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AUTUMN 2017
SPOTLIGHT ON THE EVENTS CENTRE CITY OF COLOUR SHINES ON COAST
TIPS ON COLLABORATION FROM COAST IDENTITIES
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
FEATURES 4 President's Pen 6 Recipe for Success 8 You Will Be Entertained at Events Centre 10 Dicky Beach: A Rising Star 12 City of Colour Shines Bright on Coast 14 Bike Trails - Blog 15 Caloundra Street Fair Celebrates 15 Years 16 A New Era for Downtown Caloundra
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19 Coast2Bay: A Positive Contribution REGULARS 5 Social Pics - Out and About
18 Upcoming Events 20 Welcome to New Members 22 Members Directory
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CALOUNDRA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY INC. A Level 1, 74 Bulcock St (PO Box 177) Caloundra 4551 P 07 5492 5977 E admin@caloundrachamber.com.au ADVERTISING AND CONTENT SUBMISSIONS To enquire about advertising space, or discuss content, please contact the Editor of Caloundra Buzz magazine | marketing@caloundrachamber.com.au GRAPHIC DESIGN AND PRODUCTION BY: Marx Design | www.marxdesign.com.au FRONT COVER: Kim McCosker from 4 Ingredients - Photo Courtesy of 4 Ingredients www.caloundrachamber.com.au
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PRESIDENT’S PEN
OUT & ABOUT
BUSINESS NETWORKING The Chamber recently hosted a number of functions and events which presented a great opportunity to mix and mingle and included Smart Lunch Club presented by Sue Parker from DARE Group at Breakfree Grand Pacific and Business After Hours at Mets on Kings both in February. Photos courtesy of Brian Rogers Photographics. Michael Shadforth, President of Caloundra Chamber Of Commerce
THE FUTURE IS HERE 2017 marks the beginning of a new era for the business community in Caloundra, especially for Bulcock Street vendors. After perseverance and hard work, the chamber and local businesses are in a position to see a monumental year in terms of transformation. The completion of the $5 million streetscape progress, which saw months of disruption for businesses, has breathed new life into the precinct. Business owners should be proud of the resilience they have shown in not only keeping their doors open for those who did venture to the street during the construction phase, but also for being overwhelmingly positive about what the future holds for trade in the years to come.
Mick Hughes (Heart of Ireland), Natasha Holloway (The Art Hub), Grace McClymont (Red Ink Rodeo), Paul Nay (PMCN Consulting Pty Ltd)
Bulcock Street is not only a place to shop, the additional lighting and security features incorporated into the new design means it has been transformed into a real landmark destination, where people can shop during the day and linger to enjoy a meal or drinks at one of the many cafes and restaurants that line the street. This will really start to noticeably change the way people view our town. While the CBD is flourishing, Aura is fast taking shape in Caloundra South with residents already moving in. The growth and employment creation established in the construction industry through this development will have great flow-on effects for the region.
Andrew Fairbairn (Visit Sunshine Coast), Nadine Baumann (Australia Zoo), Susan Maynard (Visit Sunshine Coast) & Kelly Edmonds (Oaks Oasis Resort)
The Sunshine Coast University Hospital and the surrounding health precinct are also set to activate in April. This places Caloundra in a unique position to capitalise on the vast employment and business opportunities that will arise from these developments as well as welcoming a whole new range of people into the community that work in the health and wellbeing sectors. Along with this, tourism will continue to grow and we’re becoming a major regional location. National investors are looking to move to the Sunshine Coast and it’s important to embrace the opportunities, so keep an ear to the ground. The Caloundra Chamber of Commerce has its finger on the pulse and the Sunshine Coast Council actively runs workshops designed to help you maximise opportunities with securing work or network links with those associated with large developments. I encourage you to investigate where this could take you. 4 Caloundrabuzz
Grace McClymont (Red Ink Rodeo), Colin Shurley (Premier 1 Pest Control) & Natasha Holloway (The Art Hub)
Debbie Gorsh (Wish List), Paul Malia (The Mortgage Connection), Joanne Manning (Fusion Beauty Lounge)
Helena Tivey (Backstory Magazine), Peter Hunter (SunCoast Barcode Solutions), Viviene Moss, Jane Cluff (Felicity Jane Digital)
Darren Smith (Caloundra Motors Service Centre/RACQ) & Karen McNamara (KBAS Bookkeeping)
Brendan Neil (TAFE Queensland East Coast), Rose Weaver (Nerdyness), David Horne (Bartercard Sunshine Coast)
Jonathan Allen (Secure Access IT) & Nantha Lingam (Bartercard Sunshine Coast)
Victoria Chapman (Salt Magazine), Karen Faa (Sunshine Coast Celebrant), Julie Ellenberger (Visual Concepts)
Sue Parker (DARE Group Australia), Tina Lockwood (Lockforce Consultancy International Pty Ltd), Nantha Lingam (Bartercard Sunshine Coast)
Judi Johnson, Craig Thomson & Jenny van Leeuwen (Physio by Jenny)
Donn Niazov (Family Friendly Carpet Cleaning & Pest Control), Howard Montgomery (Bunnings)
www.caloundrachamber.com.au
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TIPS ON COLLABORATION FROM COAST IDENTITIES
COLLABORATION AN INGREDIENT FOR SUCCESS What happened when three business dynamos, all from the Sunshine Coast, worked together on a collaboration? Fair to say, magic happened. Separate relationships had existed between Gourmet Garden and IGA and Gourmet Garden and 4 Ingredients, but when Kim McCosker and Roz White identified a new opportunity to connect, these existing relationships were elevated to a whole new level.
Gourmet Garden brand manager Megan Brabant said the turn-around between their initial discussion in late 2009 and the first cookbook promotion, which initially ran first in Sainsbury’s supermarket in the UK, was remarkably fast – with the book launched in mid-2010.
Gourmet Garden products had been stocked in IGA supermarkets before 4 Ingredients collaborated with the Palmwoods-based herb and spice tube manufacturer seven years ago, to develop a cook book with recipes containing the Gourmet Garden products. The cook book would become a gift with purchase for supermarket shoppers.
“Since we launched our first book together, we have collaborated on three more books as well as lots of other activities including TV advertising, demonstrations and launches. The partnership works as we have lots of similarities like shared trust, work ethic, energy levels, out-of-the-box ideas, whilst also having areas that we specialise in,” Ms Brabant said.
I believe we haven't even had the best ideas yet.
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“Probably the biggest obstacle was to get an Australian retailer to accept the first cookbook promotion in store. Once the Sainsbury’s promotion was an amazing success we had a
great case study to present to Australia and our first promotion in Coles delivered one of our highest sales result in history.”
What we did was groundbreaking and it showed the customers were really happy.
“Our relationship with Kim and 4 Ingredients has always been organic and collaborative. Some of Gourmet Garden’s other partnership experiences are more forced when we work with other fastmoving consumer goods brands. The partner need to agree on how the activity is going to benefit the end consumer and always keep this consumer in mind. Sometimes when partners
TIPS ON COLLABORATION FROM COAST IDENTITIES lose focus on this end consumer and think more of their own goals, this is where things can get tricky.” When IGA came on board, with the backing of Roz White from White’s IGA Group, they provided the vital link between the three businesses and they have been kicking huge goals ever since. Ms McCosker said IGA placed 35,000 copies of the Easiest Slow Cooker Book Ever onto their shelves as a free gift with purchase of Gourmet Garden products last year and they literally flew off the shelves. “We had one of our best trading weeks ever. The sales figures during the collaboration saw records broken. What we did with IGA was groundbreaking and it showed that the customers were really happy and felt valued, so they returned and it kept growing,” she said. The collaboration was far from a one-off, with the three business continuing to overlap by promoting 4 Ingredients recipes including Gourmet Garden products, featured prominently in IGA catalogues. There is also dedicated 4 Ingredients web page linked with IGA’s website that includes all of the recipes they have put together featuring Gourmet Garden products. “Collaborations raise your benchmark. Do I ever run five kilometers straight when I’m on my
Jacqui Wilson-Smith (Gourmet Garden), Roz White (IGA) and Kim McCosker (4 Ingredients) with Vicki Magic at Sunshine Coast Business Women's Network Breakfast
own? No, I will stop and kick a stone, or check out the flowers in someone’s front yard. But if I’m in a running club, I’m out there and I’m running non-stop because I don’t want to let the team down,” Kim McCosker said. Roz White said working in unison with other likeminded businesses also gives you “more bang for your buck.” “My philosophy on creating synergies is that 2 + 2 = 6. That sums up our collaboration. Together we’re stronger because collaboratively we’re providing more than if we were three units working independently,” she said. “We all make provisions at the various phases of the transactional process but come together to do the thinking for the consumer. Each contributes in providing the entire answer and there must be
a common goal. The ‘What’s in it for me?’ philosophy sounds harsh, but it’s important each contributor can identify a benefit. Communication is the key; all parties must be willing to share and consider ideas and respect the views of others.” Where this particular collaboration will end up is anyone’s guess, but the three women are more in sync than ever and continue to meet for both formal and informal catch-ups to discuss new ideas. “I believe we haven’t even had the best ideas yet,” Kim McCosker said. For more information, visit www.4ingredients.com.au www.whitesgrocers.com.au www.gourmetgarden.com
RECIPES FOR SUCCESS
Kim McCosker
Roz White
Megan Brabant
Founder 4 Ingredients
Owner White's IGA
Brand Manager Gourmet Gardens
• You’ve got to know what’s in it for you, because you are not a charity. • Work to drive the profits to everyone in the collaboration, so that if you come out on top, they will too. • In business, I find the most worthwhile things take time, so you must be patient and tenacious and committed. • Understand clearly what your goal is and always grow the brand. Think, ‘Who do I get around me that can help me do that and benefit at the same time?’ • Approach potential partners with ideas supported by research and statistics and present it in a way that they can clearly see the benefit to them.
• There are always some obstacles – there’s not much that comes easy. Having said that, if it feels easy – it’s more than likely right. • Challenges are expected but there is always a pathway forward. If you can’t go through the problem, go around it. Re-route your tactics in need and adjust your methodology to deliver the right result. • Different is good and finding ways to be different will ensure you stand out in a crowded market. • Understand each others vision – respect each position, create common goals, support ideas with a plan.
• Look for benefits for the end consumer. • Being open and honest is important to develop a partnership based on trust. • Being able to tap into areas that your company doesn't specialise in.
Our first promotion in Coles delivered one of our highest sales results in history.
www.caloundrachamber.com.au
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BE ENTERTAINED KINGS BEACH UPDATE
GET THE BEST SEATS IN CALOUNDRA AT THE EVENTS CENTRE More than 91,000 people attended an event or watched a performance at The Events Centre during the last financial year and with the completion of the Playhouse Theatre upgrade, the cultural heart of Caloundra will is beating faster than ever in 2017. The region saw a large marketing push by the Sunshine Coast Council announcing, “The world is coming to the Coast” highlighting the enviable lineup of sporting events happening across the year. But the Events Centre general manager Gary Mears said investment in the Playhouse Theatre’s $665,000 facelift and the growing reputation of the Minchinton Street venue among national and international performers means the arts world is also flocking to Caloundra.
The local audience can appreciate the local talent.
A strong line-up of international acts including the Russian ballet, Dr Hook and the Blues Brothers Revue from America, Cirque Africa, The Heart of Ireland and The Searchers from England are preparing to wow audiences throughout 2017. “We are providing a venue and a program that people from out of town are coming here to see these exclusive acts, which is the reverse of what we have seen in the past, where Coast residents have to travel to the major cities to get that entertainment,” Mr Mears said. The Events Centre we know today was branded in March 2005, having been known as the Caloundra Cultural Centre since it was built and officially opened in 1980 by the former Landsborough Shire Council. Having been a cornerstone of the community for 37 years, Mr Mears said the centre was a source of “an extraordinary amount of community pride”. 8 Caloundrabuzz
“Members of our community have received awards, citizenships, performed for their first time on stage or celebrated weddings and other milestone functions at the centre and all of these become lifelong memories and strengthen their connection to the centre. We also have a really dedicated and skilled team with diverse roles and the coordination needed to provide more than 600 events in a year, so they are also really well known throughout the community, as are our 50 dedicated volunteers, five of whom recently celebrated 10 years working with us.” Mr Mears said the Sunshine Coast Council’s continued support was not only an economic one, but also provided a welcome boost to the creative industries and also provided a location where locals could socialise. The council joined with the Events Centre to successfully gain funding from a Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program to give the 35-year-old Playhouse Theatre better disability access, a new sound system, new carpet, a new orchestra pit, new ceilings, walls and floor and more modern, comfortable seating. The Playhouse Theatre is the only professionally operated facility on the Coast with a dedicated theatrical fly-tower, orchestra pit and fixed raked seating and Mr Mears said this added to the allure of the venue for local and touring acts. “The emergent thing that we are seeing now is high quality performances coming from our local community and this means Coast performers have an opportunity to become involved, while the local audience can appreciate the local talent,” he said.
Acts are pouring in and the good news is that the momentum will continue. Mr Mears said staff were continuing to boost the profile of the venue as a corporate events destination, with a team visiting a major trade show in Victoria to promote the benefits of its two theatres and dining spaces that can accommodate more than 1000 patrons. While 60,594 people attended performances at the centre in the 2015-16 financial year, another 31,290 visited for corporate events, workshops, and charity events. “The quality of the food and the presentation of the venue has become renowned. The last charity events held here have helped set the scene for those organisations to be successful in their fundraising, with some of those events raising more than $100,000 in one event rather than having to host lots of smaller events to achieve the same result,” Mr Mears said. Major conferences at the centre this year include the Australasian Bromeliad Conference, the Australian Event Awards, a host of health conferences and the Queensland Strawberry Awards. “The Events Centre really is going forward with a strong year ahead. The acts are pouring in and the good news is that the momentum will continue,” Mr Mears said. For more information, visit www.theventscentre.com.au
BE ENTERTAINED
Events Centre General Manager Gary Mears
Moscow Ballet's Swan Lake is coming to The Events Centre this year
The Events Centre set up for a formal ball
The new look playhouse theatre
A conference being held at the Events Centre
The Wiggles in the beach themed green room
www.caloundrachamber.com.au
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CALOUNDRA KINGS BEACHCOMMUNITY UPDATE
THE NEW LOOK DICKY BEACH SURF CLUB A RISING STAR The renovations recently unveiled at the Dicky Beach Surf Club are a testament to what can happen when a community bands together. The club has spent $1.2 million on upgrading the kitchen, creating a state-of-the-art training room, increasing parking space and improving the dorms for surf life savers to utilize. Every cent of the money spent was contributed by the community through raffles, bingo, the supporters club, government grants, house to house collections and barbeques. The surf club building, which was built in 1977, has never looked so fresh and modern. Surf club
president Clay Lennox said the renovations were more about fitting the club out efficiently rather than expanding the club’s physical footprint. Mr Lennox said the upgrades, which have been in the planning process for three years, became necessary to accommodate the club’s membership growth as well as to cater for the expanding population in the area. “At this stage we are the third largest club in Queensland. A strong strategic plan has motivated us to encourage
people to join. We make the club family friendly and have a strong social scene and we also offer some of the best training available. That combination makes us very attractive to new members as well as encouraging existing members to renew their memberships when the time comes,” he said.
This will make a huge difference in what we are able to give back to the community on the beach.
“We are not located on a main road, so it's hard to promote visually. So, word of mouth is how we get the message out. We offer absolutely everything for any person at Dicky Beach from training in surf lifesaving, to social events and immaculate facilities for businesses to utilise for their training as well.”
Dicky Beach Surf Club President Clay Lennox and Head Chef Harry Bajwa
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Dicky Beach is one of the few remaining surf clubs in the state that offers bunk room accommodation for patrolling lifesavers. Between 200 and 300 people use the bunk rooms each year for week-long live-in camps, which are all about training and up-skilling to ultimately keep swimmers at Dicky Beach safe.
CALOUNDRA COMMUNITY Surf Club general manager Natalie Bell said the large investment in the venue had already started to pay off, with a 37% increase in patronage following the official opening of the new-look venue. “The aim of the investment was to create a better resource to be able to provide much needed funds to the Surf Lifesaving Club for training and equipment and in our first month of trade since the renovations, we had our greatest income and profit ever seen before in the club’s history,” she said.
A club that has such a long history and is filled with so many members that are so passionate about their club.
“We are experiencing a 20% growth in income, but more importantly, we have refined a lot of our processes and extracting a greater profit from our income which has resulted in a 35% increase in profit from our previous best month. This will make a huge difference in what we are able to give back to the community on the beach.” The club has employed 10 new staff and created an entirely new menu, with an all-day affordable dining option available. “With the new
The newly renovated seating area at Dicky Beach Surf Club
renovation, we took this as an opportunity to start afresh with a new direction and have developed a new organisational structure, invested in more staff training and this has resulted in better customer service and the standards of our food, drinks and gaming. Regulars are overwhelmed at the new atmosphere at the club and they have a genuine relationship with our staff,” Ms Bell said.
Dicky Beach Surf Club: by the numbers • Total of 1,160 financial members
• 484 nippers
• More than 300 patrolling members
• More than 3,800 hours patrolled
Not only was the money needed for the renovation fundraised by the community, but Natalie said a vast amount of the construction work that was done at the club was also volunteer. “On average, I would say over the five-month period at least 30 hours a week of time was donated. It is also great to see the result now and how our members and new customers are really enjoying the club so much as a result of all of this hard work by the community. I feel as an employee of the club that we are very lucky to be able to work in a club that has such a long history and is filled with so many members that are so passionate about their club.”
For more information, visit www.dickybeachsurfclub.com
www.caloundrachamber.com.au
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CALOUNDRA KINGS BEACHCOMMUNITY UPDATE
DEVELOPMENT BUILDING A BRIGHT FUTURE FOR THE COAST With several large developments underway, the Sunshine Coast is in a period of transformation that will forever change the face of the region. Caloundra will be home to the biggest change of all. Stockland’s greenfield estates in Caloundra South and Oceanside’s Bokarina Beach will provide a combined 21,000 new dwellings for the region and the AVID Property Group’s Harmony estate at Palmview will provide 5,000 new homes. More than 50,000 people are expected to reside in Aura when it is completed in 30 years and we are only just beginning to see the largest single ownership masterplanned community ever undertaken in Australia take shape. Stockland Sunshine Coast regional manager Ben Simpson said 2017 was set to be a year of milestones as work progressed on the flagship projects of Oceanside and Aura. “Our first Aura residents, in the suburb of Baringa, will move into their brand new homes, construction will start on our first school and we will see the opening of stage one of the Bells Creek Arterial Road – and that’s just within the first few months of the new year,” he said.
Under an innovative partnership model, the new classrooms and associated facilities, such as auditoriums and sports fields, will be available for the community to use outside of school hours. The new school will take its first enrollments in January 2018 and will have a strong focus on science, education, engineering and maths and will include a robotics lab, recording studio and innovation hub. The school, which is one of more than 20 schools and education centres allocated serviced space in the Aura masterplan, is expected to employ more than 80 full time and part time staff and will educate up to 1,100 students drawn primarily from the surrounding Baringa, Bells Reach and Bellvista communities. Construction on the
Aura Enterprise Park is scheduled to begin later this year and once completed, is expected to create 5,000 jobs and provide a hub to help generate and grow business and employment opportunities within the new community. Bokarina Beach, the premium mixed-use residential, retail and tourism hub within Stockland’s $5 billion masterplanned Oceanside community, is also set to be a hive of activity as civil construction and earthworks pick up pace and the first precinct begins to evolve. The estate will include 300 houses and 800 apartments. “Bokarina Beach is one of the last remaining developable beachfront parcels of land of its size on the east coast of Australia and we’re already
Work has already begun on Aura’s public primary school, with the Queensland Government investing $34 million into the Preparatory to Year 6 facility. The school is part of a new collaborative concept between the state government and Stockland and will see the development of state-of-the-art facilities in a world-class urban design with 37 classrooms configured over two storeys.
We're already experiencing strong inquiries from home buyers. The Hon. Kate Jones, Minister for Education and Minister for Tourism and Major Events and Kingsley Andrew, General Manager for Queensland at Stockland
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CALOUNDRA COMMUNITY experiencing strong inquiries from home buyers. The first land releases are expected to be launched in mid-2017 and hundreds of new jobs will be created as construction on the community kicks into gear,” Mr Simpson said. The timing couldn’t be better, with the Sunshine Coast University Hospital opening in April, bringing a new wave of activity to the Sunshine Coast Health Precinct. An upgrade of the intersection of Lake Kawana Boulevard and Nicklin Way has begun, with the works designed to improve access to the health precinct and future Oceanside Town Centre. The Harmony estate in Palmview is the first South-East Queensland development to achieve a six leaf national EnviroDevelopment certification in master planned communities from the Urban Development Institute of Australia, meaning it will be closely watched by
Hundreds of new jobs will be created as construction on the community kicks into gear. industry specialists and potentially used as a model for future developments around the country, and even the world. AVID Property Group general manager Bruce Harper said the development was the result of a decade of planning. Work is already underway on the extension of Claymore Road into Peter Crosby Way, which will be Harmony’s main entrance road. Construction has also begun on Harmony Display World, which will be the largest display village north of the Brisbane River, showcasing the latest home designs from the state’s best builders.
SIGNATURE ROOFING
CHRISTOPHER DESIGN GROUP
One local business that is already reaping the
Their work has been showcased in Grand Design
rewards of a close proximity to Aura and a great
magazine and the Australia's Best Houses TV
relationship with local builders is Signature
show, but you might get a chance to see a
Roofing and Guttering.
Christopher Design Group original home in one of
Owner operators Dave and Rebecca Walker said
the Coast’s new estates.
they have already constructed several Colorbond
Tim and Phil Christopher have been a building
roofs on Baringa homes and will continue to
design and drafting business in Caloundra for
network and form new relationships with
more than 25 years and have become renowned
builders to ensure they have the greatest
for their luxury homes, including award-winning
opportunity to complete more work in the new
resort style and contemporary homes.
suburb.
An open height limit design licence means the
“These new developments can only bring bigger
duo also design everything from smaller homes
and better things for the Coast and we look
through to multi residential, industrial and
forward to working with the Coast’s leading
commercial buildings.
builders to help create these new communities,” she said.
Tim said they have regular builders and return clients that will be building in these new estates
“Not only will it present amazing employment
in the future and they looked forward to working
opportunities, but it will allow the Coast to
with those who wanted a more custom or
display the great innovation we have by creating
designer home or unit development.
a six-star green rating city. It only makes sense to have a city that has such a rating when we are famous for our beautiful location and environment. “The increase in work will also be very welcomed
“Aura will be great for the area and the building industry,” he said. “We are big advocates of energy efficient and affordable housing, so we hope to add some innovative and custom designed homes to Aura
on the Coast as this will allow a lot of tradesmen
and other developments.”
www.signatureroofing.com.au
www.christopherdesign.com.au
Aura Projected completion: 2045 Estimated cost: $5 billion Size: 20,000 homes Oceanside Projected completion: 2024 Estimated cost: $5 billion Size: First stage, Bokarina Beach, will have 300 houses & 800 apartments Palmview Projected completion: Between 2031 and 2036 Estimated cost: $3 billion Size: First development, Harmony, will have 5,000 homes
Nick Gardner (Managing Director for FKG Group), Hon. Kate Jones (Minister for Education and Minister for Tourism and Major Events) and Kingsley Andrew (Queensland General Manager for Stockland) www.caloundrachamber.com.au
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BE ADVENTUROUS KINGS BEACH UPDATE
CALOUNDRA’S ADRENALINE JUNKIE PLAYGROUND Caloundra Tourism Manager Jane Chapman recently took to Sugar Bag Road in Caloundra which is making a name for itself as a mountain bike hotspot. It’s a fact - I’m a bit of a square; the most outrageous activity I’ve ever undertaken is surfing. So, when I kept hearing people raving about this new trend of MBT (Mountain Biking Trailing) that’s sweeping the Coast, I was intrigued. Plus, it just so happens that Caloundra has its own Mountain Bike Trail, Sugar Bag Road Bike Trail, literally on its doorstep - so I have no excuse not to give it a go. I didn’t fancy just turning up to the Candy Store (as it’s known to the biking community) trail. So I reached out to the local MBT community and CORCA (pronounced CORK-A), Caloundra Off-Road Cycling Association, offered to take me on a whistle stop tour of the trail. After dusting off my old mountain bike, helmet and active wear I met with Clare, CORCA committee member, at Ben Bennett Park, next to Caloundra High School in Queen St. Firstly, Clare took me on a couple of circuits of Ben Bennett to gauge my skill level and show me the basics. The trail here is very easy and suitable for children, just watch out for walkers (who have right of way). We spent over an hour negotiating the terrain and it felt like 30 minutes. It was exhilarating, challenging and a great work out. There were
logs, roots and rocks to traverse, hills to climb, bumps to jump and best of all a selection of challenging features to attempt (well maybe next time). What makes the Sugar Bag Trail special is not only its easy proximity the heart of Caloundra (about 1km from the CBD), but, that as well as natural features (rocks, drops, crevices) the CORCA volunteers have lovingly added a multitude of manmade bridges, jumps, seesaws, ramps and tricks. What appeals to me about this adrenaline fuelled activity is that it is enjoyed across all age groups and lifestyles. It’s not age but attitude specific
Rent a Mountain Bike: Bicycle Centre Caloundra 5499 6511
Mountain Bike Retailers: CrankWorx Cyclery Caloundra 07 5341 8820 Bicycle Centre Caloundra 07 5499 6511 99 Bikes Birtinya 07 5314 2500
It is enjoyed across all age groups and lifestyles. It's not age but attitude.
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For more information, visit corca.com.au
attracting a 10-year-old dare devil girl alongside an adventurous 65-year-old man. Experiencing the trails with a passionate advocate really added to my enjoyment of MBT. CORCA and other community groups across the Sunshine Coast run weekly rides and are always looking to help encourage a novice or connect with a kindred spirit. A massive thank you to CORCA for the guided tour. Autumn is a great time to try the trails.
For the full blog, visit www.visitsunshinecoast.com/travel-guide/trip-ideas
CALOUNDRA STREET FAIR MARKS ITS FIFTEENTH BIRTHDAY These days there are plenty of things to see and do on weekends, but one attraction in the heart of downtown Caloundra is celebrating fifteen years. One of the exciting attractions in the heart of downtown Caloundra is the Caloundra Street Fair. The vibrant, bustling atmosphere that the Caloundra Street Fair brings to Bulcock Street every Sunday has been drawing locals and visitors since 2002 when it was known as ‘Markets on Bulcock’. Mike Wilkinson, former Treasurer and management committee member of the Caloundra Chamber of Commerce, recalls the early days of the Caloundra Street Fair. “There was pressure to have a street market in Caloundra because there were markets like at Eumundi that were doing very well”. The pressure for markets was also coming from local accommodation operators who wanted an attraction to occupy visitors staying in Caloundra and appealed for Caloundra to have a market of its own. “People could see that having a market in Bulcock Street could liven up the street on a dead day and be a great attraction in this coastal town”.
Council granted a permit to the Chamber of Commerce as owner and a small market started in April 2002. In the beginning, it was a hard slog with small numbers and a small footprint. ‘Markets on Bulcock’ eventually grew to an average of 40-50 stalls and then expanded into a second block of Bulcock Street to accommodate more. In 2013, the markets underwent major changes with the recruitment of a new full time manager instead of out-sourced management and then a rebranding to Caloundra Street Fair. This change reflected how the market had become more of an event with an entertaining atmosphere. It has now grown to an average of 180 stalls attracting around 5,000 visitors weekly. Mike Wilkinson has expressed his happiness with the evolution of the Sunday markets. “I am amazed at how much the markets has changed since the early days. I get a thrill to see the Fair’s popularity. The crowd is unbelievable and the street is vibrant and colourful with so many stalls plus around fifty retailers and cafes open”.
The Caloundra Street Fair’s success has flowed onto the seasonal ‘Twilight Markets’ that are held on Friday evenings on the Esplanade, Bulcock Beach in school holidays.
People could see that having a market in Bulcock Street could liven it up... and be a great attraction in this coastal town.
Recently, Stevie Jacobs from the Today Show program aired his weather crosses live from the Caloundra Street Fair. It was a remarkable day with a big crowd turning out to get in the picture. Audiences around the country saw what a vibrant place Caloundra, Sunshine Coast is.
For more information, visit www.caloundrastreetfair.com.au
The idea was put forward to Caloundra City Council in 1998. Mayor at the time, Don Aldous, wanted a local not for profit organisation to own the market and that it should activate the main street on a Sunday.
The crowd is unbelievable and the street is vibrant and colourful.
www.caloundrachamber.com.au
15
FEEL THE LOVE IN THE HEART OF DOWNTOWN CALOUNDRA The completion of the $5 million streetscape of Bulcock Street from Felicity Park to just past the Minchinton Street roundabout has put a spring into the step of business owners and boosted both morale and foot traffic as customers return to the bustling main street. There is no doubt traders had a tough time during the construction period, which saw the roadway reshaped, footpaths redone and new, contemporary street furniture installed. And that was just what you could see. Extensive underground works included new telecommunications cabling, a new water main and stormwater filter to protect the Pumicestone Passage from pollution forced the temporary closure of some sections of the street at times, and at other times, forced traffic flow one way down the main street. Located on the corner of Bulcock and Minchinton streets, SPORTFIRST Caloundra had construction outside the shop for months,
but owner Sean McMichael said seeing the finished product had made it all worthwhile. “What (the council) have done is a quality job on everything, they haven’t cut any corners and people love it,” he said. “A lot of people often sit out on the bench in front of my store, which I call my office, and enjoy the beautiful garden out there while they have lunch. Caloundra has needed this done for quite some time and we’re excited that it’s done.” Mr McMichael has seen what similar streetscape upgrades have done for Beerwah and in Noosa’s Hastings Street. "Once a street is as beautiful as this one, it is
amazing to see how many shops want to be there and how many people visit. It is pretty exciting to see what this does for businesses in the coming years,” he said. “I’ve been through retail and construction before and they don’t go hand-in-hand. If it’s hard to get to you, it’s human nature to take another path.” Mr McMichael said they got through the worst of the dramatic drop in foot traffic by cutting down on the amount of stock ordered in so that thousands of dollars of stock wasn’t sitting on the shelves and his two employees could continue work as usual. SPORTFIRST Caloundra recently celebrated 20 years in Caloundra and now Mr McMichael is looking forward to the year ahead with overwhelming positivity. Across the street, a brand new business was taking shape during the construction phase, with Coffee Cat’s Kitten opening in the revamped Centrepoint Marketplace in the midst of orange witches hats and one-way traffic in mid-November last year.
I am excited for the future of downtown Caloundra.
Coffee Cat’s Kitten Owners Pierre & Haley Mortensen
16 Caloundrabuzz
Owners Haley and Pierre Mortenson said they truly believed in the potential for Bulcock Street,
WHAT'S NEW CALOUNDRA New Bulcock Street Features • Contemporary street furniture • Improved road and footpaths • A bespoke lighting feature that lights up the street during the night and provides shade during the day • Automatic traffic bollards for market days • Additional free Wi-Fi points • Waste bin sensors to detect rubbish
Sport First’s Owner Sean McMichael
levels • LED lighting and sensors to detect car parking availability for motorists • A major subsurface stormwater filter to help prevent rubbish from entering the Pumicestone Passage • New advanced-size trees to replace five fig trees deemed unsafe along Bulcock Street
For more information, visit www.sportfirst.com.au www.facebook.com/coffeecatskitten
so they didn’t hesitate to take on the new location to complement their other business, Coffee Cat on Kings. Coffee Cat’s Kitten began trading two weeks before the upgraded street was officially opened. “We leased the space in August, so we knew what we were getting into with the construction. We know what Caloundra can be and support the work that has to be done to get the end result,” Mrs Mortenson said. “The street looks great and so does Centrepoint. I think with the addition of the new lights being put up in the street, it will become a buzzing
little area in time that offers shade and coverage with a good selection of businesses around it.” Caloundra Chamber of Commerce president Michael Shadforth said the upgrade would provide new opportunities for events and activities to engage the community. “The new lighting, security and safety features will mean we can increase our opening hours and it’ll give people a reason to linger. It will attract people back to town that have ignored it for a period of time. Those two things alone are fantastic. I am excited for the future of downtown Caloundra," Mr Shadforth said.
www.caloundrachamber.com.au
17
UPCOMING EVENTS: IN AUTUMN
RAMSAY HEALTH CARE TRIATHLON PINK & FUN RUN April 2 Sunshine Coast
A marathon for all ages, abilities and fitness levels. Dress up in pink if you want to show your support for breast cancer patients and survivors.
www.triathlonpink.com.au
ENGINES ALIVE April 7 Queensland Air Museum
Come and enjoy a day checking out the museum’s operational engine and aircraft collection dating from 1930. Hot & cold drinks available, WW2 jeep rides and lots of fun for the family.
www.qam.com.au
THE WIZARD OF OZ April 11 The Caloundra Events Centre
Gateway Theatre Productions are set to bring a new, bright and wonderful retelling of the 1939 classic film; filled with special effects, amazing sets and costumes, a 20 piece orchestra and a cast of more than 70.
PA & MA BENDALL SURFING COMPETITION April 14 - 16 Moffat Beach
The Wind and Sea Surf Club presents the 43rd annual Pa & Ma Bendall Memorial Surfing Contest. Different divisions for all competitors. Held over the Easter Long Weekend on 14th, 15th and 16th April at Caloundra's Moffat Beach. Come down and celebrate the history of Ma & Pa Bendall.
www.theventscentre.com.au/whats-on www.windandseaboardriders.com.au
SUNSHINE COAST ANTIQUE & COLLECTABLES SHOW
THE BIG PINEAPPLE FESTIVAL May 27 The Big Pineapple
April 29 - 30 Caloundra Indoor Stadium
The fifth instalment of Big Pineapple Music Festival held at the Big Pineapple, Nambour QLD. Come and see a brilliant line-up of artists across 4 stages.
A day of discovering and appraising antique items presented by the Sunshine Coast Antique and Collectables Club.
www.facebook.com/events/1111100899009506
18 Caloundrabuzz
www.bigpineapplemusicfestival.com
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
A POSITIVE CONTRIBUTION TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOUSING The Sunshine Coast has the second highest waiting list for social and community housing across Queensland and Queensland Police Service figures show there have been 1660 domestic violence applications on the Coast in the past 12 months. This was up from 1018 in the same period the year before. Put these two alarming statistics together and you realise just how hard it is for families needing emergency accommodation when fleeing domestic violence. In fact, it has also been a hard slog for the Zonta Club of Caloundra and after six years of tireless fundraising and lobbying, the women’s organisation has raised enough money to begin construction on the RISE house.
RISE is a project the community really needs. Standing for Restart in a Safe Environment (RISE) project, this home, which will be located on the southern end of the Coast, will provide short-term accommodation for up to 32 women and children escaping domestic violence each year and give them time to find other suitable accommodation. RISE project chair Marilyn Holness has been at the helm of the fundraising efforts since the idea of domestic violence accommodation was first discussed in 2010. “Back then, the biggest challenge was the topic of domestic violence. Prior to 2015, nobody wanted to know about it despite the appalling statistics of one in four women being affected by domestic violence,” Ms Holness said. “Thankfully Rosie Batty (2015 Australian of the Year) raised the profile, and now we are seeing remedial courses offered to perpetrators to change their behaviour. In the meantime, we cannot leave vulnerable women and children in fear on a daily or weekly basis.” Coast2Bay Housing (C2B) came on board in
mid-2015 with a generous $100,000 contribution towards the $563,000 project after a businessman gifted a parcel of land for the house. The two organisations joined forces with an ambitious goal of raising $90,000 in 90 days last year and received overwhelming support from the community, meaning construction of the home could begin in February. C2B CEO Andrew Elvin said the most critical challenge for the organization was meeting the need for affordable rental and community housing on the Sunshine Coast. “There are too few options for affordable rental housing for ordinary hard working individuals and families, in particular those on low or lower incomes. We sometimes are unable to help DV victims due to a lack of suitable accommodation,” he said. “Employment market conditions and lower than average wages adds to the complexity of the housing market. These issues, as well as significant housing stress in the private rental market, all add up to a significant challenge for me and my team in being able to meet the
demand for our services. The availability of affordable rental housing and supply of community housing options is not keeping pace with population growth on the Sunshine Coast.” Mr Elvin said Sunshine Coast Outreach Prevention & Education Service, which was established to reduce the occurrence and impact of domestic and family violence, had helped 2,227 women in domestic violence situations in just 12 months. “The statistics speak for themselves. (RISE) is a project the community really needs,” he said. “To provide a place to live for those most in need or for ordinary working families who are facing tough times is a tremendous thing. The most rewarding element of my role is seeing how providing a home for people can transform their life and circumstances.” While Zontians will continue to fundraise for the RISE house, C2B will be responsible for its ongoing maintenance and management. The Salvation Army is also on board to provide professional support to families who stay at the house.
You can help to fundraise to furnish the RISE house by attending the Zonta Club of Caloundra’s annual International Women’s Day event. What: Fire and Ice Cocktail Party Guest Speaker: Donna Penny, author of Why My Mummy? When: Friday, March 10 from 6pm – 9pm Where: Caloundra Regional Gallery Tickets: $75 from www.stickytickets.com.au
For more information, visit www.coast2bay.com.au/community-housing www.zontadistrict22.org/district-22-clubs/zonta-club-of-caloundra-city-inc If you or anyone you know is suffering from domestic violence, contact DV Connect on 1800 811 811
www.caloundrachamber.com.au
19
NEW MEMBERS
CALOUNDRA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS
PEYMAC MEDIATIONS
ALLURE BODY LOUNGE
Peymac Mediations is a Family Dispute Resolution and Co-Parenting Support Service who are committed to assisting families in their transition from a one home to a two home family.
Allure Body Lounge is focused on providing high-quality service and customer satisfaction they will do everything they can to meet your expectations.
0434 305 666 peymacmediations.com.au PHRESH GALLERY
PRO COMPUTERS NAMBOUR
Phresh Gallery Caloundra has a wonderful selection of unique gifts and homewares which is often a talking point for our customers.
Pro Computers Nambour offer a wide range of services. Whether you have a home computer, notebook or a business with an ever-expanding network, they can help.
07 5325 1425 phreshgallery.com.au
07 5441 1522 procomputers.com.au
ADIGI COPY & PRINTING
WELLNESS CHIROPRACTIC
With a great amount of graphic and website designing knowledge, Adigi Advertising can satisfy the needs of local, national and international clients.
Providing health to the local Caloundra community for over 35 years. Specialising in the next level of health and wellbeing for all ages.
07 5491 8144 adigi.com.au
07 5491 3633 facebook.com/WellnessCaloundraChiro
KAPOW'S COMMERCIAL CLEANING
NWC INSURANCE
Whether you need one person for a couple of hours, or a team working around the clock, Kapow's Commercial Cleaning can devise and implement the best solution for you.
NWC insurance gives clients the knowledge to make informed insurance buying decisions and a firm understanding how insurance can help their business reach its potential.
0409 370 294 kapows.com.au
1300 400 707 nwcinsurance.com.au
L4E CAREERS L4E Careers offer services which are designed to assist people looking to change their careers and gain employment.
l4e.com.au APPRENTICE SUPPORT AUSTRALIA The people to talk to about getting the maximum benefit out of employing or becoming an apprentice or trainee.
1300 363 831 APPRENTICESHIPSUPPORT.COM.AU SHADES 4 ALL Shades 4 all specialise in domestic and commercial shade structures and pride themselves on providing premium quality shades at competitive prices.
0475 851 286 shades4all.com.au
20 Caloundrabuzz
07 5492 6633 allurebeautylounge.com.au
TURSA EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING TURSA is a job active programme provider contracted by the Australian Government to provide employment services to businesses and to registered job seekers.
07 5443 6372 TURSA.COM.AU ELYPSYS PTY LTD Benefit from lightning fast, secure Internet connectivity for your business by connecting to the Elypsys Business Fibre Optic Network.
1800 359 779 elypsys.com.au VICTORIA CHAPMAN Consultant for Salt Magazine.
0412 483 361 victoriachapman@gmail.com
NEW MEMBERS
RECLAIMED CONCEPTS
SPLASH MARKETING AND PR
Production of reclaimed custom timber furniture which includes tables/stools/ chopping boards and range of home decor.
Splash offers strategic marketing, public relations, stakeholder engagement and business growth services.
0412 929 282 facebook.com/reclaimedconcepts
0412 021 250 splashmarketingandpr.com.au
RICHARD WEST
QUEST PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
Writer.
Boutique property management business.
0402 845 285 richard.west@westnet.com.au
0457 686 288 questpropertymanagement.com.au
ALLENS TRAINING PTY LTD
GORGEOUS BROWS
Allens Training on the Sunshine Coast runs regular public courses in first aid and CPR.
Eyebrow threading, eyebrow, chin, upper brow, forehead, mono brow, full face; eyebrow tinging, eyelashes, and all kind of Henna designs including bridal.
1300 559 064 allensfirstaid.com.au DARE GROUP AUSTRALIA
0420 220 632 facebook.com/gorgeousbrows
Hiring strategy, training and communications for SME's, LinkedIn profile branding, job search coach and writer.
MARK HANCOCK
0416 385 779 daregroupaustralia.com.au
0498 998 228 www.markhancock.com.au
COSTUME CREATIONS BY ROBIN
THE MORTGAGE CONNECTION
For the latest and most unique costumes and accessories on the Sunshine Coast.
0408 446 466 costumecreationsbyrobin.com.au COAST CHIROPRACTIC CALOUNDRA
Business consultant.
The Mortgage Connection exists to help you get the finance you need to fulfil your mortgage goals.
07 5493 1968 themortgageconnection.com.au AUSTRALIAN TEMPORARY FENCING
Enhancing people's spinal health and wellbeing through chiropractic care.
Reliable, professional service meeting all your temporary fence hire needs. Crowd control barriers, mesh panels, hoarding panels.
07 5491 8455 coastchiro.com.au
13 17 16 atfservices.com.au
CALOUNDRA HEALTH HUB
INDIA TODAY CALOUNDRA
A 'Hub' where you can find your answers guiding you back to better health and a place where positive outcomes can be found.
Eat in and takeaway Indian cusuine in Otranto St in the heart of downtown Caloundra.
07 5438 2119 caloundrahealthhub.com THE COPYWRITERS The Copywriters provide content writing services for Marketing, PR and Web Design agencies.
0472 921 103 cody@thecopywriters.com.au INTEGRATED MEDICAL SOLUTIONS Committed to providing the best patient care and providing doctors and patients with the best services available.
07 3255 3878 caboolturehealthcentral.com.au
07 5438 9599 indiatoday-caloundra.com.au WHAT THE FOX CREATIVE What The Fox Creative, provide digital marketing agency services for business needs to stand out from the crowd online.
07 5443 7747 whatthefox.com.au LUSH ORGANIC HAIR & SPA The first Certified Green Salon in Australia. Lush Organic Hair & Spa focus on health, the environment, ecology and sustainability providing professional hair & beauty cosmetic products that do not contain hazardous and environmentally harmful substances.
07 5476 8315 lushorganichairandspa.com.au
www.caloundrachamber.com.au
21
MEMBER’S DIRECTORY The Caloundra Chamber has well over 500 members who come from a broad variety of industries. The full list of members and their contact details is available online at www.caloundrachamber.com.au in our Business Directory. To become a member, visit www.caloundrachamber.com.au/join HOSPITALITY - ACCOMMODATION Best Western Plus Lake Kawana Hotel
www.oceansidehotel.com.au
07 5334 9500
Breakfree Grand Pacific Resort
www.breakfreegrandpacific.com.au
07 5436 4444
Caloundra Central Apartments
www.caloundracentral.com.au
07 5490 2400
Casablanca Beachfront Apartments
www.casablancaonkings.com.au
07 5491 4323
Centrepoint Apartments Caloundra
www.centreresort.com
07 5492 0100
Monaco Resort
www.monacocaloundra.com.au
07 5490 5490
Oaks Oasis
www.oakshotelsresorts.com
07 5491 0333
Portobello by the Sea
www.portobellobythesea.com.au
07 5491 9038
Rumba Beach Resort
www.rumbaresort.com.au
07 5492 0555
Rolling Surf Resort
www.rollingsurfresort.com.au
07 3246 1679
Sebel Pelican Waters Golf Resort & Spa
www.pelicanwatersgolfresortandspa.com.au
07 5437 4666
Ultiqa Shearwater Resort
www.shearwaterresort.com.au
07 5491 5355
HOSPITALITY - WEDDING & EVENT SERVICES 26 Degrees Bar+Venue
www.rumbaresort.com.au
07 5492 0555
Alfie's Mooo Char & Bar Restaurant
www.alfies.net.au
07 5492 8155
Aussie World
www.aussieworld.com.au
07 5494 5444
Bellvista Tavern
www.bellvistatavern.com.au
07 5437 2999
Best Western Lake Kawana
www.oceansidehotel.com.au
07 5334 9500
Caloundra Power Boat Club
www.caloundrapowerboat.com.au
07 5492 1444
Caloundra RSL
www.caloundrarsl.com.au
07 5438 5800
Cptn. Kings Beach
www.cptnkingsbeach.com.au
07 5341 8475
Dicky Beach Surf Club
www.dickybeachsurfclub.com
07 5491 6078
Fortyfive 51
www.facebook.com/FortyFive51
07 5341 8374
Good Time Grapes
www.goodtimesgrapes.com
0455 022 272
Mets Kings
www.caloundrasurfclub.com.au
07 5491 1081
Nannie Janes
www.facebook.com/Nannie-Janes
0409 885 460
Oaks Oasis
www.oakshotelsresorts.com
07 5491 0333
Parklands Tavern
www.parklandstavern.com.au
07 5449 9094
Pelican Waters Tavern
www.pelicanwaterstavern.com.au
07 5437 3622
Sandbar CafĂŠ & Kiosk
www.sandbarcafekiosk.com.au
07 5491 0800
The Events Centre
www.theeventscentre.com.au
07 5491 4240
UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS To view our full Events Calendar, or to register to attend, visit www.caloundrachamber.com.au
MONTH
DATE
EVENT
VENUE
March
Monday 6th
Membership Introduction
Caloundra Chamber Office
March
Friday 10th
Tech Talks
Caloundra Chamber Office
March
Thursday 16th
Better Business Breakfast
The Events Centre, Caloundra
March
Wednesday 29th
Business After Hours
26 Degrees, Rumba Beach Resort
April
Monday 3rd
Membership Introduction
Caloundra Chamber Office
April
Friday 7th
Tech Talks
Caloundra Chamber Office
April
Tuesday 11th
Smart Lunch Club
Oaks Oasis Resort, Caloundra
May
Monday 8th
Membership Introduction
Caloundra Chamber Office
May
Tuesday 9th
Smart Lunch Club
Oaks Oasis Resort, Caloundra
May
Friday 19th
Tech Talks
Caloundra Chamber Office
May
Wednesday 31st
Business After Hours
Caloundra Regional Gallery, Caloundra
22 Caloundrabuzz
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