2021 MARY VALLEY VOICE - DECEMBER 8 Vol.31 #12

MaryValleyVoice

The

KENILWORTH CELEBRATES CHRISTMAS  3 IAN MACKAY, FRIEND OF MARY RIVER  6 KSCC SCHOOL NEWS  11 IMBIL XMAS TREES  12

Santa's “coming to

”

Kenilworth!

8 DECEMBER 2021 Vol. 31 #12

connecting communities

MERRY CHRISTMAS

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The Mary Valley Voice

8 DECEMBER 2021 |

3

HISTORY CHRISTMAS TIME AND FAMILIES

was dispensed with, and a concert was given by the school children in ow many families whose members the evening in the hall, assisted by the have been dispersed and Choral Society. A large Christmas tree scattered, far and wide, in the restless well laden with toys adorned the stage,  2003 Kenilworth Christmas night from the Meldrum album. struggles of life, are then re-united, and and during the half time interval these meet once again in that happy state of were handed round to the scholars

by Father Christmas. companionship and mutual goodwill which is the source of such pure The weather did not always cooperate with the organising of and unalloyed delight? How many old recollections and how many Christmas celebrations. In 1926 it was reported:- The Christmas dormant sympathies does Christmas time awaken?” This quote by Tree entertainment which was to have been held on 22 December was Charles Dickens written in Pickwick Papers was quoted in the postponed owing to the heavy rain. It will now be held on 5 January, Gympie Times 23.12.1911, page 3. The words expressed may well 1927, at the Upper Kenilworth Hall. The usual Boxing Day picnic was be applied to the current day. marred by showery weather, although a large number had gathered.

How did Kenilworth and district report their Christmas and New (Nambour Chronicle and North Coast Advertiser, 11.12.1926, page 9).

Year activities in past times? Family reunions, Christmas Trees Little, it seems, has changed:- The Kenilworth Christmas and picnics were the order of the day and have been reported in Celebrations will be held from 4pm Saturday 18 December 2021 the press from early in the 20th century. at the showgrounds. Free rides, fireworks and a visit from Santa!

“The Christmas holidays passed off very quietly in this district, Historic Notes:- the usual picnic resort in 1911 – likely to be the there being nothing worthy of note save the unusually pleasant original cricket grounds – now part of Gheerulla Stables property. spell of weather which was heartily enjoyed by all. The New Year The Kenilworth Farmers Hall is now Gheerulla Hall – completed was celebrated by a basket picnic and a scratch cricket match at the in 1907. The local school referred to in 1923 was the original usual picnic resort. In the evening a social was held by the Kenilworth Kenilworth School which became Kenilworth Lower in 1928 after Farmers Association in their hall which was well patronised. Dancing the Township Provisional School (1924) became the Kenilworth was indulged in until daylight, which after breakfast being partaken Township State School in 1926 then the Kenilworth State School of, the company departed for their homes.” (Chronicle and North in 1939. After the establishment of the Kenilworth Township in Coast Advertiser, 7.1.1911, page 5).

1921 and the building of the facilities the local population began The Morning Bulletin (Rockhampton) edition published 17.12.1912 referring to the two halls in close proximity – the Kenilworth reported on page 8 that Miss Beattie, head teacher of the Kabra Farmers Hall and the township hall as the lower and upper halls.

State School left by the mail train on Saturday to spend the  Kenilworth & District Historical Association Incorporated vacation at her home Kenilworth Station. would like to wish all a very happy and healthy Christmas and a In the December 1923 edition of the Nambour Chronicle and North prosperous New Year. May 2022 be an historic one for all.

Coast Advertiser, page 11 reads:- The local school dispersed for the Christmas vacation on Friday last. The usual picnic in the afternoon Lenore Meldrum, President, Kenilworth & Dist. Historical Assn. Inc.

H

O

CHEERIO FROM THE CHURCHES

ur Advent and Christmas season at St Luke’s Anglican Church is a very busy time. We have put together 60 Christmas hampers for Anglicare in Nambour to distribute. We have also sent 35 small gifts to Erowal in Maleny to distribute as well as some supplies for their kitchen.

Our sincere thanks to all who donated items or money and to those dedicated ladies who sorted, packed and wrapped all the hampers and gifts. We are also delivering to Anglicare several woollen rugs; some have been made by our 90+ year old Gwen.

• Christmas is coming. This Advent time of preparation calls us to reflect and to let go of mistakes and hurts. Join us for a ‘Reconciliation & Healing’ service (ecumenical) in St John Bosco church, Kenilworth, on Tuesday 21 December, 5.30– 6.30pm.

• 10.30am St Luke’s will host Bishop Jeremy Greaves to lunch on Christmas Eve after a light-hearted service of carols, readings and Holy Communion. Come and have a chat with Bp Jeremy who definitely is not your crusty ancient cleric.

• 7.00pm The ‘Wonder of Christmas’ celebration with light and carols, will again be held at St John Bosco church on Christmas Eve. This is a beautiful way to gather together and enter the heart of the Christmas spirit. Enquiries Carmel 0401 496 768.

• 8.00am Christmas Day, the Rev’d Kaye Pitman will be the celebrant at the Eucharist, followed by our traditional “cake and cordial” on the verandah to start the Christmas festivities.

• Please note – no service at St Luke’s on Sunday 26 December.

• For those who love the traditional Christmas Midnight Mass it starts 11pm at St George’s in Maleny for this beautiful service.

• Advent Studies are underway Thursdays 10.30am at St John Bosco’s after Christian meditation. Morning Prayer continues to go out “live” every Thursday 9am. This is a short half hour service and open to anyone who would like to participate.

4|

8 DECEMEBER 2021

KENILWORTH ARTS COUNCIL 'THIS & THAT'

I

t’s been a very busy year for KAC. We have had a variety concert from Kim Kirkman, a concert from the Sunshine Coast Kenilworth Symphony Orchestra, an art exhibition from the Artists Alliance Australia, Kim Kirkman’s COUNCIL Inspirations Choir presenting The Messiah, successful children’s art classes, the wonderful Singalong! Friday group and some fun times with the entertaining Ukes group from Currimundi!

And, of course, we now have a beautiful new kitchen, due to a Major Grant from the Sunshine Coast Council for which we extend our sincere thanks.

Despite cancelling the ArtsFest public art exhibition this year, we have moved to an online competition. Visit our web page for details – kenilwortharts.org.au or check for updates on Facebook.

Hopefully we will be able to present ArtsFest next year and open to the public in 2022.

• Management Committee meetings will resume in February.

We invite any member to come on to the Management Committee or anyone interested in the promotion of the arts in our local area.

Once again, we stress that “the arts” is not high class opera or mad contemporary art! Come and join us to see what KAC is actually on about!

Next year we would like to start a “Creativity Morning” where friendly folk can get together to explore a range of arts and crafts. No prior experience necessary. In the meantime, wishing you a Happy Christmas from KAC.

ARTS www.kenilwortharts.org.au

The Mary Valley Voice

COMMUNITY WELLBEING H

oliday seasons are a great opportunity to connect with people in your neighbourhood and community.

Connection can remove the toughness, stress and sadness that may accompany aloneness and isolation; especially if family is a source of tension rather than fun. If you don’t have family or are apart from them, why not try something new this Christmas. Here’s some ideas: It's ok to say no. Don't feel obliged at this time of year. Know ~Audrey Hepburn and respect your limitations. Say no to expensive gift giving.

Create realistic expectations for yourself and others and allow yourself to change your mind.

Plan ahead. Do something that feels safe and comfortable. It's also best if it can be simple, special and nurturing.

Only do what is right for you. There is no right or wrong way to feel. Take time out just to relax, be in your own space and to sleep.

Reach out to someone else. Check on a neighbour. Make a point of contacting friends or colleagues who have recently separated or might of had a tough year. Practice listening.

Simple kindness can make a huge difference for them and for you.

Speak with friends and family. If you're away from family or estranged, spend the day with friends. Line up something festive, go on a scenic walk or play board games.

If you think you can't get out of an event that you don't want to go to, have a clear escape plan so that when you've had enough, you can get away.

Ask for and accept help – reach out to those close to you and say yes to offers of help or support. Consider accepting invitations.

Stay away from alcohol and drugs. They don't help in emotional circumstances. They can lead to self-harm and risky behaviours and worsened feelings of sadness and depression – which you really don't need.

Above all, remember – You are not alone.

National Help Lines:Lifeline 13 11 14; Rural Aid 1300 327 624; Mensline Australia 1300 789 978 mensline.org. au; DV Connect Women’s Line 1800 811 811 dvconnect.org/womensline/; Kids Helpline 1800 551 800 kidshelpline.com.au; Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 www.areyouboggedmate.com.au/

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Nothing is impossible.

The word itself says ‘I'm possible’!

”

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RAINFALL MOY POCKET – NOVEMBER 2021

by Graham Brennan

This November 213ml. The wettest November since 2008 - 254ml.

Last Nov. 51ml. 20 year average 90ml.

We had rain on 16 days. Average for November 11 days. Three months of Spring gave us 383ml. Average for Spring 220ml.

Total rain for first 11 months of this year 1067ml. Same period last year 925ml.

January to November average 1026ml.

12 months total to end November 1381ml.

Our 19 year annual average 1198ml.

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Updates at www.kenilwortharts.org.au

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LOCAL CHAMPI ONS

by Ja n i n e H i l l

FRIEND OF THE MARY RIVER

one of them was Traveston which they dismissed in two paragraphs as being unsuitable due to social impact and loss of agricultural land, ary River advocate Ian Mackay not a good site.” pictured left, can still remember A formidable local, Jenifer Simpson, a retired industrial chemist, the day in November 2009 that joined the fray and, rather than following a predictable, “don’t federal environment minister Peter build it here build it somewhere else” line, she rallied together Garrett knocked the Traveston dam landholders from the various sites with “no dams – there are better proposal on its head. alternatives” such as demand management, using less water to “It was so bizarre. Save the Mary River make it go further. member, Steve Burgess had said – “By the time Premier Peter Beattie announced the Traveston dam whatever the announcement is on the in 2006, water consumption had dropped from 530 litres per person 11th, we don’t want people hearing it in per day down to 350, thanks to a Waterwise campaign and the their own homes, sort of in isolation,” installation of water meters but authorities refused to believe it could Ian said. be reduced further.

“And we had this awful feeling it could The government was saying, ‘Oh, you might get it down to 300, maybe be a yes but of course we passionately hoped it wouldn’t be. It had even 290 litres of per person per day but anything lower than that been such a David and Goliath battle over those three and a half would be political suicide, you couldn’t do it,’ but of course now it’s years. Save the Mary booked the Kandanga Hall so that everyone down around 150 litres a day.” could at least be together.”

However, although Peter Garrett refused the dam on environmental “I was on a school event on Remembrance Day the day of the reasons, and water usage has reduced the need for another dam, announcement. When I heard it on the radio there was just this at least for now, Mary Valley residents are warily eyeing off a new incredible feeling of…,” Ian pauses, trying to come up with adequate project. words, “incredible calm really.”

The state government has commissioned a $22 million study into “So then I drove out to Kandanga, and by the time I arrived, there were the feasibility of a hydro electricity storage facility at Borumba incredible scenes where everyone’s drinking champagne in the streets, Dam at the same time that the water resource management plan that sort of stuff, and then we gathered in the hall in the evening and is being updated. yeah, it was incredible, but also you sort of thought afterwards, ‘What do you do with your life now? Battling that dam had been pretty all “When we first heard details of the proposal,” Ian said, “there seemed consuming.’” to have been little consideration given as to where the water would come from. There was even talk of pumping it from the Mary to fill What he does with himself now is chairs the Mary River Catchment Coordinating Committee, writes and performs poetry, and plants an enlarged Borumba Dam. “It’s interesting how the ghosts of the trees. The former biology and maths teacher remembers the days Traveston dam still linger, more than a decade on,” he says, “If they when he was teaching in Gympie by day and trying to combat the can rule out the need to be capturing and removing water out of the dam with scientific argument at night well. main trunk of the Mary, and instead rely solely on Borumba’s own catchment, then I think they’ll find a lot more support. There seems “It was full on. I really felt for the people at work. I think they were to be this view in Brisbane, in government, convinced that the dam was going to go ahead that the Mary is some sort of endless source of and how would they pick up the pieces of me water, a magic, cut and come again pudding if when it did happen, but it didn’t and that was you will, but already the Mary supplies Noosa, great,” he said. the Sunshine Coast and even the northern The Traveston dam was Ian’s second parts of Brisbane. campaign against a dam on the Mary. Having MARY VALLEY When I give talks about the Mary, I often moved to Moy Pocket from Rockhampton conclude with Tim Flannery’s quote – ‘It’s about 1982, he pushed back against a dam MILK not our biggest river, it’s not our longest river, site at near Kenilworth and Conondale in Servicing the local area DOMESTIC WATER for over 40 years. the late ‘80s-early 90s. but I reckon the Mary is one of the most 11,000 LITRES important rivers in Australia’. And every Avail. 7 days a week “I got involved with a committee out there Lic No. DWC14/0021 time I say it I still get choked up at how our called Save the Upper Mary Valley and maryvalleymilk@bigpond.com community rallied to defend it, against odds Conondale committee, which included Jack that many felt were insurmountable.”

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“For those in the Mary Valley, Remembrance Kenilworth, Brooloo, Moy Pocket, Belli Park, Obi Obi, Day will forever have a whole extra meaning “The government looked at 19 dam sites in Coolabine, Kidaman Creek, Little Yabba, Conondale. to fighting for your country.” the whole of the Mary catchment. Interestingly

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FIRE SAFETY LEGISLATION 2022 A

IMPORTANT FIRE SAFETY LEGISLATION FROM 1 JANUARY 2022

ll homes or units being sold or leased, or existing leases renewed, will require hardwired photoelectric, interconnected smoke alarms.

• Smoke alarms in the dwelling must:

– be photoelectric (AS3786-2014); and

– not also contain an ionisation sensor; and – Be hardwired to the mains power supply, if currently hardwired. Otherwise, smoke alarms

can be either hardwired or powered by a non-removable 10 year lithium battery or a combination of both.

• Be interconnected with every other smoke alarm in the dwelling so all activate together.

• The legislation requires smoke alarms must be installed in the following locations: – on each storey; – in each bedroom; – if there is no hallway, between the bedroom and other parts of the storey; and – if there are no bedrooms on a storey, at least one smoke alarm must be installed in the most likely path of travel to exit the dwelling.

• Since January 2017 Existing smoke alarms manufactured more than 10 years ago, must be replaced with photoelectric smoke alarms which comply with Australian Standards (AS) 3786-2014.

Note: the date should be stamped on the back. *Information presented is from Qld Fire and Emergency Services.

the fire season is “fastAsapproaching, it is a timely reminder to stay safe this summer. Detection is protection.

”

Please ring Head Start Electrical on 1800 178 278, for advice and information to check your home or rental property is meeting the regulations.

The Mary Valley Voice

8 DECEMBER 2021 |

7

KANDANGA HOTEL STAFF WANTED MORE PUB JOBS ON OFFER

T

he Kandanga Hotel is the latest Mary Valley pub to be on the hunt for workers.

The hotel, owned by Russell and Kerry Wilcox, is on the lookout for a cook and wait staff.

Kerry said they needed to replace some staff whose departures happened to have coincided but the hotel was also becoming busier, creating more work.

“We’ve had a cook that’s worked here for the last 12 months and she’s purchased her own business, and we’ve had a couple of young ones moving on,” Kerry said.

“Our two sons work here and one is off to medical school so he’s relocating.

“The young ones have had that experience and it’s time to move on again, and we are getting busy.

“People seem to be coming from everywhere. We’re getting a lot of people from the coast and a lot of them are coming from the Gympie area.”

The Russells have also lost a staff member due to the state government’s COVID mandate requiring all staff working in hospitality to be double vaccinated against the virus.

The couple have owned the pub for a year this month, and their daughter, Georgia, works there, as well as their two sons.

The hotel employs about 16 people.

Kerry, like many other employers, has found advertising for staff an interesting experience and has sometimes been left wondering

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 Pictured L-R Georgia, Russell and Kerry Wilcox – need a few more staff members at the Kandanga Hotel.

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OPEN 7 DAYS

if applicants are serious, citing one who wrote from 100km away and claimed to be willing to drive back and forth for a minimum four hour shift.

Kerry could not see how the situation would be sustainable, even if the woman’s intentions were genuine.

The Kenilworth pub made headlines when the publican tired of being unable to get staff offered a $1000 bonus for starters but Kerry is not considering such lengths at this stage.

“Most of our staff are local. There are a few that have just moved to the area and that’s a good thing. Get some new blood into the system,” she said.

She is negotiable when it comes to rostered hours.

“Some people only want to do x amount and others want to do more,” she said.

“We need to have the right mix of skills.

Someone who comes in as a fresh kitchen hand and hasn’t cooked a steak before needs to be on with someone experienced. We can’t have all new people at once,” she said.

• Anyone interested in working at the pub should email their resume and a cover letter to kandangahotel@yahoo.com in the first instance.

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I CLIMB – YOU CLEAR – GOOD VALUE

The Mary Valley Voice

KSCC SCHOOL NEWS I

am honoured to introduce myself as the new principal, of Kenilworth State Community College and to join this excellent school community. I can assure you that I share in this school community’s dedication to caring for our students every day while providing them with a meaningful learning environment.

I have been a resident of Kenilworth for the past eight years and will commence duties at Kenilworth State Community College as the new principal term one 2022. I have had an eye on the Kenilworth principalship for many years and am thrilled that I now have the opportunity to work with the students’, staff and community to build a school atmosphere for continuous improvement, and ensuring our young people have a life of choice not chance.

Although I am an educator, I am also a father and grandfather. We live together on a small property just out of town where we run a small herd of beef cattle. I have not always been in education and have had careers in hospitality, agriculture and with the Royal Australian Navy. My wife Susan is retired and helps with our three wonderful grandchildren Lilly aged 4, Savanah 2 and Archer 1. Both our sons and their families also reside on the property. I am looking forward to introducing my family to the KSCC community.

The 2022 school year marks my 17th year in education – 15 years as a small school principal. I have travelled the state and been principal of several schools around Bundaberg as well as schools at Ilfracombe, Hopevale, Wheatlands and most recently Beerburrum.

I firmly believe that every child can exceed and that the cooperation between home and school builds trust and self-esteem in students, allowing our students to use their highest potential to shape their future, and the future of our community.

My goal is building a culture of every child succeeding at Kenilworth State Community College, and I am devoted to continually exploring new ideas to meet the needs of all students and to interact with parents and community members more efficiently.

We will be meeting as the staff, and with parents and students throughout the year to identify specific goals in the areas of student achievement, school climate, and parent communication. To the students, I cannot wait to meet you all! I hope that you are excited for this coming school year. It is going to be a meaningful and fun year. We will be learning together to achieve the highest accomplishments. If you see me in the school over the holidays, please stop by and say hello!

To conclude, please remember that my door is always open to you. I

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The Mary Valley Voice

KENILWORTH AND IMBIL POLICE

T

he festive season is here and we’re sure everyone is looking forward to Christmas and the new year in 2022.

We want to thank everyone for their support through a tough year dealing with the ongoing COVID restrictions.

Crime, in general, in both the Imbil and Kenilworth divisions is currently quite low.

Drink driving is a constant concern and a recent intercept caught a driver with a breath alcohol reading of 0.193%, which is nearly four times the legal limit. Another driver failed to supply a specimen of breath which resulted in a three month prison sentence.

• Our Highway Patrol officers have also been very active in our divisions and have intercepted a few positive drug drivers.

• Traffic crashes involving motorbikes are continuing to be a concern, a recent crash in the Kenilworth division tragically claimed the life a motorcyclist.

This festive season please do not drink and drive, ask a mate to take you home or sleep over.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Pierre, Bill and Rhys.

R

REMEMBRANCE DAY 11 NOVEMBER 2021

emembrance Day was again commemorated at Kenilworth with a small but loyal crowd in the uncertain weather.

On the day before, a group pf ladies gathered to make wreaths using flowers and greenery from their own and friend’s gardens.

Beautiful flowers donated by two of the leading supermarkets in Nambour who regularly help out the Kenilworth RSL helped make fantastic colourful creations for the voluntary organisations in town as well as for families.

The ladies who make the wreaths have a lovely afternoon, and are very proud of their work as they gain in confidence in making the wreaths for both Remembrance and Anzac Days for the past few years. A huge thank you to them, and to the ladies who provided the morning tea after the service.

Yvonne James (for Noela McKillop, Secretary Kenilworth RSL) Kenilworth's RSL Memorial adorned in flowers and wreaths 2021.

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sincerely welcome your conversation and input during this year. Let us keep our students the primary focus of our work. I can’t wait to celebrate our collective successes during the 2022 school year. Enjoy the Christmas break – remember to be safe on the roads.”

Adam Head, Principal.

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IMBIL CHRISTMAS TREES T

State of our Region update It’s time to connect, reflect and celebrate our collective achievements with Mayor Mark Jamieson’s annual State of our Region update. The Mayor and a number of community representatives will share their thoughts on the region’s economic recovery, outstanding achievements, and priorities ahead. Head to Council's website to watch it now.

Enjoy The Festive Garden

Don’t miss The Festive Garden, Council’s new walk-through Christmas lights experience taking place from 17 to 21 December at the Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Garden. You’ll find Christmas spirit, beautiful lights in a magical setting, face painting, Santa, elves and entertainment—all for free! Bookings essential via Council's events website and entry is via Park and Ride only.

One for the calendar

Watch Council’s next Ordinary Meeting online –Thursday, 9 December at 9am.

Want an office in the great outdoors?

he QCWA Imbil Christmas Tree Festival on 27 November 2021 was a great success, with 60 unique trees on display! One entrant even drove up from Brisbane.

Individuals and businesses decorated and/or created the trees, competing for Best Tree in ten different categories.

Eight of the winners were decided by our three local judges – Police Sergeant Bill Greer, Heinke Butt and Glenn Todd – and two by People’s Choice voting.

Isla from Pomona won the Kids’ Traditional category (9 years and under), and Emily from Brooloo won the Kids’ Novelty pictured below far left.

The two Youth prizes were won by Shail and Lilly, Imbil locals.

While the Kids/Youth People’s Choice was won by Isla’s brother, 5-year-old Jack.

The Open Traditional category was won by Jo Lockwood, and the Open Novelty was won

by Fran Shearer pictured top right – both are from Imbil. Mary Valley Uniting Church won the Traditional category in Business/Organisation, and the Imbil Post Office won the Novelty with their detailed reproduction of the Post Office, right down to the resident tail-less ginger cat. The People’s Choice award went to the Railway Hotel, Imbil.

Imbil QCWA would like to thank all the sponsors of the festival. Over $2,700 was donated in total: about $1000 of the donated goods/services were raffled off, including a Garden Design Plan by The Plot Thickens (worth over $500), and a two-night stay at Yabbaloumba Retreat (worth $320), and the remaining donations were distributed among the ten Best Tree winners.  To view photos from the festival, please go to the Imbil QCWA Facebook page, and if you visit any of our sponsors, please thank them for so generously supporting QCWA and their local community.

Sponsors of the Imbil Christmas Tree Festival: BCF Gympie, Borumba Deer Park, Bunnings, Bunya Nut Pesto, German Delight, Golden Apple Hairdressing, Harmonious Disability Care, Imbil Bakery, Imbil Butchery, Imbil Camping Retreat, Imbil Friendly Grocer, Imbil Garage, Imbil Post Office, Imbil Railway Hotel, Kandanga Farm Store, Kenilworth Dairies, Kumbak Kamping, Mary Valley Rattler, Mary Valley Traders, Nestle (Gympie), One More Gift, Pure Beauty, Puzzles on Yabba, Ride On Mary, Rosey&Me Injectables, Seeds to Serendipity, The Plot Thickens, The Rattler Café, Yabba Creek Café and Yabbaloumba Retreat.

Calling on new or existing businesses – apply now for a three-year highuse / high-impact permit available for a range of commercial activities on public land such as surfing and kite surfing schools, jet ski or boat hire, stand up paddle boarding, skydiving, refreshment vans and mobile dog washing. Applications for permits at 29 locations close on 12 December 2021.

Permits will be valid from 1 July 2022 until 30 June 2025. For more details, visit sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.

CUSTOMER CONTACT

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

Council’s customer contact counters and reception desks will be closed from 2pm 24 December to 4 January.

The Maroochydore Planning, Building, Plumbing and Development counter will also be closed. From 29 to 31 December, Council can be contacted via phone, web chat and email.

07 5475 7272 mail@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

KENILWORTH Plumbing & Gas Formerly Kidaman Creek Plumbing & Gas

0477 017 976

Residential • Rural • Commercial

Repairs, Replacements & Minor Renovations

• Hot Water − Electric / Gas • — Blocked Drains — “Don’t risk it, use a licensed plumber!”

Proprietors JOHN & JO-ANNE McKENZIE

www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

12 | 8 DECEMBER 2021

Q.B.S.A. # 040206

kenilworthplumbingandgas@gmail.com

THE MARY VALLEY VOICE © OCT 2021

Council closures over Christmas

Slashing | Light Scrub Clearing 4WD tractor, 6ft slasher, 8ft stickrake

Call Jos Wilson

0407 944 563 The Mary Valley Voice

THE FUTURE LIES BENEATH W

ell, what a wet month! I've been in this area since 2016 and it's finally great to experience what the long term locals say is “a normal season.” It feels strange to experience the amount of rainfall you receive here in one month. On my home soil in SA we would get the same amount for a year! Great in some ways but the soil and pastures need different management. Why? Soil compaction from livestock and pasture pugging can be a real issue. The best thing to do is obviously move livestock to drier ground but also move them quickly.

At least in our climate a week of dry weather and some sun can make a huge difference to our management and pastures. Areas south of us like Gippsland, Victoria can stay super wet for months, and what a challenge that is with 600 dairy cows on 400 acres!

Gumboots for six months of the year and cows calving in mud! Let me tell you this is not what I call fun.

The other challenge with the wet and humid conditions is how damn fast the grass grows! You can either stockpile it for winter, run more cows or top it.

Which brings me to my next topic ... slashing. If I received $20 for every slasher sold in the Hinterland I'd be a very rich man! I've never seen so much slashing in my life as I have in the Hinterland.

Now I don't have a problem with it but there are correct times and correct techniques to perform this process.

If all you care about is simply getting rid of If you need excess grass and wanting the place to look nice without any consideration for soil or pasture high prices health then go for it. to stay in However for soil health, better pastures or business, you lawns then there are rules. The other question will eventually is also do you slash or flail mulch?

In my experience over the years they both have go out of their place. In rough country the slasher is business. more robust but doesn't leave a good finish like ~ Tim Goodnight a flail mower. In heavy conditions the slasher also leaves windrows which is not conducive to improving pasture quality or soil health.

A thick layer of thatch acts like a mulch layer. It prevents moisture loss but if it doesn't break down then all that moisture is of no use if nothing is growing. Not only that, for the grass material to break down it uses up nutrients which is robbed from growing pasture.

So ideally it needs to be fed to help the decomposition process.

This is where timing is important. In my opinion slashers are good for topping at a high level to keep pasture in its vegetative stage, meaning just remove the seed heads. At the same time you are also stopping weeds like cotton bush or thistles from flowering. The worst thing to do is slash so low the pasture is scalped. The pasture will take longer to recover allowing weeds to take over.

Flail mowers do not make good topping machines. They are designed to run low to the ground to break all the grass material into finer pieces so it breaks down quicker. However there are times you do not want pasture taken to ground level as you need the feed. Once the field is slashed or flailed the grass should be allowed to rest for a long period before putting livestock on it. This is crucial to grow better pastures.

With new technology there are machines now that perform the job of both of a slasher and a flail mower.

Yes they are expensive but they are efficient, quick and effective.

It's the new generation of grass topping technology.

Anyway this topic alone can take up this whole magazine. If you want to have more of a chat on this topic just drop me an email.

Stephen Nussio 0427 609 454 advancerural@hotkey.net.au

“

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The Mary Valley Voice

8 DECEMBER 2021 |

13

LOCAL, STATE AND FEDERAL H

NEW SPEED LIMITS FOR TWO ROADS

CR DAVID LAW DIVISION 10 SUNSHINE COAST

ighlight of 2021 – I’m especially pleased to see the Kenilworth Community Transport Service continue to grow this year, into one that’s a popular community transport service available to everyone. The service now includes residents from Belli Park, Cambroon, Conondale (part), Coolabine, Eerwah Vale, Gheerulla, Kidaman Creek and Obi Obi. As well as trips to Nambour, Maleny, Mapleton and Eumundi for $8 per trip, the service now includes trips to Sunshine Coast University Hospital for $25 per person per return trip.

This service is operated and administrated by a sub-committee under the Kenilworth Chamber of Commerce and supported by Council via the Transport Levy.

I give particular thanks to the volunteers who run this service.

Their time and dedication is invaluable. Thank you so much.

• Kenilworth Town Park fence renewal – Council recently upgraded the fence in the heart of town, just in time for Christmas activities.

Council allocated $20,000 towards this upgrade.

• Calling all green thumbs – Keep an eye on my Facebook page next year as I’ll be happily hosting a free tree day and drop-in Councillor sessions in 2022.

• Season’s greetings – I’d like to personally wish you and your family and safe and happy Christmas and a healthy New Year. This time of year can be stressful for some, so please look after each other, and be extra safe on the roads during the holiday period.

Particular thanks go to every single volunteer in our wonderful community groups in Division 10. Until next year, all the best.

E david.law@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au – @DavidLawDivision10

CR WINSTON JOHNSTON DIVISION 5 SUNSHINE COAST

D

alton’s Bridge Rehabilitation – Stage 2. In September 2021 council completed strengthening and repair works on the timber bridge spanning Mary River at the southern end of Eastern Mary River Road, Conondale. These works address current defects and extend the life of the bridge to ensure a safe river crossing for decades to come. Additional works were identified during completing the original scope of repairs to extend the life of the bridge. Stage 2 works will involve construction teams accessing the underside of the bridge via a truck-mounted, underbridge inspection unit. Unfortunately, temporary road closure is unavoidable, and I appreciate your patience while we undertake the next stage of construction. The project is expected to start in the week commencing Monday 13 December and completion is anticipated within two weeks, subject to the weather.

• Over the past few week our region has experienced heavy rainfall with falls between 100mm and 200mm. The forecast has predicted more over the coming weeks. Prolonged wet weather makes for a lot of mowing. Right now, our teams are out and about caring for our 1183 hectares of parklands and reserves across the Sunshine Coast region – that’s equivalent to 2210 football fields.

• I’m pleased to share there’s new picnic settings installed across Maleny. The one at Cedar Grove Park offers locals the perfect spot for a bite to eat after playing in the park.

2500x FREE

A4 COPIES PRINTED. 1900x mailbox direct. Rest are bulk drops.

N

ew speed limits are in sight for KenilworthSkyring Creek Road, following a review of the

area.

Rob Skelton, Queensland Government Member for Nicklin, urged drivers to keep an eye out for the new speed signs and be aware of the changed 70km/h speed limit scheduled to be implemented by the end of 2021, weather and conditions permitting.

Slower speeds on Ben Williams Road will be in effect from 6 December in a bid to improve safety through the area.

Mr Skelton said a 1.5 kilometre section of the road near the Brandons Road intersection would be reduced by 20 km/h.

“The safety of all drivers is the number one priority,” he said.

“We recently reduced the speeds on both Maleny-Kenilworth Road and Kenilworth-Brooloo Road to reduce the risk of crashes and provide drivers with a safer experience on our roads.

A section of Maleny-Kenilworth Road will also be widened to allow for safer passing distances – bolstering our commitment to safety.

I want to see every Queenslander get home safe and these initiatives help us do that.”

TED O’BRIEN MP

I

FEDERAL MEMBER FOR FAIRFAX

t was a delight to visit the children of North Arm State School recently to inspect their brandnew chicken coup which was purchased through a federal government grant. The fantastic chicken coup was a part of the school’s chicken for children project which was designed to teach students practical life lessons through nurturing a family of chickens from the incubation period through to adulthood. It was a pleasure to see how much joy this programme had given the young students and their teachers.

• I announced an $8.78 million Australian-first food and beverage manufacturing hub recently which will be based at the Sunshine Coast Airport. This Federal Government Investment will launch our local food and beverage producers into a league of their own.

The facility is being designed to drive innovation, reduce barriers to scale, increase productivity for food and beverage manufacturers and open up new national and international export markets.

• The 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games will be a once in a lifetime opportunity to think big and be bold. My priority projects includes full duplication – that’s two tracks – between Beerwah and Nambour and the heavy rail connection between Beerwah and the Maroochydore CBD. I have also unveiled my personal vision for a world-class entertainment centre to be built in the heart of the Maroochydore CBD to host the Olympic Basketball preliminaries. If we were to secure such a venue, it’s legacy would be the most iconic landmark on the Sunshine Coast with a capacity to host major sporting events, exhibitions and conferences as well as world-class performing arts and theatre. I have been advocating for many years and this is the best chance to deliver them.

Mary Valley Voice

The

MVV Editor jillguldbransen@gmail.com 0455 262 495 • 07 5494 9619

JANUARY DEADLINE

years written by the community for the community.

MONDAY 3 JANUARY for #1 MVV 12 JANUARY 2022 Website issues issuu.com/maryvalleyvoice Mary Valley Community News Assoc. Inc., publishers of The Mary Valley Voice since 1991, reserves the right to refuse inappropriate advertising and submissions for both print and website, and any opinions expressed in any published advertisements or submissions does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Association or its Editor. It also reserves the right to determine what is inappropriate for publication purposes. • ABN 61 781 267 568 • Mary Valley Community News Assoc Inc, PO Box 158, Kenilworth Q 4574

14 | 8 DECEMBER 2021

The Mary Valley Voice

MARY VALLEY “

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Union meeting... too wet to moo! ~ image by Helena Woodhead

View of Kenilworth's new residential

land development, 21 November 2021.

THE MARY VALLEY VOICE 2020 © 8 DECEMBER 2021

F

or a city built on gold, the Mary Valley Rattler brought back Gympie’s glory days, winning gold and silver awards in the 2021 Queensland Tourism Awards.

Pictured L, pride of place for a tourism operation built on the passion of its volunteers was the Gold Award for Outstanding Contribution by a Volunteer or a Volunteer Group.

That translated into the guest experience, with MV Rattler also winning the Silver Award for Queensland’s Best Tourism Attraction.

Mary Valley Rattler General Manager, Micheal Green, said that after 18 months of incredibly challenging conditions for the Rattler and the wider Gympie tourism community, the two awards were a fantastic endorsement of the team’s total commitment to delivering an exceptional experience.

“It was with great pride and excitement that I was privileged to witness the recognition of the Mary Valley Rattler Volunteers at the Queensland Tourism Awards,” said Mr Green.

“It was even more rewarding that their contribution was acknowledged in front of a packed room of State parliamentarians, leading tourism officials, and tourism businesses from across the State. The Rattler has received many awards in its short life span but this particular award really captures the essence of what we do.

Our volunteers are the steam that drives the pistons of this attraction.”

NDIS REGISTERED PROVIDER At Leonie’s Caring, we realise that individuals and families sometimes need assistance in their daily activities to achieve their goals. Whether it’s for short term or ongoing care, we’re here to help! We support NDIS, My Aged Care and the private sector

PROUDLY PRINTED BY GT PRINT, KUNDA PARK, SUNSHINE COAST

TWO TOURISM AWARDS 2021

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Email: Leonie@leonies-caring.com.au

Register now for your COVID-19 vaccination. www.health.qld.gov.au

sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au 07 5475 7272

The Mary Valley Voice

8 DECEMBER 2021 |

15

Clinton Tonia

Carol

Laurelle Lolie

Loretta

Linda Dave Rhod Carolyn

Terry

“We would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year for 2022.

Thank you for your continued support – from all of the team at Boxsells Kenilworth and Maleny.”

www.boxsells.com.au