WHAT’S ON?
Empowering women’s health
Clinical nutritionist Natalie Baxter has recently opened a new clinic at The Pavilion, 79 Memorial Dr, Eumundi bringing a specialised focus on women’s hormones, gut health and metabolic wellbeing to the local community.
To celebrate International Women’s Day, she is teaming up with local naturopath Kirsten Sweeney to host a special event on 8 March from 9-11.30am. The session will feature insightful discussions on women’s health, preventative care and practical strategies to boost energy, balance hormones and support long-term wellbeing. Attendees can expect expert guidance and advice for women at every stage of life.
Enjoy a delicious morning tea curated by a renowned health retreat chef and connect with like-minded women, and leave feeling informed, empowered and inspired to prioritise your health. Tickets are $49. To book visit: tea-tickets1983192058834?aff=oddtdtcreator.
Kirtan Collective
Join the Sri Krishna Kirtan Collective at the Eumundi School of Arts on 7 March at 6pm for an evening of calming and connection.
The Kirtan Collective is a group of musicians and non-musicians who offer the opportunity to chant the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra. Aimed at liberating the mind through sincere chanting, the mantra is rooted in the ancient Vedas, the most sacred scriptures of Hinduism. Take a chair or cushion as chairs will be limited. A contribution ticket includes entry and an organic vegetarian feast. Visit: t.ly/6E-7M.
Emerging Artist workshop
The Pomona Railway Station Gallery is hosting an Emerging Artist Workshop with Amber Creswell Bell on 29 April at The Majestic Theatre in Pomona. Applications for the Gallery’s Emerging Artist prize open in May. Artists will be judged by Noosa Regional Gallery director Michael Brennan and well-known Noosa educator and artist Pam Miller.
Gallery President Ron Collins said, “We have had tremendous support from Pomona, Eumundi and Tewantin businesses and will be offering more than $4,000 in cash and other prizes.” Visit: pomonagallery.com.au.
Two Worlds Collided
If you love INXS, then don’t miss an unforgettable night at the Imperial Hotel Eumundi on 13 March. Experience the Australian INXS Tribute Show – Two Worlds Collided – which brings the band’s legendary hits to life with original video content and a dynamic 6-piece ensemble led by Dellacoma Rio. Hailing from Melbourne, the show has toured extensively internationally. Tickets: imperialhoteleumundi.com.au.
Noosa Food & Wine program
The complete festival program is now available for the Noosa Food & Wine Festival which will take place from 11-14 June. Presale tickets for the Restaurant Series and American Express Festival Village will be released from midday on 12 March. Subscribers can grab first release tickets for the Festival Village now, ahead of the price increase on 13 March. Tickets for the festival’s signature events are already available. Visit: noosafoodandwine.com.au.
WHAT’S ON?
Festival of Surfing
Surfers and dog lovers unite for the 35th annual Festival of Surfing at Noosa Main Beach, running from 13-22 March. The event features a packed schedule, including surfing competitions, a surf photography exhibition and live DJs at the Beach Bar. The Beach Bar will also have a large screen so you won’t miss any action on the water. A highlight is the world’s biggest Surfing Dog Championships, happening at First Point on 14 March from 2pm. Some events require tickets, while others are free. With so much happening, parking will be limited – so arrive early and consider using public transport. Visit: noosafestivalofsurfing.com.
Biochar for healthy soils
Bush dance at Fairhill
Dance your socks off to the Swag & Fiddle Bush Dance Band at Fairhill Gardens in Ninderry on 28 March. Doors open at 4.30pm, with a delicious long table meal served from 5pm. Dancing starts at 6pm – families are welcome and there’s a special early session for kids. Enjoy a licensed bar, takeaway options or reserve a table at the restaurant. Don’t forget to dress up! There will be prizes for Best Hat and Best Boots. Tickets are $15 for adults, $6 for under 18yo or a family pass for $36. Bookings are recommended. Visit: fairhill.com.au.
From kitchen scraps …
Join a hands-on workshop with Dr Adam O’Toole from SoilCQuest research institute to discover practical ways to enhance your soil, compost and potting mixes. The session will take place on 10 March from 9.30-11.30am at Cooroy Community Gardens, 26 Emerald St. Learn how to make biochar, incorporate it into potting mixes and use it to reduce odours in food-waste containers. Plus, find out why worm farms thrive with biochar. The workshop is free, but registrations are essential. Visit: libraryevents.noosa.qld.gov.au.
Book signing at Berkelouw
Sunshine Coast author Greg Bourke will be at Berkelouw Books on 7 March to sign copies of Under Silkwood, his novel now in its fourth printing due to its popularity. Set among the cane fields of North Qld, this psychological thriller tells of love and cultural conflicts when a young teacher faces the traditional values of Sicilian immigrant families.
As part of the SCC’s Love Food Hate Waste program, Annie Infinite from Wild Alchemy is running workshops on how to ferment food. Discover how to turn everyday vegetable and fruit scraps into gut-friendly, probioticrich creations using the art of lacto-fermentation and a simple salt brine. Participants will receive take-home recipes to continue fermenting at home. Workshops are scheduled for 14 March at the Nambour Library or on 17 March at Coolum Library from 10-11.30am. The cost is $10 per person and registrations are essential. Visit: library.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.
Kin Kin Hotel
Fancy a drive on a Sunday afternoon with a chance to dance? Head over to The Kin Kin Hotel on 8 March, where DJ Jim from Hashima Radio will be spinning an energetic mix of jazz, soul and disco classics in the beer garden from 4-7pm. Entry is free. Visit: kinkinhotel.com.
WHAT'S ON
The Nook
The Nook Sessions in Cooroy continue throughout March over 4 stellar evenings. On 5 March, enjoy live performances by Jen Mize, Jacob Vincent and boi&eSkae. A new Spoken Mic event takes place on 13 March from 6pm, featuring 8 poets and performers each delivering a 10-minute set of poetry, storytelling and spoken words. On 14 March from 7-10pm dance on at Boogie Nights, with a DJ spinning vinyl and CDs of your favourite hits from the 1990s. For a more intimate musical evening of electronic, acoustic and alternative pop, join Christian Patey and Ella Fence on 20 March from 6.30pm.
The Nook located at 1 Diamond St, Cooroy accommodates only 40 guests, so booking is recommended. BYO alcohol is welcome, and small bar snacks are available at each event. Visit: thenookcooroy.com.
The Art of Portraiture
Dr Albert Godetzky opens the annual program of fine arts lectures for ArtsNational Noosa with a presentation titled Frans Hal and the Art of Portraiture. The event takes place on 14 March at 4pm at St Mary’s Church, 17 William St, Tewantin. Dr Godetzky – formerly an associate lecturer in early modern art at London’s Courtauld Institute – will explore how Frans Hals revolutionised 17th century Dutch portraiture. Hals brought a new vitality to his depictions of nobles, merchants, actors, friends and family, leaving a lasting influence on generations of artists. The lecture will be followed by wine and canapés. Tickets are $30, and bookings can be made by emailing visitorsan.noosa@gmail.com.
The Riddle of Washpool Gully
The Riddle of Washpool Gully is coming to The J on 26&27 March. This family-friendly performance – suitable for children aged 6 and up – offers a creative retelling of Australian mythology, exploring the mysterious creatures that may still inhabit hidden corners of the country. Presented by the Dead Puppet Society, tickets are available at thej.com.au.
Conscious living
The Sunshine Coast celebrates 15 years of the Conscious Living Movement with a major wellness event – the Conscious Life Holistic Wellness Festival – at Venue 114 in Kawana on 14&15 March. The festival began as a grassroots gathering and is now a 2-day event with more than 100 exhibitors, over 60 facilitators and speakers focused on natural health, eco products and conscious living. Entry is $15 and free for kids. Visit: consciouslife.com.au.
Pomona Community House
Celebrate International Women’s Day at Pomona and Community House (PCH) on 7 March between 9-11.30am to talk about ways to ensure local women and girls thrive. Visit the studio screen printing space where you can create your own t-shirt or tote bag to show your support for women and girls in our community.
Thanks to support from Neighbourhood Centres Qld-Women and Girls Health Promotion Community Seed Funding, PCH is hosting another series of the Tools for Tweens & Teens workshops. These include a special session for parents and caregivers on keeping teens safe online, as well as Tools for Teens 14+yrs: Pixels and Perspectives workshops throughout March and April. Visit: pomonacommunityhouse.org.au.
COMMUNITY
Eumundi supermarket site listed for sale
An approved proposed site for a supermarket development in Eumundi has recently been listed for sale. Situated at 10 Memorial Dr, on the southern edge of Eumundi, the property received development approval in July 2024 following a favourable ruling by the Land and Environment Court. The approved plans included a 1,472sqm retail centre, featuring a 1,200sqm supermarket and 272sqm dedicated to specialty retail outlets. Adjacent to the supermarket, a service station development spanning 4,293sqm had also been given the green light. SCC has outlined specific conditions for the development’s approval. Persistent calls for Eumundi to have its own supermarket reflect the community’s ongoing interest in the project. The approval process followed a 5-year journey during which the developers Altum Property Group garnered substantial public support. More than 160 submissions were received, expressing strong backing for the supermarket project. Despite the approval, details regarding potential commercial partners and planned works for the site have remained undisclosed.
Colliers Managing Director Nick Dowling said there had been strong interest in the sale of the site but confirmed that as far as he was aware no commercial partners had been contracted for either the supermarket or the service station. The site’s history is closely tied to infrastructure improvements in the early 2000s, when the Department of Transport and Main Roads extended Eumundi Noosa Rd and resumed a substantial portion of the former strawberry farm. These upgrades resulted in a sizeable, level parcel of land on the Eumundi township side.
Nearby, a future supermarket development has also been proposed in Cooroy. Woolworths submitted an initial application for a full-line supermarket in May 2024. After extensive community feedback, a revised application was lodged in August 2025. Plans include 8 directto-boot pick-up bays, retail and alfresco dining outlets, and a 120-place aged care facility on a 6.6-hectare site at Myall St and Ferrells Rd, opposite Cooroy Golf Club. The proposal, shaped by community consultation is currently under council review.
While the timeline for a supermarket in Eumundi remains unclear, there appears to be strong and ongoing community support for establishing a local supermarket to serve the area’s needs.
Picture-perfect recognition for Memorial Dr
Eumundi’s Memorial Dr has earned recognition as one of Qld’s most picture-perfect main streets, featuring in a recent article on the World Atlas website. The honour places the Sunshine Coast street alongside other iconic destinations including Hastings St in Noosa Heads, Maple St in Maleny and Montville–Mapleton Rd in Montville.
The article praised Memorial Dr for its distinctive character, rich culture and walkable charm, noting that it offers a uniquely welcoming streetscape. Shaded by heritage listed war memorial trees planted from 1917, the street provides a picturesque setting for one of Qld’s most recognisable attractions – the Eumundi Markets.
The article further highlighted Memorial Dr’s collection of historic and much loved local businesses. The Imperial Hotel Eumundi –established in 1913 – continues to be a focal point of the street, now hosting an on-site craft brewery and live music venue. Independent retailers such as Berkelouw Books and Cinnabar Soul further enhance the street’s small town appeal, contributing to its reputation as a cultural and creative destination.
Together these elements have helped cement Memorial Dr’s status as one of Qld’s most visually striking and character filled main streets, celebrating both its history and its vibrant present. Visit: t.ly/KCqob.
COMMUNITY
Noosa Pengari Steiner School opens new buildings
Noosa Pengari Steiner School reached an important milestone with the official opening of its new campus facilities on 26 February. The opening was conducted by the Qld Minister for Education and the Arts John-Paul Langbroek, alongside the Minister for Police and Emergency Services and Member for Ninderry Dan Purdie. The new buildings which took approximately a year to complete, represent a significant investment in the school’s future. The development includes a new administration building, 2 primary general learning areas and a covered outdoor learning space. A new, larger library has also been created, along with upgraded amenities designed to better support people with disability and improve accessibility across the campus.
As part of the project the former administration area has been converted into a primary library, while the previous primary library has been transformed into a staff work area and meeting room. These changes reflect the school’s
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commitment to creating flexible, purposebuilt spaces that support both learning and collaboration.
Guests were welcomed by Principal Dina Fieck, student leaders and Steiner School officials, with the school jazz band entertaining attendees prior to the opening ceremony. Following the formal proceedings, guests enjoyed morning tea accompanied by performances from the school’s string orchestra.
The celebrations concluded with a tour of the new facilities, including a visit to a Class 7 lesson, where students had the opportunity to ask the ministers questions about their careers, backgrounds and perspectives on government and leadership.
The new buildings are a valuable addition and mark an important stage in the school’s longterm master plan to meet the needs of current and future students. The project was supported through the Qld Government’s State Capital Assistance Scheme.
“We want parents to have a choice when it comes to finding the best education journey for their child, regardless of whether they attend a State, Catholic or Independent School,” said John-Paul Langbroek.
Community pushes for safety changes on North Arm Rd
Residents of North Arm are calling for urgent safety improvements on Bunya Rd following a series of traffic incidents, including a fatal crash on 5 January 2026.
Concerns over speeding and intersection safety were raised at a community meeting held on 10 February, where locals gathered to discuss ongoing issues along the road. The meeting was attended by SCC Div 10 Cr David Law and the Officer in Charge of the Eumundi Police Station, Sgt Nic Van Der Maat.
The development located at 64 Lake Macdonald Dr will feature a communal area and will be governed by a Capital Funding Agreement with the Department of Housing, ensuring the site remains dedicated to social housing in perpetuity. Noosa Council’s approval followed an independent review to guarantee transparency, given its dual role as landowner and project partner. Mayor Frank Wilkie emphasised the project’s alignment with the planning scheme and its substantial community benefits.
Responding to local feedback, the subdivision will include a 10m vegetated buffer – twice the original proposal – and an extra 2,500sqm of open space. Community consultation is planned for the remaining land, with potential uses including open space, cultural heritage projects, further housing and other community purposes.
Cr Wilkie said, “In 2022 Noosa Council endorsed the Noosa Housing Strategy, which identified steps we could take to help address this nationwide crisis. This project is a direct outcome of that strategy and responds to the urgent call for us to do what we could to assist those without the dignity and basic human right of a roof over their heads.”
Rally for a Cause
The Sunshine Coast is gearing up for another inspiring chapter in community support, as team Graeme Meade and Tony Cumner – known as the #122 Sunshine Blokes – prepare to participate in the 2026 Dunga Derby from 20-23 August. Their mission is simple yet profound: raise funds for a local cause while embracing the spirit of adventure and camaraderie.
Rally for a Cause is a Qld award-winning charity, renowned for its dedication to helping families and individuals facing life-limiting medical
conditions, or those whose lives have been severely disrupted by unforeseen circumstances. The organisation’s impact is felt across the region, offering hope and tangible support to those who need it most.
The Dunga Derby brings together up to 55 teams from the Fraser and Sunshine Coast, with around 400 participants embarking on a 4-day adventure from the coasts to the country. This year the Sunshine Blokes are calling on the community to join their journey. Donations are not only a way to give back – they’re tax deductible and receipts are available for every contribution. Supporting this cause means making a real difference in the lives of others, strengthening the bonds of community and uplifting those less fortunate.
For those interested in taking their sponsorship further, there’s an opportunity for greater exposure: sponsors can have their names or brands featured on the Dunga Derby vehicle, amplifying their support and visibility during the event.
Donating is simple. Visit: sunshinecoast. dungaderby.com.au/teams/sunshine-blokes.
ENVIRONMENT
Fight against illegal dumping
SCC and Noosa Council are seeking further state government support to combat a growing number of illegal dumping incidents across the region. Both councils plan to apply for funding through the Qld Government’s new Fighting Illegal Dumping Partnership Program, which would allow them to employ additional compliance officers and invest in surveillance equipment.
The push for funding follows new figures highlighting the scale of the issue. SCC received and investigated more than 6,100 community reports of illegal dumping over the past 3 years, while Noosa Council recorded 691 incidents in 2025, an increase of 120 compared with the previous year, resulting in $26,000 worth of fines.
Previous grant funding has already delivered results. SCC issued more than 270 infringement notices during the most recent funding period, with 87% of identified offenders required to remove dumped material themselves, reducing clean-up costs for ratepayers.
Commonly dumped items include household furniture, green waste, building materials and tyres, many of which can be disposed of for free at local refuse tips. Offenders face potential fines ranging from $2,580 up to $166,900.
The Qld Government has committed $17.7M to the new program, with Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell describing it as a major step toward protecting Qld’s parks and waterways.
Recycling waste
Managing household waste responsibly is easier than many residents realise, with a range of recycling and reuse options available across Noosa and the Sunshine Coast. From free drop off services to reuse shops and container refunds, these facilities help keep valuable materials out of landfill.
Noosa Shire operates 3 waste disposal locations where residents can drop off general waste and recyclable items: Noosa Resource Recovery Centre (NRRC) at 561 Eumundi Noosa Rd, Doonan; the Cooroy Waste Transfer Station at Mary River Rd; and the Pomona Waste Transfer Station at 14 Pomona Kin Kin Rd. Visit: noosa.qld.gov.au.
A wide range of items can be recycled at no cost at all 3 sites. These include e-waste such as televisions, computers, printers and laptops; small electrical appliances; cords and cables; DVDs and CDs; steel and scrap metal; cardboard; empty gas bottles; and domestic polystyrene. Car and household batteries, paint and domestic chemicals, motor oil (under 20L), white goods and degassed fridges, freezers and air conditioners are also accepted for free.
Some materials do attract a disposal fee. Mattresses cost $30, while charges also apply to garden waste, tyres, fluorescent tubes and commercial polystyrene. Timber and concrete are only accepted at the NRCC.
Eligible drink containers such as plastic and glass bottles, cans and liquid paperboard containers used for juice and milk, can be exchanged for 10c
per item at the Containers for Change vending machine at the NRRC. Containers for Change also operate in Cooroy at 5 Johnson Crt and Pomona at 2 Pomona Connection Rd. There is also a Containers for Change centre at 53-55 Lysaght St, Coolum. Visit: envirobank.com.au/eligiblecontainers-guide.
The Reviva Noosa Reuse Shop located at the NRCC accepts a large range of usable items in good condition. In 2024-2025, Reviva on sold 140 tonnes of items that would otherwise have gone to landfill. Visit: FB revivanoosa.
Textile waste remains a major environmental issue in Australia, with around 1M tonnes ending up in landfill each year, where it does not break down. Residents can recycle household linen through the annual Give a Sheet for the Planet initiative, usually held mid year at locations across Noosa Shire and the Sunshine Coast Council areas. Visit: giveasheetfortheplanet.com.
SCC expanded local waste services with the reopening of the Nambour Resource Recovery Centre on Cooney Road in September 2025 as part of the Nambour Waste Precinct Project. Additional waste disposal centres operate at Yandina and Kenilworth.
All 3 sites accept selected items for free recycling, including domestic and car batteries, domestic chemicals, e-waste and some household appliances. However, these centres do not operate a second-hand goods recycle market. The nearest recycling markets are located at Caloundra and Buderim. Visit: sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.
Rhonda Piggott
BUSINESS NEWS
Hinterland Hearing
Audiologist Nick Parkyn has recently relocated from Tewantin to establish his own independent practice – Hinterland Hearing – right in the heart of Cooroy (opposite the IGA). During a recent Eumundi Rotary Club meeting, Nick Parkyn offered a compelling glimpse into his longstanding ties with the local community and his professional journey as an audiologist. He also shared practical insights on hearing awareness, underscoring the vital importance of maintaining good hearing health in daily life.
Nick’s roots in the region run deep. The Parkyn family have been Noosa pioneers since 1878, beginning with Richard Bray Parkyn – a Cornish miner who arrived during the Gympie gold rush and built one of the first houses on Gympie Tce, Noosaville. Jack Parkyn, Richard’s son, expanded the family’s legacy by pioneering river transport and tourism infrastructure, ferrying passengers and freight along the Noosa River and developing the Munna Point area with holiday cottages, a general store and a campground that remains today.
Beyond tourism, the Parkyns contributed to local fishing and prawn industries, innovating rivercommerce practices. Jack’s sons, Howard (Nick’s grandfather) and Cloudesley (known as George), operated Parkyn Boats, offering iconic putt-putt boats for hire and sunset tours. The Parkyn Hut Information Centre, once their miner’s hut, has become a multi-award-winning community hub, thanks to the dedication of volunteers since 2001. With 18 years’ experience, Nick brings a wealth of experience to his independent clinic. This independence allows him to work with all brands of hearing aids, ensuring that every client receives a solution tailored to their unique lifestyle, rather than being limited to what larger corporations might prefer to sell. He also offers a groundbreaking tinnitus treatment called Oritone, for those with or without hearing aids, alongside personalised management strategies. The clinic specialises in gentle microsuction ear wax removal and hearing tests for children aged four and up. Eligible pensioners and veterans can access free hearing tests and government-funded hearing aids, with payment options including HICAPS gap payments and Medicare rebates for those with referrals from GPs, ENT specialists, neurologists or GP management plans. Visit: hinterlandhearing.com.
New clinical nutritionist service in Eumundi
Clinical Nutritionist Natalie Baxter has recently opened a clinic at The Pavilion, 79 Memorial Dr, Eumundi, providing both in person and online consultations for women across the Sunshine Coast. Practising on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Natalie works primarily with women who are
and Pat McDonald.
A new production is set to tour Australia, starting at QPAC, Brisbane from April 2026 then moving to the Theatre Royal Sydney on 13 May. The cast features “soapie” favourites Lisa McCune, Belinda Giblin, Debra Lawrence, Jessica Redmayne, Mandy Bishop and Lotte Beckett. The tour continues to the Theatre Royal Sydney in May 2026, Wollongong and Canberra in June 2026, His Majesty’s Theatre, Perth in July 2026 and Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre from July 2026. However, you can see it first at Noosa Arts Theatre from 19 March. The talented cast includes Bridie Delaney (the Narrator from Joseph), Janneke Williamson, Sharon Grimley, Sepi Burgiani, Emily Richert and Angel Bach as the friends who share the ups and downs of their lives, gossip, laughter and tears in the comfort of Truvy’s beauty salon.
Set in a small fictional town Chinquapin, Louisiana, the play reflects the dialogue, humour, repartee and attitudes during the late 1980s in Southern USA. Wardrobe mistress Margaret Courtney’s costume designs will nostalgically transport us back to those days, and through Alison Venning’s exceptional direction, audiences will share the characters’ reactions and emotions as they unite in the face of tragedy. The bonds of female friendship portrayed are both powerful and timeless.
Catch a special preview on 19 March at 7.30pm, with opening night on 26 March. Matinee performances are scheduled for 21,22,28&29 March, while evening performances run on 26,27&28 March. Tickets: noosaartstheatre.org.au, phone (07) 54 499 343 or purchase directly from the theatre at 163 Weyba Rd, Noosaville during office hours. Eileen Walder
Community News
Choose active travel: set up healthy habits
Ride2School Day – Friday 20 March – is an opportunity for families to leave their car at home and enjoy an active start with their child, setting up lifelong healthy travel habits. Riding, walking, or scooting helps kids stay healthy, boosts confidence and eases congestion around schools. Visit Council’s website for details.
Two very different but equally exciting awards are now open
The Sunshine Coast Biosphere Awards 2026 celebrate the people, groups and businesses creating a more sustainable future in our Biosphere. Also open nationwide is the prestigious Sunshine Coast National Art Prize 2026, with a major $25,000 prize up for grabs. Artists working in 2D mediums, as well as digital compositions and other new media, are encouraged to apply. See Council’s website for more information.
Watch Council’s next Ordinary Meeting
View online on Council's website or at Sunshine Coast City Hall Chambers on Thursday 26 March
Are you a local artist looking for funding to grow your skills and practice?
Or do you have a bold, original idea for a highquality arts project? Perfect – you've come to the right place! You can apply for a RADF Grant. Up to $15,000 in funding is available to support creative projects and professional development across the Sunshine Coast. Applications close 30 March. Visit Council's website for details and to apply.
Get the latest Council news delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up for the OurSC enewsletter.
Nobody’s Girl tumbles heads
“An arrogant bully, staff refusing to work for him; insulting foreign dignitaries; deliberately late to appointments; outrageously spending money; indulgently entertaining freeloaders at government expense, bringing Royalty to shame and believing he is answerable to no-one” –behaviour that once brought royalty to account and disgrace.
Such conduct saw King Charles I arrested for treason and executed in January 1649. Similar accusations are now levelled at Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who was arrested on 19 February 2026.
Despite announcing, “I am the Queen’s son”, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor faces potential treason charges relating to sharing UK Government secrets, documents and other financial information during his role as UK Trade Envoy. Some who benefitted, profited, blackmailed and interfered with international politics and trade, are exposed in the newly released Epstein Files. The documents link celebrities, businessmen, international leaders including Royalty, former presidents, prime ministers, ambassadors and media moguls, to Jeffrey Epstein’s long-running, sexual grooming, trafficking and abuse of under-age girls, facilitated with the assistance of his girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell, for many years.
In 2011 Virginia Roberts Giuffre bravely joined other victims to expose Epstein and Maxwell. She was accused of being complicit – portrayed as a willing participant in the obscene parties,
transported around the world, shared among wealthy clients and allegedly hungry for publicity and payouts.
A photo of Virginia with the then Prince Andrew and Ghislaine Maxwell caused an outcry. His incredible television interview – denying they had ever met, claiming he could not sweat, and asserting he was at home having pancakes with his daughter – brought him ridicule.
Refusing to be quiet, Virginia continued to support others and encourage more victims to come forward. She battled to keep her children protected and normal as possible while she flew between Australia and the United States, continuing the fight for justice and to convince everyone that she was telling the truth.
In Nobody’s Girl, Virginia openly reveals her dysfunctional childhood and sexual abuse, struggle to protect her brothers, and how she became entangled in Epstein’s web of depravity. She tells how she finally escaped and met her Australian husband, marrying him 10 days later in a Thai Buddhist Temple. The book also reveals the immense pressure she underwent, constantly facing opposition from high places, along with increasingly severe health issues which caused her constant, excruciating pain.
With her children now independent, Epstein dead and Maxwell in prison, names revealed, her book finished, her pain became unbearable. Virginia committed suicide in April 2025. Despite Andrew’s denials, refusal to apologise, and a huge payout by the late Queen, the Epstein Files are said to prove Virginia’s claims.
Andrew is no longer a prince and was expelled from his 30-room royal lodge along with his now divorced wife, Sarah Ferguson. She is also documented as having maintained contact with Epstein, corresponding with him and receiving money until his death in prison.
Now isolated, with the late Queen’s corgis his only supporters, Andrew faces treason charges and arrest for his sexual crimes. As the once powerful fall, their reputations collapse alongside them –exposed by their brave victims.
Virginia’s book closes with the words, “If it helps just one person – I will have achieved my goal.”
Eileen Walder
HEALTH
The everyday medicines behind pain relief
Walk into any pharmacy and you will see the shelves stocked with familiar pain relievers. Many of these belong to a group called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, commonly known as NSAIDs. But what exactly are they – and when should they be used?
NSAIDs are medicines designed to relieve pain, reduce inflammation (swelling) and lower fever. They are called non-steroidal because they are not steroids like cortisone, although both types of medicines reduce inflammation.
Many are available over the counter, while stronger versions require a prescription. Some widely used NSAIDs include:
Ibuprofen (e.g. Nurofen, Advil)
Aspirin (e.g. Aspro)
Naproxen (e.g. Naprogesic)
Diclofenac (e.g. Voltaren)
Celecoxib (e.g. Celebrex)
When your body is injured or inflamed it produces chemicals called prostaglandins. These chemicals cause pain, swelling, redness and heat.
NSAIDs work by blocking the enzymes COX-1 and COX-2 which are responsible for producing prostaglandins. The result? Less inflammation and less pain.
They are commonly recommended for headaches and migraines, period pain, dental pain, muscle strains and sports injuries, back pain, arthritis and fever. They are particularly effective when inflammation is contributing to the pain.
NSAIDs are effective and generally safe when
used correctly – but they are not risk-free.
Possible side-effects include:
Stomach irritation or ulcers
Heartburn
Raised blood pressure
Kidney strain
Increased cardiovascular risk with long-term use.
People with heart disease, kidney problems, stomach ulcers or those taking blood thinners should seek medical advice before using them.
NSAIDs are among the most commonly used medicines in the world – and for good reason. They can provide fast, effective relief for many painful conditions. However, like all medications they should be used thoughtfully and appropriately. The best approach? Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest necessary time and seek advice if you are unsure.
Did You Know?
Inflammation matters. NSAIDs are especially effective when swelling is part of the pain –such as in sprains, arthritis or period pain.
They can irritate the stomach. Taking them with food helps reduce this risk.
Long-term use isn’t always safe. Prolonged or high-dose use can increase the risk of stomach ulcers, kidney strain and heart problems.
They’re not the same as paracetamol. Paracetamol reduces pain and fever but does not significantly reduce inflammation.
More is not better. Taking two different NSAIDs together does not improve pain relief but it does increase the risks.
Dr Lisha Pollock – Cooroy Family Medical
PARTLY FURNISHED near new ground floor level of cottage. Rental includes internet and water. Comprising, open plan lounge/dining, modern kitchen plus 1 bedroom and combined bathroom and laundry. Features include air-conditioning, induction cooking, fridge/freezer, washing machine, clothes dryer, ceiling fans, screens, blinds and robes. Partly furnished –just bring your own linen, towels and kitchen utensils! Covered patio at front.
The house comes FULLY FURNISHED and includes power and water. The lease term is negotiable. This stunning pole home is nestled high in the treetops yet just a two-minute stroll into Eumundi village. Enjoy stunning elevated outlooks to Mt Coolum from the expansive indoor outdoor living space. The home features a wonderful wrap around covered deck that captures the breeze and is perfect for entertaining or relaxing.
Escape to the serenity of the Ninderry hinterland with this charming farm-style furnished and serviced home, offering a peaceful rural retreat for short-term or longterm tenancy. Enjoy spacious open-plan living, a full kitchen, two bedrooms, a bathroom, and a sauna room. Electricity included. A cleaner would attend monthly. Fully fenced house yard. Pets may be considered, provided they are contained within the house yard and are sheep-friendly.