Community Groups Knitfest needs your help
It’s only five weeks until this year's Knitfest Maleny Yarn and Fibre Arts Festival and the organisers are keen to put the call out for help to make it another wonderful event this year. Festival coordinator Debs Swain said they were looking for volunteer knitters and crocheters to assist them in completing the decorations. “People can knit from home or join the group each Tuesday morning at the Maleny Neighbourhood Centre from 10am–12noon. You will just need to bring along your hooks, needles and sense of fun,” Debs said. There is also still time for groups and clubs to register to decorate a tree for the competition. This year they have also introduced something new with a post cosy competition. No doubt you have heard of a tea cosy. Well, this year they are looking for post cosies and entries will be used to decorate the posts outside the Maleny Community Centre (competition details on their website). The decorations start going up two weeks before the event and Knitfest organisers appreciate the assistance they get from the wonderful SES volunteers. However, they will need a small army of helpers to attach, tie-on or sew the decorations in place each weekday morning in the lead up to the event. Don't worry if you have no experience as they are happy to teach you. Male and female volunteers are wanted and there are plenty of jobs if you don't knit or crochet. They also need people to help out at the event on July 6-7, so why not get involved in your community and join others as they put together Maleny's most magical event. For more information on how you can get involved go to the website www.knitfest.com.au or phone 0497 401 242.
Learn more about personal safety
Don't let safety concerns affect your quality of life. Join Queensland Police Service for tips on how to stay safe at home or out and about at the Maleny Library this Friday, June 7 from 10-11.30am and Beerwah Library on Wednesday, June 26 from 1-2.30pm. Discover helpful strategies for monitoring your surroundings and enhance your ability to effectively manage difficult circumstances. Learn about body language and controlled reactions that can be used to display confidence. Discover prevention strategies to increase your safety and wellbeing. Attendance at the workshop is free but registration is essential. Phone 5475 8989.
Lovely lap quilts for the elderly
A group of dedicated people have fun while they gather to make lovely lap quilts for the elderly from donated new and recycled fabrics. The group has given about 300 of the quilts to aged care facilities that are very grateful to receive them as they are a light blanket that doesn't hurt sensitive legs. The group now meets in Maleny and is looking for like-hearted people to join. Sewing skills are not needed to be part of the group. Get-togethers are held on the fourth Saturday of each month from 9am12noon at Blue Care Maleny Erowal Aged Care Facility in the activities room at 1274 Landsborough-Maleny Road. Find out more or contact the group through its Facebook page Lovely-LapQuilts-for-the-Elderly-Sunshine-Coast or phone Maggie on 0466 963 791. The next meeting will be June 22. 14
Join the War on Waste
Glasshouse Country locals inspired by the ABC TV program ‘War on Waste’ have decided it is time to think global and act local, forming their own group to take action in their communities. The newly formed group is on a mission to reduce waste locally by spreading positive and useful messages, advocating for change and handson action. Group member Elizabeth Harris said the group was quite informal with no membership or registration required and so far they had about ten members. They have started meeting on the third Wednesday of the month from 6–7.30pm at the Beerwah CWA hall in Simpson Street. At this stage they are still choosing the projects to focus on but hope to work with schools, businesses and local organisations to help them reduce their waste, as well as supporting local people with information on to how to reduce waste with practical tips. “It is still early days but some areas the group is particularly interested in improving are recycling rates for all sorts of materials, reducing food waste and reducing litter,” Elizabeth said. If you would like to join this local community group to reduce waste and do your part for the planet, War on Waste Glasshouse Country invites you to bring your ideas to the next meeting on Wednesday, June 19. If you can’t attend the meeting, follow their Facebook page - War on Waste Glasshouse Country - for useful information, tips and local opportunities to reduce waste.
Members of the new War on Waste Glasshouse Country group Jo, Liz, Carol, Lise, Hanna and Margaret
Council grants for local groups
Local Glasshouse Country and Blackall Range community groups are set to receive a welcome financial boost with more than $78,000 in grants endorsed by Sunshine Coast Council last Thursday. Community portfolio councillor Jenny McKay said the council was committed to acknowledging the important work of volunteers. She said she was proud to announce that 103 community projects totalling more than $590,000 across the Sunshine Coast would be supported through the latest Community Grants Program major round. Cr McKay said the successful funding recipients were making a difference and contributing to our thriving community. In the local area this round of the Major Community Grants supported: Community development Glasshouse Country Orchid Society - $4,000 to purchase equipment for labelling and sale of orchids at annual show QCCC Mapleton - $7,500 for bush tucker garden and yarning circle Maleny Neighbourhood Centre - $3,000 for Maleny young women’s place Community events Montville Chamber of Commerce - $2,500 for a village wedding expo Community facilities Maleny Presbyterian Church - $2,000 to install of video and sound media equipment Mapleton Men’s Shed - $5,000 for shed solar panels Landsborough Cricket Club - $7,400 for new lighting for cricket nets Maleny Cultural and Historical Society - $10,000 for advanced sewerage treatment plant Glasshouse Districts Cricket Club - $6,485 for a cricket synthetic wicket Mapleton Bowls Club - $7,400 to upgrade shed and toilets Glasshouse Country Horse and Pony Club - $5,000 for horse holding pen fencing Maleny Cricket Club - $8,000 for refurbishment of turf wicket Sport, recreation and healthy living Glasshouse Hinterland AFL - $5,079 for sports field roller Maleny Community Gym - $1,100 for new treadmills Maleny Bowls Club - $4,000 for furniture replacement
Glasshouse Country & Maleny News
