Edition 31 January 2023

By Kirra Livingstone

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PO Box 190, Beerwah 4519

www.gcnews.com.au

FROM THE EDITOR

NOT great timing it would appear.

Firstly congratulations to Florence Woods, who was awarded the Member of the Order of Australia for her work within the Maleny community across many decades.

This award was conferred on Florence for many services including donating the entrance fee to One Tree Hill Estate to charitable organisations including the Maleny Men’s Shed, Show Society, Centaur Cadets, RSL, hospital and senior citizens club.

The irony shouldn’t be lost here.

In the same month the OAM was awarded, the Sunshine Coast Council forced the closure of One Tree Hill’s charitable service by demanding the owners apply for commercial zoning.

It could almost be comical if it wasn’t so sad and had wider implications on the community.

All of that selfless good work amounted to little when it came to the bureaucratic overreach of the council, which in its random wisdom deemed a couple of complaints enough to pull the shutters down on a venture, which will deprive

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local groups thousands of dollars each year. It’s daft overreach.

The council also issued a press release recognising local Australia Day honours. Strangely it didn’t mention One Tree Hill when talking about Mrs Woods’ achievements despite the Commonwealth writing in detail about this contribution.

Not important enough perhaps?

This edition recognises the work of Mrs Woods as well as Dr Theresa Craig (p9) who received an Order of Australia.

Both women have made considerable contributions to the hinterland and it is great to see that recognised.

We had a brilliant response to our call out for first day of school pics. Enough to do an entire two page liftout (p18-19). The risk is I’ve left out a photo or two. If I have then I can only apologise and blame the production process.

Happy reading.

Liliana Pierantozzi (centre) is the fifth generation family member to attend Beerwah State School. Pictured with her father, Scott Pierantozzi and Grammy, Heather Pierantozzi (nee Raddatz).

Mitch Gaynor

The 15-year road war

By Kirra Livingstone

AN almost 20-year fight to widen and seal two key stretches of hinterland roadway has finally reaped a result after the State Government announced an imminent start to upgrades.

The roads to be upgraded are two sections of Maleny-Kenilworth Road, including the 2.8km stretch along Lees Road, Conondale, Goades Road and Cambroon and the 1.1km distance along either side of the Booloumba Creek Road intersection.

Member for Glass House, Andrew Powell, who had been pressuring the State Government to fund these road repairs for 14 years, said he was ecstatic the project is finally going ahead.

Mr Powell and members of the community have regularly walked the length of the road to raise awareness of its dangerous condition, poor quality, petitioned the Government, hassled the Department of Transport and Main Roads and even invited the Premier out to see the deteriorating state of the road and the safety concerns that created.

“This is something we have passionately been fighting for, for so long,” he said.

“While 14 years feels like a long time for me, locals have been pleading to get the road upgraded for far longer than that.

“Buses loaded up with school children drive this road daily, and I’ve been told firsthand by some of the drivers that they’ve avoided disasters on too many occasions… it’s a safety issue.”

Maleny-Kenilworth Road is also a key tourist route, especially for campers heading out to Kenilworth, and a main road for farmers getting their produce to market.

“I can’t wait to celebrate with the community once the work gets going,” he said.

“Watch this space for a fun commemorative event soon.” Motorists should expect delays with work to take place between 7am to

6pm Monday to Friday, including some weekends. The upgrades will take about a year to complete according to the Queensland Government.

But the news is not so good for residents hoping a stretch of road between Maleny and Witta will be repaired any time soon.

Dennis Hensby had petitioned the State Government to repair the rapidly deteriorating road.

But in a recent response to the petition the Government did not commit any funding to that section of road.

Warnings to educate on stranger danger

By Kirra Livingstone

PARENTS and children are being urged to be vigilant after reports of an attempted child-snatching at Beerwah last week.

A mother reported that a woman had attempted to lure a child into a car on Pine Camp Road at Beerwah on January 23.

The disturbing incident followed a similar scene in Kawana just days prior, with Beerwah Police Acting Officer in Charge, Glen Peatling, saying it was important parents talk to their kids about stranger danger, particularly walking home from school.

“Parents should have that responsible conversation with their kids about stranger danger and ensuring they’ve got some good protective strategies in terms of getting to and from school safely,” he said.

“Whether they are with other siblings or walking in groups… all the commonsense stuff that we discuss and talk about time to time is important to remind kids.” Police were aware of the incident but a lack of further detail made it difficult to pursue.

“We are around Pine Camp Road all the time and the CBD all day and night, patrolling and keeping an eye out and checking on different cars at different times depending on what they are up to,” Act Sgt Peatling said.

Glasshouse MP Andrew Powell said he was ecstatic and relieved that upgrades were starting.

This is something we have been passionately fighting for, for so long.

Calls to think pink

By Sonia Isaacs

LAST year a small French village located at the foot of the central Pyrenees Mountains had its main street festooned with a thousand knitted pink triangles to raise awareness of breast cancer. One of the key instigators of this incredible project is local lady, Lottie Nibett, who has been determined over the last few years to bring attention to breast cancer; and the need for early detection, especially for those with a family history of the disease.

Many people would recognise Lottie Nisbett as the lady with the pink hair who sells the RSL badges outside Beerwah Woolworths, however for the last 14 months Lottie, along with two close friends from Beerwah Lions, has been knitting up a pink storm of awareness at an international level.

This year, Lottie’s vision will see around 500 knitted pink bras sent from Glasshouse Country to the small village of Luchon (Bagnères-de-Luchon) to be hung up in the main street, and around the bar and restaurant owned by her daughter and her family who live in the village.

A breast cancer survivor diagnosed six years ago, Lottie has also had her two sisters, her daughter Mary Jayne, and niece battle the disease. She is adamant that more needs to be done to encourage early testing of this invasive disease.

Lottie said she had been thinking about what she could do about raising awareness for several years. A keen knitter, she had seen how women in her daughter’s French village had decorated trees a few years back as part of a breast cancer awareness week.

Visiting her daughter in 2019, who also has a close friend battling the disease, Lottie had seen first-hand the positive visual impact of seeing pink knitted decorations around the village.

street, I was so proud! I just cried as it was so beautiful to see,” said Lottie.

Lottie said over the last 12 months the French government have subsidised breast checks for younger women and she would like to see the same happen here in Australia.

“Young people need to realise that breast cancer can affect people any age, it’s not just old people who get it- so it’s important to get checked early, especially if you have a family history of the disease,” said Lottie.

Lottie Nisbett

Top mark for tradition

By Jennifer Kent

IT’S a special day in any child’s (and parent’s) life – the first day of school! And for Liliana Pierantozzi and her family, the start of her schooling years is even more meaningful as she is the fifth generation in her family to attend Beerwah State School.

Lili’s dad, Scott Pierantozzi, her grammy Heather Pierantozzi, great grandfather William Raddatz and her great great grandfather, also named William Raddatz (who was a foundation student in 1888), all attended the school before her. William went on to marry fellow foundation student Kathryn Blair.

Understandably, Lili’s “excite-nerves” had been creeping up over the last few weeks, sharing her excitement about meeting her teachers and making friends as she started Prep last week. Her excitement is shared by her family, especially her Grammy, Heather.

“It’s pretty special for one family to stay in the area for so long and it’s really special for Lili to be able to go to the same school as the generations before her,” Heather said.

“Lili’s great great grandfather, William Raddatz, was in fact one of the school’s foundation students. He started at the school in 1888.

Provisional School. The school then became a State School as of January 1, 1909, later becoming known as Beerwah State School in 1928.

While the town of Beerwah – and indeed the school itselfhas changed significantly over the years, the school remains at the centre of the community, with Heather sharing she still keeps in contact with her children’s teachers and recognises there are many special family names prevalent in the town.

“I’ve seen a lot of changes in the town over the years…

Peachester’s new chappy

Contributed by Kim Fillery

PEACHESTER State School has welcomed everyone back to school for 2023, opening its doors to many new families.

Students and staff are all excited to be back together for another year of learning, collaboration and fun.

The school is really delighted to welcome Chappy Megan this year, who will work with staff to support the emotional wellbeing of our learners.

Megan commented, “I am super excited to be at Peachester and feel very privileged to be working with such an incredible group of students and staff.”

Here’s to a great 2023!

It’s really special for Lili to be able to go to the same school...

Early start for Kennel Club

Contributed by Helen Weil

IN good news for dog lovers the Kennel Club can confirm that its shows are back this year and earlier than usual.

The Club is holding three Conformation Shows - in March instead of the traditional April slot - which are the ‘beauty contests’, judging the best dogs in each breed to end up with a Best in Show. The first show is on Friday evening the 24th of March starting at 6pm. On Saturday the 25th the club begins the Championship Show at 8.30am followed by Junior handlers and an Open Show. All events are held at the Beerwah Sportsground. Alongside these shows on Sunday, 26th March, there is a Flyball competition run by the Elimbah Krush club. This will start at 9am. It is a great event for spectators and encourages participation in dog sports.

We welcome the community to come along to this free event; come and have a look, talk to exhibitors, enjoy the dog sport events.

Call for small biz to have a say Go digital for chance to win

THE Queensland government is seeking input from small business owners and operators for its new Small Business Strategy.

The Small Business Survey, which opened on January 30, provides an opportunity for small businesses to share their challenges, priorities, and goals with the government.

The goal is to ensure the right conditions and support are in place for these businesses to succeed and contribute to the state’s economic growth. The Palaszczuk government has already provided $2.5 billion in assistance to small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. The new strategy will set a future path for the more than 459,000 small businesses in Queensland and

provide them with opportunities to grow and thrive.

The government wants to hear directly from the sector in order to make it easier to do business. The Big Plans for Small Business Strategy 2021-2023 has delivered grants, programs, and initiatives to help businesses recover and grow, boost local economies, and drive job growth.

Small Business Minister Di Farmer emphasised the importance of small businesses for the state’s economic growth and stated the government wants to ensure the right conditions and support are in place to help small businesses reach their goals.

business.qld.gov.au/smallbizsurvey

www.business.qld.gov.au/ smallbizsurvey

SUNSHINE Coast ratepayers have the chance to win up to $1000 off their next rates bill by signing up to receive future rate notices by email.

Sunshine Coast Council Outstanding Organisation Portfolio Councillor Ted Hungerford said ratepayers could put themselves in the running to win with just a few simple steps.

“Ratepayers who already receive their rates notices by email are automatically in the running to win,” Cr Hungerford said.

Ratepayers who still get their rate notices by traditional post can put themselves in the running by registering for a MyCouncil account or logging in to an existing account and changing their rate notice delivery method to email,

before Wednesday, February 22.

You can create your own MyCouncil account on council’s website and once you’ve done that or logged into your existing account, all you need to do is click on ‘Update your rate notice delivery’ under the Property and Rates section on your MyCouncil dashboard, and change to email.

“Receiving rate notices by email rather than traditional post is more environmentally friendly and registering for a MyCouncil account enables residents to access a wide range of convenient and secure online options,” Cr Hungerford said. You’ll find a step-by-step guide to setting up your MyCouncil account on council’s website.

The perks of volunteering

By Sonia Isaacs

HOW long have you been volunteering and what inspired you to be involved with the Visitor Information Centres?

I have been volunteering for more than 20 years with the visitor information centres. I originally came across a ‘shout out’ for volunteers in the free local paper when I was sitting at home in 2002 after a redundancy from Commonwealth Bank. One of our long-standing volunteers Roger Thomson (now 90 years of age and still volunteering) helped to train me in my new endeavour, and I immediately felt like an important ‘cog’ in the wheel of providing information to our visitors.

What do you love about working at the Glass House Mountains Visitor Information Centre?

I love my role at the centre as it is a great way to meet new people. I also love to promote our magnificent Sunshine Coast area. I always learn something during my interaction with visitors.

As I have no other language than English, I sometimes must rely on pen and paper to get my message across if visitors have limited English. I find that fascinating! Finding out where they are from and where they have had experiences in the world is like doing a ‘virtual trip’. I never tire of it. I only do one shift a fortnight but find the time in between soon disappears with my wish to be back as soon as possible. Would you encourage others to volunteer and why?

I would certainly encourage anyone with a spare morning or afternoon to reach out to our Visit Sunshine Coast regarding volunteering at Glasshouse Centre. Personally, I believe learning new skills will always help your physical and mental health. I have made some long friendships in our volunteer base. One of my best friends I met through the information centres and her and I use our Saturday morning shift to catch up if we have had no contact through the previous fortnight. The drive out from Caloundra is a lovely country drive. Learning about what our amazing business owners provide for our visitors and locals is likewise great knowledge to have. The other thing I feel we get from our volunteering is a forever feeling of giving back to our community.

What are some of the ‘perks’ of working at the visitor information centres?

At Glasshouse Information Centre we have a great place to spend our time helping people. Our centre was built with great thought put into ‘green credentials’ so our air conditioning works with the building style. We have great information regarding the history and geology of our mountains, so school groups take advantage of this information. It is a very easy place to spend time. We are given for ‘free’ everything to make providing our information to our visitors easy.

We are also taken on trips to new and long-standing tourism businesses for us to learn what they provide. Recently we were taken on a day trip through

the amazing Noosa Everglades to name just one. We usual have quite a number of these throughout the year. I always look forward to the interaction with volunteers from other centres on these great outings. We even have the opportunity sometimes to travel (usually by bus) to other adjoining tourism areas. What a great way to spend your time!

Visit Sunshine Coast operate three of the Visitor Information Centres (VICs) in

the region including the facility at Glass House Mountains and would love to welcome more volunteers to the team. If you are keen to embark on a new activity or give back to the community, why not consider becoming a volunteer? Local knowledge preferred but not essential, training and uniform provided, and shifts typically half a day and available seven days. Interested? Contact beth.mahoney@visitsunshinecoast.com or call 0458 788 285.

LEGAL SERVICES

Jackson Hepner foundation on the receiving end of potty mouths

A RECENT donation of over $600 was given to the Jackson Hepner Foundation by Alf and Janet from A.K. Cabinets.

Alf explained that each year throughout the NFL season, whenever a player is caught swearing on TV a gold coin gets dropped into the “fudge jar”. They also get others to donate extra money at their annual Christmas party. The savings from this year’s efforts equalled over $600 which the couple decided to donate to a local charity.

After a few cancer experiences in their family, Alf and Janet decided to choose the Jackson Hepner Foundation, over one

Vianta exhibits Indigenous art

after Jackson Hepner, a young apprentice carpenter from Woodford who died from a rare bone cancer in 2021.

The Jackson Hepner Foundation is dedicated to providing a light of kindness when dealing with cancer diagnoses. They focus on gifting hampers and assisting families going through a cancer diagnosis.

The main targets of the charity’s efforts are cancer patients from 15-25 years old after the founders noticed a gap in support options for this group.

Alf and Janet would like to encourage anyone else thinking of donating to local

TANYA Dick is a proud Yuwaalaraay/ Gamilaroi artist who create original and unique contemporary pieces of Indigenous art.

Born and raised between Redcliffe and Morven, QLD, Tanya now calls Caboolture home with her large family. Tanya’s ancestors are from Dirranbandi, NSW, though her mother and siblings were victims of the Stolen Generation.

Tanya started to seek a connection to her hidden and denied Indigenous heritage, researching her family tree and what she could of her culture.

After her 16-year-old son passed away in 2017, Tanya started painting as a part of her healing process and has now become her connection to country and spirit. She considers her art a modern twist on traditional methods.

“When I’m creating a new piece suddenly everything becomes quiet, and I start hearing my ancestors guiding me.” she said.

Tanya’s artworks will be on display from January 30 until April 3 at Vianta Arts, 70 Simpson Street, Beerwah.

Thanks to Florence for her service

By Jennifer Kent

FLORENCE Woods received the Medal of the Order of Australia for her service to the local hinterland community. Her son, Francis, acknowledged his mother’s contributions over many years and said it was a great honour.

Among her many contributions, Mrs Woods volunteered with the Maleny Show Society within the Dairy Cattle Section and Food Preparation and Sales from 1978-2017. In 2011, she was awarded Citizen of the Year at the Fisher Community Australia Day Awards. As co-owner of the One Tree Hill Estate, she has also donated the entrance fees to charitable organisations and individuals.

Outstanding service

By Jennifer Kent

TWO Maleny women have been recognised for their outstanding achievements in this year’s Australia Day 2023 Honours List.

Dr Theresa Craig AM and Mrs Florence Woods OAM have been recognised among the 1,047 outstanding and inspirational Australians announced by the Governor-General, David Hurley.

Mrs Woods received the Medal of the Order of Australia for her service to the local hinterland community. Dr Craig received a Member of the Order for her service to the agriculture industry, education and research and politics.

Dr Craig (pictured above) said it was a “phenomenal privilege” to be recognised following an extensive career in the agricultural sector and in politics, where she is currently treasurer of the Nationals Federal Management Committee. Her dedication to rural and regional Australia extends to her roles as a member and vice-chair of the Queensland

Schools Animal Ethics Committee for seven years and is currently director of Page Research Centre. She is also the managing director and founder of Technical Assistance and Research Analysis.

Her former roles include the director come resident of the Agribusiness Association of Australia (2011-2014) and a former vice-presidency of the Queensland Committee of the Charolais Society of Australia.

A former lecturer at the University of New England and having authored several academic publications, Dr Craig’s contribution to education and research extends to her current role as Adjunct Professor at the Centre for International Developments, Social Entrepreneurship and Leadership at the University of the Sunshine Coast. Speaking to GC&M News, Dr Craig said it was a “wow” moment.

“We don’t do it for the recognition or award, but for the reward in the area in which we work and what we are hoping

to achieve,” she said. “I like helping… and to be recognised by my peers is very humbling.

“Australia is such a wonderful country, with so much potential and we should be proud to be Australia.

“Regardless of where you were born, what religion or race you may be, we are privileged to live here.”

Dr Craig has contributed significantly to politics, holding prior positions such as president of the Federal Nationals Women’s Council (2017-2021), regional chair of the Liberal National Party of Queensland’s Sunshine Coast Region (2017-2020). She was also president of the LNP Women and was a senate candidate for the LNP (2012-2013).

“They go above and beyond, are from all over the country, and contribute every day in every way imaginable,” Governor General David Hurley said.

“These are the people who see us through good times and bad. They’re the first to show up and the last to leave.”

Mrs Woods member of the Maleny Uniting Church Women’s Guild since 1965 and she was a former lead with the Church’s youth fellowship.

Her long list of community participation includes co-founder of Busy Needles Group, a life member of the Senior Citizen Club and of the Maleny Soldiers Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. Mrs Woods remains a Patron to the Maleny Historical Society and the Ben Bryce Park Retirement Village Auxiliary. She is also a member of the LNP. Governor-General, David Hurley, expressed his congratulations to the awardees, noting their significant impact, sharing they are “quite simply, inspiring”.

“They’re almost always humble to a fault, but I urge recipients, for today, to put aside that humility - it’s important they know how much they are valued.”

It was a ‘wow’ moment to receive the honour.

Community in full voice

By Jennifer Kent

THE very first Maleny Mobile Come and Try Day was held across the hinterland town on Thursday, January 26.

The Australia Day event saw hundreds of people fan across Maleny as dozens of community and sports groups and associations opened their doors to showcase the great work they do across the region. The special day saw a number of people gain their citizenship, with the Maleny Singers in full voice as part of the ceremony. The Apex Club (far right) donned their aprons and pulled out the tongs for their annual breakfast.

MDSRC thanks all the clubs for participating in the Mobile Come and Try Day

5TH LIGHT HORSE REGIMENT

APEX BREAKFAST

BLACKALL RANGE HORSELESS CARRIAGE CLUB

BOWLS

COMMUNITY CENTRE

GIRL GUIDES

GOLF

HEARTSPACE PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE

HISTORICAL SOCIETY

MALENY BLACKALL RANGE LIONS CLUB

MALENY BRIDGE CLUB

MALENY COMMUNITY GYM

MALENY HYDROTHERAPY INC.

MALENY MEN’S SHED

MALENY NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE

MALENY PLAYERS

MALENY RANGERS FOOTBALL CLUB

MALENY SINGERS

MALENY STREET GARDENERS’ ALLIANCE

MALENY TENNIS

MALENY VISITOR INFO CENTRE

NETBALL

PARKRUN

PICKLEBALL

PIONEER UKULELES

PLATYPUS WHISPERER

PROBUS

RANGE CROQUET

RHEE TAEKWONDO

ROTARY CLUB OF MALENY

SPEAK UP NOW

SWIMMING CLUB

THISAD IS 100%PROUDL Y

TABLE TENNIS

TS CENTAUR

ZONTA

Member for Glasshouse, Andrew Powell MP, welcomes Australia’s newest citizens on January 26. Images courtesy Andrew Powell

The Apex Club gets the BBQ cranking for the annual Australia Day Breakfast. Images: Marsha Photographie

Heartspace Performing Arts Centre

Greg, David, Mike and Neil

Netball , croquet and martial arts were all on display at the Mobile Come and Try Day. Images: Marsha Photographie

Spoiler alert ahead

I was stunned to read in last week’s issue that some locals have taken it upon themselves to spoil an established income stream for many community groups around Maleny.

I am referring to the closure of One Tree Hill following Council’s rubbish decision to pressure the long-time residents into paying for a development permit to operate a Function facility, so that wedding parties can stand on the hilltop for their photography with a stunning backdrop.

In their infinite wisdom, Council have deemed the space as Commercial. I mean, really? Let’s just clarify for anyone who doesn’t know, One Tree Hill is a large paddock on an open hilltop. A paddock. Commercial? And all this has happened because of just two complaints? Please explain!

Quite apart from the fact that this is a kick in the guts to the kindness and generosity of the property owners, it will negatively impact on those charity groups that have benefited for many years. Consider also how many family groups have been able to visit this awesome location, enjoy the natural beauty of our hinterland, spend their dollars locally and bring significant financial benefit to both our tourism and wedding industries.

I do understand that the increased traffic and parked cars from wedding groups could at times cause a nuisance for nearby homes, but we are not talking about 8 hours a day 7 days a week. Road safety may have been identified as an issue, but the location is not a busy main road and there is open space that could potentially be designated for safe parking options.

This is not a community-minded move by Council, making it impossible for the property owners to continue and negatively impacting on local business, many of whom are still recovering from loss of income during the pandemic.

Surely the positive benefits of allowing the continued use of this property on a donation basis is of far more importance to the wider community than a kneejerk reaction by Council to a couple of complaints? As the saying goes, the needs

of the many outweigh the needs of the few.

Just a reminder to Council that it’s the majority of the community who actually vote for them.

JW Glass House Mountains

Crunching the numbers

In letters published in the January 17 GC&M News Peter Bowles is outraged by the $1.2 billion dollars wasted building the unnecessary Tugun desalination plant (It was completed and is on standby Peter) and David Lowry discusses the quality of Chinese wind turbines which Peter rubbished in an earlier letter. David correctly advises that “in engineering you get what you pay for” but then states that “any company in Australia buying turbines will do a careful examination of maintenance costs”.

State government company SureSmartWater decided to cut costs building the Tugun desalination plant using lower-grade Chinese stainless steel which corroded and had to be replaced adding several million dollars, obviously without “a careful examination of maintenance costs”. David also makes an excellent point that “It would be good if we had a government with the vision and courage to establish strategic industries.”

Energy Minister Lionel Bowen’s vision

is to establish extremely expensive power storage systems like pumped hydro and big batteries to supplement intermittent solar and wind power generation with hydrogen and put new carbon taxes on existing industries. These policies are driving manufacturing and heavy industry out of Australia and aluminium producers with their high electricity usage are hanging on by a thread.

Over the last 8 years NOAA figures show that average global temperatures have actually cooled while 14% of alltime manmade CO² was emitted into the atmosphere. Knowing this, more pragmatic countries including Japan, India, Turkey, Indonesia and China are building large numbers of proven “HELE” coal power plants to ensure reliable, affordable electricity supply.

Sel Hopley Maleny

A galled gull

David Lowry (GC News, Jan 17 issue) seems to think I’m irritated by his comments on the wind turbine issue, and insists it is taken from a “maliciously fabricated source”. Isn’t it amazing how the doomsday alarmists think anything they write is fact, and anything written by anybody else is “malicious”, but I hasten to add that the information I wrote previously, was taken from his own source

I had a vision once too, but it faded

and life dragged on

Squint and you might have a vision

HAD to have a bit of a chuckle at the Sunshine Coast’s legacy vision for the Brisbane 2032 Games released last week.

Firstly the name ‘10+10+ Vision’ caught me. What is that I wondered? A half finished equation? Borderline blindness?

I suspected if I had 10/10 vision I’d be needing a seeing eye dog just to get to the opening ceremony.

But no, apparently it means taking advantage of the 10 years before, during and after the Games, which still doesn’t make much sense (I’d hate to be pedantic but we’re only nine years out anyway).

This ‘important’ document which came in at 12 pages with lots of

be being pursued all day every day regardless of an Olympics. It’s a pretty, feel good document, but I can’t help but feel all that really matters to most people is the infrastructure.

WORD JUMBLES

Reading widely, as I do, I thought I had a fairly good handle on the King’s English until I came across

to the singer in the plural I asked,” I asked. “Oh, Sam is a them/they”, she said to clear up the confusion. Is that right? Well I certainly have no issue with pronouns. My teenagers keep me in check on that. But the issue is the context of it in an article. The assumed knowledge doesn’t sit too

and refutes what he has been saying, yet somehow his source is not malicious.

Fact is the three turbine manufacturers I quoted are all very experienced electrical engineering businesses, but in their race to build bigger, better turbines, the cost is coming to billions of dollars. And who do you think will pay? The consumers of course, you and I, Mr and Mrs Average.

One company I mentioned was Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy. They are listed as a premium manufacturer of offshore wind turbines, who reported a loss of $965 million last year and a costcutting program that will take 2,900 jobs, and that information was taken from YOUR Vesta’s website. Which you directed me to so I could “check my pearls of wisdom”. So, is that malicious enough for you? And I never said we should abandon the program, only that I believe they still have a lot of work to do. Right now, the cost far outweighs the benefits.

Yes, Mr Lowry, I do have a very dim view of the quality of Chinese turbines. In fact, I have a dim view of the quality of most Chinese products; I would have thought warehouses full of their faulty or failed products speaks for itself. But I won’t bore readers about my apparent misunderstanding of your eight-month payback period. I know what a payback period is, but it doesn’t change that theses turbines will NEVER payback what it cost to build them.

However, it is a pity that Australia doesn’t develop a wind turbine industry. I don’t doubt our engineers would build better, reliable turbines. But history has

comfortably here. Is there anything wrong with having a bracketed explanation... (Pro: them/they) either at the first reference or even the end of the story? Even if it’s just for a year or two as we get our heads around it. It makes for hard reading if you’re worried the writer has had a stroke.

Outspoken presents Chris Sarra

Time: 6pm for 6:30pm start

Where: Maleny Community Centre

WHAT'S ON

Sconetime Beerwah

Maleny Music Festival

Feb

Info: Dr Chris Sarra is a Gurang Gurang/ Taribelang man, a former Queenslander of the Year, and the author of Good Morning, Mr Sarra. Chris will talk about his memoir, but also, in this year when a referendum on a Voice to Parliament is to be held, talk about what are often considered the three pillars of effective reconciliation.

Tickets $25, $18 for students. outspokenmaleny.com

Formation of the Witta Community

Time: 10-11am

Where: Bankfoot House, 1998 Old Gympie Rd, Glass House Mountains

Feb 3

Info: Hear the story of the formation of the Witta Community, the settlement by predominantly Germanic immigrants and their influence on the future of Maleny. Presented by Dale Jacobsen, co-author of Teutoburg to Witta and Assistant Editor of Aurora, quarterly journal of the ANARE Club (Australian National Antarctic Research Expedition).

Tanya Dick Art Exhibition

Time: 6pm

Where: Vianta Arts, 70 Simpson Street, Beerwah

Time: 10-11.30am

Where: Beerwah Community Hall, 29 Peachester Road

Feb 9

Info: Join local seniors in the Beerwah Community Hall to enjoy a scrumptious morning tea of freshly baked scones with Cuppa tea or Montville Coffee. Open to all, Scone Time is designed to reignite life into the wonderful old halls of the Sunshine Coast. The event is a wonderful opportunity for seniors, along with their carers, companions and family to get together.

Time: 5pm

Where: Maleny Showgrounds

Feb 17-18

Info: After a three-year hiatus the Maleny Music Festival is returning with its first musical offering a ‘Summer Warm Up’ mini-festival. The program offers a Friday evening acoustic and family Bush Dance in the Bunya Pavilion. The Saturday program will commence at 11am and feature an impressive line-up of local Sunshine Coast talent as well as interstate headlining

Feb 3

Info: Tanya is a proud Yuwaalaraay/Gamilaroi woman who creates original contemporary one-off pieces of Indigenous art. Her exhibition “Storytime” will be on display from January 30 until April 3 with the official opening on February 3 at 6pm. The public is welcome to attend a pleasant evening with live music and even stay for dinner.

Beerburrum Hall Country Markets

Time: 8am - 12pm

Where: Beerburrum Hall, 7 ANZAC Avenue

Melony’s Drag Queen Bingo

Time: 6pm

Where: Maleny Hotel

Motorcycle Club Swap Meet

Time: From 6am

Where: Maleny Showgrounds

Mar 11

Feb 10

Info: Drag Queen Bingo is back at the Maleny Hotel. Head along for a fantastic night of BINGO to raise needed funds for the Sunshine Coast Animal Refuge (SCARS). Doors open at 6pm, balls drop at 7.30pm. Tickets are $35 online through trybooking. com or $39 at the door. 18+ event.

Feb 4

Info: Browse the great range of crafts, arts, local growers, products and cottage industries at the Beerburrum’s friendly community country markets. Stalls will be inside and outside the hall. For more info, email beerburrumhallpresident@gmail.com

Peachester History Committee

Time: 11am

Where: Peachester Community Hall

Feb 5

Info: Come along to the first Peachester History Committee for 2023, from 11.00am at Peachester Community Hall. The theme is “Woodchopping: stories of the sport and local axemen past and present.”

Guest speakers will be Gerald Youles and Bruce Winkel (both champion axemen) will share their experiences. Visitors welcome.

Please bring lunch to share.

group will recommence for 2023 on February 13 at 7pm in the RSL Hall. Dancing is in sets, similar to bush dancing and there is no need to bring a partner. Newcomers are always welcome, will be given plenty of guidance and our motto is Fun, Fitness and Fellowship. The first night is free, with $5 thereafter. Wear comfortable clothing, soft shoes and bring water. Contact Linda on 0429654033 or Helen on 0432251606.

Info: On the March 11, the Sunshine Coast branch of the Historical Motorcycle Club will hold their annual Swap Meet at the Maleny Showgrounds. Motorcycle enthusiasts from around the country will descend on the Showgrounds for what will be the 29th Maleny Swap. Not only does the swap fund the running of our club, but the monies raised supports charities which include the Qld Cancer Council, Prostate Cancer and Bloomhill Cancer Care to name a few. Entry tickets $10, Stall tickets $10.

Paul Ballum-Cross Concert

Time: 2pm

Where: St George’s Anglican Church, Maleny

Mar

Info: Come and enjoy this afternoon of classics and compositions executed with skill, sensitivity and joy. Paul, who has a Doctorate in Musicology, is a well-known and respected musician, composer, and teacher in the Brisbane community. His performance includes pieces by Mompou, Arregui, Sor and Tarrega. Tickets are available through trybooking from Feburary 1.

Maleny legend kicks off 2023

STARTING the new year with a bang, Maleny’s own singer songwriter, Kelly Cork, released his new album ‘Fibro Sunset’ at the 51st Tamworth Country Music Festival. Family, friends and both new and old fans gathered to hear Kelly’s new album live throughout the 10-day event. There’s no doubt about Kelly’s skill or the popularity of his music, with an audience age ranging from 9 to over 70. Future tour dates for Kelly in 2023: Feb 18 – Maleny Music Festival, Mar 4 –Woodgate Pub, Mar 26 – Heart Baked Music Project - Mapleton

Rosetta’s Great Reads

How to Kill a Client

Reviewed by Lea Dodd

How do you solve a murder when just about everyone has wished the victim dead? Gavin Jones is the inhouse counsel for a law firm’s biggest client, so he’s accustomed to a life of being schmoosed. But his misogyny and ‘boys’ club’ attitudes have made him unpopular with many. When he’s found dead, the firm’s biggest concern is how the partners will continue to fund their lavish lifestyles without his favour. Author, Joanna Jenkins shines in this debut legal thriller. A fastpaced and often witty read, her years of experience as a Brisbane lawyer are evident in this story of corruption and revenge. Having begun my career in just such an environment, I loved the raw honesty of this book and you’ll love to hate many of the characters.

The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida

Reviewed by Karin Markowski

With such an intriguing title and Booker Prize Winner 2022, I couldn’t bypass this book. Maali Almeida is the witty and cynical main character at the heart of this story weaving magic and superstition into the political turmoil of Sri Lanka’s decades long civil war. Maali is a photojournalist, or was, as he finds out he’s been killed, not knowing how, and is in the afterlife in a bizarre waiting room with other lost and confused souls. He needs to find the people he loves and lead them to a hidden box with important photographs that will cause a scandal amongst the country’s political elite. Shehan Karunatilaka’s book is a thrilling satire with laugh-out-loud moments followed by a feeling of being punched in your stomach.

Drummer, dancer, director

By Michael Whiticker

THIS Is the fifth in a series of monthly articles embracing the offerings of some of the great musicians who live in our region.

Pascale Richy is a dual artist – a drummer, by which she is well known amongst musicians, but also a dancer. Both have been integral to her art for so many years now that she doesn’t question whether she is more one or the other.

That all began for her in her midtwenties here in Maleny, but the genesis for her career was the influence of her mother, a ballet dancer who long after her professional career had ended in Europe, with young children in tow, continued her daily practice here in Australia.

Pascale had little interest in her mother’s classical ballet, but the jazz ballet classes she took, were much more up her alley. That led to Pascale undertaking teacher training in the performing arts in Victoria where she had her first taste of African music and dance.

Soon after she arrived in Maleny and as classes in middle eastern dance and drumming were on offer, she leapt at the opportunity to partake. From this point her focus became a double major with drumming integral to her dancing.

As a single mother, travel was limited, so once middle eastern dance was no longer offered locally, she started leading

her own group as a means of keeping her practice up. She was so keen to continue developing as an artist, she even took her 10-year-old son to Egypt and Africa on a study tour with her.

Today over 20 years later, her art still inspires her – it builds energy and joy and is a beautiful form of physical and emotional expression she says.

Interestingly Pascale works as a naturopath “by day”. She finds the two –art through movement and sound, and health through naturopathy, are bound together.

Even as a teenager she was aware that traditional western medicine didn’t have the answers for a good healthy lifestyle. The seeds were being sown then for the lifestyle choices she has made, and today, many years later, she assures me that the physical demands of dancing and drumming wouldn’t have been doable without her holistic approach to health. It has been a lifelong lifestyle choice.

In recent years she has extended her expression as an artist as well. Choreography is now becoming more prominent in her work with her ensemble, Mama Buluku.

It is a natural development for her as she sees limits in how far and how hard she wants to push herself to meet the intensity of dancing. Further, passing

skills and knowledge onto the younger dancers and their children within her group, is also a natural progression for her – encouraging others to realise their potential has become a motivating force in her work as an artist.

“We need to have vibrant and active lives,” she says.

The responsibilities and expectations the average person faces today seem to take them down the opposite path. Perhaps playing music and dancing might be the key for more of them? This is the message she wants to pass on.

Make time for activity in your life. Don’t let the limits of age, gender or culture hamper you. Gain freedom and energy by being in the positive place that music and dance can provide for you she suggests. They are true medicines and those of us that practice them daily know it.

Thank you, Pascale, – long may you lead as a drummer, dancer and director!

Catch Pascale with her ensemble, Mama Buluku, in performance at Muzika at Maleny RSL on Thursday February 2.

Michael has a recording studio in Peachester. If you would like to find out more contact him on 0419 026 895 or E: mwhitick@bigpond.net.au

Glasshouse Musos at Beerwah Hotel: second Tuesday of the month, 6 – 9pm http://www.facebook.com/groups/musosclub/ Muzika, Maleny at Maleny RSL: first Thursday of the month 6.30 - 9pm https://www.facebook.com/MuzikaMaleny/

Brian’s on the march

By Jennifer Kent

BEERWAH local, Brian Mason, is tightening up his laces in preparation for the two-day walk from HMAS Diamantina in South Brisbane to Beerwah’s Turner Park, from March 3-4. The walk is part of the March On Challenge supporting Soldier On, a charity which supports veterans and their families in their postservice lives.

“I’m a big supporter of organisations that help returned service men and women, and if I can walk from Brisbane to Beerwah and raise some money to help those that need it, I’ll do it as best I can.”

As his first time completing the monthlong challenge, the avid runner and ultra marathon competitor shared that he felt it was only fair to set himself a bigger challenge of completing the 96 kilometre target (the length of the Kokoda Track) over two days.

With some support along the way, Brian’s plan is to head through ANZAC square, Brisbane then make his way home, stopping at memorials in Chermside, Sandgate, Redcliffe, Burpengary, Caboolture, Elimbah, Glasshouse Mountains before reaching the Turner Park Cenotaph; finally he’ll add a few extra kilometres heading home from there.

“It’s not unusual for me to complete that length in a short time so I thought, how can I make this more of a challenge for myself, while still raising money for a great cause,” Brian said.

“So I decided to set myself the

grandfather both served in the Forces. Brian said the more he raises for the charity the better and welcomes all the support he can garner, even welcoming

Defence Force (ADF) veterans and their families. For those interested in donating, visit www.marchonchallenge.org.au/ fundraisers/brianmason

Stay at Home supports living with dementia

DEMENTIA Support Australia (DSA) is running Staying at Home, an innovative three-day/two-night residential program around Australia, designed to support carers and those living with dementia.

Living at home for as long as possible is the healthiest, happiest choice for most people living with dementia and their partners, or other family carers.

“Everyone wants to continue living at home,” says Staying at Home project leader Tom Gauci. “It’s our place of comfort, familiarity and security. Staying at Home empowers people living with dementia and their carers to continue living together at home for as long as possible.”

Government funding ensures no cost to participants and places at Maleny are open March 21-23. The program teaches careers how to manage behaviour changes, how to obtain 24/7 support and other services from DSA’s staff, how to plan ahead and how to care for their own well-being. Participants with dementia are supported to continue treasured hobbies, introduced to respite care and have opportunities to discuss their diagnosis.

“The team made the program fun while caring for our loved ones and at the same time imparting their knowledge and tips for coping,” said one past participant. For more information and eligibility visit dementia.com.au/dsa-staying-at-home

If I can walk from Brisbane to Beerwah and raise some money to help those that need it, I’ll do it

SIGN ON JOIN UP, SIGN ON GET MOVING & BeeGees excited for sign ons ahead of new football season

By Kirra Livingstone BEEGEES Football Club President Shaun De Courcy says its sign on days

and women’s teams.

“…we look forward to seeing these new players grow at our club and watch them

have sign on days this year, owner Sarah Kwarcianyi says it offers multiple free trial classes for kids still deciding if dance is for them.

“We had a free trial in December, but we offer free trial classes for kids still looking at enrolling later in the term if they aren’t 100 per cent sure,” she said.

However, Sarah isn’t too worried about registration numbers as there are already waiting lists to join some of its term one classes.

“Our registrations are always pretty consistent… we are starting adult classes this term and we’ve got a lot of adults booked in so far, and more who will come in when they can,” she said.

Masterpiece is expecting a big year with many new additions to the studio including a new acrobatics teacher and

Beerwah State Primary School.

“She’s lovely and seems like a really good fit for our dance school, so I’m excited for her to meet all the kids and get into our classes,” she said.

“She’s done cheerleading, tumbling, acrobatics and dancing so she’s got a lot of experience in state schools and studios and has taught big groups of kids in the past.

“We will do an hour-long program Thursday afternoons for a six week block… and hopefully get some interest and if we get a lot of interest we can extend that.”

The dance studio has also introduced a home school dancing program, which will allow home schooled kids to dance every Friday morning in a non-competitive, fun, and social environment.

“We are not expecting people to perfect;

Glasshouse Christian College Preps

Forest - Yr 1 and

Carter - Yr 4, Noah - Yr 6 and Rylan - Yr 7

Zai - Yr 6, Heidi Yr 2, and Ruby - Prep

Nicholas - Yr 6 and Summer - Yr 4

Charlie - Prep

Anakai - Yr 2

Aylah - Prep and Charley - Yr 2

Finn - Prep with Auntie Anna

Elayis - Prep

Chevy - Yr 1

Anakin - Yr 3

Bridie - Yr 7 and

Anastasia -Prep and Paige - Yr 5

Jack and Chloe

Riley - Yr 7

Nikolai - Prep, Samuel Yr 4 and Buster - Yr 2

First day of Primary First day of High School

Ethan - Yr 7 and Damon - Yr 4

Darci

Farewell to summer holidays and hello to school friends and classrooms! GC&M News sends best wishes to all our hinterland students for a fun and

Felicity - Yr 2 and Archer - Yr 1 Jessie - Prep, with brothers Archie and Cruz

Elliot - Prep

Caleece - Yr 4, Trae - Yr 10 & Brax -

James - Yr 9 and Emma - Yr 7

Anna

James - Yr 2

Avalon -Yr 2 and Harper - Prep

Katy - Yr 3

Jack - Yr 8 and Tommy - Yr 5

Memphis - Yr 2

Darci - Yr 6, London - Yr 2 and Aasha - Yr 4

Flowers Candles Chocolates Plants

5/68 Simpson St, Beerwah 0468 554 774 info@ euremporium.com.au

euremporium.com.au

Check our Facebook page for Upcoming Workshops

‘Camel Cuddles’ Farm Tours

M: +61 (0)438 777 948

E: info@qcamel.com.au

W: www.qcamel.com.au

@QCamelDairy or #QCamel

Bernette 0417 723 944

Shop 1/2 Turner St, Beerwah (between Beerwah Barber & Beerwah Print) 5439 0015 acupuncture.beerwah@gmail.com

Camel Cuddles Tours but bookings are essential. They also take private group bookings, bus tours, school trips and parties Mon-Fri. Book your next Camel Cuddle online now.

Acupuncture @ Beerwah

Bernette from Acupuncture @ Beerwah has been a Chinese Medicine Practitioner since 1999 and in Beerwah since 2013. Her qualifications and accreditation include a Bachelor of Health Science (Acupuncture), moxibustion, cupping, Chinese herbs, visible red spectrum laser therapy, Chinese exercise therapy, senior first aid, return-towork certification and work cover provider. Treating all types of ailments such as sciatica, stress and anxiety, fertility and pregnancy issues, chronic pain as well as general wellbeing; she looks forward to assisting people to understand and manage their health issues.

Yes! ‘Happy’ does include managing life’s challenges. Tracy understands that a happy life will look a little different for each of us and looks forward to working together with you, clarifying your ‘happy’ including the challenges. Working together toward your goals in ways important to you. Reconnecting more to your life with vitality and purpose. Tracy offers neurodivergent affirming, compassion-focused care across all-abilities and as a NDIS registered provider, can offer support to all NDIS participants; NDIAmanaged, Plan or self-managed. Tracy is also an ACA registered supervisor providing supervision for counsellors and social workers.

Coffee Club’s fresh new look

COFFEE lovers now have a brighter and fresher option to kickstart their day with a friendly facelift of Coffee Club Beerwah now complete.

The Beerwah Village cafe was closed recently to undergo what owner, Mark

Regulars will immediately notice the are popping in for a takeaway coffee or Gone is the two-tone black and white preparation area make it more accessible for customers and user friendly for staff. restructured with a change in seating and some new furniture while the windows

Baan

Your authentic taste of Thailand right here in Beerwah. Dine in and Takeaway – call to order and we will phone when it is ready.

Book now for group functions.

OPEN - Wed – Sun: 5pm to 7.30pm (Dining until 8.30pm)

Lunch Sat – Sun: 11.30am to 2pm

The Orangery

Beautiful spot for Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch or Weekend Dinner. High tea, group bookings takeaway & grazing platters available.

Open - Tue to Fri - 9am to 3pm Sat & Sun 8am to 3pm

Cnr Landsborough/Maleny

Dinner

“It’s a great feeling to be here every day and be part of a lovely community.”

Mark and Michele

with Andrew Powell State Member for Glass House with Rick Baberowski Division 1 - Sunshine Coast Council

New Year, New Columns

No, not really. I still have the same monthly column here where I’ll be updating you on what your State MP is up to. But if there’s any specific topics you’d like me to address, feel free to let me know! These columns are for you, so I want to write about what you want to hear.

Hinterland Australia Day Awards

There was incredible representation from the Hinterland at the recent Sunshine Coast Council Australia Day Awards.

In the Senior Citizen of the year award we had the “consummate gentleman” John Whan from the Rotary Club of Maleny and “irrepressible” Shiralee Cooper from Montville Chamber of Commerce and Illume Creations, as well as Dominique Cisse from the Festuri multicultural community and festival.

In Citizen of the Year, which went to the amazing Michelle Lipner from OzHarvest, the Hinterland was represented by Glasshouse Mountains own Silver Fox Initiative Neil Collie, Rebel Runner Queensland and the lovely Jo Turner from Maleny Trail parkrun.

Well done also to Bald Knob couple Kerrie and Richard Lonn who were nominated for the Sustainability award. These wonderful people make our part of paradise so, so special. Thank you!

Cuppa with a Cop

Did you know that I have semi regular ‘Cuppa with a Cop’ sessions with Maleny, Beerwah and Woodford Police Officers? Last week I had my first catch up of the year with Sgt Nick Paterson of the Maleny Police Station. We do this regularly to discuss local crime, community safety and road safety. It’s always good to talk through the issues and discuss solutions so, again, let me know if there is something specific you’d like me to raise.

Cheers to 2023 with a glass half full

In 2022, I decided to see the glass half full, despite the relentlessly grim state of global news. Interestingly, I found much to celebrate. Tourism has significantly increased and the region’s economy has recovered strongly in 2021-2022. Gross Regional Product, year-onyear economic growth and employment all exceed prepandemic levels. Congratulations to our businesses and community service sectors for their roles in achieving this result. Councils were busy too, announcing some remarkable achievements like our regions accreditation as a UNESCO Biosphere, becoming delivery partner for 2032 Olympic and Para-Olympic Games, a new City Hall building and the green-bin rollout to over 45,000 houses in a bid to keep garden waste out of landfill.

Vibrant Aura

Aura has welcomed its third new school, Nirimba State Primary School, a new park playground and a McDonalds. Construction has continued progress on the Mitre 10 in Aura’s Business Park and the highly anticipated Bells Creek Arterial Road extension. The development of an EG Fuel petrol station, a service centre and Aura hotel were announced. I encourage everyone to explore our flourishing new suburbs in Aura.

Travel Resolutions

While we now sit in congestion and impatiently wait for major transport infrastructure from the government, we can still ‘ThinkChange’ on a personal level for better ways to move around. Active transport can still become a bigger part of our ‘norm’. Although far from complete, there is a reasonable network of pathways and bike tracks and I welcome feedback on missing links. Keep the pressure on while thinking of your own travel resolutions and give active transport a red-hot-go this year. For more Division 1 news and information visit facebook.com/CrRickBaberowski or drop me a line at Rick.Baberowski@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

Horoscopes WEEK BEGINNING JANUARY 31

AQUARIUS

JANUARY 21 – FEBRUARY 18

Your ambitions continue to take top priority, with sorting out your finances coming a close second. Any get-rich-quick schemes are sure to leave you disappointed, so be realistic where cashflow is concerned. If you need to take out a loan, don’t go ahead until you’ve read all the small print. It’s a week for caution.

PISCES

FEBRUARY 19 – MARCH 20

You can’t please all the people all of the time, Pisces. Maybe the solution is to pick your moment, but there’s still one small problem. Some individuals simply can’t be pleased at all, despite your best efforts. If so, perhaps you’re better off directing your energies elsewhere. Perhaps you should concentrate on money and self-image.

ARIES

MARCH 21 – APRIL 20

If you’ve been tiptoeing around any kind of resolution or dodging an important conversation, this could all come to a head this week. Hidden tensions may surface, especially if you’ve been making too many sacrifices for someone. You’re nobody’s doormat, Aries - a fact that will soon become crystal clear.

TAURUS

APRIL 21 – MAY 20

Life has been a battle recently. The trouble is, you’re a natural for taking on too much, and others will happily load you up when you let them. As you step into the week, early indications may not suggest any different, but a change is on its way. After the 2nd, work and business shoot skywards. As does your love-life.

GEMINI

MAY 21 – JUNE 21

Ambition seems to take priority this week, but it needs to correspond with careful planning. When trying to turn opportunities into reality, it’s crucial to manage both your time and energy. Perhaps you’re considering a career change, or you want to start a business of your own? Whatever the case, it’s time to raise your public profile.

CANCER

JUNE 22 - JULY 22

People need predictability, so no one is going to be very happy if you’re constantly changing your mind. It’ll be harder still if you start talking about plans or proposals that very few can understand. Nor should you ignore the opinions of those closest to you. Their ideas may not be that different from your own.

POLICE BEAT

with Senior Constable Susan Lowndes Beerwah Police Station

Scooter thefts

With a big increase in the popularity of electric scooters there is unfortunately a corresponding increase in thefts. The portability of the devices makes them an easy target for opportunistic thieves of all ages. For those of you that keep an eye on the weekly vehicle ‘Hot List’ on the Sunshine Coast Police social media pages you will have noticed a sharp increase of personal electric vehicles (PEV’s) on the list. With even versions for teens costing potentially several hundred dollars they are definitely worth securing. Unfortunately many of the thefts we are seeing are of PEV’s that are only unattended for a short time, left outside shops and residences, particularly with those used by younger people. If you have a young person with a PEV make sure they understand that they need to secure it whenever possible if they are leaving it unattended, just like bikes, motorbikes and cars.

Copper thefts ongoing

The issue of copper thefts continues both in Beerwah division and across the Sunshine Coast. Thieves are targeting the wiring from the large roadway lights like those on the highway ramps. While some offenders have been identified Sunshine Coast Police are requesting that any suspicious behaviour noticed around the roadway lighting infrastructure is reported to police on 131 444. Alternatively if you have information regarding these offences and wish to remain anonymous please contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.

Blue Lights are back

After a two year COVID disruption we are excitedly looking forward to our first Blue Light Dance Party on Friday 24th February at 7pm to 9pm entry cost is $10. The Blue Light is open to all school age children. After entry children remain in the hall under supervision from police and Blue Light volunteers until the finish time. There are lucky door prizes to be won and music supplied by CrowdDJ so the children can pick all their own favourite jams.

LEO

JULY 23 – AUGUST 23

Everyone seems to be in each other’s way this week and no one’s prepared to give way. You might think you’ve seen it all when it comes to others’ negligence, but past scenarios have been mere dress rehearsals. Fortunately, all things and people eventually move on - so optimism, faith and money are bound to come out of their tailspin soon.

VIRGO

AUGUST 24 – SEPTEMBER 22

Destiny or synchronicity, call it what you like - your life is about to change. If there are important choices to make, trust your intuition. Do you feel that events seem to be progressing with little input from you? Don’t fret. Most Virgos are now surrounded by people they can trust. And you know it.

LIBRA

SEPTEMBER 23 – OCTOBER 23

Many Librans should finally hear news which puts an end to frustrating delays. Life feels less regimented. It’s also a major money week with cash flowing in as well as out. Neglected romance may also revive. Singles feel more confident about brandishing their assets, both personal and financial. Something for everyone, it seems.

SCORPIO

OCTOBER 24 – NOVEMBER 22

People think differently from one another. Allow for it. Stop trying to force people to fit your life, or force yourself to fit in theirs - because it won’t work. The more you impose your will on others, the greater the resistance. The weeks ahead call for cooperation. Sure, there’ll be some stress, but you need not cope alone. Tactfully.

SAGITTARIUS

NOVEMBER 23 – DECEMBER 21

Rest is pretty much out of the question this week. Demanding work schedules put a stop to fun, but the financial rewards should more than make up for it. At best, you’ll squeeze in a short-lived flirtation. That should let off some steam. If self-discipline is one of your life lessons, you’re a strong candidate for the repeat class right now.

CAPRICORN

DECEMBER 22 – JANUARY 20

Just when you’re searching for a deeper meaning in life, the world shows itself to be more superficial than you’d imagined. Partners could easily play a part in this. Don’t worry. Nothing’s permanent - disappointment included. Even though that right sense of balance can be elusive, luck turns your way again very soon.

Importance of sleep highlighted

A RECENT study has found that insufficient and disturbed sleep during the teenage years may heighten the risk of multiple sclerosis (MS).

Genetic and environmental factors such as smoking, Epstein-Barr infection, sun exposure and shift work can influence MS. However, whether sleep patterns affect this risk hasn’t been fully assessed yet.

In response, researchers drew on the Epidemiological Investigation of Multiple Sclerosis (EIMS), a population-based casecontrol study that compromised Swedish residents aged 16-70.

People with MS were recruited and matched for age, sex, and residential area with two healthy people randomly selected from the national population register between 2005 and 2013, and 2015 and 2018.

Researchers focused on sleep patterns during the ages 15-19, analysing 2,075 people with MS and 3,164 without.

Compared with sleeping 7-9 hours per night, sleep under 7 hours was associated with a 40% heightened risk of developing MS. Subjective assessment of poor sleep quality during this was associated with a 50% risk increase.

The researchers caution that their findings should be interpreted cautiously on account of potential reverse causation - whereby poor sleep could be a consequence of neurological damage rather than the other way round - but stress that poor quality or too little sleeps can compromise immune systems.

Insufficient and disturbed sleep is

common among teens, often caused by physiological, psychological, and social changes during this age period.

“Availability of technology and internet access at any time contributes to insufficient sleep among adolescents and

represents an important public health issue,” researchers added.

To conclude, researchers stress the importance of educating adolescents and their parents on the negative health consequences of insufficient sleep.

Obesity now linked to frailty Climate has us under weather

RECENT research found that carrying far too much weight in mid-life onwards can heighten the risk of physical frailty in older age.

Frailty is characterised by the following criteria: unintentional weight loss, exhaustion, weak grip strength, slow walking speed and low physical activity levels.

Mounting evidence suggests obese elders may be at increased risk because obesity aggravates age-related decline in muscular strength, aerobic capacity and

physical function, leading to researchers studying the link between weight changes and frailty risk over the long term.

Researchers drew on participants in the population based Tromsø Study to discern whether general (BMI) and abdominal (waist circumference) obesity separately and jointly, might affect the risk of prefrailty/frailty.

The Tromsø Study carried out between 1974 and 2016, drew on data from seven survey waves of 45,000 residents from Tromsø, Norway.

A NEW poll by the Climate Council, has highlighted the severe impact that more frequent and intense natural disasters are having on the mental health of Australians. The survey of 2,032 Australians found that since 2019, the majority (80 per cent) reported they had experienced at least one of the following: heatwaves (63 per cent), flooding (47 per cent), bushfires (42 per cent), droughts (36 per cent), cyclones or destructive storms (29 per cent). Half of the survey participants said their mental health had

been negatively affected by the extreme weather event they experienced, with one in five reporting a major or moderate impact. A follow-up community-level survey with people who had experienced a disaster found that the most common mental health symptoms were anxiety, followed by symptoms of depression and PTSD. Some 37 per cent of survey participants said that there was too little mental health support available to them. Climate Councillor, Dr Joelle Gergis, said the results of the poll were “confronting”.

Transforming our hearts

I ALWAYS have a bit of a reaction every time I hear our national tagline, “Australia: The Lucky Country. ”

By definition, luck is something that happens to some while others miss out completely. It happens by chance rather than by intention or reason.

Some years ago I heard this reflected at a refugee advocacy event in which the UK born speaker described named the sheer luck of being born into a cultural heritage that was warmly welcomed into Australia, while those with the bad luck of being born in cultures troubled by war, disaster or unreconciled histories had fewer options and far more obstacles before they could access the same blessings this nation has to offer.

Every January 26 it occurs to me that I long for this country to boast that our blessings flow not by chance, but by the design of our hearts, and this year at Maleny’s annual Ceremony of Mourning the Dispossession, the yearning among us was palpable.

To hear the honest story of this land is to be reminded no agenda or ambition should ever unfold without the voices of conscience in the thick of it, and for Christians, this is the space in which our Beatitudes hold us to account.

Jesus begins by saying, “Blessed are the poor in spirit” – those led not by status or riches or makers of difference, but by the disposition of hearts. He continues, “Blessed are those who mourn” – who recognise injustice and respond in

with Rev’d Deborah Bird Maleny Anglican Church

solidarity. “Blessed are the meek” - those convinced of the good of a humbler way of walking. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness” –who yearn for the reconciliation of all people and with creation.

The beatitudes articulate a perspective through which to approach our difficult and true stories.

They ask us to be honest about what drives our behaviour. Is it fear? Entitlement? Concern? They measure our communities against our neighbour’s well being - the neighbour stressed by housing pressures or new to Australia, our indigenous neighbour bearing systemic wounds in a world that rarely stops still to listen.

The beatitudes take the golden rule, treat others as you wish to be treated, and describe a path upon which the Christ’s Rule of Love comes near, in which the community of truth, justice and compassion we yearn for might unfold.*

As we walk toward referendum I continue to pray that we might be a nation made famous for transformed hearts and attitude of unflinching compassion.

Peace and grace, Rev’d Deb

*For more on the Beatitudes I thoroughly recommend Dave Andrew’s book, Plan Be.

CATHOLIC WEEKEND MASSES

Saturday 5pm: Peachester Rd, Beerwah

Maleny Players welcomes new youth theatre tutor to town

Contributed by Diane Hobson

THE Maleny Players are delighted to welcome our new Youth Theatre tutor, Darren Hayden. We are looking forward to working with him.

If you have a young person in your family who would like to be involved in the theatre come along to the initial class on the 31st of January at 4.15 pm at the Playhouse Maleny Showgrounds to meet Darren informally with a meet and greet of parents and students followed by an introduction to the course and a fun class open for everyone to attend.

Enrolments can be done on the day.

Darren is excited to be the new youth theatre tutor for the Maleny Players.

He has recently moved to Maleny with his wife Lauren who is originally from Maleny, and their two gorgeous daughters Daphne and Hazel.

Darren trained at NIDA prior to be offered a placement at Rose Bruford College of Speech and Drama where he graduated with a BA (Hons) in Acting.

Darren’s notable professional credits

include touring parts of Europe for 18 months performing in a production of Pygmalion in addition to various theatre in education productions.

Darren has a host of professional, semi-professional and amateur credits the most recent being a production of ‘The Bear’ and ‘WiT’ which was performed at the Bondi Pavilion in Sydney.

Darren also wrote, produced, directed and starred in a pantomime ‘Daisy’s Pyramid Adventure’ based on healthy eating and lifestyle choices for children which toured schools in Sydney and regional NSW.

Darren believes that theatre should be fun and accessible to everyone and is looking forward to being part of the Maleny Players who have being producing quality theatre for decades.

Peachester History Committee

PEACHESTER History Committee first meeting for 2023, will be on Sunday, February 5, from 11.00am at Peachester Community Hall. Theme “Woodchopping: stories of the sport and

local axemen past and present.” Guest speakers Gerald Youles and Bruce Winkel (both champion axemen) will share their experiences. Visitors welcome - please bring lunch to share.

January 2023 PROBUS

Sundays @ 9am

A Bible Teaching, Community Loving, Hope Filled Church on the Hinterland

12 Cedar Street, Maleny malenypc.org.au

Glasshouse Country Uniting Church

29 Twin Peaks Drive, Beerwah

Come and worship with us

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

Sunday 7am: Caloundra St, Landsborough

Sunday 9am: 45 Cedar Street, Maleny Ph: 5430 9390 9am to 1pm Mon-Fri www.caloundracatholicparish.net

BEERWAH CHURCH 27 Beerwah Parade

Sundays 9 30am & Kids Church

Arise Youth: Fri 7pm (grade: 7-12 | term time)

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

Parish of Maleny

HEIGH Ho 2023! Here’s wishing You all a Healthy, Happy New Year. A new school year is about to begin so many grand -parents who have shared school holidays with family can come out again to pursue older interests, Probus for one. A meeting was held in January but although it was an excuse for a ‘talk fest’, it was fun. February will see us back in action for real. For those readers who are not Probians, this is what we are about. Probus is a Club for Active Retirees, set up by Rotary many years ago for older folk who no longer want the stress of fund raising but who enjoy the company of their peers. It is a Club with a minimum of formality so a formal meeting is held once a month followed by morning coffee

GLASSHOUSE COUNTRY CALVARY CONGREGATION

You are most WELCOME to join us 9.00am each Sunday Reed Street, Glasshouse Mtns (next to RSL) Sunday School, Women’s Fellowship, Bible Study

Contact: 5439 9341 or 5496 9671 www.glasshousemountains.lutheran.org.au

Welcomes you each Saturday at 27 Maleny Street

9:30am - All Age Bible Study Hour

(Includes Children and Youth programs) 11:00am - Worship Service

First Saturday of the monthCommunity Lunch

Contact p: 0424 901 301

w: landsborough.org

Montville Kenilworth Holy Communion St Luke’s 17 Anne St Kenilworth Sat 4.30pm St Mary’s 1 Memorial Cl Montville Sun 8am St George’s 2 Walkers Dr Maleny Sun 9.30am

Contemplative Services St George’s Maleny 1st & 3rd Sun 5pm Feb – Nov

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

Rev’d Deb Bird Ph 07 5499 9130 MalenyAnglican.com.au

and a Guest Speaker to maintain active interest in the World around us. This happens on the second Wednesday of every month whilst other Wednesdays are for Club Outings, either bus or private cars, Dining Out, Book Group or Craft Group. Other Groups may be formed for special interests by Club Members.

Meetings are held in the Glasshouse R.S.L. Clubhouse at 10.00a.m. It is the policy of our Club that members bring to the General Meeting a plate with finger food to share for lunch after the Meeting. The purpose of this is to get to know one another better and it has proved successful.

If this sounds like your sort of Club, new Members are always welcome. Contact Norma, 54439 0446 or Dagmar 0406 076 410

View Club is back for 2023

GLASSHOUSE Country View Club held their January lunch and AGM last week. It was our first meeting since the Christmas holidays and it was a good opportunity for the ladies to catch up.

Vanda Cannock, our zone councillor officiated over the AGM and a new committee was formed for 2023.

when we will meet at The Lookout Café

Beerburrum Woodford Road at 10am. Our club raises funds for The Smith Family and the Learning for Life Program in all their activities.

Our club now supports five Learning for Life students.

Any ladies who are interested in coming along to one of our events or would like to join our club should contact either Joy on 0457 413 651 or Janet on 0448 845 303. You can also find us on Facebook.

Jobs for the yard in February

Vegetables

• Look through bulb catalogues and books to find ones that you like and that suit our climate.

• Trim back wayward shoots of wisteria to keep it under control.

It’s important to keep up regular watering of citrus while they are flowering and developing small fruits.

• Citrus leaf miner causes ugly distorted leaves with silvery trails in the leaf tissue. Meyer lemons are particularly susceptible. Pest Oil is a non-toxic control, spray when new growth is about 1 cm long, reapply every 2-3 weeks. February is a crucial time to spray.

• Fertilise your camellia sasanqua bushes as the buds appear. Use a special camellia and azalea fertiliser.

• Look at areas which have been saturated with the rains – they may need some underground drainage to take the

and raise them for planting in March and April.

• To treat lawn grubs, try sprinkling the area with a little laundry powder, and then water it in. The grubs will come to the surface and the birds will eat them.

• Prune back pelargonium hard at the end of the month. Use the cuttings to strike new plants to use in your garden or to give away to friends and family.

• Prepare beds for planting of spring bulbs. This means deep digging, adding compost and manures.

• Start thinking about what spring flowering bulbs you would like to plant in autumn.

• Lettuce can be planted from now until June; choose leafy varieties until the weather cools down.

• Each month between January and May, apply 20g of pelletised manure around your pawpaw trees. Treat with a copper spray to prevent black spot.

• Cover tender plants with shade cloth when really hot days are predicted.

• Prune your azaleas, camellias, tibouchinas and gardenias. Afterwards, give their soil a drenching of 1-2 teaspoons of Epsom salts in a 9L watering can.

• Continue your rose black spot preventative program by spraying with a rose fungicide.

Plant eggplant, capsicum, radish, cucumber, lettuce, sweet corn, beetroot, zucchini, leek, silver beet, parsnip, potato, rhubarb, turnip, choko, pumpkin, snake beans, carrot, celery, melons, spring onion, squash and sweet potato.

Flowers

Plant zinnia, marigold, linaria, vinca, cosmos, petunia, portulaca, salvia, cyclamen, primula, cleome, begonia, ageratum, lobelia, viola, celosia, gomphrena, nasturtium, pansy, Iceland poppy, verbena, snapdragon, chrysanthemum, and coleus.

Citrus leaf miner

Agapanthus seed head

JOHN MCGRATH – MARKET PREDICTIONS FOR 2023

I’d like to wish everyone a great new year as we enter the second phase of this market correction. The property market’s performance in 2023 will be largely dictated by interest rates. After a 3% increase over just eight months last year, there are signs now that they won’t go up much further.

This is because the latest data shows inflation growth might be at or near the peak in both Australia and the United States. This is important because it’s the primary reason why central banks around the world have been aggressively increasing interest rates.

CoreLogic’s final property market data for 2022 showed a -5.3% fall in Australian home values over the 12 months. Since the peak of the pandemic boom in May 2022, the decline has been -8.2%.

That’s pretty fast but no cause for alarm. Remember, this is our first rate-rise cycle in more than a decade, so of course it’s a big shock to the system. Plus, this price decline follows an almost 30% increase in values, so some perspective is useful while we watch the market recalibrate in 2023.

CoreLogic says the pace of price declines began slowing in September, so we may be through the worst of it already. Once rates stop rising, they’ll likely stay still for a period while the local and global economy is monitored. During this time, thousands of borrowers will come off very low fixed rates and convert to variable rates, which will typically be more than double what they were paying.

This might result in some selling but probably not a lot. Australians have amassed huge savings, so many borrowers have offset or redraw accounts flush with extra cash to cushion that blow.

I think the greatest headwind for the market in 2023 will be the difficulty buyers are going to face getting finance, especially single purchasers like first home buyers. The banks add 2.5% when assessing your serviceability for a loan, so some people are getting accessed at 7% or 8% now. Nationally, the likely result will be a bit less buyer activity in the first half of 2023 until it’s clear that property prices have hit their bottom.

Then, with the rental market so strong, we may see the return of investors first as the market cycle turns. Rents went up by a record 10.2% last year. The Sydney and Melbourne inner city apartment markets are coming back particularly strongly now because of overseas migrants returning.

All the other trends we’re seeing now are common in corrections. Lower listing numbers (down about 12% annually), lower sales volumes (down about -15%), higher days on market (from 20 days to 35 on average), and greater vendor discounting.

CoreLogic data confirms the more expensive suburban markets are seeing sharper price declines, and there’s more resilience in more affordable markets – including regional areas.

I advise homeowners not to get too caught up in the minutiae of market analysis this year. Enjoy your home, continue with your loan repayments, and just remember that property is a long game.

Over the past 30 years, CoreLogic data tells us capital city house prices have gone up an average of more than 450% and regional house prices about 315%. While that was happening, there were some tough years and periods of correction like we’re in now. There’s no cause for concern. Whatever your property goals are for 2023, I wish you all the very best.

1b/28 Simpson Street, Beerwah

Fantastic lower-level shop in the heart of the Hinterland

Situated in the township of Beerwah, this affordable space gives you the perfect opportunity to operate your business in a prime location.

The tenancy is ideally suitable for a shop front or business. Situated on the main street of Beerwah and easy to find, with great signage opportunities, small tenancies at this rate per sqm are hard to find!

Features: - 66sqm

- Open plan office/shop with divider wall

- Kitchenette

- Reception Area

- Available Now

For all enquiries please contact Heather Smith – 07 5405 3628

mcGrath Ceo & Founder - John mcGrath

Meet the t ea M

Karla Grant Reception and Property Management support

Have you met Karla yet? Karla Grant is the friendly face that will greet you if you call or visit our McGrath Beerwah office.

Karla has enjoyed a highly successful career in real estate over the last 10 years as a Property Manager and acts as an extension of our amazing property management team when she is not busy delivering her outstanding level of customer service to all our clients each day.

Driven and enthusiastic, Karla prides herself on her ability to manage her time and efforts effectively.

She is an award winning sports woman, having represented Australia in boxing internationally. When she is not busy working or training in the gym, she enjoys being the best mum she can be to her three beautiful children.

Mount Mellum Road, Mount

Cocooned in lush greenery with north-easterly vistas across the Sunshine Coast, this magnificent lifestyle residence and cottage exudes tranquility and the timeless appeal of a stately country estate, presenting a rare opportunity to secure the ultimate in secluded Hinterland dual living. The generous, four-bedroom, main residence with a range of upgrades enjoys a free-flowing floorplan that seamlessly connects spacious indoor living

with landscaped grounds and an elevated, timber deck designed to drink in the sublime surrounds. The charming secondary cottage is thoughtfully positioned away from the main residence and features an open plan lounge and dining area; fully self-contained kitchen; a single bedroom with ensuite and a tranquil front porch providing the perfect scenario for dual living or supplementary rental income.

Ideally positioned on a quiet street in the popular Beerwah Heights Estate on an elevated parcel with views to Mount Coochin, this light and bright family home enjoys excellent privacy from neighbouring properties, a flexible floorplan and a range of recent refurbishments.

Nestled beside a green corridor in the heart of Landsborough, this lovingly restored four-bedroom cottage on a spacious 1012sqm

Mellum

parcel presents the perfect blend of charm with practicality. Featuring a large four-bay shed, updated floorplan, established gardens and stunning outdoor entertaining, this beautifully presented property caters for a raft of requirements.

Talking trades with Hinterland Trees

THE owner of Hinterland Trees, Wayne and his friendly team service the Sunshine Coast from the sands to the hinterlands!

Hinterland Trees are proud to be a family-owned and operated business. Whilst the business was established in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland in 2021, they have actually been working with trees at locations through the Sunshine Coast and Hinterland for over 10 years.

During that time, they have gained extensive knowledge and experience that allows them to tackle a much wider range of tree-related issues.

Their team is fully trained and qualified, with over 100 years combined experience and they are

committed to staying up to date with all the latest developments in the field.

Whilst they are dedicated to completing every job to the same high standards of quality and service, the safety of their peopleand yours – is their top priority.

Hinterland Trees are also looking at growing their team towards building their company and are looking forward to welcoming young or old talent and skill from the local community to join the team.

Get more cut for your buck at Hinterland Trees. Search Hinterland

Trees on google today

Hinterland Trees

P: 0477 732 170

Certain work defined as 'building work' in the QBCC legislation may only be undertaken by licensed contractors or, if undertaken by unlicensed contractors, only to the value of $3,300. However, 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 1300 272 272.

Wedding Reception Venue

All advertising and copy is accepted subject to the approval of the publisher, Seven of Clubs Media Pty Ltd, who reserves the right to make this publication. Compliance with the Trade Practices Act 1974 rests with the advertiser. Every care will be taken in the preparation and place shall not be liable for errors or omissions or subsequent effects due to same. Any adjustments by way of remuneration or replacement adv who place display advertisements before the deadline of midday Friday will receive a proof of their prepared advertisement. No responsibili submissions received after our advertised deadline.

Age: 1 year 11 months

Sex: Female

Landsborough, 9 Caloundra St

Mon – Fri 8am – 6pm. Sat 8am – 1pm Phone: 5494 1337

Glass House Mountains, 3/11 Bruce Parade, Mon – Fri 9am – 4pm Phone: 5438 7177

This ad is sponsored by www.glasshousevets.com.au

Weight: 3.2 kg

Summary: Loki Lou is a lovely friendly girl who enjoys her cuddles. She has a lot of energy and would suit a family who can keep her amused. She is not a fan of other cats so she would suit a home as the only cat.

Phone 5494 5275

Coach has an ace up his sleeve

MALENY Tennis Club’s new coach Janos Kroyherr has his eyes set on lifting the prominence and skills within the hinterland club as he takes the reins for the second time.

Janos spoke to GC&M News about his journey to Maleny and his plans for the club.

He said some his initiatives for the junior players include local competitions and the implementation of his personally curated coaching style, ‘coaching, practice, match play’ (CPM).

“We are going to run tournaments in conjunction with Kilcoy once a month between clubs, and two of the four tournaments will be club championships, getting kids

the club with the Maleny State Primary School run by Tennis Queensland, to get more kids interested in tennis.

The natural sportsman first started playing tennis after moving to Melbourne from England aged 10. After trying out cricket, football and tennis, he found himself leaning towards tennis, where he excelled.

After years of training, he ventured to the US with a college scholarship, but heart complications cut short his playing career.

“I ended up passing out on the court in Georgia and went to hospital and they operated but it didn’t work, so that stopped my playing and for the remainder of my visa I started coaching,” he

Championship success

Fours. Lastly, Jack, his pairs partner, and another bowler from Enoggera, won bronze in the Junior Triples at the State Championships.”

Although Jack just started grade 11, Bill hopes he will continue bowling after high school, especially with more junior bowls opportunities emerging as the sport gains popularity. “Bowls Australia is desperately trying to make lawn bowls an Olympic sport, its currently in the commonwealth games but… we are confident that we will achieve this goal,” he said.

“To have that as a long-term goal for these kids to play for Australia in the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, which is only nine years away, is great because they will be the right age by then to play.”

Range Croquet

Contributed by Helen Uhlmann

On January 26, we participated in Maleny’s Australia Day event in which many sporting and recreational clubs took part in a “Mobile Come and Try Day”. The showgrounds hosted the citizenship ceremony adjacent to our lawns at the TS Centaur building and the Apex Club held a big barbeque breakfast nearby. We set up our lawns to demonstrate our great game, giving visitors to the showgrounds the chance to

Bowling over kids

THE Maleny Bowls club will once again host both Maleny primary and high school students as part of the school’s sports successful 2022 curriculum program.

Secretary Brett Gillis said after the Maleny Primary School’s students’ positive response to playing lawn bowls as part of their curriculum, the school is looking to include the sport again this year.

“They have swimming for term one… but we are hoping in terms two and three lawn bowls will be a part of their curriculum and are hoping to have it for the preppies up to grade six,” he

“The Maleny High School are coming back again this year and when they came last year it went from just grade 11 students, to grades seven, eight and 11.”

This comes at a great time, as Gillis said Queensland Bowls are launching an Inaugural High Performance Youth Academy, showing a clear pathway for juniors who want to excel in bowls.

“This program will get interest in the sport and maintain the interest… we now have a bit of a pathway for kids like the clear paths in more popular sports,” he said.

“This shows them that if you play lawn bowls you could play in the commonwealth games, it keeps kids motivated in the sport, which is fantastic and something we are trying to push.”

come in and “have a try” at Golf croquet. The attached photo shows Vince Carbery with a special visitor who came all the way from Japan to experience Australia Day with us!

We didn’t have our usual play in the afternoon on Thursday 26th due to the above mentioned event. Sunday 29th was a quiet day, with many club members tied up playing elsewhere or with other commitments. There was one singles match between Dianne Horsman and Vince Carbery with Dianne winning convincingly by 18 hoops to 4. Dianne is showing great

improvement in her game and is proving to be the one to beat!

Our players are looking forward to the start of the pennants competitions, with the Lochwood tournament (Divisions 1 and 2) commencing in February and the Bray (Divisions 3 and 4) in March. We wish our players all the best as they take on other clubs in the Sunshine Coast region in this friendly, yet well fought competition.

In other news, our lawns are playing really well this year and we acknowledge the work that goes into the upkeep, with twice weekly mowing, frequent line marking

and management of rogue grasses that invade the lawns from time to time. We thank Wallace Roy for his hard and consistent work in his voluntary capacity as groundskeeper. He does a great job.

Play days: Thursday and Sunday 2pm for 2.30pm start.

Contact Sarah Widin for other days. Please arrive at 2pm for games to be arranged by 2:30pm

Coaching: is available on Saturday mornings at 8 am

Our web address is: https:// rangecroquetatmaleny.org.au

For details contact Sarah Widin 0417640704 (President ) Vince Carbery and a visitor to our “Come and Try” day.

Maleny Bowls Club’s junior registration is free, and they are working towards funding and supplying lawn bowls gear for kids to use until they can buy their own equipment, to attract more juniors.

SWAMP

JUST FOR LAUGHS SUDOKU

A guy comes home from work early, convinced his wife is having an affair. He runs around the unit searching, when he walks

how he died. The guy explains his wife and what happened.

St Peter says, “Mate, that’s pretty tragic. Ok go

WEEKLY CROSSWORD

Calling all joke tellers!