Rotary - Service above self

History around how the reserve transformed into a recreation and tourist attraction is closely tied to the Rotary Club of Maleny. Shortly after the club founded in October 1959 consultation with the Landsborough Shire Council and Elizabeth Thynne began. It was decided that the new club would create and maintain the ‘Reserve and Sanctuary’ as their first major community project. In his President’s report in 1960, a meeting attended by Elizabeth Thynne, Norm Tesch referred to the project as the ‘Mary Cairncross Park Scenic and Tourist attraction’.

The Rotarians and their families worked hard to prepare the reserve for public access and its official opening in December 1960. This was no mean feat and involved many hours of weed removal and path formation. The Rotary Club of Maleny’s involvement in the reserve did not stop with the opening. They continued to play a central role in the management and care of the reserve for more than 20 years.

During this time many Rotarians contributed to caring for the reserve. Weekend working bees were a family affair and included the wives and children of Rotarians. Some of the volunteers involved include: Jack Wilcox, Norm Tesch, Keith Riordan, Clarrie Skerman, Bert Brooker, Joe Spooner, Arthur Finter, Ken Edser, Bruce Aberdeen, Wal Burnett, Alex Myers, Joe Spooner, Vic and Jim Waddell, Brian Turner, Arthur Tesch, Bill Hankinson, Ivan Hankinson, Ivan Bonney, Jack Hill, Rob Norris, Trevor Appleby, Lloyd Bell, Ken Boden, Reg Cox, Nev Anning, Bob Doyle, Rixon Burnett and Peg Burnett.

No task was too big or small for the dedicated Rotarians. Tasks included mowing the picnic area, maintaining rubbish collection, and researching and naming plants. The club also built picnic facilities including the early park shelter shed with water tank, picnic tables and a fireplace to 'boil the billy’.

Significant projects undertaken by the Rotary Club of Maleny include:

1963 – Clean up following a severe tropical cyclone.

1968 – Construction of a foot bridge over a small creek in the reserve.

1974 – Construction of a children’s slide, barbeque facilities and fencing.

1980s – Installation of picnic tables, walking path resurfacing, playground repairs and fencing.

1988-89 – Installation of a large children’s playground.

Following his death in 1987 a walk was named in Rixon Burnett’s honour in recognition of his significant contribution to the reserve over many years.

Rotary’s hands-on involvement in reserve management decreased in the 1990s following the construction of the first visitor education centre and greater involvement by council. The club continued to be represented on the reserve’s management committee for a number of years.

The dedication, hard work and philanthropic service demonstrated by the Rotary Club of Maleny at Mary Caincross Scenic Reserve is to be commended. They have played a significant role in making the reserve the renowned conservation and recreation attraction it is today.  

Further details about the history of the Rotary Club of Maleny can be found in the publication, Rotary in Maleny – 50 Years of Service by Jack Wilcox AM.