.” Piers will perform on Friday, July 19 at 7pm at the Maleny Community Centre, www.malenyartscouncil. com.
WEDNESDAY WINE-DOWN DINNER
WED-SAT 12-9PM & SUN 12-7PM SHOP 5/45 MAPLE STREET, MALENY SPILLWINE.COM.AU
Park Shopping Village, Shop 12/21 Peachester Rd, Beerwah 0433 317 259
EUDLO HALL FRI 19 JULY, 7PM COOLUM CIVIC CENTRE SAT 20 JULY, 7PM
Piers Lane and with his cousin Margaret Taylor
NEWS Church & Communit y
Do you believe it?
WHEN Jesus Christ heals you, His love is so profound you can’t stay silent, you can’t stop believing or fathom life without Him.
Some write you off because of Him, but their rejection is never near enough to consider letting Him go. I’ve been called weak, crazy and deluded - but nothing changes the fact that Jesus Christ came and supernaturally delivered me from being traumatised by demons of witchcraft, new ageism and the occult almost 20 years ago, and I am still free today. Not a fad. Not a cult. Not a crutch. What I once had was satan’s counterfeit, but what I was looking for was the truth. I’ve since seen the power of Christ open the eyes of the blind. Dissolve cancer. Grow bone
where metal was holding it together. I’ve seen Him heal holes in hearts, open deaf ears, and I’ve seen demons tremble in His presence and flee without looking back!
Leaving people free from addiction, crippling pain, rage, rejection, miscarriage after miscarriage, mental torment and more. I’ve seen people’s hearts change, as if their pain, toxic habits and life choices had never existed, and then remained changed… Without medication, self-help books, gurus and other doctrines. And then I’ve seen them live on to freely give what Christ has given them to others, without compensation, recognition and often in the face of lifethreatening persecution. Christianity is not a dead religion; Christianity
with Michelle Maher The Range Church, Montville
is a relationship with the living God! What I believe is not something I have to convince myself of daily to ease my conscience or ‘feel’ better about the cards I was dealt. Jesus Christ is real! His work on the earth through the Holy Spirit is very much alive! And If you’ve only ever known a dead religion, perhaps it’s time to consider that there is more! Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever, and what He did before, He still does today and will do again! Do you believe it?
Glasshouse History Group update
Contributed by Ron
Gillinder
THE next community meeting of the Glasshouse History Group is scheduled for Tuesday, July 16, at 1.30pm. The theme will be ‘my first paid job’.
All welcome and bring along photos, objects or simply your memories. Afternoon tea will be served.
The attached image is from a school workbook from 1914 at the Glasshouse Mountains State
School. The book is part of the Bankfoot House Collection. This beautifully presented workbook belonged to a student
from the Burgess family, we assume Mary Burgess. Mary would have been 11 years of age in July 1914 – 110 years ago!
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
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 CALVARY CONGREGATION
You are most WELCOME to join us 9.00am each Sunday Reed Street, Glasshouse Mtns (next to RSL) Sunday School, Women’s Fellowship, Bible Study
Contact: 5439 9341 or 5496 9671 www.glasshousemountains.lutheran.org.au
Down under craft artist of the month
Contributed by Lyn Gleeson
JUANITA Flett is our July artist of the month.
Juanita says she has always had an interest in hand embroidery. After joining the Embroidery Group at Down Under Crafts she says she has learnt there is so much more to embroidery.
“I’m loving every lesson, there is always new methods and ideas,” she said. “Most of my early work was based on folk art and Swiss embroidery that was fashionable in the 1960’s and 1970’s hippy clothes.
“Knitting came as an essential part of life for me, growing up in Sydney, we would always have a project on the go.”
Juanita says her Mother first taught her how to knit socks, which is still her favourite item to make. “Since joining Down Under Crafts I have meet other artists and enjoyed learning and sharing knowledge with a great group of crafty ladies,”
Mens Talkabout group Beerwah
Contributed by Rod Hills-Johnes
MEN’S Talkabout Beerwah is a friendly social group for local men. We’ve been up and running for around five weeks now and it’s really starting to take off!
All are welcome, for a catchup, coffee and a chat and our next meeting is on Wednesday, July 10, at 10.30am at the Coffee Club Beerwah.
We will have Max from
WASTE MATTERS
Plastic-free July ARE you feeling overwhelmed by the amount of plastic in your life? Don’t know what to do about it?
• Buy food & detergents in bulk
• Buy local fruit & veg (or join a swap group)
• Choose soap bars instead of liquids in plastic containers
• Refuse fruit, veg & meats in plastic bags or trays
A good place to start is to take the Pesky Plastics Quiz at www.plasticfreejuly. org. This helps you become aware of single-use plastic products you’re currently using, and suggests more sustainable alternatives. If each of us reduces our plastic use, collectively we can create a healthier environment and better health outcomes for ourselves and our families. Here are some ways to reduce plastics in our daily lives:
• Avoid buying bottled water
• Use a keep cup for takeaway coffee
• Avoid lining bins with plastic bags
• Avoid plastic wrap - keep leftovers in glass containers
• Store produce in mesh bags in fridge
• Buy natural fibre clothing, not synthetics. This July, take the pledge to reduce your plastic use and become part of the plastic pollution solution for life.
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
Welcomes you each Saturday at 27 Maleny Street 9.30am – All Age Small Group Meetings
(Includes Children and Youth programs)
11:00am - Worship Service 1st Saturday each month 12.30pm Community Lunch
she said. Down Under Crafts meet at Landsborough Hall. The Embroidery Group meets from 9am until 12 noon on Tuesdays. 0412 707 440.
Max campers discussing the costs of converting Vans into mobile homes. Max is based in AURA business park. New members always
welcome, our most recent members are John, Alan, Joe, Steve, Pete, Bevan, Chris, Rob. For more details contact Rod 0499 196 625.
Men’s Group members Beerwah
Juanita Flett
What’s
Love Food Hate Waste
When: Thursday July 11th, 10am11.30am
Where: Beerwah Library
25 Peachester Rd, Beerwah
Info: Did you know Australian households spend between $2000 and $2500 per year on food that gets thrown away? Find out how to love your leftovers and save that sad spinach in the fridge. Save money with the meal planner template and portion calculator. Join Chloe Abernethy to learn plastic free storage options and preparations tips to keep food fresh for longer. Enjoy fun activities and get a goody bag to take home.
Intro to Watercolours
When: Thursday July 11th, 10am11.30am
Where: Maleny Library, 5 Coral St, Maleny
Info: Welcome to the world of watercolours! Join Botanical Artist, Nita Clare Lester for a fun hands-on workshop exploring the features of this art medium. Learn brush technique, paper handling and proper paints to use. Dive into a variety of methods - wet on wet for landscapes and backgrounds, wet on dry, dry on dry and fun play. Come ready to create your first watercolour masterpiece. Session details: $10 per person. Registration essential. Ages 16 and over. All materials provided.
Future Engineers Club
When: Thursday July 11th, 3pm4.30pm
Where: Maleny Library, 5 Coral St, Maleny
Info: Get ready to design, build and unleash your creativity with LEGO, magnetic tiles, geometric shapes and much more.
Peachester Bush Dance
When: Saturday July 13th, 5.30pm - 9pm
Where: Peachester Community Hall, 960 Peachester Rd, Peachester
Info: Get ready to kick up your heels at the Peachester Bush Dance 2024 for a night of fun, music, and good ol’ country vibes! Welcome to the Peachester Bush Dance 2024! Get ready to kick up your heels and have a blast.
ON IN THE HINTERLAND
QCWA Beerwah - Maker’s Day
When: Saturday July 13th, 9am2pm
Where: Beerwah Community Hall, 25 Peachester Rd, Beerwah
Info: A local community market showcasing the finest Artisans and creatives from the Sunshine Coast QLD.
Free Self Defence Workshop for Runners
When: Saturday July 13th, 9am10.30am
Where: Maleny Sports Park, Parklands Drive, Maleny
Info: Join us post Maleny trail Parkrun for a free self-defence workshop hosted by Rhee TaeKwon-Do, Maleny Branch. Learn simple, effective techniques & tips for runners in a fun, safe environment.
Maleny Winter Creative Handmade & Artisan Market
When: Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th July, 9am - 3pm
Where: Maleny Community Centre, Maple St, Maleny
Info: Beautiful, quality handmade products by our artists, designers and makers spread over 3 spaces in July ... more to see! Winter in Maleny is a special time of year, get rugged up, visit the Markets, find a local cafe or restaurant for a hot meal and beverage. Enjoy boutique shopping along the main street. We are in the middle of it all!
Street Feast - Maleny
When: Sunday July 14th, 2pm
Where: Maleny Showgrounds, 53 Coral St, Maleny
Info: Maleny! Street Feast is coming to you with a big one! Join us for a night of food trucks, dessert stalls, boutique retail stalls & music. Full lineup to be announced! Watch this space! 2pm until late, $3 Entry Per Person
Where: Various locations Info: Nate and Mike Cornish will be buying unwanted items such as Gold and silver coins, Gold and silver jewellery, Silver, Military medals, Bank notes (Aust & world), Jewellery, Silver and gold bars, pendants and all watches- modern and vintage. Home visits available on request: Contact Nate 0426 820 646 for further information visit www.heritageint.nz
Family History
When: Tuesday July 16th, 2pm3.30pm
Where: Beerwah Library, 25 Peachester Rd, Beerwah
Info: Join Library staff for an introduction to online family history. This beginners session covers the basics of Ancestry Library and gives an overview of online resources. Learn about genealogy assistance available on the Sunshine Coast and discover how to get started on that family tree! Session details: Free. Limited spaces available per session. Registration essential.
Glasshouse History Group
When: Tuesday July 16th, 1.30pm
Where: Glass House Mountains Neighbourhood Centre - near the Post Office
Info: Theme: ‘My first paid job’. All welcome.
Retro Postcard Stories
When: Wednesday July 17th, 10am - 11.30am
Where: Maleny Library, 5 Coral St, Maleny
Info: Take a trip down memory lane! Learn how to create a postcard using old images of your local area. See how the Coast has changed physically and socially over the decades through postcard images and messages. Join the Heritage team to discover
the history of our postal service.
Session details: BYO any historical postcards to share. All other materials supplied. Tea and coffee provided.
Rainforests Through Millennia
When: Friday July 19th, 3.30pm5pm
Where: Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, 148 Mountain View Rd, Maleny
Info: Join us for this fascinating insight into Queensland rainforests through the millennia and gain an understanding of the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve remnant in the broader landscape.
Winter Wunderland Street Party Caloundra
When: Friday July 19th, 4pm - 8pm
Where: Bulcock Street, Caloundra
Info: Put Friday 19 July 2024, in your calendars because Caloundra is to experience the magic of winter from our beachside playground! Our Winter Wunderland Street Party, a oneof-a-kind event that will transport you to a winter wonderland right here by the beach!
Piers Lane in concert
When: Friday 19th July, 7pm
Where: Maleny Community Centre
Info: Maleny Arts Council presents internationally acclaimed pianist Piers Lane, playing all of Chopin’s Nocturnes. Tickets are available at www.malenyartscouncil.com
Beerwah Tower Green
When: Saturday July 20th, 8am
Where: Simpson St, Beerwah
Info: The markets showcase locally produced and handmade art, craft, jewellery, gifts, homewares, bath and skincare apothecary, traditional home baked cakes, scones, slices, jams and preserves and so much more. Featuring live music and fresh coffee, set outside in the grounds of the CWA and on the Beerwah Tower Green, under the old mango tree.
Shelley Davidow Creative Writing Workshop
When: Saturday July 20th, 10am - 12pm
Where: Rosetta Books, 30 Maple Street, Maleny
that unlock limitless creative worlds.
Maleny Community Centre. Cost $20. Visit Events page at www. rosettabooks.com.au to book
‘Unknown composers’ to be revealed by Italian pianist Ida Pelliccioli
When: Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st July, 2pm
Where: Lucas Parklands, Montville Info: Ida Pelliccioli will perform her only Australian concert at Lucas Parklands, Montville, on Saturday, July 20, and Sunday July 21, 2pm. For performance and ticketing enquiries, phone 07 54785667 or 0409623228. For more information about Lucas Parklands, visit: www.lucasparklands.com.au
Michael Robotham Literary Lunch
When: Sunday July 21st, 12-2pm
Where: Tranquil Park, 483 Mountain View Road, Maleny. Info: Rosetta Books invites you to join us for a special literary lunch with #1 bestselling and awardwinning master of crime Michael Robotham as he celebrates the 20-year anniversary of the publication of his debut thriller, The Suspect (which is now a major TV series starring Aidan Turner on ABC TV), and the launch of his new novel Storm Child. Enjoy a delicious meal and hear from Michael as he shares insights into his writing career and latest work. Cost $70.00pp, includes 2 course lunch + glass of wine or non-alcoholic drink + entry into the lucky door prize. Cash bar available. Books available for purchase at the event for RRP $32.99. Pre-order your copy of Storm Child with your lunch for only $25 - click here for LUNCH + BOOK DEAL $95.
The Families of Fairview Time: Saturday July 27th, 1pm4pm Where: 15 Porters Lane, Maleny Info: Maleny’s Fairview (Pattemore House) welcomes you this Saturday to come and visit. Home-made afternoon teas are served on the graceful verandahs,
Info: Author and SCU lecturer, Shelley Davidow, looks at essential tools that all writers need to make words into the keys
CLASSIFIEDS
Other Change to existing Rural
Where: Maleny Country Estate, 366 Reesville Road, Reesville Qld 4552
On: Lot 8 on SP103481
Existing approval: Town Planning Consent Permit No. 015636 issued on 6 August 1992 by former Caloundra City Council for Development Permit for Rural Resort
Application ref: 1991/10031.01
You may obtain a copy of the application and make a submission to:
Sunshine Coast Council
Locked Bag 72, Sunshine Coast Mail Centre Qld 4560
mail@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au (07) 5475 7272
AGM to be held on Tuesday 23rd July 2024 at 6.30pm
Venue: Glasshouse Mountains
Club All positions are available. If you would like to nominate for a position, please email secretary@glasshousecricketclub.com.au before 8th July 2024 and a nomination form will be
TIDY & CLEAN Comprehensive service for domestic &
Coastal Cleaning
https://developmenti.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
Written submissions may be made electronically; and electronic submissions are to be sent to mail@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au, and all submissions, including individual submitter’s particulars, will be published on Council’s website (Development.i) and therefore will be accessible to internet search engines.
Maleny Bowls Club
Contributed by Brett
Gillis
OUR Wednesday Twilight Bowls competition is a terrific way to get together midweek and enjoy lawn bowls under the stars.
Evening starts at 6pm with $5 barbeque burgers with patties supplied by Maleny Quality Meats. Games with $12 green fee commence at 6:30pm with teams of 3 bowlers playing 12 ends which takes approx 2 hours. Random prizes of bottles of wine or slab of chocolate are on offer, Why not enter your own team of work colleagues, family and friends with no previous experience necessary - we even supply the bowls, Individuals are also catered for with everyone guaranteed a game - just rock up by 6pm.
Friday Scroungers is also a great way to introduce
you and your friends to our fabulous sport. Games with $12 green fee commence at 2pm with singles play of 18 ends. Scores each end are calculated at closest to jack 3 points, second closest 2 points and third closest 1 point. Rink winners receive a choice of prize bottle of wine or slab of chocolate.
Our Members Lucky Draws follow the game with complimentary bar snacks served to patrons - we would love to see you there.
Tuesday Jackpot Pairs competition is also open to new bowlers and visitors.
Games with $12 green fee commence at 9am with two rounds of 10 ends of play with a break in between for morning tea. Prizes of a bottle of wine or slab of chocolate for each round winner as well as the lucky draw margin cash Jackpot.
New bowlers and visitors are welcome to play in glorious sunshine with a chance of rain.
living under a tree fern you will have noticed that there’s been a spot or two of windy rain about the Blackall Range in the past week.
As a result, some croquet play days were affected, with only Sunday seeing a court being occupied by our water-resistant players. In game 1 Wallace had a win over a fast-finishing David, while in game 2 Nic narrowly had the better of Lynette. All players used the games as preparation for next week’s club championships.
The Range Croquet Club isn’t the only place where there’s a championship on!
You may have noticed that a certain tennis championship is on again in London. Believe it or not there is a connection between the sports of
hoop approach
Club moved to its permanent meadowland at Worple Road, Wimbledon. In 1875 one croquet lawn at Worple Road was given over to the “new game” of lawn tennis. Apparently lawn tennis quickly overtook croquet in popularity. And the rest as they say, is history!
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 8.45am. for games to be arranged by 9am. Coaching: is available on Saturday mornings at 8am. Our web address is: rangecroquetatmaleny. org.au. For details contact Sarah Widin 0417640704 (President)
Club stalwart Lynette undertaking a
Wednesday Twilight Bowls BBQ Chefs Ben Fawns, Tony Yorkson & Steve Porter.
20-year-old shows athletic skill in many sports, comes back to Doggies
Kerr proves himself in a range of sports
FROM playing for the Beerwah Bulldogs C Grade team last year to debuting in the A Grade team four weeks ago, Dylan Kerr is proving his top flight credentials each weekend.
The 20-year-old winger started playing rugby league in the U12s, before switching his focus to tennis and then settling back on league as a 19-year-old.
Dylan said although the two sports are a contrast, the fast-paced footwork on the tennis court has helped him on the football field.
“Playing tennis previously and now playing on the wing, it definitely helps with the agility and all that,” he said.
The versatile sportsman has now played a variety of sports across clubs, including the BeeGees and the Peachester and Landsborough tennis clubs.
But Dylan said was ultimately drawn back to
league where he plays with his brother, and has shown significant growth.
“I think I was a bit nervous moving from C Grade to Reserve Grade and then playing for A Grade but now that I’m back to Reserves I feel a lot better and more confident,” he said.
“Mathew Kidd and DK from the A Grade side, and Jordan Bain from the Reserves, have all helped me out a lot this year in believing in myself more.
“I enjoy it out there, I’ve changed positions a lot throughout the years, but I like it on the wing.”
Dylan has played three games in A Grade, and before debuting was the top points scorer in the Reserve Grade competition.
He hasn’t played the last few weeks due to a groin injury, but is keen to get back on the field when he is healed.
kirra@gcnews.com.au
Wimbledon’t mind if I do have a hit!
THE Maleny Tennis Club is celebrating the installation of its new LED lights, with a Wimbledon themed social tennis competition (July 13).
This is the Hinterland Range Social Tennis’ fourth event, which brings Maleny, Landsborough, Montville, Mooloolah and Witta Tennis Clubs together to collaborate.
There will be two sessions of social play, and snacks and dinner
provided after the second session. The club’s new lights cost around $80,000 to construct, which Maleny Tennis Club secretary, Peter Eason, said makes a huge difference in play.
“The lights were old and needed replacing, the Sunshine Coast Council and Tennis Queensland generously contributed to the project’s funding,” he said. Arrive 2:30pm, tickets $10, dress in all white or creams.
The Lawrence brothers come home
LANDSBOROUGH-BORN
supercross superstars, Jett and Hunter Lawrence, are set to compete at the AUSX Open this year.
The supercross competition will be held at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne on November 30.
This will be the first time the brothers have competed in Australia in five years.
AUSX hasn’t been held
since 2019, and was on hold indefinitely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The AUSX Open this year will run as the fifth and final round of the FOX Australian Supercross Championships.
20-year-old Jett Lawrence has had a whirlwind of success since making his professional supercross debut at just 16 years old.
Jett said he was excited
to come back home to compete after years of living overseas.
“I’m very excited to come back with all the things I’ve done, my stats are a lot higher since then, so excited to come back to see my local fans, and give back to them a bit,” he said.
His older brother, 24-yearold Hunter, is also a legend of the sport, with various
THE Beerwah Bulldogs A Grade team won 20-12 against the Maroochydore Swans, scoring four tries to two (July 6).
Beerwah hooker, Taoho Kake, scored in the eight minute before the Swans hit back with their only try of the half, in the 25th minute.
Bulldogs interchange, Chris Ainsworth, put the side back in front with a try in the 36th minute.
Doggies halfback, Mathew Kidd, and interchange, Kaleb Coolwell, both scored, with Thomas Dwan converting two of the four tries.
U19s eligible players Matty Poole and Tristian Roselt debuted for the Bulldogs A Grade side, who were vital to the team’s victory. The Bulldogs Reserve Grade team suffered their first loss of the season, going down to the Noosa Pirates 6-0 (July 6).
The Reserves side drew against the Nambour Crushers 18-18, in round 8.
The Beerwah A Grade team won’t play again until July 21, when they play the Noosa Pirates at the Beerwah Sportsground.
The Doggies Reserve team have a bye this week and will play the Caboolture Snakes on July 27 in Beerwah.
Bulldogs A Grade win Mahoney for Origin
CANTERBURY Bulldogs hooker, Reed Mahoney, has been selected on the extended squad for the Queensland Maroons Game three squad.
He is the only Bulldogs player selected for Queensland, while teammate Stephen Crichton was selected for the Blues side.
Dylan Kerr playing for the Beerwah Bulldogs C Grade last year.
Jett and Hunter Lawrence
Hinterland Range Tennis players
2024 NRL FOOTY TIPPING COMP
The signs of pregnancy
A LADY about eight months pregnant got on a bus. She noticed the man opposite her was smiling at her. She immediately moved to another seat. This time the smile turned into a grin, so she moved again. The man seemed more amused. When on the fourth move, the man burst out laughing, she complained to the driver and he had the man arrested.
The case came up in court. The judge asked the man (about 20 years old) what he had to say for himself. The man replied, “well your Honour, it was
like this: when the lady got on the bus, I couldn’t help but notice her condition.
She sat down under a sign that said, ‘The Double Mint Twins are coming’ and I grinned. Then she moved and sat under a sign that said, ‘Logan’s Liniment will reduce the swelling,’ and I had to smile.
Then she placed herself under a deodorant sign that said, ‘William’s Big Stick Did the Trick,’ and I could hardly contain myself.
But, Your Honour, when she moved the fourth time and sat under a sign that said,’ Goodyear Rubber could have prevented this Accident!’ I just lost it.’ ‘Case Dismissed!’
Afghan
Bandog
Beagle
Beardie
Bernard
Boxer
Bulldog
Cairn
Charles
Chow
Collie
Corgi
Cur
Dalmatian
Dane
Derby
Dingo
Doberman
Dumber
Eskimo
Harrier
Hound
Husky
Keeshond
Laika
Lurcher
Pariah
Peke
Pooch
Pug
Pup
Saluki
Setter
Skye
Spitz
Talbot
Tumbler
Tyke
Welsh
Whelp
Time for winter weed watch
WITH winter well and truly here, it’s time to get on top of the winter weeds which have been stealthily multiplying in your lawns.
And with the day length now increasing, the winter weeds will grow faster and stronger than your turf grasses will. So there’s no time to lose.
The main offenders are bindii, cats ear (or flatweed), tropical chickweed, green and silverleaf desmodiums, white clover and red caustic weeds.
Those with couch grass lawns will have noticed them thinning out a bit. This is normal for couch in winter, but it does leave space for the winter weeds to expand.
To give your grass a fighting chance there’s a few simple things you can do now before the winter weeds really start to take over.
Firstly, lighten your soil. It’s probably a little compacted from being walked or driven on over the summer months. Compacted soil has less air pockets and air in your soil is vital for good healthy grass roots.
You can use a specialised soil aeration gadget which can be pretty cheaply hired from a hire shop, or you can use a bit of elbow grease and get to work with your garden fork - jab it in, lever it a little, then repeat across your whole lawn.
At this point you might like to pick up a trailer load of sand and spread this thinly across your lawn and then lightly rake it in. The sand will make it into the gaps you’ve created which will really help to improve the structure of your soil.
Fertilise with a slow release lawn fertiliser and water it in well. This will
encourage grass roof growth as the days lengthen.
Do some hand weeding to remove the winter weeds allowing the grass to once again gain the upper hand.
If the weeds are too far gone to hand weed, you may need to resort to a lawn weed herbicide. If you’re not sure which is best for your grass type, best to ask for the advice from someone at the local hardware or produce store.
If you’re mowing regularly, raise the mower height to let the grass grow a little longer. This will give them more leaf area to photosynthesise and make their own energy that they need to grow.
The exception to the rule is bindii, which you won’t see a lot of yet as it’s just at the start of its growth season. But the little prickle seeds have germinated and are just sitting there waiting
to take off
You’ve got about another month before they change into painful prickly land mines.
Tackling them when they are partly grown is easiest if you want to go with hand
removal. But if the problem is too big, you will need to resort to a bindii herbicide.
If you leave it too late and they start to form their prickles, then it’s too late to use a herbicide as the bindii will put all its remaining
energy into maturing the prickles.
In this case, you’re best off going back to hand removing them. Treat it as a form of horticultural meditation on a Saturday afternoon.
Cats ear
Bindii
WITH BROWNIE
JOHN MCGRATH – WITH FALLING RATES OVERSEAS, WHEN WILL THE RBA CUT RATES HERE?
Australian property continues to defy historical trends, with home values still rising in most capital city and regional markets despite today’s high interest rates. About a quarter of the world’s central banks have begun cutting interest rates, according to AMP, with to cut rates in March, followed by Sweden in May. Earlier this month, the Bank of Canada and the European Central Bank cut their interest rates, while last week we saw the United States Federal Reserve keep rates on hold again. So, when will interest rates fall here? Well, many analysts are tipping it will be no earlier than November. AMP chief economist Dr Shane Oliver predicts an 0.25% cut in the cash rate from 4.35% to 4.1% in November or December, followed by
Property managers today are highly skilled professionals that play an integral role in the success of a property investment. A high performing property manager will help their clients across a number of key areas:
banks CBA, NAB and Westpac are also tipping November or thereabouts for
every quarter throughout 2025 until the cash rate reaches 3.1% by Christmas.
in February with two more by the year’s end. In its last monetary policy statement, the Reserve Bank Board said
2% to 3% remained the highest priority, but momentum toward this goal had slowed. Here’s what the RBA said: “The Board expects that it will be some time
target range and will remain vigilant to upside risks. The path of interest returns to target in a reasonable timeframe remains uncertain and the Board is not ruling anything in or out.”
Despite the uncertainty on what will happen next with interest rates, the housing market remains strong and prices are rising in most capital cities and regions. This is unusual by historical standards. Typically, high or rising rates dampen property prices but that’s not occurring this time around. The key element keeping prices rising is a lack of supply. The latest data from CoreLogic shows the national median home value rose for a 16th consecutive month in May, up 0.8% – which was also the strongest monthly gain since October last year. Growth was strongest in Perth, up 2%, and Adelaide, up 1.8%. In both markets, stock levels are more
for this time of year. Brisbane home values rose by 1.4%, which pushed the city past Canberra to become Australia’s second most valuable capital
1997. Once again, a lack of stock was a gain, with stock levels down 34% on values fell 0.5% in Hobart, which is currently a buyers’ market with stock term averages.
Another stabilising factor for the market today is very low home loan arrears.
In the RBA’s most recent Financial Stability Review, published in March, the bank said less than 1% of all home
loans in Australia were 90 or more days in arrears. That’s actually less than the up with repayment by using pandemic savings and reducing their discretionary strong, so householders have been able to increase their hours or get a second borrowers should be able to continue takes longer than expected to get to target, which means rates would stay higher for longer, too.
All in all, we have a very stable housing market today. A lack of stock for sale and very low loan arrears means prices are likely to continue rising, no matter what happens next with interest rates.
of McGrath Estate Agents.
Glass House Hinterland Capital Growth Consistently Shines
The allure of the Glass House Hinterland is continuing to attract both owner-occupiers and investors from the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane who are drawn by the central location and less congested lifestyle. Against a backdrop of stable interest rates, this picturesque region not
Beerwah
escape but also presents a sound investment opportunity. While rental vacancy rates on the Sunshine Coast are on the rise, the low rental vacancy rates in the Hinterland underscore the region’s popularity and stability, making it an attractive proposition for investors
seeking to diversify their portfolios. This trend not only supports property
the enduring appeal of the Glass House Hinterland as a desirable place to live and invest. A comparative look at the key towns within the Glass House Hinterland reveal consistent capital growth over the
