Time for a tranquil getaway

meditation, 30 minutes of yoga, breakfast, then onto their various projects. They have also started community outreach by introducing a yoga class on Monday evenings at 5.30pm for anyone who wishes to join them.

By VICTORIA MCGUIN

Greg and Barb have experienced the highs and lows of life, embracing all that comes with raising children and nurturing grandchildren. They previously managed a local bed and breakfast for 18 months in the local area before purchasing On Obi.

“Greg and I had a vision to buy a property in Maleny to run yoga retreats and a place for people to get away from the rat race to relax, reset and find their mojo,” Barb shared.

“Focusing on wellness in a town that embraces creative ideas through active community engagement is encouraging,” Greg added.

“The existing accommodation has already been transformed from a restaurant and cabins to a holiday house and villas, so it seems appropriate to continue its transformation into a Wellness hub.”

“Our skills extend to yoga teaching and massage,” said Barb, “which is why we are passionate about living in a place where we can share these passions with others who choose to stay at our accommodation.”

A typical day for Barb and Greg begins with tea,

“We have a beautiful housekeeper (I call her my fairy godmother), so we can work on the business getting it ready for rebranding and marketing,” said Barb. “Greg has been very busy with setting up a firepit area, oiling decks and coordinating people to do jobs he can’t manage on his own.”

Guests have been delighted with the position close to town, and the cosy, clean and modern villas. “They also like that Barb and I have been available to help them with extra requests,” said Greg. The couple plan to offer packages that not only provide accommodation, but support events such as weddings, romantic getaways, and outdoor pursuits.

As for Barb and Greg, when they’re not working, Greg likes to play bass guitar in a rock band and Barb likes to read.

“We both love yoga, and walking. We love Mary Cairncross Reserve and McCarthy Lookout to check out the Glasshouse Mountains and pademelons, and we love the Maleny Trail to check out the platypus!

“We are also foodies, so love to try good coffee, chocolate, wines, and quality food.”

Homely, clean, inviting accommodation, as well as spaces to relax in nature, reset though activities on offer while on retreat, and time to explore what the hinterland has to offer – Tranquil Getaways On Obi Maleny is the perfect spot.

“Living here brings to mind one of my favourite quotes,” said Barb, “’it’s enough to just be’.” local auctioneer/ raconteur, with all money raised to be distributed back to the 50 plus organisations supported by the Maleny-Blackall Range Lions Club.

On Obi Maleny, 20 Lawyer Street, Maleny. Ph: 0483880408. Email: tranquilgetaways@onobimaleny.com.au (The Obi House is available only through direct booking. The guest room in Obi House is offered as a homestay.)

Tickets are only $25 and are available on trybooking. com/CJXYF (children under 12 are free)

Maleny Meet & Greet

Now in its 18th year, the Maleny-Blackall Range Lions Club are holding their 2023 Meet & Greet Event on Sunday October 8 (2.30 to 6pm) at Tranquil Park, 483 Mountain View Road, Maleny.

This unique and very popular annual event is this year being held at the amazing Tranquil Park with the most spectacular views over the Glasshouse Mountains. All residents of the Blackall Range, particularly new residents, are welcome to attend.

In addition to a delicious selection of canapes, there will also be a free glass of bubbly on arrival and there will be live music from local musician Henry Catania, raffles, door prizes and auctions, plus some family-friendly events, all in air-conditioned comfort overlooking the most spectacular views in Maleny.

Local State MP, Andrew Powell will be officiating, and Councillor Winston Johnston will give an insight into life in early Maleny and surrounds. This is not only a great way for you to meet fellow residents of the wonderful Blackall Range community and make new friends, but also get to know some of the not-for-profit, arts and craft, sporting and other local organisations, as well as other small businesses who support the community.

The major real estate agents in Maleny and across the Blackall Range will be inviting their new owners to the event, not only to get a taste of what their new community offers, but also how they can get more involved. Maleny has been voted the friendliest community in Australia for the last 2 years running and this is an opportunity to find out why!

A beautiful and very unique glass vase, handmade by local Montville artist Tina Cooper, is also to be auctioned at this wonderful event by a renowned

Chevallum StrawbFest returns

The Chevallum community is buzzing with excitement as the highly-anticipated Chevallum StrawbFest makes a triumphant comeback next month after a 4-year hiatus due to the challenges posed by the global pandemic.

Organised by Chevallum State School in collaboration with the Queensland Strawberry Grower’s Association, and with thanks to the Palmwoods Community Branch Heritage Bank,this year’s event promises to be an unforgettable celebration of all things strawberry, from sundaes to kebabs!

Scheduled for Friday September 8 from 5pm until late, with free entry, the entertainment includes Andrea Kirwin and Benjam on the main stage, amusement rides for kids (big and small), more than a dozen food stalls, a licenced bar, a mega-raffle with over $21,000 in prizes, and at 9pm they will have the biggest fireworks show in the event’s history.

“StrawbFest is a celebration of tradition, togetherness, and the vibrant spirit of our community. We’re excited to see families come down for what promises to be a ‘berry’ fun evening!,” said P&C President Kellie Jarrett.

Chevallum State School, 460 Chevallum Road, Chevallum - all profits from the event will go back to supporting the educational needs of kids within the Chevallum school community.Visit: strawbfest.com.au

Museum Mystery Madness

September is Museum Mystery Madness month at Sunshine Coast Museums. Visit participating museums to enter a Mystery Quiz for your chance to win one of four $50 gift vouchers for ‘back to school or work’.

Each museum has a different quiz, and you can enter a quiz at any of the museums, even all of them! During the school holidays, quiz participants also get a chance at the instant lucky dip. It’s fun for the whole family!

What venues are taking part? You can search for clues and solve mysteries at Bankfoot House Heritage Precinct (Wed-Sun 10am-3pm), Buderim Pioneer Cottage (Mon-Sat, 11am-3pm), Eumundi Museum (Tues-Sat,10am-3pm), Kenilworth Museum (Sun,10am2pm), Landsborough Museum (Wed-Sun, 10am-3pm), Nambour Museum (Wed-Friday, 1pm-4pm, Sat, 10am3pm), Queensland Air Museum (daily 10am-4pm) and Yandina Historic House and Museum (Mon-Fri, 10am1pm).

Visit: heritage.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/about/ programs-and-events and click on Museum Mystery Madness for full details.

Chappy Breakfast

The Maleny State High School Local Chaplaincy Committee recently held a “Thank You” breakfast to show its appreciation for the many supporters of the Chaplaincy program at the school.

Public Notice

Community Wild Dog Baiting Program Spring 2023

Sunshine Coast Council in partnership with Biosecurity Queensland is supporting a community-based coordinated Wild Dog Baiting Program. Failure to control wild dogs can result in livestock losses, attacks on domestic pets and the loss of native fauna. Landholders have a legislative responsibility to control declared pests on their land and participation in this program is an effective way to help meet this responsibility. The Wild Dog Baiting Program will be held throughout Bald Knob, Beerburrum, Belli Park, Cambroon, Conondale, Coochin Creek, Crohamhurst, Curramore, Eerwah Vale, Elaman Creek, Kenilworth, Kidaman Creek, Obi Obi, Peachester, Reesville and Witta areas from 11 September9 October, 2023.

For more information please contact: Sunshine Coast Council T 07 5475 7272

E mail@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

Thanks to the sponsorship of the Maleny Apex Club, the scrumptious meal was provided for between 25 and 30 people at the Mountain View cafe (Mary Cairncross Park).

Guests heard from high school chaplain Donna Turner, who provided an insight into her work, and she expressed her gratitude to the many individuals and groups who obviously were strongly behind her efforts.

Darren McMahon, a former Youth Worker, spoke on behalf of the chaplain’s employer, Your Dream School Programs, and gave an overview of Chaplaincy.

The School Guidance Counsellor, Dean Thomas, acknowledged the significant contribution made by Chappy Donna to the wellbeing of students and her unique role in the support services at the school.

Chair of the Chaplaincy Committee, Paul Tarbuck, confirmed the importance of community support if the highly valued work of chaplains is to continue to make a difference to the school experience of young people.

The hinterland community needs to fundraise $15,000 to cover legal and professional costs as it works to address the quarry issues with SCC. To donate, sign up as a member or for more information please follow Hinterland Quarry Action Group on Facebook.

Pause on quarry plans

Northern Blackall Range and Image Flat hinterland communities have convinced Sunshine Coast Council (SCC) to pause its plans to seek private tenders to operate its Dulong and Image Flat quarries.

A detailed submission outlining community concerns with the proposal, and backed by numerous local and regional community advocacy groups, was presented to SCC in early August. Because of the range and seriousness of issues identified, the submission requested SCC put an indefinite hold on releasing the tenders until all matters raised could be addressed.

Following extensive investigations and professional advice, hinterland residents are of the understanding that SCC-owned quarries at Dulong and Image Flat may be treated differently from private quarries in the region under the Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme (SCPC). If founded, the anomalies could offer planning and development, operational and commercial advantages to SCC that local private quarry companies do not share.

President of Hinterland Quarry Action Group, Anne Veivers, says residents are rightly worried that if a private lessee applied to increase production at either Councilowned quarry, the community can’t have fair input into the decision.

SCC advised hinterland residents late last week that it is taking the matters raised very seriously and will temporarily pause the quarry tender process while it considers the content of the community submission.

The community submission has the support of Blackall Range Land Use and Planning Association, Mapleton and District Community Association, Montville Village Association, Hinterland Quarry Action Group, Organisation Sunshine CoastAssociation of Residents and Sunshine Coast Environment Council.

Forest Jewel Discovery

The Maleny Showgrounds Bushcare Group invite you to explore and celebrate the endangered rainforest that has flourished at the Maleny Showgrounds with local expert Spencer Shaw and Jinibara Traditional Owner, BJ Murphy.

In a workshop format, Spencer will share his knowledge on the ecological significance of this remnant rainforest, highlight rare species, its connections in the landscape and more.

This significant remnant and surrounding vegetation have been cared for by the local Bushcare Group through monthly bush regeneration activities over the past five years. They invite you to join them to find out more about this special place and share a cuppa.

This is a free event, but bookings are essential. Morning tea is provided, and all attendees will receive a free plant voucher to redeem at one of their Sunshine Coast community native nurseries.

If you are unable to attend but would like to be part of the Bushcare Group, they meet near the Equestrian Centre on the second Sunday of each month at 8.30am. All tools and morning tea are provided.

Saturday September 30, 9.30am - 11am, Maleny Showground, Maleny Stanley River Road, Maleny. Email: bushcare@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au or eventbrite.com.au, and search ‘forest jewel discovery’.

September is mystery month

Let's get batty!

Book now for a free family friendly event – the 9th Annual Australasian Bat Night at Maleny Showgrounds on Saturday 14 October. See native animals up close, enjoy a guided roost tour, watch the outdoor movie, listen to local bat experts share their knowledge and lots more. Learn about the amazing things bats do for our environment. Bookings are essential via council’s website.

Coast's most impressive properties unlocked Sunshine Coast Open House is the region’s largest public architecture and design festival, offering rare, behind-the-scenes tours, talks and special experiences. Celebrating Sunshine Coast design, the festival will open doors to over 25 of the region’s inspiring buildings for the weekend event on 21 and 22 October. For more information, visit www.sunshinecoastopenhouse.com.au.

CUSTOMER CONTACT sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/Council/Contact-Council

Museum Mystery Madness time

September is Museum Mystery Madness month at Sunshine Coast Museums. Visit participating museums to enter the Mystery Quiz for your chance to win one of four gift vouchers for back to school or work. Each museum has a different quiz. You can enter one or all six. Entrants during the school holidays also get an instant lucky dip prize. It’s fun for the whole family!

Must see: Wild-HEART exhibition

Visit the exhibition of Wild HeART finalists and be in awe of the amazing talent of 40 Queensland school students, ages five-18 years. The exhibition runs from 10am-2pm daily, Saturday 16 September to Sunday 1 October at the Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Garden. Visit the “See and Do” on botanic-garden.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au for details.

One for the calendar

Watch Council’s next Ordinary Meeting online or at Sunshine Coast City Hall Chambers – 21 September at 9am

Welcome back the shorebirds

Come and join the free family friendly shorebird festival celebration at Golden Beach on 23 September or Cotton Tree on 24 September. Bring a rug or chair, grab a bite to eat and watch an outdoor movie screening - Flyways: The Story of Migratory Shorebirds. There’ll also be face painting, food trucks, art and craft, fun games and lots more! Visit Council’s events website for details.

New dance festival

Get ready for outbound, a brand-new two-day contemporary dance and live art festival. Expect dance works, workshops, artist talks, unique choreography, behind the scenes intel and breathtaking shows you'll see nowhere else. Outbound is on 6-7 October at FrankX Studio. Visit outboundau.com for more details. Outbound is supported by ArtsCoast Sunshine Coast Council.

Fun

Scan the QR code to find out more or go to heritage.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

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SPRING INTO ART 

Blackall Range Visual Artists are having their annual Spring Spectacular Art Exhibition.

At St. Mary’s Hall in Montville, from Friday September 29 to Tuesday October, open daily from 10am to 4pm. You will see heaps of diverse and colourful paintings by the well-known BRVA artist’s group. Entry is free and all the paintings are for sale with all donations and commissions going to the upkeep of the St. Mary’s Historic Hall. The photo is of BRVA members at their last workshop with Don Milner, who is a very experienced artist and wonderful tutor, where the group learned a great deal about colours and palette knife techniques, painting with acrylic paint.

Twelfth Night

TwelfthNight is one of Shakespeare’s best-loved comedies, full of mistaken identity, wit, drama, pranks, revenge and passion! This 1980s-inspired production will have you howling with laughter in the aisles, as a lively and talented cast bring their joyful version to audiences over a two-week run.

TwelfthNight tells the story of Viola, a young woman who washes up on the shores of Illyria, disguises herself as a man, is sent to court a countess, and falls hard for a duke.

Production director and designer, Joy Hinckley, has also rewritten/edited this version, to make it more understandable for modern audiences not used to Shakespeare’s verse and iambic pentameter.

“Joy has done a great job editing the play, yet keeping the same rhythms and intentions,” said cast member Victoria Bensted (pictured as Countess Olivia with Mathieu Cadart as Malvolio - image Chris Grealy).

“Some of us have done Shakespeare before and for others it is their first time, but we are all really enjoying his layered plot, and his humour. In fact, we can find it hard to get through some of the scenes in rehearsal, as the dialogue and interplay can be so funny!”

The TwelfthNight season runs from September 15 - 23; to book tickets visit: lindlane.com.au/whats-on, or call 1300 732 764.

THE BRABEN JENNER HOT FIVE 

On Sunday October 1 there will be an afternoon of red hot traditional and mainstream jazz, plus inventive improvisation, from the Braben Jenner Hot Five, with guest vocalist Grace Rigby, presented by the Jazz and Blues Collective.

The band will be playing the music of early to mid-20th century America. Sidney Bechet, Johnny Dodds, Louis Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton, King Oliver, Bix Beiderbecke, Fats Waller, Duke Ellington and other classic jazz greats all feature in a diversified mix of vocals and instrumentals.

Special guest vocalist Grace Rigby will be joining the band again for an encore event. An enchanting, effervescent performer, Grace Rigby truly acts the songs she sings onstage. She'll capture your heart.

Millwell Road Community Centre, 11 Millwell Rd East. Maroochydore, 1.30pm to 4pm (doors open 1pm). A Coffee Van will be on site from 12.30pm. The venue has a BYO drink licence, and you are welcome to bring your own food and drinks. Tickets: ticketebo.com.au/jazzblues-collective

OFF THE SHELF

It is on again. The ‘Off the Shelf’ Art Sale. where artists take the opportunity to declutter their studio, all to the benefit of buyers as prices are greatly reduced. The gallery will be full of art, with two rooms to explore. It is not a traditional Art Exhibition, so no need to wait until sale-end to take home the pieces you love. Head over and view a range of media and styles - watercolour, acrylic, oil, printmaking, collage, charcoal, pastels. There are experimental and decorative pieces, there are canvases, prints, works on paper. Whether you prefer bold or soft, abstract or realism, you will find something you love.

The artists, both established and emerging, are members of the Buderim Craft Cottage, a renowned hub of creativity and popular Sunshine Coast gallery. They are keen to declutter their studios and give you the opportunity to obtain something special for your home, office, or gift. All art is original and unique.

Buderim Craft Cottage, 5 Main Street Buderim, September 22-24, 9am to 3pm, daily. (Picture by Sue Needham.)

ART TRAIL ADVENTURE 

Noosa Open Studios, now in its eighth year, is a popular ten-day cultural event for locals and visitors alike. Noosa Open Studios’ Art Trail Guide is now available in hard copy for you to begin planning your art adventure.

The colourful guide provides you with information about 100+ artists and trails through the beautiful Noosa Shire, from the coast to the hinterland. Visit local painters, ceramicists, jewellers, mixed media artists and more.

The ‘Studios 100’ Art Exhibition is on display September 2-10 at the Cooroy Butter Factory Arts Centre, so you can get a preview of what the event has to offer.

Collect your copy now and start previewing the 100+ artist studios which will be open during Noosa Open Studios October 6-15, 10am to 4pm.

The Art Trail Guide can be collected from Visitor Information Centres across the Sunshine Coast, the Cooroy Butter Factory Arts Centre, Noosa Arts and Crafts Association at Wallace House, Noosaville. See the website, noosaopenstudios.com.au, for distribution details or to preview an electronic copy of the Art Trail Guide.

LONG LISTEN

On Friday September 29 to October 2, Louise King is launching LongListen at Eudlo Hall. LongListen is a new, punchy festival program of short eclectic mwwusic experiences. Think classics with a twist. Six sensational diverse experiences from sublime classics to a Didgeridoo Soundbath and a kids concert await curious listeners, and culture seekers.

LongListen is an artist-driven, musician-led annual boutique festival that presents the broad sweep of classical crossover artists in community places - a mashup of originals, world, folk and jazz artists, singersongwriters with strings.

LongListen broadens our arts ecology, by providing an inclusive audience experience. At its heart is the power of music. It provides a space for audiences to explore and discover music and for our artists, a platform to experiment, make work, embedded in this community, for our community. Tickets now on sale via Humanitix, search for Long Listen and cost $15-$45+bf.

SILENCE OF THE JAMS

Prepare to be blown away by an epic cinematic experience that defies genre boundaries with Silence of the Jams. The production is set to captivate audiences in Maleny, Pomona, Eudlo and Coolum this September with its fusion of film and live music, including an entirely original soundtrack.

Silence of the Jams paints a vivid picture of a dystopian future where the world has plunged into an eerie silence. All live music has stopped, and robots (aka smartphones) now rule the world. Amidst this turmoil steps Eddie Ray, an unconventional hero who remains blissfully unaware of the digital domination.

In the wild west of the Sunshine Coast with a motorbike as his trusty steed and haunted by the songs in his head, Eddie must journey to find the weapon that can beat the machines – live music. Accompanied by his Band of Legends, a group of exceptional musicians hailing from the Sunshine Coast, Eddie takes to the stage, performing the soundtrack live alongside the film screening. Eddie does all his own stunts, writes and records his own music from his home studio (where he plays every instrument) and makes his own films. Silence of the Jams was brought to life by a twoperson powerhouse team, with Eddie himself in front of the camera and his talented wife Aimee behind it.

Sunshine Coast performance dates September 7-10, visit redchair. com.au for details and tickets.

The End Of Winter

This is a new work for the stage that speaks to our current climate crisis. Written in the wake of the devastation of the 2019 bush fires it asks: What’s happening to winter?

In Australia bushfires are becoming more frequent, our winters warmer and shorter. Will climate change erase winter leaving it to exist only in fairy tales, paintings, and historical accounts?

Noëlle Janaczewska’s masterpiece The End of Winter is about loss and resilience. It has won many accolades with Jane Phegan receiving Best Performance in a Leading Role at the 2022 Sydney Theatre Awards. “Janaczewska’s script is part sensory, part scientific, part history, totally literate and humongously heartfelt.” Richard Cotter, SydneyArtsGuide

Don’t miss this memorable theatre event Sunday September 10, bookings and further information from malenyartscouncil.com