It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon when editor Jaap Vogel met Julie Ray at the anniversary celebrations at Cauldron Distillery. Lots of cheerful people and a car park that couldn't be fuller. One vehicle stood out: a colourful, hippie-kind of Volkswagen bus/campervan. Is the owner, Julie Ray, a local?

"Yes, I am, for two years. I have lots of friends in Mullumbimby and relatives in Brisbane. I was looking for a house halfway and found it in Forest Park on the Mountain.

"It's now two years, and I really like it. I've lived in Mullumbimby for quite some time, but that town has changed. It has lost its original happy, community lifestyle. Too many people have come from elsewhere, and they have changed the feel of that town. One good thing that came from the recent floods is that they brought the community together again, which was great to see.

“I really have that feeling of community here on the Mountain. The people are so friendly, creative and welcoming. I just hope that with more people moving from the cities that it will remain so and not lose its country town vibe. Tamborine Mountain is a great community to live in. I really embrace it."