The
WELCOME TO A NEW YEAR
OLD TIME COUNTRY HALL DANCE
Dance is one of humanity’s oldest resilience practices, older than written language, carried in the body like rhythm in the bloodstream. There are so many health benefits to dancing with others too! Moving together reduces stress, improves heart coherence, and lifts wellbeing through endorphins and social connection. In community halls and village gatherings across the world, dance builds adaptive capacity as people synchronise, co-regulate, and remember their sense of belonging.
Right here in the Mary Valley, the social dance scene is stepping back into the spotlight.
March 7th and 21st will be busy for Old Time Dance enthusiasts and patrons at the Kandanga Public Hall, Mystique is the band playing from 7pm till 11pm— maybe longer if requested on the night. Bring a plate to share for supper; tea and coffee will be provided. The venue is air-conditioned for patron comfort, especially useful on these hot summer evenings! Entry is $15, with raffles and a lucky door prize drawn on the night.
Spread the word! All welcome.
With the community’s call to hold more dances, we’re letting movement lead the revival. The much-loved musician Chris will still play the 3rd Saturday dances from April to November.
And if luck sparkles on our side and the dances are wellattended, April may mark the start of two dances per month, held on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month for 2026. Come for the music. Stay for the connection. Leave lighter than you arrived and with newfound fun and friends!
We hope to see you at the March dance. All welcome. qqq
COMMUNITY SPIRIT
Most locals know Joyce and her amazing Christmas display on Moy Pocket Rd that she shares free each year with the public. Well this month, Shane's handyman service put some new step treads on for Joyce "the Christmas lights lady" and screwed down some lose boards on her deck. The wood and work was donated free of charge.
Shane said, "They aren't the same size but I had the treads and they are safe now to walk on"
A comment on social media said, "Shane you're amazingly kind thank you so much from the community for doing this. If anyone needs any work please pay it forward and get Shane for any odd jobs."
Shane is available in the region for general maintenance work, landscapung, welding, fencing and odd jobs. He can be contacted via the number below.
This advertorial is a free spot from the Mary Valley Voice Community News Association to acknowledge the contribution of Shane to our 'local legend' Joyce (who featured in the December issue.) Let's celebrate this kind of community spirit that builds our region.
HISTORICAL: SEEKING 6 VOLUNTEERS
KENILWORTH TRIVIA
1. What year was Kenilworth Township land subdivided and sold at auction?
2. Who was Isaac Moore?
3. Who were the Radical Socialists Living on the Mary?
4. Who opened the first motor garage in Kenilworth?
5. What year was the Kenilworth township connected to the electricity grid?
6. When was the first Kenilworth Provisional school opened?
7. Who was the first teacher appointed to the original Kenilworth Provisional School?
8. Who tendered for land that became Kenilworth Run in August 1850?
9. Who was the Mary River named to honour?
10. What year was the Kenilworth Farmers Association formed?
2025 KENILWORTH RAINFALL
Kenilworth received a total of 1483.5 mls of rain during the whole of 2025. This fell over 142 days. The wettest months were March, April and November.
~ Michael Pfeiffer
KENILWORTH POOL
The Kenilworth Pool Committee would like to thank the Chook Chase for their generous donation towards our Community Swimming Pool.
The Chook Chase takes many months of planning and Volunteers to make it a successful weekend, so thank you to each and everyone that contributed.
If you could answer any of these trivia questions you may well be suited to work as a volunteer guide at Kenilworth Historical Museum.
Kenilworth Museum owes its longevity to the hard work of so many people – far too many to acknowledge in one document. The history of the district is unique – from its first white settler, through the rationalist socialist days and pineapple rebellion, to say nothing of the community spirit that built halls, churches, showgrounds, swimming pools, retirement units, a bowling club and even purchased the land for the town park. It is this small museum that is the repository of all this history and the place where the community can learn more of our town and our district
Without the support of volunteers the museum would not exist. For the museum to continue past 2026 it is essential that more people from the community put themselves forward to greet visitors for the tour of the museum on a Sunday. The tour has been recorded on
handheld devices that visitors may take themselves on a self-guided tour. All it takes is the ability to warmly welcome the visitors and show them how to switch on the recorded tour. If six volunteers come forward it would mean only one Sunday spent at the Museum every 6 weeks.
If you feel you have the necessary skills and the desire to meet so many interesting people from all over the world, please make contact by emailing kenilworthmuseum@ gmail.com or phoning Lenore on 54723090.
~ Lenore Meldrum, President, Kenilworth and District Historical Assn Inc.
~ Hans Schinkel, Kenilworth Pool 00 pm to 5 00 pm
Graham Brennan
COMMUNITY NEWS & STORIES
CHEERIO FROM THE CHURCHES
Both St Luke's and St John Bosco's churches welcomed locals and visitors to their well attended celebratory services on Christmas Day.
The Rev'd Kaye Pitman celebrated the Eucharist at St Luke's where we were blessed to have noted musician, Kim Kirkman, providing the music for sung responses , always a beautiful feature at Holy Communion.
Once again St Luke's Christmas Hampers were gratefully received by Anglicare in Nambour and Erowal at Maleny. Sincere thanks to all who donated so generously.
Sunday HC services are held at 9am at St Luke's.
Christmas Mass at St John Bosco's was a happy occasion with Fr Odinaka presiding and Deacon Adrian assisting. Despite the recent rain and warm conditions, fresh flowers added to the festive occasion.
Alma helped set up the Nativity Diorama two days beforehand. In Costa Rica, baby Jesus is placed in the stable on Christmas Day. Children await gifts from the baby Jesus on Christmas Eve and Santa Claus has less significance.
Fr Odinaka is now in Nigeria to spend time with family and friends. Liturgy will continue to be celebrated during January. Parish website has updated information ( nambourcatholics.net.au)
Sunday 4 January was an especially joyful occasion at St Luke's as we celebrated Rev'd Kaye's 90th birthday with family and friends at morning tea. Amid lots of fun and laughter, Rev'd Kaye blew out her birthday candles (no, not 90 of them!) and cut the cake for all to share. Rev'd Kaye is one of the very first women priests ordained in Queensland and is greatly loved and respected by the Kenilworth parishioners.
To all our friends and visitors , St Luke's and St John Bosco's send best wishes for a happy, healthy and peaceful 2026.
~ Cheerio from the Churches
uuu
Photos of Rev'd Kaye's 90th birthday celebrations.
LOCAL TRADES & BUSINESSES
NATURE & ECOSYSTEMS
FEBRUARY IS COMING - AND SO IS THE ‘ARMY’ OF FROG FINDERS. JOIN THE TEAM!
Frogs are so easy to love! They are endearing with their permanent smile, are non-threatening and relatively easy to observe. Many species are key indicators of a healthy environment so it’s important for us to keep an eye on them and ensure their welfare.
The Find a Frog in February citizen science program is entering its 10th year and has a large community of over 2,250 people from all over the program area (Sunshine Coast, Noosa, Gympie and Fraser Coast council regions) who have been looking for frogs and submitting their observations, often through annual monitoring of their favourite site. Over the past 9 years ‘Froggers’ have sent in 25,375 records of 39 species.
Across the world over 40% of frog species are threatened! The program area is home to over 45 frog species; 10 of these are listed as threatened or have sadly already disappeared. Frogs are easily affected by changes in the air, water and land. Collecting information on their whereabouts and the habitats they use helps us to better manage the whole environment to protect them into the future.
We offer these suggestions to help your local frogs:
• Make your frog observations count – submit your photos and/ or call recordings to Find a Frog in February at findafrog@mrccc. org.au . A frog expert will identify it/them for you and lodge the record.
• Monitor one or more sites for frog presence and numbers every year during February.
• Keep some areas ‘messy’ – logs and branches, leaf litter, rock piles, tall grass, etc. (a ‘high-rise’ structure provides homes for more life than a single story ‘dwelling’).
• Keep pollutants out of the environment – chemicals travel easily in water that flows across the land, along drains and through the soil profile. Soap is a frog’s enemy!
• Consider protecting and reinstating wetlands (billabongs/ swamps) that are grazed and/or have been drained or modified.
• Provide water – ponds, dams, swamps, depressions that fill when it rains, creeks – all with a variety of vegetation, structures and even some bare areas.
• Don’t move eggs, tadpoles or frogs about – this increases the risk of disease spread.
• Disinfect your shoes and equipment if moving between water bodies to stop the spread of frog diseases (use 1% bleach solution for 1 minute or dry items out completely between sites).
• Keep your cats indoors at night as they hunt frogs and other wildlife.
• Know the difference between cane toads and native frogs and take care if you are controlling cane toads.
• Act to reverse climate change (see 10 actions at https://www. un.org/en/actnow/ten-actions).
There are three ways to send in your frog observations:
• The FFF record sheet is available at https://mrccc.org.au/frogin-february/ – complete and send photos and/or recordings to findafrog@mrccc.org.au for identification, verification and entry to the Queensland WildNet database.
• Join the iNaturalist ‘Find a Frog in February’ project and submit your photos and call recordings.
• Join the FrogID ‘Find a Frog in Feb – MRCCC’ group to submit your call recordings.
For more information go to http://mrccc.org.au/frog-in-february/
HAPPY FROGGING from the Find a Frog in February Team - we look forward to hearing from you!
Find a Frog in February is proudly supported by the Sunshine Coast Council, Noosa Shire Council, Gympie Regional Council and the Fraser Coast Council, and delivered by the Mary River Catchment Coordinating Committee.
Images: Eastern sedgefrog (Litoria (Drymomantis) fallax – photo by Ruth Hucko ABOVE
Alice Walters with friendly Giant barred frog – photo by E. Ford (MRCCC) BELOW
ALL ABOARD THE MARY VALLEY RATTLER
SPECIAL AUSTRALIA DAY TRAIN RIDE
What can be more “Aussie” than a heritage train journey through the Mary Valley, one of Australia’s most picturesque and goldplated landscapes?
Strewth, I can’t think of anything to beat that.
The special Australia Day service on the Mary Valley Rattler provides passengers – young and old – the opportunity to take their own trip back into Australia’s heritage past.
The Monday 26 January service will depart Gympie Station at 9am for its scenic journey through the Mary Valley to Amamoor. It will return to Historic Gympie Station by midday.
And to maintain the heritage theme, passengers will be able to enjoy a true-blue Aussie Day feed at the cute historical village of Amamoor, including the classic snag on bread (available for purchase on the day), while watching the locomotive being turned around on the turntable.
Riding on the 1920s-era C17 steam train is like stepping back in time to a slower era when the Mary Valley railway line was the driving force of the community and local economy.
PRICKLY PEAR CACTUS
Prickly Pear is the general name given to several cactus species in the genus Opuntia. Opuntia are often large cacti, identifiable by their broad flat fleshy pads, armed with sharp spines. Except for one species, all Opuntia are restricted plants under The Biosecurity Act 2014 and must
not be sold, given away or released to the environment. The Biosecurity Act 2014 requires that all sightings to be reported to Biosecurity Queensland within 24 hours.
To overcome Spain and Portugal’s stranglehold on the cochineal industry, Britain introduced Prickly Pear Cactus to Australia on the First Fleet. The attempt failed, as all the cochineal insects died. The Prickly Pear however lived on, eventually covering over a quarter of a million square kilometres across the east coast of Australia. Growth in some areas was so dense as to be completely impassable for hundreds of kilometres. Physical, mechanical, and chemical controls were either prohibitively costly or ineffective.
In 1925 the first shipment of the moth, Cactoblastis cactorum, arrived in Brisbane. Earlier trials showed the moth only attacked
The Rattler's 46-kilometre round trip starts at Gympie and, after crossing over the Mary River, chugs its way rhythmically around an abundance of curves, across bridges and numerous gentle hills.
Perfect for the whole family, ticket prices for the Australia Day service are $69 for an adult, $37 for a child, with a special family ticket covering two adults and two children available for $180.
A VIP carriage is also available with premium inclusions such as a local tasting plate to enjoy on the journey, paid bar service, and lunch with a drink on return at Gympie Station from $159 pp. The Rattler is wheelchair accessible. The Mary Valley Rattler is more than a train ride: it’s a half-day adventure into history.
DETAILS
DATE: Monday 26th January 2026
TIME: Train departs Platform 1, Historic Gympie Station at 9am
ADDRESS: 10 Tozer St, Gympie 4570
COST: From $69 Bookings and further details: (07) 5482 2750 or www.maryvalleyrattler.com.au
Opuntia species and the first two million eggs were released in February to March 1926. By November 1929 over 389,000,000 eggs had been reared and released, or redistributed from field sites. By 1932 the Prickly Pear infestations had collapsed, and as the Prickly Pear died out, so did the moth. The success was beyond anyone’s expectations.
Fast forward to 2026 and Prickly Pear still appears from time to time. When the fruit is eaten by birds, seeds can spread over long distances and infest other areas. It is important to identify plants as soon as possible to prevent further establishment.
~ The Weed Whisperer
LOCAL ADVERTISERS
“Sheridan
For
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
CREATIVE OPPORTUNITIES
SUNSHINE COAST, QLD – D.I.V.E. Theatre Collective is proud to announce the launch of its 2026 season, delivering a bold program of professional contemporary, multicultural theatre.
Guided by a mission to strengthen connections and effect meaningful transformation through diverse, investigative, visceral and enlightening theatre experiences, the 2026 calendar offers purposeful training for professional artists, theatre lovers, and community members.
2026 Season Highlights:
• Young Artists Physical Theatre Residency (14-17 January): Specifically for young artists aged 12–25, this intensive residency provides a professional platform to explore physical theatre and collaborative creation. Participants work under expert mentorship to develop an original devised performance.
• D.I.V.E. Community Open Day (31 January): A free event welcoming the community to trial upcoming workshops through free taster sessions. The morning includes a shared community lunch and a grand draw for D.I.V.E. merchandise and a 2026 Training Membership.
• Dancing With Words (21 March & 18 July): A workshop investigating the poetic body and the embodiment of text. Participants explore the intersection of language and movement to find a deeper connection between the spoken word and the moving self.
• School Holiday Theatre Program (8 April & 1 July): Tailored for younger creatives aged 6–14, this program invites children to devise original scenes and build confidence through playful physical storytelling.
• The Art of Presence (23 May): A deep dive into the physical body as the primary source of creativity. This workshop focuses on nonverbal communication, spatial awareness, and the visceral power of presence. D.I.V.E. Theatre Collective info@divetheatre.com www.divetheatre.com
• Theatre of the Oppressed Intensive (31 August – 4 September): A five-day intensive training in the Boal method, using theatre as a vital tool for social change, community dialogue, and empowerment.
Ongoing Opportunities:
To support long-term artistic development, the D.I.V.E. Training Membership provides an all-access pass to the year’s workshops, exclusive discounts, and special event access. It is designed for those committed to elevating their craft within a vibrant, purposeful artistic community.
"Our 2026 season goes beyond performance; it explores the profound connection between the body, the community, and the stories that shape us," says Cesar Genaro, D.I.V.E.’s Artistic Director. "We invite everyone— from professional artists to curious theatre lovers—to create with us, regardless of your background or the language you speak."
Registrations & Details:
For full program details, workshop registrations, and residency applications, visit
www.divetheatre.com.
Tell me two names; both start with the same letter; an anagram of each other; both in red; one portrayed as very negative, one as very positive; both have magical powers. Who are they?
(Can you get it? Answer on THE NEXT PAGE p.12)
REGIONAL NEWS & POLITICS
Community News
Stay informed, entertained and ready
With increased chances of flooding, potholes, overflowing bins, and cool events you don’t want to miss – now’s the perfect time to download the Sunshine Coast app!
Whether you want to click on the ‘Disaster icon’ to sign up for emergency notifications, report community issues directly to Council in seconds, have real time access to road work info or discover what’s happening across the region – it’s easy! Download the Sunshine Coast App for free from the App Store or Google Play today.
Running out of ways to keep the kids active and smiling these holidays?
Council’s Summer School Holiday Guide has you covered with family friendly events to suit every age, interest and budget. From the Mary Cairncross rainforest and its new Forest Sensing exhibition to the Wild HeART Student Art Prize – 2025’s Finalists’ Exhibition Trail and the mobile rock-climbing wall at the On the Heights exhibition, there are loads of creative nature play activities, the kids will love! See the full list on Council’s website.
Watch Council’s next Ordinary Meeting View online on Council's website or at Sunshine Coast City Hall Chambers on 29 January at 9am.
Our region's beloved arts fest is back!
From 1–10 May, the Horizon Festival 2026 will be back with bold programming and experiences for locals and visitors of all ages and tastes. So whether you’re an artist or arts lover, mark your calendar and save the dates. Be the first to find out when opportunities and updates drop. Subscribe at horizonfestival.com.au and follow @horizonartfest.
Let’s give our turtle hatchlings a clear run into the ocean
‘Clean Up for the Hatchlings’ kicks off from 6am, Saturday 31 January across 18 beach clean-up locations from Caloundra to Coolum. Every piece of rubbish collected will help clear the way for these vulnerable marine animals as they race toward the sea. Register on Council’s website, today!
Get the latest Council news delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up for the OurSC enewsletter.
sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au 07 5475 7272
CR DAVID LAW DIVISION 10 – SUNSHINE COAST COUNCIL
I wanted to thank the Kenilworth Leaders for their time and participation in our meetings. Below is my update on the various items raised at our meeting last year.
Public Waste Bin Services: We have 23 public bins located throughout Kenilworth - 23 x 240L waste bins and 1 dog bag dispenser in Kenilworth Town Park. They are serviced five times per week - Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Public Amenities: Kenilworth Town Park cleaned daily. Kenilworth Dunny (Isaac Moore Park) cleaned 5 times a week - Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Kenilworth Museum cleaned once a week - Thursday. The toilets have soap dispensers.
Transport Levy: On 20 April 2009, Council resolved to introduce a public transport levy to help accelerate improvements to local public transport services and infrastructure and to promote patronage. This levy was restructured to a transport levy in 2014. During this time the levy has delivered a range of activities that have led to improved services. The Levy funds the Kenilworth Community Transport Service and Flexilink Services.
Horizon Festival will return to Kenilworth 2026. No other details available yet.
Streetscape: I have provided your collective feedback to the placemaking team as they are considering the scope of works for the next stage being planned within funding program It is still expected that the pedestrian crossings will be constructed during next year. I do not have any other details as this is a TMR State project. It is hoped that the ongoing streetscape project will occur concurrently to enhance the overall outcomes and reduce the disruption in the town centre. As the initial concepts for the next stage of the streetscape come together these plans will be shared with this group.
And if you do not already know…. Lonely Planet Toilets of the World now includes the Kenilworth Designer Dunny (Isaac Moore Park) along with two others from Australia.
Date Claimer: Our next proposed meeting is on Wednesday 4 March 2026 at 10:30am in Kenilworth - more details to come closer to the date.
Please contact me with any questions or comments at email: david.law@sunshinecoast. qld.gov.au and follow my Facebook page for regular updates: @DavidLawDivision10.
HASTINGS STREET REVAMP, AS AGEING COASTAL BUILDINGS FACE INCREASING PRESSURES TO UPGRADE
McNab Building Services has completed a full structural and aesthetic renewal of Number One in Hastings Street, Noosa Heads, responding to growing demand for specialised remediation and upgrade works across South East Queensland’s ageing coastal properties The project, undertaken on behalf of the property’s body corporate, represents a top-tobottom revitalisation of the 24-apartment complex at one of Australia’s most recognisable beachfront addresses.
Head of McNab Building Services (MBS), Dan Moore said, “Across Australia we’re now seeing the impact of long-term under-investment in maintenance of coastal and strata buildings. When preventative work is delayed, the coastal environment quickly compounds issues like corrosion and water ingress, often resulting in upgrade costs up to four times higher than the maintenance program. All eyes will be on Queensland in the lead up to and during the Brisbane 2032 Games and expectations will be high that these buildings are looking their best. This, along with the increased pressure on the construction industry to deliver the infrastructure needed for the Games, means body corporates and owners of tourism assets should be investing now.
WOMENS' CIRCLES
Project of local Feminine Empowerment organisationThe Starseed Sisterhood - is now in it's fifth year running. Women of all ages and stages in life are welcomed into their signature 10-Moon Journey (Feb-Nov 2026). Meeting monthly for intimate circles and ceremony as well as a consciously crafted online portal, participants learn valuable tools and processes, and grow their connection to self, others and nature. Check out their website for testimonials and more information. qqq
will continue these for a few
Starseed women at Booloumba Creek
HELP OUR OCEAN HATCHLINGS THRIVE
HOW YOU CAN HELP OUR OCEAN HATCHLINGS THRIVE
As turtle hatchlings prepare to emerge from their nests along the Sunshine Coast, you’re invited to take part in a hands-on conservation effort to help give these tiny creatures the best possible start.
Sunshine Coast Council, in partnership with Reef Check Australia, Kabi Kabi Peoples Aboriginal Corporation, Noosa Council and Bribie Island Environmental Protection Association, will host the 12th annual Clean-up for the Hatchlings on Saturday, 31 January 2026.
This annual event encourages volunteers to join early morning beach clean-ups across the region, from Coolum to Caloundra and Bribie Island, to remove harmful debris that poses a threat to nesting turtles and their hatchlings.
Following the clean-up, volunteers will be welcomed to a thank you gathering at Coopers Lookout Park in Buddina, where they can enjoy a free barbecue, educational displays, and familyfriendly activities. Environment and Liveability
Portfolio Councillor Tim Burns said the event was a meaningful way for residents to unite and contribute to local conservation efforts.
“We’re proud to be a turtle-friendly community, and this experience is a chance for people of all ages to take direct action to protect our coastal wildlife,” Cr Burns said.
“So far this nesting season, we’ve recorded 52 nests laid across our beaches. By removing debris, we’re helping ensure these hatchlings have a safer journey to the ocean.”
Working together for our environment:
An important part of Sunshine Coast Council’s role is to maintain and enhance the region’s natural assets, liveability and environment. Council encourages residents to join local conservation programs and remember that everyday actions matter. Each beach visit is an opportunity to protect hatchlings and other wildlife by avoiding litter and helping keep our shores clean. Everyone is encouraged to think carefully about how they dispose of their waste and look for ways to minimise it, because reducing waste at the source is a simple and effective way to protect our environment.
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Saturday, 31 January 2026
Time: 6am beach clean-ups, 7:30am to 10:30am thank-you event
Locations: Various beach locations between Noosa, Caloundra and Bribie Island
How to Register:
Volunteers are encouraged to register online by searching ‘Clean-up for the Hatchlings’ on Council’s website. The event is single-use plastic-free, and participants are asked to bring reusable items, enclosed footwear, gloves and sun protection.
The collected debris will be weighed and sorted to demonstrate the tangible impact of the community’s efforts and help identify where waste comes from, encouraging long-term reduction.
Event schedule:
6am: Beach clean-up at your chosen location
7:30am – 10:30am: Thank-you event at Coopers Lookout Park, Pacific Blvd, Buddina, featuring: Free barbecue for clean-up participants
Kids’ activities corner
Educational stalls
Presentations and talks
1897m2 3 1 3
OH HOW SWEET IT IS!
A Timber Cottage, a shed and a shack!
The perfect rural setting awaits you at 176 Goomong Road, Kandanga.
This very cute timber cottage is complimented by a delightful front porch reminding you of an era where time passed slowly and peacefully. With restored timber French doors, polish original floorboards inside and painted exterior chamfer boards, this cottage does blend perfectly into the landscape.
Two spacious bedrooms, plus an additional study that could be used as a third bedroom or home office if needed.
The open plan kitchen and dining areas open out onto the rear deck, another area to relax and admire the uninterrupted outlook.
A welcoming living room is completed with gas convection heating for the colder months. This room is gener-
ous in size allowing space for those who prefer to decorate with antiques and treasures of yesteryear.
A combined bathroom and laundry that also has the benefit of direct access to the rear deck.
A well-constructed steel frame shed on a concrete slab sits behind the house with good side access. This shed is ideal for the home handyman and yet still has plenty of room for vehicles. Extra height and ease of access this shed is very advantageous for those who need to store their Van or Motorhome.
In addition to the shed is an old timber shack that is perfect for storing non valuable items. The shack has been sitting there for a very long time just waiting for someone to come along
and restore it. The possibilities here have great scope.
A near level block consisting of 1897m2 that comes fenced on three sides (new fencing). Very fertile soil that is evidenced by the large productive farming land that surrounds it.
With little to no road noise and the benefit being on a no through road; this one offers everything there is for a country rural lifestyle without all that land to manage.
