Edition 12 March 2024

MITCH

www.gcnews.com.au

When it comes to politics, people want to know they’re being heard.

While this is true of all levels of government, it’s really at the local level - where you’re walking the same grocery aisles as your supporters (and detractors), the same kids’ sporting matches, and same community events - that this is truly felt.

And if the local councillor isn’t listening, well, they’ll certainly hear about it.

The last hinterland Meet the Candidates forum at Landsborough shone a light on what happens when voters aren’t listened to.

Mitch Gaynor

candidate said he was told that consultation was avoided because it would have raised ‘World War III’. Is this really a factor in council decision-making? Perhaps if the council had been prepared to listen, it would have heard that voters didn’t think much of the idea. Or not. We’ll never know.

So who are the candidates who are going to best listen to your concerns for the next four years? What the hinterland needs is a mayor and divisional councillors who understand the unique issues that underpin the region.

Of all the questions, the one that raised the most passion was the council’s decision last year to scrap the Australia Day awards in place of the UNESCO Biosphere Awards (p6-7).

The broader issue, raised by GC&M News, was that the decision was made without any community consultation. They were community-based awards, for goodness sake. In fact, one

They need to be able to independently represent the interests of their division; be able to collaborate with diverse groups and negotiate around differing opinions; be thick-skinned; be able to prosecute their case articulately; support growth; and, ironically, not get bogged down in politics.

It sounds aspirational, but this is the reality of local council. Everyone has your mobile number, and everyone thinks you should have the answers. Good luck folks.

An unknown. And a big unknown, is the economic capabilities of candidates in handling a $1 billion budget. Most forum questions have skirted around the issue, although it’s a key issue.

GC&M News has put the question directly to the candidates, so I’d encourage you to go online and check out their answers.

Likewise, this week we have asked the candidates to deliver their ‘final pitch’ to readers (p1819) ahead of the polling day. I hope these past few weeks worth of questions and answers have helped readers make an informed decision.

On a lighter note, we have kicked off our 2024 Pip the Pollies footy tipping comp and have the full results of the first round (p37).

If the first round is anything to go by, our local members aren’t going to be too much competition. Better luck next week gents!

Congrats to Mooloolah Produce and Stockfeeds, who are our early leaders.

GHM

Drop in for Neighbours Day for

By Sonia Isaacs

COMMUNITY members from the Glasshouse Mountains area are encouraged to come along to a special ‘Neighbours Day’ event at Glass House Mountains Community Hall on Saturday March 23 from 10am-12pm.

Hosted by the GHM Hall Committee, GHM Neighbourhood Centre, Uniting Church and GHM Rural Fire Brigade, the event is a wonderful way to connect with local community groups and meet with others who also

call the region home.

GHM Hall committee member, Lisa Iggo, said following the success of last year’s GHM community Christmas event, a number of local community groups connected and decided to host another community building event to once again bring people in the neighbourhood together and also promote the various groups, activities and organisations available to join or volunteer in.

“We have around 20 local groups who will be attending our Neighbours Day, and we are expecting

people from all over our township to turn up on the day,” Lisa said.

Lisa explained that the GHM Hall was still a community owned and operated asset and she said the committee was keen to continue to put on great local events and gatherings to engage and activate the community. There will be live entertainment, refreshments, and a sausage sizzle/BBQ fundraiser put on by Rotary. Glass House Mountains Community Hall is located at 8 Coonowrin Road.

Vandalism cost to community

Ongoing incidents of vandalism ‘disappointing’

By Sonia Isaacs

AN upsurge of local vandalism incidents has seen local organisations, schools and buildings, targeted over the last four weeks.

Last week, GC&M News revealed that vandals had caused thousands of dollars worth of damage by smashing windows at the new Beerwah Health Hub.

Following our report, GC&M News was advised that another incident had occurred over the weekend of March 2-3, where windows at the new build were once again smashed. Site manager, Chase McDonald, said he suspected the damage was caused by adolescents and said it was disappointing to see this type of behaviour in the community.

“It is very unlikely that adults or older teenagers would do this type of damage. Real criminals aren’t going to stand there and throw 50 rocks at a window. This is something that bored and undisciplined kids do,” Mr McDonald said.

Last month the Beerwah RSL building was also targeted, with vandals

extensively ‘tagging’ the outside of the building. Beerwah and District Sub Branch president, John Nisbett, said he felt angry and disgusted when the damage was discovered.

“It’s just senseless and wrong. I just don’t understand why anyone

Peter Kennedy, said he felt there were two different groups currently targeting the area.

“I feel the taggers are an older bunch of kids and window smashing would be younger kids,” he said.

“It’s disappointing that whoever is doing this is

Lisa Iggo from

Community Hall and Mel Kaese from GHM NC

The roads are under repair

Range of construction projects gain momentum

By Sonia Isaacs

THE Hinterland has the unwanted record of the most unsealed roads requiring repair following significant rain events in recent years.

Some 90 per cent of all repairs are across Divisions 1, 5 and 10.

Hinterland communities have been left impacted and unconnected by a series of road defects that resulted from damage to unsealed roads during the 2022 flooding events.

Sunshine Coast Council has identified that repairs to numerous unsealed roads across the region are now on track to be completed by June this year, weather dependent.

Division 5 leads the charge with a whopping 80,000m2 impacted following significant rain damage over the last two years.

The Hinterland has been particularly hard hit with Division 1 (71,260 m2), Division 5 (80,159 m2) and Division 10 (72,868 m2)

requiring substantially more repairs (around 90%) compared to other divisions across the Coast.

By comparison, Division 7 and 8 required only 833 m2 and 980 m2 of repair respectively.

These impacted roads are now progressively being re-connected as a range of reconstruction projects gather momentum.

Since the region was hit hard by severe weather events in February and May 2022, Sunshine Coast Council has been busy assessing and fixing public assets across the region.

Group Executive Built Infrastructure, Scott Taylor, confirmed the most impacted local areas during the weather event were Bald Knob, Wootha, Glenview, Eudlo, Coolum, Peachester, Montville and Towen Mountain.

“We sustained significant damage to numerous infrastructure assets which have now been repaired or

are currently in the process of having works delivered,” Mr Taylor said.

“There are some unsealed roads where significant sections of the surface were damaged, whereas other roads contain only small areas to be repaired.

“We’ve been working with the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) to secure the funding to reconstruct damaged roads and other civil

Commonwealth and State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).”

Council has been approved funding for different sections of numerous roads and contractors will complete the approved works.

“Council is progressively rebuilding damaged unsealed roads totalling almost 250,000 square metres – which would cover more than 980 tennis courts or over three Suncorp Stadiums – through the

DRFA,” he said.

“We thank our community and road users for their patience and driving to the conditions while we have been progressively repairing these roads across the region.”

Council continues to work closely with QRA, all levels of government, along with emergency and community agencies, to support the community as the region

Before photos of flood damaged Grigor Road Conondale, and after the repair.

Before

Road Palmwoods

Maleny High student wins youth achievement bursary

By Sonia Isaacs

STUDENTS from Maleny High School have once again participated in the Lions Youth of the Year (YOTY) competition, with Year 12 student Eliza Portas being declared overall competition winner.

Running since 1964, The Lions Australia’s Youth of the Year Award is a longstanding initiative encouraging leadership in Australian students approaching the end of their secondary schooling.

Celebrating qualities such as community and school contributions, public speaking, academic skills, and involvement in sports and culture, YOTY aims to nurture the next generation of outstanding young Australians.

Hosted by the Maleny Blackall Range Lions Club, the local competition held on Saturday February 24, saw three Year 12 students: Eliza Portas, Kelly Schofield, and Celine Xavier represent Maleny State High School.

The students were tasked with preparing a detailed application, completing a one-hour panel interview, responding to impromptu questions, and presenting their prepared five-minute speeches to an audience.

The first stage of the competition was through panel interviews, where the

judges assessed, amongst other criteria, the general knowledge and philosophies of each entrant.

Their public speaking prowess, the second stage of the Roger Jackson Youth Achievement Award Bursary, was judged by mayoral candidate Wayne Parcell, community group advocate Paulette Steele, and Maleny Neighbourhood Centre coordinator Madonna Hampson.

Kelly’s prepared speech centered on being the influencer in one’s own life, encouraging everyone to focus on moments that bring people together. Celine spoke passionately about social change, cautioning against blind belief without fact-checking. Eliza advocated for reconsidering the voting age in Australia, believing that 16 and 17-year-olds should have a say in the country’s future.

Eliza was declared the public speaking winner and overall competition winner. She was awarded the $1,000 Roger Jackson Memorial Youth Achievement Bursary as part of her win.

Maleny Blackall Range Lions Club President said all three entrants were extremely knowledgeable and worthy.

“Eliza was an outstanding all rounder and a deserving winner. She is a credit to her parents and school,” Mr Hobson said.

Eliza will now progress to the next level of the competition scheduled for Sunday, March 17, at Mooloolah Valley Country Club. Maleny SHS Principal, Ms Deborah Stewart, said the entire school community

was extremely proud of Eliza’s achievement.

“She, along with the other competitors from Maleny State High School, presented their impromptu and prepared speeches with conviction, poise and demonstrated genuine care for the local and global issues facing our youth,” she said.

“I acknowledge the courage and skill required to successfully compete in these types of speaking competitions. I wish Eliza all the best as she progresses through to the next level of competition.”

sonia@gcnews.com.au

$12 billion for coast rail line

By Mitch Gaynor

THE total cost of construction for the Beerwah to Maroochydore rail line would cost $12 billion and take at least 10 years if it was not divided into stages.

The State Government last week released a summary of its $14 million 12-month study into the total construction cost of what is now called the Sunshine Coast Direct Rail Line.

Citing construction ‘complexities’, including requirements for six bridges and a 1.2km tunnel, the government has proposed a staged roll out of the project, beginning with a 19km stretch from Beerwah to Caloundra.

Stage 1 has been estimated at between $5.5bn and $7bn and is contingent on the federal government agreeing to fund an extra $1.1bn on top of the $1.6bn it has already committed to the project.

The State Government has committed $2.5 billion.

Stage 1 is able to be completed before the commencement of the 2032 Games, but would

not extend to the proposed athletes’ village or Games venues.

“Stage One alone involves building 19km of track. 7km of that track is elevated rail on viaducts, including 10 bridges, crossing roads, creeks and the Bruce Highway,” Transport Minister Bart Mellish said.

“Stage two is even more complex, involving construction of another 7.5km of track between Caloundra and Birtinya, including a 1.2km tunnel at Little Mountain.”

Member for Fisher, Andrew Wallace, demanded the State Government releases the full business case.

“The financials were done, and the former Federal Coalition Government contributed 50 per cent of the funding, along with a 10 per cent contingency,” he said.

“Now they’re knocking on the door of Federal Labor asking for another $1.1bn just to build the line to Caloundra, not even halfway. So, State Labor wants to give us a third of the rail for twice the price.”

Maleny Blackall Range Lions President Rob Hobson and Eliza Portas

Judges Madonna Hampson, Wayne Parcell, Paulette Steele

2024 Council Election countdown lec tion Saturday, March 16,

‘Tail is wagging the dog’

A FORMER councillor has expressed frustration at the disconnect between councillors and council staff, saying “bureaucrats are running the region”.

Mayoral candidates said they wanted to change the issue. Ashley Robinson likened community consultation to more “manipulation” to get the answer they want, promising a mayor that “breaks down the bureaucratic barrier”.

Min Swan said she trusted that the 2000 employees were working for the betterment of the region, but “I won’t stop until we enact change”.

Michael Burgess said the CEO had to be more cooperative with the elected council. Wayne Parcell said: “The council can take back control of your council and that’s what we need to do.”

Rosanna Natoli said staff were looking for a leader that could enact change.

While Jason O’Pray explained that “The only person who can direct the CEO is the mayor”.

“You need someone as mayor who has a direct and strong relationship with staff to make sure we don’t wag the dog,” he said.

‘Bring back the awards’

Mayoral candidates promise action over scrapped Aus Day Awards

By Mitch Gaynor

THE Australia Day Awards could return to the Sunshine Coast after

The decision was met with criticism from some councillors as well as concern from the

“I have always been a supporter of Australia Day,” he said.

“I must make it really clear

Year, not Biosphere hero.

“This has been our number one question... it has come up over and over

biosphere is a project on which the council is going to spend $100m and of course they will borrow that in your

Jason

‘Deliver Beerwah sportsground back to our back community’ community’

By Mitch Gaynor hfiliih BMithG

DIVISION 1 councillors have committed to delivering the Beerwah Sportsground back to volunteers.

The sportsground was handed back to the council last year after decades in the hands of a community management committee.

Since then tenants including the Beerwah Lions have been at loggerheads over services and maintenance, including the decision to axe camping on the grounds.

Speaking from the floor at last week’s Meet the Candidates forum in Landsborough, Lions president Rod Layt (pictured) urged mayoral and Division 1 candidates to fix the issue.

Division 1 candidate

Jenny Broderick said she had been invested in the sportsground for years.

“We need to get back to a commonsense council,” she said.

“In order to do that we need to remember that

these facilities have been built, maintained and sustained by our communities and volunteers.

“Our volunteers are the lifeblood of our community and we need to be looking after them, respecting them and listening to them and that’s exactly what hasn’t happened in some of these situations.”

Ms Broderick said a key priority for the sportsground would be to bring back caravanning facilities.

“There are ways to get that back and we have to,” she said.

“We have a serious accommodation shortage. Tourists have nowhere to go. “They are going to Maleny or somewhere else, but that money is not staying here and it needs to start doing that.”

Campaigning gets personal

I’m a true independent, says Div 1 candidate

By Mitch Gaynor

DIVISION 1 candidate

Kristy Taylor-Rose says she is swapping preferences with Stan Nawrocki in order to beat her “main competitor”, Jenny Broderick.

Ms Taylor-Rose was asked from the floor at last week’s Landsborough Meet the Candidates forum why she had agreed to the preference swap deal.

“The main reason why I put Stan second is because Jenny is my main competitor,” she explained.

“I’m here to beat her.”

In further pointed questioning from attendees, Ms Taylor-Rose was also asked whether former councillor Rick Baberowski had funded any part of her campaign. Ms Taylor-Rose said that there had been no donations whatsoever and the only help had been from Mr Baberowski’s son, Huxley, who had handed out some how to vote cards.

“Rick Baberowski’s family has not given me a cent for

my campaign,” she said. “I have had Huxley hand out a how to vote card. Big deal. You can check my bank account. I am a true independent.”

Ms Taylor-Rose, who serves as P&C president in Aura, said she was a true grassroots campaigner funding her own race. She added that, despite the challenges of being head of the P&C at a demanding school in Aura with a diverse student population and “intense parents”, she decided to run for office after discussions with her family.

to the grassroots of our council,” she said. “We need to get back to the grassroots of our council.”

Ms Broderick said that after 20 years giving back to the community as a volunteer she wanted to do that “on a full-basis”.

“We live in the most phenomenal part of the world. We need to make this community thrive,” she said.

“It is wonderfully diverse and we need someone who is going to stand up and give it the representation it deserves.”

Mr Nawrocki said he was ready to give 100 per cent

Division 1 candidates Stan Nawrocki, Jenny Broderick and Kristy Taylor-Rose. and

women

Local women gather for IWD

Beerwah QCWA celebrates women in community

By Sonia Isaacs

AROUND 50 women

gathered at the Beerwah Meeting Place last Friday, March 8, to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD). Hosted by Beerwah QCWA, the event provided a wonderful opportunity for local women to connect, be inspired, and celebrate the collective strength and unity of women in the community.

Aligned with the UN theme for International Women’s

Day 2024, ‘Count Her In: Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress,’ the morning featured discussions and three special guest speakers who incorporated the 2024 theme into their talks.

QCWA Beerwah Branch President, Debbie Ives, expressed her delight at seeing so many local women coming together to celebrate IWD. “It’s a lovely opportunity to make connections with other

women in our community and celebrate IWD together while also finding out more about the Beerwah QCWA and getting to know our branch members,” she said.

Guest speaker Natasha Odgers emphasised the need to acknowledge the multitude of roles that women play. “This event is a lovely opportunity to celebrate women and bring our community together in an inspiring and empowering

morning where we can share our stories,” Ms Odgers said. The morning featured a sumptuous breakfast inspired by QCWA country kitchen recipes. Three guest speakers, Dr. Sarah Casey, Natasha Odgers, and Caron Groth, delivered interesting and inspiring presentations that explored aspects of the IWD 2024 theme: the importance of investing

Dr Sarah Casey, Senior Lecturer and Program Coordinator (Communication) at the University of the Sunshine Coast, delved into rural women’s experiences living in long-term drought in rural communities. She discussed projects undertaken by these women to boost resilience and economic capacity in challenging circumstances.

Community development

practitioner Natasha Odgers delivered an insightful and powerful presentation, encouraging the sharing of women’s stories and celebrating the empowering capacity that community development practice offers, especially for women.

Caron Groth, a QCWA Beerwah member, concluded the event by discussing her active contribution to the QCWA’s State-wide advocacy project, ‘Finding Better Ways.’ The project focuses on researching why women are aging into poverty and homelessness, examining policies and practices in areas of women’s employment, finances, education, and healthcare provision that contribute to this outcome.

Melissa Trustum, Narelle Prockett and Kylie Trustum Justine Baker and Aleisha Norcott

Bec Hodges and Sarah Casey Jenny Broderick and Caron Groth

Dianne Tomkin, Gail Farlow, Krystl Nawaczyk and Rosemary Cochrane Rosemary

By Sonia Isaacs

annual Woman of Achievement award.

Established 27 years ago by founding members Ann Koenig and Tricia Speers, the Zonta Club of Blackall Range is part of Zonta International, a global organisation of more than 27,000 individuals across 62 countries!

Zonta’s motivating force behind Zonta International is the improvement of women’s status, and part of the local club’s activities includes donations of funds and goods to three local women’s refuges and scholarship awards to local high school and tertiary students.

The Woman of Achievement award recognises the outstanding contribution of a Blackall Range resident, who has served the community effectively as a volunteer and may not have necessarily received prior recognition. The previous two-year recipients have included Gail Denver and Val France. This year, the award was presented to Diana Bryce.

Zonta President, Margy

Henderson said Diana was a very deserving recipient who had actively contributed to the Maleny community for over 30 years, particularly in her longstanding role as previous president of the Maleny Hospital Auxiliary for many years, as well as long term involvement with the Maleny Historical Society and Maleny Arts and Crafts Group. Margy said Diana was very surprised and thrilled to receive the Woman of Achievement award.

“Diana is a very special woman of achievement, and we are very pleased to honour her extensive contribution to our community. These awards are held in high esteem, and we are also very grateful that, last year, we recognised the generosity and hard work of Gail Denver, before her sad passing,” Margy said.

Speaking with GC&M News, Diana said she felt humbled to have the award bestowed on her.

“I was very surprised when Margy announced my name, and humbled to be a recipient. I am honoured to join past winners of this award, all who have contributed to a variety of community organisations,” she said.

Zonta President, Margy Henderson said another highlight of the evening was the beautiful performance of the 15 member Sweet Chilli Choir who always elevate the events to the next level. She said the club had also been fortunate to have attracted several new members during the year.

“We would welcome anyone – including men! –whose values match those of Zonta, to join us and make a difference to the lives of women and girls,” Margy said.

Sweet Chilli Choir

Diana Bryce with Margy Henderson and Val France

Photography by

Tracy Mellors

Tracy Mellors from Your counselling support across all abilities. Services may be funded through NDIS, various private health and/or selffunded. Tracy also provides clinical supervision to social workers and counsellors. Services are available in Maleny, Caloundra and via phone/ online. Tracy holds a Masters in Social Work(PQ), Bachelor Social Science (Counselling), Diploma Hypnotherapy and Therapy.

Mia Mouland-Vail

Introducing Mia, a compassionate solicitor specialising in Succession Law, including wills and estates, Powers of Attorney, and Commercial and Property Law. Since commencing her career as a law clerk in 2016, Mia has been dedicated to serving the Sunshine Coast community. Spire Law at its Maroochydore

Laura Turner

Meet Laura, an exceptionally seasoned legal professional leading Spire Law’s family and criminal law team. Laura’s wealth of experience has fostered a deep understanding of the legal and emotional challenges involved with family breakups and the criminal

Deborah Taylor

Celebrations come in many forms, from weddings to renewal of vows, baby naming’s and baby reveals. In more modern times funerals and memorials are considered celebrations, a celebration of a loved ones’ life.

Bernette Ledger

Bernette is a Chinese Medicine Practitioner at her business, Acupuncture @ Beerwah in Turner Street. Bernette has embraced the study and practice of Chinese medicine and has been in practice since 1999 and in Beerwah since 2013.

Tracy’s heartfelt believe is that we are all so much more than any diagnosis, so much more than any particular problem, issue or life transition we may be facing. Tracy looks forward to working together with you in ways that are not only evidencebased, but in ways that are also personally meaningful and helpful to you, inviting more vitality and purpose to your life. Focused psychological strategies incorporating compassion and mindfulnessbased approaches such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy

therapy are a few examples of evidence-based modalities modalities are considered and Expressive art therapy requires no art skills and nature-based Walk & Talk therapy are relaxed, yet powerfully helpful ways to communicate and move through issues. Hypnotherapy a modality to assist achieving desired behaviour change and goals.

What does Vitality & Purpose mean to you? Your Wellness Matters and Tracy looks forward to working together with you.

Maleny,

0407 499 846

part of the local community, appreciating the connections she has established and the forward-moving community spirit that aligns with her values.

Admitted as a solicitor in February 2020, Mia’s passion lies in estate administration and estate litigation. Mindful of the sensitive nature surrounding estate planning, the loss of a loved one, the challenges associated with estate litigation, or administering wills, Mia approaches her practice with empathy and understanding.

commercial acumen, Mia recognises that navigating life’s complexities requires not just legal expertise but also a considered and caring guide. Mia’s strategic outlook ensures that translates into favourable outcomes for her clients while alleviating the emotional burden they may face.

In her spare time, Mia

relaxation at the wonderful the Sunshine Coast. Her commitment to well-being extends beyond the law, dedication to both her clients and her personal pursuits.

07

Renowned for her unwavering commitment and tenacity, Laura goes beyond mere conventional legal representation. She just legal advocacy but also a considered and pragmatic guide through the intricacies of the legal process. Her approach seamlessly blends professionalism with approachability, ensuring clients receive unparalleled support and representation, demystifying complexities while providing clarity on crucial matters.

Laura’s commitment extends beyond the courtroom; she actively engages with the community, embodying a dedication to positive impact. Outside her legal endeavours, Laura invests her energy in surf lifesaving and sports like cricket, showcasing a vibrant, well-rounded personality.

Laura is more than a formidable legal professional; her strategic outlook provides and favourable outcomes. She is your trusted guide through your personal legal journey, no matter what life throws at you.

Laura is a valued part of the Spire Law team which boasts Coast including Beerwah and consists of 13 lawyers and 20

approach to legal services.

07

Deborah loves to be in it comes to a special event in someone’s life and says, “I really love what happens when family and friends get together to celebrate a

Deborah has been a celebrant for 11 years and has performed hundreds of weddings, funerals and other Life Celebrations on the Sunshine Coast and surrounds. Her work ethic has always been to give people more than they have asked for or expect.

“It gives me pleasure to see the thrill on their faces when I deliver something special just

The last couple of years have been a challenge for everyone and now Deborah are preferring smaller more intimate weddings at home.

funerals and memorials too, which are either held in someone’s family home or hired venue where the surrounds are decorated to

Deborah’s newest venture, alternative to couples who Tiny Weddings concept has been carefully thought out to provide the ultimate venue for your tiny priced, tiny wedding.

Please schedule a chat with Deborah so that she can work on your very special and unique celebration.

0412 718 373

deborah57celebrant@gmail.com

tinyweddingssunshinecoast.com.au

Bernette uses Chinese medicine to help people feel well and energetic and to maintain general wellbeing.

Bernette explains, “Acupuncture eases pain, tension and stress, and by doing this helps alleviate and or prevent many issues before they happen.”

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine is not a miracle cure, it usually takes several treatments to achieve results and then periodic treatments for maintenance. Bernette likes people to decide for themselves from treatments and their ongoing maintenance.

“If you can’t abide needles there are alternative treatments available that still use Chinese Medical protocols some of these are cupping, herbs and moxibustion.”

Cupping is also a great treatment for muscular tightness, stress and for activating acupoints works well for bursitis of the hips, corked muscles, and general muscle tightness from sport and work.

Herbs are for treating issues

acupuncture.

Moxibustion is an herb (usually Artemisia Vulgaris or Artemisia Montana) that is burnt over acupoints to stimulate the acupoint areas.

Bernette looks forward to assisting people to understand and manage their health issues.

Call to book or you can also book online. 5439

Shop

Introducing just some of the inspiring local business women of Glasshouse County and Maleny

Tove Easton

Lisa Krausz

Tove Easton continues to provide legal expertise that locals have come to depend on at Easton Lawyers in the little white building at the top of Maple Street, Maleny. Joined by her dedicated team, Michelle Jenny Buzaki, Valli Benoit and Simone Svenson, this experienced team has 91 years in the industry between them!

Tove, originally from Norway, turned away from a professional music career for a life in Australia. Tove completed a Bachelor of Business degree followed by a Law degree from Macquarie University in Sydney before setting up her own practice in 2007.

Tove is a full time solicitor in this successful legal practice which has become part of the fabric of Maleny. In 2022 Tove was sworn in by the Archbishop as a Notary Public. This is an incredible honour and the team is thrilled to be able to provide this service to the community.

Easton Lawyers regularly events and clubs and are the honorary solicitors for many organisations. For Tove and her team at Easton Lawyers it is a privilege to help people through tough and stressful times.

Easton Lawyers specialise in; Wills; Enduring Powers of Attorney and Advanced Health Directives; Estate Administration and Planning; Testamentary Family Maintenance Claims; Conveyancing and Property Law; Commercial, Business and Lease matters.

Home visits, or hospital visits are all a part of their amazing service and remember initial consultations are free.

Lisa Krausz has been awarded the 2024 RMA Agent of the Year Glass House Mountains for her exceptional contributions to the local real estate market, a testament to her dedication and community spirit. Expressing heartfelt gratitude to the community, Lisa acknowledges the trust and support bestowed upon her, enabling her to excel in her profession and forge strong relationships with each property sale.

To Lisa, receiving the Agent of the Year award is more than just personal recognition – it’s a celebration of the vibrant and close-knit community of Glass House Mountains. By consistently delivering exceptional service and results, she has not only represented her clients but also showcased the unique charm and appeal of the area to potential buyers.

For Lisa, real estate is not just a job but a passion, evident in her commitment to matching clients with their dream properties. Her win places her among the top 7% her unparalleled skills and dedication.

Lisa extends her sincere thanks to all who have supported her, from sellers entrusting her with their properties to buyers achievement sets a high standard for excellence in the industry, representing her commitment to serving Glass House Mountains with integrity and passion.

In receiving the 2024 RMA Agent of the Year award, Lisa stands as a shining example of real estate excellence. With enthusiasm and gratitude, she looks forward to continuing her journey of serving the Glass House Mountains and hinterland area with dedication, integrity, and commitment.

If you’re considering selling, buying or even both let Lisa be your trusted #1 local agent.

5494 3511

62 Maple Street, Maleny www.eastonlawyers.com.au

0492 871 176

lisa@glasshousepropertysales.com.au

Jenny Broderick

Jenny Broderick moved to Glasshouse Country in 2002, purchasing a property with husband Mark where they farmed sweet potatoes and other small crops.

In 2004 Mark and Jenny started their business Glasshouse Tractors, rebranding to Hillside Tractors Australia change of specialisation in their business. HTA import hillside and orchard machinery from Europe for national distribution, holding several patents for specialised implements to suit their machinery. Mark’s designs, both the ‘Scrub Claw’ for lantana removal, and the ‘Agilator 4-in-1 Rear mount bucket’, are sold with almost every machine, and exported internationally.

Mark and Jenny complement each other as they play their various roles within their successful business. “Our business has allowed me the opportunity to gain extensive experience in international trade, administration, marketing, accounting, customer relations, strategy and decision making, and the opportunity to network with incredible people,” she said.

is always more to learn, Jenny has completed a Bachelor of Psychological Science and a Master of Business Administration. Jenny was previously the President of the Glasshouse Chamber of Commerce, and has long been involved in many community groups and event coordination. Her passion and drive for community and networking come from a genuine desire to see businesses and community working together, providing a thriving place for their four children to grow, work and live.

0407 499 846

www.hillsidetractors.com jenny@hillsidetractors.com

Naomi Pearce

Naomi Pearce is the Co-Founder and Creative Director of Crest Marketing, a multidisciplinary marketing agency that helps businesses reach new heights.

Crest Marketing focuses on brand and web design, as well as organic marketing.

Through her 15 years in the industry, Naomi has developed an innovative, purposeful approach to bringing each client’s unique story to life –alongside her team, who are primarily women.

A longstanding champion of her local community, Naomi has been involved with several organisations since Crest Marketing’s inception. Her business is a major sponsor of the Glasshouse Districts Cricket Club’s junior program, as well as the Sunshine Coast Scorchers.

With Naomi’s sons and daughter involved in local cricket, it has been important to her to play a part in giving back.

Naomi is also a dedicated supporter of other business owners and sponsors the Glasshouse Country Chamber of Commerce through Crest Marketing.

In partnership with the Chamber of Commerce, she is spearheading the coordination of the new Glasshouse Women in Business luncheons, an initiative that brings businesswomen together to network with, learn from and celebrate each other.

“Running a business can be tough – so it’s important to surround yourself with

remind you of your worth,” says Naomi. “The support and encouragement of others is what makes the biggest goals.”

Tamara Hazelden

As an entrepreneur, Tamara Hazelden stands out from the crowd, not only for her business acumen as seen at Hazelden Realty but also for her deep commitment to community involvement and support for Tamara has successfully blended her entrepreneurial drive with a passion for powerful impact both in the business world and within her

and a referral-based business only led to sustainable business a sense of trust and loyalty

Tamara’s dedication extends an active participant in the time, resources, and expertise sub-committees demonstrates various community needs, from education and youth

A notable aspect of Tamara’s mentorship, she plays a crucial

trainees but also instill in them the importance of community

hello@crestmarketing.com.au

0423 838 152 crestmarketing.com.au

0423 766 763

tamara.hazelden@freedomproperty.com.au

2/7 Reed Street, Glass House Mountains

Sales Specialist

y

Co-op and iDrive making driving easier

Unravelling Complexities

Contributed by Fleur Adamson

ANZAC day competition

By Kirra Livingstone

every participant who completes the program and a certificate of completion.

Beerwah Co-Op’s other program, “Safe Travels Advanced”, allows red or green P plate drivers from Beerwah SHS and GCC who present their current student ID to receive a 5 cents per litre discount when they purchase fuel from SHELL Beerwah, and then stack 3 cent per litre for return receipts for a total discount of 8 cents per litre.

training program with iDriveSim training, and a full day in a defensive driving program conducted by Safe Drive Training who have been in operation for 29 years at Mt Cotton in Brisbane. Valued at $462 for the course and the training, the full day of defensive driving will allow students, to undertake the defensive driving and skid pan training at Mt Cotton in Brisbane.

“We are so pleased that this project is coming to fruition as it is something that we are extremely passionate about!” Beerwah Co-op said.

TYING Up Loose Ends (TULE), the Maleny based death literacy group, is kicking off its 2024 program on Sunday, March 24 2-4pm with a conversation about preparing for death. It will also encompass some myth busting about palliative care, a service which offers care and support through the dying process. Our first speaker, Jacqui Thomas, is the founding director of Sun Wills & Estates. She will be presenting an introduction

an estate plan – the Will, Letter of Wishes, Enduring Power of Attorney, and Advanced Health Directive. Our second speaker, Zoe Falconer, is a Palliative Care Nurse, who will introduce us to palliative care, what it is, how it can be accessed and details of the services available. Question time after each presentation. Held at the Maleny Neighbourhood Centre. Tickets $10- https:// www.trybooking.com/

and Recreation Club Inc’s (MDSCR) is taking a lead for our future by preparing its 2025 Strategic Plan, including a long term vision and short term annual budget. With two community consultations done, MDSCR encourages Maleny clubs to join one of the remaining workshops Community engagement

By Sonia Isaacs

RSL Maleny Sub Branch is excited to launch the ‘What ANZAC Day Means to Me’ essay competition, welcoming entries from all students in the 4552 postcode area.

Maleny RSL’s Chris Brooker said the competition will connect and engage with the community’s youth around the significance of ANZAC day. The competition offers generous cash prizes, with $500 for first, $300 for second, and $200 for third.

Judging will be conducted by a panel comprising of local school representatives and written word professionals including Rosetta Books owner Dr Lea Dodd. Winning entries could be featured in local publications or the RSL Queensland magazine. To participate, students must submit their 500-600 word essay (Microsoft Word format) by April 4, 2024,

will include surveys, and in-person conversations. Join us with your ideas to help improve Maleny.

Theresa Craig, Stan McCallum, Mandy McCosker and Clif Hefner

Businesses back school Businesses back school

By

School principal, Lyn Thomas, thanked employers who had helped BSHS students undertake everything from work experience to traineeships

number of success stories including students who had connected with employers for work experience and gone on to traineeships and higher study.

“We know that so many of you support our students by hosting structured workplace learning,” Lyn said. One student, Jackson, had secured a nursing traineeship, was aiming to pursue medicine and has been nominated for school-based trainee of the year at the 2024 Queensland Training Awards.

“We’re very passionate about providing young people with as many opportunities to promote careers and personal growth,” she said. “Our schools, families and wider community all want the same thing: meaningful pathways and opportunities for young people.

“Thank you for your ongoing support and looking after our kids, we as a school can’t do this without you.”

Sunshine Coast unites in Harmony

THERE is a feast of cultural diversity on the horizon as Harmony Week kicks off on the Sunshine Coast from March 18-24.

It’s time to come together to celebrate our diversity through food, sport, art, music and laughter.

A Taste of Harmony picnic, soccer carnival, Japanese cooking class and exploration of mindfulness are just some of the wonderful activities on offer during Harmony Week. Proudly supported by Sunshine Coast Council, the celebration runs across various events and venues on the Sunshine Coast.

Harmony day 2023

peace and connection.

Embrace the healing power of nature through forest bathing, a guided practice promoting mindfulness and rejuvenation. Thursday, March 21, 7.30-9.30am at Mary Cairncross Park.

Sunshine Coast residents and visitors will be able to take part in a wonderful array of events, including workshops, concerts, food adventures, and sport and art experiences held by local community organisations.

Some locally placed events for Harmony week include Harmony Inside Out,

A Glimpse of Russia, embark on a captivating journey into Russian culture with a dynamic event featuring traditional folk songs by talented Peachester musician Innessa, celebrating the rich heritage of Eastern-European music. Sunday, March 24, 10am – noon at Nambour Community Centre.

Beerburrum Harmony Week Celebration, experience cultural diversity at the free-entry Harmony Week event hosted in the historic Beerburrum Hall. The Beerburrum School of Arts Association welcomes everyone for a familyfriendly gathering featuring artists and performers. Saturday, March 23, 2.30pm at Beerburrum Community Hall.

Mitch Gaynor

Beerwah State High School students and staff

Steph, Irene, Tamara, Lyn and Helen.

Attendees enjoying the BSHS Industry Breakfast.

REPS Elected

with

Andrew

Powell

State Member for Glass House

Glassies nominations

I’m bringing back the Glass Awards (the Glassies) bigger and better than ever with a brand new gala venue. The Mooloolah Valley Country Club will open their doors for the gala in May and it’s going to be fantastic. But first – the nomination and voting periods! This year, nominations will be open for two weeks, starting from the 22nd March and closing on the 8th April. Voting will be open for four weeks, from the 15th April and closing on the 13th May. As always, only nominated

so please ensure that you get your nominations in for your favourite local small businesses and/or employees in that two week nomination period. Last year we received 188 nominations across Montville, Maleny, Glasshouse Country and Moreton Bay. Can you top that this year?

The Great Obi Clean Up

Thanks to legends Jo, Nathan and the team at The Great Obi Clean Up for another year of pitching in, cleaning up our environment and bringing our community together. When asked why she organises this for Clean Up Australia Day each year, Jo simply says ‘because why not?’ Thanks for all your hard work for our

Support local journalism

Contributed by Andrew Schreyer CPA President

AUSTRALIA’S largest organisation of newspaper publishers has attacked the announcement by Meta that it will no longer negotiate deals with publishers once current agreements expire.

Country Press Australia represents more than 230 regional, rural and outer suburban publications across the nation.

The organisation was advised through an email from Meta on March 1 that “company priorities have substantially shifted in the past year and, as a result, we will no longer be making Facebook News Tab available in Australia”.

Meta also confirmed “This doesn’t affect our agreement with Country Press Australia which will continue in accordance with its terms and conditions until it expires”.

In a subsequent meeting between Country Press Australia and Meta it was made clear that Country Press Australia’s agreement with Meta would not be

renewed.

This is a devastating blow to our members who are party to the agreement. All are publishers of regional and local public interest journalism.

Meta has been providing grants to Country Press Australia publishers which has provided vital sustainability.

There will be publishers who won’t be able to continue supporting their communities with news in the wake of this announcement. These regional and local publishers are the major, and in most cases sole, providers of local public interest journalism in their communities.

In times of trouble and in emergency situations, such as during floods and in major bushfire events, the local publisher’s Facebook page is never more important or appreciated by people in our communities.

Meta’s actions undermine our democracy in the way the company displays such disdain for the work of the news industry. The most popular Facebook pages in most regional and rural communities are those of the local news publishing company, yet Meta says people don’t go to Facebook for news or political

content.

What about in times of bushfire and floods or when the chips are down and someone in the community needs help? Local experience would suggest otherwise.

If, by Meta’s own admission, Australians don’t go to Facebook for news or political content, then the federal government should heed the advice of Meta and immediately cease advertising on Meta’s platforms.

Sadly, jobs will definitely be lost as a result of Meta’s decision, but it’s hard to put a number on this. Given the already well-documented challenges our industry faces (major cost increases for newsprint, ink, energy and the decline in federal government advertising spend), this announcement will force many publishers to confront the issues ahead of them and cut staff. The reaction from our members in the aftermath of Friday’s announcement has been one of deep concern, alarm and even anger. The federal government must act to give assurance to our industry and to support the democratic infrastructure that is the newspaper industry. And it needs to move swiftly, decisively and with purpose.

We need government to support the news industry and invoke the news media bargaining code.

Our government must also do what it can to assure Australians that the government values the news industry’s role in our democracy to mitigate disruptions to the news industry.

A democracy cannot function without a healthy news sector, and this is now heavily at risk in regional and local communities after Meta’s decision.

It is important that the federal government responds swiftly to this decision and considers all possible action including designating Meta under the News Media Bargaining Code and other options available to them and the ACCC.

It is vital that news media is adequately compensated for the content that Facebook has been able to build their business from over many years and ensure a strong and robust news media industry which is vital for a healthy democracy.

It is vital that the federal government ensures strong support of the industry now more than ever before and ensures the News Media Assistance Program (News MAP) is finalised urgently.

All smiles at the 2023 Glassies event

SAID IT....

You

Hand delivered AT the recent Candidates Forum at Landsborough, Kristy Taylor-Rose said she had done all of her own letterbox dropping, because she can’t afford to pay Australia Post.

However, when I checked the Electoral Commission website, her declarations show $1539.36 for flyer distribution about six weeks ago.

While this may have been a private distributor and not Australia Post, it concerns me that she deliberately led the audience to believe that she has personally done all her own letterboxing, when this clearly isn’t the case.

As a resident, it makes me wonder what else she might be hiding, and will this be a regular occurrence if she becomes our councillor?

JM Landsborough Lights are a pain

Is it me or is there other people in Mawson’s and Bury’s Roads that have had enough of the traffic lights?

Sitting waiting up to five minutes till they make up when they will turn red to green with no other vehicles on the other roads.

And what about the road construction on Bury’s Road, they must be given the comedy award of the year.

They successfully turned the storm water from under the road to over the road.

Mike Reese

Beerwah

Enough negativity

Really Angus Richard (You Said It, March 5)!

I’d appreciate it if you’d keep your opinions out of print as they only fuel negativity.

Basically, if you can’t say anything nice don’t say anything at all!

Suzanne Simpson

NRL carbon trail

IN response to a recent mainstream headline “NRL rolls the dice on Vegas” (SMH, 4/3) I need to convey astonishment that, at this stage in the accumulation of atmospheric carbon dioxide, accompanied

by the recent alarming reports of the 1.7C global temperature rise, the NRL would recklessly create an event that has such an enormous carbon footprint.

The sum of emissions from conveying players and attendees plus the thousands of supporters to the USA in the hope of generating yet more profit is enormous.

When are the “big guys” going to get serious about emissions? Bring on the carbon tax as a reminder of the consequence of such irresponsible travel.

Today’s generation of children and teenagers will be cast adrift in a decade or two unless really urgent action is taken.

Mike Foale Maleny

WHAT YOU’RE SAYING ONLINE ..

Your reaction to the news that the newly released business case for the Beerwah to Maroochydore rail line (Sunshine Coast Direct Rail Line) shows the project could cost up to $12 billion:

We’ll have flying cars by the time this gets built

Matthew Gibson

In the long run, it will be worth it

Jamie

Rosemary Corriveau

Great idea. The longer you wait the more it costs

David Sahic

Honestly it’s rail a great mode of public transport and if it means we have to spend more for a good long term benefit I really think it should go ahead. We’re always so caught up in short term gains and in return get scared at big costs but fail to see the net good this could have in the future.

River Kearns

Essential for the future of the Sunny Coast

Ian Chippy Carpenter

Sammy Sammy

It’s a farce how much money these developments cost us. Surely the costing process is flawed. Ridiculous amount of money

Neil Davis

How about we finish the rail duplication north to Nambour first before we start another never ending project

Theresa Kamp

Classic Utopia episode

Ian Browning

Sunshine coast transport needs major investment.

If that’s what it costs to get rid of the traffic choking the area then yes, money well spent. It’s the environment, people.

Adulthood is a hard concept for some

“reflected deeply on my actions” and quoted from the bible about temptation for his “indiscretion”, is bileinducing.

Surely these ‘adults’ know exactly what they’re up to.

To fall back on this cringe apology is embarrassing.

There’s times when each side of the political divide has mud they want to sling, but for whatever reason

- ie the information was improperly gained - they simply shouldn’t.

If this is a sign of the type of leadership to come at the next state election, then strap yourselves in.

DON’S PARTY

Who knows how the cards will fall next Saturday, but either way, I’ll be at the pub.

There’s so many unknowns about the

Nobody said it was going to be cheap.

Marie Blanch

If it was built 25 years ago when it was officially proposed it would have been $3 billion back in 2000

Maree Herron DeGraw

Better than most things government wastes money on. Like knocking down and rebuilding good stadiums.

Scott Young

I think the money could be better well spent. Like building multiple burnout pads for us fully sick commodore owners and au falcon owners to show off our skills.

Chris Robbo Robson

capability of some of our new candidates. The truth is that we’ll only get to know their capabilities when it’s too late.

Royal dilemma

Is anyone as worried about Princess Catherine’s health as I am?

I was actually pleased to see a picture of her with the kids all smiles after what had appeared like a rough

few weeks.

Something about out of focus hands and alignments.

d’.

But then we learned that the image might have been ‘manipulated’.

On closer inspection, it looked like the intern had final approval.

Whatever. Who would have thought the Royal family was at all capable of

CRANK CRANK CRANK the

2024 Council Election countdown lection

GC&M News will be running a series of ‘Meet the Candidate’ editorial features over a three week period leading up to the March 16 Sunshine Coast Council election.

Our aim is to provide a ‘level playing field’ platform to give all of our declared mayoral and divisional candidates running in the Sunshine

Coast Council election the opportunity to present their pitch and provide responses to key issues raised by our Hinterland readers.

The series will be featured in both our print and online publications.

Each candidate has been approached and asked to provide a response of no more than 250 words.

Question to the candidates Question 5

Tell us what makes you the best candidate for Mayor/Division 1/ Division 5?

Questions answered below

Mayor Candidates

This election is not about a series of individual promises but about whether the Coast is heading in the right or wrong direction.

Most statistics available from the Australian Bureau of Stats & other places tell us we are on the wrong path to reach the shared prosperity we need to be able to protect our lifestyle & regenerate the damaged parts of our environment. We have the highest HousingCost-to-Income ratio in the State, some of the lowest wages except for those in the remoter north & a stagnant economy that has seen our household income improve

My vision for the Sunshine Coast is centered around preserving our unique lifestyle while embracing growth and modernisation.

I believe I am the best candidate for Mayor because I am committed to protecting our beaches and green spaces, rejecting projects like the Sunshine Coast Light Rail that don’t fit our region, and promoting better public

It’s been painfully obvious during this campaign that the council has become disconnected to the community it is meant to serve.

There is a cultural problem in the way the council has dealt with community matters.

The perception is too prevalent to ignore. Community workers don’t feel they are being valued or

by less than 1% over the past 8 years way below the increase in inflation cost.

I am a hard-nosed business person who was trained by risking my own money. I understand that organisations must be dedicated to achieving their function, whether that be financial, social or community outcomes, and can only do so if they efficiently pursue their goal.

For at least the last 12 years the council has pursued its agenda of borrowing $450 million in the ratepayers’ name & spending that on their own internally decided upon

transport technologies.

I prioritise keeping our children active, especially with the upcoming 2032 Olympics, ensuring our economy continues to grow, and making our community more accessible. My plans also include greening the coast, addressing housing affordability, modernising our infrastructure with a focus on electric vehicles,

listened to.

I have a proven track record in both the businesses I’ve run and the sporting organisations I’ve been engaged with of affecting successful cultural change.

I have the track record and the determination to make change in a positive manner and for transparent reasons.

I know business and as

“Special Projects”.

I believe my hard nose can turn the council away from its preoccupation with these self-interested projects to become organisation that will forge those paths to community prosperity based on the encouragement of long-term job creation in compatible industries such as local energy production, green manufacturing & niche agriculture.

But first we must Stop Borrowing - Slashing Spending - Return the Council to service.

and bridging the divide between the Coast and the Hinterland.

The Sunshine Coast needs a Mayor who truly listens to the community and works FOR the people they represent. We need a strong leader who will stand up to the state and federal governments and demand the infrastructure that we have been missing out on, for so long. We must have infrastructure before development. I will fight to protect our lifestyle.

We must refocus on ‘back-to-basics’ service and cost savings, so we can all feel proud of our home, and afford to live here.

I am deeply embedded in our community – I have covered the stories that

My leadership is about building upon past successes to deliver a Sunshine Coast with a heart, where every resident has access to the best facilities, a strong economy, and a sustainable, inclusive future.

my record of genuine community engagement shows, I care about people.

I’ll be mayor for the whole Sunshine Coast. I don’t intend to be a city hall mayor. I grew up in Eudlo, went to school in Nambour and I get the real concern people feel west of the highway that they have been ignored.

Check https://www.ecq.qld.gov.au/ for a list of polling places and early voting centres in the Sunshine Coast local government area. Early voting opened on 4 March 2024.

As your only mayoral candidate from west of the Bruce Highway, my vision for the whole Sunshine Coast Region embraces our diverse and unique communities, bringing together many voices as one super-region chorus.

Focussed on preserving the region’s outstanding natural beauty, fostering economic growth and environmental values, we aim to create a vibrant ecosystem where businesses, residents, and visitors alike can thrive; our region is unique because celebrating community diversity has always been our difference. As custodians of our Sunshine Coast

Min Swan

The role of the Mayor is a multi-faceted role that needs strong and clear leadership, financial acumen, and a deep commitment to the people that they serve. I am a people focused, collaborative leader with a strategic focus and a track record for delivering results. Over my 30 year career across financial services, events, strategic and change management, I have delivered real results through hardwork, empowerment of people, and by asking the tough questions. I prefer to

matter in our history and volunteered with hundreds of community and business groups, because I believe contributing with them strengthens the life of our region.

As a career journalist of nearly 30 years and a University of the Sunshine Coast lecturer and researcher, I have first-hand experience in understanding the views, needs and hopes of our residents.

But, people are telling me, we need change. Locals want someone they can trust, who is transparent and accountable, someone who is smart and passionate.

Biosphere we will activate our communities’ shared values, working together to live, work, learn and play sustainably towards a future we are proud of.

For the first time in many years, the unseen and the forgotten will be seen and heard through the election a new mayor who is one of our own.

Our Mayoral vision goes beyond listening and offering laundry lists of promises that are more likely to be popular than be delivered. I have heard your stories, ratepayers’ experiences of arrogance and indifference, about a council administration

We need a detailed investigation of the costs of Council to see where and how your money has been spent. We need to audit the big-ticket spending of recent times, to ensure value for money.

We need better public transport connecting communities north-south and east-west.

Our hinterland communities must be valued and listened to, not ignored.

I will lead with strength and compassion and be a mayor who cares for the people of the Sunshine Coast.

more focussed on itself than service for people.

My more than 40 years of experience in the Commonwealth government, my own business and global business, along with my decades of work in the notfor-profit sector equips me with the knowledge and skills to bring about the cultural change that is needed to transform the council from a sedentary culture to a service culture, that is transparent and accountable.

Vote for Wayne Parcell, for change that matters to you.

approach topics with a partnership approach to finding solutions, however I know when strong and certain leadership is required. I am a strong communicator that can cut through the noise and bring people on the journey, identifying hurdles for delivery and working as a team on real solutions. I believe in action over words.

As a local for over 32 years, I know the core essence of the Sunshine Coast and am offering myself as Mayor to ensure the protection of what

makes us unique.

Over the past 15 years since returning home and starting my business, I have immersed myself into the Sunshine Coast community, Not for Profits and small to medium business.

I will be your choice of Mayor if you are looking for action, balance, connection, and a community minded Mayor that has the skills of a corporate executive, the heart of a small business owner and the soul of a longterm community contributor.

Michael Burgess

Jason Opray

Ashley Robinson

Rosanna Natoli

Wayne Parcell

Division 1 Candidates

We live in the most incredible part of the world – from the iconic Glasshouse Mountains to the beauty of the Pumicestone Passage. I love where we live, and I’m absolutely passionate about seeing our communities thrive.

My 20 + years of volunteering is testament of my connection and commitment to our region.

When you vote 1 Jenny, you know what you’re getting, because I have been around long enough to prove it.

I am ready to work with you to preserve our liveability, continue to build community connections,

As a passionate and motivated individual, I have always been drawn towards public service. My proactive attitude enables me to approach every challenge with confidence, and I take pride in adopting a friendly and communityfocused approach in all my endeavours. Despite having no political background, I am always eager to learn and find the best solutions for my community. As the President of the P&C for a local high school, I have already gained valuable experience in leading and supporting community initiatives. Additionally, with

I am thrilled to be a candidate for the position of Councillor for Division 1, and I’m eager to share why I believe I’m the ideal candidate for this crucial role.

With a genuine passion for serving our community, I am committed to advocating for Division 1 residents and addressing their needs.

My strong communication skills enable me to connect with constituents, understand their concerns, and articulate solutions effectively.

Listening with empathy, I will prioritise your voices and work tirelessly to

listen and work to find solutions, and get back to the things that matter to you most. Whether it’s essential transport connections, building pathways, or maintenance scheduling, you have my commitment that I will continue to work hard to get things done for Division 1. I am here to serve you. You deserve a Councillor who shows up, listens and acts, is already actively involved and engaged with our community, is aware of the issues both in our Division and right across the Coast. A councillor who is determined to find solutions

over 20 years of experience in construction, ranging from flood mitigation works to brand new commercial builds, I possess a unique skill set that I can use to make a positive difference in my community.

Throughout my life, I have been actively involved in various sporting associations volunteered for multiple NFP from meals on wheels, parcel of peace, Sunshine Coast Council events and the list goes on. This has given me a deep understanding of the importance of community engagement and the need for local initiatives that promote the well-

address your concerns with compassion and integrity.

Drawing on my leadership experience in business and community organizations, I bring proven problemsolving abilities and a collaborative approach to addressing complex issues facing Division 1.

Transparency and integrity are paramount to me, and I am dedicated to upholding the highest standards of ethics and accountability in public service. I will become closely acquainted with local issues and am committed to building consensus and productive

Division 5 Candidates

and work hard. You deserve someone who has built relationships with all levels of government, so we can work together to get things done! A Councillor who can communicate effectively with you, give you the representation you deserve. We need a Councillor who is trusted, local, and independent, with a proven, long term commitment to our community. When you vote for Jenny, you are voting for integrity, transparency, and accountability.

being and prosperity of the community.

To put it simply, I am experienced, approachable (genuinely approachable), dedicated and sensible. I have a solid mix of ideal professional and personal experience, combined with long professional, residential and social connections with Division 5 that make me ideally suited to represent the region in council – I have helped plant trees locally, have supported local businesses, hiked in our beautiful bushland, helped clean up local creeks, I’ve run in the local parkrun, swum in our waterways, and attended the various local markets.

For years, as the editor of the Sunshine Valley Gazette, I travelled around the area pretty much daily, speaking to residents, learning about the region, and learning and writing about local people, issues and communities.

I’ve calculated that I’ve had literally thousands of conversations about various topics with local people, as well as business owners and politicians. Palmwoods and Division 5 is my home. That experience as a local journalist, and working as a media adviser and speech writer in two controversial offices – that of former deputy speaker Peter

Slipper and PHON leader

Pauline

Hanson – has developed my understanding of community need and my ability to work with everyone, from senior government offices to everyday people in our communities, along with community groups and businesses, to try to achieve positive outcomes for everyone. My life and career experience has given me the ability to empathise with everyday people, to understand community and individual need.

As a potential councillor, I am committed to working tirelessly to ensure that every community in my division prospers. I strongly believe my enthusiastic and dedicated advocacy, coupled with my willingness to listen to the needs of the community, will make a significant impact. My top priority is to fight for community interests and work together with everyone to find effective solutions that make a positive change.

Division 5 is an extremely large and diverse Council division. It is comprised of 7 towns and 26 districts. Local knowledge and the historic importance of these towns and districts is essential to clearly understand the needs of the division. Born, raised, educated, living and running a business within the division for my entire life, clearly qualifies me as the best candidate to serve the residents for the next term of council.

Having served in various capacities for some 50 years, I have the in-depth knowledge and demonstrated ability to

relationships to achieve positive outcomes for our community.

I am driven by a vision of a vibrant and inclusive Division 1, where every voice is heard, and every resident can thrive.

Together, let’s chart a course toward a brighter future for Division 1.

Thank you for considering me as your candidate for Councillor for Division 1.

As a retired high school teacher, I have spent most of my life dedicated to serving others. From being a nurse to now working in community services, I have always strived to make a positive impact on those around me. And now, as I embark on the next stage of my career, I am excited and motivated to continue this dedication by serving the people of Division 5 and working towards the betterment of our community as your Councillor.

Having lived in the hinterland for 15 years, I have developed a deep

once again deliver for residents. Since my early twenties, I have held numerous leadership roles within the community and I’ve served as a councillor for four terms. Three terms on Landsborough/ Caloundra Council and this term with SCRC. Six years as chairman of Town Planning and Development and currently as Portfolio Councillor for Service Excellence.

In addition, I was a member of the Landsborough/Caloundra, Maroochy Water Supply Board for eight years, during the construction of Baroon

connection to this area and its people.

Raising my two children here has only strengthened that bond.

I am passionate about the future of our local council and the role it plays in shaping our community.

I believe that by working together, we can create a stronger and more vibrant community for everyone.

My experiences as a high school teacher have honed my organisational skills and ability to think strategically.

These are qualities that I believe will be valuable in my role as a member of the local council. As someone

Pocket Dam. Five years on the Sunshine Coast Tourism and Development Board, three years on the Sunshine Coast Hospital Board and as a member of the Sunshine Coast University Planning Committee.

Since my prior council service, I have served as an advisor to council for the Maleny Local Area Plan and the Maleny Community Precinct.

My financial and business background continues to be invaluable and has assisted me in delivering numerous council projects.

who has always been proactive and goal-oriented, I am confident that I can deliver positive outcomes for our community.

One of my main priorities will be to improve the services and resources available to our community members.

This includes advocating for more housing, implementing programs for youth empowerment, and supporting local businesses. I am committed to finding solutions that address the needs and concerns of our diverse population.

Jenny Broderick

Tracy Burton

Stan Nawrocki

Winston Johnston

Kristy Taylor-Rose

ne Coast To rism

African back heritage inspires Hayden Hack

Hinterland musician shares his distinctive blend of rhythm and melody

By Sonia Isaacs

HINTERLAND musician

Hayden Hack has recently released his third studio album. Known for his distinctive blend of African influences, funky rhythms and soulful resonance, the award-winning South African-born fingerstyle guitarist and singer has been a popular fixture at numerous festivals, gatherings and local events for many years.

From Maleny Lane to Woodford Folk Festival, Hayden has a unique ability to seamlessly blend diverse musical elements to deliver an immersive experience that resonates deeply with listeners.

GC&M News spoke with Hayden, keen to find out more about both the musician and his music.

Q: How long have you lived in the Hinterland and what do you love about living here?

I moved here in 2009. My wife, Ketakii and I left Melbourne with our daughter Lalita, who was 8 months old at the time, to travel the country in a van. I love the community and the spirit of the place;

inspiring and nostalgic

GIFTED local artist, Bernard O’Scanaill, is set to delight audiences at Maleny Art Direct with his upcoming exhibition, ‘Oh- apostrophe’. Originating from Connemara in Ireland, O’Scanaill infuses nostalgia, spontaneity and humour into his artwork. Returning after three years, his latest collection showcases landscapes, notably his famed ‘Black and White Cows,’ inspired by his Friday milking ritual.

O’Scanaill’s inherent connection to Ireland is evident in his work, and his art can equally confront, unnerve, challenge and amuse. A self-taught artist who has exhibited internationally, he embraces spontaneity, brushwork, palette-knives, and even his finger to create bold, positive, and intricate pieces.

The exhibition opens on March 23rd at 4pm at Maleny Art Direct, promising a captivating display of O’Scanaill’s unique artistic journey.

Outspoken welcomes Bri Lee

of a phenomenon. The author of three nonfiction works, each of which has very publicly stirred up the murky waters of the commentariat, she has now written a novel, entitled The Work.

the matter:

“Well this is annoying. Bri Lee—whose nonfiction debut Eggshell Skull revealed a fine mind and a stout heart—turns out to be a brilliant novelist as well. This novel isn’t just good; it’s superb. Assured, and powerful, and intelligent, and very, VERY hard to put down. Bri Lee has an established knack of articulating human confusion, pain and the cracks that open up in the systems we design to govern ourselves. And in The Work, she brings all her thrilling intelligence and her journalist’s eye to the

historic dicta about who gets to make art, and how badly they can behave while they’re making it. Also it’s a love story. And a story about growing up in the country and moving to the city, observed with a perfect degree of spiky tenderness. I consumed it in a passion.”

Here at Outspoken, we’re delighted to have been able to persuade Bri to come to Maleny to discuss her novel, but also to talk around her many other projects. These include, but are not confined to: lecturing in Media Law at Sydney University, where she’s doing a PhD into how

to Egypt; doing weekend writing workshops.

Our introducing author will be Carly-Jay Metcalfe. Carly-Jay recently published the stunningly frank and darkly funny memoir Breath, about living, dying and trying to breathe. Beejay Silcox writes: ‘The only thing more remarkable than Carly-Jay Metcalfe’s story is the way she tells it. Breath captures the privileges and pains of living in our transitory bodies. The absurdities. The cruelties. The bone-deep joys. This book is a love letter to the sublime human mess. An invitation to pay attention to every precious lungful.’

14 CAG artists picked

THE CREATIVE Arts Group (CAG) has had many of its members selected as finalists in the Sunshine Coast Local Artist Local Content Exhibition hosted by the Caloundra Art Gallery. Robert Mortimer (also 2022 People’s Choice winner), Jonathan Jones, Christopher Blake, and Christine Hopkins, were selected. Another member selected, Gail Ferry has exhibited in Australia, and has paintings around the world. Fourteen artists from CAG will be on display from March 11 to May 6 at Vianta Arts, Beerwah.

BEERWAH

BEERWAH

Hinterland musician Hayden Hack

Free child health checks

By Kirra Livingstone

PARENTS and caregivers can now book in appointments to see a child health nurse on Mondays at the Beerwah Library, for children aged 0-5.

This free service, provided by the Caloundra Child Health Clinic, can be used by families for weight checks, feeding support, development checks and parenting support.

An appointment with a child health nurse can also provide help in understanding and supporting your child’s behavioural changes, and support for healthy growth.

Beerwah’s new practice started providing quality health services at the end of January to parents/ care givers and their young children.

The Beerwah Library also has parenting groups available on Monday afternoons, such as the Parenting Young Babies (PYB) groups.

This group provides education on sleep/settling, breastfeeding, bottle feeding, solids introduction and play and development, providing a safe space for parents of young babies to connect. If you would like to make an appointment for either service, call Child Health Access on 1300 591 494, which operates Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4pm expect on public holidays.

Hairaid provides hope Hairaid provides

By Sonia Isaacs

FOR many years, local hairdresser and educator, Natalie Hazelden, has been a part of the Hair Aid initiative, with a team of hairdressers who visit the paradise island of Bali to make a difference.

While many people visit Bali to relax, Natalie and the Hair Aid team are committed to visiting the island to teach haircutting skills to the most vulnerable people.

Some of the destinations the team visit are far removed from tourist hotspots, and recently include prisons, orphanages

and a community of dump dwellers. Natalie said these people were some of the most resilient people in Bali.

“These people we visited were the dump dwellers, the scavengers, and those whose daily survival depends on what many would consider the most undesirable jobs. We were utterly overwhelmed by their living conditions,” explained Natalie.

Collaborating with charity organisation the Bali Life Foundation, Natalie said she was able to gain further insight into the many challenges experienced by people living in the dump

Ongoing social and economic price of ED

community.

“We were told the community had only recently been able to build a toilet block. We heard a baby had been born amongst the community, so we organised to bring some baby clothes and supplies to the mum - which was greatly appreciated,” she said. Natalie said employment and financial prospects were limited for many in the dump community. She said part of the Hair Aid initiative was to teach people to cut hair, which they could then use the skills to earn a living.

‘We had a past student

visiting us, and she invited us to her home to cook dinner for the whole team. She was a dump community worker whose family lived and worked on the dump for their whole life. She successfully finished our five day course in 2018 and is now a proud owner of a house and works at a salon in Denpasar and could relocate her family,” said Natalie.

Natalie said she had also extended this years’ mission to include a visit to Bali’s men’s and women’s prisons.

“This initiative also about igniting hope and providing

a pathway to a new beginning for incarcerated individuals to impart valuable skills that can lead to self-sufficiency upon release,” she explained. This has been Natalie’s fourth venture to Indonesia, with the project supported by community fundraising. Donations to support the June 2025 trip can be made to : Hairaid Inc. BSB : 034676

Account number :419851

Reference Natalie Hazelden.

Long Covid links with CFS

THE Butterfly Foundation, in collaboration with Deloitte, has unveiled the second edition of ‘Paying the Price,’ a report illuminating the ongoing economic and social impacts of eating disorders (ED) in Australia. Released over a decade after the first edition in 2012, the report highlights the pressing need for action. Paying the Price 2024 aligns with the ‘National Eating Disorders Strategy 2023-2033,’ revealing a 21% surge in prevalence and a 36% rise in the cost of eating disorders over the past decade.

Statistics reveal concerning challenges faced by women and young people. Women are twice as likely as men to experience

eating disorders, with 27% of affected individuals aged 19 or younger, marking a worrying 13% increase since 2012. Despite this, less than 30% seek help, contributing to 1,273 deaths due to eating disorders in 2023.

Financial challenges associated with eating disorders extend beyond individuals, affecting carers, communities, and workplaces. Healthcare system costs amount to $251 million annually, while employers pay an average of $44,381 per 100 employees.

The report advocates for government commitment to annual $12 million funding for universal and targeted prevention campaigns in schools and organisations.

LA Trobe University’s latest research sheds light on the intricate relationship between Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and Long COVID, offering insights into shared disease pathologies and potential treatments.

The review article, titled ‘Unravelling shared mechanisms: insights from recent ME/CFS research to illuminate long COVID pathologies,’ conducted a comprehensive study of both conditions simultaneously, aiming to enhance understanding of their shared characteristics and unique molecular abnormalities.

Dr. Sarah Annesley, the lead author and Head of La Trobe’s Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, focused

on investigating disease pathologies, revealing a substantial overlap between the two conditions. Approximately half of Long COVID patients met the diagnostic criteria for ME/CFS, underscoring the interconnection between these health challenges.

Dr. Annesley emphasized the mutual benefits of researching both disorders, highlighting that Long COVID provides a unique opportunity to study early disease changes and map their progression. Conversely, ME/CFS research, typically involving patients with a longer disease duration, may offer insights into the future disease pathology of Long COVID.

While clinical similarities and proposed disease pathologies were identified,

the research team noted that common molecular abnormalities between ME/ CFS and Long COVID remain uncertain.

The review showcased promising early results in therapeutic interventions targeting autoimmune responses in ME/CFS and Long COVID, marking a significant step forward.

However, further clinical trials will be essential to validate these findings.

The research also identified potential biomarkers in the body that could aid doctors in diagnosing and tracking these conditions more effectively. Measurement of specific types of RNA emerged as a potentially accurate and clinically practical method for diagnosing ME/CFS.

Natalie Hazelden and the Hair Aid team recently in Bali.

Inset: The Hair Aid team visit a dump community.

CULTURE Hinterland

Rosetta’s Great Reads

What happened to Nina

Dervla McTiernan’s thrilling new novel What Happened to Nina? is a tale of tragedy and revenge that explores the complex aspects of human nature and morality. Suspenseful yet haunting, the prologue begins with “My name is Nina Fraser. There is a good chance that you know who I am.” Crime writer McTiernan investigates the why and the what in this mystery; not the who.

The reader cannot dwell for long about who Nina is; Nina is a young Vermont woman who has disappeared from an adventurous weekend away with her boyfriend, Simon. The young American travel blogger, Gabby Petito, who went missing in 2021, comes to mind, and the similarities do not end there for me.

Nina is simultaneously a dutiful daughter and loyal sister, an unreliable friend, and unfaithful girlfriend. Simon is the last person to see Nina alive. If Simon is the loving son and caring boyfriend, why is he shadowed by swirling accusations of manipulation, deceit, and violence?

Simon is the prime suspect in Nina’s disappearance. Will the wealth and privilege will prevail? Why have Nina’s family suddenly become the target of malicious online attacks?

The voices of the parents, and the Detective investigating the disappearance of Nina, reconstruct Nina’s story piece by piece, setting the stage for revelations that will change all their lives forever. How far would you be willing to go to discover the truth, and what lengths would you go to hide it? RRP $34.99.

What Happened to Nina?

is our Partners in Crime Bookclub book for this month.

JOIN ONE OF OUR NEW BOOKCLUBS ... Visit www.rosettabooks.com.au

It’s time to party, boys

time on the Sunshine Coast and it’s also St Patrick’s Day so it will be a lot of fun. I’ve heard nothing but good things about The Station and its ability to host exceptional events,” he said.

ONE of Australia’s foremost singer/songwriters, the ARIA award winning Richard Clapton is set to perform an exclusive Queensland show at the Sunshine Coast’s latest entertainment precinct, The Station, on Sunday 17 March at 3pm. Richard said he was looking forward to visiting the Sunshine Coast again and performing to his many fans both young and old.

listen to my songs and enjoy this incredible new Sunshine Coast venue.”

GIFTS COFFEE

Horoscopes

PISCES

FEBRUARY 19 – MARCH 20

This week’s Pisces new moon on 10 March, the beginning of your astrological year, offers a personal portal for downloading specific life guidance for the coming year. Give yourself quiet time and space around this date to tune in and receive the rich gifts of your own inner wisdom.

ARIES

MARCH 21 – APRIL 20

GEMINI

“I’ve always had a great

WEEK BEGINNING MARCH 12

MAY 21 – JUNE 21

The classic astrological interpretation of this week’s Mercury in Aries is impetuous, impulsive, enthusiastic, witty, inventive, quicktempered, impatient of delay and reactive to opposition. Needing to slow down, to focus, to be less busy and driven, more thoughtful and organized. Just so you know...

TAURUS

APRIL 21 – MAY 20

With artistic Venus stimulating your creative hormones, consider elevating your daily routines into soul-nourishing rituals. Like, rather than autopiloting in the morning to a device, setting your day’s agenda differently by going outside and connecting first with the inexhaustible beauty of the natural world.

As your guiding planet, Mercury, the astral messenger, leaps into its most straightforward stride this week, focus on keeping communications simple and uncomplicated. Reduce complex multiple options, use bullet points, take the time to clarify mixed messages or misunderstandings. Most importantly, be patient.

CANCER

JUNE 22 - JULY 22

While society undergoes a kind of collective colonic, you might find comfort in what science now knows because of the Heart Math Institute’s findings: that the heart actually sends more signals to the brain than vice versa. So don’t hold back this week on letting your heart have its say.

LEO JULY 23 – AUGUST 23

VIRGO AUGUST 24 – SEPTEMBER 22

“I’ll be playing all my favourites from over the years including Girls On The Avenue, Capricorn Dancer, Deep Water and I Am An Island. It’s a show not to be missed and I encourage everyone to come along,

Since releasing his first album in 1973, Richard has continued to develop a sound based on melodic rock with lyrics which were poetic musings on his state of mind or the state of the nation. Richard will perform with Sharon Brooks and Tess Fapani at 3pm on Sunday 17th March at The Station. Tickets at thestationsc.com.au

With your mentor, Mercury, the silicate planet, in the zodiac’s most full-forward and forthright fire sign, you might be inclined to tell it like it is this week. Just keep in mind that people don’t usually improve from being criticized, so go easy on critiquing, give feedback considerately.

LIBRA

SEPTEMBER 23 – OCTOBER 23

With Venus sashaying into one of her most aesthetic placements, look for the magic in the mundane, the extraordinary in the ordinary, the precious essence in everyday things. A great week for romantic antics or composing poetry; accurate character assessment and brokering business deals, not so much.

This last week of our annual astrological cycle is excellent for addressing unfinished business, tying off loose ends and opening up space for the zodiac’s new year. It’s also worthwhile spending some quiet time getting clear about what you truly, deeply, madly want to accomplish this year.

SCORPIO

OCTOBER 24 – NOVEMBER 22

As communicator Mercury takes the mic this week with confident, assertive attitude, the cosmos is supporting you to stand up for your convictions. To say what you mean and mean what you say, in the traditional Scorpio way. Extra karmic fly-by points if you do it without using the sting.

with Lilith Rocha

SAGITTARIUS

NOVEMBER 23 – DECEMBER 21

Venus is in sensitive and tender mode this week. Mars isn’t, and Mercury’s lacking in conversational restraint: an astral mix suggesting that smart Sagittarians will consider looking before you leap, thinking before you speak and editing before you send, especially around temperamental the midweek moon.

CAPRICORN

DECEMBER 22 – JANUARY 20

Under this week’s shifting starmap, people could be unintentionally insulting. But still insulting, and hurt feelings are hurt feelings. It’s entirely up to you whether you want to take this on and get huffy and standoffish, or decide to flip the script and find the funny side. Your call.

AQUARIUS

JANUARY 21 – FEBRUARY 18

In the current season of mutual empathy, this altruistic, idealistic week at its best sees you surfing the waves of imagination for ways to make life better for your loved ones, colleagues and community. Yes, there’s heaps of fairy dust and woowoo, but who can move through that if not you?

Berta Brozgul

MONTVILLE’s Lucas Parklands will launch its classical music season with the ‘Long Weekend of Music,’ featuring pianist Berta Brozgul and cellist Sam Lucas in late-March.

The duo, known for their artistic partnership, will perform three concerts from March 22 to March 24 at the private Montville auditorium.

Berta, based in Melbourne, and Sam, now residing in Germany, will

present diverse musical programs over the three day program, including works by Bach, Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov, Hindemith, Schumann, Grieg, and more.

The repertoire includes the Grieg cello sonata, which holds sentimental value as their first collaboration, as well as new pieces like the Ducros ‘encore’ and the Hindemith fantasy piece.

Sam, performing some

of his favourite pieces; Grieg Cello Sonata and Elgar Cello Concerto, said he was looking forward to returning to play in his home town.

“To perform in Australia is always great as well, especially if I get to tie in some performances at Lucas Parklands, my home,” he explained.

For performance and ticketing inquiries, contact 5478 5667 or 0409 623 228. www.lucasparklands.com.au

Church & Communit y

What is mercy? …

KINDNESS shown toward someone whom you have the right or power to punish.

God demonstrates His mercy over and over through the Bible. In Romans the Bible says God demonstrated His love toward us and that while we were still sinners Christ died for us. To receive the mercy of God, ask for his forgiveness. God will not withhold forgiveness from you because He sent Jesus as the redemption for mankind. This verse is so encouraging because it tells us that we don’t have to get all our ducks in a row or wait for the planets to align before we come and seek God out. The truth is God takes us as we are but never leaves us where we are. Come to Him if you’re broken and be made whole, come if you’re hurting so healing can begin, come if you’re lost so you can be found. The Bible teaches that living outside of the

purposes of God is sin, and sin leads to death. What the writer of Romans is saying is, we were dead in our sin but through Christ’s forgiveness, we can receive a fresh start, a resurrected life. Even though our sin is displeasing to God, He doesn’t write us off instead when we are sincere and seek His forgiveness, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sin and redeem our life. By his death, Jesus opened a new and lifegiving way (Hebrews 10) by His resurrection He now gives us the confidence that we can overcome sin and death because our new life, our choices, decisions are in Christ.

Isaiah 30…Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

Just know that when you turn to God He is waiting to receive you, forgive you and help you discover a more fulfilled life of looking

GLASSHOUSE COUNTRY

BEERWAH: Sunday 9.30am

Mary MacKillop Centre, 160 Peachester Rd

MOOLOOLAH: Wednesday 9am and 1st Sunday of month 4pm ST THOMAS, 31 Bray Rd

Local contact: Rev Tony Halstead 0455 554 930

BEERWAH CHURCH 27 Beerwah Parade

Sundays 9.30am & Kids Church

E: wecare@cotr.org.au W: churchontherise.org.au

MALENY CHURCH Maleny Sports Park, via Porter’s Lane

Sundays 9.30am & Kids Church

E: info@cotrmaleny.org W: cotrmaleny.org

forward to his purpose. You cannot earn your salvation or your forgiveness because we could boast about how good we are, mercy and forgiveness come from who God is, and this is how He demonstrates His love toward us.

Augustine of Hippo

Trust the past to God’s mercy, the present to God’s love and the future to God’s providence.

1 Peter 1:3: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”

You are most WELCOME to

each Sunday Reed Street, Glasshouse Mtns (next to RSL) Sunday School, Women’s Fellowship, Bible Study

Contact: 5439 9341 or 5496 9671

A TEAM of young and older people from the Landsborough Seventh-day Adventist Church answered a call to help clean up a community member’s yard at Glass House

Mountains who had recently experienced some difficulties in their life. The enthusiastic team worked hard gardening, hedging, trimming, weeding, digging and raking to make the

yard look great again. The community member was very thankful for the help. It was also a good opportunity for the church to be involved in a practical way with the community.

World Day of Prayer service

Contributed by Rev Dr Elizabeth Nolan

THIS year’s ecumenical World Day of Prayer service was prepared by the Palestinian women from the West Bank and Gaza. It was a beautiful liturgy enjoyed by 60 women and men from all churches in Beerwah. We heard the courageous and sad stories and prayed for all women and children, refugees and aid workers, soldiers and governments around the world that they might learn to ‘bear one another up in love and peace.’ (Ephesians 4:2) An

offering was collected for the Palestinian Bible society serving all three religious

groups in their community – Christians, Jews and

WASTE MATTERS

Plastic Waste in our Waterways

Holy Communion St Mary’s 1 Memorial Cl Montville Sun 8am

St Augustine’s 13 Hill St Palmwoods Sun 8.30am

St Luke’s 17 Anne St Kenilworth Sun 9am

St George’s 2 Walkers Dr Maleny Sun 9.30am

Taizé Maleny 1st Sun 5pm Feb - Dec

A Christ-centred and community-loving church where everyone belongs!

Beerwah – Sunday 8.30am

Peachester Community Church –last Sunday of the month 5.30pm

Minister: Rev Dr Elizabeth Nolan Ph. 0448 358 774 Email: churchgcuc@gmail.com

Saturday

Sunday 7am: Caloundra St, Landsborough

Sunday

PLASTIC packaging, bags and other waste that washes into drains and natural waterways can be injurious or deadly to aquatic and marine life. Birds, turtles, fur seals, platypus and other creatures can be harmed or killed when they ingest pieces or particles of plastic, or become entangled in bags, ribbons, packing tape, etc. Some of this plastic also makes its way back to us in

our food, water and air.

Every year 130,000 tonnes of plastic pollute Australia’s waterways and seas. By 2050 it is expected that 99% of seabirds will have ingested plastic. It is also estimated that by 2050 there will be more plastic (by weight) in the world’s oceans than fish.

What actions can we take to reduce plastic waste?

• Avoid buying items packaged in plastic;

• Bin your rubbish or take it home with you when you’re out and about;

• Pick up rubbish when going for walks by streams, walking tracks or beaches;

• Create or join a clean up event in your community any time (visit cleanup.org.au);

• Support legislation aimed at reducing the use and production of plastic.

WAM’s aims are to educate and empower people to take action on waste and related issues, at a personal and community level. To find out more, visit our website www.wasteactionmaleny.org , Facebook group WAM Waste Action Maleny or email us at wasteactionmaleny@gmail.com.

Peter

P:

Welcomes you each Saturday at 27 Maleny Street

9.30am – All Age Small Group Meetings (Includes Children and Youth programs) 11:00am - Worship Service

With Waste Action Maleny

Contributed by Charles Russell

with Pastor Aaron Jackson Church on the Rise Beerwah

What’s

Vianta Arts Presents

Creative Arts Group

When: Until Sunday May 5th

Where: Vianta Arts, 70 Simpson Street, Beerwah

Info: Creative Arts Group, a variety of work range from drawing, watercolors, pencils, acrylics, oils and pastels and mixed media from representational work to contemporary realism, quirky and abstract.

Glasshouse Muso’s - Open Mic Night

When: Tuesday March 12th, 6.30pm

Where: Beerwah Hotel

Info: . If you’d like to play, email us (whitickerm@bigpond.com) to book yourself a spot as there is only occasionally room on the board. We have about 12 different acts each night, so plenty of variety for audiences who of course are an essential part of the evening!

We’re on from 6.30pm with around 3 hours of top live music and a great opportunity to network with other musicians and music lovers. Free entry, very reasonably priced meals and a bar with great sound.

https://www.facebook.com/ groups/musosclub/

Genealogy Group

When: Tuesday March 12th, 9.30am-12.00pm

Where: Nambour Showgroups

Info: European Interest Group commencing.

Share your family names, places and years of interest.

There will be a short morning tea break, so bring a plate to share.

Cost: $2.00

Monster Romance - Writer’s Workshop

When: Wednesday March 13th, 10am to 11.30am

Where: Maleny Library

Info: Join author Charlotte Powers for an introduction to the world of monster romance. Learn how to shape and expand your writing in this new space. Discover how to incorporate inclusivity and draft judgement free content. Hear about the big names in monster romance. Delve into psychology ideas behind this new form of writing and why everyone wants the beast. Free. Registration essential. Ages 18 and over.

Maleny’s Best Western Country Bash

When: Saturday 16th March from 3.00pm

Where: Maleny Showgrounds

Dairy Pavilion

Info: Tennessee Lights Band. Food trucks, mechanical bull, kids rides. $80.00 per person (includes one drink & food ticket), kids 13years and under FREE. Come in your best “Country Western” outfit.

Maleny Handmade & Artisian Festival

When: Saturday & Sunday March 16th & 17th, 8am-3pm

Where: Maleny Community Centre

Info: Maleny Handmade & Artisan Markets have 70 handmade & artisan stalls at our upcoming event. Today we want to share our amazing artisans creating products for your BODY, MIND & STOMACH!

Yandina Country Music

When: Sunday March 17th, 12.00pm

Where: ACMA ‘Hall of Fame’ 24 Steggalls Road Yandina

Info: Yandina welcomes guest artists The Gecko Brothers to the ACMA concert. With their energy and great range of songs, you can guarantee entertainment! You’ll also enjoy popular country music and other upbeat, crowdpleasing favourites from local artists backed by a great house band. Raffle and door prizes, byo lunch, free tea and coffee. Entry $10 Members $8.

Maleny Country Fair

When: Friday March 22nd, 3.30pm

Where: Maleny Primary School

Oval

Info: The Maleny State School’s main oval will again be transformed, for one evening, into a traditional ‘Village Green’ filled with stalls offering fresh food and favourite homemade treats, assorted games, a Bar, sideshow rides and other attractions along with a packed Entertainment program featuring local community groups, school bands, choirs, dance groups and associated professional performers. Entry is FREE and access is through the school’s main entrance then follow the signs to the Senior’s Oval.

Maleny Film FestivalLaunch Party

When: Friday March 22nd, 5.30pm

Where: Maleny Community Centre

Info: Pass holders only - Festival Pass Includes all events to our Comedy and Drama to entertain program (including one drink at the Launch Party) without the need to book in individually. Simply get your pass and show it at the door! www. malenyartscouncil.com

Maleny Film Festival - Mon Crime (The Crime is Mine)

When: Friday March 22nd, 7pm

Where: Maleny Community Centre

Info: Fench Comedy, The Crime is Mine mixes screwball comedy, French farce and courtroom histrionics with contemporary sexual politics. ‘A sophisticated comedy laced with irony and drama.’ www.malenyartscouncil. com

Long Weekend of Music

When: Friday March 22nd - Sunday March 24th

Where: Lucas Parklands Montville

Info: Another world class season of classical music at Montville’s Lucas Parklands will kick off with the return of pianist Berta Brozgul and cellist Sam Lucas for the ‘Long Weekend of Music’ in mid-March. The duo plays regularly, and will reignite their artistic partnership for three concerts on Friday March 22, Saturday March 23 and Sunday March 24. For Lucas Parklands performance and ticketing enquiries, phone 07 54785667 or 0409623228.

Neighbours Day

When: Saturday March 23rd, 10am-12pm

Where: Glasshouse Community Hall

Info: Join Us for a morning of community connection and camaraderie as we come together to celebrate our wonderful neighbourhood. It is the perfect opportunity to meet and discover the community groups and services in your area and find out ways to engage with these vibrant intrest groups. Morning Tea provided

If you would like your group to be involved in this great day please email glasshousemountainshall@ gmail.com or ghmnc_secretary@ outlook.com

Maleny Film FestivalScrapper

When: Saturday March 23rd, 3pm

Where: Maleny Community Centre

Info: Twelve-year-old Londoner Georgie is living on her wits in public housing after her mother’s death. Then man-child Jason arrives, claiming to be her long-lost father. ‘Bursting with humour and heart,’ this insightful, laugh-out-loud comedy won the Grand Jury (World Cinema) prize at Sundance in 2023. www. malenyartscouncil.com

Maleny Film Festival - Fallen Leaves

When: Saturday March 23rd, 7pm

Where: Maleny Community Centre

Info: Two lonely strangers meet in a karaoke bar. They connect, before fate drags them apart. Will they find each other again? ‘Wryly funny and poignant,’ this deadpan Finnish comedy is ‘guaranteed to cast a warm glow.’ www. malenyartscouncil.com

Glasshouse Country Uniting Church - Creative Easter Celebration

When: Sunday March 24th, 4pm to 6pm

Where: Peachester Community Hall, 960 Peachester Rd, Peachester

Info: ‘Creative Easter Celebration’ at Peachester Community Hall. Games, crafts, food and music learning about the Easter story. All welcome. Free.

Tying Up Loose Ends Compassionate Conversations

When: Sunday March 24th, 2pm

Where: Maleny Neighbourhood Centre

Info: Our guest speakers are Jacqui Thomas & Zoe Falconer. They’ll be sharing their knowledge and expertise in securing your legacy with estate planning and busting some myths surrounding palliative care.

Glasshouse Country Uniting Church - Creative Easter Celebration

When: Sunday March 24th, 4pm to 6pm

Where: Peachester Community Hall, 960 Peachester Rd, Peachester

Info: ‘Creative Easter Celebration’ at Peachester Community Hall.

Games, crafts, food and music learning about the Easter story. All welcome. Free.

Tying Up Loose Ends Compassionate Conversations

When: Sunday March 24th, 2pm

Where: Maleny Neighbourhood

Centre

Info: Our guest speakers are Jacqui Thomas & Zoe Falconer. They’ll be sharing their knowledge and expertise in securing your legacy with estate planning and busting some myths surrounding palliative care.

Maleny Film Festival - Next Goal Wins

When: Sunday March 24th, 3pm

Where: Maleny Community Centre

Info: American Samoa’s national football team hasn’t won a game for eleven years. Can harddrinking Dutch-American coach Thomas Rongen whip them into shape before their World Cup qualifier? A feel-good comedy from Taika Waititi, the director of Jojo Rabbit. www.malenyartscouncil.com

Glasshouse Country Senior Citizens Club

When: Tuesday March 26th, 9am11.30am

Where: Beerwah Community Hall

Info: Glasshouse Country Senior Citizens Club invites all Seniors (50+) to a complimentary morning tea, with stalls, games & raffles. Please RSVP by phone or text to 0448 762 637

Gabriella Cohen

When: Friday March 29th, 6.30pm9pm

Where: Maleny Lane

Info: Voice of Her Generation. With special guest Sara Yael. BYO. $20 tickets at door or online at www. gabriella-cohen.com

Maleny Players Presents The Real Inspector Hound

When: Friday April 5th to Sunday April 7th

Where: The Playhouse, Maleny Showgrounds

Info: Tickets $25 Adults $20 concessions. Cash sales - Maleny Art Direct www.malenyplayers. org. For more information contact Fluer Adamson on 0409 470 822

work falling outside of that definition may be performed by unlicensed contractors and is not subject to any value limit. To check whether a contractor holds a QBCC licence visit www.qbcc.qld.gov.au or call the QBCC on

Email: reception@gcnews.com.au

BARRETT, Peter

Late of Beerwah

Died peacefully Sunday, March 3rd 2024

Aged 76 Years

Beloved husband of Joanna

Loved Father of Nicola and Robyn

Loved Father-in-Law of Jeff and Luke

Loved Grandfather of Lucy, Matt, Maddie and Jack

Family and Friends are invited to attend a service to celebrate the life of Peter on Monday, March 18th 2024, commencing at 11am.

The service will be held at Gregson & Weight, 5 Gregson Place, Caloundra.

If you are unable to attend Peter’s Service, a livestream will be available on The Gregson & Weight website, under the “Streaming and Tributes” tab.

Caloundra 5491 1559 www.gregsonweight.com.au

The Range Croquet

Contributed by Ken Barker

HEAT and water have kept players away from the lawns recently, but this hasn’t dampened the enthusiasm or cooled the ardour of some players.

Dianne Horsman and Carole Atkinson played in the Traditional Funerals tournament at Bribie scoring some fine wins. Dianne won the division 3 consolation with a picket fence score. Congratulations to both players.

All

Let us help you with your everyday life

On Thursday, Donna Manning played Dianne going down to her 13 – 20. Sarah Widin and Helen Andrews, in a game where Helen is reported as having played exceptionally well, beat a team consisting of Wallace Roy and Lynette Evans to the tune of 15 – 4.

Donna has flown off to Tasmania to do the club proud as a player in the Queensland team. She is currently playing creditably in the Australian Women’s championship as preparation. Good luck Donna and Queensland. The interstate tournament, the Eire Cup, follows this event.

The most fun to be had on the lawn this week was probably on Sunday. Rain, heavy rain, was about for most of the day, and yet three, one might say foolishly optimistic players in the form of Ken Barker, Dave Kerr and Wallace lined up to play as the rain pelted down. Hoops were put in about twenty minutes late and play was underway. Dave had a good start with a break of three and made it to hoop six, which was just as well because his partner, Ken, was dead weight, making only two hoops. Wallace came good mid-game to have a blinder towards end of play. Final score: Wallace 11, Ken, and Dave 7. Great game.

Play days: Association: Thursday and Sunday. Please arrive at 2.00 pm for games to be arranged by 2.30 pm. Contact Sarah Widin 0417640704 for other days.

Ricochet: Tuesday. Please arrive at 8.45 a.m. for games to be arranged by 9.00 a.m.

Coaching: is available on Saturday mornings at 8am. Our web address is: https://rangecroquetatmaleny.org.au. For details contact Sarah Widin 0417 640 704.

Wallace airguitaring while Dave is about to hit the imaginary bassoon for mid-afternoon entertainment.

Eat your heart out Swifties.

Age:

Sex:

Age:

Sex:

Weight:

Summary:

boy. He is super friendly and walks well on lead. Lando loves all the dogs he meets at the refuge but will need to do a meet and greet with your pooch if you already have one. He loves a cuddle and just wants to be around his humans. Lando absolutely loves water and is always in his shell pool here at refuge. Come meet him today!

Maleny Bowls Club

Contributed by Brett Gillis

On 29th February Maleny Bowls Club hosted a truly unique experience with Fiona proposing to partner John in a festivity that included a “flash mob” of over 80 participants in a song and dance routine on the bowls green. This was followed by a choir serenading the couple before John said “Yes” and the celebrations began. Maleny Hotel delivered pizzas to patrons who then participated in a game of barefoot bowls. Hopefully we will be able to share a video of the event in coming weeks so keep an eye out on our Facebook page.

This is a great example of how times have changed and we have adapted to cater for the local community to make use of our venue to celebrate and conduct events for all ages. We offer self catering to reduce costs. Groups of 10 and more can utilise our facilities in a fun and inclusive activity in a safe,

friendly environment. Our well stocked bar and welcoming volunteers will ensure an enjoyable time is had by all.

This month we acknowledge and celebrate the amazing support of Brouhaha who have been sponsoring our weekly Members Draw with a $50 voucher since March 2017. Brouhaha have been the major sponsor for our club shirts since June 2018. We have also been running a Meat Tray Raffle at Brouhaha on Friday nights since

Glasshouse Country Bowls Club

Contributed by David Hayes

WEDNESDAY 06.03.24 Bowls 9.00am. Club Championship Ladies Semi Final Pairs. Barb Whitfield and Chris Freshwater def Steph Sleeman and Margaret Gibson 26 - 14.

Marilyn Podmore and Noelene Annakin def Sally Squires and Sylvia Chamberlain 20 - 17. Great games ladies.

Social - Seija Munster and Steve Cassidy def Jeff Clayton and John Palte 28 - 20.

Robbie Dean, Gaylene Coppa and Dennis Hume def Mick Clark, Jonathon Orr, Viv

James 29 - 14.

Joss Evans, Ian Sleeman and Kerry Munster def Jenny Hobson, Allan Pashby and Di Hume 20 - 16.

Thursday 07.03.24 12.30pm Social

36 players on the green with 2 rinks of triples and 6 rinks of pairs.

Winners of the day on count back were Kerry Lappin and David Booth with 2 wins and a score of 42.

R/Up were Marilyn Podmore and Gavin Linnan

The lucky draw went to Jonathon Orr, Jack Timm and Steve Cassidy.

The $30 cash for the raffle was won by Di Hume with the $20 going to Jeff Clayton.

Witta Tennis

Contributed by Pauline Fraley

THE Whistlers played at Witta against Palmwoods Allsorts. The Showers were threatening but the Sun was shining. It was a perfect day for tennis. Not too hot and with a nice breeze. We had a couple of light showers, but the sun dried out the courts quickly and we were able to have good tennis with lots of rallies. It was great to be out on the court and win sets. And even better we brought the win home. Score was 42-26 games 5-3 sets. Team was Paula Cudmore, Cindy Harris, Donna Kuskopf and Aki Lepper.

Unfortunately, the weather spoiled the highly anticipated match between the Witta Wikings and Wompoos. The captains are trying to find another Sunday to reschedule the match but with Easter the Sunday’s left are doubtful.

Katya’s Tennis Drills Thrills and Fitness is on Friday Nights at 5:45pm. Cost is $20. Come along and join in the fun. All levels are welcome.

Social tennis: Monday ladies 8am and Saturday mixed 1pm. All are welcome. Court bookings please call 0437 295 501 or go to the website: www.wittatennis.com.au.

Beerwah Bridge Club

Contributed by Martine Goedhart

8 MARCH N/S

1. 64.58% David Hallam - Barbara Freeman

2. 56.25% Kym Jervois - Andrew Smart

3. 49.58% Tom Major - Jillian Major

4. 48.75% Neville Jordan - Yuko Colthurst

5. 46.25% Judith Boyd - Ann Slade

6. 34.58% Graham Nicholson - Jackie Collinson E/W

1. 63.75% Kay Smith - Di Hume

2. 53.75% David Hine - Martine Goedhart

3. 51.67% Marianne Idle - Bill Chessellls

4. 49.58% Jennifer Hobson - Faye Rogers

5. 45.83% Jenny Donovan - Kathy Seib

6. 35.42% Jan Humphreys - Bev Fawcett

March 5 N/S

1. 67.14% Tom Major - Jillian Major

2. 54.86% Di Viterale - Gordon Thurlow

3. 54.14% David Hallam - David Hine

4. 45.21% Bev Sockhill - Karen Wilson

5. 43.70% Graham Nicholson - Miriam Hargreave

6. 34.71% Kathy Seib - Jenny Donovan E/W

1. 66.25% Marianne Idle – Gwyneth Drane

2. 55.58% Dianne Cassells - Martine Goedhart

3. 50.17% Faye Rogers - Jennifer Hobson

4. 47.92% Jackie Collinson - Bill Chessellls

5. 47.39% Barbara Freeman - Neville Jordan

Share the details of your sporting club’s Bl d, Sweat & rs

6. 44.92% Jan Humphreys - Libby Latimer

7. 37.67% Kay Smith - Di Hume

Send it through to Glasshouse Country & Maleny News by 9am each Monday morning to ... editorial@gcnews.com.au

After a game of bowls members enjoying our Friday Members Draw that includes a Brouhaha Voucher.

BeeGees strong start to 2024 football season

By Kirra Livingstone

THE BeeGees Premier Men’s and Women’s teams have both chalked up a win each in the opening two rounds of their 2024 season.

Men’s team manager, Harry Roads, said it was great to get a 3-0 win against Baringa, with their opposition having a number of former BeeGees players.

It is a step in the right direction for the BeeGees men, as they have struggled to make the finals in recent seasons.

“There’s a bit of room for improvement,” he said.

“We’re definitely working

and now I think we are in a better spot.”

Harry provided insight into what they focused on in preseason training.

“I think we are building on our match fi couple of new players in the team, and we are just trying to find out feet, seeing where the boys gel the most and getting that cohesiveness on the field,” he said.

The premier women’s squad has also displayed a promising start to their season, as well as the U23 women’s side.

Premier Women’s coach, Amy Higgins, said

Gold medals all round for San Taekwondo

SAN Taekwondo’s competitive junior and senior team competed in 2024’s Taekwondo Sunshine Coast Open, snagging two gold medals out of a total of 11 medals.

A particular standout from the team of 10 competitors

Premier Men and Women secure strong wins to kickstart their year Beerwah Oztag’s first social comp

was Kaitlyn McNulty who won a gold and a silver.

San Taekwondo club owner, Cameron Taylor, said she put up a great fi impressing him with her tenacity.

“Kaitlyn competed really well, she won a silver in the

move up a division and compete in the Junior Black Belts for 15 to 17 year olds, and won a gold medal.”

Her sister, Ava McNulty

and competitive when the fights are on, but as soon as they step off the mat everyone is friends again,” he said.

“The Sunshine Coast Open is a good event for us to attend, there’s another event close to home in June which will be great

The Beerwah and Maleny-based club owner added that he was happy with the efforts of his competitive team, but said there is always room for improvement.

“We’ve got over a month to prepare for our next Taekwondo event,” he said.

“I’m confident we will do

what it takes in our training leading up to next month, ensuring we are ready and prepared.”

FOLLOWING the creation of Beerwah Oztag late last year, kicking off with a junior competition, the new venue has announced family and friends social and senior mixed competitions.

Venue manager Steve Barons said he hopes to have two divisions with six teams of eight or more

“One division allows young kids and family to play together, it is usually their introduction for the kiddies,” he said.

“The other division for senior players will be more competitive but still have a social feel.”

Steve added the family and friends competition would be great for juniors wanting to stay active once Little Athletics wraps up in this month.

Both competitions start on March 28 and is set to be played every Thursday and possibly Friday nights at Skippy Park, Landsborough. You must be aged four to 60 to participate, and official referees are provided.

No room for abuse on the court

THE Sunshine Coast Netball Association has taken charge of ensuring umpires are not victim to abuse on the court, by launching the Respect 4 Umpires (R4U) initiative.

Club spokesperson, Debbie Battaglini, said following a verbal abuse incident towards a umpire in June 2023, helped the development of R4U.

“Everyone deserves respect, and we’ll make sure the umpires get it,” she said.

“We are working hard to ensure every umpire, as well as members and guests of our club, feels safe and respected here, and we won’t tolerate anyone who doesn’t follow the values and rules of our association.”

The initiative will ensure there will be awareness, education and on-theground support for the 190 umpires working for the association. R4U’s launch event was on March 4, and the association hopes it is a successful program.

glasshousequarry.com.au

Beegees premier women on the field

Back row - Coach Amy, Hollie, Jill Kosseris, Helainam Caitlin, Jess (captain), Kirra-Leigh, Molly, Chloe. Front row - Amay, Melissa, Tijuana, Daniela, Hayley, Jordyn, Catherine

Kaitlyn McNulty in action at Sunshine Coast Open

Kaitlyn McNulty with medals

Your

(W)

(W)

TOTAL

=

PAGE Puzzle

1. When one door closes and another door opens, you are probably in prison.

2. To me, “drink responsibly” means don’t spill it.

3. Age 60 might be the new 40, but 9:00pm is the new midnight.

4. It’s the start of a brand new day, and I’m off like a herd of turtles.

5. The older I get, the earlier it gets late.

6. When I say, “The other day,” I could be referring to any time between yesterday and 15 years ago.

7. I remember being able to get up without making sound effects.

8. I had my patience tested. I’m negative.

9. Remember, if you lose a sock in the dryer, it comes back as a Tupperware lid that doesn’t fit any of your containers.

10. If you’re sitting in public and a stranger takes the seat next to you, just stare straight ahead and

say, “Did you bring the money?”

11. When you ask me what I am doing today, and I say “nothing,” it does not mean I am free. It means I am doing nothing.

12. I finally got eight hours of sleep. It took me three days, but whatever.

13. I run like the winded.

14. I hate when a couple argues in public, and I missed the beginning and don’t know whose side I’m on.

15. When someone asks what I did over the weekend, I squint and ask, “Why, what did you hear?”

16. When you do squats, are your knees supposed to sound like a goat chewing on an aluminum can stuffed with celery?

17. I don’t mean to interrupt people. I just randomly remember things and get really excited.

18. When I ask for directions, please don’t use words like “east.”

Ayr Bay Bay Beaudesert

Blackwater

Bowen

Brisbane Buderim

Bundaberg Caboolture Cairns

Charleville

Charters Coast Cooktown

Dalby

Deception

Emerald Gatton

Gladstone Gold

Gympie

Hervey Ingham

Isa Mackay Mareeba

Mount Moura

Roma Towers

Recognising an increasing interest from people wanting to swap their perfectly manicured lawn for a more natural one, Barung Landcare created the Gardens for Wildlife program.

Inspired by a similar program in Tasmania, it gives those with smaller rural blocks, urban gardens or even tiny balconies the knowledge and resources to create their own naturefriendly garden.

Barung Landcare’s Nurseries and Education Manager Cam Burton said with help from a Sunshine Coast Council Environment Levy Partnership grant, Barung Landcare was able to relaunch the program in 2022.

“It now has 297 members and growing,” Mr Burton said.

“The three-year partnership gave us some financial security to enable us to plan for the long term

home and property can be incredibly beneficial in supporting our local environment.

“Choosing local native plants over exotic species can help reduce the risk of exotic plants becoming weeds that escape into the bush and degrade habitat.

“Native gardens can support many local animals with food, water and shelter, and increase their ability to move through the landscape, keeping them safe from feral predators, domestic animals and the impact of road traffic.”

Keen to join Gardens for Wildlife Sunshine Coast?

Whether you’ve got a modest sized yard or balcony garden, no property is too small for Gardens for Wildlife Sunshine Coast.

It is free to join as part of an annual Barung Landcare membership, which starts at $35. Sign up at barunglandcare.org.au/

apply for a grant to help fund the vital work they do for our wildlife and natural environment.

Applications for Sunshine Coast Council’s Environment Levy Partnership Funding Program open on April 15.

Successful groups will receive a share of $635,500 each year for the next three years, subject to completing a yearly progress report and the adoption of Council’s annual Environment Levy budget.

The three-year partnership provides certainty for the groups, enabling them to engage in longer term planning and capacity building.

The funding contributes to operational expenses, allowing volunteers to continue providing a vital service to our wildlife and environment and supports the delivery of the Sunshine Coast Environment and Liveability Strategy.

WITH BROWNIE

Glow in the Dark Gardens

IF you were a fan of the movie Avatar, soon you might be able to have a little bit of Pandora in your Authorities in the United approved a plant for sale that glows in the dark … just like the Tree of Souls in Botanical engineers in London have managed to fuse genetic material from a bioluminescent mushroom into a common garden petunia, creating have come straight from

the pages of Alice in Wonderland.

So before long, you’ll be able to buy a glow-in-thedark petunia which the creators describe as a “soft glow similar to moonlight”.

The trans-genetic petunia – called Firefly Petunia – has white flowers and can be grown in pots or in gardens without any special care needs. They can also be grown indoors in a spot with lots of natural light.

But they won’t come cheap, with the company marketing them – LightBio – giving a retail price level of

US$29 per pot – that’s about $44 Australian at the current exchange rate.

But just like any new technology or fad, the price will come down as the market adjusts and more plants come into the market.

But don’t go looking for them at Bunnings just yet. They’ll have to go through the same rigorous approvals process before they are deemed safe to let loose in the Australia environment. But I’ll let you know when that happens.

(Images courtesy of LightBio https://light.bio).

FOREST HEART

This is what they look like during the day

This is what they look like at night. Even the developing the flowers glow brightly

8 Ways to add value to your home before selling.

Thinking of selling? If it’s been a while since your property had an update, you’re probably wondering how to make your home more sellable. Making your property feel bigger,

brighter and more appealing to prospective buyers is often as easy as a lick of paint or swapping out fixtures and fittings for new ones. Here are a few of our favourite tips!

1. Paint with neutral colours that’ll stand the test of time or at the very least - remove dated colours.

2. Improve the garden areas by cutting back overgrown trees, hedges, and bushes, or by adding some fresh landscaping.

3. Give the floors some love by having your carpet professionally steam-cleaned or if your carpet is too far-gone, think about replacing it.

4. If your home doesn’t have airconditioning, having a decent system installed before you take your property to market can add value.

5. Blinds and curtains seen better days? It might be time to give them an update.

17 Belton Court, Beerwah

6. By updating the handles and hardware on your cabinets and drawers, you can instantly make a kitchen, bathroom or laundry feel much newer.

7. A great way to quickly update your bathroom is to simply replace the taps, spout and mixer, and maybe even the showerhead while you’re at it.

8. Just like new handles and hardware, replacing the splashback in your kitchen cuts the need to do a full kitchen renovation.

If you are thinking of selling give the team a call today to find out the NEW value of your property in todays market!

Ray White Beerwah, Landsborough & Mooloolah Valley (07) 5439 0300

www.raywhitebeerwah.com.au

• Master bedroom with built-in robe and an en-suite

• Main bathroom with both bath and shower

• Kitchen with electric cooking, plenty of cupboard space, fridge space and ample pantry space

• Open plan dining room

• Spacious living area

• Huge outdoor entertaining area

• Double garage

• 853m2 of land and more

www.raywhitebeerwah.com.au

92 Flinders Street, D’Aguilar

• Luxury master with walk-in robe, and an en-suite

• Main bathroom with bath and shower

• Gourmet kitchen with electric cooking, stone bench tops, breakfast bar, and butler’s pantry

• 3 spacious living areas plus home office/study

• Fujitsu ducted climate control with multiple zones

• Outdoor entertaining area with feature VJ wall

• Remote double garage with internal access

• 646m2 of land, fully fenced with side access

www.raywhitebeerwah.com.au

3 Cassia Street, Beerwah

• 4 bedrooms with ceiling fans (2 with built-in robes)

• 3 bathrooms

• Kitchen with electric cooking

• Open plan living and dining room

• Home office/study/library

• Sun-filled outdoor entertaining deck

• Single enclosed carport under the home with storage

• 12m x 9m high clearance carport

• 794m2 of land with side access and solar

www.raywhitebeerwah.com.au

Price $749,000

3 22 Alex Garden 0407 245 287

alex.garden@raywhite.com

2

4 2

Price

Alex Garden

0407 245 287

alex.garden@raywhite.com

4 2 3

Price O/O $699,000

Alex Garden

0407 245 287

alex.garden@raywhite.com

THE KEY TO AN EXCEPTIONAL RESULT FROM THE SALE OF YOUR HOME

At McGrath, we don’t believe that our job is to just sell your property. Selling a good property is relatively simple. We see our role as delivering a premium price that could well be otherwise unobtainable. Our selling system replaces uncertainty with certainty and maximises outcome potential.

Our 5 selling philosophies that underpin our history of record sales and outstanding results:

- we consider your goals, priorities, property details and neighbourhood to build a strategy that is focused on delivering outstanding results

- we set the price range for strongest buyer interest. We know the best

are focused on achieving a premium price within that period

- the details really matter. We identify and work with you to resolve any items

We are delighted to share

that

we have just won multiple awards in the annual Rate My Agent Awards.

that may cause buyer concern and how to get your property on the market

- reaching the maximum number of potential buyers: passive and active, local and out of area. This is key to

your property in front of more of the right people

- we focus all of our resources on maximising the purchase price with competitive tension and respectively guiding the sale to

our exceptional agents. During this process, we aim to create a relationship that will last a lifetime. So, as the sold sign goes up, we see the relationship as truly beginning and we hope we can help you if the time comes again when you’d like

RATE MY AGENT AWARDS 2024

FOR LEASE

The RateMyAgent Award recognises Australia’s top real estate agents, agencies, property managers, and mortgage brokers and celebrates their dedication to the highest standards of customer service.

The event is the only real estate industry award where customer satisfaction is the cornerstone of the selection criteria.

JUST LEASED

What are the forecasts for property prices in 2024?

Following 13 consecutive interest rate hikes by the Reserve Bank of Australia over the past 18 months, a total of 4.25% has been added to the cash rate since rises began. Despite the extra strain on household budgets, property odds and demonstrated steady growth over this same period.

Property guru Michael Yardney’s recent property update shares predictions from all four major banks of an average increase in property values across Australia’s capital cities between 5-6% in 2024. ANZ, NAB, CBA and Westpac are all forecasting growth in Brisbane over the next 12 months of 6-10%.

Amid optimistic outlooks, Cassi Nuske

from McGrath Beerwah highlights an ongoing disparity between supply and demand in our region. “We’re witnessing a surge in buyers eager to make their home in the Glass House region, however, there remains a shortage of property for many of our buyers. Listings are limited for buyers with a budget up to $800,000 and for buyers with a budget up to $1,200,000 seeking small acreage opportunities.”

2024 reveals that days on market are down to an average of 28 days. We welcomed 399 attendees to our open homes during February and received 27 under contract. A remarkable 7 of our 8

2084