Co-op News
From "Maple Street Co-op News", February/March 2008

Latest Happenings At the Co-op and Club

By Alan Harrington, Co-op General Manager

As we go into February, both co-operatives are as busy as we were over the Christmas period. I guess we all must be doing something right! The Co-op has welcomed a new Board member and two new therapists (see articles below), and a new staffer, Lea Bracker. Lea is a recent resident of Maleny, having relocated from the Lismore region. She feels drawn to Maleny because of the strength of the community and its strong environmental, ethical and co-operative values. Lea has long had an interest in organic farming and permaculture principles, has spent many years as an academic, and has considerable experience in bookkeeping and customer relations.

Good marks for workplace health & safety
One matter that was raised at the AGM in November 2007, was the issue of workplace, health and safety. I requested that Workplace, Health & Safety run a check of The Upfront Club. One of their small business advisors, Lisa Hwang, kindly came and reviewed the Club; her thoroughness and willingness to help impressed me.

In a two-hour consultation, Lisa found no significant problems. She did identify a couple of issues that could be addressed immediately. She subsequently sent a comprehensive Workplace, Health & Safety manual that can be used as a model, as well as a report detailing a list of issues and suggested controls that should be in place specific to the hospitality industry. Both these documents are being included in a more formalised Workplace, Health & Safety procedures and training guide, which are under review at the Club. On behalf of the Club, I thank Lisa for her time and help in providing this very valuable free service.

Members are reminded that under the Co-operative Rules, membership will be cancelled if you are not 'active' (financial). Financial members will have a green 2007/08 membership card. As required under the Co-op Rules, unfinancial members will be contacted by mail to ascertain their intentions. Remember, financial members receive a five per cent discount on all purchases both at the Co-op and The UpFront Club - you only need to spend $220 in a year or $42.30 per week to get your $11 subscription fee back.

On a sad note, the Co-op passes on its condolences to the families and friends of members Noah Gordon, Kezia Thorn and Beb Holloway.
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Fern Veit Joins Co-op Board

The newest addition to the Co-op Board of Directors is Fern Veit, originally from Zimbabwe. Fern moved to Johannesburg in 1981, where she worked in various industries before setting off to travel.

Fern and husband Paul left Johannesburg because of the increasing crime rate, and found Maleny while driving from the Daintree to Brisbane. "We felt an instant connection to the town," says Fern. "We saw a 50-year-old hippy walking down the main street, happily whistling to himself and knew that this was where we were supposed to be!" They bought a property, built a home, planted indigenous vegetation created a habitat for flora and fauna and had a son.

"I have learned that communities have to retain small niche businesses to advance," says Fern. "We have to work in harmony to achieve a collective outcome to benefit all. We need to become self-sufficient in producing organic food and hand-made local craft. As much as we need to preserve the environment and open space for social and recreational activities, we need to preserve the Co-Op and Upfront Club, as I consider these businesses to be the 'heart and soul of the town'. I believe that life is interconnected and I am a mystery of many multi-dimensional energies, and am happy to be part of a team to ensure that these important businesses remain successful for future generations.

I am interested in the natural environment and in working together with the community to stand up against irresponsible decisions that negatively affect our future." Fern says she enjoys writing, reading, art, music, the arts in general, good food, cooking, red wine, motorcycling, swimming, travelling, leaving the world a little better than she found it and helping others: "We are all impermanent guests on a journey called life!"
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Two New Therapists for the Co-op

The Co-op has also welcomed two new therapists, Veronica Kirkman, a Creative Art therapist, and Jenny Jade Battiato, a massage therapist. Veronica holds a Masters Degree in Creative Arts Therapy and has had a private practice in Brisbane for the past four years.

"Creative art therapy can make you feel grounded and more connected to yourself," says Veronica. "Through the exploration of the 'not quite known yet', comes a greater understanding and awareness of yourself and others, and a new acceptance of self. With this experience comes a profound feeling of a new and more meaningful experience of living.

"When we can see we have choices to make in every situation in life and we are ready to make 'good' choices, we begin a journey towards living life to one's fullest potential."

Jenny's main focus in massage work is to relieve tension, relax taut and aching muscles, soothe away headaches and induce an overall sense of well-being.

Before coming to Maleny, Jenny lived in WA, where she studied Natural Therapies at the WA School of Massage, acquiring a Diploma in Massage Therapy in 1992. She also studied at the Australasian Flower Essence Academy for two years in 1999.

For the past six years, while living on the Sunshine Coast hinterland, she has extended her studies in massage therapies and currently attends the Sunshine Coast University. Says Jenny: "Life may take it out of you, but massage has a way of putting it back in."

Veronica is available for consultation at the Co-op on Tuesdays and Jenny is practicing on Wednesdays. See page 2 for consultation times and contact details.

[From "Maple Street Co-op News", February/March 2008; 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]