By Kerri Cryer
Together my division and arts portfolio cover a diverse area and an extensive range of activities. The last few weeks have been quite busy with: an Australian Citizenship Ceremony in Beaudesert, welcoming about two dozen new citizens; a Canungra Multiagency Scenario evening with a ‘multi vehicle crash’ scene set-up, very on point with the recent unfortunate spate of accidents on our roads; opening of Solo Eco Artist Lisa Wood’s important ‘Rainforest Requiem’ Exhibition at Boonah Regional Art Gallery; launch of Scenic Rim’s Eat Local Month at Scenic Rim Farm Shop; and TM Arts Trail over the long weekend on the mountain which featured 70+ incredibly talented Artists.
The inaugural Scenic Rim Sustainable Fashion Designer Showcase a standout event featuring an Upcycle Op Shop Challenge and an incredible vision of ‘upcycling passion, adventure, and creativity’ so important in this time of need to ‘reuse, reduce, recycle’. Presenting awards for the challenge and closing the magnificent showcase was a great honour – looking forward to next year’s event!
It was a privilege to attend the Beaudesert Cricket Club’s Award Presentation. The coaches’ dedication and enthusiasm of players was intensely evident on faces and a great joy to see. The club, which has been operating since the 1900s, is hopeful of support for a new club house kitchen and amenities to see them well into the future and safely keep the local community’s love for the game of cricket alive.
It was a great honour to attend Anzac Day Services at Veresdale Scrub State School, Gleneagle State School, Tamborine Mtn State High School, Tamborine Mountain College, Tamborine Masonic Lodge, Tamborine’s Dawn Service, and Beaudesert’s Service, and pay tribute with our community for those who have fallen, served, or are serving.
Very enjoyable to officially launch the Smart Lockers and Smart Return Shelves at Beaudesert Library, offering an efficient, easily accessible, (and fun) way to borrow and return books.
Small Business Month for May commenced with a breakfast featuring guest speaker, rural entrepreneur, Julia Spicer OAM, plus a panel of recent Business Excellence Award winners.
In Jubilee Park, a Candlelight Vigil was held for sadly 24 confirmed victims since May last year, supported by YFS, Zonta, Beaudesert Police, Rotary, and Council, and attended by 60+ local community members. Each victim’s name was called in the candlelight in a very heartfelt and moving tribute.
Also, a very busy time in Council examining the capital works program and service catalogue for the Budget 2027 while keeping in mind the current economic pressures and war crisis.
The upcoming Enchanted Woods Art Exhibition featuring local artists will open on 20 June, and free Dinner In The Dark events with live music and cooking demos will be held around the region. Community is where connections are made!
