Hinterland Times June 2023

We

Publication date 1st Wednesday of each month

THE

Welcome to Winter

Victoria McGuin 5499 9049 editor@hinterlandtimes.com.au

PRODUCTION/ADVERTISING

MANAGER

Karen Muir 0414 432 423 production@sunnycoastmedia.com.au

Well, I’m sitting in a café in Maleny listening to people share their flu stories, while folk come in with coughing and spluttering children to grab their coffees, which isn’t the most community-minded idea… But we all politely grin and bear it, then go home and dose up on vitamin C, raw garlic and various other remedies and nutrients!

Okay, grouch over. On to more cheery things, such as the recent Biggest Morning Tea, where I managed to spend half my time at the Maleny Riverside and half at The Barn on Flaxton!

The event in Maleny was spearheaded by Jim and Sandra Goulton of Maleny Jewellers, and they raised over $6,000! The spread was delicious, the Brazilian entertainment from Tropicalia Dance Group was cheerful and eye-catching, and the raffle prizes were plentiful. What a fun morning and I hope they do it again next year.

INSIDE

FEATURES

Local people, local stories

4 – 11

LET’S TALK BUSINESS

Q&A with Sunshine Coast Hose and Fittings

12

TASTE TRAIL

The flavours and produce of the region, plus market listings

14 – 16

LOCAL MUSINGS

18

CREATIVE CUTS

Artist profiles, entertainment and news on the arts

19 - 21

LIGHT RELIEF Letters, poetry, crosswords, Sudoku 22 – 23

HOLISTIC Health, beauty and wellness

24 – 29

BACK TO NATURE

From wild birds to adopting animals 30 – 31

COMMUNITY NEWS

Please

Winter is well and truly here now, and we have been enjoying crackling fires, slow-cooked stews and hot chocolate. The crisp, clear mornings are perfect, even though it’s much harder to leave the warmth of bed. And for those with teenagers, are you finding it takes about half an hour for them to actually move the covers, let alone stagger, bleary-eyed into the kitchen?!

On to the latest HT – we have the usual features stories full of exceptional people, from athletes to writers to those bringing fun to the community.

WRITERS

Creative Cuts has something for everyone, and I am already excited for the upcoming Rangebow Festival, which includes the world premiere of Iago (P19) and the Forage Fire Feast event (P14), with Aunty Dale Chapman and her talented team of chefs.

On the subject of food, my midmorning muffin and coffee has just arrived - a special treat to celebrate putting together the June paper!

I wish you all a wonderful, flu-free month ahead, and see you in July!

Enjoy.

/Hinterlandtimes /hinterlandtimes EDITOR 2 JUNE 2023 HINTERLAND TIMES

32

EDITOR

COVER STORY

For 30 years, Peace of Green Gallery in Maleny has been home to a variety of artists whose work spans many mediums. See page 20

ACCOUNTS accounts@hinterlandtimes.com.au

HT Young Writer Award returns with bigger prizes!

We at the HT are touched by the generosity of many businesses who have chosen to sponsor the fifth annual Hinterland Times Young Writer of the Year Award

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who has donated prize money, gift vouchers or experiences for the winner and runners up.

THE WINNER RECEIVES $500, PLUS OVER $800-WORTH OF PRIZES!

- A family pass to Majestic Cinemas

- Seven nights camping for a family of four at Lake Borumba Caravan and Camping Grounds

- $100 voucher for Laurisha Jewellery, Montville

- $50 voucher from Concept IT, Maleny

- $100 voucher from Petsafe.net

- A pair of sunglasses from Hammond Optometry, Nambour

- Montville Coffee barista training masterclass in Baringa (valued at $235)

- Book voucher from The Little Book Nook, Palmwoods

- $100 voucher from Forest Heart Nursery, Maleny

THE THREE RUNNERS UP EACH RECEIVE $150

Plus, a $50 voucher for Secrets on the Lake, and a book voucher from The Little Book Nook

We also have a six-week dance course at Cool Cats Rock’n’Roll, Woombye, and two $30 vouchers for the Cooroy RSL to use at our discretion.

Subject: I REALISED I WAS LOST…

You can use these five words to create a story/scene or recount a real-life experience. The word limit is 600 words (but we have accepted pieces running slightly over this). Please add name, age, and contact details when submitting your story.

Age range: 10- 17 years

Due to the differing age ranges, the overriding criteria is how descriptive and evocative a story is – essentially, how a piece made us feel, rather than the grammar and punctuation.

Closing date: August 31

The winner and runners up will be our front cover stars for the October issue, and all four stories will be published in the HT. There will also be highly commended writers recognised, as usual!

(Judging is done by the HT writers and editor, who choose stories in order of preference, and make the final decision based on the number of votes for each chosen piece.)

THANKS TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS:

Harlequin Blinds and Security, Prime Medical Holdings, Western Avenue Floral Design, The Little Book Nook, Montville Coffee, Cool Cats Rock ‘n’ Roll Woombye, The Barn on Flaxton, IDM Beerwah, Majestic Cinemas, Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat, Laurisha Jewellery, Cooroy RSL, Lake Borumba Caravan and Camping Grounds, Hammond Optometry, Secrets on the Lake, Nellie’s Creative Hair Design, Forest Heart Nursery and Concept IT.

In 2013 Darron raced his way into the history books as the first para-athlete to finish the Sunshine Coast 70.3 half ironman triathlon. Now he’s channelling his strength and determination to grow inclusive sporting opportunities for people with disability.

by EMILY SMITH

Glasshouse resident Darron Shields is a para-athlete who has lived with a spinal cord injury (SCI) for more than 20 years after he was involved in a road accident while training for a triathlon in 2002.

He spent two weeks fighting for his life in intensive care and eight months in a spinal rehabilitation unit learning how to live with a SCI.

“I am a self-confessed ‘fitness freak’," admitted Darron with a smile,”and have always had a passion to see what the body and mind can achieve through sport.”

Such is his mental toughness, he made a deal with himself during rehab to complete an Olympic distance event within 10 years of his accident. This is a gruelling 1.5k swim, 40km cycle and 10km run.

“I completed the Noosa Triathlon within nine years and nine months of my accident,” Darron said. “I completed this first race in three hours and two minutes and I was a little frustrated and said to myself ‘ okay, next time I will aim to do it in under three hours’.”

He went on to complete a Sports Science degree at the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) and for the past decade has competed in dozens of events, such as the 2010 Paratriathlon World Championships in Budapest and again in New Zealand, in 2012, where he placed 11th.

Darron works as the business development manager for the Paraplegic Benefit Fund (PBF), whose founding father, Sir George Bedbrook, brought the Paralympics to Australia.

He also supported the growth of hand cycling in Australia and Queensland and was the state coach for the sport and a member of Cycling Queensland’s Para-Cycling committee.

The 54-year-old is also part of the Sunshine Coast Regional Council’s organising committee for its All Access Day at the Beach in Mooloolaba and works closely with the Sporting Wheelies and Disabled Association.

“Being in a triathlon, either as an able-bodied athlete in the past, or as a para-athlete now, helps me to focus. It clears the mind, it gets the heart and the lungs going and I love the camaraderie of the sport,” Darron shared.

“It's about doing something that gets you out of bed, and whatever that is, it should be accessible for everyone.”

In 2019 Carers Queensland supported Darron to access the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). He uses his support to remain and regain his independence and for assistance with cleaning his house and tending his garden.

“The NDIS has been a godsend. It gave me my independence back and it gave me my freedom back,” he said.

“Right now I do most things by myself, but as I age, I’m sure I may need more support, maybe daily activities or other areas that we take for granted. It’s good to know I have a NDIS plan for when my situation changes.”

Three years ago Darron moved to the Glasshouse Mountains to enjoy the hinterland lifestyle, including the “peace, beautiful scenery and the sunsets”.

Glasshouse-based para-athlete Darron Shields is pushing for more inclusion in sport

“There are limited cycling tracks suitable for people with disability in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland region at present,” Darron said, “but I’m a regular user of Skippy Park in Landsborough, which is a good, safe and accessible recreational park, ideal for para-athletes.”

A recent addition to his wheelchair, an attachment with a lithium battery that provides more range, now means Darron can travel further distances without fatiguing and he’s looking forward to finding some new fire or nature trails to gain further access to the hinterland area.

Darron added, “Local businesses with ramps, including The Glasshouse Mountains Lookout café and the Glasshouse Tavern, have enabled me to enjoy more aspects of living in the hinterland.”

Just recently Darron signed up to help Carers Queensland on its Inclusive Sports and Recreation project as a member of the organisation’s Beyond the Sidelines Reference Group.

As one of Australia’s largest NDIS partners in the community, Carers Queensland has a key role to play in driving inclusive change in communities.

Its Sports and Recreation project aims to increase the representation and participation of people with disability in sport and recreation, both on and off the playing field, in the lead up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Darron is one of nine people with disability who will be instrumental in helping the organisation to identify best practices in sport and recreation for people with disability and remove the barriers to it.

“For me, what’s missing is inclusive sports at a grassroots level, so when I got the opportunity to go for this reference group, I knew I had something to offer,” Darron said.

“Yes, there are sports out there, but let’s use basketball as an example, there's an opportunity for people with disability to play basketball every single day of the week, but if you're not a basketballer, how does that help you?

“It should be more about asking people with disability what they want to play and finding some pathways to this and building on it.

“It’s about making changes to ensure a person with a disability can go to a running, cycling or triathlon club and know they have access to knowledge, coaches, experience and equipment.”

Darron said inclusion should be in every organisation and governing body’s charter and that more conversations needed to be had with councils around infrastructure at the planning level.

“I've been working with Sunshine Coast Council on accessible ability,” Darron said.

“We had a walk around the Sunshine Coast University Hospital and a lot of people were having ‘aha’ moments on certain things that I pointed out and it just brings an awareness to decision makers.

“We also must have robust conversations with planners, so at the early stages it becomes a norm to have accessible stadiums and clubs, instead of having to spend lots of money after the fact to make them inclusive.”

Darron said the Sunshine Coast has much to offer in regard to sports and recreational opportunities for people with disability but there was work to be done within clubs to make sure they were genuinely accessible.

“We can’t change everything but if we work together then we can pull our ideas, experiences and talents to bring about real change,” he said.

Carers Queensland can support you to find out more about the NDIS, to apply for funding and to help you get started with the NDIS. If you have a disability but are not eligible for the NDIS, Carers Queensland can help you identify and link to options for support in your community. Contact Carers Queensland on 1300 999 636, or email cq.enquiries@ndis.gov.au

KEEPING YOUR HOME WARM THIS WINTER

As the S nshine State se les into colder da s and darker nights, o ma be looking for ne a s to make o r home armer and more energ -efficient to keep o r hea ng costs do n. Whether o are a home-o ner or in the market to b or sell, preparing o r home for inter ith these fe small changes can help to keep the armth in and the cold o t.

. Ins late floors, alls and ceilings - In inter, – % of an nins lated home's armth is lost thro gh the roof If o 're going to spend mone on hea ng and air condi oning, o might as ell make it as cost-effec e as possible b ins la ng o r home.

. Ens re arm air can circ late – to ens re o get the most o t of o r heat so rce, make s re nothing is blocking the flo Mo e o r sofa and et la ndr back to allo the hot air to mo e aro nd the ho se. To make o r hea ng more efficient, close doors to rooms o 're not sing.

. Co er hard floors ith r gs - If o ha e hard floors, p t some r gs do n. The are effec e ins la on – if o ha e an older ho se ith gapp floorboards, a thick r g can do onders to pre ent e tra chill air seeping in.

. Use c rtains, blinds and sh ers - Heat from the s n is free so make the most of it. Open o r c rtains and let the s nlight in d ring the da , then hen it gets dark, sh t o r c rtains. Up to % of hea ng energ can be lost thro gh indo s, so closing the c rtains acts as another la er of ins la on and keeps armth in.

. Track do n and seal dra ghts - Seal p an dra ghts aro nd doors and indo s. Use prod cts like door snakes, eather seal tape, silicone sealant, roller door seals, PVC door strips, br sh door seals hich o can pick p at a hard are store.

. S itch ceiling fans to re erse - T rn o r ceiling fans on re erse, this makes the blades t rn an -clock ise and, since arm air rises, it'll p sh the arm air from o r hea ng s stem back do n to ards the floor

For complimentar appraisals and ad ice for b ers, please contact o r office on . We are OPEN da s.

I cannot recommend Monica and Roger eno gh for their o tstanding ork in selling m mother's home. Within ho rs of lis ng, the had sec red an e cellent ncondi onal offer at a price that e ceeded o r e pecta ons. The en re process as smooth and stress-free thanks to their e pert g idance and a en on to detail. Monica and Roger ere al a s a ailable to ans er o r q es ons, and kept s informed e er step of the a . I tr l felt like the had m mother's best interests in mind thro gho t the en re process. Thank o Roger Lo ghnan Realt for o r e cep onal ser ice, and for the kindness sho n to ards m mother

Re ie s bmi ed b U T rner (Vendor)Ma

Darron competing in the ocean part of a triathlon

TIPS FOR L ANDLORDS OF RETAIL PREMISESPART 2

As a landlord of commercial premises it is impor tant to identify what business your tenant will be carr ying out from your premises so that you can prepare a lease that will comply with the requirements of the relevant act involved

I n Queensland commercial leases generally speak ing 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 Proper ty Law Act. I shall concentrate my discussion on leases that come under the Retail Shop Leases Act.

In par t 1 of this ar ticle I discussed the impor tance of Disclosure pursuant to the and giving the tenant early notice of the new market rental

When negotiating with your prospec tive tenant here are fur ther impor tant tips to keep in mind:

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 per form the tenant's obligations under the Lease

The local history of Diddillibah

by REBECCA MUGRIDGE

ccording to the book of the same name, Diddillibah is a small locality of hills, valleys and houses in a peaceful, rural setting with Nambour and Woombye less than 10 kms to its west, Bli Bli to its northeast and Maroochydore to its east.

The whole area has a natural beauty that frames the houses and buildings with a soothing green and a rustic, country charm, and yet, this idyllic place is just minutes away from the hustle of Maroochydore or the Bruce Highway.

The Diddillibah book came about as a rich source of local history, and also an immaculately fact-checked record. The correct details were important, such as a Methodist had been recorded as a Church of England, and other incorrect facts.

Local historian and author Eunice Paulett, a retired teacher passionate about the history of the area, said these inaccuracies inspired her to research and preserve as much factual information and correct details as possible.

“I've lived on the Sunshine Coast since 1973. I was a Geography and German teacher at Caloundra and

ANambour high schools before I retired, then I worked as a volunteer at the Tourist Information offices in Mooloolaba and Maroochydore for nearly ten years. During that time, I wrote a brochure for the council on walks on the Sunshine Coast. I did them all of course!” Eunice explained.

“I have a teacher friend, Audienne Blyth, who has written a lot about the history of Yandina, and she encouraged me to research and do a booklet on Rosemount where I live. So, I did. That was in 2018. A couple of years later, Covid year 2020, some friends in Diddillibah encouraged me to help get facts right about Henry Keil and the church and the school at Diddillibah.

“So, the researching and fact-checking and interviewing descendants of early settlers began,” Eunice said with a big smile.

“I had help from Lynette Walker, Jenny Catalano, contacts made at the Nambour Museum, and information from the local history section of Nambour Library, by people who documented some parts of the area a long time ago, (e.g., Tom Petrie and Fred Fink).

“The book grew and fell into chapters about early settlers, fruit growing- especially pineapples - and the

Diddillibah – the bah means place of and Diddillibah means the place of the coarse grass used for making dilly bags. A new book, Diddillibah, is a detailed resource and fascinating read of local history and families that lived in this area for generations.

Locals connected with the historical book Diddillibah: Peter Lawrence, Keith Millington, Brian McCarthy, Marion Jonkers, John Hammond Pat Atkonson, Eunice Paulett, Lesley Willersdorf

All images - Rebecca Mugridge

sugar cane cultivation; the schools, the church, roads and bridges, etc.

“There were some funny stories along the way like those by Graeme Pettigrew, who sadly has since died.

“And of course, there are always unknown contacts and other stories we didn't hear about when writing the book.”

Spelling, Eunice said, is also an incredibly important part of collecting history.

“My first point of research interest was Henry Keil. There’s Kiels Mountain School and Kiels Mountain and Kiels Mountain Road but his name was Henry Keil,” she pointed out.

The 117-page book explores the families, stories and buildings of Diddillibah in a detailed collection of research, carefully curated into a book. Inside, amongst the historical facts, readers will find maps, details of the local families and a wonderful array of old photos.

Peter Lawrence, proud Yugarapul man, historian and local Kiels Mountain resident has written a chapter in Diddillibah titled First Inhabitants, Traditional Custodians, First Nations People

'The local Kabi Kabi people have lived on what is known as the Sunshine Coast for thousands of years. They are sometimes referred to as the Gubbi Gubbi people, First Nations’ culture, land and language are interwoven' Peter writes.

Peter has a wealth of historical knowledge and, like many local historians, has his own personal family connection to the Sunshine Coast.

“The origins of names, Diddillibah, Woombye, Caboolture, Yandina, Nambour (Namba), Maroochydore, they are all Kabi Kabi or Yuggera words. They tell you what the area was, like Kuluin means black swan. Some suggest Diddillibah means carpet snake but the word for this is “wongi,” Peter shared.

“I have been teaching history for about 25 years in secondary schools in Queensland, always with an Aboriginal focus. I used to teach Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island studies in the late 1990s and I’ve taught modern history for over 20 years.”

Along with the chapter in Diddillibah, Peter has also written a chapter for a Modern Histories textbook for Cambridge and has been a researcher for books like World War I-based book, 2014.

“My great, great, great grandfather, Walter Bunny, was European,” said Peter. “He had land allocated to him in 1868 and they were the first European family in the Rosewood Scrub west of Ipswich.

“My great grandmother was an Aboriginal woman, she was taken from there and hidden by the European side of her own family in Brisbane. My mum’s side of the family moved here about 1930, behind the Banana Bender Pub.

“My great grandparents had a banana farm there, they are the Rossow family. All my great-grandparents were living in the Landsborough area by 1940.”

Peter said local history books like Diddillibah, which now include a First Nations viewpoint, are important but there are also a few others well worth reading.

“In the Tracks of the Rainbow Serpent is an Aboriginal history of this local area,” said Peter. “Another one I always refer people to is Tom Petrie’s Reminiscences of Early Queensland

“The book [Diddillibah] is a good starting point,” Peter added, for anyone interested in history.

Eunice’s book is an achievement in local historical significance and whether you have family links to the Sunshine Coast or are just curious, it is a fascinating window to the past.

“I think booklets which record local history are important to people presently living anywhere here on the Sunshine Coast,” Eunice said. The latest edition of Diddillibah has been digitised by Allan Petts, and the Diddillibah Hall Committee organised the printing and the sales. It can be purchased through the Hall Committee website or their Facebook page, $25,  diddillibahhall.com. au. You can avoid postage by collecting your copy from Black Cockatoo Retreat by appointment, ring Sally 0439 884 988.

Lesley Welham nee Willersdorf, a descendant of Henry Keil’s nephew says, “It’s all in the book, Eunice has done a great job."

Eunice Paulett and Peter Lawrence with the book, ‘Diddillibah’

by JUDY FREDRIKSEN

Knitting since she was aged seven, Debs’ latent skill for unique craft designs began to manifest in her younger years when she travelled from Rochedale into Brisbane City for work.

“I had an hour trip on the train every day and I was making these simple little cotton tops on the train. I could knit the front on the way in, and the back on the way out. Because the same people travelled to work every day with me, people would ask, ‘Can you make me one?’

“I had this wonderful little business going, making tops for people on the train. That gave me the idea that I could design my own knitwear, so I started doing my own designs after that.”

Debs then progressed into owning a craft shop and nursery at Caboolture with her husband. That was like an Aladdin’s Cave for her; she was totally enchanted by the incredible variety, colours and textures of all the new and exotic yarns that had suddenly become fashionable.

Need legal advice about retirement living?

Then, as can happen in life, children came along, and things changed. In 1985 she moved to Maleny where there was a lovely little craft shop in the main street. Today it is the location of Rather Bizr.

“We used to stand outside the shop with the

And so the seed for Knitfest was sowed, though it would take another 30 years for that seed to germinate and flourish.

Meanwhile Debs, who is also a talented musician and plays slide guitar, was playing music gigs fulltime in South East Queensland and Northern New South Wales, with her band, Blues Arcane.

However, it was her calm insightfulness and strong organisational skills that saw her life take another twist, launching her into the rarefied stratosphere of event management.

“We were gigging 3–4 nights a week, doing small tours, and I was working for all the different street press as a journo and photo journalist. I did interviews with all the major bands, and musos were asking me to book their band.

“I was writing gig and CD reviews for different acts – everybody liked my advice. Big name bands from overseas started sending me their cds to review.”

Debs was so well respected that bands wanted her to manage them. She ended up in charge of 25 different

HOME DÉCOR & RUGS

Sal, this looks a bit odd. Can you maybe put the lasy dot point across the advert width Make image slighly smaller and place at left , logo on right Name

The incurious greeting of a gentle Saluki, one of the world’s oldest dog breeds, a lounge room crammed with an enormous array of colourful knitted craft works, and walls plastered with posters of well-known musos immediately transport me into a storybook fantasy world – one inhabited by imagineer and driving force behind Knitfest – Debs Swain.

Debs models one of her early works

June Doyle, volunteer yarnbomber who made the ‘wild women’ dolls 

right fertiliser for the beanie and scarf festival idea to sprout and grow into Knitfest.

Now in its sixth year, Knitfest has seen the township of Maleny yarnbombed nearly every winter when trees, buildings and fences around town are decorated with snuggly woollen covers, creative mobiles depicting myriad elements of nature, or mysterious characters borne out of the imaginations of playful children.

Knitfest includes numerous workshops where you can learn to knit, crochet, create macramé, needle felt or weaving, or even spin your own wool.

Several experienced and talented fibre artists help Debs every year, their creativity being so admirable that in 2022, they were invited to yarnbomb the Queen Street Mall, Brisbane.

This year, the Brisbane City Council has invited them back to yarnbomb a new shopping centre at Mt Gravatt. For this occasion, they are creating Australianthemed creatures depicting nature and the Great Barrier Reef.

People come from all over the world for Knitfest, says Debs. They come from England, Japan, Texas, USA, Canada, Turkey, as well as from all over Australia. Even when the event has struggled to find funding, Debs has come up with some kind of free event to support the community, something that is important to her personal values. Events bring a lot of business to a small town, she says.

“Last year, because we couldn’t put the event on, we did something different. We started up ‘hats for heroes’. It was making beanies, scarves and comfort bears for all the first responders and people that have been victims of disasters.” All were well received.

COMMUNITY CENTRE

Eventually, she found herself working for places like Cooly Rocks On, Woodford Folk Festival, Motorfest, Soundfest, Mitchell Creek Rock N Blues Fest and Big Day Out. This lady was engaged by some really big venues and had developed serious street cred!

On the downside though, she was constantly away from home, much to the disappointment of her partner. Tired of her never-ending absences, he said to Debs: “Why don’t you put something on here?”

Those few simple words turned out to be just the

This year, the theme for Maleny Knitfest is ‘Wild Women’ and is entirely open to interpretation,

The festival will run from July 1-3, but half of the workshops are already booked out, so attendees need to get in quickly!

If you would like to become involved in Knitfest in any way, either as a volunteer, stallholder or enter the competitions, details are on the website, knitfest.com. au, or visit the page on Facebook/Instagram.

Short Dramatic Opera of Love & Betrayal with Story Narration

M A L E N Y S I N G E R S & I N S P I R A T I O N P R O J E C T C H O I R MALENY

Tickets: Adults $35 Conc $30, Children (up to 15 yrs) $15 Trybooking com/CHGCH, Maleny Information Centre

Lindel Kielly and Debs putting together a Tardis

Yarnbombing on the trees outside Peace of Green, Maleny

Flights! Camera! Action!

N orthern Territory

I have bee n l u c k y e n o ug h in the last 12 y ea rs to visit the NT fo u r times ! U l u ru is a magica l pla ce a n d m ust- ex pe rie n ce d estinatio n fo r a l l A ustra lia ns - o n e f il led w ith in c red ible sig hts, eve r- c ha n gin g c o l o u rs, a n d e n e rg y u n lik e a n yw he re e lse in the w o rld , w ith natu ra l la n d ma rks a n d a ric h In d ige n o us histo r y that c ombin e to ta k e y o u r b reath awa y .

A highlight for me was the Sounds of Silence Dinner, where you are taken to the true outback for an Indigenous performance as the sun sets.The night sky opens,and you are invited to learn about our solar system, all of which is visible and vast above.

K in gs C a n y o n (situated bet wee n A lice S prin gs a n d U l u ru) is a ls o a n in c red ible l o catio n T he rim wa l k is inspirin g a n d ca n be d o n e b y m ost leve ls of f it n ess Hea d in g n o rth, Da r w in is su rro u n d ed b y ama zin g nationa l pa rks Fo r me, Litc hf ie ld Natio na l Pa rk w ith its in c red ible g o rges, e n o rm o us trees a n d w ild life was u nfo rget ta ble

A visit to the Humpty Doo Pub is a must as you make your way north, run by locals and filled with character! The Northern Territory is unique in so many ways, and I would love to help you experience the majesty of it all.

Trevor Morrison is the Community Engagement and Education Officer from ECOllaboration, an environmental not-for-profit organisation that has been on the Sunshine Coast for 30 years.

“While Maleny has always held a strong reputation for platypus, Nambour is more of a local secret and is blessed with a healthy population of platypuses,” Trevor shares.

“Recently we identified six unique platypuses in a 60-minute survey using only three locations along Petrie Creek, so we can assume that there would be plenty more that went under our radar.

“I think Nambour is very underrated for its environmental diversity in general, but the platypus is perhaps our most iconic species, therefore raising awareness about its prevalence in the Nambour (and Sunshine Coast) region is a really important part of what ECOllaboration does.”

And awareness is crucial when human impact can harm the platypus.

“In my opinion, the two largest issues are pollution and habitat destruction, the latter usually stemming from urban development and damage to the riparian zone along creek banks.”

by REBECCA MUGRIDGE

In Nambour you have the chance of sighting the unique, semi- aquatic, egg-laying, Australian mammal, the platypus! The presence of these unusual creatures, in a river that runs through a busy town, is an exciting one.

Nambour local, Jean Dunning, is a photographer who has been able to capture the Nambour platypus in stunning photographs.

The trick, she says, is to have a little patience.

“The platypus are not always out and about. From Carter Road/Arundel Roundabout area I have seen up to four platypus during mating season.

“I take photos of wildlife every day. My husband retired about three years ago and we go out and about taking in our beautiful surroundings, platypus-spotting a few times a week,” says Jean, who also explains that a current threat to platypus is yabby traps.

“Neil Andison (the Platypus Whisperer from Maleny) is trying to raise awareness. Unfortunately, once a platypus gets inside, it is trapped and dies quickly. They are mammals and must reach the surface of the creek within four minutes. Being trapped under water in the yabby traps kills them.”

Keeping the platypus alive and breeding in Nambour is a combined effort. From public volunteers to community and environmental groups and the Sunshine Coast Council.

They hope to change this by involving the community more. “On behalf of the Sunshine Coast Environment Council (SCEC) we are hosting a World Environment Day, Platypus Conservation Walk on Saturday June 10 which finishes with some creekside planting through the assistance of Sunshine Coast Council (SCC) and Petrie Creek Catchment Care Group (PCCCG).

“I believe that people are far more inclined to protect something that they have an emotional connection to, which is easy to generate once you see a platypus in Petrie Creek!”

Trevor encourages public involvement. “We recently had a witness report an accidental pollutant reaching Petrie Creek near a major platypus hotspot and SCC were extremely prompt in addressing it.”

The public also helps with the platypus counts. “Our platypus surveys are vital for two reasons: community engagement and data.,” explains Trevor.

“Sometimes you do need patience”

- Jean Dunning. Platypus spotting is a magical part of Petrie Creek in Nambour - the chance of sighting the unique, semi- aquatic, egg-laying, Australian mammal, the platypus!

Platypus in the Petrie - image Jean Dunning

It is a real group effort to keep the area platypus-friendly, with Cheryl Geoghegan, SCC leader Leah Tearle, and Norm Morwood - image Jamie Slaven

Jamie Slaven from Petrie Creek Catchment Care Group (PCCCG) says sightings in Nambour have increased.

“There have been many sightings over the years, however, in the last few years they have been regularly sighted in a few sections of the creek in Nambour.”

Jamie says the main spotting is from Arundel Avenue through to Currie Street. “The old weir from the Sugar Mill days provides favourable conditions.

“The platypus have burrows in the bank of the creek where they retreat to during the day, so it is important to ensure the creek banks are stable to maintain the burrows.”

PCCCG was established in 1998 by concerned locals over the state of Petrie Creek, Jamie says, “For many years PCCCG has been involved in a partnership with SCC to restore parts of Petrie Creek.

“The Council BushCare program includes the site near the Model Railway Park in Nambour, which is close to the location where the platypus are regularly seen. BushCare site Gulung Gung is east of Quota Park in the area behind Aldi and Nambour State College.

“These areas involve weed removal and [planting] lots of local native plants, grown and supplied by the PCCCG’s Florabunda BushCare Nursery.”

Florabunda BushCare co-ordinator, Suzie Pearce, says, “The nursery Florabunda BushCare began in 2002 to provide local native plants. Over the last 25 years there have been a range of projects along the creek involving landholders, other environmental groups, community jobs programs, correctional services and Sunshine Coast Council.”

Norm Morwood coordinates three BushCare groups that are in partnership with SCC and PCCCG. “Personally, I find it the most interesting thing I’ve done in my life,” Norm says.

“It also keeps me active, physically and mentally, and all aspects seem to be very rewarding. I moved to Woombye in 2007 after a career in Mining Engineering at various places throughout Australia. That included time in restoration of environmental damage by mines, as well as developing mining techniques to ensure minimal environmental damage.”

Norm says Nambour is a rich wildlife area. “We regularly record the number of individual species of birds at one of our BushCare Sites, Florabunda Pocket in Woombye.”

“We normally record up to, and a bit over 40 different species during our two-hour activity!”

Trevor continues, “If you want to learn more about platypus spotting get in touch with ECOllaboration. I could potentially host an additional community information session.

“We also conduct school field trips and incursions, so if you are a teacher who wants to learn more about

Join in the magic of PLATYPUS

• Register your interest with ECOllaboration (trevor@ecollaboration.org.au)

• Join World Environment Day "Platypus Conservation Walk" on Saturday June 10

• Volunteer with Petrie Creek Catchment Care Group (PCCCG)

• Join Facebook group Platypus Watch Friends Sunshine Coast

• Visit Florabunda Bushcare Community Nursery https://florabundabushcare.wordpress.com/

• Volunteer at a local BushCare group Join a BushCare community group (sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au)

• Join the Citizen Science Monitoring and help record data on platypus

raising environmental awareness for your students, please contact us.

“Our Protect the Petrie Creek Platypus campaign will be kicking off soon, and people will be able to ‘Adopt a Platypus’ or buy rubbish bin stickers to raise awareness and funding.”

And perhaps the burning question many of us want to know is, is more than one platypus a platypi?!

“This one always comes up, so read the following if you want to sound smart at the next trivia event...” says Trevor.

“Platypus is a Greek term (platys = flat, and pous = foot) so the correct plural in Greek grammatical form is either ‘platypuses’ or ‘platypodes’.

"’Platypus’ is also a commonly used, and accepted, plural term. Despite ongoing use, "platypi" is actually incorrect, as that is a Latin plural method, not Greek.”

CARPENTRY + DESIGN

People passionate about Petrie. Trevor Morrison, Communication and Engagement Officer, ECOllaboration with son Tom and Norm Morwood, BCSC Coordinator - image Rebecca Mugridge

Whimzees

Dental disease is the number one health issue for dogs, affecting 80% of adult dogs and up to 96% of senior dogs. That is why it's more important than ever to take an active role in your pup s at-home dental care

Ÿ Fighting bacteria every day

Ÿ Grain & Gluten Free promotes overall health

Reduces more plaque than leading competitor chews

What did you do before running this

For the past 15 years I’ve been a contract Hydraulic Hose Fitter all around central Queensland. I’ve worked for over 30 mine sites and countless quarries and civil

What does a 'typical' day entail for you?

I’m mostly working in a reactive maintenance capacity; however, I am eager to branch into more planned maintenance/ preventative maintenance work. Each day I have several leads for work, however I manage those leads amongst the breakdown work that gets called through.

What do you enjoy the most about your business?

I enjoy building a brand that I can take full credit for. I enjoy being able to make the decisions which I deem to be in the best interest of the client. Most of all, I enjoy being home every night to see my wife and four kids.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Ÿ Offers more cleaning time than leading competitor chews

Ÿ All Natural Vegetarian

Ÿ Low fat – Ideal for animals who suffer Pancreatitis

Ÿ No arti cial colours, preservatives or GMO

Fighting bacteria every day promotes overall health

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Yeppoon until I was 15, then relocated to the Sunshine Coast to finish my education.

What made you move to the hinterland?

I’m a country boy at heart. The hinterland is the best location on the Sunshine Coast. Quiet, peaceful and within half an hour to everything. Our local township, Mapleton, has a great local community and local businesses. We enjoy all the services the hinterland has to offer.

Whilst I don’t have much spare time these days, I really enjoy working with timber. I enjoy taking rough sawn slabs and turning them into something functional and beautiful. I also enjoy a good shed party and a live gig !

What do you like the most about the hinterland?

The space, the landscape, the fresh crisp air and the people. The hinterland is an incredible place to raise a family.

Do you have a favourite quote which inspires you?

The six P’s… Persistence and prior preparation prevents poor performance.

This month for our Q&A profile we chat with Joel Davis, owner of Sunshine Coast Hose and Fittings in Kureelpa, whose fast and reliable hydraulic services come with decades of experience.

A musical theatre group with a difference

by JUDY BANDIDT

Little Village Theatre in Palmwoods draws members from a community of senior performers, and under the expert tutelage of Musical Director Marji Murray, new members often find hitherto undiscovered talents.

Little Village Theatre was formed in 2020 as a sub-group of the Palmwoods Singers Theatrical Society, an amateur musical theatre organisation that has presented successful musical shows in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland and beyond since 1984.

Marji Murray said: “As the founding director of the Palmwoods Singers Theatrical Society, it has been my privilege to work with people of all ages from many different backgrounds.

“Now in our 39th year of operation, our current sub-group in production is our Little Village Theatre. What greater joy could there be than to sing and dance your way through life?

“Our only age limit is to be young at heart, and the number one requirement to enter the inner sanctum of this wonderful group is to share our love for musical theatre.

“For first-timers, any tentative steps of trepidation onto the stage are soon overcome by the intoxicating buzz from live performance.”

Little Village Theatre members often find the companionship and focus on a common goal keeps them coming back each week for more hard work!

It has been well documented that singing can assist in maintaining cognitive function and emotional stability for seniors, while dance is particularly beneficial for mobility and flexibility. At any age the combination of singing and dancing provides aerobic exercise that improves balance and coordination.

When asked what the most challenging thing is about being in the cast of a musical theatre show, many members will respond: 'Learning all those words!'

With Little Village Theatre members, perhaps it's the lighthearted banter and laughter that feature at every rehearsal that sends everyone home in a positive frame of mind. Or maybe it's the endorphins released through activity, dancing and singing that lift the spirits.

Little Village Theatre members are well into rehearsals for their 2023 show, Serenade of Love, a high tea and floor show to be presented at several matinee performances during August. Ballroom dancers will also feature during the show.

Little Village Theatre rehearses each Monday from 10am – 12pm at the Palmwoods Girl Guides Hut, on the corner of Lingara Avenue and Palmwoods/Montville Rd, Palmwoods. Visitors and new members

are always welcomed. Enquiries to Little Village Theatre secretary, Ronda Vijsma on 0411 115 786, or visit their Facebook page.

Palmwoods Singers Theatrical Society's Little Village Theatre acknowledges with gratitude the funding support from Sunshine Coast Council and Palmwoods Community Branch Ltd which enables this organisation to continue to provide musical theatre performances for the local and extended community.

The team at Bald in La ers are a do n-to-earth, eas going, general la prac ce ho lo e assis ng people ith their legal req irements. Working from a Nambo r base ith an addi onal office in G mpie, e lo e to ncomplicate the legal jargon for o r clients.

Whether it is e plaining in simple lang age ho a Will orks or dissec ng a complicated famil la ma er. We also make con e ancing as simple as possible.

We're here to help and g ide o . O r fees are reasonable and fair. We do home isits on req est for clients ho cannot come into to n to meet s at the office.

We assist clients ith

Ÿ Wills, End ring Po er of A orne , and Ad ance Health Direc es

Ÿ Con e ancing

Ÿ Famil La

Ÿ Commercial la (leases, sale and p rchasing of b sinesses)

It is important to ha e o r Will c rrent and p-todate ith o r circ mstances. If o need help dra�ing o r Will to make s re it reflects o r ishes, contact s to assist o .

It is also er important to make s re o ha e a alid End ring Po er of A orne and o r appointment reflects o r ishes. We pro ide all o r clients ith a free Ad ance Health Direc e in hich o determine o r medical instr c ons hen o cannot erball pro ide them.

Cast members rehearse for the upcoming August show, Serenade of Love

TASTE TRAIL

Rangebow brings gourmet, culture and comedy

By VICTORIA MCGUIN

The Rangebow Festival is a three-day celebration of the creative life and spirit of the Range communities, with a focus on diversity, inclusion, sustainability and reconciliation.

Events include a world premiere play, enchanted garden, sound-bath, cabaret, opera, and a stunning exhibition of Indigenous art, curated with the help of Quandamooka artist, Libby Harward of Munimba-Dja Aboriginal Gallery in Maleny. This very special experience will include our First Nations brothers playing a blownglass didgeridoo, created by acclaimed local glass artist Tina Cooper of Montville.

The hugely popular with Aunty Dale Chapman also returns - this was a sell-out event during 2022’s festival.

“It was fabulous last year,” said Aunty Dale, “I really enjoyed it, which is why I am so happy to come back this year!

“The NAIDOC theme for 2023 is ‘For Our Elders’, and my chef team decided to pay homage to me as their elder, through Forage Fire Feast very kind.”

Open Tuesday through Sunday for Breakfast & Lunch

Open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for Dinner

Aunty Dale is one of Australia’s leading Indigenous award-winning chefs and she will work alongside a team of seven talented chefs, including Chris Jordan of Three Little Birds, using sustainable, ethically sourced bushfoods and local produce.

“The team cook with passion, they use sovereign foods and botanicals, showcasing flavours from the local land,” shared Aunty Dale.

“We will start with canapes on the lawn and a smoking ceremony. There will be a yarn with Aunty, and then we will be elevating the Sunday Roast with gorgeous lumps of game, meat and fish.

The Craft is a new bar and restaurant location, established purely to showcase the region's local brewers and food producers. Contact us

344 Flaxton Drive Flaxton QLD 4560 07 5239 8957

admin@thecraftsc com

www.thecraftsc com

“Expect vibrant colours and deep flavours, with extra touches between courses, and to finish, pannacotta, a cup of tea and foraged grain biscuits.

“It will be a culinary adventure.”

If that’s not enough, you will be entertained by Australia’s godfather of Indigenous comedy, Sean Choolburra, while enjoying the stunning menu.

PALMWOODS

Homegrown Cafe

A must visit for breakfast, lunch or to enjoy the home made baked goods. Serving locally sourced produce and small batch in-house roasted coffee. Café or garden seating. Seasonal dinner first Saturday of the month. FB: “HomeGrownPalmwoods”

4/6 Little Main St. Palmwoods

0458 270 368

HOURS:

Tue - Sat: 7:00am - 2:00pm

Sunday and Monday Closed

FLAXTON

Kondalilla Restaurant

Situated on the grounds of Kondalilla Eco Resort, Kondalilla Restaurant is a vegetarian and seafood restaurant with vegan options. Visit Kondalilla and enjoy a space of tranquility while you choose from our exquisite menu. Everyone's welcome.

61-101 Kondalilla Falls Rd Flaxton

5445 7650 Ext. 2

Opening hours: Thursday & Friday: 12pm - 8pm

Saturday & Sunday: 9am - 8pm

Sean’s unique comedy style is built on storytelling and his performances are suitable for all ages. He also provides solo cultural performances and workshops to schools, communities, and corporate organisations.

“I’ve been busy doing three one-hour shows a day to different schools recently, so that’s 15 shows a week – pretty exhausting!” Sean shared with me when we recently caught up.

Sean’s career has seen him perform at festivals such as Woodford and the Adelaide Fringe, and major events such as the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and the NRL Indigenous Games.

Sean and Aunty Dale’s family are connected, and he explained to me how much he was looking forward to hosting Forage Fire Feast

“I love Aunty Dale’s food. I remember having some wattle seed and bush pepper popcorn, which was so good!

“I’m not so great at cooking, except Mexican food,” Sean admitted. “I don’t know why that is, but when we go to Mexican restaurants, my family say, ‘Man, your Mexican is 100 times better.’

He stopped for a moment to consider. “I wonder if Mexicans have ‘Aussie Tuesday’ nights? You know how we have Taco Tuesdays, and people often have Friday fish and chips…

“I reckon tastebuds are open to any culture and society, it’s our minds that sometimes aren't."

Sean is based in Townsville, having moved back home during Covid. “I’m looking forward to coming to the hinterland and experiencing the different foods, the dance and music at Rangebow. It’s going to be good to be in the area, meet all the local people and be part of it.”

If last year is anything to go by, Forage Fire Feast will sell out –so secure your tickets early!

Forage Fire Feast – a First Nations Gourmet and Culture Experience is being hosted by Flaxton Gardens, 313 Flaxton Drive, Flaxton on August 10, from 6-10pm. For tickets visit therangebowfestival.org

The Maleny Pie Guy

Treat. Your. Self. Real. 'Cos if you're going to treat yourself, do it properly. Real food, made with real local ingredients and real passion.

Really!

13 Maple St. MALENY 0479 042 845

HOURS

Open 7 Days: 8:00am - 3:30pm

Chef Aunty Dale Chapman

Flaxton Gardens is hosting Forage Fire Feast for 2023

Comedian, dancer, musician and storyteller, Sean Choolburra

By VICTORIA MCGUIN

It’s that time of year when the mornings are chilly, the nights are nippy, and the best lunch has to be a hearty soup!

Homegrown Café in Palmwoods regularly champions the humble soup, but they are not content with your basic pumpkin… oh no, this popular eatery takes soup up a few notches, so they become a filling meal by themselves.

I caught up with owner Sarah Wright, who shared their secrets to making a stand-out soup.

“Our soups are always on the menu, and they are seasonalproduce-driven, with fresh ingredients. We then like to add different toppings and garnishes to take the soups to another level.”

Of course, there are other meals on offer and the ‘Lunch Special’ is the blackboard to check out and see what delicious comfort food can tempt you each week.

On my visit, the selection included Pappardelle Pasta with Beef Ragu, or Roast Pumpkin and Sage. There were also sides of Sauerkraut (beetroot, or carrot and turmeric, or original) and local Kimchi to complement your breakfast or lunch. Plus, a seasonal special of Pear and Rhubarb French Toast Brioche.

As for the soup flying out of the door to the customers in the sunny garden? Sweet Potato and Miso, with soy lime cream and wasabi chickpeas, along with home-baked focaccia bread, made daily.

“I have been very inspired by a New Zealand publication called Dish, which has some incredible soups,” shared Sarah.

“We made a delicious green soup similar to their ‘Fix Me Up’ recipe, with broccoli, spinach, peas, potato, garlic, basil, mint and cream as the main ingredients – the topping was plain Greek yoghurt and dukkah. It went down a treat!

“Yellow Curry Lentil Soup with kumara, green beans, ginger and cashews is also another winter warmer.”

The soups change monthly, so keep an eye on the Homegrown socials for updates, or pop in and check out the blackboard.

Along with making sensational soups, Sarah and her team are extremely community-minded and environmentally aware, and often host local longtable events. During this year’s Curated Plate (a 10-day culinary festival on the Sunshine Coast from July 28 –August 6), Homegrown is hosting a Zero Waste Garden to Plate event.

“I’m thrilled to say that Chef Paul West, founder of the Grow It Local network and presenter on River Cottage Australia, will be making a guest appearance!” Sarah said with a big smile.

Paul’s latest book is, coincidentally, called Homegrown, so being connected with Sarah’s café and its sustainable ethos is perfect.

To keep up to date with food events and seasonal menus, visit the ‘Homegrown Café Palmwoods’ Facebook page or ‘homegrownpalmwoods’ on Instagram.

Gabriel is busy serving winter soups at Homegrown Cafe in Palmwoods 

Sweet Potato and Miso soup, with soy lime cream and wasabi chickpeas

MARKET GUIDE TO WHAT'S ON

SECOND SATURDAY OF THE MONTH

Montville Growers and Makers Market 7:30am - 12pm

Piping hot pancakes, buskers, genuine locally grown food, handmade craft, barista made coffee, under historic fig trees, profits maintain our Village Hall. Stall holder enquires: Liz 0424 042 376

THIRD SATURDAY OF THE MONTH

Witta Growers Markets 7:30am - 12pm

50+ stalls, this vibrant market has everything from fresh local produce to gourmet food, quality art and craft, live music, hot food and coffee. email: wittamarket@gmail.com

FOURTH SATURDAY OF THE MONTH

Mapleton Country Markets 8am - 12pm

Fresh fluffy waffles, sourdoughs, jams and chutneys, honey, pestos, plants, timber, jewellery, arts and crafts. Hot food, coffee van, live music. Ph 0419 726 603

by A. TABLEHOPPER

Iam an ‘average joe’ who enjoys good food, not a food critic by profession, so excuse my lack of fancy terminology!

I have not been paid to promote anyone – I am simply sharing my opinion on the hinterland eateries I visit, for their service/ambience and presentation/ flavour.

there are plenty of tasty options on the menu, such as wraps (breaky, Cajun chicken, veggie), toasties, gourmet sausage rolls, croissants and homemade pastries.

I chose the Salmon and Dill quiche with salad, and it arrived within five minutes in a rustic bowl with a serving of balsamic vinegar.

Salmon and fluffy egg combined with pastry and a touch of dill is generally a winner for me, and this one didn’t disappoint. The flavours were well balanced, and the warm quiche came with a generous, fresh, mixed leaf salad, tossed with crunchy cucumber, red onion and tomato.

I followed this with a gluten-free orange, almond and chocolate cupcake, and pot of breakfast tea. I have no problem with gluten, but sometimes it’s good to try gluten-free for readers who have food intolerances.

Well, let me tell you, this was one of the most delicious, moist cakes I have tried in a long time. The orange and almond flavours were a food marriage made in heaven, and the chunks of dark chocolate elevated this dessert to another dimension!

TO PROMOTE YOUR MARKET OR STALL HERE

TO PROMOTE YOUR MARKET OR STALL HERE

email sales@sunnycoastmedia.com.au

email sales@sunnycoastmedia.com.au

The July 5 edition deadline is June 26 - Book Now!

I found myself in Mapleton one sunny day this month and stopped in at La Botiga for a mid-morning ‘brunch’.

If you are wanting a traditional all-day breakfast, this is not the spot to find it, BUT

As for the ambience, this is clearly a popular local spot, with friendly staff and many customers greeted by name. The walls and shelves are adorned with local art and jewellery for sale, and in the corner is a ‘give and take’ bookshelf filled with well-read

With long wooden tables and cheery lighting, this is a place for community connection, plus the choice of outdoor seating to watch the world go by and greet the many dogs on their daily walks.

So, if your tummy starts rumbling in Mapleton, I reckon this is a great spot to stop!

Winter trading hours - open 7 Days from 8am - 4pm

Salmon and dill quiche with fresh salad

Gluten-free orange, almond and chocolate cake

LOCAL MUSINGS

Who would want to be a teacher today?

by DOUG PATTERSON

Istill have relatives and friends actively engaged in education and follow the current ‘classroom trends’ with interest. The implementation of a new ‘National Curriculum’ seems to be currently dominating what is happening in high school classrooms.

It would appear that Education Queensland now expects that every teacher will teach the same unit of work in the National Curriculum pertaining to their subject area at the same time, with the clear expectation that every student will learn the same things at the same time.

To monitor this, some schools have insisted that teachers establish lesson outcomes, how these comply with the National Curriculum, how they will be achieved, and then measure how well they have been met – lesson by lesson.

Not only is such an expectation counter-intuitive, it displays a limited understanding of curriculum implementation, the interactive dynamic of the teachinglearning process in the classroom and the extra time teachers would need to jump through these administrative hoops.

The first assumption that a single lesson is somehow a stand-alone, isolated unit of work with its own goals is unrealistic.

A lesson on trench warfare is a part of a unit of work on the impact of World War I on the world then and now. Depending on a range of factors, like the age and readiness of the students and the depth of the study, this unit could be designed for anything from five to ten weeks.

It would have its outcomes or objectives and each

individual lesson builds on previous lessons and informs subsequent lessons as students work towards these goals. This process involves a continuing review of how each individual lesson contributes to these and to try and somehow formally measure/test the individual success of a particular lesson seems both unnecessary and impractical.

The second assumption that the teachinglearning process is somehow a technical process of input and output that can be readily measured also flies in the face of reality.

The ability and willingness of students to engage in this process is dependent on their readiness to do so, and readiness is dependent on a range of socio-economic factors. The problem is that these are often seen as constants in a student’s life and ignore the reality that a family can experience hardship, divorce or homelessness that impact on a student’s readiness.

A ‘switched-in’ teacher knows that what worked yesterday isn’t going to work today and the prepared plan A has to be shelved and a more reactive plan B adopted.

The technocrat would say that this teacher failed because they did not follow the approved plan. However, if the focus of teaching is the welfare and readiness of the students, not the curriculum, then surely that teacher has at least attempted to respond to the changing needs in the classroom.

The artificial requirement to treat each lesson plan as a unit plan with its own justification, goals, and assessment items that must be approved by admin, adds hours of extra paperwork for teachers who usually have four lessons a day to plan for.

In the 1980s, a joint QTU/Ed. Qld research found that teachers were working a fifty-hour week on average and 50% of their 10 weeks a year holidays. Then, teachers didn’t have to keep detailed profiles on student behaviour that they do today,

nor complete the never-ending paper work to satisfy everincreasing accountability measures.

When teachers now spend more hours on paperwork than they do actually teaching, their readiness to actually teach is diminished.

If teacher readiness is declining and student outcomes are not noticeably improving, then the implementation of the National Curriculum can only be measured as a failure.

But, maybe the very notion of a National Curriculum itself is the problem. I am not convinced that it is that important that every 15-year-old in Australia needs to be learning the same thing in June, 2023.

There was, and perhaps should still be, room for a school to tailor its curriculum to meet the needs and particular interests of its community, without compromising standards and jeopardising entry into further educational opportunities.

Responsive teaching cannot happen in a technologically-driven model, yet responding to the needs and interests of the individual, the community and the nation is at the heart of relevant education.

To put the apparent needs and interests of the nation over those of the others, lessens the opportunity for schools, teachers and students to claim ownership of the teaching/learning process and actively engage in it.

Teachers have never been better trained so they need to be given the professional opportunity to develop and implement a more responsive and relevant school-based curriculum, not treated like technicians on an assembly line needing constant supervision.

Who would want to be a teacher in the current climate being created in some schools.

The views expressed in the Local Musings column are the writer’s and not necessarily the views of the HT team.

This is a space for the wide community to submit their considered deliberations on news, life and the idiosyncrasies of our times. Email: editor@hinterlandtimes.com.au

IAGO - World Premiere

By VICTORIA MCGUIN

Montville Village Hall, formerly the Montville School of Arts, is a fitting venue for a glittering opening night of Douglas Hackett's new play, IAGO, on August 9, 7-815pm, before it goes on a national tour with ambitions for Broadway. (Two more performances on Thursday August 10 3- 4.15pm and 7 - 8.15pm.)

Two actors gather in an apartment. One, a seasoned pro, is playing Othello. The other, an up-and-comer, is playing Iago. As their intimate rehearsals transform into consummated love, words, worlds and bodies collide. Will their relationship survive?

IAGO is a play; a modern reframing of William Shakespeare’s Othello through the lens of its central relationship. It investigates both male sexuality and manhood, whilst asking the audience to confront their own ideas of masculinity.

Directed by Michael Beh with dramaturgy by acclaimed Australian playwright Stephen Sewell, the play is a dreamlike tale of two men and their journey toward self-discovery. For both the infrequent audience member and the regular theatregoer, IAGO is a play for all.

Meeting playwright Douglas Hackett recently, I was keen to find out how this idea came about.

“The catalyst came from a Shakespeare class years ago,” said Douglas. “Looking at the reasons for Iago’s hatred towards Othello, there were many differing motivations, but I liked the homo-erotic aspect, and the thought that Iago wants to be Othello.”

Douglas trained at both NYU's Tisch School of the Arts and the National Institute of Dramatic Arts. “I actually went to drama school to learn how to direct,” Douglas shared, “and it was very informative learning how actors work, what they do and don’t respond to.”

Douglas wrote his first full-length play when he was 20. “It was inspiring to do and I kept working on it, tweaking it. In 2022 I did a creative workshop with playwright Stephen Sewell, and now we are collaborating

on IAGO, which I am so happy about.”

When it came to the actors’ readthrough for IAGO, everyone in the room talked through their experiences, and some of these translated to the actors’ emotional attachments in the play.

“We discussed growing up in Australia as a gay man, and how it has impacted them,” said Douglas.

Today, the most menacing cause of death amongst Australian males is suicide. Over two thousand men killed themselves in 2021. There are many factors as to why, but as a survivor himself, Douglas recognises the two most dangerous catalysts: sexuality and our perception of masculinity, of what man should be.

With support, IAGO creatives can stage this mighty and powerful declaration of love, kindness and understanding to bigger audiences. And better yet, speak to someone in the crowd who may be struggling.

“I’ve had so much support throughout this,” added Douglas. “My family hosted a fundraiser which raised over $30k through the Australian Cultural Fund, which has helped with rehearsals and production costs.

“Wayne [Rangebow Festival Director] has been kindly waiting for us to get to the stage where it’s ready, he’s been absolutely brilliant and understands how much it means to everyone involved.”

For tickets to this world premiere, visit therangebowfestival.org

Award Winning Timber Gallery

EYE OF THE BEHOLDER 

Jessica Ainsworth is from a long lineage of visual artists, and has lived a life both varied and at times unusual, from being a farmer to a street performer, from an artisan of high quality leather goods to a facilitator of Ka Huna massage. The uniqueness of Jessicas’ art is its use of colour, texture and often hidden meanings or metaphor. Her art is mainly figurative as it is the observation of people and their stories that fascinate her. In the Eye of the Beholder is the name and theme of Jessica’s next exhibition and promises to be well worth a visit.

"We all choose to see the world a certain way, adding colours and textures that vary from one person to the another depending on our life experiences, environments and inherited family histories.  "As the name suggests, the judgement of what is beautiful is purely subjective, and so with this in mind, I have attempted to convey what one person may find beautiful and another may not.”

The Zone Gallery, 89 McCarthy Rd. Maleny, 1-4pm, June 24-28

HIGH QUALITY DRAMA

Those keen on live theatre should consider a visit to Maleny this month. The highly-acclaimed play DancingatLughnasa will be performed over two weekends.

Brian Friel’s drama set in County Donegal in the 1930s won the 1997 Tony award.  According to the New York Times ‘this play does exactly what theatre was born to do’. It is a moving story of five sisters displaying humour and courage as they cope with multiple pressures - psychological, social and economic.

Maleny is becoming one of the most energetic sites for live theatre

in the region with innovative productions, adult acting classes and a forthcoming writer’s workshop.

The talented cast assembled for DancingatLughnasa (which includes two actors who hail from Cork) will ensure a quality production. So book a date at the Maleny Playhouse, June 16-18 and 23-25. The Sundays are matinees.

Come early on the Fridays for ‘Irish Night’ from 6pm and enjoy a bowl of Irish stew, Guiness and live music. Bookings: malenyplayers.org or trybooking.com/CIGOR.

HASH

TAG

EXHIBITION

The collective artworks from Gympie’s TAG artists bring a show of variety to Art on Yabba in June.

The exhibition opens on Saturday June 3 at 4pm at Imbil’s Wild Vine Café, next to the fine  art gallery at 116 Yabba Road, Imbil, which offers viewing from 9am-2pm, Thursday-Sunday. Hash TAG – from the Tuesday Art Group – is a collection of works from members. (Pictured: Greek Horses by Lyn Northdurft.)

The Hash TAG exhibition will be followed by a solo exhibition from popular Ninderry artist Fiona Groom, who brings her menagerie of acrylic animal works to Art on Yabba in July.

Art on Yabba is a fine art gallery operated by Mary Valley Artslink, which also hosts the  annual Mary Valley Art Festival on July 20-23 Entries have now opened for the festival, which offers $13,000 in prize money, and close on 10 July

New transport sponsor Masondale has doubled the prize money for the People’s Choice  award to $1000. RJR Property is sponsoring the Best in Show award for $3000, and there is $2500 for the Open Winner from Gympie’s Bendigo Bank. Entry forms online at  maryvalleyartfestival.com.au

ARTIST PROFILE - JULIE HANRAHAN

Peace of Green Gallery, Maleny, is a Sunshine Coast Artists

Collective Gallery owned, managed, operated and funded by its local member artists. A different artist will welcome you every day, happy to provide insight into the original artworks created by the members, many of whom grace the cover of this month’s HT!

We will be sharing details of some of these artists over the next couple of months in the lead up to Peace of Green celebrating 30 years in Maleny.

This month we bring you art by member Julie Hanrahan. Julie is inspired by the iconic trees and flowers of this area, their form and colour, and creates intricate linocuts of native flora which she then hand-prints. All prints are part of a limited edition, but vary slightly because they are individually hand-painted. Prints are available framed or unframed and Julie is available to complete commissions. Julie shared, “I’ve been a member of Peace of Green for 15 years. It’s always a great creative group of supportive artists, working together to make this awesome collective.” Visit Peace of Green Gallery seven days a week in the main street of Maleny from 9.30am - 4pm.

THE GIANTS

The Giants film is coming to the Maleny Community Centre on Friday June 30 at 7pm, with dnner at 6pm.

The film is a cinematic portrait of environmental activist Bob Brown and his 50 years of activism as he fights for the protection of ancient forests across Australia.

Cameras rigged high in the tree canopy and immersive point cloud animation, generated from 3D tree scans, bring to life the hidden world of the fragile threatened forests of our planet, making it an absolutely stunning, visual feast.

Movie proceeds will go to the Bob Brown Foundation, helping to support projects that are actively making a difference and sponsored by the Maleny Greens. The movie costs $12 and dinner is $10. Tickets online at defendthegiants.org/event/thegiants-maleny-qld/

ESTAMPA 

Brisbane-based world folk jazz band Estampa is set to dazzle with  their upcoming tour in June. Featuring the exceptional talents of Rebecca Karlen (violin and  vocals), Paul Henderson (guitar and banjo), John Reeves (accordion), and Samuel Vincent  (double bass), Estampa's performances are a lively mix of world music that transports audiences to different cultures and countries.

Expect to be immersed in joyful  improvisations, intricate harmonies, and captivating storytelling, evoking visions of Parisian  laneways and the sensual streets of South American.

Estampa will be performing Friday June 9 at Eudlo Hall, Thursday June 15 at Maleny Community Centre , Friday June 16 at The Majestic Theatre (Pomona), and Saturday June 17 at the Coolum Civic Centre .

Rebecca Karlen explains, “Our music is rooted in the traditions of French jazz and Brazilian  Bossa Novas. Our shows leave audiences feeling like they’ve entered a 1930’s Parisian jazz  club or the streets of São Paulo. We can’t wait to share our special style of world music with  Sunshine Coast audiences.”

The Estampa Sunshine Coast tour is presented by local performing arts company Red Chair  with the support of the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland. (Image by Kelley Sheenan.)

Full Event Details: redchair.com.au/what-s-on/event/575-estampa

TWO OPERATIC SOPRANOS

Lovers of fine music on the Coast will be delighted to hear that operatic soprano Vanessa West (pictured) is joining with the Maleny Singers and the Inspiration Project Choir to present Pietro Mascagni’s dramatic Opera, Cavalleria Rusticana, under the baton of Kim Kirkman.

THE ELECTRIC APES

The Crystal Waters Music Club presents the Electric Apes! Hailing from the vibrant world of genre-defying soundscapes, Electric Apes is an experimental trio that has been enchanting audiences with their eclectic fusion of psychedelic dance, Afro-funk rhythms, and uninhibited creative exploration.

This is a multi-talented line up featuring impassioned vocals, mesmerizing saxophone, hypnotic keys, dynamic drums, and innovative live looping. The band, featuring Hayden Hack (guitar, vocals), Mark Grey  (keys), and Lee Hardisty (multi-instrumentalist), is pushing boundaries and transcending musical norms.

The stars will be bright, the fires blazing. Head to the Crystal Waters Permaculture Village, on the Deck, Kilcoy Lane, Conondale. Saturday June 24, 5pm start for$20. Bar and yummy meals available. (Accommodation available at CW Eco Park, bookings crystalwaters.org.au)

YANDINA COUNTRY MUSIC

Bring your dancing shoes for the chance of a dance as Yandina welcomes guest artists WOTUGET to the ACMA concert on Sunday June 18

You’ll enjoy popular country music and other upbeat, crowdpleasing favourites from local artists backed by a great house band. This is an afternoon of guaranteed entertainment! The Yandina Country Music group look forward to seeing you at the Hall of Fame, 24 Steggalls Road, for a 12 noon start. There will be a raffle and door prizes, BYO lunch, free tea and coffee, and entry is $8. As a not-for-profit organisation, the proceeds will go towards the upkeep of the hall. Enquiries 0437 191004.

Trained in opera at the Victorian College of the Arts, Vanessa debuted internationally in Italy performing the roles of Liu in Puccini's Turandot, and Flora in Verdi's La Traviata in Florence. She later continued her love affair with Italy by performing in the 'Australian Opera Gala' at Rome's 'Festival Euro Mediterraneo' and in concerts at the 51st Puccini Festival.

Having performed many lead roles with Melbourne Opera, including Madame Butterfly, prior to taking a break to raise her young family, Vanessa says she is really looking forward to the experience of performing the role of Santuzza in Cavalleria Rusticana.

However, she won’t be the only singer of renown in the cast. Margaret Taylor, long-time principal with the English National Opera, and musical director of Maleny Singers, will be back on stage for this production, singing the role of Lucia.

While Mascagni’s glorious music should be enough to make this a “must see” show, the presence of two such talented voices make it impossible to miss.

Cavalleria Rusticana is on at the Maleny Community Centre for four performances on June 10, 11, 17 and 18 at 3pm. Tickets at Trybooking.com.

Thumbs up for our hospital system

On the 10 March, I woke up with a raging fever and an extremely sore leg, the result of a very small break in the skin on my shin coming in contact with sea water from a crabbing expedition in Coochin Creek.

After a day spent in Maleny hospital, being closely monitored by the very professional doctors and nurses working there, I was treated with broad spectrum antibiotics and transferred by ambulance, with a doctor in attendance, to emergency at SCUH.

I was attended to immediately and received fantastic medical attention from specially trained nurses, orthopaedic surgeons, emergency doctors, ICU doctors and an anaesthetist. My wife was able to accompany me the whole time and she was allocated a social worker to be with her for the entire night.

After surgery, I spent 5 days in ICU and another 3 weeks in the wards at SCUH. I have the greatest admiration for the medical care I was given and am very fortunate to be alive as the infection that developed kills 4 out of 5 people who are infected by it.

My wife and I have the utmost gratitude and praise for the very professional care that I received from Maleny Soldiers Memorial Hospital staff, who recognised the seriousness of the infection and acted so quickly, and all of the staff we came in contact with in the emergency department, ICU and the infectious disease ward at SCUH.

Recovery at home is still ongoing where I am having my wound dressed by the friendly, efficient and professional nurses from RangeCare.

Colin Cunningham, Maleny

Crossword

Quick Quotes

LETTERS, LEUNIG AND LIGHT RELIEF

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

Thanks for helping Medicare

Dear Editor

I am pleased to say that with the help of more than 41,000 Australians – including your readers – we did it. We saved the Medicare Heart Health Check.

The Australian Government has heard and understood the importance of this vital Check to the heart health of Australians and is funding a twoyear extension of the Check in the 2023/24 Budget, ensuring they remain available beyond June 30 this year.

We estimate that this means a further 250,000 Australians will be able to see their GP to learn their risk of heart disease before it’s too late.

The Check is available for people aged 45 and over (30 and over for First Nations) and looks at your cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, family history, amount of exercise and what you eat, and provides you with an understanding of how likely it is you will have a heart attack or stroke in the coming years.

Thank you. Your efforts have helped improve the heart health of many Australians and we are grateful for your unwavering commitment to this cause.

And finally – now that you have fought so hard for this Check, we urge you to please take it up if eligible. For more information speak with your local GP or visit heartfoundation.org.au

Yours truly

David Lloyd CEO, National Heart Foundation of Australia

Thoughts on The Voice

Dear Editor

This year’s theme for Reconciliation Week, May 27 to June 3, was “Be the Voice for Generations”. The week commemorated the successful 1967 referendum in which over 90 percent of voters agreed that First Australians deserved equal constitutional rights, and also the Mabo land rights decision.

After much deliberation by thousands of Aboriginal and Torres Islander peoples, culminating in the 2017 National Constitutional Convention, the Uluru Statement from the Heart was presented to our government. Sadly, it was shelved by then Prime Minister Turnbull.

The Uluru Statement is a genuine offer of love, peace, and healing. A generous offer which will enhance social harmony and unify our nation. The first element of the Statement is for a Voice to Parliament, followed by a treaty and truth-telling.

Later this year, we will vote in the referendum for a Voice to Parliament, wouldn’t it be a healing step forward if we repeat the 90 percent positive vote?

A successful Voice referendum would be an incredible leap forward on the path to inclusiveness and reconciliation.

The Uluru Statement invites us all, non-Indigenous and Indigenous, to come together for a better future for all.

We cannot change the past, however, we can change the future. Vote yes.

Sunny regards,

Robyn Deane, Bli Bli

Sudoku

Bad Jokes of the Month

What kind of dog can jump higher than a building? All of them. Buildings can’t jump.

What’s the hardest park to find in London? Hyde Park.

If you have 13 apples in one hand and 10 oranges in the other, what do you have? Big hands.

“Every exit is an entry somewhere else.”

– Tom Stoppard

Poets

CORNER

IN THE GULLY WHERE THE WHIPBIRDS CALL

In the gully where the Whipbirds call, Where the rose gums and the quandongs grow tall, Where giant cones from the Bunya Pines fall. That’s where my memories lie.

Where winter brings cloudless blue skies

And the mists in the valleys curl as they rise. Where the cat bird sounds like a baby’s cries (And the heart of the rainforest sighs).

That’s where my spirit finds peace.

Where towering thunderheads build in the west

And dump their load on the mountain’s crest.

Where the ring tail possum huddles safe in her nest.

That’s where my heart resides.

Where the platypus plays in the swirling creek

Where the wedgetail hunts with talon and beak And the night is unsettled by the curlew’s shriek (by its ghostly and lonely shriek)

That’s where my bones will rest.

Where the Dalla and the Nalbo thrived Before hungry strangers from the sea arrived And their sprawling cities of concrete contrived. That’s where my soul will return.

© Sandra Poole

Poetry is an arrangement of language, artistic word pictures that attempt to inspire imagination, evoke emotion and provoke humour. Poets are illustrators of words that create beauty and intensity, and the HT is proud to give them a platform. Please note, published poems may be read/recorded for our social pages.

REUNITED

Recently. My grandfather stepped out He was in pain. You see So there’s nothing to judge

He didn’t say goodbye

Not once not ever

Many moments before, Looking out at the view he could no longer see He showed me a film  Through words from his mouth tears in his eyes, and smiles that punctuated the flow of memories

The reel included such beauty

And loveliness I never before imagined My body ached with gratitude yearning

For a love such as he had had.

My grandfather stepped out His pain is no more

As his love has been reunited.

© Gabriele Haiden

Keep sending us your poems

- we love receiving your creative work!

To submit your work for possible publication, email: editor@hinterlandtimes.com.au

Maggie Leunig

New doctor in the house!

By VICTORIA MCGUIN

Mapleton Medical Centre was established in 1981 by Dr Danny Cocks and Dr Ian Matthews. Since then, it has been at the forefront of providing primary medical services to Mapleton and the surrounding areas.

In 2017, the practice was taken over by Prime Medical Group and currently has five general practitioners working at the centre, in addition to the professional nursing team and friendly administration staff who service close to 100 patients a day.

The Centre has recently welcomed a new member to their team, so I popped in to say hello to Doctor Mariana Bruno Correa and find out a little more about her!

Mariana currently lives on the Coast, near her son’s school. “I haven't relocated to the hinterland just yet, but I am definitely open to the idea in the future as I'm totally in love with the area!” Mariana admitted.

“The peaceful bond with nature is absolutely mesmerising, and the weather is just perfect.

“The local residents around here are incredibly friendly and open-hearted. The sense of community is super strong, and it's like the secret sauce that keeps everything thriving and everyone feeling great.”

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Mariana grew up in the beautiful city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, which shares a similar tropical climate with the Sunshine Coast.

“The people there, like those along the Coast, are very outdoorsy and wonderfully welcoming,” Mariana said. “I completed my medical education at Universidade Federal Fluminense (usually known as UFF) in Niteroi, an island attached to Rio.

“I feel a strong sense of pride in graduating from such a renowned and competitive public medical school. UFF has a strong community focus, emphasising the

social aspects of medical practice, which resonates with my values and makes me feel at home in Mapleton.

“Before relocating to Australia, I worked as a GP in Brazil for three years. To become eligible to practice as a doctor here, I had to go through multiple exams.

“Initially, I chose to work in the hospital system to familiarise myself with the Australian healthcare system's intricacies and guidelines before establishing my own practice and caring for my own patients."

Mariana’s enthusiasm for her work was obvious, and when I asked what she enjoys most about being a doctor, there was no hesitation in her response.

“I love connecting with people and helping them when they're going through tough times. It's amazing to see how they improve and get back on track.

“Seeing patients of all ages doing well and living their best lives brings me so much happiness. Sometimes I wish there was a magical cure for all their health issues, but I am committed to always give my best to help them.

“I'm really lucky to have Dr Raewyn James as my mentor. She's super knowledgeable and has been a huge help in teaching me the ropes of general practice.”

When Mariana is not working or studying she loves hanging out with friends and family.

“I also find so much comfort in getting lost in a good book or getting sucked into an exciting movie. Yoga helps me relax and recharge, and I can't get enough of the thrill of going camping, which seems to be my son’s favourite activity! We go camping with our buddies and have a blast exploring the beautiful sights of the Coast.”

It was time to let Mariana see a patient, so I squeezed in one more question - what is her overall approach to health?

“I firmly believe that health is not only about looking after your body, but rather a holistic approach towards your life.

“‘Healing the body, nurturing the soul, and embracing the mind’.”

Mapleton Medical Centre, Unit 3/5 Obi Obi Rd, Mapleton. Phone: 07 5445 7177

Oticon Own™ is a hearing device that that can provide discretion and the latest technology

Everyone is different. Different shapes, different interests, and different lifestyles. Oticon Own™ is tailor-made for you, with styles customised to fit your ear shape and designed for comfort. Oticon Own™ in-the-ear hearing aids are crafted to ensure a great fit, so you can keep doing the things you love.

Oticon Own™ is packed with Oticon’s BrainHearing™ technology, which supports the brain’s natural way of work-

ing so you can enjoy an exceptional sound experience¹. Oticon Own™ is also the world’s first in-the-ear hearing aid with an onboard Deep Neural Network (DNN), trained with 12 million real-life sound scenes 2 . This means it recognises a wealth of sounds, their details and how they should be heard naturally

If you prefer your hearing aids to be as discreet as possible, styles that sit in-the-ear could be your solution. Oticon Own’s Invisible-In-Canal (IIC) style is so tiny that it’s even invisible for 9 out of 10 ears that are suitable for this

Doctor Mariana Bruno Correa

treatments especially for you.

“Men have the ability to alter their circumstances and bridge the health disparities that exist between genders and that starts with healthy habits.”

Men’s Health Week is the prime opportunity for men to put their health first and improve shortand long-term outcomes.

“Your daily habits make a big difference to your everyday health and by taking small steps you can reduce your cancer risk,”

“Consider reducing alcohol intake, improving your diet and exercising regularly, along with being sun safe and quitting smoking, and if eligible, taking part in the

If you are due for an annual check-up or are experiencing any unusual symptoms, book in with your GP to discuss.

Dr Hong Shue (Medical Oncologist) is based at the Sunshine Coast Haematology and Oncology Clinic, 10 King Street, Buderim 4556 / Phone: 07 5479 0000 / Email: reception@schoc.com.au

International Men's Health Week is celebrated every year around the world in the middle of June. It is an opportunity to raise awareness of preventive health issues and promote early detection and management of disease among men and boys.

The theme of Men's Health Week 2023 is 'Healthy Habits' - focusing on encouraging men and boys to build healthy habits by identifying small changes they can make that benefit their health and wellbeing.

Men's Cancer Prevention in Australia takes centre stage during Men's Health Week, as it strives to educate and empower men to adopt proactive measures in reducing their cancer risk. Prevention is key, and several initiatives aim to promote healthy lifestyles and raise awareness about modifiable risk factors.

Dr Hong Shue, Medical Oncologist at the Sunshine Coast Haematology and Oncology Clinic in Buderim said, “Preventable instances of cancer primarily stem from six lifestyle elements: smoking tobacco, UV exposure, an unhealthy diet, being overweight or obese, alcohol consumption, and inadequate physical activity.

Make

Skin Checks

Travel Vaccinations

Childhood Vaccinations

Health Assessments

Implanon

Minor Surgical Procedures

Men s Health including

Prostate checks

Chronic Disease Management

Pre-Employment Health Checks

Physiotherapist

Audiologist

Dietician

Podiatr y

Diabetes Education

Pathology

Psychology

Sleep Studies

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Image Nataliya Vaitkevich

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Use Your Mental Edge

S.W.O.T Analysis

Are you an athlete, business owner, professional

The SWOT framework is credit to Albert Humphrey, who developed the approach at the Stanford Research Institute (SRI) back in the 1960s and early 1970s. Fundamentally, it creates evolved thinking via contrasting perspectives, point of views, and utilisation of the different sides of our brain.

At JMT Mind Gym we are well

“The Social Dilemma”

by KERRIE FRIEND

past performance?

At JMT Mind

Gym every athlete and business owner we work with, from professional golfers, rugby teams, resort management, and cleaning companies, to dancers, runners, fighters, and CrossFit athletes, we immediately assess performance post-event to ensure more probability of success in subsequent future appearances.

Now, conventionally a SWOT analysis is a strategic planning tool used before an event to assess strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.

adapted SWOT analysis that can be utilised for any past event you have completed, with suggested extra notes to tease out detail:

S (Strengths) - What were your strengths, positives, things you were happy with? Note success leaves clues, look carefully here.

W (Weaknesses) - What were setbacks/ drawbacks, things you didn’t do well? Note powerful learnings here, look critically. There is no such thing as failure, only feedback.

O (Opportunities/Observations)Imagine you were in a drone flying 30-50ft above yourself 24 hours before the event, during the event, and a little after. What did you see that stood out?

T (Threats) - Between now and your next event what can you foresee on the horizon that could get in the way, challenge, derail, go wrong and effect a potentially successful outcome?

I hope this formula helps you. jamiemilnemindgym.com.au

With it feeling like social media is overtaking our life these days it’s all too easy to go down the rabbit hole and begin looking at everyone’s lives and compare our life with theirs. If you begin to feel frustrated, envious, or disappointed about your life, it’s important to put the brakes on or you can go head first over a cliff.

Don’t look at other people’s feeds and think theirs is all rainbows and unicorns. We need to be aware that the highlight reels of others' lives are mostly just that, not their real life that happens from day to day. Life is just not as pretty as it always seems on social media, instead use it as the wonderful platform it is where you can connect with loved ones, friends, blasts from the past and new people if you choose to.

I enjoy social media as much as you might, but I’m also very aware of its negatives. I do my best to stay vigilant against what I call, “comparisonitis”, because studies show too much social media is not good for our mental health and influences the way we perceive this wonderful gift called life.

It’s not about comparing our lives to others, but instead being inspired by others, even gaining some fun ideas about how to express our life more fully.

Find balance with your social media use and utilise all the good things about it such as staying in touch with family, friends, promoting business, community happenings and so on.

The average person spends approximately two hours a day on social media. Over a year that’s 728 hours (30.3 days/1 month). I keep my use to about 30 minutes a day, then my alarm goes off so I don’t waste more time. This formula works wonders for me and maybe it would for you too? Evaluate your usage and set some boundaries for yourself and then enjoy it for the wonderful addition it can be.

Blessings

www.KerrieFriend.com

Feet that last a lifetime…

It is no secret that as we get older, our bodies start to tire more easily - and the feet are no exception! Think of your age right now - this is the number of years your feet have been holding up your body during the day, walking, running, and squashing themselves into the shoes of your choice.

One out of five people will experience foot pain in their lifetime. We assume our feet will keep working for us until the end of our lives…but what if they don’t?

THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU COULDN'T DO WITHOUT YOUR FEET…

W E A R E H I R I N G

RangeCare is a local, not-for-profit in-home community care provider that has been supporting people along the range and the Sunshine Coast since 1986

RangeCare has offices and social centres in Flaxton, Maleny, Nambour and Gympie

A Dentist with a Passion for Dental Care and Adventure

Dr. Kay, an adventurous dentist, brings extensive experience and infectious enthusiasm to her practice. With exceptional communication skills, she builds trust with patients and offers individualized treatment plans. Driven by continuous learning, she stays updated with the latest techniques and has advanced training in oral surgery. Beyond dentistry, Dr. Kay enjoys an active lifestyle as a skier and hiker. As part of the Woombye + Beerwah Dental team, she collaborates with fellow professionals to provide patient-centered care, creating a unique dental experience that promotes overall well-being.

ASTROLOGY

Heart Mind Astrology with Ruth Donnelly

Explore your life with astrology, bringing you insight at times of turmoil, transition and transformation. Online consultations available. 0409 564 276 astrology@ruthdonnelly.com.au

AUDIOLOGIST

Sunshine Coast Audiology

Emryn and Anita are experienced audiologists who have started a new independent audiology clinic to care for all your hearing needs. Conveniently located in Sippy Downs. Ph. 5378 2226. www.sunshinecoastaudiology.com.au

AYURVEDIC HERBALS

Eumundi Medicine Man NEW

Knowledge is the greatest medicine. Potent Vedic remedies that give results when co-ordinated with diet and lifestyle wisdom. Order or email online at www.eumundimedicineman.com

Guaranteed Age Old Natural Remedies.

BEAUTY THERAPISTS

Emmanuelle’s Beauty

Now at - 62B Maple Street Maleny. For all your beauty needs, facials, lash extensions, lash lift, waxing and more contact Em on 0410 670 519. Monday-Friday, evening appointments also available.

CHIROPRACTORS

Maple Chiropractic Maleny

Dr. Samuel Lowe, Dr. Catherine Metcalf, Dr. Rebel Hungerford & Nikki Duncan-Exercise Physiologist. Gentle, effective care for the whole family. Concession, family rates & HICAPS available

45 Maple St, Maleny 5494 3322 maplechiropractic.com.au

Hinterland Chiropractic

Dr Josephine Sexton. Using gentle, safe and effective techniques to maintain spinal health and wellbeing. Concession rates, Family discounts and HICAPS available.

2/70 Maple Street, Maleny. Ph: 5435 2987

Sunrise Chiropractic

Dr Damian Treacey Chiropractor & Applied Kinesiologist Gentle hands on Chiropractic using Applied Kinesiology. Over 30 years in private practice.

Mon and Wed 2-5pm, Fri 9am-12pm

19 Coral Street, Maleny. 0492 949 695

COUNSELLING & LIFE COACHING

Josie Coco: MGestTherapy - Gestalt

Psychotherapist

Together we’ll explore obstacles to achieving, thriving and living well. In person, online, and in groups. Counselling therapy and personal development. Ph: 0498 065 306 www.josiecoco.com

Heartspace Artspace & Counselling NEW

Liz Antcliff B. Psych; MA Coun; AThr ANZACATA ; ACA Sensorimotor Creative Arts Therapy and Counselling for individuals and groups. Creative Expression for wellness and health.  www.heartspaceartspace.com

E: liz@heartspaceartspace.com P: 0438 163 255

ENERGY HEALING

Energy Enhancement System NEW

The EE System combines body, mind, spirit and science to help you achieve peak performance and reach higher states of health. Bookings by appointment 5478 5438 www.elevata.com.au

FITNESS, PERSONAL TRAINER ,DANCE

Get Active!!!

Group Fitness & Personal Training

Join me for a fun affordable and social way to achieve a fit and healthy body. All fitness levels welcome, fully qualified trainer. ‘Your Goals Are My Goals’. Rachel Ph: 0423 618 945 Email: rachel.lockman@yahoo.com.au

Maleny Vibes Pilates & Spin

Boutique reformer pilates and spin cycle studio. Introductory offer 4 classes $50 to all new clients. Book online www.malenyvibespilates.com Studio 37 Coral St, Maleny. malenyvibespilates@gmail.com Insta @malenyvibespilates_and_spin

Maleny Rumble Room

Boutique Group Fitness Boxing & HIIT studio. Limited to 8 people per class. Introductory offer 4 classes for $50 to all new clients. Book online @ www.malenyrumbleroom.com.au 37 Coral Street, Maleny. Insta @maleny_rumbleroom

HAIRDRESSERS AND BARBERS

Nellies Creative Hair Design

Cut and Colour specialists. Nellie, Annette and Jenny offer you the opportunity to have exceptional hair using great product at fantastic prices.

21 Coral St Maleny – Ph: 0438 785 443

HOME CARE

HOLISTIC - Health and Wellbeing

KINESIOLOGY

The New Leaf - Coaching and Kinesiology Stop feeling stuck and confidently get back on track! The New Leaf, est in 1997 offers sessions/ programs & FREE downloads.

Contact Zoe in Maleny on 0401 318 593 www.thenewleaf.blog

MASSAGE

Blue Zen Massage – Sensei Shayne Harris Dip.Remedial Massage & Dip.Reflexology

An integrated therapist shares deep-tissue holistic massages, MET, joint mobilisation,  myotherapy. Unwind with Shiatsu, Hawaiian Lomi Lomi, hot stones/cupping. Diamond Valley Treehouse www.bluezenmassage.com 0407 002 567  HF Rebates

MEDICAL CENTRE

Ochre Health Medical Centre

Offering onsite Doctors, experienced nursing staff and Allied health services.

Ph Maleny: 5494 2388; Book online at www.ochrehealth.com.au

MENTAL PERFORMANCE

Jamie Milne Training

Jamie Milne is SEQ’s leading Mental Performance Coach. Finding your Mental Edge is Jamie’s specialty. His approach is unique in delivery and the results speak for themselves. Contact: jamiemilnetraining.com or call   0431 339 975.

NATUROPATH

Naturopath & Medical Herbalist NEW Linda Parker ND has over 20 yrs experience in holistic treatments for the skin and other chronic disease in Melbourne/Sydney, now practising in Montville.

Bookings by appointment: 5478 5438

Visit: www.lindparkcreations.com

RangeCare

Offering in-home and respite care services to support independent living. Our tailor-made services are available to everyone in the community. We can deliver your home care package. Ph: 5445 7044 Visit: www.rangecare.com.au

HOMEOPATHY

Pauline Ashford - B.H.Sc, Complementary Med & Homeopathy Classical homeopathy; Lymphatic drainage; Dorn spinal, joint and headache therapy; EFT - Emotional Freedom Techniques; Reiki 130 Ansell Rd Witta – Ph: 5494 4101

E: malenyhomeopathy@gmail.com

HYPNOTHERAPY

Christian Dunham

OPTOMETRIST

Hammond Optometry

Deborah & Stephen Hammond are proud to be local, independent eye healthcare providers servicing the Hinterland since 1999. Focused on quality eyecare/eyewear for all the family, giving your eye health and vision the best personalised attention it deserves.

44 Lowe St Nambour Ph: 5476 2333

Wilson Fitzpatrick Family Optometrists

Local, independent optometrist passionate about exceptional eye care, individualised customer service, and impeccable frame design proudly serving the Hinterland since 1984. Come and see the difference!

40 Howard St, Nambour 5441 2277

PHYSIOTHERAPY

Specialising in Solution Focused Hypnotherapy, a combination of clinical hypnotherapy and psychotherapy used to treat depression, anxiety, PTSD, phobias and other chronic conditions. Free initial consultation.

Ph: 0448 303 013 www.christiandunham.net

Range of Motion Physiotherapy

Maleny, Mapleton and Imbil

Russ, Karl, and Kathryn. Providing the highest quality care to restore & maintain optimal physical function & mobility.

Ph: 5478 6600 www.rangeofmotion.com.au

Slow down to see more

by JESSICA LAWRENCE

Seeing wild animals is exciting and fascinating, but it can take practice spotting them. The key is to slow down and move quietly (unless you are near long grass, when you need to be noisier to warn snakes of your movements).

If you pause between steps, watch and listen, you can sometimes see and hear animals moving about, especially in national parks and bushland.

The most effective way to walk quietly is to ‘fox walk’: step so the outside of your foot touches the ground first, then roll your foot inward until it is flat on the ground. Or start on your toes, rather than your whole foot or heels. Observing from a different viewpoint is also valuable. Stand on your tiptoes or squat on your haunches, look up, look behind you – viewing at your surroundings from a different height can reveal animals we don’t tend to make eye contact with.

A simple eye exercise can also help you become more observant of wildlife – simply shift your focus from close-up objects to those in the distance. You will start to notice more insects, lizards and frogs, along with different birds in the trees or flying across the horizon.

Remember to become more attuned to your peripheral vision for movement, and binoculars are also useful when watching for wildlife.

Another tip is to study the characteristics and patterns of animals you will be looking for. What is their body shape? Their colour? How do they move or smell? What do they eat? What sounds do they make? Do they have a favourite time of day to travel, or a preferred landscape to settle?

If you learn an animal’s key features, you will be more attuned to spotting them in the wild, as you will have a strong ‘search image’ embedded in your memory.

A fun thing to do, once you start observing animals, is noticing the differences between them. No two possums are the same, or kookaburras, or frogs –their personalities are all different!

Perhaps carry a notebook, so you can record your observations and interactions, draw sketches, and even write creatively about the animals and their character traits.

It’s a lovely way to remember your wildlife experiences in nature.

Found an injured or sick animal? The HT recommends contacting one of the many wildlife rescue services across the Sunshine Coast, such as the following: Wildlife Rescue

6200; RSPCA 1300 ANIMAL; Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital 1300 369652; Eumundi Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre 5442 8057; Bat Conservation

Just Jack

The wonderful 4 Paws Animal Rescue provides refuge for homeless cats and dogs. They are a not-forprofit organisation run entirely by volunteers. Most of their animals come from Council pounds, some are surrendered or abandoned, others are saved from cruel living conditions.

The team has quite an urgent call-out and are desperately seeking a foster carer with a view to adopting Jack, the Jack Russell.

Jack is just a gorgeous and cute one-year-

Rescue

old who has a beautiful personality. Weighing 5kg, he adores being around people, especially children. Jack has a lot of energy so a secure fenced-in yard where he can have a good run around as well as being taken for walks on his lead would be perfect!

Jack is of the Terrier breed so he would not be good around chickens, cats and pocket pets. He does still need a little training, so his perfect home would be with someone who can dedicate some time towards Jack growing to his full potential.

How could you resist the cuteness overload? If you feel that you could foster or adopt Jack please visit the website:- 4pawsanimalrescue.org.au

The right plant in the right place

The right plant in the right place can be one of the great challenges when planning a garden, considering there are so many factors that influence a plants health, their form and how they function.

A major factor of course is how much sunlight plants receive. Even an extra few hours of too much or too little light can dramatically influence a plant's health and appearance.

An example of how a few hours of different light levels effects growth and flowering is how the plant Chrysocephalum apiculatum (yellow buttons) grows in the sunniest parts of the Barung Seed Forest garden, flowering their heads off all year round and in the dappled light they are leggy and throw very few flowers.

As we edge towards the winter solstice (June 22), where daylight hours and the angle of the sun are

Barung

at their lowest, it is a good time to observe where the light falls in a garden. Observing and taking note of this low ebb can help position plants correctly and also help position winter sitting areas.

At our Barung Seed Forest garden we have used a design idea called the ‘east west line’ to help plan the placement of our different garden sections which are modelled on the region’s forest types.

A transect line running through the garden east to west was marked. As a general rule anywhere south of the line is planned for shade-loving plants and north of the line is for sun lovers. Using this idea we have been able to locate very different forest types right next to each other.

As an example, our rainforest section is placed directly next to a wildflower grassland. The juxtaposition of the shady forest against the sunny grasses and wildflowers creates a dramatic look and different niches for animal species to move between in a relatively small area.

The east west line doesn’t need to be a rigid straight line, it can be curved or stepped and staggered. It is a design idea that, when used creatively, can help best position plants according to their sunlight requirements and also help increase the diversity of both flora and fauna of our local species.

Barung Seed Forest - Rainforest next to open sunny garden

by JAMIE WALKER

Looking for birds is an uncertain business. We can positively target species in habitats they are proven to occupy, and our efforts can still fail. On the other hand, it is sometimes possible to benefit from surprising appearances which, in theory at least, are unlikely to occur.

Recently, on an early morning walk at Sandstone Lakes in Ningi, I found a Musk Duck, a species described by the late, eminent ornithologist Graham Pizzey, as ‘A very strange duck’.

The male has a leathery bladder under his chin, which is inflated during display. The bird’s calls amount to shrill whistles and grunts. A clumsy flyer, its plumage is overall slate grey. Its tail looks like an intimidating fan of hard spikes. You could never call it attractive.

It is also a predator – eating yabbies, crabs, and even young ducklings - and I noticed that little Australasian Grebes nearby were skirting around the bird very sheepishly.

What was remarkable about the encounter was that Musk Ducks are normally seen much further south, on upland lakes or diving among kelp along the seashore.

The Brown Songlark is a bird of open pastureland and crops in dryer, inland regions. It was therefore a surprise to me, to find one earlier in the year, in the moist, marshy flats of the Maroochy River valley.

The bird did everything a Brown Songlark is supposed to do.

In the Wild

Up the Creek

Once upon a time ... not too long ago, it was considered good practice to remove useless scrub from creek banks and replace it with pasture. Not only did the scrub along the creek and river banks reduce the area that could be grazed, but the trees often fell into the creek and made snags ... and that’s just messy!

So, for over a hundred years, native vegetation was removed from the landscape and creeks were de-snagged of dead wood. The consequences should have been obvious in retrospect, but let’s not forget that the guys who undertook this herculean task were often first-generation settlers, new to the rhythms of this landscape and the monsoonal downpours that can turn bare hillsides into custard.

Massive erosion occurred across the landscape, crystal clear rocky creeks became silted bogs, big rivers became creeks, native fish populations collapsed as resources and habitat dwindled. Hills dried out as soils became

Early in May, I took a walk near Maleny’s weir. Moving between the bushes was a vibrant party of Silvereyes and Grey Fantails. With them was a little, yellowish bird which frequently hovered around the outer foliage, as it picked at small food items. It was my great pleasure to have found a Fairy Gerygone.

Once again, I had discovered a stranger –normally associated with old vine forest. We are at the southern end of its range, and it has been found at only a few sites on the Sunshine Coast. Years of studying and searching for wildlife have taught me that hope and optimism are more valuable than expectation. If our searches come to nothing, we will be disappointed. But that’s birding

At other times, the patient, alert, open-minded watcher will be rewarded and feel lifted by the

With an upright posture and tail sharply cocked, it sang from the top of a fence post in true field guide pose. It towered up into the sky in display flight and floated back down to the same spot. This was classic behaviour, but in the wrong place.

A week later, I couldn’t find it.

In all probability, it had moved on; being unable to secure one of life’s essentials –contact with others of its species.

About That Tree

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

It feels like winter has arrived again, and the endemic red cedars, Toona ciliata, and white cedars, Melia azedarach, and many of the exotic species, are starting to shed their leaves.

Interestingly, the reason the leaves change colour is because the shorter days mean that there is less light falling on the tree, so the chlorophyll, which makes the leaves green, breaks down. This reveals the substances left behind, including compounds such as the carotenoids, the same substance that makes carrots orange. So we see the leftover substances in the leaves as the beautiful autumn hues, reds, yellows, purples and oranges.

I am constantly contemplating the incredible array of functions going on within trees. The exchange of gases with the atmosphere around them includes respiration, just like us, where they take in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide as a byproduct of burning sugar for energy.

shallower, floods increased as water moved across the land quicker and creeks dried up sooner as their catchments dried out.

These changes often happened subtly over a few generations and the community memory of what has changed is often quickly lost.

Planting trees on creek banks can help turn back the tide of ecological degradation. Yes there may be some initial erosion in the short term as we switch from pasture back to forest cover, but within five-to-ten years the roots of trees such as Figs (Ficus spp.) and Lillypilly’s (Syzygium spp.) will provide deep long term protection for creek banks.

The shade that these trees provide cools the water and reduces algal blooms. The fallen trees, branches, leaves and fruit provide the habitat for native fish and other animals such as the platypus. The water that flows through these forested

creeks provides cleaner water for dams and for us!

A good example of creek bank rehabilitation is the Obi-Obi boardwalk in Maleny - 25 years ago this was an area full of weeds, erosion and rubbish. I was fortunate enough to be involved in this project from its very early stages and have witnessed the changes along this stretch of creek.

I remember planting a Deciduous Fig (Ficus superb) on a steep collapsing bend (rather optimistically – I thought at the time) about 20 years ago and can now go back and see a beautiful tree holding the creek bank firmly together.

This area is a great testament to the community spirit of Maleny and our ability to heal the landscape when we work together. Check out some of the larger sized stock we have available, to help you revegetate your favourite creek bank.

Forest Heart Local Native Plant Nursery

Then there is photosynthesis, where carbon dioxide is taken in and used to create sugars, and oxygen is exhaled as a byproduct.

If you are under a tree, then you are most definitely taking in molecules of oxygen and carbon dioxide that have been inside that tree. I invite you to stand or sit there and contemplate this organism, understanding that the life force that is driving these complex systems within the tree is the same life force that is operating in you.

Mobile: 0403 467 664

Mobile: 0403 467 664

Landline: 54 944 917

Landline: 54 944 917

www.twtreesurgeon.com

www.twtreesurgeon.com

Spencer Shaw

Celebrate and recognise the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth

Everyone is invited to come, celebrate and support NAIDOC Week on the Sunshine Coast from 2-9 July. This year’s theme is For Our Elders. Across every generation our Elders have played, and continue to play, an important role and hold a prominent place in our communities and families. Check out Council’s website for event details and more information.

Saddle up for Coastal Country Music Fest

Chase away the winter weather blues with a warm dose of country vibes with five incredible Australian singer-songwriters delivering in a sunset session on 22 July at Venue 114. Coastal Country Music Fest will feature some of the industry’s freshest home-grown artists including Caitlyn Shadbolt, Melanie Dyer, Andrew Swift, Pete Cullen and Liam Brew. Tickets on sale now via venue114.com.au.

Does your child like to draw?

Enter their native plants and animal art for a chance to win a share of $3000 in the Wild HeART Student Art prize. Entries close 16 July. Head to Council’s website for details.

CUSTOMER CONTACT

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

Funding to help beautify town’s shopfronts

Funding is now available to assist Nambour town centre business owners with the cost of upgrading the aesthetic, vibrancy and attractiveness of shopfronts to encourage retail activation and engagement. The move is aimed at boosting businesses and improving the experience for shoppers at Nambour. Council will support matched funding up to a maximum contribution of $5000. For more information, visit OurSC.com.au.

One for the calendar Watch Council’s 2023-24 annual budget being delivered online or at Sunshine Coast City Hall Chambers - 22 June at 9am. It will be followed by the Ordinary Meeting at 11am.

What was pioneering life really like?

Find out on one of two Lantern Tours of Bankfoot House in Glass House Mountains on 30 June and 7 July. As the sun sets, you’ll carry your own lantern and experience an authentic evening tour of this pioneer home without electricity. Tours are free. Bookings essential. To book, visit heritage.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.

Don't miss the latest gallery exhibitions

Visit Caloundra Regional Gallery to experience the latest exhibitions, on until 25 June. ‘This is incomplete without you’ by Ruby Donohoe and 'A Wearable Canvas'. Enjoy Ruby’s thought-provoking journey alongside a rare chance to see wearable art, usually only presented on a catwalk. Visit gallery.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au for details.

Learn more about dog safety this July

Dog Safety Week, 3-7 July, is the perfect time to talk to children about how to be safe around dogs and maybe learn a thing or two yourself about responsible pet ownership. See Council's website for details.

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

Camellia House open day

A rare opportunity to visit the home of Queensland’s largest collection of Camellias (800), 5.5 acres of mature gardens, ornamental lake with ferry folly, statuary, lawns, follies, a huge heritage barn full of collectibles, antiques, bric-a-brac, jewelry, and plants for sale.

Barista coffee van on site and toilets, all proceeds are to be given to this year’s charity: Autism in Children. June 24 and 25, 9am - 4pm, $5 entry, children free, 116 Woombye Palmwoods Road, Palmwoods.

The Voice public talk

The Sunshine Coast Reconciliation Group will present ‘The Voice - It’s Time to Listen’, a public talk on the Voice to Parliament referendum proposal, Thursday June 15, 9.3011.30am at the Maleny Community Centre.

Speakers include: Nathan Appo, committee member, Reconciliation QLD (pictured), Lara Watson, Indigenous Officer ACTU, and a speaker from “Yes23”. Information and bookings via scrgi.org.au

Updated Maleny Trail Map

An updated map of the Maleny Trail and Wetlands Walk has now been released. This latest 10,000 copy print run has been generously sponsored by the Seasons IGA Maleny supermarket.

Seasons IGA is committed to supporting the local community and the map provides an opportunity for visitors and locals alike to discover and enjoy the beautiful Maleny Trail. Further, it enables locals to keep up to date with the exciting developments across this wonderful Community Precinct.

The new Maleny Trail Map, including a downloadable version for printing, along with information about the region and other hinterland walks, is available at malenytrails.com.au. Printed copies of the map are now available at the Maleny Community Information Centre, the Montville and Glasshouse Mountains information centers and other popular visitor locations.

Red Dress Day

Wuthering Heights – Red Dress Day, on July 30 began as a flash mob re-enactment of Kate Bush's 1978 music video in the UK in 2013, and has since spread around the world. This year, Mapleton takes part, from 1pm- bring your friends and wear your red dresses! (Organising committee pictured.)

There will be live music, prizes, raffles, and trivia, plus dance and fitness teachers will guide a few rehearsals practising the dance moves, then the filming happens! Plenty of time for laughs and photos, all while raising funds for DV Safe Phone.

The Blackall Range Lions Club will be there with a BBQ, the Mapleton School P&C with their famous bake sale. Soft-drinks will be on sale and you may BYO water. No glass please.

This inclusive, family-friendly community event is supported by wonderful sponsors, and MADCA, the Mapleton and District Community Association.

For more information on location, or to sponsor the event, please contact wutheringheightsofmapleton@gmail. com or visit Wuthering Heights of Mapleton on Facebook.

BRVA

Blackall Range Visual Artists are always learning and sharing new techniques between each other, enjoying workshops from experienced art tutors who test their creative imagination, and over 20 years they always produce amazing creations that they have never tried before!

Their Winter Art Exhibition is at St Mary’s Hall in Montville on June 23-26, open from 10am to 4pm. All commissions and donations go towards the maintenance of this Historic Hall.

Young artists welcome

Easels will be set up and palettes prepared for young artists to explore portraiture of 'Self or Others' at this month's Montville Market.

"No tuition is necessary", says local artist Judith Sinnamon, "as kids have an innate capacity to create. We just provide the space and materials and let the kids go for it."

The cost is covered, however should the young artists wish, canvases will be available for a minimal fee. Montville Market is on Saturday June 10, 7.30 to midday at the Montville Village Hall and the leafy surrounds.

40th anniversary celebration

The Queensland Wildlife Artists Society is celebrating its 40th Anniversary year with an exhibition of its members’ artworks at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve's Theatrette, above the cafe, in Maleny, June 24 - July 2, open daily from 9.30am - 3.30pm, except July 2, when it closes at 1pm.

There will be paintings, drawings, sculptures, woodwork and merchandise for sale, and entry is free. There will be art demonstrations daily by society members using various media, and on July 1, 10am-2pm, there will be a chance for children to join the artists working with various art materials. This is a free event, and parents are required to supervise their children and no bookings are taken. (Pictured: On the Rainforest Edge, watercolour painting by Louise Saunders OAM.)

Youth project fundraiser

A Silent Auction will be held on Saturday June 17 at the Maleny RSL from 6pm as part of a fundraising Trivia Night for the Maleny Neighbourhood Centre’s youth projects. Auction prizes include accommodation, meals, artworks, experiences and gift baskets. To donate please contact Fi on 0416057702 / fiona@embervision.cc or Ian@ iandemack.com, the President of the MNC.

BYO nibbles, drinks at the RSL bar - to book tickets for the Trivia Night/ Silent Auction go to ticketebo.com.au/ mnc_trivia_night.

Housing panel experts on tackling supply

With housing issues being felt across Queensland and the nation, members of the Queensland Housing Supply Expert Panel (HSEP) share some of the biggest challenges the fast-growing Sunshine State should consider in addressing housing supply, affordability and diversity.

Julie Saunders – urban planning and housing (Chair)

“Queensland is going through a transformation. Our unique lifestyle and diverse state are resulting in record numbers of migration. As an Olympic and Paralympic state, this will be set to continue over the next 10 years.”

Julie believes we need to reducing red tape to get efficient delivery of all housing types, maximise the use of our existing infrastructure to support diverse housing opportunities, and support delivery of housing into the regional and remote communities.

Natalie Rayment – urban planning

“The biggest challenge, from a planning perspective, is the not in my backyard (NIMBY) mindset that delays, blocks or adds cost to housing. Over time, this influences housing policy to the extent planning schemes ban, gold plate or delay new housing.

“Instead, we need people saying yes to new housing and diverse housing, and housing policy that legalises (or removes ‘bans’ on) missing middle housing (anything between a house and a high rise –think duplexes, rowhouses or walk-up apartments) in all neighbourhoods, stops gold plating new housing (which simply pushes up costs, like $110,000 per additional car parking space) and speeds up approvals.”

Dr Sharon Harwood – urban planning

“The three biggest challenges that I think will affect rural and regional Queensland are social housing, supply on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned lands and regional planning.

“People on the social housing register have typically been on the register a long time, with high proportions experiencing homelessness, compromised health and wellbeing and a significant proportion who have experienced or are trying to escape domestic violence.

“The regional plans outside of SEQ need far more emphasis on land supply and housing needs. Each local government should work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait land holders when they examine and plan their housing and land supply requirements over a 10-year horizon (including social and affordable housing).

“These local plans should be included within the regional plans and infrastructure planned and scheduled accordingly.”

Guy Gibson – property development

“We have a spectrum of issues in Queensland … there is a need for more shelter and wrap-around services for the homeless; crisis accommodation for women fleeing domestic violence; a massive investment in public housing to address the backlog and expansion of role of the community housing sector.

“Plus, more greenfield land availability; more infill opportunities for ‘gentle density’; more public spending on urban infrastructure; reduced minimum development requirements and standards to reduce the cost base of new dwellings; and regulatory reform to expedite planning and engineering approvals.”

Darren Mew – property development, urban design and affordable housing

“With around 160,000 households across Queensland falling into the category where people are locked out of or unable to sustain their housing, it is evident that despite best efforts, new approaches are needed to address Queensland’s housing challenges.”

Darren believes we need to diversify our means of supply for affordable and social housing – favour financial and ownership models through community housing providers to capture and retain state investment, in perpetuity, building a solid foundation for compounding growth.

“We need to unlock the latent value of underutilised government assets and housing portfolio – leverage assets for staged urban renewal of precincts across Queensland to underwrite attraction of third-party investment to accelerate housing supply.

“We also need to facilitate social infrastructure contributions – for the financing of affordable and social housing across Queensland, including through town planning frameworks and major projects delivery methodologies.

“Collaboration, partnership, and a willingness to embrace the discomfort of change is required.”

For more information, visit: statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/ planning/queensland-housing-supply-expert-panel

1/8 Willaroo Way, Maleny

MOTIVATED SELLER & A FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITY!

DO NOT MISS THIS ONE!!

eaturing all of the qualities of an upmarket home, this contemporary duplex town home, with no Body Corporate fees, brings together the ultimate Maleny lifestyle. Positioned privately within a very quiet and leafy cul-de-sac, this easy-care property, with just an easy walk or drive into town, allows you to relax and entertain while overlooking a beautifully established and peaceful nature reserve.

Features we love!

• A thoughtful floor-plan with generous dining and living areas and welcoming, light filled spaces

• Gourmet style kitchen with Caesarstone bench tops and high quality fittings

• Polished timber floors to the living area and high ceilings throughout

• 3 built-in bedrooms plus separate office

• Walk through robe and ensuite to main

bedroom

• Reverse cycle air conditioning and ceiling fans

• All town services plus the added advantage of tank water storage for the garden, laundry and toilets

• Huge double lock up garage with loads of storage and a clever 3rd bathroom• And, to top it all off, there are no Body Corporate fees to pay!

Bed: 3 Bath: 3 Car: 2

Land Size: 222m2

Price: PRICE BY NEGOTIATION

Agency: RE/MAX Hinterland

Contact: 0447 737 737

PH: 07 5408 4220

32 Maple Street, Maleny, Qld 4552

RENT SELL BUY

Hinterland property … it’s a lifestyle choice!

MUST SEE IT TO BELIEVE - GORGEOUS FAMILY PROPERTY WITH UNIQUE INCOME POSSIBILITIES!

Alora Real Estate welcomes you to this incredibly unique, lush private haven tucked away in the quaint Township of Mapleton, in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. If you’re looking for a beautiful and spacious home, tranquil gardens, privacy and large property with endless opportunities, then this is the perfect place for you.

– A recently refurbished two-storey family home featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms garages, workshop and teahouse.

– Newly carpeted private parents’ retreat with a sitting area, ensuite, walk-in robe, and private balcony, providing a luxurious and comfortable space for rest and rejuvenation.

– A huge open plan kitchen/dining/lounge

area is the centrepiece of the home, with a seamless flow to the expansive east-facing entertainer’s deck, perfect for your next get-together or for a lazy afternoon siesta. The wood burner fireplace in the lounge room creates the cosy, warm atmosphere which beckons you to settle in with a cup of hot chocolate or glass of red wine during the colder months.

– NBN access, mobile coverage, Foxtel and VAST satellite, plus much more…

Agency: ALORA Real Estate and Holiday Homes

Contact: Estelle, Elisha or Jen on 07 5499 9966

1/5 Maple Street, Maleny

Don’t put your moving plans on ice! If you are thinking of selling or buying, come and see us at Brant & Bernhardt Property, we will find you a cosy home in the Hinterland.

The property market is certainly on the move again and we have quite a few beautiful properties available and coming to the market soon. Some of our new listings are at Maleny, Kureelpa and Flaxton. At 218 Mountain View Road Maleny we have a quaint, 2 bed, 1 bath, country cottage filled with character and charm, situated on a North facing, all usable, flat 4,069m2 block showcasing beautiful cottage gardens and loaded fruit trees.

27 Leigha Place Kureelpa is a character filled, quality home situated in a quiet no through street within minutes to the beautiful Hinterland township of Mapleton and major

centre of Nambour. Positioned at the top of a 4,501m2 block and built by renowned local builders Tru Build.

77 Akala Street Flaxton is a 5 bed, 3 bath family home with a pool, multiple living areas and stunning views, situated in a quiet, no through street and nestled on an all usable 1.04Ha.

We also have quite a few dual living properties available, so call Susan 0428 573 170 or Dee 0423 259 931 to secure your new Hinterland home.

Agency: Brant and Bernhardt

Contact:

Susan Brant 0428 573 170

Dee Bernhardt 0423 259 931

2/20 Maple Street, Maleny

Sell

ADVERTISING

REAL ESTATE

REAL ESTATE continue

Karen Muir - Advertising Sales

To promote your business or event with an advertising campaign in the HT contact me at production@sunnycoastmedia.com.au or 0414 432 423. Print or digital opportunies available.

LEGAL SERVICES

Baker Robinson Lawyers

Steve Robinson, 20 years experience. Professional and friendly Legal Team. Suite 7, 43 Maple St Maleny. Ph: 5494 2665 E: maleny@brlawyers.com.au www.brlawyers.com.au

Easton Lawyers

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

Lember and Williams Solicitors (the LAW team) City Expertise, small town service. Contact Principal Penny McCreery Stirling on Bunya, 13 Bunya Street, Maleny. 5495 1499 penny@landw.com.au www.landw.com.au

TRADE AND SERVICES

CARPENTRY

Window Wizard - Timber Window Specialist Restoration, glazing, repairs, modifications, sash cords, spirals, Queenslander homes and more. Call Rommy 0404 757 552 www.window-wizard.com.au

CLOCK REPAIR

Montville Clockshop

Repairs for Cuckoo, Grandfather, Mantle, Wall Clocks. Antique clock restoration. We can supply quartz movement and parts, and repair quartz clocks. P: 07 5442 9409. www.clockshop.com.au enquiries@clockshop.com.au

CONCRETE

Concrete Worx

We do it all! 35+yrs experience. Decorative stamp and stencil, coloured and exposed. Shed slabs and driveways, Bobcat and Tipper hire. QBCC 66649 Call Mick 0417 745 770

ALORA REAL ESTATE & HOLIDAY HOMES (formerly Blackall Range Real Estate)

Looking to sell, rent or take the stress out of managing your holiday home? We can help you! Focused on integrity and delivering outstanding results. Call us for a free home appraisal. 5499 9966 1/5 Maple Street, Maleny

BOXSELLS REAL ESTATE - Est1947

Let our Real Estate family show your family the way home Kenilworth 5446 0222 Maleny 5494 2312 www.boxsells.com.au

Brant & Bernhardt Property

At Brant & Bernhardt Property we understand that it's all in the attention to detail, even the little things matter. Learn how ‘We Can Sell Yours Too!’ Dee 0423 259 931 Susan 0428 573 170

RE/MAX 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

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

SURVEYING & TOWN PLANNING

Hinterland Surveys

Consulting Surveyors & Town Planners servicing the Hinterland and beyond since 1993. Jimmy Duncan – Principal Town Planner 5/17 Maple St, Maleny 0417 977 848  jimmy.duncan@hinterlandsurveys.com www.hinterlandsurveys.com

VETERINARY

District Vets Maleny Veterinarian Susan Portas and her team provide professional, compassionate care for your pets. Hours Mon/Tues/Thurs/Fri 8am-6pm; Wed 9am-5pm and Sat 9am-12noon 7 Myrtle St Maleny Ph: 5499 9077

Montville Veterinary Clinic Est. in 2004 and operating as a branch of our Sunshine Hinterland Veterinary Clinic in Nambour. We take pride in personalised pet care. 26 Kondalilla Falls Rd Montville

by appointment: 0401 012 884

ELECTRICIAN

RAINBOW VISION -RV Electrical Lic. 72787

Local Sparky on the Range, 25 years exp. Safety Switches, Power Points, LED Lights, Smoke Alarms, Fans, Switchboard Upgrade, Solar System Service, DATA Pts hardwired. Call Zak 0413 885 504

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

HANDY MAN AND HOME MAINTENANCE

Montville Handy Man 30 years building experience. Available now for carpentry, home maintenance and repairs, small concreting jobs. Prompt and reliable service. Call Wayne 0434 724 030.

Advertise your business in the HT classifieds for just $49+gst monthly. Book direct from our website.

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

PLANT NURSERIES

Forest Heart

Your Local Native Plant Nursery. Specialising is the native plants of SE QLD for Revegetation, Gardens, Habitat. 20 Coral Street, Maleny Ph: 07 5435 2193 – www.forestheart.com.au

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 WednesdaySaturday 9am–3pm, Ph: 0429 943 152 E: nursery@barunglandcare.org.au

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 541 475

PLUMBINK

ROOFING

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

SOLAR

Megawatts Solar – Consulting, Design & Service

We recommend only Quality Components & Installations. On-Grid, Off-Grid, and Battery Storage. Ph. Gary Phillips 0407 760 838 info@megawatts.com.au www.megawatts.com.au

Solar Laser Productions

FREE DIY OFF-GRID SOLAR BOOKLET 15 years experience - 90 minutes read. See where to get the best Aussie products at discounts. Contact me for your copy. 07 5484 5963 serge@solarlaserproductions.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

Stone on the Range Landscapes

Looking for creative ideas from a professional craftsman-then call Jim! Thirty years experience designing/building all aspects of gardens/stonework. Combining skills that utilize timber/stone and steel, as a designer, landscaper, stonemason. It is my passion to exceed your expectations. 0401 308 824   jimrstoneart@gmail.com

MOWING AND GARDENING

Blueys Garden Services

For all your gardening needs. Jobs include but not limited to: Mowing, Whipping snipping, Clear outs, Hedging, Tip runs, Minor landscaping and Weed management give us a call-0481 106 839

Swede with Speed Slashing

For slashing and mowing, acres or house blocks, hedge trims, whipper snipping, rubbish removal and house maintenance call Birger for a free quote 0411 591 738.

Your local, fully licenced, Sunshine Coast & Hinterland Plumber, Drainer and gas fitter. Blocked drain specialist. 24/7 service available for emergencies. Phone Luke on 0410 314 192

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

POOL MAINTENANCE

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

PRESSURE CLEANING

Fresh Look Pressure Washing

Family business based in Maleny.

For all pressure washing needs, roofs, driveways, solar panel, external walls. For both domestic and commercial. Contact Jay 0477 780 577 or jay@freshlookpressurewashing.com.au

Advertise your business in the HT classifieds for just $49+gst monthly.

Book direct from our website.

TREE SERVICES

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

Advertise your business in the HT classifieds for just $49+gst monthly.

Book direct from our website.

Skilled Tree Surgeon – Kevin Pampling

Born and raised in Maleny, offering reasonable rates for tree work. Insured,with years of wisdom and local knowledge. I climb, you clear = good value. Ph 0407 450 262