The Hinterland has been a magnet for artists of all colours for many years, and not only for the obvious environmental and scenic reasons. Artists say there’s an energy here that is hard to define, and our magazine this month reflects that energy – the prestigious Maleny Art Awards, Gary Myers wonderful new arts complex, galleries full of stimulating new exhibitions, artists demonstrating their skills in PNG and Japan, and the exciting new Earth, Dreams, Magic book which is set to promote our creative industries far and wide.
Creative energy on the Hinterland is seen in other ways too. For example, they say that the sign of a vibrant community is whether or not it has book shops. Several Range shops sell new books and this month we also go inside two of the most popular and second-hand bookshops up here on ‘the hill’. Markets are flourishing too – at Mapleton, Montville, Maleny and Eudlo ; something to do with the recession no doubt.
Another popular activity is watching films and the Maleny Film Society now draws long queues from residents across the Range every second Saturday night. And it’s the combination of stimulating overseas films, quaint candlelit dinners (food courtesy of Pomodoros), wine and good chat that defines the night. Even reserving your seat with a soft cushion adds to the ambience of a Society that has grown over its 18 year life.
Our cover story is a positive look at one young man who’s helping other young people to keep their lives together. In articles that probe where we’re headed as a region, State MP for Glasshouse, Andrew Powell spells out his views on growth on the Sunshine Coast, and Curramore resident and Queensland health consultant Stephen Alexander reveals an interesting trial of GP super clinics that may take the strain off local hospitals.
So, there’s plenty of interesting winter reading this month.
Michael Berry
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