Vietnam Veterans Day Service
The Mapleton RSL Sub-branch conducted a memorial service on Sunday, August 18th, in the Mapleton Memorial Park to commemorate Vietnam Veterans Day.

The well-attended service was opened by Mapleton RSL President, Matt Dykes, and the keynote address was delivered by Mapleton RSL Treasurer, Lloyd Anderson. The Blackall Range Lions Club provided morning tea following the service.

This event marks the anniversary of Australia's most costly battle in the Vietnam war, the Battle of Long Tan. On 18 August 1966, D Company, Royal Australian Regiment, fought to defeat enemy forces in the Long Tan rubber plantation. The plantation was only a few kilometres from the 1st Australian Task Force base at Nui Dat. D Company and New Zealanders from 161 Battery, Royal New Zealand Artillery, fought for almost 4 hours against soldiers of the North Vietnamese Army, who outnumbered them by 10 to 1.

MADCA Community Grant Program
MADCA's Community Grant Program provides grants of up to $3,000 to support local non-profit organisations working on initiatives that benefit the community.

Through events like the Mapleton Country Market, MADCA raises funds that are then directly invested back into the community through these grants. This demonstrates MADCA's commitment to supporting local initiatives and fostering a strong sense of community.

To be considered for a grant, your project should:

1. Promote inclusivity and participation for all.
2. Contribute to a strong and resilient community.
3. Spark creativity and cultural enrichment.

Applications must be submitted to the Secretary MADCA at MADCA.inc@gmail.com by close of business Friday 18th October

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Restoring Hope for Parkinson's Therapy Fundraiser a Success
The recent fundraiser for Restoring Hope for Parkinson's Therapy (RHPT),7th September, at The Barn in Flaxton was a resounding success. The event, which featured live music, delicious food, and an auction, attracted a large crowd of supporters. Local businesses generously donated items for the auction and raffle, and attendees enjoyed afternoon tea provided by The Barn. The highlight of the event was the auction of two unique bears made by Lorraine Dippleson-Blake, which sold for $600 each. Thanks to the generosity of everyone involved, the fundraiser raised a $7500 to support RHPT's ongoing work in providing speech therapy to people living with Parkinson's disease.

The event was officially opened by local member of Parliament Andrew Powell, who praised the work of the speech therapists at RHPT and their positive impact on the lives of those affected by Parkinson's disease.

Mapleton's John Reynolds Honoured with OAM
Community member, John Reynolds, has been awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in the King’s Birthday Honours.

Mr. Reynolds OA was recognised for his significant service to business. His impressive career has spanned various industries, including media, mining, and healthcare. He has held leadership roles in numerous organisations, such as Queensland Cotton, Mater Health Services, Bank of Queensland, and Tennis Australia.

In addition to his corporate positions, Mr. Reynolds has also been heavily involved in community service. In 2000, he was awarded the Australian Sports Medal for services to tennis.

Mapleton Movers
The Heart Foundation Walking Group - Mapleton Movers has a new group organiser, Donna Klease. Starting September 30, walks will begin at 6:30am in the morning. Until then, afternoon walks will continue at 4pm.

The group thanks former organiser Beth Wilkins for her dedication and wish her well. For inquiries, please contact Donna Klease at 0417 476 768.

Resurfacing of Landsborough - Maleny Road
A $910,000 resurfacing project will begin on Landsborough-Maleny Road in late August 2024. The 1.2-kilometer stretch between McCarthy Road and Obi Lane South, Maleny, will be upgraded to improve road quality and safety.

The project, funded by the Department of Transport and Main Roads, is expected to be completed within three weeks. Motorists should expect delays during construction.

Yandina Bowls Club Fundraiser
On Sunday, August 25th, the Yandina Bowls Club held a memorial bowls day. Over 50 people attended, including bowlers from Otematata, New Zealand. The event featured a game of bowls, followed by a BBQ lunch and a raffle.

The primary goal of the event was to raise funds for Bloomhill Cancer Care. Through the generosity of participants and the success of the raffle, the club was able to donate $1600 to the organization. This contribution will help support their vital work in providing care and support to those affected by cancer.

Exciting new developments at the Mapleton State School Garden!
Thanks to a community grant, the school garden has recently undergone a major upgrade. AquaPower completed essential electrical and irrigation works during the winter holidays. This included connecting the garden shed to power, installing a rainwater tank, and creating a pump system to irrigate the garden.

The next phase of the project is to construct a double carport over the compost bays. This will provide shelter for workers and additional rainwater catchment for the tank. The community is being asked to help fund the remaining costs for this project. Once the carport is built, AquaPower will return to install the final irrigation fittings, ensuring the garden has its own water source for complete irrigation.

The existing raised garden beds outside the main garden have been planted with vegetables, and some produce has already been sold by the student council. The plan is to continue selling produce at local markets and reinvest the funds back into the garden. However, the school's chickens are nearing the end of their lifespan and will soon be re-homed. A new batch of hens will be purchased and raised by Year 5 students.

The future expansion of the garden includes adding more raised beds and installing drip irrigation to increase the yield. The community is invited to get involved and help the garden grow and prosper!

Community Funding Under Fire
The Sunshine Coast Council's Community Partnership Funding Program has come under fire from Montville Village Association (MVA) president, Wayne Parcell, who has criticised the council for a veneer of self-satisfaction in its funding allocations.

Mr Parcell attended the council's August 29 meeting to express his disappointment with the funding received for essential community services. While the MVA will receive a $9000 grant, he argues that this amount is far below what is needed to sustain vital community programs.

Mr Parcell believes that many of our not-for-profit groups and community halls across the region are struggling to cope with rising costs. He called on the council to provide more substantial support to our essential community assets.

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Wuthering Heights of Mapleton
In July, Wuthering Heights of Mapleton successfully raised $4200 for the Maleny domestic violence charity, Speak Up Now.

This achievement was made possible by the generous support of sponsors, volunteers, and attendees. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this fun event and important cause.

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