OSHC stands for ‘Out of School Hours Care’ and offers families within the community an option for the care of their children during hours outside of school hours
The Child Care Subsidy is assistance to help parents manage the cost of Child Crae fees Initiated through Services Australia the amount of support each family receives depends on each family’s circumstances More information and application for CCS can be found at https://www servicesaustralia gov au/ child-care-subsidy
Be it work, appointments or general life responsibilities, Rainbow Beach P&C have created OSHC for parents, both within the school and wider community, to help manage life a little easier if needed Along with care in the hours after school on a normal week, we also have care available to families during the school holidays Called ‘Vacation Care’, this program has been developed to keep kids active and creative during the school holidays when
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Phone: 0421 843 442
Address: PO Box 403, Rainbow Beach QLD 4581
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myxplor com/enrollment v2/centre/8SSt8f3UQ94231y2j94231B7Rkc05Q JOIN US ON AN EPIC JOURNEY!
What has a jolly laugh, brings you presents and scratches up your furniture? Santa Claws
Which of Santa’s reindeer has bad manners? Rude-olph
What
What
Which elf was the best singer? ELFis Presley
Rainbow Beach Community News acknowledges the Butchulla people and the Gubbi Gubbi people as the traditional custodians of the lands on which our publication is dedicated to. We recognise they are Australia’s first and most enduring storytellers, artists, and creators of culture and their continuing connection to land, water, and community. We pay our respects to Elders past and present and to the oldest Elder being
itself.
How does Santa take pictures? With his North Pole-aroid
What
Country
Sally Joyce
Darren Baker
COVER PHOTO:
Yeah, the girls! Memorial Surf Classic 2024.
Photo by the amazing Skye Jade - IG @skye. jade.photo
Look to the Skies!
Diana Journeaux
SECRETARY RAINBOW BEACH COMMERCE AND TOURISM ASSOCIATION INC
RAINBOW BEACH is getting ready for one of its most loved community traditions, with Santa Comes To Rainbow returning on Saturday 13 December.
The fun kicks off from 1pm at the Community Hall precinct, straight after the markets - and this year, stallholders will be staying on to keep the festive atmosphere alive.
Families can look forward to an afternoon packed with entertainment, including our favourite dancing elf on stage from 1pm, jumping castles for the kids, face painting, and delicious food stalls to enjoy.
And of course, the highlight of the day will be Santa’s spectacular landing at 3pm, bringing smiles, excitement, and plenty of Christmas cheer.
This event is proudly brought to the community by the Rainbow
Beach Commerce and Tourism Association, with heartfelt thanks to the Rainbow Beach Hotel for generously allowing raffle ticket fundraising every fourth Saturday. Thanks to their support - and the hard work of the committee - the event continues to grow stronger each year.
Santa comes to Rainbow
Community
Celebration Returns
A special shout-out also goes to the Community Hall Committee for working closely with organisers, the wonderful Boomerang Bags ladies for their ongoing efforts, and the cheerful Rainbow Elves, who will be roaming the event handing out candy canes.
Mark your calendars, bring the family, and come along to celebrate the magic of Christmas in true Rainbow Beach style!
Keep an eye out for the local firies with an extra special guest on
Ho, Ho, Hold on to your Santa Hats
The 2025 Santa Run is Coming!
SANTA IS DUSTING off his boots and hopping aboard a fire truck once again as the Tin Can Bay Fire Station team joins forces with the Cooloola Coast Youth Activity Project (YAP) for this year’s Santa Run! On Wednesday 24 December, the jolly man in red will be cruising through Cooloola Cove, Tin Can Bay, and back by popular demand, Wallu!
Because Santa’s got a huge night ahead of him, he’ll be sticking to a set route to make sure he sees as many excited little faces as possible. Want to track him like a Christmas Eve sleigh radar? Maps for Tin Can Bay and Cooloola Cove will be posted on the YAP Facebook page, with live updates in the comments as Santa moves along.
And if you hear sirens, don’t worry, that’s just Santa saying hello!
The fun starts in Cooloola Cove at 3pm, followed by a quick whirl through the three main roads of Wallu. Tin Can Bay’s run kicks off around 5pm before Santa zooms off to the North Pole to finish loading the sleigh.
If your street isn’t on Santa’s route, no worries, just head to a nearby stop or meet at one of the local parks along the way. A friendly reminder to keep everyone safe: please wait for the fire truck to stop before approaching.
Want to help Santa stock up on treats for the kiddos? Drop off donations to the YAP team behind the library at the Tin Can Bay market on Saturday, 20 December or phone 0411 218 254.
Pet Workz partners with Silver Lining for Christmas Giving
’TIS THE SEASON for giving, and Silver Lining Pet Rescue has partnered with Pet Workz in Tin Can Bay to create a donation point for preloved or gently used pet items, monetary contributions and any support the community can offer to help care for rescue furbabies.
Silver Lining Pet Rescue is a no-kill, nonprofit organisation dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals in need. From abandoned pets to neglected strays, their mission is to give every animal a second chance at a happy, healthy life.
Operating as a fosterbased network across Queensland, the rescue is run entirely by volunteers who work tirelessly, seven days a week, to save lives.
All animals receive full veterinary checks and required vet work before being adopted into their new homes and thanks to this commitment, countless pets have already found their ‘silver lining’.
If you’d like to support this meaningful initiative, simply pop into Pet Workz in the Dolphin Shopping Centre and chat with the team. Every contribution, big or small, helps make a significant difference. Donations will be accepted until 20 December.
board on Christmas Eve!
Skate and Relate
Round 2 Round 2
SKATE AND RELATE is gearing up for Round 2, bringing even more energy, support and positive youth engagement to local skate parks.
Delivered by Chiggy’s Skateboarding, the program aims to activate community spaces and provide safe environments where young people can connect, feel supported, and build confidence through skateboarding.
This exciting initiative features learnto-skate workshops, one-on-one and group coaching, live demonstrations, music, giveaways, food, and more. All activities are led by three professional skateboard coaches with extensive experience working with youth.
Designed specifically for vulnerable young people under 17, the program is
Be
proudly supported by the Gympie Police Crime Prevention Unit and Tin Can Bay Police.
Round 2 will hit two locations just in time for the school holidays:
• Cooloola Cove – Monday 15 Dec
• Tin Can Bay – Tuesday 16 Dec
• Each location will host two workshops per day: 10am – 2pm and 2pm – 6pm
Spaces are limited, so early registration is encouraged. To secure a spot, email hello@chiggysskateboarding.com. au. Walk-ins are welcome on the day, subject to availability.
Please note: All participants must be registered online, and waivers must be completed by an adult before joining the activities.
Not skating? No problem! Pop down, meet the team, and enjoy the great community vibe.
a Part of Rainbow Beach History
WITH THE SUCCESS of The History Of
Rainbow Beach Part 1 book it has been decided that Rainbow Beach Part 2 will be written in the future.
There have been many older residents who missed an opportunity to contribute to Part 1, and already some of their stories have been delivered.
Rainbow Beach Part 1 has sold nearly 500 copies and is still selling. Sadly six contributors to this book have passed on so luckily their memories live on.
Part 1 was history supplied by residents past and present as well as tourists that came to Rainbow Beach prior to 2000. As time is catching up with us all, we have decided to include those that came to the
Fri 5th 7pm / Blues Burners
Fri 5th 7pm / Blues Burners
area up until 2020 and have witnessed the change, whether running your own business, working, or holidaying.
WHAT WE NEED TO KNOW:
When did you first come to Rainbow Beach?
What brought you to Rainbow Beach? Work, business, family etc.
Highlights of your time in Rainbow Beach. (Town growth, beach, road)
Characters you have met or worked with. Funny instances you can remember. (Beach rocks, campers, fishing)
Are you likely to stay in Rainbow Beach?
(What is needed?)
Any old photos would be welcome.
Finally, stories prior to 2000 will still be accepted. As you know the town was only gazetted in 1969, making 2029 the 60 year anniversary. As there was no 50 year Anniversary maybe 2029 is time to celebrate?
For enquiries: Tony - 0408 767 930 rainbowfishing33@gmail.com or Sheryl - mermoch@gmail.com
The Making of Rainbow Beach Book is available from the Rainbow Beach 7th wave Tourist Information Centre, the Rainbow Beach Community Centre, the Barber Shop, and Tin Can Bay Newsagency next to the post office. A big thank you to those selling this Publication with 10% of each sale going to charity.
Fri 12th 7pm / Junction Road
Fri 12th 7pm / Junction Road
Fri 19th 7pm / On 4 The Road
Fri 19th 7pm / On 4 The Road
Sat 26 6pm/ Matt Edwards
Sat 20th 6pm/ Matt Edwards
Fri 26th 7pm /Just Jen
Fri 26th 7pm /Just Jen
Sat 27th 6pm/ Matt Edwards
Sat 27th 6pm/ Matt Edwards
You don’t want to miss round 2 of Skate and Relate! Book now to secure your spot.
Tony Stewart
A Boatiful Afternoon!
OUR BUBBLES AND BOAS event held on Saturday 25 October in the Community Centre at Rainbow Beach was a successful afternoon.
All the ladies who attended got into the spirit of the fun afternoon
and especially
Big shout out to all those who
jazz, burlesque and Polynesian. The afternoon was complete with a social catch-up after the dancing.
participated
to dance instructor Toni Robinson from Toni Robinson’s Dance Studio in Maryborough.
Vicky Miles
Jed Elmer
CIRS Celebrates 25 Years with Community Time Capsule
THE COMMUNITY INFORMATION
Resource Service (CIRS), is celebrating its 25th Anniversary this year!
To honour this major milestone and capture the unique spirit of our beachside village, CIRS of the Rainbow Beach Community Hall is inviting all residents and community groups to contribute to a Community Time Capsule.
The capsule will be officially sealed during the anniversary event on Sunday 7 December 2025 and placed on-site, set to be opened in the year 2050.
The event runs from 2pm to 4pm, featuring local speakers, historical photos, live music and family activities, with light refreshments available through until 7pm.
CIRS encourages everyonewhether representing a local group, a family, or an individual - to help capture the enduring memory of life, times, and experiences in Rainbow Beach today. They are seeking personal contributions and mementos that speak to the present moment.
Items encouraged include handwritten letters to future generations, current photographs of local life or family, or small, non-perishable mementos (like newspaper clippings or personalised postcards).
All submissions must be clearly labelled with your full name and be no larger or thicker than a standard A4 page.
Contributions can be brought directly to the anniversary event on 7 December. If you cannot attend, submissions can be dropped off at the Rainbow Beach Community Hall office no later than Friday 5 December 2025.
This is a wonderful opportunity to bridge the decades and provide the residents of 2050 with a genuine snapshot of our vibrant town today. For any queries, please contact CIRS at rainbowcommunitycirs@ gmail.com or call 0434 057 356.
This project received funding assistance from the Gympie Regional Council’s Community Grants Program 2025/2026.
Previous President - Fiona Hawthorne, President - Jed Elmer, Outstanding Volunteer - Denise Orr with the time capsule ready to be filled with your Rainbow Beach mementos.
Rainbow Beach P&C News
AS WE DRAW
to the end of the 2025 school year, I would like to acknowledge the incredible effort all students have put in this year. In reflection, it has been an amazing year with lots of fun activities and events and another year of knowledge for our students. We are very proud of how they have all grown throughout the course of the year.
Earlier this term, Rainbow Beach IGA spoilt students, families, and staff with a big breakfast. What a wonderful treat it was to have Kirsty and Jess from the IGA provide and cook a
hot breakfast including bacon, eggs, and sausages.
The students also took full advantage of the abundant supply of Fruit Loops, Nutri-Grain and Coco Pops, in addition to some fresh watermelon which was also a big hit! Very big thanks to everyone from the IGA for their ongoing support of Rainbow Beach SS.
The bi-annual Colour Run was a blast! The oval was filled with puffs of colour and students of all year levels donned their whitest shirts and took to the oval for a colourful afternoon of running, laughter, and teamwork. After the first lap of the monster obstacle course, the white shirts had become vibrant and colourful. Congratulations to everyone who
participated and helped raise funds for footy goals for the school oval. We were overwhelmed by the amazing fundraising effort that was put in by the students. The event was a fantastic way to bring our community together, and we’re grateful to all the parent volunteers who pitched in.
Coming up in week 8 we have our school swimming carnival. Stakes are high as both K’Gari and Cooloola teams swim it out to see who will take out the final win for the year! Good luck to all students and we hope you have a wonderful day!
Thank you again to Mrs Summers and Ms Kirsty for the time and effort they have put in to teaching our kids to swim, we are very grateful. Thank you also to the Rainbow Beach Sports
Club for your generous support, donating the use of the pool and club bus each week. It would not be possible without your support! It’s that time of year where students will be out and about in our community selling tickets to our Annual Monster Christmas Raffle. The Rainbow Beach State School P&C would like to extend a huge thank you to our wonderful local businesses for their generous donations and support towards our upcoming Christmas Raffle.
We’re so lucky to be part of a community that continues to give so generously each year. Your contributions help make our raffle such a success and directly support programs and resources for our students.
Melissa Spanton
Colour Run fun!
There are some amazing prize hampers up for grabs again this year so keep an eye out for tickets – you must be in it to win it! There are also prizes on offer for students who sell the most raffle tickets which is a great incentive for our students and their families.
Our Rainbow Beach State School Christmas Concert is being held on Tuesday 9 December at the Community Centre. Our event will be commencing at 5pm with an estimated finish of 7:30pm. The Christmas Concert is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and reflect on the year and recognise some of the great individual achievements
from each grade.
It is also an opportunity to demonstrate the creative talent with class and choir performances. Save the date, we would love to see you all there!
Rainbow Beach OSHC is gearing up for another unforgettable summer, and we’re excited to invite families to join our Christmas Holidays 2025 Vacation Care Program! With a vibrant mix of adventure, creativity, and good old-fashioned fun, our program is designed to keep kids active, happy, and engaged all summer long.
Our Vacation Care program will run every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday throughout the QLD school
holidays 8am – 4pm and closed during the weeks of Christmas and New Year. If you would like to enrol your child into OSHC, you can contact us directly on 0480 501 870 or email oshcrainbowbeach@gmail.com.
Alternatively, you can enrol online, the link is also on our P&C Facebook page. If you would like to keep up to date with our P&C news, you can visit our Facebook page: www.facebook. com/PandCRainbowBeach.
Finally, a huge thank you to our community for your amazing support throughout the year. Many of the events and fundraising efforts we do
would not be possible without your support.
From all the Rainbow Beach School staff and P&C we would like to wish all our students and families a very Merry Christmas and hope that you all enjoy a well-deserved break. Stay safe these holidays and we look forward to welcoming everyone back in 2026!
If you would like to keep up to date with our P&C news, you can visit our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ PandCRainbowBeach.
Thank you to Rainbow Beach IGA for spoiling us all with a yummy big breakfast.
SEW much to do for Quilters!
Steph Jones VICE PRESIDENT
HELLO EVERYONE, and it’s nearly the end of the year, where did 2025 go?
Another busy month for the quilting ladies; last month we had Teena and Shirley’s birthday, they are sticking on 21 apparently. Go girls!
The committee is knee-deep in paperwork and emails organising the Friendship Day for 9 May next year. Lots to do and prepare before that, everyone is welcome with a $15 fee at the door on the day to cover lunch, tea, and coffee.
Yes, I will keep reminding you every month. Large groups (10 or more)
please contact us so we can make your day run smoothly.
Sandra threw this colourful quilt together in three days, whilst also making lots of gifts to donate for Friendship Day. She is one of two of our longest attending members in the club - 30+ years and is of course extremely talented.
Want to join in? We meet every Tuesday from 9am-12pm at the Community Hall, Amity Place, Tin Can Bay. $5 entry fee, and we have a long day one day a month until 2pm at no extra cost.
Join our Facebook group to keep up to date with what’s happening, we are at: Quilters of Tin Can Bay.
A Great Year for the Tin Can Bay RSL
Ross Carruthers
2025HAS BEEN another huge year for the Tin Can Bay RSL. Highlights included: well-attended Anzac Day, Vietnam Veterans Day, Remembrance Day, and War Widows commemorations where we remembered those who served and supported our nation.
There were also record attendances at the monthly Drop-In Sausage Sizzle, and Veterans and Community Morning Tea. The Sunday BBQ and Friday night Members Draw continued to be popular with locals and visitors alike.
We have been very busy planning upgrades to provide veterans, their families, and the Cooloola Coast community with fresh, modern, pleasant and safe facilities to use and enjoy. The proposed upgrades will include new floor coverings and
furniture in our bar and verandah areas.
We are also looking at the installation of a covered outdoor deck for our licensed outdoor, dog-friendly area as well as upgrading the flooring in the Veterans Community Hall. Subject to the success of grant applications to RSL Queensland and Veterans Queensland, all the upgrades could be in place by mid-2026.
We made a special point of celebrating the contribution of our volunteers this year with a Volunteers’ Luncheon held away from our Subbranch as well as a recent Members’ Christmas Luncheon complete with food truck and entertainment to thank all our members for their support through the year.
We also made a point of supporting our community with donations made to Tin Can Bay P-10 School, Little Haven Palliative Care, Tin Can
Happy birthday to Teena and Shirley last month.
Clever Sandra threw this quilt together in just three days!
Bay SES, Tin Can Bay Community Hall, Tin Can Bay Sporting Shooters, and the National Heart Foundation.
Happy New Year from President Don Holland and the Board of the Tin Can Bay RSL. We’re looking forward to a cracking 2026!
Everyone having a great time at the Tin Can Bay RSL Christmas Morning Tea.
Plenty to celebrate for QCWA
Wendy Ritchie
ANOTHER MONTH has flown by. Not long till Christmas - where has the year gone? Our new Executive Committee are planning new projects for 2026 and are all enjoying their new roles and have some great ideas.
Our regular events will continue next year: 1st & 2nd Wednesdays - Craft mornings at QCWA Hall, Whiting Street; 3rd Wednesday - Hoy at Cooloola Bowls Club, $7.00 entry, money board, raffle lucky door prize and morning tea.
All are welcome to come to Craft, for our community events you do not have to be a QCWA member. Only $2.00 with raffle and morning tea. Congratulations to our two members at State Competition Finals at QCWA State Conference held in Cairns at the end of October: 1st Prize State International Country of Study Ontario Canada Creative Tea Towel
– Mrs Dianna Carroll QCWA Tin Can Bay. Congratulations Dianna. 1st Prize State Photography Competition Champion Floral Blooms Mrs Elwyn Slaughter QCWA Tin Can Bay. Congratulations Elwyn. Remembrance Day was a moving service with lots of people attending, and President Mrs. Robyn Fisher and Vice President laying the QCWA wreath.
The Seaside Cottage is welcoming a lot of return visitors. Bookings are steady with a few vacancies in December and January. We changed the weekly rental Tuesday to Tuesday and it is working well allowing visitors a full weekend at the Cottage. Clients have welcomed the change.
We attended Tin Can Bay School Awards night on 11 November, QCWA is proud to be a sponsor to support our local school.
Don’t forget December Craft on Wednesdays 3rd and 10th of the month. No Hoy in DecemberFirst Hoy for next year is on 18th February 2026.
Lions Christmas Cakes Are Back!
HOLD ONTO YOUR Santa hats, Lions Christmas cakes and puddings are back! If you want one of these legendary Christmas treats, head to the Tin Can Bay Newsagency, Pet Workz, Kingfisher Caravan Park, or Cooloola Mitre 10.
Big cakes and puddings are just $16 and the adorable mini cakes are $2. Bring cash and get ready to unwrap some holiday yum!
Cathy House has been a hive of action. The side garden is cleared and ready for its Native Transition Project makeover. Still haven’t grabbed your free tree from your rates notice? Donate it to the Lions project! Just show your notice at Cooloola City Farm and boom, you’ve helped the
community grow, literally!
The Club also lit Cathy House up in bright red for Day for Daniel, spreading the word about child safety. It’s our first year taking part and we’ve got our eyes set on making 2026 bigger, redder, and even more impactful.
And, Christmas in the Park is nearly here! Lions and the Tin Can Bay Community Church are teaming up again for a night of festive fun.
The Club was successful in gaining support from a Gympie Regional Council Community Assistance Grant, so there’s more activities rolling out before the carols kick off. Don’t forget to stop by the Lions BBQ, we’ve got hamburgers and snags sizzling just for you!
Curious about Lions? Want to join in or just say hi? Email tincanbaylions@gmail.com or call 0411 218 254. The Club wishes everyone a joyful, laughterfilled Christmas and a fabulous New Year!
Elwyn showing off her certificates for her winning photo.
Any information required for QCWA – ring Wendy 0412 547 043.
Left: Lions Christmas Cakes Coordinator Daisy is happy to have cakes and puddings back in stock just in time for Christmas!
Music Club is everyone’s Jam
HI EVERYONE, the Cooloola Coast (Open Mic) Music Club is now in its second year, and we have relocated to new premises at the Cooloola Coast Community Complex, Amity Place, Tin Can Bay (near the roundabout).
Going forward, we are now incorporating Open Mic and Jam night for all to enjoy. You are welcome to bring your instrument and songs, plug into the PA or amp, and play solo or with the band.
All music supplied by the house band is in easily accessible folders with words and chords. If you want to join in, you are welcome, or you can dance the night away to good music. It all happens on the first and third Friday evenings of each month, around 6:30pm, and goes until about 9.00pm.
The Beatles, The Eagles, Tom Petty, Bee Gees, Badfinger, America, The Doobie Brothers, Robbie Williams, to name a few.
It’s also a great place to meet locals who share a love of music and life. Music is a universal language that crosses all boundaries. It is always a pleasant surprise who turns up on the night.
Light refreshments are available, and more time to connect with people.
Get inspired with Cooloola Coast Art Group
Kerri Southern
ANOTHER YEAR COMING to an end, and all too fast. We have enjoyed trying out various mediums throughout the year, some being oils, water colours, soft pastels, graphite and charcoal.
Having fun with these mediums and new ones will continue in 2026. There is no end to learning.
If you would like more details on any of these activities, please either email: cooloolacoastartgroup@ gmail.com or ring Kerri 0438 803 990. Follow us on Instagram @ cooloolacoastartgroup.
Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year with family and friends.
EASTER BUNNY MADNESS
The songs played include artists like
So, mark your calendars for the first and third Fridays of the month and join us at the Cooloola Coast Community Complex for a fun, friendly Friday night, full of great music and company.
The Club breaks up on the 19th December 2025 and resumes on the 16th January 2026. Hope to see you there. We wish all a Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year.
Our group meets each Tuesday at Tuncunba Hall, and members enjoy sharing their passion for art with one another on all levels. Our beautiful coastal location is truly inspiring for an artist, so why not join our ‘plein air’ painting group who get together along the foreshore every fortnight. If life drawing is something you have been thinking of exploring, then come along and see how you can improve your artistic skills with a model, which is held every fortnight.
Mike G AND THE COOLOOLA COAST MUSIC CREW
Rock on down to the Community Complex and connect with locals over music.
‘Skies In Pastel’
Party Time for Probus
Katrina van den Brenk
GABRIELLA FIELD was Guest Speaker and Instructor at our November meeting as she spoke of the Country Kitchens programme for healthy eating but also had us engaging in Chair Yoga.
Members are looking forward to our Christmas Break Up - but really we are having two - a Christmas luncheon with a few extra invitees, but also our December meeting with party food and skits, with a Coffee’n’Chat fitted in on the third Monday.
Afterall, the Probus Motto is Fun, Friendship, and Fellowship.
On a serious note, member, Arthur Leggo, who turns 100 in December, was one of our three members who laid wreaths at the Remembrance Day Service in Tin Can Bay.
We’ll have an informal catch-up or two in January.
Rainbow Beach Drought Runners Report
Tony Stewart COORDINATOR
LUCKILY FOR OUR organisation it has been another quiet month. We can only hope this continues through summer but as we know too well disasters come and go; whether it’s fire, flood, or drought we are ready to go.
Thanks once again to our local fundraiser Wayne Kerle and the Tin Can Bay Bakery with our collection tin in there, which is very much appreciated.
It is now ten years since we started this aid organisation and it was due to the serious eight-year drought in western Queensland. With our help to Longreach, Winton, Morven, Mitchell, Stanthorpe, Coonamble, Barradine and other drought areas I believe we lifted spirits in the bush.
Then add flood donations to Mullumbimby, Forbes and Eugowra, Goomeri and Murgon area, fires in northeast Victoria and the Grampians, feeding the Gympie homeless, donations to BlazeAid –the list goes on.
This takes our fundraising to over $1 million so thank you all supporters.
We did have some sad news this month with the passing of one of my longtime supporters in Jim Snee of Tin Can Bay. Jim and his wife Margaret even did drought runs to Longreach for me, and Jim’s homemade goods sold well at markets. Our condolences are sincerely extended to Marg and Family.
Until next time, thank you all.
Merry Christmas to all our loyal readers and advertisers. Thank you for supporting the Rainbow Beach Community News!
If you are of retirement age and would like to join us, please contact our President Daryl Christie on 0416 739 324, or Secretary, Katrina on 0407 637 691 or email cooloolaprobus@gmail.com.
Probus members enjoyed the Chair Yoga session at our last meeting.
Arthur Leggo and Daryl Christie at the Remembrance Day Service.
TCBCAMS Big Sale Day!
Carole Lehmann
WE’RE ENDING the year with a BANG! Yes - our last Shed Sale Day for the year will be a whopper on Saturday 20 December from 8am – 12 noon with LOTS on offer. So, if you’re looking for a last-minute gift, we have heaps of ideas.
Planter boxes, quirky painted pots, bird nesting boxes, cutting boards, wooden coat hangers, wooden Christmas decorations, a mini wooden cattle truck, a mini log cabin and other novelty items on show in our lovely new display cabinets.
Our plant nursery stocks are varied and plentiful with healthy, potted or hanging plants, wooden carvings and other garden decorations on sale at very reasonable prices.
We’ve also got loads of hard and soft cover books to amuse you over the holidays. Bring a bag and fill it up for a gold coin donation. So come down to see us on Saturday 20 December as we pack up for the year…
for business again on Monday 19 January 2026. So, if you’re new to the area or find yourself with idle time to spare, why not consider becoming a member?
A $60 membership gets you daily (weekday) access to the social and workshop areas as well as priority enrolment in workshops during 2026. And, you get to socialise and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow members in a convivial atmosphere.
Rob Norris will be conducting the weekly midday raffles at the Sleepy Lagoon Pub each Saturday (up to the 20th Dec and from 10th Jan 2026) so buy a few tickets to be in the running for some great prizes including a Christmas ham on 20 December.
And lastly but very importantly, as the year comes to a close, we would like to thank our members and those of the wider community for their support and assistance and wish you all a safe and enjoyable Christmas and New Year.
For further information, call in and see what we’re about at Amity Place, Tin Can Bay 9am-12noon weekdays or call our President, Bryan Phillips on 0420 299 651.
Hope to see you there!
Fashion Meets Ping Pong at Friday Sessions
The Tin Can Bay Table
crew are full of laughs every Friday and wish everyone a very Merry Christmas - with (L-R) Wendy, Mike, and Julie getting into the spirit!
ING PONG ENTHUSIASTS in Tin
PCan Bay are enjoying a boost of international inspiration, with one of the group’s regular players recently returning from Taiwan and generously sharing new tips and techniques.
Adding a dash of charm to the atmosphere, several of the ladies have embraced themed fashion, wearing miniature table-tennispaddle earrings that capture the spirit of the sessions beautifully.
Please be advised that Monday
meetups are paused for the warmer months. However Friday sessions continue as usual from 8am-10am at 110 Emperor Street in Tin Can Bay, offering excellent value at just $5. All proceeds assist the Cooloola Coast Youth Activity Project in maintaining the hall for community use.
A short Christmas closure will take place so visit the Tin Can Bay Table Tennis group on a Friday to confirm holiday dates or for further information, please contact Pete on 0403 316 796.
Tennis
Tin Can Bay Table Tennis Group
Walkers in the Pink
Maggie Travers WALK ORGANISER
WELCOME TO THREE new members: Rebecca, Nicky and Karen who enjoy our Walk and Talk along the Tin Can Bay Foreshore, with coffee afterwards. Great to have your company.
Congratulations Gaile H and Malcolm for achieving your second award for 50 officially recorded walks with the Heart Foundation Walking. Big congratulations to Julie for gaining your second badge to pin on your cap for 200 walks. Well done!
One Friday Chris Houston was dressed in pink, highlighting October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. So we suggested the ‘Cooloola Cove Wheelie Walkers’ dress in pink the following Monday.
Not everyone received the message in time. Consequently we decided to encourage walkers in all Heart Foundation Walking groups participating in the end of month Tin Can Bay Boardwalk to dress in pink and make a donation. We raised $130 for the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF).
Bianca from the NBCF sent a message: “... reaching out to say a huge thank you for your incredible support! Your generosity is helping support world-class breast cancer research.”
December, January, February are the summer months, meaning that our Heart Foundation Walking groups depart half an hour earlier than in spring and autumn.
‘Cooloola Cove Wheelie Walkers’ meet at the Shopping Centre bus shelter on Nautilus Drive by 7am, Mondays and Fridays from 1st December, weather permitting. The last Friday of the month we meet in Tin Can Bay near the swimming pool for our Boardwalk and BYO Picnic gathering.
‘One Step at a Time Tin Can Bay’ early group departs at 6am from the Tin Can Bay Bakery, and the later group at 6.30am on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 3rd December, weather permitting.
Merry Christmas Greetings from our Heart Foundation Walk Organisers and members.
Celebrate a step towards a healthy mind, body and heart. Walk Yourself Happy! Why don’t you join us? It’s free, fun and a great way to improve our physical, mental, social and emotional health.
Queries, contact Judy Beaton 5486 2181 or myself, Maggie1Travers@gmail. com or 0400 756 615.
Pretty (and handsome!) in Pink - Heart Foundation Walkers gathered before their boardwalk and picnic.
Sandy, Barbara, Alan, Julie, Peter, Gwenda leading our Walk In the Pink.
The Silky Project:
‘From a Silky Oak Tree Stump to 21 Bronze Native Australian Animals’
Orr
Denise
THE SILKY PROJECT is officially underway, bringing together community spirit, artistic talent, and regional pride.
Local artist and Australian Champion Chainsaw Carver Keith Gall began this journey more than two decades ago when he carved a single Silky Oak tree stump into a breathtaking sculpture featuring 21 native Australian animals, birds, and reptiles.
Now, the project is entering its most ambitious stage — transforming that wooden masterpiece into a life-size bronze sculpture destined for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.
The Bronze-Casting Process
Creating a bronze sculpture of this scale is a meticulous and labourintensive process.
The original Silky carving will be divided into 60 individual moulds, each requiring layers of release agents, plaster, wax, and ceramic shell. These ceramic shells are then heated in a kiln, melting out the wax and vitrifying the mold to receive molten bronze at more than 1,000°C.
Each bronze section is later cleaned, welded, and refined before the entire
piece is patinated and mounted for display.
Much of this hands-on work will take place at the Tin Can Bay Men’s Shed, where skilled volunteers will assist Keith through the complex stages of the lost-wax casting method.
Community Fundraising and Local Support
To support the enormous amount of labour and materials required, the Silky Project has launched a series of community-driven fundraising initiatives.
Keith and the Silky team are regularly attending both the Tin Can Bay Markets and the Rainbow Beach Markets, where locals and visitors can learn about the project, view progress, and purchase $5 raffle tickets.
The major raffle prize - a stunning $5,000 sapphire gem - has become a strong drawcard, helping raise essential funds for the next stage of casting.
Every Saturday night, supporters gather at the Sleepy Lagoon Hotel for the weekly Silky Project raffles, enjoying great meals, live music, and a friendly community atmosphere. These nights have already become a cornerstone of the project’s fundraising success.
Looking Toward 2032
Once completed, the bronze Silky sculpture will tour South-East Queensland, allowing communities across the region to experience this remarkable artwork before it appears at the Brisbane 2032 Olympics. After the Games, the piece will be permanently installed in the
Gympie region — a lasting legacy celebrating local art, native wildlife, and the community that helped bring
The Silky Project stands as a testament to what regional communities can achieve when they come together with passion and purpose. Keith and the Silky team thank all supporters and look forward to sharing more milestones as the project continues to grow.
Keep up to date with the project by following ‘The Silky Project’ on Facebook or check out www. thesilkyproject.info.
ESTABLISH A LOVING, THRIVING, VIBRANT, & RELATIVE, CHURCH ON THE COAST.
WE WELCOME YOU TO JOIN US AS WE SEEK TO ESTABLISH A LOVING, THRIVING, VIBRANT, & RELATIVE, CHURCH ON THE COAST.
Cnr Gympie & Bayside Rd, Tin Can bay
Venue:
Inquiries: 0419431410
Ministers: Ps Garry & Heather Everson
Artist Keith Gall with a 3D printed scaled copy of the SILKY sculpture at the Rainbow Beach markets.
STIHL Australian Champion Chainsaw Carver Keith Gall with the original Silky carving at the Gympie Muster in 2000. “”DRINK DEEP
Wishing You A Swell Christmas!
Brooke Bignell
RAINBOW BEACH BOARDRIDERS
THIS EDITION HIT the printer a week before Memorial, so all will be revealed in the New Year!
What I can say though, on behalf of the members of our Club, is THANK YOU to all of the local businesses who sponsored and donated towards the Rainbow Beach Boardriders Memorial Surf Classic. We appreciate your support, always!
A big shout out to the team; Mick, Beau, Brooke, KP, Loz, and Charly for all their work behind the scenes.
We had an awesome turnout at our last Club Round of the year and Membership day. Boardrider of the Year will be crowned after the holidays! Keep an eye on members’ emails!
From everyone here at the Club, have a very happy Christmas. We hope Santa brings good times, great swell, and fond memories with those you love most.
We leave you with some old photos of Memorial’s gone by. Yew!
Dates to Remember:
12 December: Local’s BBQ and Raffles, Rainbow Beach Hotel, from 3.30pm
Top right: The OGs!
Middle right: The SUPER OGs!
Below right: These groms are still surfing in heats together - only in the Open’s Category this year!
Below: What is now named the Memorial Surf Classic, was originally (and still the name and legacy lives on) The ‘Robbie Pryde’ Memorial Surf Classic.
COOLOOLA COAST
RAINBOW BEACH and the Cooloola Coast is home of the Coloured Sands, the majestic Carlo Sandblow and gateway to World Heritage-listed Fraser Island.
You can feed wild dolphins in Tin Can Bay, visit a historic lighthouse via the Great Beach Drive or world-class scuba diving.
If you make the most of the outdoorsthen you’ll love our backyard playground. You can choose from extreme adventures and ultimate indulgences - a rejuvenating massage, secluded picnics beside a freshwater lake or delicious seafood and views in our eateries and clubs.
Visitor Guide
Visitor Guide
Our coast has abundant fishingwhether off a beach, on an estuary or from a deep sea charter, right on our doorstep!
Birdwatchers, nature-lovers, bushwalkers, 4x4 enthusiasts and surfers call our corner of the world: ‘paradise’.
Our Great Sandy National Park hosts Queensland’s three most popular beachside campgrounds, and our friendly townships offer caravan parks, apartments and holiday homes.
So stay with us, watch the sunset from Carlo Sandblow or stroll along Tin Can Bay Esplanade...
K’gari
Getaway Holiday Apartments
1, 2 & 3 bedroom self contained, air-con apartments, heated pool, central location. 4 Double Island Dr. 07 5486 3500 rainbowgetaway.com.au
Tin Can Bay’s Sleepy Lagoon Motel
24 air conditioned motel rooms, 3 bedroom house, centrally located for dolphins & pub 2 Groper St. 07 5488 0653 sleepylagoonmotel.com
New camp kitchen, cabins, pool-side BBQ hut, Family amenities, disability access. 54-74 Trevally St. Ph: 07 5486 4411 tincanbaytouristpark.com.au Tin Can Bay Tourist Park
World class scuba diving on Fraser Island’s doorstep, Australia’s best shark & ray dive. 339 Carlo Road. 07 5486 8004 wolfrockdive.com.au
Beach Fishing & Camping
Ed’s Beach Bakery
Bread, cakes, muffins, the BEST pies in town! Open 4am-5pm, 7 days Shell Servo Complex. 07 5486 3080 Rainbow Beach
IGA Rainbow Beach & Tin Can Bay
Locally owned & operated supermarkets, weekly specials. Rainbow Beach Rd, 6am - 8pm, Ph: 5486 8700; 46-48 Tin Can Bay Rd, 6am - 7pm. 07 5488 0084
Ocean Breeze Seafoods, Rainbow Beach
Fresh & cooked local seafood, fish & chips, burgers, laundromat, at the Big Marlin Open 8.30am-7.30pm Fri-Sat, 8.30am-7pm TueThu & Sun 54 Rainbow Beach Rd, opp QPWS Office
“We couldn’t have been happier with the ad we placed with ‘Community News’. The team were great to work with in helping to create an ad that suited our branding and the key message we wanted to convey. Their team turned around artwork really fast and gave us pricing options based on a variety of marketing plans. In the first month we received 4 call
Three-hou r ultimat e D olphin Feeding Experience
90-minut
e Sunset Cruises
Lunch and Dinner Cruises
20 Must See and Dos COOLOOLA COAST Visitor Guide
Patrolled Beach
Swim in the flags in front of the Surf Lifesaving tower. Walk via the steps or walkway near the lookout and surf club, or drive onto Griffin Esplanade. 4WD beach access begins here.
Coloured Sands
Visit the patrolled beach, near the surf tower or the lookout to see the 70 plus colours in our cliffs. From town, walk south 1km along the beach - for best colours 4WD or tour a further 9km. Remember it is a gazetted road.
Carlo Sand Blow
Park at the top of Cooloola Drive, and walk 600m up from the car park or bushwalk about 2km from the National Parks Office for spectacular views of the Coloured Sands, Double Island Point, Tin Can Bay Inlet and hang gliders.
Poona Lake
Drive to Bymien Picnic Area (2WD) via 3km gravel on the Freshwater Road, (off Rainbow Beach Road). It’s a 40 minute walk to reach the cool waters of Lake Poona through beautiful rainforest and carrol (grey myrtle) scrub.
Searys Creek
Only 7km from town towards Gympie, with 2 waterholes, boardwalks, bridges and history – do read the sign and spot the creatures. Always cool on the hottest of days.
Rainbow Beach Headland
A look out, a viewing platform, 2 playgrounds, a skatepark, BBQs and picnic facilities. See the whales from here in season and watch the surfers out the front. Take a photo at the Cherry Venture propeller.
Double Island Point
Access via the 4WD only Great Beach Drive or Freshwater Track. See dolphins, whales (seasonal), manta rays, turtles and walk up to our historic lighthouse. It has the longest break in Australia -when the swell lines up.
Mudlo Rocks
Wander here at low tide, play in rock pools and watch 4WDs navigate any exposed rocks. ALWAYS check conditions and ask locals before you 4WD - it is not always safe, even close to low tide.
Middle Rock
When tides and conditions allow, the walk to Middle Rock and back is a beautiful way to check out the Coloured Sands. From here, vehicle permits are required and dogs are prohibited.
Inskip Point
This peninsula is the gateway to Fraser Island, a favourite fishing spot and pet friendly camping grounds for generations. Only 15 minutes drive (2WD) from Rainbow Beach.
Freshwater Picnic Area
Walk to and swim in nearby Freshwater Lake, picnic or BBQ at the beautiful shady day-use area, found before Freshwater Road reaches Teewah Beach. 4WD only.
Tin Can Bay Foreshore
Walk 4km from Crab Creek to Norman Point, over picturesque bridges, signage of flora and fauna, through mangroves, playgrounds and outdoor gyms. It is mostly flat and very safe for children on wheels. Look out for 137 species of birds.
Tin Can Bay Wildflower Walk
Known for spectacular wildflower species, access this trail from the corner of Emperor St and Oyster Parade. Best in late winter and early spring.
Boat Ramps
You can launch your boat at Norman Point and Crab Creek in Tin Can Bay or Carlo Point and Bullock Point near Rainbow Beach. All except Bullock Point offer toilet and scenic picnic facilities.
Feed Wild Dolphins at Norman Point
Arrive from 7am, after feeding (fees apply), the dolphins leave for another day. A picturesque peninsula with public pool, playground, sailing, boat ramp and pontoon and picnic facilities.
Carlo Point
For spectacular sunsets over the water, take a cheese platter or fish and chips and watch the day’s end. This favourite fishing spot is only 3 km from Rainbow Beach.
Rainbow Steps
Reputably Rainbow Beach’s most
Submit your
‘Instaworthy’ location - check out our colourful stairs and share a photo on our socials.
Great Sandy Strait
If you love the wonderful peace and relaxation of sailing or cruising, the sheltered waters around Tin Can Bay are for you. You may see dugong, turtles, dolphins in this section of the Great Sandy Marine Park.
Fraser and Cooloola Great Walks
A 90 km trail showcases natural
and cultural features of the world’s largest sand island between Dilli Village and Happy Valley. Or trek 102 km from Noosa to Rainbow Beach through sandblows, past lakes and spectacular views.
Fraser Island K’gari
World heritage listed, K’gari has over 40 lakes, rainforests, sand dunes, wildlife, four wheel driving and fishing! Take a 1 or 2 day tour, hire a 4WD or take your own. Cross the barge at Inskip Point, permits are online or at the Parks Office.
Santa always visits Rainbow Beach in style! Don’t miss him flying in on 13 December. See page 3.
Cooloola Coast images to: info@rbcn.com.au
Critter Cam uncovers Wildlife Secrets
COOLOOLA COASTCARE’S Urban Wildlife Project, ‘The Cooloola Critter Cam,’ is now well underway. Our cameras have been quietly running day and night, capturing the wildlife that moves through our backyards and green spaces.
So far, the footage has revealed a variety of small mammals, native rodents, frogs, reptiles, and bird species going about their routines, offering a rare behind-the-lens look at the animals that live in and utilise our urban environment.
Who knew that Lace Monitors and Australian Brush turkeys had such a complex relationship or that Mangrove Honeyeaters visit our front yards?
Alongside these native species, the cameras have also detected a few roaming cats and several invasive European Red Foxes. These two introduced mesopredators are among the leading drivers of biodiversity loss in Australia and have contributed heavily to our nation’s exceptionally high rate of mammal extinction rates. Their presence in our environment places additional pressure on vulnerable ground dwelling wildlife across the Cooloola Coast; species already facing challenges from habitat loss, fragmentation, and a changing climate.
We share this not to place blame, but to empower our community with knowledge. As our project continues, every new detection helps us better understand how wildlife is moving through our backyards and how simple actions at home can make a real difference.
Keeping domestic cats indoors at night, securing pet food, and promptly reporting sightings of foxes or feral cats all play a role in protecting the small, ground-dwelling species that make Cooloola’s biodiversity so special. By working together as a community, we can ensure our native species continue to thrive alongside us.
If you would like to take part in the Urban Wildlife Project please contact our Biodiversity Program Officer at keishia.duffy@cooloolacoastcare. org.au - or if you spot an invasive predator at your place or in the bush please head to www.gympie.qld.gov. au/Environment-Waste/ControllingWeeds-and-Pest-Animals.
Top: A curious Lace Monitor wanders past the camera.
Middle: The Critter Cam revealed a backyard visit from this Mangrove Honeyeater.
Bottom: Unfortunately the cameras also caught this European Red Fox - an invasive species that threatens native wildlife populations.
Keishia Duffy
COOLOOLA COASTCARE
Family Fun on the Foreshore
Robyn Johnson
ES MITCHELL PARK parkrun is proving very popular. In October we averaged over 50 people for each of the 4 parkruns held and similar numbers were being experienced at time of print in November. We had visitors from all over Queensland, interstate and several from the UK.
It’s not hard to see why it is so popular. We have a beautiful wide concrete pathway along the foreshore at Tin Can Bay with lots of trees. We also have a great bunch of volunteers to help out each week.
Every 3rd Saturday of the month the Tin Can Bay markets are on over the road from the parkrun with lots to see and buy.
You may think parkrun is for adults, but it is also for children. Since parkrun started in 2004 it has welcomed children to participate as walkers, joggers, runners, or volunteers. Children are permitted to register and participate from the age of four.
At our 5k Saturday events we require children under the age of 11 to be accompanied at all times by
a responsible adult. This is to ensure their safety and also prevent the volunteering team from needing to directly supervise young children and taking them away from their other roles at our event. Parkrun rules stipulate that children under the age of 11 must be within arm’s reach of a parent, guardian or designated adult of the parent’s choice at all times.
Every week we welcome many children to our event. We want children to have a positive experience at parkrun; participating because they want to, in a way they want to; and in a safe environment at all times.
If you think your child might be interested, why not come down and check out our parkrun. Briefings are from 6.50am and start time is 7am and we are usually there until just after 8am.
Registration is free and all you need to do is bring your barcode each week so that you receive your result. You can register on www.parkrun. com.au/register/ and either print a copy of your barcode or have it stored on your phone. If you want more information about parkrun check out www.parkrun.com.au or
Kerrie reached her 100th parkrun milestone in November.
There were a couple of milestones to celebrate in November: Congratulations to one of our long time regular parkwalkers Kerrie on reaching her 100th parkrun milestone in November. Kerrie has completed 90 of her parkrun at Wes Mitchell Park parkrun.
Congratulations to one of our younger parkrunners Zara on reaching her 10th parkrun milestone. Check out our Facebook page for information about our Christmasthemed parkrun coming up on 20 December.
all air
We welcome any locals and visitors to the area at our parkrun each Saturday. Why not drop in and see us at Wes Mitchell Park, Tin Can Bay.
Right: Congratulations to young parkrunner Zara on reaching her 10th parkrun milestone!
Above:
Rowing Fever Sweeps Tin Can Bay
T
HE TIN CAN BAY Coastal Rowing
Club has been developing a rowing program throughout October and November. The Club started with scheduling one rowing session a week and then two sessions per week. We were blown away by the level of response. By the second week of November, rowing Kundu had become so much fun that a third session for that week got scheduled on the Saturday.
Since then every session had been over-subscribed, so a second rowing session was created to accommodate the overflow. On the Monday of the third week of November ten people took part in two rows and on the Wednesday eight different people booked for two rows (plus two repeats).
If you’re interested in rowing the St Ayles skiff named Kundu, simply become a member and download the SPOND app to see when rowing sessions will be and to book in.
Currently the club has 20 members registered on the app.
The Club’s Facebook page is also proving a successful. We have over 80 followers, including many amongst the interstate skiff clubs and several internationals (Netherlands, Belgium, Ireland, UK and Scotland).
A video of a Monday row session
was shared on the SASCRAA page and amazingly the reel had over 500 views in 24 hours!
On Saturday 22 November the Club held a ‘come and have a try rowing’ day for anyone who doesn’t know if they would like rowing or not. We hope everyone who gave it a go had a great time on the water.
If you’re interested in boat building sessions then you will also find these posted on the SPOND app once they do start up. So far five people have expressed a desire to participate in building a second skiff.
That’s the news for this month. We wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
For membership or enquiries phone Chris (club president) on 0410 618 227 or tcbcoastalrowing@gmail.com.
Taipans Shine at 2025 Volleyball Schools Cup
OUR TIN CAN BAY Taipans Year 8 girls’ and boys’ teams proudly represented our school at the Junior Volleyball Schools Cup, held on the Gold Coast in October. This major event brings together over 2,000 students from the state, giving young players the chance to compete, grow their skills, and embrace teamwork.
Our girls team won gold in Division 2, while our boys team secured bronze in Division 2 – an outstanding achievement for both groups.
A big thank you to Marc, Tekoa, Sienna, Mr Arthur, and Miss Carroll for
Dragons: We Want YOU!
Grant Hallgarth
NOW LET’S DISPEL the biggest MYTH of all. Dragon boating is NOT solely a female sport.
The Cooloola Dragon Boat Club (CDBC) was founded in March 2003 and from initially borrowing a boat, we now proudly own Ceratodus and Stamina. Although our community age demographic is unique, our membership continues to grow with a mix of social paddlers and those interested in the competitive side of the sport.
Since 2010, the Club has competed with our neighbours from Hervey Bay, Rockhampton, Bundaberg and 1770 in our own Wide Bay series. We travel as far south as the Gold Coast to
compete in fun events like Christmas on the Creek hosted by Dragons Abreast GC and the Pumicestone Dragonfest throughout the calendar year.
There is great camaraderie and friendly rivalry between the teams, with fun and laughter guaranteed.
The sport has seen many changes in the last decade with Dragon Boat Qld, formed in 1999, now having over 1900 paddlers in 37 registered clubs throughout the State and the level of competition continuing to rise. For those paddlers wishing to compete at a higher level there are opportunities to represent at both State and National levels as well as join Pan Pacific and Masters Games
and International events.
In 2025 five of our paddlers were selected to represent Central Queensland at the Nationals held in Penrith, with a bronze medal secured.
We recently contested the Manly regatta held at Lake Kawana, where new members Shayne and Greg experienced their first racing competition and Harry swept in his first official race. In mid-December the Club will contest Christmas on the Creek at Currumbin Creek, Gold Coast.
Two members, Harry and Grant have been selected and are in training with the Queensland Senior C (over 60) national squad for 2026. We wish them luck and know they
their dedicated coaching, as well as to parents who travelled and assisted with supervision and transport. Your time, support, and encouragement means much to players and staff. We also appreciate the school for covering nomination fees, Coastwide for the use of their van, and Woolworths Cooloola Cove for donating fresh fruit.
Special thanks to Lauren Jones and Craig Gaze for purchasing 12 new game balls and three bags, which will greatly support our preparation for the Australian Volleyball Schools Cup in December.
Congratulations to all players – you have made Tin Can Bay proud.
carry the Cooloola Dragons spirit with pride.
Dragon boating is a great cardio workout and good for upper body strength and general fitness. We train in the beautiful Tin Can Bay waterways twice weekly, with the bonus of seeing the wonderful dolphins and turtles our area is renowned for, in their natural habitat.
So, if Dragon Boating sounds like the sport that could become your new obsession, then call Sandra 0402 352 756 or Harry 0413 357 335 and ‘get on the boat’ with the Cooloola Dragons team.
For more about the club please visit our website: www. coolooladragonboatclub.org.au
The first of two crews out for a row on a perfect day in Tin Can Bay.
Katrine McKay
Miss Carroll VOLLEYBALL COORDINATOR TIN CAN BAY P-10 STATE SCHOOL
The team with their new balls.
Fishing, Boating & the Outdoors
Rainbow Beach Amateur Anglers
Vern Ezzy
WHAT AN INTERESTING weekend of weather we had at Rainbow Beach for the November Competition and the last Comp for 2025. With temperatures in the low 30s, strong northerly winds and humidity through the roof, developing into late storms, conditions were very interesting to say the least for those fishing both inshore and offshore.
While the weather was not the best it was standing room only at the weight with several members of the Moreton Bay Trailer Boat Club attending the weigh in.
New Members
Welcome to new members Matt Gardiner who has recently returned to Rainbow Beach, Rod & Corinne Newbold from Wallu. and Simon Stockton of Cooloola Cove.
New Sponsors
We have a couple of new sponsors for 2026: Matt Gardiner - East Coast Fisheries joins as member and Silver Sponsor, and Michael NguyenRainbow Beach Bakery has come on board as a Gold Sponsor for 2026.
Junior Competition
Ollie Pearce and Benny Stafford were the two Juniors who toughed out the variable conditions to weigh in a bag of fish each.
1st Ollie Pearce 8 pts
2nd Benny Stafford 5 pts
Inshore Competition
John Hollingworth continued to add to his account this month with a solid effort recording 21 points, with Darryl
Rainbow Beach TIDE TIMES
WADDY POINT
Wandery posting 9 points to open his account. However neither John nor Darryl could top Gary Enklemann’s bag of fish, with Gary posting a massive 50 points presenting 18 fish across 5 species.
1st Gary Enklemann 50 pts
2nd John Hollingworth 21 pts 3rd Darryl Wandery 9 pts
Female Competition
Linda Mora continued to add to her points tally in the Female Competition with a nice bag of Snapper, the heaviest weighing 2.79kgs and topping it off with a couple of Garfish to accumulate 7 points.
1st Linda Mora 7 pts
Benny Stafford receiving his trophy from Club President Drew Gardiner.
Offshore Competition
With wind, rain, and storms forecast offshore anglers took the conservative approach to fish the beach and straits.
1st Vern Ezzy 5 pts
2nd Stuart Peall 1 pt
Target Species Trophies
Adult Mangrove Jack: Darryl Wandery –1,401grams - Sponsored by Gardiners Tackle World Rainbow Beach.
Heaviest Species Leader Board
This month’s competition saw some movement on the Heaviest Species Leader Board - however you will have to wait until the Awards Night on 6 December 2025 when the final placings will be revealed.
Crab Competition
The crabs are back! Great to see Nev Stutz back on the water and presenting a bag of crab to post 4 points in the Crab Competition and take out the Crab’N Gear Prize Pack for the month.
Thank You
Thank you to all those who braved the conditions and fished or turned out to the weigh in. Special thanks to: BBQ Boss – Richard Lippross, Weigh In Masters - Jim McGuckin and Drew Gardiner, Recorder – Linda Mora, Vern Ezzy – Photographer, and Lisa Lippross – Raffle Ticket seller.
Also, a big thank you to the Rainbow Beach Sports Club for the use of the Paul Arthur Shed,
Ed’s Bakery for supplying the BBQ bread, and Rainbow Beach Meats for their great sausages for the BBQ and meat trays for the raffle.
2026 New Competitions
We have some awesome new Competitions for members in 2026!!
As well as our current competitions for Inshore, Offshore, Juniors, and Female Anglers, in 2026 we are introducing the Wynnum Marine & Double Island Point Fishing Charters Members Draw and 2026 Brag Matt Competition.
Wynnum Marine & Double Island Point Fishing Charters Members Draw 2026: Come along to an RBAA Event, Weigh In, Meet & Greet, Social Activity, or Weigh in a fish or bag of fish = Collect a Ticket.
Junior Prize - Stacer 309 Skimma with Yamaha F4SMHA Outboard Motor – Retail Value $4,000
– Sponsored by Wynnum Marine.
Adult Prize - 4 places on a Fishing Charter with Double Island Point Fishing Charters – Retail Value
$1,600
– Sponsored by Double Island Point Fishing Charters
Winners to be drawn at the 2026 Awards Night & Christmas Party.
2026 Brag Matt Competition:
Cash Prize Inshore Winner $1,000
Cash Prize Offshore Winner $1,000
Standalone Competition for Inshore & Offshore Inshore Species – Whiting Offshore SpeciesSnapper
Competition Commences 6.00pm 22nd February
Competition runs between RBAA Monthly Competitions
Competition closes 4.00pm Friday 6th November.
For more detail on these two new competitions keep an eye on the RBAA Website.
2025 Major Prize Raffle
Make sure you’ve got your tickets! HUGE prizes on offer. Drawn 6 December 2025.
You and your friends can purchase tickets online at: rbaafishing.com.au
Prices on the Coast
Cheapest Prices on the Coast
Inshore winner Gary Enklemann with a Bream and a Whiting.
This $4k Stacer 309 Skimma is up for grabs in next year’s Wynnum Marine & Double Island Point Fishing Charters Members Draw.
Darryl Wandery took out the Target Species Trophy with this 1.4kg Mangrove Jack.
Tin Can Bay Fishing Club Report
Barry Nalder
HELLO. WELL THAT’S another year almost done in and there’s definitely been some quite eventful club days and functions.
We’ve just had our Christmas party and annual awards ceremony to culminate the year but you’ll have to wait till the next report for all the award recipients and pictures thereof, as we are currently away on another club trip up at Monduran Dam and unfortunately cell phone reception is, well, not flash - however we still have some happy snaps for you and the stories behind them.
Some cracka fish were landed this month, all were safely released, these included a ripper 80cm Snapper from Lester Cross, a 60cm Saratoga by our freshwater guy Marquis Chapman, a 75cm Flathead landed by Barry Nalder, and club member and sponsor Chris Rippon with two saltwater Barramundi just before the season closure, which went 87 and 85 cm. Joe Cox with a nice 87cm Barramundi.
Local identity Wakely Janssen christened the new boat with a ripper Mangrove Jack. hopefully many more to come. Some great fish indeed and nice to see them swim off. Great job guys.
Our monthly awards day had the Master Caster competition as usual which was won this month by Gavin Hay, nicely done mate. Largest fish of the month went to Derek Andrews with his 91cm Giant Trevally. The winner of the two-day fishing competition was Malcolm Kay with a nice haul of Whiting.
These competitions keep everybody on their toes and are a whole lot of fun so if you are a club member, you need to get involved.
Upcoming club workshop nights will focus on species-specific nights where some of our members who have a particular species dialled in will try to aid the rest of us so that we may pick up our game on those fish, and they should be good nights so stay tuned.
2026 has some good events coming up with further trips to Monduran Dam Borumba Dam, Boondooma Dam, also tag-along trips to Mary River and Tuan and Hervey Bay region. So club members, watch your activity sheets as sent out by the secretary each month and come along, the more the merrier.
This month we held our Annual General Meeting and we welcome
so lets get behind them and help where we can.
So next month as I said, I will give a full rundown of the annual award recipients and some pictures of the major awards, as well I will post some pictures of this club trip currently under way.
Thanks for taking the time to read our articles and thank you to these publications for posting our local club news, stay safe and from the Tin Can Bay Fishing Club, have a great Christmas and a Happy New year.
If you are interested in learning more about our club feel free to visit our website tincanbayfishingclub. com.au or phone the club Secretary on 0437 242 171.
Stay safe and bend some rods.
A ripper 80cm Snapper from Lester Cross.
in for the term of office: our club President Malcolm Kay; Vice President Chris Rippon; Secretary Janeen Henrickson; and Treasurer Trevor Henrickson
Barry Nalder landed this 75cm Flathead.
One of two local Barramundi Chris Rippon nabbed just before end of the season.
E V ENTS@
Rainbow Beach Library
Bookings are essential for some of these events please call 5486 3705.
Events
Make and Create
During opening hours
Stop by the children’s area at your local library branch for some free craft activities these school holidays.
Suitable for children aged 3-12 years and their carers.
Christmas Tree Decorations
Monday 15 December, 12.30pm-1.30pm
Make Christmas-themed decorations to hang on your tree for the holidays.
Suitable for ages 5-12 years. Bookings essential please call 5486 3705.
Santa Hat
Monday 22 December, 12.30pm-1.30pm
Decorate your very own Santa Hat ready for you to wear these holidays or give as a gift.
Suitable for ages 5-12 years. Bookings essential, please call 5486 3705.
E V ENTS@
Tin Can Bay Library
Bookings are essential for some of these events please call 5486 4355.
Events
Make and Create
Monday - Friday 11am–12noon
Stop by the children’s area at your local library branch for some free craft activities these school holidays.
Suitable for children aged 3-12 years and their carers.
Christmas Snow Globes
Thursday 18 December, 10am-11am
Make a Christmas-themed snow globe for the holidays.
Suitable for ages 5-12 years. Bookings essential, please call 5486 4355.
Christmas Trees
Saturday 13 December, 10am-11am
Make a festive Christmas tree for your room.
Suitable for ages 5-12 years. Bookings essential, please call 5486 4355.
Rainbow Beach Art Group – Friday 5 & 19 December 10am
Rainbow Beach Boomerang Bags – Tuesdays 2pm to 4pm
First Five Forever Storytime
Mondays 9.30-10am
Join us each week for a fun session of stories, rhymes and songs. This is a program designed for 0-5 year olds and their families and carers. Visit www.slq.qld.gov.au/first5forever for more information.
First 5 Forever is an initiative of the Queensland Government, coordinated by State Library of Queensland and delivered in partnership with local government.
Technology Help
Drop in Tech Help - During opening hours
Do you need a hand to get started online? Do you have a question about something that you have recently learned? Drop in to your local library branch during opening hours for some free one on one help. No bookings required.
Device Advice - Mondays 10.30am-12noon
Have a quick question that needs answering? Book in for a one-on-one, half an hour session to ask your questions and resolve your concerns about your smart phone or tablet. From resetting a password, connecting to Wi-Fi, making a call or downloading a library app, our staff will do their best to assist. Bookings essential, please call 5486 3705.
Community Groups
Tin Can Bay Family History Group: First Monday of the Month 12.30pm-3.00pm
Tin Can Bay Art Group: Tuesdays from 10-12noon
Tin Can Bay Mah-jong: Every Tuesday from 1pm-4pm
Tin Can Bay Papercraft: Wednesdays at 9.30am
First Five Forever Storytime
Thursdays 9.30-10am
Join us each week for a fun session of stories, rhymes and songs. This is a program designed for 0-5 year olds and their families and carers. Visit www.slq.qld.gov.au/first5forever for more information.
First 5 Forever is an initiative of the Queensland Government, coordinated by State Library of Queensland and delivered in partnership with local government.
Technology Help
Device Advice - Tuesdays and Fridays 2.30pm-4pm
Do you need a hand to get started online? Do you have a question about something that you have learned? Book in for a one-on-one half hour session where our library staff will help answer your questions and provide tips and strategies to point you in the right direction for your future learning. Bookings are essential.
STUDENTS FROM Year 1C were recently treated to a special morning tea with the Head of Curriculum, Mr Joe Barbaro. Each student was selected for demonstrating outstanding effort and positive behaviour in class.
Braxton was recognised for his neat writing and hard work when constructing sentences. Violet was celebrated for always being a wonderful learner, while Indy earned
her place for consistently showing kindness and helping others. Ara was chosen for her dedication and persistence in trying her best every day.
The students enjoyed chatting with Mr Barbaro and sharing delicious treats. Congratulations to these fantastic Year 1C students for their wonderful efforts and positive attitudes!
School Celebrates Excellence at Annual Awards Night
ON TUESDAY, 11 November, Tin Can Bay P-10 State School proudly hosted its annual Awards Night, celebrating achievements across academic, sporting, and cultural pursuits. The evening recognised not only excellence but also the values of effort, perseverance, and leadership that define our school community.
Each award reflected the hard work and dedication of our students, supported by the ongoing encouragement of families and staff. The event also served as an opportunity to acknowledge the meaningful contributions students make to both the school and the wider community.
Distinguished guests included Gympie Regional Mayor Mr Glen Hartwig, Councillor and P&C
President Ms Jess Milne, Indigenous representative Mrs Karen Kennedy, Tin Can Bay RSL Sub Branch
representative Mr David Grice, and QCWA Secretary Ms Wendy Ritchie.
Dux: Jorja Howlett
Tin Can Bay P-10 State School extends heartfelt congratulations to all award recipients and sincere thanks to the families, staff, and community members who made this special evening a memorable celebration of achievement.
Academic Champions: Yr 3 - Colt Kitto, Yr 4 - Reuben, Yr 5 - Morgan Oliveri, Avie, Yr 6 - Abbey Grant, Yr 7 - Aleea Pointon, Yr 8 - Xavier Dinoia, Yr 9 - Tia Pointon
Pedal Prix Team Member of the Year: Joel Fechner
Sue Arthur Volleyballer of the Year: Tekoa Kitto
Spirit of Sport Award: Jack Howlett
Sports Person of the Year: Bhakti
School Choir Award: Sophia Bailey, Billie Hehir
Instrumental Music Award: Abbey Grant, Aleea Pointon
Get Set Academy Award: Madyson Lees, Joel Fechner
Indigenous Student of the Year Award: Kalkaji
Rotary All Rounder Award: Jorja Howlett
Tin Can Bay RSL Bursary: Tekoa Kitto
Pam Leslie Award: Ivy Tansley, Reuben Bestmann
Creative Arts Ambassador Award: Liam Edwards, Amilia Syphers, Sienna Harris Nash, Alexis Stewart
Senior School Captains: Mitchell Weir, Mazzy, Tia Pointon (Vice School Captain)
Junior School Captains: Gigi Weir, Angelique Kitto
Wallu House Captains: Boston Lee (Senior), Angelique Kitto, Lucy Arthur, Gigi Weir (Junior)
Tuncun House Captains: Jack Howlett (Senior), Sophia Bailey, Summer (Junior)
Student Ambassador: Avie
Tin Can Bay IGA Treats Students to a Delicious Breakfast
ON WEDNESDAY, 30 October 2025, Tin Can Bay P-10 State School students were treated to a special breakfast thanks to the generosity of Tin Can Bay IGA.
The team kindly supplied a range of breakfast favourites, including cereal, milk, and Milo, along with freshly cooked egg and bacon toasted sandwiches.
Students thoroughly enjoyed the delicious meal, which provided a great start to their day and plenty of smiles all around. Events like this highlight the strong community spirit that supports our school.
Tin Can Bay P-10 State School would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Tin Can Bay IGA for their generosity and ongoing support of our school community.
Riley with Sarah McKay from the Tin Can Bay IGA.
L-R – Ara, Indy, Violet, Head of Curriculum, Mr Joe Barbaro and Braxton enjoy morning tea.
Mayor Glen Hartwig congratulates our 2025 Dux, Jorja Howlett.
Year 7 Wilderness Camp – An Adventure to Remember!
F
ROM OCTOBER 21 to 23, eighteen
Year 7 students embarked on an unforgettable adventure to the Noosa River for the 2025 Wilderness Camp. Over three days, students discovered the meaning of teamwork, resilience, and self-sufficiency while navigating the challenges of life in the great outdoors.
Departing bright and early on Tuesday morning, the group travelled to their launch site north of Boreen Point, where expedition leader Mr Webb, Principal of the Sunshine Coast Environmental Education Centre, guided students in preparing their canoes.
After a quick lesson in teamwork and balance, the group set off across Lake Cootharaba for a 10km paddle to the mouth of the Noosa River. Choppy waters and a strong headwind tested everyone’s endurance, but the students rose to the challenge, proving that persistence - and cooperation - pays off.
Upon reaching Harry’s Hut Campground, students pitched their own tents, mastered cooking on Trangias, and even braved a dip in the cool river waters.
Each evening, debrief sessions encouraged reflection and teamwork, with students showing maturity and insight beyond their years.
The second day brought sunshine, laughter, and canoe races, along with a ‘manu’ bombing contestcongratulations to Braxton Whyte for taking the crown! By Day 3, students packed up camp with military precision, leaving no trace behind before gliding home on calm waters.
The Year 7 Wilderness Camp was a resounding success - equal parts fun, challenge, and personal growth.
As Mr Bishop summed it up perfectly:
“I think everyone involved would declare the 2025 Year 7 Wilderness Experience a roaring success—and I, for one, have my 2026 canoe seat booked already!”
Tin Can Bay P&C News
Jess Milne
W
OW, WHAT A YEAR! P&C
volunteers have been hard at work hosting BBQs at Sports Day, Election Day and Bunnings, running Mother’s and Father’s Day stalls, organising meal deals, discos and raffles and of course, delivering another fantastic Colour Fun Run.
Thanks to these efforts, we’ve raised more than $18,000 so far.
These funds have supported subsidies of $4,500 for camps and excursions from Prep to Year 7, a contribution to Jack Howlett’s athletics uniform, additional camping equipment, $8,000 toward new senior school lockers, and the purchase of seven industrial fans for the school hall. There’s also allocated funds for MPS nets and a growing saving pool for future infrastructure projects.
And we’re not done yet! Upcoming events include the Christmas Stall, another Meal Deal, and our huge Christmas Mega Raffle with nearly $4,000 in prizes across 29 draws.
Drawn on 11 December there is still time to grab tickets which
Jack Howlett shines at State Athletics
Tin Can Bay’s own Jack Howlett has done his school and community proud, representing Wide Bay at the State Athletics Championships in Townsville.
At the State level, Jack achieved an outstanding personal best of 12.63 seconds in the 100 metres, placing him among the top 17 athletes in Queensland for his age group. He also secured a top 16 State ranking in Long Jump.
While he didn’t bring home a medal this time, Jack gained a wealth of experience and is already looking forward to next year’s competition.
Jack extends his heartfelt thanks to the many local businesses and supporters who helped make his trip possible, including Cooloola Coast Dragons, Tin Can Bay Country Club, Tin Can Bay Lions, Tin Can Bay Tourist Park, Mitre 10, Tin Can Bay Chandlery, Tin Can Bay Yacht Club, DNJ Constructions, and many more generous community members.
A special thank you also goes to Miss Georgia and Jeff from Little A’s, and to his family for their endless encouragement and support.
are available at the Tin Can Bay Butcher, Tin Can Bay Fruit and Vege Mart, Hair by Zenith, Tin Can Bay Servo and Travel Stop, Lush Rose Nails by Selina, Snack Shack, Rainbow Beach Health and Fitness, and the Goomboorian Travel Stop Servo – or by calling 0411 218 254.
The P&C is also proud to support the powerhouse Volleyball Committee. This dedicated team has raised around $18,500 this year through toastie sales, Bunnings BBQs, meal deals, and sports club raffles. Their efforts help send the Tin Can Bay school volleyball teams to the Australian Volleyball Schools Cup, ensuring every athlete can participate, regardless of circumstances.
To all the volunteers, members, and generous local businesses: thank you. Your time, energy and support make an enormous difference. The Tin Can Bay P&C association wishes all families, staff, supporters, businesses and wider community a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Date: Sunday 7 December th
Time: Family fun starts at 4pm
Place: Lions Park, Tin Can Bay (Next to RSL Hall)
Carols commence at 6pm
Present for every child
Zoo
Food and drink for sale from 4pm
Jack did us all proud in Townsville.
The intrepid group at Harry’s Hut.
Council Corner
Gympie Region Lights Up For The 2025 Festive Season
Gympie Regional Council is once again partnering with community groups and local businesses to host and support celebrations across the region as part of the Merry and Bright campaign. The campaign showcases local events and activities that bring people together to celebrate community spirit and the joy of the season.
The much-loved Mary Christmas Street Parties will return on Wednesday 10 and 17 December, transforming Mary Street into a lively festive hub filled with boutique shopping, artisan stalls, food vendors, family entertainment and plenty of Christmas cheer. Now in its 12th year, the event continues to be one of Gympie’s most popular and colourful community celebrations.
Through Council’s community grants program, support is also being provided to several community-run Christmas and New Year events across the region, from Goomeri to Rainbow Beach, Amamoor to Pie Creek.
These events provide wonderful opportunities for residents and visitors to come together and celebrate the festive season in true regional style.
Community groups and not-for-profit organisations are encouraged to share details of their own festive events through Council’s What’s
On Calendar, which helps promote local activities for free. Events submitted will also be featured as part of the Merry and Bright campaign, helping to spread the word even further.
To list an event, sign up to MyCity and create your listing at www.gympie.qld.gov.au/whats-on
For the full program of festive fun, visit gympie. qld.gov.au/merry-and-bright-2025.
Nominations Open For 2026 Australia Day Awards
Nominations are now open for the 2026 Gympie Region Australia Day Awards, celebrating locals who make a real difference in the lives of others.
The awards recognise individuals and groups who contribute to the community through leadership, volunteer work, creativity and service. Returning this year is the Resilience Award, created in honour of Roxanne MacGregor, acknowledging residents who have shown outstanding courage, strength or perseverance when faced with personal or community challenges.
Nominations close at 5pm on Wednesday 10 December 2025 and can be submitted online, at your local library, or at any Council office.
For more information or to nominate, visit gympie.qld.gov.au/australia-day
Councillor Catch Up
Cr Jess Milne invites members of the community to catch up and chat all things Council on Friday 12 December. If you are unable to make the monthly catch up, please contact Cr Jess Milne to make an alternative arrangement.
• Tin Can Bay Library 9am to 10am
• Rainbow Beach Community Centre 11am to 12pm
• Cooloola Cove Veterans Hall 1pm to 2pm
Contact Cr Jess Milne
Phone: 0436 282 707
Email: jess.milne@gympie.qld.gov.au
Watch us on Youtube
We’re on YouTube!
Our Council Meetings are live streamed. Search YouTube for the ‘Gympie Regional Council - Official’ page and click subscribe.
Click the notification bell on our page to get notified when a Council meeting is live.
Contact Gympie Regional Council
• using the online requests on the website www.gympie.qld.gov.au (in the Contact Us section on the top right hand corner of the homepage),
• emailing council@gympie.qld.gov.au
• phoning customer service on 1300 307 800
• using the Snap Send Solve app, or
• sending a message via messenger on the Gympie Regional Council Facebook page.
Chappy’s CORNER
Continuing The Care
Hannah Timperon
Beach and Bay Community Pantry
I
T IS HARD to believe that we are in the final month of the year! We have had such a big year with many more families accessing our hampers, new volunteers coming on board, and continued commitment from our long serving volunteers.
The community we serve have been amazing in their support, week after week offering donations to those in need. We are so grateful to Aldi Gympie and Woolworths Cooloola, as well as Ed’s Beach Bakery and the Rainbow Beach and Tin Can Bay IGAs.
Our final hamper for the year will be on Thursday 18 December at the Vet’s Hall in Cooloola. We will be offering a FREE sausage sizzle, drinks and icepoles and would love for anyone in the community to come and join us.
We will also have a large donations
table that you are welcome to help yourself to with a mixture of items available. Please see our poster for all the details.
We are running another fundraiser at Bunnings on the 1st of December. If you are in Gympie, please come and buy a sausage and say Hi.
Pantry for 2025!
All Welcome!
FREE Sausage Sizzle, Cold Drinks & Icypoles !
Please
Breakfast Club continues to be well supported by the children at Tin Can Bay School on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. We are so grateful to the volunteers who get up early to cook and prepare food, making sure the kids have a full tummy to start the day!
Cooloola Community Garden
THE GARDEN IS growing well, thanks to the dedication of our volunteers who have been watering faithfully during this hot weather.
Our working bee for the month of December will be held on Tuesday the 16th at the garden. We would love for you to come down and see what has been happening and help where you are able.
Thursday 18th December 12pm – 1pm Cooloola VET Hall All Welcome!
If you would like to receive one of our end of year hampers and are not on our list, or wish to volunteer at our hamper distribution, please contact Hannah on 0409 787 240.
We are so grateful to the Gympie Regional Council who, through their community grants, has made this project possible. As well as the kind donations of seedlings, plants etc from community members. If you would like to be involved, or to find out more information, please contact Hannah on 0409 787 240.
Good quality items for our tables are greatly appreciated. Would love to help out but don't have the time? Pass it on! Give $12 to pay for a hamper for someone in need.
Please contact Hannah 0409 787 240 for item or monetary
Good quality items for our tables are greatly appreciated.
Would love to help out but don't have the time? Pass it on! Give $12 to pay for a hamper for someone in need.
Please contact Hannah 0409 787 240 for item or monetary donations.
Please contact Hannah 0409 787 240 for item or monetary
Good quality items for our tables are greatly appreciated. Would love to help out but don't have the time? Pass it on! Give $12 pay for a hamper for someone in need.
Good quality items for our tables are greatly appreciated. Would love to help out but don't have the time? Pass it on! pay for a hamper for someone in need.
Please contact Hannah 0409 787 240 for item or monetary
Air conditioning
TRADES & SERVICES INDEX
Covering Cooloola Cove, Rainbow Beach & Tin Can Bay
Brad’s Refrigeration & Air Conditioning 5486 2781
Bull Air Conditioning and Refrigeration 0421 245 260
Climate Control Air Conditioning 5486 4362
Sub- Cooled Air Con/Refrigeration 0436 338 631
Blinds & Awnings
Town and Country Blinds 0455 330 075
Wide Bay Blinds and Shutters 0422 427 219
Building & Excavations
Bob The Other Builder 0417 728 510
Hall Homes 0438 864 152
Killer Excavations 0417 192 651
Cabinet Makers
Cooloola Coast Cabinets 5488 0443
Car Dealers
John Madill Toyota 5480 5555
Car Parts (Classic British Cars)
The Frog Pond 0409 342 423
Cleaning
Clarks’ Cleaning, Laundry and Maintenance 0456 783 023
NOTHING SAYS New Year’s Eve like a spectacular fireworks display - and the Tin Can Bay Chamber of Commerce and Tourism is once again lighting up the sky!
The show begins at 8.30pm at Tom Steele Oval, right beside the water tower so be sure to arrive early to find a comfortable spot. For safety, an exclusion zone will be in place in the centre of the oval and there will be no parking around the perimeter so please stay behind all barriers.
This celebration puts the focus squarely on community connection and simple, home-grown fun. Bring the family, your favourite snacks, picnic rugs and whatever glow-up goodies add to your evening.
Think relaxed, old-school New Year’s Eve vibes with no expensive entertainment, just neighbours creating their own atmosphere and
Having a whale of a time at Rainbow Beach.
Realm of Rhythm and Creativity by Cynthia Hoogstraten.
Tolerant of wet feet. Full sun, great for bees, 2-3m shrub. Leaves are 5mm long, emit a strong lemon scent due to the presence of citronellal which is used as an insect repellent. Also known as Olive Tea Tree.
enjoying the moment together. Grab dinner at a local venue beforehand or settle into your own gathering at home, as the oval’s height provides sweeping views across much of Tin Can Bay.
A reminder to keep pets safe at home during the fireworks. The oval is a glass-free zone and there are no food vendors, so please plan ahead and bring what you need.
This wonderful community tradition is made possible by generous supporters including the Sleepy Lagoon Hotel, Barnacle Café and Dolphin Feeding, and the Cooloola Coast Youth Activity Project. Thanks also to Rainbow Beach Community News and funding assistance through the Gympie Regional Council Community Grants Program 2025/2026 for contributing to the event.
Beach Neighbourhood Police Beat
41 Carlo Road, Rainbow Beach – Hours: Varies (call to confirm) Phone: 5480 1744
Can Bay Police Station
35-37 Gympie Rd, Tin Can Bay FRONT COUNTER HOURS: Monday & Friday only: 9.00am-12pm & 1pm-2.30pm Phone: 5486 2426
QLD TRANSPORT SERVICES HOURS: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday only: 9.00am-12pm & 1pm-2.30pm Services Available: Drivers/Marine Licence, Registration Vehicle/Vessel, Photo Identification Card, Photos For Blue Card, High Risk, Disability Workers. Eftpos Only.
We would like to wish you all a safe and Happy Festive Season
Thank you for your patronage in 2025!
DECEMBER
6 Carols At Cooloola, 6pm-8.30pm CC Vets Hall
7 RB Community Hall 25th Anniversary celebration! See page 7
7 Carols In The Park, Lions Park TCB. Food & drink for sale from 4pm, carols start 6pm. Petting zoo, face painting, pressies for kids. BYO chair/blanket.
9` RB State School Christmas Concert, 5pm, RB Community Hall. See page 9
10 Nominations close for GRC 2026 Australia Day Awards, 5pm. See page 28.
10 Mary Christmas Street Party, 5-9pm Gympie. Stalls, street eats, live entertainment, late night shopping and more.
11 Beach & Bay Community Pantry fruit & veg hamper collection, 12-1pm, RB Community Centre. Contact Hannah 0409 787 240. See page 29.
12 Local’s BBQ and Raffles by RB Boardriders, from 3.30pm Rainbow Beach Hotel.
13 Santa Comes To Rainbow! From 1pm, RB Community Hall precinct. Food stalls, jumping castle, face painting, entertainmentand of course Santa arriving by helicopter! All the details - page 3.
9.30am First Five Forever Storytime (0-5 yrs), TCB Library
9.30am Bingo for Local Ambulance Committee, TCB Country Club
2-4pm U Can Recycle - Containers For Change pop-up cash point, RB Hall car park Spectrum Ave. Call 0448 250 991 for info.
3.30pm Dragon Boating. Sandra: 0402 352 756
3.30pm Robotics for kids, Gympie Library
6pm Open Mic Night, RSL Hall TCB
Friday
Rainbow Beach Art Group, RB Library, 10am two Fridays per month. Phone 5486 3705.
2nd Friday - Twilight Markets, Amity Place TCB 4pm-7pm. Community market with market fee proceeds going to community groups. Contact Jenny Jackson 0424 639 572.
1st Friday - Drop-in Sausage Sizzle, Tin Can Bay RSL, 11.30am to 1.30pm
3rd Friday - Writing Fridays at Gympie Library - join other writers in practicing and honing your literary skills, 10am-12pm, phone 5481 0859 for more information and to book
7am Heart Foundation Wheelie Walking Group Cooloola Cove, Judy 5486 2181. Meet at bus shelter outside shopping centre on Nautilus Drive.
8-10am Social Table Tennis, $5, 110 Emperor St TCB. 4th Friday Community catch up at RB Hall, 8am 9am-12pm Chess/Rummykub at TCB Community & Men’s Shed, gold coin for morning tea, no need to book
9-11am TCB Table Tennis, 110 Emperor St TCB, $5pp (funds raised go to CCYAP), equipment is provided or BYO
12 noon TCBCAMS Jam Session, Amity Place TCB. Info: Raewyn 0412 995 512 Bryan 0420 299 651.
2pm-3.45pm Tin Can Chorus singing club, TCB Fishing Club Clubroom, 33 Dolphin Ave TCB. No experience required. Contact Jackie 0438 768 855 or Karen 0422 013 233.
2.30-4pm Book a librarian, TCB Library
3.30-4.30pm Tinker Table STEAM Makerspace, Gympie Library, bookings not necessary
4-6pm Pickleball, TCB Community Complex, $5pp, all equipment supplied.
Hal Waddington 0450 058 395 or Liz Davies 0428 499 800
6.30pm - 1st & 3rd Cooloola Music Club, CC Community Complex, Amity Place TCB. Jam and singalong, all welcome. Info: Ali 0403 423 124 or ali.zengin@creektocoast.realestate
7.30-10.30pm Live music at RB Sports Club. Grab a drink and a feed and enjoy some local talent www.rainbowsportsclub.com.au
Saturday
6am & 6.30am (2 groups) Heart Foundation Walking Group meet at TCB Bakery (weather permitting), Maggie 0400 756 615.
6.45am Wes Mitchell parkrun, TCB (opposite library). Register for free on parkrun website.
2nd Saturday RB Market. Book: 5486 3355 3rd Saturday Tin Can Bay Market. Book: 0418 711 897 12pm TCBCAMS Saturday Raffles, Sleepy Lagoon Hotel.
5pm Liturgy St John Vianney Catholic Church (week 2 & 5)
5pm Mass at St John Vianney Catholic Church, Bream St, TCB (week 1 & 4) 5pm Liturgy St John Vianney Catholic Church (week 5)
7.30-10.30pm Live music at RB Sports Club. Grab a drink and a feed and enjoy some local talent. www.rainbowsportsclub.com.au
Sunday
6.30am Mass at St Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church, Manooka Dr, RB (week 1 & 4) 7am Mass Tin Can Bay (week 3)
7.30am Dragon Boating, Sandra: 0402 352 756
9.30am Service at Good Shepherd Church, 17 Carlo Road, RB, followed by morning teaall denominations most welcome
12-3pm Live music at RB Sports Club plus free kids’ bowls and obstacle course. www.rainbowsportsclub.com.au
SEE PAGE 25 FOR WHAT’S ON AT OUR LOCAL
As e rap p , e j st anted to take a moment to look back and celebrate hat has been an incredible ear for o r store.
One of the biggest highlights as being named Medi m to Large B siness of the Year across o r three stores b the G mpie Chamber of Commerce.
This as the second me o r local IGA has recei ed this hono r. We are so pro d of this achie ement, and it tr l comes do n to o r ama ing team and the s pport of o r comm nit
This ear e also celebrated a special milestone, ith Imbil IGA t rning one! It ’s been s ch a jo becoming part of the Imbil comm nit , and e’re gratef l for the arm elcome and s pport e’ e recei ed.
Right no , o r stores are b ing as e get read for Christmas.
The shel es are stocked, the decora ons are o t, and e’ e got e er thing o need to make o r fes e season eas and memorable.
We’re f ll loaded ith bea f l stone fr its, s mmer fa o rites and all o r fresh food needs to see o thro gh the holida s.
What a year we've had at your local IGA!
We’re also hono red to be s ppor ng Vinnies again this ear thro gh the Vinnies Gi� Tags - a small p rchase that makes a big difference to families in need.
To all o r lo al c stomers, and to o r incredible staff ho gi e so m ch e er single da - thank o . Yo r s pport means the orld to s and is the reason o r stores con n e to gro , impro e and thri e.
And to e er one isi ng o r bea f l region o er the holida s, elcome. We’re so happ to ha e o here and look for ard to looking a�er o thro gho t the season.
From all of s at o r local IGA - thank o for making this ear so onderf l.
Here’s to an ama ing Christmas and an e en be er ear ahead!
