Editorial, by Leigh Robshaw
From "Maple Street Co-op News", Apr/Mayl 2007
When I moved to Maleny from Sydney in June 2004 I never imagined myself
taking over the reins of such a vital and well-loved local publication.
I’m very grateful to the newsletter editor for the past eight
years, Ruth Parnell, for recommending me for the job and for her wonderful
mentorship and guidance. While this is technically my first issue as
editor, Ruth has still been very involved, acting as a consulting editor
as well as an editorial contributor. I feel I have big shoes to fill
in maintaining the standard Ruth has set and I’ll certainly do
my best to do the role justice. Thanks also to Alan Harrington for inviting
me to join the Co-op crew – I’m happy to be part of the
team.
I’d also like to thank local graphic designer Adrian Anderson,
who spent many patient hours upgrading my computer, advising me on technical
and layout issues and assisting in changing the newsletter over from
the old desktop publishing program, QuarkXPress, to a newer one, InDesign.
As far as my vision for the newsletter goes, for now I’ll be keeping
it fairly close to what you’re used to, but eventually I’d
love to increase it to 20 pages so we can cover more important local
and global issues.
I see the newsletter as the voice of the Co-op and The UpFront Club,
and a forum for all members, so feel free to suggest story ideas and
offer feedback.
I hope you’ll find this issue a good read. The cover story is
particularly important, as our rural lifestyle, local environment and
unique culture could be greatly affected by the proposed reduction of
councillors and divisions in Caloundra City Council. I know a lot of
people’s eyes glaze over when Council issues are raised, but it’s
crucial for as many residents as possible to voice their concerns by
writing to the contacts listed at the top of page 5. It’s not
a done deal yet, so if you value having hinterland-based councillors
representing our views and promoting those aspects of our region that
make it so special, it’s time to speak your mind.
Leigh
[From "Maple Street Co-op News", Apr/Mayl 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]