For kids and community: The Woodies at Maleny Expo 2024

Above: High quality woodcraft by Blackall Range Woodcrafters Guild will be on display and for sale at the Maleny Wood Expo 2024

The Maleny Wood Expo takes place annually in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. From its inception in 1996, the Expo has relied on a groundswell of community support. The event is run by Barung Landcare, a 700-member strong organisation that believes sustainable production and conservation can exist side-by-side.

Every year the event is supported by a legion of volunteers and a number of clubs, including woodworking clubs such as the Blackall Range Woodcrafters Guild aka ‘The Woodies’.

The Woodies have earned an enviable reputation for supporting many other Sunshine Coast community organisations through literally thousands of donations made voluntarily by its members. Examples of these include Maleny Library, Maleny Hospital Auxiliary Inc, Maleny Agricultural Show, SES Maleny Group, Maleny Golf Club, Maleny District Sports and Recreation Club.

This year the Blackall Range Woodcrafters Guild will once again offer a Children’s workshop at the Expo. The aim is to encourage children to try woodworking under the guidance and watchful eyes of experienced woodworkers. Children will be able to learn how to make a money box, or experiment with pyrography tools to write their name or message on a wooden paddle. Participation is free.

Barung Nursery is also offering an activity for younger visitors who will have the opportunity to make a plant stand – complete with a free plant. This is well timed, with Mother’s Day around the corner on May 12!

Above: Woodies member Rob Forsyth handing over the rejuvenated Boomerang Bench to Council officer Julie.

Community support also goes back to local government initiatives. The Woodies are very grateful to the Sunshine Coast Council for a number of grants for the upgrading of its facilities and equipment in its sheds at the Montville Sportsground. Council grants have enabled the Woodies create and craft high quality woodcraft and to reciprocate by donating the rejuvenated historical Boomerang Bench shown above to Council for the residents of Montville.

This year the Maleny Wood Expo runs from 4–6 May at Maleny Showgrounds, Qld.

For tickets and information see malenywoodexpo.com