2022 MARY VALLEY VOICE - OCTOBER 12, Vol.32 #10

Velvet leaf Callicarpa

Macadamia integrifolia

Podocarpus

LOCAL CHAMPION VERONIKA SPICER

A TRIBUTE TO THE FOUNDER OF THE MARY VALLEY VOICE

Veronika Spicer is retiring after 31 years of dedicated volunteer service to the Kenilworth community.

She has been the key driver of The Mary Valley Voice ever since the very first edition hit the streets on 6 December 1991 as it was the brainchild of Veronika and her husband, (late) Glen Spicer. They felt that a small news sheet, full of local community stories would fill a niche in our local Kenilworth scene. Glen became the editor, advertising manager and printer while creative partner Veronika, became the artwork manager.

At the time, the Chamber of Commerce donated seeding funds of $200, while Kenilworth State School donated its old Gestetner printer. It was installed in the scout den where the early printing was conducted.

Quickly the MVV grew beyond the original two foolscap pages stapled in the corner. Pages were collated in local accountant Brian Smith’s office, employing six volunteers all day to complete! Then the skilled Hessell Galloway joined the team. She had worked at a printery, bringing expertise that reduced the collating time for three people to a mere four hours.

Under Veronika’s watchful eye and energetic guidance the MVV kept growing and required the purchase of an offset printing machine, affectionately known as Herbie. The printing was accomplished under the Kenilworth Hall as the printer was too heavy to move to the scout den. When Herbie outlived his usefulness, he was replaced with a later and more efficient model.

The printing venue then had another shift this time to the elegant space of the chook shed at Trish and Dorian Osborne’s property, “The Pines”. However, the printer proved too heavy for the delicate floor boards so off the MVV operation went again, and this last time to the space under the Shed the Light premises.

It was finally decided that the MVV should be commercially printed. Firstly by the (late) Paul Kellie at Glass House Country Printers (Beerwah) with Veronika carefully monitoring pages layout and the editorials.

Volunteers travelled to Glass House twice a month to collect the boxes of pages. The MVV was housed in the Kenilworth Arts Council rooms where twice a month, a happy band of volunteers took four or five hours to collate manually the pages into the latest edition, led by the indomitable Hessel Galloway who worked twice as fast as everyone else.

As printing machinery progressed, volunteer collation became a thing of the past. Printing was then moved to Helen’s Print Centre, then Sunstrip Printers and again to Qld Complete Printers all based in Nambour. Finally a keeper in 2013 at the wonderful GT Print in Kunda Park.

A good move was made to print the whole of MVV in colour and on gloss stock (it had been half black and white) and the issues also went online at https://issuu.com/maryvalleyvoice

The management committee along with Veronika as president, have always paid close attention that overall expenses don't exceed the monthly advertising revenue. Fortunately, MVV has had the best of treasurers (late) Kathleen Redman, Joyce Lashmar, (late) Blair Meldrum, and currently Lenore Meldrum. Remarkably, ad rates have been steady for more than a decade despite rising CPI and production costs. For locals the editorial policy prioritises community news and events. As a “not-forprofit” free monthly it supports advertisers and groups.

Through Veronika’s tireless networking, support was given to the MVV by Kenilworth Hall, Show and Recreation Ground Assn and from the Chook Chase.

Led by Veronika, the MVV team made burgers, served on dinner tables and sold raffle tickets at every Chookie weekend and it is still a happy, valued collaboration.

Veronika worked productively with many editors over the years and those are firstly Glen Spicer, Margaret Smith, Susan Bryce, Ellie Jackman (10 years), Laetitia Hoffmann (six years) and now Jill Guldbransen (seven years).

As president of the Mary Valley Community News Assn Inc, Veronika and the committee, have consistently worked to ensure the success of The Mary Valley Voice pictured bottom with their 2014 Nicklin Community Service award. She received a “Living Treasure Award” in 2006, in part for her valued contribution to MVV.

Not only did Veronika play a vital role in The Mary Valley Voice, she also served for many years with Kenilworth Arts Council, as a noted artist and one of its founding members in 1989 and an instigator of the annual Kenilworth ArtsFest.

As well as that, she was regularly on the Kenilworth Community Swimming Pool committee, and was one of the volunteers who helped in getting Kenilworth Library established. She was also a co-director of a local art gallery for many years.

Veronika was also part of the first committee to stage Kenilworth's Cheese and Wine festival and stayed for 10 years. A lady of many talents!

So, Veronika, “Kenilworth will miss you” as you retire but Kenilworth will always be grateful for your unflagging community spirit and your energetic involvement in the life and culture of our town. Thank you! We wish you every happiness for a peaceful, enjoyable and well earned retirement.

Submitted by Shirley Moreland, past secretary and long-time member of MVCNA Inc. management.

 “We would also like to reiterate Shirley’s sentiments, as late comers (18 years) to Kenilworth, we saw the work Veronika put into the community, as like most of the early community members we met. They were extremely hard working in promoting their community. Veronika's endless energy will not be forgotten. Tim and I also wish her well in her retirement and new residence.”

Tim and Di Donovan, vice-president MVCNA Inc.

“ Written by the community, for the community was the mission value and vision of MVV news founders, Veronika and Glen Spicer. ”

HISTORICAL

WHO WAS MRS J. G. SIMS?

Jane Georgina was born in Ballan, Victoria on the 18 December 1905, the eighth of ten children of Alexander Patterson Myers and Hanna Trotter Myers (nee Wakenshaw). The family moved to Cambroon in 1924 finally settling at Kenilworth in 1925 as share farmers with John McGinn.

Jane married Richard Walter Sims on 12 October 1929 in the Kenilworth Hall. Jane began supporting her husband in all his endeavours the carrying business, building and operating the motor garage and at the same time they ran a boarding house for people working in the district.

Pictured left, in 1942 Jane and Richard and their family of three (L-R baby Win, John and Lex) moved to Imbil. Jane bought the house next to the garage and established the Horse Shoe Café. Richard established a garage which he and later with son Lex operated.

Jane was very involved in the Q.C.W.A., (she was president for six months), the Presbyterian Church and assisted many families during this period.

After giving birth to two more children (Neal and Margaret) it was time to leave Lex to operate the Sims Bros Garage in Imbil and the family to return to Kenilworth in 1954. They moved back to the home Jane had built for her parents in Mary Street, Kenilworth.

She then took on a job of cooking at the Kenilworth Hotel when Murray Hicks was licensee.

She went on to buy and work a dairy farm on Scandal Hill. Jane was still active in the community.

She assisted with catering for the annual rodeo and ball for a number of years.

She was the first female on the school committee during the successful bid to have a high-top commence at the Kenilworth State School.

Jane also assisted with Sunday school at the Baptist church and continued to be a member of QCWA. When no longer working the farm, Jane took on emergency housekeeping through the CWA.

Jane and Richard retired to live in Chermside. Jane passed away in May 1975 in Kenilworth after a short battle with cancer.

 Above news clipping of J. G. Sims auction that appeared 20 October, 1939 (Nambour Chronicle & North Coast Advertiser page 4). Article written by Win Burnett and Margaret Gallwey.

CENT AUCTION FUNDRAISER FOR QUILTERS AND MUSEUM

The annual Cent Sale is in the Kenilworth Hall on Friday 28 October, doors open 6.30pm – sale starts at 7.00pm. At last year's Cent Sale a “Pick-a-box” segment was included. Only non-prize winners participated in this event – thereby ensuring that no person went home from the 2021 sale without a prize. The segment will continue in this year's sale too.

• There will also be 10 x $25 meat trays to be won. For $2 participants have a 1 in 25 chance of winning.

For those who never attended a Cent Sale (and there are some) – the following advice may be of assistance.

1. Tickets are purchased in sheet form – each sheet contains 22 tickets of the same number:-

(a) 20 of these tickets are used to ‘bid’ on an auction item.

(b) 1 ticket is held for identification to validate a ‘sale’.

(c) 1 ticket ‘Special Draw’ session held at the end of the evening.

2. It is useful to pre-purchase your tickets @ $6.00 per four sheets.

3. Pre-purchased tickets may then be separated along the perforated lines and stored in a large plastic bag or container.

4. The identification stub should be kept on a clipboard – this stub must be produced to validate a ‘sale’.

5. The Special Draw stubs should be kept separate from the bid tickets – until the special draw session.

• For anyone wishing to make a donation of items for the Cent Sale or to purchase tickets the Quilt and Craft Room in Blair Meldrum House at the Kenilworth Museum will be “personed” during the days prior to the Cent Sale from Monday 24 October – Thursday 27 October – 10am to 2pm – or any Sunday at the Museum (10am to 2pm). Enquiries 5472 3090.

RAINFALL MOY POCKET SEPTEMBER 2022 by Graham Brennan

This September 102mm. Wettest September since 2010, 104mm. Last September 9mm. 21 year average September 42mm. Rain fell on 10 days, average eight days. Total rain for the first nine months 2245mm. Previous wettest since 2013, 1344mm. Same period last year 693mm. January-September average 912mm. 12 months total end of September 2713mm. 20 year annual average 1196mm.

KENILWORTH RECYCLING HUB

The Kenilworth Information Centre has been leading a double life. Not only is it a friendly stop for tourists and travellers looking for tips and directions, the Information Centre has been moonlighting as a recycling hub.

The centre began acting as a collection point for plastic bottle tops just before last Christmas.

Volunteer Kim Urquhart said locals, businesses and visitors did not take long to get behind the initiative and boxes were soon filling with caps that had been dropped off for recycling.

“A lot of people in Kenilworth have been collecting and also people who live in Kenilworth but work elsewhere,” she said.

“We’ve had somebody who working at the RSL in Caloundra collecting them for us. Kenilworth and Conondale State Schools and Eumundi State School as well. The Kenilworth Hotel and the Kenilworth donut shop too.”

The first six months’ worth of caps were taken to Go for Zero at Kunda Park and then went on to Ocean Crusaders, found new uses for them as plastic granules to be made into furniture, to replace gravel in concrete, and for use by hobbyists.

Such was the volume of caps being dropped off that the VIC was sending about up to 10 boxes of them for recycling every month.

However, Kim said the Information Centre’s cap collection was put on hold mid-year after Ocean Crusaders stopped their program.

The Information Centre has recommenced accepting bottle caps now that a new plastics recycler has been sourced.

VIC volunteers will cart the collected caps to Precious Plastics at Taringa, in Brisbane, to go to Lids4Kids.

Lids4Kids supports the Victorian organisation, Envision, which uses recycled plastic to make mobility aids for children.

The Information Centre’s coordinator, Kaye Linck, highlighted the exceptional effort by Kim and another volunteer, Barb Dilworth, on the recycling.

She said Kim and Barb started the cap recycling and had gone to great lengths to make it work.

“They would have to take the caps home and put them through the washing machine to make sure they’re clean and then the caps have to be sorted into their numbers and then into their colours, so it’s a really time-consuming program,” she said.

So successful has the bottle cap recycling been that people were still trying to off-load caps to the Information Centre during the month or so it took to source another outlet.

Since commencing the bottle cap recycling, the Centre has also started accepting batteries for recycling, saving them from landfill.

The collection is limited to small batteries which are collected by Battery Place, Nambour, for recycling when a representative

comes to town to pick up batteries from other locations.

The Centre accepts AA, AAA, C and D batteries, the sorts found in remote controls, toys, toys, calculators and other small household gadgets. It cannot take button batteries, large batteries or vehicle batteries.

Plans are also underway to expand the Info Centre’s repertoire of recyclable collections.

Pens, felt tips, markers and highlighters are likely to be the next on the list of disposable plastic items which will be collected at the Information Centre and then taken to Officeworks for recycling.

The Centre will soon accept plastic bread tops, the little squares used to seal plastic bread bags, which will be forwarded to the Salvo’s store at Maleny or to Go for Zero to be recycled.

Kaye and Kim said the trigger for the recycling initiatives at the VIC had been the lack of recycling opportunities in Kenilworth’s business strip.

“A couple of years ago, there were no recycling bins in Kenilworth,” Kaye said.

Not only has the Information Centre become a collection point but an organisation called Urban Depot also visits the showgrounds once a week offering cash for recyclable plastic bottles and containers. Janine Hill, MVV journalist.

ST LUKE'S CHURCH CHEERIO

Just a brief hello this month. St Luke’s will be celebrating St Luke’s Patronal Day on Sunday 16 October at 9.30 am. Do come and join us and stay on for morning tea. All welcome. Cheerio from St Luke’s.

Regulated dog inspection program

Sunshine Coast Council will be undertaking a regulated dog inspection program between 1 November 2022 and 31 October 2023. The purpose of this program is to conduct a compliance audit at premises within the region where dogs that have been regulated under the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 are being kept. The

Act requires local governments to manage regulated dogs within their boundaries. The program will work to ensure animal owners are adhering to the mandatory conditions for keeping a regulated dog to reduce the risk posed by these animals. A copy of the program is available on council’s website.

For more information contact council on 07 5475 7272 or mail@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

KAC DIARY DATES

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local lawyers

GREAT SUCCESS FOR CLASSIC CAR SHOW 2022

On Sunday 28 August 2022 an inaugural Classic Car Show for the town of Kenilworth was held by the Kenilworth Chamber of Commerce.

We had 144 entrants and approximately 2000 visitors attend, that is despite the unpredictable weather. In order to try and make it a family day we included 25 market stalls, food vendors and specialised car stalls.

We also had a rock band and dance floor for the enthusiasts as well as face painting and a jumping castle for the littlies.

Over $2000+ was raised by gold coin donation to the SES. Parking to the show was by gold coin donation to the local Kenilworth State Community College who also had a coffee and bake stall.

The town was packed and this helped to boost interest to the township and support local businesses.

The Kenilworth Classic Car Show 2022 offered the tourist a unique opportunity to not only attend a classic car show but to experience the life of a small Queensland country town.

We intend to hold this event annually.

Our AGM was held on 27 September at the Kenilworth Bowls Club with a report to follow later. Please feel welcome to contact us via email president@kenilworthqld.org.au

Ron Perel, president Kenilworth Chamber of Commerce.

ARTSFEST 2022 WINNERS LIST

After two years off the art circuit due to COVID, Kenilworth ArtsFest returned with a well attended and most enjoyable presentation night on Friday 30 September in the Kenilworth Hall.

Hot Curri Jam provided lively music and our local singers, KADS, won everyone over with their songs, pictured below.

The students of Kenilworth School contributed some striking art work while the Conondale School students sent in some amazing poems.

Our thanks to both schools for their participation.

At an exhibition of some of the works of our late KAC member, James Cutliffe, people were offered the chance to purchase very cheaply beautiful print reproductions of James’ paintings of deer.

The KAC committee who worked so hard to put this competition and exhibition together was very pleased with the 2022 Kenilworth ArtsFest and we thank all who assisted us.

In 2023, we will be celebrating our Silver Jubilee – 25 years of exhibitions! Please note the date for 2023 is 27/28 May.

State Member for Nicklin, Rob Skelton, officially opened the ArtsFest and presented awards.

Over a hundred art works were on display in the painting and 3D sections. The Kenilworth Art Award of $5000 was won by James Stickland with a brilliant self portrait pictured top right.

A Highly Commended went to Magali Feuga. In the General Painting section, prize winners were “Sulphur Crest” by Tony Adams 1st, “Cuprous Triceratope…” by Paulus Kooij 2nd, “Spillway” by Diana Shepherd 3rd. Highly Commendeds were awarded to “I’ll Think About It” by Gaye Cook, “Venice” by Christine Groh and “Fish and Ships II” by Elysha Rei.

In the 3D works, the winners were Ken Munsie with “Ornithology Study” 1st, Carol Forster with “Forest Sketch” 2nd and “ St Bernard Automata” by Barry Rosenberg 3rd. Tracey Roach received Highly Commended with “Cubicle”.

The two Jean Glanvill Memorial Encouragement Awards, pictured left, went to Teresa Durie with “Glass Concerto”(2D) and Paul Meakin with “Feast or Famine” (3D).

A very enjoyable time with lots of fun and laughter was spent on Saturday morning with the Poets Alive presentations, led by the one and only Ian Mackay on left.

 The Poetry Prize was won by David Judge from Victoria with local ladies, Dee Dunham and Joy Cronin winning 2nd and Highly Commended.

The Children’s Poetry prizes went to three students from Conondale State School

Lior Halliday, Eva Tiger Lily Withford and Bella Redshaw.

Both Lior and Eva attended the ArtsFest Poets Alive morning on Saturday 1 October and delighted the audience by reading their poems.

Scott Willis, pictured left, the Principal of Conondale State School attended Poets Alive and gave a wonderful introduction of the students to the audience.

The 2022 ArtsFest Poetry competitions were sponsored by Allister Millican Ray White Maleny and Kenilworth Arts Council is extremely appreciative.

The main art show was supplemented by other works.

LITTLE YABBA PARK SUNSHINE COAST COUNCIL (SCC) VOLUNTEER BUSHCARE GROUP

This group has been working at Little Yabba Park for over 10 years. We have planted over 1000 different plant tube stock that are native to the area. Seen recently were Wompoo pigeons, bandicoots and top knot pigeons. Our aims are:-

• To enhance biodiversity and improve wildlife corridors.

• To work on creek bank stabilisation. With all our hard work, the creek bank survived well after the 2022 floods.

• To work on eradicating declared environmental weeds such as Madiera vine and Cats claw creeper. We are finding fewer vines, tick!

• To learn more about the plant and animal diversity of the area.

• To enjoy the company of volunteers working together and have a fun morning tea after weeding for a couple of hours.

We have a wonderful SCC coordinator who is full of knowledge and also provides tools, gloves, and morning tea.

 Meet us the first Friday of the month at 8am at Little Yabba Park, Kenilworth-Maleny Road.

There is no pressure on you about what you can do. You work at your own pace. If you would like to join us, come along to our next session on Friday, 4 November.

Working in a bush setting requires us all to come dressed appropriately in long pants, long sleeved shirt, hat and enclosed footwear.

If you would like any further information, please email Barb Dilworth: barbjdil7@ gmail.com

RJR Property

The Business of Real Estate

HOW GOOD IS THIS MARKET?

That question has different answers, depending on who you talk to.

If you believe the media, it’s all doom and gloom, the bubble has burst. If you look at recent sales results in the LOCAL market, you get a totally different answer.

If you would like an update on the LOCAL market, and where your property sits in that market, then call any member of the RJR Property Sales team. We offer a free market update, either in our office or your home.

How good is this market? … as good as it’s ever been!

Call us today on 1300 000 RJR (757) or visit our website www.RJRproperty.com.au

Life in the mary valley … it’s a lifestyle choice!

MESSAGE OF THE LYREBIRD

SPECIAL FEATURE SCREENING IN MALENY

Lyrebirds hold the history of the forest in their song, but are they now singing the sad story of human encroachment? This is the question multi-award-winning feature film The Message of the Lyrebird explores. Join Barung Landcare and creative producer of the film, Mark Pearce from Balangara Films and Conondale local, for a fundraising screening and community conversation on Thursday 20 October in Maleny.

The Message of the Lyrebird is a thought-provoking film that explores themes around our history and human impact on nature. Journeying the east coast of Australia, the documentary follows the stories of different people and communities who are researching and co-existing with wildlife, looking at ways to protect these vital ecosystems so that the lyrebird and other Australian wildlife can continue their journey.

Addressing the overwhelming threats to biodiversity that we face today, means embracing more sustainable land management practices, protecting and regenerating our native forests and creating more wildlife-friendly spaces across our region.

“People can get overwhelmed by the state of the environment at times” shares Megan Lee from Barung Landcare.

“It can be hard to know what you can do to make a genuine difference. But there are many ways we can all help to improve the trajectory of our environment, and we will be exploring some of these themes on the evening.”

The audience will hear from representatives of local groups and organisations who are making a difference across the Hinterland. People will have an opportunity to learn more about how they can be involved in the recovery and protection of the environment.

“I have been fortunate to travel along the east coast of Australia in search of stories to create this film. And despite the challenges the Australian environment faces, there are many inspiring people doing great things to restore knowledge, reconnect people to the natural world, and are helping to make a difference. There is still a lot of hope,” shares creative producer, Mark Pearce. “Through these kinds of screenings, we are able to bring like-minded people together and explore ways we can take action. We hope this evening empowers local people to do something within their means.”

The event will also raise funds to support local environmental projects that will help increase habitat for wildlife and improve the quality of our environment.

 Be there to win a signed copy of the superb photographic companion guide to the film, which examines the lyrebird’s unique abilities and sophisticated song and dance routines, which date back to the Early Miocene epoch, 18 million years ago.

Where: Maleny Community Centre, 23 Maple Street, Maleny.

When: Thursday 20 October, 6pm to 8pm (doors and bar will open from 5.30pm). Price $20 adults, $10 under 18 yrs.

To book: Call Barung Landcare on 07 5494 3151 or visit www. barunglandcare.org.au/lyrebird



Need

or

The Imbil Library is offering FREE personalised support to help you

Book A Librarian on Tuesday 1 November from 9.30am to 11.30am and our friendly team will help answer any questions you have with your technology or the internet.

To learn more and to book in for one of our free help sessions please contact Imbil Library on 5484 5488.

Healthy activities available for all

A wide variety of affordable health and wellbeing activities will be on offer across the Sunshine Coast, with Council relaunching the Healthy Sunshine Coast program. The line-up of classes has something for everyone Sessions will be held region-wide, will be entry-level and designed for both young and old. Register your interest for the program on Council’s website.

You can contact Council via SMS

If you have a simple enquiry like reporting a pothole, you can now send Council a text on 0485 813 130. Include as much detail as possible, such as name, street location or address. The text message service is available during business hours. If something is urgent, phone it through on 07 5475 7272. For more information, visit Council’s website.

CUSTOMER CONTACT

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

New Kathleen McArthur podcast

Sunshine Coast Libraries have launched a new podcast series celebrating the legacy of Kathleen McArthur, an artist, author, environmentalist and activist whose life blossomed on the Sunshine Coast. The 22-episode podcast series is based on the Kathleen McArthur’s Lunch Hour Theatre Scripts Collection. The podcast is now available to download for free from all podcast platforms.

One for the calendar

Watch Council’s next Ordinary Meeting online on Thursday 27 October at 9am.

Nominate a local hero

There’s just a few weeks left to nominate someone you know for a Sunshine Coast Australia Day Award. There are seven categories to choose from including youth and sustainability champions through to sporting gurus and community groups. Be sure to nominate your local hero via Council's website before 14 November. Apply now for minor grant funding Council’s Community Minor Grants of up to $2000 are available for community groups to deliver projects, events and activities that provide community benefit. Visit Council's website to apply online before 31 October.

Get the latest Council news delivered directly to your inbox each week.

Sign up for the OurSC enewsletter here

KOALA COUNTRY

SLOW DOWN DUSK THRU TO DAWN

It’s been exciting over recent years to hear of so many koala sightings in the Kandanga area, and to see the community becoming increasingly engaged in helping to protect these precious residents.

The Kandanga School community love their own regular koala ‘attendee’.

Pictured top, Koala mum ‘Bluebell’ with her 2022 joey this October. Her home area out on Kandanga Creek Road is well known, thanks to her human guardians sponsoring her own signs to try to keep her (and the joey she is carrying) safe on the road she crosses constantly!

On left, this gorgeous koala was spotted below Kann Park on entry to Kandanga in April 2021, while the bottom photo was taken recently, 26 August at 3.45am, on the road, near Kann Park.

“Residents are helping in so many ways, such as checking if koalas are showing the signs of chlamydia so they can get help, and by reporting koala sightings in ‘Wildwatch Gympie’.

This is helping build up important data on our endangered koala populations. Others are planting koala corridors or helping at community tree plantings.

Right now, with koala breeding season in full swing, they really do need extra help from us they are SO much more active, and at much higher risk. Sadly we have already lost some healthy male koalas to road strike in the Mary Valley,” said a volunteer recently.

To help keep them safe:

• Be koala-aware (they are noctural) and slow down when driving between late afternoon and early morning.

• Ensure our dogs are contained at night. Koalas can and do show up in unexpected places at this time of year. Do check if dogs are barking it could be a koala!

As a local koala conservation group, our main aim is to create a more koala-aware community. We produced a ‘Koalas of Gympie Region’ brochure, a Koala Glovebox Guide (available Imbil and Kandanga Post Offices and many outlets), and there is an active Facebook page and a website www.kagr.org.au

On the Habitat page is a link for Gympie Region landholders who would like support with a koala habitat planting. Also find a ‘buy tickets’ button for our fundraising raffle. The glorious prize (drawn 16 December 2022) is a six-day getaway in a lovely Mary Valley Airbnb cottage. We meet monthly, and love to welcome new members.

 Rescue contacts: Noosa and Sunshine Coast Region Koala Rescue Team-Wildcare (24-hour 55272444 or find direct numbers on their FB page).

 ANARRA Gympie Wildlife Rescue 54849111 (all native wildlife species).

Michelle Daly, Public Relations, Koala Action Gympie Region 0437 549 252.

CR DAVID LAW DIV 10 SUNSHINE COAST

ork has commenced to replace the existing shelter and picnic tables at Pioneer Park in Gheerulla. One of the picnic tables will be located where the existing shelter is currently, with the other picnic table to be located further into the park.

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• Does your community organisation need funding to help make something great happen? Make it a reality with support from Council’s Community Grants Program.

Minor Grants of up to $2000 are available for community groups to deliver projects, events and activities that provide community benefit. The current round closes on Monday, 31 October . Visit Council’s website to apply today.

• This past year Council has worked with the local community to achieve incredible results. We are proud to present the Sunshine Coast Community Strategy Annual Report for 2021/22 which summarises the key achievements during the latest financial year.

It exemplifies the practical work being undertaken to achieve our collective long-term goals of achieving a strong community with opportunities for everyone to participate and contribute to community life.

We have co-designed the powerful Shine a Light on Racism campaign, the Migrant Work Ready Program to help new migrants prepare for work and build connections, and an All Access Day at the Beach, partnering with Mooloolaba Surf Club to celebrate International Day of People with Disability.

The Community Strategy is delivering a pathway to create a strong Sunshine Coast community. To view council’s Community Strategy Annual Report, please visit council’s website.

david.law@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au | @DavidLawDivision10

CR WINSTON JOHNSTON DIV 5 SUNSHINE COAST

The Division 5, 2022-23 road resurfacing and rehabilitation program has started which means you might start to notice pathways and roads being repaired. A range of roads in Maleny, Curramore, Conondale, Woombye, Witta, Palmwods, Hunchy, Bald Knob, Mooloolaba and Ilkley will undergo spray seal resurfacing, asphalt resurfacing, rehabilitation and reconstruction works.

Once these works are completed by Christmas (weather and site conditions permitting), only a relatively small number of roads and streets in Division 5 will still require resurfacing and renewal. Hopefully they will be completed in 2023-24, with the occasional extra few being planned as needed in subsequent financial years.

• Spring has nearly sprung and our beautiful Australian birds are having their babies. Magpies and other defensive birds can be protective parents but remember they are only looking after their young. Please don’t respond aggressively to defensive behaviour as they remember faces and this can make the behaviour worse over time. Keep an eye out for council’s defensive bird signage across the region and go to council’s website for more information on how to stay safe this swooping season.

• The impact of a series of major landslips caused by the February and May weather event has assessed the worst affected areas being Bald Knob, Wootha (west of Maleny), Glenview, Eudlo, Peachester, Montville and Towen Mountain.

We are liaising with the affected local residents, and we are providing as much information as we can to keep the community informed throughout the construction works.

• Calling all Sunshine Coast community groups! Does your community organisation need funding to help make something great happen? Make it a reality with support from Council’s Community Grants Program. Minor Grants of up to $2000 are available for community groups to deliver projects, events and activities that provide community benefit. The current round closes on Monday, 31 October 2022.

We love our Mary Valley

Beautiful place to visit - Great place to live

M g C C C

SOLD 136 Barsby Road, Imbil

Usable farmland in the Mary Valley is still in demand!

If you ’re looking for a SOLD sign on your property, contact us toady!

Call our owners Marg & Cherie today to discuss your real estate goals.

GOURMAY MARY VALLEY 2023

ART ON YABBA EXCITES LOCALS

P

lanning for a food event in the Mary Valley in 2023 is under way. The event GourMay Mary Valley is a celebration of the regions farmers, producers and creators.

Satellite events will be spread across the valley from Dagun to Kenilworth and Crystal Waters, and could include farm tours, picnics, workshops, cooking classes, food art (the art of food), mystery food tours, dinners and breakfasts, along with a Festival Day to be held in Imbil on Saturday 6 May 2023.

Festival Day will include food and produce stalls, cooking demonstrations, presentations, competitions and more.

Janelle Parker, president of the Mary Valley Chamber of Commerce said, “It will be a great opportunity for our farmers, producers and creators to showcase the diversity of food that comes from the Mary Valley and to tell our food story.”

Events already in the planning include farm tours and dinners, with Kenilworth Dairies, the Mary Valley Rattler, Kandanga Farm Store, Mary Valley Country Harvest and Bunya Grove already on board.

Ms Parker added “We’d love to have the Kenilworth business community involved and we’re talking with the Kenilworth Chamber of Commerce to work through things for the benefit of all our communities.”

 Expressions of interest are being requested from businesses across the Mary Valley to host an event or participate in Festival Day.

Enquiries for GourMay Mary Valley, Festival Day and the Festival launch can be made to gourmaymaryvalley@gmail. com or by phoning Malcolm Oakley on 0405 105 702.

 GourMay Mary Valley will be launched on 5 November at the Amamoor Village Green. This will be a ticketed cocktail event with local food prepared by chefs from across the Mary Valley, including Busby St in Amamoor, Imbil Taste of Croatia and Wild Vine, Imbil. Tickets are $35pp and are available at www. eventbrite.com.au/e/gourmay-mary-valley-and-food-festivalevent-launch-tickets-430096479147

MARY VALLEY MAP

The MVCOC is updating the Mary Valley Country map, which will be distributed through tourism channels across the Mary Valley, Gympie and Sunshine Coast. Tourism and advertising opportunities are available for local businesses.

Information will be sent to local tourism and hospitality businesses. If you are a new Mary Valley business and would like to be included on the map contact mvcoc.secretary@gmail.com

Art on Yabba, fine art gallery, is an exciting new initiative of Mary Valley Artslink and opens in Imbil with fanfare at 4pm on 15 October 2022.

The gallery at 116 Yabba Road –the main street of Imbil – will be run by the group as a not-for-profit art space.

Mary Valley Artslink president Heinke Butt said the gallery fitted the group’s vision of promoting the arts and culture in the Mary Valley.

“It presents the opportunity for artists to exhibit their work in a small, friendly country gallery with loads of atmosphere,” Ms Butt said.

The gallery will feature both local artists and artists from further afield and will offer opportunities for artists in residence.

The opening exhibition From Chatsworth to Arkaroola … the Spirit of Land will feature two local artists, painter and sculptor Kym Barrett (below right) and ceramic and multimedia artist Yeats Gruin above.

Kym’s work visually demonstrates her love for the outback and her hankering for a new landscape experience came to fruition during a recent trip from Chatsworth to outback Arkaroola, pictured right.

She said her work from both landscapes described the exterior form, the interior aliveness of the locale and her sense of being in the place.

Top image of a Yeats piece, the ceramic is titled Outback Odyssey.

As a visual artist, Yeats Gruin’s work extends through fibre sculptures and ceramics engaging with contemporary forms of artistic expression using texture, colour, form and a dialogue based on a personal concept or pursued theme.

Yeats said she regarded being an artist as a means of creating a personal statement in a poetic or spiritual way.

The gallery will also act as a hub for workshops and talks to share art with the community.

 These kick off with “Coffee and Conversation” with Kym Barrett on Friday 21 October 2022 at 10am.

Kym will speak about her recent outback trip in a relaxed conversational manner, using a slideshow with photographs, video and interesting art snippets.

 Kym will also host a workshop at the Imbil RSL Hall on Sunday 23 October, 10am-3pm.

Limited tickets $90pp. Bookings to Ms Butt on 0419 024 291.

• While you are at the gallery, indulge in locally grown food and delicious, locally roasted coffee at the Wild Vine Café, the Mary Valley’s newest food destination.

Find Mary Valley Artslink on Facebook for event details.

D

o your stretches, change your oil, stock up on spare levers and blow the cobwebs off your pride and joy, the best weekend of vintage riding is back again!

Get your mates, family and friends together for the 2022 Ballard’s Off Road Classic Weekend presented by Rat Racing at Conondale's Green Park on 14-16 October, 2022.

The three day Conondale Classic Weekend has something for everyone, its a non-competitive vintage dirt bike riding event across a series of tracks including two MX tracks, a vinduro loop, trials area and the grass track for riding Saturday and Sunday.

Held at the legendary Conondale Green Park in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast hinterland, a secluded motorcycle haven, with lush green hills, the best dirt you could ask for, a flowing creek through the middle and ample amenities.

We invite vintage motorbike riders, supporters and any twowheel fans to get involved with a huge lineup of riding, workshops, trade village, historical exhibitions, sponsor activations, vintage 1990 RM250 motorbike raffle, the legendary Shannon's Show n Shine Saturday 12-1pm and entertainment all weekend.

Shannons Show n Shine attracts over 50 incredibly restored vintage motorcycles.

Properties Australia was established

and is based in Brisbane. They started developments in and around railway towns on the Sunshine Coast which included Palmwoods, Landsborough, Glasshouse Mountains and Beerwah. Kenilworth, being their latest and largest project is exciting and the position is perfect! Silk Properties is a family company, and they love the country vibe and being so close to the beaches is another bonus! They look forward to seeing the project evolve over the years as more stages are rolled out. They chose the coast for the lifestyle and the people as it is a nice change from the hectic pace in the city. As a family they also spend a lot of time up here, the Noosa tri weekend is a favourite as they also love to compete in it where they join a big group of friends

Silkwood

Edward Place