By Mitch Gaynor
A GENEROUS bequest by the founder of Mountain View Daylily Nursery, Scott Alexander, is helping transform the entrance to the Maleny Neighbourhood Centre.
Two garden beds were recently planted with daylily’s from Scott’s former nursery with MNC president Ian Demack saying the generous donation was graciously received and would help create a welcoming space for the community.
“Scott’s generous donation enables us to … create a space where people feel welcome and able to come and share in the community spirit that we are wanting to engender here,” Ian said, adding a plaque would soon be installed to acknowledge the donation.
Scott’s sons, Shane and Mark, who came to Maleny from Brisbane and Melbourne respectively for the ceremony, said their dad was passionate about both his daylily’s and the hinterland community.
“Dad was always about community and when he bequeathed some money to the Neigbourhood Centre we were really pleased and hope it grows and becomes something the community can use and enjoy.”
Mark said that his father, who brought the family to the area in 1982, grew the nursery into the biggest in the southern hemisphere with busloads of customers arriving on their doorsteps on weekends.
“Whenever we drive here I feel at home,” Mark said.
“This community centre was something really important to dad.”
“For decades to come this place will be really special to us and the community.”
The MNC is currently undertaking a consultation process to help create a welcoming place for the community. Underpinned by three priority areas – rejuvenating the area, sharing services and providing new community activities – organisers are keen for public input.
Go to https://cutt.ly/qX5aOsr to have your say.
Main image: Ian Demack, Jim Straker, Mark and Shane Alexander and Rick Paget