MaryValleyVoice
The
9 FEBRUARY 2022 Vol. 32 #02
connecting communities
LOCAL HEROES: JOHN & JO McKENZIE 3 HATCHLINGS RELEASED BACK 7
“ 14 teaspoon-sized Mary River Turtle
(Elusor macrurus) hatchlings were returned – from a clutch of 16 rescued eggs. Cover story page 7
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LOCAL CHAMPIONS by J a n i n e H i l l
John and Joanne McKenzie, with Ackers far left and Hero in centre.
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t's hard to believe the dog who reaches up to my open car seen it coming. As John and Joanne intended, the pup got a good window and gives me a friendly lick on the face was not once, home. Unintentionally, it turned out to be with them but neither but twice, unwanted. have any regrets and the mutual adoration is clear. Hero pictured above was bound for the shelter he had come from “He’s quite an affectionate dog. He loves to come in and rest his head when Kenilworth’s John McKenzie stepped in. on your thigh and put his paw up and looks at you with those brown John gets around the Mary Valley through his business, Kenilworth eyes,” John said. Plumbing and Gas, and came across the friendly red dog when he When Hero came to them, he was carrying some baggage from his was out on a job. previous life. “A dog was chained up under the house getting tangled upon on “He was very timid. If you put your hand on his head to pat him, he’d everything. I said, ‘What’s happening with the dog down here?’ They cringe,” John said. said, ‘Oh, we shouldn’t have got him. We’re going to take him back on “He didn’t know how to play. If you rolled a ball towards him, he’d just the weekend to the animal shelter.’” look at it. If you tried to wrestle with him, he’d cower on the ground.” Animal-loving John could not bear the thought of the Over the last three or so years, he and Joanne have friendly pup, who was about 10-and-a-half months built up Hero’s trust and he has relaxed. Our gate is 120m old, going back to a shelter. down the driveway He will even run to the ball – although he is not too He figured the pup would have a harder than average interested in bringing it back. time trying to find a home because he was deaf. and he reacts if John and Joanne have not quite cured his unexplained “I was going back to the same job the next day. I said, habit of messing in the back of a vehicle when being there’s people at the ‘I’ll talk to the missus about him,’” he said. driven but it has tidied up and he rides in the back of a gate before I know Their ageing blue cattle dog, Akermanis, 14, is hard ute which they can hose out. of hearing. They had also had an American staffy who anything about them. John said having a deaf dog was not for everyone but was as well and they were nursing broken hearts after It’s amazing what he it was also not as big an issue as some might imagine. his premature death. He and Joanne use hand signals to tell Hero to sit or John’s idea was to keep the red pup out of a shelter can smell. come and although that does not work if he cannot and find a good home for him. As for Joanne... see them, they go to him. “She was less keen on the idea,” John said. “I said we’ll go for a drive However, he knows his place and his people and lingers in out there on the Saturday and you can meet the dog,” he said. proximity while they are on their verandah. “She came out with me and said, ‘Okay, go on, put him in the car.’” They believe having Akermanis helped him settle in and show him Hero settled in with Akers while John and Joanne began teaching the ropes. him some basics and tried to find him a new home. John is often amazed at how attuned Hero is to his surroundings John advertised the pup and got a couple of enquiries but neither even though he cannot hear. panned out to an actual inspection. “Our gate is 120m down the driveway and he reacts if there’s people About two-and-a-half months slipped by and a friend of a friend at the gate before I know anything about them. It’s amazing what he came to look at the young dog. can smell,” he said. “She was keen to take him back to her place. Our friend was looking Hero came with another name, Bundy, when John brought him at us and thinking, ‘Hey, did I do the right thing?’” John said. home. He renamed him Hero because his HEaring is zeRO and also “We said, ‘Let’s leave things for a day or two and we’ll come back because it is a champion name. to you.’” But John and Joanne have been the champions Hero needed. Cupid had shot the puppy love arrow and John and Joanne had not
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The Mary Valley Voice
9 FEBRUARY 2022 |
3
DISTRIC T
SCHOOLS
Kenilworth Provisional School & Kenilworth Lower School
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he establishment of educational erection of a state school building. The first facilities for their children was high on teacher Harry R. Welch, opened the school on the priorities of the early settlers. It is unlikely 5 February, 1923. The new school was built on that schools in the district would have been this site and Harry Welch occupied it as soon built had it not been for the generosity of so as it was finished on 10 November 1924. The many of the residents. school closed on May1, 1944. Application to build the original • The Provisional School Kenilworth 1926 official opening of Kenilworth School Kenilworth School was made in 1899, Township was opened in the Kenilworth by Mr H.F Walker MLA. with the Queensland Government Hall on 21 October 1924. (http://education. granting approval on the condition the qld.gov.au/library/docs/edhistory/openresidents provided four-fifths of the cost close.xls). The construction of buildings of the building. Mr W. Hilder donated on the present site on land donated by the five acres (2.02ha) for a site which Mr Harry Fritz and Mr Charles Cole was was centrally located and Richard Sims recommended by the District Inspector donated a large tree which was milled in 1925. The Township School was on site as the timber for construction. officially opened by Mr H.F. Walker MLA (Hinka Booma to Kenilworth 1950-1960, on 8 October, 1926. (Brisbane Courier, 2021, page 29). The school’s official 9.10.1926, page 11). opening is given as 3 November • The Coolabine Provisional 1899 but it is believed classes School was established in a cottage did not begin until January 1900. donated by Mr A. Meissner on (Queensland State Archives Item Monday 19 November, 1928. There ID15065, Administration file, school) were 20 students in attendance The school closed on 31 December in that year. (Brisbane Courier, 1959. 14.12.1928, page 12). • Obi Obi Provisional School Public tennis courts were also opened on 11 November 1901, opened in the vicinity on land became a State School in 1909, and donated by Mr N. McGinn. 1918 Obi Obi State School closed on 5 (Nambour Chronicle and North Coast Kidaman July 1959. (Agency: Obi Obi State Advertiser, 23.11.1928, page 7). The Creek State School – archivessearch.qld.gov.au). school closed on 31 December, 1956. School • Kidaman Creek School opened in It is planned that the Kenilworth 1914 and closed on 31 December Museum will open to the general 1958 as part of the centralisation of public again on Sunday, 6 March schooling in the district when school provided there is no rapid spike in bus travel from outlying schools into the current infection rate. Kenilworth State School became the Because the complex is Council norm. (Queensland State Archives owned and in accordance with Item ID12521, Returns – schools). their requirements, no person • To establish the school at unvaccinated for COVID will be Cambroon Mr E.R. Nicholls, on allowed to enter. behalf of the building committee, on 5 June,1921 forwarded forms Lenore Meldrum, President, Kenilworth & Dist. Historical Assoc. Inc. and a letter of the same date informing the Department that the proposed site for a new school was on a reserve, No. 406, Parish of Maleny. He also informed them that, as a temporary expedient, KENILWORTH ARTS COUNCIL 'THIS & THAT' Richard G. Beausang had offered the use of a two roomed cottage, ur exciting news is that our Kenilworth ArtsFest Kenilworth 12’ x 22’ with an 8’ verandah. On 7 October, Inspector Charles Kemp 2022 art competition is now open online. ARTS favoured the proposals of the Building Committee and approval COUNCIL So, attention artists, get those entries rolling in! was given to open a provisional school in the cottage pending the While not as extensive in range as the face to face
O
www.kenilwortharts.org.au
KENILWORTH CHOOK CHASE COMMITTEE - AGM 7pm Tuesday 15th February 2022 Held at the Kenilworth Swimming Pool. All are welcome to attend.
2011 Chook Chase entrants and crowd.
4 |9 FEBRUARY 2022
competition, there are very good prizes to be had for Painting, Encouragement Award and People’s Choice. We are all looking forward to the launch of Dee Dunham’s book, “Deanna Dunham - The Drover’s Daughter” on 12 February at 5.30pm at St Luke’s Shed. Local legend, Ian Mackay, will do the honours. Do come along! The Children’s Art Classes conducted by Jodie have been very successful and enjoyable. Singalong! continues with some sessions being conducted at The Shed. Book Club is up and running again. If you would like to join please contact KAC for more information. KAC hopes to begin some art/craft sessions in March where people can get together to exchange ideas and practise their interests in a relaxed social setting. And members – it’s that time of the year again! Memberships are due. How about asking a friend to join? KAC offers members social functions and events, art ideas and general community enjoyment. Contact 0427 723 848 for any KAC enquiries.
The Mary Valley Voice
INFO CENTRE NEEDS VOLUNTEERS We meet the most “ T amazing people and hear
he Kenilworth Information Centre is in desperate need of some new volunteers. We normally open the Centre seven days a week 10am to 3pm, but due to many interesting stories circumstances, we are having to close one day a week with a possibility of closing a further day. Our role is to assist of their adventures and visitors to Kenilworth with information about places to eat, travels. stay and play around our area. Also general information about the Mary Valley and Hinterland districts. When I came here eight years ago, I knew very little about the area, but what a learning curve I have had and am still learning and loving it. The Information staff and the Kenilworth Craft Shop volunteers are a great bunch of individuals. We look out for each other and have a good time working together. Many friendships have been formed. Whether you wish to work one day a week, one day a fortnight or even one day a month, your help would be greatly appreciated. If you are interested in joining our little band of volunteers and embarking on an adventure of your own, please contact me here at the Information Centre, 69 Elizabeth Street, Kenilworth. Phone 5446 0122 or email enquire@kenilworthinfocentre.org.au Kaye Linck, Coordinator Kenilworth Info Centre.
RAINFALL MOY POCKET JANUARY 2022
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by Graham Brennan This January 288ml. Wettest January since 2013 which had 462ml. Last January 191ml. The 21 year average for January 188ml. There was rain on 22 days, the average for January being 16 days. The 12 month total rainfall to end of January 1258ml. The 20 year annual average 1196ml.
VALE TRUDI (FICK) PLOWMAN
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24 JULY 1944 - 22 DEC 2021
t is with great sadness that I wish to advise that Trudi Plowman nee Fick passed away on the 22 December 2021 after a short illness. “Trudi was a volunteer at the Kenilworth Information Centre for over 10 years and worked every Monday. She very much enjoyed her role helping the many visitors who came to Kenilworth. Her background in travel was such a bonus to us all and her bright and bubbly personality was a great source of delight for visitors, locals and of course the rest of us here at the Information Centre and Craft Shop. Trudi often kept us entertained regaling her many funny and interesting stories. Her smile could light up a room. We will miss you Trudi but we are so blessed to have known you.” Kaye Linck, Kenilworth.
The Obi Surplus story and photos on page 12...
‚ Sat 12 Feb book launch 5.30pm “Deanna Dunham – The Drover’s Daughter” at the Shed. ‚ ArtsFest 2022 www.kenilwortharts.org.au ‚ Every Friday – Singalong! KAC 10am-12. Interested in... Book Club, Art/craft group, Singalong! Contact 0427 723 84
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COMMUNITY COMMUNITY NOTICE – ST LUKE'S SERVICE TIME CHANGE
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s from Saturday 19 February, the service time at St Luke’s Anglican Church, Kenilworth, is changing from Sunday to Saturday afternoon. There will be a Eucharistic service each week at 4.30pm, followed at 5.30pm with refreshments in the Shed. Community members and visitors are invited to the service and/ or to coffee or a cuppa in the Shed. Saturday Arvo Social at the Shed – open to everyone!
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CHEERIO FROM THE CHURCHES
fter the busy time over Christmas, things have been quiet for a little while. However, the usual activities are coming back on board with the resumption every Thursday of Morning Prayer at 9am at St Luke’s and Meditation at 9.30am at St John Bosco’s. A well attended ecumenical service was held at St John Bosco’s on 30 January with an interesting homily by Fr Odinaka. • 31 January was the Feast Day of St John Bosco, an Italian priest who was a pioneer in providing education for the children of the poor. He was born in 1815 and died in 1888. He founded the Salesian Order in 1859 and was canonized in 1934 with the title “Father and Teacher of Youth”. As of 19 February, Holy Communion services at St Luke’s will be held every Saturday afternoon at 4.30pm followed by refreshments in the Shed at 5.30pm. Everyone is welcome to either or both of these gatherings. There will be an Ash Wednesday service at St Luke’s either on 2 March or 3 March (date to be advised). Lenten Studies will commence on Thursday 4 March at 10.30 am at St John Bosco’s. A sincere wish to all to stay safe and well.
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MAPLETON OBSERVATORY RECEIVES GRANT
he Mapleton Observatory is one of forty community groups in the electorate of Fairfax to receive a share in $135,320 of Federal Government Grants aimed at supporting volunteers. Member for Fairfax, Ted O’Brien MP said, “We’re fortunate to have such an incredible culture of volunteerism here on the Sunshine Coast. Whether it’s providing meals to those in need, protecting lives along our coastline or training the next generation of sportspeople, the value of volunteering is immeasurable.” This funding is part of the Morrison Government’s $18 million Volunteer Grants program. Roger Pilcher from the Mapleton Observatory warmly welcomed the $2,500 Federal Government grant. “Mapleton Observatory offers education and entertainment on aspects of optical astronomy, from our own moon to objects, planets and their moons in our solar system, in our own galaxy and galaxies far, far away,” Mr Pilcher said. “We are very pleased to receive the Grant, which will enable us to update some of our equipment which is becoming out of date or worn by use. This particular grant will enable us to acquire a purpose designed computer tablet and a set of specific Astro-binoculars.” Successful community groups and charities received grants of $1,000 to $5,000 to directly support their volunteers. Eligible projects will support their organisations to increase participation, promote awareness of volunteering opportunities and help purchase equipment and training resources. More than 8.7 million volunteers across the country freely give their time and skills to support others and contribute around $290 billion each year to Australia’s economy. Volunteering also plays an important role in Australia’s social landscape as a proven pathway to get people into jobs, reduce marginalisation and increase community participation. The Mapleton Observatory monthly open nights are cancelled for the time being. Private nights for small groups only. Details and contact available on the Mapleton Observatory's web page at https://mapletonobservatory.com.au/ for times and availabilities.
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TURTLES T
FEBRUARY COVER STORY
hanks to that iconic photo taken near Kenilworth by Chris van Wyk left during the Traveston Dam campaign, the Mary River Turtle has become something of a flagship species for the river, playing a key role in the river ecosystem. It’s only one of six species of turtle that live in the Mary, and its adults are so distinctive that it seems scarcely credible that they weren’t recognised as a distinct and separate species until 1994. The Mary River Turtle (Elusor macrurus, which means an elusive turtle with a big tale) is listed as endangered under both state and federal legislation and occurs naturally only in the Mary catchment. Another of Mary’s turtles, the White-throated Snapping Turtle is listed as critically endangered but it’s not unique to the Mary, being found also in a couple of other Queensland rivers. A number of recent studies have suggested that the Kenilworth area (both the Mary River itself and its major tributary Obi Obi Creek) is something of a “hotspot” for Mary River turtles. Last month’s Mary Valley Voice had a detailed article on the turtles and this was followed by a joyous sequel a week or two back. Mary River Turtles lay their eggs often on loose sand banks near to the river, and sometimes not all that far from the water. MRCCC, the Mary River Catchment Coordinating Committee, thanks to support from Seqwater, has been conducting nest monitoring and protection in the Kenilworth reach for the past couple of years, and late last year, Kath Nash and her team found a nest that had been laid quite close to water in sand that would readily be washed away during flooding. The eggs were carefully excavated and moved to a predator proof cage at Moy Pocket, a fortunate relocation as the site was inundated both in December and again from ex-tropical cyclone Seth. The average incubation time is 55 days but this year had seen some clutches around Tiaro taking around 70 days to emerge, but
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as that milestone came and went, things weren’t looking terribly promising for the relocated eggs. Then on day 76, as hopes were fading, 14 of the 16 eggs hatched and broke through to the surface. After being measured and weighed, the hatchlings were released back at their original nest site near Kenilworth. The release was attended by local River Stewards, including dairy farmers and graziers from around Kenilworth pictured above and the hatchlings even became media celebrities as ABC Rural reporter Jennifer Nichols was on hand to record the event. The hatchlings were placed on the sand to make their own way to the water, a perilous path for a tiny turtle not much bigger than a teaspoon, and probably why some turtles lay quite close to the water. They instinctively, if not exactly instantaneously, headed for the water and, once immersed, proved to be capable swimmers. Young hatchlings can stay underwater for a couple of days for, although breathing at the surface, they can also extract oxygen from the water through a gill-like structure in their tail, helping them avoid being eaten. No one knows for sure how long Mary River Turtles can live for, some say maybe 80 years or more. There’s no doubt that all those well-wishers, on the sand bar at Kenilworth, wished those minute hatchlings live to a ripe old age, and even find themselves adorned with the odd growth of algae which, thanks to Chris’ internationally-circulated photograph, has earned them the nickname “the punk turtle”. Ian Mackay, MRCCC chairman.
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The Mary Valley Voice
9 FEBRUARY 2022 |
7
AN ARTS EVENI NG IN EUMUNDI
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POETRY AND SONGS AT BERKELOUW BOOKS
cclaimed British singer-songwriter and poet Emily Maguire presents an evening of poetry and songs at Berkelouw Books in Eumundi on Friday 18 March 2022 to celebrate the publication of her most recent poetry collection 'Words With Wings'. An established artist with six albums and four books to her name, Emily relocated from the UK to the Obi Obi valley in 2019 with her Australian husband Christian Dunham. Together they had toured Europe extensively with the likes of American legends Don McLean and Dr Hook. Emily recently undertook a hugely successful tour of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, performing shows with renowned string players Sarah and Louise King at Eudlo Hall, Maleny Community Centre and The Majestic Theatre in Pomona. Her new book 'Words With Wings' is a collection of stream-ofconsciousness poems written after her daily Buddhist meditation
practice. A local performance poet Robin Archbold suggested she should try writing some music to go with them. "I was completely inspired", says Emily. An accomplished composer in her own right, the result was a digital album of poetry readings and piano music which accompanies the book. The evening at Berkelouw Books will feature readings from 'Words With Wings' and also songs performed by Emily on acoustic guitar and Christian on double-bass. They toured this format to bookshops and Buddhist centres in the UK when Emily's last book of poetry 'Meditation Mind' was published in 2018. "It worked so well we wanted to do something similar here in Australia", says Emily. Emily and Christian will be performing in the intimate surroundings of Berkelouw Books Eumundi on Friday 18 March at 7pm. Tickets are $20/$15 concessions available through Emily's website at www. emilymaguire.com Places are limited so please book early to avoid disappointment. All tickets will be refunded in the event of a cancellation due to Covid.
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GYMPIE WASTE MANAGEMENT HOURS MARY VALLEY WASTE TRANSFER STATION
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he facility is located on the Kandanga-Imbil Road, Imbil and it will be open:Monday, Wednesday and Friday: 8am to 4pm. Weekends: 9am to 3pm. Closed Tuesday, Thursday and public holidays – Good Friday, ANZAC Day and Christmas Day.
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GYMPIE WASTE MANAGEMENT FACILITY
he facility is located along Bonnick Road, Gympie. Open weekdays 8am to 4pm and weekends 10am to 3pm. Recycling shop on site opening hours are Wednesday and Thursday 9am to 3pm and Saturday 10am to 2.30pm. https://www.gympie.qld.gov.au/water-waste/waste-disposal/ waste-management-facilitites/locations-hours
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The Mary Valley Voice
COMMUNITY ROBERT (ROB) SKELTON
MEMBER FOR NICKLIN, QLD PARLIAMENT
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s we head into 2022 I would like to thank all my constituent for their patience and hard work as we collectively deal with the ongoing effects of the pandemic. Keep following the health advice, stay safe, book in for your booster as soon as you can and support local business whenever possible. Fairplay vouchers now open. Round 6 of the popular Fairplay vouchers are now open for applications. The program supports eligible Queensland parents and carers with a $150 voucher towards the cost of sports registration for kids aged between five-17. You can apply if your child: is a Queensland resident aged from five to 17 years (inclusive) at the time of application, holds, or whose parent, carer or guardian holds, a valid Department of Human Services Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card with the child’s name on it. Contact my office Shop 3, 51 Currie St, Nambour or phone 5406 4102 – nicklin@parliament.qld.gov.au Smoother ride for Eumundi Kenilworth Road. Residents along Eumundi-Kenilworth Road can look forward to a smoother ride home thanks to the Palaszczuk Labor Government investing $2.9 million for resurfacing and rehabilitation works. The works would improve the quality of a 2.7 kilometre stretch of the road, and will be carried out in two stages beginning in late January 2022 and stage two will begin in early May 2022, weather and construction conditions permitting. This builds on the $5.7 million we've invested in the road since 2019 as part of the state's sixth record road and transport plan, coming in at $27.5 billion over the next four years. Resurfacing works will be carried out at night, between 6pm and 6am, Sunday to Thursday. Drivers are encouraged to observe all signage and drive to the conditions. For current information on roadworks and conditions visit www. qldtraffic.gov.au, call 13 19 40 or download the QLDTraffic app. Recent works undertaken on Eumundi-Kenilworth Road include: • Geotechnical investigations carried out in the westbound lane of Eumundi-Kenilworth Road, between Ceylon Road and Pearce Road, Eerwah Vale in November 2021. • $710,000 batter protection project completed 2021 to stabilise a 50-m section on the eastbound side of Eumundi-Kenilworth Road. • $800,000 repairs and resealing works completed in 2020 on a five-kilometre section between Belli Oak Tree Road and Moy Pocket Road at Gheerulla. • $4.2 million rehabilitation project completed in 2019 on a 3.4-kilometre section from the Belli Community Hall access to just east of Cedar Creek Road, Belli Park.
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ustralia’s leading caravan manufacturer has shown its confidence in the Sunshine Coast, investing in a new $7.5 million 5000 square metre facility in Coolum Eco Industrial Park. ZONE RV is a locally owned and operated business which manufactures and assembles composite caravans. The thriving off-road caravan specialists will continue to occupy 6000 square metres in two facilities within the industrial park and after just two years, is expanding its premises as a result of the surge in demand for the company’s products combined with the growth in the caravan industry due to the COVID-19 pandemic. ZONE RV’s new premises is on track to inject a forecast $31 million into the economy during construction and ongoing operations and will generate 124 new full-time positions. Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson visited the ZONE RV headquarters on 25 January to congratulate the local company on its success and thank them for their contribution to the region. “I am pleased that ZONE RV has been, and continues to be, supported by council through its Sunshine Coast Economic Resurgence Plan,” Mayor Jamieson said. “The resurgence plan was set up in response to COVID-19, our goal being to provide support to local businesses and to assist the region’s economic recovery, by accelerating large shovel-ready construction projects such as this one. “The business support measures and incentives include a rebate on eligible development application fees and staged payment options for infrastructure charges. “Council recognised very early in this pandemic that business support would be critical to how our region fared in the face of COVID and the resurgence plan was just one of many initiatives we implemented.” ZONE RV Chief Executive Officer Adrian Tofts said he was very excited the new facility on the Sunshine Coast would have the biggest 3D printer in the Southern Hemisphere. “At 22 meters x 5 meters wide, it is huge! We’re hiring now and if you have an interest in automation, robotics and mechatronics, come and talk to us. “We’re looking for apprentices, graduates, compositive technicians and tradespeople,” said Mr Tofts. Visit www.zonerv.com.au – ph 5471 6410 8am to 4pm weekdays.
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COMMUNITY WELLBEING Fruit, vegetables, “outgrown clothes,
Get ready to GO The garden organics bin collection service is expanding to households across the Sunshine Coast from July 2022. Lawn clippings, weeds, leaves and other organic garden materials placed in the new lime green-lidded bin will be collected by Council, diverted away from landfill and mulched ready to be reused. Together, we can get waste sorted for a cleaner, greener and sustainable Sunshine Coast. BushCare is looking for volunteers What’s BushCare? It’s a group of likeminded people who care for the bushland near them, like to enjoy the outdoors, keep active and connect with nature, and have the flexibility to volunteer when it suits them! Morning tea, equipment, gloves and guidance are all provided. Search “bushcare” on Council’s website and join your next local BushCare working bee.
One for the calendar
Watch Council’s next Ordinary Meeting online –Thursday, 24 February at 9am.
Apply now for major grants Does your community group need funding to help make something great happen? Council's Major Grants are open until 14 March. Attend a free Grant Writing Workshop to help with planning. Visit Council's website to apply or for more information.
Is your pool safe? Pools capable of holding more than 300mm in depth, which includes all swimming pools, spas, portable and inflatable pools, must comply with the Queensland Government pool safety standard. Visit Council’s website for more details about safety compliance. CUSTOMER CONTACT
sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/Council/ Contact-Council
FRIENDSHIPS ARE FORMED AT OBI SURPLUS
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BY JANINE HILL
URPLUS: an amount of something left over jewellery, books have when requirements have been met; an excess of all been brought to the production or supply. The dictionary definition is a signpost to what the Obi Surplus to be shared. Surplus is about. Think overflow, an abundance, of the Kids play while adults Obi Obi Valley. browse and mingle. It is the name given to a monthly gathering in the Obi Obi Hall where locals offer whatever they have in excess and can pick and choose from the surfeits of others. The cheeky official line is that it began as a blatant attempt to access oranges dripping from a tree while also providing a venue to offload of an oversupply of cucumbers. Obi Obi resident Melissa van Kenyon got the Surplus rolling four years ago. “It’s meant to be a family friendly place where like-minded people meet and bring something to share. It might be something they’ve grown or something they’ve baked,” Melissa said. No money nor cash substitute changes hands. There is no swapping and no trading, no obligation to give if you take or take if you give. Fruit, vegetables, outgrown clothes, jewellery, books have all been brought to the Surplus to be shared. Kids play while adults browse and mingle. The Surplus is not only about sharing of produce and goods. It is also a chance for people to share their knowledge and learn something new. Bake sourdough and you may well be asked to show people how to do it at one of the monthly demonstrations “If you make you can show it,” warned Melissa, always on the hunt for people to give a demo. Belly dancing, drawing, bush foods, permaculture and even making a terrarium have been on the monthly demonstration menu. The Surplus is also a chance for locals, who tend to bring a plate, to catch up and share news and stories. “There’s a bit of sneaky socialisation built in,” Melissa said. The Surplus crowd has contracted a little these days and is sometimes only single figures. While all are welcome to bring their Surplus, Melissa is not rushing to build the numbers up, either, comfortable with the little group and happy to let them wax and wane. Like cucumbers, sometimes you have a surplus, sometimes not. The Obi Surplus is held in the Obi Obi Hall on the first Wednesday of each month from 9.30am.
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Chance to win $1000 off your rates Rate notices have been issued and are due by 25 February. Register through MyCouncil to receive future rate notices by email and you’ll go in the running to win up to $1000 off your next rate bill! Visit Council’s website for more information.
07 5475 7272 mail@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
Pictured above is Chloe (on the left) giving Jennifer worm wee to help her grow the plants she brings each Obi Surplus and below left, Dennis with his beautiful dahlias.
www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
12 | 9 FEBRUARY 2022
The Mary Valley Voice
THE FUTURE LIES BENEATH WHAT MAKES GRASS GROW BACK FASTEST – TRAMPLING, TOPPING OR COW SPIT?
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veryday when I move the cattle into a fresh break of pasture I ponder and admire the trample effect that was left behind. The rough residual was a beautiful combination of chomped grass, crushed weeds, top-grazed legumes and a twisted bed of tall grass folded down like a blanket, upon the soil by the hoof action. It was so perfect, no further action was needed. So I pondered a bit more to consider this question: “Does grazed, and or, trampled grass grow back faster than mechanically cut pasture?” This topic is regularly discussed and it's so long in the tooth in many parts of the hinterland that when the pastures get out of hand and we feel compelled to do something about it. So the question is “Why is grazing and trampling better? And why would trampled grass grow back faster than if you simply topped it with a mower?” Drawing from my experience listening to famous holistic, mobgrazing practitioners, and believing them, I just said it was so, with only my experience and experience of others I know. So how can how a pile of trampled grass regrow quicker than a clean-cut grass clump with full sun? I too, started to question the hypothesis. Adding to my confusion – I have just as many grazing friends who swear that a sharp bladed mulcher, disc mower or sicklebar mower helps the grass grow faster. And then there are the “slashers” who shred their plants. That couldn’t possibly be contributing to higher growth rates, could it? No doubt the mechanical side of things can make a paddock more uniform and vegetative while removing competition from undesirable species. In fast growth times this pruning can be an effective tool for increased dry matter. But is it fundamentally better than a grazing animal? Where is the research that says its better? Is it cow spit? I searched the internet for a scientific answer – where I literally found spit on the topic! Yes! There are researchers who study animals’ magical saliva to see if the PH, thiamine, and dripping rumen bug juice contribute to increased plant growth and tillering rates. Scientists were inspired to study the effect of saliva on plant growth because it contains thiamine in concentrations strong enough to potentially stimulate growth. Results of their research have been mixed. In 1974, a 2-page Journal of Range Management “Technical Note” by Reardon, Leinweber and Merrill seems to be the source of the idea that saliva can increase growth by 30%. The methods explanation is a bit unclear, but it appears the authors compared the growth of 15 seedlings grazed by either cows, goats and sheep with plants that they clipped to the same grazed height. The verdict? Try it yourself and observe. However one thing is for certain before you hook up an expensive piece of iron to manicure a farm consider the the temperature of the soil surface on the trampled paddock It can be up to 20 degrees cooler and when it rains a tenth or we just have a heavy dew, the paddock retains moisture longer. I feel a farm’s resiliency is the measure of water retention practices like grazing right for the right reasons. I’m not sure if topping achieves such a solution.
We love our Mary Valley Beautiful place to visit - Great place to live
Marg Cochrane
Cherie Carlson - SOLD PENDING SETTLEMENT36 Diggings Road, Imbil Advertised and under contract in less than 1 week! Mary Valley property is still in high demand and we have a list of qualified Buyers ready to move! Call our owners Marg & Cherie today to discuss your real estate goals!
Stephen Nussio advancerural@hotkey.net.au (0427 609 454)
The Mary Valley Voice
9 FEBRUARY 2022 |
13
LOCAL AND FEDERAL L
CR DAVID LAW DIVISION 10 SUNSHINE COAST
andholder Environmental Grants. In 2021, council endorsed $325,000 in Landholder Environmental Grant funding for projects across the region. 28 of the grant recipients were in Division 10 for projects including Catchment Bush Regeneration for the Obi Obi and Walli Creek Catchments and surrounding areas. Applications for 2022 Landholder Environmental Grants open in July 2022. Help council create a new planning scheme. A planning scheme sets out council’s plan for shaping the future of our region and affects what you can do with your land. Council is preparing a new planning scheme, and everyone will soon get a chance to provide feedback on the planning for our region. Visit council’s website and sign up today to be the first to have your say when consultation begins on the New Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme Project. Reminder for Major Grants applications close 14 March. Last year was a great success for Division 10 applicants in the Minor Grants round of council’s Community Grants program with ten community groups receiving nearly $10,000 in minor grants. Applications for the Major Grants round are now open and close 14 March, 2022. Be sure to apply on behalf of your community group and visit council’s website for more information. Have a wonderful month and if you have any questions please contact me at email:david.law@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au and follow my Facebook page for regular updates: @DavidLawDivision10.
January with further subsurface investigation to occur shortly to establish permanent repairs. Thank you to the residents for your patience while we undertake the necessary works. Parks tip-top despite rain delays. We take pride in making sure our Sunshine Coast parks and gardens look green and great. The recent wet weather has delayed some of our mowing and maintenance services across the Sunshine Coast. We would like to thank our community and visitors for their patience while we catch up. If we get enough dry weather, our parks and gardens and other grassed areas will quickly return to tip-top condition. If COVID-19 does impact our workforce numbers, which it may do from time to time, we may need to adjust our service scheduling. We assure you we will prioritise our cleaning services and direct resources to urgent and hazardous matters to keep our community safe. Keeping you connected. Please do keep an eye on my Facebook page for the latest Division 5 news and information. Visit www.facebook.com/ winstonjohnstondivision5scc
TED O’BRIEN MP
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FEDERAL MEMBER FOR FAIRFAX
conomic recovery. Despite the daily challenges which Omicron is creating for businesses and families alike, the latest data suggests that our economic recovery is in full swing. Australia recorded its lowest unemployment rate in 13 years at just 4.2%, and rating agency S&P Global affirmed Australia's AAA Credit rating. This is a testament to the economic management throughout this pandemic and should give everyone confidence about our ongoing economic recovery. Ministerial visit. CR WINSTON JOHNSTON DIVISION 5 SUNSHINE COAST Never before has the Sunshine Coast received so much Federal elcome to 2022. I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas Government funding. However, there is no room to be complacent. and New Year’s break with friends and family, I know I That’s why I recently invited Minister Paul Fletcher MP to the certainly enjoyed the quality time. I would like to thank our Sunshine Coast to demonstrate the importance of a number of critical front-line workers who have continued to keep our region critical infrastructure projects first-hand. Paul is the Federal safe over the holiday period – and will continue to do so as we Minister responsible for infrastructure for the 2032 Olympic and navigate living with COVID-19. Many of our internal officers are Paralympic Games. starting the year working from home, playing their part in helping Wearing my hat as Special Envoy and the Prime Minister’s to stop the spread. In spite of ongoing challenges associated to the representative for the Games, I took Paul to locations across COVID-19 pandemic, there is much to look forward to this year, the region where we’re set to host sports in 2032 including and I am excited to deliver more community and infrastructure the marathon, race walking, road cycling, mountain bikes, projects throughout Division 5 in 2022. kiteboarding and preliminaries for both football and basketball. Landslip repairs at Bald Knob. I also took the opportunity to discuss the importance of new and Over the Christmas and New Year break, council’s civil asset improved rail to Maroochydore and Nambour and my vision for an Entertainment Centre in the Maroochydore CBD along with an management officers responded to several urgent and hazardous upgrade of the Sunshine Coast Stadium. maintenance jobs including a landslip at Bald Knob. On Sunday, 2 January, officers responded to community reports about Sunshine Coast Australia Day recipients. dangerous conditions on Ensby Road resulting from a landslip. I want to acknowledge the several outstanding Sunshine Coast Temporary minor realignment works were constructed to allow residents who were officially recognised for their contributions to driver access. A geotechnical engineer inspected the site on 11 our nation through the 2022 Australia Day awards. Congratulations Kaylee McKeown, Debra Knight OAM, Robert Reid AM, Peter Ellis OAM, Margaret 2500x FREE Thorsborne OAM, Susan Davis A4 COPIES PRINTED. OAM, James McClelland OAM, MVV Editor jillguldbransen@gmail.com 1900x mailbox Benjamin Hance OAM and of direct. Rest are 0455 262 495 • 07 5494 9619 course Caroline Hutchinson OAM. by ten writ s year bulk drops. the community Summer road trip. for the community. My summer road trip around the electorate will commence at the MONDAY 28 FEBRUARY for #3 MVV 9 MARCH 2022 end of February with locations to Website issues issuu.com/maryvalleyvoice be announced shortly on my social Mary Valley Community News Assoc. Inc., publishers of The Mary Valley Voice since 1991, reserves the right to refuse inappropriate pages and weekly e-newsletter, to advertising and submissions for both print and website, and any opinions expressed in any published advertisements or submissions which you can subscribe at www. does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Association or its Editor. It also reserves the right to determine what is inappropriate for publication purposes. • ABN 61 781 267 568 • Mary Valley Community News Assoc Inc, PO Box 158, Kenilworth Q 4574 ted.obrien.com.au
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Mary Valley Voice
The
MARCH DEADLINE
14 | 9 FEBRUARY 2022
The Mary Valley Voice
MARY VALLEY Get ready to
GO
Your new Garden Organics bin arrives soon. We’re expanding our three-bin waste collection system. For residents who don’t already have a garden organics bin, your new service starts July 2022.
easy and convenient good for the environment low cost fortnightly service
210116J 12/21
Mulching garden waste for reuse, instead of dumping it, reduces
Find out more.
sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/gardenbin 07 5420 8600
OPEN 7 DAYS 5.30am-6pm Mon-Sat 7am-6pm Sunday
“We have the freshest fruit and veggies!”
IMBIL
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GREAT WEEKLY SPECIALS Groceries & Deli Freshest Fruit & Veg Plus • Gifts • Firewood • Bait & Ice • Camping Gear • BP Fuel + Oil • Eftpos & ATM
THE MARY VALLEY VOICE © 2021
THE MARY VALLEY VOICE 2020 © 9 FEBRUARY 2022
Our research shows 55 per cent of material in general waste bins is organic material that could be repurposed.
landfill and greenhouse gases – helping to create a cleaner, greener, and sustainable Sunshine Coast.
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The Mary Valley Voice
Contact Leonie -
Email: Leonie@leonies-caring.com.au
9 FEBRUARY 2022 |
15
PROUDLY PRINTED BY GT PRINT, KUNDA PARK, SUNSHINE COAST
Our aim is to send no waste to landfill by 2041 by reducing, reusing and recycling.
LATEST LISTINGS Where the hills meet the skyline. Obi Obi Valley
$1,150,000
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Offers over $680,000
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Offers over $650,000
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tonia@boxsells.com.au
carol@boxsells.com.au
