Our cover story is a not-so-gentle reminder that the fire season is almost year-round these days and it’s a no-win situation for our volunteer fire fighters. If it rains, the undergrowth flourishes and increases the risk of grass fires. On the other hand if it stays dry then of course our countryside becomes a tinder box.
This edition also profiles a couple of quite different high achievers. There’s reflective man – James Cowan, back from Argentina and prolific author on subjects as different as Christian mystics and the nature of power.
Then there’s action man – Mal Murphy, the 78 year-old tennis coach who has played with the greats of the 60s and 70s and even strung their rackets. Mal is now coaching director at the Palmwoods Tennis Club, and aiming to put new life into Hinterland tennis.
Mayor Bob Abbot, regards himself as chairman of the board of a corporation that is slowly moving away from the old public service model of local government. We ask how well is Council making that transition?
Our Hinterland artists continue to produce stunning work and this month we look at painter Peter Hudson’s contribution to a delightful book for all ages, From Little Things Big Things Grow. Artists of a different complexion are the five females who are completing individual film-making projects in time for the Australia Film Festival in Maleny in January.
Howard Buckley looks at the “Me” generation and suggests it’ really part of our current economic gloom, but we don’t have to despair.
An interesting mix this month which we are sure you will enjoy.
Michael Berry
Magazine Cover:The ferocious grass fires at Sunrise Beach and Bald Knob in recent weeks signalled the new fire season. Photographer Andrej Kadacik was on hand to capture the remarkable images.
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