Mary Valley Voice 2026 - 11th Feb Vol. 36 #2

The MaryValleyVoice

Connecting Communities

Local Circles for Women and Girls to breathe, belong and bloom.

ttt Check out p.8 for more info

A SPACE TO BREATHE, BELONG AND BLOOM

CIRCLES FOR WOMEN AND GIRLS

Project of local Feminine Empowerment organisation - The 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.

A 'maiden' journey is also being launched for girls aged 8-17 to learn cycle wisdom, feminine empowerment, and grow in courage and confidence to fully be themselves.

Check out the website for testimonials and more information.

10 moon cycles to rise in service for Earth &

CALLING ALL WOOD ARTISANS — ENTRIES HAVE OPENED FOR THE PRESTIGIOUS 2026 SUNSHINE COAST WOOTHA PRIZE!

Montville, QLD — The Sunshine Coast Wootha Prize, one of Australia’s most sustainable woodworking competitions invites woodworkers and artisans from across the nation to submit their finest creations for the 2026 event — now part of the Montville Timber Trail! Hosted by Barung Landcare and supported by key sponsors, the Sunshine Coast Wootha Prize celebrates excellence in timber artistry, sustainability, and craftspersonship. Finalist works will form a feature exhibition at the Montville Timber Trail, to be held at the Montvale Glasshouse in the picturesque hinterland village of Montville from 1–4 May 2026.

What sets the Sunshine Coast Wootha Prize apart is its commitment to environmentally conscious woodworking. All entries must reflect the prize’s ethos: “Sustainable by Nature, Beautiful by Design” — honouring works created from sustainably harvested native timbers, weed timbers, or repurposed, salvaged, or recycled wood.

1. In-person Circles, Ceremony & Adventures

2 Online modules, Group Forum, Zoom calls 3. Delicious, healthy food & drinks

Finalists will be in the running to take home the coveted $10,000 overall first prize, with additional category prize money available, including awards for Furniture, Sculpture, Tiny Treasures, and People’s Choice.

Key Dates:

Entries close: Friday, 20 March 2026

Exhibition & Awards: 1–4 May 2026 at the Montville Timber Trail

For more information, competition guidelines, and to submit your work, visit www.barunglandcare. org.au/woothaprize.

COMMUNITY NEWS UPDATES

OLD TIME COUNTRY HALL DANCE

Spread the word! As our dances grow, we already have 4 motor homes attending in March, so come and connect with interesting people - travellers and locals alike. The dances are fun to do in our airconditioned facilities at Kandanga Public Hall. Come along, meet new faces and you will go away knowing new friends who enjoy our social dancing events. It is the beginning of new friendships through the love of good music with the Old Time Country Style but yet not so Old Dances. Everyone, young and old, is welcome to come along and enjoy it. Happiness and Smiles a plenty.

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.

FIRES AND YOU

It’s February but not too late to make a New Year resolution – or maybe a new 2026 resolution: learn what to do to keep yourself, your family and your community safe from fire!

We all know about the bushfire devastation around Australia already this year. The fire risk in our area is not as severe so far, but this can change quickly with drier and windier weather.

Fire risk is an ongoing reality, so awareness and preparation are increasingly important. By understanding how bushfires behave, how to reduce hazards around your home and how to respond in an emergency, you will be better equipped to help protect lives, property and the environment. Your local Rural Fire Brigade (RFB) and your local Fire Warden are available to answer your questions about fire safety, rules and regulations.

One of the best ways to build these skills and knowledge is to join your local Rural Fire Brigade. As a member, you’ll get hands-on training to help keep your community – and your own family –safer from fires. Your training will cover areas like fire behaviour, hazard prevention and mitigation, first aid, radio communications, and pump and water operations; and you’ll be joining a friendly group of like-minded neighbours and other community members.

Obi Obi RFB meets at 6.30pm on the 1st Wednesday of each month at the Fire Shed behind the Obi Obi Hall. For more information, find us on facebook.com/ObiObiRFB or use the contact details on the accompanying map of the Obi Obi Fire District.

So, back to your new resolution! Join us to learn practical skills, stay informed and support one another so you can make a real difference when it matters most. These skills and knowledge don’t just sit on a checklist – you carry them with you, ready to use for your family and your neighbours.

Spread the word! All welcome. Obi Obi RFB: 0493 044 042

HISTORICAL: SEEKING 5 VOLUNTEERS

One of the first motor cars in the district appears to have been owned by the Watson

The first Maroochy Shire Council tip-truck to work in the district was managed by Charlie Lowrey and Hugh Cochrane in the

In the publication "Winnie Grace's Writings from 1924" - Notes from 1923 she wrote:We bought a Reo Speed-wagon in July. Dick (Sims) built the body. They started the cream run at the end of October - to Brooloo. They made 100 pounds all told in December. Carting was very heavy.

Kenilworth Museum will be opening to the public on the first Sunday in March.

There is still a great need for volunteers to ensure that it may open every Sunday of the month. If you wish to meet new people as well as promote the history of the district, please consider making contact through the email kenilworthmuseum@ gmail.com or by telephone 07 54723090.

~ Lenore Meldrum, President, Kenilworth and District Historical Assn Inc. Sat - Sun 10am - 4pm

RAINFALL MOY POCKET – JANUARY 2026 by

This January 56mm, Driest start of the year since 2019 with 26mm. Last January 130mm, 25 year average for January 179mm It rained on 16 days, average for January 16 days 12 Month total rain until end of January was 1318mm, 24 year annual average 1260mm On the verandah both days and nights were average for January.

COMMUNITY NEWS & STORIES

CHEERIO FROM THE CHURCHES

CHEERION FROM THE CHURCHES

With all the busy celebrations of Christmas now over, we are approaching Lent which is a time of quiet reflection and perhaps redirection in our lives. Rev'd Kaye Pitman will lead the Ash Wednesday service on 18 February at St Luke's Anglican church, commencing at 9am. Sunday services at St Luke's are at 9am, followed by morning tea. A short Morning Prayer is held every Thursday at 9am. As part of the Maleny Parish, St Luke's welcomes our new parish priest, Rev'd Kim Wright who will take up duties in March.

The community of St John Bosco is looking forward to welcoming Fr Odinaka back after his annual leave visiting family in Nigeria.

Christian Meditation recommenced on Thursday 5 February at St John Bosco's Church at 9:30am. This is an ecumenical group which is part of a world wide network within the World Community of Christian Meditation (WCCM). Their website provides many resources including how to meditate in the tradition.

Visit wccm.org Enquiries : 0439 130 158. ~ Cheerio from the Churches

VALENTINES DAY

ARTS AWARD FOR KENILWORTH ARTS COUNCIL

Valentine’s Day traces back to ancient Rome and early Christianity. One popular story centres on Saint Valentine, a priest said to have secretly performed marriages when they were banned by the Roman Empire, showing his value of love and commitment. He was later executed on 14 February, becoming associated with devotion and sacrifice. The date also aligns with Lupercalia, a Roman mid-February festival linked to fertility and the coming of spring. By the Middle Ages, writers like Geoffrey Chaucer connected the day with romance. Over time, handwritten notes evolved into cards, flowers and gifts, turning it into today’s global celebration of love and affection.

Kenilworth Market, Every Saturday morning

From 8:00 AM at the Kenilworth Town Park

Whether you’re shopping for a sweetheart, a best mate, or a welldeserved gift to yourself, Kenilworth market stalls are full of thoughtful little finds, from handmade cards and jewelry to cheeky gifts, crystals and sweet treats.

And if you’re stuck for ideas? Gift vouchers for ZenThai Massage are available too — because relaxation is always a good love language. Pop by, have a wander, and see what catches your eye this Saturday at the market.

Kenilworth Arts Council has received a Creative Arts Award in the SC Council's Australia Day Community Awards. KAC, established in 1988, has been recognised for promoting and supporting the arts by making all aspects of the arts easily accessible to our local community. This has been done through the annual ArtsFest, now in its 28th year and the longest running art competition in the Sunshine Coast. Over the years KAC has also presented a wide diversity of activities and functions - the Sunshine Coast Symphony Orchestra, Kim Kirkman's noted choirs, Swing and Jazz by Dean Doyle, a Comedy Night at the local pub, a book launch by local author, Dee Dunham and a Seniors Week Singalong by KaDS, our local singing group, Book Club, workshops and spectacular children's art exhibitions.

KAC continues to collaborate with the Chamber of Commerce to present the Family Fun Day which has grown in popularity throughout the Sunshine Coast. KAC has also worked with Kenilworth State Community College, local churches, Kenilworth Show and Rodeo and local businesses.

By promoting and supporting the arts in all its forms,

KAC has shown that the arts are for everyone- not just for painters and potters, valued as they are, but for all, young and old! KAC thanks the Sunshine Coast Council for this Community Award and for its ongoing support.

LOCAL TRADES & BUSINESSES

SUNSHINE COAST PRIORITIES

COAST CALLS FOR COMMITMENT ON REGIONAL PRIORITIES TOUR

Senator for Queensland Corinne Mulholland joined Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli on a tour across the region (27 January), highlighting major priorities including community sport infrastructure, housing and homelessness support, key transport and coastal protection projects ahead of the 2026–27 Federal Budget.

Mayor Rosanna Natoli said now was the time to secure funding for infrastructure and services that will shape the long-term liveability and prosperity of our region.

“The Sunshine Coast is entering a transformative decade, and we need the right infrastructure in place to support our residents, attract investment and also prepare for the opportunities of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Mayor Natoli said.

“Council’s immediate priorities remain clear; improving our roads and public transport, delivering essential community infrastructure, helping address the housing crisis and driving economic opportunities in education, industry and tourism.

“We are also deeply committed to protecting our coastline and community assets from the very real impacts of weather and climate change.

“But we cannot do this alone.

“We need a strong partnership with the Australian Government and restoring Financial Assistance Grants to at least 1 per cent of federal taxation revenue would be an excellent first step.”

Each priority had been selected because of its direct and immediate benefit to the community.

Key priorities outlined in the submission include:

· A $162 million Regional Indoor Community Sports Centre to meet soaring demand for indoor sports.

· Funding for Stages 2 and 3 of the WAVE public transport system and a business case to upgrade the Bruce Highway to six lanes between Steve Irwin Way and Caloundra Road.

· Investment in social, affordable and supportive housing, allocating $160 million for community housing providers and $120 million for crisis and transitional accommodation.

· Major coastal resilience upgrades, including the Diamond Head Seawall and Bradman Avenue Revetment Wall.

· $8 million for the Nambour (Namba) Streetscape Improvement Project, supporting the town’s ongoing revitalisation.

With more than 518,000 people expected to call the Sunshine Coast home by 2041, Mayor Natoli said federal partnership was vital to ensure our infrastructure, services and communities are ready for the future.

“We thank the Australian Government for considering our 2026–27 Federal Budget Submission and look forward to working in partnership to deliver the projects our community needs,” Mayor

Natoli said.

“Our community deserves a region that is connected, liveable and thriving – and achieving this will require the right support from the Australian Government.”

Senator Corrinne Mulholland said today’s visit was a great way of being on the ground to see where and how the Albanese’s $3.4 billion investment into Olympic infrastructure will be invested on the Sunshine Coast.

“My priority is understanding how these projects will benefit locals into the future, to ensure there’s a legacy infrastructure benefit for Sunshine Coast communities for generations to come.

“The Albanese Government has committed $12.4 billion to invest in transport projects in Queensland to keep our state moving after the games, and specifically for the Sunshine Coast we have committed $2.75 billion for Stage 1 of the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line.

“I commend the Council for being on the front foot with their preBudget submission ahead of the 2026-27 Budget in May, ensuring the Sunshine Coast will be front of mind for the Treasurer.

“I look forward to continuing to work with Mayor Natoli and the Councillors.”

NATURE & ECOSYSTEMS

WEED WHISPERER: RUBBER VINE

The recent rediscovery of Rubber Vine (Cryptostegia grandiflora ) in the Lockyer Valley after more than 50 years, highlights how important it is to be able to quickly identify weed species and respond.

Rubber Vine can grow as a shrub up to 3 meters tall when growing in the open. But with the support of trees, it can produce extensive vine nets up to 30 meters long. The vines smother the support structures in a very short period. In gallery forests, riparian areas and woodlands, the weight and spread of Rubber Vine smothers and pulsl down entire ecosystems. Many of our local waterways are already under high stress from existing transformer vines so keeping Rubber Vine from establishing further in South East Queensland is a high priority.

it is highly toxic to humans and animals. Avoid contact with its milky sap, especially near your eyes and mouth. The popular garden plant Purple Allamanda (Allamanda blanchetii) is in the same family and the two can look similar at a glance. To quickly tell the difference, Rubber vine has 2 opposite leaves whereas Allamandas has 3 or more leaves in a whorl.

~ The Weed Whisperer Images courtesy of Biosecurity Qld. Scan the QR code

Native to Madagascar Cryptostegia grandiflora is now pantropic, including large portions of Northern Queensland. Rubber Vine is in the Family Apocynaceae (Dogbane family) and like Oleander and many others in this family,

REPORT YOUR FROG FINDINGS THIS FEBRUARY

Across the world over 40% of frog species are threatened! 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.

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.

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS AND OPINIONS...

MARCH PLANTING REMINDERS FROM GARDENATE

Everyone loves a thriving garden! What do you plant in yours? Check out these planting reminders for March and come along to the Gheerulla Garden Club!

* Amaranth

* Beans (climbing, Dwarf, Broad)

* Beetroot

* Brocolli

* Burdock

* Cabbage

* Carrot

* Cauliflower

* Celery

* Coriander

* Cucumber

* Garlic

* Ginger

* Kale

* Lettuce

TED O'BRIEN MP

The New Year is well and truly here and in January I took the opportunity to travel around the Coast to hear what matters to you. The message from locals was consistent: people are proud of where they live, but they’re worried about the pressures the Sunshine Coast are facing.

Two stops that particularly stayed with me were my visits to the Maroochydore Neighbourhood and Nambour Community centres. These places are more than a place to get together – they are lifelines. Staff, volunteers and locals spoke candidly about the challenges they see every day, especially the growing impact of homelessness and the

* Pak Choy

* Rocket

* Rosella

* Snow Peas

* Spring Onions

* Sunflower

* Sweet Cord

* Zucchini

rise in graffiti and vandalism. These aren’t abstract policy issues; they affect how safe people feel walking home, the wellbeing of vulnerable residents, and the sense of pride we all want in our neighbourhoods.

What struck me most was not just the scale of the problems, but the determination of the people working on the ground. Despite limited resources, they are finding practical, compassionate solutions and advocating for dignity and respect for everyone.

One initiative I want to share is the Maroochydore Neighbourhood Centre’s Sunny Coast Sleeper bus, which is set to launch in Nambour in mid-February. This mobile service will provide a safe place

to sleep and access to support for people doing it tough. For just $15 you can keep someone off the street for the night, please visit https://www.maroochync.org.au/ sunny-coast-sleeper to donate or for more information.

This road trip reinforced something I’ve always believed: the best ideas come from listening. If we keep listening to our local communities and backing initiatives that work, we can make real, positive change, one conversation at a time.

If I or my office can ever be of assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out on (07) 5479 2800 or at ted.obrien.mp@aph.gov. au.

REGIONAL NEWS & POLITICS

Community News

Save time, money and stress: get your development off to the right start

Whether you’re building a townhouse, renovating your home or adding a shed, taking the time to plan properly means fewer surprises later. To make planning easier, Council offers a range of tools and resources for every stage of your development journey, including the AI Development Assistant Tool, Development assessment video series and Development.i as well as handy fact sheets and guides. Start planning today for a smooth and successful project at Council's website.

Can your non-profit group boost local creativity and resilience?

Major grants support not-for-profit organisations to deliver one-off projects, events and activities with broad community benefit. Free grant planning and writing workshops are being held in February. Applications close on 9 March. Head to Council's website for more details.

Find your flow this February

From chair yoga and outdoor Pilates to Qi Gong, meditation and family art, enjoy more than 80 affordable activities across the region with Healthy Sunshine Coast, Council's flagship community health and wellbeing program. Classes are $10 (or $5 with a Health Care or Pensioner card) and registration via Council's website is free. Discover a fun, supportive way to boost your physical, mental and social wellbeing.

CR DAVID LAW DIVISION 10 – SUNSHINE COAST COUNCIL

Improvements for Kenilworth Town Park: I’m really pleased to share that work is now underway on a bundle of improvements at Kenilworth Town Park. Many locals have told me how much they value this space, so it’s great to see these upgrades taking shape. Over the coming weeks, the park will receive a refreshed playground for kids to enjoy, new fencing to boost safety, fresh picnic tables and a refurbished barbecue – perfect for those relaxed weekend catch-ups. These aren’t just practical upgrades; they’re about creating a welcoming space where families, friends and visitors can relax, play and connect. Weather permitting, works should take around eight weeks to complete – just in time for the Easter holiday period. While the team is on site, the playground will be closed for everyone’s safety, and I appreciate your patience while we get the job done. I’m looking forward to seeing the community enjoy an even better park once the improvements are complete.

Grants applications now open: Council’s 2026 Community Grant Season has officially kicked off, with applications now open for the first round of the year. Each year, these grants help not-for-profit groups deliver projects, events and activities that make a real difference in our region. In fact, last year more than $1.6 million in funding was awarded through Council’s Major and Minor Grants programs.

In this Major Grants round, community organisations can apply for up to $15,000 for projects, activities and events across all program categories, as well as up to $30,000 for infrastructure projects under the Community Facilities category (co-funding is required for requests over $7,500). If you’re part of a Division 10 not-for-profit – whether you’re involved in community development, creative arts, heritage, your local hall, industry or chamber networks, or sporting and recreation groups – I really encourage you to apply. For full details, visit the Grants page on Council’s website. Applications close Monday 9 March.

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

I hope you’ve all had a wonderful summer and are gearing up for another great year living in our beautiful hinterland. I look forward to working with you to continue building a vibrant and happy community.

Playground ready for kids: I am pleased to advise that the site works to renew the playground at Tete Park, Conondale has been completed. I'm sure you'll agree it looks fantastic! The project involved: Tree protection, removal and installation of play equipment, playground drainage, returfing, and mulching. This wonderful playground has been fully certified and is ready for the kids.

online on Council's website or at Sunshine Coast

Chambers on 26 February at 9am.

Rates are due this month

Your Sunshine Coast Council rates have been issued and are due for payment by 20 February. There’s a range of convenient online payment methods available to pay your rates, including BPAY and direct debit. Check your rate notice to see all the ways you can pay, and mark your calendar so you pay on time and avoid interest. You can open a ‘MyCouncil’ account or login to pay at mycouncil.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.

For more Division 5 news please visit facebook.com/winstonjohnstondivision5scc. Get the latest Council news delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up for the OurSC enewsletter. sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au 07 5475 7272 Watch Council’s next Ordinary Meeting

CONSCIOUS & CREATIVE CORNER

FROM WOOD SNAKE TO FIRE HORSE: WELCOMING THE LUNAR NEW YEAR

Each year, millions of people around the world celebrate Lunar New Year, a festival guided by the moon rather than the Gregorian calendar we use day to day. While often called Chinese New Year, the celebration is shared across many cultures in East and Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, Korea, Malaysia and beyond. Families gather, homes are cleaned, debts are settled, and the new year is welcomed with food, fireworks and fresh intentions.

The Lunar calendar follows a 12-year cycle, with each year represented by an animal - rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, pig - paired with one of five elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. These combinations are part of a long-standing cultural system used to reflect patterns in nature, agriculture and human life.

Last year marked the Year of the Wood Snake, which is traditionally associated with strategy, patience and steady growth. Snakes are seen as thoughtful and observant, and the Wood element adds a sense of learning, renewal and longterm planning. It’s a year well suited to quietly strengthening foundations rather than rushing ahead.

As a snake sheds its skin to grow, many people expressed the experience of 'shedding' what was no longer needed - limiting beliefs, old stories, inauthentic identities - in order to allow space now new growth. Though this experience can sometimes be uncomfortable.

In 2026, on the 17th February with the New Moon in Aquarius, the calendar turns toward the Year of the Fire Horse, a very different energy altogether. Horses symbolise movement, independence and momentum, while Fire brings visibility, warmth and action. Historically, Fire Horse years are associated with big shifts, travel, innovation and bold decision-making. After the considered pace of the Snake, the Horse invites people to step forward with confidence and purpose.

For communities like ours in the Mary Valley, Lunar New Year can be appreciated as a reminder of seasonal rhythms and cultural diversity. It encourages reflection on the year that’s been, gratitude for what we’ve grown, and curiosity about what lies ahead. Whether celebrated with dumplings and lanterns or simply acknowledged in passing, Lunar New Year offers a moment to pause, reset and begin again, something we can all relate to, no matter where we come from.

Do you like our new SUDOKU puzzle?

We will continue these for a few months before going back to crosswords, or maybe something else. Let us know what you think!

SUNSHINE COAST AWARD WINNERS

‘LIFE-CHANGING IMPACT’: MEET OUR AUSTRALIA DAY AWARD RECIPIENTS

The 2026 Sunshine Coast Australia Day Community Awards celebrate our region’s quiet achievers. The Sunshine Coast Australia Day Community Awards have honoured a remarkable group of local heroes, whose dedication, creativity and compassion strengthen our community every day. The prestigious awards attracted 113 nominations from across the entire region, spanning areas from Kenilworth to Caloundra and Beerwah to Buderim – making it a tough job for the judging panel to decide.

Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the collective impact of this year’s nominees was profoundly inspiring.

“I offer sincere thanks and congratulations to all our 2026 recipients Your efforts embody the true values of our community and you, in turn, inspire others to take action across our community.” Mayor Natoli said.

Selina Tomasich has been named Citizen of the Year for her sustained, lifechanging impact across the Sunshine Coast and around the world. In 2010, having witnessed extremes of poverty in the Philippines, Selina decided to do something about it. She founded Hair Aid to help those families break free. Embodying the adage “give a man a fish he’ll eat for a day, teach a man to fish and he’ll eat for a lifetime”, Selina mobilised a team of volunteer hairdressers to teach one universal skill – haircutting.

Through five-day training programs delivered in Indonesia, Cambodia, Thailand, the Philippines and Guatemala, graduates receive professional tools, mentoring and the skills to start microbusinesses that feed families, send children to school and break cycles of poverty. Today, more than 7,000 people have been trained through Hair Aid. To ensure lasting impact, Selina has formalised Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with each partner country, works directly with international governments and agencies, and leads project teams herself.

Notably, Hair Aid is the only charity invited into Indonesia’s women’s and men’s prisons to provide training, and in 2024, signed a landmark MOU with the Filipino government to establish permanent training salons. Here at home, Hair Aid Community Cuts operates at nearly 100 locations nationally, gifting more than 25,000 free haircuts each year to Australians experiencing homelessness, domestic violence and hardship –restoring dignity, confidence and connection. Selina and Hair Aid have been recognised globally, receiving two Gold and four Silver Stevie Awards (including Gold: Social Organisation of the World), placements in the Telstra Business Awards Top 3

(out of 21,000 entrants), and personal honours such as Female Innovator of the Year, Female Executive of the Year, Most Innovative Woman of the Year, and Federal Government Australia Day Ambassador. In 2022, Selina was named Central Queensland University Alumnus of the Year for Social Impact. Her leadership motivates more than 1,500 volunteer hairdressers, showing how everyday Australians can drive extraordinary change. Celebrating our 2026 recipients

Senior Citizen of the Year: Phil and Di Wilson

For over three decades, Phil and Di have welcomed more than 200 foster children into their home – many with complex needs – and have adopted 10 children, some with disabilities. Their unwavering, compassionate care has transformed countless lives and inspired others to step forward.

Young Citizen of the Year: Jessica Cronin

A passionate youth leader, Jessica has driven local and global initiatives – from care packs supporting families escaping domestic violence to the “2030 in Focus” project championing the UN Global Goals, school-based Book Buddies, and major stationery drives (270 kg donated). Her efforts have earned national and international recognition, including placement at the Future Problem Solving International Conference.

Community Group or Organisation: Lookout07

Founded by Dr Leon Stensholm, Lookout07 is a purpose-built youth sanctuary offering free recreation, counselling, psychology and mentoring. Since 2023, the centre has welcomed more than 15,000 young people and delivered more than 20,000 free counselling sessions, with Lookout Flexi School launching in 2026 to provide alternative education pathways.

Creative Arts: Tie – Kenilworth Arts Council, Gretchen Keelty Kenilworth Arts Council (est. 1988) has expanded arts participation “west of the range” through festivals, workshops, performances and awards – including the Kenilworth Art Award – and sustained decades of volunteer led cultural programming. Gretchen Keelty has united the arts community through inclusive programming and landmark projects foregrounding First Nations inclusion and accessibility.

Posthumous Award: June Upton

Affectionately known as the “Sunshine Coast Charity Queen”, June dedicated a lifetime to fundraising and volunteer service, helping raise more than $4 million for local causes, championing women’s participation in community life, and tirelessly advocating for families in need.

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.