By Sonia Isaacs
A NEW executive committee has been appointed to lead the Maleny District Sport and Recreation Club, with incoming president Max Whitten signalling a strong focus on expanding community activities at the sports precinct in 2026.
The group includes several familiar faces, ensuring continuity and experience as the club moves forward with new initiatives.
Mr Whitten has taken over the presidency from long-serving former president David Lowden following the club’s annual general meeting, held recently at the Maleny Sports Park clubhouse.
Joining Mr Whitten on the new executive are Greg Williams as vice-president, Carolyn Williams as secretary and Mike Norman as treasurer, while well-known environmental advocate Neil Andison widely recognised locally as the ‘platypus whisperer’ and president of Green Hills has joined as the club’s sole committee member.
Mr Whitten described the streamlined committee as “lean but focused”, with priorities already set on introducing new sporting and recreational opportunities for the hinterland community.
“You will see archery and disc golf up and running this year,” he said.
The AGM also featured guest presentations from Ryan Tyack, who spoke about the potential to establish archery in Maleny and the hinterland, and Dr Ken Wishaw from the Brisbane Astronomical Society, who outlined the region’s growing role in public education linked to the Sunshine Coast Dark Sky Reserve initiative.
Councillor Winston Johnston also addressed members, outlining plans to further develop the Maleny precinct as a hub for sport, recreation and community engagement, with the new committee expected to focus on broadening participation and attracting new users to the facility over the coming year.