New Comforts at the Shop and Club
by Alan Harrington, Co-op General Manager

The holiday period was a very busy time for the Shop and the Club. Both were flat out, and this was reflected in the record December sales for the shop and excellent results for the Club.

The New Year ushered in a number of changes to the Shop. With a great deal of goodwill from the suppliers leading up to Christmas, we now have air-conditioning throughout the Shop. On hot and humid days, the air-con has provided welcome relief both to staff and members. This is the first year that I have been able to sit in my office for a whole day in summer without it feeling like a sauna. The air-conditioning system will be supplemented by a natural fan-cooled system, which is expected to be installed by the end of February/early March.

The Co-op has also taken the opportunity to upgrade the electrical system and replace the roof – no more leaks! While the roof was being replaced, the very efficient air-cell insulation was installed and we noticed the difference immediately. These changes will dovetail with our Co-op renovation and expansion plans, which are still on course. The Club also benefited from these changes. It now has two sophisticated whirlybirds from the Co-op to dissipate heat that accumulates between the roof and ceiling.

In more interesting Club news, it's pretty clear there's something in the air (or the water) at the Club that should give all those who are currently single some hope that true love comes to us all at some stage in our lives. Following the wedding of former Club employees Hannah Bruzova and Daniel Jones last December, we now have staffers Joelle Guillard and Rui Spinola announcing their engagement. Joelle is sporting a good old-fashioned diamond ring, and I understand the wedding is scheduled for next year. And of course, a special mention should go to Co-op Director Douglas Gillies who tied the knot in December with Marion Ryan. Congratulations to all three couples.

One aspect of the Club's operations I'm particularly gratified with is the wider community appeal that has been generated. I noticed the Maleny Singers turned up on a recent Monday Musos' Blackboard night and provided some professional entertainment that was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

I remind members that they can organise their own 'theme' nights at the Club. To date, these have been very successful and they add a dimension to the Club that reflects the special interests of our members.

On behalf of the staff and members, I'm pleased to welcome Peter Pamment to the Board. With his long-time involvement in the co-operative movement in Maleny, particularly with the Maleny Credit Union, I'm sure his expertise and innovative approach will be an asset to both the shop and the Club.
On another note, it never ceases to amaze me how Sue Verstraten can consistently come up with such innovative and artistic window displays that are always pertinent and interesting, and make a point that is relevant to what your Co-op is all about. Yet again, congratulations to Sue on a terrific job, and I suggest members check out her window displays.

Congratulations to Co-op staffer Rod Castle who has been recognised for his work in Brisbane with disadvantaged youth by being nominated in the "Local Hero" category of the "Australian of the Year" awards. He's certainly a local hero around here.

On a sad note, long-serving member and chironic chiropractor Nola Davis passed away in mid-January. On behalf of the staff, directors and members, our sympathies are with Nola's partner Stephen Savage and her family.

Another member, Martin Williams, who did so much for our local environment as the Lake Baroon Ranger, also left this Earthly plane in mid-January, and I would like to express the Co-op's condolences to Carol Williams and family. Consider making a contribution at the Credit Union for a tree plant to honour Martin and his work.

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