Revegetation warriors crave more workers
By Richard Bruinsma
The small but dedicated team behind the weed removal and replanting of native species along the water course in Coolum’s Nobbie Job Park, has quietly celebrated a decade of dedicated service while secretly longing for more volunteers to join their cause.
Linese Norrish launched the project in 2005 and, with a small band of helpers, has spent several days each week for the past 10 years meticulously
and lovingly removing lantana and other pesky weeds and replacing
them with tea tree saplings, banksia, eucalypts, Lomandra
grass and flowering Tibouchina.
Two year olds Jaskson Pesu and his cousin Samuel Pearce lead their crew enjoy sunny weather on their daily scooter outing at Tickle Park, Coolum. With them are baby Frankie Pesu, Emma Pesu and Aimee Pearce. More social photos on page 9.
Coolum Grade 1 students helping out with planting in 2007.
Photo: Contributed
Jetty just the spot when the tinny’s back at home
Enjoying the ideal weather and good fishing conditions is Bli Bli resident Travis Christsen, shown casting for bait fish beside David Low Bridge. He was casting from the jetty, but he explained he usually fishes from his tinny in the middle of the river, but joked he was too lazy to bring the boat out so fishing from the shore would have to do.
Enjoying the ideal weather and good fishing conditions is Bli Bli resident Christsen, casting bait Low Bridge. He was casting from the jetty, but he explained he usually fishes from his tinny in the middle of the river, but joked he was too lazy bring boat out
Photo: Richard Bruinsma.
30 YEARS Serving the North Shore
Pacific Chamber Players first concert in Coolum
Classical musicians Robert Truman (cello), Janet Brewer (piano), Julie Anne O’Reilly (violin) are all ready to perform four piano trios at the first Pacific Chamber Players concert for 2016. Robert, who was born and educated in Sydney, is the former principal cellist of the London Philharmonic orchestra and Royal Opera House Covent Garden together with periods with the Opera North in Leeds, Menuhin Orchestra, Consort of London and the Ludlay Quarter and many more.
Not to mention paying on the sound tracks for many well known movies. He has had a very distinguished career and now has retired to the Sunshine Coast.
The trios will be by Haydn, Beethoven, Saint-Saens and Smetana. They will be performed on Saturday 12th March, 2pm at St Peter’s Catholic Church, Coolum.
Additional performances will be held on Sunday 13th March, 2pm at Caloundra Uniting Church and Saturday 19th March, 2pm at Cooran Memorial Hall.
Tickets will be available at the door. A proportion of ticket sales this year will be donated to Bloomhill Hospice in Buderim. Further enquires can be directed to 07 54468128 or www. pacificchamberplayers. com.
Pacific Chamber Players will host their first concert for 2016. Pictured are Julie Anne O’Reilly on violin, Robert Truman on cello, and Janet Brewer on piano.
Photo:
Passing whales easier to spot, thanks to viewing platforms
Experts estimate some 20,000 whales pass by the coast on their annual migration.
By Richard Bruinsma
The scores of whales that glide past Coolum on their annual will now be easier to admire, thanks to a new whale viewing platform that’s nearing completion at Point Perry.
Experts estimate some 20,000 whales, predominantly Humpbacks, make their journey north mid- year to escape the southern winters, and those that
Free range camping app to give more options to travellers
Sunshine Coast resident has launched a clever website that helps link caravan and motorhome travellers with landowners who offer a parking place for the night in exchange for doing simple chores around the house.
Free Range Camping was launched recently by Rob and Michelle Catania and shared informally with guests at the launch of the Food and Agribusiness Network at Palmwoods.
“Just like the free range chooks, we believe people should have the freedom to choose where they wish to stay,” Mr Catania said.
venture near to shore never fail to captivate onlookers.
Cr Steve Robinson said the design of the viewing deck had taken into consideration the suggestions of local residents, who initially feared it would conflict with local natural; landscape and disturb the ocean views.
on the amenity.”
The deck has been budgeted at around $135,000, with $35,000 of that committed by the federal government. It is being constructed of attractive timber. A nearby picnic table is also made of timber, rather than aluminium, at the request of local residents.
The work is being managed by Gary Rippingale of Rippingale Builders.
The whale deck is one of two new viewing platforms in the Coolum and Northshore Advertiser’s circulation area, with the other at Marcoola Beach.
Director Infrastructure
Services Andrew Ryan said council had also upgraded the beach access.
“As well as building the new viewing platform, we have added concrete paths and a timber pathway onto the sand to improve the look of the area and make
it easier for people to access the beach,” Mr Ryan said.
“The beach entrance is made even more welcoming by new native plants.
“This upgrade is just one of many recreational projects council has delivered as part of its $183 million Capital
Works Program.
“It’s also an example of how council is providing new types of attractive and practical recreational facilities in our region – we have included bar stool-style seating here at Marcoola and in other locations, and timber day beds at Alexandra Headland.”
The website links up travellers and the landowners, but it is entirely up them to negotiate the terms of the visit, whether it includes the completion of chores, and also the term of the stay.
The operation of the scheme has similar characteristics to the controversies over Uber and the taxi system. Mr Catania said the website would eventually be used to create a convenient app.
At the moment, Free Range Camping is calculating monetising strategies, but advertising to the network of members is underway.
For details, visit www. freerangecamping.com. au
He gave an example of a pensioner at Bargara near Bundaberg, needing help to repair his motorhome, who in return allowed his visiting helpers to park their caravan in a beautiful location with beach views.
“We’ve tried to design it so it blends into the natural surrounds as much as it can,” Cr Robinson said.
“That’s why we’ve set it lower, so it won’t impact
Sunshine Coast Council has also built a new timber viewing deck near Marcoola Surf Life Saving Club, for beach goers wanting to unwind by watching the ocean, or wanting to check out the surf before grabbing their board.
Workman James Cheshire positions a timber picnic table at the new Point Perry whale viewing platform, as local councillor Steve Robinson and principal contractor Gary Rippingale look on.
The new Marcoola Beach viewing platform. Photo: Sunshine Coast Council
A
Cars galore at antique sign on day
Thousands of car enthusiasts peeked and perved – and tried to resist the urge to prod – at the Sunshine Coast Antique Car Club’s annual sign on day.
The day marks a formal beginning of the new season for the club, but also presents an
informal car show as club members and others bring out their pride and joy for members of the public to inspect.
There are over 600 cars on the Club’s register and many of them were on display at the event. Among the cars were
beautifully restored vintage and veteran cars, cars of post war era and more modern muscle and classic cars. They ranged from cars built in the early 1900’s to Model T Fords, to Chevs and Pontiacs of the 1920’s and 1930’s, to post war cars such as Vauxhalls, early Holdens, Morris Minors, Austins and Rileys, to more recent cars such as Monaros, MGs, Falcons, Valiants, Corvettes and Mustangs.
The club caters for enthusiasts who own - or aspire to own - a classic car.
The Club supports a number of local organisations and events and this year all proceeds from donations will be donated to a local charity. Entry to the sign on day was by god coin donation, which was presented to the Riding for the Disabled organisation. Further information I available from President Wayne Griffiths 0427 312 999 or president@ scacc.org.au, or to Secretary Stu Edwards, at 0401 716 680 or at secretary@scacc.org.au
Ian and Jack Roger, of Woombye, and a little red Mini.
Jennifer and Kevin Lucke and their dog Amelia admire a 1968 Holden Monaro.
1930 Ford Model A Texaco Oil Truck. Photos by Richard Bruinsma.
Kathy and Craig Douglas and a chopped, shortened and modified Mini. Ken and Sabrina Stock admire an original 1971 Ford Fairlane.
Butch Blackburn and Glen McMahon admire a Corvette.
John and Lea Warren, with Pepper the dog, admire an MG.
Coast leads the love affair with Tesla’s electric grunt
By Richard Bruinsma
Sunshine
Coast
residents are leading Australia in per capita ownership of the environmentally sensible 100% electric Tesla car.
But before the car enthusiasts roll their eyes and turn the page, they should be aware that the standard Tesla can outrace a V8 Mercedes, and the newest models coming out of the factory will outrun some of the most desired sports cars.
“I’ve also got a V8 Mercedes 500 and
this faster than it,” Bli Bli’s Doug Stuckey, of the Queensland Tesla Group, said.
“The later ones have two electric motors – one in the front and in the rear - and they can do zero to 100 in 2.8 seconds.”
The group hosted a Telsa run to Maleny’s Botanical Gardens last weekend for lunch.
Of the 18 that showed up, around 11 were from Sunshine Coast owners.
Mr Stuckey said the Sunshine Coast represented the highest Tesla ownership,
per capita, of all of Australia.
Tesla boasts a phenomenal range, with the 100% electric car is sweeping the world with a staggering 500 kilometre range.
Updates to the Tesla are downloaded over the internet, so owners virtually wake up to new features thanks to new software versions downloaded by computer overnight.
No pollution, and can be charged overnight.
For those who have solar panels, it can be run virtually free. Just
top up wiper fluid and put air in the tyres. No petrol, no oil.
Tesla owners are strong supporters of electric cars for the future of our planet.
One of the features demonstrated at the Maleny event was a feature called summon.
“You can summon the car out of the garage and put it back in without sitting in it,” Mr Stuckey said.
Owners can also turn on the airconditioning remotely using their iPhone.
Tramfest to “celebrate” the Irish
Residents of Coolum and the North Shore are invited to attend Nambour’s biggest ongoing festival, Tramfest, when it returns on Saturday March 19.
After a hugely successful Chinese Tramfest last month, the organisers have announced an Irish theme for the March event, and promise it will get your soul singing, complete with traditional Irish dancers. They suggest readers mark their diary for Saturday 19 March and come and enjoy a wonderful evening of food, stalls and free entertainment on the tracks on Howard Street, starting at 5pm. There is an amazing line up of music for this month organised by Shake It Up Music.
Starting with SCUM –Sunshine Coast Ukulele Masters, who will kick off the entertainment on the music stage, followed by some very talented Irish Dancers – Eire Dance Australia, then
“Tramsters” are in for a real treat with Sunshine Coast duo Hoo8Hoo.
The evening will then be wrapped up with some ‘fusion fun’ with Annie J and “Fusion”.
Dinner is sorted thanks to a selection of stalls selling delicious food for a range of tastes. The Cane Bin Pop up Bar will be serving drinks until 9pm.
There will be entertainment for the
kids, as well as craft stalls
Tramfest is more than just a great family event in the heart of Nambour.
It also serves to help raise money for the Nambour Tram. The ongoing community and local business support for the Nambour Tram is very encouraging.
A big thank you to all those who continue to support this exciting, game-changing project
for Nambour’s future.
To find out more about Tramfest, check out the Facebook page at www.faceboook.com/ tramfestnambour.
There are also some great photos and videos of past events on the Nambour Tram Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ NambourTram.
This fantastic outdoor event has something for the whole family.
Stinging credit card fees are to be swatted by new laws
If you’re tired of being hit with those sneaky surcharges when you use her credit card, the federal government has just introduce laws that should bring a smile to your face.
Federal Member for Fisher Mal Brough said the Government’s Competition and Consumer Amendment (Payment Surcharges)
Bill 2015 passed the Senate, with the resulting ban on excessive card surcharging to take effect this year.
“Card and other electronic payments facilitate billions of transactions every year. It is therefore crucial that Sunshine
Coast consumers have confidence in the system,” the government said.
“Whilst many merchants do pass on costs fairly, some engage in this practice abusively.
“Sunshine Coast consumers are entitled to a fair deal. That’s why the government took action to ensure customers are charged no more than the amount that reflects the true amount of the merchant's costs in accepting that payment.
“Our laws equip the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) with new powers to enforce the ban,
including the ability to gather information from those involved in the payments process and the authority to issue infringement notices against those engaging in excessive surcharging.
“If the ACCC forms the view that a merchant has engaged in excessive surcharging, they may issue an infringement notice including a penalty for listed corporations of up to 600 penalty units, currently $108,000, for each alleged contravention.
“The Law is an important step in further implementing the Turnbull Government’s response
to the Financial System Inquiry and providing greater protection for consumers.
“The ban on excessive surcharging will work in tandem with the Reserve Bank of Australia Payments System Board standards that will set the permitted surcharge for payments.”
Further details are available at: www.rba. gov.au
The scheduled commencement for the ban will allow for the RBA consultation process to take place while providing a reasonable period for merchants to prepare for the new arrangements.
Tesla electric cars, whose owners took a run to Maleny over the weekend, are taking the world by storm, with new features downloaded over the internet.
Tramfest boasts food and fun for all the family. Kate and Leon visited the event late last year with with youngsters Zhyra, Mahli, Harlem and Bridie. File photo.
Right: David Harvey and Michelle Haigh with Ayla, 2, and Monique Bayldon enjoy
Wendy Graham, her daughter Liz Pietsch and grandson Xavier Pietsch out for a coffee and a morning stroll. Photos: Richard Bruinsma Chris and Sandy Langford enjoy a coffee and cake at Stellarossa.
Travis Christsen casts for bait fish beside David Low Bridge at Bli Bli.
Mitch Papas fishes at David Low Bridge at Bli Bli.
Claire Greenaway and Rick Smith eat a hearty breakfast on the esplanade at Coolum.
Doug and Barabara Conn enjoy a break and a muffin at Bli Bli bakery after a walk.
Meet Your
Coolum Beach Realty
Property Management Team
Majella Kavanagh Celebrating 4 Years at Coolum Beach Realty
Senior Property Manager
I have worked in property management for 7 years and I pride myself on the strong rapport I build with clients. We will develop a relationship so you can approach me with any task, big or small, and know con�idently it will be attended to. I will ensure the maintenance on your property is up to date, and that all your legal obligations are satis�ied. At the end of the day, I am here to make your life easier.
e: majella@coolumbeachrealty.com.au
0488 463 837
Tara Reid Property Manager
Having previously worked for Coolum Beach Realty on reception in 2013, I was delighted to be offered a position as a full time property manager in August last year.
My position allows me to take a lot of stress out of your life by making sure your most valuable investment is always well maintained and your rent is always paid.
I am dedicated to ensuring landlords are happy, knowing their investment property is in good hands as well as tenants being able to enjoy a place to call home.
e: tara@coolumbeachrealty.com.au ✆ 0417 434 334
Dani McAlister Property Manager/Receptionist
I too, had been a previous employee of Coolum Beach Realty and was pleased to be invited to become part of the team again when Stuart and Greg purchased the business just over 18 months ago.
I am trained in property management and am able to assist the two other managers with their jobs as well as being able to direct enquiries to the right person.
I also enjoy computer work and quite often produce mailing and marketing items for the �irm. As well as this I manage the Pikelet Cook Facebook site.
e: dani@coolumbeachrealty.com.au ✆ 5471 6155
Stuart & Pikelet Cook Licensee and Mascot
Would you believe, I too worked for Coolum Beach Realty in sales before obtaining a property manager’s position in Brisbane for two years. This was an extremely valuable learning experience for me, with over 200 units in the management pool. I returned to Coolum in January 2014 and was pleased to be offered a position with my old �irm, this time in property management.
My father, Greg, and I purchased the business in September that year.
I am totally focussed on customer service and satisfaction. To back this up we offer clients a Rental
Guarantee so that we make up the rent if the tenant falls behind for any reason.
Pikelet is my Mini Dachshund who we use in most of our promotions. She has just turned 2. e: stuart@coolumbeachrealty.com.au
0488 015 784
Beach Realty
PROOF
Calmer yoga
Weekend Beginner course – 4 sessions
Explore stretching, become sensitive and practice the Presence of Breathing, Learning to co-ordinate Breath with Movement
Back Care – 2 hour session Abs and strong core – 2 hour session
Mindfulness course – still the mind, breathing and meditation. Using Mindfulness based stress reduction therapy. 4 week course or 1 full day course. Enquiries or bookings welcome by phone or online
Email:
irena@calmeryoga.com
Web: www.calmeryoga.com
Phone
Irena: 0447 655 941
Bounce Back into Life!
Kirsten from Bounce Wellness turned her life around dramatically and now she is sharing her passion and knowledge with others so they can too Bounce back into a healthy and happy lifestyle.
"I had a lot of fun during my 20's and early 30's, my party years as I like to call them. I was travelling the world as a backpacker, partying, smoking and drinking lots. I was working long hours in hospitality and basically living a very unhealthy lifestyle without any concern or thought for what this was doing to my body and mind. Then life suddenly started to spiral out of control with panic and anxiety attacks and extreme
fatigue. I turned to a naturopath for help and was able to get my body and mind back in balance.
"The birth of my first child was a highlight I was responsible for this little person, unfortunately I contracted a staph infection from the hospital birth and this resulted in ongoing stomach problems for my child from the heavy antibiotics. I then took a decision to redirect my energies based on my passion for food, nature, sport, being energetic and having fun. I began studying, it took nine years to complete my degree, a lot of dedication, perseverance and juggling with family responsibilities.
"I am now a qualified naturopath, nutritionist and herbalist and have just opened Bounce Wellness Clinic in Coolum. I want to offer the same support and care to my clients as I was offered some years back, problems with fatigue, anxiety, sleep, stress, depression, under or overweight, menopause, menstrual problems, autoimmune conditions, pregnancy. This is what Bounce Wellness Clinic is all about - nourishing and supporting people to overcome health and lifestyle issues so that they can become well again". Call Kirsten on 0434911095 to make a booking today.
Pelvic Power for Strength, Flexibility, Posture and Balance
Pelvic Power? What is it? One day in Peregian during a Back Care workshop, a student asked “Where is my core? Is it the stomach muscles? The famous 6 pack! She was astonished that the support base of our stomach muscles is called the perineum and better known as the pelvic floor!
The student was so pleased to find out this was the foundation of core strength. In fact she was wearing a belt to protect her sore back! She realized she needed to understand her anatomy better and get it stronger and flexible with targeted exercises. Are you aware of your pelvic floor? Or do you understand your
anatomy but need to strengthen the pelvic floor?
The pelvic floor is shrouded in legend and secret. It’s missed in the school curriculum and therefore many women do not understand its important role and do not know where to turn for help. Are you experiencing back problems, accidental leakage when laughing, sneezing, playing sport or coughing?
Why is the pelvic floor important?
Having babies, menopause onset, weak muscles are factors that lead to a slack, too tight or out of balance pelvic floor. The Pelvic Power Workshop empowers you to understand the muscular anatomy. It will help in breathing
– coordination and connects you deeply into your body. It tones your abs and makes posture and stature in life grow! The PPower workshop is safe and gives you confidence and exercises to practice and makes sure your fitness programme is pelvic floor safe.
Irena has been teaching for 17 years and invites you to book a place.
Phone: 0447 655 941 or email irena@calmeryoga.com www.calmeryoga.com
Tues 22 Mar 9-11am or Sat 16 Apr. 2–4pm $40. Includes refreshments and your programme for home practice.
Synergy Physio's new 5-week block classes starting soon
SYNERGY PHYSIO looks forward to bringing a wide range of classes to assist in improving your health!
Our next 5 week block of classes starts 11th of April. The classes run by our physiotherapy and exercise physiology team are designed to provide a supportive and professionally supervised environment for the recovery of back pain, spinal problems and rehabilitation and are eligible for a health fund rebate.
We also have the the wonderful
Coolum Physiotherapy treats all musculoskeletal & associated conditions PROOF
COOLUM
offer a wide range of treatment approaches and exercise modalities to ensure that you recover from your injuries, strains or more chronic conditions. This includes Sports injuries, Spine related conditions including Back pain, Neck pain, head aches including the McKenzie Method and most importantly we want you to understand what you need to do to maintain a healthy body and Healthy lifestyle.
Our principal physiotherapist Dr. Philip Gabel, a highly skilled sports and spinal physiotherapist
Amber Muller joining our team as yoga teacher with over 20 years of experience, offering a wide range of yoga classes.
We currently offer rise'n'shine morning yoga, pregnancy yoga, mums'n'bubs yoga, pilates (reformer and mat work) and yogalates classes, please see http://synergyphysio.com.au/ classes/ for our class timetable and further details or contact us on 07 5448 3369.
Our friendly team members are:
Nichole Hamilton - Practice Principal, Physiotherapist, yoga and pilates teacher.
J essica Morrin - Physiotherapist and Pilates teacher.
Paula Magrani - Exercise Physiologist, pilates and yoga teacher.
Amber Muller - Yoga teacher. Reservations are essential as places are limited so please call our friendly reception team on 0754483369 for enquiries bookings.
with an extensive range of experience and skills.
As a past professional athlete, Physiotherapist at the London Olympics 2012, Commonwealth Games 2006 and World Championships with Australian teams he is an avid water sports person and has developed a special interest in sports and spine related injury and management of work cover injuries. Philip has been trained as a physiotherapist for over 25 years and has additional qualifications in spine and Back Pain management through
the McKenzie Method – being a Credentialed Therapist, Acupuncture, Hydrotherapy, Laser therapy, massage and Manual handling as well as being the Coasts only Certified Aquatic / Hydrotherapy Physiotherapist to ensure that a more complete and holistic approach is provided for you.
Our team has a wealth of experience in a broad range of conditions, settings, treatment approaches and exercise modalities to ensure that you can recover promptly.
PHYSIOTHERAPY
Parties are not welcome in local elections, says Moore
Political analyst Tony Moore says the absence of parties in local government is what makes government truly representative of the people and “functioning at its democratic best” The comments come as The Australian Greens made history on the Sunshine Coast by fielding a number of candidates in the local government elections, as well as around the State.
However, Mr Moore believes, if successful, The Greens’ push into local government “will take away the voice of
the people, and filter any normal views through fringe ideologies and agendas, and attain divergent objectives”.
“Make no mistake, there is a direct correlation between having a voice at a local level, where the local government operates largely in independence from political party control, and the lack of being heard at the state and federal levels that comes with political party control and agenda setting,” Mr Moore said.
Mr Moore applauded Division 6 Councillor Christian Dickson
late last year, when he resigned from the LNP and publicly declared his independence from political parties and allegiance to the people of the Sunshine Coast.
“The people of the Sunshine Coast region have largely enjoyed adding their voice to local issues which concern them, and this has been a freedom afforded to them by political independence,” he said.
“I find it concerning that, at a time when the community at large is wising up to negative impacts from parties and is calling for more
political independence, that the Greens party make such brazen and aggressive moves to take the power of our local government away from us.
Mr Moore believes “Green party policy has reached its used-by date".
“I think everyone is on board with looking after our environment for future generations and sourcing sustainable growth, so it’s insulting to think that we need the Greens or any party, at any level, to tell us how to do what we are already doing,” he said.
Greens explain motivation for fighting local election
The Greens mayoral candidate Tony Gibson has outlined his views on political parties and local government.
“Party politics have existed since the 1980s on the Coast and candidates get assistance and are members of the LNP or Labor,” he said.
“Also, elsewhere in Queensland cities such as Rockhampton, Townsville and Brisbane political parties have
been openly involved in local government elections for many years.
“The Greens are just being honest and leading with values that help improve the democratic process, as people know who they are voting for in the Council elections.”
Mr Gibson said “with grassroots democracy being one of the principles of The Greens, the suggestion of interference from
Canberra or Brisbane on local issues is not really a concern.
“The Greens team has been developing policies that are specific to local issues that need to be addressed by local government representatives on the Sunshine Coast.
“This is the first time The Greens have conducted a branded local government campaign on the Sunshine Coast and the feedback from
the community has been largely positive.
Gibson believes that he and other Greens team members can make a difference in local government with a vision of nature and community, connected and sustained.
He has a background as a manager, business consultant and leadership coach. He has been a member of The Greens for less than two years and is energised
Betting suggests a Jamieson win
Sunshine Coast residents are expected to re-elect Mark Jamieson as mayor if betting odds are to be believed. Online bookmaker sportsbet.com.au is tipping Mr Jamieson to be re-elected.
Mr Jamieson is a short $1.20 to win office again ahead of Alison BarryJones on $6.00 – both the other candidates are outsiders at double digit odds.
"Mark Jamieson looks very much like a safe pair of hands that Sunshine Coast locals will stick with judging from the odds,'' said sportsbet. com.au spokesman Will Byrne.
Betting Odds - Sunshine Coast Mayor: $1.20Mark Jamieson, $6.00Alison Barry-Jones, $12 - Ron Green, $17 - Tony Gibson.
to be working with six other Greens candidates on the campaign.
Gibson has developed an increasing interest in local issues and interest groups. He was
concerned community participation in local government processes was not occurring and joining a political party was the next logical step for him.
“The Greens’ values of ecological sustainability, grassroots democracy, peace and non-violence and social justice were a good fit for me.”
Tony Moore
Revegetation warriors need more people power
families wanting to experience the secluded and green walkway.
Continued from Page 1
“This area was pretty much all cobblers pegs, various weeds, and siratro weed, from here all the way to Stumers Creek,” Ms Norrish said, standing in the now beautified native park area.
The work has helped revegetate a strip
about 500 metres long, parallel to David Low Way.
Ten years ago, the water course was clogged with Mud Plantain, and some of the grass in the area stood two metres high. But today, after all the years of hard work, it’s an area that attracts walkers, joggers and
“Every morning you turn on the radio, and there’s always doom and gloom, and I think this is a good news story.”
Local resident Kaye Forbes takes her two energetic dogs, Daisy and Molly, through the re-vegetated area virtually every afternoon.
“I’ve been walking here for at least eight years, a very long time, and I’ve seen it develop from there, it’s absolutely fabulous,” she said.
She knows at least four or five other dog owners who also enjoy walking through the beautified natural area.
Local councilor Steve Robinson helped out by organising a table and park bench at the
Stumers Creek end of the walk. Council has also provided native pants and safety equipment.
The small team of workers includes Jim Galbraith, Anne Jericho, Terry O’Toole and Adbul.
Cutting Edge to celebrate 22 years in business
Liz Neeson and Kate de
will soon notch up 22 years of cutting hair in Coolum, but it’s their customers who will be rewarded with champagne celebrations.
In that time, their Coolum Cutting Edge salon has been through a name change, a major remodel, expanded services into beauty and makeup, and helped launch the careers of five apprentices, all from the same location in central Coolum.
Today, they have many customers who have been loyal clients for well over a decade.
“One man comes in and remembers when we cut his hair in high school – and now he’s married and has moved back and forth to Brisbane,” Kate said.
“It’s good to have clients and memories like that.”
Each year, the duo does something special to commemorate the salon’s “birthday”.
Last year – their 21st –was celebrated with a massive hair show that included movie themes and dance numbers.
The event also raised money for research into bowel cancer, which claimed the life of their sister Jane Mark Soorley at age 38, five years ago.
This year, for their 22nd birthday, they’re doing something a little lower key, but still very thoughtful nonetheless.
“During the week from the 11th to 16th of April, we’ll be offering a glass of champagne for all the clients who come into the salon,” Kate said. They’re also giving away a complete beauty makeover package, valued at $500. It includes hair and makeup, and professional “before and after” photographs.
“We haven’t done this sort of thing before, and we’re hoping the recipient will have the chance to try some
photos they’ve always wanted to do.”
The sisters’ journey started back in 1994, when Liz was managing a salon in Broome in West Australia and Kate was living in Coolum, when the opportunity to buy the local business arose.
After a little discussion, Liz took a trip back to the Sunshine Coast to check out the opportunity and the rest, as they say, is history.
“I moved here from Broome, worked in the salon for a few days to see how it went, and we bought it the following week,” Liz said of the whirlwind life change.
They pooled their talents in hairdressing and bookkeeping and over the years have continued to ensure they stayed up with the latest training, techniques and trends.
It’s an attitude that has worked.
“It’s really good to
reinvent ourselves, hence we do the hair show; if you want to stay in business that long, you need to reinvent yourself and try new things.”
The sisters are active in the community, helping out with fundraisers, school and church events, as well as organisations like surf lifesaving, lawn bowls and golf clubs. They offer $5 vouchers
for clients celebrating birthdays and $20 vouchers for long term clients.
The women are also members of Business Networking International.
The duo first launched their salon in 1994 and, in a credit to their great service, are still cutting te are still while the name has changed and they’ve endured major renovations.
Right: Sisters Liz Neeson and Kate de Groot with some of the many newspaper clippings from the 22 years at their Coolum Cutting Edge salon.
“I am hoping for new volunteers, new blood, because there’s only four of us on Mondays and three on Thursdays,”
Ms Norrish said.
“We have a bit of a fan base – there’s the surfers who are always cheery, people walk with their
kids and dogs, and you get tourists, and they’re all saying how wonderful we are.
“It’d be nice if some of them could join us.”
Enquiries about helping the group can be directed to Ms Norrish at 5446 5116.
The drain receiving attention in 2005. Photo: Contributed
The water trailer ready for action 2007.
Photo: Contributed
Kaye Forbes and her two dogs Daisy and Molly walk daily on the track between Nobbie Job Park and Stumers Creek, an area that has been lovingly replanted with natives over the past decade by Linese Norris and her fellow volunteers. Photo: Richard Bruinsma.
Sisters
Groot
Photo: Richard Bruinsma
Coolum & North Shore
sport
Strong woman proud of her USA result
By Richard Bruinsma Sunshine Coast strongwoman Alana
Curnow has missed out on making the final four at the amateur world championships but is still overwhelmingly satisfied with her performance.
Ms Curnow is the current world record holder for lifting the heaviest Atlas ball, and journeyed to the “Arnold Classic Amateur Strongman World Championships” in the USA last weekend to further her goal to secure the title of “World’s Strongest Woman”, and she refuses to see the result as a set back.
“I have had a few people mention I must be disappointed. Absolutely not,” Ms Curnow said from the USA.
“In the last 12 months, I've closed the gap between myself and the someone who practically wiped the floor with me last year.
“The other girls were seriously just insane. It was friggin’ awesome to compete with them. The three-time world champion (didn’t make) day two either. That's how fierce the competition was.”
Last October, Ms Curnow broke the World Record for the heaviest lift and load of an Atlas Stone – one of those huge balls of solid concrete.
At the time she weighed 82 kg. The Atlas Stone weighed 138.2kg. And she managed to lift it onto a platform set at a mandatory 1.2m. (The record she broke – 136kg – had stood for 13 years). That achievement, at the
Brisbane Fitness Expo, came with the unofficialbut-widely-recognised title of Australia’s strongest woman.
However, Ms Curnow isn’t finished there.
She has turned her focus to scoring an invite to the World’s Strongest Woman competition, which is due to be held in 2017 after a 15-year hiatus.
The strongman events include the disciplines such as 200kg frame carrying, 160kg axel deadlift (most repetitions in a minute), 75kg overhead log press (most reps over a minute), and of course Atlas Stone lifting.
While she didn’t qualify for the finals at the weekend’s strongman event, she is making the most of the added experience.
Mudjimba nipper Lifesaver of the Year finalist
The passion and enthusiasm that Madison Douglas has for beach safety has seen the Mudjimba nipper named a state finalist for Surf Life Saving Queensland’s prestigious Breaka Under-14 Junior Surf Lifesaver of the Year award.
Madison will join five other finalists from across Queensland in the running for the award, which will be announced on Saturday 12 March at SLSQ’s Youth State Championships at North Burleigh on the Gold Coast.
SLSQ member services manager Des Kerr said the nomination was a
MT COOLUM
WEDNESDAY LADIES
Monthly Medal – Single Stroke 02/03/2016
DIV 1 Winner: Diane Chard - 72 Nett. R/Up: Denise Degenhardt - 74 Nett.
DIV 2 Winner: Leigh Bruschweiler - 75 Nett c/b.
R/Up: Leonie O’Brien 0 75 Nett.
DIV 3 Winner: Helen Wilson - 74 Nett. R/Up: Jan Wilson - 77 Nett.
Best Gross: Div 1 – Jean Brkic. Div 2 – Leigh Bruschweiler. Div 3 –Joy Pollard.
Putts: Div 1 – Jenny Robinson, 27 Putts c/b.
“All in all, an amazing day,” she said.
“I got to meet some very awesome people. Managed a personal best for reps in the deadlifts.
your best supporters,” she said.
“It is male dominated but it is rewarding for women as well.
“It’s a bunch of really supportive people.”
reflection of Madison’s contribution to, and standing within, the local surf lifesaving community.
“The Breaka Junior Lifesaver of the Year award is one of the highest honours that can be given to our junior members,” Mr Kerr said.
“And spent the rest of the day watching the pro's and getting selfies with them - as usual they were lovely and happy to do so.”
“To even be shortlisted for it is a wonderful achievement and something that Madison should be rightly proud of.”
Div 2 – Margaret Betts, 29 Putts. Div 3 – Jan Wilson 27 Putts. NTP: Div 1 - Julie Rayfield. Div 2 - Karen Brock. Div 3 - Bev Gordon Pro Pin – Sandy Mastin. Longest Putt – Joy Pollard. Ball Rundown: 78 c/b.
COME AND TRY CROQUET
Celebrate International Women’s Day by playing croquet the day before it!
The Coolum Croquet Club, is holding a Come and Try Day on our lawns at Coolum (off David Low Way
north of Stumers Creek behind Seacove Resort / RSL) on Monday 7 March, 2016 from 1:30 pm. Afternoon tea will be provided.
We suggest that you wear comfortable clothes, flat-soled footwear and a hat. Come and enjoy a game out on the lawn. All equipment will be supplied. This is a free event.
Croquet is one of the few sports where men and women compete on a completely equal footing. For further information, please contact Margaret on 5448 2985.
Ms Curnow’s journey started in the early 2000s when, unhappy with her weight after a relationship breakdown, she got serious about her fitness. She joined a gym and within nine months had lost 40kg.
She continued working hard, and has now been training and competing for the strongman events for three years.
“I enjoy just being completely responsible for the goals you set and what you achieve, and the feeling of going to the strongman events and competing against people who are also
She trains at a gym at home in Mooloolah, and at Muscle Hut gym at Kawana. She is sponsored by Harris Stability Systems and Mass Nutrition Kawana.
Ms Curnow is more than happy to field enquiries about the sport through her Facebook site:
“Strongwoman - Alana Curnow”.
Meantime, her three children – Liana, Hayley and Theon - are quite fine with her musclebound pastime.
“They love it,” she said.
“They tell everyone that their mum is the strongest woman in Australia, and she is.”
And she’ll keep working towards the title of strongest in the world.
Coolum & North Shore sports round-up
American strongman Brian Shaw, who stands 203cm (6’8”) and weighs in at 200kg, with Sunshine Coast world record holder Alana Curnow at the “Arnold Classic Amateur Strongman World Championships” in the USA last weekend. Photo: contributed
Madison Douglas in action at Mudjimba Beach.
