Cooroora Connect April

Cooroora Connect April 2021

An Initiative of Pomona & District Community House

Bike path call gets louder Hinterland locals are getting together to encourage Noosa Council to prioritise construction of a bicycle path between Cooran and Pomona.

The Australian and Queensland governments have begun the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines to immunise the population against the virus and to check its spread.

This is despite the fact that the council confirmed as recently as last month that it does not support a Noosa Trails Masterplan recommendation that a bike path be built to follow the North Coast Railway Line between both towns.

The vaccines will be made available in phases, depending on the age, medical condition and health history of individuals.

Grant funding is available for an upgrade of Trail 5 following a scenic forestry route, but money has yet to be found for a complementary ‘rail trail’ following the railway, as shown in the Queensland Principal Bicycle Network map. Helping lead the stepped-up call for the twin towns bicycle connection is John Burrows, who said that safe and sustainable transport for locals should take precedence over trails aimed at recreational users.

Roll up your sleeve for COVID-19 vaccine injection

Inter-town bicycle paths are common elsewhere in Queensland, this one between Wamuran and Caboolture.

signed by more than 800 residents in 2019, concerned that there was no safe bicycle route for schoolchildren to “Noosa Council has released its Draft access the high school campus at Cycling and Walking Strategy for public Pomona. comment, and residents are encouraged Mr Burrows continued: “Recreational to examine the document and speak users may actually prefer the Cooran– out loudly,” he said. Pomona bike path because it would be The strategy says: “Trail infrastructure flat and comfortable. The Noosa Trail projects such as a Cooran to Pomona Network was designed primarily for connection scored low but will be horse-riders. It’s great for walkers, but investigated as part of the trail network not at all suitable for the casual cyclist. in the coming years.” (This is believed “It follows roads that can be dusty and to be not before 2031.) sometimes busy with motor traffic. OffMr Burrows said evidence of strong road, the tracks can be slippery and community support for the more direct often too rough to negotiate with an ‘commuter path’ included a petition ordinary bicycle.” Continued page 2

Priority is being given to the aged and those in ‘front-line’ services, such as those managing quarantine quarters, hospital workers, police and security personnel at borders and airports. For others, the Australian Government aims to have all vaccinated by the end of October 2021. People can check their eligibility and likely timeline for receiving the vaccine on-line: https://covidvaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/ eligibility All those aged over 70 are now eligible to receive the vaccine. Health authorities have warned against scammers requesting a fee from those wishing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. It is free.

Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community

2

Artist’s impression of the proposed new Cooroy Golf Club clubhouse, which now won’t proceed.

Council refuses retirement village at Cooroy Golf Club A proposal to build an over 50s retirement village at the Cooroy Golf Club that would underpin the club’s future financial viability has been quashed resoundingly in a unanimous vote by Noosa councillors. At their March round of meetings, councillors accepted a staff report which recommended refusal of the plan to have retirement living company Gemlife construct 246 retirement units and associated recreation facilities on part of the golf course land. The deal included a new clubhouse, with 10-year paid-up membership for each new resident. The grounds for refusal put forward by staff included that the village would create a high density residential development outside the approved urban growth zone and impact adversely on good agricultural land. “It utilises rural land intended to be protected and managed to preserve the scenic and environmental values of the area,” the staff report read.

The council also felt that the village would pose an unacceptable risk to the quality of drinking water stored at Lake Macdonald. “The height of clubhouse would dominate surrounding spaces and the existing skyline, while parts of the development are located too close to Myall Street and are not

consistent with the streetscape,” the report said. “The excessive site cover results in excessive bulk and development, which is not compatible with surrounding development.” The Cooroy Golf Club is assessing its future direction in light of the council decision.

Build bicycle path now, residents say  From page 1

Members of Cooran Earth Rights have written to the Director-General Alternatively, he said the proposed of the Department of Transport and Cooran–Pomona bike path would allow for a more relaxing experience. Main Roads, Neil Scales, about the bike path proposal and have received “As for children cycling to school, the response that the department what can be better than to ride would welcome a funding along a safe bike path, learning application to build the ‘rail trail’ independence and developing a less from Noosa Council through the sedentary lifestyle,” Mr Burrows Cycle Network Local Government said. Grants Program.

Lack of toilets hampers SES crew’s response capability The operational efficiency of the local Pomona SES crew to answer a callout in an emergency or to staff their building in Stan Topper Park during fire or flood is hampered significantly when the call of nature becomes more urgent.

toilets at the bottom of the park, often in torrential rain. SES morale and numbers have been impacted as a consequence.

However, relief may be in sight. The SES facilities are provided by Noosa Council, and Ellen McIntyre, Chief of The SES Pomona building lacks staff Staff to the Minister for Fire and toilets. The ones staff had been using Emergency Services, Mark Ryan, were closed two years ago and advises that talks are underway to demolished recently. rectify the situation that sees the ‘Spending a penny’ now necessitates Pomona crew undertake weekly training at Cooroy, Tewantin and an impractical dash to the public Boreen Point instead of their own

shed conveniently located in town. The other locations have suitable amenities. “I am advised this is only a temporary arrangement while a permanent solution is worked through with the council,” Ms McIntyre said. “Queensland Fire and Emergency Services representatives have met with Noosa Council to plan for replacement of the toilet facilities and collaborative funding arrangements are being considered.”

Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community

3

New ‘factory’ supermarket opens at Cooroy Cooran hot

property with buyers Property buyers are showing greater interest in land and houses at Cooran and Pomona than at Cooroy, figures published by realestate.com reveal.

The new supermarket built on the site of the old Wimmers Soft Drink Factory, Cooroy.

Of the property listings shown on the website, the average number of views of each Queensland property is 877, but it is a whopping 2376 at Cooran, with Pomona trailing at 1653, followed by Cooroy at 1089 viewings. The trend indicates that buyers perceive better value-for-money in property located in the Northern Hinterland.

Another chapter begins for old Wimmers soft drink factory site ‘Locals supporting locals’ is how Noosa Mayor Clare Stewart described the new supermarket business that has sprung up on the site of the old Wimmers Soft Drink Factory at Cooroy. The ‘warehouse style’ supermarket has been named the Wimmers Factory Shop and Save to honour that family’s association with the town for decades. Geoff Wimmer, grandson of the factory’s founder, who moved operations from Boonah to Cooroy in 1910, joined the mayor in opening the new business. “A wonderful family legacy is now the namesake of a wonderful new addition to Cooroy,” Cr Stewart said. A small crowd was on hand for the official opening. The business sits in Garnet Street, opposite the Cooroy Hotel. The Wimmer family is associated with the new supermarket in name only. Wimmers Soft Drinks is operated by the Lavin family. The new supermarket venture is being managed by the Zipf family.

Store manager, Paul Bateman (left) with Geoff Wimmer, grandson of the Wimmers business founder, and Clare Stewart, Mayor of Noosa, at the official opening.

The domain.com.au website calculates the median price for a three -bedroom house at Cooran at $475,000 and a four-bed house at $568,000. As of 11 March, the median price for a house and land at Pomona had risen to $697,500, according to realestate.com.au.

Mystery buyer has big plans for Country Life Hotel Kin Kin’s historic Country Life Hotel, which has been on the market priced at more than $1.1 million, looks set to be sold to a mystery buyer wishing to turn it into an iconic ‘destination pub’ offering much more of the hospitality that has made it a favourite drinking hole for locals and visitors. Mark Walsh, who is handling the sale through CRE Business Brokers,

said the pub sale was under contract, with the buyers undertaking due diligence checks before taking full control in late May or June. “The likely new buyers are savvy locals with extensive hospitality experience. I have no doubt this sale will be a great outcome for the hotel and for the community,” Mr Walsh said. “The Country Life will be the destination pub it always had the

potential to be.” He said it was likely the hotel would be closed for a period to allow for extensive renovations. The buyer was not disclosed, although it is believed to be an existing Noosa-based business. Mr Walsh said he had other cashedup buyers looking to invest in country pubs in the Noosa Hinterland.

Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community

4

‘We are in unacceptable danger’: Sandy Bolton

huge rock-loaded trucks of over 40 tonnes that swing out into their path on blind bends. Just imagine what that is like as there is nowhere to go.

In an address to the Queensland Parliament, Noosa MP Sandy Bolton brought to the attention of the state’s elected representatives the issue of quarry trucks impacting on our hinterland lifestyle.

Residents are trapped in their homes as they are too fearful to take the journey to town, businesses are closing as visitors leave and people’s mental health is deteriorating.

In her speech, Ms Bolton sought greater flexibility in the management of quarry operations.

With Sandy Bolton MP

Here is what she said: System failure: that is what is being experienced in my electorate right now as we sit in this chamber.

Member for Noosa

not accommodate a projected increase to 40 to 80 truck As we debate legislation that may movements per day, and yet for the mean nothing at the grassroots, past nine months there have been argue over the time allocated for Bills and ask questions that we could upwards of 250. find the answer to through a phone This route is disintegrating under call, my community, which I the onslaught, with the mental, consider my extended family, is in physical and economic well-being of unacceptable danger. these communities now at a critical stage and leading to 2386 people Do members know why? From an desperate to get a resolution signing inappropriate volume of heavy haulage vehicles on a road that was a petition. never built to accommodate them. This narrow state road winds through beautiful historical villages filled with families who work in the wellness, organic produce, tourism and nature industries. Horseback adventuring, homestays and homeopaths all operate to provide unique experiences along a tourism route called the Noosa Country Drive. Ten years ago an independent road assessment deemed this route could

It should not take a petition. How have we come to this? It is because of an inadequate quarry management plan and an underpinning environmental authority that is not worth the paper it is written on.

Over the last year my electorate has had an increase of 30 per cent in domestic violence. We must ask ourselves whether this situation is contributing. That no department, minister, agency or even the Premier can identify a way to alleviate this danger leaves me speechless. If one builds a granny flat, a traffic management plan and contributions are essential. However, an increase of such magnitude not requiring a route assessment nor a road levy to maintain the roads can only lead to one conclusion – a failure of major magnitude, and one that must be immediately corrected to stop it happening in Noosa and in other communities across Queensland. Responsibility, accountability and consequences: we have seen the consequences of this failure.

Who is responsible and accountable for this? Every single one of us who sits in this chamber. We as The greatest failure may be a state one, with no policy or mechanism to legislators are responsible. review these EAs that are no longer I am asking for Members’ help right fit-for-purpose. now to see an end to this failing in our communities. That is our job. Visualise this: buses filled with our schoolchildren confronted daily with

VOULUNTEER GARDENERS NEEDED FOR POMONA COMMUNITY HOUSE If you love to garden we have just the job for you!

Just one or two days a week would make a big difference If you can help us out please call Ph: 5485 2427

QUARRY PETITIONS TABLED A total of 2836 people put their names to two petitions to State Parliament calling for the Kin Kin Quarry to be shut down. That number was spread across two petitions – one electronic (1307) and the other on paper (1079). Instigated by the Save the Noosa Hinterland Group, both documents were tabled in the Parliament on Tuesday 9 March.

Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community

5

Cordwells refuses request not to operate trucks in school hours Noosa Mayor Clare Stewart has called on Kin Kin Quarry operator, Cordwell Resources, to rethink its decision to send trucks through Cooran during school peak periods. After a significant increase in trucks driving through Cooran recently, the council approached Cordwells requesting that they avoid truck movements near the school during student drop-off and pick-up times. “The reply was a swift ‘no’ which is disappointing,” Cr Stewart said. “As a good corporate citizen, we had hoped that they would put people ahead of profits, but sadly that doesn’t appear to be the case.” The request came as the council issued another round of fines totalling $27,000 for alleged breaches of the Quarry Management Plan.

Church links Pomona with Yandina Baptists

It takes the total amount of fines levied to $133,450 over a sixmonth period. Cordwell Resources are appealing the fines. Cr Stewart continued: “The latest roundtable meeting was held at the council chambers on Wednesday 3 March and, as the truck activity increases on hinterland roads, so too does the concern in our community. The alleged breaches over truck movements are strengthening the resolve of the community. “We remain united in doing what we can to address this issue.” “Cordwells will continue to challenge the fines, but we will continue to issue them for alleged breaches because they have a corporate obligation to do the right thing,” she said.

History on the move at Yandina. A small piece of Pomona’s history will be celebrated at Yandina mid-year. The Baptist Church will commemorate 100 years association with Yandina on 5-6 June with an historical display, the release of a centenary book and other activities. The congregation was constituted formally in 1921 when the disused Union Church was moved from Pomona to Railway Street, Yandina. The church building was refurbished in 1955 and again in 1986, evolving into today’s handsome structure.

Quarry trucks in convoy over the Kin Kin Range.

CLARIFICATION In February, the Cooroora Connect reported that $500,000 had been allocated in the 2020-21 State Budget for refurbishment of the administration building at the Pomona Campus of the Noosa District State High School. In fact, the money will be spent on an entirely new administration centre constructed in the undercroft of J -Block, facing Summit Road. When further funding is available, the plan is to convert the existing administration office into an extra science room. Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community

6

Pomona & District Community House

Smartpups to open charity store in Pomona

1 Memorial Ave, Pomona Ph: 5485 2427 Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm Referral & Information Internet & Computer Access Copying, Printing & Scanning Emailing & Faxing Laminating & Binding Venue & Room Hire Justice Of Peace Service

Centrelink / Medicare Access Point

Pomona Community House 1 Memorial Ave Pomona

9am to 4pm Mon - Frid    

Self Service Phone/Computer Printer/Scanning/Fax Identify documents

One-on-One Computer Lessons Tuesday - by appointment Donation $5 per visit Booking Essential Ph: 5485 2427

The work of Smartpups in training dogs for children with special needs will be supported by a new outlet to be opened at Pomona on Saturday 1 May.. Smartpups Assistance Dogs are opening a new Charity Shop in Pomona on the ground floor of Pomona Community House, 1 Memorial Ave, Pomona and are looking for volunteers to help out at the store. The shops official opening is on Saturday 1 May. Opening hours are Monday to Fridays 9.30am to 3.30pm and Saturday mornings from 9am to 12.30pm. The new Charity Shop will be managed and staffed by a dedicated group of volunteers who give generously of their time to ensure the financial security of our charity. The Vital Facts:

they are placed with their families Volunteers can help out with a variety of jobs which include: customer service, sorting donations, ironing, sewing, cleaning, organising, handyman jobs or containers for change recycling program. Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 4.30pm and on Saturdays 9am -12.30pm . For more information, please contact Sheri on 0438 045 558, visit our FB page https:// www.facebook.com/ smartpupscharityshop or call into our Cooroy shop at 11 Emerald Street, Cooroy.

 It costs $30,000.00 to train just

Our grand opening week will have all kids’ clothes priced at $2 per item  It also costs $2,000.00 to maintain and all adult clothes priced at $4 per item. an Assistance Dog each year one Smart Pup

Pomona & District Community House acknowledges funding from Department of Communities Noosa Council

 Each Smart Pup takes over 120

hours of specialist training  Plus over 120 hours of guided

socialisation  They are 12-14 months old before

Cooroy Pomona Lions Club bookshop’s last day will be on the 17 April and will then relocate to the Lions Den, Mountain Street, Pomona.

Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community

7

QUEENSLAND COUNCIL ON THE AGING

Navigating the Aged Care System: Information session Getting support as we age - where to start?

Pomona: Date: Wednesday 21 April Time: 9.30am

We are all getting older and deciding we need some assistance can be a difficult decision to make.

Here is what some participants have said:

Navigating Australia’s Aged Care system can seem complex, but a little bit of information can greatly assist in getting the support we need to continue living as independently as possible. support in Australia. The Australian government The information session will cover subsidises a range of supports and the three main types of support services to keep us living as subsidised by the Australian independently as possible but government: understanding what is available and  how to access those supports how to access it can seem complex.  what your costs might be Pomona and District Community  how to think about what support House is partnering with COTA is important to you. Queensland as part of a national aged Join us for a Cup of Tea with COTA care navigator trial to provide an Queensland at the Lawson Shed, information session on aged care

“Very informative” “Very pleased with the service available, can never learn too much as we age” COTA Queensland is a state-wide not -for-profit organisation providing a connection point for older people, their families and communities, organisations, and Governments at all levels to address issues for Queenslanders and co-create change. This Aged Care Navigator Trial is delivered by COTA Queensland as part of a consortium led by COTA Australia and funded by the Australian Government.

Venue: Pomona Community House, Lawson Shed 1 Memorial Ave, Pomona

This workshop will benefit volunteers at community centres, clubs or groups wanting to welcome new members from diverse backgrounds

Bookings essential reception@nambourcc.org For more information Phone Ana

Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community

8

Our local ‘green army’ shows strong support for community clean-up Across the hinterland, the enthusiasm with which people got stuck into weeding and clearing patches of bush, creeks, drains, our parks and roadside verges on Cleanup Australia Day, organisers say, was cultivated by a sense of connectedness and support during management of the COVID -19 pandemic.

Brian Stockwell took to his bike to collect rubbish. About 22 other volunteers – including three Emergency Services cadets – radiated from the war memorial in Volunteers with rubbish collected locally on Clean-up Australia Day. Joe Bazzo Park, which was ‘rubbish central’ for the day. A veritable ‘green army’ – Organiser, Belinda more so than the normal Wedlock, said the number number of weekend weed of volunteers had been warriors – got out with about half that of previous Secateurs and mowers whirring to make our towns years and so was the total picture perfect, if only for a waste collected. She little while. People from Kin attributed fewer cans and Kin, Cooran, Boreen Point, bottles discarded and collected in the clean-up Pomona and Cooroy took sweep to the cash for part. containers scheme. The Sunshine Coast 4WD Cr Joe Jurisevic said the Club was largely turn-out represented an responsible for clearing a ‘amazing job’ by volunteers. large volume of rubbish dumped along trails within “It was a heartening Yurol Forest Drive. example of the community making a difference,” he At Pomona, a cheerful Cr said. Mary Hindom and Kim Vines volunteered their services on the day.

Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community

9

President says Kin Kin will be ‘the envy of Noosa Shire’ The Kin Kin Community Group (KKCG) has a number of projects in the pipeline awaiting grant approval and council consideration, but once they come to fruition, the village would be the ‘envy of Noosa Shire’, according to re-elected president of the group, Jann Bonsall. Ms Bonsall was re-elected president of the KKCG at the annual general meeting held at the School of Arts Hall on Wednesday, 17 March – bringing the pattern of meetings back into line with normal practice. (Due to COVID-19 last year, the AGM was not able to be held until July 2020. “In the election of office bearers, Nick Thompson stood down as vicepresident but, thankfully, has agreed to continue producing the very wellregarded and highly professional Kinnections newsletter,” she said. The new vice-president is Allan Tappenden, while JoAnne Bourke is treasurer,

with Robyn Bromley in the position of secretary. Jann Bonsall said she looked forward to achieving a few milestones that had begun during the first short term in her role. She was eager to work with the newly-elected KKCG team. “Allan Tappenden has been a KKCG member for a number of years. He is an accountant and looks forward to working with the Kin Kin community over the next twelve months and beyond.” Jo-Anne Bourke is what the president referred to as the KKCG ‘forever Treasurer’. “ Jo-Anne has fulfilled this role for over 20 years and accepted it for one more year, announcing that this would be her last as she wants to spend time more with her family,” Ms Bonsall said. Robyn Bromley has been a member of the KKCG for most of that time. “Robyn has accepted the role of Secretary,” she said.

Hopes fade for ambulance committee Hopes that a stand-alone Local Ambulance Committee (LAC) would be formed in support of the Pomona Ambulance Station have been dashed after insufficient interest was shown in the proposal. Linley Macleod, president of the Cooroy and District LAC, said five people were required to make the venture a goer. “Sadly, although many expressed their support, we only had one person volunteer to serve on a committee,” Ms Macleod said. Pomona will continue to be covered by the Cooroybased LAC, which will also administer funds held in trust to advance the work of the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) across the Northern Hinterland. Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community

10

LIFE’S AN ADVENTURE ...

Noosa Trail Network tourism experience takes off COMPANY BEHIND NEW TRAILS VENTURE Life’s an Adventure is a Sydney-based company that packages small group guided tours of some of the most spectacular natural scenery across Australia and the world. It has been awarded 21 tourism awards of excellence. The firm is better known interstate, where it takes visitors to places such as the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair walk, or to Kakadu and the Top End. A Carnarvan Gorge, Bunya Mountains and Cania Gorge walk, and now a hike around the Sunshine Coast and Noosa hinterland on a trial basis, are new additions to its offerings. Its business model specialty is to provide ‘pack-free’ walking experiences, allowing participants to walk with as little as a water bottle and camera, with bulky packs transferred between overnight luxury stays offering fine local produce matched with local wines. Prices are all-inclusive. The man who started it all is Mark Norek. Originally from Tasmania, he has completed a four-year Bachelor of Physical Education degree, has an Advanced Diploma in Sports Management and a Masters in Marketing (Business) from University of Technology, Sydney.

Pomona-based Noosa Eco Retreat has secured a partnership deal with a respected walking holiday company called Life’s an Adventure to introduce to the Noosa Hinterland the popular nature-based experience of small groups of hikers being guided along trails and tracks through spectacular countryside while their bulky packs are transported each day to overnight venues where they enjoy the best of fine local produce and wine. The concept fulfils a key objective of the Noosa Trails Network Master Plan. The trail network has existed as a managed recreational resource for more than 20 years, its establishment bolstered by upgrades and maintenance throughout the ensuing years. With significant growth in outdoor active tourism, especially in trail-based experiences, and the flow -on opportunity for economic and nature-based tourism, the master plan is taking the objective to the next level. An initial grant of $1.6 million has been obtained to begin an upgrade of the trails, beginning with an improved circuit walking trail around Mt Cooroora and a bush

track between Cooran and Pomona. The process is being overseen by Noosa Council and Tourism Noosa through a stakeholder reference group of key players. For Nick Barnes and wife Danae, owners of the Noosa Eco Retreat, the deal with Life’s an Adventure meets a key aspect of their business plans. “Life’s an Adventure is a large, wellestablished Sydney-based company that offers all-inclusive walking tours domestically and overseas,” Nick Barnes said. “Mark Norek, who’s the CEO, said he’d been hearing good things about the Noosa Hinterland in regard to trails so decided to give it a try and add [us to the] list as one of their walks. He will also be attending the first walk in May to experience it personally. They have launched with eight weekend dates. [There is] scope for more to be added depending on demand.” Nick said guests would be staying at the retreat for the duration and dining at the Pomona Distilling Co. and Pomona Village Kitchen. “It’s great for the town and bang on the market that we’d hoped to appeal to.” Continued page 11

Audit of trails network about to begin As recommended in the Noosa Trails Masterplan, Noosa Council has allocated funds to undertake an audit on the 110km network.

Mark Norek – founder and company director of Life’s An Adventure.

of March. The masterplan aspires to grow, connect and leverage on the current trails in Noosa Shire and deliver quality experiences and accessibility and connectivity for multiple user groups.

The audit will assess condition, alignment, user suitability and connectivity with other trails and will inform design and delivery of on It aims to provide a diverse range of -ground works at various locations. high-quality trails and become a high Construction work will start this visibility compelling destination for year. outdoor active visitors across intrastate, interstate and Suitable suppliers were invited to international markets. submit quotes, with the chosen auditor expected to start by the end

Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community

11 ONE ON ONE COMPUTER LESSONS @ Pomona Community House Call 5485 2427 to book a one-on-one lesson

Appointments Available Now Ph: 5485 1177

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE

Immunisations & Skin Checks Medical & Health Assessments Above: The Noosa Eco Retreat consists of a collection of yurts sitting on a 40ha scenic property beneath the shadow of Mt Cooroora and a few steps from the Noosa Trail Network. The trails upgrade initial works include improvements to a hiking circuit of the mountain. From page 10

Life’s an Adventure has two guides on the payroll, Mark Norek said he was looking forward to experi- based in Brisbane, and encing his company’s new- another three on call. est walk as a customer and The company’s new Noosa pitching it at a large mail- and Sunshine Coast alling list of Brisbane clients. inclusive nature holiday is “We did a Byron Bay hin- over three days, with two terland walk and that was nights staying at Pomona. Guests are collected from sold out, so I am hoping Brisbane, travelling first to this walk will have the same effect. Certainly, the Mapleton National Park feedback I have been get- and Gheerulla Falls, the next day to Woondum ting from our guides has National Park, and then to been encouraging.” scenic trail, Noosa, taking In future, he hoped to in- in lookouts at Twin Hills volve the Kabi Kabi first View, Middle View and the nations people in the naJames McKane Memorial ture-based experience. Lookout.

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. 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.

BULK BILLING AVAILABLE ** for selected patients** Introducing Dr Christine Storey Monday to Friday - 8am to 5pm 

Dr Michael Petrinchuk



Dr Robin Gregory



Dr Ruth Nash

5 Factory Street, Pomona

Cooroy Pomona Lions Club

Bookshop All proceeds go to Community Projects

Friday 8am - 1pm Saturday 8am - 12pm

“Books Galore” Great Bargains & Prices ALL Books 1/2 Price Located below Pomona Community House 1 Memorial Ave, Pomona Book Store Open Until 17 April Book Shop will then relocate to the Cooroy Pomona Lions Den, Mountain Street, Pomona

Donations of books welcomed

Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community

12

Pyney’s palate pines for Pomona pies Chamber submits wishlist

Pie connoisseur, Shaun Pyne, says the Pomona Bakery pies are among the best he has tasted. Shaun Pyne is to the humble Australian meat pie what a sommelier is to fine wine – he knows his stuff. He has been invited to judge the Australia’s Best Pie Competition, but had to decline because of COVID-19 restrictions. However, his on-line assessments of pies from country bakeries across the land are highly regarded and keenly observed. The Noosa-based financial adviser and sports manager is the public face of Pyney’s Pie Reviews, with his 8000 Facebook followers keen to gain his assessment of pies Australia wide. And with 27 million of the meat-filled flaky golden pastry delicacies consumed nationally each year, a lot rides on his recommendations.

or traveller passing through this awesome little town.” A long-time pie eater, Shaun Pyne decided to get serious about his favourite food choice in 2019 when he and a group of friends and their wives participated in a Big Red Bash fundraising event. “I decided I was going to have a meat pie at every town we stopped at. I ate 23 pies in 18 days – which was ridiculous – and I started to blog about it and do some videos.

“I’m very passionate about supporting rural and country towns. Through my business in finance I realised how small businesses are struggling, and that was the whole idea.” His first review was of the Pomona Bakery’s pie selection. And what is the most important thing Among his favourite selections are the chunky steak pepper pies from Pomona about a good meat pie? Well, it’s the whole package, filling and pastry. “The Bakery, owned by Anthony Hooymans and partner Jo McChesney. Shaun gives pastry has got to hold together – that’s this product a score of 46.5 points out of the number one for me. “But one thing I am absolutely adamant about is that a 50 and describes the meal as ‘an ovalshaped beauty of great depth and above good pie will not need any sauce,” he said. average size’ filled to the top with quality slow-cooked meat, representing Shaun uses his celebrity status to good value for money. support two charities – Rise Up and the Shaun rated the meat filling 10 out of 10. cheekily-named Grab Life by the Balls, a proactive men’s mental health “The temperature was perfect –I didn’t movement. One dollar from every pie give it enough time to get cold,” his sold on a recent Saturday at Pomona website reads. The praise continued: “This bakery is a must-stop for any local Bakery went to these charities.

Better and safer pedestrian connections between the Pomona Showgrounds and the town centre and a new soundshell for Stan Topper Park as part of a wider concept for that area to become a ‘trailhead’ facility for hikers, cyclists and horse riders are among suggestions the Pomona and District Chamber of Commerce Inc. has submitted for preliminary discussions ahead of the release of the Noosa Council Budget in May. Bitumen resheeting of Memorial Avenue and Station Street between the roundabout and School Street is also on the list following an approach to the chamber from Crs Finzel and Lorentson, seeking ideas. Town drainage is on the agenda also. The chamber president, Phil Moran, revealed the wishlist at a recent general meeting, explaining that there were long lead times between formulating a proposal and its subsequent review, design and budget outcome. Not all wishes were granted, he cautioned. Later Cr Lorentson said she was submitting additional ideas for footpaths and bikeways at Pomona. Without revealing what the alternative candidate projects were, she said other councillors also had promoted possible hinterland initiatives during pre-budget planning.

Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community

13

Insurance impediment to full Anzac Day service

Queensland’s Anzac Day services, marches and public commemorations can go ahead as normal in 2021, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced, but this won’t be the case at Pomona where an issue surrounding public liability insurance is preventing full restoration of services following last year’s paredback commemoration due to COVID-19 restrictions.

This was the scene at our last Anzac Day in Pomona, when social distancing meant a pared-back service was required. In driveways across the hinterland, we lit candles and laid fashioned wreaths, and stood in remembrance. Pomona firies donned uniforms for their official observance.

incorporated organisation or a suitably ‘auspiced’ community group regarding commemorations, After more than 40 years of including a possible street not having Anzac Day and march at Pomona. “A suitable organisation would Remembrance Day be one with the appropriate commemorations at the insurances in place and Rotunda War Memorial, demonstrated capacity to services were reinstated following its restoration in successfully and safely 2018, under the umbrella of deliver an event which reflects the community’s public liability insurance needs and has community cover obtained by the Noosa Shire Museum with benefit,” Ms Contini said. Noosa Council. In addition, any event at the memorial would be The Pomona and District subject to Noosa Council’s Memorial Committee was affiliated with the museum. COVID-19 protocols for Things have changed, with events held on council the council stating that its controlled land. approval for any service at the memorial is contingent on appropriate insurance cover being obtained by or through an organisation other than the museum. Noosa Council’s Director of Community Services, Kerri Contini, a Pomona resident, has stated that the council is very open to discussions with an

Chair of the Pomona and District Memorial Committee, Nathanael Ford, said he was looking to reach out to other local organisations willing to take on the public liability insurance risks of Anzac Day and Remembrance Day services. “I am in the process of drafting a letter to the Pomona and District

Chamber of Commerce (PDCC) for their consideration – to assist with either insurance coverage or as the main organising body for future services,” Mr Ford said. The chamber became incorporated on 8 January 2021. “My mother and I are happy to continue to assist with services if the PDCC took over [insurance],” he said. Potential arrangements won’t be completed before the twomonth deadline for council approval for Anzac Day but, if successful, would

secure the future use of the site potentially from Remembrance Day 2021 onwards,” he said. Strong community support for commemorative services at Pomona was evidenced by the 300 or so people who attended the 2018 memorial restoration ceremony and twilight service that featured the rekindling of the memorial ‘flame’ light. On Anzac Day 2021, it is likely that private wreathlaying activities only will take place at the memorial in Joe Bazzo Park.

BAREFOOT PHYSIO         

Registered Physiotherapists

Registered Massage Therapist Sports Injuries PTSD Management Mob: 0415 734 180 Women’s Health Fax: 5485 1168 Cranial & TMJ Release Yoga Therapy / Acupuncture Chronic Injury / Pain Management Post Graduate Specialisation in Manual Adjustment Therapy

Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community

14

Country Noosa management is in safe hands

Country Noosa is an enthusiastic group of foodies, hobby farm owners, broadacre farmers and organic produce adaptors and processors supporting the revival of rural enterprise across the Noosa Hinterland. The committee comprises (left to right) Dick

Barnes of Bellbird Enterprises, Tom and Zaia Kendall of Kendall Permaculture and PermEco Inc., Martin Duncan of Sunshine Coast Foodies and Andy Coates and Nicola Cleaver from Amrita Park Meadery. Missing is Traecy Hinner of Noosa Black Coffee.

Bright future predicted for Noosa’s rural revival In this contributed article, Country Noosa reflects on its progress and future planning.

COVID-19.

hinterland and strengthen The group had been rolling community cohesion. Nonetheless, our technical well in 2019, with training programs were productive social events As for everyone, 2020 was a among growers and chefs, enhanced and much appreciated. difficult year for Country and was on a trajectory to Noosa. Many traditional advance its objectives, In particular, we were very events, such as field days, which are to promote and active finishing some major workshops and meetings, support sustainable rural projects, including the were not possible due to enterprise across the Rural Enterprise Plan sponsored by the Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation. This plan covers opportunities and ‘how to’ scenarios for rural enterprises, tailored to our situation. Communicating the plan’s ideas and concepts was a problem, however, and is a priority for 2021.

package, which was launched at the Noosa Hinterland Expo held at the Cooroy CWA rooms on 20-21 March. Face-to-face interactions between landowners and experts is a cornerstone of what we do and we are working hard to advance that activity. Country Noosa also has a wellestablished producer to consumer program involving many collaboration events involving other Noosa organisations, such as Slow Food Noosa. In this area, our popular Facebook pages have great reach.

A key activity now is to To this end, Country Noosa complement our excellent program of production has produced a events, about six each year. communications material Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community

15

Renewed effort to make Pomona pool available for community use In addition to a follow-up session on the Rural Enterprise Plan, proposed topics include farming and climate change, soil health, pasture plant identification and general plant identification, microbiological balancing technology, the system of biosecurity and other measures farmers must comply with, and water retention on rural properties.

tractor accident on her property. Maureen is very much missed. It took some time to get up to speed again. Zaia Kendall has taken on that role with great zeal and professionalism.

One of our 2020 activities was to revise the ageing website which had stood us in great stead since Country Noosa’s formation in 2013. The updated aims and objectives can be found at www.countrynoosa.org.

Modern sustainable methods mean we can produce a lot more than we do today – a ‘win/win’ outcome for us all, and the planet. Clearly, the Rural Enterprise Plan has a big role to play in this regard.

Going forward, a priority is to devise and promote an exciting technical program on the production side. Fundamentally, the Noosa Hinterland does not Country Noosa would like produce enough to meet input on your own the sympathetic needs of priorities out of this list or our residents and visitors. of your own choosing. Pasture-fed, chemical-free, Please signify your interest locally produced and clear in an email provenance are to office@countrynoosa.com. typical modern attitudes.

On a sad note, we were hit by the tragic death of our lovely and highly skilled secretary, Maureen Piggott. She was an active farmer and died in a

Membership of Country Noosa is free. If you would like to join, go to the group’s website, join and be kept informed of the many activities on offer. Martin Duncan & Dick Barnes

EUMUNDI ABATTOIR SITE SOLD The site of the disused Eumundi abattoir has been sold to become a private residence, ending the hopes of a group of hinterland producers who had considered organising it to be re-opened and made operational for small lot animal processing. Country Noosa says it is examining latest developments in mobile facilities. Alongside other products, this may lead to small scale on-farm facilities to package meat produce for sale.

A further attempt is being made to have the Pomona swimming pool available for community use from early September, with a small steering committee vowing to explore all viable options after a suitable lessee was not found to operate the pool last summer, forcing it to remain closed outside school hours. The options include advertising more widely for a suitably qualified operator or forming an unofficial ‘friends of the pool’ community group that would negotiate the lease with the Pomona State School and either run the pool using volunteers or, alternatively, help defray lease costs incurred by a successful person or company. The group has set itself a deadline of late July to have a workable solution in place in order to give sufficient time for a lease to be negotiated, said spokesperson Mary Hindom. Although built using substantial community funding, the Pomona pool sits within the Pomona school grounds and is used exclusively by students of district

schools from 9am to 3pm weekdays. Outside those times, also at weekends and during school holidays, it is available for community use – this year from early September until Easter 2022. A $5000 fee applies, offset by a $10,000 grant from Noosa Council. The lessee may recoup costs through charging admission and other fees. Mary Hindom said the community pool concept had worked well in past years, but the ‘friends of the pool’ idea would be explored, including the possibility of having the group auspiced by an incorporated association. “We need to establish whether that is a working model acceptable to the Education Department,” she said. Trained volunteers could take on lifeguard duties, or other roles, leaving the lessee to focus on the pool functions, including learn to swim classes, aqua aerobics and fitness training.” It is understood that one or two people have approached the school for a copy of the lease, with a view to managing the pool as a community facility.

NO MORE POMONA POO SMELLS UnityWater has investigated ‘poo smells’ at Pomona and believe they have discovered the problem – some blockages at the sewerage pumping station in Station Street. Dosing and flushing were effective solutions.

Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community

16

Gallery celebrates First Nations artists

Image: Artist and Indigenous woman Sara Moore - Ochre Bee during a cultural connection experience workshop. Image courtesy of the artist.

Always something new at the Gallery! **** FELT MEMORIES, WOVEN STORIES Belle Arnold, Textile Artist 2- 29 April in the Carriage Room Technique Demonstration Sunday, 11 April 10:00 - 1:00 **** Check out the amazing array of paintings and beautiful handmade items throughout the gallery rooms. Great finds for you, for gifts or to enhance your home or garden.

Serving local artists for twenty years! Monday - Friday 10am to 4pm Saturday 9am to 2pm Sunday 10am to 2pm

10 STATION ST, POMONA PH: 5485 2950

Throughout May, regional galleries across South-East Queensland will headline First Nations artists in their exhibition programs, following the concept that every region has its own stories to share.

remains present and ongoing,” Brennan said.

Three new First Nations exhibitions opened at the gallery’s Tewantin headquarters on 27 march and will run until 16 May. Melbourne-based Barkindji contemporary artist, Kent Morris, reveals the world through Barkindji eyes in his exhibition, Unvanished.

Tom Mosby, CEO of the Koorie Heritage Trust in Melbourne, says Clancy collaborated with Dja Dja Wurrung Traditional Owners to research, develop and create an exhibition that explores the frontier violence and massacre sites that occurred on Dja Dja Wurrung Country.

Bangerang descendent, contemporary artist Peta Clancy also utilises manipulated photographs in her exploration of historic colonization, Undercurrent. “Through Noosa Regional Gallery my photographs I seek to has stolen the march on challenge the viewer to its contemporaries by focus on what may have becoming the first of been missed, denied or seven regional galleries to hidden,” says Clancy. showcase work in the Events that threatened Connecting Stories Clancy’s ancestors’ exhibition program. survival feature heavily.

Through a series of digitally constructed photographs layered with symbolism, the artist evokes spirits and cultural practices. Juxtaposing the built and natural environment, Morris pays particular attention to native birds.

“Using cutting and layering techniques, Clancy’s work references the emotional and cultural scars left in the landscape by this frontier violence,” Mosby said.

Noosa-based artist, Sara Moore’s exhibition Ochre Noosa Regional Gallery Energetic Activation! Director Michael Brennan features as part of the said Morris had created a gallery’s Connecting First Peoples’ visibility Stories line-up. Moore, within the built also known as Ochre Bee, environment. is a Reiki Master and describes herself as a “Reminding audiences proud indigenous woman that the continuum of working in connection culture does not stop with Gubbi Gubbi, or when the land changes, Unvanished contends that Kabi Kabi, country since 1984. Aboriginal culture

Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community

17

Curator outlines Floating Land theme, sites Noosa Regional Gallery Director and Floating Land Festival curator, Michael Brennan, was on hand at an information session held at the Apollonian Hotel, Boreen Point, last month to discuss this year’s festival theme – At The Edge of Ideas – and answer community queries as preparation for the eleventh festival continues. Expressions of interest from artists wishing to be involved closed on 23 March. “We’ll announce the full suite of artistic projects around six weeks prior to the event launch on 9 October, while information about specific projects will be released sporadically during the lead-up,” Mr Brennan said. Floating Land will be held this year from 9-24 October at two venues – Boreen Point and the Park Road Boardwalk, Noosa Heads.

“This site will capitalise on the picturesque seascape environment as a backdrop,” Mr Brennan said. Floating Land 2021 will still maintain a significant presence at the edge of Lake Cootharaba, which continues the event’s twodecade history at Boreen Point. The Lake Cootharaba foreshore will provide the backdrop for multiple standalone installations. “It will also be the site of the Floating Land Pavilion – a marquee housing a key Official opening of Floating Land 2019 featuring the Gubbi Gubbi public program space Dance Troupe at Boreen Point. featuring a collaborative community-engaged art project on several of its surfaces,” Mr Brennan said.

POMONA HALL ACTIVITIES

He said that additional sites to the Boreen Point and Park Road Boardwalk anchor sites may be considered on a case-bycase basis.

Zumba (Mon) 9.30am - 10.30am Contact Cathy Tapper Ph: 042 816 1622 JKA Karate (Mon & Thurs) 6pm - 7pm Contact Kim Vines Ph 0422 373 198 Pilates (Tues) 8.30am - 9.30am Contact Amy Block Ph: 0409 766 634

The Majestic will rock to the music of the 1970s

Kundalini Movement Meditation Yoga Dance (Tues) 10am –11am Contact: Debra McIntosh 0423 761 515

Comb the mullet (it’s again in fashion) and drag out those outrageous threads from the back of the wardrobe. Pomona’s Majestic Theatre is going back to the 1970s on the eve of Anzac Day and you’re invited to re-live the era time never forgot, through music and performance.

Ko-Ji Martial Arts (Tues) 5.30pm –6.30pm Contact Brett - 0419 740 815

Not only will some of the best and most important music ever devised be on show, but so will theatre-goers. Prizes will be offered for ‘best dressed’ and more. The doors and bar will open at 6pm on Saturday 24 April, with the show running from 7pm to 10pm. Tickets cost $25 ($20 concession) and bookings are available online.

RED CROSS VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Please contact the Pomona Red Cross Op Shop if you would like to volunteer. Ph: 5485 2934

Harmony Dance (Tues) 6.30pm - 9.30pm Contact Pat & Norm Young Ph: 5485 2007 Indoor Bowls (Wed) 9am - 11.30am (arrive 8.30am) Contact Alan Kenzler -5447 6223 Yoga (Wed) 6pm - 7.15pm Amy Sorensen 0432 066 935 Stretch Yoga (Thurs) 9.15am - 10.50am Contact Andy Pike Ph: 0415 734 180 Stretch Classes (Thurs) 11.30am –12.30pm Micheala Shulze 0449 047 746 Tai Chi (Fri) 8.30am - 9.30am Table Tennis (Wed/Fri) Lower Hall 8.30am - 11am Peter 044 888 2600

Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community

18

‘KIDS ON TOUR’ TRAVELS TO BUTTER FACTORY A range of hands-on art-making activities encouraging children to reflect on climate change and the environment will tour the Butter Factory Arts Centre from 1-16 April. Queensland Gallery of Modern Art Director, Chris Saines, said: “Now is the Time: Kids on Tour is a project developed by contemporary Australian artist Raquel Ormella in collaboration with QAGOMA. “Ormella is an artist with a diverse creative practice that includes video, installation, drawings and zines. She has an ongoing interest in the many ways contemporary art can encourage processes of selfexamination, political consciousness and social action,’” Mr Saines said. “In developing this project, Ormella

climate change placards, design a bespoke protest T-shirt, vote for what they care about, and share their climate message on collaborative drawing sheets designed by the artist. was inspired by children around the world calling for awareness and action on climate change.

They can draw inspiration from posters with historical and contemporary protest imagery and “Now is the Time is about engaging watch two videos created by our youngest audiences through art Raquel Ormella with students from on the most important contemporary Brisbane’s Junction Park State issues related to the environment. School, in which kids create their own protest song and share their “We are thrilled to be touring the main activities from the exhibition to views on climate action. regional and remote centres across For more information, visit https:// Queensland. www.qagoma.qld.gov.au/whats-on/ touring/nowis“Now is the Time: Kids on Tour the-time-kids-tour invites children to create their own

WHATS ON IN APRIL www.themajestictheatre.com.au SILENT FILMS AT THE MAJESTIC THEATRE POMONA PH 5485 2330 FMI EVERY SATURDAY 12 NOON – NO NEED TO BOOK - $15 ADULTS N KIDS FREE

APRIL 3 – 1927 THE YANKEE CLIPPER

APRIL 3- SHOW 7PM JON ANSTOCK & CO

APRIL 10 – 1926

APRIL 17 - 1928

APRIL 24 - 1926

THE STRONG MAN

THE LAST WARNING

THE TRIUMPH OF V RAT

APRIL16- SHOW 7PM SHENZO GRIGORIO & NiZaMi WORLD FUSION

APRIL 18 - SHOW 4PM MIC CONWAY

APRIL 24- SHOW 7PM LIVING IN THE 70s ANZAC WEEKEND

Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community

19

You can be a budding Picasso - just add wine

See – it’s easy. Follow the step-by-step guide at a Pinot & Picasso night of fun to create your own masterpiece. Have you ever wanted to fill that blank wall at home with a colourful original painting, but don’t quite have the money to purchase something suitable from one of our hinterland galleries, or maybe you have always fancied yourself as an artist, but don’t know which end of the brush to grab. Help is at your fingertips – literally.

surroundings and receiving instructions from a principal artist to create their own masterpiece is coming to Noosa. Enjoy a night of b-y-o wine as someone who can paint and is accomplished guides you on a step-by-step way to With a blank canvas before you, brush in hand, a glass of being the creative you always wanted to be. wine in the other and a lubricated imagination, you have If interested, please email noosa@pinotandpicasso.com.au everything you need! for more information. www.pinotandpicasso.com.au. Pinot & Picasso has taken off in the suburbs of Australian cities. Dubbed Australia’s No.1 ‘paint and sip’ experience, the idea of people meeting in convivial

Pinot &Picasso nights are very popular and cost around $59 per person which includes venue hire, tuition fee, canvas and paints.

A riot of comedy and music set to entertain In a circus of comedy, music and magic, Mic Conway and Robbie Long will present a hilarious array of idiosyncratic songs that will make jaws drop, toes tap and sides split over one night only at The Majestic Theatre on Sunday 18 April 2020.

champion and multiinstrumentalist Robbie Long. There’s also magic, juggling, cavorting and that trademark tongue-in-cheek sense of humour.

Stripped back, irreverent, and shameless, the two-hour show is full-on surreal vaudeville for those Audiences who know Mic from his who appreciate a new twist on days with the Captain Matchbox crooning and swooning. Whoopee Band and Circus Oz will The show will run 4pm to 6pm. be delighted by his reincarnation The bar opens at 3pm, tickets cost as a storyteller of tall tales and $25. true. For more information visit the There are new songs and some oldies close to Conway’s heart. Mic Majestic Theatre webpage. is joined by flat-picking guitar www.themajestictheatre.com.au

Mic Conway with Robbie Long.

Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community

20

Arts in the hinterland is alive and well:

Railway Station Gallery’s 20 years

CONGRATULATIONS: Pomona Art Gallery, celebrating 20 years of supporting local artists, thanks all the volunteers. Your support is invaluable.

Above: Alan Falls, Sandy Bolton and Wendy Catlin at the Gallery Birthday celebrations. Left: Phil Moran and Ann White toast a successful 20 years.

Above: Several speakers spoke of the contribution the Pomona Railway Station Gallery makes to the artistic creativity of Noosa Shire, among them Cr Fank Wilkie, Deputy Mayor. Also present on the day was Alex Somlyay, former federal member for Fairfax. Left: Volunteers are the life blood of the Pomona Railway Station Gallery giving of their time freely to ensure its success as an incubator of artistic endeavour and tourism information centre. These three ladies Adele, Bev and Jocylene, were among those gathered at the gallery on Saturday, 20 March for its official birthday celebrations.

Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community

21

Our Ella represents Noosa in Youth of the Year title of Immanuel Lutheran College at Buderim, will now progress to the District level of the competition. Ella Wilkinson of Noosa District State High School won the Public Speaking Award. Pictured: Ella Wilkinson, Sandy Bolton MP and Chloe Robinson.

The Lions Zone 2 finals of the Youth of the Year 2021, hosted by the Tewantin Noosa Lions, was hotly contested on Saturday 13 March. Four young women demonstrated poise, intelligence and passion, each delivering well researched and logically argued speeches.

In the words of one of the judges, Noosa MP Sandy Bolton: “Each one of you spoke with conviction. I certainly was challenged, but I learned a great deal listening to you today. Actually, you four girls rocked”. The overall winner, Chloe Robinson

Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community

22

Seed savers preserving our plant genetics They’re the Permaculture Noosa Seed Savers Group and they are ensuring the propagation and sustainability of our backyard veggie patches right across the hinterland.

She is a perfect example of someone not requiring experience or great knowledge of the undertaking.

They gather in twos, fours and tens sometimes, bringing the seeds of their labour from their own gardens, or harvesting seeds from the Permaculture Noosa Community Garden at Cooroy, placing them into packets, labelling and cataloguing them ready for sale; most lately through Noosa Libraries.

Permaculture Noosa sells its packets of seeds for $3, the cost covering While grandchildren are her priority printing and labelling, with a small percentage going back to now, you are likely to find Sue maintaining the community garden, pottering about the community which is undergoing a redesign. And garden Wednesday afternoons and the good news is that the garden in Sunday mornings. Emerald Street is open to all to “From packing a few seeds to a lot gather snippets of herbs and other more, members of the group do what edibles. we do to support the community and keep our seed bank strong,” she said. “People can pick anytime, but on the basis of ‘fair share’ – leaving “We are about growing food something for others,” Sue said. sustainably within our own sphere.

Sue Anderson, past coordinator of the Seed Bank, a role she undertook for three years, said the seed collectors performed an important and enjoyable task.

“The job has been fun, interesting and rewarding, both personally and as something I was able to offer Permaculture Noosa,” Sue said.

“We stock only seeds grown locally. If you plant our seeds in the following season, you can pretty much have 100 per cent germination and ongoing viability.”

Saving Wildlife! 24HR HOTLINE (07) 5441 6200 www.wilvos.org.au

INDONESIAN FUN & EASY!! Language & Culture Courses Pomona Cooroy Noosa

SPEAK in just 6 weeks! Everyday Fluency in just 30 weeks! Next courses start after Easter Highly Qualified Teacher

Albertina Banks ph: 0429 329 743

albertinabanks699@gmail.com

Permaculture Noosa members and volunteers save food plant and vegetable seeds almost guaranteed to germinate and grow, ensuring sustainability of our backyard food supplies.

RUMMIKUB @ Pomona Community House Wednesday 1pm - 3.30pm Donation $3 includes tea/coffee

Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community

23

Library plants seeds of community enrichment Reflecting the changing nature of libraries from being more than just a lender of books to evolving into community resource centres, Noosa’s mobile library is offering seeds for lenders to ‘borrow’ under a partnership arrangement with Permaculture Noosa and the Cooroy Community Garden. The reward for sowing the seeds of home garden selfsufficiency is a revolving door of community action to provide sustainable seed regeneration across the hinterland. A locally acclimatised seed bank becomes available over time. The hope is that, somewhere down the track, the members will return not with bags of tomatoes, coriander and basil but with some packets of fresh Gabrielle Dromgool displays the range of seeds that can be ‘borrowed’ from the Noosa Mobile Library. Photo: Kin Kin Kinnections. seed from the mature plants they have raised. the secondary benefit of These seeds will then be June and results establishing cross-visibility The Ridgewood made available for other Community Hall, 14km announced on 18 June. members to borrow, plant, and awareness among west of Cooroy, and the harvest and return again in various local groups that The competition is run in share comparable interests centre of community a continuum of two categories: Junior (17 activity for the local but that might not have horticultural plenty. and under, to suit school region, is preparing for been familiar with one students) and Open. The Soon, Noosa Library one of its biggest events of winning photo of the another. Service will host a series of the year – the Ridgewood whole fair (Open and educational workshops and Artwork on the library’s Photo Fair, to be held in Junior combined) in 2018 seed packets was develop a suite of June. A call has gone out was won by a 12-year-old commissioned using the instructional videos for the for entries. girl and the most creative talents of local artists, with community to provide both The photo fair was photo was won by a 14the help of Cooroy's Butter inspiration and education cancelled last year due to year-old boy. So you are Factory Arts Centre. and facilitate deeper social the pandemic, making this never too young or too old connections among For more information year’s event more special. to win. community members contact Noosa Library More than 200 entries are Further inquiries to Jan interested in gardening, Service on 5329 6555 or by expected and will be food, and sustainability Arnold email at displayed on board around (bellegirl53@gmail.com), issues. seedlibrary@noosa.qld.gov.au. the hall. or Brian Jones These events will provide Entries being accepted (meltharina@gmail.com). from 1 June, closing on 14 Cooroora Connect Advertising deadline 16 April 2021. www.roundtheridges.com Email heather@pomonacommunityhouse.com.au

Entries sought for Ridgewood Photo Fair

Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community

24

Council lifts COVID-19 crowd limits on public events Hinterland public events that had been in danger of not proceeding for a second year running can go ahead in late 2021 after Noosa councillors voted to reject a council staff recommendation to restrict all temporary event permits to activities involving fewer than 500 people. Since August last year, Noosa Council has adopted a risk-based approach by allowing only gatherings of less than 500 people (Category 3 events), primarily due to COVID-19 concerns, coupled with a lack of public liability insurance. Large public gatherings of 10,000 or more will be permitted, subject to normal council approvals and with the necessary COVID-19 management plans approved by the state government.

council’s health experts during the event permit evaluation process. The decision is another step towards a return to normality in Noosa Shire and will guarantee return of millions of dollars for a local tourism economy hit hard by the pandemic social restrictions. It means that events such as the Noosa Council Show can proceed, but Pomona’s King of the Mountain Festival in July is likely to be scaled back due to the long lead times required to plan activities associated with the race.

In explaining the council decision against staff advice, Noosa Mayor Clare Stewart said: “We’ve received These event applications will now be no evidence to support that a large assessed in accordance with Council’s mass gathering delivered under an normal permit application and approved COVID-19 Safe event plan Council policy will be to accept event approval process. has any greater risk of an outbreak applications for all small (Category 3) compared with unregulated Any successful application will need events with the removal of any local movement of people and residents to meet the Queensland Health policy restrictions on the number of alike across our shire.” COVID-19 Event Framework and any participants or the service of alcohol. ‘locally relevant factors’ raised by the Noosa Mayor, Cr Clare Stewart

CONTACT COUNCIL: If you need to contact Noosa Council in an emergency or after hours, phone 5329 6500.

Safety before aesthetics at interchange roundabout The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) says it will not carry out any beautification or landscaping works at the roundabout in the middle of the North Cooroy Interchange which motorists use to access Pomona and the rest of the Northern Hinterland. Instead, TMR will continue to mow the outer circular strip of the roundabout and keep the grass mowed in the traffic islands, for safety reasons, not aesthetics. Recent rain has caused the grass to grow at this intersection faster than the TMR maintenance cycle can keep up, resulting in an

unkempt entrance to our region. TMR general manager, Program Delivery and Operations, Mr Les Dunn said TMR’s practice, wherever possible, was to mow a three-metre strip from the edge of roads it controls to permit a safe ‘line of sight. “TMR understands the community’s desire to improve the aesthetic appearance of the roundabout, however its priority is to provide safety for road users. It is often unable to carry out maintenance activities for aesthetic purposes due to higher safety priorities.

Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community

25

Cr Finzel among chosen few at exclusive course Noosa councillor Karen Finzel is among a select group of decision-makers from around Australia who travelled to Canberra last month for an intensive leadership and community development program organised by the National Rural Women’s Coalition (NRWC). The group selected Cr Finzel from a competitive pool of candidates to attend the four-day ‘Women’s Canberra Muster’.

Karen Finzel

lifetime opportunity to learn from experienced decision-makers and share ideas with other women leaders from across the country,” Cr Finzel said. “I’m looking Only 12 women took part forward to putting this training into practice and in the course, which is continuing to work for all designed to impart of Noosa Shire in a way insights into resilience, leadership and advocacy, that is transparent, equitable and inclusive.” as well as capacity building. They spent a Continual improvement day at Parliament House, and honing of leadership meeting federal skills and knowledge was members, including the key to being a good Foreign Minister, Marise community representPayne. tative, she said. The Women’s Canberra Muster was developed by the NRWC during the last five years and is supported by the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. “It was a once in a

Boreen Point land goes into conservation ‘land bank’ Noosa Council has paid $900,000 for 88ha of land at Boreen Point, based on its conservation value, using funds raised through the ratepayer environmental levy. The site is split across two adjoining blocks on Lake Flat Road; known koala habitat and home to at least two vulnerable plant species. Environment Levy Working Group spokesman, Cr Tom Wegener, said the purchase was a win for the environment. “This will help conserve old growth vegetation and habitat for vulnerable species and is another positive step towards our Man and Biosphere global goals,” Cr Wegener said. “Purchasing land with the Environment Levy further assists with reaching the Noosa Environment Strategy target of, by 2030, having half of all land in Noosa Shire managed for its environmental values.” Noosa Council’s Principal Environment Officer, Peter Milne, said the site was heavily vegetated with open forest and rainforest [and was] listed as ‘of concern’ vegetation under the Vegetation Management Act 1999. “The vulnerable Southern Penda and Bacon Wood plant species have been identified on the land, and there are also records of the vulnerable Boronia keysii (Noosa’s floral symbol),” he said.

The NRWC provides a collaborative voice for women living in rural, remote and regional Australia, representing the diverse views of women helping to build a positive profile of their achievements and issues.

NEW BOOK KIOSK’S SYMPATHETIC DESIGN Noosa Council Libraries and Gallery Manager, Tracey King, says it is important that the structure that houses the proposed new book kiosk at Pomona be in keeping with the colonial architecture and ‘look and feel’ of the town. The new facility will be installed adjacent to Pomona and District Community House by the end of the year. Ms King said planning included pathway accessibility between the community house, the kiosk and the rest of the town. Details would be updated as the project moves through the planning stage. Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community

26

Miguel’s love of timber inspires his crafty work Miguel Zhoran’s manner and character are very much like one of the trees he carefully crafts into fine bespoke furniture – tall, with a calm presence, at home in his environment. Born in Argentina, but many years a resident of Chile, Miguel draws upon his past and the knowledge of Indigenous wood crafters in the Northern Territory, where he lived for several years, to guide his working philosophy at the large shed that houses his Moderno Furniture Studio at Pomona, where he moved recently with wife Lauren and their two young children. Miguel Zahoran at his work bench at his new business, Moderno.

BRIDGE DESIGN STARTS The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) advises that the design for a replacement bridge on the Pomona-Kin Kin Road over Six Mile Creek will address flood issues. Funding has been confirmed and detailed design, including public consultation, has commenced. The detailed design is not expected to be completed until late 2021, however.

Volunteers needed at Pomona Community House to help out on reception duties. Phone Heather or Kathryn on 5485 2427.

POMONA COUNTRY MARKETS STAN TOPPER PARK With locally grown fruit & vegies, jams, homemade breads, fresh coffee, handcrafted quality products, clothing, jewellery, plants,

Every Saturday 7am - 12 noon Stall Enquires Ph: 0499 146 857

Before that, home was Peppimenarti, a small settlement south of the Litchfield National Park, NT, were he taught woodworking, and in turn was a student of Aboriginal artists skilled in shaping spears, boomerangs and other implements from raw timber. “I learned a lot about their ways of working with timber,” Miguel reflected. “It was about ‘reading’ the material – there is a connection between you and the timber that’s required in order to be practical with it.” Just as with the product he shapes, Miguel’s professional quest is guided by a desire for work-life balance and a quest for self-improvement.

IN POMONA

We’ve got it made FOCUS ON LOCAL ENTERPRISE

Miguel has lived 14 years in Australia. The Zahoran family lives in an old Queensland-style timber home they bought four and a half years ago after falling in love with the town. Lauren Zahoran is a teacher at the Noosaville State School. “Moving to a small community made sense for my family,” Miguel said. He also loves the timbers he can source locally from around Gympie, Woodford and Yandina. Through his work he is exploring options for breathing new life into old Queenslanders, reinterpreted in a contemporary style. “There are lot of them here and I can build furniture and doors while maintaining the character and energy of these places.” Miguel also restores old furniture. He said he did not want his business to grow too big. “I want to keep it solid and busy.” He has notions of his work philosophy and the products he generates to be known as the ‘Pomona style’. His bespoke pieces, he said, should become heirloom objects – passed through generations.

“The things we know the best are the things we haven’t been taught,” reads More information: the Moderno website. www.moderno.com.au or

Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community

27

Concern over drainage at rear of Memorial Ave shops Persistent, and sometimes heavy, rain in recent months has highlighted stormwater run-off issues due to inadequate drainage within an easement at the rear of shops in Memorial Avenue, Pomona.

concerns they’d raised about drainage and stormwater run-off.

It doesn’t take much rain to cause sheets of muddy water to run across unsealed land, beneath sheds – and sometimes through them – and behind the Pomona Hotel, finally spilling into the gutter beside the Pomona Bakery. (See photos.)

The council has approved plans showing the area at the rear of the Memorial Avenue shops is earmarked as a future pedestrian pathway – opening up possibilities for rear shopfronts to be developed as part of a ‘Character and Framework Plan’ for the Pomona town centre.

The Pomona and District Chamber of Commerce has brought the matter to the attention of Noosa Council. In response, Alex Neville, the council’s Acting Asset Planning Manager, said: “Council staff met recently with several business and property owners to discuss

The issues relate to private property, but staff have provided the property and business owners with advice to assist them in resolving the issues.”

However, the council position is that the plan will guide the assessment of any future development applications rather than be a indication of the council’s intent to pay for and construct anything unilaterally.

Above: Muddy water run-off from behind the Memorial Ave shops streams into Station Street. Right: The water accumulates at the rear of the Pomona Hotel. Bottom left: The easement marked in red at the rear of the Memorial Ave shops lacks sufficient drainage to take excessive rainwater from roofs and gutters

Paris Cleaning Services Small & Large Jobs Welcomed Contact Paris

0435 857 671 Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community

28

Cooroy becomes base for rail safety jobs The Sunshine Coast rail line is being fitted with new signalling technology to improve safety under a $43 million plan that will see the lead contractor, Rail Control Systems Australia, locating more than 30 temporary jobs to Cooroy. Crews started work near Gympie last September and have been progressively making their way south. “Across the whole project, more than 60 jobs are being supported, including in trades such as electrical, signalling, engineering and traffic control,” said Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister, Mark Bailey. Mr Bailey said the project was not only sustaining local jobs, it was also gearing up the North Coast Rail Line for improved services between the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane ahead of Cross River Rail opening in 2025.

A beaming Nicklin MP, Rob Skelton (left) and the Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Mark Bailey, with one of the new electronic train control boxes being installed trackside between Gympie and Nambour to improve safety and train efficiency. He said the Queensland Rail project involved new signalling equipment at 130 existing equipment cubicles trackside and 43 new equipment

cubicles over 120km of track. Several would be positioned around Pomona and Cooran. The new European Train Control System (ETCS) technology would be coupled with existing technology, known as Automatic Train Protection (ATP). “Installing ETCS technology on the line means we’ll be able to put the newer NGR class trains into services up to Gympie,” Mr Bailey said. “Once installation has been completed along the track and onboard trains, the new infrastructure will provide an engineering control to ensure trains stop before the red signal.” The State Member for Nicklin, Robert Skelton MP, said the project was a great win for local employment and commuters. “This is all about supporting local jobs, especially apprentices,” Mr Skelton said. “Down the track, the upgrades will also see more modern trains able to operate in our region,” he said.

Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community

29

Benevolence Policing brings us into regular contact with the whole spectrum of people - naughty, nice and everything in between, and at all stages of life.

PLOD’S PAGE

We often engage with senior members of the community, their families and carers for myriad reasons, mostly welfare checks, by Sgt Dan McNamara OIC mental health, QAS assistance, location of missing persons suffering Pomona Police Station Ph: 5480 1733 memory loss and sadly, sudden deaths. Our government couldn’t cope with It can be a deeply personal and the amount of resources it would affecting job and I often come away have to commit if family-provided in impressed by the level of selfless care -home care was reduced. I also provided by family and friends under submit that the government would very distressing circumstances. be making a good investment An elderly lady I met in the increasing support for those who Kenilworth area about 20 years ago care for our most vulnerable, and made a fairly big impression. Kathy increasing funding for aged care passed up a great career and, as she generally. To those of you doing the informed me, the prospect of hard yards, here’s to your marriage as a young woman. Instead, benevolence and courage. she devoted her adult life to the care Carers seeking practical advice, of her disabled sister who she refused counselling and financial support can to allow to go to a nursing home. contact the Carer Gateway on 1800 Kathy and her sister lived alone on a 422 737 website little farm for over 50 years, went www.carergateway.gov.au everywhere together and, through her strength and selflessness, she Felons and hoons gave her sister a quality family life We had a recent spate of linked that allowed her to live well into her break and enters of primarily liquor 70’s. outlets and other businesses in the Those forced by circumstances to go Pomona, Cooroy and Noosa areas. it alone in providing the necessary Liquor stores and venues were the care for loved ones, without the team primary target and those involved support of family and friends, must seemed to be stockpiling grog, using find it one of the toughest jobs going. a silver Mazda sedan and black Ford

Ranger stolen from the South Brisbane and Noosa areas. Three to four male offenders were involved and police are following a line of investigation. We are also experiencing an increase in hooning. You may know the idiots that wait until it rains and do burnouts to impress themselves at the risk of having their cars seized and licences suspended. On the plus side, guys, you’ll get fit riding a bicycle or walking to work after we catch you. We’re also receiving a rising number of complaints about unregistered dirt bikes being ridden in the Ringtail Creek Forest and local roads most afternoons and on weekends. QPWS and State Forestry allows registered motorbikes with licensed riders only on authorised tracks. Heavy fines apply for breaches. Beware the copper in the yellow chopper about to come riding with you! Until next time, stay safe and be good to each other.

BOOMERANG BAGS POMONA Come & Sew A Reusable Bag Share Conversation & Friendship Monday - 9.30am to 3.30pm @ Lawson Shed, All Items Supplied ** Donations of fabric welcomed **

Anya 0457 042 782

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

30

Pandemic pause allows museum to complete facelift The Noosa Shire Museum, Pomona, has undergone a facelift during the COVID19 pandemic using a grant from the Gambling Community Benefit Fund that enabled the purchase of essential tools for building and garden maintenance, as well as a new sign at the entrance to the building in Factory Street.

grant money was tapped to purchase archival equipment needed to keep precious objects stored correctly.

planning. A new Disaster Management Plan has been developed and a disaster kit established in case of flooding or other natural Noosa Shire Museum “A Volunteers Queensland disasters.” Ms Kearton said the grant has provided Cooroora Historical Society shelving, an air conditioner museum was fortunate to president, Trish Kearton. to Gubbi Gubbi Room and have a pool of hard“The collections team has other essential equipment,” working and skilled been very busy ‘devolunteers committed to Ms Kearton said. assessioning’ nonkeeping the museum She announced that the significant objects, which operating. museum had begun will be disposed of at an The museum has also been reviewing and updating its “We need a volunteer upcoming fete, date to be successful in obtaining collections policy, strategic capable of managing our advised,” she said. other grants directed plan, constitution and huge photographic In addition, a Community human resources and towards better tracking collection. This requires and storage of objects and Programs grant from Noosa administrative processes. cataloguing the photos and it has begun a major review Council had funded an “The museum will be uploading to a database.” upgrade of the of its operating procedures. reviewing its succession If you have spare time and computerised database Landscaping around the planning in the near future. would like to work in a entrance has added a much used to record information As with all organisations, varied and interesting about each item stored at -needed upgrade to the this is an essential museum environment the museum. The same gardens according to component of business phone 54851080.

Grab the kids & join us for a fun sports session Fri 23 April 4pm to 5.30pm Cooran—Chris Kenny Park Fri 7 May 4pm to 5.30pm Kin Kin—Kin Kin Oval BOOKING ESSENTIAL: www.motiv8sports.com.au 0412 416 689

Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community

31

Tree planting will filter run-off to Kin Kin Creek The Noosa and District Landcare Group (NDLG) says it is very pleased to have planted out an area of council-owned land at the entrance to the Kin Kin township, adjoining Kin Kin Creek.

As its way of enhancing our special environment, management at Peppers Noosa had agreed to put aside $2 from fees paid by each function guest at the resort and assign that money to Landcare to plant trees in the Revegetation of this area was funded by the Federal hinterland. Government under its 20 This was the genesis of the million tree program. Trees for Tourism project, Originally the land would managed by NDLG with have been part of the great Tourism Noosa and a Kin Kin Scrub. variety of partners, Its significance is that it is including The Noosa Tri a ‘gallery rainforest’ on an operators. alluvial plain, which is considered an endangered ecosystem in Queensland. An original planting of 4410 trees was carried out in February 2017.

This partnership approach, whereby tourism operators recognise the value of, and contribute to, the health of our environment is testament to the fact that A further 2000-tree planting was completed in Noosa is ‘special’. May 2018. This was Infill plantings are through an innovative planned. Once the trees partnership involving get a bit bigger, Noosa Landcare, Noosa maintenance will be Council and Peppers minimal. Noosa Resort and Spa.

COOROORA SCREENS & BLINDS 19a Factory Street, Pomona P: 5485 1287 / M: 0419 655 901 * Screens & Security Doors * * Shutters * Awnings * * Verticals * Venetians * * Roller & Roman Blinds *

POMONA WALKING GROUP Monday to Friday 6.30am Meeting Point Community House, Memorial Ave, Pomona

POMONA True Value Hardware

Free Legal Advice & Referral Phone Appointments

Ph: 5443 7827

PH: 5485 1351 10 Reserve St Pomona HARDWARE, TIMBER, GARDEN, PAINT, LP GAS, RURAL & PRODUCE NEEDS

Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community

32

Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community