2024 Mary Valley Voice - 11th December Vol. 34 #12

The

MaryValleyVoice

11 DECEMBER 2024 Vol. 34 #12

connecting communities

Take me home I'm FREE

Kenilworth Christmas Show Y

FREE ENTR

Saturday 21st December Kenilworth Christmas 2 Safe Space Opening 3 WANTED: Museum Guides 4 Chamber of Commerce 11 Starting Prep 15

3pm - 8:30pm Santa Visit at 6pm

Free Rides & Face Painting

fireworks at 8pm

Mega Raffle Draw 7pm Follow this event on Facebook

Kenilworth Christmas Show Y

FREE ENTR

Saturday 21st December 3pm - 8:30pm Santa Visit at 6pm

Free Rides & Face Painting

fireworks at 8pm

Mega Raffle Draw 7pm Follow this event on Facebook

SA F E S PAC E N OW O P E N VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO STEM THE TIDE OF SUICIDE Suicide awareness is an important issue in our communities. Over 3,000 Australians end their lives each year – this is around 9 people per day. Suicide is the third leading cause of premature death from injury or disease, and the main cause of death among people aged 15 to 49 (Australian Gov Dep of Health).

More than 50 people attended the Safe space opening in Kenilworth at Nana McGinns on Tuesday 3rd December. This included local families and industry representatives. Musicians and cultural ambassadors Samoko, Zakiya and Rahani Okoth warmed up the space with groovy Arican music and rhythms.

The safe space exists to save lives and reduce emotional distress and pain. It is an initiative between Kenilworth locals and the national organisation Roses in the Ocean.

Jon Eddy, from Roses, who attended the opening said, "I'm always incredibly moved by community spirit coming together to fight suicide as a united front."

If you need us we are here. Opening hours Wednesday 9.3012.30 (more days/times being added as we get more community volunteers). If you feel the call to volunteer or would like more information please contact kenilworthsafespace@gmail.com Help is available. If you are experiencing distress please reach out to someone, a family member, neighbor or friend, or 24-hour phone support with lifeline on 131114.

JOIN OUR TEAM WE ARE SEEKING A PERSON WITH INTEREST IN COMMUNITY NEWS & EVENTS TO LIASON WITH EDITOR & COMMITTEE. ROLE WILL INCLUDE COVERING LOCAL EVENTS, UPDATES, COMMUNITY CLUB & ORGANISATION EVENT DATES FOR MARY VALLEY VOICE INCLUSION. ALSO CHANCE TO ATTAIN FURTHER ADVERTISING ON A COMMISSION BASIS. IF INTERESTED EMAIL PRESIDENT barbannesmith60@gmail.com

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The Mary Valley Voice

11 DECEMBER 2024

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CHRISTMAS 100 YEARS AGO CHRISTMAS WITH THE SIMS arrived. We got our hats a week ago and to us. Ted Lane drove us to Imbil in his sulky Arthur gave me my Christmas box - a and then we got a car from there. It took us FAMILY 1924 How a local family of nine single and one married member celebrated Christmas a century ago taken from the pages of the diary of the eldest daughter Winnie Grace.

Tuesday 23 Dec, 1924: Two of us ironed all morning. Arthur bought two striped fuji shirts in Cooroy. Mr Ross got orders from Nambour to go back before Christmas. He is very disappointed.

We are too, he has no home and we like him. Arthur and Harry Ross said they would come over for Christmas. The switch board was put in today. We are quite used to the 'phone now.

Wednesday 24 Dec, 1924: A perfect day first thing but came up cloudy and windy towards night.

A storm in Sydney last night stopped the cricket match and spoiled our wireless concert.

Flora Campbell came up to Hannah's, they were here for afternoon tea and all over for the fireworks. Arthur was pleased with his brush. Uncle Ned gave us a frame of honey and we had two watermelons given us.

Thursday 1924:

25

tennis racquet - a long while ago. We don’t know what we are getting. Mum was very pleased with the umbrella Dad gave her.

He also gave her 6 serviette rings. Ray is specially pleased with his shirt, hanky and razor. He said it is the first Christmas box he has had.

Friday 26 Dec, 1924: Arthur and I stayed at the boy's last night.

Ethel is away. We were up at 4 o'clock and off to Brooloo with a big load of cream.

Going up Murtagh's hill the axle broke.

Dick went back for Bill Purdon and we went to Murtagh's. We had breakfast there then went to Brooloo in Lizzie. There was no car available at Brooloo. We lunched with Mr and Mrs Parry. They were very nice

twelve hours and cost twenty five shillings to go from here to Kandanga. They were pleased to see us. We were both tired.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all.

Historic note:- Arthur is Arthur Tanner who opened the first store in the township on January 2, 1924 and became engaged to Winnie Grace in May of 1924.

Mr Ross was one of the commercial travellers who regularly stayed at the Sims boarding house.

Hannah was the second daughter of Ben and Agnes Pickering, neighbours of the Sims family.

Ray was Ray Reynolds, an English lad who lived with and worked on the Sims farm.

Bill Purdon – William Purdon (son of Andrew and Catherine) married to Agnes Pearce (daughter of James and Martha) Murtaghs would be the home of Pat Murtagh. ~ Lenore Meldrum, President, Kenilworth and District Historical Assn Inc Photo: Sims Bros truck bogged on Murtaghs Hill.

Dec,

Santa Claus didn’t come to Lil and me.

Our things haven’t

Kenilworth Museum

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Occasional Sunday ‘Guide’ All training provided Contact kenilworthmuseum@gmail.com

"Thoroughly enjoyed the experience!"

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

RAINFALL MOY POCKET – NOVEMBER 2024 by Graham Brennan This November 178mm. Last November 92mm. 23 year average November 94mm.

Rain fell on 22 days, November average 11 days .

3 months of spring 263mm, last spring 105mm, average spring 223mm Total rain for first 11 months of year 1316mm. Same period last year gave us 446mm. Jan-Nov Average 1078mm.

12 month total till end November 1527mm. 22 year annual average 1233mm.

On the verandah our days were 2 deg below average and nights were warmest since 2015 at 2 deg above average.

COMMUNITY NEWS UPDATES CHEERIO FROM THE CHURCHES

GHEERULLA TENNIS CLUB

St Luke's Anglican and St John Bosco Catholic Churches Congratulations to the Gheerulla Gems, winners of the Maroochydore Friday Ladies’ Fixtures Division 3 competition, wish everyone joy, peace and Christmas blessings! running from July to November 2024. Every set in the finals was Christmas Services: St Luke's Christmas Eucharist at a closely fought battle, with Gheerulla Gems winning 5 sets 41 9am celebrated by Rev'd Kay Pitman with Christmas games to Mooloolaba Martinis 3 sets 33 games. The Gems have cake and cordial on the verandah afterwards. There will be a Christmas worked hard to improve their skills throughout the season, and Day Mass at St John Bosco's at 10:30 am. Both churches welcome hope to progress to Division 2 in Season 1, 2025. visitors so please do come and join us. Other services include 9am Holy Communion on 15 December with Rev'd Nicholas Whereat and Gheerulla Tennis Club recently applied for a $35,000 Gambling Morning Prayer on other Sundays at 9am. There will be Mass at St Community Benefit Fund for upgrade of electrical wiring and John Bosco's on Sunday 22 December. The Maleny Anglican Parish installation of new LED lights on both its courts. If the application is successful, this upgrade will assist the club in promoting the welcomes Rev'd Nicholas Whereat who is serving as locum priest. use of its facilities, by building attendance at Tuesday night Again this year, St Luke's has prepared 132 Christmas Hampers for social tennis and other night time court hire and, hopefully, Anglicare , Nambour and Erowal, Maleny to share with the elderly folk opening pathways for the introduction of additional activities in residential care. All personal care items and food items have been such as Pickle Ball. The club would like to thank members and lovingly donated by the Kenilworth and Range communities. A very visitors for their support during 2024, and look forward to your special thanks go to the children and teachers at Kenilworth State participation in club activities in 2025. Should you wish to hire Community College and to the P&C for decorating the bags and their a court during the coming holiday season, or at any time, please very generous donations. We do very much appreciate your kindness. contact Sue Field on 0412 495 169. For any further enquiries regarding Gheerulla Tennis Club, please contact either Sue ~Cheerio from the churches Field (President) or Robyn Pfeiffer (Treasurer) on 0403 516 699.

KENILWORTH ARTS COUNCIL We wish everyone a Happy and Safe Christmas and New Year.

Kenilworth Arts Council wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We are pleased to ARTS announce that next years Artsfest will be held on the COUNCIL 23rd, 24th and 25th May 2025. Once again, we are delighted to collaborate with the Chamber of Commerce and bring a low-cost Family Fun Day on Sunday 25th May from 9am.

Many creative and interactive art activities, educational stalls and entertainment will be on offer. Our Christmas Goodies Stall is on Sat 14th December outside the Information Centre. Delicious delights for the Christmas table are for sale. Please google our website www@ kenilwortharts.org.au for entry forms to Artsfest 2025 and for further information ring 0472767482 or email kac@kenilwortharts.org.au Kenilworth

www.kenilwortharts.org.au

"The important thing is to create", Pablo Picasso. ~ Kenilworth Arts Council

L-R Mary Loweke, Sandy Watts, Robyn Pfeiffer, Sue Field, Jenny Carlson. (Absent: Jo Robey)

KENILWORTH QUILT AND CRAFT CIRCLE (KQCC) Our quilt, craft and chat circle ended the year with our annual Christmas party, held at the Bowls Club on the 4 th Wednesday in November. We joined with the Centrecare group for a lovely few hours of chatter, show and tell and laughter, with a mind challenging quiz and a sneaky way to get everyone’s birthdays, finding out where we all began our lives.

Nambour featured heavily, then Gympie, Kingaroy, Mackay, Bundaberg, Miranda, Wagga Wagga, Box Hill, Elmore, Adelaide and Montpelier in Vermont. Where were you born?

Our Quilt and Craft Show (theme: directions) held in June was once again a success, exhibiting some lovely quilts, wall hangings, bags, cushions and other craft. Further examples of new and old ways with textiles filled up the Showgrounds Pavilion with our members all working as stewards for this Annual event. Thank you to exhibiters from Gympie and far and wide who help to fill our Hall for those events.

We welcomed new and returning members this year who add diversity to our talents. Two of our most talented patchworkers made up the Centenary Quilt with patches designed by the students. All members worked on the blocks for our raffle quilt, a log cabin arranged as a Lemoyne Star.

Until next year, have a Merry Christmas and a safe and healthy New Year. ~ Susan Rough, President KQCC

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The photo being presented to Lenore Meldrum, our local historian, is part of the 2025 Sunshine Coast Heritage Calendar from the Meldrum family collection! A canvas print of the winning photo is the prize in the Heritage Calendar competition.

This year’s theme, ‘Sports through the Ages,’ captures our local sporting memories over the decades.

This year’s calendar is extra special, inspired by the ‘Grassroots to Glory’ exhibition, which celebrated the sunshine coasts aquatic sporting heritage. The stories and memorabilia from the community helped fill gaps in the sporting history of the area, showcasing everything from school sports days to wood chopping competitions.

The Sunshine Coast Heritage Plan and the Arts and Heritage Levy continue to support the preservation and sharing our community’s stories.

Volunteers are needed for occasional Sundays at our Kenilworth Museum to take tours (all training provided). Please consider giving back to community and just imagine all the interesting people you get to meet! Contact kenilworthmuseum@gmail. com or more information.

10 | 11 DECEMBER 2024

The Mary Valley Voice

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE KENILWORTH NEW EXECUITIVE COMMITTEE It’s all about … "what can we do for you as a business, to help you and the community.”

Ross Sigley: President Ross Sigley comes to the chamber with a wide range of understanding in rural communities and a driven desire to see a happy cohesive and prosperous community.

From a childhood in farming and schooling in Mullumbimby Ross went on to complete a BSC. In Forestry from the ANU. In Canberra and then worked over a 20-year period in both the State and Private forestry sectors. Operations, Planning, Marketing, ecology, and Public Relations were amongst the management roles performed both on the East coast and also abroad in Fiji and Peru. Ross lectured in forest and fire Management at SCU before a period involved in real estate as a stock and Station agent followed by 4 years managing the establishment of 1000’s of Ha of timber plantations.

Nowadays you will currently find Ross serving drinks at the Bowling club after a 2yr period at the Hotel Kenilworth. He continues to run Beef cattle with the family at Moy Pocket.

Danielle Pittman: Vice President I am the Sales, Marketing, and Café Manager at Kenilworth Dairies. I moved from NSW to Kenilworth at the age of 13, where I completed Grade 10 at Kenilworth State School. During my school years, I worked weekends at Kenilworth Bakery, starting early at 3 a.m. to slice bread and independently manage the shop’s opening and closing. I later graduated from Nambour Christian College in Year 12. Before joining Kenilworth Dairies, I worked as a Business Development Manager at Coca-Cola, overseeing key accounts, driving new business opportunities, and managing contract negotiations and renewals.

I have a strong passion for growth and thrive in collaborative environments.

I am excited to be back in the Kenilworth community and honoured to take on the role of Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce.

I am committed to making a positive impact and supporting local businesses in Kenilworth. So, give s feedback it is invaluable in letting us know what you want to see from the Chamber.

Susan Rough: Treasurer I was born in Nambour in the year of the Dragon to a family with a pioneering history.

After a brief period of Dairying on the Downs, I returned to the coast to complete my schooling before training as a commercial/ Economics teacher. I represent the Kenilworth Bowls Club and the Kenilworth Quilt and Craft Circle in their membership of this Chamber. My experience has seen me appointed on the executive of most organisations in which I am involved; presently I’m Secretary of both District and Division Bowls Associations and President of the KQCC as well as nominal secretary of the Historical Museum.

I have seen the growth of the Sunshine Coast and the changes in our community due to tourism, demographics and land use. As such, I wish to see facilities improve without losing the connectedness needed in small towns.

The Mary Valley Voice

The new committee of the Chamber of Commerce thank Ron and the outgoing committee for their dedication to the task over many years.

Now: With a new, dedicated committee of volunteers who are enthusiastic and passionate about our great District, and with the financial support of our Members and fundraising efforts, we aim to contribute to a strong local economy by Developing a large network of business members. If you have an ABN and have business interests within the Kenilworth postcode, we encourage you to join us and be part of the positive groundswell we are creating.

2025 In Kenilworth: The Chamber is involved in many events in town. Including the family fun day in May and we invite all local businesses to be a part of this day. In the middle of the year, we will launch KENILWORTH DAY?? A fun and fund-raising day for businesses and community of the district. Later in the year we are assisting with the running of the Classic car show.

Early next year there will be a NEW notice board at the information centre telling us all in big print what events are happening in town.

If you wish to be a member of the chamber you may join the mailing list to ensure you stay in touch with everything that’s going on. Everyone is encouraged to join and PLEASE if you have an event happening then log on to the website and ensure it is listed – www.kenilworthqld.org.au Membership is free to all with an ABN and an interest in the district of Kenilworth. To be a voting member with access to chamber events will cost $50. For $100 you will be entitled to the above plus a free expose in the Mary Valley Voice.

Julie Smedley: Secretary Julie has a wealth of experience in improving the visibility & image of Regional Chambers of Commerce & assisting them with building stronger connections with local business. She is confident the potential of the Kenilworth Chamber will be realised over the next few years given the skill set of the new committee and enthusiasm they have to make a positive change.

Having been a small business owner herself, J u l i e ' s experience as well as her knowledge of communications and marketing, will all contribute to locals getting more from their Chamber of Commerce.

Jordan Gifford: Member "I’m Jordan, the owner of several Early Learning Centres and an Early Childhood-specific training college. I joined the KCC Committee as we are currently working to open a childcare service in Kenilworth, and I’m passionate about supporting families and children in the local community."

“Together we are greater than the sum of our parts” Reach out to Ross via phone on 0448 782 422 or email president@kenilworthqld.org.au 13 NOVEMBER 2024 | 11

LOCAL NEWS CR WINSTON JOHNSTON DIVISION 5 - SC COUNCIL

Community News Looking for ideas to keep the kids entertained these holidays?

Check out Council’s Summer School Holiday Guide. Full of free and low-cost boredombusting ideas, there’s something to suit all ages and interests. Ditch the devices and get out and about on our Sunshine Coast to make memories that will last a lifetime.

Places are limited for some events, so book early to avoid disappointment. For all the details, visit Council’s website.

Attention artists of the Sunshine Coast!

The prestigious Local Contemporary Art Prize 2025 is open for entries. Caloundra Regional Gallery in partnership with Friends of the Regional Gallery Caloundra, is offering artists the chance to vie for the $10,000 Best in Show Acquisitive Award. Forty finalists will be selected for the exhibition and all works will be available for sale. Submissions close 9 February 2025.

Visit Council's Gallery website for more details.

Watch Council’s next Ordinary Meeting View online on Council's website or at Sunshine Coast City Hall Chambers on 12 December 2024 at 9am.

Library Explorers Club = summer of fun Throughout December and January, kids can complete weekly challenges at their local library or online for a chance to win a $100 book voucher. Each challenge earns an entry and participants can collect stamps on a special boarding pass to track their progress.

Visit any Sunshine Coast Library or the Libraries website to embark on this fun reading journey!

Support your locals: The lure of buying gifts online to make life easier, is hard to resist. But please consider supporting your local businesses too. For many, 2024 has been a challenging year and buying local can add to the health and happiness of your community - and it’s in keeping with the spirit of Christmas too.

Maleny’s Christmas Street Party on Friday 13 December, 6pm until 9pm, on Maple Street, will have live music, great food options, kids' entertainment and late-night shopping. Mooloolah Christmas Carols and Lights will be shining bright on Friday 13 December from 6pm at the Green, Mooloolah Community Centre. Along with carolling, there’ll be a free barbeque, lights, food and festivities.

Merry Christmas: As this is my last column for 2024, I wanted to wish Division 5 residents a peaceful, hearty and above all, safe festive season. I hope that however you spend your summer, you find some enjoyment and happiness.

CR DAVID LAW DIVISION 10 – SUNSHINE COAST COUNCIL Update on Kirby's Road Environmental Reserve: I'd like to thank the community for joining us in another successful annual community planting event which was themed this year as 'whispering waters’. There were 25 volunteers, including a family who once lived and grew up here in the 1950s, out planting and watering 500 trees and shrubs along the creek to protect the riverbank and restore habitat. I’m pleased Council has completed the construction of 2km of walking trails from the new Kirbys Road Environment Reserve car park. These two trails offer options for an easy loop walk along the dry creek and vine forest or a more challenging walk through Eucalypt Forest to the escarpment overlooking Obi Obi Valley. The design and construction of the trail was made possible through a partnership between Council, the sunshine Coast bushwalking club and Skilling Qld. Thank you to all who attended the recent community meeting in the Obi Obi Hall where Council shared information about the Kirbys Road Environmental Reserve projects. You provided constructive solutions to your concerns about the new car park and public access to the reserve. Based on your feedback, Council will update the reserve masterplan as requested and will investigate the suggestion to have the car park locked at night noting that a locked gate will remain in place beyond the car park to prevent illegal camping or any vehicle access into the reserve. Information about fire management plans was shared as well as Council's plant and native animal surveys that highlight the important conservation values of the reserve. These reports are all available online on Council's website https://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/environment/bushlandprotection/environment-reserves Christmas wishes: Thank you for your support throughout the year. I am looking forward to continuing to serve our community in the New Year of 2025! I wish you and your families a safe and happy Christmas.

New reserves and tireless conservation

TED O'BRIEN - FEDERAL MEMBER FOR FAIRFAX

Your Environment Levy helped purchase 185 hectares of land for conservation in 2023-24.

It also funded rehabilitation works on rocky shores, invasive plant and animal management, maintenance for our 8,000 hectare conservation estate, community environmental organisations and much more. All property owners pay the $82 Environment Levy via their rates, enabling Council to invest more than $11 million in environmental projects last financial year. Visit Council’s website to explore your positive impact in the Environment Levy Annual Report 2023-24.

Volunteer Grants: Are you part of a not-for-profit organisations in the Fairfax electorate? Eligible not-for-profit organisations are invited to submit an EOI for grants of between $1,000 and $5,000 to support the efforts of volunteers. For more information email ted.obrien.mp@ aph.gov.au or contact my office on (07) 5479 2800

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

sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au 07 5475 7272

Christmas Appeal: In the lead up to Christmas I am seeking your help to contribute to my Christmas Appeal to help IFYS. Your generosity in the form of nonperishable food items and gift vouchers will bring joy and comfort to those in need. Please drop off any of the following items to my office at 17 Southern Drive Maroochydore

by Tues 17 December. Sunshine Coast families are poorer than they were two and half years ago. That is the findings of the Senate Cost of Living Committee’s Final Report. The Committee received an overwhelming amount of evidence through its more than twenty hearings across the country and received more than 1,500 submissions and responses to its survey. Something must be done. The Final Report made nine recommendations across areas of economic and fiscal policy, supermarket regulation, housing and construction, and charities and not-for-profits - all designed to tackle inflation and bring down the cost of living for all Australians.

To get Australia back its critical that we rein in spending, remove needless red tape and drive up productivity and wages.

If I or my office can be of assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out on (07) 5479 2800 or at ted.obrien.mp@aph.gov.au

12 |11 DECEMBER 2024

The Mary Valley Voice

LET TERS TO THE EDITOR WHAT DOES COMMUNITY MEAN TO YOU?

Send your letters, news, poems, quotes, stories, photos and jokes to maryvalleyvoice31@gmail.com

“What if the strength of a community lies not in its size, but in the unseen threads of connection—how can we uncover and nurture them to create a thriving, united future?”

BUILDING CONNECTED COMMUNITIES A free short course coming to Kenilworth to help build local residents' skills and connections.

Venue: Kenilworth State School library Information session 1 hour on 26th February 2025 .

Session 1 - 5th March (Focus on why community is important) Session 2 - 12th March (Focus on connecting with others to build purposeful relationships) Session 3 - 19th March (Focus on bringing about change though small, participatory groups) 4:30 - 7:30 pm Dinner provided Are you new in Kenilworth or looking to meet others who care about the community? Come along to a short 3-week course that's designed for people who want to make a difference in their

community.

• Join our conversation about community involvement in Kenilworth; • Increase your skills and knowledge about community building; • Strengthen local connections by meeting new people and joining with others to contribute to a resilient community.

"BCC gave me the foundations to understand how communities can successfully work together. Like a base formula to apply to many diverse groups". Sue Hopkins Kenilworth Local For more information or to RSVP please contact Jane Willis jane. willis@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au or 0427 441 695 Please note any dietary requirements.

Comedic Corner Share a laugh...

JOKES FOR THE SEASON: HO-HOHO-LARIOUS Q. Why did Mrs. Claus get to help deliver gifts?

A: She had the final sleigh.

Why did the reindeer get married?

A: It was love at frost sight.

Q: How was the Christmas party?

A: It was lit.

Q: What did the reindeer say after he got hit with a snowball?

A: Yule be sorry!

Q: What’s a favorite game at the North Pole? A: Truth or deer.

Q: Why did the elf have a lot of friends? A: Because she has high elf-esteem.

Hand drawn comic art

by Tex Halkyard 14 yo The Mary Valley Voice

Santa’s Midnight Trip There once was a man called Claus, Who worked for a very good cause.

With reindeer and sleigh, He’d go on his way, Bringing gifts without any pause.

11 DECEMBER 2024 | 13

ORDINARY CROSSWORD 13 x 13

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PRESIDENTS REPORT DECEMBER 2024 I would like to congratulate the new Chamber Commerce President - Ross Sigley and his new Committee on taking on a challenging role and hope we as a Community can and will support them in their future endeavours. Ross chaired our recent Mary Valley Community News AGM and contributed some great ideas for us to share and work together for the benefit of the Mary Valley. Remember we are here to promote the Mary Valley of which we ARE a part of and not just Kenilworth. Exposure is the key to success whether Business, Private or Community. Our Committee for Mary Valley News remains the same and I thank them for their committment and continued participation. Here we are pictured below with our delicious after-meeting lunch.

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Created: Ted Whillier Creator No: 537 Qxpress: Elaine Watson Checked: Mandrakas Created:Karen Ted Whillier Creator No: 537 Qxpress: Elaine Watson Checked: Karen Mandrakas

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Next year we are planning a Business Focus Feature story each The Features People month on a local business with the intention of promotion and P O B ofestured! x 8271 also awareness. Let us know if you'd like to be

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on my email for further information. See the notice in current issue for position. I will attend a meeting with other Community members on December 3rd, facilitated by Cr David Law to reflect on the year that was and how we can collaborate for the best possible future outcomes. Hopefully more positive news to follow. I would also like to congratulate all on the achievement of the Safe Space Facility in Kenilworth and wish them success.

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- RUDE-OLPH

WHO IS NEVER HUNGRY AT XMAS? - THE TURKEY - HE'S ALWAYS STUFFED WHAT DO YOU GET WHEN CROSSING A SNOWMAN WITH A VAMPIRE - FROSTBITE See You All in 2025! ~Barbara Smith, President, Mary Valley Community News

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Telephone: (07) 5553 commence in 2025 as we finalise the finer points and you 3200 will PO B o x1 8800 2 7652 1 284 Toll Free: have the chance to win $50 to spend locally.

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The Mary Valley Voice

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PREP NEXT YEAR? VOLUNTEERS!!!

STARTING SCHOOL NEXT YEAR? At this time of year, many parents of Kindy aged children are thinking about school and their child starting Prep next year.

Starting school is an important time in the lives of children and families. A great start can help your child develop a lifelong love of learning. There are some essential skills that children need to be able to confidently and independently acquire and use before starting Prep! Starting school is a big change for your child and family. Here are some practical things you can do over the school holidays to help them.Practise practical fine motor skills; o Holding a pencil correctly

CAN YOU HELP THE KCTS ?

o Holding scissors safely and being able to cut out around simple shapes and objects

A big shout-out to the Incredible Volunteers at Kenilworth Community Transport Service Committee! We are beyond grateful for the amazing work our volunteers do, making a real difference in our community!

o Opening a glue stick and glueing a picture or small piece of paper onto another piece of paper o Recognising and writing own name o Tracing dotted lines o Colouring inside the lines of a picture o Listening to a story o Talking and being able to communicate with others o Following some simple instructions Practise new routines - opening lunchboxes and drink bottles, fastening shoes, finding hats in new school bags, packing own school bag.

Talk about new routines - going to school every day, how they will travel to school, drop off and pick up, what to pack every day in bags, what their teacher's name is, borrowing from the school library, making new friends, using playground equipment.

Encourage your child to toilet and manage clothing independently. Talk to your child about how and who to ask for help. ~ Theresa Lyndon, Prep, Year 1 and 2 teacher, Kenilworth SCC

This fantastic service offers pre-booked return trips to Nambour, Mapleton, Maleny, Eumundi and Yandina, ensuring everyone gets where they need to go during daylight hours, Monday to Friday. But here's the thing – we need your help!

As we head into the festive season, our driver numbers are running low and we need extra hands to keep this vital service rolling. If you have a passion for helping others and some spare time, why not join our team? Become a driver and be a local hero! If you’re interested, please email KCTSKworth@ gmail.com or visit the website for more information: www. sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/kcts.

KENILWORTH INFORMATION CENTRE I would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to the volunteers at the Kenilworth Information Centre. Their commitment, dedication, friendly and outstanding service to the locals and our many, many visitors is astounding. To Kim: our recycling guru, Jackie: our technology gem, Amanda: who fords flooding creeks to be here, Hazel: who has been here for ages and never lets anyone down, Jennifer: the newbie on the block and we greatly appreciate her presence and Trevor: our only male who has recently come back to join us after a battle with his health. May I also say a huge thanks to team of the Kenilworth Craft Shop. Our two teams work closely together and we have all formed wonderful friendships. Thanks Judy, Merle, Cherie, Kathy, Lisa, Diane, Mary and Stuart. A great bunch of ladies. Looking forward to another amazing year. A special thank you to the outgoing and incoming Kenilworth Chamber of Commerce for their assistance. On behalf of the team, I would like to wish all the residents of Kenilworth and surrounds a very happy, festive and safe Christmas and every best wish for a fantastic 2025. ~ Kaye Linck, Coordinator Kenilworth Information Centre

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MONDAY 6 for #1 MVV 15 DECEMBER 2024 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

Boxsells Real Estate Kenilworth & Maleny would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. We take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support during 2024.

Our office will be closed from the 20th December – 2nd January 2025.

Best wishes from Lolie & Terry, Tonia & Clinton, Carol, Laurelle & Phil