Hinterland town redefining its community day by offering a rotating series of events

Maleny is set to be a hub of activity on Australia Day as more than 30 of the town’s beloved community groups open their doors for the first ever Maleny Mobile Come and Try Day.

The event, previously called the Maleny Aussie Expo and held exclusively at the Maleny Showgrounds, will this year follow a roving ‘come and try’ style of events, hosted by groups and clubs at their own premises, as well as the Maleny Community Precinct and the showgrounds.

The day will include everything from the traditional Apex Club Aussie Day breakfast and citizenship ceremonies at the Maleny Showgrounds to a remembrance ceremony, free sausage sizzles and even free putting at Maleny Golf Course.

Volunteer organising committee spokesman Rick Vickers said there had been an amazing response from groups, who have been busy planning their individual activities and displays for the day.

“This event allows the many volunteer-run community groups to showcase who they are and what they do,” he said.

“At a time when so many volunteer groups need an extra set of hands to help run smoothly, this is also the perfect opportunity on an important family day to promote the fantastic work they do.”

Maleny Historical Society’s Laurelle Newton said she was looking forward to the event and felt the new roving style open day was a fantastic initiative.

“We’re looking forward to opening up our Pioneer Village to visitors so they can see and experience what we do, explore our premises and perhaps even see how they may be able to contribute,” she said.

“This is the real deal – maybe they have historical items at home to donate, or knowledge about something they see. We’ll be putting on a morning tea and the Pioneer Ukuleles will be strumming away on the day.”

Mike Druett of the Blackall Range Horseless Carriage Club, which shares its premises with the Men’s Club and the Historical Society at the Pioneer Village, said the new format would allow visitors to see multiple groups in action at their own premises.

“We’ll have our cars polished and ready –  it’s just really nice to be back and be able to host events such as this after a long delay with Covid,” he said.

“We’re lucky to share our venue with other groups so I think that will be beneficial to both the groups and visitors coming along to see what Maleny community organisations are all about.”

The event, which has been organised by the Maleny District Sport and Recreation Club, runs from 8am-noon on January 26.