Truck trying to negotiate Obi Obi Road, Mapleton
Even though there appears no way for this true top proceed, with a little bit of thought, the closing of ObiObi Road for a short time and some determination this truck was soon removed from thi precarious position.
One lesson learnt is that it is not always wise to follow instructions given by an in car navigation system. Whilst these systems are of great assistance they can result in drivers being being directed onto closed or dangerous roads or roads that are not suitable for certain vehicles. Always comply with traffic advisory signs that indicate any road restrictions.
Maleny Shop Local News is free local Online Newsletter published online on the first and third Friday of each month at:
https://issuu.com/maleny-grapevinecommunity-news
Why not bookmark this site and come back regularly to check out local group’s news and Maleny District Sporting results and news. For Tablet & Phone users download the ISSUU App from your app store and search for Maleny Grapevine
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Electric Stoves in the 1940’s
Semi Trailer stuck on Obi Obi Road, Mapleton
On 4th November 2025, a semi-trailer became stuck attempting to travel down Obi Obi Road, Mapleton. The driver soon found himself in an impossible situation, not being able to continue down nor reverse back from where he came.
Although there are large signs at each end of this road warning that trucks and vehicles towing caravans not to proceed, unfortunately, this driver continued. This truck is not the first to be “captured” by the winding roadway.
On 3rd October 2008, the driver of a semi-trailer travelling from Brisbane to Kenilworth, full loaded, was using a GPS unit to direct his route.
Unfortunately, the GPS unit directed him via Obi Obi Road, Mapleton. Travelling around a curve in the road, the truck lost traction, and the trailer slid off the side of the roadway, turning both the trailer and the truck over.
On 11th May 2018, a semi-trailer became stuck on Obi Obi Road, blocking all traffic.
A RACQ spokesperson has urged drivers to use a GPS as a guide and not rely on navigation when it is more sensible to plan a route by referring to relevant maps prior to travelling.
Solar Panels wrecked in hail storms!
Recent hail storms have caused havoc with solar panels in South East Queensland over the past couple of weeks. This type of damage from hailstones of the size that was experienced does not come cheap./
Not only the panels damaged beyond repair the lost time and revenue from energy production as projects are offline for months of maintenance soon adds up to significant losses
One can only wonder what is going to take up the “electrical slack” should these disasters continue.
Around Glass house Electorate with Mr Andrew Powell M.P.
Progress on our commitment to protect Maleny’s Dark Sky Status!
A Dark Sky Reserve is one of the five designation types offered under the International Dark Sky Places Program which seeks to preserve and protect dark sites through responsible lighting policies and public education.
A Dark Sky Reserve could have many benefits and opportunities for the Sunshine Coast including supporting the health and wellbeing of Sunshine Coast residents and visitors . It will also attract visitors to the area and bringing economic benefits to surrounding communities associated with astrotourism.
Brisbane Astronomical Society already has a designated observatory – Maleny Observatory which is Australia’s newest astronomical observatory which is located on the Maleny Golf Course precinct because of the dark sky policy practised by tenants of the Maleny Precinct.
The mapped reserve offers prime locations for stargazing and astronomical studies.
Drone imagery was completed in September to map where existing lights need replacing across our state-
owned buildings. This data will guide a physical lighting audit starting this month, to finalise the work scope for each site.
By mid-January 2026, there will a final lighting replacement plan ready – with installation of dark-sky-friendly lighting set to begin in the first half of the year.
Hours
Around Division 5 with Cr Winston Johnston
To contact Cr Winston Johnston winston.johnston@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
Maleny District Park Plans released!
Maleny District Park plans were released on November 13th ensuring that the parkland is moving ahead. The plans were completed using community feedback to help guide the next stages of the project.
Community submissions were sought to help shape the design of a new district-level recreational park for Maleny, and the results show strong local engagement and enthusiasm for the park’s future. Community input assisted to refine the plan to ensure that it reflects the unique character and aspirations of the Maleny community. The new district park will be a place for our community to come to and enjoy the outdoors together
The project is now entering its next phase as $900,000 has been allocated to progress stage one of the park’s design.
They will be implementation under Sunshine Coast Council’s 10-year capital works program. Once finalised, the plan will be presented to Council for endorsement and shared with the community via the Have Your Say Sunshine Coast website.” Cr Johnson said.
The areas will be connected by an expanded trail network and supported by convenient parking.
He continued. “This is a park for the people of Maleny, and we’re committed to getting it right.
Just some local news from Fisher
Mr. Andrew Wallace Federal MP for Fisher
Fisher Community News
Does the Australian Citizen have a right to know what government departments are doing?
Right now, the Albanese Government is rewriting the rules of transparency, and if this doesn’t alarm you – it should.
We all remember the incoming Prime Minister promising a new era of transparency. But instead of openness, what has followed has been a steady decline, from minimal to zero consultation on major issues, to documents being withheld, to FOI requests redacted or refused. Now, the Government has introduced a Bill that will essentially legalise their culture of concealment.
The new Freedom of Information Amendment Bill 2025 gives this Labor Government the power to hide even more, delay longer, and charge you and the media more for access to information.
Labor calls it “modernisation.” It’s really legalised secrecy. Only one in four FOI requests are now granted in full, down from nearly 60 percent a decade ago. Eighty-nine percent of those approvals are redacted. In truth, just 5 percent of all requests are released without black ink.
The Government was even planning to ban anonymous requests altogether; a move that would have silenced whistleblowers and ordinary Australians alike. Th e Bill silences whistleblowers who once risked their livelihoods to expose waste, corruption and abuse of power. Under Labor’s new rules, they’ll be forced to identify themselves to the very departments they’re questioning.
This is a deliberate step away from honest government. Every major integrity organisation in Australia has condemned this Bill.
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/
https://issuu.com/Maleny-Grapevine-Community-News
On this day in history November 21st
November 21st held a number of important events in world history. One notable historical event was the first free balloon flight in Paris in 1783.
Thomas Edison announced his invention of the phonograph in 1877.
Another significant event was the assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin in 1995.
Also on November 21st, 1980, eighty-five guests died in a fire at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Nevada, and another 650 were injured.
All these events, in their own way, changed the way that the world operated.
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
Australia electricity has become too expensive for either manufacturing businesses or the domestic markets to continue as it is today!
Why is electricity so expensive in Australia? It’s a question many households and businesses ask as they face rising power bills year after year. The simple answer is the ageing infrastructure, network costs, and the slow transition to renewables.
Since 2007, retail costs have contributed to a 25% rise in electricity prices, but I can still see Queensland Premier Mr. Peter Beattie saying at the time the government privatised it that “Power prices will not one cent because of this move”. Immediately, another layer of bureaucracy went into the mix - how was that expected to be paid for without a price rise?
Data released in March 2025 shows that Australia has the ninth highest-costing electricity, even though it has an abundance of natural gas to create it. Ireland, Italy, and Germany have the highest-costing electricity.
Natural gas plays a vital role in Australia’s transition toward a lowor zero-emissions energy future. As a cleaner-burning fossil fuel, it produces around 50% less carbon dioxide than coal when used for electricity generation. This makes it an effective “bridge fuel” while renewable technologies such as solar, wind, and battery storage continue to expand and mature. By replacing older coalfired power stations with high-efficiency gas plants, Australia can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the short to medium term.
Natural gas also offers reliability and flexibility. Unlike wind and solar, it can provide consistent, on-demand power, helping to stabilise the electricity grid when renewable generation fluctuates due to weather conditions. This firming capacity supports a smoother integration of renewables and prevents energy shortages or blackouts.
In addition, Australia’s abundant natural gas reserves support domestic energy security and create export opportunities that strengthen the national economy. The development of cleaner technologies such as carbon capture and storage (CCS) can further lower emissions from gas-fired generation, making it compatible with long-term climate goals. Overall, using natural gas as part of a balanced energy mix allows Australia to reduce emissions responsibly while maintaining economic growth and energy reliability.
Truthful Jones says And he swears that it 100% trueNo Bulls##t”
Truthful Jones tells us that his nephew, a young man, Fergus O'Hara, was walking through a supermarket to pick up a few things when he noticed an old lady following him around.
Thinking nothing of it, he ignored her and continued on. Finally he went to the checkout line, but she got in front of him.
"Pardon me," she said with misty eyes, "I'm sorry if my staring at you has made you feel uncomfortable. It's just that you look just like my son, who has since passed on. You two would have been about the same age."
"That's a shame," replied Fergus, "is there anything I can do for you?”
"Yes," she said, "as I'm leaving, can you say 'Good bye, Mother!' It would make me feel so much better.”
"Sure," answered Fergus. As the old woman was leaving, he called out, "Good bye, Mother!”
As he stepped up to the checkout counter, he saw that his total was $127.50. "How can that be?" he asked, "I only purchased a few things!”
"Your mother said that you would take care of her bill," said the clerk.
Morale: Don’t worry about older women. They will always ensure that someone will come to their aid and take care of them.
Make Australia Make Again!
If you want to live in a country that builds things you have to buy things that your country builds!
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 you would need to do that D.I.Y. project!
Stevie’s mate; Cyril the 3m carpet snake is still missing!!!
It was a fine, sunny morning in the countryside, the kind where the grass glistened, the cows lazed about chewing like philosophers, and the air smelled faintly of manure and optimism. Behind the wheel of a lime-green Volkswagen Beetle convertible sat Stevie — a tan dachshund with a red baseball cap, sunglasses, and more determination than sense. Stevie normally is the security dog and people greeter
three days ago. The two were normally inseparable. Cyril liked to coil up in the passenger seat while Stevie drove them around to admire cows and complain about the price of dog biscuits. But now the seat was empty, and Stevie was on a mission.
As he zipped along the narrow country lanes, the wind flapping his long ears like twin flags, Stevie called out, “Cyyyriiiiil! You silly noodle! Where’d you slither off
A cow turned its head, blinked slowly, and mooed as if to say, “You’re barking up the wrong paddock, mate.”
Where could you be Cyril. You certainly are a slippery big thing
“Don’t sass me, Bessie,” Stevie muttered, tail twitching as he downshifted to take a corner at a speed that made the Beetle groan in protest.
He stopped at every paddock, poking his nose out the window to question sheep, chickens, and even a mildly offended magpie. Everyone had heard of Cyril — “the polite snake who helped herd ducks once” — but no one had seen him lately.
By afternoon, Stevie was low on petrol and patience. He parked
by a dam, flopped onto the grass, and sighed. “ Maybe he’s gone bush forever,” he said sadly.
Just then, there was a soft hiss from behind a long, familiar shape slithered out from under the Beetle — Cyril, looking smug and entirely unapologetic.
“Mate!” barked Stevie, leaping up. “Where’ve you been?”
Cyril gave a lazy shrug. “Under your car. Been there the whole time. Lovely bit of shade.”
Stevie stared. “Three months! I’ve been halfway to Nambour looking for you!”
Cyril yawned. “You always were a bit dramatic, Steve.”
Stevie huffed, wagged his tail, and said, “Get in the car, you overgrown shoelace. We’re going for ice cream.”
As they drove off into the sunset—the dachshund at the wheel, the snake coiled happily around the gearstick— the cows watched them go, shaking their heads.
Rural life had seen many strange things, but a dog driving a lime-green convertible with a snake as his co-pilot still topped the list.
6/14 Lawyer Street, Maleny. Ph 54942002 www.malenypaintsupplies.com
Hard Wax Oil for your precious woodwork will save the day!
My Hint to keep your wardrobe tidy and provide more storage Get a Shoe Organiser
Here is another of our favourite small space wardrobe storage ideas: the shoe organiser. You can use these practically anywhere—small wardrobe, apartments, pantries, walk-in closets, wardrobes. Anything that has a door, really.
Whether your shoe organiser goes over the door or is installed with hooks, the ample storage space is to die for. Oddly, we would never recommend hanging your shoes in a shoe organiser. Those are better kept in a shoe rack or shoe tower.
No, shoe organisers are better for accessories, like your knit hats and gloves, socks, lingerie, underwear, ties, makeup and toiletries, belts, and scarves. They are so multipurpose that you can get creative.
Talk to Brett at Maleny Paint Supplies - he can assist you to design one for you..
Maleny Paint Supplies is now making stand alone cabinets made to measure
We at Maleny Paint Supplies understands that your kitchen is the heart of your home, and your kitchen cabinetry must not only look stunning but also maximise space, providing ample storage and meeting your specific needs. With over 30 years experience, Brett recognises the importance of exceptionalquality craftsmanship with attention to detail, best quality materials, and innovative design, ensuring that your project is delivered to your specifications.
Call in and discuss your cabinet needs.
One Road Death is one too many!
So far this year, until November 20th, 2025, 311 lives have tragically been lost on Queensland roads – 9 more than the same time last year.
This includes 12 people lost their lives in crashes involving E-Mobility Devices. This is already the highest toll in 15 years. Maleny
The. Contract? With Tove Easton of Easton Lawyers, Maleny
The standard contract most often used in Queensland has been developed by the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) and the Queensland Law Society (QLS).
Usually, a real estate agent will prepare a standard REIQ contract for you to sign.
Be sure to get advice before you sign – send the draft contract and disclosure material to your solicitor to make sure they are correct and that they meet your needs.
The standard REIQ contract cannot deal with the individual circumstances of every transaction. If necessary, your solicitor can add special clauses to the contract, for example the: purchase may depend on the sale of your existing property; property is not subject to flooding; and sellers have obtained all necessary statutory approvals and complied with those approvals.
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.
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
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
Easton Lawyers are your Local Lawyers in Maleny, Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Queensland, Australia. Easton Lawyers. 62 Maple Street, Maleny. Qld. 4552 Phone. 0754943511. P.O. Box 255 Maleny. Qld. 4552. Email: reception@eastonlawyers.com.au
Our heartfelt congratulations goes to our very own Tove Easton who on November 5th was recognised by the Queensland Law Society, celebrating the milestone of 25 years as a valued member of QLS! This achievement speaks volumes about her dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to the industry, and the passion that she has in being a sole practitioner in a wonderful community such as ours.
Web Address: http://eastonlawyers.com.au/
Local Tradespersons
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
is easy to explore through Online Newspapers
https://onlinenewspapers.com/index.shtml
Maleny Farm Fest 2025
Don’t forget the inaugural Maleny Farm Festival which is being held on Saturday, 22 November 2025, 9:00 AM4:00 PM at the Maleny Show-grounds.
One of the exciting events is the Pallet Build-Off and is your team’s chance to show off ingenuity, teamwork, and hands-on building skills using up to four standard pallets. With just four hours on the clock, each team will design and construct a farm-useful item — from compost bins to tool chests to mobile carts to animal shelters to much more.
Also on display will be “cooking skills” with the “Great B.B.Q cookout”.
In the main pavilion there will be talks on rural health, farm safety, animal health, grazing management, expert panel discussing other topics so important to our country cousins.
This is a FREE entry event sponsored by the Maleny Show Society. Don’t miss it!!!.
Maleny Community Groups & When they meet!
Community Groups that form the back bone of the Maleny Community
Maleny Rotary Club
Meeting. Times
1st and 3rd Wednesdays. 6-30pm for 7pm
Maleny Hotel, Bunya St. Maleny
Email: secretary.maleny@rotary9600.org president.maleny@rotary9600.org
Maleny
Probus Club Meeting. Times
Maleny Uniting Church, Landsborough Road, Maleny
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 a community
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
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.
Coming
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!
into Summer - Camping Time!
Coleman Camping®: Inspiring connections between people and the outside since 1900. The Outside is Calling.
Maleny Hardware + Rural Supplies stocks Coleman Camping Gear.
Don’t forget your favourite pet this Christmas
We now have a new range of DOG BEDS, CRATES, dog, cat & bird accessories to keep your pets happy. So, don’t forget your favourite pet this Christmas. They are all important members of your family.
And don’t forget that Christmas is only a couple of weeks away!
A Good weekend for gardening! It's going to be a lovey weekend in the garden. We are open Sat 8am - 3pm. for all of your gardening needs.
HMAS Sydney was one of three Modified Leander class light cruisers of the RAN. Built for the Royal Navy, the cruiser was bought by the Australian government to replace HMAS Brisbane, and it was commissioned into the RAN in September 1935. The cruiser was 171.40 metres long and displaced 9,080 tonnes.
She was sunk on the 19th November 1941 in a battle with a German “Warship” with the loss of all 645 seamen.
On the 85th Anniversary the sinking “We Remember them All”.
T he Last Fight of HMAS Sydney 11.
he sun hung low on the western horizon on 19 November 1941, turning the Indian Ocean into a sheet of molten gold. The men aboard HMAS Sydney (II)—a proud Leander-class cruiser returning from a successful troop-escort mission to Sunda Strait—were settling into the familiar rhythm of late afternoon. The war felt far away here, a world of gentle swells and quiet confidence. Sydney had earned her reputation: sleek, disciplined, and undefeated.
TOn the bridge, Captain Joseph Burnett scanned the sea. To the southwest, a faint smudge appeared—slow-moving, solitary,
and oddly shaped. A merchant ship, it seemed at first glance. As Sydney closed the distance, signal flags fluttered in the breeze. The stranger responded hesitantly, claiming to be the Dutch freighter Straat Malakka.
Yet something felt wrong.
Below decks, Petty Officer Tom Hughes listened to the vibrations of the engines humming through the hull. He had spent enough time at sea to sense when tension coiled in the air. Word passed quietly through the mess: the captain suspected the ship might not be what it claimed.
As Sydney drew nearer, the details sharpened—the lifeboats mismatched, the hull weathered in the wrong places, the name painted unevenly. The “merchant” seemed to drift in the water rather than travel with purpose.
And then, in an instant carved
forever into history, the deception snapped.
The ship abruptly hoisted the German naval ensign.
Concealed panels clattered open, guns swinging out like iron claws. It wasn’t Straat Malakka at all, but HSK Kormoran—a heavily armed German raider disguised for ambush. The Kormoran's mission was to shun the limelight. It was converted from a freighter, she was well armed with guns, torpedoes, and mines, but this armament was carefully disguised so that only the closest scrutiny would reveal that she was not a merchant ship.
The Kormoran was also sunk, but 317 of its crew of 397 were rescued.
“Action stations!” The cry raced through Sydney as the first German shells thundered out.
The opening volley struck brutally. Kormoran’s 5.9-inch guns raked Sydney’s bridge and forward turrets before the Australian
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Continued from previous Page
cruiser could fully respond. Fire blossomed along the deck; steel screamed under the impact.
Fighting through the smoke, Sydney’s gunners brought their weapons to bear. Turret after turret roared, sending shells tearing into the raider. One struck Kormoran’s engine room, setting off fires that raced through the ship. The German vessel shuddered, crippled but still deadly.
But Sydney had taken terrible damage. The opening salvo had knocked out much of her command structure. Torpedoes launched from Kormoran slashed across the sea. One found its mark, exploding against Sydney’s port side. The cruiser lurched violently.
Below deck, Tom Hughes grabbed a bulkhead to steady himself as the ship shuddered. Emergency lights flickered. He heard the hiss of steam lines rupturing, the roar of distant flames, and above it all the relentless thunder of gunfire.
Still, the Australian sailors fought back.
Turret X fired again and again, its crew working in choking smoke and blistering heat. Shells tore into Kormoran’s superstructure, igniting her stores and setting the disguised freighter ablaze from bow to stern. German sailors scrambled to abandon ship as their raider began to die.
But the price had been catastrophic.
Sydney rolled, burning fiercely, her bow low in the water. Life-rafts were smashed, communications shattered, and the wounded ship—her proud silhouette now a jagged ruin—began to drift away from the battle.
Men still fought to save her. Fire parties formed, hoses spraying seawater onto infernos that refused to die. Others carried wounded shipmates through debris-strewn passageways. Tom helped drag a young signalman to the aft deck, where the night air was thick with smoke and the acrid scent of burning fuel.
But even courage could not hold back fate.
As darkness deepened, Sydney’s bow sank further. Water poured through torn steel. With a slow, tragic inevitability, the cruiser began her final descent. Some men leapt into the sea, clinging to floating wreckage. Others stayed with the ship they had served so proudly.
Tom watched the stars vanish behind a veil of rising steam and smoke as Sydney slipped beneath the waves—silent at last.
By dawn, only scattered debris drifted across the vast Indian Ocean. During her time as a raider and before sinking HMAS Sydney the Kormoran sunk eleven merchant ships for a total of 68,274 tons gross.
No Australian survivors were ever found.
The loss of HMAS Sydney (II)—645 souls—became one of the nation’s greatest wartime tragedies.
For 12 days after the sinking, the Commonwealth government maintained the strictest secrecy about the loss of the Sydney.
This delay in announcing the loss of HMAS Sydney led to a suspicion that information was being concealed. Was this delay strengthened that suspicion?
The lack of any real explanation when the announcement did come, and by the secrecy which surrounded the official investigation of the disaster, only prolonged the length of that suspicion.
Continued from previous Page
Her wreck would not be located until 2008.
American shipwreck hunter David Mearns first learned of Sydney and Kormoran's battle and mutual destruction during a conference in 1996 and started studying the battle in 2001. In March 2008, Mearns, operating for both the German and Australian governments, started searching for the wrecks. The Kormoran was located during the afternoon of 12 March 2008, and then, using calculations applied from the battle and initially supplied by German survivors, he located HMAS Sydney 11 at 11:00 on 17 March 2008.
She was found resting peacefully on the seabed, the final chapter of a story written in bravery, misfortune, and the unforgiving reality of war.
The only accounts of the action are from the Kormoran's survivors. An official government report on the loss of HMAS Sydney, which was tabled in the
federal Parliament in June 2000, was placed on the public record.
The Department of Defence held another HMAS Sydney II Commission of Inquiry in 2009. This drew on evidence not available at the time of the Parliamentary Committee inquiry. The Commission’s report was released on 12 August 2009.
The controversy over the loss of the Sydney continued to trouble many Australians even to this day.
Much of this information comes from several inquiries about the sinking of HMAS Sydney 11 and books of research from a Department of Defence Inquiry and Mearns, many published articles about the search for the Sydney.
The main memorial for the loss of on Mount Scott at Geraldton, Western Australia.
Locally distilled whisky presented to Queensland Governor & Speaker
How many of us knew that there was a prestige whisky distillery in Montville?
This week in Parliament Local Member for Glasshouse Mr Andrew Powell presented a bottle of Stillmaker And Sons Distillery Whisky to both The Speaker of Queensland Parliament and the Governor of Queensland. It is hoped that it may appear on the menu of both Parliament House and Government House in the near future.
“Distilled right in the heart of Montville, it truly is an exceptional whisky. If you haven’t had the pleasure of trying it for yourself, you don’t know what you’re missing!” Said local M.P. Mr Andrew Powell. Follow them up at https://www.facebook.com/stillmakerandsonsdistillery
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.
https://issuu.com/Maleny-Grapevine-Community-News
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/
Maleny Businesses recognised in 2025 Sunshine Coast Business Awards
Once again Maleny businesses come to the front and show just how they perform when providing their services to the Sunshine Coast community. The business awards are in their 30th year. At the 2025 Sunshine Coast Business Awards a number of Maleny businesses were recognised.
Maleny Cheese took out the Large Food and Agribusiness Category. Maleny Cheese has just celebrated 21 years in operation in Maleny and continues to impress locals and tourists to the area.
Maleny Botanic Gardens and Birdworld won the Experiences Category for large businesses.
Maleny Dairies was inducted into the Sunshine Coast Business Hall of Fame following their winning their category three plus years in a row.
Gregson and Weight Funeral Directors who provide compassionate professional services to so many Maleny community members was also recognised in the Professional Services for Large Businesses. Congratulations to all local businesses!!!.
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
November 2025
BUSY NEEDLES 6th and 20th
INDOOR BOWLS 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th
DROP IN NO DROP IN NO Drop In 7th, but then 14th, 21st and 28th
COMMITTEE MEETING 17th probably at Marilyns
GENERAL MEETING … 24th at Baroon Pocket Dam
(If the weather is not good we will meet In the Verandah Room) please bring a Plate to share for morning tea then a Sausage sizzle lunch 930am Sausage sizzle … 6th. Movies … 20th 230pm Sausage sizzle …2nd Movies … 16th … 2pm Cost $5
December 2025
BUSY NEEDLES 4th Christmas Party)
INDOOR BOWLS 1 3rd 10th and 17th
DROP IN 5th, 12th and 19th
COMMITTEE MEETING … NONE - maybe a cuppa Somewhere
GENERAL MEETING NONE.
Movies … 21st. - 2p.m. (5.00)
“Most happenings at seniors start at 9am unless otherwise specified.
For more information phone Margaret on . 0409 266 507.
Don’t forget Maleny Farm Festival 2025
The inaugural Maleny Farm Fest will be held on Saturday 22 November between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM at the Maleny Show-grounds.
This is a FREE event and is a full-day celebration of rural life. Why not join win the fun?
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
Inside hot cars not for “child minding”
Leaving small children inside cars alone is not a child care option. Children are particularly at risk because they can lose fluid quickly, become dehydrated and suffer from heatstroke.
The latest death of a child left inside of a car in Cairns shows just how dangerous it is.
The RACQ said that tests showed there is no safe situation in which to leave children unattended in a vehicle as car interiors can reach up to 75 degrees on a typically Brisbane day of 32.5 degrees.
Maleny Calendar of Events 2025.
✦ Woodford Folk Festival at Woodfonia. - Sat Dec 27th - Thur Jan 1st 2026.
To add your local organisation events to this list simply email details to: thegrapevine@westnet.com.au
The RACQ spokesperson also said, “Tinted windows, a sunshade, or even the windows slightly open, fails to reduce the cabin temperature by a significant amount.
On a hot day, a car parked in direct sunlight may reach temperatures that are dangerous to a child in less than one hour.
Always do a check of the vehicle to see it is empty before remote locking – it is easy to make a mistake and accidentally lock them in.
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.
https://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/Living-andCommunity/Community-Safety/Disasters/emergencies
Maleny Visitor Information Centre
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
https://www.esafety.gov.au/newsroom/whats-on/safer-internet-day-2023
Local Groups News
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
WEDNESDAY- 6 pm. TWILIGHT BOWLS & BURGER. $17 p.p. Bowls only $12 p.p. Learners welcome, bowls provided. Call Wendy 0438 399 604.
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
“70 is the perfect age to reflect on a life well-lived and to look forward to the adventures yet to come."
A Senior’s thoughty!
“"Always remember, we are never too old to realise a new goal or dream”
Look at the road - even in those days it was a two lane carriageway, apart from that there are power lines running along the side of the road indicating signs of modern living. Plain to see just how far we have come in under 100 years.
