An Educational Experience in Maleny
by Li Ou

[[Recently we had the privilege of having a young Chinese woman, Li Ou, work at the Co-op. This came about through our long association with various Japanese academic organisations that are trying to develop alternative economic models for their own society. I'm sure that most members will be aware of the problems facing all modern societies, and Japan is no different.

Li Ou proved to be a delightful person and fitted in extremely well. She turned out to be brilliant on the counter (a regular whiz with money) and she loved the whole experience, as we all did. She has very kindly outlined her insightful thoughts for us and sent us a collage. – Alan Harrington]

When I was child, I liked animals and flowers very much. But I lived in the city. I could see the animals in the zoo only. In the zoo, the animals aren't free and they lack spirit. So I hoped to see animals in the wild.

I had a chance through the Aichi Gakuin University in Japan to come here. I wanted to know about Australian life, nature and animals.

I think Maleny is a very good example of nature and the organic movement in Australia. In my time here, I learned a lot of things about recycling and the conservation of nature.

I worked at the Co-op for about four weeks. The staff are very friendly and kind; I love them very much. My English is very poor, but I got their support. They trusted me with the cash register, and working at the counter really helped me to study English conversation.

At first I was very nervous because I didn't know anything about the Co-op, the vegetables' names and prices, or how to use the cash register.

At the Co-op, I became aware of organic foods and recycling. In Maleny, a lot of people say "no" to plastic bags and some people bring their own bags and even their own bottles or empty bottles for others to use, unlike in Japan and China. This action is very important for the conservation of nature.

At the Co-op, there are lots of good ideas for saving: shampoo, oil, washing powder, vinegar, honey and so on can be bought in bulk, so you can use your empty bottles to put them in.

At the Co-op, fresh and organic is the policy, and there are many customers who order bread. You can't do that in a supermarket!

I was very impressed by Maleny people wanting to stop the building of the Woolworths supermarket. A $2 million cheque was offered on 15 July before the buyback deadline. Some of Maleny's shopkeepers made a plea to the protesters: "Please don't block our street". They are attached to Maleny and have their singular way of living. I like the spirit of Maleny's people.

In the Co-op, you can buy the button "I won't stop there" and make a contribution to the Woolworths protest action.

I love the Co-op because the staff and customers are shopping with a belief in protecting the environment and their health.

I love Maleny's people: you are very kind. You have a good heart for appreciating everything. You have a lot of friends around you: koalas, kangaroos, platypuses and a lot of trees.

I hope that, one day, Japanese and Chinese will have the same kind of lifestyle and environment.

[From "Maple Street Co-op News", December 2005/January 2006; published by The Maple Street Co-operative Society Ltd, 37 Maple Street, Maleny, Qld 4552, Australia, tel (07) 5494 2088, email maplest.co-op@serv.net.au, website http://www.maplestreetco-op.com.au]