Nestled in lush forest with views stretching right to the coast, Mapleton is a small Hinterland village that’s making a big impact.

Known for its heritage pub and close-knit community, Mapleton’s spirit of care is reaching well beyond its borders to lend a hand to the region’s most vulnerable.

The Mapleton Library Community Centre (MLCC), a volunteer-run home to thousands of books and regular local events, has become the beating heart of this generous movement.

It started with a simple yet powerful idea to collect items for the Sonshine Sanctuary, a refuge for victims of domestic violence. The initiative quickly blossomed, and within a short time more than two carloads of essential items had been donated and delivered.

But Mapleton’s giving spirit didn’t end there. The community has now taken up another cause —helping local families who are struggling to put food on the table.

In just over a month, bags of tinned goods and pantry staples have been generously donated for the Blackall Range Lions to deliver to the Nambour Community Centre and a community member to deliver to The Shack.

“It’s thrilling to see how it’s taken off” says MLCC president, Nita Lester. “The sheer number of donations has been overwhelming. Mapleton may be small, but its heart is huge. As well as the food relief we’ve collected, five bags of clothing are about to be handed over to The Shack, where they will be distributed to those in need.

“It just goes to show that when a community, regardless of its size, comes together with such compassion and kindness, amazing things really do happen.”

If you live on or near the Blackall Range, you’re most welcome to drop in and become a member of the Mapleton Library Community Centre. You’ll find them at the top of the Obi Obi Rd in Mapleton, beside that famous pub.  

• Email mapletonlibrary@gmail.com.