2023 MARY VALLEY VOICE - JANUARY 18, Vol. 33 #1

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18 JANUARY 2023 Vol. 33 #01 connecting communities MaryValley The Voice Lovely Lemon Myrtle  2 Young people needed  5 Welcome our new Editor  8 Attention Farmers  13
“ After the festive season... Summertime is for swimming! So dive in, have fun and BE SAFE...” New Feature: Plant of the month Can you guess what it is?
Photo courtesy Lee Cleary © 2023 Kandanga, Mary Valley

PLANT OF THE MONTH: LEMON SCENTED MYRTLE (Backhousia citriodora)

help themselves and dived right in to share this experience with me.

U

nder her branches the dry crunchy bronze leaves crackle as I walk by, the scent of summertime fills the warm air. The strong aromatic lemon flavours of this Australian rainforest tree taste like Christmas time BBQs. Throw a branch on the camp fire, put some leaves in the tea pot.

I am blessed to have two mature Lemon Myrtle trees in my garden, and on the day of the Summer Solstice, they both exploded with the most enchanting display of flowers!

I plucked some blossoms for a closer look – the sweet blooms were teeming with bugs of all kinds – even my chickens could not

Many types of pollinators are attracted to the amazing nectar (including flower beetles and native bees) – they know that this tree is very special!

The Lemon Myrtle tree contains very useful and somewhat magical medicine. Her leaves contain high quantities of Citral which can be extracted as a beautiful and pure essential oil. It’s properties are cleansing, astringent, antiseptic, antifungal, antioxidant, antiviral, expectorant and calmative – as such it is used in many applications – in cleaning and healing.

Isabell Shippard (local herb legend) says that high citral content of Lemon Myrtle can enhance a healthy immune system, can be

2 | 18 JANUARY 2023 The Mary Valley Voice

used to support the circulation and digestive systems, can trigger a release of endorphins that stimulate pleasure and happiness (and even reduce pain!)

Looking around my abode – it seems noteworthy that lemon scented myrtle is in my locally made detergents and soaps in my bathroom and laundry (Kin Kin Naturals), it is in the toothpaste that I learned to make at a wildcrafting workshop (thank you Heidi Merika), it is a staple in my kitchen- used to flavour anything that wants that zesty, tangy Lemon note (especially when lemons are out of season!). It has huge commercial economic value!

The tree herself – can be grown in almost any space, by anyone. She will grow in a pot or container very well. She can be kept pruned, low and

bushy, for a small back yard, or ...she can be set free to grow tall and proud in larger gardens and public spaces.

The trees that grow in my garden are a legacy of local permaculture pioneer Elizabeth Bucciarelli. She had the foresight to plant these trees knowing that they would be of great use to her children and those who came to use this land after she had passed.

I truly believe that planting useful, medicinal, native trees is one of the most valuable contributions that you can gift to future generations. The Lemon Scented Myrtle tree is a fantastic choice – you just can’t go wrong with a tree like this –and that’s why she is the January Plant of the Month!

Did you know that there is a local commercial Lemon Myrtle plantation/farm (at Goomboorian, Gympie) they are certified organic and distill the essential oils themselves on site!

www.purityessentialoils.com.au

- Images and article kindly submitted by Lisa Delanoue and her chickens

Editors note: Convert lantana or woody weeds into native trees using the local businesses featured. Natives R Us below and the ForestFarmer opposite.

LOVELY LEMON MYRTLE The Mary Valley Voice 18 JANUARY 2023 | 3 97 Thomason Rd, Traveston PH: 0429 513 553 I PH: 5485 1800 info@nativesrus.com.au I nativesrus.com.au RETAIL & WHOLESALE STOCKING A HUGE VARIETY OF SUN - HARDENED NATIVES Specialising in • Grevilleas • Callistemons • Leptospermums • Melaleucas WE ALSO HAVE A HUGE RANGE OF GARDENING ACCESSORIES INCLUDING • Potting Mix • Soil Improvers • Fertilisers • Mulch Call in and see Jacinta & her friendly staff

KENILWORTH HISTORICAL

WHO WAS NORM LONG?

Norm Long first moved to Belli in 1953 to dairy. The road back then was gravel with an S bend, the first corner turned left at the family home, then right over a wooden bridge which rattled when a vehicle crossed over. Car rollovers were a frequent occurrence, especially the early model Holdens. Norm was often called upon to help put them back on their wheels, dust them off and send them on their way. That part of the road became known as Long’s Corner. The Bruce Highway at that time went through Belli and onto Skyring Creek Road.

Norm worked at S.T. Adam’s Sawmill in Oakey Creek Road, with the road maintenance team and also cut timber to support the farm. He then started a fuel business which became very successful. He delivered over a wide area and he used to say his customers were his friends.

Shortly after he retired he developed a terminal illness which he fought for 10 years. During that time work began to straighten the road which included a new bridge. He wanted to live to see that completed but he never made it. (Norm passed from this life on 11 December 1994. It was deemed appropriate to name the bridge the Norm Long Bridge as Long’s Corner was no more.

Historical note: The Norm Long Bridge was opened to traffic in the latter half of 2001 after completion in July of that year.

Historical note: The original wooden bridge with concrete kerbing was constructed by K.M. Jensen of Maryborough and officially opened by J.T. Lowe on 23 May 1931. (From the summary included with a photograph in Picture Sunshine Coast collection).

Norm Long’s family contributed to this article with relevant facts about his life and experiences with the old bridge. The Kenilworth Museum appreciates their recording of some of the district’s more recent history.

Assistance from Sunshine Coast Heritage Library and State Library in the supply of photographs and confirmation of facts is greatly appreciated.

Kenilworth & District Historical Assn Inc.

 Photos below from the State Library of Queensland Collections, Long family collection, Picture Sunshine Coast - published with permission.

RAINFALL MOY POCKET – DECEMBER 2022

This December 57mm. Last December 94mm. 21 year average December 164mm. Rain fell on 10 days, average 15 days. Total rain for 2022 2556mm NEW WETTEST YEAR RECORD! Last wettest year 2010 1920mm. Total rain for 2021 1161mm. Annual Average 1261mm.

by Graham Brennan
4 |18 JANUARY 2023 The Mary Valley Voice

CHEERIO FROM THE CHURCHES

Well, Christmas is over for another year, the season ending on 6 January. We’ve put away the Nativity Scene, the Christmas tree and all the decorations. St Luke’s had a well attended Eucharist on Christmas morning at 8am with our celebrant Rev’d Kaye Pitman. On 20 December there was an impressive and moving Thanksgiving Service at St George’s, Maleny to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the ordination of the Rev’d Kaye and the venerable Val Graydon, two of the first women ordained on Dec 20, 1992.

Weekly Holy Communion services at St Luke’s are back to Saturday afternoon at 4.30pm with refreshments afterwards. We have been pleased to welcome visitors at St Luke’s. It’s always interesting to chat with visitors and to welcome them to Kenilworth.

The 3rd Saturday of the month, starting on 18 February, will see the first of our beautiful Taize services at St Luke’s. This service will then be held on the third Saturday of the month. The Taize service is a restful candle lit service featuring quiet prayer, poetry, chants and silence. It is a simple service lasting about 40 minutes, followed by a light supper of soup and crusty bread. Come along and see what you think! All welcome – you don’t have to be Anglican!

- Cheerio from St Luke’s Anglican Church Philip Street, Kenilworth.

KENILWORTH ARTS COUNCIL NEWS

Our lovely singers in the KADS group are back in fine voice for the year! The invitation to join is open to everyone who just loves to sing for fun. KAC will be celebrating St Patrick’s Day with an Irish dinner at KAC on Friday 17 March at 6pm. Do come along and bring a plate of something vaguely Irish in flavour – either savoury or sweet. We look forward to some lilting Irish melodies from KADS. Any Irish dancers in town? Don your best Green garb (or Orange!)

Our AGM will be held on Thursday 30 March and we would love to welcome more members. We will have a major event in the Silver Jubilee ArtsFest 26-28 May and possibly one other major event but we would like to run small enjoyable functions for members and friends. Any ideas? How about a comedy play reading?

Once again, we are asking for expressions of interest in a weekly arts/crafts meeting. Painters can get together in a self help group and maybe we could organise a workshop, if desired. Crafts folk could share skills.

We had a successful “Country Christmas” sale in conjunction with the Kenilworth Craft Shop on 18 December. Our sincere thanks to all who contributed goods or time and to the Kenilworth Information Centre. It’s great to see what we can achieve when two community groups co-operate. KAC members – we’re planning a cake stall very soon!

Members and friends – if you have any suggestions for arts/ craft activities, please do contact KAC.

RAINFALL FIGURES FOR KENILWORTH FOR 2022

Over the year, 2274.4mm of rain fell. This was a record since rainfall figures were first recorded in 1903. The previous record was set in 1950 when 2149mm was recorded. February was the wettest month when 39.5% of the total rainfall for the year was recorded.

SUPPORT FOR COMMUNITY BY COMMUNITY

A KENILWORTH COMMUNITY GROUP ASKS FOR HELP

The Kenilworth Village Units Association Inc operates the Kenilworth Village Units at 15 Philip Street and has done so for nearly forty years. The Kenilworth Village Units complex is a valuable community facility, built by Kenilworth people, for Kenilworth people and managed by Kenilworth people.

We don’t want to lose it! But we could be in danger!

The KVU complex has ten self contained units for pensioners who can live independently. An elected Management Committee oversees the operation of the complex. Boxsells Real Estate handles all the property management. The Management Committee meets every second month to deal with any matters that come up. Usually the meetings are short and everyone enjoys the refreshments afterwards. There is no need to have cake stalls or run raffles to fundraise. There are no working bees required.

Sounds pretty good, doesn’t it? Now here’s the sting in the tail! KVU is about to lose both its President and its Treasurer, both of whom are not well and have given years of dedicated service. By law, as an incorporated body, KVU Assn must have both these positions filled. In addition some of the Committee members are getting on a bit and some younger people would be welcomed on to the Management Committee.

If we cannot fill these positions, we are in danger of losing the units complex as it would have to be passed on to a like organization. This would be a group outside Kenilworth. This is not something our community would welcome!

So, a call for help to the Kenilworth Community! KVU Assn needs someone who is willing to take on the Presidency. We need someone with tech skill to be Treasurer. A younger person for Secretary would be wonderful.

We need Committee members. Come on, Kenilworth folk, especially you younger ones! There must be someone out there who is willing to be involved in keeping this valuable asset here in Kenilworth!

If you would like to be involved, please come along to the AGM on 1 February at the Kenilworth Arts Council building (behind the library) at 2pm. If this time is not suitable but you are interested, please call either 0412 730 582 or 0427 723 848. We would love to hear from you.

- With our thanks KVU Management Committee

July 15, 2015 The Mary Valley Voice 18 JANUARY 2023 | 5 COMMUNITY NEWS
Image by Henning Westerkamp from Pixabay Kenilworth ARTS COUNCIL www.kenilwortharts.org.au
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S

ummer is for swimming, and the Mary Vally is the perfect palce for it with lots of natural creeks, waterfalls, and community pools to swim in. Swimming is not only fun, it keeps you fit and could even save a life!

The Kandanga & District Swimming Club was established in 1980 shortly after the local community hand-built the pool. That strong community spirit continues with our club membership currently around 50 swimmers, including kids from age 5 to community members in their 60s.

From October to March, our swimmers train Monday and Friday mornings at 6am, Tuesday afternoons from 4pm, plus our regular Club Night on Wednesdays from 4:30pm.

~

age 16

Over the winter months we run a fitness program and continue our social activities.

Last year we spent a lovely day exploring our area, and celebrated Christmas together with fun party in our local hall.

Our great team work together to create this incredible swimming community full of wonderful friendships. New members are always welcome.

We asked some questions at training and here are some of the responses:

What do you like about Kandanga swim club?

"being able to train with friends" Missy, age 11.

"friends, swimming, and training" Claudia, age 8.

Our Club has been built on the philosophy of family, fun and fitness with a dedication to building lifelong swimmers. The kids are always aiming to improve their Personal Best times on Club nights and cheer each other on.

Apart from our weekly routine during our swim season, we also visit local clubs for inter-club meets, run a development camp for families at Cotton Tree Caravan Park, and always end the season with our perpetual trophies’ swims and an hilarious synchronised swimming event!

"playing with family in the water" Zawadi age, 3.

"the whole swim club are very well mannered and deticated to their swimming" Maxine, kandanga pool lifeguard.

How long have you been training for and what is your favorite thing about the club?

"I've been training for 5 years and my favorite thing is the people and fitness" Jolie, age 16.

"About 15 years. my favorite thing is that enyone can join in and have fun" Lee, age 20.

Thanks to Diane Cleary and Sam McDowall. Contact: 0468 494 029

Meanwhile on the other side of the valley...

The Kenilworth Community Pool has welcomed many locals and visitors throughout the 2021-2022 season, and remains a fun option for those looking to keep the kids (and themselves!) occupied on those hot days that continue to visit us throughout the early months of each year.

It has been a great summer so far, with our continuing to be a source of joy and fun to many of our younger (and older) patrons.

The Kenilworth Pool Committee would also like to take this opportunity to extend our gratitude to the Sunshine Coast Council, for their ongoing generous support – without their generosity it would indeed be difficult for us to continue to provide the excellent service we do to the local community.

Hans Schinkel, President 0419 806 406

Contact if you would like to see a SWIM CLUB in Kenilworth and have time and energy to offer this worthwhile community initiative.

The Mary Valley Voice 18 JANUARY 2023 | 7 SUMMER SWIMMING
“ I've been training for five years and my favorite thing is the people and fitness.”
THE MARY VALLEY VOICE 2020 KUNGFU AND QIGONG Tuesdays Kungfu 4.30-6.00 Thursday Qigong 5.00-5.45 Private studio in Gheerulla. For further details Eamon 0414 366 604.
Jolie,

It is my pleasure to be stepping into the role of editor for The Mary Valley Voice

I am happy to be working for a quality local publication that showcases our talented community, as well as provides valuable advertising space for businesses and organisations. In a world that is increasingly going ‘online’ it feels important to maintain connection and presence in the physical.

I love a good magazine that I can hold in my hands, sit down with a cuppa and enjoy. I hope our monthly paper brings some joy for you too.

I encourage businesses to put their ads in, not only does it financially support our local community news association, but your ad will be seen by 5000+ readers of the Mary Valley Voice, sending customers who need your services directly to you.

Likewise, if you are a local person or organisation with a story to share, or even a visitor or tourist with something to say, please send us an email and we will do our best to get your words into print.

Email: maryvalleyvoice31@gmail.com

A BIT ABOUT ME…

I was born in the UK and emigrated to Australia in 2004 as a teenager with my parents and younger brother. We fell in love with the Sunshine Coast and have been based here ever since. In 2010 I started my own family and we have moved in, out and around the Mary Valley area for the last 12 years, settling in beautiful Gheerulla four years ago. In a funny synchronicity we once lived on the property featured right, with my second daughgter born there on the land!

My husband is from Africa so we have also lived there and with soul-family in Taiwan. I love multicultural diversity and endeavour to celebrate more of this in our local region. I am especially grateful to live, work and play on Gubbi Gubbi / Kabi Kabi Country.

I am nature-loving human of many paradoxes. A high-achieving academic but a hippie at heart. I completed my double degree in Arts & Science with a focus on Sustainability, Sociology and Futures Studies. I am fascinated by the nexus between people and planet, dedicated to living in harmony with mother Earth. I believe we are all interconnected - land, sea, sky, humans, animals, plants and beyond.

My passion and purpose this lifetime is to bridge science and spirituality. I offer sessions in life-coaching and coherence of bodymind-spirit, with the Heartmath biofeedback device and other nifty tools. I’m involved in women’s circles and the Starseed Sisterhood 10-month course for women rising into service for humanity and the planet. I also write articles and books and support people to achieve their book-writing and other dreams.

Before kids I won a scholarship in astrophysics and worked for a summer at the ANU Observatory, but now I am a mother of many and save stargazing mostly for fun or intentional communion with the universe. All of our babies were free-birthed into the bath at home. Some of our children are homeschooling and one loves attending a local primary school. We enjoy exploring the region’s magical nature spaces, gardening and living our best lives.

Whoever you are, whatever your story, I welcome your input into The Mary Valley Voice. Like it says on the cover, we are all about connecting communities, and what a wonderful community to be part of!

Smiles and stardust, Sam and family xoxo

8 | 18 JANUARY 2023 The Mary Valley Voice
W ELCOME TO THE NEW EDITOR
“ I believe we are all interconnected - land, sea, sky, humans, animals, plants and beyond. ”
~ Samantha Starshine
We LOVE stories from people in our community. Send us your photos and inspiring news to be featured. Or nominate a friend!
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10 |18 JANUARY 2023 The Mary Valley Voice THANK YOU TO MVV ADVERTISERS 100 YABBA ROAD, IMBIL Q4570. PH 5484 5210 info@imbilfriendlygrocer.net.au THE MARY VALLEY VOICE © 2021 OPEN 7 DAYS 5.30am-6pm Mon-Sat 7am-6pm Sunday IMBIL Newsagency and BP Reliance Fuels & Oils “We have the freshest fruit and veggies!” Groceries & Deli Freshest Fruit & Veg Plus • Gifts • Firewood • Bait & Ice • Camping Gear • BP Fuel + Oil • Eftpos & ATM GREAT WEEKLY SPECIALS

ARE YOU DISASTER READY?

Sign

up to council’s Opt-In Disaster Alerts

Better informed is better prepared. Where you previously had to go looking for disaster information, it now comes to you. You can sign up to the FREE Opt-In Alerts service by visiting council's Disaster Dashboard at disaster.gympie.qld.gov.au.

Click on the 'Opt-in Alerts' button and follow the prompts to sign up. You can also scan the QR code to get started today!

The Mary Valley Voice SUMMER: 'TIS THE SEASON FOR...
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Powering our future with sunshine Council is the first local government in Australia to build, own and operate its own solar farm. The award winning 15 megawatt solar farm, at Valdora, has offset Council’s electricity consumption across all of its facilities and operations since July 2017, including buildings, parks, libraries, aquatic centres, galleries and street lighting. Based on current electricity prices, the solar farm will save an estimated $22 million over 30 years. To see live generation data from the solar farm, visit Council’s website and search for ‘solar farm’.

Top tips for new garden bins

Did you know putting small branches into your bin before grass, prevents the grass sticking to the bottom? For more top tips on how to get the best from your Sunshine Coast household garden organics bins, check out the new video in the recycle right series on Council's website.

CUSTOMER CONTACT

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

Linking the Sunshine Coast Welcome to the new provider for the Council Link service, Suncoast Cabs. They will be undertaking the same service as previously provided through ComLink. Council Link operates across the region and is an affordable transport service that is available for people aged 60 and over and people with a disability or mobility impairment. To book your service, please call Suncoast Cabs on 5441 8856. For more information, visit Council’s website.

One for the calendar Watch Council’s next Ordinary Meeting online on Wednesday 25 January at 9am.

Land protected by your levy

Your Environment Levy supports a range of projects, programs and initiatives to protect and enhance our natural assets and helps Council to deliver a healthier environment and more liveable Sunshine Coast. Last financial year, the levy enabled Council to acquire four parcels of environmentally significant land, protecting a further 165ha across the region. Visit Council’s website to learn more.

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

TED O'BRIEN MP

Sporting and Para-sporting Champions

It was great to recently meet another group of local sporting and para-sporting champions. Thirty four (34) young sports stars were recognised in the latest round of Local Sporting Champions and Local Para Champions grants for 12-18 year olds, from diverse sports such as artistic roller skating and sport climbing.

I would particularly like to give a shoutout to:

• Phoenix Deans from Burnside – Oceania Championships for artistic roller skating

• Mailee Fearon from Obi Obi - Queensland u15 State Hockey Championships

• Millan Power from Kiamba - School Sport Australia 2022 for Triathlon

I look forward to following their journey to the 2032 Games!

Sportspeople aged 12-18 can apply for the next round of local sporting champion and local para champion grants at https://www.sportaus.gov.au/.

Planting trees for the Queen’s Jubilee

It was a pleasure to support local community group, Queensland Koala Crusaders in honour of the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Members of Queensland Koala Crusaders met in Verrierdale recently with a grant of $5,500 I helped secure to plant 500 koala-specific tree species and improve habitat connectivity in the local area.

This is just one of the seven successful tree planting projects in the electorate, totalling over $77,000 of funding for the region, with the aim of increasing the tree canopy.

For more information, go to www.dcceew.gpv.au and search ‘Planting Trees for The Queen’s Jubilee Program’.

Happy New Year

A big Happy New Year to Mary Valley Voice readers! If my office or I can help you with any federal or local issue, please ring 5479 2800 or email ted.obrien.mp@aph.gov.au.

CR WINSTON JOHNSTON | DIVISION 5 – SUNSHINE COAST COUNCIL

My first column back for 2023 – I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and New Year’s break with friends and family, I know I certainly enjoyed the quality time.

I would like to thank our critical front-line workers who have continued to keep our region safe over the holiday period.

There is much to look forward to this year, and I am excited to deliver more community and infrastructure projects throughout Division 5 in 2023.

How you can get 2023 off to a winning start.

Did you know that you can put yourself in the running to win up to $1000 off your next rates bill by switching your rates notice delivery mode from traditional post to email?

You can make this simple change through MyCouncil, which is accessible on council’s website. Just register for a MyCouncil account or sign-in to an existing account and change your rates notice delivery method from traditional post to email. By doing this, you’ll help Council save paper, which is great for the environment, and you’ll go into the draw to win up to $1000 off your next rates bill.

Stay connected: keep an eye on my Facebook page for the latest Division 5 news and information. Visit www.facebook.com/winstonjohnstondivision5scc

WHERE THERE IS A WILL, THERE’S A WAVE!

Forty-five Sunshine Coast migrant residents took the plunge and came out swimmingly after successfully completing Sunshine Coast Council and Royal Life Saving Society Queensland’s Migrant Learn to Swim and Beach Safe Program over the past seven weeks.

For more information please visit Council’s website and search ‘Migrant Learn to Swim’. To be placed on the waiting list for possible future programs, please email healthysc@ sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

12 | 18 JANUARY 2023 The Mary Valley Voice COMMUNITY NEWS

ATTENTION FARMERS!

In the last article we discussed the importance of soil ammendments particularly lime and gypsum. There are other soil ammendments which are vital to improving soil structure but the application of some like lime and gypsum is important to understand in order to achieve the desired result.

Ideally soil ammendments are best incorporated into the soil for maximum effectiveness. Traditional application of lime and gypsum through belt spreader type equipment is not very effective if applied directly to the soil without incorporation. Not to mention a lot of it ends up in the neighbours property on a windy day!

However, the advent of micronised lime and gypsum, like the use of Entra mentioned last month can be applied via a water based suspension then applied like a foliar spray. Some will be absorbed by the plant but most works itself into the soil. This is highly soluble and highly effective.

For example a Tow N Fert spray unit can apply various products in a water based suspension. With lime and gypsum up to 1000kg can be applied by mixing it with 800 litres of water. The area that can be covered in one load can be from 2ha to 5ha depending on the size of the unit and the application rate required.

In the macadamia industry the application of micronised products is rapidly gaining momentum because of its cost effectiveness and quick results. A consequence of this adoption is the increasing demand for Tow N Fert machines. Speaking from firsthand experience the Tow N Fert, pictured, is a very versatile piece of equipment.

The application of urea is now being done via foliar fertilisation. This has reduced application rates by up to 50% with a 50% reduction in costs ! Other benefits include healthier and greater forage growth as foliar application is generally 10 x more effective than granules.

No need to wait for rain or irrigate to water in the urea. During periods of little rainfall grass growth can still be achieved through applying the fertiliser when there are heavy dews.

Will urea ever be banned? Who knows, but already in countries like NZ, nitrogen rates have been capped at 190kgs/ha per year. Many were applying around 500kgs/ha per year. It may be just a matter of time before the same rules apply to Australian agriculture.

As a result of this new law, the demand for Tow N Fert units is at an all time high with many on a waiting list.

- Stephen Nussio 0427 609 454 E: advancerural@hotkey.net.au

The Mary Valley Voice 18 JANUARY 2023 | 13
“ Agriculture that is not profitable and enjoyable will never be sustainable ” ~ Kit Pharo

EXHIBITION 'MY BACK YARD' OPENS AT GYMPIE REGIONAL GALLERY

Anew exhibition examining the significance of spaces in and around the home opens in January at the Gympie Regional Gallery. ‘My Back Yard’ is a collection of artworks by the Childers Visual Arts Group exploring beauty found in the home, and also the collective and shared spaces of community. Free and open to the public, ‘My Back Yard’ will be open from 10.00am to 4.00pm Tuesday to Saturday, from 5 January 2023 to 4 February 2023.

Artist Kym Connell said the theme of the exhibition had emerged when COVID-19 restrictions were put in place.

“The backyard became a hive of activity as veggie patches became popular and birds and other wildlife made new homes in our newly renovated gardens,” Ms Connell said.

“A backyard can be a complex web of emotions and memories, a source of wonder and delight, or a sanctuary from the world around us.

“Some may have spent years travelling around the vast Australian continent and consider it all to be in their back yard.”

‘My Back Yard’ presents works of art in a range of mediums

including paint, clay, found objects, drawing materials and textiles. It reflects the ways we shape, and are shaped by, our home environments and backyards, and how in tending these spaces we are able to connect more fully with themes of belonging and community. Artist Cate Verney said it was challenging to look closely around her home for inspiration, learning the enormity of contrasting choices found within her backyard.

“I think the world in general has been forced to change our way of thinking about our backyards… and to appreciate what we have at home,” Ms Verney said.

 The Childers Visual Arts Group meets once a week at Apple Tree Creek and wants this exhibition to give the viewer a pleasurable experience, leading them towards looking more closely at what is worthy of noticing in and around the places we call home.

Entry to the Gympie Regional Gallery at 39 Nash Street is free, with opening hours from 10am to 4pm Tuesday to Saturday.

For more information, or to make bookings for workshops and themed activities, visit www.gympie.qld.gov.au/gallery or call 5481 0733.

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MARY VALLEY FILM SOCIETY

Members of the community organisations within the Mary Valley, and their friends, are invited to monthly free screenings of classic movies from the mid-1930s to the late 1990’s period at the Kandanga Hall by the newly formed Mary Valley Film Society.

A big thanks to the Kandanga Hall Executive who supported this project by successfully applying and receiving a grant from the Queensland Government to purchase and install one of the largest cinema screens in the Gympie region. The retractable screen is 4 metres by 2.6 m high (16:10 ratio), with a high-spec 6,000 lumens laser projector. Screenings are free, but we do request a gold coin entrance free for your tea or coffee.

The Hall’s Committee believes the screenings may be a good way for residents from Mary Valley’s many villages and community organisations to gather for a great movie, plus hear a five-minute talk from a MV community organisation about their group. Then followed by with a strict five min Q&A.

 If your organisation would like to do a 10 min presentation on your Mary Valley group at one of our screenings then send a request to secretarymvfs4570q@gmail.com and we will get back to you to arrange a date.

Next month’s screening, planned for Sunday 19th Feb at 5pm, is one of Hollywood’s greatest comedies, The Lady Eve, starring Barbara Stanwyck and Henry Fonda.

LOCAL MARKETS

CRYSTAL WATERS MARKETS 1st Saturday of every month, 8am-1pm. Aherns Road, Conondale - NO DOGS.

KENILWORTH MARKETS every Saturday 8am-1.30pm.

DAGUN GROWERS MARKETS every Saturday 3pm at Station.

IMBIL MARKETS every Sunday 8am-1pm, Yabba Road.

MALENY ART, CRAFT AND COLLECTABLE MKTS every Sunday 8am-2pm, RSL Hall Bunya Street.

WITTA GROWERS MARKETS 3rd Saturday of every month. 7.30am-12pm, Old Witta School, Witta Road.

NEW EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING EMAIL maryvalleyvoice31@gmail.com 2023 ENQUIRIES TO SAM | 0425 620 719 FEBRUARY DEADLINE MONDAY 6 FEBRUARY for #02 MVV 15 FEBRUARY 2023 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 2500x FREE A4 COPIES PRINTED. 1900x mailbox direct. Rest are bulk drops. years written by the community for the community. TheMary Valley Voice The Mary Valley Voice 18 JANUARY 2023| 15 THE MARY VALLEY VOICE © JANUARY 2023 PROUDLY PRINTED BY GT PRINT, KUNDA PARK, SUNSHINE COAST
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