There’s a bit of an economic theme to this month’s edition as Faith and I continue to discover a depth of interesting stories beneath the surface of the hinterland. This month we feature two young and talented graphic designers who are using the Web to market their greetings cards and fashionable tee shirts. The future economic and social health of the hinterland depends on people like Nina and James working and bringing up their family here.
And talking of economics, we shouldn’t forget those who fall between the financial and social cracks. Howard Buckley explains how the important work of the Maleny Neighbourhood Centre is giving a helping hand to those who struggle.
We’re featuring tourism in this edition too, mainly because it’s one of the key economic drivers in this part of the world. The Blackall Range and Tourism Association is pulling out all stops to keep the Range a vibrant place to visit.
Social Researcher, Dr Kate Crawford is a recent arrival on the hinterland and she’s been looking at the vexing problem of binge drinking. Her interviews with young people are revealing.
In our monthly conversation with Bob Abbot we learn about the biosphere reserve, awarded to Noosa, and on the cards perhaps for other parts of the Sunshine Coast.
We also hear about some astronomers from Oman, a woman who’s won a Churchill Fellowship to explore slow food, and of course our cover story – the astonishing success of the alpaca, fast becoming one of the most popular pets of our times.
Michael Berry Editor
Thu, Aug 21, 2008
Editorial