Maleny Grapevine Community News and Maleny District Sports Club Results for the period to 06.02.2026
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.
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Published by Maleny Paint Supplies Pty. Ltd Shed 6/14 Lawyer Street, Maleny. 4552 Contact Phone 0754942002
Over the past 30 days there have been 3638 Page Impressions with a read time of 3min 08 secs
Contact for advertising
Email thegrapevine@westnet.com.au or phone Les at Maleny Paint Supplies on 54942002.
What every young boy wanted in 1930
Twinnies, Bridgette and Paula Powers visit Los Angesles
We all know of Bridgette and Paula Powers, also know as "The Twinnies" from Landsborough. The 51year old twins are well known around our area for rescuing seabirds, particularly pelicans and rehabilitating them at their sea-bird hospital at Landsborough. They witnessed a serious, armed incident in front of their animal rescue service on Monday, April 21, 2025 and a news telvision interview on interview they spoke in perfect unison about the dramatic, nearby carjacking.
Whilst locals know of and are used to their unique, synchronized, and earnest communication style it led to international fame, when Jimmy Kimmel of Jimmy Kimmel Live! saw the clip. He described this news clip of their interview as the “2025 Clip of the Year,”
He then invited the twins to Los Angeles for a special appearance on his show.
The Twinnies hope their resurgent fame from the viral video will help raise awareness about their efforts to save seabirds.
Extensions at Maleny Golf Course well underway
The Maleny Golf Club is undertaking a new project that will see extensions to the clubhouse. The earthworks have recently been completed and the club-house is expected to be operational by mid 2026.
The Club's new clubhouse project is expected to cost around $1.7 million and todate the work is on time and on budget.
The project utilises a modular design, allowing for efficient off-site prefabrication of the building and a rapid “erection day” on the course. The clubhouse has now included anexpansion of the building's original footprint from 422 to 483 square meters, future-proofing the clubhouse for at least the next 10-15 years.
https://issuu.com/Maleny-Grapevine-Community-News
Around Glass house Electorate with Mr Andrew Powell M.P.
Don’t get caugfht by scammers posing as Members of Parliament
Scam Alert
The Queensland Parliament has become aware of scammers contacting Queenslanders by text message and email while falsely claiming to be their local Member of Parliament. These scammers use photographs of MPs as profile images to create legitimacy and then offer a fraudulent “welfare payment”.
Offer a fake welfare cash payment
They claim that the constituent qualifies for financial support and request bank account details so the payment can be “processed”.
Demand an upfront payment
The scammer states that a cash payment or gift card is required before the welfare payment can be released.
Vulnerable members of the community are often targeted. Encourage them to speak up if they receive suspicious contact.
Verify any unusual contact
If you receive a message claiming to be from your MP, contact their Electorate Office directly using the official contact list Member List | Queensland
Parliament to confirm any such interactions, no matter how much the caller protests that it is not necessary. Office staff will appreciate your caution.
Gambling Community Benefit Fund
Round 126 of the Gambling Community Benefit Fund is now open. Groups across the Glass House electorate are encouraged to apply for funding, to help deliver projects and activities that are important to our community.
Whether it’s a small charity or a much-loved footy club, every dollar awarded helps support the work these organisations do.
Round 126 offers grants up to $35,000 to support not-for-profit groups and will close on February the 28th 2026.
POLITICAL COMMENT MADE BY
Qld Premier David Crisafulli
“On the burning of the National Flag”
“It’s about as disgraceful as you get … It’s a symbol of who we are as a nation, we should be proud of our flag.”
To contact Cr Winston Johnston winston.johnston@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au L G A Q Certificate for service to Local Government
“On January 29th, Cr. Johnston was presented by the Sunshine Coast Mayor, Ms Rosanna Natoli, with the LGAQ Certificate of Service for 14 years in Local Government.
"Cr Johnston’s dedication to our region spans more than four decades, beginning with his first election to the former Landsborough Shire Council in March 1982. Representing Division 2 — including Maleny and Landsborough — he went on to serve three consecutive terms until 1991.
During his nine years on council, he was appointed Chair of the Planning and Development Committee for six years and played a key role on the Caloundra–Maroochy Water Supply Board during the construction of the Baroon Pocket Dam, its treatment plant, and distribution pipelines.
His commitment to strengthening our region extended well beyond council chambers. He
represented council on the Sunshine Coast Tourism and Development Board for five years, contributed to the Sunshine Coast University Planning Committee for another five, and represented the State on the Sunshine Coast Regional Hospital Board.
After returning to public office in 2020, Cr Johnston was elected as the Division 5 Councillor for Sunshine Coast Council and was proudly re-elected in 2024.
Throughout his time in local government, he has been a strong advocate for the Hinterland — championing increased funding to seal gravel roads, supporting new and improved community facilities, securing funding for invasive weed management, and ensuring responsible and sustainable financial management across council.”
Have you noticed the new “Protecting our Koalas” sign on Reesville Road, Reesville? This program is to ensure our iconic koalas remain a visible part of our landscape.
Just some local news from Fisher
Mr. Andrew Wallace Federal MP for Fisher
Fisher Community News
“Finally!, I have the 2026 “gum boot throwing” title”
The Andrews were back at it at the Maleny Australia Day Show, going head-to-head in the gumboot toss at the Maleny Showgrounds. The federals led the states by at least a gumboot length. Spending time up in the hinterland at the Maleny Showgrounds on Australia Day, soaking up the community spirit and celebrating everything that makes Australia special is one of the more enjoyable tasks of being the local Federal Member for Fisher.
Scams, including banking scams, are rising across Australia, and older Australians are being deliberately targeted. This is not because people are careless or uninformed, but because scammers are increasingly sophisticated, organised, and persistent.
Recent findings from the Australian National Audit Office and the Privacy Commissioner confirm that data breaches and scams are increasing across government and the private sector. Personal information held by agencies, banks and online platforms is being targeted, and once data is exposed it can be misused months or even years later. The best protection is knowing what to do from the outset. IDCARE is Australia’s national identity and cyber support service. They provide free, confidential assistance if your identity or personal information has been compromised. Their website: https://www.idcare.org Phone: 1800 595 160.
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/
“ Panorama of Dixon's Dairy, Maleny, Blackall Range 1890’s”
The Dixon family managed cattle, calves and pigs on their dairy farm. Following World War I, dairying entered a boom period.
The second Maleny Butter factory was constructed on 12 acres of land, which was to be donated by Mr Thomas C. Dixon, but Mr T.C. Dixon died before the land transfer was completed and his heir, son, E.T. Dixon, required the exchange of 60 paid up shares in exchange for the 12 acres.
The building was erected by Mr Nelson Hay for 4000 pound, with machinery and plant costing a further 4000 pound.s
Maleny Service Centre
On this day in history September 6 th
Did you know that on February 6th, 1851 Black Thursday, marked the first recorded catastrophic bushfire in Victoria.
The summer of 1850 to 1851 was long, hot and dry, with fires burning for weeks on end. On that day, Melbourne experienced temperatures reaching up to 43 degrees and strong winds blowing in from the north.
The fires spread from Barwon Heads all the way into South Australia. In total, five million hectares were burnt. This resulted in 12 deaths and the loss of an estimated one million sheep and thousands of cattle. Thus it has always been!
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
Destroying the Australian Flag is traitorous!
Australian matriarch aand olympic idol and superstar, Dawn Fraser recently said that people who burn the Australian flag should be jailed or deported. Anyone who burns our flag does not respect our country. If they don’t respect our country, if they come from another country they should be sent back to where they came from and Australians who burn our flag should go straight to jail.
Making the burning or deliberate destruction of the Australian flag a criminal offence can be justified on civic, cultural, and social cohesion grounds, while still recognising the importance of free expression in a democratic society.
The Australian flag is not merely a piece of cloth; it is a national symbol that represents shared history, sovereignty, sacrifice, and collective identity. Under it, Australians have served and died in war, represented the nation internationally, and marked moments of national unity and mourning. Deliberately destroying the flag in public is therefore not a neutral act of expression but a symbolic attack on values and institutions that many citizens hold deeply and sincerely.
Criminalising such acts can serve a legitimate public-interest purpose: protecting national symbols that underpin social cohesion. Liberal democracies already restrict certain forms of expression where harm to public order or social harmony is likely. Flag burning is often designed to provoke, inflame, or humiliate rather than to contribute constructively to political debate. When carried out publicly, it can escalate tensions, incite disorder, and deepen social divisions, particularly during periods of heightened political or cultural stress.
There is also a strong argument based on respect. While dissent and protest are essential to democracy, they need not rely on acts that deliberately offend and alienate large sections of the community. The law already protects symbols of cultural and religious significance from desecration; extending similar protection to the national flag is consistent with this principle. Importantly, such an offence need not suppress legitimate criticism of government or policy. Protest, satire, and political speech can remain fully lawful through countless other means— speech, writing, assembly, and peaceful demonstration. Criminalising the burning or destruction of the flag draws a clear boundary between robust democratic debate and acts that undermine shared national respect.
In this sense, protecting the flag through law is not about silencing dissent, but about affirming a minimum standard of civic respect in public life.
Truthful Jones says
And he swears that it 100% true - No Bulls##t”
Truthful tells us that his niece, a blonde walks into a bank in Brisbane and asks for the loan officer. She says she’s going to Europe on business for two weeks and needs to borrow $5,000.
The bank officer says the bank will need some kind of security for the loan, so the blonde hands over the keys to a new Holden SS ute.
The car is parked on the street in front of the bank; she has the title, and everything checks out. The bank agrees to accept the car as collateral for the loan.
The bank Manages and his officers all enjoy a good laugh at the blonde for using a $70.000 car as collateral against a $5,000 loan.
An employee of the bank then drives the Holden into the bank’s underground garage and parks it there in a high security area.
Two weeks later, Truthful’s niece returns and repays the $5,000 and the interest, which comes to $15.41.
The loan officer says, “Miss, we are very happy to have had your business, and this transaction has worked out very nicely; but we are a little puzzled. We checked you out and found that you are a millionaire. What puzzles us iswhy would you bother to borrow $5,000?”
The blond replies..... ”Where else in Brisbane can I park my car for two weeks in a high security area for only $15.41 and expect it to be there when I return?”
Morale; Never judge a book by the cover. There can be a lot more between the covers that is not always readily evident to the unsuspecting.
Australian Owned and made brands of Ultra-Premium paints for any project
It was a crisp Australian morning when Postman Andy turned off the main road and onto a quiet country lane lined with gum trees. The sun was just beginning to rise, throwing long golden streaks across the fields. Andy’s red Honda 90 postal bike buzzed steadily along, its panniers filled with letters, parcels, and the day’s deliveries. Riding proudly in the back basket was Stevie — a small tan dachshund with a big attitude and an official-looking Australia Post cap perched neatly between his floppy ears.
Stevie had been Andy’s delivery partner for nearly three years, and the pair were
mailboxes to see the little dog in his red cap, while farmers waved from their gates as the duo rolled past. But on this particular morning, their dependable Honda began to wobble and sputter before lurching to a stop. Andy sighed, swung his leg off the seat, and took one look at the back wheel. “Flat tyre,” he muttered.
Stevie jumped from the basket with purpose, tail wagging, ready to assist. He sniffed around the wheel, gave a few investigative snorts, then looked up at Andy with a bark that clearly said, “ Well, let’s get on with it!” mate. You fetch the tools, I’ll lift her up.”
From the small red toolkit also strapped to the back of the bike, Stevie carefully tugged at a ragged glove until Andy took the hint. Together, they worked in rhythm — Andy loosening the bolts, Stevie keeping guard and occasionally nudging the wrench closer with his nose. The air smelled of warm asphalt and eucalyptus, and the sound of birds filled the air as they worked.
After patching the tube and pumping it full again, Andy tightened the last nut and gave the wheel a spin. Stevie barked in approval, his tail sweeping furiously. “Good job, partner,” Andy said, slipping him a dog biscuit from his jacket pocket.
A few minutes later, the Honda roared back to life, its engine humming smoothly once more. Stevie leapt back into the basket, cap slightly askew but pride intact. As they rolled off to finish their rounds, the sight of the postman and his loyal dachshund assistant summed up the heart of country Australia —teamwork, good humour, and the simple joy of doing the job together.
As they went, they were playing Christmas songs on Andy’s transistor radio because next week was Christmas. Every person Andy saw, he waved and called “Merry Christmas,” whilst Stevie gave a happy bark.
Being Aussie 2026
What a great fun day at the 2026 Aussie Day at Maleny!
On Australia Day, Australians should consider!
Australia is a hodgepodge - a crazy melting pot of different cultures — and that should be celebrated — but only if we’re all on the same path. Australians have a lot to be proußßßd of every day. it’s a great country. If you don’t think so then leave!
Make Australia Make Again!
If you want to live in a country that builds things you have to buy things that your country builds!
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 exceptional-quality 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.
Why does life have to be so difficult for a dog or man?
…just another day in the life of Stevie the security dog at Maleny Paint Supplies!
Have you ever had digital problems and all things electric and digital just throw you a curved ball? Is it just me or these things always happen just when you are expecting an important email or need to pay an urgent account via the internet.
Trying to get customer service over the phone from Australia had become Stevie the daschound’s unexpected extreme sport. It all started when his internet modem began flashing like it was auditioning for a disco revival. Naturally, Stevie called the support number printed on the bill, brewed a coffee, and settled in for what he optimistically thought would be a quick fix.
After navigating a cheerful robot menu that insisted on calling him “Steee Viee,” he was finally connected to a polite operator located somewhere roughly twelve time zones away. The line crackled like a campfire, and every third word arrived five seconds late, creating a conversational rhythm best described as interpretive dance.
and the name of his first goldfish, Stevie was finally transferred… back to the main menu.
Two hours later, Stevie’s internet mysteriously fixed itself. The modem lights returned to normal, likely out of sympathy. Stevie, however, now twitched slightly whenever he heard hold music.
Stevie thought that digital technology was supposed to make life easier, even for a dog.
Stevie discovered this was not the case and everything that could go wrong would all whilst trying to reset his password for the fourth time before breakfast.
His laptop insisted his new password must include a capital letter, a symbol, a number, a hieroglyph, and the emotional memory of his first human master.
After finally succeeding, the system congratulated him by asking him to confirm he wasn’t a robot by identifying traffic lights in photos that clearly contained bicycles, pineapples, and possibly a confused alpaca.
It must be remembered that Stevie the deschound had never been to a city to see traffic lights nor had he ever seen or knew what a pineapple was. He had recently been introduced to a confused alpaca at Engle’s End Farm, Reesville so that one was alright.
“Please turn off the modem and… sir?… and please wait… sir?”
Stevie obediently unplugged it.
“Now, please confirm if the lights are on.”
“Well… it’s off now.”
“Excellent, sir. That means it is working.”
Stevie blinked slowly while contemplating his life choices.
The operator then asked him to locate a tiny reset button described as “slightly below the slightly lower small hole near the other small hole.” Stevie spent ten minutes crawling around the floor with a paperclip while the cat supervised with deep scepticism and a lot of harrassing.
After repeating his account number, postcode, mother’s maiden name, favourite sandwich filling,
When he finally logged in, the website announced it had updated overnight and required him to download three new apps just to open settings.
Oh!!! just to be able to go back to a simple dog’s life!.
The year is 1930 and insufferable matriarch Barbara Paige Turner has been murdered after summoning her entire family to the launch of her explosive tell-all memoir. Everyone wanted her dead, but can your team figure out who actually did it?
Why not assemble a table - team of 6 to 8 sleuths to interrogate the suspects and crack the case!
The night will take place at the Maleny RSL, 1 Bunya St, Maleny on Friday February 6th commencing at 5.30pm for a 6.00pm start and the cost is $35 per person.
The night will be a Potluck Dinner so “Bring a Plate”, hopefully full of food to share. Drinks will be available for purchase from the bar. Why not dress up in 1930’s style to help celebrate the night. Whilst dressing up is not compulsory it is definitely encouraged!
Further information is available at: admin@schwritersfestival.com.au
Selling or buying a property!
Here are a few things to consider during the process With Tove Easton of Easton Lawyers, Maleny
It has hardly gone unnoticed there’s a bit of a stampede underway from the more intensely COVID affected southern states to the beautiful and considerably less affected Sunshine State.
However as physics tells us everything has an equal and opposite reaction and in this case that result has been a different kind. The outbreak of a whooper of a property boom in South-East Queensland!
Fourteen Day Finance
Pre the current frantic market, the standard Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) Contracts which document the bulk of house, townhouse, unit, apartment and rural land and building sales in Queensland had an average finance approval time frame of about fourteen days. However, due to the massive increase in demand currently being placed on real estate agents, finance brokers, banks and other financial institutions [should I include law firms and government agencies] twentyone days is the minimum and it can take longer to get finance approval.
This being the case the flood of Southerners moving north expecting a quick settlement may have unreasonable expectations about how quickly their new property will move through the settlement process, as Queensland always had a reputation for fast thirty-day
settlements as opposed to the slower Southern states.
And we did, in a normal market. But this is not a normal market cycle and Queensland notwithstanding a highly advanced electronic property titling system, can only work as fast as the people within it.
The Pest in Inspections
While I hope by now ,I’m starting to preach to the choir, while we are delighted to have you join us here in the best state in Australia, not that we don’t all love a trip to the south for skiing, shopping, eating and well, all the other great stuff you have on offer… we just prefer to live here in Queensland (I’ll spare you the slogan).
So, another hurdle you will need to climb over to come join us here in the beautiful north will be the timing of your inspections.
While we have a great many well qualified building and pest inspectors, when sales are happening at the rate they are during a property boom as we are currently experiencing, there are going to be delays.
There are a finite number of qualified inspectors and at the moment an infinite number of properties to be inspected.
So like the finance when purchasing in Queensland be mindful that you allow at least 14 days for if possible for property inspections, noting to the purchaser that it is difficult during this boom to get a booking due
to the overload of work at present.
Better to ask up front now than try to negotiate and extension under the contract and have it fall over after you have told your family and friends you’re moving to the beautiful Sunshine Coast.
Thirty Day Settlements a Myth
Once upon a time (pre COVID) in Queensland the wonderful magical land settlement on a contract only took 30 days even if subject to finance.
However, now post COVID, mid property boom, mid overloaded finance infrastructure and inspection systems the reality is closer to forty-five days for settlement.
Snail Mail
Now I mentioned above that we are pretty darn tech savvy here in the Sunshine State. So we might like to spend our days sitting under a palm tree sipping a cool one, but we do it with a laptop while designing code!
So the bulk of our conveyancing in Queensland is electronic, none of this waddling off to a registry office nonsense we just press a button and it’s done.
However, the law is still a bit ancient and try as it would to keep up with the modern world
Continued next page
Selling or buying a property!
Here are a few things to consider during the process With Tove Easton of Easton Lawyers, Maleny
(and it is trying) it does from time-to-time lag behind just a bit.
One area where it can lag is verification of identification. There are restraints on verifying identification for example, that require law firms to ‘physically’ view or witness certain items. This means we must rely on good old snail mail.
If any of you have tried using mail lately, you will know that the term ‘express’ can be a tad exaggerated, further slowing down the process of the contract progressing to completion.
No Quickies in Queensland
So I guess my conclusions are and my advice to those of you moving north (as you should) from the Southern states to beautiful
Queensland is this, the quicky settlement days of Queensland are in the past.
While we are pretty much COVID free we are suffering from a bit of cue of folks wanting to get through the border bubble and into our trouble-free sunshine filled zone.
So while we welcome you with open arms, please exercise calm and patience as there are an awful lot of you in the cue and we will serve you as quickly as we can.
Should you need assistance with property or any other legal matters in Queensland please contact Easton Lawyers.
Easton Lawyers Contact details are:
Easton Lawyers
62 Maple Street, Maleny. Qld. 4552
Phone. 0754943511
FAX: (07) 5494 2477
P.O. Box 255 Maleny. Qld. 4552.
Email: reception@eastonlawyers.com.au
Web Address: http://eastonlawyers.com.au/
Easton Lawyers are your Local Lawyers in Maleny, Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Queensland, Australia. The practice has had a few name changes over its 30 plus years but has been owned by Tove Easton, Principal Lawyer since 2007.
Visit our web site to find out more about our areas of expertise
Maleny has a number of choirs for new or experienced singers
Have you ever had the desire to join a choir and sing your heart out?
Malenyite Kim Kirkman conducts three different choirs in the Maleny area, and one of them is sure to suit your singing voice.
The Maleny Inspiration choire rehearses on Thursdays at the Anglican Churmch, Walker Drive, Maleny each Thursday between 9a.m. and 10.30a.m. The Project choir also rehearses there on Thursdays between 11a.m.and 12.30p.m. Find out more from Kim by phone 0431560929
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
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!
Blundstone Boots are quite possibly, the most durable, most comfortable boots ever made
Blundstone was established in 1870 and despite growing to become one of the world's most recognisable boot brands, the company remains Tasmanian.
Blundstone Boots are rugged, with their own natural beauty and distinctive look and feel. Built tougher than they need to be, they reflect the place they’re from.
Blundstone's sole construction is designed and engineered to reduce fatigue and orthopedic problems in the lower limbs because deliver underfoot comfort systems providing superior shock absorption and comfort.
Call in today and ask about our Blundstone Footwear!
We also stock the following clothing and footwear!
Blundstone boots
Trade wear - King Gee
Gumboots for adults and children
Raincoats and umbrellas
Sloggers (in loads of colours & patterns)
Bamboo socks
Hats
Sunglasses
Lee Kuan Yew was the first and longest-serving Prime Minister of Singapore . It was his leadership that transformed Singapore from a third-world country into one of the wealthiest countriess in the world. In rhetoric 1980’s he critised Australia for its lack of improving productivity and satisfied itself by living on the benefits of mining and turned the country into one that survived on social security.
Today we are regretting those days when governments had an unlimited supply of cash but did not put any into upgrading infastructure or saving for harder times.
Today’s gevernments still do not see the problems they have and continnue to cause thus bringing down Australian’s standard of living.
We are witnessing something deeply saddening and profoundly unsettling: an industry built on hard work, sacrifice, and generations of dedication slowly collapsing under pressures that no honest family business should ever have to endure.
Every week—sometimes every single day—another manufacturing, building, or trucking company announces administration or liquidation. Businesses that have carried this country for decades are closing their doors. Companies built by families who poured their lives into them… suddenly gone. And it isn’t because these people lost their drive or their commitment. It’s because the pressures bearing down on them have become simply impossible to survive.
Constant government demands, crippling taxes, regulations that shift faster than small operators can adapt. Other companies slashing rates so low that no one
can make a living, dragging the whole industry down with them. A nationwide labour and skill shortage for businesses as operators desperately search for skilled people who just aren’t there.
For so many, coming to work every day has become an exhausting uphill climb. The spark that once kept these family businesses going is being smothered by obstacles they had no hand in creating.
And let’s be clear: these are not just companies. These are family legacies. They are built on early mornings, late nights, missed holidays, and sacrifices that most people will never fully understand.
For fifty years, sixty years or more, these business operators have stepped up for Australia—through fires, floods, pandemics, and every challenge thrown their way. But now? They’re weary. They’re drained. And for the first time,
many are saying, “We can’t keep going like this.”
So I ask the question that echoes across this entire nation: When will the government finally recognise what these family companies do for Australia? When will they acknowledge the essential role they play, the pressures they are under, and the simple truth that without those various businesses, this country cannot function?
It is heartbreaking to watch longstanding companies and businesses that have survived economic downturns, industry changes, and decades of challenges—shut their doors not because they want to, but because they feel they have no alternative left.
Every closure isn’t just a business lost. It is knowledge lost. Jobs lost. Community lost. It is another piece of our industry
Today, Australian citizens individually immediately owe many thousand dollars to pay off foreign debt when, with some earlier prudent financial planning by governments, Australia should have a wellfinanced future fund for future infrastructure. The very small future fund that Australia has is set aside to pay future pensions for past politicians and top bureaucrats.
Anything that we did have as Australian assets, various governments have sold off for one-off cash hits to fund social services. Services such as the Commonwealth Bank, Telstra, spare government land, and anything else governments could flog off.
Inventions such as WIFI, various medical developments, and other inventions, normally funded through bodies such as CSIRO and universities, were also sold off to international corporate companies so that they could make the profits. Australia’s entire economic future was being built on Asian demand for its resources.
When you look at Australia today, you will see something that should be disturbing the Australian nation, that fortunately is blessed with unimaginable natural wealth but whose economy is stagnating. Australia does not even process the abundant raw materials that we have, then sell it to other nations and companies. Unfortunately, Australia is populated by people who seem too content to simply dig it up and sell it off. No innovation, no intensity, just coasting on geological luck.
Australians have high consumption, low savings, low competitiveness, high current account deficits, and high debt, and this is brought on by the fact that this nation has always had everything that it needs in abundance.
No longer is Australia the lucky country. Australia’s economic standing is in freefall; for example, its
economic complexity index has crashed from 64th in the early 2000s to 1,105th in the world, a ranking below Uganda and Senegal, confirming its status as a simple raw commodity economy. Productivity has flatlined with living standards and disposable incomes falling.
Australia’s national debt is at a record high. It was how they spent it; Australia has built a massive welfare state that entrenched a high-cost environment. This was all by various politicians to buy votes and thus remain in power. No or little thought for Australia’s long-term future.
It is time—long overdue—for our leaders to step up, listen, and act before the very foundation of Australian manufacturing industries are eroded beyond repair.
Australia now has the highest interest rates in the developed world, which is a problem as our government debt approaches $1t, our productivity remains stagnant, and inflation creeps up again. The reason inflation is up again is because the government cannot seem to control spending, nor improve Australia’s woeful productivity performance. As we progress through 2026, Australians all must look at the financial situation of this country and impress on our politicians that our future people need us to get our noses out of the trough and get back to some real money-making enterprises. Did we really vote for this?
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/
School has a new Chaplain
Former Maleny High School Principal and now Maleny High School
Chaplaincy Committee Chair, Paul Tarbuck has announced that the school now has a new Chaplain, Jess Brumley. She replaces Chaplain Donna Turner who had been serving the needs of the school for four years.
The Chaplain provides a supportive, non-judgmental presence for students, staff, and families, addressing issues like anxiety, grief, and family breakdown..
Chaplain Jess will be working at the school on Tuesdays and Fridays each week. She is providing essential encouragement and assistance to the young learners who are new to Secondary Schooling.
Parents are encouraged to contact Chaplain Jess to discuss their childs chaplaincy needs jby phone the school on 5499 8111 or email: info@malenyshs.eq.edu.au
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
February 2026
BUSY NEEDLES 12th and 26th
INDOOR BOWLS 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th
DROP IN 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th
COMMITTEE MEETING … 16th at Marilyns
GENERAL MEETING 23rd at 9.30a.m..
Movies … 22nd. - 2p.m.
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.
This morning I accidentally changed the GPS voice to male. Now it just says “It’s around here somewhere. Keep driving.”
“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.
✦ Beyond Bunya Dieback SymposiumMaleny Community Centre - Fri February 27th 8.30a.m. to 4.30p.m. Tickets at: https://events.humanitix.com/beyond-bunyadieback-symposium-connecting-people-forcountry/tickets
✦ 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 FairMaleny Community Centre
To add your local organisation events to this list simply email details to: thegrapevine@westnet.com.au
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 Maleny Club on 5494 2335 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
"One day you will look back and see that all along you were blooming."
A Senior’s thoughty!
“"Wrinkles will only go where the smiles have been.”
“Roads in Maleny may have Improved!” Landsborough - Maleny Road. - Who knows?
Reg Sallaway's truck, in Church St, now Bunya Street, Maleny. Probaby in front of where the High School is now. This photo is not dated. It shows that some of the roads may have improved slightly over the years.
Bunya Street, Maleny in this location remained dirt based until the mid to late 1980’s.
The Local Shopper will be digitally published on the First and Third Friday of each month via the ISSUU web site. To subscribe email: thegrapevine@westnet.com.au
