Contributed by Diane Hobson
THE Maleny Blackall Range Lions Club would like to thank all who attended our 17th annual Welcome ‘Meet and Greet’ on September 18 at the Maleny Showgrounds Pavilion. It was a joy to see newcomers to the area in recent years meet fellow newcomers, together with residents, sponsoring businesses and community organisations who extended a warm welcome.
Guests were able to wander around the beautifully presented presentation stalls chatting to local community groups and our sponsors, who showcased their various businesses and organisations, whilst listening to the dulcet tones of local musician John Mayes.
A delicious afternoon tea, provided by local restaurant The Orangery, was enjoyed by all and a bar was manned by the Lions Club, together with craft beer tasting provided by local brewery and restaurant Brouhaha.
Our MC for the afternoon was member for Glasshouse Andrew Powell. President of the Lions Club Helen Johnston thanked everyone for attending the event and the sponsors for their support. Guest speaker, local historian Desley Malone spoke about the very early history of the town and the timber industry. Local Councillor Winston Johnston also extended a welcome to the newcomers. A raffle with prizes donated by local artists and businesses was a great success, with first prize being a large, framed print donated by internationally acclaimed photographer Ben Messina and a framed print, tea towel and book by local artist Vanessa Perske as second prize. Lions’ member Chaffey Backhouse, auctioneer extraordinaire, auctioned a framed print, donated by local artist Gary Myers.
We would like to thank all our sponsors for their generosity and support. A big thank you to our major sponsors Seasons IGA, Queensland Country Bank, Maleny Hardware, Maleny Hotel and Sunshine Coast Council. The success of this annual event is also made possible by the support and generosity of local real estate agents, who invite newcomers to attend and provide generous sponsorship, including Brant & Bernhardt, RE/MAX Hinterland, Maleny & Hinterland Real Estate, Blackall Range Real Estate and Legacy Properties.
