The Cooroora Connect April 2019
An Initiative of Pomona & District Community House
Hey everyone – Let’s clean up our litter act We are still being inconsiderate of the environment if the results of the Clean Up Australia Day rubbish collection is a guide. Dedicated volunteers gathered four tonnes of garbage from the forests around Pomona in just one day on 3 March. In town, 51 people collected bags from the War Memorial Rotunda and walked the streets and parks to gather six wheelie bins of rubbish – two containing recyclables and four full of non-recyclables. Organiser, Belinda Wedlock, thanked those who took part. Thanks are also due to Cr Joe Jurisevic for his efforts on the day.
Inside this issue Young and not so old registered for Clean Up Australia Day at Pomona.
BUSINESS Change of hands New owners take over at Hollyhock Cottage – page 5
FLIGHT PATHS Consultation starts Check whether new flight paths will impact you – page 7
TOURISM Economic boost Eco-resort approved for Mt Cooroora – page 14
RAILWAY STATION
Minister visits Delay for cross-town path – page 12
TRANSPORT Getting about
Free buses over Easter – page 11 The Cooroora Emergency Service Cadets had the task of sorting town rubbish into waste and recyclables. Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community
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COORAN HOUSE PRICES GO UP, MAINTAIN AFFORDABILITY Cooran has displaced Yandina from the list of five towns with the most affordable houses in the Sunshine Coast-Noosa Region, defined as property having a median price under $450,000. However, house prices are increasing in the hinterland town. Cooran’s median house price went up from $363,000 to $405,000 in the past quarter – an increase of 11.6 per cent according to Real Estate Institute of Queensland figures.
Noosa’s popular country drive The Noosa Country Drive self-drive tourist circuit through the hinterland gets more popular every year, Tourism Noosa statistics reveal. ‘Clicks’ to the Noosa Country Drive website almost doubled from 14,265 in 2016–17 to 28,458 in 2017–18. More than 30,000 country drive maps were distributed in 2017–18, up from 27,000 the previous year. New revised maps including attractions in the Mary Valley have been ordered – a print run of 50,000 in 2018 –19.
Bullying to be workshop focus Approximately a quarter of Year 4 to Year 9 students report being bullied every few weeks, or more often, while frequent school bullying was highest among Year 5 (32 per cent) and Year 8 (29 per cent) students. Eighty-three per cent of students who bully online bully others in person. Hurtful teasing was the most prevalent of all bullying behaviours experienced by students, followed by having hurtful lies told about them. It is a big problem, and something Pomona and District Community House will address with partners the Department of Communities and Noosa Council. Together, they have engaged sociologist Clare Dand of Sociological Pathways to conduct an information and skills-building workshop at the Lawson Shed, Pomona, on Wednesday 17 April. A donation of $3 is sought for the two-hour talk and workshop. Clare said bullying arose out of an unequal balance of power within a child’s social environment. “The workshop goal is to assist parents understand how a child’s social system works. Often this is the first step in identifying and navigating through issues surrounding a child who is dealing with bullying in their lives,” she said. Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community
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Trails master plan will guide development of nature-based tourism Consultants Common Ground Trails are working to complete a master plan that will explore options for utilising sections of the 100km Noosa Trail Network to broaden the nature-based experience for mountain bike riders while also supporting and managing the sustainable use of the network and its surrounding areas.
months away, with consultation planned involving a number of stakeholder groups that provided initial input towards a first draft, expected within days.
Tourism Noosa is leading the project in consultation with project partners Noosa and District Landcare and the Economic Development Department of Noosa Council, using an almost $20,000 grant from the Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation (NBRF).
The plan recognises mountain biking as a major contributor to a continuously growing adventure tourism market, which has potential to provide opportunities for nature-based tourism and associated economic benefits for hinterland villages.
Foundation deputy chair, Clare Cartwright, said the trail network had the potential to unlock many benefits for hinterland communities.
In its current stage of development, the Noosa Trail Network is not considered to be a purpose -built mountain bike single track.
"The purpose of the management plan is to identify ways we can raise the profile of our biosphere reserve and enhance the experience for bushwalkers, horse riders and mountain bikers. The plan will address ways to prevent misuse of environmental assets by improving trails and infrastructure, as well as addressing issues such as erosion and revegetation,� Ms Cartwright said.
WA-based Common Ground Trails overarching brief is to identify the steps to upgrade and maximise recreational use across the eight hinterland trails.
The Noosa Trail Network Master Plan is a couple of
Noosa Council’s Sport and Active Recreation Plan 2018 identified mountain biking as one of the top three activities undertaken by shire residents.
Already it has catalogued challenges in managing the needs of the trail’s multiple user groups and provision of desirable additional facilities. Among these are sections of track where hikers would take one route and mountain bikers another, in parallel.
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Learn all about Noosa’s mammals of the forest Dr Burnett’s research focuses on the distribution and environmental needs of vertebrate wildlife of Australia Vertebrate fauna expert, Dr Scott and South-East Asia. He also studies and documents the Burnett, a lecturer at the University of the Sunshine Coast, ecology and conservation status of marsupials and owls. will share his knowledge and enthusiasm about the greater The two-hour presentation is free gliders, quolls and other mystery for Noosa Landcare members and mammals of the Noosa and Bushcare members, but will cost Sunshine Coast districts at a $10 for public attendees. night to remember, held at the Bookings are essential: https:// Rural Futures Centre, Pomona, wwwnoosaanddistrictlandcaregro on Wednesday 17 April, from upinc.wildapricot.org/event5pm. 3255120.
Dr Scott Burnett, lecturer in vertebrate wildlife at the University of the Sunshine Coast.
Here’s the chance for all to learn about the mammals other than ourselves who share our magnificent Noosa Biosphere.
His studies are world renowned.
Landcare Link-up Workshop Series
The diversity and inter-connectivity of animals and the environment within the Noosa Biosphere will be the focus of a special public lecture.
Environmental plan submissions close Submissions to Noosa Council about its new Environmental Strategy have closed and will be assessed, but the valuable work of volunteer and community groups in maintaining the local environment will be fundamental to its implementation, says the council’s Environmental Services Manager, Craig Doolan. The implementation plan will be developed with the final version of the Environment Strategy and will set out key actions for the first couple of years. Mr Doolan said a further two bushland care groups had formed, bringing to 18
the number of such groups involving 200 volunteers. “The bushland care program is one of the many environmental initiatives supported by Noosa Council, in partnership with the community,” he said. The new Environmental Strategy will establish strategic outcomes under four themes – biodiversity, waterways wetlands and coast, sustainable living and climate change adaptation. The council will use it to help prioritise investment and deliver a collaborative approach to achieving excellence in environmental management.
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Hollyhock Cottage gets new lease of life After 22 years of being in single ownership, Pomona’s iconic Hollyhock Cottage has changed hands, with new owner, Lizzie Hall, determined that it remains true to the vision of previous proprietor, Bronwyn Coombes, but with ‘something a little different’.
The sale took place in February and Lizzie took delivery of new stock from new suppliers last month. Once the weather cools down, Sonjia Joyce will buy in a new range of autumn plants to complement the extensive English garden range on offer. Tea, coffee and scrumptious treats will complete the offering at the new-look cottage. The business is a family affair.
That difference will be obvious soon when the cottage will be repainted. Originally from England, Lizzie said she had been visiting the cottage and its eclectic collection of china, housewares and decorator items for a number of years, yearning for the place to be hers. She has teamed with best friend and nursery manager, Sonjia Joyce, to put their own stamp on the place, seeking to forge a new alliance with local artists and artisans to market as much quality handcraft as possible. After taking a sabbatical recently, following a stint managing three accommodation houses at Noosa, Lizzie said she
Lizzie’s husband, Lindsay, is overseeing the accounts. Formerly in the music production business, he managed singer John English for 25 years.
Bronwynn Coombes wanted to transition into a ‘working retirement’. “I want to remain active, as I am a busy bee and have worked all my life,” Lizzie said.
We wish Bronwynn all the best for her future Sonjia Joyce (left) and Lizzie endeavours. Hall. QUICK EVACUATION attracting couples who are The students at Pomona setting up a new home and State School have got their wanting to set it up with evacuation procedure individual pieces.” duration down to six
At the other end of the scale, Lizzie’s special client “As much as we can, we is her elderly mum, who want to support locals, still visits from England selling on consignment. and who always urged her We also want to encourage to buy Hollyhock Cottage if ever it went on the market. a younger clientele –
minutes – from alarm to the all clear. A practice was held last month. The evacuation plan is tested every term to ensure the safety and well-being of all students and staff.
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Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community
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Consultation begins on new runway flight paths Air Services Australia has begun public consultation on the impacts of new flight paths for planes that will be landing and taking off from the new 13/31 runway at the Sunshine Coast Airport, which will become operational from next year. The airport is undergoing a $347m upgrade to turn it into a tourism, passenger and airfreight hub. Consultation sessions are planned for Cooran, Pomona and Cooroy. The new runway will sit north-west/south-east. When wind conditions at the upgraded airport are a ‘sea breeze’, aircraft up to the size of the Airbus A330 and the Boeing 787 will arrive overland from the north-west, descending to 5000ft immediately southwest of Cooroy, dropping further to 3000ft above Eumundi. Another new path is proposed between Cooroy and Tewantin. The deadline for communities to provide feedback to Air Services Australia on the likely impacts on hinterland towns is 30 April. To make a submission on-line, visit
https:// feedback.emsbk.com/asa. At Cooran, an information session will be held at the Cooran Memorial School of Arts Hall, between noon and 8pm, on Monday 8 April. An information session is schedule for Pomona, at the Pomona and District Community House, from noon to 7pm on Wednesday 10 April. Cooroy’s consultation day is Saturday 13 April, between 11am and 3pm at the Cooroy Memorial Hall. Possible noise impacts and airborne pollutants are among residents’ concerns. A year 2000 report prepared by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and released publicly stated: “Aircraft engines emit water vapour, carbon dioxide, small amounts of nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, sulphur gases, and soot and metal particles, formed by the high-temperature combustion of jet fuel, during flight.”
BE CREATIVE AT KIN KIN MARKET Take a Sunday drive on 7 April to join the vibrant community of Kin Kin at their Creative Markets. Everything is home grown, handmade or recycled. Or hire a stall space for $10 to aid the Kin Kin Community Group. For more information, contact Marilyn Blank, 0488 023 248 or 5485 5308.
Don’t miss body art event
‘Other Worlds’ is the theme of this year’s Australian Body Art Festival, to be held at Apex Park, Cooroy, on 6-7 April. The festival is free to attend on both days, but Friday night is a ticketed event and tickets must be pre-purchased. Visit www.cooroyfusionfestival.com.au for more details.
Urban Woodfired
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NEWS BRIEFS
Beatles tribute at Cooran
Anzac parade On 25 April 2019 Pomona will be hosting its first ANZAC Day service since 1967. An Anzac Day service will be held in Pomona for the first time in 50 years, to reinstate the tradition of having a local service again. It will be the last commemoration of the day in Noosa Shire. The evening service on the 25th April and will be attended by Sandy Bolton, MP (Member for Noosa) and the Noosa Council will be represented by Cr Ingrid Jackson. Those wishing to attend the service are asked to gather at 4:50pm for the 5pm start. An organising group headed by Nathanael Ford is organising the Anzac Day event. For More information: 0458 800 685.
Men’s Shed grant The Federal Member for Wide Bay, Llew O’Brien has announced a $3500 grant to the Men’s Shed Pomona, for safety signage, the conduct of a first-aid refresher course and safety equipment, including fire extinguishers. The money is coming from the Federal Government’s National Shed Development Program.
Let’s play tennis Anyone for tennis? The Pomona Tennis Club hosts a lively over-50s social tennis group on Tuesdays at midday and Fridays from 7pm. Junior coaching happens on Thursday afternoons, from 3.30pm. Phone 5485 1169. The tennis courts are also available for hire, phone 5485 1749.
Following the success of sell-out tribute performances showcasing Neil Young and Bob Dylan at the Majestic Theatre, Pomona, the Sunny Coast Musos Collective is staging a third tribute event featuring the songs of the legendary Beatles. The headline act for The Beatles tribute night at the Cooran Memorial Hall on Saturday 6 April is the band TOWN, (pictured) described recently by the Roo’s Live Experience website as “tight as hell, brilliant
musicians, fun to watch, engaging and passionate.” The show, titled The Beatles: It’s Going to be Fab, this time is being held at the Cooran Hall, starting at 6.30pm on 6 April. Food and alcohol will be served. Tickets are available on line at trybooking.com.au/BBEAN or, if not already sold out, at the door on the night. But be quick, don’t miss out. The last two shows were sold out a week before the events.
SIX-MILE BRIDGE SAFETY PLANS
Cutting into an existing embankment to improve visibility for drivers approaching the Six-Mile Creek Bridge on the Pomona side is among the measures being considered to improve safety at the notorious one-lane crossing, according to the Member for Noosa, Sandy Bolton MP. She said that previous attempts to address safety concerns, including yellow and black arrows indicating bends has proven to be ‘visual noise’ that did not assist drivers negotiate the low bridge. Tactile on-road treatments to create a noise through a vehicle’s tyres were also on the cards, Ms Bolton said.
All Earthworks
Shed / Houses Sites Trees / Stumps Cleared Lantana / Scrub Cleared 12 Tonne Machine 4 In 1 Bucket / Ripper On Board Laser Steep Slopes
Phone John 0455 916 231 Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community
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Kilagi weaves her customs into our community Following traditions extending back eons, a gathering of women took place in Pomona recently – supporting each other, learning new skills, perfecting techniques, sharing food and yarning up stories from various walks of life. This gathering was a perfect way to kick off International Women’s Week. The haptic memory (relating to sense of touch and manipulation of objects) from Kilagi Nielsen’s Papua New Guinea (PNG) up-bringing is what she shares with the group that is gathering again on Saturday 6 April. Aunty Mary also from PNG is assisting with the learning process too. It is very interesting to see the different PNG
Kilargi Nielsen (centre) weaves friendship, bonding and shared learning into the crafts she inspires others to make. handicraft and cooking tea/coffee station is techniques being compared provided. A fee of $35 and shared so well. covers the cost of natural fibres. Harvesting skills are also
Please get in touch with Kilagi for more information, or to make a booking.
shared too.
Contact:
Each member of the group brings a plate to share for morning tea or lunch; a
Kilagi hopes that each group gathering will follow the learning direction and interest of participants.
BE A KING OF THE MOUNTAIN SPONSOR The Pomona King of the Mountain Festival is celebrating 41 years on Sunday 28 July 2019 and has available sponsorship opportunities. The festival has several sponsorship opportunities ranging from general $200
sponsorships to event packages entitling participants to have a business logo displayed on the big television screen up to exclusive naming rights for individual events. Phone Heather on 041 111 4077 or chairperson@kingofthemountain.com.au.
Kilagiweaving7@gmail.com or
call or text mobile, 0437739155.
ART GROUP
Pomona Railway Station Gallery Banana Shed Wednesday @ 10am Cost $2 Ph: 5485 2950
Cooran Acoustic Night Saturday 11 May Cooran Memorial Hall King Street, Cooran
Doors open 6.30pm Show starts at 7pm Entry $4 / Kids free Alcohol-Free Event Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community
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More park upgrades before end of the financial year The rejuvenation of Pomona’s public buildings and parks continues, with the Noosa Council announcing that construction of a new halfbasketball court in Stan Topper Park and relocation of an electric barbecue will proceed before the end of the financial year. The work is worth a combined $65,000. The half-basketball court will be built closer to Hospital Street, according to Noosa Council’s project officer, Dallas Bickley. The
MARKETS SUCCESS
concrete pad for the old court will be ripped up and the area sown to grass. The barbecue outside the Anglican Op Shop entrance, beneath Pomona and District Community House, will be moved to near picnic tables in Joe Bazzo Park. New underground conduits and concrete pad will be laid to provide a shady picnic area in the heart of town, Mr Bickley said. New hall toilets are subject to budget considerations. that are pending with Council.
It seemed natural – fine timber craftsmanship returns to the former Alfredson’s Joinery for the inaugural Cooran Markets. The first Cooran Village Markets, hosted by the Noosa Shire Museum on 3 March, proved very successful according to the market manager, Trish Kearton.
What do they cover?
Understanding substance use and its impact on physical and mental
health
Strategies and practical plans to talk about substance use as a family, support your loved one and reduce harm.
Connection to individual support and referrals to other community ser-
vices.
Pomona Community House, 1 Memorial Ave, Pomona Thursday 9 May 11am - 1.30pm 11 July, 12 September, 14 November RSVP or for more information Emili 0439 853 596 or emili.pitter@liveslivedwell.org.au
“There was a variety of stallholders offering a range of items, including clothing, bric a brac, jewellery and much more”, Trish said. “A lovely, family-orientated atmosphere permeated the markets, while music was provided by Aryana, which added to the ambience.” She said between 100 and 200 people had attended the markets on the day. “Their feedback was very positive,” Trish said. The Cooran markets are being held every first and third Sunday of the month, from 9am to 1pm, the next market being on 7 April and 21 April at the old joinery works, Cooran. It is hoped it will be a regular money-earner for the museum. POMONA YOUNG WOMEN'S GROUP POMONA YOUNG MEN'S GROUP FORTNIGHTLY ON TUESDAY AFTERNOONS Ph: 5485 24275 2427
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Buses free again over congested Easter break Following the success of free buses over the Christmas holiday break in reducing traffic congestion across Noosa Shire, buses will again be free for residents and visitors alike from 6-28 April under a partnership arrangement between Noosa Council and public transport provider TransLink. Changed parking arrangements will apply also, including a ‘park and ride’ shuttle bus, while a ‘Go Noosa During the free period, users App’ will allow people to will not have to pay or show check and see when the next their G-Card electronic ticket free bus is coming. on the following routes: 626, The app includes real time 627, 628, 629 and 632 (Noosa information about bus to Cooran via Cooroy and movements, car parking Pomona). availability and congestion So, if you want a cheap, hassle levels, as well as scooter and -free shopping day, or just bicycle parking, bike paths want to tour Noosa Shire for and walking tracks. free, just use a bus between 6The app is free to download 28 April on the selected from the App Store and routes. Google Play from early April.
NOOSA COUNCIL GOES BUSH Noosa Council will again ‘go bush’ as it brings councillors and senior officers to communities across the hinterland for its scheduled monthly meetings and a ‘catch-up’ with locals. The council has resolved to meet at the Cooran Memorial School of Arts Hall, 14 King Street, Cooran, commencing at 6pm on Thursday 16 May. It’s Federal’s turn on 17 October.
Awning battle common sense After backing down on its original decision to close the rear access to the SpillDEBeans coffee shop permanently in the face of public pressure, Noosa Council has given way on a stalemate that had prevented reconstruction of the front awning over the Gitsham Fine Foods butcher shop in Memorial Avenue, Pomona. The building has been without an awning after its footpath cover was pulled down for safety reasons. Noosa Council wanted a replacement to be cantilevered back into what is an historic building, part of the character shopfronts lining Memorial Avenue. This would have been at enormous cost and would cause significant alteration to the butcher shop. The owner wanted a simple skillion awning supported by posts mounted on the footpath, similar to some other awnings in the same street. Cr Brian Stockwell said while the council’s original stand was for a cantilever awning, the situation had been reviewed by planning staff after approaches to himself and Cr Ingrid Jackson. “The matter has been reviewed by planners and a wooden post structure is consistent with the Noosa Plan,” he said. In written advice to Cr Stockwell from Noosa Council’s Development Assessment Manager, Kerri Coyle, she states: “The Mary River Catchment locality of the Noosa Plan, which includes Pomona, asks for timber posts on street awnings. “They (the building owners) would just require a Building Works codeassessable application lodged with council for the demolition works, being in a Heritage Character Area, and we would look for the new awning to be designed to reflect the heritage character of that area.”
Mob:0415 734 180 / Fax: 5485 1168
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Festival goers won’t walk cross-town path Crowds attending Pomona’s King of the Mountain Festival on 28 July won’t be walking over the new track across the North Coast Railway Line as planned. Queensland Rail officials confirmed last month that the construction project has been delayed until towards the end of the year. However, the good news is that work on reconstructing the Pomona Railway Station, the car park and surrounds is due to finish by the end of May, weather permitting. The design has changed slightly to allow for an additional ramp for easier access to the platform. The State Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Mr Mark Bailey MP and Member for Noosa, Sandy Bolton, inspected progress on the station rebuild recently, accompanied by organisers of the DontDividePomona protest against Queensland Rail’s original intentions to close the crosstown path.
Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Mark Bailey (centre), and State Member for Noosa, Sandy Bolton (left),meet with the station upgrade project manager and locals at the Pomona Railway Station. Last month, they lobbied the minister to spend an additional $75,000 building a raised pedestrian crossing over Factory Street as a further extension of an east-west pedestrian and bicycle path linking both sides of Pomona across the railway tracks. The raised crossing would act as a traffic calming measure, spokesperson Brian O’Connor said. “The delay in building the path over the North Coast Railway Line and its management as a project separate from the station upgrade proper is disappointing, but we have been given an assurance it will proceed,” he said. A Queensland Rail (QR) spokesperson said: “Although we initially anticipated the platform works and crossing works would be undertaken around the same time, there has been a slight hold-up as we go through the standard business process. This means that the path works are likely to commence later this year.” Mr O’Connor said it had been hoped that the path would be ready for the
King of the Mountain Festival, when thousands of extra people are in town, many of them using the realigned and improved path. Meanwhile, Mr Bailey has heard calls for more trains plying between Nambour and Gympie, serving hinterland towns. He was lobbied to introduce shuttle trains providing up to five services in each direction daily. In an exchange of correspondence with the Member for Gympie, Mr Tony Perrett MP, Mr Bailey wrote: “I am advised that QR is in the process of modernising its signalling system between Nambour and Gympie North and is phasing out its older train fleet, including those used on Gympie North to Brisbane services, and replacing them with newer trains. “I am aware of local requests for increased services, possibly via a shuttle service. As part of future timetable developments, QR will give consideration to this suggestion.” WHEN THE WORLD SAYS, “GIVE UP” HOPE WHISPERS, “TRY IT ONE MORE TIME”
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Students set to ‘reimagine’ Pomona’s iconic buildings Up to 150 students from Brisbane’s Queensland University of Technology (QUT) will visit Pomona on Saturday 13 April on a mission to redesign four of the town’s iconic buildings. It will be a market day, so the students will see an historic town on a busy day and will be expected to understand local architectural characteristics and locals’ attitudes to the places where they live and work. The interaction is important according to Dr Yasu Santo, lecturer in interactive design, Creative Industries Faculty at the QUT School of Design, because it simulates the ‘brief’ an architect receives from a client before starting the design process. The interaction with QUT architectural students worked in 2013 when, dissatisfied with the original fire station for the town, locals sought the university’s assistance to redesign the new fire station. A superior design was the outcome. The four buildings the students will study are the Pomona Showgrounds pavilion, the Noosa Shire Museum, The Majestic Theatre and the Pomona hall. Dr Santo said the students’ approach to
their task would be similar to past years. “One big difference, however, is that we have added the showgrounds pavilion to the list of buildings that students reimagine, exploring their existing characteristics and how they could be reinforced and enhanced through architectural means,” he said.
encountered easily.” Dr Santo said feedback from students in past years indicated they felt a sense of responsibility to the townsfolk they met to ‘get right’ a new interpretation of muchloved community buildings.
Worship with a view at Pomona church centre Who would have thought it – a church with its own landscaped balcony. The Pomona Anglican Church has sought council approval of a plan to expand its building at the Rectory Street end to accommodate a 110sq m extension that will incorporate an expanded kitchen and meeting area.
“While the role of There will be no change to architects always is to the building height. identify something unique Noosa was an obvious The alterations will provide in the project site, the location for the student students are challenged to for the church’s fellowship assignment, he said. and outreach functions, observe what makes “It is always important to Pomona an attractive and which include regular explore how people might vibrant small town. Tuesday night community coexist with nature. dinners. “The thought of working Therefore, we need to The kitchen will expand, for real people appears to consider how architecture have motivated many while a larger meeting room gets the best out of places students to try harder to and ‘cry room’ (for babies they live and work. It during services) will have a design buildings that are means we certainly need children’s play area and new more relevant for the to learn different toilet off it. community. architectural styles and A 44sq m landscaped deck In contrast, it appears to the lifestyle of people in will sit at the end of the be much harder or often different towns. building, making the whole not possible for students “However, it is not about to experience the sense of church complex more inventing a new functional. responsibility when their architectural style as a project side is in Brisbane The comment period of the response. Every town has city or suburbs where it material change of use different characteristics, usually is difficult to feel application to Noosa Council conditions and needs. the same level of closed on 25 March. “Historical reference is connectedness,” Dr Santo always important and we said. learn a lot from previous attempts, but we also Beginners Mat Pilates Class need to be able to respond Starts Friday 5th April to contemporary needs Learn how to engage your core and desires without being Improve your balance / posture & become stronger too constrained by established solutions,” Dr Santo said. “Working with the people of Pomona has given students a great deal of experiences they otherwise wouldn’t have
7.30am The Anglican Church Hall Cnr Miva St & Tewantin Rd, Cooroy
Aimed at over 50’s but all welcome FIRST CLASS FREE!
Contact Micheala 0449 047 746
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Mt Cooroora eco-resort approved Following sealing of Dr Pages Road to provide a scenic self-drive tourist route through the Hinterland – the Noosa Country Drive – and with the final draft of a Noosa Trail Network Master Plan about to be completed, there is a renewed focus on ec0friendly nature-based tourism to contrast the surf and sand tourism on the coast. Nick and Danae Barnes, the owners of the Noosa Eco-retreat, explain their journey to provide tourist accommodation at the foot of Mt Cooroora, extending the evolution of the tourism product locally.
In February 2019, after nearly two years of planning and eight tense months of council deliberation, an approval notice was issued by Noosa Shire Council for our proposed ecofriendly retreat at Pomona. The relief was palpable. The preceding 12 months had been a proverbial rollercoaster, as we waited to discover whether permission would be granted to re-imagine this oversized hobby farm at the base of Pomona’s iconic mountain, and evolve it into a regenerated, ecofriendly tourism hub. Knowing that our proposition had the support of the community and our local authority was one of the most important aspects of the development. So when the approval finally arrived,
The developers of the Noosa Eco-Retreat, Nick and Danae Barnes, with two daughters. it marked a significant milestone in our journey.
wanted to make more than a tree change...we were chasing a lifestyle Since early 2016, we had talked about philosophy. We found all this, and more, in Pomona and the establishing an eco-friendly tourist retreat somewhere up the east coast, surrounding Hinterland. and had been searching for more We wanted to create a business that than two years for a destination that offered tourists an authentic and not only offered the lifestyle to which diverse ecotourism experience and we aspired, but also had a the location in Pomona appeared to community that would share our offer all this, in abundance. vision. It was encased in nature, We have always bought into the three C’s in life – choice, chance and change. We make the choice to take the chance to change our lives. We
neighbouring the Tuchekoi National Park and less than a kilometre from the town.
FAMILY DRUG SUPPORT FDS runs regular Family Drug Support Group Meetings on the 1st Tuesday of the month. Starting at 7pm to 9pm at Gympie Community Place, 18 Excelsior Road, Gympie. For 24 hours a day support, call toll free 1300 368 186
Free Legal Advice & Referral Family & General Law Pomona Community House 1 Memorial Ave, Pomona Tuesday evenings Fortnightly 6.pm – 7.30pm
Ph: 5443 7827
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15 Add in easy access to the Hinterland’s breathtaking trails, trendy cafes, bustling markets, wineries, restaurants, country drives and many other local attractions and the scene is set. This, complemented by innovative roundhouse accommodation units which will be privately positioned across 60 acres or so of pastoral land and private walking trails, will aim to provide prospective visitors with a compelling alternative to the sand and ocean experience more commonly associated with the Noosa region.
fundamental priority for us. Our retreat is part of a 130 acre parcel, so many people have asked us ‘what’s next’ once we are up and running. A gymnasium at the back of Pomona’s AFL ground, right through to an outdoor Ninja Warrior course are examples of the many ideas that have been suggested to us throughout the year.
For now, this is all we intend to do. We can be modest as well as mighty in what we stand for. We believe that our retreat will offer a holidaying experience which transcends the conventional break away, as well as a A strong focus on sustainable, ethical vocation and lifestyle for our small and respectful tourism will underpin family that is truly rewarding. every aspect of our operation and The wheels are all in motion, work ensure protection and preservation will soon start. We are only using of the vast native flora and fauna. contractors from in and around We know we’re not the only ecoNoosa and will be supporting local friendly hospitality hub in the local businesses wherever we can. We had area and hope that our development hoped to be open in time for this will only help to further sustain and year’s King of the Mountain Festival, grow this type of tourism in the Hin- but knowing that even the best-laid terland region. plans of mice and men often go awry, Most importantly, we hope to establish the retreat as an icon of Pomona, which supports and affiliates with other local enterprises. Sponsorship of events, as well as promoting the use of the many local services and attractions, will be an ongoing and
it is more likely that we will be ready to receive our first guests for the September school holidays. You can follow our journey by liking our Facebook page – just search for Noosa Eco Retreat!
CUTTERS SEEKING VOLUNTEERS You don’t have to play football to make a contribution to the Pomona-Cooran Rugby League Football Club. You can help in myriad ways to support the running of home games. The ‘Cutters’ is seeking volunteers to help run the club and events at its Cooran grounds. Participation requires a few clicks of the computer mouse – go to www.playnrl.com, download a facsimile of your driver’s licence or passport, and a recent photo and click’register’. This is a requirement from the SCGRL. The application will be processed by the NRL. All you need to do is go to www.playnrl.com - search for Pomona Cooran RLFC and click register. You do need to upload a photo of your Driver’s licence or Passport, and a headshot of yourself. For more information, contact Pam Davis, secretary@pccutters.com.au.
Entrance sign to be replaced A battered roadside sign that greets motorists coming to town via Pioneer Road and Reserve Street, Pomona, will be replaced, the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has confirmed. The sign has been struck by a vehicle and its green and white stencilled lettering is peeling. The department says that traffic volumes at night and in the morning are too low to warrant overhead light at this intersection. Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community
16 Demystifying Death - Tuesday 9 April 10am Noosa Library Join local Community Palliative Care Nurse, Amy Cadd in a lighthearted and non-confrontational discussion about death and dying - ask all the questions you've always wanted to ask. Bookings required via Noosa Library website - ww.libraries.noosa.qld.gov.au.
Ph: 5485 1177 Monday to Fridays
8am to 5pm Saturday 9am to 12pm
Welcomes Dr Raja Sengupta OUR SERVICES INCLUDE
Immunisations & Skin Checks Medical & Health Assessments ** FLU VACCINATIONS ** BULK BILLING AVAILABLE
** for selected patients** Appointments Available Now Dr Maura Harvey Dr Anthony Kirk
Dr Richard Hayter Dr Raja Sengupta
5 Factory Street Pomona
Art, music and buskers will bring town alive For three days, Pomona will be the arts and music hub of Noosa Shire, when the Pomona Music Festival and the Art in the Paddock sale of paintings and sculpture coincide with the Pomona Council Markets over the weekend from 26-28 April. As part of the Music Festival, the Majestic Theatre will come alive with 18 live musical acts performing over three days. The theatre will be buzzing with an eclectic mix of musical acts, workshops, arts and culture.
on Saturday 27 April, from 9am to 1pm. The Pomona Railway Station Gallery is accepting registrations from artists who wish to conduct a stall. Food, beverages and entertainment at the gallery all weekend. For information, visit the gallery website, www.pomonaartgallery.co m, or call 0407 119 858. Plenty of free entertainment will be available around the town centre, coinciding with the Pomona Country Markets. Stan Topper Park will be the focus of activity. The Noosa Concert Band will entertain. Also planned is the Great Busk-off.
Tickets are $80, or $60 concession and a family ticket is available also. Meanwhile, the popular Art Market in the Paddock Register 9.30am Saturday will be held in the grounds for acts to perform from of the Pomona Art Gallery 10am to noon.
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It’s scones time at Cooroy Hall The story of a lonely elderly 96-year-old English woman who had outlived all of her friends so touched Sunshine Coast Foodie and president of Country Noosa, Martin Duncan (pictured), that he decided to organise a monthly ‘scone time’ session for hinterland elders and their carers, so they would not become shut-ins in their own homes.
Sustainable land management practice will be the theme of a Managing the Land for a Healthier Catchment workshop that Noosa and District Landcare and Seqwater will host at the Cooroy Memorial Hall on Tuesday 23 April, from 5pm to 7pm. The presentations will be wideranging, exploring themes such as soils, pasture and water management to support a healthier property, as well as information about the latest fencing and water management infrastructure.
Thus began Scone time at Cooroy, to be followed by a similar monthly event at Montville from July. Supported by local community groups and businesses, the event not only has injected life into the Cooroy Memorial Hall, but also has helped older residents feel connected to their community. The next Scone time at
Seminar will explore land management
Cooroy will be held on Tuesday 9 April, starting at 10.30am. RSVP phone 0473 902 261.Bookings: https:// www.trybooking.com/ ZXLR or 0473 902 261.
Cooroy Library Rooftop Screening 'RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK' Friday 5 April 6.30pm to 8.30pm
Speakers include Steve Burgess, winner of the Bob Hawke Landcare Award and owner of Wurraglen Farm; Dick Barnes of Country Noosa; and Tim Scott of BOS Rural Supplies. Light refreshment, tea and coffee will be supplied. This is an rsvp event – https:// noosalandcare.org/events. For more information, phone 5485 2155.
Can you help Fusion Festival? The annual Cooroy Fusion Festival is a celebration of local artists, entertainers, artisans, food, community groups and much more. This year it will be held at Apex Park on Saturday 11 May from 9am–3pm and at a number of satellite venues, including the Butter Factory Arts Centre, Cooroy Library and the Cooroy Memorial Hall. If you can help, register at https:// cooroyfusionfestival.com.au /volunteer. Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community
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Pomona Community House Groups & Services 1 Memorial Ave, Pomona PH: 5485 2427 FAX: 5485 1702 Pomona & District Community House acknowledges funding from Qld Government Department of Communities and Noosa Council.
Making Music at A432
Wednesday - by appointment Donation $3 per visit Booking Essential Phone 5485 2427 Pomona Creative Writing Lawson Shed Tuesday 9.30am - 12pm
Office Services 9am to 4pm
Teaching Piano & Things With Strings
Wednesday Mornings $5 per 1/2hour PH: 5485 2427
One on One Computer Lessons
REFERRAL & INFORMATION
Pomona Astronomy Club 4th Wednesday of the month
PHOTOCOPYING COLOUR PRINTING SCANNING / EMAILS LAMINATING / FAXING TYPING
Venue Hire & Room Hire Workshops
7.00pm Cost $3 per person Lawson Shed
Functions Meetings
Contact Cliff on 0474 025 215.
PH: 5485 2427 Centrelink / Medicare Access Point
Trash to Treasure Craft Group
Cost $3 per person includes tea & coffee
Workshop To Be Advised
Contact: Noel Bird Ph: 0403 173 851
Ph: 5485 2427
9am to 4pm Self Service Access Point Computer/Printer/Fax
RUMMIKUB Wednesday Pomona Community House 1pm - 3.30pm Donation $3 includes tea & coffee
Ph: 5443 7827 Free Legal Advice & Referral Family & General Law Pomona Community House 1 Memorial Ave, Pomona Tuesday Fortnightly
Stan Topper Park Pomona Friday 8am to 9am Cost $2.00 per Class
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Pacer credo: Gain calories, walk them off by Leonie Accompanied by their partners, several Pomona Pacers members convened at the Noosa River foreshore for afternoon nibbles and drinks recently. Inconspicuous without their Heart Foundation Walking T-shirts, the gathering reflected its group ethos – a group of friends on a lazy afternoon making the most of the beautiful summer twilight. Most stayed into the evening, with the well-regarded Red Emperor Fish and Chips doing a good trade! The Pacers soon got back into their regular walking routine in the days after. For a change of scene to usual town routes, Ringtail State Forest was a planned ‘nearby walk’. However, heavy showers during the previous night and days caused a change of plan. An alternate walk followed a dirt road to the Forest Acres Estate area and return, rather than continuing on a loop that returned via the Boggy Track – all part of Noosa Trail
Pomona Pacers take to the Noosa Trail Network on a recent brisk-paced walk through the forested areas around town. Network’s Trail 4. In that quiet forest terrain, the walkers commented on the beautiful bird calls, with the whipbirds especially close and clear. Pomona Pacers is a friendly group whose members come together to walk in company. They walk for around 60 minutes at a medium-
brisk pace on a variety of town routes and bush tracks, with regular coffee mornings and excursions. Would you like to join? To do so, meet outside Pomona Community House at 1 Memorial Avenue on weekdays (except public holidays), currently at 7am. Please phone Leonie on 0409 628 646.
by Assunta Easton I joined the Walk for Heart program at Pomona on 10 May 2010, just two months after it was established, and suggested the name Pomona Pacers, which was taken up. When the founding organiser decided to move on, I took over as Organizer, a position which I held for 4 years. The walking group was originally a way of ensuring I exercised on a regular basis. However, it has a much broader value in that it became a source of friendships and support. This was very much in evidence when my husband passed away in August 2016. Assunta Easton (right) with Pacers leader Leonie.
I walk every week day possible, except when I play golf.
I blame golf for it taking so long to achieve my 1000 walks in December 2018. On the day of my 1000th walk, I took along my mascot, Godfrey Gadabout, and my fellow walkers surprised me with a little celebration on reaching the half-way point of our walk. I am now involved in other activities, aqua aerobics, line dancing and ukulele but will never forget the support and inspiration given by my fellow Pomona Pacers. I am now counting up to my second
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Cooroora Connect Cooroora Connect is an initiative of the Pomona & District Community House Inc. The material published in Cooroora Connect may be reproduced only with appropriate authorisation and acknowledgment.
Cooroora Connect Advertising/Editorial deadline for the next issue 19 April heather@pomonacommunityhouse.com.au
The views expressed in Cooroora Connect are not necessarily the views of the editor, publisher or Pomona & District Community House. Inc. Claims in advertisements are those of the advertisers and not the publisher. Our aim is to produce and distribute Cooroora Connect in a timely manner to ensure we meet all deadlines. However due to unforeseen circumstances, that are beyond our control, we take all care but no responsibility if circumstances arise.
Support Local Lions Club Feeling generous? Want to give back to the community? You can by donating your excess bottles, cans, etc to the Cooroy Pomona Lions Club. Simply bag them up in a white plastic bin bag, go to the Cooroy Bloomhill Op Shop and just inside the door is a machine which prints out labels. The Cooroy Pomona Lions Club number is C10041804. Stick the label on the bag and place in the industrial bin located at the side of the Op shop. Bloomhill Op Shop is located between the Cooroy RSL and the Kindy – parking available right outside.
Lions Recycling Project Pomona Community House is now officially a collection centre for used spectacles without cases. Lions Recycle for Sight Australia is part of the Lions Clubs International Worldwide Eyeglass Recycling Program which collects used spectacles and sunglasses. The program cleans, grades and re-labels 450,000 pairs annually of used spectacles and sunglasses at our three centres in Queensland. The re-labelled end product is packed into boxes of 200 pairs, half of one prescription and 100 of the next higher prescription, under strict quality control rules. Social Indoor Bowls
Pomona Showground
Pomona Memorial Hall
Tues Social Tennis 9am - 12pm - $2.50
Wednesday 9am - 11.30am Arrive 8.30am for a 9am start Casual Dress & Flat sole shoes Contact Alan Ph: 544 76223
Pomona Tennis Club
Fri Social Tennis 7pm $4.50 Thurs Juniors /Beginners 3.15pm - 4.15pm Contact Roger Ph: 0419 886 101
Pomona Table Tennis
Pomona Hall Lower Room
Social Ball Room Dancing
Next to Red Cross Op shop
New Vogue & Old Time Dancing
Wed/Fri 9am-11am
Pomona Hall
Contact Peter 5485 0259
Tuesday 7pm - 9.30pm
Pomona State School Mon/Wed - 5pm Contact Bernard Ph: 5485 0888
Cost $5 includes supper Contact Pat & Norm Young Ph: 5485 2007
Harmony Dance Club
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Heritage Day events connect people and past The aftermath of the great fire of 1939. Residents formed a bucket brigade, and saved the pub!
Planning is underway for the Noosa Shire Museum, Pomona, to be the centre of heritage celebration activities for the hinterland as part of the Australian Heritage Month commemorative theme of Connecting People Places and Past.
The fire, and another in 1942 that destroyed premises in Reserve Street, led to action to fund and build a town fire station.
This year’s festival will bring life to all chapters of Australian culture and history, telling stories of diverse and distinctive experiences that have shaped communities Australia wide. The National Trust of Australia is coordinating the month-long activities from 18 April, with Noosa’s focus being the museum and its surrounds on Saturday 4 May.
Write your own family history
It will be a community day, organisers say, including displays and An introduction to the stalls by various groups. basic techniques of Aspects of Noosa’s history and starting your family culture will be explained by five history research and guest speakers. Food and growing your family refreshments will be available, while tree is the focus of a there will be open day at the session aimed at museum in Factory Street. Activities beginners to be held at the Noosaville Library will take place from 9am-2.30pm.
BOOMERANG BAGS POMONA Come & Sew A Bag, share conversation, friendship and “real” coffee. Feel good about helping to replace plastic one-use shopping bags with reusable bags made from donated, recycled fabrics. All materials supplied.
Monday 9.30am to 3.30pm
Lawson Shed, 1 Memorial Ave, Pomona
at 10am on Wednesday 24 April. Freelance author and educator Caylie Jeffery will provide you with the tools and inspiration to write your own history – memoir, family, home
COMMUNITY HOUSE SEEKS TABLE TENNIS TABLE
or keepsake history – in a hands-on workshop. Please bring along relevant certificates and documents. Bookings are required by phoning 5329 655.
SMALL GROUP ADVENTURE TOURS
Does anyone have a fold-up table tennis table that’s no longer required? If so, Pomona and District Community House requests that you consider donating it for use by the young men’s and women’s youth groups. Please call 5485 2427.
Tewantin Noosa RSL Morning Melodies Lunch
Wednesday 24 April 11am - 1pm Please book on 5447 1766 Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community
The elegant form of the Pomona Butter Factory, circa 1947. Today the building has been incorporated into Pages Furniture Factory.
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The jinx Although not superstitious, a lot of cops don’t like saying things like, “gee things are just swell, not many injury, prangs, assaults and other crime to speak of around here”. In fact, when we get together and someone drops a line like that, they’re about as welcome as an outhouse breeze.
PLOD’S PAGE
During the past few years, however, the newer cheap and seriously addictive methamphetamine drug ‘ICE’ is destroying the lives of a new generation of young adults pretty much everywhere.
This is because, almost without exception, the next hour or shifts will by Sgt Dan McNamara OIC be cab rank of tough jobs of all varie- Pomona Police Station Ph: 54852586 ties. Bit like full moons, police, ambos, nurses and probably most teachers can tell you what sort of mayhem those bad boys can bring. Soooo…. may I just say that things in the Pomona Division are going “pretty well, not fabulously” thanks very much. I respectfully hope they remain so, if that’s okay with the police jinx!
later turn themselves around to become great adults who I would not hesitate to back.
probably give the offending fixer uppers a major dose of reality TV. Can I again urge landlords and managers to thoroughly vet applicant tenants. Use Australian tenancy databases such as TICA to check for blacklisted individuals and you or your agent should conduct regular property condition checks with the client.
Some of these kids have gone from cheeky but likeable hoons to wasted, directionless addicts and criminals in the space of six months. It doesn’t discriminate. They come from struggling and well-off families. I often ask these people, clearly in the thrall of addiction, whether the ICE high was so good that it was worth ending their futures and just existing for the next hit. Some say it was at first, but now they’re trapped.
For their parents, it’s a new kind of hell. For help regarding ICE, alcohol Tenants and their associates who and drug information services, which ‘Fawlty’ tenants engage in this sort of behaviour often is anonymous, confidential and disturb whole neighbourhoods and Recently we’ve been involved in a available all hours, phone we inevitably become involved at number of criminal damage com1800 177 833. plaints, relating to evicted or current some point. And folks, if you want to evict them in a hurry, well that’s antenants that go way above the usual other story. wear and tear normally covered by rent or bond agreements.
Wasting life
It’s pretty clear what constitutes wilful damage - things like a bar stool stuck in a wall, holes punched through doors and walls and multiple breaks on mirrors and windows.
I’ve been at Pomona station for more than 16 years now and I can tell you that the vast majority of people in this area are thoroughly decent.
Recently we’ve seen some major unauthorised home renos and will
I’ve seen a small part of a previous young generation flirt with petty and serious crime and substance abuse
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For all your local Advertising
The Cooroora Connect heather@pomonacommunityhouse.com.au POMONA True Value Hardware PH: 5485 1351 10 Reserve St Pomona
HARDWARE, TIMBER, GARDEN, PAINT, LP GAS, RURAL & PRODUCE NEEDS
Pomona Barber No Appointment Necessary
COOROORA SCREENS & BLINDS
Open Tuesday to Friday
19a Factory Street, Pomona
Located behind The Caltex Garage Factory Street, Pomona
P: 5485 1287 / M: 0419 655 901
PH: 0477 043 071
* Screens & Security Doors * * Shutters * Awnings * * Verticals * Venetians * * Roller & Roman Blinds *
Op In @ Pomona 100Hp
OP SHOP 1 Memorial Ave, Pomona
1.5m wide
(Ground Floor Pomona Community House)
Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm Saturday 9am -12pm
***** FOOD HAMPERS AVAILABLE Order Hampers by Tuesday Pick up Hampers on Thursday
****
Ph: 5485 0206
Jason Hall 0412 020 789
Ames Frames Pomona’s Custom
*framing *canvas stretching *mirrors quality work at reasonable prices
by appointment 0481 238 722
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Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community