Co-op Staff on the Move
By Alan Harrington, Co-op General Manager

It is with some sadness that I report the resignation of one of the Co-op's longest-serving employees, Rod Castle. After almost six years, Rod has left the Co-op to pursue a career in youth work.
Members will know Rod as one of our key fruit and vegetable staffers, who was not only heavily involved in organising the delivery of the goods our consignors supplied, but who was always ready to engage with customers at the counter. It has been a pleasure for the staff, Directors and myself to work with Rod.
As a facilitator of our staff meetings, his calming and quiet personality has been very much appreciated, particularly when matters got heated from time to time - as they do. He has also been a regular contributor to our newsletter.
Rod will also be remembered for his passionate support of good causes, and for abiding by his principles and ethics. He has been prepared to go to gaol because of his beliefs around issues such as nuclear energy, globalisation, unjust and immoral wars and, of course, the Woolworths blight, and he is to be admired and respected for that.
Rod's belief in sustainable lifestyles is one I am sure many members share, and is best exemplified by his involvement in the development and use of biodiesel fuel. We'll miss the fish 'n' chip smell as his vehicle arrived in the morning!
True to his altruistic nature, Rod has been working with disadvantaged and troubled youth in Brisbane, and has decided this is the direction he wishes to follow, through the Integrated Family and Youth Service (IFYS). Rod works at Clyde House, Strathpine, a residence for young people (12-17 years), in medium-term placement. His role involves maintaining a high level of care and support for the youth, while upholding the policies and principles of IFYS.
In my opinion, the youth are very fortunate to have a mentor of Rod's ability, principles, caring, and compassion, and on behalf of the Co-op, I wish him every success in his new career.
Another of our staff members, Sequoia River, is leaving after two years at the Co-op. Sequoia has decided to spend more time with her young family, and to become involved in an organic gardening business. I am sure that members will miss her effervescent and friendly personality, particularly those who shop on a Sunday.
It has been a real pleasure working with Sequoia. She has that ability to cope with all situations with serenity and never seems to become flustered; nothing is too much trouble and absolutely nothing ever phases her! The Co-op wishes her all the very best for the future. (Sequoia's partner, Autumn, is a regular contributor to the newslette.)
They say things happen in threes: Chantelle Reid, another Co-op employee, is also moving on to greener - or whiter - pastures. With the enthusiasm of youth and the desire to "see a bit more of the world", Chantelle is taking up a position working way down south at Perisher Valley. It's hard to imagine her as a snow bunny!
Apart from being a familiar face on the
Co-op counter, Chantelle has also worked with our fruit and vegetable consigners, sourcing and displaying our fresh produce. The Co-op and members will miss her and we wish her all the best for the future.

New kids on the block
After a long selection and interview process, the Co-op now has two new staff members. The first is Carol Williams, a familiar face around the Co-op and an active member of the Maleny community for the past 18 years.
Carol has a varied work history, which includes paid and volunteer work, particularly in aged care and the timber industry. She has an ongoing interest in health and organic food, as well as organic farming and sustainability.
Carol is also an active member of the Lake Baroon Catchment Care group, and has been involved in various school groups while raising her children.
You'll no doubt see Carol serving at the front counter, however her principle area of interest is in stocking our organic fruit and vegetables and liaising with the Co-op's consignors.
Our second new staff member is Brenda Holligan, of Crystal Waters. Brenda is a long-time member and supporter of the Co-op, and would already be known to many members.
Brenda has an avid interest in health and organics, and supports the adoption of sustainable living practices. She has plenty of experience in retailing, and her interests include bushwalking, reading and dancing - occasionally on show at The UpFront Club late at night!
I'm sure members will appreciate Brenda's warm and personable nature and we all look forward to working with her.

[From "Maple Street Co-op News", June/July 2007; 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]