MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM EUMUNDI VOICE
Welcome to our final edition for 2025! May we extend our warmest Christmas wishes to all readers, advertisers, volunteers, supporters and local community groups. The production of our not-for-profit publication brings together people, stories and events which in turn provide us with a vital ingredient – a vehicle for connecting our community. Our heartfelt thanks go to everyone who has shared stories, and to the wonderful local businesses whose advertising has enabled us to distribute over $14,500 in community donations so far this year, with our final grant round currently under review.
As we celebrate Christmas, let us keep in mind those who find this time of year difficult. Let's be kind to those around us. Giving doesn’t have to cost anything other than a little time. People don’t often remember the size of the gift. They remember the feeling of being seen.
For those who wish to donate to those less fortunate this Christmas there are many charities and Christmas appeals. Here are a few:
Heart for our Hospice Appeal supports Katie Rose Cottage Hospice, which provides compassionate palliative care and
Photo: @rynos_photos
Season’s Greetings from the Team at Hinternoosa
Wishing you a joyful Christmas and a wonderful New Year. Thank you to our valued clients, community and professional network for your support throughout 2025 - it has been our privilege to work with you in the beautiful Noosa hinterland.
We look forward to continuing to provide trusted guidance, dedicated service and genuine local expertise in the year ahead.
Thinking of selling in the New Year? from the team at Hinternoosa.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Scan
outreach nursing for local families. Donations help maintain 24/7 care and essential services, making a meaningful difference for those facing end-of-life challenges. Donate: t.ly/Rqf8F.
The Noosa Mayor’s Christmas Appeal urges the community to donate gift cards, labelled presents, and non-perishable food for families facing hardship. Local charities will distribute donations. Donations can be dropped off by 22 December at Noosa Council’s offices, 9 Pelican St, Tewantin, Cooroy Library, Maple St, Cooroy or Tewantin-Noosa RSL Club, Memorial Ave, Tewantin. Visit: noosa.qld.gov.au.
The Urban Angels Christmas Hamper Appeal is supported by MP for Ninderry Dan Purdie and coordinated by Melanie Ottaway. The organisation invites locals to donate non-perishable food for those in need. Nearly 200 volunteers distribute meals and hampers. Donations can be dropped at Dan Purdie’s office at 11 Heathfield Rd, Coolum Beach. Every contribution helps brighten Christmas for the community. Contact Melanie Ottaway 0438 708 122.
The 2025 Integrated Family and Youth Service’s (IFYS) Christmas Drive was launched recently by the Federal Member for Fairfax Ted O’Brien, urging Sunshine Coast locals to support families struggling with rising living costs.
The appeal provides gifts and essentials to those in need. Donations can be made online or delivered unwrapped to IFYS at 37 Dalton Dr, Maroochydore or Mr O’Brien’s office at 17 Southern Drive, Maroochydore by 12 December. Visit: ifys.com.au.
From all of us at Eumundi Voice and the Rotary
Club of Eumundi, may we wish you a joyful Christmas and a New Year filled with good health and happiness. May 2026 bring you peace, prosperity and many reasons to celebrate with loved ones.
WHAT’S ON?
Santa’s coming to Matso’s
The Christmas spirit is set to arrive at Matso’s Brewery in Eumundi as Santa Claus makes a special appearance on 21 December. Families are invited to join the festivities from 1.30-4.30pm, with face painting between 1–4pm while Santa is present. It’s a wonderful opportunity for families to come together and celebrate the season with joy and cheer.
In addition to the festivities, Matso’s is extending its goodwill by offering donations from their local community fund. Charities and organisations interested in participating are encouraged to reach out to Matso’s General Manager Matt McGree at matt.mcgree@gooddrinks.com.au.
WISHING EVERYONE A MERRY CHRISTMAS
AS WE WRAP UP THE YEAR, WE WANT TO EXTEND OUR SINCERE THANKS FOR YOUR ONGOING SUPPORT.
OUR COMMUNITY AND CLIENTS ARE THE REASON OUR SMALL BUSINESS CONTINUES TO GROW.
WISHING YOU A SAFE, MERRY CHRISTMAS AND ALL THE VERY BEST GOING INTO THE NEW YEAR.
WHAT’S ON?
The Polar Express
Experience Eumundi is sponsoring a free community outdoor movie night presented by Starry Nights on 20 December at the Eumundi Amphitheatre 54 Memorial Dr, Eumundi from 6-8.30pm. The movie will be a family favourite: The Polar Express.
Grab your spot early, bring your family and friends, and enjoy a magical movie night under the stars. Event details may change so check: t.ly/l_e-p.
Heart Foundation Noosa River Walk
Join local walkers each Friday for a free, medium-paced walk along the river, before enjoying a social coffee afterwards. The walk is dog and pram friendly. Meet in front of the Noosa Boathouse Restaurant 194 Gympie Tce, Noosaville, at 6.30am during the warmer months. The next few dates are Fridays 12, 19 and 26 December. Contact John: jboland534@ gmail.com or 0405 107 598. Visit: t.ly/zZVPH.
Acrobatics workshops
Acrobatics workshops are on at Wildfire Fitness, Shop 1/79 Memorial Dr, Eumundi on 19 December. The cost is $30, with bookings through Trybooking for each class.
Acrobatics Plus from 9-10am is for beginners to intermediate level – current and new students are welcome. Unlock your potential with a dedicated Back Handspring and Aerial Workshop from 10-11am designed to fast-track your skills, safely and confidently. Open to all levels but walkover experience preferred.
Advanced Acro Workshop from 11am-12noon promises to push your limits for experienced acrobats ready to master high-level skills and sharpen their technique. Back handspring or aerial required. Visit: wildfirefitness.com.au.
New Year’s Eve
Locals and visitors can celebrate New Year’s Eve with a bang across 3 locations on the Sunshine Coast, with all events being glass and alcohol free for a safe and family-friendly experience. Coolum: The Lions Club is adding to the firework excitement with a great family-friendly event from 5–9pm with roving performers, food trucks and light entertainment. The event will culminate with fireworks at 8.30pm.
Caloundra: Head to Kings Beach Amphitheatre where from 4–10pm you’ll find rides, face painting, roving entertainment and food trucks with a 9.30pm fireworks display.
Mooloolaba: Enjoy fireworks at both 8.30pm and midnight, launched from an offshore barge and visible from multiple viewing points from Maroochydore Beach to the top of Alexandra Headland to Point Cartwright.
SCC Mayor Rosanna Natoli said she was delighted to see the midnight fireworks return to Mooloolaba and said, “If a meal at a local restaurant appeals, Mooloolaba traders are looking forward to welcoming locals and festive season visitors. Or for something more casual, pack a picnic, gather friends and loved ones and head out to one of the vantage points.”
Plan ahead for traffic and parking. Consider leaving the car at home and arrive via bus or bike. Council’s Bike Park is available at Mooloolaba Esplanade opposite Meta St, where you simply ride your scooter or pushbike, leave it with the ThinkChange team and collect it when you’re ready to leave. Visit t.ly/WJmsh
TransLink is adding increased services, so take advantage of 50c fares and plan your journey using the Translink Journey Planner. The 600 and 620 services will operate every 15 minutes from 6pm-1.30am. Visit t.ly/fuZVG.
WHAT’S ON?
Sunny Coast Rude Boys
Summer holiday workshops
A wide choice of summer school holiday workshops for kids and teens is offered through the Noosa Council website. This summer holidays Living Well will be trialling a series of holiday workshops for kids and teens in collaboration with Noosaville and Cooroy libraries. Bookings are opening soon, so bookmark the website.
Kids can join an Indigenous Dance Workshop on 13 January at Noosaville from 10.45-11.30am, and Cooroy 1.45-2.30pm.
Teens (11-18 years) can join a Hip Hop Workshop on 9 January at Cooroy from 10.45-11.30am, and Noosaville from 1.45-2.30pm. Bring a small towel, water bottle and comfy sportswear. Come and join Florence to explore the benefits Yoga can offer young bodies and minds in a fun and interactive way. Kids (6-11 years) can join our 15 January workshop and Teens (12-18 years) can join our 22 January workshop. Both are at the Cooroy library and run from 1-4pm.
Visit: t.ly/0xQyj.
Noosa cruises
On Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights in December and January you can enjoy a social cruise on the refurbished M.V. Catalina –Noosa’s only floating premium event space with unrivalled access to the pristine Noosa River. The lower deck provides the flexibility of uninterrupted vistas with allweather capability while on the upper deck, retractable awnings provide shade and shelter while you take in Noosa’s finest perspective of sunsets. Visit: catalinanoosa.com.au.
Sunny Coast Rude Boys are a 10-piece soundwave hailing from Australia’s Sunshine Coast beaches. United by a love of ska, this bumper-sized, uncontainable troupe of musical collaborators has attracted the attention of a diverse and growing fanbase interstate and internationally. Following a sellout national and UK tour, this ever-evolving, ever-electric sonic experience crew have put the BRIZ-ska scene on the map. They will be performing at The Imperial Hotel on 13 December at 8pm. Bookings: t.ly/4xl2v.
D.I.V.E.’s School Holiday Theatre Program
D.I.V.E. Theatre Collective is hosting its School Holiday Theatre Program on 17 December – a full-day workshop from 9am-3pm at the Black Box Theatre, 80 Howard St, Nambour for young people aged 12-17 years.
This is not a traditional acting class. Instead of working from a script, teens create their own scenes through physical theatre, collaborative devising, movement training and creative writing. They explore themes that matter to them, express themselves in both English and their mother languages, and finish the day with a small showcase of their own work. Tickets $90.
Visit: t.ly/QhPO9.
Hillbilly Goats
The energetic and fun Hillbilly Goats are set to light up the stage at the Nambour Lind Lane Theatre, 16 Mitchell St, Nambour on 19 December from 7-9.30pm. YEEHAW! Them Hillbilly Goats are hitchin’ up the wagon and rollin’ into town – and they’re bringin’ a boot-stompin’, washboardslappin’, banjo-blazin’ hoedown that’ll blow the roof clean off the barn! Tickets: t.ly/OuEMo.
WHAT'S ON
Jimeoin – Ballyhoo
Jimeoin returns to The J on 17 January with his show Ballyhoo. Jimeoin has a great ability to turn mundane events into humour, delivering a night of laughs. This is a 15+ event. Tickets: thej.com.au.
Gaza Skate Team
Gaza Skate Team,
Pomona Walking group
The Pomona Pacers walking group meets every morning outside the Community House, Reserve St, Pomona, from Monday to Friday (except Public Holidays) for a brisk 1-hour walk. Routes vary and may include scenic areas such as the base of Mt Cooroora and Yurol Forest. During summer the walk starts at 6.30am until the end of March.
Noosa Regional Gallery at Riverside, 9 Pelican St, Tewantin, has 3 exhibitions that challenge your perception of sport and “invite audiences to view skateboarding not as a public nuisance, but as a platform for the reclamation of place, identity and spirit”. The self-proclaimed Gaza Skate Team defies the destruction around them by reclaiming bombed streets as makeshift skateparks, even balancing atop an unexploded missile.
Sunshine Coast-based artist and curator Warwick Gow, and Australian artist Shaun Gladwell’s video work Storm Sequence (2000), provide new perspectives on skateboarding.
Opening night 12 December 5.30–7.30pm. Free tickets via noosaregionalgallery.com.au.
Mooloolaba Christmas Boat Parade
Organised by the Mooloolaba Yacht Club, the Christmas Boat Parade will take place on 20 December from 7pm. The event will illuminate the Mooloolah River and nearby canals with a vibrant display of lights on boats of all sizes and types. Everyone is encouraged to join in with a decorated vessel – both private and commercial boats are welcome. Visit: christmasboatparade.net.
On Wednesdays, members visit a local café after the walk, welcoming both regular walkers and those recovering from injuries. Once a month there’s an “out of town” walk that typically lasts 1-1.5 hours, with a hearty breakfast at a café before returning to Pomona. Contact 07 5485 2427. Visit: t.ly/lY7CF.
Sunshine Coast Stars
Head along to The Presynct at Shop 2, 15 Ann St, Nambour on 18 December, for a special endof-year jazz celebration. The house band – Ross Nixon, Peter Walters and Trent Bryson-Dean – will be joined by an exciting lineup of special guests throughout the night. Escape the Christmas chaos, sit back, and treat yourself to an evening of world-class live jazz. This is an 18+ event.
Meat and cheese platters are available from the venue. You may bring dinner from elsewhere to enjoy inside the venue. No thongs permitted. No outside drink. Doors open 6pm, show starts at 7pm. Parking available behind the venue. Tickets $20-$80. Visit: t.ly/FjbYD.
Woodford Folk Festival
An annual event for many, and a delightful surprise if you haven’t been before, the Woodford Folk Festival is on again 27 December to 1 January. Six days and nights of music, talks, yoga, cabaret, vaudeville, visual arts, jazz and blues – with 450 acts and 1,600 shows at 20 on-site venues.
It’s one of the most successful festivals because it offers so much variety, great food, shops, roving entertainment and a lake for cooling off. A special children’s area is always a drawcard. Volunteers needed. Tickets: woodfordfolkfestival.com.
Ollie on Missile
COMMUNITY
Energex outage finder
With storm season in full swing, Eumundi Voice wants to acknowledge the dedicated Energex crews who have worked tirelessly to clear fallen trees and restore power after recent severe storms. Their efforts have helped repair thousands of power failures across the region. To check the status of outages in your area, you can use Energex’s Outage Finder site to search by street, suburb, postcode or council district, and see how many customers are affected. The site provides details on the causes, such as damage by severe weather, planned maintenance, car accidents, wildlife or technical issues. Also listed is the estimated time to fix the outage.
The site also allows you to register for SMS or email alerts, report outages, report fallen powerlines or electric shocks, and see about planned outages. Visit: t.ly/QHEZy.
Disaster assistance
Residents in Noosa and Sunshine Coast Council areas affected by the severe storms during November, can now access financial assistance to recover. Declared suburbs in our area include Boreen Point, Belli Park, Coolum, Cooran, Cooroibah, Cootharaba, Doonan, Eerwah Vale, Eumundi, Kenilworth, Kin Kin, Lake Macdonald, Ninderry, North Arm, Peregian Beach, Peregian Springs, Pinbarren, Ringtail Creek, Valdora, Verrierdale, Tinbeerwah, Yandina, Yandina Creek and others, plus targeted addresses in Black Mountain, Cooroy, Noosa Heads, Pomona and Sunrise Beach.
Apply online at qld.gov.au/disasterhelp or call 1800 173 349 for eligibility details and support options.
Available grants include:
• Emergency Hardship Assistance: $180 per person (up to $900 per family) for essentials.
• Essential Services Hardship: $150 per person for outages over five days.
• Household Contents Grants: Up to $5,300 for uninsured families.
• Structural Assistance: Up to $80,000 for uninsured homeowners.
• Safety & Reconnection Scheme: Up to $5,000 for restoring essential services.
Keep Medicare, ID and bank details handy when applying.
Ice angels
After nearly 3 days without electricity during the recent storms, many in Eumundi faced stress, spoiled food and even lost mobile service. So it was a welcome surprise when a knock on the door revealed a young angel offering free ice. Nothing illegal! It was bags of ice to keep perishables lasting until power was eventually restored. If anyone knows who the angels with the white truck are, many locals would love to personally give their thanks for such a selfless gesture.
A Mergard Crt resident
Urgent request for accommodation
There is an immediate need for temporary accommodation to support our essential emergency service workers including police, paramedics and firefighters, while permanent housing solutions are being secured. The goal
Noosa Police Inspector John Mahony is actively seeking assistance from the community to identify any available options. This includes holiday homes that are often vacant for much of the year in areas such as Noosaville, Pomona, Cooroy, Tewantin and surrounding localities such as Peregian Breeze and Springs, Doonan, Eumundi and Verrierdale.
If you have any possible accommodation options, you are encouraged to contact Inspector John Mahony at Mahony.JohnT@police.qld.gov.au.
Those with longer-term properties who wish to support key worker families are invited to enquire about head leasing opportunities with community housing providers. More information can be found via this link: lnkd.in/gTY-zdcs.
Holiday traffic changes
Temporary traffic changes will be implemented around Hastings St during the Christmas and New Year period to ease congestion and
enhance safety. From 20 December to 4 January the Noosa Surf Club car park will serve as a passenger drop-off zone, supported by marshals. Additional amenities include shaded waiting areas, extra female toilets, a filtered water station and expanded bike and scooter parking. Visitors are encouraged to use alternative parking and the free Go Noosa Loop Bus (065), operating from 13 December to 26 January, to access the Main Beach precinct easily and safely.
Cheap weekend bus trial
A new weekend bus service – Route 613 – is launching in Maroochydore and Alexandra Headland, making travel easier and more affordable. Running every 30 minutes from 6am6pm on Saturdays and Sundays, the service costs just 50c and connects Sunshine Cove, Dalton Dr, Sunshine Plaza and Alexandra Headland. Funded by Sunshine Coast Council’s (SCC’s) Transport Levy, the 12-month trial aims to meet strong community demand for better public transport and will help shape future services. Plan your journey at translink.com.au.
COMMUNITY
Experience Eumundi AGM
In 2025, Experience Eumundi underwent substantial changes, as highlighted at its annual general meeting on 27 November at Tolly’s cafe. According to outgoing Chair Louise Formosa, these changes were fuelled by a renewed strategic direction, the hiring of a General Manager and the appointment of 4 new directors.
Although income declined by 9.3% due to severe weather, the organisation’s financial reserves remain robust. Approximately $500,000 has been allocated for upcoming infrastructure projects, including the long-anticipated car park upgrades scheduled for 2026. Preparations for power installation at the market terraces are
nearly complete, pending the council’s final switchboard upgrade.
More than $93,000 has been distributed through new bi-annual sponsorship rounds, with an additional $12,000 supporting initiatives such as the Starry Nights Cinema and the pensioner taxi service. The latest sponsorship round provided over $24,000 in additional funding to the Eumundi State School P&C for the Sunny Kids School Program, Eumundi Showgrounds for infrastructure and drainage improvements, Eumundi Tennis Club for facility upgrades, Hoofbeats for the Go Remarkable Project and Eumundi Voice for a writer’s workshop.
Recognising the importance of Eumundi Markets to the local economy and culture, Experience Eumundi commissioned an Urban Economics report and formally requested that the SCC designate the markets as a major tourist attraction in the planning scheme. This initiative aims to secure enhanced support for future infrastructure and community needs.
To foster stronger community ties, quarterly meetings with local groups are planned,
encouraging collaboration and alignment among organisations.
The board welcomed new directors Paul Duechar and Janet Millington, thanked outgoing directors Tom Rumble and Peter Wolfe, and announced Donata Page as Chairperson for the 2025/2026 term.
Join a charity car rally
Eumundi resident Graeme Meade is seeking a local charity-minded soul willing to help raise funds, share costs and most importantly “to make a difference to those in need” by partnering with him in a charity car rally in 2026.
Graeme and co-driver Bruce have raised over $20,000 in the 2023 and 2024 Kidney Kar Rally (KKR).
With Bruce retiring, Graeme needs a new partner. He has the car, the experience and mechanical
skills. In addition, he’s flexible on what charity to support – options are Kidney Kar Rally, Rally for a Cause (the Dunga Derby) and the Prostate Rally, or one to suit you!
What is a charity car rally? It’s a fun adventure travelling outback roads in support of Kidney Health 4 Youth programs held every year involving multiple teams across the beautiful Australian countryside with one ambition – to change the lives of children and young people affected by kidney disease. Visit: t.ly/fRRQ_ or Instagram Kidney Health Australia.
Graeme said, “Participation is more than tinkering/preparing the car, it's a focus to secure donations and see the result on the faces of the young kids that so badly need the support. The participant doesn't need to be a competition driver, rather just a cost sharing/fund raiser committed to making an effort ... and having an amazing time.”
Contact Graeme and do something out-of-theordinary while you help raise funds for our young kids in need. Email: grmeade@bigpond.com or phone 0417 589 114. Ruth Hickey
COMMUNITY
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas
It’s delightful to witness homeowners and local businesses embracing the festive season, turning their properties into enchanting displays that spread the joy and warmth of Christmas to all. Make sure you take a nighttime drive and enjoy the spectacle.
Sala Thai, Eumundi. Photo: @rynos_photos
Cooroy RSL. Photo: @rynos_photos
Photo: @rynos_photos
Cnr of Eumundi Range Rd and Sunrise Rd
Photo: @rynos_photos
Photo: @rynos_photos
10 Roberts Rd, Cooroy
THE YEAR THAT WAS
JANUARY Camels and Ants
After renovating Joe’s Waterhole, Matso’s Sunshine Coast Brewery celebrated its first birthday, with a visit by some thirsty camels.
Multiple fire ant nests were found in North Arm, and the small, localised infestation of this invasive imported species was treated with direct injection into the nest.
FEBRUARY Streetscaping and ESS
Stage 1 of the long-awaited SCC Streetscaping works were on track, with the area near Dick Caplick Park the focus of construction.
Eumundi State School welcomed newly appointed principal Rob Jennings and his passion for providing students with a positive learning environment.
MARCH Pink and kindness
A sea of pink and blooms greeted visitors to the Eumundi Markets as Eumundi spread the message of kindness, to become a certified kind community.
APRIL Idol, Songkran and animals
Local music sensation Marshall Hamburger secured the most votes to be declared the winner of Australian Idol.
Eumundi’s Songkran Festival is the biggest Thai festival on the Sunshine Coast with water blessing and cultural performances.
The RSPCA Qld Noosa animal care centre closed following a decline in the number of impounded animals.
MAY "The Bridge" and Magpies
The ‘Eumundi Harbour Bridge’ was a long time coming, but was lowered into position in May, providing safety for bike riders and pedestrians.
Now in its 5th year, local soccer club Eumundi Magpies Football Club secured funding to host home games in 2026 for teams from all around the Sunshine Coast.
JUNE Police and buy local
Eumundi Police Station welcomed Nicholas Van Der Maat as Officer in Charge. Sgt Nic is
no stranger to our area as he’s worked in the Noosa area for 20 years.
Buy Local Day in Eumundi highlighted the benefits of spending locally and encourages locals to prioritise local goods and services.
JULY Giving back
Eumundi Rotary Initiatives Ltd, which publish Eumundi Voice donated $10,000 to Katie Rose Cottage Hospice to support its outreach inhome care service.
AUGUST Frisbee and mental health
The Eumundi Frisbee Club celebrated 10 years, with 20 players twice a week enjoying a social game and the chance to connect.
SEPTEMBER Eumundi School of Music
Thirty-five of the best young rockers from the Eumundi School of Music delivered an energetic performance at the School of Arts Hall.
OCTOBER Dogs and PTSD
PTSD Dogs Australia celebrated 8 years of rescuing unwanted dogs, providing intuition
and unconditional love to Veterans or First Responders suffering PTSD.
NOVEMBER Local winner
Eumundi State School Y3 student Lincoln King was the winner of the statewide Workplace Health and Safety Farm Safe calendar competition.
DECEMBER Mo mo mo
The Eumundi Police team sported freshly grown moustaches, as part of Movember’s global movement, to raise funds in support of men’s health.
BUSINESS NEWS
Local named in top 50 business leaders
Eumundi local Ryan Griffin has been recognised nationally as one of Inside Small Business magazine’s Top 50 Small Business Leaders for 2025 – a major achievement for someone who balances running a fast-growing digital agency with raising 2 young children and volunteering in local sport.
Ryan, who has called Eumundi home for the past 5 years, is the Managing Director and cofounder of Chunky Duck – a full-service digital agency specialising in branding, web design and performance marketing. What began in 2021 as a simple way for 3 freelancers to streamline their accounting, has grown into a 12-person agency servicing clients across the country.
The journey hasn’t been without its challenges, with the entire team – including all 3 co-founders – working remotely from different parts of Australia. Ryan leaned heavily on the expertise of his staff as Chunky Duck transitioned from a shared-overheads arrangement into a fullyfledged agency. A major turning point came when the business shifted its focus beyond traditional media management and embraced a stronger, creative and branding approach. By bringing more of the design and creative work
Keeping Our Community Tidy
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in-house, the team dramatically improved client results, cutting down on endless back-and-forth.
Outside of work Ryan is also the General Manager of Sunshine Coast Baseball, giving countless hours to growing the sport locally.
Chunky Duck continues to grow and is proudly committed to supporting fellow small businesses, particularly here on the Sunshine Coast. Ryan and the team are always keen to connect with local operators looking to sharpen their brand, refresh their website or boost their marketing performance. Visit chunkyduck.com.
Coffee connect
Eumundi Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed back Angie Hammond from Next Level Advisory as their guest speaker on the topic: Why 90-day plans beat big plans.
Long-term business plans often fail. Perhaps they’re too big, too distant and too easy to ignore. They collect dust and are superseded too quickly. That’s why Annie champions 90-day planning cycles. Short enough to stay real, long enough to create meaningful impact, and they work really nicely with quarterly management/ board meetings.
Angie said, “You don’t need a 3-year plan to grow. You need a great 90-day plan repeated 4
Ryan Griffin
times a year – and you need to stick to it.”
Angie, known for her energy and enthusiasm and for making complex challenges simple, offered some great advice and strategies for businesses of all sizes: “Whether it’s mentoring, advisory boards or growth programs, the goal is the same. To help business owners gain clarity, build confidence and get results that last”.
“An idea without a plan is just a dream. You are the only one stopping you from making your dreams come true. Growth isn’t about working harder – it’s about working smarter. It’s about clarity, rhythm and the courage to surround yourself with the right people”.
To complete a scorecard for your business visit: t.ly/iJ72g.
Eumundi Vet extends opening hours
Eumundi Vet recently announced an extension to their business hours, offering greater flexibility and support for the local community’s pets and their families. Recognising that life
can be unpredictable and that pets don’t always fall ill at convenient times, the familyowned Eumundi Vet practice is now open on both Saturdays and Sundays from 8am-5pm. Weekday opening hours remain 8am-5pm, with a special late opening on Wednesdays until 7pm. Visit: eumundivets.com.au.
Beer garden now open
The Imperial Hotel Eumundi has unveiled its newly renovated beer garden, bar, kitchen and laneway. Guests can now relax and enjoy fresh Eumundi Brewery beers on tap, signature cocktails and a menu of classic pub favourites in the new space.
The expanded area features more seating, a giant outdoor LED screen with Fox Sports, an 8m bar overlooking the brewery, a larger kitchen, new bathrooms, pool tables and a designated outdoor smoking area. Live music will fill the purpose-built beer garden stage. Soon, the Sunshine Coast’s largest hotel playground for kids will open, promising fun for all ages. Visit: imperialhoteleumundi.com.au.
SPORT
Eumundi Magpies senior team
Local soccer club Eumundi Magpies FC has launched a seniors team, now participating in a weekly 6-a-side competition every Friday night. This initiative began when a group of local dads, inspired by the idea of playing together, quickly organised and started their journey on the field. The main goals are to stay active, enjoy themselves, and lay the groundwork for forming an outdoor 11-a-side team in 2026.
Community members who are interested in joining – whether to compete or just train –are encouraged to get in touch via coach@ eumundimagpies.org.au. Excitingly, next year will mark the first time the club hosts soccer matches at its home ground: The NEST –Eumundi Showgrounds.
So, come and play with the Magpies! Visit: eumundimagpies.org.au.
YOUTH
Social media ban: What does it mean for families?
Australia’s new Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024 took effect on 10 December, and it introduced significant changes to how young people can use major social media platforms. The law requires companies to block users under 16 from creating or keeping accounts on platforms classified as “agerestricted social media”. The responsibility lies with the platforms – not parents or children. To keep or create an account, users will soon be asked to verify their age. Platforms may request
government-issued ID or use age-estimation technology that predicts age by analysing behaviour patterns. While the intention is to improve safety, these tools are not foolproof, particularly for 15–17yo’s, and companies are still working through accuracy and privacy concerns.
Young people currently using restricted platforms may have already downloaded their data. They can choose to freeze their account until they turn 16, or lose access entirely as accounts are shut down.
Which platforms are restricted?
According to the eSafety Commissioner, the following platforms must block under-16 accounts: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, X (Twitter), Reddit, Twitch, Kick, Threads and YouTube.
Which platforms are not restricted?
Children can still use the following services: WhatsApp, Messenger, Discord, Pinterest, Google Classroom, Roblox, Steam, LEGO Play, GitHub and YouTube Kids.
The aim is to reduce exposure to harmful content, grooming, social comparison and cyberbullying. While the motivation is sound, experts warn the rollout will be complex and may lead to unexpected challenges for families.
Parents can help by staying informed, discussing changes early, and guiding children toward safe, age-appropriate online spaces as the transition unfolds. Robyn Simpson – Choose the ‘Tude Robotics inspires excellence
Seventeen-year-old Alex Matthews from Doonan has nurtured a passion for robotics since primary school. He was invited to share his experiences as a guest presenter at a recent Eumundi Rotary Club meeting.
Alex first entered Sumo Robots competitions in primary school at St Thomas More, and quickly developed a love for building and competing. Building competitive robots is a demanding process requiring expertise in computer–aided design, 3D printing, construction, coding, electronics, soldering, wiring and extensive testing. Each robot can take months Cont. p22
SATURDAY
31st January 2026
4.00pm to 5.30pm
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7th February 2026
4.00pm to 5.30pm
For more info www.dragonsrugbyunion.org.au
FIRST Robotics is a global organisation founded in 1989 that champions Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education and innovation. Alex’s FTC team became Australian champions last year, earning them an invitation to attend the FIRST World Championship in Houston, Texas. At this competition the team
won the Inspire Award, for their commitment to coaching and teaching robotics skills to other teams, schools and Indigenous communities. FIRST encourages teams to support others and promote the excitement of science and technology in their communities.
The FTC team has tutored students worldwide via Zoom, but their proudest achievements are closer to home – working with Indigenous students at Cherbourg State School and the Murri School in Brisbane. The Cherbourg team has competed in Brisbane for 2 consecutive years, winning 2 trophies this year.
Having recently graduated from St Andrews Anglican College, Alex is looking forward to studying Mechatronics and Electrical Engineering at the University of Qld, and continuing a journey fuelled by curiosity, hard work and a passion for robotics.
Coast to perfect, and international competitions bring together creative minds from around the globe. In July 2024, this dedication led to a remarkable achievement – second place at the world Roborave Sumo robotics competition. During high school at St Andrews Anglican College, Alex participated in Sumo and First Tech Challenge (FTC) events. As a member of BotBuilders in Brisbane, Alex mentors students from LEGO robotics to high school seniors building large-scale robots for interstate and overseas competitions. At BotBuilders, he serves as designer, builder and mechanic, contributing to team efforts in FTC and First Robotics Competitions (FRC). These events require not only technical expertise but also strong teamwork and the ability to present engineering achievements to judges.
Safe to Feel
So many of us live with anxious minds, tired bodies, and overloaded systems – and we don’t even know why.
In Safe to Feel, craniosacral and massage therapist
Amanda Fincham offers a compassionate guide to understanding how your nervous system shapes your health, emotions and sense of safety.
Drawing from her more than 2 decades of handson experience Amanda reveals how stress, trauma, and disconnection can dysregulate the body – and how small, practical steps can restore balance.
This book gently explains the parasympathetic and sympathetic systems, explores how to recognise signs of imbalance, and gives you tools to return to calm. Through breath, movement, stillness and reconnection, you’ll learn how to build a nervous system that’s not just regulated, but resilient.
If you’ve been coping for too long, Safe to Feel will remind you that healing begins when you come home to your body – and reminds you what an agile nervous system feels like.
Amanda will be at Berkelouw Books Eumundi on Wednesday 17 December selling and signing copies of her book.
The Gentle Power of Craniosacral Therapy for Babies and Children
From birth, babies experience the world through movement, touch, and sensation — and sometimes, those early experiences can leave tension in their tiny bodies. Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on approach that helps release that tension and support balance within the nervous system.
Sunshine Coast therapist Amanda Fincham offers Craniosacral Therapy in a calm, nurturing environment where babies and children can fully relax. Using a light touch, she helps ease discomfort from issues such as colic, reflux, feeding or sleep difficulties, and unsettled behaviour. Parents often notice their baby feeding better, sleeping more soundly, and appearing calmer after treatment.
CST is non-invasive, deeply relaxing, and suitable from birth. It’s especially supportive for babies who’ve experienced a difficult birth or ongoing developmental or sensory challenges.
If your baby is struggling to settle or you sense something’s not quite right, Craniosacral Therapy may help restore ease and harmony.
Amanda Fincham Craniosacral Therapy, Sunshine Coast
Gentle, supportive care for babies, children, and families.
amandafincham.com.au
Amanda Fincham
ADVERTORIAL
Community News
Follow the sparkle: explore the festive lights
Get ready to see the parks and streets of the Sunshine Coast shine bright with a spectacular display of festive lights and colourful decorations! Whether you stroll beneath the glowing branches in Kenilworth, picnic under the twinkling lights in Eumundi or cruise past the dazzling display in Yandina, there’s a festive stop near you to explore this holiday season. Make the most of this enchanting time of year and plan your trail by visiting Council's website for all the details.
Council support options for those in need Council understands that cost-of-living pressures are affecting many in our community. That’s why Council offers a little extra support through a pensioner concession on rates for eligible residents. Plus, if you're 60 or over, or are living with a disability, you can enjoy doorto-door transport for just two dollars each way, thanks to Council Link. Weekly trips to your local shopping centre – safe, easy and reliable. See Council’s website for all the details.
Watch Council’s next Ordinary Meeting
View online on Council's website or at Sunshine Coast City Hall Chambers today 11 December at 9am.
Sunshine Coast summer fun for everyone
Keep the kids active, curious and smiling these holidays with the Sunshine Coast Summer School Holiday Guide. It’s packed with adventures, creative workshops and family-friendly events for all ages and budgets. For the full program and booking details, visit oursc.com.au.
Get the latest Council news delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up for the OurSC enewsletter.
07 5475 7272 | sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
OUT AND ABOUT
ESS Concert Band tour
Eumundi State School (ESS) Concert Band brought energy and enthusiasm to their recent final tour of the year. Under the guidance of teacher Liz Druitt, students mastered a program ranging from rock to jazz which they presented at 3 very different venues.
At Nambour Special School, the children happily clapped along to the music. Following this an audience of around 80 residents at GemLife over-50s Resort Palmwoods, was very impressed with the band and wished they could stay longer. A rousing performance at Sundale Aged Care Centre Nambour topped off the day, after which students enjoyed afternoon tea while they mingled and chatted with the residents. School Band Leaders Aurora and Holly said they felt their music had made a lot of people happy that day. Philippa Johnson
Verrierdale Show
Hats off to all those who stepped up to put on the Verrierdale Show, recently held on 22 November at the Verrierdale Hall. Special recognition goes to the ‘Show Girls’ (the main organisers) for their dedication to bringing the event together.
The event was well organised, blessed with beautiful weather, and featured 27 local stall
ESS Band Leaders Holly, Aurora, Harley
holders. There were junior and senior art competitions, plus a baking competition, with winners selected by people’s choice. An interactive reptile experience attracted the curious and brave, and a jumping castle kept the little ones active. Volunteer Rural Fire Brigade members volunteered their time and were on site to add to the community spirit.
Local sponsors who generously supported the show included Your Mates Brewing Co, Bunnings, Hinternoosa Real Estate, Cooroy IGA, plus more.
There was plenty of laughter as the community celebrated and took pride in a very successful day. Kate Rider
Harvest Swap Christmas party
The Eumundi Harvest Swap group gathered for a festive end-of-year meetup at the Eumundi
Community Garden. The group typically meets on the last Thursday of each month, with scheduled upcoming gatherings for 18 December and 22 January. Mark your calendars – everyone is welcome! Setup for the swap begins at 10am. Visit: FB Harvest Swap Eumundi.
Eumundi gym goers
The small but passionate group who roll up to the Eumundi gym every Tuesday and Thursday, enjoyed their end-of-year Christmas lunch at The Imperial Hotel. Three of the key things to remember when you get to a certain age are to remain physically active, maintain a social bond with regular friends, and make sure you have a good coffee at Tolly’s. Looking forward to another year with Vanessa our vibrant instructor!
OUT AND ABOUT
Eileen Walder and Glenn McGrath
7 December along Gympie Tce, Noosaville. The event was organised to raise awareness, demonstrate solidarity, and advocate for ending violence against women and girls.
Performing arts spectacular Glenn McGrath and Eileen Walder were among the audience at the Performing Arts Factory’s spectacular annual production at The J. Glenn’s daughter Maddison made her first appearance. Also in attendance to watch Eumundi’s talented Lachlan, Reilly and Flynn Noakes were Grandma Caroline Noakes and her sister Marie Hayes.
Zonta walk against violence
Members of the Zonta Club of Noosa joined forces with the Rotary Clubs of Eumundi, Cooroy and Noosa and community members to participate in a walk against violence on
Chamber Christmas celebrations
The Chamber of Commerce of Eumundi and Cooroy combined forces to celebrate the festive season at Matso’s Brewery in Eumundi on 5 December. Both organisations are looking forward to further collaborative events and initiatives in 2026.
Noosa Women’s Shed
The Noosa Women’s Shed at Wallum Land Noosa Heads celebrated another successful year with a lively Christmas party at the shed. There was plenty to celebrate, with power now installed, kitchen splashback tiles under development, road base newly laid, and pavers on their way from Melbourne. Visit: noosawomensshed.com.au.
Caroline Noakes & Marie Hayes
COMMUNITY
E-bikes – The latest debate
E-bikes are a common sight on our roads, sometimes doing the right thing, but often flaunting the regulations. Recently, I’ve witnessed several close calls between cars and e-bikes – incidents that could have ended badly if not for a bit of luck. Tragically, this year 13 people have lost their lives on Qld roads while riding e-mobility devices.
While there’s a lot of discussion about e-bike regulations, the basics are clear: a legal e-bike must have pedals as its main power source, a motor no stronger than 250W, and motor assistance that cuts out above 25km/h. The motor can help start the ride, climb hills, and fight the wind, but it must stop assisting once you reach 25km/h. It can run without pedalling, but only up to 6km/h. Any e-bike with a motor over 250W or powered solely by a throttle is illegal on public roads and paths in Qld.
The problem driving this debate is not so much centred around the bikes themselves, but who is riding them and how they behave on our roads. Children as young as 11 or 12 are often
seen riding illegal e-bikes, sometimes carrying passengers. This is extremely dangerous and it’s mind-blowing that some parents seem unaware. In Qld you must be 15 years or older to ride an e-bike unsupervised. Children aged between 12-15 must be supervised by an adult. Safe riding practices include wearing an approved helmet, riding responsibly and following the road rules, being alert around roads, driveways and pedestrians, keeping speeds appropriate and controlled, and understanding that the devices are not toys.
Police are working to address reckless riding, but their powers are limited. That’s starting to change, with authorities now able to stop riders and confiscate bikes. Councils and communities are also stepping up, especially when it comes to young people.
In a major move, 3 Sunshine Coast high schools – Coolum, Sunshine Beach and Noosa District –will ban e-bikes and e-scooters starting in 2026. This decision, made after community concerns and consultation with Qld Police, means students caught riding non-compliant e-bikes or e-scooters in school uniform will face school consequences. While illegal riding remains an issue, these new measures are a positive step toward safer roads for everyone.
E-bikes are a great innovation when used responsibly. Parents are urged to learn and understand their legal responsibilities when considering gifting e-bikes or e-scooters this Christmas. Ensure the devices are compliant. Just purchasing an e-mobility device does not grant children permission to ride unsupervised. Greg Ison
SES celebrates 50 years of service
The Noosa State Emergency Service (SES) celebrated its 50th anniversary on what was a wild, stormy night on 24 November. The special event was held at the Tewantin SES facility attended by Member for Noosa Sandy Bolton, Noosa Council Mayor Frank Wilkie, council representatives, emergency service leaders and community representatives.
The milestone highlighted the vital role SES volunteers play in safeguarding communities during disasters. Mayor Wilkie praised their commitment saying: “The SES plays an extraordinary role in keeping Noosa safe during natural disasters. Their dedication and skill are deeply valued by our community.”
The celebration kicked off a week of activities, which included a public display at Noosa Civic featuring the iconic 1959 Willys Jeep. Originally a fire truck, the Jeep became SES’s first vehicle in the early 1980s and was equipped with rescue gear such as the Jaws of Life, ladders and winches.
Local SES Controller Warren Kuskopf acknowledged the organisation’s 100-strong team, available 24/7 for emergencies. The unit prides itself on diversity, with members aged from 16 to their late 80s.
Warren said, “The SES is there to assist with storm and flood emergencies. We also spend considerable hours each year assisting Qld Police Service (QPS), both in Noosa and across the state, with missing person land searches, and traffic control, both with road crash and community events. Earlier this year, SES distributed 40,000 sandbags across Noosa.
Wanted: F1 Trucks and other cars
Ring for parts requirements
Open Mon - Fri, 9am-1pm
Noosa Eumundi Auto Wreckers Call Ivan 0418 723 080
“We are very grateful for all the support and contributions that our community shows us, as well the very impressive equipment that is provided to us by QPS, Noosa Council and service clubs such as Rotary and Lions.
“Our volunteers’ selflessness and resilience are what make SES a cornerstone of disaster response in Noosa.”
The SES relies on about 5,000 volunteers to support Qld communities. If you are interested in volunteering visit: ses.qld.gov.au.
TRADES & SERVICES
DISTRIBUTION:
GRAPHIC
8-24
11
12
DECEMBER 2025
Meet Santa, The Ginger Factory, Yandina, globe gingerfactory.com.au/whats-on/meet-santa
Pomona Night of Lights, Stan Topper Park, Pomona, globe t.ly/bxjVF
Christmas in Cooroy, Cooroy, globe christmasincooroy.com.au 12
Christmas Foodie Night Market, Eumundi, globe eumundimarkets.com.au
12
12&13
13
Christmas Makers Market, Noosaville, globe t.ly/MFpvC
Cantique de Noël – Noosa Chorale, The J, Noosa, globe thej.com.au/cantique-noosa-chorale
Sacred Earth Concert, Eumundi School of Arts, globe sacredearthmusic.com/tour-dates
13 Sunny Coast Rude Boys, Imperial Hotel, Eumundi, globe t.ly/SMLng
Salty Christmas, Jack Morgan Park, Coolum Beach, FACEBOOK-F facebook.com/saltysaturdays
Kings Beach Carols, Kings Beach Amphitheatre, Caloundra, globe caloundra.com.au
A Very Sparkly Christmas with The Barefoot Divas, Noosa Arts Theatre, globe noosaartstheatre.org.au
Christmas Carol Cruise, Various locations along Noosa River, globe t.ly/GAR8a
Peregian Beach Carols, Peregian Beach, globe t.ly/CRvsq
Meet the Author: Amanda Fincham, Berkelouw Books, Eumundi, globe berkelouw.com.au
Sip & Stroll: Christmas Edition, The Doonan, globe t.ly/NJIzq
19 Stand up comedy - Mick Neven, The Nook, Cooroy, globe t.ly/CtIt8
19 Christmas Flotilla, Saltwater Bridge Park, Noosaville , globe nwra.com.au/calendar
20 Free Outdoor Movie: The Polar Express, Eumundi Amphitheatre, globe t.ly/7mj6E
20 Meet the Author: Leisa Fail, Berkelouw Books, Eumundi, globe berkelouw.com.au
20 Kenilworth Christmas Show, Kenilworth Showgrounds, globe t.ly/VI5ss
20 Christmas Lights Boat Parade, Mooloolaba, globe t.ly/rz-yo
21 Christmas at Matso's with Santa and Facepainting, Eumundi, globe t.ly/1oRPp
21 The Heart Collectors w/ Andrea Kirwin & Claire Evelynn, Cooran, globe t.ly/QcAYJ
31 NYE Firework display at 10pm, Noosa Marina, globe t.ly/qJQae
31 NYE Country Hoe Down, Pomona Distillery, globe pomonadistilling.com.au
31 NYE Family Fun at Coolum, Tickle Park, Coolum, globe t.ly/d8POi
JANUARY 2026
2 Pete Murray Longing Summer Tour, The Station, Birtinya, globe petemurray.com
3 Silent Movie: Metropolis, The Majestic Theatre, Pomona, globe themajestictheatre.com.au
17 Jimeoin – Ballyhoo, The J, Noosa, globe thej.com.au
24 Dave Hughes – Cooked, The J, Noosa, globe thej.com.au
ISSUE 133 KEY DATES: Copy & advert deadline: THURSDAY 15 JANUARY 2026
Available from: THURSDAY 22 JANUARY 2026 ISSUE 134
DATES: Copy & advert deadline: THURSDAY 27 JANUARY 2026
Available from: THURSDAY 5 FEBRUARY 2026
As we reflect on the year, we want to take a moment to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has been a part of our journey.
To our wonderful clients – your trust has been the cornerstone of our success. We are so grateful for the opportunity to help you find your dream homes, sell & rent properties, and navigate the real estate market.
To our tenants – your care and thoughtfulness play a key role in making properties feel like home. We sincerely appreciate your cooperation throughout the year.
To our tradespeople and partners – your hard work and expertise keep everything running smoothly. We could not have done it without your dedication and support.
And of course, to our amazing community – thank you for your continued support, involvement, and spirit of connection. You make where we live and work so special.
Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful Christmas and a prosperous New Year!
With gratitude, Carol, Hugh, Adam, Sharolyn, Tara, Debra, Alison and Olivia