2023 MARY VALLEY VOICE - OCTOBER 11 Vol. 33 #10

The

MaryValleyVoice

Powerlinks UPDATE 2 Cool Burns & Go Bag 3 Tourism Growth 8 Recycling Guide 14

11 OCTOBER 2023 Vol. 33 #10

connecting communities

Photo Credit: SCONS QFES 2019

A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE UPDATE ON POWERLINKS TRANSMISSION LINES

W

ell , After all the fanfare , publicity, and propaganda put out by Powerlink in April this year the communities of Kilkivan and Woolooga were selected as the guinea pigs to host the first section of the SUPERGRID, being the 500KVA 75 Metre high transmission lines from the Proposed Borumba Pumped Hydro., At the present time in Queensland Powerlink do not have any 500KVA towers other than the two 85 metres towers at the Kaban Wind Farm, these towers were erected with a 100 metre crane.

Powerlinks hierachy attended this event and were gobsmacked at how huge they were. This is what we are expected to have in our backyards. These towers will wreck environmental carnage on our land, destroy our scenic amenity, devalue our properties, our quality of life will disappear, not to mention any health issues arising from the transmission towers / lines strong electromagnetic fields.

The Western corridor was supposedly selected for the lowest Social, Environmental and Economic issues lowest Impact. But most certainly not to the people in this corridor. Were these the reasons we were chosen or was it due more to the directive put out by the Australian Energy Market Operator, which recommends that Powerlink build a 500KVA line from Halys substation to Woolooga substation as part of the SUPERGRID? Was this also the reason for the 10 kilometre deviation in our corridor? To form a more direct route through to Halys . Only time will tell if our theories are correct . Powerlink make no bones about the fact about Delivering a new 500KVA transmission network for Queensland is predominately to enable variable renewable generation and storage.

Glossy brochures detail this, they fail to mention how many landowners along the 2.000 kilometre network will be severely impacted, along with their neighbours. All in the name of renewable energy, most of these renewable projects are financed by overseas investors.

At the same time as announcing our corridor, Powe r l i n k released their new super dooper compensation package for this SUPERGRI, What they failed to mention or promote is the taxation payable on any monies received 47% can be written off in a variety of taxes i.e Gross income, Capital Gains Tax, GST. When the devaluation of your land is taken into account, the deal most certainly does not look so rosy, and who will ever want to purchase your property if and when you decide to sell? The Australian Energy Market Operate also put out a document on how to acquire our easements for the least amount of cost. Needless to say the landholders in this corridor and the community find themselves between a rock and a hard place. All the while our

“ our gates are still locked to Powerlink and will remain so ” ~ Jan Waldron

lives our in limbo. Powerlink will issue the final 1kilometre corridor on the 30th of November. Maybe by the middle of next year the final 70 metre corridor will be announced. In the meantime our gates are still locked to Powerlink and will remain so. Whilst handing out the new brochures for compensation we were also advised that we could access their counselling services! If the package and terms and conditions were so great why would we need that? To most of us, no matter where you live our homes and our land are our biggest asset, to be told this is where we have selected is, is downright bordering on

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criminal, no attempt was made to take up more State owned land in this corridor, the 27% stated in the corridor is right at the beginning of the proposed hydro land so Powerlink had no choice whatsoever but to use that to get out to us. We have no choice but to stand and fight.

Renewable Energy Zones: It would be a few years ago now that Woolooga became part of the REZ, then recently the zone was widened, the Southern area comes from Maryborough down the coast, the bulk of the Gympie Regional council area is in it, down as far as Stanthorpe and out as far as Chinchilla, where it then meets up with another REZ area, this also includes the coast. Mind blowing is it not. These zones have no boundaries whatsoever. In some of the paperwork from Gympie Regional Council they are advised to actively seek renewable energy projects for their area.

So if you are thinking that none of this affects you Think Again. ~ Jan Waldron

Ring David 0459 146 355 admin@maryvalleyhaulage.com.au

Also delivering molasses to the Southeast Queensland region

2 | 11 OCTOBER 2023

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ARE YOU PREPARED? COOL BURNS SHARE TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE

B

urnett Mary Regional Group (BMRG) has run a series of workshops to introduce landholders to the principles of traditional cool-burning practices, including the reasons behind it, how it's done, and the benefits.

“It means we’re better prepared when wildfire season comes into play. The workshops helped landholders to understand more about firebreaks and clearing debris.

They also built stronger relationships between landholders and Traditional Owners, so we can have more resources on the ground to help each other.”

Partners in the project were Butchulla Native Title Aboriginal Corporation, Gidarjil Development Corporation, Kabi Kabi Peoples’ Aboriginal Corporation and Camp Gregory Veterans Retreat. Speaking at the Scrub Hill workshop near Hervey Bay, Butchulla fire practitioner Darren Blake said cool burns are the proper “ Bringing cool burns back is a must. way to heal country.

Project manager Margaret Blackman said the well-attended workshops succeeded in creating a “transfer of knowledge” between Traditional Owners and landholders.

It’s important for life and property ”

~ Butchulla Fire Practitioner Darren Blake

“Bringing cool burns back is a must.

It’s important for life and property, also for the life that has six legs, four legs.

Property for us is country.”

“We worked with partner organisations to build capacity and knowledge about how traditional burning practices are done,” Margaret said.

Butchulla elder and Rural Fire Service volunteer Shantel Ah Kit said at the Burrum Heads workshop that cool burns help to heal sick country.

“Everyone grew in confidence when they saw what to do and how effective it was.

People are apprehensive about fire, but when the participants were shown traditional coolburning practices they lost their fear and realised that fire is not a scary thing. They learned how to use fire in a good way.”

“We’re bringing back the old way of practising burns,” she said.

One of the fire coordinators, Conway Burns, said cool burns are important because they help to heal country. It also helps people reconnect to country; it’s important to understanding and reading our own back yard. It promotes a healthier country, makes it cleaner, promotes diversity and brings back animals.

Conway said reducing fuel load made the bush safer during dry conditions.

Photo below: Cool burn method, photo courtesy BMRG.

“As a Rural Fire Service member, we have a different way of burning, and that’s why I brought my unit along here today, so they could see what a cool burn is for the very first time.”

BMRG plans to run more workshops in future and is developing an online hub to promote traditional practices in being fire ready.

This project received funding from the Australian Government.

W

HAVE YOU GOT A GO BAG?

ith the coming summer months and the weather forecast predicting a long hot summer it may well be time for everyone to consider the possibility of a natural disaster and like the boy scouts “Be Prepared”. A wise old firefighter first introduced me to the concept of “Go Bag” many years ago and I must admit I have let the whole concept slide a lot but walking on the tinder dry grass has made be reconsider preparing my “Go Bag”. Better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it! ~ Lenore Meldrum Go bags, also known as ‘Go to Bags‘, or ‘Grab and Go Bags‘, are a survival kit with the supplies you need to evacuate in a natural disaster or other emergency situation. They are designed for immediate evacuation – when you need to leave your home and travel to safety at short notice.

Your Go Bag is typically packed with 24 hours to 3 days worth of provisions, depending on your situation. It’s enough to get you through the disaster or emergency and its immediate aftermath. The intention is that after 3 days you can return home.

Or move to more suitable temporary accommodation. See the list below for what to pack. https://survivalsuppliesandkits. com.au/go-bag-checklist-for-australia/

HISTORICAL WHO WERE THE SIMS BROS? (continued)

E

rn was a member of the Kenilworth Jazz Band, Office Manager of Sims Bros Garage, Kenilworth, Appointed manager of the Cheese Factory when it was opened by Kraft Foods in 1952.

He was also Caretaker of the water and sewerage pumps in the township for the Maroochy Shire Council, Member of the Civil Defence when it was established in 1955.

Bert was Division 1 representative on the Maroochy Shire Council in 1967 until shortly before his death in August1981.

Ed worked for Arthur Tanner in the general store. He was “Lolly boy” at the Roxy Theatre during his teenage years progressing to projectionist which he continued until the show closed in the 1970’s. He was the mechanic in Sims Bros Garage, eventually becoming the

Alf & Harry: At the age of 40 Harry was one of the 38 men arrested for invading Parliament House, Brisbane on August 4, 1939 in what the media termed the “Pineapple Rebellion” (Telegraph, 4.08.1939, page 1).

Lily also played hockey for Kenilworth and was chosen in both representative and state squads. She was a stalwart of the CWA and the Church of England, she did the Hall and Rodeo cooking for every one of their stalls and working tirelessly in every fund raising venture. Lil was a strong supporter of the Kenilworth Museum donating many family items for display.

Photo: The Sims sisters Lily (back) Winnie (middle) and Dorrie (front).

Kenilworth Museum Open Sunday 10am - 2pm 7/9 Alexandra St

All members of the family were involved in the establishment of the Kenilworth Historical Museum, Bert organising the lease of the land, Alf donating the first building on the site and contributing his written memories of growing up in the district as did , Will, Dick and Lily. Alf and Harry contributing with their practical skills in the building and grounds.

Their sisters: Winnie Grace – the eldest daughter played hockey in the Kenilworth team and was selected in the State squad in the 1920’s. She married Arthur Tanner in January 1926. She was one of the foundation members of the Kenilworth branch of the Country Women’s Association in May 1939 but sadly was killed in a motor vehicle accident in June of the same year, leaving behind a 4 year old son Edwin.

Both Alf and Harry worked tirelessly for the Hall, Show and Recreation Ground Committee as yardmen and general handymen with few people realising just what a huge contribution they made. It was not until after their passing and those little but important jobs were left undone that many on the committee appreciated their role.

Bert donated the land to the State Government that is now Pioneer Park in 1947, managing establishment of the park in 1979 as Division 1 Councillor.

He drove the first school bus in the Lower Kenilworth area after the school closed in 1959, ran the Roxy Theatre pictures in the public hall from late 1940’s until the 1970’s.

sole surviving brother and owner of the business. Ed was a foundation member of the Veteran Car Club of Queensland. He restored all the motors on display at the Kenilworth Museum.

"Thoroughly enjoyed the experience!"

"The tour guide really involved the kids and my 6 and 9 year olds loved it."

Dorothy had poliomyelitis has a child which left her with a partially paralysed hand but she always attended CWA and Church meetings .supporting her community.

The Sims family was one of many families who contributed to the establishment and development of this district and this article was sourced from family memorabilia. The stories of the contributions of other pioneer families is welcome. Their history needs to be recorded. What are your personal family stories? Please get writing and send them in. ~ Lenore Meldrum, President Kenilworth & District Historical Assn Inc Open until last Sunday of October, back 1st Sunday in March 2024

RAINFALL MOY POCKET – September 2023 by Graham Brennan This September 8mm. Last September 102mm. 22 year average for September 41mm.

Rain fell on 6 days, August average 8 days.

Total rain for first nine months of the year 349mm, Previous driest January-September 2005 with 574mm.

Same period last year, 2245mm. January - September average, 887mm.

12 month total (till end September) 660mm, 21 year annual average 1261mm

COMMUNITY NEWS W

CHEERIO FROM THE CHURCHES

hat a lovely morning we had at St Luke’s on Sunday 1 October at our annual “Blessing if the Animals” service, celebrated by our good friend, Rev’d Kaye Pitman. We held the service outside and all the dogs were very well behaved. Local artists, Yvonne James and Jen Franzi presented an impressive display of their amazing animal portraits. Then followed morning tea and the usual happy chatting over a cuppa.

Send your community news to maryvalleyvoice31@gmail.com

COMEDY NIGHT KENILWORTH HOTEL SATURDAY 21 OCTOBER 6:30PM FREE ADMISSION Comedians: Anna Brennan, Mick Neven, Nicky Wilkinson

Visitors are always welcome at our Sunday services at 9am and / or at morning tea afterwards. Maybe coming to church is not your thing but come along for morning tea and a bit of socializing with old friends and new. We particularly welcome visitors from the camping and caravan grounds.

Sponsors: Kenilworth Arts Council, Kenilworth Hotel & Brewery, Australia Post, SC Council

Our next “big event” in our St Luke’s Day service on 15 October at 9:30am. St Luke’s is the patron saint of physicians, health workers and artists. This year our guest speaker is Dr Stephen Harrison from Anglicare. All are welcome to the HC service and/or morning tea afterwards.

UK Comedian, Nicky Wilkinson has a warm, likeable, down-toearth style of comedy that instantly puts audiences at ease. She was a regular on the stand-up circuit in the UK after reaching the finals of prestigious comedy competitions ‘So You Think You’re Funny’ and ‘New Act of the Year’ in 2013.

As usual, St Luke’s is calling for donations for our Christmas Hampers that we pass on to Anglicare and Erowal for distribution to needy folk. This is what we are seeking :- small ( we emphasis “small”) personal care items ( soap, tissues, toothpaste, shaving cream, small shampoos etc), small food items ( sweets, small biscuit packs, fruit packs etc – items which are easy to handle as most hampers go to aged folk) and anything for entertainment( notepads, pens, puzzles etc). We also appreciate any money donations as we can buy items to fill in any gaps. Closing date 30 November.

Her impressive stage presence, witty charm and considerable comedy performance experience are ensuring she moves quickly through the comedy ranks here in Australia, making her ‘one to watch!’

Purchase own food/drinks

"Bright, effervescent and pleasantly filthy" - The Advertiser “Charming & charismatic” - The Wee Review “Relatable, down to earth humour” - This is Radelaide “Effortless likeability & excellent comic timing” And of course, we are always very grateful for any donations. Chortle

Thank you! Emma from Anglicare tells us the old folk who receive these gifts are overjoyed. ~ Cheerio from the churches Kenilworth

ARTS COUNCIL

K

KENILWORTH ARTS COUNCIL

AC congratulates the Kenilworth Show & Rodeo C’tee on this year’s fantastic turn out ! It was a great day! Our congratulations, too, to Chamber of Commerce President, Ron Perel and team elected at the recent AGM. www.kenilwortharts.org.au

Our next event for the year is the Comedy Night at Kenilworth Hotel on Saturday 21 October. Please note - admission is now free.

Watch for our posters around town.

We are able to present this laughter filled show with Anna Brennan due to the sponsorship of Australia Post via a People of the Post grant and the Kenilworth Hotel & Brewery.

KAC was nominated by Robyn at Kenilworth Post Office for the Australia Post grant in which we were successful. Steve and Diane at Kenilworth Hotel stepped in with their sponsorship. So a very big Thank You to our kind sponsors in helping us bring some light hearted entertainment to our community. We also acknowledge support for KAC from S C Council.

We are awaiting the outcome of our grant application for a new air con and refrigerator for the KAC building. Our next step is to seek grants funding for vinyl for the floor in the kitchen. As you know, the KAC building ( or the KAC Shack as it is known!) is available to the Kenilworth community. Contact : kac@kenilwortharts.org.au ~ Kenilworth Arts Council

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11 OCTOBER July 15,2023 2015 | 5

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PENSIONER UNITS,

TOURISM

Q: WHAT FACILITIES DOES THE KVU COMPLEX PROVIDE?

$854 million in 2022-23, growing total visitor expenditure to $5.2 billion for the year. The record overnight expenditure was based on a total of 3.9 million visitors, which was in line with visitor numbers in 2021/22. The expenditure figures resulted from a significant increase in average spend of visitors to the Sunshine Coast in the 2022/23 financial year, which was $1136 per overnight visitor, up 67.5% compared to 2019. Overnight visitors spent an average of $311 per night/per visitor, which was up 41.2%, 64.6% higher than in 2019.

A: It provides rental of ten single unfurnished units for independent living for approved pensioners. It does NOT provide any health care or social welfare support. These are the responsibilities of the tenants themselves and their family or friends. Local care agencies such as Centacare, Anglicare or Range Care can be contacted by tenants or family if needed.

The biggest growth in visitation came from holiday visitors, increasing to 2.3 million annually, which was up 5.1% on 2019.

Business travel staged a renaissance, growing 9.6% to 244,000 visitors in 2022-23, but the number was still 32% lower than in 2019. With the full return of interstate flights, and with Bonza establishing its headquarters on the Sunshine Coast in the first

Q

KENILWORTH VILLAGE UNITS Q & A : WHO OWNS THE KVU COMPLEX? WHO RUNS IT?

A: The KVU Complex is owned by the Kenilworth community and is operated by the KVU Management C’tee. KVU Assn Inc is a not-for-profit community organization. Boxsells Real Estate handles the property management.

Q. IS IT A RETIREMENT VILLAGE WITH RESIDENTIAL CARE? A: No, it is not, in any way.

Q: HOW DOES A PERSON RENT A UNIT? A: Ask for the Information Sheet and Application Form at Kenilworth Post Office. Complete the form and send it to KVU, PO Box 221 Kenilworth 4574.

Applications are processed to meet the strict conditions applying to rentals.

Simply returning the form does not mean automatic acceptance for tenancy.

Q: IF I KNOW A COMMITTEE MEMBER , CAN’T I JUST ASK THEM ABOUT RENTING AT KVU AND GET THEM TO HELP ME? A: The only help a C’tee member can give you is to advise you to obtain an application form. All rental matters go through the Management Committee.

TOURISM GROWING STRONG

T

he Sunshine Coast finished the 2022/23 financial year on a high, according to the latest data released by Tourism Research Australia. For the 12 months to 30 June 2023, according to the National Visitor Survey, the Sunshine Coast attracted equal-record domestic overnight visitor expenditure of $4.4 billion exceeding both the same period for 2021/22 ($3.0bn), and the pre-Covid year of 2019 ($2.7bn).

In addition, day trippers to the Sunshine Coast contributed

half of 2023, there was a dramatic increase in interstate visitor numbers, to 1.1 million in 2022-23, up 45.7% compared to the previous financial year. The strongest growth market was Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR), which was 42.6% higher, compared to 2019.

Commenting on the National Visitor Survey results, Visit Sunshine Coast CEO, Matt Stoeckel, said that while there had been significant challenges during 2022/23, Sunshine Coast tourism operators proved highly competitive in the national tourism market.

“Despite difficult operating conditions, last financial year saw continued growth for holidays to the Sunshine Coast, which helped build our market share and increase tourism expenditure,” said Mr Stoeckel.

“Our marketing campaigns generated strong interest in, and demand for, the Sunshine Coast and this is reflected in the data coming from Tourism Research Australia.

“While domestic travel results remained very positive for the year, the International Visitor Survey showed that we are yet to reach full recovery in overseas holiday visitors. Our direct services from Auckland over the winter months stimulated the trans-Tasman market, and it has been pleasing to see the return of UK, European and Asian visitors to the Sunshine Coast,” he added.

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GHEERULLA HALL ATTRACTS NEW MEMBERS

heerulla Hall must be a desirable group to join, given that even wildlife wants to hang out there. Recently the Hall was the preferred residence of a small possum, which caused a few headaches for Hall users. However, thanks to a grant from Sunshine Coast Council, vermin-proof netting has been installed under the eaves, eliminating the possibility of birds, python, possums and others, taking up residence in the rafters.

Eventually, said possum was caught, fed, watered, and relocated to trees on the property. She's been spotted regularly since, and I've nicknamed her Possum Jo, in honour of our treasurer, who isn't here to disagree.

Gheerulla Hall sincerely thanks the Sunshine Coast Council for ongoing support through grants funding for this and other projects.

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COMMUNITY NEWS TED O'BRIEN FEDERAL MEMBER FOR FAIRFAX

Prepare now for wild weather Wild weather on the Sunshine Coast is not a matter of “if” - but “when”! It’s time to get ready. There are simple steps you should take to prepare your family, home and business for extreme weather events.

Visit Council’s Disaster Hub at disasterhub.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au for updates, resources and what to do before, during and after an emergency.

The ultimate dog day out for pooches and their paw-rents!

DogFest is being held at Nambour Showgrounds on 21 October. It is set to be a canine wonderland; complete with food trucks, dog-friendly stallholders, live entertainment, training demonstrations and workshops. Book your free ticket at eventbrite.com.au.

What happens to your recycling?

Come along for an interactive workshop and guided tour of a Resource Recovery Centre. Learn recycling tips and discover how landfills are transforming. Travel by bus for a behind-the-scenes look at the day-today operations as part of National Recycling Week. Book now on Sunshine Coast Libraries website for a tour from Caloundra or Nambour on 9 or 10 November.

Help support local First Nations businesses

Sunshine Coast’s First Nations Supplier Day is back for its third year. Help celebrate Indigenous Business Month at The Met in Maroochydore on 27 October.

There will be entertainment, food and drinks, as well as heaps of products and services for purchase. Visit Council’s website for more details.

One for the calendar

Watch Council’s next Ordinary Meeting online or at Sunshine Coast City Hall Chambers – 26 October at 9am.

Community grants: apply now

Does your community organisation need funding to help make something great happen? Minor Grants of up to $2000 are available for community groups to deliver projects, events and activities that provide community benefit. Visit Council’s website to apply online.

Get the latest Council news delivered directly to your inbox each week.

Sign up for the OurSC enewsletter here

Recently, I had the privilege of congratulating over 500 new Australian citizens at two citizenship ceremonies held on the Sunshine Coast. Citizenship ceremonies hold a special place in our community, symbolising the growth and enrichment of our nation through the addition of new residents. To our newest Australians, I say, “Congratulations and welcome home.”

Polling Booth Locations for ‘The Voice’ Referendum: On Saturday, October 14th, citizens will cast their votes in the referendum on the Prime Minister's Indigenous Voice to Parliament, a momentous decision with the potential to make permanent changes to our Constitution. The consequences of such changes cannot be reversed, underscoring the importance of informed voting.

Mary Valley polling booth locations in Fairfax Electorate for polling day, Sat 14 Oct are: Kenilworth State Community College: 3717 Maleny- Kenilworth Rd, Kenilworth, 4574; Mapleton State School: 24 Flaxton Dr, Mapleton, 4560 For more information on the referendum, visit tedobrien.com.au/referendum-qa/ Generation Innovation Challenge: The 2023 ‘GI Challenge,’ organised by notfor-profit entity Generation Innovation, is in full swing. Two business bootcamps have already ignited the potential of this year's cohort of young entrepreneurs as they head towards the finish line. The GI Challenge is an innovative and free program designed for promising pioneers aged 15-25. It facilitates the connection of young entrepreneurs to the marketplace while providing them with essential skills, training, and invaluable business connections. The final winner of the challenge will be awarded a prize of $10,000 to support the launch of their business. As the founder of Generation Innovation, it's incredibly exciting to witness the creativity, intelligence, and courage demonstrated by our young talent—an asset to our nation. To stay updated on the diverse projects in contention, follow the GI Challenge journey to the finish line at generationinnovation. com.au.

CR DAVID LAW DIVIDION 10 - SUNSHINE COAST COUNCIL Minor Grants: Funding is now available for community groups to see their project come to life. Council’s Minor Grants program offers up to $2000 to support one-off projects and programs. We’re calling on community groups to apply with projects that make our community more active, vibrant, inclusive, resilient and creative. Help your vision become a reality with Council’s Community Grants. I encourage you to apply today! Applications are now open and close on October 30.

Applications open for health and wellbeing providers: We’re calling on individuals, businesses and community groups in the health and wellbeing industry to offer a weekly class in the Kenilworth area as part of Council’s Healthy Sunshine Coast Program. I encourage you to express your interest to help us provide a wide range of affordable health and wellbeing activities to the Sunshine Coast community. We’re seeking activities that are entry level, low-to-medium impact fitness and wellbeing activities for individuals of all ages and abilities. To find out more and to express your interest please email HealthySC@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au Don’t forget if you have any questions please contact me at email: david.law@sunshinecoast. qld.gov.au and follow my Facebook page for regular updates: @DavidLawDivision10.

NOTICE: Due to circumstances beyond our control, the Kenilworth ladies will not be able to make wreaths for the Remembrance Day and Anzac Day services at Kenilworth.

We apologise to the essential services and community for this.

We would like to thank everyone who supplied flowers and greenery for our wreaths in the past, and the time that the ladies put in for the making of the wreaths. ~ Kenilworth RSL

12 | 11 OCTOBER 2023

The Mary Valley Voice

LO CAL LET TER LETTER FROM POMONA: ASK FIRST QUESTION FIRST

I

note that the council has instigated a program of questions to “help shape Pomona”. Now, that’s the third question and may not need to be asked if we ask the first two questions …

Question one: Does anyone in Pomona think it needs reshaping?

Question two: Do the locals need outside help/interference with this reshaping?

It is interesting that the meeting is being pushed by outsiders – it’s not been instigated by the People of Pomona. The People of Pomona are not ignorant savages who need to be saved by a new religion imposed on them – they are mature adults running their own businesses, properties and community, quite without the interference of outsiders.

See, the people have come to Pomona because they like it. Or, they’re born here and they stay because they like it. The town has a particular vibe, a spirit, that suits them. That spirit cannot be defined or written up in agendas and remits. It is just what we experience as we engage with the people, businesses, buildings, conversations, trees, birds, animals and climate in this tiny part of the cosmos.

We are drawn here by many things and many of those things we cannot explain – they are the inner, soul feelings and urges to be here, the nature of the people and the environment wherein no words can be formed or written down in reports and recommendations. It is the inexpressible that brings people here and keeps them here. Any meddling by outsiders could destroy the uniqueness that brings and keeps people here.

Further, the spirit of a community is fluid, evolving as the people do. Forcing a plan on that fluidity will stem the flow and

Photo: A favourite Community Space in Pomona stifle the natural growth of the town and its creativity.

To ask another question, how would the council employees feel if a posse of Pomonains arrived at their smart offices and forced a meeting to discuss the changes that are needed in council activities?

That is what is happening in Pomona. Before the third question is asked, can we please ask the first question: Do any locals want any improvements?

If that’s a NO, no further questions are required. If it’s a YES, then let us ask the second question: Can the locals handle it themselves?

If that’s a YES, the third question is irrelevant. ~ Philip J Bradbury

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The Mary Valley Voice

11 OCTOBER 2023 | 13

REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE RECYCLING AT KENILWORTH INFORMATION CENTRE

K

enilworth Information Centre is a collection point for the following recyclable items: - batteries, - bottle caps, - blister packs, - bread tags, - pet food packaging and - writing instruments.

Batteries: We collect single use or rechargeable batteries in the following sizes - AA, AAA, C, D, 9V. These are taken to The Battery Place in Nambour and recycled into refined lead and lead alloys, with the plastics recycled into cases and covers for new batteries. For health and safety reasons, please bring your batteries into our office and hand them to one of our volunteers.

Bottle caps: We collect cleaned plastic and metal bottle caps or lids. This includes the plastic tamper ring left on the necks of bottles and the plastic spout left on cartons, both of which can be removed and handed in. The caps are taken to a private enterprise called Precious Plastics in Taringa. See their website http:// www.d-wizz.com/plastic/ for other items that they collect. If you have any of these items you would also like to recycle, please check with us prior to dropping them off, to see if we are able to transport them down to Brisbane. Please drop off your bottle caps (cleaned and separated into plastics and metals) into our container at the front of the Information Centre. If this is full, please hand it in to one of our volunteers.

Blister packs: We collect empty medicinal blister packs with no tablets or capsules left in them.

They are taken to the Go For Zero warehouse in Kunda Park, which serves as a collection point for the Terracycle and Chemists Own blister pack recycling program. The packs are separated into aluminium and plastics, shredded or melted and transformed into new products. Please put your blister packs into the container provided at the front of the Information Centre.

Bread tags: We accept plastic (not cardboard) bread tags, which are taken to the Go For Zero warehouse in Kunda Park, to be recycled through the Aussie Bread Tags for Wheelchairs program.

The bread tags are melted then remoulded into bowls, boards, coasters and door knobs in South Australia. These are then sold to fund new wheelchairs for people in South Africa.

14 | 11 OCTOBER 2023

Pet food packaging: We collect all brands of dry pet food bags and wet pet food pouches.

Please ensure that the bags and pouches are empty and clean. These are taken to District Vets Maleny, who act as a collection point for the Terracycle and Royal Canin recycling program.

The bags are shredded, melted down and made into pellets ready to be transformed into new products. We do not collect tins, which can go into your recycle bin. There is a container at the front of the Information Centre for pet food packaging.

Writing instruments: We collect all brands of used writing instruments - pens, felt tips, highlighters, markers, mechanical pencils, refills, ink cartridges, correction tapes and pens and fluid pots. We do not collect glue sticks, erasers, rulers, pencils, crayons or sharp objects. These are taken to Officeworks as part of their e-waste recycling program.

If you would like to volunteer to help sort or transport some of our recycling items, or suggest some new items to recycle, feel free to call in and talk to us!

We are also happy to share our resources with anyone who is interested in setting up a similar collection in their town.

Happy Recycling! ~ Kim Urquhart, Kenilworth Information Centre

RECYCLING REVOLUTION: FIVE REASONS TO MAKE THE CHANGE! Resource Guardians: Recycling safeguards Earth's finite treasures. It preserves natural resources, ensuring they remain abundant for generations to come.

Energy Saver: Recycling is an energy-saving superhero. For instance, making an aluminum can from recycled material uses just 5% of the energy needed for new production. It's an ecofriendly energy boost.

Waste Reduction: Recycling reduces waste and slashes landfill use, preventing harmful emissions. It's the eco-champion that keeps our planet clean.

Economic Impact: Recycling creates jobs and reduces costs for businesses. It's an economic powerhouse, offering employment and savings simultaneously.

Pollution Fighter: Recycling battles pollution, from cutting water pollution by 35% with recycled paper pulp to curbing plastic pollution. It's our frontline defense for a cleaner world.

Join the Recycling Revolution and become an eco-hero!

The Mary Valley Voice

CREATIVE ARTS T

he Sunshine Coast has more artists than ever before with many people working full time in the arts, turning their passion and skill into profitable, creative careers. Latest research shows the region’s creative arts sector, which comprises everyone from painters to podcasters, is evolving and diversifying with great momentum. Results revealed that 9 in 10 locals agree that arts and culture make the Sunshine Coast a better place to live, while 96% have attended an arts event, and 1 in 2 participated. The success story was heard at the latest meeting of Sunshine Coast Council.

Councillors unanimously voted to adopt the Sunshine Coast Creative Arts Plan 2023–2038, the second iteration of its 20-year plan, to shape and support the sector over the next 15 years. Councillors were told that this would build on the previous plan, which was a first for the region when adopted in 2018. Sunshine Coast Arts Portfolio Councillor Rick Baberowski said the arts plan had been a genuinely positive influence.

“We’ve seen exceptional growth and real development in the sector over the past five years.’’

A recent sector survey very encouragingly found that 42% of respondents were working full-time in the arts, which has increased from 31% in 2017. It also revealed that artists able to generate income from their practice has increased from 55% to 61%. In the years following the first Arts Plan, Sunshine Coast Council’s Creative Arts and Events team led a series of focused development programs, designed to build the capacity of local artists and strengthen the region’s creative sector.

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