COMMUNITY
A WELCOME NOTE
DECEMBER 2024 | ISSUE 12
Front Cover
A new breakfast in the heart of Peregian Springs
As the festive season unfolds, it’s the perfect time to embrace the joy of festive Christmas music What’s your favourite song? I personally love Feliz Navidad and Jeff Buckley’s rendition of Hallelujah.
In this issue, we’ve put together a festive collection of guides and stories, from Christmas Markets and Christmas Trees to heartwarming Christmas Appeal features and more.
I’d like to take a moment to thank everyone who has shared their stories with us over the past year, as well as the businesses that have supported us through advertising.
As we celebrate the season, let’s also remember those who may be facing challenges. A simple act of kindness or a warm smile can brighten someone’s day and bring a little extra joy.
Here’s to a season filled with generosity, gratitude, and the warmth of community
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Krys Krys Stedman
Hello Community Manager
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COMMUNITY FEATURE STORY
SWING BY FOR BREAKFAST AT PEREGIAN SPRINGS GOLF CLUB
Peregian Springs Golf Club is thrilled to announce it is now serving breakfast daily from 8am to 11am, seven days a week. The Club’s new chef, Chris, has created a new menu featuring classic breakfast favourites made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Picture yourself savouring a delicious Eggs Benedict or a hearty Big Swing Breakfast while taking in the stunning views of the greens a perfect way to kick-start your day!
And here’s the best part: you don’t have to be a golfer to enjoy the calm atmosphere and beautiful surroundings of Peregian Springs Golf Club. As the heart of the Peregian Springs community, the Club welcomes everyone to stop by for breakfast, lunch, or simply to enjoy the space for a coffee catchup with friends and family.
Ready to explore the new menu? Click the button below to see what’s cooking!
Plus, don’t forget about the hugely popular Sip, Support & Socialise (SSS) event! Held on the first Friday of every month, it’s open to everyone and the perfect way to connect with the community.
Ryandidahighquality jobofrestoringour weatheredsun bleacheddeck....His priceforhighquality workiscompetitive... Heather Myhomehasbeen refreshedwithawhole housepaint...Ryanand LJcertainlyknowtheir craft...I’mhavingthem returntodothe exterior... Sue
LOCAL UPDATE
NOOSA CIVIC MEDIHUB OPENS
The Noosa Civic Medihub is now up and operational and is a vital addition to the Noosa region's health and medical services.
Previously, residents often faced long round trips to the southern Sunshine Coast or Brisbane for treatments, which can be both time-consuming and costly. The Medihub eliminates this burden, offering an integrated healthcare environment right on locals’ doorsteps.
The tenants at the Noosa Civic Medihub bring a wide array of critical health services to the area, including Icon Cancer Centre, Sunshine Coast Radiology, Noosa Civic Family Practice, Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology, Fortius SC Ortho Group, Dusk to Dawn Sleep Centre, and Bottoms Up Colonics
These tenants ensure that locals have access to everything from general medical care and x-ray to specialised services like cancer treatment, specialist radiology, orthopaedics, sleep studies, and digestive health.
Scan Code to make a reservation, today!
RESTAURANT FEATURE
A Greek Culinary Gem in the
Heart of Maroochydore
The team behind SOKA Charcoal Japanese restaurant has launched a vibrant new Greek restaurant in the heart of Maroochydore With SOKA’s strong reputation on Ocean Street, this new venture serves as its Greek-inspired sister restaurant, bringing fresh Mediterranean flavours to the area.
Nestled on Ocean Street in vibrant Maroochydore, Lyra invites you on a delicious journey to Greece, blending traditional and modern Greek cuisine with a dash of history and dining culture. This Sunshine Coast hotspot is where authentic flavours meet innovative twists, creating an unforgettable dining experience
With seating for 90, Lyra boasts a stylish yet welcoming atmosphere that perfectly complements its menu. From classic favourites to contemporary creations, every dish showcases the finest local and seasonal produce, ensuring freshness and flavour in every bite
Lyra’s menu is a feast for the senses, starting with silky dips like tzatziki, taramasalata, and hummus paired with soft pita bread.
For the mains, Lyra takes comfort food to new heights. The oven-baked lamb shoulder with tzaziki is a showstopper Diners will also find plenty to love, with thoughtful options crafted for every palate.
No Greek feast is complete without dessert, and Lyra doesn’t disappoint.
Whether you're seeking a taste of tradition or a fresh twist on Greek classics, Lyra delivers in every way.
Make your reservation and let Lyra transport you to the sun-kissed shores of Greece.
COMMUNITY INFO
SNAKES ON THE SUNNY COAST
As the weather warms up, snakes become more active.
Here are some steps you can take to make your home and yard less appealing to snakes:
Keep your yard and shed tidy and well-maintained to avoid creating snake habitats.
Dispose of food scraps properly to avoid attracting pests.
Actively control rats and mice, and ensure aviaries and poultry pens are snake-proof
What are the most likely snakes that we could encounter in suburbia, and which are the ones to be weary of? A healthy approach is to be weary of all of them. Treat all snakes as venomous and with respect and care
One of the most common questions asked in online community groups is what type of snake is this. We found a great snake identification Australia facebook group that has approved ID’ers and may help you get your answer promptly. Link to group is below.
WHATTYPE OFSNAKE...
SUNSHINE COAST
Christmas LightsGuide
Ifyoulovecelebratingtheseasonand sharingthatspiritwithafestivelights displayatyourhomeorbusiness,orif youenjoyvisitinglightdisplaysacross theSunshineCoast,you’reintheright place!ClicktheGreenButtonfor moredetails.
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
FESTIVE FEATURE
Spruce Up Your Festive Season With A Real Premium Christmas Tree
Noosa Christmas Trees is pleased to be embarking on their 4th season of selling Real Premium Christmas Trees on the Sunshine Coast. This is all thanks to the amazing support received by locals purchasing trees.
This year they are going to support a local school and Inclusive Kids again; the charity you all selected last year.
The Radiata Pine Trees are available in four sizes: 5ft, 6ft, 7ft and 8ft.
The weekends you can collect are below between 7am -6pm whilst stocks last:
6th – 7th December
13th – 14th December
Noosa Christmas Trees will be available for purchase and collection from:
424 Pomona Kin Kin Road
Pinbarren
LOCAL LEGEND
LORRAINE SLEEPS OUT – RAISING FUNDS FOR SANTA’S CLASSY HELPERS
On a Saturday night in November, while others were tucked up safely in bed, Lorraine Kenway was doing it again - raising awareness and raising funds to support local families in need at Christmas. Santa’s Classy Helpers assists over 600 families by providing supermarket trolleys full of food, toys and essential goods.
Lorraine describes the need in the community as “gut wrenching” and arranges an annual shopping day event at the J Noosa where hundreds of Volunteers assist.
Lorraine lay on her cardboard lined mattress with a wooly blanket and pillow and settled down for a sleepout on Gympie Terrace with a straw hat at the ready for donations to assist Santa’s Classy Helpers
Big smiles all around when Tewantin Noosa Lions Club arrived on the scene to start her evening off with a BIG $2,000 cheque. By morning Lorraine’s straw hat was filled with a further $1,300. Generous donations have also been received during the week at the Noosa Classy Lady shop on Gympie Terrace.
Well done Lorraine – raising awareness and making a difference!
Scan Code to make a reservation, today!
COMMUNITY UPDATE
New Year’s Eve Free Community Event
Gather loved ones to farewell 2024 and welcome in the new year with a familyfriendly celebration in Mooloolaba.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said Council was hosting a free community event from 5pm to 10pm along Mooloolaba Esplanade
“You’ll find a range of family-friendly festivities, leading up to the muchanticipated 8.30pm fireworks display, ” Mayor Natoli said
“The Esplanade will come alive with roving entertainment and face painting for the kids, food trucks and markets, and getting there will be a breeze with a range of active and public transport options.
“As usual, community safety is our priority, so to ensure everyone has an enjoyable evening, this is strictly an alcohol, drug and glass-free event.
“Fireworks will be bigger this year, meaning you’ll see them from Cotton Tree in the north to La Balsa in the south
“We’re expecting more than 30,000 people will celebrate New Year’s Eve in Mooloolaba this year, so we encourage attendees to use active and public transport.
You’ll also find fireworks displays at Coolum and Caloundra at 8.30pm as well as a range of local events across the region
Council will not be hosting midnight fireworks at any Sunshine Coast location.
If you would like to provide feedback to Council click button below:
If you’re lucky enough to rub shoulders with the special people, groups and businesses who make our Sunshine Coast a better, fairer and more resilient place, then it’s time to say thank you.
There are eight categories to nominate: Citizen of the Year
Young Citizen of the Year
Senior Citizen of the Year
Community - group or organisation
Creative Arts Award
Healthy People Award (sport, recreation, health and wellbeing)
Healthy Planet Award (environmental stewardship)
Biosphere Business of the Year
2024 Citizen of the Year Leon Stensholm with Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli
LOCAL UPDATE
JOIN ROCKY’S ADVENTURES ON THE MARY RIVER
A curious young turtle seeking his kin and navigating challenges with determination: it’s time to meet Rocky the Mary River turtle.
Sunshine Coast Council has released children’s book Rocky and the River in Peril, in time for the school holidays.
Rocky is a very special turtle – his species is only found in the Mary River catchment and was recently declared Critically Endangered.
But with new perils appearing every day, what will happen to Rocky and his river?
The story follows Rocky’s journey upstream, following the wise words of an ancient lungfish, to where the weeping lilly pilly trees cradle the creeks. S E E M O R E > >
Rocky and the River in Peril showcases our Mary River and native wildlife for the whole family.
Illustrations by Michelle Lees.
PROTECTING YOUR PUP DURING CANE TOAD SEASON
As cane toad season begins, pet owners face the challenge of safeguarding their furry friends from these hazardous amphibians Cane toads, with their potent venom, pose a serious threat to dogs. To protect your pup, understanding the danger is crucial as these toads secrete a toxic substance through their skin, potentially leading to severe illness or even fatality.
Supervision is essential during this season, especially during outdoor activities, enabling quick intervention if your dog shows interest in the toads Training commands like “leave it” and “stay” are invaluable, along with providing engaging toys to reduce curiosity.
Post-outdoor activities, clean your dog thoroughly using pet-safe wipes. Keep water and food bowls indoors to prevent contamination
In the event that your pet exhibits trembling, shaking, or seizures at any point, promptly take them to a vet.
COMMUNITY SHARE THE DIGNITY
IT’S A RECORD!
40 bags including 6 mums & bubs bags all delivered to Bunnings to the charity collection bin. And we filled it to the brim!!
How good does it feel to do something nice for someone less fortunate than ourselves?
A HUGE BIG THANK YOU to everyone for your donations of goodies and handbags and to those who helped pack the bags
Wishing our very generous community Seasons Greetings and best wishes for 2025 ���� From: Kris Hunter
COMMUNITY UPDATE
Making Queensland Safer Laws to restore community safety
The Queensland Government has taken the first step to restoring community safety and legislating Adult Crime, Adult Time with the introduction of the landmark Making Queensland Safer Bill 2024 to Parliament on 28th November.
The Making Queensland Safer Laws deliver on a key commitment to Queenslanders to restore community safety and turn the tide on the Youth Crime Crisis.
Under the laws, juvenile offenders who commit some of the most serious crimes will face the same penalties as adult offenders and the rights of victims will be put ahead of the rights of offenders.
Under the proposed laws, the Youth Justice Act 1992 would be amended so young offenders committing particular crimes would be subject to the same penalties as adults.
Adult Crime, Adult Time offences include:
Murder
Manslaughter
Unlawful striking causing death
Grievous bodily harm
Wounding
Serious assault
Home and business break-ins and robbery
Dangerous operation of vehicles.
The principle of detention as a last resort would also be removed from the Act to prioritise community safety.
COMMUNITY UPDATE
Drones used in emotorcycle, e-bicycle and e-scooter blitz
Sunshine Coast police have used drone technology as part of a weekend blitz, targeting offenders on electric bicycles, e-scooters, and motorcycles in the Coolum Beach area.
The two-day operation on November 2 and 3, led by officers from Coolum Beach with support from the State Road Policing Taskforce saw more than 10 e-motorcycles, e-scooters, and e-bicycles seized.
Sergeant Joel Bryant said police were disappointed with the lack of compliance by electric bicycle, escooter, e-skateboard and motorcycle riders, with a high number of young offenders flouting the law.
“Not knowing the road rules of a vehicle or device you are operating, is not a defence”.
”If you want to ride an e-bicycle, an escooter, an e-skateboard or an emotorbike, know the rules,” Sergeant Bryant said.
“Not wearing a helmet, or riding unlicensed, unregistered, and uninsured are the most common offences, however there are also concerning instances of users operating their e-motorcycle, escooter, or e-bicycle dangerously and endangering lives”.
LOCAL UPDATE
50 CENT PUBLIC TRANSPORT FARES HERE TO STAY PERMANENTLY
The Queensland Government has locked-in 50 cent fares permanently, delivering key cost of living relief for Queenslanders.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads will now make the LNP’s 50 cent fares permanent on all Translink public transport networks in Queensland
Queenslanders will now permanently continue to travel on South East Queensland (SEQ) bus, train, tram and ferry services, as well as Translink urban bus networks across the state, for a flat 50 cent fare.
COMMUNITY UPDATE
Schools Gateway program to grow future workforce
The Queensland Government will secure thousands of additional skilled workers for the State’s future with an expansion of the Gateway to Industry Schools Program.
The expanded program will offer Agribusiness, Tourism and Hospitality and Advanced Manufacturing for the first time, expanding the reach of the program which was delivered across 372 Queensland schools and reached 45,000 students last year.
The Gateway to Industry Schools Program will include the following providers until January 2028:
Aerospace - Aviation Australia
Agribusiness - Central Queensland
University (new)
Community Services - National
Disability Services
Tourism and Hospitality –Queensland Tourism Industry Council (new)
Health - CheckUp Australia
Information and Communication
Technology - Australian Computer Society
Minerals and Energy - Queensland
Resources Council
Screen and Media - Essential Crew
Advanced ManufacturingManufacturing Skills Queensland (new)
Building and Construction -
Construction Skills Queensland
Additional information about the program is available at: https://desbt.qld.gov.au/training/employer s/gateway-schools
LOCAL UPDATE
Coast’s newest playground pays tribute to icons
One of the best new playgrounds in one of the Sunshine Coast’s most popular parks is ready for fun in time for school holidays – and comes with a special twist!
Sunshine Coast Council has completed a new playground as part of the second stage of upgrades and landscaping works at Power Memorial Park in Mudjimba
Sunshine Coast Council Division 8 Councillor Taylor Bunnag said the upgrade and a new playground made an already popular park even better.
“The design gives a nod to two icons, the ex-HMAS Brisbane, which was decommissioned in 2001 and was sunk as a dive wreck off the Mudjimba coast in 2005, and also to our iconic Sunshine Coast surf lifeguard services and volunteer lifesaving teams
“I encourage our community to visit the park, have a picnic and bring the kids for an amazing time on the new playground.
Children enjoying the new playground at Power Memorial Park
HMAS Brisbane and Lifeguard tower play structures at Power Memorial Park
Calendar DECEMBER
THE 2024 NOOSA CHRISTMAS CONVOY
Get ready to celebrate the season as Santa and his helpers bring the festive cheer to Noosa with the 2024 Connecting Noosa Christmas Convoy!
This popular tradition is back for the fourth year now, spreading joy and excitement throughout the shire
In partnership with local Emergency Services and community supporters, the convoy showcases the spirit of Noosa while kicking off the Christmas festivities.
Catch Santa and his team travelling through various parts of the Noosa shire from Monday, 9 December to Thursday 12 December.
Gather with your neighbours, step out into your driveway, and share in the holiday fun as the convoy makes its way through your community.
PROPERTY hello
NOOSA FREE HOLIDAY BUSES.
BOOKKEEPING SERVICES
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CONTACTS
Editor: Email: Web: Krys Stedman - 0427 707 333 info@hellocommunity.com.au hellocommunity.com.au facebook.com/hellocommunitymagazine instagram.com/hellocommunitymagazine
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