Book recounts Maleny Neighbourhood Centre’s history

On February 23 ‘The Story of the Maleny Neighbourhood Centre’ was launched during an evening gathering at MNC of involved people including two of the three ladies who started it all.

Maleny Neighbourhood Centre (MNC) is at the end of Bicentenary Lane in Maleny.

Many locals do not know that it exists, what happens there, how it came to be, and when and how MNC might help them.

In June 2020 MNC Vice President Jim Straker began his quest to answer these questions. In July 2020 Neil Byrne agreed to undertake the daunting task of locating the people who had been involved over the years and acquiring the information.

In June 2021, Wendy Oakley agreed to undertake the layout for the book and to design its cover and she did a wonderful job.

A suitable printer was found and some significant donations were received towards these printing costs.

On February 23 ‘The Story of the Maleny Neighbourhood Centre’ was launched during an evening gathering at MNC of involved people including two of the three ladies who started it all.

The sight of the finished article amazed everyone. So much information was gatherered, collated and presented in an eye catching book.

MNC has been known by different names and has been located at a wide variety of sites: RSL, Guide Hut, Butter co-op, house near the hotel etc. 

In 1988, there were some issues which prompted the journey – no facilities for youth, lack of transport, difficulty accessing government services and a tragic suicide. Three local concerned ladies met and decided that something had to be done to address these circumstances. And the rest is history.  

During March, the book will be on display at the Maleny Library and at a kiosk day on  March 16. It is now available for viewing and purchase at MNC for $30. This is a great price for such a cross section of local history.