Cooroora Connect An Initiative of Pomona & District Community House
November 2021
Pomona in the Park out of recess Pomona State School is a hive of activity with designing costumes, choreography rehearsals and mixing of music.
The Pomones.
Pomona in the Park is the school’s annual community event. Family and friends from across the hinterland will once again converge on Stan Topper Park with their picnic rugs and hampers for an evening of fun and entertainment, culminating in a farewell to Year 6 students.
lighting technicians and to showcase their achievements in Arts and Technology.
The school sends thanks to sponsors - Alligator Water Tank Cleaning, Pomona Post Office, Unity Water Teachers have planned a GROW Landscapes., line-up of acts to rival any Laserzone, Mary Valley international variety show - Rattler and Gympie RSL. all for a fabulous night of This allows the students entertainment, Pomona in the opportunity to perform the Park, on Thursday 25 with the support of November. professional sound and
It is the time of year when Pomona is able to sit back as the students and staff of Pomona State School say ‘thank you’ for the community support they have received this year. Showcased on the night is the talent we have at Pomona State School. The audience will have an opportunity to listen to the school choir, the winners of Pomona’s Got Talent and the school’s own rock band
Cooroy Pomona Lions Club will supply food and drink, together with other stall holders.
Pomona State School students (pictured) will show their creative talents in Stan Topper Park on Saturday 25 November.
The Pomona State School P&C Association is running a Mega Raffle, which is full of fabulous prizes from local businesses and community members. To be one of the winners, purchase a ticket before or during the evening. The show commences at 5:30pm, so bring your rugs and cameras to Stan Topper Park on the evening of 25 November. The students look forward to providing an entertaining night.
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Jab numbers remain low in hinterland More than 80 per cent of Noosa Shire residents had received one dose of anti-COVID vaccine by 23 October, and more than 63 per cent fully vaccinated, but health authorities and Noosa Council remain concerned at the relatively low protection against the virus in the hinterland. In hinterland communities, only 54 per cent of the population had had two doses of an approved vaccine. A mobile clinic was established at the Cooroy campus of the NDSHS on 23 October to make it easier for residents to access the free immunisation service. “Access to vaccinations in the hinterland has been challenging so we are very happy to see this development,” said Kerri Contini,Noosa Council’s Director of Community Services. Jabs againat COVID are available at pharmacies in Pomona and Cooroy.
Social Indoor Bowls at Pomona Hall Wednesday 9am - 11.30am Arrive 8.30am
Pool lease fee ‘open to negotiation’ by Rachel Bridger
the pool open for community use.”
To date, Pomona State School has not received any applications from parties interested in opening the swimming pool for community use for this season.
The lease fee for community use of the pool was initially set at $5500 for the 2021/22 season, which was due to start in late September and runs through to May 2022. The lease fee, the cost of life-guard, first aid, pool operator qualifications and public liability insurance are fully off-set by a $10,000 grant from Noosa Shire Council, which is available for the operation of a community-use pool.
Principal, Alyson Covey, points out that despite a number of inquiries, no-one has taken the next step. “It is a shame no-one has come forward. I am open to negotiating the lease fee and payment terms. However, regulations for operating a public pool are set by the Queensland Government.” She added: “We remain committed to keeping the pool open to the community and we continue to invest in maintaining and upgrading the facilities. We absolutely want to continue offering free swim lessons to our students and also want to see
Pool lifeguard (with First Aid) and pool plant operator courses are available through Australian Swim Coaches and Teachers Association (ASCTA.com) and Royal Lifesaving Queensland (rlssq.com.au). Public liability insurance is also available from ASCTA. Contact: Carol Crump, Pomona State School (07) 5480 8222
ASSISTANCE GRANTS FOR TOURISM OPERATORS Grants of up to $100,000 are available for eligible tourism and hospitality operators, including employing sole traders, who are facing significant financial hardship as a result of COVID-19 travel restrictions and interstate lockdowns. The Tourism and Hospitality Sector Hardship Grants Program provides funds to support businesses so they can continue offering a viable product and retain and ramp-up
their workforce as interstate tourism markets fully open. The grant is part of the $600 million AustralianQueensland Government COVID-19 support package to help Queensland’s tourism and hospitality businesses. Applications are open until 6pm AEST, Monday 22 November 2021. Go to the Tourism Noosa website for more details.
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New Women’s Collaborative Network launched The long-anticipated launch of the ‘Noosa Shire Women’s Collaborative Network’ finally arrived taking place recently at the Pomona Majestic Theatre. It has been initiated and implemented by Cr Karen Finzel. Cr Finzel was one of 10 women who were selected from 200 applications Australia-wide to participate in an intensive four-day leadership program hosted by the National Rural Women’s Coalition Muster 2021 held in Canberra. “The purpose of the project is to put the knowledge, skills and experiences I gained at the Muster to purposeful use in my local community” Cr Finzel said. Guest speakers at the Noosa Shire Women’s Collaborative Network held at the Majestic Theatre were (left to right) Alex Purcell, Alyson Covey, Melanie Bublyk and Karen Finzel. Participation in the Muster enables participants to learn skills for effective advocacy on issues faced in their community, examine the knowledge, skills and capacities required to lead effectively, be introduced to and hear from experienced leaders from diverse backgrounds, increase confidence in the boardroom environment and visit Parliament House to gain a better understanding of political decision making processes and advocacy. “I care for my community, and I want to act to ensure women and children are safe from violence, strengthen women’s economic security and support more women into leadership roles, and I am taking action”.
by local Noosa Hinterland artist Dr Tamsin Kerr along with ‘Floating Land’ artists Melissa Standard and Ann Harris cyanotype print, with the works unique in their depiction of the feminine form. Guests were treated to open and intimate conversations from the panel members who shared their own personal stories around what leadership means to them as they work towards achieving goals and aspirations in their chosen fields across government, media, education and human rights. Audience participation was invited, with questions directed to the panel. This resulted in a broad range of discussions covering leadership, gender inequality, mental health, finances and housing.
The highlight of the Noosa Women’s Collaborative Network launch included a panel discussion with Cooroy Rag Editor, Alex Purcell, “The Noosa Pomona State School Principal, Alyson Covey and Ananke Magazine Shire Women’s Collaborative editor-at large Melanie Bublyk. Network has The Noosa Shire Women’s the capacity at a Collaborative Network event saw a grass roots level broad range of Noosa Shire women to provide come together for the celebration advocacy which included fine art works on around issues display donated for use at the launch affecting
women where they live; to bring about change and build community resilience.” said Cr Finzel. Following afternoon tea, a moving performance by local musicians Steve and Ainsley Apirana delighted the crowd with original songs written and inspired by Ainsley’s memories of a cherished childhood capturing precious moments spent with her mother. Feedback provided from the guests on the day indicates people were inspired and would like to see more advocacy and collaborative events in the future. If you would like further information please contact Cr Finzel 0499340277.
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Here’s how to stay connected as you age well In collaboration with aged care specialists Home Instead, Relationships Australia Queensland and local medical professionals, Staying Connected is a community forum offering keys to ageing well. Pomona and District Community House is proudly hosting the event – to be held at the Lawson Shed, Pomona on Wednesday 17 November.
with this proportion projected to grow steadily over the coming years. By 2036 it is estimated that the percentage of people aged 65 and over in Noosa Shire will have grown to 30.5 per cent, or almost one-third of the entire population.
panel session will delve deeper into some of the fundamental issues to date, but perhaps more importantly explore the opportunities for care and support services available in our region.
Relationships Australia Queensland Not only are we living longer, but our (RAQ) was founded over 60 years ambitions and lifestyle goals are also ago and now has a broad scope of changing. focuses, including elder abuse, With an interest in creating an open connecting seniors, elder mediation, The event will feature guest speakers dialogue with our community to victims of crime, and support for from diverse backgrounds, including understand the challenges of ageing people who have experienced a clinical gerontologist, financial while highlighting the importance of institutional abuse. RAQ offer protection advisor and senior staying connected - particularly now specialist support, advocacy, representatives from local support information and referrals for seniors as we experience an unprecedented specialists - all of whom have an on the Sunshine Coast and in time of social isolation - this event unwavering dedication to the aged regional areas through the Senior will include a complimentary care sector. Relationship Services. To access morning tea and an opportunity to More than 23 per cent of Noosa’s these services, please call 1300 063232 engage an expert Q&A Panel. The population is aged over 65 years, or email eapss@raq.org.au. Home Instead has earned a reputation for coordinating the much -needed education and more holistic health initiatives in the community, implementing a whole range of innovative programs and workshops for locals, organisations, and their members. Home Instead is now offering free in-home consultation to anyone living in the hinterland region who would like more clarity on the process of accessing aged care support. For more information on accessing in -home care, carer support or to book a private consultation with one of Home Instead’s dedicated Care Consultants, please call 5443 3562 or send an enquiry via https:// homeinstead.com.au/locations/ sunshine-coast-gympie/ There are no costs to attend this event. If interested, please RSVP by phone or emailing james.rickards@homeinstead.com.au or by calling James on 0436 440 250 as tickets are limited to 26.
TIGHT RENTAL MARKET There is only one house available for rent in Pomona according to the industry site, realestaste.com.au. Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community
5 Things have got a bit, err, ‘hairy’ during the pandemic as men, in particular, kept socially distanced from their barber. Those who have embraced their hirsute side may have a head start in the fund-raising stakes towards addressing men’s health issues this month, which has been renamed ‘Movember’. November is designated men’s health month, where men are challenged to grow a moustache to create conversation and raise funds for men’s health. This year the event is more important than ever, with research showing that loneliness in COVID-19 lockdown impacted the mental health of four in 10 men.
CHANGING THE FACE OF MEN’S HEALTH movement, helping men across the world live happier, healthier, longer lives.
For those involved, money raised during Movember helps fund Not only that, men are dying before groundbreaking health projects across mental health and suicide their time. Globally, men are dying 4.5 years earlier than women, and for prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer. Since 2003, largely preventable. Movember has funded more than The month of Movember is globally 1250 men’s health projects around recognised for its fun, disruptive the world, challenging the status approach to fundraising and the quo, shaking up research and unique ways it prompts men to take motivating men to take action for action for their health. More than six their health. million people across 20 countries have joined this global men’s health Here are some things you can do towards this worthy cause:
Commit to running or walking 60km over the month, at your own pace. That’s 60km for the 60 men we lose to suicide each hour, every hour across the world.
Rally a crew and do something fun and easy. Hosting is all about having a good time for a good cause.
Or you can Mo your own way. Create your own challenge – it can be anything. A gruelling test of physical endurance or something else entirely. Your epic efforts will help change the face of men’s health.
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Support local shops
The pandemic has resulted in many of us shopping closer to home. The Pomona and District Chamber of Commerce wants that to continue through the slogan Go Local First. Renewing members of the Chamber will receive this tote bag and posters promoting the ‘shop local’ message.
FRESH COOKED FOR YOU Crispy, tender, wholesome chicken, as you like it. Available all day – lunch or dinner Now at the Shell Servo, Corner Factory and Hill Street, Pomona Phone through your order: 5485 1106 Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community
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Successful first year for our district Chamber of Commerce The Pomona and District Chamber of Commerce (PDCC) is one year old and its president, Phil Moran, says it has been a busy year in difficult times. “The genesis of the PDCC was to have a strong voice to communicate to Noosa Council and the state government on issues of concern to our businesses,” Mr Moran said. “The pandemic cast a long shadow over everybody, and business in particular. In the hinterland we have not experienced the crippling effect that COVID has had on accommodation and hospitality operations along the coastal strip. However changes had to be made by many of our members in the way they operate,” he said. Chamber membership exceeds 40 businesses.
and the PDCC had striven to keep Chamber members informed as to activities and opportunities as they arose.
Kin Kin. The Pomona grant enabled us to purchase an electronic kiosk, which has our members’ details by location and business type.”
Phil Moran “We have developed a good working relationship with the other Chambers in the shire, the main vehicle for this being via the Noosa Council’s Business Round Table. And we held a highly successful joint members night with our southern neighbour, the Cooroy Chamber.”
He said the Kin Kin Community group were working through details with Noosa Council to have a small information kiosk installed in the main street of that town, using TN grants funding.
He welcomed another exciting project on the horizon - injection of $1.61 million in government grants to upgrade the Noosa Trail Network and associated facilities and signage. Mr Moran continued: “To all our members, we have tried to respond to inquiries and offer assistance Mr Moran thanked the Cooroy where possible. We are a fledgling Chamber and president Chris Bell for Chamber, in the greatest spot in their our ongoing partnership. Australia. From the outset, our job as The local Chamber has also business owners in the Biosphere will “I have been immensely proud to strengthened ties with Tourism be to manage growth in a sustainable witness the adaptability of our Noosa [TN]. way so we do not diminish the members. We have fantastic member food outlets, and they have all been “Tourism Noosa has also adapted to quality of our hinterland.” able to change to takeaway, to adopt the pandemic by changing it’s The PDCC will conduct its AGM on social distancing, to continue trading marketing target to more regional 24 November. Mr Moran will again – which means they continue to tourism, and via a grants program stand for the position of president. employ people. which has had terrific results for the NO REMEMBRANCE PDCC,” Mr Moran said. “Not only does this assist the DAY SERVICE economy of our shire, it has an “As TN could not hold large events as A formal Remembrance enormous effect of the social fabric previously, they set up a grants Day service won’t be of our community,” he said. program to be distributed and held at the Pomona Rotunda War managed by the various chambers. Mr Moran said there had been Memorial this year. interesting changes in the hinterland The PDCC was successful in two grants - one for Pomona and one for
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Pomona Community House planning for the future Changes in how we interact with each other, access services and the nature of those services – brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic – have required Pomona and District Community House (PCH) to update its strategic planning to 2025. “Community House managed to provide many services during the lockdown in July and August, but the management committee realised we needed fresh input to guide us into the future,” said re-elected PCH president, Lesley Matthews.
Lesley Matthews their time and effort in delivering PCH services.
Heather Manders Society, Uturn, Lifeline, Red Cross, OZ Harvest, “We are all about making a IFYS Ltd, Urban Angels and Cooroy-Pomona Lions difference, making connections and providing Club. key opportunities to the Urban Angels continues to ever-changing needs of the deliver much-needed local community,” she frozen meals to PCH for said. “Staff and volunteers distribution.” “This past year, we have went above and beyond to also created a PCH had been successful help in 2021.” comprehensive Risk in securing funding from Management Plan to “The past year has been the Foundation for Rural identify, report and rewarding and challenging and Regional Renewal to manage any risks that as an organisation and I operate two youth groups. Community House may believe our PCH team can This funding paid for face. It is a valuable guide be very proud of what we qualified social workers to for staff and volunteers, if have accomplished. We facilitate the Young Men’s and when the need should have been very fortunate and Young Women’s arise.” during this time to be able groups, which are well to keep our doors open attended by local youth. She made the comments and support our clients.” when reporting to the PCH More broadly, PCH was annual general meeting, Ms Manders acknowledged able to provide support held on Saturday 30 the work of the PCH and facilities for other October. Community Coordinator, groups and activities, Kathryn Shewring, for her among them computer PCH creates opportunities organisational skills and tutoring, music lessons, a for individuals and groups ability to keep programs writing group, French to come together for the running, no matter what lessons, social games, benefit of the broader the difficulties. “It’s great gardening, astronomy, community and encourage having a team mate who is table tennis, the Great activities, programs and committed, inspiring and Upcycling Challenge events that support supportive,” she said. project, Boomerang Bags community participation, social interaction, health A number of organisations and Cuppa, Cake and and well-being and which had contributed in helping Conversation. promote a safe and just PCH to support the The free Cooroora community. community, including Connect monthly Waves Of Kindness (Alpha magazine had been In her report, coordinator and Omega), the Salvation another service to keep the Heather Manders thanked Army, St Vincent De Paul community informed, Ms the many volunteers for
Kathryn Shewring Manders said. Federal government funding from the Stronger Communities Program ($15,015) paid for Community House to be painted by a local company, Evans Painting Contractors. The new paint job has made the house even more inviting and welcoming. Ms Manders said the Queensland Gambling Community Benefit Fund had been tapped for $4250 to purchase new equipment. “All items purchased will be of great benefit for groups utilising the space that PCH makes available.” Finally, she thanked the wider business community for acknowledging the work of PCH and offering support and donations. Special thanks to our major funding partners Queensland Department of Communities and Noosa Council.
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Our museum at ‘cutting edge’ of rare fish research A rare 120-year old sawfish rostrum in the Noosa Museum collection is assisting science to map populations of the large rays which used to be distributed widely along Australia’s east coast. The 1.2 metre ‘saw’ was found in the upper reaches of the Noosa River in the 1900s by local fisherman Fred Lister and his sons. A note written on the back of the saw by Dud Lister in 1980 reports the sawfish had been mauled by a shark when found. Recently, Nikki Biskis, of Sharks and Rays Australia, visited Pomona to take a small sample of the rostrum to be used for DNA testing as part of her PhD project at Sunshine Coast University. Ms Biskis said it definitely was the oldest saw she had located to date and was excited with the find. She identified the rostrum as coming from a green sawfish, which are now most commonly located north from Cairns, but in the past were found as far south as Sydney. She explained that female green sawfish swim up saltwater estuaries to breed, which may be why this one was located in the Noosa River. Some further research in old newspapers has identified there were quite a few sawfish sightings and catches in Tewantin in days gone by.
family collections – or historic photographs- - to assist with the project. “Any rostra are especially useful, because if I can take a very small DNA sample, this will enter the global database for sawfish genetic research,” she said. “The collection of historic research is valuable analysis into how populations have changed in size and distribution over time.” Green sawfish are listed as vulnerable under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). Story: Noosa Shire Museum.
Nikki Biskis, student, with the sawfish rostrum at the Noosa Shire Museum.
START ON ROUNDABOUT CONSTRUCTION SGQ Pty Ltd was assessed as the best of five complying tenders that Noosa Council evaluated for construction of the Beckmans Road roundabout as a critical first stage of the Tewantin bypass. Work will start later this month and will be completed by 22 July 2022, weather permitting. Largely funded by the state government, Noosa Council has agreed to manage project delivery. At a cost of $7.8 million, it is the largest project council staff have designed in-house. The work includes a council-funded component – a pathway leading to the Carramar retirement home.
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Ms Biskis currently is seeking any fish saws locals may have in their
All Earthworks
Shed / Houses Sites Trees / Stumps Cleared Lantana / Scrub Cleared 12 Tonne Machine 4 In 1 Bucket / Ripper On Board Laser Steep Slopes
Phone John 0455 916 231 Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community
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Stand-up comedy duo go on stage at The Majestic Too often there is a lot of pressure on women in the traditionally maledominated industry of stand-up comedy to prove themselves. The Sunshine Coast Comedy Festival provides the platform for a particularly entertaining pair to deliver their stuff.
Both are straight-talking independent women who keep the stories coming. They are sparkly, charismatic women who, if you met at a dinner party, you would be enthralled by, chin in hands as they deliver one funny, entertaining tale after the other.
It’s a bit risqué, but the audiences like the rapidfire comedy of Mandy Nolan and Ellen Briggs, to be performed at The Majestic Theatre.
They come armed with a repertoire chock full of mum jokes, Stand up comedians Mandy Mullumbimby hippy digs and tales Nolan and Ellen Briggs join forces in Mandy and Ellen will bring their about waxing, trying on clothes and their show, Women Like Us, to witty repertoire to The Majestic deliver two hours of rapid fire, sharp, Theatre on Friday 12 November, from having to deal with snooty shop assistants. But that’s just the tip of honest, sometimes self deprecating, 7pm to 9pm. Doors and bar open the iceberg. Their humour is warm, somewhat irreverent stand-up from 6pm, with tickets costing $45, sometimes politically incorrect and comedy for audiences who love their or $40 concession. always entertaining. humour straight from the lip.
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AT THE RAILWAY STATION GALLERY:
Cooran artist presents his ‘retrospection’ reflection Retrospection is a collection of work by artist and musician Jon Francis, spanning several decades from life in a city environment to the presentday where he has been working from a more serene base on the Sunshine Coast. A graduate of the Queensland College of Art in the mid-seventies, Jon has been living and loving the inspiration from the Noosa Hinterland for the past 26 years at Cooran; balancing his interests in music and art derived from the local environment. He also promotes the multiple uses of bamboo. From producing commissioned works in painting and sculpture, Jon has experimented with watercolours, oil and acrylics, as well as the odd pastel portrait.
Kin Kin art fair has something for everyone The Kin Kin Art Fair, to be held on Sunday 7 November, offers art lovers an opportunity to buy something unique for Christmas. Admission is free and visitors can meet local artists and watch expert painters, jewellers and even woodwhittlers in action at the School of the Arts, from 8am to 4pm. The event complements the new Kin Kin Market at the showgrounds, starting at 8am. The work of Kin Kin schoolchildren will also be on display and local singer Lia Rizzo will entertain visitors. During the day, some exhibiting artists will be sharing their techniques. Come and catch up with locals and enjoy morning and afternoon refreshments.
His three-dimensional work began with woodcarving and clay and eventually led to carvings in sandstone. He created garden art for family and friends, becoming a recipient of a Queensland Association of Landscape Industry award in 1991 for the best landscape feature. Jon’s focus has been centred around the beauty of our natural environment, with a view to the preservation of all life forms free from the exploits of fossil fuel extraction.
Jon Francis
The grand opening of Jon’s Retrospection will take place on Saturday 6 November. It will feature live music from the Rimba Tones performing a selection from their Jon’s solo exhibition has been on his amazing, uplifting homegrown ‘bucket list’ for more than a year now repertoire. The exhibition will run until 1 December. and is coming to fruition at the Pomona Railway Gallery this month. In the Banana Shed, The Up-Cycled / It features some work from the mid- Recycled exhibition Scrap the Trash seventies along with more recent can be seen – part of the Pomona paintings and sculptural reflections Great Upcycling Challenge. of the Noosa Biosphere.
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Sangha Room Teahouse and community wellness centre opens at Cooran The Sangha Room Teahouse and community wellness centre, recently opened at Cooran, offers a wonderful community space with family-friendly facilities, including a therapy centre, herbal practitioner, art classes, community groups and more.
massage and touch therapy. The Sangha Room Teahouse also hires space to groups and offers many community activities. These include life drawing, creators circle, kids club, positive parenting workshops and discovering our human retreat.
It’s also a place where all can meet and enjoy a coffee At the Teahouse, you can or a light snack. also support our local The Teahouse is home to artists in business – a Danique Living's neurowonderful way to purchase holistic re-directional unique gifts this Christmas, therapy and Queensland's or partake in a workshop. first award-winning Relax The Sangha Room Tea kids program, as well as house is at 30 King Street, human movement therapy, Cooran. Website: https:// play therapy, needleless www.thesangharoom.com. acupuncture, Ayurvedic au/
Since opening, the Sangha Room Teahouse has attracted many locals to the suite of activities now available from its premises at 30 King Street, Cooran. Coffee and gifts are available from this very flexible space.
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Kin Kin features in travel magazine focus on Noosa As we emerge slowly from the restrictions applying to COVID-19, our tourism sector – so vital to the Noosa economy – is beginning to thrive again. The attractiveness of the hinterland receives exposure this month, with Country Style magazine featuring Noosa in the November issue. The six-page spread showcases restaurants and healthy eating, riverside bliss, country towns, hinterland trails, shopping and where to stay. Tourism Noosa coordinated the feature through our Visiting Journalists Program.
business and lifestyle in the hinterland. Jodie and her partner, Brett Gowley, rescued the Kin Kin General Store from demolition eight years ago. It is the heart of the village.
RED CROSS VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Please contact the Pomona Red Cross Op Shop if you would like to volunteer. Please Phone 5485 2934 for more information.
“You come here if you appreciate the quietness of a village, and being so close to all the beaches and national parks,” she is quoted as saying. “We’re in a little valley, so we’re encircled by amazing hills, which is incredible for sunrises and sunsets.
We’re also linked to three of the Noosa Network Trails – they’re for walking, cycling and horse-riding. Country Style has an Everyone’s got their own audience of 240,000 little garden, so it’s a food magazine readers, 500,000 bowl, and a lot of people -plus digital readers and have solar – it’s a really 800,000 social followers. good example of what a The stories quoted Jodie little village can be,” Jodie Williams, of Kin Kin’s said. Black Ant Gourmet, on her
Good news for district beekeepers In good news for district apiarists, beekeepers have won a 20-year extension to place their hives in national parks in Queensland. Premier Anna Palaszczuk has announced that the state government would prepare legislative amendments to grant the extension through to 2044.
“Under the current Act, apiarists were required to transition out of national parks by the end of 2024. However, successive Queensland Governments and the industry have been unable to find suitable alternative honey sites for beekeeping.”
The tradition of “The decision will formally beekeepers placing hives extend beekeeping permits in state forests and forest for a further 20 years in reserves was interrupted certain national parks that when some of these were created as part of the reserves were melded into SEQ Forest Agreement in national parks through the 1999,” the premier said. SEQ Forestry Agreement.
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Cordwells responds to call Cooroora Connect to limit quarry operations Deadline for
19 November 2021
Email: heather@pomonacommunityhouse.com.au
Cordwells Resources has responded to criticisms of its Kin Kin Quarry operations and associated truck movements with a statement on its website that emphasises its local connections and a desire ‘to work with the community to provide an essential service’. The statement reads: “Cordwells Resources is aware of some community concern regarding the presence of quarry trucks on the road in certain areas and at certain times. It is also aware of the support by other members of the community for the Kin Kin Quarry and the service provided. “The Kin Kin Quarry was approved by [Noosa] Council in 1987, and the validity of that approval was defended by the council in 2010-2011 in the Planning and Environment Court against a challenge by the Kin Kin Community Group. The council then approved the current Quarry Management Plan (QMP) in 2016.
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Cordwells Resources operates the Kin Kin Quarry in accordance with that development approval and the Quarry Management Plan (QMP). The operation of the Kin Kin Quarry is strictly regulated and supervised by the council, the Department of Resources and the Department of
Environment and Science. “What Cordwells Resources seeks to achieve is an acceptance that truck movements are an inescapable and legitimate part of the business. Provided the QMP and other aspects of the development approval are complied with, the roads need to be shared to enable this essential resource to be supplied to the [local] community. Otherwise, there will be more trucks on the road travelling longer distances for quarry materials sourced from further afield. “The request by the council in an open letter to the media [requesting that] trucks stop during school bus times and significantly reduce truck movements to a more manageable level is not in accordance with the development approval and is an unreasonable request to make of Cordwells Resources. The Council has not made such a request to any other business, nor to the construction and essential roadwork projects which utilise the resource. “Local people are employed by Cordwells Resources and the resource provided is used for essential building and roadwork projects in the Sunshine Coast area.”
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Cooran’s role in formation of shire
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.
On the 100th anniversary of the formation of Noosa Council, the council honoured tradition by meeting at the Cooran School of Arts hall – the location of the inaugural council meeting in 1910. This picture shows councillors in session at Cooran on the 50th anniversary. Suits and ties appeared mandatory in those days. In the debate about where the council should be headquartered, a plebiscite of ratepayers was ordered by the state government. Cooroy and Pomona were the contenders, with residents of those towns being loyal to their respective communities. The people of Cooran, who did not want to ride a horse or train ‘all the way to Cooroy’ to conduct council business, supported Pomona’s bid. The Noosa Shire Council headquarters remained in Pomona for the next 70 years before it moved 1980 to the current location on the riverbank at Tewantin.
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Mural artist Austin stands in front of his newley- completed composition at the Cooroy State School tennis courts. The art work was painted with the assistance of the school P and C Association. www.nitsua.com.au
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New museum committee plans exciting direction A new stand-alone storage space will be found for many of the permanent collection items on show at the Noosa Shire Museum to free up the former shire chambers to be more of a functional display area with refreshed displays renewed every three or four months according to themes – this is the objective of newly-elected president of the Cooroora Historical Society, Anne Coombes. Ms Coombes also wants the building painted inside and out, carpets pulled up to reveal hardwood floors, the building airconditioned to preserve the condition of delicate items and parts of the collection not directly relating to Noosa Shire and its history de-accessioned, or sold on. “We will be reviewing the deaccessioning policy to ensure the relevance and integrity of the collection.”
outgoing Noosa Shire Museum president, Trish Kearton, supported by former vicepresident, Heather Ford. “Trish has done some amazing work and it has made a big difference,” Ms Coombes said. Ms Coombes also acknowledged the work of volunteers involved in cataloguing the museum collection and writing the history of each item using a data entry system known as ‘mosaic’.
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She will be assisted on the committee by new vice-president Andy Perry, secretary Glenise Buckley (re-elected) and committee member Robyn Sanderson.
Ms Coombes is a past committee member, having held the position of secretary. Boosting membership and having a larger and more secure income stream will be high on the new However, it is not a case of ‘new committee’s agenda. Events such broom sweeps clean’, she stresses, as ‘a night at the museum’ and but more of a transition to a new ‘afternoon tea at the normal reinforced by a business museum’ (with talk) will be plan that refocusses the institution explored. within contemporary Noosa, Ms There will be a membership drive. Coombes said. Better uses for the museum’s “There are a lot more new and younger people moving into the shire and they want to know our history and we need to preserve and document a lot more of it before it is lost,” she said.
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extensive photo collection will be explored. New signage and better access for people with a disability were other areas to be explored, Mrs Coombes said.
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Noosa’s tourism light shines bright in tough times caused by virus
The Sofitel resort, Noosa Heads. Noosa’s tourism market has recorded the strongest visitor results since the start of the pandemic. Tourism Research Australia’s National Visitor Survey for the year ending June 2021 showed the region welcomed more than one million domestic overnight visitors.
tough with the prolonged interstate border closures.” During the period under review, a record 769,000 Queenslanders visited Noosa. This was a 27 per cent increase compared with 2019.
They spent a record $584 million, almost double their spend in 2020 and 51 That was a 2.2 per cent per cent higher than in increase on the pre-COVID 2019. 2019 year, and they spent “While COVID restrictions $967 million – an increase continued to disrupt the of 8.2 per cent over 2019. tourism industry, we Tourism Noosa CEO Melanie Anderson said the figures were the strongest for domestic overnight visitation since the start of the pandemic. “Some of the measures even broke preCOVID records,” Ms Anderson said.
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“While this is great news for the hundreds of businesses that have been working tirelessly to keep afloat through the constantly changing COVID conditions, we’re aware that the past few months have been very
continually monitored consumer sentiment and ensured our marketing campaigns were flexible enough to quickly hit the available markets, and this has paid off,” Ms Anderson said. While interstate visitor numbers fell 36 per cent to 250,000, and spend fell 24 per cent to $383.5 million, their spend per person increased to $1533 and remains more than double the average Queenslander spend of $760.
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Future of bejewelled butterfly in our hands by Phil Moran, Noosa Landcare General Manager I have been a devoted tree hugger for quite a while. I have worked with Noosa and District Landcare for more than 20 years. The property I share with partner Kim was the first Nature Refuge declared in Noosa shire.
workshops on the butterfly’s life cycle, and conducts talks about threats to its existence. Historically, the main threat has been habitat destruction of its food plant to make way for housing and commercial development.
Birdwing vines are being planted by enthusiastic, like-minded souls. You do not need five or 50 acres to do this - a suburban block will suffice. The food vines can be planted on fences, Another major threat is the trellises and in large pots planting of the exotic too. Dutchman’s pipe And, I like butterflies. I In the bush at home, I had have been a member of the (Aristolochia elegans). In a noticed one or two very case that’s a bit like Richmond Birdwing small plants that looked Conservation Network for ‘mistaken identity’, the like the dreaded female Richmond Birdwing many years. In this role, I Dutchman’s pipe. Filled try to educate people about Butterfly will lay her eggs with shame, I set about this wonderful, vulnerable on a leaf of the Dutchman’s trying to find the ‘mother Pipe plant, thinking it is butterfly (Ornithoptera lode’ or parent plant. Like Pararistolochia praevenosa. richmondia). Noosa most bush blocks, I have Landcare grows and The hatched larvae will eat some good areas, and distributes the larval food the leaf of the imposter plenty of weedy areas. plant Pararistolochia vine and then die. Some areas I have left the praevenosa, conducts To counter this, many Lantana and other weeds
Left: The Richmond Birdwing Butterfly, endemic to the Noosa region, is on the endangered species list. You can help give it a brighter and safer future.
grow – they are providing habitat, creating shade, and producing leaf litter, and I just did not prioritise these areas. It took a while, but eventually I saw the ‘purple blotched flowers...hanging gracefully down’ in our bush. Dutchman's pipe is a restricted invasive plant under the Biosecurity Act 2014. The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries [DAF] has a good fact sheet on this scoundrel. See https:// www.daf.qld.gov.au/ __data/assets/ pdf_file/0004/68701/ dutchmans-pipe.pdf.
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Emergency service cadet unit seeks new members The Cooroora PCYC Emergency Services Cadet Unit meets every Wednesday afternoon of the school term, for training at the Pomona Fire and Rescue Station. Cadets may join from age 12 to 17 and, while there is no cost, parents or Guardians are requested to supply their cadet with black work-boots. Troy Harris will be taking over the role of Local Cadet Coordinator in 2022 from longtime stalwart Su Below, and will bring elements of fire fighting to the cadet curriculum. The course already covers first aid, maps and navigation, general rescue, storm damage, land search and radio communications. Local Emergency Services Cadet Coordinator, Su Below (left), Bruce Dawson, Cadet Leader and Deputy Coordinator (second left), together with cadets and her new replacement, Troy Harris (right). The group is pictured outside the Pomona Fire Station.
Su Below has been recognised within the community for her dedication and obvious love for her work in developing the skill sets of our district’s youth. Bruce Dawson with 21 years experience has also been a valuable asset to the Cadet program. Both are set to retire in the new year. For anyone interested in signing up for this excellent program, please contact the Local Cadet Coordinator on 0407592229 or esccooroora@pcyc.org.au.
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Trust and loss
PLOD’S PAGE
Pomona, a great little town, is just far enough away from the big smoke and just 30 minutes from the surf: good sense of community, a family town with great people and low crime. Well yes, most of those still apply in 2021 but there remains a complacency about securing vehicles. No matter how many times we say it, by Sgt Dan McNamara OIC Pomona Police Station people continuously leave the doors Ph: 5480 1733 of their unattended cars unlocked and even with windows down - in town or parked at their houses and New order on the street. The remarkable past 18 months have This has coincided with a group of changed our routines, created waves some petty crooks availing of disruption, anxiety and increased themselves of the easy pickings on our ‘viral vigilance’; and notably, offer and, consequently, we are introduced words and phrases not experiencing a spike in unlawful used in the pre-COVID lexicon. entry and stealing from vehicles in Think about it. How many times did the hinterland towns. we use vaxxed, lockdown, border This is possibly the most preventable bubble, social distancing, contact crime as 99 per cent of cars have tracing, double dosed, supersecure central locking and alarms. spreader and self-quarantine before But again, people are still getting 2020? ripped off and having to buy new Nationally and particularly in phones, cancel and replace credit contrast to most of the world, the cards and licences and replace Sunshine State has dodged a sizeable valuable personal property, not to mention the risk of identity theft and bullet as far as COVID outbreaks go. fraud. Queensland, with a smaller and more These offences are typically occurring late night or early morning and the offenders are a small group of opportunistic petty crims taking advantage of your complacency. Trust us, if you can’t be bothered to push a button and lock it, it’ll be your loss.
dispersed population than the southern states, and with warmer average temperatures and border controls, has largely avoided the pain and lockdown purgatory experienced by New South Wales and Victoria. Some of this is about to change.
With most governments planning to reopen borders within the next three to four months and adopting a war footing of preparation for the expected leap in COVID cases, we’ll have the double-edged sword of greater freedoms and sadly, greater casualties. I don’t think we can pay the Ambos, hospital and health staff enough for what they are about to do for us and we need to support them wherever possible. Data indicates that the current and emerging COVID strains will infect a large percentage of the population within the next 12 months, but we will adapt as we’ve always done. We’ve been there before, between 1918 and 1920; the world lost approximately 50 million of the 500 million infected by the Spanish Flu. Forty per cent of all Australians caught it and, despite our swift quarantine measures and favourable demographics, we still lost 15,000 out of a population of 5.4 million. However, COVID is not the Spanish Flu. One hundred years on we’re in a much better position to defend against these viruses, save lives and recover. We don’t know what the new normal will look like. So far, Aussies have largely managed to keep calm and carry on. With a great community like ours working together there’s plenty of hope for the future. Stay safe until next time.
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Chamber to give Baroque performance at Cooroy
Help restore our natural bushland
The Pacific Chamber Players will present their annual Baroque Brilliance concert at Edulo and also at Cooroy, with the local performance to be staged at the Cooroy Memorial Hall on Sunday 14 November, starting at 2.30pm. The Eudlo performance will be held the day before, 13 November, 2.30pm at Eudlo Hall. The programme will feature talented players and instrumentalist Janet Brewer accompanying on her beautiful locally-made harpsichord. As always, Nancy Tow will be presenting a very informative talk at 2.00pm preceding the concerts which starts at 2.30pm. Bookings are available at www.pacificchamberplayers.com, and at the door, $28 adult, $25 concession and $10 students. Further enquiries 07 5446 8128.
Some of the locals helping maintain the pristine character of the wonderful bushland surrounding our hinterland towns. The Hinterland Bush Links Noosa Chapter began July last year through the partnership of Noosa Landcare, Hinterland Bush Links and Noosa Council.
This saw the formation of the Noosa Roving Restorers volunteer regeneration group run by Noosa Landcare Project Officer, Tamara Kubica. The program sought to help protect and enhance native bushland health and biodiversity within our region. Over the past year, this enthusiastic and hard-working team has helped many local landholders with weeding and planting projects on their properties. Though the most valuable aspect of this program has been the connection with the community, it has been very rewarding to see the friendships made and the transfer of knowledge among the group members. The Roving Restorers will be running again for another year, with Noosa Council committing support to the program in its recent Environmental Projects and Alliance Grant release. To participate, sign up to the mailing list or check on the Facebook page to find out when the next Roving Restorers day is being held.
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Mayor pays tribute to retiring council CEO Noosa Mayor, Clare Stewart, has acknowledged the significant contribution made by retiring Council CEO Brett de Chastel through his 32 years of dedicated service to local government. Mr de Chastel retires on 2 November. Following 20 years with Noosa Council, Mr de Chastel proposes to pursue his volunteer work and enjoy time with his family. “We wish him all the very best,” Cr Stewart said. In 2014 Mr de Chastel was appointed to the position of the first Chief Executive Officer of the newly formed Noosa Council following its deamalgamation from Sunshine Coast Regional Council. In eight years in the CEO role, Mr de Chastel has overseen the creation of the new Noosa Council from its infancy in
developing foundation systems and services to now a highly capable local government, offering services and policies that are in keeping with community values. Cr Stewart said Mr de Chastel was known for his calm manner and integrity. “He has capably guided three mayors and groups of councillors, the Executive and more than 450 staff through the challenges and opportunities found in leading a local government enterprise,” the mayor said. “He has a great care for people and making a positive difference through public service. He has been committed to the importance of local government as the level of government closest to the community, to listening to the community and working hand-in-hand with them to deliver the best outcomes for now and into the future.”
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Every Saturday 7am - 12 noon Retiring council CEO, Brett de Chastel, and the Mayor of Noosa Shire, Clare Stewart.
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