PROJECTS

Bellbird and back… a taste of the trail

This very popular event was first held as part of Mary Valley GourMay Food Festival in May 2023. Ticket holders started at dusk at the Imbil trail head, where we enjoyed cheese and crackers and a glass of wine. Then it was time to set off along the trail to the newly erected picnic shelter at the Bellbird habitat area. Here guests were greeted with lively music from local band ‘Leafy Greens’, and the dance floor was well attended. Marquees had been set up for the comfort of all, and more drinks were available as everyone mingled and chatted. Homemade soups and chillies were the order of the day, served up with fresh rolls from Imbil bakery. All food was made with local produce, and people came back for more. Then it was time for the return walk, back to Imbil where the rail trail committee offered a glass of a local port and small sweets to finish off the evening.

The event returned due to popular demand in 2024!  Listen out for 2025’s offering.

Kathleen Dennis Rest Area

Trail user feedback indicated another picnic shelter was needed, so with assistance from the Queensland Government Gambling Community Benefit Fund and a close connection with Gympie Regional Council the new shade shelter was erected in April 2023. The site was chosen in conjunction with Gympie Regional Council, with the bellbird habitat area deemed the best site. With many volunteers assisting the registered builder the shade shelter was immediately put to good use for the Gourmay event and since that time it has given rest and shade to many grateful trail users. 

The committee decided to dedicate the shade structure to Kathleen Dennis, who was an early member of MVRTA and who worked many hours in planting and weeding the site. Sadly Kathleen was killed in a road traffic incident in 2022, but her legacy lives on, and MVRTA committee are proud to commemorate her contribution by naming the area the Kathleen Dennis Rest Area. 

The sign was made and donated by local artist Keith Gall.

Kathleen Dennis Rest Area

Trail user feedback indicated another picnic shelter was needed, so with assistance from the Queensland Government Gambling Community Benefit Fund and a close connection with Gympie Regional Council the new shade shelter was erected in April 2023. The site was chosen in conjunction with Gympie Regional Council, with the bellbird habitat area deemed the best site. With many volunteers assisting the registered builder the shade shelter was immediately put to good use for the Gourmay event and since that time it has given rest and shade to many grateful trail users. 

The committee decided to dedicate the shade structure to Kathleen Dennis, who was an early member of MVRTA and who worked many hours in planting and weeding the site. Sadly Kathleen was killed in a road traffic incident in 2022, but her legacy lives on, and MVRTA committee are proud to commemorate her contribution by naming the area the Kathleen Dennis Rest Area. 

The sign was made and donated by local artist Keith Gall.

Kathleen Dennis Rest Area

Trail user feedback indicated another picnic shelter was needed, so with assistance from the Queensland Government Gambling Community Benefit Fund and a close connection with Gympie Regional Council the new shade shelter was erected in April 2023. The site was chosen in conjunction with Gympie Regional Council, with the bellbird habitat area deemed the best site. With many volunteers assisting the registered builder the shade shelter was immediately put to good use for the Gourmay event and since that time it has given rest and shade to many grateful trail users. 

The committee decided to dedicate the shade structure to Kathleen Dennis, who was an early member of MVRTA and who worked many hours in planting and weeding the site. Sadly Kathleen was killed in a road traffic incident in 2022, but her legacy lives on, and MVRTA committee are proud to commemorate her contribution by naming the area the Kathleen Dennis Rest Area. 

The sign was made and donated by local artist Keith Gall.

Weeding and tree care on the trail

The Mary Valley Rail Trail habitat link project has been very successful with Koala Action Gympie Region planting 4000 koala habitat and food trees on the trail, and a WIRES grant allowing Gympie Landcare to add a further 2400 trees near the Brooloo end of the trail. The first planting was in 2021 and the final planting was on 23^rd May 2023. Volunteers were amazing turning up to thirteen planting sessions held on a Saturday morning.

MVRTA holds regular tree care sessions to care for the plantings, including weeding around the new trees and removal of guards where appropriate. These sessions are held on the first Saturday of each month at 8am, with a morning tea provided by MVRTA at the end of the working bee. Everyone is welcome, please see the Facebook page for details of where to meet each time or contact MVRTsecretary@gmail.com for more information. A dedicated Facebook page details the work we are undertaking: MVRTA Tree Amigos, which anyone can join.  Please help us maintain the fantastic trees and keep the trail looking beautiful!

One Foot Forward

In October 2023 MVRTA Inc members walked to support research into mental health and suicide by supporting the Black Dog Institute ‘One Foot Forward’ initiative.  Our team members raised over $1000.  We ended the month with a group walk along the trail.

https://www.onefootforward.org.au