| Editorial From "Maple Street Co-op News", Dec 2005/Jan 2006 Another milestone passed, and it's onwards and upwards from here – but how could we do without our cherished UpFront Club, the social focus of so many co-oppers in our community? Well, it's hit a rough patch and, to cut a long story short, is now merging with Maple Street Co-operative. See pages 9, 10 and 11 for more details. The beginning of November saw celebrations to mark the centenary of the Universal Providers building, occupied by Maleny Supa IGA. The festivities were an incredible show of community support for IGA’s owners Rob and Samantha Outridge, who have provided sponsorship in cash and kind for all sorts of local groups and causes over the last decade or so. Congratulations to everyone! But after all this support, who could possibly shop at the Woolworths supermarket when it opens in Maleny as expected in March 2006? Hordes of Maleny locals are still adamant they won't shop there, but are not planning to harangue anyone who does. Still, a selection of Wotters will no doubt do their thing and fill trolleys with non-perishables before exiting the supermarket empty-handed, aiding the employment of supermarket staff. Others will deliberately park there and not shop! Some of us are wondering, now that Woolworths CEO Roger Corbett has been appointed to the Board of the Reserve Bank, whether he'll wield any undue influence through his mates to make anti-Woolworths protesting an act of sedition – or Woolworths shopping compulsory. Stay alert and alarmed, folks! While we're yet to see how much of the Probity Audit report on the so-called Maleny Community Precinct has been blacked out, at least Obi Obi watchers can gain some solace from Premier Beattie who has exercised his call-in powers over the proposed Montville Links development. If you care for our catchment, write to him and object to this development proposal ahead of his decision in January. Let us all spare a few thoughts for local journalist Michael Berry, who would be writing about these developments if he weren't recovering from a double leg amputation below the knees. All of us at the Co-op extend our heartfelt wishes to Michael in his recovery and our support for his partner Faith Baigent. We encourage everyone to attend the art auction fundraiser on Sunday 18 December at the Maleny Community Centre, and to contribute to his expenses via a special account at Maleny Credit Union. In the spirit of the season, best wishes to readers – our members and friends alike. Until next time... Ruth |
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Address: 37 Maple Street, Maleny Qld 4552, Australia Telephone: (07) 5494 2088 (int'l +61 7 5494 2088) Fax: (07) 5499 9246 (int'l +61 7 5499 9246) Email: info@maplestreetco-op.com.au, or maplest.coop@serv.net.au Website: www.maplestreetco-op.com.au |