MaryValley The Voice
LOCAL OPENING & CELEBRATIONS
FRONT COVER: KENILWORTH SAFE SPACE OFFICIALLY OPENING ON TUESDAY THE 3RD OF DECEMBER AT MCGINNS 1.30 PM ALL INVITED!!!
In the heart of a community-led safe space, there’s a quiet magic that unfolds. People from all walks of life come together, bound by shared understanding and the comfort of unspoken support. Here, individuals who might otherwise pass each other on the street with just a nod find themselves sitting side by side, sharing the stories and their burdens.
In this space, labels like age, background, and occupation fall away, replaced by a genuine connection that transcends difference. The safe space offers them a moment to exhale, to lean on each other, and to recognize that healing can be found in community. There’s a warmth, a kindness, and a sense of belonging that reminds everyone present: here, you are seen, and here, you are safe.
This is a nonclinical drop in Space for people experiencing suicidal distress and their carers, family and friends. Established with the help of Australian not-for-profit Roses in the Ocean.
Visitors and volunteers are welcome to the Safe Space located at Nana McGinns in Kenilworth township. ~Suzie Hopkins & the Safe Space team
KENILWORTH STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE CENTENARY OPEN DAY: A CELEBRATION OF MEMORIES AND COMMUNITY
This past weekend, Kenilworth State Community College was abuzz with laughter, nostalgia, and reconnecting as we celebrated our Centenary Open Day. The event brought together a remarkable gathering of past students and staff, turning our beautiful campus into a vibrant reunion ground.
As the sun shone brightly, it was heart-warming to witness so many familiar faces reliving cherished memories. Alumni shared stories of their time at Kenilworth, reminiscing about unforgettable moments and friendships that have stood the test of time. The atmosphere was filled with joy as old friends reunited, exchanging laughter and anecdotes that highlighted the rich history of our beloved college.
The open day featured a variety of activities, from engaging discussions about the college's evolution over the past century to a delightful performance by the current students. Attendees enjoyed refreshments while exploring exhibits showcasing significant milestones in Kenilworth’s journey.
A huge thank you goes out to our dedicated current staff, whose hard work and enthusiasm made this event an overwhelming success. Their meticulous planning and attention to detail ensured that everything ran smoothly, allowing everyone to enjoy the day to its fullest.
This centenary celebration not only honoured our past but also reinforced the bonds of our Kenilworth community. As we look forward to the next century, we are excited to continue fostering connections and inspiring future generations of students.
Thank you to everyone who participated in making this day a memorable one. Here’s to many more years of success, camaraderie, and shared experiences at Kenilworth State Community College!
Many expressed their gratitude for the educational foundation they received, crediting the college with shaping their careers and lives.
A welcoming and calming vibe in the Kenilworth Safe Space.
GARDEN CLUB CELEBRATIONS
Many thanks to all those who have come along to Gheerulla Garden Club and supported the hall this year. It's been a wonderful year of learning something new each month, bringing the community together, sharing a common interest and making friends.
Monday was a very enjoyable relaxing festive day chatting, sharing ideas and eating too much! So much delicious plates of goodies. Thank you! That wraps up 2024!
Gheerulla Garden Club will be back for its 5th year in March 2025.
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
See you next year!
~ Barbara Smith
GHEERULLA HALL ON FIRE
We like a good fire at Gheerulla Hall. Not that we’re pyromaniacs. But after a massive grounds tidy up (thanks to Paul), we had a pile of tree rubbish to deal to. Fearing we might set fire to the place, we got a fire permit from Michael at the P.O., and entrusted the task to Mick and Bernard of our local Rural Fire Service, and Voila! It was done to perfection. Little do they know we will have another pile for them to burn shortly. So if you have a dangerous looking heap to burn, contact your local Fire Warden who can help out.
So now the Hall can go safely on its way with its activities - Art Classes with Cassie, Garden Club, Card Buffet, Tennis, and more to come! Gheerulla Hall thanks the Sunshine Coast Council for its funding support.
Ask at the Post Office to contact your local Fire Warden.
~ Kathy Mullins
Photo: RFS locals Mick and Bernard helping Hall President Dave control the recent burn off.
BE PART OF HISTORY: MUSEUM NEEDS YOUR HELP!
CAN YOU HELP?
That treasured feeling of community comes from shared experiences and a sense of—not necessarily the actual experience of—shared history.
The community of Kenilworth and district has a rather unique history. As a resident of the area – what do you know of that history? Much of the history is recorded in the Kenilworth Museum and is available for all to access. The collection of this history began in 1950 when the district celebrated 100 years of white settlement with a large parade and ball at night. It also marked the first publication of a documented history of the settlement of the district in “Hinka Booma to Kenilworth 1850-1950”. This publication had been re-edited and re-published by the Kenilworth & District Historical Association Incorporated in 2005 and 2020. The 2020 edition added details of the development of the district in the period 1950-1960 during which time the following occurred:-
• * Kenilworth township was connected
• The coronation of Queen Elizabeth II was celebrated with a parade (June 1953
• The Kenilworth Hall was enlarged (1954)
• The largest flood in the 20th century hit the district (March 1955)
• Kenilworth CWA rooms were opened (April, 1955)
• St Lukes Anglican Church was dedicated (November 1955)
• The community raised the funds and purchased land and donated it to the Maroochy Shire as the Town Park (1957)
• Water Supply was connected to all homes and businesses in Kenilworth (November 1957)
• Kenilworth Fire Brigade formed (January, 1958)
• Kenilworth Junior Farmers Club was formed (August 1958).
Sims as patron.
For the past 20 years I have been part of the team of Sunday guides for visitors to the museum – a role I still thoroughly enjoy. BUT…this year I celebrated my 80th birthday and I have some health issues. For this reason I am putting out a plea to the community for help with conducting the Sunday tours. I have recorded the tour and it is available to all visitors to listen to on hand held devices – so there is little need to have “grown up here” or have a great knowledge about the history. It is hoped that after listening to the recordings that volunteers might pick up useful information that they could then impart to the visiting public. Certainly training would be provided for all volunteers. If just 6 people could commit to the task then that would mean a one Sunday every 6 weeks commitment – not an onerous task.
Should the museum have to close for the want of volunteers – the wonderful collection of artefacts would be absorbed into other museums (as per our constitution) and Kenilworth and district could lose some of its valuable identifying historical features as
COMMUNITY NEWS UPDATES
CHEERIO FROM THE CHURCHES
On 27 October, the Patronal Festival of St Luke was celebrated at St Luke's with a well attended Holy Communion service led by Rev'd Kaye Pitman with guest preacher Rev'd Lauren Martin who spoke about the use of Auslan in church services. The use of signing has allowed the deaf and hearing impaired to be much more actively involved in church services.
Once again, the parishioners at St Luke's are busy making up Christmas hampers for Anglicare in Nambour and Erowal at Maleny. We are collecting small personal care items such as tissues, soap, toothpaste etc or small nonperishable food items such as biscuits, lollies, fruit juice packs ect. If anyone would care to donate to our hampers with goods or money, we would be so very grateful. These hampers go to the less fortunate elderly in our community. Any donations can be left at St Luke's church on Saturday or Sunday mornings.
The Maleny Anglican Parish is now seeking a new priest but in the meantime a locum will fill in with services and pastoral care.
Mass at 10am at St John Bosco's on Sunday 17 November will be followed by a Christmas luncheon. If you are new to Kenilworth, this is one way to meet people.
History is in the air! Over the next few weeks, a QR code will be created so that visitors to Kenilworth can appreciate the history of St John Bosco's Church. If you would like to share any photos, especially older ones, that reflect the events at the church, please contact Sue on 0439 130 158. Over the road at St Luke's, 2025 sees the 70th anniversary of the laying of the foundation stone. As these two churches have long served the community of Kenilworth and district, it is very important that their histories are recorded and cherished.
Morning prayer is held every Thursday morning at 9am at St Luke's. This is followed by meditation at 9:30am at St John Bosco's . Everyone is welcome at meditation and to coffee and a chat afterwards.
See you in church, perhaps?? We're a friendly lot here! And we do serve delicious morning teas!
~Cheerio from the churches
KENILWORTH SWIMMING POOL
Thanks to the generosity of volunteers who have come forward we are now able to operate the running of the pool seven days a week. Which is a big HOORAY for the warming weather!
Sandy and Sylvia have been holding some wonderful swimming classes on Saturdays for toddlers right through to teens. There is also swim squad training on Tuesday afternoons. Aquafit 11am every Tuesday, Aqua Gym & Swim Fridays 10.30am with Jo McKenzie. Adult social swim with Robert 5pm Tuesdays.
Please note the new opening times:
Weekdays open 1.00 pm close 5.00 pm
Weekends 10.00 am close 4.00 pm
~ Hans Schinkel, Kenilworth Pool
MARY VALLEY BUSINESSES
Building Pathways to Success
“Sheridan blew us away with her knowledge and professionalism during our selling process. She always had our best interest at heart”
- Hinterland Seller
For all your buying and selling needs, contact Hinterland local, Sheridan, today.
COME ALONG TO BOOK READING 21 NOVEMBER
Introducing
Rocky the Mary River Turtle!
Rocky the Mary River Turtle loves his home, but he wishes there was another turtle like him to share it with.
The river creatures warn of dangerous plants and animals. As new perils appear every day, what will happen to Rocky and his river?
Loan a copy from your local library OR come along for a reading at Maroochydore library.
This November, Sunshine Coast Council is celebrating the launch of Rocky and the River in Peril as part of Manage Invasive Species Month.
Maroochydore Library Thursday 21 November 3.30pm
To register for the book reading follow this QR code
LOCAL NEWS
Community News
Appy days: a one-stop solution
What day is bin day? Spotted a pothole? Repairs required at your local playground? There’s an app for that! Council’s upgraded app makes it easier than ever for residents and visitors to request a service, report an issue and access local Council details. The free app allows users to have personalised reminders for bin days – become your street’s bin-fluencer! Available to download now from the App Store and Google Play store. Search ‘Sunshine Coast app’ today.
'Give a sheet’ for the planet
Drop off your unwanted household linen so it can be recycled for ‘good’. Take your clean and sorted textiles linen to Chancellor State College, Sippy Downs on 16 November as part of National Recycling Week. Clean out your cupboard of all your worn out tea towels, sheets, doona covers, pillowcases, towels and more! Visit Council's website for details.
Watch Council’s next Ordinary Meeting View online on Council's website or at Sunshine Coast City Hall Chambers on 21 November at 9am.
EventsConnect: discover the ultimate resource for unforgettable event planning
Whether you're organising a community Christmas celebration, a wedding or a sporting event, this platform is your go-to hub for finding experienced Sunshine Coast event services, venues and suppliers. Connect with local experts and elevate your event to new heights. With this user-friendly directory, you can access the best resources to ensure your event's success. Make your vision a reality at eventsconnect.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.
Top tips for swooping season
Swooping season for magpies and other native birds is only for a short time and here are some tips to help protect yourself. If you walk or ride near nests, move quickly but don’t run; walk-in groups or avoid the area if you can; wear a wide-brimmed hat or carry an umbrella; hop off your bike and walk. Be kind to the birds and leave the nests alone – they have a long memory –and this will help reduce future defensive behaviour. See Council's website for more.
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CR WINSTON JOHNSTON DIVISION 5 - SUNSHINE COAST COUNCIL
Award winning park plan: Council’s leadership and dedication to great planning, design, construction, and maintenance of our Sunshine Coast parks, was celebrated at the Parks and Leisure Australia National Awards in Brisbane recently. Congratulations to the Sunshine Coast Ecological Park team for taking out the Strategic and Master Planning Award. This community driven Master Plan provides a recipe for a park adjoining Maleny’s Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, that will give residents and visitors diverse recreational, educational, and re-wilding experiences. You can view the Master Plan on Council’s website.
New CEO for Sunshine Coast: Council has welcomed the appointment of John Baker as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Mr Baker has extensive leadership experience both here and overseas. Having moved to Australia 10 years ago from the UK, he’s currently the CEO at Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, which is the fifth largest local government area in Victoria. There’s no doubt he’s going to be a great asset for the Sunshine Coast. Road widening: During the next few weeks, surveyors will be working in Wootha on Burnett Lane, between Engle Road and Maleny Stanley River Road, as stage one to widen the lane begins. While contractors are onsite surveying and carrying out environmental assessments, please be patient and courteous. Head to Council’s website www.
sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au for the most recent schedule of roadworks.
Keeping connected: For the latest Division 5 news please visit facebook.com/ winstonjohnstondivision5scc.
CR DAVID LAW DIVISION 10 – SUNSHINE COAST COUNCIL
Interpretive sign for Pioneer Park: I'm pleased to see new interpretative signage has been installed in Pioneer Park, Gheerulla. Providing historical information about the area and the park, it pays tribute to Bert Sims who donated the land for Pioneer Park and saw the memorial park established in 1979. It also honours the Kabi Kabi First Nation Peoples who are recognised Traditional custodians in this region. Spring into Healthy Sunshine Coast: There are no lock in contracts, just attend a class as and when you can! How about Chair Yoga, Mobility and Movement at the Kenilworth Hall on Wednesday mornings? It’s only $5-$10 per class. Search Healthy Sunshine Coast on Council’s website to see the full program.
Free Sunshine Coast App: What day is my bin day? Spotted a pothole? Repairs required at your local playground? There’s an app for that! The upgraded Sunshine Coast Council app makes it easier than ever to request a service, report an issue and access local Council information. Access real-time information about road conditions, explore features of our region, access Disaster Hub and so much more. I encourage you to download now by searching “Sunshine Coast App” in the App Store and Google Play store.
TED O'BRIEN - FEDERAL MEMBER FOR FAIRFAX
Supporting young mothers: There are two races that stop the nation in November, and now the Melbourne Cup is over its time for the big one - The Nambour Cup. Curious to know more? Nambour Cup is the biggest cane toad race in the southern hemisphere and it has become an annual fundraiser to help teenage mums stay in school through the STEMM Program. Every Australian, no matter their circumstance, has the right to an education. The STEMM program enables this by supporting teenagers through their education while providing important mothering and mentoring skills. This first of a kind program in Queensland provides a unique stand-alone curriculum which enables pregnant girls and young mothers to be supported with their education goals. Nambour Cup will be held at Tramfest on Saturday, 30 th November from 4-7pm at the Nambour Tram Terminus.
Housing Crisis: With rental prices soaring by 27 per cent in the last year locally, it’s clear that the Sunshine Coast is not immune to the impacts of the housing crisis that has engulfed the nation. The Coalition is focused on getting Australia back on track and restoring the dream of home ownership. That’s why we’ve announced that a re-elected Coalition government will commit $5 billion to get housing projects moving, unlocking up to 500,000 homes to bedelivered more quickly through a mixture of grants and concessional loans.
If I or my office can be of assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out on (07) 5479 2800 or at ted.obrien.mp@aph.gov.au.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
PITY THE POOR APOSTROPHE!
This tiny little punctuation mark is overworked !
It has three designated jobs in our text writing.
Send your letters, news, poems, quotes, stories, photos and jokes to maryvalleyvoice31@ gmail.com
It shows possession as in the dish belonging to the dog - the dog's dish or the dishes belonging to the dogs - the dogs' dishes.
It shows letters omitted as in c'tee for committee, isn't for is not or where's for where is. It is only used for plurals of single letters and numbers as in p's and q's or 1's and 2's.
Comedic Corner Comedic Corner Share
JASPER'S JOKES
"Why didn't the fart graduate, because it was expelled!"
"Where did the picture end up after being framed? The courthouse!"
"What is the one crack the plumber couldn't seal? His own!"
Hand drawn comic art by Tex Halkyard 14 yo
FUN, THINKING AND CONNECTIONS
PRESIDENT'S CORNER
ANSWER OCTOBER RIDDLE:
"WHAT IS ALWAYS IN FRONT OF YOU, BUT CAN'T BE SEEN?" THE FUTURE
NOVEMBER RIDDLES:
"WHAT DO YOU CALL AN OBNOXIOUS REINDEER?"
"WHO IS NEVER HUNGRY AT CHRISTMAS?"
"WHAT DO YOU GET WHEN YOU CROSS A SNOWMAN WITH A VAMPIRE?"
Well here we are heading towards The Festive Season with all its trimmings and extra commitments. Step back and enjoy it for what it is and NOT what we all think it should be. This is the answer to a more stress free and enjoyable time.
Auspac Media The Features People PO Box 8271 Bundall Qld Australia 4217
I attended the Gherulla Garden Day Club Xmas breakup this week and what a great group of enthusiasts. We shared both gardening, cooking tips & ideas and had a Secret Santa table to bring our childhood into play. Join us next year for more gardening adventures.
Email: info@auspacmedia.com.au Visit our site: www.auspacmedia.com.au Telephone: (07) 5553 3200 Toll Free: 1 800 652 284 Fax:(07) 5553 3201
I plan to have a Riddle competition in next Month's issue with a $50 prize so keep in touch & stay tuned. We are looking for more local input & Club info on Dates, Events & Rosters. So please consider contributing to a more accessible resource page for our local community and new residents. So as the countdown begins for the end of 2024, prepare, enjoy and remember those moments that have been special. Take Care Until Next Month.
Barbara Smith, President, Mary Valley Community
5Swift
6Arbitrator
7Consumer
14Very bright 15Card game
16Raw hides
18Sovereign
19Deer’s meat 21Vegetables
22Very small
23Missive
25Divine character
26Speed contest
28Insect
HEALTHY LIVING
MIGHTY MICROGREENS PROJECT OF KENILWORTH STATE SCHOOL
The year 3,4,5,6 class of Kenilworth State Community College (KSCC) have been harvesting good health and immersed in the Mighty Microgreen Project as part of a design and technology food specialisation unit of the school curriculum. The students have participated in three full day workshops, over the last three weeks and produced extensive portfolios alongside the mighty microgreens.
The class have stepped out from behind their desks and set up a makeshift community micro-garden on a veranda just outside their classroom. It is a simple sheet of shade cloth draped over a table and filled with about 100 of cups of lentil and chickpea microgreens.
Paper cups - packaging chosen by the class for its environmentally friendly and compostable properties hold the microgreens which take 10 – 20 days to grow before they are ready to harvest. Further they require only a small input of water and can sometimes produce a second harvest.
“I love growing the microgreens from seed,” Zarah (year 3) says.
The school invited nutritionist Miss Sara to deliver the workshops which were codesigned with the class teacher Ms Emma Fox. “Having an expert to collaborate with has enriched the experience for my kids.” Ms Fox says.
The class have enthusiastically been learning how to plant, care for and harvest the plants, cook and enjoy eating them, and the many nutritional and culinary benefits. “The inspiring thing is the
high level of engagement we are witnessing.” Ms Fox says. She believes this authentic learning will stay with them for their lives and help them make their own healthy decisions.
“Microgreens are great for your body, easy to grow, and are great in cooking,” Eva (year 4) and Astrid (year 5) says.
With fellow foodies, Miss Jodie and Miss Courtney, the class have cooked healthy recipes using the microgreens. Microgreen infused carrot cake biscuits, green smoothies, raspberry bliss balls, chickpea fritters and a Mexi-bowl, have all been on the menu as part of the project. Students’ final task was adapting their own recipe to use healthier ingredients and to include their microgreens for extra nutrition.
The children undertook a stakeholder analysis to understand the community’s contribution to the project. After investigating the potential costs involved, it was decided a donation for their product was a fair price. It is the class’s hope to continue the project with the proceeds making it sustainable, and to donate any profits to a charity.
The philanthropy of the project extends to the wider community of Kenilworth. Kenilworth Rural Supplies donated organic soil for the project, while Kenilworth Friendly Grocer donated seeds, and the P&C donated the cups. In kind, KSCC students have produced the microgreens along with recipe and information cards for the community, contributing to a healthy food environment.
The QR Code below will link you with the recipe cards created by the children. How cool is that!
The microgreens are for sale for another few days by donation in Kenilworth’s local store – La Petite Maison and H’s Delights on weekends up until the 16th of November.
~ Sara Dengate
Students Jack and Astrid proudly showing prototypes of the project.
RENOVATORS REQUIRED
35 SHAMLEY HEATH ROAD KUREELPA
Offers Over $795,000
Nestled amidst the serene backdrop of Kureelpa, 35 Shamley Heath Road presents an extraordinary opportunity for those yearning to craft their own rural idyll or astute investors looking to capitalise on the burgeoning potential of the Sunshine Coast hinterland. This semi-rural retreat, set upon a generous plot of 7051 square metres, awaits a visionary touch. Comprising three bedrooms and a single bathroom, the existing brick home offers a canvas for a thorough renovation or, should inspiration strike, a complete redevelopment. This gently sloping block is the property’s crowning glory, it provides a sweeping vista with rural views that inspires the imagination. Convenience is not forsaken for tranquillity; with a short drive leading you to the quaint village of Mapleton, the accessibility to Nambour, and all the splendours of the Sunshine Coast within easy reach, you are perfectly positioned to enjoy the best of both worlds. Mains power, 3.5klw solar system, tank water, and all sealed roads ensure that the essentials are already in place for your project. For those with the foresight to recognise the inherent value in land and location, 35 Shamley Heath Road is an exceptional find. All inspections are by appointment, call today to arrange your private viewing.
CLASSICAL COUNTRY RETREAT
994 OBI OBI ROAD, OBI OBI
$3,500,000
This sprawling 96.1-acre estate presents a rare opportunity to acquire a piece of history, with a stunning original 4 bedroom Queenslander home dating back to circa 1920, offering a unique blend of charm and character. The residence is perched in an elevated position, commanding spectacular rural views, and is surrounded by beautifully established gardens that enhance the property’s tranquillity and privacy. Boasting a generous frontage along Obi Obi Creek, complete with an irrigation licence, this property is ideal for cattle grazing, cropping, or simply relishing the serenity of semi-rural living. External amenities include a saltwater inground pool, large farming sheds, eight horse stables, and an old dairy shed for additional storage, not to mention extensive parking with seven spaces. Just 40 minutes from Maroochydore and 90 minutes from Brisbane Airport, this property is conveniently located yet retains a feeling of seclusion and peace. Ideal for those seeking a lifestyle change, this stunning estate represents the perfect blend of pastoral appeal and family living.
Tonia Murtagh
