Cr Rogerson - Kenilworth Cheese, Wine and Food Festival
The Kenilworth Cheese, Wine and Food Festival was once again a great event. It's a major boost for Kenilworth and I believe it's not just the stallholders who benefit, but every business in town. Some may not reap the rewards immediately, but the friendliness, laid back attitude and country spirit of our locals endears visitors to return throughout the year. The festival is also an opportunity to show off the best playground in the southern hemisphere.
Our local festival of food
The Kenilworth Cheese, Wine and Food Festival was once again a great event. It’s a major boost for Kenilworth and I believe it’s not just the stallholders who benefit, but every business in town. Some may not reap the rewards immediately, but the friendliness, laid back attitude and country spirit of our locals endears visitors to return throughout the year. The festival is also an opportunity to show off the best playground in the southern hemisphere, which I have no doubt brings the families back time and time again. Speaking of the playground - if you see or hear of any exciting new playground equipment, drop me a line as I’m always looking to make it even better. You can email [email protected].
War Memorial update
As I’m writing this column, the new war memorial in front of Dobbo’s (opposite the showgrounds) is still very much on track to be finished before Anzac Day. We’re currently installing 143 plaques to acknowledge locals who served in the wars. These plaques detail the names of our ex-servicemen and women and other details such as service number and rank. A lot of work has gone into these plaques – Council has been working with Australian War Memorials and Kenilworth RSL to ensure all these details are correct. Thanks to Graeme Mickelberg and Tim Donovan for their input into making this the highest calibre memorial for our community.
Meeting a minister
I took a trip down to Brisbane recently to meet with our new Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Bill Byrne. The Sunshine Coast local government area, in particular Division 10, has an array of agriculture and horticulture, and it’s important we build a rapport with our minister. It’s vital our farmers get as much support as possible not only in hard times and after disasters, but in the good times too. So many locals rely on the future direction and prosperity for this industry – from the Obi Obi Valley to the Mary Valley and right across the hinterland.
Happy Easter
I would like to wish everyone a happy and safe Easter. To me, Easter is a time when I remember helping the Easter bunny place the eggs at the top of our family’s special tree, an old English Elm. I always value it as a good family event that reinforces Christian values. Whether you’re a practicing Christian or not, it’s a good reminder of what’s important in life – and I think family is at the top of that list for most people.
First published in Mary Valley Voice on April 15