By Sonia Isaacs
MALENY Rotary is spearheading the hoped revival of the Maleny Wood Expo after the much-loved event was cancelled earlier this year following economic uncertainty and years of disruption including Covid and bad weather.
Over 25 years the Wood Expo became one of the region’s most recognisable events, delivering significant economic and cultural benefits.
Rotary representatives say its feasibility projections show the event could inject around $2.5m into the Maleny economy.
If approved, the proposed expo would run from October 16–18 2026.
Organisers say the dates were selected to avoid the region’s wet season and public holiday clashes, and have already received encouraging feedback from accommodation operators and tourism groups keen to see the event return.
Rotary has reached out to a wide range of local organisations including the Maleny Show Society, sporting groups, artisan and woodworker associations, schools and TAFE institutions to ensure strong community participation should it go ahead.
The event plan maintains its traditional focus on Queensland timber, woodworking, environmental education and creative industries, with a marketing emphasis on South East Queensland visitors.
Early estimates suggest the expo could attract approximately 11,000 attendees across the three days.
“We want to keep what’s been built going. So much hard work has been put in over many years, and it’d be a shame for it to just evaporate,” a Rotary representative said. “We’ve got capable people with experience to put this together and drive it. It’s one of those events we don’t want to lose for the hinterland. It’s become a statement of who and what we are.”
The proposal comes after Barung Landcare’s 2024 announcement that it would no longer host the Wood Expo after 25 years, citing financial pressures, rising supplier costs, reduced sponsorship, and the increasing risk posed by extreme weather.
The not-for-profit said it no longer had the financial and staffing capacity to stage an event of its size and significance.
Barung Landcare President Barbara Kelly said the organisation wished Rotary well as it explored a new chapter for the Wood Expo.
“As President of Barung Landcare, I would like to extend my sincere best wishes to the new organisers,” she said.
“For over 25 years, Barung was privileged to be involved in presenting this community event, which has long showcased the talent, ingenuity and spirit of our region’s woodworkers and environmental stewards.
“We are pleased to see a new team with fresh energy and ideas stepping forward to carry on the Wood Expo tradition. We truly hope the event continues to inspire, educate, and bring our community together for many years to come.”
Member for Glass House Andrew Powell MP said the cancellation of the 2025 expo had been “deeply felt” but had also prompted renewed determination to rebuild the festival’s future.
“The Maleny Wood Expo has proudly showcased our local artisans, sustainable forestry and regional talent since its inception in 1996,” he said.
“I look forward to working with community members to ensure the next chapter of the expo reflects both its heritage and its potential.
Any community-led effort that preserves the values, creativity and craftsmanship at the heart of the expo will always have my full support.”
Rotary expects to make a final decision on the 2026 event after completing further consultation and assessment, and funding outcomes are confirmed.
sonia@gcnews.com.au