Life is gourd at Peachester State School

PEACHESTER State School has just wrapped up its very first Pumpkin Growing competition.

Despite a difficult growing season, the entries were amazing. Proceeds from the sale of the pumpkin seeds, various other seedlings, plants and produce at the school’s seasonal market go to our amazing Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program.

Through this program, Peachester School fosters the love and skill for gardening and cooking, introducing children to life skills and influences them to form positive food habits for life.

Next year, the school hopes the competition will be bigger and better with

Maleny Market on the Green

Contributed by Debs Swain other categories such as pumpkin scones and pumpkin carving and perhaps some guest speakers!

MALENY Markets on the Green began when a group of stallholders who regularly book The Green on their own, decided to band together to form a market in their own right. Unlike many other markets which have rules about what you can and can’t sell, MMOG’s is more relaxed with an ‘anything goes’ attitude. Our only restriction is no produce because it clashes with other businesses and markets in town. Held on the 2nd Saturday and the 4th Thursday of each month, Saturday is aimed at the tourists and Thursday is more for the locals. While we have regular stallholders, one-time stallholders are also welcome.

We had 3 categories for prizes this year – the LARGEST, the PRETTIEST and the WEIRDEST.

The winner of the largest pumpkin at a whopping 26.8kg was the Schmidt family.

There was fierce competition for the prettiest pumpkin category – with the judge having to decide between the cutest/sweetest pumpkins and the most perfect pumpkin. The winner of the prettiest pumpkin went to Mrs Jennings and her father Bruce for their beautiful ‘Jaradale’ pumpkin. The judge commented on the colour, the shape and

the size describing it as a ‘perfect example

And finally, the winner of the WEIRDEST

The Peachester Bush Dance

Peachester Dance Committe is throwing its very first Bush Dance on April 22 and tickets are selling fast, so don’t miss out! You can buy online at eventbrite.com. au/e/545929147777 or at the door on the night at Peachester Hall (if not sold out).

Kids under 5 are FREE, 5 - 16yrs only $5 each, there are family tickets available too.

Ideas for 2023 forums

THE Coordinating Team have been in conversation with residents about possible forums and, at the moment, the decisions to proceed rest with them. Of interest is a progress report from Maleny Parks for an all working group, the possibility of Community Battery Storage in Maleny, and providing promotional support to a Maleny Neighbourhood Centre Disaster Management Information session.

One suggested topic which Maleny Forums is not pursuing concerned The Voice. While it is an issue of relevance to all of Australia, Maleny Forums is focused on local solutions to local issues and does not engage with topics that are likely to be divisive in our community.

The Coordinating Team is also aware that there is already a wide array of information about the Voice and we hope that Maleny residents will take advantage of the opportunities to learn more and to be able to vote well informed when the referendum occurs.

Membership of the Coordinating Team

Being outdoors, the market is weather permitting. Buskers are most welcome and should contact our facebook page or mob 0417 626 167 to book a spot. All updates will be on our Facebook page so don’t forget to like our page.

The market is open from 9am – 2pm. To book a stall, email malenymog@gmail. com or text mob 0498 953 190. All are $25.

The committee is working in collaboration with the The Landscape Band and the Peachester Hall Committee to raise funds towards the Peachester Hall getting aircon.

While raising funds is a good goal, the primary purpose of the Peachester Dance Committee is to recognise and assist the community of Peachester and surrounds to regain some of the confidence and vigour lost over the last few years.

If you have time to work collaboratively in scoping issues and developing forums about local issues, and are prepared to work within the Maleny Forums Framework, then we welcome an email from you. Looking forward to hearing from you!