RESCUING DOGS AND HUMANS
“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.”
Most agree with American humourist Josh Billings, but how many owe our lives, our mental recovery, even our future to dogs who humans rejected?
Over the past 8 years, Angela and Roger Weeks from PTSD Dogs Australia have rescued 8 unwanted dogs. With a wonderful band of volunteers, they have trained them to rescue their new human partners – all Veterans or First Responders suffering PTSD with gentleness, intuition and unconditional love.
The local charity has been nominated as a 2025 finalist for the King’s Trust Awards Australia in the Commonwealth Business of the Year Award category, which recognises veteran and family entrepreneurs. It is also a finalist in the Social Impact category for the upcoming Sunshine Coast Business Awards.
Angela said, “We pour our souls into this endeavour, driven by the belief that every dog deserves a second chance and every human deserves a loyal companion. Together, we are transforming lives, one rescue dog at a time.”
It costs $40,000 to train one dog
The Australian Property Pendulum:
Buyers and Sellers Enter a New Phase of Opportunity
Noosa Hinterland buyer demand is surging, with a 64% month-on-month increase in Hinternoosa open home attendance. Opportunity is knocking.
from puppy to graduation. Now with up to 10 dogs in training, and relocation to a new property at Cooroibah to undertake a huge purpose-built centre, the couple is reaching out for help.
The organisation urgently needs foster carers for young dogs while in training. Full support, food, vet costs and training equipment are all provided. Mistakenly, people often fear losing contact when the dog goes to its new “person,” but Angela says they remain as family, taking part in training, enjoying social outings, assisting with the adjustment and staying connected. “Being a foster educator is life changing for you and your rescue dog,” said Angela. Volunteers are also urgently needed with so much happening, whether helping with dogs, training, grooming, gardening, maintenance, cleaning or renovating the multi-purpose
a range of valuable resources and support to ensure their success and wellbeing. They receive comprehensive dog training guidance, which includes expert behavioural and assistance dog instruction, along with resources tailored to train a psychiatric assistance dog that meets each individual's unique needs. Additionally, participants benefit from ongoing support. They have access to a heart-driven, caring community and professional trainers who are there to assist them throughout their entire journey, from novice to certified to retired. The program offers empowerment and independence, where participants are given the opportunity to take an active role in their own healing, recovery and daily well-being. This holistic approach ensures that they are not only supported but also empowered to lead fulfilling lives.
Fundraising and events are vital. Roger hopes people will support its upcoming event – The Face Off – to be held on World Mental Health Day on 10 October at 5.30pm at the Maroochy Golf Club, Bli Bli. Volunteers are asked to raise sponsors and shave off beards, moustaches or hair or go blue, with all donations aiding PTSD Dogs Australia. Tickets: events.humantix.com or visit: ptsddogs.org.au. Eileen Walder
Roger and Angie Weeks
WHAT’S ON?
Eumundi Halloween Festival
The 3rd Annual Eumundi Halloween Festival kicks off at 3pm on 25 October at the Eumundi Community Garden, 38 Memorial Dr. The event features a costume contest, free sweets, prizes, a live DJ, face painting and much more. It’s a great opportunity to put on your spookiest costume and join the fun!
Entry is free and all proceeds and donations will support men’s mental health. The event is organised by The Journeymen and supported by the Eumundi and District Community Assn. Visit: FB Eumundi Halloween Festival.
Outdoor movie at Eumundi
Experience Eumundi and Starry Nights Movies will screen the movie Sing 2 at the Eumundi Amphitheatre on 4 October from 6pm.
Sing 2 is a feel-good animated musical for the whole family. Join Buster Moon and his all-star animal crew as they chase their dreams to put on the show of a lifetime in a dazzling new city. You may even want to sign along. This is a free outdoor event. Bring your picnic rug or camp chair. Visit: experienceeumundi.com.au.
Creative Connections
Qld Mental Health Week runs from 4-12 October, and this year’s theme is Connect with Mental Health. The Creative Connections social group at Pomona and District Community House invites
anyone with a creative mind, amateurs, and recovering perfectionists, to join them on 7 October from 10am-12noon to see how much fun it is to connect while being creative. Stay on for lunch. No art experience or skills are necessary. The fee is $3, and no booking is required.
Group members are displaying their artworks so if you can’t make it on 7 October, drop in to the Lawson Shed, Memorial Ave, Pomona to view the exhibition. Visit: pomonacommunityhouse.org.au.
Noosa Open Studios
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Noosa Open Studios runs from 10-19 October, featuring 4 distinct art trails throughout Noosa Shire. Enjoy a scenic drive through the countryside and beaches to visit artists in their studios and view their creations.
This year, 94 artists open their studios over the weekends of 10-12 and 17-19 October from 10am-4pm. Each trail also has a designated midweek open day. For information on where to pick up a copy of the 2025 Noosa Open Studios Art Trail guide visit: noosaopenstudios.com.au/ guide. Alternatively, download the trail app at: noosaopenstudios.com.au/our-app.
Cooroora Woodcraft Show
The annual Cooroora Woodcraft Show is set to take place on 10&11 October at Cooroy Memorial Hall in Maple St. The event is an opportunity for members to showcase their skills, along with woodworkers from other clubs and students from local schools.
Attendees can witness a variety of woodworking techniques including woodturning, carving, marquetry, toy-making, pyrography, scroll saw and furniture. Throughout the day there will be demonstrations, raffles and many items for sale, including wood slabs milled by the members. It’s a fantastic opportunity to appreciate the diverse talents and craftsmanship in woodworking. Visit: cooroorawoodworkersclub.com.
Beatrice Prost
WHAT’S ON?
Heritage walks
Three hinterland towns will host free heritage walks as part of Sunshine Coast Open House –Eumundi, Tewantin and Cooroy.
The Tewantin walk kicks off on 4 October from 9-10.30am, starting at Parkyn Hut on Poinciana Ave. Bruce Cuttle, a historian with the Tewantin Heritage and Historical Society, will talk about the early timber getters, pioneering families and first inhabitants while guiding participants through the business district and along the riverbank where the wharves were built.
Cooroy’s Lower Mill Heritage and Design Tour will be held on 11 October from 9-10.30am. Architect Shaun Walsh will lead the tour from the Butter Factory Arts Centre to the Cooroy Library, Hinterland Heritage Playground, and the heritage-listed kilns and hoppers at the old mill.
Joe Hextall, curator of the Eumundi Museum, will lead a Eumundi Streetscape Walk on 12 October from 11am-1pm. Starting at the QCWA Hall on Memorial Dr, participants will discover heritagelisted buildings, hidden stories, local characters, the upgraded streetscape and the Eumundi Art Trail.
Bookings are essential for each walk. Visit: sunshinecoastopenhouse.com.au.
I Want You
Three-time Golden Guitar winners Felicity Urquhart and Josh Cunningham take to the stage at The Imperial Hotel Eumundi on 17 October with their newly released single I Want You.
Felicity said, “We love being back on the road sharing new songs and stories with our fans. The single I Want You is an instant favourite.” Tickets: imperialhoteleumundi.com.au.
Cooroy Butter Factory
The Cooroy Butter Factory Arts Centre will host 3 new exhibitions throughout October, each exploring the themes of embodiment, touch and environmental sensitivity. The exhibitions will feature The Crooked Line Collective, an arts collective based in SE Qld along with 2 first time exhibitors, Tess Hagan and Caroline Hodges. The opening is scheduled for 11 October from 4-6pm. Visit: cooroybutterfactory.com.au.
Sconetime Cooroy
Join local seniors on 14 October from 1011.30am in the Cooroy Memorial Hall and enjoy a scrumptious morning tea of fresh baked scones!
Open to all, Sconetime is designed to reignite life into the wonderful old halls of the Sunshine Coast. The event is a wonderful opportunity for older people, along with their carers, companions and family to establish a regular social event.
The scones are baked by Sunshine Coast Foodie Martin Duncan and proudly supported and sponsored by Hinternoosa and Noosa Black Coffee. Bookings: trybooking.com.
Noosa Men’s Shed Open Day
Noosa Men’s Shed is holding their annual open day on 11 October from 8.30am-2pm, at Rotary Way, off Wallum Dr, Noosa Heads. It’s a wonderful opportunity to explore the various activities of its members, and to purchase unique products including woodwork, bee and bird boxes, leather work, artworks, plants and honey. Don’t miss the live performance by the shed’s band, The Hip Replacements. Visit: FB Noosa Men’s Shed.
Artwork by Tess Hagan
WHAT’S ON?
Aussie Bird Count
The Aussie Bird Count is back for 2025. Last year’s was Australia’s biggest citizen science event when over 57,000 people counted more than 4.1M birds and provided invaluable data on the distribution and population of our birds. Each day, from 20–26 October, for 20 minutes settle in your own backyard, or a favourite spot, and start counting. Help is given to identify birds. Look out for our locals: pelicans, finches, wagtails, parrots and cockatoos.
All sightings are sent to BirdLife Australia which is a powerful not-for-profit organisation working hard to conserve Australian birds and their habitats. So, register and join the Aussie Bird Count and contribute to this national snapshot. Visit: aussiebirdcount.org.au/faq.
The Rangebow Festival
The Rangebow Festival kicked off in Caloundra on 27 September with a Hot Mess Party and will be in full swing from 7-12 October across Maleny, Montville, Flaxton, Mapleton and Nambour. The festival celebrates community diversity and creativity with a variety of events, including classical music at dawn, a platypus walk along Obi Creek, the Rangebow Microfilm Festival, and unique tennis and croquet games described as “Wimbledon meets Alice in Wonderland.” Other highlights include a drag pageant, Oktoberfest celebrations, fashion and food. Visit: therangebowfestival.org.
Garage sale for Noosa Women’s Shed
Noosa Women’s Shed is holding a garage sale on 4 October from 7am at 63 Shorehaven Dr, Noosaville. All proceeds go towards connecting water and sewerage to their new shed. Grab a bargain while supporting a good cause. Visit: FB Noosa Women’s Shed.
National Hobby Horse Championships
Australia's first National Hobby Horse Championships will be held at the Morayfield Sport and Events Centre on 3 October. Riders will compete in various events, including dressage to music, gymkhana, jump courses, and the high jump.
The high jump record at the July State Championships reached 1.26m, and riders are now aiming to beat the world record of 1.47m set at the Finnish Hobbyhorse Championships. Spectators can also take part in a special multi-challenge course. For tickets and more information visit: t.ly/OT_yJ.
Walk in Wings
Join Sunshine Butterflies for its annual Walk in Wings Fundraiser – Neigh It Forward – at Quota Park, Noosaville on 17 October from 6-8am. Registration starts at 6am with the walk beginning at 6.30am.
Enjoy speeches, prize presentations, and a performance by its members. Dress in purple or wings to support the care of farm animals at Sunshine Butterflies. Prizes for best dressed include vouchers and family passes. Register your team of 4-10 members, with a goal to raise $20,000 to cover animal care costs for a year. Visit: walkinwings.com.au.
I’m Still Standing!
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so I thought it was the right time to share my story.
After 17 years in the real estate industry, I launched Heidi Woodman Property in February this year. Just three months later, in May, I was diagnosed with breast cancer that had likely been developing over the past two years since my last check-up. Not great timing… but then there’s never really a convenient time to get cancer, is there?
Surprisingly, it didn’t show up on the mammogram, only on the routine ultrasound. Luckily, I was having both done. Luckier still, it wasn’t the most aggressive type of breast cancer, and it was caught early enough that it hadn’t spread to my lymph nodes.
Not all women are that fortunate. One in seven Australian women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, an alarmingly high statistic…and sadly, not all survive.
Most of us know someone who has been touched by this disease. It’s an area that desperately needs our support, so from now until next October, Heidi Woodman Property will be donating $500 from the sale of every property listed with us to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. We hope you’ll join us in helping too.
Heidi Woodman 0419 818 418 Sell with a proven professional. woodmanproperty.com.au
COMMUNITY
State electoral boundaries under review
Some Cooroy residents have called for State electoral boundaries to be realigned so that Cooroy is wholly located in Noosa Shire, rather than being confusingly split between the state electorates of Nicklin and Noosa. Additionally, others have called for Doonan, Verrierdale, Eumundi and Peregian Springs to be moved from Ninderry to the Noosa electorate. These suggestions are in response to a discussion paper from the Qld Redistribution Commission which is currently reviewing electoral boundaries to ensure they comply with the Electoral Act in time for the 2028 State election. The Electoral Act mandates that all 93 electorates across Qld to maintain quota, plus or minus 10%, so that each electorate has a similar number of voters. Currently, the Noosa electorate is 3.4% under quota and projected to be 8.9% under quota by 2032. The Ninderry electorate, which includes Peregian Springs, Doonan, Eumundi and Verrierdale, is 9.58% over quota. While Nicklin is projected to be only 1.29% below quota by 2032, the nearby electorates of Caloundra, Buderim and Glass House are projected to be over quota by 45.23%, 13.35% and 19.95% respectively, putting pressure on the commission to move those boundaries.
Submissions from residents of Cooroy, Eumundi, Doonan, Verrierdale and Peregian Springs highlighted that their lives are more aligned with Noosa than Ninderry or Nicklin in terms of shopping, business transactions, travel within the district, and a broader community of interest. Several submissions regarding Cooroy mentioned that having to coordinate with 2 State MPs to secure new or improved pedestrian crossings, safer roads and intersection infrastructure reduced the chances of success.
In recommending any redistribution, the Qld Redistribution Commission’s review must consider economic, social, regional or other community of interest factors, as well as ways of communication and travel within proposed electoral districts. The Qld Redistribution Commission expects to publish its proposed redistribution in early 2026.
Citizen’s Panel ready for work
A newly formed Citizen’s Panel established by Sunshine Coast Council (SCC) is set to commence its duties, bringing together a diverse group of individuals committed to addressing community issues. The panel is composed of residents from various backgrounds and aims to provide a platform for voices that are often unheard in traditional decision-making processes.
Mayor Natoli said this process would give council high-quality insights that could not be achieved through other consultation activities.
“When people from different walks of life learn together, weigh up information and share experiences, the advice they produce is thoughtful, balanced and incredibly valuable,” said Mayor Natoli.
The panel's primary focus will be on local concerns such as public safety, environmental sustainability and community development. By engaging directly with citizens, the panel hopes to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility among residents, encouraging active participation in shaping the future of their community.
Members of the panel have undergone extensive training to equip them with the necessary skills for effective deliberation and decision-making. Their work will be supported by experts in various fields, ensuring that their recommendations are both informed and practical. Visit: t.ly/G73eM.
Introducing Psychologist Debbie Lucas
Debbie is a Clinical Psychologist with 20 years of experience in government and private practice. She has worked for Queensland Health in roles such as Clinical Educator and Senior Psychologist, focusing on mental health, pain management, and early parenting. For the past 7 years, she has practiced privately on the Sunshine Coast.
She sees clients 14+ for individual therapy and all ages for couples and family therapy, both in-person and via telehealth. Her primary approach is Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP), supported by training in Schema Therapy, EMDR, ACT, DBT, CBT, IFS, and trauma-focused methods.
Her specialties include:
• Anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, grief, and loss
• Relationship issues, attachment trauma, and sexual well-being
• Chronic conditions, persistent pain, women’s health, and LGBTQIA+ care
• Perinatal and infant mental health and parenting transitions.
Mon to Fri 8.30am - 5.00pm Closed Weekends & Public Holidays
Suite 6 / 2-6 Etheridge St
Mon to Fri 8.30am - 5.00pm Closed Weekends & Public Holidays
Suite 6 / 2-6 Etheridge St EUMUNDI QLD 4562
Dr Hoda Morris MBChB, MRCGP, FRACGP, DFSRH
Dr David Heppell MBChB, MRCGP, FRACGP
Dr Karen MacMillan MBChB, MRCGP, DRCOG, FRACGP
Dr Paul Baker BMBS, PhD, BSc (Hons), DipAppSci
Dr Simon Menelaws MA (Master of Arts), MBChB
Dr Gillian Cairney MBChB, MRCGP
Dr Carl Faldt MBBS
COMMUNITY
Planning Scheme changes to address Noosa’s housing crisis
The Noosa Plan 2020 has been amended to address the housing crisis in Noosa. These changes, approved by the State and Noosa Council, aim to increase the number of affordable homes and limit short-term accommodation in residential areas. The amendments will take effect from 26 September, following extensive community consultation and State interest checks over 3 years.
Mayor Frank Wilkie emphasised that these changes are crucial for achieving the goals of Noosa Council’s Housing Strategy and the Short-Term Accommodation Monitoring Report. The amendments will provide a wider range of housing options, including smaller and more affordable dwellings such as tiny homes. They will also prevent an increase in short-term accommodation in medium and high-density residential zones and most business centre zones, ensuring new housing is reserved for permanent residents.
The amendments also allow affordable rental premises, tiny homes and other relocatable housing on community facilities, zoned and church-owned land. This will enable organisations to offer temporary and affordable accommodation for families, women and children in crisis.
Additionally, part of the tourist accommodation zone will be rezoned to residential and centre zones to provide housing for residents and key workers. The changes will also enhance development at Noosa Business Centre to create an integrated village offering both housing and employment opportunities.
Other amendments include the creation of a health and wellbeing precinct at Noosa District Sports Complex, expansion of Noosa Junction food and drink outlet trading hours, and improved resident amenity by reducing the height of large sheds close to property boundaries in urban areas.
The Deputy Premier has approved these amendments, with conditions to ensure the delivery of a variety of new dwellings. This includes limiting duplexes in medium density residential zones to sites under 600sqm, driving an increase in the variety and size of dwellings on larger lots.
Mayor Wilkie stated that these amendments will ensure enough land is available for residential housing, improved housing security, and provide greater diversity and affordability to meet Noosa’s housing needs. The changes also aim to support the most disadvantaged members of the community by providing them with the basic human right of a roof over their heads.
Parkyn’s Hut wins award
Congratulations to the team at Tewantin Visitor Information Centre (VIC), which has been named the best volunteer run VIC in Qld for 2025. Tewantin Heritage and Historical Society operate the fully accredited VIC affectionately known as Parkyn’s Hut. This is the third time Tewantin VIC has won this prestigious award. Parkyn Hut volunteers kindly distribute copies of Eumundi Voice each fortnight and are often the first contact for visitors to the area. If you would like to join the team and become a volunteer at Parkyn’s Hut, drop in and speak with one of the volunteers or email parkynhut@westnet.com.au.
Small Wonders Allied Health
April Jones – a seasoned speech pathologist and occupational therapist – recently founded Small Wonders Allied Health at 123 Wust Rd, Doonan. After years working across Australia and internationally, April brings nearly 25 years of clinical experience to paediatric health, offering client-centred, evidence-based care to children and families.
The clinic is set amidst a tranquil residential acreage, and is thoughtfully designed to create a calm, sensory-neutral environment for all visitors. It features spacious speech therapy rooms and a small sensory-motor gym, allowing children to learn in a setting that mirrors their natural environment. Parental involvement is a key aspect of each child’s successful therapy journey.
Small Wonders offers supportive therapy for a variety of needs, including global developmental delay, speech sound delay, late talkers and language delay, sensory-motor differences, school readiness, support with activities of daily living, and functional capacity assessments for all ages.
Assessments and therapies are personalised to each child’s needs and interests.
Services are delivered through regular one-onone therapy sessions, which can be conducted face-to-face or via telehealth, small interestbased groups and intensive therapy blocks. Services can be accessed through NDIS, Medicare, private health and self-funding. Visit: smallwondersalliedhealth.com.au.
New main street trader
Maximum Vintage Emporium has recently expanded, opening a second store on Memorial Dr at Eumundi Emporium, along with their original location at Eumundi Square.
The extensive collection of vintage clothing includes denim, men’s shirts, dresses and cardigans, each piece telling its own unique story through its fabric, seams and stitches. For opening hours visit: Maximum Vintage Emporium Facebook or Instagram.
New real estate agent
Eumundi has a new face in the local real estate market. Mark Ladewig is the principal agent at Bush to Beach Realty. With his roots deeply embedded in the Sunshine Coast and the rolling hills of Gympie, Mark brings a wealth of experience as a third-generation farmer and long-term local from Eumundi. Now, as a passionate real estate professional, Mark is dedicated to guiding his clients through the buying and selling process with confidence.
Mark's genuine and approachable nature, combined with his passion for property and extensive local knowledge, is backed by modern marketing strategies. Bush to Beach Realty offer free appraisals and finance options, including $0 upfront costs and pay-on-settlement plans and are committed to achieving the best results for their clients. Visit: bushtobeachrealty.com.au.
Community spirit in the heart of the Australian bush
Nestled on the edge of the Ringtail Creek State Forest, a remarkable timber mill stands as a beacon of community spirit and craftsmanship. Operated by the Cooroora Woodworkers Club on land provided by a generous local farmer, this vibrant hub is more than just a place to work timber – it symbolises the heart and soul of a community united by a shared passion for woodworking and sustainability.
The club operates 2 impressive milling machines – a Slab Mill and a Swing Mill –each serving a distinct purpose in the timber processing journey. The Slab Mill specialises in transforming massive logs into stunning slabs, perfect for tables, benches, and artistic projects. Meanwhile, the Swing Mill offers versatility, allowing volunteers to work with various log sizes, ensuring that no piece of timber goes to waste. Together, these mills are the heartbeat
of the operation, producing high-quality timber that embodies the beauty of the natural environment.
What truly sets the Cooroora Woodworkers Club apart is its commitment to community involvement. Trees and logs are generously donated by residents, reflecting a collective ethos of sustainability and mutual support. This collaboration not only minimises waste but also fosters a sense of belonging and pride among participants. Each piece of timber carries a story, transformed into something beautiful by the hands of dedicated volunteers.
The numerous drying sheds on-site further enhance the club’s operations, allowing the timber to cure naturally, ensuring durability and quality. The timber is then transferred to the club’s workshops for members to hone their
This page is sponsored from funds raised from market car parking to acknowledge and support Eumundi’s
Community Spirit
skills, learning from one another while crafting unique pieces that often find their way back into the community through local markets and the Club’s Woodcraft Show held in October each year.
In a world increasingly focused on mass production, the Cooroora Woodworkers Club stands as a testament to the power of community, creativity and craftsmanship. It’s a shining example of how local resources, when embraced with passion and purpose, can create not just beautiful timber products but lasting connections among people.
Cooroora Woodworkers Club Woodcraft Show will be held on 11&12 October at the Cooroy Memorial Hall from 8.30am–3pm.
Visit: cooroorawoodworkersclub.com.
Martyn Sawyer
This page is sponsored from funds raised from market car parking to acknowledge and support Eumundi’s
Community Spirit
COUNCILLOR DIV 9 - CR MARIA SUAREZ
Bushfire season here
It may have been a relatively wet winter, but it only takes a week of warm weather for the ground to dry out and a bushfire to become a serious threat. You can prepare your property by mowing lawns regularly, clearing gutters, trimming low-lying branches and checking your emergency kit and household plan are up to date. Also familiarise yourself with the Get Ready Qld website and council’s Disaster Hub –so when a fire happens you know how to react.
Ideas to cool your home
Council has developed a free, educational design booklet, online course and smart phone compass, to help you better understand our local sub-tropical climate and how the sun influences the liveability of our hinterland homes. Implementing even a few tips can make a difference to how your home feels and help lower energy bills this summer. Search Cool homes on council’s website.
Biosphere Festival program now live
From 29 October to 8 November, you are invited to join our Biosphere Festival celebrations. Check out the diverse program and join in with some eye-opening Sunshine Coast Biosphere experiences. There will be celebrations of the people, places and practices that make the Sunshine Coast special. From stargazing nights, farm tours and film screenings, there's something for everyone! Visit council's website for the full program of Biosphere Festival events.
If you have any other issues or suggestions to discuss, please contact me on 5475 9810 or maria.suarez@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.
Division 9 Councillor - Sunshine Coast Council
Cooroy State School
Cr Maria Suarez
COUNCILLOR DIV 10 - CR DAVID LAW
Safer roads for Eumundi I'm pleased we've completed more projects in our division to improve road safety as part of our resurfacing and rehabilitation program, with Caplick Way in Eumundi, and Sheahans Rd (between numbers 121 and 130) in Yandina now resealed. Please refer to our website sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au for the most recent schedule of works.
Biketober is back! One of my favourite campaigns is back, helping us rethink how we move around the Sunshine Coast. Supported by our ThinkChange program. You don’t need to be a seasoned cyclist to take part – just one ride a week during October puts you in the running to win great local prizes. It’s a fun, free initiative that brings our community together and supports our goal of becoming Australia’s most sustainable region. Visit council’s website to register and get ready to ride!
Expressions of interest open for The Curated Plate 2026 Following a record-breaking festival this year, including Matso's Sunshine Coast night food
market in Eumundi and Jazz on a Plate at Kenilworth Public Hall, The Curated Plate is now calling for expressions of interest (EOI) to be part of the 2026 program. I encourage our local industries to get involved and celebrate your produce, culinary experiences and talent.
Qld’s premier food and drink festival attracted more than 10,000 locals and visitors across its 10day program this year – a 45% increase on the previous year. Dates for the 2026 festival have been confirmed for 24 July to 2 August 2026. EOIs are now open and close 1 December. Businesses can submit their concepts online at thecuratedplate.com.au.
Don’t forget if you have any questions, please contact me at email: david.law@sunshinecoast.qld. gov.au and follow my Facebook page for regular updates: @DavidLawDivision10.
Cr David Law
Division 10 Councillor - Sunshine Coast Council
Community News
Focus on health and wellbeing this month
Stay active this October – with both Biketober and Seniors Month with Healthy Sunshine Coast. Supported by Sunshine Coast Council and Love to Ride, Biketober encourages residents to swap the car for a bike and enjoy a healthier, more sustainable way to travel. Visit the Love to Ride website to sign-up – you could win great prizes! This Seniors Month, discover Healthy Sunshine Coast, Council’s low-cost health and wellbeing program – perfect to help keep you active and connected as you age. Visit Council’s website for details.
Have a great idea or event that will make a difference in your community?
Council's Minor Grants applications are open until 27 October. This year, the maximum grant amount has increased to $3,000. Why not give it go? Learn more by visiting Council’s website and searching ‘Grants’.
Watch Council’s next Ordinary Meeting
View online on Council's website or at Sunshine Coast City Hall Chambers on Thursday 16 October at 9am.
Leaf your mark on a greener region
Help shape cooler, greener neighbourhoods by sharing your ideas on the refreshed Street and Park Tree Master Plan. Visit a pop-up event, chat with the team, complete a short survey and take home a free tree! Can’t attend? Use the interactive map online to have your say by 7 November. Let’s grow a legacy together. For details, visit haveyoursay.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.
Get the latest Council news delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up for the OurSC enewsletter.
07 5475 7272 | sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
ROAD SAFETY
About Roundabouts
Roundabouts were implemented to allow a steady flow of vehicles rather than the controlled stop/start of traffic at lights (3 minutes for one in Nambour).
They work well with those who understand and obey the rules-based in legislation. Truck drivers generally get it right; car drivers regularly get it wrong.
Misguided drivers think of roundabouts as an intersection, where giving way to the right – or to those on the main road apply. At a roundabout you select the appropriate lane before entering and you must keep the island on your right. The “steady flow” system works when these 2 important rules are indicated and kept.
Firstly, give way to vehicles on the roundabout. Do not force your way onto the roundabout because you are entering from the main road and going straight ahead. The 5-way Cooroy clock roundabout is a great example. Drivers on
Myall St leaving the CBD regularly ignore cars already on the roundabout coming from the eastern end of Garnet St and blast a horn as they finally slow – clearly behind a vehicle already on the roundabout. Flow is the aim – not speed! Your speed slows everyone.
Secondly, you must indicate your intention using your indicator when approaching the roundabout. If you intend turning off before halfway around the roundabout, you must use your left indicator when entering the roundabout and keep using your left indicator on when leaving before halfway. If you are going straight ahead, no indicator is required when approaching but use your left indicator when leaving. If turning off a roundabout past halfway, indicate with right blinker when approaching and then once past halfway, use left blinker prior to leaving roundabout.
If you don’t indicate when leaving the roundabout this substantially reduces flow. Drivers cannot trust that a car is going left off the roundabout when the right blinker is flashing. Don’t keep it a secret! Tell drivers that you are leaving the roundabout.
The best example of this locally is the 3-way Beckmans / Eumundi Noosa Rd, especially at school pick-up and tradie knock-off time. Traffic would flow so much better if drivers knew where others were really going.
Here is an easy-read link to bring you up to speed on the rules. Pun intended! Visit: t.ly/ VnSHn roundabouts. For a website that states the legislation visit: t.ly/JXlNo (Part 8, Sections 112 and 118 both have penalties of 20 penalty units). Janet Millington
COMMUNITY
Mates Making Music
The success of ShedMusic '25 has set the stage for ShedMusic '26, already in the planning stages. Organised by the Coolum Men’s Shed as a health initiative presented as a music festival, this year's event built on the achievements of last year's inaugural festival, which earned the Coolum Men’s Shed a national health award from the Australian Men’s Shed Assn (AMSA).
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli opened ShedMusic '25, setting a welcoming tone by joining in performances of Country Road and Sweet Caroline. Bruce Ulhorn, Convenor of
ShedMusic’25 and member of the Coolum Men’s Shed, estimated attendance figures at approximately 800, including men, women, children and grandchildren, making it a genuine family and community event.
Over 120 musicians from Men’s Sheds across the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, NSW and New Zealand performed. The main stage offered continuous acts throughout the weekend across all music genres, ensuring there was something for everyone.
The high demand for the Men’s Shed Burger Bar and multiple sell-outs in the RSL kitchen on Saturday night reflected the event’s popularity.
The festival featured a Health Check Pit Stop, managed collaboratively with the Sunshine Coast Health and Hospital team and AMSA. They conducted 400 health checks during the festival, 4 times the number completed last year.
ShedMusic ’25 announced the winners of the Maroochy Shed’s inaugural Song Writing Contest. Bruce Ulhorn won with his song Thinkin’ not Sayin’ and Dai Harris was awarded runner-up for No Fire Inside. Visit: coolummensshed.org.
Rhonda Piggott
EUMUNDI
ROTARY CLUB
Catching kindness in action
Eumundi is known for its creative spirit and strong community heart. Now locals have another way to celebrate that spirit with the #KindnessCounts Awards – a simple way to recognise neighbours, friends, and family who make kindness shine in our local area.
One inspiring example is Oz Bayldon, a muchloved musician and community champion. Over the years Oz has given countless hours to charity concerts, youth projects, and events that lift people up. When he recently faced urgent brain surgery, the tables turned. The community he had supported for so long rallied to support him – organising fundraisers, meals, and messages of care. It’s a powerful reminder that kindness creates a circle: what we give so often returns when we need it most.
The #KindnessCounts Awards aim to capture these everyday acts – big and small – that build a caring culture. Nominations can include individuals, families, schools, groups or businesses. Judges are looking for authentic stories of people putting kindness into action, whether through ongoing commitment or a single meaningful gesture.
Kindness isn’t complicated. Simple acts can transform someone’s day. Here are a few ideas anyone, any age, can do:
• Write a heartfelt thank-you note to a teacher, shopkeeper or neighbour.
• Offer to walk a busy parent’s dog or bring in a neighbour’s bins.
• Invite someone who lives alone to share a meal.
• Organise a street or park clean-up with friends or family.
Every nomination counts. Each story helps flip the news narrative by showing how much good happens quietly around us.
How to Nominate
Visit the Eumundi #KindnessCounts Awards nomination form bit.ly/EumundiKindness to share your story. Whether you nominate a friend, a business, or a community hero like Oz, your vote will help celebrate those who make kindness visible and valued.
Together, let’s show that Eumundi is recognised not only for its markets and art, but also for a living culture of kindness.
Awards will be held at the QCWA Hall, Memorial Dr, Eumundi, at 4.30pm 13 November. Every nominee receives a gift.
ARTS
A technicolour evening
Noosa Arts Theatre’s latest lavish production introduces a whole new generation to a story some thousands of years old – the story of Joseph. Joseph who?
The Bible is filled with wonderful stories, miraculous events, crimes, wars, romance, and lessons to learn, with more fascinating heroes and villains than any weekly offerings on TV streaming channels. However, few Australian children today enjoy Sunday School, attend church, or have Bible stories read to them because parents themselves know little of Moses, Goliath, Ruth, Daniel or Peter.
Theatregoers might recognise Herod as the hilarious androgynous jazz singer from Jesus Christ Superstar, while Moses might be known as an animated cartoon character in Prince of Egypt or Val Kilmer in a very inaccurate The Ten Commandments musical DVD. Lucky greatgrandparents remember Charlton Heston’s epic version.
However, the fabulous story from Genesis of sibling rivalry, jealousy, greed, oppressive rulers,
slavery, mystical gifts, heroic deeds will burst into song, dance and storytelling when Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat opens on 31 October and runs until 16 November. Originally written in 1968 for a school as a 15-minute pop cantata by Andrew Lloyd Webber, and later extended and with lyrics added by Tim Rice, the musical grew to become a huge worldwide family favourite. Songs became huge hits, and many cast members became international stars after lead roles.
Audiences everywhere love the excitement, fervour, the dancing, singing, colourful sets and costumes, including that ‘Coat of Many Colours’.
Noosa Arts Theatre’s 1995 production of Joseph, directed by Pauline Penfold became legendary for the costumes by Margaret Courtney. This new, exhilarating production directed and choreographed by Deb Ellison, again has Margaret creating breathtaking, glorious costumes and a truly ‘amazing Dreamcoat’.
Musical Director Diana Thomson creates magic for the cast with memorable songs, including lots of ensemble numbers and a children’s chorus. A special charity night on 13 November in support of the Noosa Community Foundation features a catered supper and complimentary drink.
Tickets are sure to sell out quickly so book early: noosaartstheatre.org.au. Eileen Walder
Director and Choreographer Deb Ellison
Wardrobe Mistress Margaret Courtney
HOUSEHOLD TIPS
Laundry fiascos
Doing the laundry. How hard can that be? Well, we can probably all generate a list of laundry fiascos that made ‘chuck it in and press Wash’ a recipe for disaster. Here are a few rules – learnt through experience.
Rule Number 1
Check the pockets. I couldn’t work out why my husband’s white sailing shorts and top were a very nice shade of pink, until I found the red paper napkin hidden in the pocket, which rather nicely dyed the clothes. I have kept them in the hope we get to go to a fancy dress or a McGrath Pink Day event. The dreaded ‘tissue-in-the-backpocket’ scenario is all too familiar, necessitating a lot of flapping and picking, or just doing the whole wash again.
Rule Number 2
Read the label. ‘Wash separately first’ is always a good thing to do, so you don’t put the new dark blue trousers in with the normal wash and end
up with swirls of blue through everything. While on holiday in Russia, I sent my clothes – which was, yes, I know, risky – to a local laundry. They came back nice and clean, but one whole size smaller. Apparently ‘Do Not Tumble Dry’ on the label did not translate into Russian.
Rule Number 3
Use the correct machine. My sister’s washing machine was on the blink, she was recovering from an operation, so while waiting for the replacement, she sent her hubby to the local laundromat. He got home within an hour announcing that he “didn’t see why she kept going on about how hard it was.” The clothes smelled nice but bore signs of the powder detergent … so after interrogation it turns out he put the unwashed clothes and powder directly into the dryer. Hm, warm, dry and smelling nice but still unclean.
And I haven’t even mentioned the ‘single sock’ scenario! Ruth Hickey
OUT AND ABOUT
All the fun of the Show
The Noosa Country Show was a huge hit with a wide range of events and exhibits. The reptile display busted some myths about snakes, including that pythons keep other snakes away – they don’t! The live display and information stall on fire ants demonstrated that they are surprisingly small, but so resilient – let’s keep them out of our area.
Orchids everywhere
The Noosa and District Orchid and Foliage Society wowed everyone once again with their Spring show at Cooroy Memorial Hall. Orchid sales were high, as visitors aspired to achieve the level of expertise held by society members.
Tinbeerwah Art Group's annual show
The Tinbeerwah Art Group (TAG) recently celebrated a remarkable achievement, as member Cathy Campbell set a new record at the group's annual show. Cathy’s painting Daybreak earned her both the prestigious Margaret Connolly Hangers’ Prize and the Peoples’ Choice Award.
Mary Zouglakis, the show co-ordinator, proudly announced that this year's event was a bumper success, with impressive attendance and sales figures. The show was officially opened by Gerard O’Brien, a Director of Sunshine Coast Community Services, which operates the Bendigo Bank branches in Tewantin, Cooroy and Marcoola. Gerard acknowledged the bank's ongoing support for TAG and the broader arts community.
In a touching tribute, donations raised during the show will be directed to Katie Rose Cottage Hospice in memory of TAG's founder Gwen Blair, who passed away in 2013.
Amy Gibson with one of her orchids
2025 Grand Champion
L-R Jack Connolly & Cathy Campbell
L-R Richard Hodgson, Fay White, Roxanne Thew
L-R Julie, Allan & Ciera Summers
Imagine Festival
The Imagine Festival held on Gympie Tce in Noosaville on 13 September was a delightful celebration that brought joy to both kids and parents. Youngsters, dressed in all their fairy finery, enjoyed the various free events –including bubble gum blowing competitions, juggling lessons, pony rides, and rock climbing. They also had the chance to dress up as royalty, sit in royal chairs and have photos taken by their parents. The free community event was sponsored by Bendigo Community Bank in honour of its 21 years supporting the Noosa community in association with Noosa Alive!
FOOD
The Shared Apron: A culinary journey for
teens
Created and co-tested by Sunshine Coast local mum and son duo, The Shared Apron cookbook is a treasure trove of over 65 easy and nutritious recipes using everyday ingredients. The cookbook is designed to teach teens the basics of cooking and build confidence in the kitchen, develop lifelong skills, and create more connection at home through food. The foolproof recipes are not only tasty for teens, but also for their family and friends. The cookbook is packed with creative recipes, ranging from one-pot butter chicken to Mexican black bean burgers, rustic apple raspberry pie to passionfruit cheesecakes.
Author and mother Julie Jansen is a home economist, recipe writer, food stylist, and has her recipes featured in numerous cookbooks, food magazines and websites. The Shared Apron is her second self-published cookbook, following the success of Apricots & Apron Strings. Julie believes that teaching kids to cook is a simple solution to future nourishment.
Ethan Jansen at just 15yo is already a passionate cook. Confident with a chef's knife, Ethan is adept at preparing family meals, whipping up snacks for friends and inventing innovative recipes. He is keen to show other teens how simple and enjoyable it can be to prepare delicious meals at home. Visit: thesharedapron.com.au.
TRAVEL
Mapping apps
There are loads and loads of apps out there, so we are always on the lookout for good, new ones to help our daily lives. Here are 2 which can help with local, national or international travel.
MAPS.ME will help you find where you are, or where to go – when there’s no internet. It works like Google maps, but you must download the maps you need before you head off. You can bookmark home, places of interest, and places to get to. You can search for places, create routes, and organise your favourites. A very useful feature, especially when in unfamiliar locations, is to record your track and save it, so you can follow it exactly on the return journey. It’s based on open source so you can add places and share with other users. You can also share your location, by email or SMS, with another user
which is very useful. I use this app a lot when away from home, to bookmark a hotel, plan a route to a local tourist destination, and get the route for my return journey by walk, drive or subway.
ALLTRAILS is another great offline app to find trails for walking, running or hiking. Explore by destination to find local tracks at your desired location and zoom in to see the dotted lines. You can record your track with photos, and get data on speed and distance, add it to your personal list, and even pause when you are taking a breather. Shared tracks form part of the trail community. I used this app recently at Carnarvon Gorge, to plan my day to ensure I would get back to the information area before dark.
Ruth Hickey
DOWN MEMORY LANE
The booms and busts behind Monopoly
The Sunshine Coast now has its own version of Monopoly following its launch on 17 September. Mayor Rosanna Natoli said, “who hasn’t dreamed
of owning the Big Pineapple or even the Ginger Factory? This is such a fun twist on a family favourite”. Buy, sell or trade places along the coast from the Original Eumundi Markets to Kenilworth, Mooloolaba, Caloundra and the Glass House Mountains.
The game that became known as the capitalist board game was first created by American Lizzie Magie in 1903 as The Landlord’s Game. The story of it going to market had a few turns around the board of its own.
From its inception, the Landlord’s Game aimed to seize on the human instinct to compete, but Lizzie created two sets of rules: an antimonopolist set in which all were rewarded when wealth was created, and a monopolist set in which the goal was to create monopolies and crush opponents. Her goal was to highlight the ills that would prevail for most workers should monopolies gain a stranglehold in the economy. She dreamt of equality prevailing and wanted to use the game to show players the pitfalls of market dominance by a few landlords.
The wealth distribution aspect of the game
never caught on, though its popularity spread amongst intellectuals and small groups until the 1930s and became known as Monopoly. Enter Charles Darrow, who was shown how to play the game in 1934 by some Quaker friends. Darrow was totally taken with the game and despite the fact Lizzie Magie had a patent, he claimed it as his own when he sold Monopoly to games manufacturer Parker Brothers.
It was not until the 1970s during a court case involving Parker Brothers and Ralph Anspach, the inventor of the game Anti-Monopoly, that Anspach accidentally discovered it was Magie, not Darrow, who was the inventor of Monopoly. Parker subsequently bought the rights from Magie but did not credit her as the inventor.
Rhonda Piggott
ON THIS DAY
World’s fastest man on water
On 8 October 1978, Australian Ken Warby MBE set a world water speed record at Blowering Dam, NSW. Clocking 317mph or 511km/h in his motorboat Spirit of Australia, his record remains to this day. No one else has exceeded 480km/h and survived. The challenge is often described as one of the most dangerous in existence.
Warby’s childhood hero, Donald Campbell, died after his hydroplane crashed at over 320mph (515km/h) on his return run in his 1967 record attempt.
Warby was a mechanical engineer and designed and built the hull himself in his backyard, on a shoestring budget and without sponsors. In the early 1970s, he bought 3 military surplus Westinghouse jet engines at auction for $265 and teamed up with 2 aircraft men from RAAF Base Wagga Wagga who helped refurbish them. The boat was made of wood and fibreglass.
On 20 November 1977, Warby set a new world water speed record of 464.46km/h, breaking the existing world record held by American Lee Taylor by a little over 4.8km/h. Almost a year later, in 1978, Warby did even better, reaching 511.11km/h. Warby had to be strapped into the aircraft-style cockpit. He apparently described his piloting of Spirit of Australia as, “You don’t drive the boat, you wear it.”
In 1978, Warby was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his services to speed boat racing. Spirit of Australia is now at the Australian National Maritime Museum in Sydney.
OCTOBER 2025
2 The Nook Sessions: Ayla + Jesse Taylor, Cooroy, globe t.ly/ErVUi
4
Outdoor movie Sing 2, Eumundi Amphitheatre, globe experienceeumundi.com.au 4
Oktoberfest, Cooran, globe noosahinterlandbrewing.com.au
7-12
The Rangebow Festival, Various locations, globe therangebowfestival.org
9 Frida's Sip & Paint
Matso's Sunshine Coast, globe t.ly/HNPte
10&11 Cooroora Woodcraft Show,, Cooroy, globe cooroorawoodworkersclub.com
9-12 Heart of Gold Film International Short Film Festival, Gympie, globe heartofgold.com.au
10-19 Noosa Open Studios, Various locations, globe noosaopenstudios.com.au
11 The Roy Orbison Story, The J, Noosa, globe thej.com.au
11 Noosa Men’s Shed Open Day, Noosa Heads, globe noosa-mens-shed.org.au
Cooroy Memorial Hall, globe t.ly/SdPlP
Urqhuart & Josh Cunningham, Eumundi, globe imperialhoteleumundi.com.au
17-19 Buderim Open Garden Festival, Buderim, globe buderimgardenclub.com
19
Cooroy Car Show, Cooroy, globe combinedcoastalcarclub.com.au
24 Pink Up Cooroy Fundraiser Breakfast, Cooroy RSL, globe t.ly/PKjV0
Photo courtesy of warbymotorsport.com
TRADES & SERVICES
VOICE:
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DOONAN Adam Kuczynski 0407 596 547
