COMMUNITY A WELCOME NOTE
NOVEMBER 2024 | ISSUE 11
Front Cover
Tis the season for Garage Sales!
Welcome to the November edition of Hello Community.
Australia’s beloved Garage Sale Trail is back for two big weekends— November 9-10 and 16-17, 2024! Whether you’re looking to declutter, score a bargain, or shop sustainably, this event has it all. There are already lots of garage sales listed on the Sunshine Coast. To register your garage sale or find garage sales to attend, click here
There are lots of local stories in this issue, as well as a reminder article on Navigating Bush Fires after recent flare-ups nearby.
It’s also the start of turtle nesting season, and of course Remembrance Day is just around the corner
Now that Halloween is done and dusted, our Sunshine Coast Christmas Lights Guide is getting ready for action again. Where has the year gone?
We’d love to hear your stories or learn about your upcoming events. Please email info@hellocommunity com au
COUNCIL UPDATE
THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT: COUNCIL HELP, SIMPLIFIED
What day is my bin day? Spotted a pothole? Repairs required at your local playground? There’s an app for that!
The upgraded Sunshine Coast Council free app allows users to have personalised information for bin days, send a service request directly to Council, access real-time information about road conditions, explore features of our region, access Disaster Hub and so much more
Residents can report non-urgent issues directly to Council as well as have news and local information just a press of a button away.
NAVIGATING LOCAL BUSHFIRE INFORMATION
In times of rising smoke, Facebook groups buzz with questions about nearby fires. To ensure community safety, it's vital to access swift and accurate bushfire information The go-to source is the QFES website's Current bushfire warnings and incidents map (https://www.qfes.qld.gov.au/Current-Incidents).
Understand the difference between BUSHFIRE WARNINGS and INCIDENTS on the website Warnings, like "avoid smoke," prompt immediate action, while incidents (vegetation fires, crashes, etc.) don't always lead to warnings.
For on-the-go updates, download apps like "QLDFires (a paid app)" and "FiresNearMeAustralia," offering a comprehensive view of both warnings and incidents. "Bushfire.io" adds detailed insights on wind direction and air operations.
Remember, these apps pull data from the QFES website, but for the most accurate and up-to-date information, rely on the website itself
In case of visible smoke or flames, prioritise safety and call 000. Staying informed is the key to community well-being
COMMUNITY LOCAL AUTHOR
FRANK AND STEIN SAVE THE COAST! (and the world)
Inspired by a chance meeting at Mount Tinbeerwah, watching a chook and a kookaburra having a scuffle… the word Chookaburra popped into my head, Kangamoo, Crabbit, and Raterpiller soon followed.
As the list of characters grew, so did their world - where did these creatures come from? - they were sort of Frankenstein-esq. Oh, Hang on… two kids named Frank and Stein who make toys out of broken ones… bingo! (And let's face it Dr Frankenstein was one of the original recyclers)
Set in Yanoosa (Yandina/Noosawhere I grew up and now live), Frank and Stein flourished, and their world evolved. The kids and the books quickly became champions of REPURPOSING, REUSING, and RETHINKING our way to a greener, cleaner future. Kids, seeing the book covers, quickly ask, “Why does that animal look like that??.”
This opens up a conversation about fixing things that are broken, rather than throwing them away - a seemingly lost art that we need to rediscover. So now the website is live, and I have books to sell… yew!… but bigger than that is engaging kids in the conversation of rethinking what and how we use things on a daily basis.
The BIG QUESTION though, is which animal is next?
#Should it be UNIPRAWN (part Unicorn, part Prawn), or maybe PIGASUS?
RHINOSAUR has a nice ring to it, and I think CHIMPANBEE would be cute… JELLYGATOR? ANACONDOR?
FLADINGO? The list goes on and on. Come and vote online at frankenrhyme com au & @frankenrhyme
ALSO AVAILABLE IN BOOKSHOPS: Village Bookshop, Noosa Heads
The Junction Bookstore Noosa Junction
Annie's Bookstore, Peregian Beach
The Little Book Nook, Palmwoods
Berkalouw Books, Eumundi
Rosetta Books, Maleny
Sunshine Coast Local Author - Dan Munday
COMMUNITY FEATURE
New Wellness Hub Opens in Cooroy to Support Mental Health
Kanyini Collective, an innovative social enterprise, has opened its doors to serve as a wellness hub, offering a variety of programs designed to support mental health, promote community wellbeing, and raise funds for charity.
Located at 7 Garnet Street, Cooroy, this welcoming space offers yoga, meditation, breath work, clinical hypnotherapy, remedial massage, Bowen Therapy and other bodywork modalities, wellbeing workshops, Paint ‘n’ Sip events, room hire for private events, and even a retail spacemaking it a place where locals can relax, connect, and heal.
Kanyini Collective plays a vital role in sustaining Hoofbeats Sanctuary’s operations. Located in Doonan, the Sanctuary provides a safe space for individuals recovering from trauma, especially those for whom traditional forms of therapy has not been of benefit. Equine therapy helps participants develop emotional resilience, trust, and selfawareness all under the guidance of trained professionals.
Since the program is entirely free for participants, community initiatives like Kanyini Collective are crucial to keeping the Sanctuary’s doors open.
The public is encouraged to attend events, book wellness sessions, or shop from the retail area which is well stocked with gifts for all ages – perfect for Christmas. Every contribution, no matter how small, plays a part in fostering personal and collective healing
To learn more about Kanyini Collective and its mission, visit kanyinicollective.org.au
LOCAL UPDATE
SUNSHINE COAST HERITAGE CALENDAR 2025
From a 1977 sack race in Kenilworth to a 1965 wheelbarrow derby through the main street of Nambour, the 2025 Sunshine Coast Heritage Calendar certainly lives up to its theme, ‘Sports through the Ages’.
Images in the calendar have been tinted with colour, a technique in keeping with the tradition of handcolouring monochrome photographs which began in 1900.
The $6 calendar is available across the region and will make a cherished stocking filler for anyone who loves a bit of nostalgia.
COMMUNITY UPDATE
Operation November Kilo, Noosa
Sunshine Coast police have concluded Operation November Kilo which focused on preventing and reducing antisocial behaviour and alcohol fuelled violence during a visitor spike in Noosa
The four-week operation ran for the duration of the Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria school holidays (September 14 – October 6) –a period that sees an additional 20,000 people visit the Hastings Street precinct.
Throughout the operation, police dealt with four assault occasioning bodily harm, three wilful damage, three possess dangerous drugs and two stealing instances, in addition to one common assault, public nuisance, dangerous operation of a vehicle and enter with intent instances.
Noosa police were supported by the Sunshine Coast Tactical Crime Squad, Child Protection Investigation Unit, Dog Squad, Road Policing Command, Criminal Investigation Branch, Polair and the Youth Co-Responder Team.
Noosa Heads Officer in Charge Acting
Senior Sergeant Nick Paterson said an increase in people warrants an increase in police presence.
“Noosa is renowned for its beautiful beaches and through Operation November Kilo we’re working to ensure it’s equally known for being a welcoming and safe place too.”
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www police qld gov au/reporting
Christmas LightsTrail
Ifyouareseasonally-spiritedand enjoyspreadingthisvibewithyour homeorbusinesslightsdisplay,you havecometotherightplace! Click thebuttonbelowtoaddyourhometo theSunshineCoastChristmasLights Trailfor2024.
ADD MY HOME
LOCAL LEGENDS
From Student to Trailblazer:
Nanine Stewart’s Journey to Launching Girls' AFL at Coolum State High
When Nanine Stewart was a kid playing backyard footy with her brothers, they showed her no favours.
Now a Coolum State High School (CSHS) teacher, Nanine has led the school’s highly successful AFL Academy for the past five years
Nanine, a Senior Geography and Junior Humanities teacher, was offered the role of academy leader due to her passion for the game Originally focused solely on boys' teams, she was inspired by her own experiences to create a girls' team, expanding opportunities for young female athletes
“I played AFL until fairly recently plus I worked for AFL Queensland during my gap year while studying to become a teacher,” she said
“Even though I could play footy with my brothers in the backyard, I couldn’t play rugby league when I was at school, as girls just didn’t play that then – so I was really motivated to help the girls
“I also love it as it really helps me build my relationships with the kids – they can see I care about them.”
Thanks to Nanine’s wider AFL connections, the school also enjoys a partnership with local AFL club, the Coolum Beach Breakers.
“It’s a great partnership where the school and the local club enjoy cross-over support, so it’s a win-win,” Nanine said.
Working as a teacher at CSHS is a ‘back to the future’ experience for Nanine.
“I chose to attend CSHS as a student because it offered a surfing academy, so it’s really lovely to be back here as a teacher,” said Nanine.
“I love being around the students and I love seeing the difference I can make to their lives.”
WerecentlyhadRyanfromGray'sProPainting completeanentireinteriorrepaintofournewly purchasedhomeRyanexceededour expectationsfromstarttofinishHewas extremelypromptwithhisquotingandfinished thejob2daysaheadofschedule Melle,CoolumBeach
COMMUNITY EVENT
Clear Out, Give Back:
Recycle Your Textiles at the ‘Give a Sheet® for the Planet’ Event
Spring is the perfect time to clean out those forgotten shelves and give those old sheets a second chance at life.
To celebrate National Recycling Week, Sunshine Coast Council and Noosa Council have teamed up with BlockTexx® to hold a community textile recycling event, ‘Give a Sheet® for the Planet’.
Simply clean out your linen cupboards and drop-off approved items at Chancellor State College, Secondary Campus, Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs or The J Noosa, 60 Noosa Drive, Noosa Heads on November 16
BlockTexx® S.O.F.T.™ (Separation Of Fibre Technology) works by separating everyday products such as sheets, pillowcases and towels back into their individual raw materials. The recovered resources can then be reused back into the textile industry or into other industries such as building, agricultural and manufacturing.
Be a part of the solution
When: Saturday, November 16, 8am to 2pm
Where: two locations:
·Chancellor State College - Secondary Campus, Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs
·The J Noosa, 60 Noosa Drive, Noosa Heads
What: Households can drop off their clean and sorted old, worn-out sheets, towels, pillowcases, quilt covers and linen that are no longer wanted or can no longer be used. Accepted fibres are cotton, polyester and man-made cellulosic (bamboo, viscose, and rayon).
Who: Anyone! Why not organise a collection from a school, workplace or street and bundle together to take to the drop off point.
Give a sheet - image credit BlockTexx®
CATS ON THE COAST
The recent Cats on the Coast Sunshine Coast Council initiative brought cat lovers together to educate and inspire responsible cat ownership.
Responsible
cat ownership
While most cats believe they rule the roost, as their devoted humans it’s our job to ensure they lead happy, healthy lives. Cat owners must keep their cats inside or contain them in an enclosure or on leash if outside. These steps help to limit the impact on the surrounding community, particularly other animals such as birds and reptiles.
Being a responsible cat owner involves:
Registering your cat each year –Council offers lifetime registration for desexed and microchipped cats
Keeping your cat contained at all times
Walking your cat on a leash if you are outside your property
Desexing your cat – although not compulsory, this will help to reduce unwanted litters. Behavioural problems in cats can also lead to roaming issues
Microchipping your cat
Protecting
our ecosystem
A pet cat that is allowed to roam and hunt kills an average of 186 mammals, birds and reptiles per year, 100 of which are native. With more than 11,000 registered cats on the Sunshine Coast this equates to a substantial toll on our native wildlife.
This is why it is important for cats to always be contained on their property. You may need to adjust your fencing or build a cat enclosure if you want your cat to exercise outside.
Contrary to popular belief, cats don't have to roam. If their basic needs are met, they can enjoy longer and healthier lives when confined inside or in an enclosure.
When outdoors local law requires cats to be in an outdoor enclosure or on a leash. Allowing your cat to wander could result in a $322 fine.
A heartwarming adoption story
Meet six month old Winter who was abandoned on the side of the road and now lives with Sean Maher. “He was found at such a young age. 4 Paws Animal Rescue had placed him with us in a temporary foster capacity.
“We named him Winter because he was adopted on the shortest day of the year. He is a fluff ball full of energy, as soft as silk and loves to cuddle.
“Rescuing an animal is so rewarding, particularly once you get to know them and see how much love they have to give”.
Image supplied: Rescue Cat Winter
COMMUNITY SCAM ALERT
Scammers impersonating banks in text messages, phone calls and emails
The National Anti-Scam Centre is warning consumers to be wary of bank impersonation scams. Specifically, any unsolicited calls, emails or messages from someone claiming to be from their bank, requesting they provide their personal or financial information, transfer funds, or provide a one-time security code over the phone.
Scammers often claim to be calling from the bank’s fraud department and may refer to an account compromise, suspicious transaction, or online banking outage to try to create a sense of urgency
Consumers should also be aware that scammers may use technology to deceive their victims, by making the call appear to come from the bank’s legitimate phone number, or by sending a text that appears in the same conversation thread as genuine bank messages
“If you receive an SMS with a telephone number to call, do not use it. Instead, call your bank direct on a number you have sourced yourself. Likewise, hang up if you receive a call from someone claiming to be from your bank requesting you to transfer money to ‘keep it safe’. Your bank will never ask you to do this. Ask for a reference number and call your bank back using contact details you have found independently.” ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said.
Source: ACCC © Commonwealth of Australia
Consumers should: STOP - don’t be rushed into providing personal or financial information, or transferring money. Your bank will never ask you to transfer your money into another account to keep it safe. Never provide online banking passwords, one-time security codes, PINs or tokens to anyone over the phone. Don’t click on links sent via email or in a message on your phone, even if they appear to come from your bank
CHECK - verify who you are talking to Contact your bank using your banking app or a phone number you have sourced from your banking app, bank website, statement, or card.
PROTECT - Act quickly - if you have transferred funds, provided access to your account or information to a scammer, contact your bank immediately and report to scamwatch gov au to help protect others Tell your friends and family: it helps to share your experience so they can give you support, and also so you can help them stay safe from scams.
COUNCIL UPDATE
TURTLE NESTING SEASON BEGINS NOVEMBER
Turtle nesting season on the Sunshine Coast begins at the start of November.
It’s a time when our residents can come together as a turtle-friendly community to celebrate and help protect these threatened species.
We can all help by keeping plastic waste out of waterways and beaches and cutting the glow of lights after 8pm during nesting and hatchling season
To report turtle tracks, new nests and emerging hatchlings on the southern end of the coast, call Sunshine Coast Council’s Turtle Care hotline 0437 559 067.
For sightings from Mooloolaba north, call Coolum and North Shore Coast Care on 0478 435 377. Pop the numbers in your mobile phone now so you can easily contact our wonderful volunteers
COMMUNITY EVENT SPOTLIGHT
SUNSHINE COAST DRAGONS ABREAST RAISE OVER $2000 FOR BREAST CANCER SUPPORT
Sunshine Coast Dragons Abreast (SCDA Mavericks), a local dragon boat club based at Maroochydore, hosted a successful fundraising morning tea in October, raising over $2000 in support of the Cindy McKenzie Breast Cancer Program. The event was held at the home of club President Tara in Peregian Springs, where over 50 guests gathered on a beautiful spring day to show their support for this important cause.
It was truly a team effort, with club members supplying a delicious spread of homemade treats, generously donating raffle prizes, and inviting family and friends to join the fun.
Local businesses also supported with generous donations of raffle prizes such as dinner vouchers, hair and beauty treatments, champagne and even a private make-up class for 8 people.
The event was co-hosted by Club President Tara and Coach Meredith. Tara, a breast cancer survivor, spoke passionately about the importance of supporting those affected by breast cancer, a cause deeply connected to the dragon boat club’s origins. Originally formed to support breast cancer survivors, the club has grown to welcome paddlers of all ages and backgrounds Members come together to paddle for fun, fitness, and friendship, enjoying a supportive and welcoming environment
For more information about dragon boating, see https://www.scdamavericksdragonboatclub. com au or call Tara on 0474 219 111
Calendar NOVEMBER
S U N S H I N E C O A S T
Full Moon Dance
Verrierdale Hall
16th November
Get ready for an epic night Full Moon Dance returns on November 16 with live music, vibrant energy, and irresistible beats!
The Party - Peregian Beach Community House
16th & 17th November
The Party is a whimsical introduction to the world of theatre and imagination This show has gentle and playful interactions with multiple sensory elements, props and puppets.
Tickets at Door Only
PROPERTY hello
BOOKKEEPING SERVICES
The Peregian Bookkeeper provides comprehensive bookkeeping services to businesses of all sizes. Our experts are equipped with the latest knowledge and tools to provide accurate and reliable bookkeeping & BAS agent services.
All our specialists are Xero certified advisors & Xero migration specialists
0434 270 898
admin@theperegianbookkeeper.com.au theperegianbookkeeper.com.au
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