In October 1987, a LETS workshop in Maleny decided that our little community was ready to launch itself into its own economic self-help system. Within a few weeks, Maleny's system was thriving, with trading being vigorous between the 27 original members. The LETS concept was presented to the 50 strong Maleny community members by Jill Jordan and Ian Smith. They had just returned from a visit to Canada see first hand the LETSystems that Michael Linton had initiated within his community. Jill and Ian had stopped off in Sydney on the way back to Maleny at the Earthcare Conference to present the LETS concept there. That presentation sparked off many a working group around Australia, but the Maleny activists quickly made the first LETS a reality here in Maleny and its still working today.
The LETS unit within Maleny is known as the Bunya after the local Bunya Pine tree that produces the large fruiting cone containing many very edible nuts.
Maleny LETS has always maintained an office (small room!) rented on Bunyas from the Maleny Credit Union. The office is open from 11-4 Mondays to Fridays and 9.30 to 11.30 Saturday. Staff are active traders and are paid 10 Bunyas per hour for operating the system for the members.
