Official Opening of Glenferna Historical Homestead

Local Members, Mr Andrew Powell MP and Mr Andrew Wallace MP; Sunshine Coast Council Councillor Rick Baberowski, Maleny Cultural and Historial Society President, Mr Brian James, and Glenferna Restoration Manager, Ms Desley Malone.

I at once acknowledge, with respect to Elders, the traditional custodians of these lands, and I thank Uncle Noel for his welcome to country.

Thank you all for your warm Sunshine Coast welcome! Maleny is a special place, beloved by visitors and locals alike.

The thousands of tourists who visit here are testament to the enduring attractions of the area, and I am very pleased as your Governor to welcome the latest notable addition to that long list.

Glenferna has enjoyed a long and varied life, and it is fitting that during the 160th year of the independence of Queensland from New South Wales, it makes its home at the Maleny Pioneer Village, for all to enjoy.

It is timely, a week after Queensland Day, to reflect on the history and culture of our State and to draw together some of the threads that connect our Queensland stories.

I am delighted to be here to again play a own small part in the story that is Glenferna and Maleny.

Glenferna was built on the first land selection in Maleny. Part of the landfrom which it was subdivided later became the spectacular Mary Cairncross Park.

My predecessor, the 17^th Governor of Queensland Sir Henry Abel Smith, opened Mary Cairncross Park in 1960, and I had the honour of opening the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve Rainforest Discovery Centre two years ago, in February 2017.

And so it gives me particular pleasure today to open Glenferna, the Park’s erstwhile neighbour.

May I say upfront what an extraordinary effort on the part of so many people has been expended on the restoration of Glenferna. It is truly a credit to you all, and I would like to acknowledge the tireless efforts, and outstanding support from the community, that has brought this to pass. 

You should be extremely proud of what you have accomplished here.

Glenferna is a magnificent contribution not just to the history of Maleny but to Queensland. Future generations of Queenslanders depend on us today to preserve our common cultural heritage.

Queensland is very grateful to the Maleny Historical and Cultural Society for the phenomenal amount of time and effort that has been lovingly poured into the restoration of Glenferna over the past three years.

Many thanks are owed to the volunteers and donors, and I am proud to speak on behalf of all Queenslanders when I convey those thanks to you.

I look forward to returning to experience the next phase of Glenferna’s life when the museum displays are developed, but for now it is my honour to declare Glenferna officially open.