COOROORA CONNECT JUNE EDITION 2021 by Heather Manders

Cooroora Connect An Initiative of Pomona & District Community House

Town of murals proposal HISTORY ON SHOW: An idea will be floated this month to consider the use of historic photos kept at the Noosa Shire Museum to be adapted to reproduce murals on the sides of selected buildings about town, similar to other ‘mural towns’ such as Yarram in Victoria (left). The idea could cement Pomona’s role as Noosa’s ‘Living Heritage Town’. Imagine hinterland history coming to life and our colourful past displayed as splashes of colour in the present through a series of murals painted on the blank walls of buildings about Pomona.

trail network from a new set of trailhead facilities to be built by Noosa Council starting in October.

In fact, the murals could become anchor points for drawing visitors from one The idea will be floated to businesses this attraction to the next in a celebration of month as a means to further cement local history beyond the walls of the Pomona’s role as Noosa Shire’s Living museum, according to Kathryn Shewring, Heritage Town and promote outdoor art by Community Engagement Coordinator at talented painters. Pomona and District Community House. The artworks – about six are proposed – would complement the History Walk experience for visitors, itself about to be overhauled by converting the paper-based tourist map into a smart phone app, more convenient and environmentally friendly. The large paintings would be one more thing for visitors to see when they come to town to experience our tourist icons such as the century-old Majestic Theatre and the Noosa Shire Museum, or walk into the

“There is no reason why Pomona cannot wear our history proudly on our sleeve, or walls as the case may be,” Ms Shewring said. While the idea is not new – there are other ‘mural towns’ in Australia, such as Sheffield in Tasmania and Yarrum in Victoria – Ms Shewring’s pitch to the Pomona and District Chamber of Commerce in the June meeting, also includes a mosaic dimension,

June 2021 Pomona ranks highest on community assessment If you had to rate Pomona on a scale of one to 10, what number would you arrive at? Well, someone has done it, and it is perhaps not surprising where we score high and not so high. Microburbs.com is a site people considering a move to the Noosa Hinterland consult about Pomona and its attributes. The town rates seven out of 10 on the question of whether it is ‘hip’, but does much better in the family-friendly ranking – a nine. Lifestyle rates eight out of 10, while we just fall one short on the issue of tranquillity (another nine). But take a bow, Pomona, for 10 out of 10 for ‘community’. We could do a little better on the affluence ladder (five from 10), but does that really matter when everyone here agrees we live in paradise?

Continued page 2

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

Town of murals idea to bring splash of colour? From page 1 possibly incorporating indigenous motifs along the walk between the Noosa Shire Museum and the Island of Reconciliation in Cooroora Creek Park. Sheffield, Australia’s leading murals town, has a 160-metre mosaic art path funded using Tasmanian Government money and that town’s 60 murals are a drawcard for thousands of people who pass through annually on the way to the Cradle Mountain World Heritage area.

property owner and the artist,” Ms Shewring said. “The murals concept works at a number of levels,” said Ms Shewring, “from adding colour and interest to Pomona, highlighting our artistic cleverness on show at the Old Railway Station Gallery and the Indigenous and European history maintained so well at the Noosa Shire Museum.”

Her presentation to the business chamber on 16 June was a starting point, she said.

Pomona and District Chamber of Commerce president, Phil Moran, said: “This is an idea worthy of exploring further and would need to involve key players, such as the council and Tourism Noosa. We need to make certain the murals are not regarded as historic kitch, but I It is from the museum’s 9000 historic can see how they could add to the authenticity of the town and bring photos that the images for the additional visitation. murals would be sourced.

Ms Shewring said there were The similarities between Sheffield, at ‘obvious sites’ for murals, but she did the foot of Mt Roland, and Pomona, not wish to identify them without nestled below Mt Cooroora, were not first discussing the possibilities with lost last month when Ms Shewring property owners, collectively and held a Zoom conference with individually. Charlotte King and Mike Hancock, president and vice-president of Sheffield Inc., which manages the Tasmanian murals with the backing of the local council, the Kentish Municipality.

“There also needs to be buy-in and ownership of the idea from the broader community,” he said. He laughed, adding: “I’d hate to be the person who has to sort through the 9000 photos at the museum.”

The discussions were around copyright, ownership of the finished product, its ongoing maintenance and funding. Other supporters of the idea have briefed Noosa’s Cr Karen Finzel with an outline of the proposal, which also needs the support of local businesses that would host the murals. “Elsewhere, this requires a formal contract involving a council, the

BRILLIANT IN THE MORNING SUNSHINE: Queensland Rail commissioned this mural at the Pomona Railway Station, painted by indigenous artist Peter Mulcah, helped by students from the Pomona State School. Its circles depict ‘community’, connected by the Creation Serpent of Dreamtime legend. Soon more of these story murals might be installed around the town, but not before the community has its say.

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

This bird will fly home to spread her artistic wings

Noosa Library to conduct outreach workshops at Pomona Community House Libraries are a force for interaction and social inclusion and not just a building that houses books and other items. The Noosa Library Service is proving this point by extending its outreach service to Pomona and District through a series of storytime sessions and tech-lessons over the next six months. The first of the two new initiatives for the hinterland, a monthly storytime session, starts 10am on the 10 June, specifically targeting children under five, their parents and carers at the Lawson Shed.

Tia Carrigan and some of her whimsical art. Who you gonna call? When Goondiwindi Regional Council decided to decorate a drab public toilet block with a bird theme art mural, they knew who to call.

add to other murals around the town managed by a local group, Lanescape Inc. that highlight aspects of town life and form part of an art trail across south-west Tia Carrigan of Early Bird Queensland, including stunning paintings on Florist and creative art space at Pomona received silos at nearby Yelarbon. the invitation to return to Tia grew up on a sheep her home town to paint property not far from distinctive birds of the Goondiwindi. With no region onto the walls of formal training, she began the building and last painting anything she month set off for the could get her hands on, journey west to work with covering horse troughs, local students to bring the farm vehicles and the concept to life. shearing shed in brightly painted flowers. Tia is inspired by the freedom that birds represent, as well as their colourful markings. Her latest artwork will

Outreach Pomona www.libraries.noosa.qld.gov.au The next session is planned for 8 July and other dates can be accessed on the Noosa Library website. Bookings required. At the other end of the spectrum, the ‘Be Connected’ tech-lessons are aimed at an older cohort.

These small group lessons are for beginners and will cover topics including how to use your phone, iPad or mobile tablet, how to use Each session is designed to Windows 10 on a laptop and how to stay safe onencourage children’s language development and line. listening skills in a friendly The sessions will run on and relaxed environment. the first Friday of the month, 2 July from It’s hoped that the free10.30am-12pm at the flowing nature of the Pomona Community library activity will allow House. Visit parents to participate in libraries.noosa.qld.gov.au their children’s reading to choose your lesson and development. to book in.

Her hobby and passion became the inspiration for her business.

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

Recycled plastic ideas have business spin-offs Renewed efforts are being made to reduce and reuse plastic locally to preserve the Noosa environment from the pollution the troublesome stuff causes. And all it takes to start making a difference is a piece of plastic no bigger than a postage stamp. The aim is to save bread bag tags from ending in landfill, recycling them to make microwave-proof plastic bowls for sale. The proceeds support the purchase of wheelchairs for people with a disability in South Africa. Meanwhile, acting on a suggestion from Kay Kelloway of the Pomona Pantry, Noosa and District Landcare is investigating placing in Pomona a receptacle that would allow soft plastics to be recycled. The Pomona and District Chamber of Commerce has written to Plastic Free Noosa, seeking its assistance. Recycling plastic has taken off in a big way in the tiny South Australian coastal town of Robe, where clever local Brad Scott receives thousands upon thousands of plastic bread bag tags from around Australia to turn into bowls and doorknobs. Pomona and District Community House was contacted recently to promote the concept. More details are available on this website: ozbreadtagsforwheelchairs.org.au. Pomona Community House has decided it will become a collection

Recycler Brad Scott with the bowl he made from 1870 used bread tags. (Photo: ABC) point for plastic bread bag tags and will distribute to the Eumundi depo of Aussie Bread Tags for Wheelchairs.

bowls are hardy, food-safe and microwavable — and can be melted down again to create other products.

In the case of the Aussie Bread Tags for Wheelchairs, Brad Scott receives bread bag tags from all over. Previously they were shipped overseas for processing.

The innovative recycler is being supported locally by QCWA Eumundi Branch, Janet Millington, contact details are 0402 062 465.

He mixes tags to create the desired colours and uses compression and heat to melt the plastic in a mould, allowing it to cool before adding the finishing touches. Each resulting bowl contains around 1870 tags and is unique. “They're a really great source to recycle because of the size of them and the nice clean plastic as well,” Mr Scott said. The

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The Pomona business chamber hopes its inquiries of Plastic Free Noosa about reuse of soft plastic will bear fruit and has asked where the idea has worked elsewhere. “Our thinking is for one or two receptacles to be located in towns, beside the red and yellow top bins for waste and recycled items,” chamber president Phil Moran wrote.

STUDENT NUMBERS UP AND DOWN Pomona State School’s enrolment is declining according to new figures published by the State Government. Students numbers have dropped below 300, to 295 in 2021. Numbers were 304 last year and 338 in 2016. That’s a 13 per cent decrease over five years. An upward trend in pupil numbers is under way at Cooran State School – 166 enrolments in 2021, up from 156 in 2016. At the Kin Kin school, 48 students are studying in 2021. The figure was 53 last year and 65 in 2016.

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

TOGETHERNESS MAKES US STRONGER

Friendship and conviviality cement community bonds over a cuppa

Friendships are forged and strengthened through the Cuppa, Cake and Conversation initiative. New participants are welcome. Do you enjoy tasty sandwiches, scones jam and cream, yummy cakes and slices? If the answer is ‘yes’, then please come to the Pomona Community House ‘Cuppa, Cake and Conversation’ morning tea held second and fourth Tuesday of the month from 10am to 11:30am, held at the Lawson Shed, 1 Memorial Avenue, Pomona. Cost is $3 per person. This group was started to provide the community with the opportunity to get together, meet new people and generally have a fortnightly catch-up. We are very welcoming and really

enjoy meeting new people. Everyone is welcome.

a half of chat, comradeship and lots of laughs.

It is very informal and people can come and go as they please.

So please, do come and share this local community event, meet people, share ideas and generally have a good chat.

We have noisy chats in the kitchen when everyone is getting their tea or coffee and generally have a good laugh, talking about things that have happened during the fortnight. It is very interesting to meet locals, new people to the area and visitors enjoying the Noosa hinterland. Conversations vary from local and personal interests to what is happening in the wider world.

CUPPA, CAKE & CONVERSATION Date: Tuesday, 8 & 22 June Time: 10am to 11.30am Cost: $3 per person Venue: Lawson Shed

A diverse group offering an hour and

Pomona Community House Cuppa Cake and Conversation participants above enjoying a lovely morning tea and lots of laughs. One participant commented that this was a very welcoming group and looked forward to the group meetings. Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community

Case of a bridge too far

The annals of history have revealed this grainy picture of the official opening of the Six-Mile Creek Bridge at Pinbarren, in 1934. That makes the bridge 87 years old; a good innings by any measure. Design work has begun for a replacement bridge, likely to cost $18m. That’s inflation for you! The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) says there are no plans or funding for a significant upgrade of the Pomona-Kin Kin Road beyond current commitments for a replacement Six-Mile Creek Bridge and some minor safety improvements.

strengthening works at priority areas identified along the road. The speed limit at several sections has been reduced to slow traffic and improve safety for all motorists,” said Les Dunn, General Manager (Program Delivery and Operations) in a letter to a concerned resident.

The department’s maintenance activity has included pavement repairs, vegetation maintenance to reduce potential roadside hazards, and drainage works. The filling of potholes is ongoing.

However, ‘big ticket’ improvements remained unfunded and no real work has been done to identify what needed to be done.

“TMR is preparing a program of edge-

Mr Dunn encouraged residents to report road damage or hazards on the Pomona-Kin Kin Road by calling 131940.

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

Pomona & District Community House

Burning commitment to their jobs

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 With thanks to Kin Kin Kinnections Emergency Services Medal after – used with permission. each serving for more than a dozen The community owes an enormous years with the brigade. debt of gratitude to these two stalwarts of the Kin Kin Rural Fire Brigade who have just been recognised with medals for their long service. Butch Uechtritz (left) and Guy Auckland (right) have been awarded the Queensland Fire and

Inspector Matt Inwood (centre), Area Director for the Rural Fire Service, presented the medals to Butch and Guy, describing the awards as small tokens of recognition for the commitment and dedication to safeguarding their community.

Volunteers sought for new charity shop

Centrelink / Medicare Access Point

Pomona Community House 1 Memorial Ave Pomona

9am to 4pm Mon - Fri    

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

One-on-One Computer Lessons

The new Smartpups Charity Shop is doing well but we would like to be busier.

Tuesday - by appointment Donation $5 per visit

If you have donations you would like to drop off, you can do so between 9.30am and 2pm weekdays, or whenever the store is open. We also need more volunteers to be able to stay open six days a week in Pomona, so if you have any time that you could spare, please call in and see us at the Cooroy or Pomona shops.

Justice Of Peace Service

Booking Essential Alternatively, you can call Sheri on 0438 045 558. Every cent raised in the Smartpups Charity Shops goes toward training our Assistance Dogs for Special Needs children.

BLACK MOUNTAIN HOUSE PRICE RISE The median price of a house and land at Black Mountain is $823,787 as at the end of March 2021.

Ph: 5485 2427

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

This represents a 24 per cent increase in value since March 2020. The figures were researched by CoreLogic. Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community

Fabulous Finds to be had at Cooran If Allan Guymer, owner of the historic Alfredson’s Joinery building at Cooran, had not hurt his back, the town might not have benefitted from a new business that is yet providing another outlet for the creative talent of the district’s crafters, painters and sculptors.

11.30am to 3.30pm. The shop is a wonderful gallery of handmade and upcycled craft items produced by the group of friends from Boreen Point and Cooran. Inspired by the hinterland environment, they have crafted artworks, sculpture and handcrafted goods in a diverse range of media.

Allan, a joiner by trade, had to take things easy after he hurt his back, so The result is an eclectic mix of he set about making woodworking items that he needed to sell. His wife pottery, artworks, jewellery, fashion, cards for all occasions, knitted was a mad keen gardener. shawls and eco-dyed scarves. A fusion of ideas came together The large selection of wooden when they joined with other items was crafted on site. likeminded people to form a coAllan Guymer said it was good operative known as Fabulous Finds to share the space with crafty Cooran. locals. The business is located downstairs in “I own a huge building, so it is the same building that houses the fabulous Noosa Hinterland Brewing worthwhile for everyone concerned that we share Company and is yet another reason to take a country drive to Cooran at the space and make something of it for all to enjoy,” Allan said. weekends. Fabulous Finds open Saturdays and Sundays only, from

Interior of the Fabulous Finds shop at Cooran.

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Starter’s gun set for King of the Mountain race

Ladies and gents, push aside your plans for Sunday, 25 July: it’s time to make way for Pomona’s iconic King of the Mountain. Unfortunately, in 2020, the King of the Mountain was cancelled due to COVID but this year the organisers were determined to get the historic mountain race happening again. And that’s exactly what the Cooroy Pomona Lions Club and Bendigo Bank Pomona have done. The hinterland event will go ahead this Cooroy Pomona Lions Club join forces with Community Bank of Pomona to bring back year highlighting the famous Pomona’s historical mountain climb. Bendigo Bank Pomona presented a $5000 sponsorBendigo Bank International ship cheque to the King of the Mountain committee. Mountain Challenge. Back Row: Graham Barralet, Barry Stewart, Dan King and Leslie Saunders. Heather Manders from Cooroy Front Row: Heather Manders, Vicki Dessaix, Lynette Nilon, Jackie Drummond and Tristan Pomona Lions Club said, “Although some of our competitors from important an event like this is for a together”, Lynette Nilon said. around the world cannot participate community – a chance for locals and “We are extremely happy to have a this year, the registrations are filling visitors to come together and permanent Manager in our Pomona up fast, and it looks like its going to celebrate the beautiful environment branch”, Senior Manager Tristan be a great turn-out. we live in as well as the achievements Scott said. “Lynette is an experienced of the runners. “For those who haven’t had the lender and has a wealth of pleasure of attending or competing, “We always love getting involved in knowledge to bring to our the gruelling race is a steep, almost this event; not only do we help with community. vertical, 4.2km climb to the top of sponsorship, but our staff absolutely “In celebration of having a the mountain and back. It requires love getting involved on the day.” permanent Manager for Pomona, strength, agility, a good sense of Lynette has been with the Pomona The Community Bank are offering a balance, and an immunity to fear.” Community Bank for a few months free second opinion on your home Every year The Mountain Challenge now and is already making a huge loan or insurance” Scott said. event is sponsored by the Bendigo impact. Moving from the Adelong For more information about the Bank, a local Community Bank that Branch in NSW, Lynette has had over Pomona’s King of The Mountain has branches in Pomona, Cooroy, 10 years’ experience with Bendigo please visit the website Tewantin and Marcoola. Bank. “I made the decision to move www.kingofthemountain.com.au. here, not only to be closer to my Lynette Nilon, Pomona’s new family but also to challenge my Community Bank Branch Manager said, “This will be my first King of the career.” Mountain so I’m really looking “The short few months I have been forward to watching the runners here I have felt a sense of belonging come back in after such an amazing and connections and I am very run up Mt Cooroora. Bendigo Bank excited to engage with the Pomona Pomona and our Board know how community to see how we can grow KOM RACE SPONSOR Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community

FACT OR FICTION?

Dispelling the myth of the community-built Pomona Swimming Pool ‘that the school is keeping for itself’ by Rachel Bridger You know when someone says something to someone, and then that person says to their friend “You know the other day I heard...”, and what started out as a statement of fact ends up being embellished and mangled in the retelling, that the facts are largely lost as the story continues to circulate round and round the block. We set out to investigate one of those stories…to separate the fact from the fiction.

First stop Noosa Museum and Cooroora Historical Society, and its wonderful collection of documents. Starting at the beginning, Pomona School began life in 1897 at Reserve Street (now Stan Topper Park). As part of a major up-grade it moved to current location in Station Street between 1970 and 1976. Reserve Street then became the home of the preschool and the school oval.

and a signed cricket bat) right through to dollar-a -job days and the obligatory meat raffle. The Cooroy Pomona Lions Club had the inaugural King of the Mountain festival in 1979. In 1983 the two groups joined together to maximise the fundraising effort, raising $5400 that year and $3000 in 1984.

The community had raised just about $35k by mid1984. Noosa Council chipped in $35k and the State Government The story we selected was Fund raiser in chief was increased their planned that of Pomona Pool, its teacher Stan Topper and origins, who paid for it, if the target was $45k, half of contribution of $10k to $70k, to cover the shortfall the land was donated by the estimated cost. The the department of community did an amazing and additional building education, and whether the job supporting the efforts, costs, a grand total of $140k, about 3 times the school has prevented its’ with casino nights, raffles cost of a house in town at use by the community. (including several horses In February 1982, the P&C decided to raise the money to build a swimming pool.

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

Every Saturday 7am - 12 noon Stall Enquires Ph: 0499 146 857 Email: pononamarketsqld@gmail.com

Stan Topper that time. Building was completed in early 1984. It was only then that public access outside school hours was discussed at a meeting in July 1984. The pre-school remained at Reserve Street until 1985, when the land was marked for sale by the State Government. Stan saw its potential as a community facility (and home for the King of the Mountain Festival) and set about convincing the department to transfer (donate) the land to council, after a flying

ENGAGE YOUR SERVICES Introductory offer Second hour free! (On first visit)

Garden Maintenance Rubbish Removal Contact Justin 0402 642 320

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

Pomona State School Swimming Pool visit from the minister in August 1985, the deed was done. The park was re-named Stan Topper Park in his honour in 1989. Sadly, Stan passed away in 1990, he was just 46.

$45k to build the pool. The P&C led the fund-raising efforts, and partnered with the community to raise around $35k, slightly less than the original target but still an amazing effort.

The final cost of the pool was $150k. It always was The wonderful people who and always will be the school’s pool. ran the P&C swimming pool sub-committee kept The pool was always going the pool open and running to be at Station Street, as for the next 25 years or so, the land at Reserve Street until extra rules for public was earmarked for sale. access were imposed state wide by the Department of Reserve Street was saved for the community by Stan Education, including the Topper, Lions Club and requirement for Pool local community and is the Lifeguard and Pool Plant park that now bears his and Equipment Operator name. certifications about 10 years ago. In the 37 years since the pool was built, the school has kept it running. They have bought the chemicals, kept the filtration system working, got the pool heated, had showers upgraded from cold to hot, paid for it to be painted and protected the increasingly frail concrete structure. In summary, it was the P&C who set about raising

That was the land donated by the government and had nothing to do with the pool. Seems we have to thank Stan Topper, everyone he inspired and those who now maintain his legacy for an awful lot. As for the stories we hear circulating, there is a grain of truth in them, but some important parts of the story have been forgotten.

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

Wendy makes environmental statement in art Noosa Hinterland artist Wendy Catlin will exhibit a series of works titled Natural Habitats - an Environmental Art Statement at The J, Noosa Junction, throughout June and July. The artist treasures our natural environment (as most of us do) and was compelled to use her art to make a statement about seven of these delicate habitats, which has resulted in this exhibition. “Due to actions of mankind and the rhythms of nature, many of these habitats are under threat or are disappearing, together with the natural life they support,” Wendy said. “Logging, burning of forests, tearing up

of mangroves, polluting the ocean, rivers, and air; the warming of the seas is the main cause of the decline,” she said. “The paintings and notes beside them are to remind us all how much each system means to us; the vulnerability of each natural habitat (eco-system) around us and the interdependence of each one to the other.” In a passionate plea, Wendy states: “It is my hope that this exhibition gives each visitor a little more insight into the importance of natural habitats and to stop, recognise and think about the mini habitats we pass each day in our lives. Appreciate and nurture them.”

Along the Banks of the Murrumbidgee, Snowy and Surrounds, an exhibition by Tewantin Artist Dominique Woods. 1st - 30th June in the Carriage Room ART MARKET IN THE PADDOCK to be held Saturday 24 July 9:00-1:00. This popular event is back providing artists the opportunity to display and sell their works directly to the public. Stall holder applications available at the gallery/online www.pomonartgallery.com Check out our Information Room and Beautiful Gardens!

LIKE TO CONTRIBUTE? Thanks for your local stories and photos! We love them and they make Cooroora Connect our very own. Here are a few tips for submitting items for publication. 

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Always something new at the Gallery! Pomona Railway Station Gallery 10 Station St, Pomona Open 7 Days Monday - Friday 10am to 4pm Saturday 9am to 2pm Sunday 10am to 2pm

PH: 5485 2950

Wendy Catlin - Artist

If you have any questions, contact Heather on 5485 2427.

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

School Holiday Activities

ART MARKET IN PADDOCK BECOMES HIGHLIGHT OF GALLERY SHOWING

Mark Saturday 24 July in your diaries as the popular Art Market in the Paddock returns to the Pomona Railway Station Galley. The grounds of the gallery, and the display spaces themselves, offer a wealth of creativity for everyone, no matter what their tastes may be. Stall holder applications are available at the gallery or online at www.pomonartgallery.com. Leading up to the Art Market in the Paddock event, the clever artist

Creative Kids Workshops The popular Art Market in the Paddock event is on again in July. featuring in the Carriage Room Gallery will invite patrons to stroll the banks of the Murrumbidgee River beneath the majestic Snowy Mountains.

Dominique experienced the timeless magnificence of the mountains, keepers of an ancient landscape and custodians of Indigenous Dreamtime stories.

Along the Banks of the Murrumbidgee, Snowy and Surrounds, an exhibition by Tewantin artist Dominique Woods, will be on display, inspired by a visit with friends to the remote Tinderry Ranges.

This exhibition is a record of her visual memories, displayed as small sketches. It is a folio narrative of her connections to this uniquely beautiful and sacred place.

Join Liv for fun days during the holidays, learn the easy techniques for painting, drawing and collage. JUNE Monday 21st/Friday 25th Monday 28th/Tuesday 29th 9am - 4pm JULY Saturday 3rd 9am - 12noon

Call Liv 0499099832 or livsabroad@gmail.com

POMONA HALL ACTIVITIES 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 Ko-Ji Martial Arts (Tues) 5.30pm –6.30pm Contact Brett - 0419 740 815 Pomona 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) 8am - 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

First London, then Broadway and now Cooroy Matilda The Musical comes to Cooroy in August, courtesy of students from Noosa District State High School. Noosa District State High students and talented dancers singers, and pupils from district primary schools are busy rehearsing Matilda The Musical ahead of a public performance at the Cooroy campus on August 4,5,6 and 7. Watch out for ticket sales, because they won’t last. Participants in the musical were selected at auditions last month. Those chosen were required to pay a fee to cover costs associated

with costumes, hair, makeup and a follow-up camp. With players paying their own way, the performance is likely to be lively and enthusiastic. Matilda The Musical, inspired by the 1988 children’s book by British author Roald Dahl, follows the story of a precocious five-year-old girl who loves reading, and has the natural gift of telekinesis. The musical stage version, commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), was adapted by British playwright and filmtelevision writer Dennis Kelly with music and lyrics

Matilda The Musical will be presented by Noosa & District High School in August. Auditions are happening now. by Australian composercomedian Tim Minchin. The musical has played in

the West End and Broadway, and now Cooroy.

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

Spirits of an ancient past remembered in this evocative presentation Beginning on 18 June and running for an entire month, the Cooroy Butter Factory Arts Centre (BFAC) is hosting another First Nations art exhibition throughout the whole gallery for emerging and established Indigenous artists who are connected to, living, or residing on GubbiGubbi, Kabi Kabi country. Exhibiting alongside Dr Jandamarra Cadd and Uncle Paul Calcott in the National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) commemoration are the works of other emerging artists and elders. “The aim of the exhibition is to provide a diverse representation of the amazing talented First Nations artists we have living on the coast and to give these artists a place and platform to share their work while offering an opportunity to show their artworks to a greater audience and gain more exposure,” Dr Cadd said. Its theme is Healing Country. “Healing Country means hearing the pleas to provide greater management, involvement and empowerment of Indigenous peoples over country,” Dr Cadd continued. “It means embracing First Nation’s cultural knowledge and understanding of country as part of Australia’s national heritage so that the culture and values of Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islanders

The purpose of this special Indigenous display at the Cooroy Butter Factory Art Gallery is summed up in this statement by Melissa Stannard: "Our connection to country is inherent to our identity, we're calling for stronger measures to recognise, protect and respectfully maintain all aspects of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and heritage.” are respected equally to the cultures and values of all Australians. BFAC acknowledges all of this and provides the arts centre as a space to celebrate First Nations peoples, countries and cultures by showcasing their work and sharing their stories.

creative works that capture the spirit, energy and vibrancy of creativity on the Sunshine Coast. It is a dissection of the local cultural landscape.

The multiple language groups that are represented each year at BFAC demonstrate the diverse and rich culture in the community which is supported by BFAC in a safe environment. The Cooroy Butter Factory Arts Centre is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 3pm. In addition to its display galleries, the centre boasts an Artisan Store where the shelves and walls display an eclectic mix of

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Majestic Theatre presents a feast of entertainment In the afterglow of celebrations commemorating 100 years of providing entertainment for the people of Pomona and beyond, The Majestic Theatre will present a cornucopia of jazz, music, silent films and much more during the next two months, culminating in a 10 July screening of classics The Sheik and Son of the Sheik, the two films that starting at 2pm. Tickets cost $25 ($20 cemented the theatre’s reputation concession). Tickets cost $25 ($20 when Ron West brought them to concession). audiences 37 years ago. Meanwhile, two extraordinary On Sunday 6 June, the theatre will be musicians and long time friends will alive with jazz when Girl Friday share some Time to Reflect on the presents an afternoon jazz session. evening of Saturday 19 June, 7pm to Girl Friday, a popular part of the 10pm. Andy Cowan and Barry Charles Sunshine Coast jazz and blues scene, make up the talented duo. has been gathering an army of loyal Andy Cowan’s performances have fans who have been coming out to been described as 'swampy vocals on listen to their smooth standards and a foundation of virtuosic piano cool originals since 2016. The doors playing’. Classically trained, he began and bar open at 1pm for a show exploring piano improvisation and

absorbing musical influences from soul, rhythm and blues and jazz while developing his own eclectic style. Barry Charles is a singer whose voice reaches out touches and moves. There is a powerful sensitivity and emotion in every phrase of every song. He has his own unique way of playing guitar and harmonica. Andy and Barry will both perform original songs and interpretations of some selected covers. Tickets cost $25. The doors and bar open at 6pm for a show starting at 7pm. The locals get to display their talents on Saturday 26 June, starting at 7pm. After a haphazard meeting at the corner of Junction Road and Cootharaba Road, Rachel Clancy and Paul Terry realised they both had an affinity for making music. Their union began with an idea and flourished into what is now known as Junction Road Music. After five years, the Junction Road Band finally has arrived. The band will introduce themselves to The Majestic stage with a selection of songs chosen to showcase the talent of the individual members and as a collective - music from Marcus King, Allman Brothers, Ruthie Foster, and Santana to name a few. The quality musicianship and powerful vocals will surely have the audience wanting more.

Finally, the Sheik movies will be shown on Saturday 10 July, starting at 6pm, with tickets selling fast at $30 and $25 (concession). Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community

History accessible through new on-line portal Heritage Noosa – a brand new online portal showcasing Noosa’s history – has been more than nine months in the making, but has gone ‘live’, allowing people to research its content 24 hours a day. Heritage Noosa hosts the Noosa Council Heritage Library’s historical image collection, as well as other A picture from the Noosa Council library service history collection. digital heritage items such as maps, digital stories, oral to add to the content, such member or even histories and videos. as old photos and themselves in an image or memorabilia from their video, or they know more “Heritage Noosa offers the own collections.” about a person, place or community a way to event, they can add this discover, learn and “We’re very excited to information directly to the remember,” said Cr Karen share the portal and its site,” Ms Harding said. Finzel, Chair of Council’s amazing capabilities,” Noosa Heritage Reference Group.

added Council’s Heritage “As the majority of the Coordinator, Jane Harding.

“The website will engage our community by offering residents the opportunity

“The beauty of this platform is that if someone recognises a family

collection has been donated by community members, there’s often limited or no information about the subject of a photo. We hope that community groups will also get involved to share their own historic memorabilia.”

Appointments Available Now Ph: 5485 1177

DRAFT BUDGET AVAILABLE FOR COMMENT A $47m capital works program – the largest ever devised by Noosa Council – forms the centrepiece of the council’s 2021-22 preliminary budget, which is available on-line for public scrutiny. The council is seeking feedback on its budget planning, after an earlier round of consultation about priorities. The final budget will be approved by councillors at the end of the month.

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Reminder to install new smoke alarms in homes In Queensland, new legislation effective 1 January 2022 impacts the requirements for smoke alarms in all residential buildings. Most will require upgrades in order to comply with new regulations. The new legislation states that all residences must have hardwired 240-volt photoelectric or 10-year lithium battery-powered smoke alarms installed in each bedroom and on each storey, in accordance with strict placement guidelines. In almost all cases, this will mean multiple alarms on each storey and all smoke alarms must be

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interconnected with each other. The deadline for installing and interconnecting new smoke alarms in accordance with legislation is 1 January 2022 for all residential buildings being leased, released or sold. All other residential buildings must have their smoke alarms upgraded by 1 January 2027. if there are no bedrooms on a single storey, at least one smoke alarm must be installed in the most likely path of travel to exit the dwelling. DID YOU KNOW? There are 107 streets in Pomona.

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ENVIRO DRONES - Bruce and Richard from the Noosa Integrated Catchment Association demonstrate to Sandy Bolton MP how this ‘wee beastie’, purchased with the help of the Community Connect Grants Program, will assist their bushcare and on river surveillance programs. This includes water pollution identification, land restoration and detecting navigation hazards.

Mayor calls on minister to limit quarry truck movements The Noosa Mayor, Clare Stewart, has called on the state government to act on Kin Kin residents’ safety concerns about quarry trucks using Pomona-Kin Kin Road.

ensure safety of road users. The state can apply temporary restrictions based on vehicle class, time of day and load weight.

In letters sent to Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey, Cr Stewart said the community is at ‘breaking point’, with the quarry operation having ‘catastrophic repercussions’ for local residents.

“We have advised the state government that the Pomona-Kin Kin Road is not fit for purpose for handling quarry trucks and passing cars, especially buses.

The school bus shares the same route at the same In her correspondence, the time as many quarry mayor highlighted trucks, Cr Stewart said. provisions of the Transport “I call on the Minister to Infrastructure Act that act to limit the impact of allow the state to restrict truck movements. the use of its roads in Instigating this legislation order to prevent damage to will help to safeguard road infrastructure or to against an accident.”

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Accolades keep coming for Tourism Noosa marketing A revamped digital portal that allows people to explore the attractions, places and pamper businesses of our region has won a national website design award for Tourism Noosa. The data includes new pictures and updated text about the Noosa Country Drive and the towns of the Northern Hinterland. The GOV Design Awards are a national award program for government and public sector-related websites.

And the awards keep coming for Tourism Noosa. “We’re very excited that Noosa has won Queensland’s Top Tourism Town Award at the Queensland Tourism Industry Council’s annual awards presentation,” said CEO Melanie Anderson. “This award is a wonderful acknowledgement of Noosa and how our tourism industry and the local community work together to make Noosa the best destination it can be.”

The Tourism Noosa team worked with website developer Evolution 7 to build the new contemporary website that delivers a great user experience. The new Visit Noosa site is easy to navigate and now has interactive maps and itineraries, integrated booking functions and Instagram feeds.

Meanwhile, Pomona and District Chamber of Commerce is developing a visitor information touch screen kiosk for the town, featuring our part of the world, using the theme Noosa Villages – Mountains of Adventure. The cost of the kiosk and its content is being met by a $20,000 Tourism Noosa grant.

GOT A STORY TO TELL? Cooroora Connect welcomes readers’ stories or news of your club or sporting group. Contact Heather on 5485 2427 or email heather@pomonacommunityhouse.com.au

NEW OWNERS PLAN MEDICAL EXPANSION The Brisbane-based owners of 20 medical practices throughout Queensland – including at Pomona, Imbil and Cooroy – have bought Gympie’s Southside Medical Centre, where they plan to expand services to include a diabetes education facility. DoctorLink purchased the busy practice at the start of May. It operates Pomona Family Medical.

Free Legal Advice & Referral Appointments Ph: 5443 7827 Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community

Pomona was birthplace of Avenue of Honour tradition in Queensland by Brian O’Connor Historic evidence confirms that Pomona was the town where the practice of planting avenues of memorial trees in honour of the war dead first began in Queensland, but the shameful irony is there is no obvious evidence of the ‘war trees’ of the town existing today.

was planted at Eurack, west of Geelong, in May 1916 – less than 12 months before the Pomona initiative got up and running.

The Pomona tree planting initiative is known to date from 1917 and there are reports of trees being planted to honour those killed earlier, in the Boer War. Contemporary newspaper council is not in a position to reports reveal how the idea took off The arboreal Avenue of Honour allocate appropriate resources to this across Queensland, including at initiative, conceived by the local type of project’. Mr Hull suggested Eumundi where its Avenue of Women’s Recruiting League in 1917, the community apply for funding Honour trees have been preserved. was adopted by Noosa Shire Council, under commemorative grants A report in the Brisbane Daily then headquartered at Pomona, and programs offered by the state and resulted in the naming of Memorial federal governments that would see a Standard of 7 March 1917 read: “The womenfolk of Pomona have decided Avenue, running beside Stan Topper reinterpretation of the Avenue of to plant a little ornamental tree in Park. Honour placed in Stan Topper Park. the streets of that village for every Locals seeking to revitalise the park In the words of one supporter of the patriot and soldier who has laid with the planting of a number of idea: “Since the trees would be down his life in the war. Each tree ‘succession trees*’ to eventually placed on council land and the will be surrounded by a guard, to replace the aging Camphor Laurels council has a tree planting policy, it which will be fastened a small tablet, along its boundary had hoped that would be reasonable for the council giving the soldier's name and place the current-day council would to provide some guidance and coof burial. Other recruiting appreciate the significance of the sponsor a grant application. It is a bit committees should take similar steps Avenue of Honour concept, plant strange for Noosa Council to say it to perpetuate the memories of new street trees and perhaps turn does not have the resources to plant Australia's fallen.” one or two of the older ones into some commemorative trees at In a letter to the editor of the timber sculptures in keeping with Pomona in a park that it Brisbane Courier dated 8 March 1917 the memorial theme. maintains.” – while the Great War was still Reinstatement of one memorial tree It is also disappointing that the raging – Mrs J.W. Napier of Pomona with a picket fence and council does not seem to share the wrote: “The planting of memorial commemorative plaques affixed to it community’s enthusiasm, or trees in memory of our fallen soldiers would be a respectful understand the significance of the seems to me to be one of the best acknowledgement of our forebears’ original tree-planting gesture by means of keeping their supreme intentions. then grieving townsfolk at the height sacrifice constantly before us, and I of war 104 years ago. appeal to the various women’s Because Pomona is Noosa’s Living patriotic committees to take the Heritage Town, the expectation is While we can be confident that matter in hand. I have started in that Noosa Council would want to Pomona was the first Queensland commemorate that this was the town to adopt the memorial avenue Pomona, and will gladly furnish details of the scheme to any women’s birthplace of a tradition worthy of of trees concept, it just might have committee. Hoping to see many being honoured today. Optimism been the second place in Australia centres adopting this means of springs from a council decision to where the practice occurred during honouring our brave men.” conduct a large tree-planting and or after WWI. replacement program in 2021-22, That same month, Mrs Napier There are believed to be 547 treed focussed on Pomona. headed a delegation to Noosa avenues of honour throughout Council. The report of the council However, Noosa Council’s Manager Australia, mostly in Victoria. The of Civil Operations, Allan Hull, has avenue plantings are thought to have meeting is printed in the Gympie Times and Mary Valley Mining advised that ‘while the project originated in the Victorian certainly appears a worthy one, Goldfields. The oldest WWI avenue Gazette of 17 March 1917. Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community

21 This picture, dating from May 2017, depicts the planting of the first of Pomona’s memorial avenue of trees. The picket fences were removed subsequently in the 1970s and 1980s and plaques honouring the town’s war dead were dumped unceremoniously. Members of the Women’s Recruiting League had raised money for the project and wanted the council to take over the upkeep of memorial trees and their accompanying memorial plaques across the town. The newspaper report states: “Cr Douglas moved that the council cooperate with the Recruiting Committee in the planting of trees, and when planted, the Council take them under its control and care. This was seconded by the Chairman, and carried unanimously.”

Despite efforts to have the Pomona Avenue of Honour reinstated partially with a single commemorative tree, picket fence and 32 plaques – replicas of the originals – Noosa Council doesn’t believe it has an ongoing role in a project that its predecessor council supported enthusiastically from the outset.

Certainly, all but one of the commemorative plaques has gone. Kept at the Noosa Shire Museum, it was retrieved from land adjacent to the police station, known to be used The Brisbane Courier of 28 April as a dump by Noosa Council in the identified Privates ‘Ellis and Grant’, 1970s. The memorial trees are thought members of two of the oldest families to have been taken down as they grew in the Pomona district, as giving their old or their roots interfered with names to the first two memorial trees. underground services in the 1970s and The wife of the then Chairman of 1980s. Overall, it is an ignominious Noosa Shire unveiled the memorial end to a piece of the town’s history. tablets. *Succession trees are trees planted The Queenslander newspaper of Saturday 12 May 1917 included a picture of the first of the memorial trees being planted by members of the Pomona Ladies Patriotic Committee.

between diseased or dying trees and allowed to grow, usually for a number of years, before the older trees are removed or recycled. Faced with their memorial avenue of trees becoming old and diseased and having to be uprooted, the people of Legerwood in North-East Tasmania converted them into timber sculptures instead.

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Today the decorative tree stumps are a tourist attraction bringing visitors to the town.

Cooroora Connect

Deadline for July issue is 18 June heather@pomonacommunityhouse.com.au Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community

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

THANKS TO OUR MANY VOLUNTEERS Across the Northern Hinterland, whether it be as a volunteer making a difference through the Keep It In Kin Kin initiative, or working every Monday to produce Boomerang Bags that help reduce our pollution of the planet, or chopping veggies at Pomona Meals on Wheels three days a week, volunteers make a difference and sustain our enviable way of life.

No 1: Pomona and District Community House volunteers make up the backbone of its activities. Volunteers help out on reception, group activities and support the local community.

No 2: There is always demand for Justices of the Peace who provide a vital service by ensuring that legal documentation is all in order.

There are numerous avenues for volunteers to give freely of their time. And the good news for those in the employable age range, University of Southern Queensland research reveals a quarter of Queenslanders have a higher chance of landing their dream job thanks to their volunteering experience.

It’s estimated that volunteering contributes a whopping $290 billion to the Australian economy each year. For comparison mining contributed $121 billion to the GDP at last estimate.

No 3: Majestic Theatre, 100 hundred years old this year, lies at the heart of our cultural identity. These volunteers play an integral part in keeping the theatre alive. No 4: The SES local crew keeps us safe during emergencies and we cannot do without their skills.

Last month, Pomona and District Community House arranged an informal gathering of our volunteers to thank them for the vital work they do in support of our Noosa Hinterland lifestyle.

No 5: The Rural Firies are always there when times are tough, when houses and property are under threat of fires. No 6: Cooran Memorial Hall volunteers keep this facility engaged with its community.

4 5

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

Just over 12 months into the job, what has Cr Karen Finzel learned and what are her hopes for the next three years on Council? AN INTERVIEW WITH NOOSA COUNCILLOR KAREN FINZEL

Q: Twelve months after your election to Noosa Council for the first time are you still smiling?

confidently lead with authenticity. This sustains me when challenging decisions are on the table, especially given the Cr Karen Finzel level of strategic decisionA. Of course I am still smiling. My making required for Council on any issues to please feel darling mother had the following with the social, environment and free to contact me. words of wisdom positioned economic impacts from the prominently in our family home Q: Would you care to give COVID-19 pandemic. in which I grew up: “A smile yourself a score? costs nothing but gives much. It Q: You campaigned on the theme A. I think any scoring should be left enriches those who receive to give the Hinterland a voice. up to the voters at the next without making poorer those Is it heard louder in Council Noosa Shire Council election in who give.” I reflect often on these days? three years’ time. this. The words remain relevant A. The Hinterland voice is Q: How many goals can you tick today. certainly loud and clear in the off the list and what would Q: How have you changed as a Noosa Council Chambers and you like to achieve over the person, given your councillor throughout the Shire. remaining three years of your role and the roller-coaster Hinterland issues are being term? ride brought about by COVIDtaken seriously by Council. 19 and its impacts on the The communication channels A. A tick should be attributed to achieving the goal of delivering community and local have been further activated courageous leadership for the economy? with the added benefit of the shire as we navigate uncharted newly formed Pomona and A. The core values I hold as a territory while dealing with the District Chamber of person remain at the centre of impacts of a worldwide Commerce Inc. I welcome who I am and remain pandemic. Throughout the next feedback from anyone who unchanged. These values give three years the capacity to wants further representation me a solid base from which I can

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Participants in the Rural Regional Remote Women’s Canberra Muster. provide effective leadership in my role as councillor and to deliver ambitious targets for future generations through the implementation of astute policies that address the needs of contemporary society remains high on the agenda. Of course road, rates and rubbish with no compromise to service levels is essential for any local council. Q: How would you describe the dynamic among councillors and how they work with each other? A. The collective dynamic can be captured in one key word which, in my opinion is, ‘action’. COVID has presented many challenges and fundamentally changed us all. Working in collaboration with each other in our roles as elected representatives, while respecting opposing viewpoints and building trust as leaders across the diverse community we serve, [we can] act with intent for appropriate social, economic and environmental outcomes that are equitable for all. This is essential. Q: In March 2024, when ratepayers again go to the polls, what do you hope you will point to as your legacy? A. Recognition as one who is committed to advocacy for her community, with strong voice for the hinterland through hard work and dedication. The trajectory for the hinterland is for a thriving community underpinned with individuals who choose to live in a community ambitious for itself through a collective commitment to sound economic, environmental and social decision-making around building a great future.

Launch of new women’s collaborative network The 4th of July normally is celebrated as America’s Independence Day, but if Noosa councillor Karen Finzel has her way, it will be better known in our neck of the woods as a day of women’s independence, empowerment and leadership.

launch – appropriately on Sunday 4 July.

Cr Finzel has extended an invitation to women to the launch, to be held at The Majestic Theatre (1.30pm for a 2.30pm start). The event includes a leadership panel Cr Finzel returned from discussion involving Cr Finzel, Canberra recently, where she Cooroy Rag editor Alex Purcell, took part in the annual four-day Pomona State School principal Rural Regional and Remote Alyson Covey and on-line (RRR) Women’s Canberra human rights advocate Melanie Muster, organised by the Bublyck. National Rural Women’s “I invite anyone interested in Coalition. Each year a select joining the NS-WCN platform cohort of RRR women ‘muster’ to engage with others in the in the national capital to be community and to have a say on inspired, learn and network, what matters to them regarding grow their leadership skills and local issues, health and families, give back to their community leadership development, through a volunteer project of networking and support,” Cr their design. Finzel said. Important issues raised included ensuring safety for women and children, supporting women into roles of leadership and underpinning women’s economic security.

The afternoon will also include an interactive leadership activity, afternoon tea and entertainment from Steve and Ainsley Apirana. President of the QCWA The experience enabled Cr Nambour North Coast Division, Finzel to develop the concept of Patsy Lee, will present the a Noosa Shire Women’s opening address. Collaborative Network and Tickets cost $25/$20 and Leadership Group. And bookings may be made through Pomona has been chosen for its the Majestic Theatre website, trybooking.

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Noosa Council News Council struggles to spend works budget Noosa Council faces a huge administrative challenge to spend all of its $31.24 million capital works budget by the end of the financial year. The council’s asset planning coordinator, Alex Neville, informed the May Services and Organisation Committee meeting that capital delivery expenditure to 27 April 2021 was $15.44 million, or just under half of the budget for capital works projects overall, leaving the remaining half to be spent in just three months. Explaining the delay in the roll-out of new projects and work, Mr Neville noted his advice to the council in November and February that there was ‘substantial risk’ in spending available funds on the approved

projects by 30 June, due to staff resignations and resource constraints within the design and delivery team. “This risk has reduced greatly following appointment of a ‘delivery coordinator’ who has quickly adapted to working within the team,” he said. The workload had increased also after Noosa Council received $4.6 million in COVID stimulus funding from other levels of government towards the cost of 25 projects across the shire. Of this number, 19 were either under way or completed. Reporting on this component, Mr Neville said: “Expenditure actuals and commitments exceed $3.4 million as at 27 April 2021.”

NO CRACKS IN PIGGY BANK In its annual review of council finances, the Queensland Treasury Corporation (QTC) has given Noosa Council a ‘sound credit rating with neutral outlook’, which the council says means there are no known foreseeable events during the next 1224 months that would have a direct impact on its capacity to meet its financial commitments. The QTC completed the review based on information provided to February 2021. Mayor Clare Stewart said the rating clearly shows council’s finances are in good hands. She said responsible fiscal management would remain a cornerstone of current and future budget deliberations, underpinned by a financial sustainability policy. Noosa Council controls assets worth $1.1 billion against liabilities of $57 million, the Queensland AuditorGeneral has found.

CEO to step down from top managerial role After eight years in the top job as Noosa Council’s CEO, Brett de Chastel says it is time for him to retire and spend more time with family and on pastimes such as mountain bike riding. So hinterland residents might see him a bit more often on our scenic trails than in his day job, which will last until February 2022. Mr de Chastel, now 60, first joined Noosa Council in 2001 as its Director of Corporate Services and became the CEO at the beginning of 2014. In his eight years in the top job, Mr de Chastel helped steer the organisation though deamalgamation and his guidance and leadership proved invaluable in delivering a string of balanced budgets, while keeping debt at low levels. Mr de Chastel has been pivotal in guiding Council through the response and recovery of the shire through the COVID crisis.

He said the council was in a very strong financial position, with an extremely talented leadership team and wonderful staff. “I feel this is the ideal time for a leadership change to continue to build on the strong base,” he said.

Brett de Chastel, Noosa Council CEO “Now is the right time for me, my family and more importantly for this organisation,” Mr de Chastel said of his decision to leave. “Announcing my intention to transition to retirement early gives the council ample time to find a replacement and ensure there is a smooth handover to the new CEO.”

“It’s time to spend more time with the family, do more mountain biking and make the most of our Noosa lifestyle,” Mr de Chastel said. Noosa Mayor Clare Stewart paid tribute to Mr de Chastel’s leadership and thanked him for his contribution to the community. “Brett has provided a wealth of support to the elected council and we certainly thank him for his tireless work and dedication,” she said. “He will be sorely missed and I know all staff thank Brett for his wisdom, support and ongoing commitment,” Cr Stewart said.

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Council has satisfaction index review

Good and bad news on parking

Ratepayers are awaiting the results of the latest Noosa Council biennial Community Satisfaction Survey conducted last month. The survey, conducted by independent company Market Facts, randomly selected about 400 residents to provide their views on council’s performance and services. It covered about 41 specific council services and facilities. Mayor Clare Stewart said the results would be important in guiding council’s decision-making. “This feedback helps us better understand the community’s needs as we look to continuously improve our services and facilities,” she said. This year, residents also had an option of completing an online version of the survey on the council’s website. In the 2019 survey, three-quarters of residents surveyed rated the council’s overall performance as good or very good. Services with the highest ratings were – libraries (84.9 per cent), waste management (81.5 per cent), and customer service (81 per cent). Areas with the lowest ratings – although overall satisfaction ratings were still very high - included parking facilities (59.6 per cent), economic development (66.6 per cent) and traffic management (68 per cent).

Noosa Mayor, Clare Stewart (right) with Cr Tom Wegener (far left), the State Member for Nicklin, Rob Skelton and Cr Karen Finzel at the sod turning for the new Cooroy Adventure Playground. The good news is that Noosa Council has committed to creating 58 additional parking spaces in the Noosa Hinterland and installing a new raised pedestrian crossing to improve safety. The disappointing news is that all the work will be undertaken at Cooroy. Meanwhile the council has informed Pomona residents that their town doesn’t really have a parking problem – it gets a bit harder to find a parking spot on Saturday mornings only. The Pomona and District Chamber of Commerce has written to Transport and Main Roads Minister, Mark Bailey, requesting that the Reserve Street pedestrian crossing be raised – effectively becoming a speed bump for quarry trucks passing though town. The Cooroy parking expansion is

associated with construction of a new, all-abilities adventure playground, for which work has started. The augmented parking at Cooroy involves:  12 new car park spaces along Maple Street, adjacent to Apex Park;  22 new parking spaces in the heritage area at the Lower Mill Site heritage area, with a pathway connecting to the new adventure playground;  provision for a further 22 overflow car parks along Maple Street, next to the Cooroy Tennis Club;  two new disabled parking spaces in Marara Street. The new raised pedestrian crossing on Maple Street will connect Apex Park and the Cooroy Library.

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Death on the mountain th – the 50 anniversary Each year thousands of people climb Mt Cooroora safely, and it is becoming more popular with visitors seeking a nature-based tourism experience. Here NICK THOMPSON reveals the details of what is believed to have been the only accidental climbing death to have occurred.

Snr. Const. Luis Olsen. (Supplied by Kathy Olsen, of Leyburn.)

The recent death of a young climber and several rescues in the Glasshouse Mountains has brought back memories of a rare fatality on Pomona’s Mount Cooroora.

climbed Mt Cooroora and had met with a mishap”. A search party, including Mr Playford and his 16-year-old son, Brian, was organised and began to scour the mountain on Saturday May 22. Mr Playford found Mr Wright’s body at the foot of the cliff later that morning and it was then recovered before being taken to Gympie Hospital. A post mortem later revealed multiple injuries and an estimate that death had occurred as early as May 17.

The 50th anniversary of the death on the mountain was marked just a couple of weeks ago with a small note and a cairn left near to the spot where 26-year-old Barrie William Wright’s body was found in late May 1971. Exact details of the accident will never be known as the Adelaide man was travelling solo through Queensland. Police believe he was alone when the accident occurred on the south-east side of Mount Cooroora. Snr. Const. Luis Olsen, who took charge of the investigation afterwards, concluded there were no suspicious circumstances. Mr Wright, a railway worker, is believed to have fallen around 30 metres from a cliff, possibly while scaling a rockface in the late afternoon. His body was found in an area well away from any of the defined tracks.

Pomona Dance Social Ball Room Dancing New Vogue & Old Time Dancing Pomona Memorial Hall Tuesday 6.30pm - 9.30pm Cost $4 includes supper Contact Pat & Norm Ph: 5485 2007

The Mt Cooroora rockface favoured by climbers. At the time, it was suggested he might have been caught out by the loss of light as he was not used to Queensland’s short evenings. Mr Wright’s family later confirmed this had been his first visit to the state.

Snr. Const. Olsen later examined the area and was unable to find any evidence to suggest Mr Wright had stumbled over the top of the cliff. “It appears the deceased was climbing the cliff when he fell, as I could find no marks around the top of the cliff to suggest that a body had fallen,” he concluded.

Mr Wright’s brother, Neville, travelled up from Adelaide and identified the body. The extent of the tragedy was only uncovered after Pomona local Edgar He said his brother had been very Playford noticed a Morris Mini Minor strong and that he would often climb without ropes or aids. with South Australian registration plates had been parked by the side of “He did a lot of lone mountain what is now called Pomona climbing and cave exploring,” he told Connection Road for several days. police. After alerting the police, it was “My personal feelings are that he discovered the deserted car might have been caught, either contained Mr Wright’s wallet, climbing or descending, by the very camping equipment and some short twilight.” rotting food. A campfire had been Mr Wright’s death is believed to be set, but not lit, nearby. the only known recorded accidental Snr. Const. Olsen realised “there was fatality on Mount Cooroora. a strong possibility that the person

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Const. ‘Slam’ O’Sullivan fondly remembered

PLOD’S PAGE

I thought I’d change gears this article, step off the soap box and do a short history piece.

curtailing their criminal activities and set upon him one evening as he was walking home from work. They beat and threw him over a five-metre bridge and threatened to shoot him next time.

Growing up in Brisbane in the 1970’s, my grandparents would tell me their stories of a legendary cop from Coorparoo station who policed the area from the 1930’s to early 50’s by by Sgt Dan McNamara OIC the name of Constable John ‘Slam’ Pomona Police Station O’Sullivan. Ph: 5480 1733 Curiosity piqued, I conducted an offduty investigation on him and any struggling pinch often had to be interviewed his surviving sons and manhandled a considerable distance. other persons who knew him when His boys recall their mum tending to he ruled the streets. Indeed, with his wounds weekly and patching up their help and using archived police his torn uniform as if it was nothing. reports, an impressive policeman During the Second World War, emerged. Brisbane was awash with Yank and Slam was born in Belfast in the 1890’s Aussie servicemen and the pubs got a and it’s believed he came to Australia massive increase in trade, when grog to escape involvement in the early was available. Slam was thrown Northern Ireland troubles. Photos through the large double-plated show he was average height at 5 foot windows at the McDonnell & East 9 inches and stocky with very large store by offenders and, although hands. wounded, nabbed them both. He did most of his police shifts alone The Stones Corner Hotel called on on foot, patrolling the shopping Slam when a large angry American areas, tram/train stations, and pubs. serviceman pulled a knife in the pub. He often worked overtime employed Multiple witnesses saw an unarmed by local cinemas and pubs to keep Slam race in and cause the Yank’s jaw order on weekends to earn a few to go one way and the knife another. extra shillings to feed his large Leaving him on the floor, Slam then Catholic family. ordered a beer!

With numerous injuries, he took his family north for five months to a relative’s cane farm to keep them safe and recuperate his fitness. He is then known to have returned to duty and methodically hunted down the offenders, dispensing his own justice on all except one who, forewarned, fled interstate.

Brisbane could be rough in the 1930’s. After local footy matches, it wasn’t unusual to have every local wooden fence paling stripped in order to do battle with supporters of opposing teams in wild street brawls.

One last thing: Slam’s son Gerard told me that Slam hated gambling for the effect it had on struggling families. Therefore, he would have been shocked to know that his beloved wife ran a sly betting ring with the locals for many years!

He didn’t drive and like most of that era, couldn’t afford a car - so he would often stop a military truck on the way to the city and have it take his whole family into town for the day and bring them back later. NoSlam, working one-up, would be seen one objected, it seems. wading into a mob of 30 brawlers His life was threatened many times and emerge bloodied but with one or and the boys knew this was occurring two ringleaders in headlocks, which when their dad brought his revolver mostly had the effect of dispersing home, much to their mother’s the combatants. distress. One well-known group of A police complaint report alleged he kicked one arrested offender in the pants every second step of the way a mile back to Coorparoo station. Police vans were rare back then, so

five crooks took exception to Slam

It seems Slam was feared by crooks and respected by the locals in equal measure as they knew he was part of the very thin blue line keeping their streets safe. He targeted one well-known crook and did his best to encourage him to leave the area or be jailed. Many a big fight occurred in the process. He must have been shocked to see that, when he retired in the mid-1950’s, this crook was ensconced in his favourite pub. He approached Slam and informed him that he had also ‘retired’ from crime and offered Slam a beer. They became firm mates, meeting weekly, and his former sparring partner even gave a heartfelt eulogy at Slam’s funeral when Slam died of natural causes at just 62 years of age.

Truly a lawman of his time, vale Slam O’Sullivan. Until next time, be good to each other, Sgt Dan McNamara OIC Pomona Police 54801733

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Breast cancer research boost as Kin Kin goes pink

Pink Stumps Day at Kin Kin raised $4000 for breast cancer research. A highlight of the social calendar at Kin Kin, Pink Stumps Day raised a record $4000 for the McGrath Foundation fight against breast cancer. And – for the record – the locals, donned in pink, trounced the team comprising Noosa councillors and staff in the annual grudge match game of cricket for the

coveted pink bat trophy. The scorer reportedly marked the run sheets while sitting in close proximity to the beer tent, giving the locals 121 runs in 20 overs to the council’s 90. Among the dozens who contributed to the success of the day, Mayor Clare Stewart thanked Cr Joe Jurisevic, but a big vote of gratitude goes to Wanda Jardine and Anita Poteri, backed by those who donated prizes for the raffle and made pink cup cakes for the game break.

Wanda Jardine (left) puts the squeeze on Mayor Clare Stewart to buy more raffle tickets. Wanda was one of the principal organisers of the fun event. Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community

Enduro is back after 10 years

POPULAR SOIL WORKSHOP Are you interested in learning more about the health of your pastures? If so, why not come along to Country Noosa’s Pasture Soil Health and Plant Identification workshop to be held at 5 Railway Parade, Cooran, on 5 June. Bookings are essential. This workshop is an initiative by Country Noosa, Noosa and District Landcare, and the Mary River Catchment Coordinating Committee, and supported by Noosa Council.

COOROORA SCREENS & BLINDS 19a Factory Street, Pomona P: 5485 1287 / M: 0419 655 901 BACK IN 2021 – Following an almost identical route to the original, the 2021 Noosa Enduro course has it all, from stunning tracks and trails to some of the hinterland’s most challenging terrain, including three of Noosa's major climbs at Mt Tinbeerwah, Sheppersons Hill and Cooran Tablelands Range. The iconic Noosa Enduro two-day cycling festival is back after a 10-year hiatus and will attract 2000 people to the hinterland villages on the weekend of Saturday, 31 July and Sunday 1 August 2021.

endurance athletes, participants in the MTBsanctioned Noosa Enduro 100 will be chasing the clock to complete the course in around four hours. Rides for people of various skills are planned.

Organisers plan to turn the Noosa Hinterland into one giant play-ground across the Noosa Trail Network.

The mass participation ride will follow the same course as the elite riders over a mixed terrain of gravel and private roads, single track, pitted fields and some very technical sections.

Expected to attract some of Australia’s best

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

* Screens & Security Doors * * Shutters * Awnings * * Verticals * Venetians * * Roller & Roman Blinds *

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