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FREE OCTOBER 2026

HT Young Writer

of the Year 2026 Read their stories inside!

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Publication date

1st Wednesday of each month

EDITOR

Victoria McGuin 5499 9049 editor@hinterlandtimes.com.au

OWNER/ADVERTISING

Neil Coningham 5499 9049 sales@sunnycoastmedia.com.au Advertising can also be booked directly via our website

www.sunnycoastmedia.com.au ACCOUNTS accounts@hinterlandtimes.com.au

Please note: We are often out, writing stories and talking to local businesses –please leave us a message.

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Owned by Sunny Coast Media -100% local and independent hello@sunnycoastmedia.com.au

Travis Earsman

INSIDE THIS MONTH

Aussie, Aussie, Aussie

FEATURES Local people, local stories

LET’S TALK BUSINESS Wasshausen Gems & Jewels

ell, it’s only taken me 14 years to get round to it, but I have finally become an Australian citizen! I managed to fall for an Aussie many years ago in England, and look where it got me. But all jokes aside, this was the biggest decision of my life, leaving my friends and family behind for a country I didn’t really know at all. But after my first ‘reccy’, I loved the big skies, the light, the beaches, the friendly people, the rainforest, and decided to give it a go. My friends back home were shocked, as they always joked I would get a nosebleed leaving my cherished home town. Of course, I had hopped across to Europe many times, and visited countries further afield, but Australia was always so far away. I knew it was for me when we returned to the UK after our second visit - I didn’t want to leave. And so, a few years, later we packed our bags, and headed to the Sunny Coast with our boys, where my husband’s family live. First stop was staying with Grandpa at King’s Beach, while we settled in, but I knew I was destined for the hills. On a previous visit I had been driven up to Montville and Maleny and fell in love with area, the charm, the views, and the abundant greenery that made me feel I was back home.

4–9 11, 12 COMMUNITY

CREATIVE CUTS Music, shows, events and exhibitions

14 – 15 LETTERS, LEUNIG AND LIGHT RELIEF Letters, poetry, crosswords, Sudoku

16 – 17 BACK TO NATURE

18 – 19

HOLISTIC/HEALTH

20 – 23

REAL ESTATE

25 – 28

When we began house-hunting, my whole body would relax as soon as we turned off at Chevallum, so it was clear I was a hinterland girl. And now, here we are, my ceremony completed in Woombye, where Mayor Rosanna Natoli gave us a cheery welcome, along with the wonderful Jinibara dancers. As we left we were given a native tree each to nurture and mark our roots here. A thoughtful touch.

WRITERS

Rebecca Mugridge

FROM THE EDITOR

Louise Tasker

100% independently owned: While great care has been taken to ensure the accuracy and contents of the publication, the HT accepts no responsibility for inaccuracies. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent the views held by the HT. All content is copyright and may not be reproduced without permission. The production of this free newspaper is only made possible by you continuing to support our advertisers. 14, 000 papers home delivered and bulk dropped to Maleny, Montville, Mapleton, Flaxton, Nambour, Palmwoods, Woombye, Hunchy, Eudlo, Reeseville, Mooloolah, Glasshouse, Beerwah, Landsborough, Conondale, Kenilworth and Witta.

Of course, I miss my other home sometimes, and I wish my family and old friends were here, but I’m glad we made the move – the joyful birds every morning, the fresh rainforest air, the ocean breeze in the afternoon, the way people wave and say hello, whether they know you or not. There’s nowhere quite like the Sunny Coast Hinterland, and I’m glad I can share stories and events from this special place each month with you. Enjoy your October HT!

COVER STORY Cover photo: HT Young Writer of the Year Award 2026 winner, Laif Godson-King, with runners-up Sarah Nettlefold (left) and Arya Moseley (right) Photographer: Victoria McGuin Page 3 - 7

EDITOR

Promote your business or upcoming event to our 30,000 monthly readership. • display ads • advertorial • classifieds • event packages contact us 5499 9049 or sales@sunnycoastmedia.com.au for information 2 OCTOBER 2026 HINTERLAND TIMES

Hinterland Times Young Writer of the Year We have a winner! HT Young Writer of the Year Award 2026 – HT Editor Victoria McGuin, with winner Laif Godson-King, and runners-up Arya Moseley and Sarah Nettlefold - image Asher Godson-King

fter last year’s subject, ‘AI or Reality’, I decided to choose a more hopeful title this year, for young writers across the hinterland to focus on as inspiration for their stories.

‘Don’t Give Up’ was this year’s story challenge and we were lucky to read original, thought-provoking, entertaining, and varied stories. Interestingly, some still went to a dystopian future, including our winner, which again reminds us of how many of the younger generation feel about where we are potentially heading. Stories came from a wide reach, including Maleny, Conondale, Palmwoods, Montville, Woombye, Nambour, Mapleton, Eudlo, Landborough and Glasshouse. By strange coincidence the two runners-up are from different year levels at Glasshouse Christian College, although none of the judges knew this when reading and choosing their favourite stories. As usual, there were only one or two votes between the top five. In addition to the winner and two runners-up, we have two ‘Highly Commended’ writers who were only one point away from the runners-up places. So, without further ado, a huge congratulations to our 2026 winner, Laif GodsonKing, with his story, Don’t Linger East of the Edge. Laif has entered the competition on previous occasions, and has twice been a ‘Judge’s Special Mention'. Laif’s thoughts on crafting the story, and the story itself, are on pages 4 and 5. Our two runners-up stories, from Sarah Nettlefold and Arya Moseley, are on pages 6 and 7. We will also publish the two Highly Commended stories in our November issue.

WINNER

Don’t Linger East o f the Edge by Laif Godson-Kin g RUNNERS-UP

The First Drop by Sa

A Story Too Good to

rah Nettlefold

be True by Arya Mos

HIGHLY COMMEND All Too Well by Cleo

eley

Laundy The Right Side of Wr ong by Henry Steve

A huge thank you to our prize sponsors: Rosetta Books, Maleny; The Falls Montville, Forest Heart Nursery, Outspoken Presents, artist Jim Cox, and our annual generous donor who wishes to remain anonymous.

NOTICE OF PRECIPE

Ph: 0419 018 034

For the record Helmut Roland Leitner(c) and Zarah Olivia Leitner(c) and Sienna Leitner(c) of Palmwoods, Queensland, is permanently domiciled on the Land and Soil of Terra Australis. We are not voluntary transactors in commerce, and are the paramount security interest holders of all estates, property, assets and collateral, both registered and unregistered, and all associated copyright protected trade names. Our lawful Reconveyance to the Land and Soil jurisdiction of Terra Australis was recorded with Public Recording Number RPP44 63700 51001 65780 30600, RPP44 63700 51001 65780 28607, RPP44 63700 51001 65780 27600 on Proclamation Date June 22nd 2026, and 22nd june 2026, 22nd june 2026 respectively, and tacit agreement was established by our unrebutted Living Testimony in the Form of an Affidavit. All usufruct subjugation ties have been severed with the occupying corporate government of Australia. The corporate Australian kakistocracy and its affiliates are instructed to immediately cease and desist misaddressing Helmut Roland(c) and Zarah Olivia Leitner(c) and Sienna Leitner in fraudulent debased Dog-Latin, GLOSSA and to cease and desist infringing upon our estate, property, assets, collateral and copyright protected trade names.

3 OCTOBER 2026 HINTERLAND TIMES

HT YOUNG WRITER OF THE YEAR 2026 Our HT judges were once again, blown away by the talent and imagination of so many young writers who sent their stories to us, and some of their comments are below:

HT Young Writer of the Year

“Writing to the theme ‘Never Give Up’, the five finalists chose very different, but convincing approaches to the benefits and outcomes of perseverance. I felt some of these stories presented wisdom well beyond the age of the writer.” “Good writers paint pictures with words, prising emotional reactions out of the readers and making them feel part of the action. Each of the finalists did that extremely well.

Arya, Laif and Sarah with their certificates

hen I told Laif Godson-King over the phone that he was this year’s winner of the HT Young Writer of the Year Award, his first response was, “Really? You’re joking? Really?” It took a good minute to convince him!

By VICTORIA MCGUIN

The team at Baldwin Lawyers are a down-to-earth, easy going, general law prac ce who love assis ng people with their legal requirements. Working from a Nambour base with an addi onal office in Gympie, we love to uncomplicate the legal jargon for our clients. Whether it is explaining in simple language how a Will works or dissec ng a complicated family law ma er. We also make conveyancing as simple as possible. We're here to help and guide you. Our fees are reasonable and fair. We do home visits on request for clients who cannot come into town to meet us at the office. We assist clients with Ÿ Wills, Enduring Power of A orney, and Advance Health Direc ves Ÿ Conveyancing Ÿ Family Law Ÿ Commercial law (leases, sale and purchasing of businesses) It is important to have your Will current and up-todate with your circumstances. If you need help dra�ing your Will to make sure it reflects your wishes, contact us to assist you. It is also very important to make sure you have a valid Enduring Power of A orney and your appointment reflects your wishes. We provide all our clients with a free Advance Health Direc ve in which you determine your medical instruc ons when you cannot verbally provide them. Zasco Van Rooyen, Director

Laif has entered previous competitions and twice had a ‘special mention’ by the judges, so it was a real pleasure to let him know he finally won! His style this year was “an experiment”, he said, inspired by recently reading Endurance, by Alfred Lansing, which told the story of Sir Ernest Shackleton's 1914 Antarctic expedition. Laif said he imagined “a dystopian future, where so much had changed that previous land had once again become uncharted territory”. The prizes and certificates were presented to Laif, Arya and Sarah in Mooloolah. Artist/book illustrator, Jim Cox, joined us to present Laif with his personalised illustration for his story. Laif also received $300 from our anonymous donor, $100 from Outspoken, Maleny, a $100 voucher from Rosetta Books, Maleny, and a $100 voucher from Forest Heart Nursery. Arya and Sarah both received $100 from The Falls Montville, a $50 voucher from Rosetta Books, Maleny, $50 each from our generous anonymous donor, and an open ticket each for the spring/summer season of ‘Outspoken Presents’.

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“Good writers also need to discipline their narrative into a relatable structure where both the characters and plot behave consistently, or else risk their work being relegated to a slush pile of disbelief. Again, the finalists succeeded in meeting reader expectations. Each demonstrated that they understood the basic elements of an attention-grabbing opening, the development of tension and conflict, and the satisfying ending of a story.” “So many of these stories were interesting and immediately engaging! Many had detailed descriptions, and some transported me to another world. There were real and vivid settings and characters, and I was so impressed by the quality of writing, especially by the younger writers – wow.” “I found it very hard to rate the stories to be honest, they were all so good in their own topic and I'm amazed at the quality considering the writers' ages.” “Some powerful openings to these stories, and many made me deeply think, which is a very good thing. I like the sense of hope in most of them. I found some extremely moving and compelling, great descriptions, and wellcrafted in a short format.” “The variety of subject matters was a joy to read, and the originality and general sense of hope, or good triumphing, was what we need right now. Saying that, the more dystopian stories were incredibly powerful and thought-provoking. Some very mature writing here, and a real sense of the distinct voices of each writer. I’m so impressed, and it gives me some optimism for the future of HUMAN writing!”

WINNER

HT YOUNG WRITER OF THE YEAR 2026

Don’t Linger East of the Edge

stuff. One account from 2030 suggests an abandoned settlement due north. “To the north from atop these god forsaken ranges, I can see the remnants of a town. To the south a river. To the west open ocean. Helicopter charted for pick up in three days.”

by Laif Godson-King, age 16 12th July 2078

Nine months in with no food, swiftly dropping temperatures and empty rifles. White plains stretch out of sight. Sombre mountains crest the skyline. Sharp ragged peaks slash the ice blue ethers. Powerlines hop crookedly into the distance. A broken black road trails beside the river. Snow speckles the glacial winds. Here, it’s so empty you can hear the snow fall, feel the beat of an eagle’s wings, taste the pines from afar. A few wild cattle and pigs inhabit the desolate white wastes. Seen no evidence of continued human presence to Headquarters’ disappointment. Our ship is frozen in the river. Trying to be positive about situation.

15th July 2078 I see Heinrich through the binoculars. He’s riding the community horse, Spanner, on the ice. Further along, high parallel cliffs draw away in opposite directions, fading into the cold milky abyss. Managed to kill a hog on east banks of river. Three days left of fuel for engine. Savouring the heaters.

16th July 2078 Strong winds tear at the ship. I’m sitting in the bridge. There is so much snow that one cannot see anything from the windows. Heinrich found an old building to the north on his ride yesterday. Says it’s worth checking out. Two days until fuel runs out. Limited food.

17th July 2078 Blizzard not abated. Wind rising.

Hopeful.

29th July 2078 We began our hike this morning. Chilling winds coming up from the southwest. I feel uneasy. Read some unsettling accounts late last night. Since leaving the river, we have travelled almost 16km through sparse windswept pine forest. Large hoof prints have pummelled ground into a brown gooey chowder. Suspect it was bison.

31st July 2078 A large metal carcass rests before me. Perhaps once a helicopter. Blackened human remains inside. Debris scattered for miles. Recent blood stains in snow. Laif Godson-King Caught up with herd of bison. Killed 5. Eating well building. Old shopping centre. Found some canned tonight. goods. Short-lived relief. The generator died at 13:47PM. Our stored water has frozen. Incredibly difficult to melt. 1st August 2078 Sealed outside doors.

20th July 2078 The sixteen of us had a council in the mess hall this morning. Lack of food is beginning to seriously worry crew. Suggestions we abandon ship and head inland. Quickly discarded as little is known of the Eastern Frontier. Heinrich pulled out some ancient files. Previous expeditions estimate winter lasts six months.

25th July 2078 Starving. Haven’t been able to leave the ship. Blizzards returned in force. Heinrich disappeared with Spanner three days ago. Less than confident about his survival. Found box of ammunition.

18th July 2078

27th July 2078

Tried playing I Spy today. Reassessed upon seeing the windows. Still a blank page of white.

Blue skies finally returned. Corey is adamant we leave before weather becomes less hospitable. No sign of Heinrich.

Stepped outside earlier. Thermometer reads Minus 3. Refreshing. Hog completely recycled. Made soup with remains.

19th July 2078 Weather broke today. Great piles of snow gather on the ice and surrounding country. Rode to Heinrich’s

28th July 2078 Temperature definitely dropping. Took Corey’s advice. Fully prepared to leave as of dawn. Salvaged the best gear. Searched paper files on Eastern Frontier. Found one intact map. Appreciating modern technology after five hours of sifting. Exhausting

We found Heinrich lying in crimson pool of snow this morning. He said a pack of feral beasts attacked. He died shortly after. More blood led to Spanner. A wreckage of flesh and bones.

5th August 2078 Our camp was attacked the night before last. I will be dead before the day is out. I am not afraid. Regret leaving my daughter alone in a faraway land. I pray no one ever has the misfortune to find this diary, but if you do, if you read this, tell Scarlett Burrough her father never gave up. Tell her I loved her and missed her every day.

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HT YOUNG WRITER OF THE YEAR 2026

SPRING BRINGS OPPORTUNITY TO THE HINTERLAND PROPERTY MARKET As we move into October, spring tradi onally brings renewed ac vity to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland property market. This year, however, we are entering the season with a market that feels more considered than the fast moving condi ons experienced in recent years. Higher interest rates and cost of living pressures con nue to influence purchasing decisions, with buyers generally taking more me to assess value before commi�ng. Buyers haven’t disappeared, they have simply become more selec ve. Well presented homes in desirable Hinterland loca ons con nue to a�ract interest, par cularly proper es offering the quali es our region is renowned for space, privacy, a�rac ve outlooks and a relaxed lifestyle within convenient reach of the Coast. For sellers, this makes correct pricing and presenta on par cularly important. Two proper es in the same locality can achieve very different results depending on their posi on, condi on, improvements, usable land and overall presenta on. This is par cularly relevant for acreage and lifestyle proper es, where value cannot always be determined by simple comparisons. Outlook, privacy, water supply, sheds, fencing, access, topography and the quality of improvements can all influence buyer percep on and ul mately the sale price. Spring provides an ideal opportunity to showcase these quali es. Gardens are coming to life, days are ge�ng longer and the Hinterland is arguably at its most appealing. For buyers, the current market may also provide something that was difficult to find during periods of intense compe on so it is me to make a considered decision. However, quality proper es that are realis cally priced can s ll a�ract strong interest and receive a strong result. As we head through spring, we expect the market to con nue rewarding realis c sellers and well prepared buyers. More than ever, achieving the right result comes down to understanding local sales, local buyers and the individual quali es of each property. If you’re considering selling this spring, contact Roger Loughnan Real Estate for a confiden al discussion about your property and the current Hinterland market.

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6 OCTOBER 2026 HINTERLAND TIMES

RUNNER UP

The First Drop by Sarah Nettlefold, age13 Growing plants was illegal. Wasting water carried a huge fine. I poured a cup into the crack anyway. The gentle trickle of water echoed through the forest of skyscrapers around me, its fragile melody drowned beneath the hum of nearby machinery. It overflowed from the narrow fissure in the pavement, splashing against my legs and sending a chill through my body. The sun barely reached the ground, blocked by the towering buildings that surrounded me. I stared at the thin gap in the concrete. Five weeks. Still nothing. “Are you still trying to grow that plant, Eli?” A voice giggled from above me. I glanced up at my neighbour leaning over her balcony, watching me with a mix of amusement and pity. “Look around you," she called, arm sweeping toward the city. “You know why they outlawed them. One tree drank more water than a family. Plants took up land we couldn’t afford to lose.” Her brow furrowed as she looked down at me. “I’ve seen them in old pictures,” I said, my voice barely more than a whisper. “Pretty pictures don’t show the whole story,” she replied almost instantly. “Neither does concrete.” I’d spent hours staring at faded photographs. They showed endless forests stretching further than the eye could see, children climbing branches, flowers blooming in colours I'd only ever seen on a screen, impossible shapes and textures–

I froze. Yesterday, there had been a crack. Today there was only fresh grey concrete, glistening where the slit had been just moments before. My arms fell limply to my sides, the bottle slipping from my fingers. Water spread against the ground. It had nowhere to go. For the first time in weeks, I didn’t go back. There was no water in my hands. Nothing to pull me back towards the cracked cement. Part of me still expected the crack to be there, that I would return again. I stared dully out the window. Smooth pavement. Bleak buildings. Still no plants. A sharp knock at the door broke the silence, making me flinch. All I could picture were the polished black boots from yesterday. Had they found me? I swallowed hard as my hand hovered over the handle, silently hoping it wasn’t them. With an exhale, I pushed the door open. The hallway was empty. No sign of the polished boots. Only a bottle of water. I frowned. My eyes slowly drifted to the small object next to the bottle, before widening in surprise. A small seed, barely the size of my thumbnail, lay on the carpeted ground. I stood there, staring for a while longer. A thin smile spread across my lips. Slowly, I picked up the bottle and seed, before glancing around the apartment hallway once more. The next morning, I returned. Another crack waited in the concrete. I knelt beside it, planting the seed and tipping the bottle. Before the last drop had fallen, a new stream of water flowed into the crack next to mine. I looked up. My neighbour tilted her empty bottle and smiled at me. More footsteps echoed behind her.

My neighbour’s sigh drifted down from above, dragging me back to the present.

One pair.

"Good luck with that, Eli,” she said softly, though her voice carried no belief that I would succeed.

Knees met the ground beside mine.

I had rounded the corner clutching a bottle close to my chest. My eyes caught polished black boots disappearing into the shadows.

Then another. The gentle trickle of water echoed through the forest of skyscrapers around me. This time, it wasn’t drowned out.

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NOTICE OF PRECIPE For the record Matthew Daniel Yurko(c) Harley Maddison Yurko, Aiden Wooly Yurko and Georgia Jeanne Yurko of Nambour, Queensland are permanently domiciled on the Land and Soil of Terra Australis. We are not voluntary transactors in commerce, and are the paramount security interest holders of all estates, property, assets and collateral, both registered and unregistered, and all associated copyright protected trade names. Our lawful Reconveyance to the Land and Soil jurisdiction of Terra Australis was recorded with Public Recording Number RPP44 63900 05100 46656 76608, RPP44 63900 05100 46656 75601, RPP44 63900 05100 46656 78602 and RPP44 63900 05100 46656 77605 on Proclamation Date 19th of June 2026, 22nd of June 2026, 22nd of June 2026 and 22nd of June 2026 respectively, and tacit agreement was established by our unrebutted Living Testimony in the Form of an Affidavit. All usufruct subjugation ties have been severed with the occupying corporate government of Australia. The corporate Australian kakistocracy and its affiliates are instructed to immediately cease and desist misaddressing Matthew Daniel Yurko(c) Harley Maddison Yurko, Aiden Wooly Yurko and Georgia Jeanne Yurko in fraudulent debased Dog-Latin, GLOSSA and to cease and desist infringing upon our estate, property, assets, collateral and copyright protected trade names.

RUNNER UP

HT YOUNG WRITER OF THE YEAR 2026

A Story Too Good to be True by Arya Moseley, age 11 Everyone thought I was the killer, but I was the detective. By the time I reached the mansion, flashing police lights painted the walls blue and red. Officers watched me with narrowed eyes instead of relief. My black coat was stained with mud, and I had arrived alone from the nearby forest. To anyone standing outside the crime scene, I looked exactly like someone trying to escape instead of investigating. The victim was a wealthy man known for his ruthlessness. Word on the street was that he had taken down two of the biggest mafia in the city, killing them all. Inside the mansion, the city's most powerful man lay limp and lifeless, hunched over his desk, papers stained with blood. Nothing appeared stolen. Every clock in the room had stopped at exactly eleven thirteen. A single black chess piece rested beside his hand, and the windows remained bolted from the inside. Police called it impossible. I called it staged. It was perfect, too perfect. This killer knew what they were doing because they staged the whole scene to a point. While everyone argued over fingerprints, I carefully studied dust, candle wax, and the tiny scrape marks that were across the polished floorboards. The chief folded his arms. "Convince me you didn't do it." "I will," I replied. I started to look around. Every suspect had a perfect story. The gardener claimed he never came in from the yard. The butler insisted he heard nothing unusual. The victim's niece cried convincingly, asserting everyone she was asleep at the time. The brothers' receipts proved he had been across town buying bread for dinner. Every explanation sounded rehearsed and suspicious. I suddenly noticed muddy footprints leading toward the library. Upon closer inspection, I noticed they disappeared completely. Inside, I discovered a hidden servant's passage connecting both rooms. Someone wanted investigators to follow the obvious trail. Inside the narrow passage, old, dry chipped paint flakes matched the study door. The black chess piece bothered me most. It

belonged to no set inside the mansion; nowhere was there a single chessboard, not to mention no other chess pieces. While going through some old photo books, I discovered the victim once owned a chessboard with one black king. Years later, he eventually got rid of the board. Someone had deliberately returned that single piece tonight. I found the number for the shop where he sold it. The owner admitted the king had gone missing the day before. The shop had 24/7 video surveillance of the store. As I reviewed the hours of camera footage, I noticed the camera cut in and out at the same time each day, for which the shop owner had no explanation. Back inside the mansion, I recreated everyone's movements. The Butlers' timeline collapsed first. He claimed to serve tea upstairs, yet the teapot was cold. The gardener's boots matched the muddy prints but lacked the paint flakes. The niece knew about the passage despite insisting she had never visited that wing. Still, none of them fit perfectly. Then I noticed something. Every stopped clock displayed 11:13, except for one tiny travel clock inside a cabinet. It read ten fifty-eight. Someone had adjusted the larger clocks after the murder. That meant the time of death was wrong. The brothers' alibi suddenly crumbled. Confronted with the evidence, he smiled instead of panicking. "You finally caught up," he grinned. He confessed that years of financial fraud were about to be exposed. He murdered the man, escaped through the passage, returned later disguised as a concerned family member, and reset every clock to create confusion. The stolen chess king symbolised his "final move" against the man threatening to ruin him. The officers stared at me silently. The chief sighed. "Looks like we judged you too quickly." I smiled and accepted the apology. There was only one problem. Almost nothing I told you actually happened. The mansion never existed, the victim never died, the clues were invented, and I have never solved a murder in my life. Oh, I forgot to mention I have mythomania.

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Author and journalist, Leigh Robshaw 

Tips for Landlords of Retail Premises - Part 2 As a landlord of commercial premises it is important to identify what business your tenant will be carrying out from your premises so that you can prepare a lease that will comply with the requirements of the relevant act involved. In Queensland commercial leases generally speaking come under two distinct areas; the ﬁrst being retail shops which are governed by the Retail Shop Leases Act and the second being non retail shops governed by provisions of the Property Law Act. I shall concentrate my discussion on leases that come under the Retail Shop Leases Act. In part 1 of this article I discussed the importance of Disclosure pursuant to the and giving the tenant early notice of the new market rental. When negotiating with your prospective tenant here are further important tips to keep in mind: Ÿ

Notice about exercising Option Periods there is an obligation on you as the Landlord to give the tenant notice that the time to take up the option period is coming up. This notice must be given at least two months’ prior to the option notice period detailed in the lease.

Notice about No Option - if the lease does not contain any option period you must also give your tenant notice that the lease is coming to an end. Failure to give such notice would result in the lease term automatically being extended by another six months from the time such notice is given by you!

Bond - you are entitled to request that a bond be paid by the tenant. The amount of bond payable is often around one month’s rental.

Legal Costs - you have to pay for your own legal costs for preparing the lease.

Tenant is a Company - you should require that the directors of the tenant company be noted in the lease as guarantors. If the Company folds then the guarantors must perform the tenant’s obligations under the Lease.

Solace and Light Accomplished journalist and author, Leigh Robshaw, has experienced tragedy and chosen to allow the pain to pass through her pen to the page, hoping to help herself and others heal from great loss.

umility and talent reside in equal measures behind the quiet eyes of Leigh Robshaw. I am lucky enough to have been friends with her for several years now, and sitting down to have lunch with her was a longoverdue catchup.

by TRAVIS EARSMAN

As an accomplished journalist and author, she has certainly lived her life steeped in the written word. Being a journalist for most of her adult life set her up well to write her first book back in 2019, which was entitled You Had Me At Hola. You Had Me at Hola has sold around 3000 copies across print, ebook and audiobook, and won the High Country Indie Book Award in 2020. This success led to speaking events at Sunshine Coast bookstores and libraries, as well as being invited to speak at Maleny Outspoken as an emerging author, alongside Clare Bowditch.

OCTOBER 2026 HINTERLAND TIMES

“After a profound loss, it's very easy to decide that you're never going to be happy again, and your life's broken, and you're broken, and it's all too hard, and become a victim of it. “That's not what I wanted to do, so I made very conscious choices as to how I wanted to live my life and how I wanted to role model an empowered life for my sons. It was a bad thing to happen to us, but we were still going to be okay and we were still going to have a great life.”

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She was gearing up to write the sequel when, around five months after the book launch, tragedy struck when her husband Herrin died suddenly of a cardiac arrest. He was only 47. This obviously shook her to the core, and her focus in life shifted immediately to taking care of her two young sons. All thoughts of writing a sequel went out the window, as she looked within to find peace in the face of such a difficult time.

So it was that Leigh pitched a new book idea to Hay House - not the sequel that everyone doubtlessly expected (though she does intend to write that one day,) but rather one detailing her personal journey with the grief of losing a spouse. “My aim was to write a book that blends a bit of science with a bit of psychology and a bit of spirituality. I didn't want to write another memoir, but I wanted to have some of my story in there too. Leigh with Herrin and Cohen 

“I wanted to offer a book that was solace to people going through grief. It's very much acknowledging the reality of what it's like to go through something like that. It's part memoir, part survival manual for the soul.” The new book is entitled Widowed Young, and Leigh has written it as a sort of guide for people navigating the uncertain seas of losing a spouse early in life. Her goal with writing it is to be something of a light on the path for people, through the sharing of her own journey and the things that she has learned along the way. The book is about choosing to live a happy life, allowing the pain to be there but moving forwards towards the life you want to lead. Choosing peace, seeking happiness and freedom despite the turmoil of such an horrific event. She advocates mindfulness, meditation, gratitude, service and above all, not identifying as a victim. ‘I think there’s a difference between being a victim of something terrible, or finding yourself in difficult life circumstances, and fully identifying with that victimhood to the point where it begins to shape your life and limit your potential. Leigh with author/musician Clare Bowditch  Leigh's latest book, ‘Widowed Young’ is part memoir, part survival manual for the soul

“I decided that, even though I was a widow, I wasn’t going to define myself by widowhood. I didn’t want to wear that badge.” The book also offers insight into both the scientific and spiritual components of the matter, including presenting a body of research into mediumship that suggests that there may be some effect beyond merely offering comfort to people seeking contact with loved ones who have passed over. “I have a lot of respect for science, but I'm also deeply spiritual, and I don't think science can explain everything. Spirituality for me is comforting, as it is for a lot of people, especially when you go through times like that. “I think we can use whatever is at our disposal to help us get through the worst thing that's ever happened to us in our life.” From here, Leigh intends to engage in more speaking events, which she had been doing after the launch of her first book. It is important to her to do all that she can to offer help and support to people who are going through what she has been through, partly because of the outpouring of support that she received herself. “I do want to say thank you to the Maleny community, because when Herrin died, we were absolutely inundated with support. “I want to say thank you to everyone that showed up for us at that time, because it was absolutely devastating. I didn't really know how I'd get through the next day at all, and now here I am six years later, and doing really well. That's partly because I live in such an amazing, tight-knit community.” Widowed Young is coming out on December 1, and will be available at all bookstores. The book launch will be held at Rosetta Books, Maleny, at 5pm on December 4. Visit leighrobshaw.com.au for updates on Leigh’s work and to contact her.

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9 OCTOBER 2026 HINTERLAND TIMES

AUTOMATIC JAIL FOR REPEAT OFFENDERS

Victim numbers are down 9.6%* but there’s more to be done. Most serious crimes are committed by repeat offenders. Often while they’re on bail. To break this cycle, the new Queensland Government is expanding Adult Crime, Adult Time by introducing automatic jail for offenders who commit a serious crime while on bail. Alongside more police, and more early intervention and rehabilitation, it’s part of our plan to keep making Queensland safer. Scan the QR code to have your say and find out more. * Compared to 2024 financial year, per capita, Queensland Police Service data.

Breach Bail Go to Jail Authorised by the Queensland Government, Brisbane.

10 OCTOBER 2026 HINTERLAND TIMES

Let’s Talk Business

Meet jeweller Birgit Wasshausen, who works from her workshop/ studio in Maleny, exhibiting at exclusive handmade markets and artisan fairs in Maleny and Cooroy. Where were you born and raised, and what

Q brought you to the Hinterland?

A I was born and raised in Dresden, East Germany. I

grew up surrounded by art in all its forms: paintings, music, and beautiful jewellery. In 1981, I began my apprenticeship as a goldsmith and loved the work from the very beginning. In 1985/86 I studied at art school in Dresden, followed by my Masters degree, and then worked in different workshops in Germany. In Germany, I’m a “goldsmith” – in my opinion, this word sums up my profession perfectly.

Q What made you decide to start your business?

Birgit Wasshausen, at her workshop/studio in Maleny

A In 1995, I came to Australia for the first time and

A huge part of my work is redesigning or remodeling jewellery, making something new from unwanted, broken pieces, or loose stones and pearls. Sometimes I can alter an old piece and bring it back to a new life.

traveled around the opal fields. At the end of 2005, my life changed completely. Erwin and Zita from BoldinGold made it possible for me and my family to obtain permanent residency (sponsored skilled migration). I have been self-employed since 2008, as I could focus on my own designs and ideas, and I have worked as a sole trader in my own business since 2022. In 2016 I received the people's choice award at the Yowah Opal Jewellery Competition (my customer entered under my name the pendant I made for her).

Q What can a typical day entail for you?

A All my jewellery pieces are handcrafted and unique. I use traditional techniques, no computer design. The hand-worked metal is much more durable and can withstand greater pressure and tension before breaking. Every stone and pearl is handpicked. I truly enjoy creating elegant and timeless jewellery. Design and quality are very important to me.

A piece of jewellery isn't finished until I would like to wear it myself. Every day is different. I can spend all day on my workbench or think about new designs, drawing my ideas “out of my head”. If the light is right I take pictures of my jewellery (I work mostly with natural light). Or I have an appointment with a customer to talk and design a new piece, more often now using loose stones or pearls, broken or unwanted jewellery. That means listening carefully, what they want/ like and what they don’t. At times my customers share their story about a certain piece and I’m really touched by the trust they put in me and my work.

Do you have any special or funny moments with a customer you would like to share?

A Once I made a new brooch for a customer who

lost her antique brooch. I said, let’s do something completely different, something you really like. If I don’t have precise pictures, I simply can’t replace an antique piece of jewellery, it will always look different. Then she later told me that a lady approached her and praised her beautiful antique brooch I had made for her!

Q What do you like to do in your spare time?

A I love to spend time with my friends (or family in

Germany if I can), gardening/growing veggies and just being in nature.

Q What is a favourite quote or saying that inspires you?

A ‘Those who discover the preciousness of the

moment find happiness in everyday life.’ Bonhoeffer. (Just enjoy the moment – God has given us this precious life on earth.) Birgit Wasshausen, Gems + Jewels / birgit.jewellery@gmail.com / 0490 146 982 / facebook.com/gs.birgit.wasshausen/ instagram.com/birgit.wasshausen/

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11 OCTOBER 2026 HINTERLAND TIMES

Let’s Talk Business

Best feet forward for 20 years!

here’s something rather lovely about a good local shoe shop. You might wander in looking for something practical for work, something smart for dinner, or perhaps a pair that will survive another wet Maleny winter - and walk out feeling just a little lighter on your feet.

Four and a half years ago, Rachel and Howie took over the reins, stepping into a business that already had deep roots in the community.

For 20 years, Imelda’s of Maleny has been doing exactly that.

“For us, it was something of a dream come true,” said Rachel.

What began as a small footwear store has become a familiar part of the Maleny streetscape, welcoming locals, visitors and, over the years, generations of the same families through the door. And the building itself has a story to tell. Long before it was home to rows of boots, sandals and comfortable walking shoes, it served as Maleny’s Ambulance and Fire Station - a lovely little reminder of just how much history can sit quietly behind a shopfront in our town.

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And while shoes are, naturally, the business of the day, it’s the people who have made Imelda’s what it is. “There’s a particular satisfaction in helping someone find that elusive pair - shoes that look fabulous, fit properly and won’t have you regretting your choices halfway up Maple Street!” Rachel said with her warm smile. That personal service has remained at the heart of the shop. Rachel and Howie continue to carefully choose brands, offer fitting advice and stock footwear that manages the sometimestricky balance between comfort and style.

But like so many of our much-loved hinterland businesses, Imelda’s is about more than what’s on the shelves. “Over two decades, friendships have been formed across the counter, visitors have returned year after year and loyal locals have continued to support this small business through all the ups, downs and changes that 20 years can bring,” Rachel shared. So here’s to 20 years of good shoes, friendly chats and happy feet - and, with a little help from the Maleny community, at least another 20 to come. Imeldasofmaleny@gmail.com | 04 999 25 865

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COMMUNITY of knowledge and enthusiasm to the classroom. A highly regarded landscape artist, she regularly exhibits her work on the Sunshine Coast, where she has lived for the past decade. Ms Wilson said the course would suit complete beginners as well as experienced artists looking for new approaches. “Art is literally at your fingertips,” she said. “This is a chance to build creative confidence, try something new, and discover just how liberating artmaking can be.” The Creative Juice night class is open to people of all skill levels, with all materials included. Students who complete the non-accredited course will receive a Statement of Participation.

waste. Lucky door prizes - compost bin, worm farm, Boomerang Bags. 12.00 -1pm Maleny Neighbourhood Centre Community Lunch - prepared from food donated by local businesses that otherwise may have been wasted. By working together, we can find solutions to food waste, and help meet the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal Target of halving food waste by 2030. To find out more about Waste Action Maleny, visit wasteactionmaleny.org, or contact Jim Straker on 0487 328 605.

The full course fee is $390. Visit TAFE Queensland for more information at tafeqld.edu.au.

Explore artmaking Sunshine Coast locals are invited to unleash their creativity and explore artmaking through TAFE Queensland’s five-week Creative Juice short course in drawing, painting and collage, kicking off at the Nambour campus on Monday 19 October 2026, and running from 5pm to 8pm for five weeks. The non-accredited short course offers an introduction to mixed media, giving participants the chance to experiment with drawing, painting and collage in a relaxed and supportive studio environment. Delivered face-to-face one evening a week, the course invites students to explore colour, line, gesture, texture, layering and pattern using materials including graphite, charcoal, ink, acrylic paint and collage. Participants will work across still life, abstraction and landscape while discovering fresh ways to express themselves on paper. TAFE Queensland visual arts teacher Kerry Wilson said the course was designed to help people reconnect with the creative impulse and let go of the pressure to make art that looks a certain way. “Creativity flows within everyone, and it often begins with something as simple as making a mark,” Ms Wilson said.

Clothes Swap

Maleny food unwaste Each year, Australian households waste about 2.5 million tonnes of food. This is a huge issue in terms of cost and environmental damage. At least 92% of food wasted ends up in landfill, where it creates methane, a large contributor to greenhouse gases. Wasted food also costs individual households from $2,000-$3,000 per year.

“This short course is about giving yourself permission to play, explore and enjoy the process. Whether you have always wanted to draw or you already have an established creative practice, there is something really freeing about working with different materials and seeing where they take you.”

To raise awareness of this problem and the role each of us can play in reducing food waste, Waste Action Maleny (WAM), in conjunction with Maleny Neighbourhood Centre and Sunshine Coast Council, are inviting members of the community to attend the following free community events on October 15.

With more than 30 years’ experience teaching and mentoring drawing and painting, Ms Wilson brings a wealth

10.30 – 11.30am Join WAM in the Verandah room, Maleny Community Centre to learn how to reduce food

Chappy Jess has organised a low-cost teenage Clothes Swap at Maleny State High School. This event aims to raise funds for the School Chaplaincy Program, while also promoting sustainable fashion, reducing textile waste and providing affordable clothing to students, families and the wider community. For just $5, students and community members can choose up to 10 items from the Clothes Swap. The Clothes Swap will be held at Waroo Hall on Friday October 16, before school 8 – 9am, during 1st and 2nd Breaks, and after school, from 3 – 4pm. Chappy Jess is asking students, parents and families to donate good-quality and suitable teenage clothing to help make the Clothes Swap a success. Donations can be dropped off at the school or placed in green bags located in some churches and at The Maleny Neighbourhood Centre. For more information, contact Jessica Brumley, Maleny State High School - Tuesdays and Fridays, phone (07)5499 8111 or email jbrum42@eq.edu.au.

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CREATIVE CUTS Don Walker and his band play at The Imperial Hotel, Eumundi, October 30

THE ROAD IS OPEN WIDE by DAMIEN MCGUIN

good song creates a doorway or a window through which I can walk or peer. The best ones do it in the first few bars, musically, or lyrically, or both. They pique your interest early. Make you want to get on the bus. I only had a few days to get to know Love Songs, the new album from one of songwriting’s true greats, Don Walker, before we spoke - but the sheer quality and craftsmanship of these tales of love, regret and gentle acceptance, made it an easy task. I had ummed and ahhed about whether I should wear my Cold Chisel T-shirt for the interview, which I freely admitted to Don. He laughed and said, “I wasn’t going to say anything”. I explained I had come to the conclusion that it would be more economical for the purposes of the interview. A picture is worth the thousand words that would otherwise be spent blabbering about my love of Cold Chisel and their iconic songs. You know the ones. With this new album, I get the overall sense of quiet joy at (despite the pain) having had the privilege of life’s experiences, the opportunity to make mistakes, and to move on without bitterness. Don agreed. “There’s a certain settlement in your heart, the blessings last a lot longer than the grievance. But I can only speak for myself!” he replied with a wry smile. As I listen to Love Songs, I’m climbing aboard a Greyhound Bus in the middle of nowhere, taking a seat

next to someone I’ve never met and listening , really listening to their story. So much more rewarding than a screen. So much more important. “I think for longevity in music, people like stories,” shared Don. Love Songs weaves its way through traditional country styles and ‘south of the border’ Latin feels. Don Walker and his talented band seem to know exactly where they’re going and what they want to do, backed with the smooth vocals of The Harmonettes. I’m pretty sure Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson and Marty Robbins would be comfortable on this bus. “Yes, a lot of that country comes in,” agreed Don. “Country music is so lyrically driven, often packing the story into such a few syllables. “The guys I record with in my band, Michael Vidale, our bass player, has played with everybody from Slim Dusty to Pete Wells, and Garrett Costigan’s pedal steel leans the songs towards country. “Roy Payne played guitar on two of these songs before he sadly passed away in 2022. His guitar-playing partner, Glen Hannah, who passed in 2019, played a lot of country, and Roy and I discussed at length, how can we reconstitute this band without Glen? “Roy said, ‘I really think I can take a Luther Perkins (the guitarist from Johnny Cash’s band, The Tennessee Three) approach to some songs, if you don’t mind me giving that

a try’. So that’s what we agreed with some songs, that’s the angle that’s going to get it happening.” Shannon Bourne provides guitars across the rest of the album, and drummer Hamish Stuart drives it all home, along with additional talented musicians bringing horns, mandolin and vocals to different songs. ‘And if I ever dream that’s my bonus in the night, And if I dream of you then I know that you’re alright’ I’m reticent to pick a favourite, because the whole album is a master-class in songwriting, however Luck keeps me coming back for the smile it brings. (Roy Payne plays guitar on this one.) The space and journey rolling by, all invoked by the masterful example of musical and poetic engineering. The lyrics and phrasing driving the rhythm, with the beautifully measured instruments doing enough to colour it; without overpowering the story. I mentioned the charming It will always be you, which has a different feel. “That’s like an old Broadway ballad, a jazz ballad,” explained Don, “quite a challenge to sing, but I got that one down for the album! “If you put down a song that’s just guitar and voice, or just piano and voice, that sets people free to hear it,” said Don. “If it works in that sparse way, then it’s probably going to work as a jazz song, or a country song, or a rock’n’roll song.” It was special for me to interview Don Walker - a real gentleman, who was generous and down-to-earth in his conversation. We meandered through many topics, from Kings Cross, to Darwin (“Towns of last resort, you’re on the run from a past, where do you run to? Darwin.”) to Singapore. We touched base regarding the trials and tribulations of the Brisbane Broncos, a passion we both share; mused on musical appropriation, and last but not least, his upcoming gig at The Imperial Hotel, Eumundi, on October 30, a venue he has enjoyed performing at a few times now, and he’s looking forward to heading back. “It’s a great venue, we usually play there on a Friday night, and then, of course, there’s the markets on the Saturday morning, so it’s a good trip up there.” I agree with Don, and I’m looking forward to his Eumundi gig, where I get to hear this exceptional album live. I’ll be the one wearing the Cold Chisel T-shirt. You can order the Love Songs album and buy gig tickets via donwalker.com.au.

14 OCTOBER 2026 HINTERLAND TIMES

CREATIVE CUTS

YANDINA COUNTRY MUSIC 

IN THE COMPANY OF TREES 

ACMA welcomes acclaimed country artist Matilda Malone (pictured) to the stage as special guest artist at our concert on Sunday October 18. Matilda is an emerging folk artist that brings together profound storytelling, timeless nature, and a quietly captivating sound. Inspired by the poetic lyricism of Joni Mitchell, Matilda’s music has in the past been compared to the softness of Phoebe Bridgers, with subtle nods to the warmth of Eva Cassidy and soulful simplicity of Norah Jones. With a sound that feels both nostalgic and contemporary, Matilda is carving out her own space within the Australian folk landscape. Her music is intimate without being insular, vulnerable without losing its warmth, and rooted in the enduring tradition of a story told through song. You’ll also enjoy popular country music and other upbeat, crowdpleasing favourites from talented local artists backed by a great house band, Shades of Country. See you at the Hall of Fame, 24 Steggalls Road. Doors open 10am, 11 am start, raffle and door prizes, refreshments, sausage sizzle, free tea and coffee, entry $15, members $10.

What happens when you return to the same trees again and again, and spend enough time with them to begin seeing the landscape differently? Maleny printmaker and book artist Kim Herringe has spent much of the past year doing just that. Her new solo exhibition, Ghosts of Gondwana: In the Company of Trees, opens at The Little Red Cottage art + ecology space in Maleny on Saturday October 17. The exhibition grew out of time spent on a private property in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Once logged and later used for agriculture, the land became heavily overgrown with lantana and is now being carefully restored towards rainforest. For Herringe, the old trees growing there became central to the work. “I kept returning to particular trees,” she says. “Over time I began to think of them as witnesses, survivors and companions. Around them, new life is returning. I became fascinated by what can become possible when a landscape is given care and time.” Ghosts of Gondwana brings together an entirely new body of work across printmaking, artist books, photography and poetry. The exhibition began with Herringe’s interest in Gondwana rainforest and ancient plant lineages, but evolved into a personal response to trees, resilience, vulnerability, connection and belonging. (Pictured: Ghosts of Gondwana - Pothos longipes by KimHerringe.) Opening event - Saturday October 17, 4–6pm, artist talk Saturday October 24, 2–3pm, and the exhibition runs from October 17 – November 1, Thursday–Sunday, 10am–4pm, at The Little Red Cottage art + ecology space, 20 Coral Street, Maleny.

ENSEMBLE

TRIVIUM CONCERT

SKY, SEA AND LAND  The Village Puppet Festival takes over The Playhouse in Maleny on October 24 and 25. This biennial event, organised by Catherine O’Neill of Little Big World Puppet Theatre, takes place in a different town each time and is one of only two puppet festivals in Australia! Tickets are now available to see a variety of shows from eight local puppet companies for everyone aged 1 to 100! See roving puppets in the theatre foyer, verandah and grounds, including The Magic Wishing Tree made by artist Daina Macauley with an abundance of hand, shadow, tabletop puppets, marionettes and larger structures of birds and animals. Workshops in circus skills and puppet-making with free pop-up performances on the verandah, all accompanied by fabulous buskers including rock music, accordion playing and The Oak Sprite with his dancing marionette! At 3.30pm each day is the Puppet Parade, a free event for everyone where puppets, ribbon twirlers and instruments are loaned to create a fabulous fun parade around the grounds! (Pictured: Catherine O'Neill, director of Little Big World Puppet Company with Margaret Magpie.) Booking recommended, links for free and low-priced shows at littlebigworld.com.au.

Brisbane’s Ensemble Trivium brings together some of Queensland’s leading chamber musicians for a special concert series in Maleny, Pomona, Eudlo, Cleveland and Coolum this October and November, presented by Red Chair. Centred around flute, violin and viola, Ensemble Trivium is known for warm, engaging performances that bring together timeless masterpieces, contemporary works and forgotten gems. The program opens with Claude Debussy’s Sonata for flute, viola and harp. Jean Françaix’s String Trio follows, before American composer and multiple Grammy Award winner Caroline Shaw’s Limestone & Felt creates a magical interplay of playful pizzicatos and delicate, ancientsounding harmonies. The concert concludes with Joseph Jongen’s Concert à cinq, a richly layered work for flute, string trio and harp that combines virtuosic writing with warmth and expressive depth. The ensemble is led by flautist Monika Koerner, violinist Anne Horton, and violist Yoko Okayasu, and guest artists cellist Alison Smith-O’Connell and harpist Lucy Reeves. Together, these musicians bring decades of performance experience from major Australian and international orchestras and chamber ensembles to a program that moves effortlessly between the familiar and the unexpected. Presented by Red Chair, the tour continues a commitment to bringing high-quality live music experiences to regional communities, connecting audiences with some of Australia's finest musicians. October performance dates: Maleny Community Centre, Friday 16, 7pm; Majestic Theatre, Pomona Saturday 17, 7pm; Eudlo Hall, Sunday 18, 4pm, and Redland Performing Arts Centre, Cleveland, Friday 23, 7pm. Also performing at Coolum Civic Centre on Friday November 6, at 7pm. For full event details visit: redchair. com.au.

ALLITERATION Jessica Ainsworth's new exhibition, ALLITERATION (a series of words beginning with the same letter or sound), takes you on a journey of self exploration and light-hearted mischief. Jessica (pictured) uses acrylics, charcoal, texture, bold colours and evocative forms in a playful collection of paintings to delight and deliver a dynamic dialogue between artist and viewer. Alliterative titles create a sense of joy and pure play, with in some cases layered meanings of vulnerability, healing and strength. This exhibition is a celebration of humour, personal narratives and universal struggles, told with unflinching honesty, visual energy and vibrancy. Jessica invites you to join her for an evening of art, language and community to launch this unique figurative series of works. Meet the artist, enjoy a beverage and light refreshments and immerse yourself in 25 compelling visual stories. The Zone Gallery, 89 McCarthy Rd. Maleny, Saturday October 17, 5pm until 8pm, then open for further viewing Sunday 18th - Wed 21 October, 1pm - 4pm.

15 OCTOBER 2026 HINTERLAND TIMES

Letters Threats by One Nation

For many years, I have been a vocal opponent on social media against the way One Nation operates. On Tuesday, I became one of their victims. I was one of the organisers of a rally by Legalise Cannabis Queensland Party outside Queensland Parliament House, in opposition to Queensland’s proposed drug driving laws which target medicinal cannabis patients. Our rally was scheduled for midday to 2 pm. Immediately before our rally was another gathering by One Nation, between 10 am to midday. To their credit, the One Nation rally was quite well prepared, and the small crowd quite well behaved. As a business professional, I was quite impressed by the operation, though not necessarily the message they were spreading. It was only after their rally finished that things turned ugly. One of their organisers, Scott Challen of Australia First Party, refused to allow Legalise Cannabis Party to commence their rally.

He threatened several of the female organisers from Legalise Cannabis Queensland, ripped down the displays and corflutes, and tried to incite the remaining One Nation supporters into violence. I intervened, and Mr Challen was menacing towards me as well. To their credit, Senator Malcolm Roberts and his assistant Katy McCallum showed genuine concern over this, but it was clear that they, too, were intimidated by Mr Challen. Police arrived with lights and sirens, and removed Mr Challen before things got out of hand. Some of the female organisers from Legalise Cannabis Queensland have previously been victims of domestic violence. They were left quite traumatised by the experience. As a former prison officer at Goulburn Gaol, it was clear that Mr Challen was trying to incite a violent incident. As stated, it was also clear that One Nation do not have control over certain elements of their supporters. With One Nation growing in popularity, they also need to exercise a greater duty of care towards their supporters, especially with extreme right groups joining in their protests

We would love you to share your thoughts and experiences with us and HT readers. Email: editor@hinterlandtimes.com.au, and please include your name, email/address and location. Letters may be edited a little if space is tight. As we are a monthly, please be aware we are unable to print date-sensitive letters.

Craig Hill

The Robodebt lesson When an automated welfare debt recovery program called Robodebt was found to be unlawful because it was based on a flawed algorithm, the consequences shocked the nation. Hundreds of thousands of Australians were affected with over 2000 dying while under accusation of fraud, three committing suicide. Almost 550 million dollars in compensation was paid to over 125,000 registered victims. Although no criminal charges were ever laid, serious incompetence and corruption was exposed. It is hard to imagine any government ever using a computer again to run a community-based program but in late 2025, Aged Care did just this to assess senior Australians for Aged Care Support. The Integrated Assessment Tool was developed to provide a more efficient process of assessing the needs of aging Australians wanting to remain in their own home; a more desired and economic alternative to residential care. However, like Robodebt, this process was driven by another flawed algorithm. Four Corners revealed that this new algorithm was untested and untrialed and not scrutinised by any accredited medical authority. After only 6 months with decisions like reducing the support for a blind aged pensioner, it has been condemned as a disaster based on yet another flawed algorithm that did not even include all the data collected by human assessors. An expert review found that it was so flawed that it could not reliably prioritise the level of care support needed by applicants. Over 1.4 million older Australians are in the Aged Care system. In the first 6 months of the new assessment program, over 150,000 people are waiting to be assessed or to have approved support delivered, with wait times now over 10 months and 2,400 dying while waiting for support. If Robodebt was found to be unlawful, the legality of this new, flawed algorithm must also be challenged. If found to be unlawful, the consequences will be far more extensive with the numbers involved. The Minister for Aged Care, Sam Rae, unsuccessfully attempted to discredit the Four Corner findings. However, his

Across 1 Comes into flower (8) 5 One of the continents (4) 9 Beer (5) 10 Cleaning item (7) 11 Incurably bad (12) 14 Monstrous humanoid creature (3) 15 Female relation (5) 16 Male child (3) 17 Significantly (12) 20 Angers (7) 22 Alphabetical list in a book (5) 23 Look for (4) 24 Fully aware (4-4)

Unscramble the letters in the shaded squares to reveal a themed word:

Bad Jokes of the Month A doctor walked in to find a patient sitting on the exam table, with carrots sticking out of his nose and broccoli coming out of his ears. The doctor took one look at him and said, “Well, I can tell right away that you’re not eating properly.”

OCTOBER 2026 HINTERLAND TIMES

Relax, read a few letters, enjoy a crossword and cartoon, and maybe put pen to paper (finger to keyboard) yourself!

and rallies. Otherwise, it is only a matter of time before people get hurt or killed.

Crossword

LETTERS, LEUNIG AND LIGHT RELIEF

Down 1 Large mass (4) 2 Derive from living matter (7) 3 Environment (12) 4 Title of a married woman (3) 6 Clean thoroughly; vegetation (5) 7 Concurring (8) 8 Gathering of people (12) 12 Pass a rope through (5) 13 Coupons (8) 16 Firmly (7) 18 Care for; look after (5) 19 Chopped; cancelled (4) 21 Vital plant juice (3)

defence of the new assessment program revealed that he was not on top of his portfolio, had a poor understanding of the issues involved, relied of a tired manipulation of statistics to try and defend the indefensible and was less than honest. The official government response is a confounding silence. Even the opposition seems at a loss what to do. Don’t leave it 5 years again to act. Prompt action is necessary to limit the harm and damage threatened by this disastrous program. Every decision made under it must be reviewed by people quickly and, where necessary, corrected. Funding must be found to reduce wait times. However, and more importantly, government must abandon the Integrated Assessment Tool with its flawed algorithm, replace the Minister for Aged Care, investigate the Department and bring back people with the experience to offer a more personalised, carebased support. Doing nothing is not an option when 12 senior citizens are dying every day waiting for care. Doug Patterson

Migration a hot topic Dear Editor Migration is a hot button topic at present. The Albanese Federal government recently announced measures to slow the rate of the numbers coming in a calculated and responsible manner. After the spike caused by the Pandemic years, the immigration rate has been decreasing. According to Australian Bureau of Statistics, compared to 107,700 in the same quarter in 2025, Australia's net overseas migration was 101,000 people for the three months ending March 2026. Recklessly, Australians are being told that we must either cut the numbers further and faster or even stop migration altogether. Just think about our country without the necessary input from the migrant workers we rely on now. At present just over one third of our workers were born overseas. Those workers make up 44 percent in hospitals; 59 percent in residential care services; 18 percent of teachers and 24 percent of construction workers. Construction worker shortages are hampering all levels of government attempts to address our housing and infrastructure needs. Our already overstretched aged care services would see our most vulnerable in an even more precarious position. The Immigration Minister Tony Burke has announced that processing priority will be given to construction, healthcare, agriculture, fisheries and teaching. Some politicians and media shock jocks are treating the issue of immigration as a political football and whipping up fear of “others” and thinly disguised racism. migrants to fill essential job shortages, balancing an aging population and contributing to growing our economy. Australia is thought of as a welcoming multicultural nation, let’s hope it will always be so. Sunny regards, Robyn Deane

Sudoku

Poets

CORNER

UP LATE

Midnight. The wind is strong whipping her hair into salty strings. The prow of the boat points due north, Venus and Jupiter hard and bright, just an arm's length above the horizon on this wild clear night. Wind and tide permitting, might drop anchor as a golden dawn fingers the sands of Woodgate and its gentle sighing casuarinas. A time to celebrate safe passage and maybe cast a line.

Leunig

Break the fast, and feast, perhaps, on sweet whiting. But no. Just a little fantasy. She’s propped against. the verandah rail torch in one hand, toad spray in the other. It’s warfare by moonlight on the Range. The enemy has mustered. Hear the "duh, duh, duh”, unmistakable, “duh, duh, duh”, maddening, “duh, duh, duh”. A battle cry. The waxing moon makes ghostly towers of half-bark blackbutts.

Poets are illustrators of words that create beauty and intensity, and the HT is proud to give them a platform. Please send poems for possible publication to editor@hinterlandtimes.com.au

THE FARMER’S SON

The moon slinks behind a cloud.

When I was a five-year-old boy, Bringing the milk cows home The way was always So easy for me to find… No matter if I had Water hens or wattle On my mind. For there was just The one way back, A simple track That slowly led Over the creek And up the hill Past the loquat tree To the milking shed. But my life has crossed Far too many paths by now, And I can’t find my way Or even a single cow My faithful dog long dead… And ashes only, Where once the shed. For when I think Of the people I have been The things I’ve seen And the things I've done I don't think any of them Has dignified that farmer's son.

A powerful owl calls its mate from the dark gorge. Strangely sinister, or perhaps a warning as forces of evil muster in the shadows. Rustlings from the forest might be bandicoots or bad banksia men. The slimy enemy surely lurks “duh”, duh”, “duh”, close by.

Woman with torch and toad spray, creeps down the stairs.

Maggie

17 OCTOBER 2026 HINTERLAND TIMES

BACK TO NATURE

80 years of community gardening

Shows at the Buderim War Memorial Hall. Entries will include cut flowers, floral arrangements, potted plants, foliage, hanging baskets and garden photography. Visitors can also browse the Quality Plant Market, with plants and garden novelties including bromeliads, gerberas, orchids, staghorns, ferns, subtropical plants, roses, geraniums, cottage garden plants, begonias, cacti and succulents. Five exclusive Buderim Open Gardens will provide visitors with the opportunity to explore a range of garden styles, sizes and planting approaches. The gardens will be open from 9am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday. Visitors may use their own transport, while a free smallbus service will operate from the hall on Saturday to help guests travel between the gardens without traffic and parking concerns.

Stuart’s Garden

uderim’s premier spring celebration will return on October 17 and 18, with the Buderim Garden Festival marking the 80th anniversary of the Buderim Garden Club. Established in 1946, the Buderim Garden Club has spent eight decades encouraging horticulture, creativity and community connection across the region, and is the longest running garden festival in the region.

The 2026 festival will celebrate this milestone with a weekend program of spring flower displays, floral art, garden photography, open gardens, plant markets and local arts. Centred around the Buderim War Memorial Hall at the corner of Main and Church Streets, the festival is expected to attract gardeners and visitors from across Queensland. Buderim Garden Club President and Festival Coordinator John Lyon said the anniversary was an opportunity to recognise the club’s longstanding contribution to the local community. “Eighty years is a wonderful milestone for the Buderim Garden Club,” Mr Lyon said. “Our festival brings together gardeners, artists, volunteers and visitors in a celebration of spring. It showcases the remarkable gardens and creative talent of Buderim while continuing the club’s tradition of sharing knowledge, friendship and a love of gardening.” A major feature of the weekend will be the competitive Spring Flower, Floral Art and Photographic

In the Wild

The adjacent Craft Cottage will host The Sculptured Garden, featuring work by local artists, potters and sculptors. The exhibition will include sculptures, unique planters, outdoor wall art, and functional and decorative pottery. Next door, St Mark’s Church will also have a floral display. The festival will also offer refreshments, including coffee, cakes and a sausage sizzle, with the nearby Buderim Village Green, cafés and parklands providing places for visitors to relax and enjoy the village atmosphere. On Sunday, the Buderim Garden Club will be holding the Presentation of Trophies at 12.30pm, followed by the draw of the Festival’s Monster Raffle before the conclusion of the event at 2pm. An inclusive weekend festival ticket costs $20 and provides access to the Open Gardens, Spring Flower Show, Floral Art displays, Garden Photography exhibition and Plant Market. Entry to the indoor Spring Flower, Floral Art and Photographic displays is $3 per person or $5 for a family. Tickets can be purchased online at buderimgardenclub.com/festival, from the Old Buderim Post Office and Manawee Garden Centre, or at the hall during the festival. The Buderim Garden Club also welcomes bus groups. Groups of 10 or more can receive a discounted ticket price of $15 per person when booked in advance. Bookings can be made by calling 0477611819 or emailing president@buderimgardenclub.com. with Spencer Shaw

Guarding your stock

et’s start this one with a question, are Trees Guards really necessary? After all, you can plant without Tree Guards, but for tubestock plants in particular, they are crucial in protecting the time and money you have invested in getting and keeping your plants in the ground and alive.

There are a wide range of Tree Guards available on the market, including polyurethane bags, cardboard guards and core flute guards. We’ve been experimenting with many over the years and the key to success with guards’ long term is that they protect your freshly planted stock, last long enough for the plant to establish, their cost is reasonable Tree Guards protect your trees from several threats that include, weeding – “oops, and finally that they biodegrade, and don’t end up in landfill. did I just spray or brushcut my tree”; frost – “cold enough to freeze your leaves off”; We use and recommend “GreenPOD and last but not least, grazing and browsing Enviro Seedling Guards” and have animals – “who just want a feed”! trialled them for many years and are now distributing and selling these in You could avoid using guards by planting larger-sized stock, and from personal SE Queensland. After trialling many other cardboard guards we’ve been experience this is my recommendation for many of our precious mature phase rainforest very impressed with these. They are trees. Our 4 ltr, 140mm and megatube stock manufactured from a compressed 1.25mm are often big enough that guards aren’t paper board that is 100% recycled, with needed, just add mulch! no plastic coating and a life expectancy of

12-18 months. The GreenPOD that we are currently stocking is 450mm tall x 170mm diameter and can be installed with 2 bamboo stakes (which also keeps the costs down). Mulch is the other crucial part of your revegetation project success and at Forest Heart ecoNursery / Brush Turkey Enterprises we recommend the mulches that we use ourselves, such as jute mats for ease of storage and application, sugarcane bales for a bit more depth and coverage and “Not Just Mulch” a special composted wood chip and chicken manure based mulch that its great for fruit trees, rainforest plants and veggies. Any of these combined with the GreenPOD’s helps get your tubestock trees off to a great start. Come and check them all out at Forest Heart or give us a call to discuss.

Forest Heart Local Native Plant Nursery 18 OCTOBER 2026 HINTERLAND TIMES

20 Coral St, Maleny Phone: 5435 2193

BACK TO NATURE

A sit in the Sun Regent Bowerbird male - image Paul Fraser

bushes are probably spread by birds which pass the seeds through their systems after consuming a fruit they must find sustaining and pleasant to eat.

by JAMIE WALKER

t was a beautiful walk in the sunshine. The air felt like the beginning of spring: and, so far, I had been very fortunate. A confiding pair of Regent Bowerbirds – the male magnificent in his black and a gold that seemed to glow – had passed me, moving at head height from perch to perch, just five or six metres away. There had been a White-throated Treecreeper, and a Rufous Fantail – the latter feeding at ground level. And a great find was a Brown Gerygone pair building a wonderfully camouflaged, bottle-shaped hanging nest. After I had walked a hundred metres past the nest, it occurred to me that I might manage a photograph of it without disturbing the builders; but, when I returned to the spot, my best efforts could not relocate it. A chance missed.

Perhaps the warmth and sunlight enhance flavour, and so the trick is achieved and procreation of the plants and next season’s vital bird food are both ensured. One of nature’s neatest plans in operation. Around and within the thicket, there was a lot of bird movement, so I sat down by the track and took out my flask. (I have come to understand that, in Australia, there is never an inappropriate time for a coffee). Nor was a sit in the sun inappropriate, as my stillness and quiet encouraged the birds to maintain their busy activity; and soon, Satin Bowerbirds, Green Catbirds (unusually quiet) Varied Trillers and Silvereyes were all drawn down to the raspberries.

Butterflies were back with us. Lemon Migrants and Brown Ringlets were energised by the sunshine, and Common Flatwing damselflies were also beginning to stir.

As I watched them feeding, I noticed that none appeared to swallow fruit whole. Even the larger species broke segments off the berries, often leaving them parteaten and still attached to the plant.

At one side of my path was a scrambling thicket of Native Raspberries. I have often tried the fruit, hoping for something sweet, but have always found our local varieties to be disappointing. Yet I realised that the

And there was more. Insects attracted constantly to the bushes’ flowers, attracted the attention of Gerygones and Fantails – a further layer of benefit to the natural community.

The Pea Flowers

‘W

hat are those purple and yellow flowers along the roadside I've noticed lately?’ is certainly one the most frequently asked questions at the nursery during late winter and early spring. Anyone who has spent time in local Eucalypt forests during this time will have admired the explosions of purple and yellow through the bush.

recognisable of the purple flowering beauties is Hovea acutifolia, commonly known as the Purple Bush Pea. This is a slender shrub to around two metres tall with distinctive rusty new growth. It’s a widespread species most commonly found growing in moister Eucalypt forests and on rainforest margins.

Daviesia, Gompholobium, Oxylobium and Platylobium to name some. Of these perhaps the most commonly found species in our area is Pultanaea villosa, commonly known as the Hairy Bush Pea or Eggs and Bacon. A very hardy and adaptable bushy shrub to around two metres tall.

The species most commonly noted for this display are the ‘pea flowers’, which Almost as prolific in our area amongst are legumes in the Fabaceae family. This family of plants is found all over the world the purple peas is Hardenbergia violacea, and includes the peas and beans we pick commonly known as Native Sarsaparilla. An extremely hardy and widespread species up at the local fruit and veg shop. occurring in drier forest types which can be In Australia there are some 1100 a twining climber or sprawling groundcover. species featuring a typical pea flower There is a diversity of yellow pea and we have many representatives in the Sunshine Coast area. The most flowers in our area including Pultenaeas,

Barung native Plant nursery

All of the local peas are important pollinator plants and provide feeding grounds and cover for many small bird species. They are must-haves for any gardens for wildlife. We have many of these species growing right here at the Barung Community Nursery if you’d like to come and see some of these beauties for yourself.

Phone 5494 3151

Parkland Drive Nursery opening times: Wednesday to Saturday 9am - 3pm

The nature that surrounds us is very rich. But, sometimes it seems evident that this richness starts and is nourished at the humblest levels, with the most common things – like raspberry bushes.

About That Tree

with Tree Surgeon Tony Wootton, our local arborist and author, meeting the Hinterland's tree needs since 1996

s the residents of Burgum Road, North Maleny, would be acutely aware, last month a large fig tree fell across the entrance to Burgum Road, essentially blocking all traffic for quite some time, trapping everyone who lived down that street. In addition to the road blockage, it also took down all the powerlines, so you had large electrical lines arcing and sparking on the road, rendering all the properties beyond that point without power. It is somewhat staggering to me to consider that someone could have a tree this big on their property with such an obvious potential for damage and not have any regard for the possibility of it failing. When I looked at the base of the tree that was still standing after the failure, there were numerous red flags, that to the experienced person, would’ve indicated that the tree was unsafe. Even a lay person could’ve cast their untrained eye over it and made a rudimentary assessment of the trunk and realised that something about the tree’s integrity was amiss. When I was driving home the other night, a gumtree dropped a branch right in front of my car. Tree and limb failures can happen without warning. I think it’s wise to have your large trees assessed by a qualified arborist, especially if they have the potential to do damage. For only $220 (in the Maleny area), we can check the health of your trees and put your mind at ease.

Mobile: 0403 467 664 Mobile: 0403 467 664 Landline: 54 944 917 www.twtreesurgeon.com www.twtreesurgeon.com

19 OCTOBER 2026 HINTERLAND TIMES

H O L I S T I C H

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angeCare has been named as a finalist in the Social Impact category of the Sunshine Coast Business Awards; a fitting recognition as the organisation celebrates 40 years of supporting older Australians to live independently, stay connected and thrive within their communities. Since 1986, RangeCare has been making a meaningful difference in the lives of older people across the Sunshine Coast and Gympie regions. What began as a community-driven initiative has grown into one of the region's most trusted aged care and wellbeing providers.

Through a comprehensive range of in-home care, wellbeing services, social support programs, transport assistance and community initiatives, RangeCare empowers older Australians to continue living safely and confidently in the homes and communities they know and love. RangeCare Chief Executive Officer, Gary Holland, said: "For four decades, RangeCare has been committed to helping older people remain connected, independent and engaged in the communities they love. This finalist honour reflects the dedication of our team, volunteers, clients and community partners who have contributed to that journey.” "At RangeCare, we believe everyone deserves to feel connected, valued and supported as they age. Our focus

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Social isolation remains one of the most significant challenges facing older Australians, particularly in regional communities. Through social groups, wellness activities, volunteer programs and personalised support services, RangeCare creates opportunities for meaningful connection while promoting physical, emotional and social wellbeing. As a not-for-profit organisation, RangeCare remains committed to delivering person-centred care that responds to the evolving needs of older Australians.

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HOLISTIC - Health and Wellbeing

Use Your Mental Edge

You Can Read Every Book But Can You Read Yourself? by JAMIE MILNE

ou can read every book, listen to every podcast, attend every seminar and follow every expert you like, but if you can’t read yourself, you’re in trouble. And running a small business in 2026 has never been harder. Margins are tighter. Costs are rising. AI is changing industries overnight. Staff are harder to find and harder to keep. Customers expect more while paying less. Many business owners aren’t just battling the market, they’re battling self-

E yK

RRIE FRIEN

doubt, burnout, decision fatigue, and the pressure of carrying everyone else’s future. The biggest limitation in most businesses isn’t strategy. It’s psychology. At JMT, we develop the mental fitness of the business owner first, because the business rarely outgrows the psychology of its leader. We build confident, resilient, emotionally regulated, anti-fragile leaders who make better decisions under pressure, communicate more effectively, manage uncertainty, and create businesses that don’t rely solely on willpower.

Your business becomes stronger because you become stronger.

Here are a few key essentials I include in my mornings to inspire you to recreate your morning routine.

jamiemilnetraining.com

pring is a perfect time to reset and rejuvenate our routines. And a morning routine is far more important than you might think. They are incredibly beneficial and help set our day up for success. They help to get us off to a right start so that we can be happier and more productive.

I make sure I get eight hours sleep a night, then upon waking up I drink 1/3 cup of warm water with lemon. I do a daily fast of 12 hours from my last meal until breakfast. This is great for kick starting our metabolism, detoxification, and helps to clear waste, and for best results must be taken on an empty stomach. Then it’s my morning quiet time with prayer, reading devotions, mindfulness, journaling, and contemplative activities to enrich my spirit and soul. Also, spending time being grateful can set a positive tone for the day ahead. My morning quiet time is nonnegotiable. This is not an invitation to check social media, work-related items or family must do’s, this is for alignment for the day ahead. Next, I nourish my body and have a protein drink with fruit or an egg, oatmeal, avocado and feta on sourdough toast or another healthy option to break my fast. Then it’s time to move to energise my body with strength training, Pilates, rebounding or walking my dog. I include podcasts, an audio book or silence depending on what I feel I need on the day. And finally, I set my intention for joy, peace, kindness, courage and productivity. A morning routine is vital to ensure you flourish. Enjoy glorious spring with a new fling! Blessings, Kerrie x

KerrieFriend.com

21 OCTOBER 2026 HINTERLAND TIMES

HOLISTIC - Health and Wellbeing

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MENTAL PERFORMANCE

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JEWELLERY - COMMISSIONS AND DESIGN Wasshausen Gems + Jewels Fine individually designed and traditional handmade jewellery in a contemporary style with natural Gemstones, Pearls & Opals. Commision & redesign, alteration & repairs. Call Birgit in her Maleny workshop 0490 146 982

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LANDSCAPING & DESIGN Amber Leaf Landscaping Looking for a landscaper who can deliver? Tohm Hajncl heads the team that offers you guaranteed quality. Choose from landscaping consultations, designs, construction and planting, pre-sale makeovers and specialised maintenance services. Ph: 5445 9801 www.amberleaf.com.au

Handbuilt Stone QBCC 1235589 Licensed, range-based professional. Traditional rock walls, pillars, steps, paving, entrance walls and all garden features. Visit our website to see previous work for inspiration. Phone Chris on 0438 811 975 – www.handbuiltstone.com

SwimSafe Mobile pool maintenance & repairs. Swimming pool safety inspections. FREE QUOTES Proudly servicing the Sunshine Coast Ph: 0448 793 148 – www.swimsafeqld.com.au QBCC #101629

ROOFING

GUTTER CLEANING Gutter Sucker Gutter Sucker specialises in cleaning your guttering. a unique portable vacuum system for the efficient and effective removal of leaves and rubbish from all types of gutters and roofs. Ph: 1800 558 745 or 0402 456 391

POOL MAINTENANCE

Roof & Gutter Maintenance Clean gutters, Blocked downpipes, New & repair downpipes, Roof repairs & leaks, Fix leaking gutters, New gutters & fascias, Install & service whirly birds, Skylights & Water Tanks. Free quotes, local bloke, over 20 yrs experience Phone Brad 0419 712 081

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TRANSPORTATION Barung Landcare Native Plant Nursery Your local community nursery stocks an extensive range of species indigenous to the Blackall Range and surrounds. Open to the public Wednesday Saturday 9am–3pm, Ph: 0429 943 152 E: nursery@barunglandcare.org.au

UltiMate Transfers 18 years offering elite chauffeur services. Private airport transfers (Sunshine Coast & Brisbane), cruise terminals, weddings. Impeccable, discreet, and tailored travel. Reserve your experience at ultimatetransfers.com.au.

TREE SERVICES PLUMBING & WASTEWATER Anderson Plumbing & Roofing QBSA1066328 Plumbing, drainage & roofing. New work, renos, maintenance specialists. Septic systems, blocked drains, high pressure ‘sewer jett’ drain cleaner, drain camera, cable locations, tank installations, roof & guttering. Ph: 5494 3340 or 0409 541 4757

Suncoast Liquid Waste Removal Local owner/operator specialising in commercial / domestic waste water pump outs- septics, treatment plants, grey water, holding tanks, pond/ pool sludge, drains etc. Avoid costly blockages & system failure with prompt, reliable & expert service. Tank assessments available. EPA licensed and fully insured. Call 0439 646 707

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Tony Wootton Tree Surgeon. Dip Hort(Arb) Operating locally since 1996. Tree assessments and advice. Trees and shrubs pruned and detailed. Hazardous trees removed. M: 0403 467 664 Ph: 54 944 917 www.twtreesurgeon.com

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UPHOLSTERY Elliott Upholstery Offers superior craftsmanship in antique and household upholstery with free quotes, pick-up and delivery throughout the Sunshine Coast. Give Brendan or Shiv a call on 0407 202 227

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23 OCTOBER 2026 HINTERLAND TIMES

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

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LEGAL SERVICES Baker Robinson Lawyers Sophie Paras - Professional, efficient, relaible and friendly. 5494 2665 Suite 7, 43 Maple St Maleny. Email: sophie@brlawyers.com.au www.brlawyers.com.au

LEGAL SERVICES continue Horizon Legal Group formerly Lember & Williams Suite 3, Banksia House, 66 Maple Street, Maleny 07 5495 1499 hello@horizonlegalgroup.com.au www.horizonlegalgroup.com.au Contact Principal, Penny McCreery

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Sunshine Coast Hinterland Property Sales & Property Management Curated Marketing for Hinterland Homes & Estates Marlene Thomas | 0423 850 473 Hinterland Property Specialist Local Expertise. Trusted Advice.

REAL ESTATE Easton Lawyers Tove Easton Principal Lawyer Your Local Lawyers in Maleny 62 Maple St, Maleny. Ph: 5494 3511 Email: tove@eastonlawyers.com.au

Brant Property At Brant Property we understand that it's all in the attention to detail, even the little things matter. Learn how ‘We Can Sell Yours Too!’ Contact Susan Brant on 0428 573 170

REAL ESTATE continue We dare to be different! Our results speak for themselves, so if you are looking to sell your property DON’T SIGN ANYTHING .. .Call us. Ph: 07 5478 5288 or check out www.rogerloughnanrealestate.com.au

REMAX Hinterland Your property is worth more with us! 07 5408 4220, 0447 737 737 sales@remaxhinterland.com.au remaxhinterland.com.au 32 Maple Street, Maleny

VETERINARY CARE District Vets Maleny Veterinarian Susan Portas and her team provide professional, compassionate care for your pets. Hours Mon/Tues/Thurs/Fri 8:30am – 5:30pm Wed 8:30am – 4:30pm Sat by appointment 7 Myrtle St Maleny Ph: 5499 9077

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NOTICE OF PRECIPE For the record Dorothy McDonald of Boreen Point, Queensland is permanently domiciled on the Land and Soil of Terra Australis. I am not a voluntary transactor in commerce and am the paramount security interest holder of all estates, property, assets and collateral, both registered and unregistered, and all associated copyright protected trade names.My lawful reconveyance to the Land and Soil jurisdiction of Terra Australis was recorded with Public Recording Number RPP44 63900 05100 41834 86604 on Proclamation Date, 28 January 2026, and tacit agreement was established by my unrebutted Living Testimony in the Form of an Affidavit. All usufruct subjugation ties have been severed with the occupying corporate government of Australia. The corporate Australian kakistocracy and its affiliates are instructed to immediately cease and desist misaddressing Dorothy McDonald in fraudulent debased Dog-Latin, GLOSSA and to cease and desist infringing upon my estate, property, assets, collateral and copyright protected trade names.

24 OCTOBER 2026 HINTERLAND TIMES

Place a PUBLIC NOTICE in the HT Can accomodate - Job Vacancy, For Sale Items, Memorial Details, etc. It’s easy, book here!

Where in God's power to be found? For l am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it written, "But the righteous shall live by faith" Romans 1:16 Is Jesus only meek and gentle? John 2:13-25 How does Jesus judge hypocrites? Matthew 23: 13-39 How will he judge you? John 12: 42-50 Why do all of us need Jesus? Philippians 2: 5-11 What must I do to be saved? Acts 2:27-47 Acts 8:26-39 Acts 22:6-16.

Want to know more? Call Len 0432 617 107

REAL ESTATE

Flood resilience design JDA Co photo by Scott Burrows

Flood resilience design JDA Co photo by Mindi Cook

Building smarter for future floods and storms

or many Sunshine Coast locals, water is a big part of what makes our region such a beautiful place to live. We have an enviable 65 kilometres of coastline, five major waterways and dozens of creeks. But living near water also brings risk. As rainfall events become more intense and coastal hazards increase, homeowners, designers, and builders are being challenged to think differently about the way homes are planned, built, and renovated. To help meet that challenge, Sunshine Coast Council has released the Flooding and Coastal Resilience Design Guide (the Guide), developed in partnership with resilience specialists JDA Co.

The Guide provides practical design advice, helping homeowners and industry professionals create homes that are safer, more adaptable, and better prepared for flood and storm events. Sunshine Coast Council’s Principal Engineer and the Guide’s co-author, Nadia Guterres, says flood resilience should not just be considered after a disaster. “Flood resilience is about planning rather than reacting afterwards. Every design decision you make before a flood or storm event can reduce the damage, disruption and recovery costs that follow,” Ms Guterres said. “Many of us often assume flood risk only applies to waterfront properties, but numerous affected properties aren’t located next to waterways. “Drainage issues and overland flow can impact homes right across our region. Understanding your property's particular risks is always the first step in choosing the right flood resilience strategy for your property.”

Investing in resilience now saves money later Flood-resilient design can reduce damage, shorten recovery times, and lower the ongoing costs associated with repairs and insurance. Sunshine Coast Council’s Environment and Liveability Councillor Maria Suarez said work done by the Queensland Reconstruction Authority has shown that resilient retrofits can significantly reduce reliance on insurance, while allowing homeowners to return to their homes much faster after flood events.

“Some homeowners reported returning within days or weeks rather than facing stressful rebuilds lasting many months,” Cr Suarez said.

“Every dollar spent improving resilience can help avoid many more dollars spent in future repairs.

Sunshine Coast.

“We'll see homes becoming more adaptable and more responsive to environmental conditions,” Ms Guterres said.

“Design approaches like raising floor levels, using flood-resilient materials and protecting services like electrical systems can deliver long-term financial benefits as well as peace of mind.”

“Over the next 10 to 20 years, I think we'll see more elevated homes, more water-sensitive landscaping, greater use of resilient building materials and smarter planning that accounts for future climate risks, not just current conditions.”

Turning complex planning into practical solutions

For homeowners considering a new build or renovation today, Cr Suarez has one key message.

For many homeowners, flood mapping, planning overlays and development requirements can feel overwhelming.

“My advice is simple - make sure you understand your site and your risks before you start designing,” she said.

Cr Suarez said residents should begin by downloading a Council Site Report for the proposed planning scheme, which identifies flood risk, stormwater risk and coastal hazard mapping relevant to their property.

“Take the time to learn about flood risks, stormwater risks, the drainage behaviour of your property and future coastal hazards.

“This Guide gives designers and homeowners a clear pathway forward,” Cr Suarez said. “Translating mapping and technical planning information into practical design options, makes it easier to understand what solutions are likely to work for your particular site.” Cr Suarez said the new mapping is already available online through Council’s MyMaps and is referenced in the proposed planning scheme Site Reports. The mapping considers different types of flooding and varying levels of risk. “The benefit of the new flood risk and stormwater risk mapping is that it allows for simplified design solutions and reduced assessment requirements in areas of low or moderate risk,” she said. “It helps identify risks early in the design process, which is usually when the best solutions are available. “Although the proposed planning scheme has not yet been formally adopted by Council, we encourage people to use the new information as it’s best that these risks are properly considered now if people are planning on building or renovating their properties”.

Designing homes for the future

"When resilience is considered early, you can create a home that performs better, costs less to maintain and provides a safer place for your family for decades to come.”

7 flood-resilient design tips • Check Council's flood mapping and obtain a Site Report for the proposed planning scheme before you start designing. • Raise habitable floors above the minimum design flood level wherever possible. • Position air-conditioning units, hot water systems and electrical infrastructure above flood levels. • Use flood-resilient materials such as polished concrete, tiles and fibre cement sheeting. • Choose permeable fencing that allows floodwater and stormwater to pass through. • Incorporate rainwater tanks, swales and water sensitive landscaping to manage runoff. • Avoid blocking natural drainage paths on your property or neighbouring sites. Download your free copy of the Flooding and Coastal Resilience Design Guide at Council’s website by searching ‘Flood resilience’.

Looking ahead, flood resilience is likely to become a standard part of residential design across the

25 OCTOBER 2026 HINTERLAND TIMES

REAL ESTATE / INVESTMENT

Tackling Australia's Tradie Shortage A

ustralia cannot solve its housing shortage without first addressing its Tradie shortage, according to a new Housing Industry Association (HIA) report recently launched at Parliament House. The HIA's new report, Australia's Future is Built by Tradies, highlights a shortage of around 83,000 skilled workers across the residential construction industry and sets out five priorities to strengthen Australia's future workforce. HIA Managing Director Jocelyn Martin said skilled tradespeople are essential to delivering the homes Australians need.

2101 Maleny-Stanley River Road

"The solution is not moving workers from one sector to another. It is increasing the number of skilled people entering and completing trade careers. "Housing, infrastructure, energy and technology projects all rely on skilled trades. If we want to achieve our national objectives across all of these areas, we need a larger and stronger workforce." The report identifies five priority areas for action: Elevate the status of trade careers; improve apprenticeship attraction and completion, support the builders who train Australia's workforce, strengthen school-to-trade pathways, and invest in workforce capacity.

The report finds workforce shortages are slowing housing delivery, increasing construction costs and making it harder to improve housing affordability.

Ms Martin said trade careers offer secure employment, strong earning potential and pathways to business ownership.

With governments pursuing ambitious housing targets, and growing competition for skilled workers from infrastructure, energy and digital economy projects, Ms Martin said Australia must focus on growing the overall workforce.

"This report is not only an opportunity to recognise the contribution of Tradies, but to have a serious national conversation about building the workforce Australia will need in the decades ahead,” concluded Ms Martin.

Where the stars still shine here are few places where switching off the

T lights reveals something truly extraordinary.

In Booroobin, within the Sunshine Coast International Dark Sky Reserve, the absence of artificial light allows the night sky to take centre stage. On a clear night, up to 2,000 stars can be visible in areas with high-quality dark skies - a remarkable natural asset now internationally recognised and protected. It is a setting that makes Mimburi, at 2101 Maleny-Stanley River Road, particularly special. Set across approximately 10 acres, the award-winning residence was designed with sustainability and its natural surroundings at its heart. Completely off-grid, the home combines solar power, battery storage and

rainwater collection with stone quarried from the property and native hardwood sourced from the land. By day, expansive living spaces capture sweeping views towards the Glass House Mountains. By night, the experience changes as the stars emerge overhead. The property also includes a self-contained cottage and access to a further 85 acres of shared native forest, pasture and walking trails. Mimburi demonstrates privacy, independence, space and an extraordinary connection to nature.

Agency: REMAX Hinterland Contact: Kate Woolston Phone: 0428 987 853

32 Maple Street, Maleny, Qld 4552

A TRADITION OF TRUST

SELLING residential | Land | acreage | commercial 2/20 Maple Street, Maleny (Next to IGA)

26 OCTOBER 2026 HINTERLAND TIMES

p: 0428 573 170 w: brantproperty.com.au e: susan@brantproperty.com.au

REAL ESTATE

JONNY ELSTON / 0478 652 895

MONTVILLE

105 Barsons Road 4 BEDS / 2 BATHS / 11 CARS / STUDY / 3.04HA LAND AREA

A Rare Montville Acreage Escape, Rich in Possibility Tucked away amongst 7.5 lush, rich acres in the rolling hills of Montville, 105 Barsons Road presents a rare opportunity to embrace a private and peaceful hinterland lifestyle, surrounded by natural beauty, abundant water and breathtaking outlooks towards the Sunshine Coast coastline. This beautiful Queenslander cottage offers the perfect balance of charm, tranquillity and practicality, with the property thoughtfully positioned to make the most of its picturesque acreage setting. Whether you are searching for a peaceful family home, a lifestyle retreat, an income-producing property or simply a place where you can bring your vision to life, this property offers an abundance of possibilities.

27 OCTOBER 2026 HINTERLAND TIMES

Thinking of selling? Over 1000 sellers have put their trust in us. Are you next?

DAMIAN GREEN

MICHELLE SOPER

MICHAEL

KATE

RECK

WOOLSTON

MELISSA

CHADDOCK

MARK

CLAYTON

0447 737 737 | hinterland@remax.com.au

JUST SOLD 3

871m2

$1,170,000 11 North Maleny Road, Maleny Opportunities like this are becoming increasingly rare. This, solid single-level brick home offers the chance to secure an outstanding location, breathtaking countryside views and the opportunity to create the home you've always imagined.

Melissa Chaddock 0400 550 035 melissa@remax.com.au 32 Maple Street, Maleny QLD 4552 07 5408 4220

FOR SALE 6

2.5ac

CONTACT AGENT 14 Moffitt Court, Maleny

Melissa Chaddock 0400 550 035

Acreage Calm, Town Convenience and Room for Every Generation

melissa@remax.com.au

JUST SOLD

Just 1.8km from Maleny, this peaceful acreage sanctuary offers the space, privacy and flexibility hinterland buyers are chasing: room to breathe, established gardens to enjoy, and town convenience close enough to keep life beautifully simple. Here, you can create genuine options for multi-generational families, guests, teenagers or working from home.

View: remax.com.au/hinterland

4061m2

$1,615,000 310 Corks Pocket Road, Reesville 32 Maple Street, Maleny QLD 4552 07 5408 4220

A charming country home with northerly views, beautiful gardens and an expansive entertaining deck. A large studio-style flat, powered shed, solar and battery system add exceptional flexibility and lifestyle appeal.

Michael Reck 0447 589 491 mike@remax.com.au 32 Maple Street, Maleny QLD 4552 07 5408 4220