After a committed eight years of raising the pride and profile of the Glasshouse Country region, the volunteer team behind Celebrate Glasshouse Country Inc. have decided the time has come to wrap up the organisation. Earlier this month, team members came together to begin the official process of winding up. Outgoing president Judy Tomlinson said with committee members aged in their 60s and 70s, the time had come to volunteer on less strenuous projects. She said she was pleased that initiatives developed by the organisation, such as the Glasshouse Country Street Party and The Hub community space at Beerwah, will continue with the baton being handed over to the Glasshouse Country Chamber of Commerce and Beerwah and District Sub-branch who will take on these projects going forward.
“I have loved working with such a wonderful team of such passionate community minded people, and being able to immerse ourselves in everything Glasshouse Country. Our work is done, so we are happy to leave a strong and successful legacy for others to continue,” said Judy.
Run by a small team of community volunteers, over the years, the not-for- profit group has been dedicated to strengthening the identity of the Glasshouse Country region. Originally set up as an incorporated organisation following the success of the 2014 Council-funded Street Party in Beerwah, the small band of volunteers went on to organise three hugely popular street parties in 2015, 2017 and 2019 which saw thousands attend the events. Judy explained that Covid put a stop to the parties, and they subsequently became more complicated to run.
“Thankfully, the Glasshouse Country Chamber of Commerce stepped in to take over the organisation, using a professional event organiser, Shelly Le Vesconte of Jack Rabbit Events. Shelly can do what we couldn’t, which is to set up a 10-year plan, with a Street Party planned for every year,” said Judy.
The team have also left a legacy of information, having gained a federal government grant to produce Ivon Northage’s book ‘The Heritage Listed Glasshouse Mountains,’ with team member Roger Reilly working hard over a number of years to help Ivon bring his vision into being. Now on the fourth edition, the book has provided a major source of information for locals and visitors alike.
Glasshouse Country Chamber of Commerce president Jenny Broderick said she was thrilled that the streets of Beerwah would be ignited with excitement later this year with the Hinterwonderland event scheduled for November 12.
Main image: Michelle Spark, Judy Tomlinson, Maree Anderson, Jenny Broderick, Ilia Starkovsky, Roger Reilly and Natasha Odgers