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Contact for advertising
Email thegrapevine@westnet.com.au or phone Les at Maleny Paint Supplies on 54942002.
I would suggest that every home in Australia had a set of canisters similar to those in the photo to right. Mostly they were made of bakelite. In the 1940’s and 1950’s there were ten companies producing Bakelite or more correctly thermoset domestic ware.
Two new fire trucks in firefighting boost to Maleny area
The Queensland Government is delivering two new firefighting appliances valued over $1 million to the Maleny fire district.
The trucks, one a Type Two urban pumper tanker valued at $875,000 to be delivered to Maleny Fire and Rescue Station and a $340,000 medium attack vehicle delivered to Maleny and District Rural Fire Brigade.
These new vehicles will support response capabilities across the Maleny region. These two trucks are state-of-the-art firefighting vehicles to bolster resources at the Maleny Fire and Rescue Station and Maleny and District Rural Fire Brigade.
Rural Fire Volunteers struggled to access this type of unit to fight fires and at the same time protect their personal safety.
Both vehicles are equipped with advanced firefighting technology and safety features to support the crews in responding to a wide range of incidents.
The vehicles will be housed at the Queensland Fire Department’s (QFD) joint Queensland Fire and Rescue (QFR) and Rural Fire Service Queensland (RFSQ) facility at Maleny.
The station services an area stretching from Maleny north to Conondale and provides coverage to Kenilworth, Landsborough, and Montville when required.
Member for Glass House, Mr. Andrew Powell, said the investment reflected the Government’s commitment to ensuring Queensland’s firefighters have the tools they need to protect their communities.
Whether it’s road crash rescues, structure fires, complex industrial incidents, swift water rescues, hazard reduction burns, or landscape fires, these new state-of-the-art appliances will keep Maleny equipped to serve their community.
Member for Glass House, Mr. Andrew Powell, said the Government was ensuring the Maleny community had the equipment needed to protect the hinterland areas. He continued, “These new appliances put stronger protection directly into the hands of the hardworking people who keep our community safe. It’s a win for our local fire crews and a win for the hinterland.”
QFR Maleny Station has 11 Auxiliary Fire and Rescue staff who respond from this station and play a critical role in protecting their community. So far this financial year, they have responded to more than 80 incidents.
The Maleny and District Rural Fire Brigade has 43 volunteer members who do an extraordinary job in this community.
https://issuu.com/Maleny-Grapevine-Community-News
Around Glass house Electorate with Mr Andrew Powell M.P.
The Maleny Wood Expo is back in 2026
The Maleny Wood Expo will be back in 2026!
After 26 successful expos, Barung Landcare has officially handed the reins over to the Rotary Club of Maleny, and this year’s event will be held from 16th to 18th October at the Maleny Showgrounds.
The 2026 Expo will be a celebration of the people and the passion that make Maleny unique and are working towards a sustainable future.
To keep up with all the Wood Expo news or to find out about ticket releases, workshop registrations, and exhibitor applications, simply go to the website: https://malenywoodexpo.com/
2026 Glassies Nominations - Now Open
Local business awards – affectionately known as the ‘Glassies,’ celebrating the small businesses, entrepreneurs, and employees in the state electorate of Glasshouse who help drive the region’s economy and community life.
The 2026 “Glassies” nominations are now open. They’re going to be big this year - it’s the 10th anniversary of this iconic event.
Nominations close on March 27th, and winners will be announced at the Glassies Gala on May 19th.
Nominations can be made through the website:
www.andrewpowell.com.au
Time to visit Western Queensland Western Queensland has done it tough with the flooding hitting rural and regional communities and producers hard.
Through the Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund (RTIF), the state government is backing 30 new and upgraded regional tourism experiences across the state, so this is a good time for that local holiday to see what will be the state’s natural sites in full bloom.
Thanks to all the rain, this year’s wildflower season display is set to be more vibrant and spectacular than ever. The ‘ Outback Queensland. It’s Something Else’ campaign will run from 1 March to 30 June 2026.
POLITICAL COMMENT MADE BY Federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen said; “Australia’s regular supply of fuel was expected to continue arriving as scheduled through March and into April.”
Email: sales@conceptsystems.com.au
Phone: (07) 5429 6750
Web: https://www.conceptsystems.com.au/
Trading Hours
Monday - Friday: 9am to 5pm Saturday: 9am to 1pm Closed Sunday & Public Holidays
Around Division 5 with Cr Winston Johnston
To contact Cr Winston Johnston winston.johnston@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
Sunshine Coast budget has no real favours for the Sunshine Coast hinterland!!!
Tensions rose during the debate on Budget Review 2 at the Sunshine Coast ordinary meeting on February 26, after finance staff outlined a worsening financial position, including a projected $13.3 million deficit this financial year and a forecast $19.2 million deficit next year under current assumptions. The Council is committing $262.3 million to infrastructure that supports the area’s growing needs and protects the Sunshine Coast’s lifestyle.
Hinterland councillors complained about the lack of investment flowing west of the Bruce Highway in comparison to what was being allocated to the beachside areas.
Cr Joe Natoli was quick to defend the budget settings by saying that coastal councillors were dealing with the extra infrastructure burden that came with the ever-increasing population growth.
Cr Johnston challenged coastal councillors to make equivalent sacrifices in their own areas if they were serious about cutting capital expenditure.
Approximately $50 million originally allocated for a major upgrade to the Nambour library has been set aside until at least 2030-2032.
“If you’re really serious about cutting capital expenditure, you’re going to have to do it in your own divisions,” he said.
“The amount of money that we spend because we believe it’s essential in the coastal section is enormous.”
He said the purpose of local government was to deliver services and facilities of a comparable standard across the region, and “at present, that’s not happening”.
Just some local news from Fisher
Mr. Andrew Wallace Federal MP for Fisher
Protecting Australia’s way of life must always come first.
“I recently spoke up again about the need for a clear National Security Strategy, strong borders, and consistent decision-making when it comes to keeping Australians safe.
In an increasingly uncertain world, we cannot afford mixed messages on national security. We need strength, clarity, and leadership. As part of that, I have serious concerns about reports that an accused child sex offender from New Zealand is currently living on the Sunshine Coast. The allegations against this individual are extremely serious and involve multiple alleged child victims over many years. I want these questions answered:
✦ How was this person able to enter Australia in the first place?
✦ Was the Department of Home Affairs aware of these allegations?
✦ Were appropriate character checks undertaken?
The Minister already has powers under the Migration Act to act on character grounds, and those powers should be used. This individual’s visa should be cancelled, and he should be removed from Australia. Community safety must always come first.
I was recently thrown out of Question Time for asking a simple question: why are fishers at Mooloolaba Wharf running out of diesel? We need to know from the government exactly how much fuel is available IN Australia.
Why Shop Locally?
The Hinterlandgrapevine Online News
Maleny Commerce News
Have you got your Local Shopping Gift Card Yet? Maleny Commerce supports local businesses
Maleny Commerce seeks to have working relationships with all local businesses and desires to create an environment of mutual concern for sustainable living and the betterment of our Maleny community.
While it may not be possible to source all our needs from our local retailers and tradesman, here are a few reasons to think twice before you make your next purchase:
It Creates local jobs and it is personal;
Shopping locally helps Australia grow; Shopping locally gives better consumer choice and better customer service because you are shopping with a friend; Assists local businesses support local community & sporting groups; It reduces your carbon footprint
Will you really support local businesses?
About Maleny Commerce
Maleny and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. is an incorporated body representing the business community since 1986. It is now known as Maleny Commerce. The Chamber represents the local Maleny and District business community. Join us at one of our monthly business breakfasts. www.malenycommerce.org.au
One of the major items has been the “Why Leave Town” gift cards, which can be redeemed at many local businesses. The whole idea of the Why Leave Town Gift Card is that it can only be spent in the participating businesses of that town…hence keeping the money local!
To find out where they can be redeemed, visit: https://www.whyleavetown.com/community/maleny/
“ Campbell + Mrs Jacky Green”
Campbell Green and Mrs Green of the Conondale sawmill in 1982 celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary. The Green family were heavily involved in the Conondale community.
https://issuu.com/Maleny-Grapevine-Community-News
On this day in history March 20th
It’s a forgotten quirk of American military history that one of the most inspiring moments in the Pacific during World War II occurred on an abandoned railway platform in a dusty ghost town called Terowie, at the parched edge of the Australian outback.
On March 20, 1942, on that unlikely, heatbaked spot, General Douglas MacArthur, the commander of the U.S. and Filipino forces in the Philippines, uttered his most famous and oft-quoted words, after a secret escape from the archipelago as the Bataan Peninsula was about to be overwhelmed by the Japanese: “I shall return.”
Maleny Service Centre have a Licenced Roadworthy Inspector on the premises and we know only too well what it takes to make your vehicle safe and roadworthy.
All vehicles (including trucks, motorbikes and trailers) must have a Safety or Roadworthy Certificate (RWC) if being sold, registered for the first time or being re-registered in Queensland. Registered Vehicles cannot be solid without a RWC.
An Old Codger’s Thoughts & Opinions
Electric bicycles causing havoc, serious injuries and even death on our roadways.
In Queensland, legal electric bicycles (e-bikes) are treated as standard bicycles, allowing them on most roads, bike lanes, and paths, provided they have a maximum 250W motor that only assists up to 25 km/h and requires pedalling. Riders must wear helmets, obey road rules, and are not required to hold a licence or registration.
The rapid rise in the use of modern electric bicycles among young people has created several new challenges for road safety and traffic management. While electric bicycles provide an efficient, affordable, and environmentally friendly form of transport, their increasing presence in normal traffic conditions has highlighted a number of problems that were not anticipated when traditional bicycles or even the initial release of electric bicycles dominated the roads.
Many young riders, particularly teenagers, may not yet have the road awareness or judgement required to safely operate a vehicle at these speeds in mixed traffic environments. This increases the likelihood of accidents involving cars, pedestrians, and other cyclists.
Electric bicycle riders are generally not required to undergo formal road safety training. Younger riders also often see that to be non-compliant with traffic laws is “their right of passage”. Some younger electric bicycle riders modified their bikes to exceed legal power or speed limits, blurring the line between bicycles and small motorbikes. Whilst helmets are required in Australia, compliance is not always consistent, and other protective gear is rarely used. In the event of a collision, the rider is far more vulnerable than occupants of motor vehicles.
Parents also are part of the problem as many do not supervise their children to a point of insisting that young riders are always compliant with the laws and have the attitude “she will be right on the night”. Then when disaster does come, those same parents wish to blame everyone else but themselves for the situation they find themselves in.
To the parents of student electric bike and scooter riders who attend Maleny High School, you should make some unadvised visits to watch their precious youngsters leave school in the afternoon from time to time to see how some riders weave their way in and out through the traffic, including school buses. It is only a matter of time before there is a serious accident. Too late then to say, “someone should have done something about it”.
Truthful Jones says And he swears that it 100% true - No Bulls##t”
Truthful Jones tells of the time that he was flying to see friends in Sydney.
He went to the Brisbane airport and was surprised to find that there was a security scare in full operation. An individual, later discovered to be a state school teacher, was arrested trying to board a flight while in possession of a ruler, a protractor, a square, a slide rule, and a calculator.
Queensland’s Attorney General believes the man is a member of the notorious Algebra movement.
He is being charged with carrying weapons of math instruction.
“Al-gebra is a very fearsome cult, indeed”, the Attorney General said. “They desire average solutions by means and extremes, and sometimes go off on a tangent in a search of absolute value. They consist of quite shadowy figures, with names like “x” and “y”, and, although they are frequently referred to as “unknowns”, we know they really belong to a common denominator and are part of the axis of medieval with coordinates in every country.
“As the great Greek philanderer Isosceles used to say, there are three sides to every triangle. - my truth, someone else’s truth and the real truth”
When asked to comment on the arrest, Premier Palaszczuk said, “If God had wanted us to have better weapons of math instruction, He would have given us more fingers and toes.”
Sayings…
Think about it!
Everyone has a right to be stupid, but some (including me) abuse that privilege.
Maleny Paint Supplies
6/14 Lawyer Street, Maleny. Ph 54942002
www.malenypaintsupplies.com
Australian Owned and made brands of Ultra-Premium paints for any project
Maleny Paint Supplies have most paint and accessories
Stevie from Maleny takes a train ride to Brisbane City
Early one clear morning in the green hills of Maleny, a small tan dachshund set out on what would become the most ambitious journey of his life. He was not a dog given to rash decisions. His short legs and long body had taught him patience, and his sharp nose had taught him curiosity.
On this particular day, curiosity won. The distant rumble of a bus at the end of the street sounded less like noise and more like an invitation.
When the bus pulled in, the dachshund trotted forward with quiet con
The driver glanced down, smiled, and nodded as if such things happened every day. The dog settled himself near the front, paws neatly together, eyes wide as Maleny slipped away behind winding roads and tall trees.
The bus smelled of raincoats, paper bags, and the faint promise of places he had never been. Every turn brought a new scent through the open window, and he committed each one carefully to memory.
At Landsborough, the bus sighed to a halt. The dachshund hopped down and followed the gentle flow of people toward the train station. Trains fascinated him. They were enormous, humming creatures that seemed alive beneath his paws.
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following light, sound, and the faint pull of something interesting ahead. He emerged into the open air and soon found himself drawn toward the Brisbane Mall. The space was alive with motion: shoppers, performers, conversations overlapping like birdsong. Then, cutting clearly through it all, came music.
A young Asian girl stood on a corner of the mall, violin tucked beneath her chin. She played with calm focus, her bow moving smoothly as the melody rose and fell.
Maleny Paint Supplies is now making stand alone cabinets made to measure
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The dachshund sat down at once. The music seemed to vibrate pleasantly through his chest, and he tilted his head as if listening more closely would reveal a secret. Coins clinked into an open case, but the dog paid them no mind. The violin was enough. When the song ended, the girl lowered her instrument and smiled. She noticed the small audience member at her feet and knelt down, her movement gentle and unhurried. She patted the dachshund’s head, then his long back. In response, he gave a small, happy groan—the sound he made only when the world felt exactly right. After a moment, satisfied and calm, he stood and wandered off, the music still following him like a friendly echo.
The mall offered many distractions. Smells of bread, coffee, and frying onions drifted from food stalls. The dachshund eventually chose a spot beside a vacant seat near one such stall and sat down, content to watch the passing crowd. Before long, an elderly gentleman approached and lowered himself onto the seat with a quiet sigh. He noticed the dog immediately.
CUTEK® timber oils offer powerful protection while enhancing the natural beauty of timber!
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“Well now,” the man said softly, bending down. His hand rested on the dachshund’s head, then traced along his ears and back in long, steady pats. The dog leaned slightly into the touch, appreciating the warmth and familiarity of it. The man chuckled, as though the dog had told him a private joke.
The gentleman ordered coffee and sandwiches from the nearby stall. When the shop attendant returned with the tray, she paused, then came back again
with a small bowl of water. She set it carefully on the ground beside the dog. The dachshund drank gratefully, each lap deliberate and satisfied. The lady nodded in approval.
For a while, the three of them shared the moment: the hum of the mall, the scent of food, the comfort of simple kindness. The dachshund lay down at the man’s feet, eyes half-closed, storing away yet another memory of his remarkable journey.
He had travelled from Maleny by bus, from Landsborough by train, and through the heart of Brisbane on his own four paws. He had listened to music, met strangers, and been treated with quiet generosity.
As the afternoon light shifted across the mall, the dachshund knew that wherever he went next, this day would always belong to him—a small dog with a big world, and the confidence to explore it.
Fiddes Australia - Woodworking Products
The Gold Standard in Woodworking Product
Through more then 100 years and four generations, the name Fiddes has become synonymous with quality throughout the UK and now Australia through Fiddes Australia
Fiddes has always had a progressive outlook, and today operates from modern, purpose built premises, utilising the very latest technology to develop and produce a comprehensive range of wood finishes from the very finest raw materials available.
This has lead to the development of safer, more environmentally friendly wood finishes, typified by the introduction of the highly successful Supreme Wax Polish and Hard wax Oil range. Fiddes Supreme Wax range of products were developed in the 1980’s as a result of a rapid expansion of the antique pine furniture market
Fiddes products are now available through Maleny Paint Supplies.
For hints and tips about using Fiddes products view the videos at the below web
https://www.fiddesaustralia.com/videos/
Buying residential property in Quensland?
With Tove Easton of Easton Lawyers, Maleny
Buying a residential property is a major financial transaction for most people. So, it’s vital you seek the advice of your solicitor before you sign any contract.
With increased numbers of residential properties changing hands in Queensland and a recently revised standard residential contract we thought this was a great time to review a few residential contract basics. Over the next few weeks, we will review the fundamental issues in residential conveyancing for buyers and sellers of houses, units, and town houses.
Solicitors and real estate agents
Solicitors and real estate agents have very different roles in sale of residential property, and it is important to understand those differences.
Solicitors are experts that are trained in this area of law and will guide you through the conveyance to ensure your interests are protected.
Every property and conveyance is different, so your solicitor will advise you on the need for any special conditions or any other legal issues that arise.
Should you have any questions,please contact our office on
07 5494 3511 Monday to Friday between 08:30 and 17:00 AEST.
Take care everyone!
Easton Lawyers
Easton Lawyers are your Local Lawyers in Maleny, Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Queensland, Australia. Easton Lawyers. 62 Maple Street, Maleny. Qld. 4552
Real estate agents represent the seller and receive a commission from the seller when the property is sold.
The real estate agent is responsible for getting the best price and contract terms for the seller and is not qualified to give legal advice on the contract, draft clauses or modify the pre-printed standard contract in any way.
Trove Easton of Trove EastonLawyers is also a sworn in notary public.
Web Address: http://eastonlawyers.com.au/
For the team at Easton Lawyers it is a privilege to help people through tough and stressful times and if the client cannot come to them this is no obstacle as home visits and/or hospital visits are a service they provide.
We support many local community Groups
Local Tradespersons
Important Emergency Phone Numbers
Emergency (POLICE, FIRE, AMBULANCE): 000
Moreton Bay Regional Council – 3205 0555
Sunshine Coast Council – 5475 7272
Crime Stoppers – 1800 333 000
Policelink – 131 444
Energex general enquiries – 131 253
Loss of electricity supply – 13 62 62
Priority emergency (electrical hazards) – 13 19
62
Unitywater – 1300 086 489
Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800
Lifeline – 131 114
Poison Hotline – 131 126
SES – 132500
Traffic Reports – 131 940
Translink – 131 230 It is always interesting to see what is happening in other parts of the world. It is easy to explore through Online Newspapers
https://onlinenewspapers.com/index.shtml
Rescues from Mt Beerwah on the rise
A young woman and man died as a result of a fall at Mount Beerwah on March 16th. On the 18th March, 2026 two. Other climbers were injured whilst climbing the mountain and needed to be transported back down the mountain.
These particular incidents come as Mount Beerwah remains closed to the public due to dangerous conditions following heavy rainfall. The starting points to climbs are signed about the closure.
Police were required to attend to 34 incidents on Mt. Beerwah between January 1 and March 16 this year. An incident is a rescue where no person is injured or killed. These incidents are on top of the number of tasks where people were injured or killed and needed to be transported off the mountain.
Authorities continue to urge adventurers to plan carefully, monitor weather conditions and ensure they have appropriate skills and equipment before setting out.
&
web site at http://www.issuu/hinterlandgrapevine
Maleny Community Groups & When they meet!
Community Groups that form the back bone of the Maleny Community
Meet 10 am on the 4th Wednesday of each month. Feb to November 1300 856 859
Queensland Country Women's Association - Maleny Branch Meetings at
The Verandah Room 23 Maple Street, Maleny
8:00 am - 11:30 am. 4th Monday of Month. Email: qcwa.maleny@gmail.com
The Zonta Club of Blackall Range Meetings at
Various between Montville and Maleny. Dinner meeting 3rd Tuesday of month 6pm. Email: membership@zontablackrange.org.au president@zontablackallrange.org.au
Being a part of
Apex Club of Maleny
Meeting. Times
1ST & 3RD MONDAYS, 7.00PM. Email maleny@apex.org.au. Postal PO BOX 39. MALENY, QLD 4552 0487770653
Maleny Senior Citizens Meetings at
The Verandah Room 23 Maple Street, Maleny 8:00 am - 11:30 am. 4th Monday of Month. Activities include card games, meetings and regular bus trips
Email: margarry1@bigpond.com 0409 266 507
The LIONS CLUB OF MALENYBLACKALL RANGE Inc. Meetings at
Maleny Uniting Church Hall
On the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 6.30pm
Monthly Dinner Meeting held at The Orangery, 10 Mountain View Rd, at 6.30pm on 4th Tuesday of month
Email: maleny-blackall-range@lionsq3.org.au
Maleny
Commerce Meetings at
Monthly breakfast networking meetings. 2nd Tuesday of the month. Venues to be advised.
Email: info@malenycommerce.org.au
Hardware - Farm Supplies - Pet Products - Garden - Fencing - Camping Andrea & Mark Porter
Maleny Hardware and Rural Supplies is located in the centre of Maleny in the picturesque Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Thy offer good old fashioned service to your car for those heavy items. There is also ample parking at the front and pick up at the rear of the store.
We are independently owned and supply the local community with rural and hardware supplies at competitive prices.
Did you know we can deliver items in surrounding suburbs for a small fee.
Come and browse through our extensive range of products and say hi!
Want a Low Maintenance Garden - try Succulents
Low maintenance, easy-care, good-looking greenery? Succulents are the answer! Succulents are ideal for low-maintenance, small gardens, requiring minimal water and thriving in pots, sunny balconies, or small beds With the huge array of varieties, textures, tones, and shapes, it's never been easier to design your very own succulent bowl that will take pride of place on your bench top, balcony or garden.
Step 1: Layer some rocks or pebbles in the base of the pot if you have them - this will help with drainage.
Step 2: Add your succulents! Carefully take them out of their planters and gently loosen the roots a little, then arrange them how you would like them to sit in the pot.
Step 3: Once you're happy with your arrangement, add the potting mix to fill the bowl. You may have to shift the succulents carefully with your hands to fill in the gaps. This is where you might like to add
some pebbles to the top – it looks great and stops the soil from splashing up when you water them, but don't worry if you don't have the room.
Step 4: Once you're finished, pop your succulent bowl in its designated spot. Choose somewhere that's well lit – they work perfectly on a windowsill or patio. Water it sparingly once a week or so.
Once you've planted your succulent bowl, you'll find that they multiply very fast! It's really easy to grow succulents from cuttings as this happens.
We have a large range available.
In another time and place I have been involved in juvenile criminality and I must say that juvenile crime today is taking a new direction, and not one that society could be happy with. Not only are younger people becoming more criminally minded, but that criminality is becoming more violent. It is changing the face of Australian society for the worse. The simple answer is not “to lock up juvenile criminals and throw away the key”.
Youth behaviour and criminality has always been a topic for the adult population to judge and complain about. In most cases that judgement was not justified as the behaviours were experimentation and boundary pushing.
Today, juvenile criminality has taken another step and the rules of engegement have changed.
Youth is a period of rapid development, exploration, and identity formation. While most adolescents navigate this phase reasonably successfully, a subset of young people veer toward criminal behavior. Let us be clear here and realise that the majority of really serious juvenile crimes are committed by a small nuber of the juvenile population and it is that part of society that more efforthas to be put into the remedy the situation.
Understanding the multifaceted drivers behind this transition is essential for educators, policymakers, and communities aiming to intervene early and effectively. There are many
factors that lead to juvenile criminality. Psychological, social, economic, and environmental factors all contribute to youth criminality. Prevention strategies and the role of restorative justice in mitigating the cycle of crime need to be reviewed to ensure whatever efforts are used are effective. .
During adolescence, the brain undergoes significant structural changes and continues to mature into the mid-20s.
A brain’s slow developmental can lead to heightened risk-taking and impulsivity, making youth more susceptible to engaging in delinquent acts when exposed to tempting situations.
Personality Traits and Mental Health
Untreated mental health issues— depression, anxiety, ADHD, and conduct disorders—can exacerbate impulsivity and reduce empathy, increasing the likelihood of criminal acts. Early identification and intervention through counselling and
psychiatric care can mitigate these risks.
Adolescents are also in a constant search for identity. Peer groups often provide a sense of belonging, but they can also exert powerful pressure to conform to norms that may include criminal behaviour. The desire to be accepted can override internal moral compasses, especially when peers glorify or reward illicit activities. As a result it is important that youth activities and those who join those activities should be overseen from a young age.
Family Structure and Parenting
The family environment is the single most important factor in influencing juvenile behaviour. Let us fact it - it is a fact that many parent in these times, forwhatever reason are just not good parents or good role models. Family cohesion, consistent discipline, and emotional support are protective factors against youth crime. Conversely, family dysfunction—parental divorce,
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domestic violence, or neglect— can create environments where adolescents feel alienated and seek validation elsewhere. Parenting styles that are overly authoritarian or permissive can also influence risk-taking behaviors. Let us face the fact that as adults, in employment we have to have a certificate to ensure that we can properly carry out a task and do it in a safe manner. Not so with parentingmaybe there is some improvement needed in this area.
Socioeconomic Status
Economic hardship often correlates with higher rates of youth crime. Poverty can limit access to quality education, extracurricular activities, and stable housing, pushing adolescents toward illegal means of income or status. Additionally, neighbourhoods with high unemployment rates may foster a culture where crime is seen as a viable survival strategy.
School Environment
Schools serve as critical socialisation agents. Positive school climates—characterised by supportive teachers, inclusive policies, and extracurricular opportunities—can deter delinquency. In contrast, schools plagued by bullying, low academic expectations, or inadequate resources may inadvertently encourage students to seek alternative avenues for recognition, including criminal acts.
School environments have changed over the past fifty or so years and the laisse-faire attitudes allowed of students is having a direct effect on behviours,
Community and Environmental Factors
Living in high-crime neighborhoods exposes youths to role models who engage in illicit behaviours. Observational learning theory suggests that repeated exposure to criminal
acts normalises those acts, reducing the perceived severity of such actions.
Moreover, limited legitimate opportunities for recreation or employment can push adolescents toward crime as a means of social mobility.
Media and Technology
The portrayal of violence and criminality in media—films, music, video games—can influence adolescents’ perceptions of acceptable behaviours. While the causal link remains debated, repeated exposure to glorified crime may desensitize youths and lower their inhibitions. Social media platforms also provide spaces for peer reinforcement of risky behaviors, including drug use, vandalism, and cyberbullying.
Substance Abuse
Substance use is both a risk factor and a consequence of youth
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Who Gives A Crap? - We Do!
What do we really mean when we say our toilet paper helps build toilets?
We trust that our partner organisations know how to best improve global access to proper sanitation – that means our donation could go to building toilets. To put it into perspective, a child under five dies every two minutes from diarrhoea diseases caused by poor water and sanitation.
Profits from the sale of this toilet paper is used our donation could go to building toilets, but could also mean it supports larger clean water projects.
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crime. Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, increase aggression, and can lead to crimes such as theft or assault. Additionally, the drug trade itself offers a lucrative, albeit dangerous, avenue for income, especially in marginalised communities.
Criminal Justice System
The “school-to-prison pipeline” illustrates how punitive disciplinary measures in schools can funnel youths into the criminal justice system. Zero-tolerance policies often result in suspensions, expulsions, and referrals to juvenile courts, disproportionately affecting minority and low-income students. Early criminal records can hinder future employment, education, and social integration, perpetuating a cycle of crime. Sentencing laws that impose harsh penalties for non-violent offenses can deter youth from seeking rehabilitation. Conversely, restorative justice programs that focus on accountability, restitution, and community service can reduce recidivism by addressing underlying causes and fostering empathy.
Access to mental health care, substance abuse treatment, and family counseling is uneven across regions. Gaps in these services leave many youths without the support needed to
navigate challenges, increasing the likelihood of turning to crime as a coping mechanism.
Prevention and Intervention Strategies
Screening tools in schools and primary care settings can identify at-risk youths. Early intervention —through counseling, mentorship, and academic support—can redirect trajectories before criminal behavior takes root. After-school programs, sports leagues, and arts initiatives provide constructive outlets for energy and creativity.
Community centers that offer tutoring, job training, and life skills workshops empower youths to pursue legitimate goals.
Family Engagement
Families and supportive parents are the most efficient means of preventing youth diving into a criminal future. Parenting workshops that teach effective communication, consistent discipline, and emotional support can strengthen family bonds. Family therapy can address underlying conflicts and improve overall household functioning.
School intervention into bad behaviours
Revising school disciplinary policies to emphasise restorative practices over punitive measures can reduce the school-to-prison
https://issuu.com/Maleny-Grapevine-Community-News
pipeline. Expanding access to mental health services and substance abuse treatment, especially in underserved areas, can address root causes of delinquency.
Restorative justice programs involve offenders, victims, and community members in dialogue, fostering accountability and empathy. Evidence shows that such programs reduce recidivism rates among juveniles, especially when combined with mentorship and skill-building components.
Conclusion
Youth criminality is a complex phenomenon rooted in an interplay of biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors. While adolescence is a period of heightened vulnerability, it also offers a window of opportunity for intervention. By fostering supportive family environments, enhancing school climates, providing community resources, and reforming punitive policies, society can redirect at-risk youths toward constructive paths. Restorative justice, in particular, offers a promising framework that balances accountability with rehabilitation, breaking the cycle of crime and building healthier communities.
News from Witta Recreational Club
Proudly bought to you by David Lowden Excavations
Hire of Club Facilities
The vision of the club is to provide country club services to be enjoyed by the local community and visitors to the area.
The excellent facilities of the Witta Recreation Club are available for hire for events such as weddings, sports days, family gatherings.
The club has a Certified Kitchen/Catering facilities including a stove, pots & pans, dishwasher, crockery and utensils. The Bushman’s Bar is practically fitted out with a large capacity for the cold storage of a range of beverages. The Bushman’s Bar is located at the core of the Witta Recreation Club. Service from the bar can be provided to customers on the covered hard standing overlooking the playing pitches, or directly into the Clubroom.
Inquiries can be made via the internet at: https://wittarec.club/facilities/make-a-booking
You can find out more about the Witta Recreation Club at their web site at: https://wittarec.club/
The State Government is delivering funding for community conservation projects across Sunshine Coast and the Glasshouse electorate share is f $44,040 is being provided to Wildlife SEQ Incorporated and Barung Landcare Association to deliver more support for local conservation projects and grassroots community projects.
These gents are available to community groups who are delivering local conservation projects that will deliver a better environment for Queenslanders.
The total funding for 32 community groups was $800.000 across the Sunshine Coast.
Grants of up to $15,000 were available for equipment or facility upgrades as well as up to $30,000 in funds for on-ground projects such as revegetation, habitat restoration, erosion control and native species protection.
More information on the successful projects can be found at https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/grassroots
Local Community News
Latest Community Groups news and updates
Maleny Senior Citizens Notes
MANAGEMENT MEETINGS ARE NORMALLY THE 3RD MONDAY AND GENERAL MEETING 4TH MONDAY EACH MONTH.
March 2026
BUSY NEEDLES 12th and 26th
INDOOR BOWLS 4th, 11th and 18th 25th
DROP IN 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th
COMMITTEE MEETING 16th (at Marilyns at 8.30am)
GENERAL MEETING … 23rd - 9.30a.start
Movies … 22nd starting at 2p.m.
April 2026
BUSY NEEDLES 9 th and 23 rd
INDOOR BOWLS 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th
DROP IN 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd (Probably NO Drop In 29th as it is SHOW DAY
COMMITTEE MEETING … 18th at Marilyns - 8.30am
GENERAL MEETING 25th 930am start with the usual happenings.
Movies … 26th. - 2p.m.
Bus Trip … 16th 8am departure from Maleny showgrounds.
For those who wish to march in the Anzac Day parade on the 25th we will meet at the Bus Stop near Imeldas. The time will be confirmed closer to the day.
“Most happenings at seniors start at 9am unless otherwise specified. For more information phone Margaret on 0409 266 507.
Maleny Bowls Club
Don’t forget the Tuesday Jackpot Pair Bowls
EVERY Tuesday 8.30a.m. for 9a.m. start. Pairs. - 2 x 10 ends
You can keep “”Up to Date” with Maleny Club Newsletter at https://malenybowlsclub.com.au/newsletter.html
Maleny Calendar of Events 2026.
✦ Maleny ANZAC Day service - April 25th at Maleny RSL Hall + Maleny RSL Cenotaph
✦ Saturday 2nd – Monday 4th May, 2026, the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Writers Festival. Around various locations.
✦ Malenu Show: Friday 29th and Saturday 30th May 2026.
✦ Maleny Yarn Market Saturday 4th + 5th July 2026 Various locations around Maple Street, Maleny.
✦ Saturday 3 October 2026 Maleny Garden Club Spring Fair,
✦ DATE UNKNOWN AT THIS TIME: Maleny Arts and Crafts Autums Fair - Maleny Community Centre
To add your local organisation events to this list simply email details to: thegrapevine@westnet.com.au
Brush up on motor cycle skills
At the USC Auditorium and P1 Carpark, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs, Sunshine Coast on Sunday, 22 March 202 between: 8:15 am and concluding at 12:30 pm will be a short workshop to brush up on motor cycle riding skills. Just turn up to this free event.
Witta Recreational Club
Bar Open Wednesday afternoons 4.30pm to 6.30pm. All Welcome
Touch Season has started with the Canteen and Bar operating every FRIDAY Night from 6pm Available for Hire for Private functions – Birthday Celebrations – Weddings etc.
We are always looking for new members and volunteers. Contact us by email at. - presidentwittarec@gmail.com
https://issuu.com/Maleny-Grapevine-Community-News
Maleny SES looking for volunteers
Maleny State Emergency Service Group is looking for some volunteers to help get our community through the next disaster season.
You can put your desire to get involved to good use and serve our community. An easy way to do that by becoming a State Emergency Service (SES) volunteer.
Active SES members perform a diverse range of functions to respond to local, state and national disasters and emergencies. By joining the SES you may respond to many different types of activations as a result of disasters and emergencies.
An SES volunteer has an opportunity to participate in and develop a variety of emergency and rescue skills, including chainsaw operations, flood boat operations, road crash rescue and land search.
Not only will you be helping your community, you will make some great mates along the way.
Volunteers are given training to ensure that they have enough skills to be able to handle whatever task you need to do..
Maleny SES Volunteer group
Be
Prepared for severe weather events
What to do if you need assistance
For life threatening emergencies, call Triple Zero (000).For storm and flood related property damage.
Call the State Emergency Service: 132 500. To keep up to date with Emergency Warnings
Tune into warnings and updates from your local ABC radio and TV stations
Important Phone numbers for assistance during or after a major emergency service 132 500
When disaster strikes you need to follow the advice of authorities on staying put or evacuating and follow your emergency plan.
To find out where to find assistance during or after a major emergency service.
The Maleny Visitor Information Centre is a not for profit, long-standing, independent community service, run by volunteers. The Centre is a ticket selling agency for Maleny Film Society movie screenings along with a range of quality souvenirs and postcards, with a distinctively Maleny flavour along with information about places and events around the area.
The Centre is situated at 2/23 Maple Street, Maleny. It is open 7 days a week between 9.30am-4.00pm. Closed only on Good Friday and Christmas Day. If you have lost something on your visit to Maleny check with the centre as often items are handed in there. Phone: 07 5499 9033
To find out more about the Maleny Visitors Information Centre and talk to the volunteers or visit the web site: https://malenyinfocentre.edublogs.org/ In this year
There is a Recreational Group in Maleny and Surrounds that will cater for your desires!
WEEKLY COMMUNITY EVENTS!
Maleny Scottish Country Dancing every Monday 7 to 9 pm RSL Hall. Call 0432 251 606.
Social Tennis every Monday 8.00 am Witta Tennis Club. All Welcome.
Mixed Social Tennis every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 6.30am to 8.30am Maleny Showgrounds
Ladies Social Tennis every Thursday at 7.30am Maleny Showgrounds.
Maleny Bowls Club. – TUESDAY AM BOWLS, 8.30am for 9.00am . 2 games + morning tea $12 per player. Rink Winner Prizes. Visitors and players welcome. Call Joe 0401 987 900 to book your place
FRIDAY PM play SCROUNGERS ‘BOWLS WITH A MATE ’ 1pm for 1.30pm (winter), 2 pm (from November). Bowls can be provided. Call Wendy 0438 399 604.
Combined Probus Club of Maleny Inc. Meets every 4th Wednesday from February to November at 10.00 am at the Uniting Church, Landsborough Rd, Maleny. Contact malenyprobus@gmail.com or membership enquiries 0408070823
Muzika Maleny local musicians First Thursday of Each Month from 6.30 pm Maleny RSL.
Pattemore House Open House Morning every Friday 10.00 am - 12 noon 15, Porters Lane.
Diggers Dining every Friday evening 4.30 bar opens Maleny RSL.
Tennis Under Lights every Friday Witta Tennis Club. BYO drinks and nibbles Contact. Pauline 0428 253 070.
Hinterland Country Music Day. Second Saturday each month in the big shed at the Maleny Museum Precinct.
Maleny Trail Parkrun every Saturday 7.00 am Maleny District Sport & Rec Club House Maleny Precinct.
Witta Tennis Club Social Tennis every Saturday 1.00 pm. All Welcome.
Witta Wheels every 3rd Sunday each month 8.00 am - 11.00 am Witta Recreation Club
Maleny Markets every Sunday 8am to 2pm Maleny RSL.
Social Table Tennis every Sunday 1 - 5 pm Maleny High School Activity Centre. All welcome!
Combined Probus Club of Maleny Inc. Meets every 4th Wednesday from February to November at 10.00 am at the Uniting Church, Landsborough Rd, Maleny. Contact malenyprobus@gmail.com or membership enquiries 0408070823
Please email your weekly regular event to malenysportspark@gmail.com for inclusion every week
Today’s Thought
"Aging is not lost youth but a new stage of opportunity and strength.”
A Senior’s thoughty!
"You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream. "
