2022 MARY VALLEY VOICE - NOVEMBER 16, Vol.32 #11

MaryValley

Voice

connecting communities

New MVV EDITOR wanted*

This is a unique and highly rewarding position requiring an enthusiastic, multi-skilled person who is able to work remotely with clients and community alike. ABN self-employed status with the part-time permanent task to produce a monthly issue. Excellent remuneration offered with base sales rate 25% of total ads as well as Editor's fee $800. E maryvalleyvoice1991@gmail.com or for the finer details 0456 253 698 (text # if rural reception). EYES LIKE

*Has Editor's eyes for detail, proficient English, Mary Valley heart for local news priority, design-print art skills and strives for positive articles without any weird politics. Also with an interest in regenerative agriculture, energy innovations, local business, festivals, music-arts events and eco-food tourism.

LOCAL CHAMPIONS NEEDED

Kenilworth Fire Station is looking for new members to join our Rural and Auxiliary teams. You’ve probably seen the yellow or red trucks responding to incidents on the weekends, or patrolling around the area in times of crisis, but may not realise that it is something you could easily get involved with.

With the terrible fire season of 2019/2020 not long in the rearview mirror several severe floods earlier this year and another wet summer ahead, it's now more important than ever that our local emergency services are well resourced to deal with any incidents that arise.

The Rural Fire Brigade responds predominantly to bush, grass, and wildfires, but also plays an important role in supporting the Auxiliary crew.

The Auxiliary crew responds to everything from house fires, traffic incidents, vehicle fires, and HAZMAT Incidents, to vertical and swift water rescue, and also backs up the Rural crew at wildfire incidents.

Training is comprehensive and you’ll learn all of the skills required to perform the role of a firefighter, and assist the community in times of need.

Being a firefighter is a fantastic part-time career it's open to everyone who meets the minimum requirements, and offers a great opportunity to learn new skills, serve your community, and become part of a skilled and dedicated team.

WHY WOULD YOU DO IT?

Afew of our crew members had this to say about the role:

For Nicole Drey

“As a female stepping into a male dominated industry, I questioned

my personal abilities and suitability but from the moment I walked into the Kenilworth Fire Station, I was welcomed and supported as an equal.

Throughout my journey I have been given many opportunities to support my community during devastating times.

The memories of driving through the Peregian firestorms to protect homes or packing my bags for deployment during fire season will always be with me.

Ongoing training keeps our skillsets up to date in preparation for the next person in distress.

I have found due to the nature of the job, the trust and camaraderie developed between firefighters is unlike anything you would find in any other regular job.

Being a firefighter has given me a sense of purpose and I am proud to have taken the steps and never given up no matter how challenging.

It doesn’t matter who you are, as long as you can reach the minimum requirements, you too can be a firefighter.”

Nicole, pictured centre, in breathing apparatus.

For Ross Nisbet

“I have lived in Kenilworth and been involved with the firies, in both the Rural Fire Brigade and Auxiliaries and since 1989, and am the longest serving member of the brigade. My wife and I had three young children at the time when we moved to Kenilworth.

I first heard about the need for firefighters in talking with other parents at the school. I was reluctant at first as I didn’t think I would have the time to commit to it with work a young family, but my wife convinced me to give it a go.

I started as a rural firefighter, and from there soon progressed to joining the Auxiliaries.

“ I was welcomed and supported as an equal. ”

… Nicole Drey

Back then, the application requirements were a little less rigorous than today, but I still had to do numerousy and literacy tests, and a medical, and then we went straight into training on the job – turning out to incidents with the rest of the Kenilworth crew. Peter Dobson was the Captain back then, and remained so for many years until he unfortunately passed away from illness.

It wasn’t until 2002 that formal training was implemented, and I did a seven day course at Kawana. Here, we learnt the formal drills and skills that are fundamental to firefighter training.

Over the years, I have responded to a wide range of incidents, from assisting QAS with medical emergencies, to road crash rescues, vegetation fires, house and vehicle fires, search and rescue.

We also do a lot of work in the community, such as fire education at the local school, displays at the Kenilworth Show, fire permits, and controlled burns.

It has been a challenging career, not only with having a full time day job, and family commitments, but also from the point of view of responding to difficult and sometimes confronting incidents. But it has been an incredibly rewarding experience, and I would recommend it for anyone wanting to serve their community, learn new skills, and become a part of a great team.”

Ross, pictured far left, doing fire education at Kenilworth State Community College.

For Lachlan Bradford

“I’ve been a member of the Obi Obi and Kenilworth Rural fire brigades for around two years now, and for a year with the Kenilworth Auxiliaries. During this time, I’ve realised that I would like to make firefighting my career and I am now applying for a permanent position within QFES.

While the jobs can be both physically and mentally challenging, joining the fire service has, without a doubt, been one of the most rewarding decisions I’ve made.

I’ve had the opportunity to partake in a vast array of training courses.

These have enhanced my skills and knowledge across many fields, from rural fire fighting to advanced first aid and structural firefighting.

It feels great knowing that you’re a part of a team with the skills and equipment that can make a difference to help people in need.

If you’re community minded, would like to broaden your skill set and take pride in helping others this is a great opportunity. I highly recommend coming to a training night and giving it a go!”

Lachy, pictured above and on the left, receiving his Epaulettes on completion of basic training.

Kindly submitted by Andrew Lindsay, Kenilworth Fire Brigade.

“ I highly recommend coming to a training night and giving it a go! ”

… Lachlan Bradford

HISTORICAL NOTES

EARLIER PROPERTY NAMES

The selectors in this district gave their properties names which have disappeared from the current landscape. One such property was described in the Gympie Times and Mary River Mining Gazette published on 18 November, 1911, page 7 reads:-

Crossing Yahoo Creek (now Gheerulla) the main road was followed, passing first the Kenilworth school and residence, then the public cattle dip, and next the Kenilworth hall (now Gheerulla Hall), a pretentious building and a credit to the district. Then on the western side of the road is Green Hills farm, the property of Mr Henry Fritz. It consists of 320 acres, 160 acres on either side of Oakey Creek, but Mr Fritz also has property at Conondale. About 16 acres are kept under cultivation, growing maize for pigs and horses, potatoes for home use, and oats for green stuff for horses and cows. This year about 60 cows will be milked. Pigs of the Berkshire-Yorkshire cross are also fattened and marketed at Eumundi.

Another property name no longer in use was reported in an earlier publication of the same newspaper (14.10.1911).

The next property visited was Mt Kenilworth, which was recently purchased from Mr Patrick Ryan by Messrs P.C. Poulsen and Arthur

L. Walker. It has an area of 1688 acres and extends across the river, 1077 acres being on the eastern side and 511 on the western side. There are about 500 acres of standing scrub on Mt Kenilworth, which the timber-getter has not so far entered, consequently the quantity of standing pine timber on the property runs into big figures. About 200 head of cattle are depasturing in the paddocks and will be sold as fats as soon as they reach that condition. A dip was being built at the time of my visit so as to enable the proprietors to keep the ticks in check.

Historic note:- In 1911 the locality now known as Gheerulla was the Kenilworth community – a decade before the township of Kenilworth was subdivided and sold to the public.

In 1925 a Mr Walker of Mt Kenilworth was the owner of one of the two vehicles in Kenilworth registered with the state government to drive on the roads.

 Normally Kenilworth Museum would be closed from the end of October for the summer months but because Cultural Heritage has advised the general public in their newsletter that the Museum will be open every Sunday in November (10am2pm) the volunteer staff will honour their advice.

Lenore Meldrum, President, Kenilworth & Dist. Historical Assn Inc.

RAINFALL MOY POCKET

This October 169mm. Last October 161mm. 21 year average October 95mm. Rain fell on 19 days, average 11 days. Total rain for first 10 months 2414mm. Previous wettest Jan. to Oct. 2013, 1378mm. Same period last year 854mm. January-October average 1007mm. 12 months total end of October 2721mm. 20 year annual average 1196mm.

OCTOBER 2022 by Graham Brennan

CHRISTMAS WELLBEING

KENILWORTH ARTS COUNCIL THIS AND THAT

e are very pleased with our 2022 ArtsFest outcomes. It was great to be back after two years away due to COVID. The new committee did a wonderful job. We have had lots of positive comments from the judges, the artists, our former curators and from visitors.

We are now getting into gear for the 2023 ArtsFest which will be held from 26 May to 28 May.

We have moved away from the September/October date as Kenilworth’s calendar is pretty crowded then.

In 2023, we will have the 25th Anniversary of Kenilworth ArtsFest – our Silver Jubilee. We hope the community will help us celebrate!

Sadly, due to outside influences beyond our control, we had to cancel our Meet the Authors Forum to which we were really looking forward to. The KAC members who were organising this function had put such a lot of work into staging this event. For this, KAC sincerely thanks them. But all is not lost as we are looking at presenting this function sometime next year.

 We invite members and friends to our Christmas function on Friday 9 December at 5.30pm at KAC. A small plate to share would be appreciated. BYO drinks. Shirley Moreland, KAC public relations.

CHEERIO FROM ST LUKE’S KENILWORTH

What a happy day we had at St Luke’s on Sunday 9 October with Rev’d Kaye for the Blessing of the Animals to honour St Francis.

We had a display of delightful animal portraits by our talented local artists, Yvonne and Jen. Thank you to all who brought their pets and to our artists.

This service was followed by our Patronal Day for St Luke on Sunday 16 October with Rev’d Deb and Rev’d Canon Sarah celebrating the Eucharist with us. We were joined by our fellow parishioners from St George’s and St Mary’s. We all enjoyed a jolly morning tea afterwards.

 Our Saturday HC services are now back on track at St Luke’s at 4.30pm followed by a cuppa and cake afterwards.

St Luke’s Christmas Day Eucharist will be at 8am followed by some Christmas cake and cordial on the verandah.

CHRISTMAS MEGA RAFFLE WITH OVER $1000 IN PRIZES

Come along to the 2022 Mary Valley Community Christmas Fair on Friday 2 December in the Imbil Town Centre from 4pm to 8pm. There will be free rides and entertainment, market stalls, novelty stalls, Carols, fireworks, Santa and guaranteed family fun.

Pictured left, sweet voices and happy faces from last year's Mary Valley School Carols. Above right, Noosa and District Pipe Band's annual performance as part of the township's end of year festivities.

Many thanks to MV Christmas Fair sponsors incl: Mary Valley College P&C Assoc, Mary Valley Chamber of Commerce, The Railway Hotel, Imbil RSL and the Imbil Heritage Park Golf.

SUPPORT FOR COMMUNITY BY COMMUNITY

Callout for Christmas Hamper donations by Kenilworth

Suicide Prevention Working Group.

Last year the group inaugurated a Christmas Food Hamper drive and will be partnering with St Lukes to provide this support for local people again this year.

 They are requesting donations of tinned/non-perishable food items and toiletries and will be offering the hampers to local people in need of the support.

 Any donations can be left at the front of St Lukes Anglican (17 Anne St, Kenilworth, 4574).

Watch this space, as the group is also launching a community garden surrounding St Lukes this will be a place for community to gather for a chat and grow some veg.

The group is keen to create spaces for the community to meetup and support each other as well as have some fun. A sense of belonging and having a place to simply chat over a cuppa can make all the difference for anyone in distress or struggling – but it’s also what local communities have always done, and Kenilworth Working Group see how crucial it is for community to support community! If required call Deb: 0457 519 899.

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

Ben Burns – Community Development Worker, Suicide Prevention in Local Communities ben@calcomm.org.au

GREED, LOVE AND LOSS

They say authors should write about what they know and Jenny Wellington pictured right, has drawn on past and present experiences for her recently released book, Damengin.

The novel is a lively tale about small town politics, the challenges of country life, and the resilience of people on the land.

Jenny lives with her husband, Peter, at Belli Park, between Kenilworth and Eumundi, where they breed Droughtmaster and Angus cattle.

Previously, she worked as a journalist for Rural Press and Sunshine Coast newspapers on titles including the Queensland Country Life, Gympie Times, Noosa Citizen, Nambour Chronicle, Sunshine Coast Citizen, and the Sunshine Coast Daily.

She also worked behind the scenes in politics, firstly as a press secretary for a federal senator and later in an unpaid capacity supporting Peter, who was a Maroochy Shire councillor and member for the state seat of Nicklin (1998-2017).

Journalism brought Jenny into contact with the sorts of people who make up rural and regional communities in Australia: the farmers, publicans, local councillors and more.

Her memories of them inspired the characters of Damengin who in turn inspired the book, which was essentially a home for people she had created in her mind over the years.

“No character is based on any particular person but they are inspired by people I’ve met over the years,” she said.

“I had all these characters in my head that I absolutely loved and I had to fit them together into some sort of story.”

Drought became the backdrop of the story which winds together topics such as greed, love and loss.

“I knew first-hand how people had suffered in the drought. I knew how friends had to pack up and move off the land,” she said.

Some of the situations that play out in the book are reimagined versions of real life events that Jenny has come across.

She got teary when talking about Ben Bangor, a character who makes his appearance in chapter four.

“The bank manager is about to sell him up. He’s just been released from jail. He’s about to go out shooting ‘roos for money,” she said.

“So he goes out and a kangaroo attacks his dog and kills it. He’s sitting there, crying his eyes out.”

Jenny, who currently spoils three kelpies and two Jack Russells, knows how easily it can happen as she lost a beloved dog the same way.

But the book is not all barren landscape, dead animals, and hopelessness.

The death of Ben’s beloved Lucy is the beginning of his salvation.

“As a result of that,” she goes on to talk about the book, “the most wonderful thing happens.”

Balancing the drama with humour, heavy with light, dark with bright was important for Jenny, known among friends for her tongue-in-cheek Facebook posts.

The tales in the book are a mixture of bad times and good times, which is how Jenny has observed life to be.

“They are all the sorts of experiences of people I know or things that have happened. It’s the most horrific stuff but at the same time, there are humorous bits because people turn to humour.”

“I wanted it to have some pathos but I didn’t want it to be dark. That Aussie sense of humour is in there.”

“I wanted an interesting book, interesting characters, some

pathos – there’s people losing their farms because of the drought – but I also wanted a happy ending for everyone.

“The baddie gets his just desserts. At the end of the day, the goodies win out over the baddies and everyone has a life because that’s what happens.

“No matter how bad it gets, life goes on. I like to laugh and see the funny side of things as well. If you can be happy about something, why not?”

Damengin became Jenny’s COVID project.

“There was nothing else you could do. I tried to make it as happy and connecting as I could.

“People were dying. People were in hospital. People couldn’t see each other,” she said.

“You couldn’t go out and see anyone so I stayed here with all my ‘friends’ and thought I may as well make use of the time,” she said.

“The characters are all my friends. I miss them now. I’m not sure what I’m going to do.”

Jenny lost track of time as she wrote in her office, the original kitchen in the oldest part of the Queenslander where the Wellingtons live.

“I’d sit down at the computer and get quite immersed in it. Hours later, I’d have a sore neck.”

A window in front of Jenny’s desk overlooks Dam Engine paddock, named after the pump engine for the dam at the bottom of the hill. A phone call from Peter mentioning Dam Engine inspired the name for the town where the book is set, Damengin.

The book has been well-received by friends that Jenny has supplied with copies.

“I sent one to my friend, Betty, who is very well read, not thinking that her very Australian male husband would bother reading it.

“Her husband rang up and said, ‘Jenny! Great read. When’s the next one?’”

“I said, ‘That’s lovely. What did Betty think?’ He said, ‘I haven’t given it to her yet.’”

The book is also available in audio form, narrated by Carol Burls, who co-founded the Eumundi Indee Theatre with her husband, John, and Philip Chapel.

Jenny and Peter were patrons of the Indee Theatre and Jenny was thinking about who could narrate her book when they received an email about something else from Carol.

Jenny followed up on fate’s suggestion and Carol was happy to oblige, putting a lot of time into reading and rehearsing prior to the recording sessions.

Damengin is for sale as a 380 page paperback, an e-book and audio book.

It can be found on all the usual outlets and websites including Amazon, Booktopia, Angus and Robertson, Barnes and Noble, Target, Annie’s Books on Peregian, at Peregian Beach and Berkelouw’s at Eumundi. Janine Hill, MVV journalist.

“ No character is based on any particular person but they are inspired by people I’ve met over the years. ”

~ Jenny Wellington.

IF YOU CARE ABOUT IT, CALL CR DAVID LAW

The Kenilworth library could be nothing but a vending machine within a few years under a plan being implemented by Sunshine Coast Council.

The Sunshine Coast Libraries Network Plan 2019-2041 (https:// library.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/Visit/About-Libraries/LibrariesPlan) relegates the library to the fourth of a five-tier hierarchy

Tier four libraries are described in the plan as Express libraries, a new type of library for the Sunshine Coast, serving a population of 30,000 or less.

“Express library services may provide basic services to emerging communities, communities poorly serviced by the permanent library network, or they may enhance access to basic library services in key community nodes,” the plan says.

“Depending on population, demand and profile of the area to be serviced and access to other library services, Express library services may range from staffed shopfront facilities with limited popular or boutique collections, WiFi and limited programming to self-service options such as vending machines or WiFi beacons facilitating resource downloading.”

The plan generally describes Express libraries as a replacement for mobile libraries in emerging communities or a cheaper alternative to mobile libraries in small hinterland communities.

It recommends the establishment of interim Express libraries at Caloundra South and in the new Maroochydore city centre and that investigation be carried out into turning the Kenilworth library into an Express service.

Kenilworth library is the only library in the shire listed for reduction to the Express model and the plan hints that this is due to low user numbers.

“To address infrastructure constraints and the low visitation numbers of Kenilworth Library, it is recommended that the Kenilworth Library evolve into an Express library service under a delivery model that better suits the community demand,” the plan says.

The plan does not explain the “infrastructure constraints” of the Kenilworth library although at 115sq m, it is not big enough to have the meeting rooms that other libraries have.

The front stairs are clearly not wheelchair accessible but there would appear to be room to build a ramp and widen the doorway.

The 2019-2041 libraries plan replaced a 2014-2024 plan which mentioned the ideal location of the library, the availability of meeting rooms elsewhere in town, opportunities to expand the part-time opening hours, improving signage, and a likely increase in population within a 15-minute radius of the library.

Kenilworth was serviced by a mobile library until 1986 when the community established one on donated premises using 3000 books supplied by Nambour library.

In 1989, a new library opened next door in a building relocated from Mooloolaba to a block bought by the council for a community resource centre. The library became part of the council service and two volunteers became paid staff.

The uncertain future of the Kenilworth library remained buried in the library plan until a consultant contacted the Kenilworth Chamber of Commerce in mid-September to ask for numbers interested in attending a community engagement session.

Chamber president Ron Perel, who runs the Average Joes men’s meet-up group in town, became concerned about the potential loss of the town’s library and put the word out on social media.

“I see my job as trying to get people interested in things. They might not be business things but community things,” he said.

About 15 people eventually attended the 11 October meeting where ideas for increasing library use were raised.

It is understood a library model involving 24/7 access for members with cards was discussed but not supported as a number of people were concerned about personal security in an unmanned building.

The Mary Valley Voice noted six people using the library on a recent Friday afternoon, including a woman with a young child in the children’s book section, a man enquiring with the library assistant about books on a particular topic, and another woman browsing the shelves before collecting books which had been on order. Other people were also using the verandah as a spot to meet and talk.

Councillor David Law, whose division 10 takes in Kenilworth and whose portfolios happen to include libraries, has provided assurances that library services at Kenilworth will not close.

“I’ve been made certain and I’ve asked at every point in this that the Kenilworth library is not being removed or closed,” he said.

“It’s about finding out what would be the best sorts of library services to be provided to meet the needs of the community.”

However, he conceded that “library services” might not be the same as the commonly held concept of a library in a library building.

“I can see that’s a point of view that could be held, that if a library doesn’t look like a library has always looked, then it’s not a library, but there are some things that have changed in how they operate and how they work and how people access libraries.

“If a library is about having the opportunity to borrow a book from an extensive book collection and also to access other services, for example podcasts and DVDs, how do we keep providing that at minimal or no cost?

“My personal view is that services are not about buildings or hard, tangible things but about the people who operate and use them.”

When asked about plans to build new libraries in the Maroochydore CBD and at Kawana in the future, Cr Law said “books need to live somewhere” and “it makes sense” that they live near large population centres.

He said the results of public consultation on the library were not yet known.

 An online public survey was due to finish on 5 November but Cr Law said he would look for alternative ways for people to provide their opinions if enough people contacted him following publication of this article.

Library users who spoke to The Mary Valley Voice were not happy about the doubtful future of the Kenilworth library as they know it.

Katherine Willcox felt the library was more than a place to store books.

“Some of the older people, they meet other people there. It’s a community thing for them,” she said.

“The staff are lovely, they are helpful. There’s the computers and the internet and the ordering services, and it’s part of the community,” she said.

“Some people go in there and they probably don’t see many people during the day but they can chat to staff and bump into people they know.

“A lot of people can’t drive and so they can’t go to Nambour or Noosa.”

Katherine said she knew nothing about the potential changes or public consultation until she overheard a conversation while in town but Cr Law understood a poster was up at the library.

 Cr Law can be contacted on 5441 8368, 0437 825 569, or david.law@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au by anyone wishing to have a say on the library’s future.

RJR Property

The Business of Real Estate

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION!

It’s the number one and best-known term in real estate, but where did it come from, and what does it mean?

It was first used around 80 years ago and suggests that the value of identical homes can increase or decrease, depending on their location. The word LOCATION is said three times to emphasize the point. A British TV show of the same name, first aired over 20 years ago, has made the use of the phrase more popular.

Whether you are a long-term or short-term resident of the hinterland, whether your home is in the valley, the range or close to the coast, you know that you live in the best place. We know it, and so do the buyers! Therefore, the word location adds value to your property.

Here are some of the reasons why:

THE LOCATION – even within the hinterland, specific locations hold varying values, depending on the buyer’s requirements. To some, it matters to be close to the coast, close to a major centre or close to Brisbane etc.

THE LANDSCAPE – It’s picturesque … second to none. The variety ranges from hills to valleys, waterways to forests, bush to grazing, villages to acreage and views to privacy.

THE LIFESTYLE – while we can all choose a different activity; a hinterland lifestyle is on everyone’s list.

THE ACCESS – There is no doubt that an upgraded Bruce Highway/Freeway plays a large part in access to & from our hinterland. It has made this part of Queensland more accessible, a better location.

To discuss your property’s location and its overall value on today’s real estate market, give the RJR sales team a call, or drop into an RJR Property office.

Call us today on 1300 000 RJR (757) or visit our website www.RJRproperty.com.au

...It’s a lifestyle choice!

SOIL HEALTH SOLUTIONS

ATTENTION FARMERS!

How are you going to feed a world with a population 20 percent larger than today by 2050 – on less farmland than today … while using less water and reducing run off to minimise polluting waterways, dams and rivers?

Farmers are tasked with both reducing and capturing carbon emissions.

Farmers need solutions now!

Over the years our soils have degraded, and in some cases lost entirely to desertification while an increasing amount of agricultural land has been allocated to other uses.

We will have to better utilise our remaining soil to feed a population 20 percent larger than today currently at eight billion (November 2022) with 9.8 billion people projected by 2050 (UN).

As I have touched on in previous articles, it begins with the soil!

Big problems require big solutions. Nature's technology to heal herself.

Improving soil structure is must. In my own work and work done around the world soil enhancing amendments will help heal the soil and feed the world.

One of the main keys to improving soils is using soil amendments like lime

or gypsum. However they are not all the same. Lime is not lime and gypsum is not gypsum!

The key is micronisation. Micronised gypsum and micronised lime work almost immediately in the soil. Most lime is not fully soluble. Limestone is 150 times less soluble than gypsum.

An Australian company has the best micronised gypsum and lime on the market. Entra Gypsum by Fertec www.fertec.com.au

When it's micronised you don't need tonnes, only kilos.

Combine this with mechanical aeration and your soil structure will improve dramatically.

The days of using traditional lime or gypsum in large quantities are becoming less and less as technology has improved the efficacy of these products.

Remember soil is mainly oxygen, water and mineral particles. Fertiliser inputs are only a fraction of the equation.

Using a high quality calcium carbonate or calcium sulphate solves many of your soil health issues, reduces input costs and increase yields.

• Can you farm without irrigation?

Imagine being able to reduce your irrigation applications by 30%?

Farmers are achieving this around the world by simply improving the soil structure through the use of micronised soil enhancers.

Next month's article How To Apply Soil Enhancers.

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

“ What is good for the soil is good for the climate, and for business. ”

Aspire to be more resourceful with your old resources

Join the circular economy marketplace to give your unwanted resources another life. Download the Aspire App to find opportunities, save on procurement, save on waste disposal and track your environmental impacts. More than 200 Sunshine Coast schools, community groups and businesses are already taking advantage of this ecosystem. Search Aspire Marketplace wherever you get your Apps and help work together with Council so the Coast can become internationally renowned as a place where people live, learn, work and play sustainably.

Heritage Calendar out now

The 2023 Sunshine Coast Heritage Calendar is out now, making the perfect gift for friends and loved ones. At just $6, the calendar features all our favourite ways of travelling on the Sunshine Coast from days gone by. Images contributed by locals and sourced from Council's Picture Sunshine Coast library, will delight with each turn of the page. Buy yours at Council customer contact centres and libraries.

CUSTOMER CONTACT

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

Cool Homes free online course

Are you buying, building or renovating a home on the Sunshine Coast? Learn how to make your home comfortable without relying on costly air-conditioning in summer and heating in winter; achieve an enviable indoor/outdoor lifestyle; and create a home that will likely increase in value over time! Check out the free online Cool Homes course on Council's website for easy-to-follow guidance.

One for the calendar

Watch Council’s next Ordinary Meeting online on Thursday 17 November at 9am.

Don't miss festive lights experience

The Festive Garden, Council’s walk-through lights experience, is back and this year it’s going to be brighter than ever. Free tickets will be released 23 November, so follow Council’s Facebook page, subscribe to OurSC or visit Sunshine Coast Events to be first in line. For now, mark 16 to 20 December, Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Garden, on your calendar.

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

BUILDING AN INVASIVE SPECIES MANAGEMENT ALLIANCE PROJECT*

The impact of invasive species on agricultural productivity, the environment and social amenity are well documented, so too are the negative implications, these have on society as a whole including the future sustainability of rural and regional communities in which we live and play. Whether it’s the role feral pigs would play in the transmission of Foot and Mouth disease, the insatiable appetite feral cats and foxes have for our native fauna or weeds like Cat’s Claw Creeper playing havoc with the destruction of watercourse vegetation, we must look to more effective ways to manage invasive species.

The recently launched “Building an Invasive Species Management Alliance Project” aims to examine a more collaborative landowner led response, at a local and whole of landscape level. The Alliance Project will look to further develop, promote and encourage the establishment of landowner led group syndicates to tackle both weeds and feral animals.

Using what has worked from existing wild dog control syndicates operating in the South Burnett Region and other demonstrated best practice, a series of workshops will be held across the Burnett and Gympie regions drawing on lessons learnt and encouraging interested landowners to join forces to manage feral animals and weeds collectively.

Targeted incentive/seed funding and mentoring from community champions involved in existing syndicates will be provided to landowners wishing to start their own groups. A ‘Project Coordinator’ will manage the project, run workshops and support developing groups under the oversight of a Steering Committee. The roll out of the Alliance Project will assist in examining and demonstrating how we can build stronger regional biosecurity frameworks through creating more grass roots collaborative arrangements. Lessons learnt from such an approach will help inform a potential model that could be further applied within and across our Council regions and in other areas of Australia. *Funded by the Queensland and Australian Governments as part of the Queensland Feral Pest Initiative. Lead agency contact – South Burnett Regional Council’s Natural Resource Management Coordinator, Jim Willmott on (07) 4189 9100.

ARE YOU THINKING OF MOVING INTO A RESIDENTIAL PARK IN QLD?

Mr and Mrs Cooper are in their seventies and want to downsize from their family home, so what are the options. A smaller home, a retirement village or a residential park. At this age they want security and to be treated with respect and consideration, but most importantly to enjoy their mature years.

They like the idea of living in a community of similar aged people, and that they will not have to maintain the gardens and lawns of a large block, giving time for rest and recreation of their choice.

Residential Parks run under the Manufactured Homes (Residential Parks) Act 2003 (MHRP) and are very popular, as you do not pay stamp duty when purchasing your home, there are no entry and exit fees and when the house is sold you get any profit from the sale.

There are over 45,000 people already living in manufactured home parks, (residential parks), where you own the home but rent the use of the land and get the use of the facilities, if any provided, by paying a site fee. Also if on the pension you will be entitled to rent relief through Centrelink. There is legislation under the MHRP Act for those living in these parks, but your site agreement, though based on this Act is the one document that will rule your life in these parks and before you sign up you need to fully understand what that means. This could be the last home you ever purchase.

Each park is different and have their pros and cons and it can be a daunting decision by many older Queenslanders to have to make a choice with the complexity in the documents and legal aspects of signing up for a residential park lifestyle. The sales brochures are lovely but will it really suit you to live in that environment?

There are not many lawyers who specialise in this area of housing, but they only give legal advice on the contract, not the actual information on the lifestyle, and so it is buyer beware and encumberant on all considering this option to make sure they are fully aware of the implications of this type of communal living.

There are many reasons people want to downsize and many parks and villages to consider, so how do you find out just what you are signing up for? What the financial implications will be for your future? What can you expect once you decide to move into a residential home park into a manufactured home?

Advocacy groups such as Alliance of Manufactured Home Owners can give you that information and support you through the process. For any questions call 0418 368 567, or email amhocontact@gmail.com and you could also visit their website amho.com.au

Thank you for providing your feedback on Kenilworth’s library service. The feedback received will help inform and determine the type of library service which is best suited to the needs of the local community.

I would like to reassure residents that the library service will remain in place, the survey has provided valuable insights and information on how the library service can reflect the Kenilworth community’s needs and desires.

A report highlighting key findings is due to be complete by December. To keep up to date with this project, visit Council’s Have Your Say website.

• Want to learn how to maximise your quality of life with energy and vitality, plus maintain physical, mental and emotional health as you age? Then come along for a day of learning at the second annual Healthy Ageing Forum 2022, Rethinking Ageing – Moving and Grooving into Healthy Ageing.

Held on Saturday, 26 November at the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC), Sippy Downs, the forum will empower you to live a vibrant and balanced life as you age. You will have the opportunity to chat with stallholders from local organisations and can join in the fun at ‘Move and Groove it’ and yoga sessions. Tickets cost $15 (plus booking fee), and you can buy yours online via Council’s website.

• I am pleased to have worked with the community and their beloved pooches to deliver a new dog off-leash area close to town in Lilly Ponds Park, Mapleton. I would like to thank long-time Mapleton local and advocate for the project, Hank Cedric Wade, who championed this project, as well as the many community members who provided feedback last year to help determine their favoured site. The new fenced site offers the community a good overall layout to enjoy time outdoors with their furry companion in a well-located area away from other park users. david.law@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au | @DavidLawDivision10

JOHNSTON DIV 5 SUNSHINE COAST

Do you have a waste bin that’s got a broken lid, wheel falling off, or crack down the side of it? The next time you’re taking the bin out, give it a once over and check to see if you need to make arrangements for a replacement bin. Simply search ‘General Waste Bin Collection’ on council’s website and complete the online form, or call customer contact centre. The replacement bins are free of charge and council will organise the removal of the old bin and the delivery of a new one.

• Our council crews have been busy improving our Division 5 road network between April and June 2022.

$4.4 million was invested into rehabilitating and resurfacing 10.8 kilometres of local roads to improve community safety and connectivity.

Almost $23 million was invested along 83.5 kilometres of roads across our region in the 2021–22 financial year – that’s 641,418 square metres! That is also an increase of 29 kilometres on last year.

What a great result, especially given the heavy rain and flooding we experienced earlier this year. Thank you to the community for your ongoing patience to improve our commute.

• If you’re interested to know about healthy ageing come along to the Healthy Ageing Forum 2022, Rethinking Ageing – Moving and Grooving into Healthy Ageing. It’s on Saturday, 26 November at the University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs. You will have the opportunity to chat with stallholders about healthy habits get involved in interactive sessions. Tickets are available from $15 per person and can be purchased online via council’s website by searching ‘Healthy Ageing Forum 2022’. www.facebook.com/winstonjohnstondivision5scc

SOLD 906 Moy Pocket Road, Moy Pocket Usable farmland in the Mary Valley is still in demand!

If you ’re looking for a SOLD sign on your property, contact us toady! Call our owners Marg & Cherie today to discuss your real estate goals.

CR DAVID LAW DIV 10 SUNSHINE COAST

CR WINSTON

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GOURMAY MARY VALLEY 2023 LAUNCH

ourMay Mary Valley Food Festival 2023 was officially launched at the Amamoor Village Green on 5 November 2022.

On a beautiful evening in Amamoor's Village Green, guests assembled to enjoy a fabulous feast created by Imbil's Taste of Croatia, The Wild Vine Cafe, Busby Street in Amamoor, Artist and Artisan / Green Bowl Edifice, along with sweet items by Imbil Town and Country Bakery, cheeses from Kenilworth Dairies and cured meats from Mary Valley Smallgoods Factory Outlet.

The event was launched by Janelle Parker, president of Mary Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Malcolm Oakley, secretary of the Chamber gave guests a visual taste of what's to come in May 2023.

Many thanks to all those who provided the local produce and delicious food and of course, much appreciation to the raffle prize donors.

Thankyou to Friends of Amamoor for preparing the Village Green and providing the bar.

Queensland Hydro and Kenilworth Dairies have committed their support and we welcome others to join as partners to host events and participate on GourMay Mary Valley Festival Day to be held in Imbil on Saturday 6 May, 2023.

Call out to interested supporters who can help us make this event one to remember and establish it on the Visit Queensland, Australia calendar of events.

Exciting times ahead! Keep your eyes peeled as we announce our partners, supporters and and events.

Pictured top and below, of the November Launch night photos from GourMay Mary Valley Food Festival 2023 Facebook page.

HELLO! THE LAST MIRACLE ALBUM IS ALIVE!

I

'm excited to tell you all that Amanda Emblem's new album The Last Miracle officially came out Friday 21 October, 2022.

It's an acoustic album of 10 songs, that were recorded in two local SE Queensland studios over an 18 month period. Vocal harmonies are a feature of this release, and I've had help from some talented homegrown musicians to put it all together.

We've had enormous fun over the last few months, recording and also performing these songs at a couple of festivals and some local shows but now it's time for the music business side of things getting airplay and streams!

It would help (and please) me greatly if you could check it out and share it with the people you know as it will be on all the music platforms, https://amandaemblem.hearnow.com/

If you would like a CD copy of the album please go here! www.amandaemblem.com/shop and if video is your thing, The Last Miracle and Coconut Rum tracks have been uploaded too. The Last Miracle CD has been sent to a stack of community radio stations already through AMRAP, so they have a copy and can play your requests.

Getting community radio airplay is integral for charting on the Independent charts so your support here could really help me a lot! Here are the contact details for your local community radio stations who are a part of AMRAP: 4ZZZ 3252 1555 music-department@4zzz.org.au 99.7 Bridge Radio 3284 5000 http://www.997fm.com.au Noosa Community Radio 5447 2233 E reception@noosafm.org

If you think I should send material to a particular show or another station please say the words!

Lastly, if you can please drop me a text and let me know what you think of my new stuff or just to say hi that would be just fabulous!

xx Kylie Cowling 0430 453 043, The Amanda Emblem Experiment. www.amandaemblem.com

DAGUN GROWERS MARKET EVERY SATURDAY

From 3pm ’til dusk! “Where freshness, flavours and friends come together!” The Dagun Growers Market is a unique market offering fresh, local, spray-free produce, at the historic Dagun Railway Station (on the Mary Valley rail line, about 16km south of Gympie) or a few kms up the road from Amamoor.

There’s nothing finer than knowing that you are eating locally grown, organic and nourishing produce that comes from healthy plants grown in healthy soil, supplied directly by growers who are using regenerative and sustainable practices to improve and maintain the soils and biodiversity on their farms.

Care is taken to ensure that no toxic chemicals or sprays are used in the soil or on the plants.

Care is taken to minimise handling, storage and transport to maximise freshness and nutritional value.

Care is taken to continually improve and maintain the state of the soil and the local environment.

Take the hassle out of building –

28 PHILIP STREET, KENILWORTH. If you are in the market for a new and modern home but don’t want to wait for a builder, then you should look at 28 Philip Street, Kenilworth. This “as new” Hotondo built home is just over 12 months old. Its fresh and airy with loads of natural light, it has been designed with a large open planned living area at the rear of the home. Modern kitchen with an island bench which makes way for easy entertaining. Three spacious bedrooms, two with built-in robes, master with a walk-in robe and large ensuite. The home comes with a double lock-up garage plus a separate single 4mtr x 6mtr garage with a covered 3mtr x 6mtr area which is ideal for BBQ’s and entertaining. The 797m2 block of land has a fully fenced rear yard, ideal for your pets or small children. Located at the top end of town catching the breezes and views you also have an easy stroll into the main street for shopping, school and sporting facilities. If you are looking for your first home, a retirement home or an investment property, then this is the one for you.

61 BUNDY ROAD, IMBIL. Bring out your garden gloves and get down and dirty with this lovely small acreage property located only five minutes out of the Imbil township. The seller of this very alternative lifestyle property is passionate about permaculture and organics and has based his 4.44 acre property around these workings. From the swails to the pigeon pea to comfrey to stone fruit to composting boxes and veggie gardens this property is wonderful. NO sprays used and frost-free slopes for your crops. An American style barn with standalone solar has been erected on the property and provides the necessary shelter while you build your home as the barn has been fully lined and insulated. It has two bedrooms, an office, large mezzanine lounge room with spiral staircases. Imbil has a lot to offer with cafes, local pub, bakery, weekend markets and the beautiful State Forestry on your doorstep plus stunning Borumba Dam which is an easy 12klm drive, ideal for fishing and boating. Tonia Murtagh 0407 135 797 tonia@boxsells.com.au