‘Come and try’ mobile expo

By Jennifer Kent

COMMUNITY groups and organisations across Maleny are excitedly preparing for the Maleny District Sport and Recreation Club’s ‘Mobile Come and Try Day’ on Thursday, January 26.

The event, previously called the Maleny Aussie Expo held at the Showgrounds, will this year follow a roving ‘come and try’ style of events hosted by individual groups and clubs at their premises, the Maleny Community Precinct and the Maleny Showgrounds – where the Apex Club will be starting off the day for families with their traditional Big Aussie Day Breakfast at 7.00 am.

Rick Vickers, who is part of the volunteer organising committee behind the event, said that there’s been a great response from groups who have been busy organising their individual activities and display for the day. 

Over 30 community groups have already registered with organisers saying this will allow groups to really showcase what they have to offer to members of the public.

The response to the new platform has been positive, with members eager to have their premises on display, sharing the nitty gritty of what they do.

The Maleny Historical Society’s Laurelle Newton said they’re looking forward to the event and feel the new roving style open day events is a better idea. 

“We’re looking forward to opening up Pioneer Village to visitors, so they can see and experience what we do, explore our premises and even see how they may be able to contribute,” she said.

“This is the real deal – maybe they have items at home to donate, or have knowledge about something they see. We’ll be putting on a morning tea and will have membership forms available for anyone that would like to join on the day.”

Member for Glass House Andrew Powell  is backing the new roving format to be a huge success.  “The Maleny community has something for everyone. There’s every sport under the sun; recreation, art and craft groups; service clubs; and so, so much more,” he said.

“The Aussie Day Expo has always been a huge success but what better way to check out what Maleny has to offer than visiting these organisations in their “natural environment.

“I’ve no doubt the new roving format will also be a huge success!”

Mike Druett of the Blackall Range Horseless Carriage Club, who shares their premises with the Men’s Club and the Historical Society, said while they enjoyed the event at the Showgrounds, he feels the new layout should work well as visitors will be able to see multiple groups in action at their own premises. 

“It’s really nice to be back and be able to host events such as this after a long delay with Covid,” Mike said.

“We’re lucky to share our venue with other groups so I think that will be beneficial to both the groups and those coming along to see what we’re all about.

“We’ll be holding a free sausage sizzle and there’ll be plenty of parking – everyone is welcome.”

Liftout with full program of events and map in next week’s GC&M News.

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