WHATS ON?!? - LET US
EMBER AND HARVEST WEEKEND
Kenilworth ARTS COUNCIL
WINE
You can nearly smell the Smoked Beef and hear the rattle of the boards in Kenilworth Hall. Less than ten days to go until Uncle Bob's Jug Band fires the rhythms of the Boot n Scoot! Quench yourself with a Dark and Stormy or a Whiskey Sour and treat yourself to a night of Kenilworth Country.
And this is just the beginning; Wildfire and Wine on Saturday night will take you through the weekend and embody the spirit of the Ember and Harvest Weekend. With gourmet delights and wine to match. For those who have something left in the tank, on Sunday, mellow with a wine and enjoy an afternoon at the Kenilworth Dairy, painting, sipping and grazing! The Ember and Harvest Weekend is a signature event sponsored by the Sunshine Coast Council.
Kenilworth Dairies, Kenilworth Arts and Chamber of Commerce are proud to bring this to our town.
Get in quick almost no tickets left! Book via Humanitix QR code u
A LETTER TO OUR COMMUNITY
For more than 35 years, the Mary Valley Voice has been telling the stories of our region.
Each month, 2,500 copies are printed and distributed free of charge throughout the Mary Valley and beyond. They are picked up by locals, visitors, newcomers, long-time residents, and people who simply love this corner of the world. Through our online edition, stories from Kenilworth, Imbil, Kandanga, Amamoor, Brooloo, Conondale, Cooroy and surrounding districts are also reaching readers across Australia and around the globe.
What many people may not realise is that producing a community magazine is becoming increasingly challenging. Like many organisations, we are experiencing rising printing, paper, and distribution costs. For many months now, the Mary Valley Voice has been operating at a financial loss, this is not sustainable, even for a not-for-profit.
We have deliberately kept advertising rates affordable because we believe local businesses, community groups, and events deserve an accessible platform to connect with our community.
The Mary Valley Voice is not funded by large grants or government programs. Despite being community-focused and volunteer-driven, we are often considered a business for funding purposes, which means many grant opportunities are simply not available to us. As a result, the magazine's future depends largely on the support of the very community it exists to serve.
If you enjoy reading the Voice, there are several ways you can help.
• Send us your community news. Tell us about local achievements, school events, sporting successes, fundraisers, milestones, and the people making a difference in our region. Community submissions are welcomed and published free of charge.
• If you own a business, please consider advertising with us. Every advertisement helps keep local stories in print and supports the ongoing production and delivery of the magazine. Businesses can also sponsor a page or section of the publication, helping us continue to provide a free magazine for the entire community.
• Consider joining the committee of the MVV!
• Pick up extra magazines at the post office or drop off points and place them in high-traffic areas - coffee shops, waiting rooms, etc so we can reach more people.
• Most importantly, keep reading, sharing, contributing, and encouraging others to do the same.
The Mary Valley Voice has always belonged to the community. It is a reflection and a physical data-bank of who we are, what we value, and the stories that connect us, for over 34 years now! In an age of digital distraction and keyboard warriors it is more important than ever to celebrate print media.
With your support, we hope to continue sharing these stories for many years to come.
Thank you for being part of the journey.
~ The Mary Valley Voice Committee
For further information on advertising rates or to submit community news contact the editor at
HISTORICAL: RING, RING...
TELEPHONE HISTORY – HOW THE DISTRICT KEPT PACE.
The first Queensland experiments with telephone were conducted in Brisbane on January 26, 1878 leading to the first successful telephone call to Ipswich. This was followed by the first telephone exchange in Queensland at the Brisbane General Post Office in June of 1880.
While urban adoption grew rapidly, rural Queensland initially faced high costs and long distances. The first country exchange in Australia was established at Maryborough in 1882, with 32 subscribers, qhatlas.com.au. Subsequent exchanges opened in Townsville (1883), Rockhampton (1884), Bundaberg (1886), and Charters Towers (1891), gradually extending the network across the state.
The first report of a telephone connection to Kenilworth was published in the Telegraph newspaper on 24 March, 1900 on page 9:- The telephone flood warning line between Kenilworth, in the upper Mary Valley, and Nambour is now practically completed and we understand that Mr. Henderson, hydraulic engineer will shortly make an official inspection of the work.
Historic Note: John Henderson was employed as a hydraulic engineer for the Qld Government between 1893-1914. The recommendation for a telephone connection came from the Commission of Inquiry into the 1893 flooding of Brisbane when it was realized that the floodwaters in Kenilworth reached Gympie 12 hours later and an early warning system could save lives and property.
The Belli telephone exchange was reported as having opened in September 1924. (Nambour Chronicle 26.9.1944, page 4). Gheerulla telephone exchange opened for business in November, 1924 and closed to the public on July 12, 1965. (Nambour Chronicle 14.11.1924, page 9). The Booloumba exchange was first installed in the Nicholls home in the 1930’s and transferred to Mrs Burns Booloumba Store in 1942. This telephone exchange closed on April 8, 1964.
1896 Mt Ubi Receiving Office was opened with Mr Duncan Beattie as the Receiving Office Keeper (ROK). This office was closed in April 1926 when it moved to premises in the new township of Kenilworth in the care of Mr Frank Rodgers. The role of postmaster was transferred to Mrs Catherine
p Booloumba Post Office and telephone exchange housed in Mrs Burn store - opposite the little Yabba rest area. The 1955 floodwaters rose to the ceiling in this store.
Rodgers on August 18, 1927 (PMG official documentation) who continued in that position until 1956. The role of Postmaster has passed through the hands of a number of families since 1926. They include Mr & Mrs George Pagan who took the reins from Mrs Rogers in 1956, followed by Col and Joyce Greer, Clare Stevens in 1966 and Betty Paton who was the incumbent when the telephone service became automatic in 1982 and the Kenilworth post office and telephone exchange as we knew it ceased to exist.
In 2026 there is no longer the need for manually operated telephone exchanges with the latest technology at one’s fingertips. If only Telstra could enable 4G to come to my property and connect to my medical alert pendant I would feel happier and safer.
Learn more of our telecommunication history any Sunday at the Historical Museum, Alexandra Street from 10 a.m.
~ Lenore Meldrum, President, Kenilworth & District Historical Assn Inc.
by Graham Brennan
COMMUNITY NEWS
KENILWORTH ARTS COUNCIL LOOKS TO A CREATIVE FUTURE
The Kenilworth Arts Council gathered on 21 June with members and new faces to share ideas for strengthening arts, culture and community connection across the region. The meeting was filled with enthusiasm, with members exploring ways to build on the wonderful events already happening while dreaming up exciting new opportunities for locals and visitors alike.
Ideas included everything from a Mary River Poetry Trail, sculpture installations, a Festival of the Night Sky, lantern parades and community theatre, to puppet festivals, family art circles, photography workshops and creative gatherings for all ages. There was also strong interest in celebrating the town's rich history, including First Nations stories and local heritage, while continuing to support regular workshops, book clubs and collaborative projects with the Kenilworth Library and the Mary River Catchment Coordinating Committee.
A key theme of the discussion was collaboration - bringing together local artists, community groups, businesses and volunteers to create engaging experiences that celebrate the unique character of the Mary Valley. The committee looks forward to developing these ideas further and welcomes anyone interested in becoming involved in Kenilworth's growing creative community.
~ Kenilworth Arts Council
q Brendan Keoghs, Laughing Kookaburras painting
CHEERIO FROM THE CHURCHES
St Luke's Anglican, St John Bosco's Catholic and our Uniting Church friends greet you as we enter the second half of 2026. With school holidays here, this is always a busy time in Kenilworth. All at St Luke's send our very best wishes to Robyn and Michael as they retire from Kenilworth Post Office after 25 years. We thank Robyn most sincerely for being such an active and supportive member of our St Luke's community. We wish Robyn and Michael all the very best as they settle into their new home in the Ipswich area. St Luke's extends a very warm welcome to Ian , the new owner , as he takes over at the Post Office. We welcomed Fr James Hall last month and he tells us he hopes to be our celebrant more often at St Luke's , his Army Chaplaincy duties permitting. He gives a prety good sermon!! HC is celebrated every Sunday at 9am at St Luke's. St John Bosco community often welcomes visitors from the southern states at this time of the year. Mass takes place every every third Sunday of the month at 10am. On other Sundays, there is a celebration of Liturgy of the Word with communion at 9am. St John Bosco Church was dedicated in 1939. Opportunities to spend time in quiet reflection can be arranged. Enquiries : 1439 130 158.
~ Cheerio from the Churches
CLASSIC WEEKEND
The Sunshine Coast Motor Cycle Club had their recent classic weekend at Conondale on 6th & 7th of June.
Pictured are the Mary Valley Flagging flag marshals who gladly put up with the noise and dust...I think.
They are positioned all around the race track at checkpoints to ensure the safety of the oncoming Motor Bike Riders and to make them aware of any accidents ahead of them by alerting the riders with a yellow safety flag.
~ Hans Schinkel
OLD TIME COUNTRY DANCE
Hi everyone, it was a good start to dances at Long Flat. Everyone gave me their input and I must state that our dances are purely Old Time Dances based as New Vogue dances are held on other nights at the hall for enthusiasts. Chris is a traditionalist musician who plays Old Time timing to the dances for us. Our June dance was attended by 40 patrons! The Rock n Roll Waltz will be on the Xmas in July programme so please brush up on it for the dance if you can. There will be a very brief run through before the dance starts if you let me know in advance if you are interested in attending. We look forward to socialising and dancing at our next dance on the Saturday 18th July. Come dressed in your festive creations to surprise us. There will be many a raffle on the night as generous members have donated special items for you. It is going to be a fun evening for everyone. Our Tassie visitors will be attending as it is their annual pilgrimage to our "Sunny Coast".
~ Cheers Julie for Cooloola Coast Dances Group
COMMUNITY INFORMATION
KENILWORTH INFORMATION CENTRE AGM REPORT
1 st January – 31 st December 2025
Our Information Centre and Community Craft Shop documented 17606 visitors for the calendar year 2025 as against 18300 in 2024. This reflects a small decrease, but many visitors do not come into the Centre.
The Centre is still closed on Tuesdays as we are short of volunteers.
The Kenilworth Information Centre is a hub for locals and a friendly welcoming face to thousands of visitors. We advise tourists about places to eat, stay and visit in the area. I believe that we offer a very beneficial service to the businesses and are grateful to help them in any way we can.
The Discover Kenilworth Brochure offers information about all our local businesses. This pamphlet will need to be reprinted soon and I earnestly hope that all the Kenilworth businesses participate. Many organizations no longer provide brochures. Therefore, I believe our small Discover Kenilworth Brochure is vital for the town. The official Kenilworth website: www.kenilworthqld.org.au references businesses, events and local information. Any additions or alterations would be greatly appreciated to maintain its effectiveness. We welcome any advertisements or flyers to display on our three notice boards.
I would like to thank the following:
• Marty Hunt for supplying ongoing printing costs of the Conondale National Park and Imbil State Forest information sheets
• The Sunshine Coast Council for their contribution and support over the years.
• Ross Sigley and the Committee of the Kenilworth Chamber of
Commerce.
• David and Patricia Cole for their assistance in our continued partnership with the Kenilworth Community Transport Service.
At present there are six Community Craft Shop volunteers. Welcome to Freya Jeffers. They are a talented, cheerful group of ladies plus one male. We work together very closely, and I genuinely thank them for their assistance, commitment and friendship.
Currently there are ten Information volunteers. We welcome our newest member, Kylie Jopson. Our Information volunteers unselfishly give their time to offer advice about the district. For their support, dedication and their wonderful friendship, I sincerely thank this band of happy, courteous and knowledgeable individuals.
~ Kaye Linck, Coordinator Kenilworth Information Centre
ECOSYSTEMS & NATURE
JUMPING THE GARDEN FENCE
Loss and degradation of native plant and animal habitat by invasion of escaped garden plants, including aquatic plants, is listed as a key threatening process under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. In the 250 years since colonization, thousands of plant species and varieties have been introduced into Australia as garden plants. Sadly, many found our gardens too limiting and have spread their wings and parachutes, and flown the coop. Or used barbs, spines, sticky surfaces or tasty fruit for animals, including us, our tools and equipment, to spread seeds far and wide. For others, flowing water is the quickest way to spread. Native plants planted outside their range have also been recognised under the EPBC as an increasing threat to local ecological communities. Natives can be as invasive as introduced weeds, or without local provenance, can interbreed with local species and change the gene pool. It is important to source plants from a local Landcare group or local native plant nursery, to grow plants that benefit the region.
In his book The Diversity of Life, Edward Wilson said “The homogenisation of the global flora and fauna through the mass movement of species is creating one of the greatest environmental challenges facing the planet.” – Wilson 1992
As the primary source of invasive plants, it is up to us as gardeners to help reduce the risk of spread of potential weed species. By becoming proactive in our plant choices and identifying potential weeds species before we purchase plants, we can make significant changes to the number of plants that could negatively impact our local environment into the future. Use the QR code to find a list of naturalised invasive and potentially invasive garden plants in the appendix of the CSIRO report, Jumping the Garden Fence.
~ The Weed Whisperer
MORE WAYS TO WATCH AS WHALE SEASON CONTINUES ON THE SUNSHINE COAST
Whale season is in full swing on the Sunshine Coast, with up to 40,000 humpback whales expected to pass the region during their annual migration. Each year, humpback whales migrate from the icy waters of Antarctica to the warm breeding grounds of Tropical North Queensland, travelling north between June and August before returning south with their newborn calves from mid-August to November. Whale watching has become one of the Sunshine Coast's signature winter experiences, attracting thousands of visitors each year and providing a welcome boost for local businesses.
Locals and visitors have even more ways to experience the migration this year, with new operator Whales Sunshine Coast offering tours from Kawana Waters aboard The Explorer, Australia's largest jet-powered whale watching vessel u
MARY VALLEY VOICE
CREATIVES AND CULTURE
JUDGES ANNOUNCED FOR 25TH ART FESTIVAL IN THE MARY VALLEY
As entries arrive for the 25th Mary Valley Art Festival two judges have been announced. Director of Gympie Regional Gallery Kate Teed will join New Zealand-born artist Brent Harvey in deciding who will win their share of more than $10,000 in prizes at the annual Imbil show.
u Kate is committed to shaping regional galleries into thriving social and cultural hubs, and has served on a variety of arts and tourism boards at local and state levels. She currently sits on the Public Galleries Queensland board, advocating for public galleries across the state, and more recently joined the Cooroy Future Group board, the managing body of the Cooroy Butter Factory Arts Centre. Living in Cooroy, Kate is passionate about the stories and artists of regional communities, and is deeply committed to creating spaces that are accessible and engaging for all audiences.
u Meanwhile
throughout the region.
u Keith’s original Silky sculpture is an amazing 3D artwork featuring 21 native animals all carved into a silky oak stump. His Silky Project is a communitybased initiative dedicated to celebrating Australian wildlife, environmental awareness, creativity, cultural storytelling and regional communities.
The organisation believes that public art can inspire conversations and is currently working towards creating a full-size bronze replica of the original sculpture.
The bronze artwork is planned to tour Queensland from 2030, with the long-term goal of exhibiting during the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games before being permanently installed in the Mary Valley at Imbil, close to where the original silky oak tree once grew.
Brent Harvey’s career spans several decades across Australia and New Zealand. The contemporary artist has based himself from the Sunshine Coast since the 1990s. He has worked across painting, photography and digital media, and is known for his intuitive, expressive approach to image-making. His work has been exhibited in Australia and New Zealand, and he has received significant recognition, including winning the inaugural James Hardie Wildlife Art Prize (1991) and being runner-up in the Doug Moran National Portrait Prize (1994).
The regional art event will be held from 2326 July at the Imbil Public Hall. Highlights include the Best in Show Award, supported by the Gympie and District Community Bank, and a full program of events including the awards night on 24 July and Sunday artisan markets.
The festival has also attracted a new sponsor – the Silky Project, founded by Australian champion chainsaw sculptor Keith Gall. Keith has sponsored the 3D category, hoping to encourage artistic excellence and support emerging and established sculptors
The Silky Project works with community organisations including the Tin Can Bay Men’s Shed. Mary Valley Artslink acknowledges the ongoing support of sponsors, artists and volunteers whose contributions continue to strengthen arts and culture in the region.
~ Kaili Parker-Price
‘OZ - A ROCK’N’ROLL ROAD MOVIE’ 50TH. ANNIVERSARY: JULY 30, 2026. THE MAJESTIC THEATRE, POMONA
The film takes viewers on a trip down the highway with country runaway Dorothy (introducing Joy Dunstan), as she journeys to the city to catch the farewell concert of rock superstar, The Wizard (Graham Matters).
Joining her along the way is a surfie who can’t find the beach (Bruce Spence), a bikie who can’t stand violence (Gary Waddell), a mechanic who sabotages other peoples engines (Michael Carman),and a towering 15-stone truckie (‘Ned’ Kelly) whose monstrous big rig keeps menacingly appearing. Featuring a seminal Australian soundtrack by Ross Wilson (Daddy Cool) including the hit single ‘Living In The Land Of Oz’.
Writer/Director, and now local resident, Chris Lofven won international awards for his short films as a teenager, and went on to make music clips for many Australian acts including Daddy Cool - ‘Eagle Rock’.
OZ is Chris’s first feature.
“I wanted to make a road movie like Easy Rider with a rock soundtrack, but make
it really ‘Oz’ with real characters, and a superstar like Bowie... a Wizard (of OZ)”
“One of the most inventive and enjoyable of Australian films - clever, brash, noisy, gutsy and uninhibited.” (David Stratton)
“One of the most exciting, vibrant Australian movies yet.” (Rick Bennett, Sunday Observer).
Join us as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the World Premiere of this iconic Australian film at the Majestic Theatre, Pomona on Thursday 30 July, at 7.00pm. Doors & Bar open at 6:00pm.
~ Chris Lofven, Director
LOCAL NEWS & POLITICS
IT’S OFFICIAL! DARK SKY RESERVE DECLARED FOR SUNSHINE COAST HINTERLAND
The Sunshine Coast International Dark Sky Reserve’s official designation by DarkSky International comes after a community push to preserve our starry nights, years of investigation and consultation, and an application to establish the reserve submitted by Sunshine Coast Council.
The Sunshine Coast joins International Dark Sky Reserves including Aoraki Mackenzie (New Zealand), Mont-Mégantic (Canada) and River Murray (Australia).
Stars are becoming increasingly rare around the world, with more than 80 per cent of the world’s population living under skyglow: light pollution that eliminates any visible stars.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said while dark skies were important for wildlife, health and hinterland business, there was a stronger, intangible force behind our communities’ connection with starry skies.
”People in our communities know the awe of looking up at a sky filled with stars, and we’re incredibly lucky to still have that here on the Sunshine Coast,” Mayor Natoli said.
“As our region continues to grow, we need to make sure we keep that wonder for our future generations. This Dark Sky Reserve project is both a mechanism to reduce light pollution, and our enduring reminder that dark skies are a precious part of what makes our Sunshine Coast Biosphere special.”
Astronomer Ken Wishaw, a driving force and passionate community champion of the project, said he was spurred into action after hearing from people elsewhere who had lost their starry night skies.
“I am hoping the Reserve will play a major role in educating visitors on the impact of light pollution, and how easy it is to prevent it or reverse it,” Dr Wishaw said.
“The Reserve is the last place in coastal South East Queensland that has starry night skies free of light pollution. This window to the universe will now stay open." Learn more at darksky.org.
CR DAVID LAW DIVISION 10 – SUNSHINE COAST COUNCIL
Protecting our dark skies: Our hinterland is known for its beautiful night skies, and we’re proud to now be home to Queensland’s first International Dark Sky Reserve. The reserve covers Kenilworth, Conondale, Maleny, Mapleton, Montville, Witta and Flaxton.
Council is working with other agencies to reduce light pollution in these areas. You can help too. Simple steps like pointing outdoor lights downward, choosing warm-coloured globes, and switching lights off when not needed all make a difference. Protecting our dark skies supports wildlife, improves our wellbeing and keeps that sense of wonder alive when we look up at the stars.
Supporting rural landholders: I know how much care and effort our rural landholders put into looking after the land. That’s why I encourage eligible landholders to apply for Council’s Landholder Environment Grants program. Funded through the Environment Levy, these grants support practical projects that improve water quality, restore native habitat and strengthen the resilience of our Sunshine Coast Biosphere. The program supports staged projects, recognising that lasting environmental outcomes take time. Expressions of interest are now open and close on 10 August 2026. Council’s conservation officers are available to help from planning through to delivery. If you’ve been considering a project on your property, I encourage you to learn more and apply via Council’s website.
Events galore! Between 24 July and 2 August, one of Queensland’s leading food and drink festivals will serve up its biggest and most wide-ranging program yet, featuring more than 50 events stretching from the Sunshine Coast hinterland to coastline. I'm particularly excited as Kenilworth heats up for winter, with campfires, great food and country hospitality taking centre stage from 24 to 26 July. Our farming town will proudly host the new Ember and Harvest Weekend as part of The Curated Plate Festival. Across three days, locals and visitors are invited to park up, slow down and soak up everything Kenilworth does best – fire-cooked food, local produce, live music and a genuine hinterland welcome. From a boot-scootin’ hoedown on Friday night to campfire dining under the stars and a relaxed Sunday brunch, it is a wonderful celebration of our food story and community spirit. The Curated Plate has something for every foodie. Check out the full program: thecuratedplate.com.au.
For something different, check out the Rangebow Festival, from 9 to18 October. There are events in Nambour, Maleny, Montville, Mapleton, and Flaxton. Head to the website for more information: therangebowfestival.org. For those focused on health and wellbeing, Sunshine Coast Council’s flagship Healthy Sunshine Coast program provides more than 80 low-cost activities, from outdoor fitness and water-based exercise to yoga, meditation and family-friendly sessions. Head to Council's website for more information.
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.
CR WINSTON JOHNSTON DIVISION 5 - SC COUNCIL
Ecological Park update: Since our last update on the Ecological Park in Maleny, restoration works have been steadily reshaping the site, improving habitat and supporting long-term recovery of the natural environment. Over the past year, nine working bees have helped to tackle weeds and contribute to site revegetation. Over 10 hectares have now been planted with more than 9,000 native plants. Sign up for project updates on Council’s website.
NAIDOC Week: The community is invited to come together this NAIDOC Week with events, workshops and activities happening across the region throughout July. This year’s national theme is 50 Years of Deadly, recognising five decades of NAIDOC leadership and community. Check out the guide on Council’s website.
Rural landholder grants: Application for Landholder Environment Grants are now open. Funding is aimed to support rural property owners deliver on-ground projects with great environmental outcomes. Closing 10 August, visit the Grants page on Council’s website for more information and to apply.
Thanks for backing locals: A big thank you to our community for getting behind our Division 5 businesses on Buy Local Day. It was good to see our community choosing to shop, dine and spend close to home. Every purchase supports local jobs, helps small businesses grow and keeps more money in our region.
Follow my Facebook page for Division 5 updates.
TOM GRADY REAL ESTATE
Idyllic acreage Lifestyle— 54 Sutton Rd Coolabine – Offers over $1,550,000
Great location; private 23.32 acres, fully fenced, 3 dams, grazing & timbered sections. Elevated position with views and breezes
Lowset 4-bedroom family home, open plan living to lounge, kitchen & dining areas. Large covered outdoor areas with wellestablished gardens, shade houses & double carport. Separate fenced house yard / paddock area for a pony or play area for children.
Easy 8-minute drive into Kenilworth for school & local shops. Move today and enjoy the lifestyle that this property brings.
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Investment, Retirement or First home. 2 bedrooms with central lounge room, kitchen and dining combined, plus study / office
Large rear covered deck plus covered front verandah. Leafy 2013m2 (half an acre) allotment with full town services
Walk to the local IGA Supermarket, specialty shops & local school. Trail riding, water sports, fishing, camping areas all close by.
Contact Carol Gilmour for more information on the above properties.
Or if you are thinking of selling your property, give me a call to discuss an appraisal. Mobile: 0417603451 Email: carol@tomgrady.com.au
Cute Cottage in the Heart of Imbil.—2 Elizabeth St Imbil
$660,000 (UNDER CONTRACT)
CROSSWORD IS BACK!
1Question
18Shy
20Strikingly fashionable garment
23Wet, soft earth
24Sailor
25Trader
26Hospital employees
27Book of accounts
28Fall
29Join firmly
32Deeply engrossed
34Solemn wonder
36Spoil
LOCAL OPINIONS... WHAT ARE YOURS?
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Hello Sam and team,
Thank you for another enjoyable issue of our Mary Valley Voice. I have three cheers. One for continuing to give us interesting stories from our local area. Another (a little louder) for the youth reporters, fabulous idea and more power to their pen! The third for Graham Brennan for the rainfall data. That’s my personal favourite every issue.
Kind regards, Colleen Ryan
ACCESSIBILITY IS GOOD BUSINESS FOR THE MARY VALLEY
The Mary Valley is known for its country hospitality, local produce, creative small businesses and relaxed village charm. Yet for many disabled residents and visitors, the simple pleasure of going out for lunch, browsing a shop, or choosing a gift can still be limited by poor access. Steps at entrances, narrow aisles, inaccessible toilets, heavy doors, unclear signage and limited parking do more than inconvenience people - they quietly exclude them.
Accessibility is often discussed as a compliance issue, but it is also a community and business opportunity. Approximately one in five Australians has a disability, and many more people experience temporary injury, illness, ageing-related mobility changes, sensory needs, or travel with prams and young children. When a business is difficult to enter or move around in, it is not only the individual who may go elsewhere. Families, carers and friends usually take their spending with them. While staff may try to help by bringing selections to shoppers, this arrangement removes the dignity, independence and enjoyment that come with browsing, comparing and participating fully. Shopping and dining are not only transactions; they are social experiences. For businesses, improvements do not always need to be large or expensive. A portable ramp, clearer access information online, wider pathways through stock, seating options, good lighting, respectful staff training and accessible menus can make a meaningful difference.
Local councils also have an important duty of care in helping communities become more inclusive and safer. They can support businesses, property owners and community groups by being approachable sources of information, offering practical guidelines for accessible building design, renovations and refurbishments. Clear guidance from council can help remove uncertainty, encourage better planning from the beginning, and ensure accessibility is considered as an essential part of local development.
As Queensland continues to promote accessible tourism, small towns have a chance to lead with practical kindness. A more accessible Mary Valley would welcome more locals, attract more visitors and allow disabled people and their families to enjoy the region on equal terms. Inclusion is not a favour. It is good service, good community building and good business.
~ Wendy D Holmberg
THE CURIOUS CASE OF "IAN THE TOSSER"
If you've driven between Kenilworth and Eumundi recently, you may have stumbled upon what can only be described as the Mary Valley's latest public art installation.
A handmade roadside sign simply declaring..."IAN IS A TOSSER."
No, it's not a review of his cricket skills.
Attached to the sign are several takeaway coffee cups, each bearing the name "Ian", apparently collected from the same stretch of road over many morning walks. Whoever created the display clearly decided enough was enough and transformed roadside rubbish into roadside commentary.
Naturally, the internet did what the internet does best. Within hours, every Ian in the district was rushing to establish an alibi. "I don't even drink coffee!", "It wasn't me!" "What's the problem?"
Meanwhile, locals applauded the anonymous artist, debated whether the café should issue Ian a reusable cup, and wondered if "Ian" might become Australia's new "Karen."
Of course, there's every chance the culprit isn't actually named Ian at all. Maybe the barista simply misheard "Ian" when someone said "Euan"... or perhaps there's a completely innocent Ian out there wondering why his reputation has suddenly taken such a dramatic turn. Jokes aside, the sign does carry an important message. The Mary Valley is one of the most beautiful places in Queensland, and keeping it that way is everyone's responsibility. A coffee cup tossed from a car window doesn't just disappear—it ends up in our creeks, bushland and paddocks, where plasticlined cups can linger for years.
So, whether your name is Ian, Karen, Bob or Beyoncé, here's a friendly reminder: Keep cups for your coffee. Keep the Mary Valley beautiful. And if your name really is Ian... perhaps avoid introducing yourself for a week or two.
TheMary Valley Voice
An overview of some of our great sales results that have happened recently –
Achieving fantastic Sales Results for our Sellers isn’t simply luck. Attention to detail, good communication and skill will always deliver the best possible outcome for Sellers.
Here at Boxsells we have a different approach. Both integrity and accountability have always been our strength, and to this, we remain focused and present for all Property Owners and Buyers.
p 18 Philip Street, Kenilworth – SOLD $975,000 Multiple Offers received from qualified buyers.
p 994 Obi Obi Road, Obi Obi – SOLD $3.2 MILLION
Where a quality property with Obi Obi Creek Frontage sold ensuring farming property values in this area remain firm. u 16 Elizabeth Street, Kenilworth – SOLD both the Freehold Property and Business. We extend a warm welcome and best wishes to the new owners.
p 30 Philip Street, Kenilworth – SOLD $860,000 A marketing campaign that achieved a fantastic result for the Sellers.
p 13 Edward Place, Kenilworth – SOLD $980,000
A much sought-after brandnew home right here in town. The last one now until Stage 2 is completed.
