2021 will be a big year of change for the Macleay Island Progress Association. This follows on from the most impactful year of 2020 which saw the association manage to plan for an interesting and positive future. It started with the major installation of solar panels that also involved re-roofing of the popular progress association hall. Thanks to successful combined grants, in 2021 the hall will undergo major renovations and changes. $50,000 has come via grants from the State Government Community Gambling fund, the Redlands Foundation and grants from Cr Mark Edwards and Redland City Council. The money will go towards a considerable facelift and new internals. The hall kitchen and bar area will be refurbished and the deck overßlooking the bay will be extended. $4400 from the Redlands Foundation will see the replacement of the community library’s staff and toilet facilities. The money from Cr Mark Edwards will go towards a commercial dishwasher. The association itself paid for the 6.6kw solar system and $2000 to replacement of significant parts of the existing deck areas. The work that has been and is being carried out is considerable for a small association. A new feature at the Progress Hall precinct are the Island Made Markets that started just prior to Christmas. They are particularly called Bernie’s Market and Social and involve specifically island made goods, produce and artworks providing a great place to meet friends, relax, enjoy the adjacent community library, have a ‘real’ coffee and some great cakes and BBQ delights. These are to be held on the third Saturday of each month from 8.30am to 12.30pm The markets have been named after Bernie Berry an islander who, in 1960, donated the land on which the Progress Hall and the community library now stands. The Progress Association is continual looking for volunteers. Call along to the markets each month and introduce yourself, and get involved. • Enjoying the December Bernie’s Markets at the Macleay Progress Hall.