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Wood Expo Celebrates our timber |
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Written by Administrator
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Wednesday, 04 May 2005 |
This weekend thousands of visitors will descend on the Maleny
Showgrounds for Barung's 10th annual native timbers celebration.
Landcare ethics mean Barung discourages imported rainforest
furniture. To exhibit at the Maleny Wood Expo, woodworkers have to
just about prove the pedigree of their timber. If it is not
sustainably harvested Australian native timber, a weed species,
salvaged native timber or recycled timber then they cannot exhibit.
Rather than discourage woodworkers, such strict guidelines have actually seen exhibitor numbers more than triple since the first Expo in 1996. Individualistic styles will be highlighted in functional items from contemporary fine furniture to rough bush furniture and everything in between.This as well as the sculptural entries in the national Wootha Prize competition.
Participating award-winning artisans, who helped attract over 11,000 visitors to the Expo in 2004, include George Gavaric, Randy De Graw, Keith Patullo, David Linton and Donald Powell. Their work, along with several other exhibitors is in high demand in Australia and overseas.
But what makes the Wood Expo more than just a furniture display is the requirement that artisans be there with their work. To talk with the artist is to understand the handcrafted pieces' souls and to authenticate its pedigree. The Expo highlights all aspects of wood from the region's timber heritage, to growing and farming trees and milled timber production. Visitors can witness mobile millers cutting their way through a beautiful Australian hardwood plank.
The Expo also promotes farm forestry as a viable and sustainable land use for the green hills around the Blackall Range and highlights landcare practices. In the Soap Box Theatre you can hear farm forestry talks on Saturday and Sunday mornings and then join tours to different farm forestry enterprises each afternoon.
In the Soapbox Theatre's afternoon forums you can venture into the realms of utilizing our increasing Camphor laurel infestation, living with nature in south-east Queensland and untangling the weed vine issues that threaten our remnant vegetation.
Australian Chainsaw Carving Competition two-time winner Keith Gall will be demonstrating his skills and the 'how we used to do it' dexterity of Frank De Groot will fashion components for a 50m post and rail fence for Barung's new Resource Centre.
Expo Coordinator Mim Coulstock said: "New attractions for 2005 include Working in Wood Master Classes and a talking circle with local indigenous people to understand indigenous relationships with the environment through ceremonial dance, song and other presentations."
"Another new attraction is the Sustainable Housing exhibit showcasing eco-friendly building products, solar and waste systems including the Biolytix Waste Treatment System, a double winner on the ABC's The New Inventors," she said. The Maleny Music venue will be nourishing young talent in the RAW - Rhythm/Art/Words - competition. More seasoned Maleny musicians will be entertaining Expo visitors each afternoon.
Limited seats are still available for some of the Expo's popular EcoTours. These daily, guided, bus tours depart from the Expo to explore innovative enterprises and horticultural pursuits, from the Trees for Conservation in the Mary Valley tour to EcoGardening and Mary Valley Flavours Tours.
If you are in need of refreshment, the Maleny Country Caf? provides traditional country fare. Alternatively you can pull up a hay bale for a beer, burger and yarn in the Landcare Paddock, or taste the many other delights on offer. The Taste Maleny Produce Store will have souvenirs of the region's finest produce. Raffle tickets offer a range of prizes and will be for sale throughout the Expo site.
All profits from the event go towards Barung's Landcare education and revegetation programs to protect and enhance our wonderful region. With local music, local food and free environmental activities for children, 2005 Maleny Wood Expo visitors can relax and celebrate the event's 10 years.
Day admission is $8 for adults, youths under 16 free. For more information about the EcoTours and Expo phone the Expo office on 5429 6566, email info@malenywoodexpo.com or visit www.malenywoodexpo.com.
From beginning to end - Chainsaw to Fine Furniture.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 04 May 2005 )
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Range News 2005 - ON 
