Edition 6 December 2022

Losing track

By Sonia Isaacs

THE Beerwah to Maroochydore rail extension could take nine years to construct and with a state governmentcommissioned investment study not expected to be completed until next year experts have questioned if it can be completed in time for the Olympics. P6-7

FROM THE EDITOR

IF I was a betting man, which I’m not because I’m not very good at it, I’d put a few dollars on the Direct Sunshine Coast Line (DSCL) being built by the 2032 Olympics.

The what being built? You may not have heard of it before. It used to be the CAMCOS project, interchanged with the Beerwah to Maroochydore rail extension.

It’s part semantics and part a billion dollars or so that it’s now the DSCL.

My thoughts are that yes, it will ultimately be built by 2032 but that it won’t extend all the way to Maroochydore. Instead it might go as far as Caloundra or Kawana.

That’s because getting to Kawana is the easier bit. The more expensive bit will be elevating the line and linking it to Maroochydore. That the state government still needs to commit $1.6bn to match the federal government’s commitment is an ongoing frustration. With its investment study into the project not due to be completed until next year, with experts saying it could take up to nine years to build the 37km long rail line (disputed by anyone who doesn’t want to put a time on

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it), increasingly expensive debt, shrinking revenue and with the clock ticking, the state government might naturally lean towards the easier route from A to B, so to speak. Please read our special report on pages 6-7.

Thankfully Christmas is providing a much-needed distraction from such serious business (p10-12). I put up the lights on the weekend and like any bloke wasn’t satisfied so bought a bunch more that I have no idea where to hang. Am I the only person who looks at string lights and wonders if 100 metres is enough? I also got into strife for putting up the tree without getting all the kids involved. It was 11am, I wouldn’t dare wake them.

Not to mention last year it was too boring for them, so... whatever.

I love this time of year regardless of how much teenagers want to drag me into their sulky little cesspools of confected angst. Mitch

The Maleny Singers are in full voice ahead of their Christmas spectacular.

Mitch Gaynor

Glasshouse Country & Maleny News @gcmnews

Dude, where’s my cream car?

SLIM Moroney never owned a blue 1950 Holden FX, and in fact Holden never produced a blue model of that car. So it was interesting to those in the know that a photo of Slim’s ‘powder blue’ Holden was selected as the front of the Sunshine Coast Council’s 2023 Heritage Calendar (inset).

Slim had supplied his 2003 photo (main image) a year after he had purchased and restored the classic car. While Slim was thrilled his photo had been selected for the calendar, titled “On the Move - how we travelled the Sunshine Coast”, he was a little bemused why designers chose to severely photoshop the ‘Shelton Cream’ FX picture. The original was a terrific photo by Slim (right), who was the proud owner of the vehicle for 20 years before he recently sold it.

By Jennifer Kent

A MALENY children’s park will again be unusable in the heat of summer with the council not allocating funding for shade until the 2023/24 financial year.

It comes after Tesch Park’s main shade tree was removed in 2020 due to safety concerns.

Tesch Park, located on the corner of Coral and Maple Streets, beside the Library, was briefly closed in 2020 when a large tree damaged part of the playground equipment and surrounding fence; the tree, which had

kept equipment cool over summer, was subsequently removed. It has now been confirmed the Sunshine Coast Council has not budgeted to replace the tree with new shading until the 2023/24 financial year, meaning the harsh summer sun will make the park unusable in the daytime heat.

Councillor Winston Johnston advised that there were plans for shade sail to be erected in both Tesch and Cooke parks, explaining that shade sail was to be erected in Cooke Park later this financial year, with plans for Tesch Park next financial year.

According to Cancer Council, good-quality shade can reduce UV expose by up to 75 per cent.

One local grandfather, Neil Andison, shared on a local Facebook group page his experience of his young grandson hurting himself on the climbing equipment due to a build-up of heat.

Calling on support of others for the provision of a shade shelter over the playground equipment, he received considerable support from local residents.

“Last Friday it was unusable by 9.30am.

Too hot for my 3yo to climb up on,” wrote Kristy Walsh. “The parks in Maleny are in great need of new equipment, including #1 the shade. The children in this town all too often miss out compared to other towns around the Sunshine Coast,” wrote Dee Chapman.

It comes as the town comes together to consider options for a multi-generational park to cater for all ages.

Maleny Forums last month held discussions about what is needed with a range of inputs from students to parents

Aiming to pool funds

By Jennifer Kent

MALENY swim club is aiming to raise $10,000 with hopes the local pool may not only open this summer, but be sustainable in the long-term.

After long summers without a pool due to the difficulties in finding a manager, it is understood an experienced candidate has come forward.

While the appointment has not been formalised, the Maleny Swimming Club is aiming to raise funds to address compliance issues so the centre can reopen once the position is confirmed.

Swimming Club spokesperson Cath Lim said the funding would allow the lessee to meet standard compliance specifications.

“The person who has put up their hand has a lot of experience and understanding of how the model works and we’re hopeful that the pool will be able to open in the very near future,” Cath said.

“Our immediate priority is to fund the things we need to safely and legally open and we’re well on our way to having these in place, but we have also set a goal to raise $10,000 to go toward long term improvements on the pool.

“We are looking at the long term and hope to be able to sustain the pool and remain open for seasons to come.”

Cath said the support from the community has been fantastic, with Maleny State School P&C assisting the club with fundraising in the final weeks of terms.

With the Swim Club unable to run traditional fundraising activities, such as swimming carnivals, the School’s proactive P&C has stepped up to support the club.

“The P&C very much considers ourselves as the glue that acts on behalf of the school and community, and we work tirelessly in our efforts to connect both,” P&C president Zoltan Bourne said. “We need to support other community organisations.”

Offering the P&C’s fundraising portal as a means to raise money toward the needed improvements, generous community members have already donated over $2,700.

Donations can be made to the Maleny Swimming Club through Maleny State School P&C Association’s square donation site, with 100 per cent of donations directly deposited to the Club from the P&C. To contribute scan the QR code and enter POOL in the comment box.

Luxury day spa destroyed in overnight fire

THE Spicer’s Tamarind day spa at Maleny was destroyed by fire over the weekend with police confirming a crime scene had been established as investigations continue.

Spa Anise was completely gutted by the fire, which is understood to have been burning for hours before emergency services were called about 6.00am on Sunday, December 4.

A spokesperson for Spicer’s said the 10-year-old day spa was lost to the fire and no staff or guests were injured or in danger.

Guests were evacuated from the property but the building was a standalone building.

“Our accommodation and restaurant business will continue to trade as normal,” they said.

“Thank you to everyone for your messages of support and to Queensland Fire and the Queensland Police Service for their quick response.”

Senior Sergeant Brett Young from Sunshine Coast Police said it was believed the fire had been burning for considerable time before emergency services were called.

“Extensive damage has been done to the spa area and the roof has completely collapsed and the building itself is completely destroyed.

Snr Sgt Young added that all fires are treated as suspicious until proven otherwise.

Red Flags

Skin cancer red flags: Get it checked. For anyone over about the age of 40, if there is anything “new” or anything “changing” or anything “unusual” –you need to get it checked. Now, of course, we all get bites, and stings, and scratches, but these usually clear up in 3-4 weeks. So, a good rule of thumb is anything that has not healed inside a month should be checked.

I see lots of patients who have had a sore that has been present, and is not healing, for a few weeks. The sore is often quite small, and not causing much trouble, but it often is a skin cancer. Get it checked. Anything unusual, and especially if it is growing quickly is urgent, and should be checked promptly.

It will usually be biopsied or cut out completely.

Another red flag is a lesion that has been around for a long time, may have been seen by a few doctors, and is only slowly growing, but the patient or their partner, still thinks it is odd or unusual. I see lots of melanomas that fit this description.

Skin cancer is usually a “good cancer to get”. Sounds odd but, you and I can see the cancer. Biopsy or excision is usually easy, and treatment is usually easy also. But all this is even easier, if caught early…..so, get it checked.

Professor

David Wilkinson Skin Cancer Doctor

new, changing, unusual. and, lumps and bumps and sores that don’t heal.

The

Maleny pool may yet open this year. We’re looking at the long term and hope to sustain the pool for seasons to come.

Keeping

By Ellie Cooper

ALMOST $2 million was invested through the Sunshine Coast Heritage Levy last year including $135,000 towards the historic Bankfoot House and Landsborough Museum.

The figures were revealed in the 2021/22 Sunshine Coast Heritage Levy annual report, which was released last week.

The Levy was created to fund the discovery, interpretation, preservation and promotion of the Hinterland’s history and culture.

Some of those items preserved through the funding include a watch chain entirely plaited from human hair and an inkwell made from the dismembered foot of a favourite pony.

Ratepayers currently pay $16 per household annually to fund the levy.

heritage alive

“The donation of more than 14,000 items from the Landsborough and District Historical Society in November 2021, including the watch band and inkwell, is keeping heritage staff and volunteers busy assessing, cataloguing and fact checking the information associated with each of these objects.

Some $20,000 was funded towards the inaugural Historian in Residence program, with two research topics mapping First Nations sites as well as sporting history since 1901.

“The Levy made the inaugural Historian in Residence program possible, enabling two professional historians to take a deep dive into (these) local research topics,” Division 1 Councillor Rick Baberowski said.

Dr Ray Kerkhove made a host of First Nations discoveries around Bankfoot House by examining the documents, assets and artefacts the Levy preserves.

Sconetime is coming to Beerwah in 2023

SCONETIME is coming to Beerwah Community Hall in 2023.

The ever-popular Sconetime morning teas aim to create meaningful community connections where seniors in our communities come together with family, friends, local business owners and community leaders over fresh hot scones loaded with home-made jam and loads freshly whipped cream.

The collaboration is possible thanks to QCWA Beerwah, GC&M News, Glasshouse Country Chamber of Commerce, Montville Coffee, Bassett Barks, Sunshine Coast

Council, Glasshouse Country Tours, Beerwah Co-Op and the fabulous Sunshine Coast Foodie, Sconetime founder and host, Martin Duncan.

First held in 2018 at Cooroy, Sconetime has rapidly expanded across the Sunshine Coast, with Martin saying the occasions are the perfect opportunity to help people connect. The dates for Glasshouse Country 2023 are: Thursday, 9th February Thursday, 18th May Thursday, 10th August Thursday, 9th November.

If that seems all too far away, then don’t despair because the last Glasshouse Country Sconetime for 2022 is set to be held this Thursday, December 8 from 10am, at Bankfoot House. Turn up on the day (tickets from $8).

And next year go to sconetime.com.au and buy a ticket for yourself, your senior neighbour, mum, dad, nanny, pop, best friend, second best friend, that slightly difficult friend you can’t quite shake or even your arch nemesis!

Watch strap made from human hair

“Our next Bankfoot Historian, Dr Tony Brady, will use the bill spikes, used by the residents of Bankfoot to store every piece of paper that went through the precinct, to uncover the agricultural background of the Glass House mountains,” Mr Connell said.

Development is ‘luxurious’

NEW signage has appeared promoting ‘luxury’ new terrace homes in Beerwah.

Mountview Beerwah at 19 Pine Camp Road is being sold as three and four bedroom ‘luxury town homes’ by real estate agency, Amber Werchon.

But selling agent Daniel Mendes could not say how much the townhouses were selling, when construction would start or if any had been sold.

Sunshine Coast Coordinator Cultural Heritage Services, Peter Connell, said the Bankfoot House collection provided a

Landsborough Museum volunteer Grame Goss

Horse Hoof

Deadline looms to keep our region on track

By Sonia Isaacs

THE Beerwah to Maroochydore rail extension could take nine years to construct and with a state governmentcommissioned investment study not expected to be completed until next year, experts are questioning whether it can be completed for the 2032 Olympics.

The project, which has been mooted for decades is now officially called the ‘Direct Sunshine Coast Line’.

While the Federal Government has committed $1.6 billion in funding, the state government has refused to commit financing beyond the $6m investment study, which was announced in early 2022. The Department of Transport and Main Roads has now confirmed that study will be complete until 2023.

Sunshine Coast Commuter Advocate Jeff Addison said while he welcomed the Federal Government’s $1.6bn co-funding commitment towards the DSCL; based on his calculations, time was running out for it to be operational by 2032.

With over 40 years experience, and as a structural draftsman working in the Consulting Engineering field, Mr Addison said he held deep concerns for the timely delivery of the project.

“It took three-and-a-half years to build

the 13.6km Springfield line which opened in 2013,” he said.

“It took three years just to build the 12.6km Redcliffe Peninsula Line, and it opened in October 2016. On that basis it would take nine years to build the 37km duplicated line into Maroochydore.”

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said it would be possible to complete the DSCL by 2032 and referred to recent project times with the new Redcliffe rail line taking only six years to build from a funding commitment announcement in 2010 until its opening in 2016 with the construction of six new stations.

“Pending the outcomes of the Direct Sunshine Coast Line planning study as well as the planning for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, it is expected to be feasible to be able to build a Direct Sunshine Coast Line by 2032 to support a growing Sunshine Coast should a funding agreement be achieved across different levels of government,” Minister Bailey said.

When GC&M News queried the project time required to deliver the approximately 37km of track required for the DSCL in comparison to the new

Redcliffe line, which was approximately one third of the length, a TMR spokesperson said planning for the Direct Sunshine Coast Line would be far more advanced by 2023 than the Redcliffe line was when it was first announced in 2010, and there would still be nine years until the Olympics.

There are also questions as to whether the line will be funded through to Maroochydore or end at Caloundra or Kawana in time for the Olympics.

Member for Caloundra, Jason Hunt MP, said he was eagerly awaiting the findings of the Direct Sunshine Coast Line planning study, due in 2023.

“This is the very first time such a study has been undertaken and represents

the first concrete progress for this issue in a very long time. Once we have that completed then we will have a proper picture of what needs to be done and more importantly the costs involved,” said Mr Hunt.

He indicated that the previous Federal Government had not committed a single cent to the project and was concerned that previous costing models put forward by Federal Members were not correct.

“It’s that lack of planning and amateur ‘improvisation’ that we are trying to avoid by getting this right the first time. The LNP on the Sunshine Coast seem to think this is like assembling the train track underneath your Christmas Tree, it’s not, it’s a mammoth proposal and one that needs to

be taken seriously,” said Mr Hunt.

Federal Member for Fisher, Andrew Wallace, said the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games provided the Queensland Government with a hard deadline, but it was time to get on with the job. He said he envisaged the Sunshine Coast Rail project would revolutionize the way people move in southeast Queensland, busting congestion on the busiest roads and reducing the use of cars. However, he said the project would take eight years to build, with only nine-andhalf years until the torch is lit.

“I have welcomed the news that Federal Labor backed the Coalition’s $1.6 billion commitment to Sunshine Coast Rail, however I do note that Labor have slashed their expenditure over the forward estimates by $200 million,” Mr Wallace said. “I’m concerned that they are kicking this project into the long grass, which will result in delays and added costs. The people of the Sunshine Coast deserve this project and they are tired of the politics, tired of the talking, and they just want State Labor to stump up their share of the cash and get on with it.”

While the Sunshine Coast may be South-East Queensland’s third largest urban area, many in the community perceive our region to be chronically under-prioritised and treated inequitably, especially in relation to southern counterparts like the Gold Coast when it comes to accessing a high-speed integrated rail network service; with successive governments historically failing to deliver.

More than 500,000 people are forecast to call the region home by 2040, making mass transit a serious priority for authorities.

President of Sunshine Coast Mass Transit Action Group, Tracey GoodwinMcDonald said the community action groups’ first preference was to see fast/ heavy rail from Brisbane to Maroochydore with a modern, efficient, flexible, green, bus system connecting the region.

“We believe investing in the CAMCOS corridor with a feeder bus network to support it would provide much greater benefit to people who live and visit the Sunshine Coast,” said Ms GoodwinMcDonald. The service will have key interchanges at Caloundra, Kawana and Maroochydore CBD, and this transport corridor consists of already preserved land. The protected CAMCOS corridor from Beerwah to Maroochydore also extends to the Sunshine Coast Airport, though this is unlikely to be required over the next 20 years.

To find out more visit www.tmr.qld.gov. au/projects/beerwah-to-maroochydorerail-extension-planning

All aboard for your say on region’s mass transit

By Sonia Isaacs

THE Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has embarked on a journey towards the eventual delivery of a better public transport system here on the Sunshine Coast, and community members have been invited to jump onboard.

On November 21, 2022, TMR announced they would be establishing a Community Reference Group (CRG) to help guide a Detailed Business Case (DBC) towards an integrated public transport system for the Sunshine Coast. In particular, this project seeks to present transport options to shift the southern Sunshine Coast towards more sustainable travel choices. The role of the CRG would be to enable community input into the project and provide an opportunity for community issues to be discussed with and understood by the project team through feedback and suggestions. Expressions of interest for community members to join the group are open until midnight December 11, 2022. Members of diverse demographics and backgrounds are encouraged to apply, with membership of the CRG voluntary and unpaid. While interest is being sought primarily in the initial stages from those located within the project area between Maroochydore and Caloundra, TMR indicates future opportunities for input will be sought from the wider community as the project progresses.

A TMR spokesperson said the detailed business case will be focused on an integrated transport system between Maroochydore and the Sunshine Coast University Hospital, with a possible extension to Caloundra. The work will build on the Sunshine Coast Mass Transit Project undertaken by Sunshine Coast Council which compared five transport modes including bus rapid transit, light rail, wireless light rail, trackless tram, and a quality bus corridor.

President of Sunshine Coast Mass Transit Action Group, Tracey GoodwinMcDonald said the creation of the Community Reference Group on the SCPT project was a welcomed move that signals things are beginning to get underway.

TMR acknowledged that improving public transport connectivity between hinterland and coastal communities is also a priority, with early works progressing on the $550.8 million Beerburrum to Nambour Rail upgrade (Stage 1), with planning underway on several other initiatives including a proposed passenger rail corridor between Beerwah and Maroochydore. For further information about these projects, visit www.tmr.qld.gov.au. To find out more or register your interest to join the CRG head to www.yoursay-projects.tmr.qld.gov.au/ sunshine-coast-public-transport

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey

We will consider all applications received and encourage anyone who wants to help shape convenient, sustainable and accessible travel options to apply, TMR

A big year for Maleny

Contributed by Spencer Shaw

WELL, what a year 2022 was, what with Covid (the disease and its associated mandates), unprecedented floods and the massive impact on rural and urban communities. Then to top it off inflation and soaring prices on everything from housing to fuel to groceries. The main positive I can think of for 2022 (after return of freedom of movement) is it’s a reminder of the importance of community and working together. That’s where an organisation like Maleny Commerce comes in, to support and represent our local businesses and wider community.

Earlier in the year we had a win for our hospitality businesses by advocating to the Queensland Government to end the mandate that had unfairly targeted our hospitality sector. Thankfully the Queensland Government ended this divisive mandate on April 14, 2022.

It was also very rewarding to see Maleny Commerce, Montville Chamber of Commerce and our local MP Andrew Powell put together the ‘Hinterland Healing’ program for flood affected business in the Gympie region. This came in the form of accommodation, food, drink, and entertainment, all donated by Blackall Range businesses to help provide some rest and recuperation for flood-affected businesses. Again, our community demonstrated why it is rated as one of Australia’s most generous.

Congratulations also to all the Small Businesses who participated in this year’s Glassies – Small Business Awards.

was the Sustainable Futures Expo on October 8. Thank you to all the speakers and stall holders for a great day. Big thankyou to our sponsors Sunshine Coast Council and Maleny IGA and even bigger thank you to our event organiser Nicole Hilton for making at all happen.

‘I Love Maleny Gift Cards’ have had a great year keeping money in our

It’s a great opportunity to meet and exchange ideas in the vibrant community we’re all part of. Look forward to seeing you at one in 2023. Our next meeting is our AGM on February 14, 2023.

All the best for the festive season and hope you get a chance to rest up with family and friends and perhaps we can all look forward to a slightly less eventful 2023!

Thieves strike jewellery store

A LONG-STANDING Maleny business was yet another victim of a spate of break ins across the Sunshine Coast.

Maleny Jewellers, located in Riverside Centre on Maple Street, Maleny, were targeted by thieves last week.

Security footage shows two people attempting to break through the shop’s entrance wielding axes and a sledgehammer.

The business was targeting on Wednesday, November 30 just before 10pm.

This is not the first time the business, which has been operating in Maleny since 2000, has been targeted by thieves.

It comes just weeks after several other businesses in Maleny and Landsborough were broken into with items stolen.

Owners Jim and Sandra Goulton took to their business’s social media to assure customers that despite the attempted break in, their team, stock and store are okay with the business returning to normal trading the following day.

If you have any information regarding the incident, contact crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.

Shed is in good shape

By Sonia Isaacs

THE men of Mooloolah and the surrounding areas are set to enjoy a brand-new gathering space as the longawaited Mooloolah Community Men’s Shed (MCMS) project gets ready to launch.

Located directly behind the Mooloolah Community Centre, the impressively large shed ‘skin’ has now been built, with plans for the fit out of internal walls, plumbing and electrical work currently underway.

Colin Roy, president of MCMS Inc. said the shed would deliver a much-needed community space for men to gather in a welcoming and supportive environment. He said after years of deliberation and delays it was both exciting and a huge relief to be almost ready to be operational.

“It’s great that we can give our men a place to share skills, explore interests and hobbies and build relationships. A lot of men don’t naturally do that, so by offering a safe space for men to come together

help support their mental health and wellbeing,” said Col.

Currently the association has approximately 35 financial members ranging in age, with new members welcome. Publicity Officer Daniel Johns said while he is relatively young in relation to some of the other members, he wanted to get involved with the Men’s Shed as he realised how important it was for local men to have a safe space to go to, a place where men could be comfortable to be able to talk freely, while encouraging a sense of belonging and value - especially in

“I joined because I want to be part of the community and have the opportunity to give back.

“I love the idea of being able to connect with the older men of our community because they have so many skills and a great deal of knowledge to share,” said Daniel.

The Mooloolah Valley Men’s Shed have just launched a logo design competition where community members are invited to create a logo that represents the community and the spirit of the men’s shed – with the winning design to be used as the official logo. Inspiration can be gained from visiting www.mensshed.org

Entries for the logo competition, which runs until the end of January 2023, can be emailed to logocomp@mvms.org.au.

To find out more or to get involved, contact MCMS Secretary Chuck Clutterbuck 0408 887 626.

The Angels Sing

THE Maleny Singers Christmas Concert will be held on December 9 at the Maleny RSL from 6.30pm. Entry is free but donations to the Auxiliary

Presented by QCWA Beerwah Branch

BEERWAH Heart is set to come alive at the 2022 Christmas Fair being presented by QCWA Beerwah in collaboration with Sunshine Coast Council and Sunshine Coast Libraries.

Sunshine Coast Council have generously offered the Beerwah Community Hall as an all-weather location for the Christmas Fair. Market stalls will be inside the Beerwah Community Hall (adjacent to Beerwah Library) and on the covered verandah overlooking the lake. Enjoy fresh coffee

and live music while you stock up on CWA traditional baked goods, CWA Favourites range of jams and preserves, and try your luck in the super raffle. Stalls offer an array of locally produced art, homewares, skincare, jewellery, plants, pet treats, candles, crystals, ladies and kids’ clothing and accessories, Christmas items and so much more.

“Every purchase people make at our markets means a lot to sellers” said market co-ordinator Debbie Ives. “Locals have a chance to buy interesting and unique handmade gifts and in doing so,

anymore, including The Little Drummer Boy, In the Bleek Mid Winter, Shepherds Farewell, O Holy Night, mid-century English carols and plenty more. The

whole concert is laced through with solo pieces by Maleny principals.

The singers can’t wait to see you all there this Friday.

they’re supporting artists and makers to keep doing what they’re passionate about so it’s a real win-win!”

There’ll be face painting, Santa photos (9am to 11am), and Christmas craft activities presented by The Flourish Connection. Inside the Beerwah Library, kids can enjoy more free activities!

Date: 10 December, 2022

Location: Beerwah Heart (next to Beerwah Library on Peachester Rd)

Time: 8am to 12noon

For further information, please contact: qcwabeerwah@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/ events/664033172107629

THISAD IS PROUDLY

Beerwah Heart Christmas Fair

Hospital are encouraged. The concert is full of beautiful traditional Christmas songs and carols arrangements, especially those you don’t hear often

Christmas WHAT’S ON

Don’t miss: Sconetime!

Time: 10am, Thursday Dec 8

Where: Bankfoot House, Glass House Mountains

Dec 8

Info: Join Sunshine Coast Foodie Martin Duncan and friends on December 8 for a very special Christmas Sconetime! Held in the Mary Grigor Centre at Bankfoot House, guests will enjoy a scrumptious morning tea of freshly baked scones and cuppa Montville Coffee, not to mention a yarn with old and new friends alike!

Maleny Christmas Festival

Time: 5-8pm, Friday Dec 9

Where: Maple Street, Maleny

Glasshouse Country Christmas Carols

Time: 6.30–8pm, Saturday Dec 10

Where: Glasshouse Mountains Community Hall, Coonowrin Road

Dec 10

Info: The Glasshouse Country Combined Churches (Anglican, Lutheran, Methodist, and Uniting Church) will present an evening of traditional and modern Christmas Carols. This is a family night outside the hall, weather permitting. Bring along your rug,

Montville Carols on the Green

Time: 6-8pm Wednesday Dec 14

Where: Village Green, Main Street Montville Info: Join the community on the Village Green for carols, games and prizes, with the Salvation Army Band playing. BYO Picnic at 6pm for carols to begin at 7pm. There will be free games, prizes and glow sticks for the kids, plus special guest Boomer the Chirstmas Kangaroo! Best dressed with an Aussie Christmas theme wins!

Peachester Community Barbeque

Dec 9

Info: The annual Maleny Christmas Festival is back on Friday, December 9! There will be lots of activities for children and adults. Santa and Mrs Claus, Late night Shopping, Handmade markets in Community Centre, Petting Zoo, Facepainter, Storytelling, Circus Performer plus live music up and down Maple Street.

A Choral Society Christmas

Time: 2pm, Sunday Dec 11

Dec 11

Where: Gregson & Weight Memorial Chapel, 159 Wises Road, Buderim Info: The Sunshine Coast Choral Society present ‘A Choral Society Christmas’ featuring soloists Fiona Simpson (Soprano), Andrew Burns (Baritone) and Lincoln Scott (Tenor), with accompanist Natasha Koch. The Chior will be performing favourite Christmas Carols and encouraging audience participation. Ourgoing conductor Adrian King will be handing the baton to new conductor Lincoln Scott.

Reesville Christmas Party

Time: 5pm, Monday Dec 12

Where: 460 Reesville Road, Reesville

Info: It’s that Merry time of the year!

Come and listen to the beautiful Christmas song arrangements laced with enchanting solo pieces and support Maleny Hospital with voluntary donation. Entry is free, donations welcome.

Beerwah Heart Christmas Fair

Time: 8am-12pm, Saturday Dec 10

Where: Beerwah Heart (next to the library)

Dec 10

Info: Beerwah Heart is set to come alive at the 2022 Christmas Fair. Enjoy live music and free festive activities while supporting local artists and makers by doing some Christmas shopping. Stalls will offer an array of locally produced art, homewares, skincare, plants, pet treats and much more.

Dec 12

Info: The Reesville Christmas Party is back for the 32nd year and everyone is welcome! Bring your own drinks and finger food to share. Tea and coffee will be provided by Lili Ziegert. Rail, hail or shine the party is on from 5pm.

Creative Christmas Community Day

Time: 10am-2pm, Tuesday Dec 13

Time: 6.30pm, Saturday Dec 17

Where: Peachester Community Hall Info: Back in 2022, the Peachester Community Christmas Barbeque will be on at the hall, from 6.30pm. Tickets for the meal this year include a family ticket for two adults and two or more children $50, otherwise adults $20, primary age children $5, pre-schoolers free. Drinks on sale. There will be a raffle supporting hall funds, and we hear that Father Christmas will be making an appearance!

Club Glass House Kids Christmas Party

Time: From 12pm, Sunday Dec 18

Where: Club Glass House, 6 Gardner Street, Glass House Mountains

Dec 18

Info: Join us for our KIDS CHRISTMAS PARTY! Bring your family, dancing shoes, swimmers and a towel and have a great time with us. There will be presents for the children, inflatable waterslide and James G Brennan live on the deck.

LightUP@Christmas

Time: 7-9pm, Monday19 - Friday 23 Dec

Where: Glasshouse Country Uniting Church, 29 Twin Peaks Drive, Beerwah Info: Children over 5 and carers, and older adults all welcome to enjoy some Christmas craft fun! BYO water bottle or mug and special dietary food if required, plus scissors, glue sticks and coloured pens. Donations of old cards and Chirstmas paper or ribbons, colourful magazine, tinsel, gum nuts or pine cones will be appreciated. Register with Rev Dr Elizabeth Nolan on 0448 358 774 or email churchgcuc@gmail.com by Dec 9.

Dec 13

Where: Maleny Uniting Church, 1284 Maleny Landsborough Road, Maleny

Info: Walk around the outdoor Christmas lights displays and come into the hall to enjoy supper amongst Christmas trees or overlooking our grounds. The theme of the displays this year is PEACE. Several community organisations will create both outdoor and indoor displays to complement the church’s displays. There will be bags and activities for children. Proceeds from donations and supper will go to the Maleny Neighbourhood Centre.

School of Arts booked in our love of reading

followed early Mechanics’ Institutes which were originally formed to provide adult education, particularly in technical subjects, to working men.

The world’s first Mechanics’ Institute was established in Edinburgh Scotland in October 1821, more than 200 years ago.

In Australia, Mechanics’ Institutes were first established in Hobart (1827) and Sydney (1833). The concept quickly spread. In the Glasshouse Mountains, by 1915 a small school had been opened and the little community had formed the Glasshouse Progress and Beautifying Association.

This Association set about to have a School of Arts built. School of Art halls were generally established early in the development of a township for the education of its members and the cultivation of literature, science and art for adults who may not otherwise have received much education as children.

Ultimately government approvals were received and finance secured and the building was opened in September 1916. The School of Arts quickly became the focus of social activity. For example: dances, fancy dress balls, debutant balls, weddings, funerals, celebrations, fundraising for war efforts, classes, picture nights and a meeting place for local organisations.

One of the early objectives of the School of Arts committee was to establish a Library. Books were quickly donated

by local benefactors and the Library was up and running in October 1916 with a catalogue of 110 books. Miss Alice Hare offered to be the Librarian.

By mid-1920s the Glasshouse School of Arts had gained affiliation with the Queensland School of Arts Association (Brisbane) and regular exchanges of books were arranged. Books were packaged in wooden boxes and transported up by rail. New books were continually being acquired and the Library thrived. Surplus books were donated to The Bush Book Club and the Forestry Pastime Club.

When the first Mobile Library service was introduced in November 1978, operated by the Sunshine Coast Regional Library Board, patronage of the School of Arts Library started to fall away.

The School of Arts Library operation ultimately closed.

For historical purposes a small collection of Library books are still held in the Glasshouse Community Hall. The books remain stored in their original wooden boxes (main image).

We do hope there are no overdue book fees still accumulating on these book ‘loans’.

(Thanks to the research by the late Bill

Maleny Girl Guides turns 60

THE Maleny Girls Guides celebrated its 60th anniversary on Saturday November 26, marking the occasion with cake and the swearing in of a new leader and

Connect, reflect and celebrate 2022

This year has been memorable for our Sunshine Coast for so many reasons. We received our UNESCO Biosphere designation in June. We are on the path to 2032 and set up our Legacy Plan Community Reference Group to help guide what our region wants to achieve as a delivery partner in the Olympic and Paralympic Games. We undertook an early and extensive engagement exercise with our community on a new planning scheme. And so much more! You’re invited to look back on 2022 by watching this year’s annual State of our Region address by

Mark Jamieson and members of our community. It’s available now on Council’s website, YouTube and Facebook channels.

New Year's Eve fireworks not to be missed!

This New Year’s Eve, enjoy firework displays in Mooloolaba at 8.30pm and midnight. You’ll find a family zone with Paw Patrol, glow shows, live music and food. Plus, a youth stage with live DJs, Red Frogs and free bungy trampoline rides. Plan your journey home and get more info at Council's website.

Explore new worlds and boost your brain

Action, adventure and prizes are up for grabs as part of a brain-boosting Summer Reading Club. Sunshine Coast Libraries is behind the free interactive program, which offers fun for the whole family. Register now at library.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au to receive an exciting treasure map, collect prizes along the way and go in the draw to win a book voucher.

CUSTOMER CONTACT

sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/Council/Contact-Council

Choose your adventure with Bat Pod

Flying foxes are living closer to humans because of habitat loss across Australia. These animals are vital to the environment. But they can be noisy, smelly and sometimes messy neighbours. So join the team at Council and try to problem solve ways to live alongside these animals peacefully. And the best part - you get to call the shots! This is an immersive, choose-your-own adventure podcast series. It’s called Bat Pod. Are you up for the challenge? Listen in now wherever you get your podcasts.

Summer holiday fun

Keep the kids entertained this summer holiday with activities from Council. Try the new slides at the Nambour Aquatic Centre, choose from 200 plus adventures on Adventure Sunshine Coast, go on the koala trail at Maroochy Botanic Garden, enjoy Christmas craft sessions at Bankfoot House or kids' activities at Landsborough Museum. Visit Council’s website for all the top things to do this summer.

Mega Youth Market

Venue 114’s Mega Youth Market is the perfect opportunity for Sunshine Coast youth to make some extra cash or nab a bargain. The one-day-only youth market on Friday 13 January 2023 from 10am to 2pm will provide a safe space for young people to sell preloved and handmade items and shop sustainably. Book your stall at venue114.com.au.

Is your pool safe?

Summer is here and while your pool might seem like the perfect place to cool down, is it safe? Make sure your pool is ready to go for summer and complete your pool safety compliance check. Safe swimming pool and spa barriers save lives. Hop onto Council’s website and check if your pool is up to standard.

Get free tickets to The Festive Garden

Tickets are available for the Festive Garden, Council’s free Christmas lights experience, but hurry, last year they flew out the door in just days! The Festive Garden is on every night from 16 to 20 December at the Maroochy Bushland Botanic Garden. Expect lights, lights and more lights, storytime, grinch shows and Christmas carols, plus spot Santa and grab a selfie. Entry is via shuttle from the UniSC Transit centre only. Visit events.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au for more information and tickets.

Get the latest Council news delivered directly to your inbox each week. Sign up for the OurSC enewsletter here

Mayor

One for the calendar Watch Council’s next Ordinary Meeting online – Thursday 8 December at 9am.

Contributed by Ron Gillinder

Stand a part at play readings

AN iceberg is pressing on the glass and homeless refugees are beating at the door.

The Skin of Our Teeth, a play written in 1947 by Thornton Wilder, tackling issues relevant to today, will be read by anyone in the community who wants to join in, at the Maleny Showgrounds Playhouse on Friday, December 30.

Maleny Players offers an open playreading to all comers on the final Friday of each month. These morning playreadings have been attracting a growing group of readers over the past two years under the leadership of local writer Jill Morris. A wide variety of plays have been performed (by unprepared reading), together forming a history of theatre, from Goldsmith in the 18th century to several playwrights from the 20th and 21st centuries, including new plays by local writers.

Playwrights from all centuries focus on the issues of their time. The Skin of Our Teeth from 1947 tackles the survival of nations after World War II, the plight of refugees and the threat of global climate change.

Normally, such an activity landing on Friday December 30 would be cancelled.

“I realised that many people still like arts involvement in that holiday stretch between Christmas and New Year,” Jill said. “Locals and visitors find themselves alone at this time of year, so I decided to offer a playreading - despite the date. The advantage of this special time is that we can extend into the afternoon.”

Drama students are very welcome, as The Skin of Our Teeth offers young people several attractive parts: two teenage children of the Arbuthnot family, as well as a troupe of carnival performers entertaining crowds at Atlantic City boulevard.

“I’m aiming at our first Intergenerational Playreading,” Jill said. “The reading is non-threatening and we are going to have time for readers to read ahead before reading in character.”

The gathering will begin at 9.30am and end at 2pm. The cost will be $5, with tea and coffee supplied. Soft drinks available for purchase. BYO morning biscuits or lunch sandwiches to share.

To RSVP or for more details phone Jill Morris on 0427 624 090.

Rosetta’s Great Reads

The Light We Carry

Reviewed by Karen Joy

Michelle Obama is keen to help others negotiate the many challenges she has faced. She has come a long way and this book, like her first, makes that clear. Her anecdotes illustrate her suggestions, and this is what makes the messages most powerful. She addresses an issue many of us face, regardless of race or colour or sexual orientation: that of belonging. When Michelle went to Princeton, she didn’t feel she belonged. The words of her father were: “No one can make you feel bad if you feel good about yourself.” America’s First Lady is strong enough and brave enough to take us on her journey of applying that advice. RRP $55.00

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse

Reviewed by Lea Dodd

What is the bravest thing you ever said?’, asked the boy. ‘Help,’ said the horse. ‘Asking for help isn’t giving up.’ In this colourfully illustrated new edition to accompany the short film due out on Christmas day, Charlie Mackesy reminds us all what really matters: friendship, love and hope. A book to be shared between loved ones of all ages, as you follow a kind and perceptive boy, a mole who likes cake, a silent fox, and a wise horse as they roam the countryside dispensing gems of wisdom that will stay with you long after you close the covers of this special book. RRP $45.00

30 Maple St, Maleny 5435 2134

Visitor to Maleny

I FOUND this little jewel like town

While driving up the range And when arrived I could not find A parking space for me

Main street,a bit steep it seems But what is this I see Smiling faces all around And coffee shops for me

I find a narrow little lane

It leads somewhere I’m sure, And buskers singing happily With songs that will endure.

By Colin Harding

A pleasant creek runs through this town

With platypus I’m told

You see them in the afternoon

So keep your eyes to behold.

No traffic lights, one round about, What joy for drivers all

And zebras are across the street

To keep all safe no doubt.

I’ll tell my friends about this town So pleasant is it to see, But all I ask of the local folk

Please find a car park for me.

Andrew Robjohn, Monica Rogers, Patricia Lovell

It’s a slice of life

By Mitch Gaynor

TO CUT a long story short, That Pizza Guy has invented itself as a top nosh place to enjoy a (long) lunch or dinner.

For the uninitiated the restaurant is just off the Bruce Highway at Glenview, but don’t fret the location.

Stepping through the doors of That Pizza Guy and you are transported a world away from the hubub of traffic zipping past at 110km/hr.

Depending on the day and your mood you can opt to sit outside on the deck and dine in a delightful rainforest sanctuary

fish and chips. You might guess what the Carnivore offers without saying too much more.

The light and tasty base held up well under the weight of a variety of meats Some pizza places offer an oily mess with similar toppings, but TPG succeeded where others fail. The supreme with red onion, shaved ham, capsicum, mushrooms, olives and mozzarella was also hearty and tasty.

The fish and chips were also wellreceived with ample chips and fleshy and

Christmas is a real treat

HOW popular is eating out at Christmas?

Ask Heather at The Orangery and the answer is pretty straightforward: Very.

The Maleny restaurant’s Christmas Day buffet is completely sold out after only advertising its December 25 lunch special in GC&M News a couple of times.

It seems the family-focused day with Mooloolabah Prawns, Pacific oysters, poached salmon and grilled macadamia crusted barramundi was too good to an offer.

And that was just the start. Roasts, vegan options including a spinach and ricotta rotol were also enticing options.

If you are still looking for a Christmas Day option then lunch at Cub Glass House could be just the ticket.

Geoff and chef Alec are taking bookings now with a range of Christmassy treats. If you can’t make it then don’t miss the December 18 Kids Christmas Party with presents for all children, an inflatable waterslide and plenty more. clubglasshouse.com.au

Lunch at Club Glass House

Carols, Consumption and Christmas

I WAS struck this week by a thought that Christmas Carols are an alien concept to so many of our young.

In our State Schools our brave new secular society has banished Christmas carols for all those woke “fear of offending” reasons.

My granddaughter’s knowledge of anything remotely connected with music and Christmas is reduced to a bullied reindeer with an infected nose!

There was the joy of belting out “Oh Come All Ye Faithful” in my youth and being thrown out of school in my attempt at an earsplitting descant.

My granddaughter’s inability to join in the rendering of “Silent Night” late on Christmas Eve, which we have traditionally shared with our neighborhood, appears grossly unfair. This flies in the face of inclusion.

To comply with our brave new consumption driven world we could change some of the words of our favourite carols to ensure they offend no one as all faith systems must be now treated as being of the same value. With a subtle change of words Christmas Carols would once more ring out across our schools. For example, take that wonderful carol ‘Once in Royal David’s City’. A re-write would make it fully acceptable to our more enlightened times:

“Once in Royal David’s city Stood a lowly cattle shed, Now a spiffy B&B, No more manger, king size bed!”

This secular and consumption driven theme could easily be taken up in changes to that joyful carol ‘Deck the halls with bowers of holly’.

Simply change the second line from:

“‘tis the season to be jolly!” to “grab another shopping trolly!” It makes so much more sense. There is a real opportunity for school councils to attract sponsorship illustrated by discrete change to that wellloved carol ‘The First Noel’:

“The first noel the angel did say, There’s a sale on at Myer (insert any given retailer)

It’s half price today!”

The name “Christmas” is now deemed by many to be out dated and offensive. It may be time to ditch “Christmas” and take up “Festive Season” to truly reflect our gloriously woke Australia.

Let us boldly step forward and formally adopt this politically correct title “The Festive Season”. With that a new carol could be sung across all schools signalling our virtue and enlightenment.

“It’s Festive time so stock the fridge With beer and Coke and Fanta So, on the day we can kneel and pray At the birth of baby Santa!”

Strategic Policy on DA Matters considered

IN 2008, Sunshine Coast Council introduced a policy on the process to be followed for Development Applications. This month Council will consider a new Strategic Policy on Councillor and Council Officer

Participation on Development Assessment Matters. The success of the new policy will be measured by improved compliance with planning laws and reduced complaints of bias, giving a hint as to why the old policy warranted review. The new policy clarifies if, when and how Councillors can participate in the DA process and the guiding principles they must follow. These include a duty to the wider public interest, independence from vested interests, and attention to the impartial recommendations of Council officers. The policy is silent on the role of the community except that at least a thousand people will need to register their opposition to an Impact Assessable DA before Council officially takes notice. Community opposition to a Code Assessable DA will only count if the DA is included on the agenda of a Council meeting before the short, statutory deadline for automatic approval expires. For details check the agenda for Council’s meeting on December 8.

Need

name and address supplied

self-sustaining

hence climate. Food systems tie into all of the normal planetary cycles. So we cannot talk about climate change, without talking about the food system, as they are one of the main ways humans interact and affect Earth’s cycles.”

She pointed that industrial agriculture and globalisation have been one of the main reasons the Earth’s cycles have ruptured. Due to land use change, agrochemical pollution, monocultures, plastic contamination, fossil fuel use, and long-distance transportation, it’s now one of the largest causes of planetary destruction. “It has caused ecocide and biodiversity loss, soil desertification, erosion and contamination. It has caused mass water pollution ... greenhouse gas emissions and a rupture of the nitrogen, water, methane and carbon cycle. All of which means the disruption of the climate systems.”

Making Sense of it

I REFER to Jan Woodlands letter in the November 8 issue of GC&M News, headed ‘Solution or Problem’, and the Person who wrote ‘Renewables too Costly’ in the same issue.

Jan hits the nail on the head, it seems that when these climate change alarmists look back on what they have said in the past, that is now proving to be wrong, they change tack and produce yet more garbage to cover their tracks, and as for David Lowry’s comment about his letter headed ‘What a Picture says’, only confirms that the mainstream media, will publish all and any alarmist information they can in order to sell a paper.

goals

RECENTLY in response to the world-wide focus on climate and the planet’s health, Vandana Shiva PhD who is a famous author, Indian scholar, environmental activist, and food sovereignty advocate made the following observations: “The way we produce, consume, distribute food has a huge impact on the health of the planet, and

These ecologically destructive practices account for 44-57 per cent of all greenhouse gas emissions, making the global food system one of the main culprits behind climate change and environmental degradation. Agribusiness’ continuous invasion of forests and other vital ecosystems has made the industry responsible for 70-90 per cent of global deforestation. We are clearly witnessing the collapse of biodiversity and the Sixth Mass Extinction, she says. According to the UN’s Environment Programme, and the Compassion in World Farming report group, the global food system is the primary driver of global biodiversity loss, threatening 86 per cent of species. We need to move away from the gigantic mass farm systems to low-scale self-sustaining farming, farmers’ markets and backyard growing.

Richard Giles Conondale

Jan is also right on the money when stating that too much is being spent on alternative energy technology that WILL break down in a very short space of time, and to whom ever wrote the letter headed ‘Renewables too Costly’ is also on the mark, the production of electricity from Wind turbines is dependent on the wind, and if there is very little or no wind, these turbines become nothing but useless non-productive piles of steel; wind turbines WILL breakdown, (or catch Fire), and when the cost of maintaining wind turbines blows the electricity generators maintenance budgets into the next millennium, they WILL become redundant, just like the desalination plants.

As long as governments continue down this renewable energy road, electricity cost WILL keep rising, because governments will keep pushing up the price to cover the enormous cost of maintaining unreliable, unsustainable technology.

If the government wants to eliminate coal fired power stations and develop an alternative source of energy production I believe they should also be looking at nuclear power stations, and if that doesn’t put the cat among the pigeons, I don’t know what will.

Peter Bowles Glasshouse Mountains

Time for a change

AUSTRALIAN time zones cause me problems during the summer months. I have friends, family and other interests in five time zones. There is GMT, Daylight Saving Time and Daylight Time.

The NT remains on the same time throughout the year. TV programs get confusing as well. This is insanity.

I suggest the best solution would be for SA and the Eastern Australia to adopt Central Standard Time throughout the year.

This would only be a ½ hour adjustment for the Eastern States.

WA being so far west needs a separate time zone.

What do other readers think of this?

Angus Richard

Graeme Tosh Maleny

ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES

I CAN understand there’s a lot of fear and anxiety when it comes to cyber attacks. Sobering statistics indicate there is a cybercrime reported every seven minutes in Australia. Whether you’ve been caught up in the Optus or Medibank data breaches or suspect another cybercrime, then knowledge is power in combatting the increasing attacks on our personal information.

IDCARE is a local cyber security success story that the Coalition Government helped launch in 2014 and provided more than $6 million to help combat cybercrime and provide victim support services.

IDCARE connects the community to their expert Identity and Cyber Security Case Managers who will listen and provide the best advice on how to respond to data breach scams, identity theft and cyber security concerns. You can phone them on 1800 595 160 and get more information at idcare.org

I have a very simple rule of thumb when it comes to people who cold call me for goods and services, whether the contact is by phone, email, social media or any other form of communication. Whatever you’re selling, if I didn’t initiate the inquiry, I’m not buying, I’m not talking or otherwise communicating. In other words, terminate the communication immediately. Chances are it’s a scam. Don’t click on links in emails, texts or social media if you don’t know and trust the sender. Remember the old adage if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Scams range from the very simple to the very complex. It’s sometimes very hard to distinguish whether communications are a scam or not. Former US President Reagan once said, “Trust, but verify”. I wonder if he were still around today whether he would be quite so trusting? I would suggest we “verify, verify, verify”.

I also have hard copies of the ACCC’s ‘Little Black Book of Scams’ in my office for anyone interested in a copy. Further information on how you can protect yourself is available from www.cyber.gov.au

‘TIS the Season to be rainy… It hasn’t been the welcome into summer we’ve all been hoping for, but it doesn’t mean we aren’t still out, getting into the spirit! It’s the season of graduations, celebrations, and gratitude, and I couldn’t be happier seeing all the schools (especially those in the Hinterland) embracing the end of year celebrations with such genuine warmth and care.

To all the parents of those who are moving from primary school to secondary or secondary onto tertiary or into workplaces, a huge congratulations to you. I felt the pride you are all feeling firsthand when I was able to shake my own young lad’s hand this year as he received an award at his school, actually I dropped to one knee and gave him a hug, l just couldn’t help it. The staff at his school, like all schools in my electorate, put an enormous amount of effort into a seamless presentation for all

Sealed roads

MANY roads across our division have been sprayed and sealed as part of Council’s $23.5 million Road Reseal and Rehabilitation Program for this financial year.

Some of the roads completed this month include Witta Rd, Cooke Rd, Middleton Rd and Tesch Rd, along with Curramore Rd, Attunga Ct, Berganns Rd and Freeman Ct in Witta.

Moving to Maleny, Obi Vale Rd, Vale End, Rosella Rd will be completed as well as Curramore Rd, Curramore.

It’s our commitment to provide and maintain the necessary infrastructure to service the needs of our region. Thank you for your patience while we deliver safe, efficient and high-quality services to ensure the long-term sustainability and value of community assets. Let’s connect, reflect and celebrate 2022

What an exciting year 2022 has been – on so many fronts. I invite all Division 5 residents to take a moment to look at 2022 in review with Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson and local community members in the annual State of our Region online story. State of our Region provides an update on some of the memorable moments of 2022, key achievements and programs delivered for our community, and highlights what we have to look forward to in the future. View the State of our Region online on council’s website, YouTube channel or Facebook page today.

Calling all artists!

Horizon Festival organisers are calling for submissions from established Sunshine Coast based artists to present new or existing works in the 2023 Festival’s Homegrown Program. Applications are open to artists working across visual arts, dance, theatre, music and interdisciplinary artforms. Three projects or works will be selected and presented as part of Horizon Festival 2023.

Applications close December 5.

Visit www.horizonfestival.com.au of follow @horizonartfest for more information and to apply.

with Andrew Wallace Federal Member for Fisher

Jason Hunt State Member for Caloundra

Caloundra having some much needed family time, with some long overdue garden maintenance on the cards –Merry Christmas and I’ll see you all in the New Year!

Arno and Lize, the incoming school captains of 2023

By Jennifer Kent

Kelly

MARY Kelly’s business Good Mood Food was born out of a crisis with her son and over the past years has grown from a need to heal her family into a flourishing business.

GC&M News spoke with Mary about her journey to business ownership, the challenges faced with her son in those early days, and the opportunity to help local mums gain meaningful employment.

How did Good Mood Food come about? Our journey really began when my son was born, who at just 18 months old received the devastating diagnosis that he was allergic to all food. It was confronting and emotional, and over the next few years we saw many doctors and specialists who worked hard to help us manage his symptoms. We saw improvement, but when he was about four he went backwards and mainstream medicine had no solutions. We got to a point where it was harder to stay where we were than change. We went through a huge journey and shared our journey with others all over the world, witnessing some beautiful miracles. For all the trauma there have been some great blessings, one of them being our business growth.

Why balms? On our “healing crisis” journey, we found our son’s body was reacting to everything and I began researching natural ingredients to

this process I began creating balms to heal every day ailments with natural ingredients and, overtime, we began selling them. I started experimenting with natural oils, researching the mildest of ingredients and was constantly surprised by how well they worked.

My passion grew from solving our own family concerns to wanting to solve the everyday typical family problems, such as headaches, itchy skin, abrasions etc. for others. For those wanting to detox their medicine boxes, there is a natural way to manage some ailments, and our balms are designed for basic day to day family concerns.

What products do you have? We have a wide range of balms targeting daily family remedy needs. We sell every type of soothing ointment, from magnesium

chest rubs, insect repellent, and even a poultice that has developed a fearsome reputation for pulling out infections, thorns, warts and all things that don’t belong!

How are they made? Our balms are all homemade, sourcing local ingredients wherever possible, and they’re all made to order. The business grew too big for me to be able to manage myself, so rather than looking to outsource, we decided to look locally and have contracted some local mums to continue to carry on our homemade philosophy. Where are your products available? Orders can be placed online via our website, www.goodmoodfood.net. au. Maleny Co-op stock some of our products, and our full range is stocked at Everything Good on Steve Irwin Way.

AUSTRALIANS consumed 4.76kg of avocados per person this year according to Avocados Australia.

Studies have shown that people who regularly eat avocado have a lower Body Mass Index (BMI), a smaller waist and less weight gain over time. This year an expert roundtable recommended a serving size of 75g, or half a medium avocado. This is an increase on a previous recommendation of 50g.

“It is great news that Australians are eating more avocado as that means consumers are benefiting from avocado’s health-giving properties,” Avocados Australia CEO John Tyas said. “Our facts at a glance figures are a great reference for our growers, or anyone wanting to see how our industry is performing.”

Avanother Avo Growers bounce back

AUSTRALIAN macadamia growers have recovered from the record rains and flooding in NSW and South East Queensland earlier this year to produce a higher than anticipated crop of 52,974 tonnes in-shell @ 3.5 per cent moisture (56,800 tonnes in-shell @ 10 per cent moisture). AMS CEO Clare Hamilton-Bate said the intense weather systems along Australia’s east coast from late February to early April significantly delayed harvest in the affected regions, with many growers unable to access their orchards.

“The delayed harvest also made forecasting extremely difficult,” she said.

Mary with Eden, Asher and Danny

Jo Zampieri’s Christmas Cake

Serves: 15-20

Prep time: 10 minutes (plus 24 hours soaking time)

Cook time: 60-90 minutes

Ingredients:

1kg mixed dried fruit

500-750ml orange juice, no added sugar

1 cup wholemeal self-raising flour

1 cup self-raising flour

1 teaspoon all spice

Method:

SOAK fruit overnight in 500ml of orange juice in the fridge.

PREHEAT oven to 160°C conventional/140°C fan-forced.

ADD flours to the fruit and juice mixture and stir until combined.

POUR in more orange juice if the mixture is too dry.

SPRINKLE in allspice and place mixture into a lined 20cm baking tin.

BAKE in oven for 1-1½ hours or until a skewer comes out clean.

What’s Great About It?

This easy recipe shows that even Christmas cake can be health-a-sized! Making a few simple swaps such as half the flour for wholemeal flour, opting for a ‘no added sugar’ orange juice and removing the added sugars makes this cake the perfect treat this Christmas.

Festive Blitz Balls

Serves: 16

Prep time: 20 minutes + chill time

Cook time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

350g sweet potato, peeled and grated ¼ cup water

⅓ cup dried apricots

3 cups almond meal

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 tablespoon skim sweetened condensed milk

⅓ cup desiccated coconut

⅓ cup pistachios, finely chopped ⅓ cup dried cranberries, finely chopped

Method:

PLACE the sweet potato and water in covered microwaveable bowl and steam on high for 4 minutes until soft. Drain and leave to cool.

BLITZ apricots in a food processor for 1-2 seconds or until finely chopped.

COMBINE apricots, almond meal, cinnamon and condensed milk in a large bowl. Add cooled sweet potato and mix well until combined.

BLITZ the pistachios until finely chopped. Transfer to a plate.

BLITZ the cranberries until finely chopped. Transfer to a second plate.

PLACE the coconut on a third plate.

ROLL level tablespoons of the sweet potato mixture into balls, using washed and clean hands.

ROLL one third of the balls in the pistachio, one third in the cranberry and the remaining third in the coconut.

STORE blitz balls in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 5 days, or in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Kick your feet, not the bucket

THE secrets to help maximise quality of life and wellbeing and maintaining independence have been revealed.

More than 200 people attended the Healthy Ageing Forum 2022 held at the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) last month and learnt that healthy ageing is about maintaining physical and mental wellbeing, a good quality of life, and a positive attitude towards ageing.

UniSC clinical neuropsychologist and Thompson Institute Healthy Brain Ageing Clinic lead Dr Sophie Andrews delivered the keynote address, and said that as people expanded their lifespans, it was important they also improved their health to ensure they could enjoy their additional years.

“It’s a concern for people of all ages and some of the key ways to reduce the risk of dementia is through physical activity, good diet, sleep, social connection and mindfulness.”

Staying healthy and active into later life also helps to maintain independence and mobility, prevent disease and slow or reverse chronic illness. This empowers people to remain active participants in all aspects of community life.

UniSC Associate Professor Chris Askew, who helped organise the event, said the forum covered topics spanning

mental health, cognitive function, nutrition, physical activity and creative pursuits – all topics that make up the bigger picture of healthy ageing.

“There are small incremental changes you can make to improve your health, and there are professionals around, like exercise physiologists, dietitians and psychologists, who are able to help you put a plan together to make positive lifestyle changes,” Dr Askew said.

“It’s better to make healthy changes early, but it’s never too late.”

Sunshine Coast Council Community Portfolio Councillor David Law said it was great to see so many Sunshine Coast residents passionate about their health and wellbeing attend.

“A key focus of the Sunshine Coast Community Strategy 2019 – 2041 is to empower our community to live healthy and active lifestyles, and the Healthy Ageing Forum provided our community with a vast array of information,” Cr Law said.

Attendees of the event were given plenty of tips to take home to improve their quality of life.

This event was presented in partnership by Sunshine Coast Council and UniSC, and supported with funding from Wellways Carer Gateway, and the Central Queensland, Wide Bay, Sunshine Coast PHN through the Australian Government’s PHN Program.

Shop 8/8, Riverside Centre, Maleny P 5435 2733

Empowering women through education and health is a priority for the Queensland Country Women’s Association (QCWA). The QCWA Country Kitchens program, funded by the Queensland Government through Health and Wellbeing Queensland, supports Queenslanders to adopt healthier lifestyles. To find out more about the program visit https://qcwacountrykitchens.com.au/.

from the QCWA Country Kitchens

When the stakes are high Carols planning underway

A BLIND beggar is sitting on the side of the road outside the city. Hopefully in the crowds passing by someone might notice him. Suddenly, he hears a commotion getting closer to where he is. He enquires what is happening and is told that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by.

He began to yell above the noise of the crowd. He needed to be heard. The opportunity to be healed might be missed.

“Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me!” The crowd with Jesus shunned him. He was just a beggar. Jesus was too important to have any time for someone like him. And they shouted back at him to be quiet.

But the blind man yelled even louder to be heard above the noise. “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

He was desperate to get Jesus’ attention despite the putdown.

And it worked. Jesus heard him. “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked.

There was only one thing he wanted most in his life. And it wasn’t food or money.

The stakes were higher than that. And in faith he latched onto Jesus, the One he couldn’t see. “Lord,” he said, “I want to see!” And Jesus replied, “All right, receive your sight! Your faith has healed you.”

This beautiful exchange between Jesus and the blind man has meaning for us on many levels. Firstly, Jesus stopped.

He was on his way to a brutal death that no one understood.

We would probably be more than just a little preoccupied.

Secondly, Jesus invited the blind man to voice his desire.

“What do you want me to do for you?”

And lastly, Jesus showed the connection between the human and the divine saying, “Your faith has healed you.”

From this simple story, I see that God is not too preoccupied for us.

I see that God wants us to give voice to our desires; to share our hearts, and intimate needs with Him. “What do you want me to do for you?”

And he intends to work together with us in our time of need as we reach out in faith to Him.

What is happening in your life today that makes you desperate enough to cry out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

This story reminds us that regardless of our circumstances, regardless of the opinions of those around us, God will stop and listen and help us.

ALL ARE WELCOME

Holy Communion

St Luke’s Kenilworth Sat 4.30pm

St Mary’s Montville Sun 8am

St George’s Maleny Sun 9:30am

St George’s Maleny Sun 6pm (1st/mth)

Meditation, Weddings, Baptisms, Funerals

Parish Priest: The Rev’d Deborah Bird maleny@anglicanchurchsq.org.au W: MalenyAnglican.com.au

Contributed by Tom Jantke

THE Glasshouse Country Combined Carols Planning Committee at work planning this year’s carols evening which will be held at the Glasshouse Mountains Community Hall at 6.30pm on Saturday, December 10, 2022.

Seventh-day Adventists welcome four newcomers into fellowship

Contributed by Charles Russell

LANDSBOROUGH Seventh-day Adventist church members were very happy to witness the baptism of four young people and welcome them into church fellowship.

Emily Wiggle, Sarah Granter, Liz and David Drinnan were baptised into Christ at Wurtulla on the Sunshine Coast. Emily Drinnan was also welcomed into church fellowship through profession of faith.

Landsborough based on the theme of running the race led by Dr Dwane

Jackson, church members, relatives, friends and guests enjoyed a picnic lunch together by the water.

Pastor David Kelsey performed the baptisms.

Following a call, five more young adults came forward and indicated they too would like to be baptised in the near future.

The church welcomes their newest members and wishes them each the richest of God’s blessings as they continue their walk with Jesus.

with Charles Russell Landsborough Seventh Day Adventist

LETTER FROM JOHN MCGRATH

The property market in South East Queensland might be cooling, but like the local climate, it won’t be chilly for long.

It’s likely that this region will lead the national market recovery, with major drivers of the next cycle including infrastructure projects associated with the 2032 Olympics and steady population growth.

Latest figures from CoreLogic show Brisbane home values increased by 42% during the COVID-19 period. They are currently -6% down from their COVID peak.

Unlike its East Coast capital city counterparts, Brisbane values rose at the same pace as regional Queensland values (also 42%) because both markets were beneficiaries of a massive population shift from Sydney and Melbourne to the Sunshine State during the two years of COVID-19. Millennial families were a big driver of this shift and it continues today.

Being able to work from home has enabled thousands of families to cash in their homes in Sydney and Melbourne and relocate north where they have bought better and larger properties on a lower mortgage.

Regional Queensland values are cooling at a slower pace than

EET T h E TEAM

Brisbane. They are currently -4.7% off their COVID peak, according to CoreLogic data.

Regional Queensland as a whole market is anchored by the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, two areas that attracted 16% of all capital city seachangers who relocated during COVID.

As discussed in our McGrath Report 2023, South East Queensland is a comparatively buoyant property market. There are several factors keeping a strong floor under prices, including continued interstate migration, limited housing supply, and Olympics infrastructure projects and jobs.

The state’s population is expected to grow by 298,000 by 2026. There is still a steady stream of interstate buyers lining up to purchase their piece of paradise, with federal budget figures estimating 41,000 people moved to Queensland during FY22.

This demand is expected to remain steady through to 2024 when migration rates will return to those of pre-COVID times.

Amongst the projects creating new jobs in Queensland is the $1.8 billion South East Queensland City Deal, funded by all three levels of government, which will begin a

20-year pipeline of infrastructure across the region.

The long-delayed $1.6 billion Brisbane to Sunshine Coast passenger rail line will revolutionise public transport from the capital city to the Sunshine Coast’s pristine beaches.

While house value growth has slowed across the south east, rents continue to rise swiftly.

Demand for high density rental properties is also increasing largely due to a lack of house rentals and increasing asking rents.

Overall, the slowdown in price growth in Queensland’s south east will give buyers their best chance to get into the market, while remaining confident that infrastructure spending and population growth will keep prices buoyant relative to other parts of the country for some time to come. We’re moving through a market cooldown right now but looking ahead to the future, I think one dollar invested in Queensland real estate will be better than anywhere else in Australia.

hEAT h ER S MIT h - P ROPERTY M A n AGEME n T T EAM L EA d ER

Heather’s role involves liaising with property owners and ensuring they are receiving optimum service at all times, as well as regular communication.

Working as the interface between the landlord and the tenant; Heather develops a relationship of trust with her clients, with her main focus being protecting and promoting the health of the owner’s investment today and into the future.

Heather’s strengths include meticulous attention to detail in all aspects of her role from paperwork to legislative/compliance issues, and solution-based problem solving to ensure her clients’ assets are well-cared for to the very highest standards – no exceptions, no excuses.

– AVAILABLE FOR LEASE

This truly unique, character home is located on a quiet lane, the house is surrounded by 6 acres of rolling lawns and established gardens. Offering relaxed living spaces as well as a multitude of choices for ways in which you can use the property.

If you would like any further information or to arrange an inspection please contact Rebecca Hill – New Client Consultant who is always at your service to answer any questions you may have.

M: 0488 771 626

E: rebeccahill@mcgrath.com.au

McGrath CEO & Founder - John McGrath

M

–

Christmas is in the air with Cassi nuske’s annual Client Christmas Party

It’s that time of year again, where we dust off our Christmas earrings, pull out those Hawaiian shirts and prepare ourselves to overeat with family and friends, and Team Cassi Nuske at McGrath Coast and Hinterland’s Beerwah office are ready to embrace it!

Cassi, Jo, Kate and Yolanda will be welcoming their clients to their annual Christmas Party on Friday the 9th of December at The Local Beerwah Café and Bar, to celebrate another stellar year in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. It will be a wonderful opportunity for

new Hinterland locals and our existing community to gather in good cheer, with drinks, nibbles, live music and lucky door prizes to help toast to the year that was.

If you’re interested in attending, don’t worry, there are still spaces available and Cassi, her team and the amazing staff at The Local Beerwah are more than accommodating. Call or text Cassi Nuske to RSVP on 0415 304 127 and, as always, if you’re interested in buying or selling in this beautiful region, please contact her for an obligation-free chat regarding your real estate needs.

Backyard wildlife

(considering the quality of our digital networks... it’s not that hard really) and doesn’t become outdated within a year or two.

The answer to your dilemma is not more time connected to world via the screen but to turn off your phone, walk away from your computer and connect to life and nature, right here, right now in the paddock, in the forest, in the bush and of course in your backyard.

Connectivity with nature costs very little, the service is more reliable

The benefits of connecting to nature are immense to your health and wellbeing, do it today and you’ll receive our bonus bluebird of happiness (Azure Kingfisher).

A corny little intro perhaps, but too true in these days of the hyper-digital lifestyle.

Spring has come and gone, with bursts of heat giving us many days over 30C, reminding us Summer is here, I’m hoping

Tis the Season to be Planting

Not sure if it’s the regular rainfall (a polite way of saying lots!), but I’m certainly enjoying planting right now. At Forest Heart we’re often asked, “when is the best time to plant in this area?” to which I’d answer, “In SE QLD it’s always a good time to plant!” - but then again, we are selling you plants! But seriously, the trick to successful plant establishment is to avoid or at least plan for the extremes e.g., heat, flood, frost - these extremes are the main limiting factors to when you can plant successfully. Which leads me back to the benefits of planting right now. The cooler temperatures and regular rainfall provide plenty of opportunities to be outdoors and enjoying the health and wellbeing benefits of gardening and working on the land. Planting now is gentler on the plants, with good moisture and less heat stress. Establishing plants in spring, allows plants to prepare for summer and so you can then enjoy the fruits of your labour from the shade of your veranda (or the tree you planted 5 years ago!). Plant today and reap the rewards in the months and years to come.

by the time you’re reading this that the temperatures will have de-escalated and we’re getting some gentle rain again. But all in all, it’s been an exceptional spring for growth.

Anyway, back to the flora and fauna. We’re really enjoying the company of Spotted Pardalotes at the moment.

This tiny bird with a big attitude, is nesting in the tunnels they dig in bare earth banks, or piles of sand or soil that you might have left lying about.

They are truly a beautiful little bird, if

you’re lucky enough to get close enough to see them.

My challenge to you for the next month (if you’re not already doing these things) is to get out there and plant or make habitat, take photos of nature’s wonders, start a nature diary to make note of what your seeing and when.

There’s never been a better time to connect with nature (apart from yesterday), enjoy yourself and make some genuine connections on the world wide web of life!

with Spencer and Karen Shaw

Spotted Pardalotes Male left, female right

with Spencer Shaw

Proposed Development

Make a submission from 30th November 2022 to 10th January 2023

Material Change of Use of Premises to Establish a Service Station and Food and Drink Outlets (3 x tenancies)

Where: 4249 Bruce Highway, Glass House Mountains QLD 4518 On: Lot 954 on CG6280

Approval sought: Development Permit

Application ref: MCU22/0271 You may obtain a copy of the application and make a submission to:

Sunshine Coast Regional Council Locked Bag 72 SCMC QLD 4560 mail@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au (07) 5475 7272 www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

EXPERIENCED SENIOR CAFÉ STAFF REQUIRED FOR MALENY CHEESE. Maleny Cheese has a position available for a Senior Café person – so if you are a happy, outgoing team player with a flair for strong customer service please contact us!

Ideally you will be a strong Barista and experienced in supervising staff. Experience in both front of house and particularly back of house food prep is essential as well as the ability to work under pressure.

VINYL RECORDS & TOYS, breakfast cereal toys, Matchbox cars, tin toys, dolls, vintage surfboards.

Text or phone Steve 0421 030 056.

STAFFY PUPS. Girls & Boys. Ready now. Glasshouse Mountains. Call for details. Ph. 5438 7942.

MONSTER GARAGE SALE Owners downsizing. Saturday 10th December from 7.30am. 28 Clearview Drive, Glass House Mountains. Extensive range of furniture, tools and other items including lounge suite, outdoor furniture, beds and tallboys, gym equipment, BBQ, jigsaws, games, nic nacks. Chainsaw, dropsaw, table saw and other power and hand tools, ladder, generator, garden tools and much more. Furniture buyers welcome.

DEATH NOTICES

BIONDI, MARINO

Late of Beerwah.

Passed away on 8 November 2022.

Aged 94 years.

For 70 years, beloved Husband to Nicolina. Much loved Father to Gina Brosnan and Joseph Biondi.

Father in-law to Denis Brosnan and Jennifer Biondi.

Grandfather to Dominic and Jamie Biondi, Monica Biondi and Hayden Potter.

Great Grandfather to Isabella and Charli Biondi.

Dearest relative of the Di Pasquale family.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Marino’s Life, at the Gregson and Weight Chapel, 5 Gregson Place Caloundra on 9 December 2022 at 10:00 am.

Family and friends are also invited to Nudgee Cemetery, 493 St. Vincents Road Nudgee at 2:30 pm for the Interment.

Disclaimer

We have various shifts to offer, but must be available for weekend and school holiday work on a rotational basis.

You will require an RSA certificate and a love of dairy products is a bonus!!

Please email CV’s to hr@malenycheese.com.au

of or errors in submissions received after our advertised deadline.

Summary: Leon is a handsome boy who is looking for his next big adventure. He looks like he’s had it rough for a bit but this hasn’t affected his lovely nature - he is sweet and smoochy. He has long locks and will need someone who will help him keep them looking great. Leon is best suited to homes as the only kitty cat as he is FIV positive, unless you have a potential friend for him who may also be FIV?? Being FIV isn’t as scary as it sounds, it just means that if he gets sick, it may take him just a little longer to get better than most other cats. Leon will need to be an inside cat, or with a secure cat run attached to the house. Come and meet him today.

Jared has the midas touch

IT’S a problem that most of us want and few of us have. Local sporting talent Jared Jackson is driven to succeed and his achievements across cricket, rugby league and touch indicate he is someone to keep an eye on.

Jared’s mum, Aileen Jackson, spoke to GC&M News to talk about his recent achievements as well as his wide range of sporting talent in cricket, rugby league and touch.

“He has just been selected in the men’s U20s in the Sunshine Coast Fraser Burnett district to play in the National Touch League in Coffs Harbour in March 2023,” she said.

“He was also picked in the 2023 Queensland Youth touch academy in the Broncos U16s boys’ side in the Gold Coast for a three-day intensive program in February 2023.”

Jared has been playing cricket since he was four years old, playing for the Beerwah Bulldogs for four seasons, and has played touch since the end of 2019.

He has been playing touch at Chancellor for three years now in their touch academy, however found the sport through the social Witta Touch competition which he played with his

mum Aileen and his brother.

In this time, he has been picked for several representative teams and competitions in all the previously mentioned sports, while doing them concurrently.

“He plays for the representative Sunshine Coast Scorchers cricket team, and recently won his U16s grand final for the Beerwah Bulldogs and won ‘player of the final’ in that game,” she said.

“He’s one of those kids where he has a lot of talent, he’s driven and that’s what makes a difference…

“You need a component of talent but that’ll only get you so far, you’ve got to be driven to improve if you want to succeed.”

Jared’s parents said they were very proud of his accolades in touch, cricket, and rugby league.

“He’s had some pretty amazing achievements and he’s still only so young, so he’s got a bright future ahead of him and his dad and I are super proud of what he’s achieved,” Aileen said.

“As parents we support him with what he wants to do, we are just lucky that we are able to support him… and we’re his biggest fans of course.”

Beerwah’s golden girls

THE Beerwah Masters team swam to impress at the Pan Pacific Masters Games on the Gold Coast November 9-13, winning multiple medals among the swimmers.

Competitors from countries from across the globe came to compete on the Gold Coast for this event in a variety of sports from swimming to equestrian and volleyball.

Lene Knudsen from the Masters squad arguably had the best run, however she remained humble in her achievements.

“I won gold in all of my individual races except for the 1km open water swim, which I got a silver, which was a really hard swim”, she said.

She also broke two of her Queensland records in the 50m and 100m freestyle and broke her national record for the 100m butterfly.

Beerwah Masters swimmer Kylie Therese spoke about her own achievements in the pool and the rest of the team’s accolades.

“I beat my personal bests in the 50m freestyle in both the relay and medley, and 100m freestyle, and swam the 50m butterfly,” she said.

“Nardia swam the 400m breaststroke and shocked us all by winning silver and achieving a 24 second personal best in the race and got a personal best in the 100m breaststroke.”

Lene told GC&M News the atmosphere on the day added to the great experience the Beerwah team had over five long days of competitive swimming.

“It was a very good atmosphere down there though, people are always friendly at these events,” she said.

“It went very well, and I think it’s nice that we’ve got our little club going and we had a lot of support down there, people are lovely.

“We are a small club but we had our new banner down there, we had our new shirts, so there is a lot of support around for us which is really nice.”

A new coach for San Training Centre

SAN Training Centre has a new coach, Yo-Ting, who is from Taiwan and has moved to the Sunshine Coast temporarily for a ‘sea change’.

Yo-Ting is from Taipei, which is one of the best cities in the world to learn Taekwondo according to San Training’s Cameron Taylor who said having her in Beerwah was a chance occurrence.

“She came to Australia to learn how to surf, so she was looking for taekwondo clubs near the beach to work at,” he said.

“So, she sent us a message asking if we had any jobs available and although we didn’t, we offered her a couple of hours a

“Yo-Ting was super keen to come and hang out on the coast and enjoy the lifestyle here, and she’s a really experienced fighter.” Cameron told GC&M News Yo-Ting is a great asset to the club thanks to her expertise, and she will likely be on board at the centre for the next 12

“It’s been excellent to have her here, she’s on a next level, she won bronze at the Manchester Grand Prix in 2018 and got silver at the Russian Open and silver at the Austrian Open in 2019,” he said.

She has been coaching students and showcasing different and new techniques, helping add to students’ arsenal.

Women’s AFL team coming

THE Glasshouse Hinterland Lions AFL Club are launching a women’s team in their upcoming 2023 season and have already had strong interest.

Senior coach, Dean Crooks, said they have had interest from about 17 players, but still needed about 25 to put a team on the field. “We haven’t been approved for the team yet, but sign ons are good, we are getting some new sponsors, we’ve got about 16 or 17 interested,” he said.

“We are going to need about 25 to put a team in so we are trying to put the word out there.”

With the increase in women playing traditionally male dominated sports and a spike in community interest in a women’s team, Crooks said it was the perfect time to bring a women’s team in.

The women’s team will be open aged, but you will have to be 16 years and older to be allowed to play in the team.

Registrations are open and pre season training is on every Wednesday from 5:30pm at Skippy Park, Landsborough.

Maverick, Charlie and Yo-Ting

SPORT RESULTS

Grant Kenny wins at Beerwah pro-am

THE weather wasn’t being kind, but that didn’t worry Grant Kenny, who took out his first PGA Legends Tour win since 2019 at Beerwah Golf Course last week. The rain-shortened pro-am turned into a one-day sprint with heavy rain on the

second day swamping fairways. Grant shot four birdies in six holes to finish with a four-under 68, one stroke clear of Peter Senior. “Although the weather was not the best, the golf was exceptional and we crowned a worthy winner,” the club said.

Range Croquet Club

Contributed by Range Croquet Club

There was no play on Thursday because it was too wet, however we had a good turnout on Saturday for training. The attached photograph shows David Kerr, a beginning player being coached by Sarah Widin, with a nice follow through on a single ball shot playing green. Stuart Craig, in the background is attempting the penultimate hoop with pink waiting on his way to a peg out. Saturday morning sessions are good for players of all levels, a chance to improve your game without having the pressure of competing.

Ted and Lorraine Singleton visited on Sunday. Ted played Sarah in a game of singles where, as happens to all players sometimes, nothing worked for Sarah. Ted won 22 – 7. Lynette Evans and Wallace Roy playing on lawn 2 had an enjoyable game where Lynette managed to make eleven hoops to Wallace’s four. Ken Barker and Nick Cram had an interesting

green ball to the peg over several breaks while Nick took pink and white to hoop seven, resulting in tied scores, twelve all at the close of play. Despite the threat of rain, we managed a good afternoon of play, a pleasant afternoon tea and a convivial post-mortem of the games after play. On this occasion there was quite a deal of helpful discussion about the Macrobertson Shield, recently played in Melbourne in which Australia was narrowly beaten into second place by England in the third test.

Play days: Thursday and Sunday. Please arrive at 2 pm for games to be arranged by 2.30. Contact Sarah Widin 0417640704 for other days.

Coaching: is available on Saturday mornings at 8 am

Our web address is: https:// rangecroquetatmaleny.org.au. For details contact Sarah Widin 0417 640 704 (President)

SAGITTARIUS

NOVEMBER 23 – DECEMBER 21

You’re in love, or are you? Certainly, there’s a strong fascination there, but it could be based on wishful thinking. You may think you have found your soulmate. Then again, maybe not. That’s not to say that your mutual magnetism isn’t real; just take it slow and allow enough time to see each other with a cooler, more clinical eye.

CAPRICORN

DECEMBER 22 – JANUARY 20

The winds of change bring unpredictable financial trends for many Capricorns. If you’ve been thrifty, watch out now for impulsive spending sprees - especially early on in the week. Or, if you’ve been blowing your bank balance like a high roller, rein in your spending to regain equilibrium. Soon, you should be safely out of the red.

AQUARIUS

JANUARY 21 – FEBRUARY 18

This week you become more assertive, as well as more ambitious. After the 7th, it’s also an ideal time for new studies, professional growth or for embarking on promising new business ventures. Whatever happens, keep faith with the spirit that drives you. If extra work hours are required, don’t grumble - the gains will be well worth it.

PISCES

FEBRUARY 19 – MARCH 20

The week presents a paradox. Even when work demands so much, maverick romantic thoughts stray towards love. Keep in mind that you don’t have to act on every fantasy. As much as you love carnal thrills, you might find yourself outside your comfort zone. Don’t worry, this is truly an out-of-the-ordinary situation. Be bold, Pisces.

ARIES

MARCH 21 – APRIL 20

There’s much to be said for expediency - so what if it puts the odd nose out of joint? Tired of endless debates and exploring of options, you’re ready to choose a direction and follow it. Once initial obstacles are overcome, there should be surprisingly little resistance to your plans. The next step may be to consider a change in your work environment.

TAURUS

APRIL 21 – MAY 20

If feeling sad, perhaps you’ve been missing friendship or romance. This starts to change this week. The trick is to take a break from others’ relentless problems. Their web of discontent prevents your own self-care. Surround yourself with beauty and those closest to your heart. Love changes everything, as many Taureans could now rediscover.

GEMINI

MAY 21 – JUNE 21

For some time, the cosmos has made your life hell with its orders to wait…and wait, and keep waiting. Still, you’ve weathered it well and, finally, the delays start to lift. Likewise, if love feels distant, expect much closer contact. So go ahead, Gemini - have more fun. Just don’t count on others for material backing. This week, financial independence is a must.

CANCER

JUNE 22 - JULY 22

No-one has a completely drama-free existence - we’ve all made mistakes. Consider, though, that these so-called “errors” of judgement are simply learning tools towards wisdom and compassion. Forgive others, and yourself. Forget past hurts and keep moving forward. There is so much more to experience, and love.

LEO

JULY 23 – AUGUST 23

Professional matters are replaced by thoughts of the heart. If coupled, and emotional barriers have grown too high, now is the time to dismantle them. Be honest with what you really want - especially after the 7th, when a fateful meeting could prove tempting. Singles, too, throw caution to the wind.

VIRGO

AUGUST 24 – SEPTEMBER 22

Recent times have felt lonely for many Virgos, so a sense of belonging becomes more important. For singles, the lure to coupledom may become more insistent; meanwhile duos rekindle commitment. Late week, however, is more about financial growth. Thanks to well-placed planets, luxuries become more affordable.

LIBRA

SEPTEMBER 23 – OCTOBER 23

Fiesty planets throw you a healthy dose of happiness. With such bravado also extending to romance, your new-found confidence can’t help but be sexually alluring. Professionally, too, you should start setting new targets and self-promoting. Network, Libra. Give it your all and soon you’ll be rewarded with financial and career advances.

SCORPIO

OCTOBER 24 – NOVEMBER 22

This week promises increased cashflow, although the cosmos seems keen to squander money on your behalf. If single, there’s a sense of adventure in the air. For dissatisfied couples, it’s more of a make-orbreak time. At work, networking works to your benefit. It’s all a matter of making the right contacts, and then choosing the right direction.

David Kerr showing neat form playing green.