COMMUNITY hello hello hello
COMMUNITY hello hello hello
JULY 2025 | ISSUE 19
Front Cover - Humpback Highway
Welcome to the July edition of Hello Community and the beginning of a new financial year. Let's hope the next six months brings good things to everyone.
This month’s cover features the start of the annual whale migration An estimated 40,000 humpback whales will travel from the temperate waters of Antarctica to the sub-tropical waters off Queensland’s east coast. They will spend around five months in the warmer waters to breed and calve, and tend to stay until November
July is buzzing with events on the coast, including the Queensland Garden Expo and a Family Fun Day in Pomona.
Inside this issue, you’ll find local stories, upcoming events, and community updates.
Have a story or event you'd like to share?
We’d love to hear from you — email us at info@hellocommunity com au
Krys Stedman Hello Community Manager
COMMUNITY EVENT
The Queensland Garden Show
Amazing food, a hundred free talks from garden gurus and the latest trends that will make your backyard bliss – one of the Sunshine Coast’s premier events is back brighter than ever.
The Queensland Garden Show, proudly organised by Nursery & Garden Industry Queensland, is set to transform the Nambour Showgrounds into a lush paradise from July 11–13.
Celebrating a legacy spanning 40 years, the show is more than just a plant-lover’s paradise, it’s a full-blown festival of flora, food and fun
Qld Garden Show Festival Director Marion Beazley said there would be six stages of free talks and demonstrations.
“We have some of Australia’s top gardening experts, including ABC Gardening Australia personalities Jerry Coleby-Williams and Sophie Thomson, author of The Thrifty Gardener Millie Ross, and returning favourite Costa Georgiadis.
“And a new collaboration between The Curated Plate and the Qld Garden Show for The Cook’s Garden Stage is expected to be a big hit ”
The Cook’s Garden Stage of course complements The Giant Kitchen Garden – a fully planted, sustainable garden built on-site, where visitors can learn how to grow their own produce and live more sustainably
Queensland
Nambour Showgrounds, Coronation Avenue, Nambour
Friday, July 11 – Sunday , July 13. Gates open daily from 8am
Tickets available now at qldgardenshow.com.au
Image courtesy of
Garden Show
LOCAL UPDATE
Coast film hits Netflix
From the dramatic peaks of Mt Ngungun to the golden shores of Mooloolaba – the Sunshine Coast takes centre stage on screens across Australia and New Zealand, with a powerful new film.
The Edge, which is the latest work from local acclaimed actor and director Jane Larkin, premiered on Netflix Friday, June 20.
The 3lite Productions film explores the raw truths behind Australian competitive sport, through the lens of three young women.
Starring Australian sprinter Jane Larkin (Boy Swallows Universe, Thirteen Lives), powerlifter Lily Riley and Japanese Paralympic swimmer Mei Ichinose, The Edge follows three female athletes as they navigate the pressure, politics and personal journeys that come with elite competition
From love and identity to morality and mental health, the film tackles the issues too often hidden behind the medals.
The cast features a dynamic mix of actors, Olympians and Paralympians, including Olympic gold medallists Sally Pearson and Leisel Jones, Tokyo Olympian Riley Day and Paralympian Braeden Jason.
Director, lead actor and writer Jane Larkin, herself a former member of the Australian sprinting team, brings an unparalleled authenticity to the film.
Director, lead actor and writer Jane Larkin
The film features a wide range of iconic Sunshine Coast locations, including:
Alexandra Headland Beach / Eaton Park, Sippy Downs / Maroochydore Boathouses & Canals / O2 Performance Gym, Warana / Old Soul Maroochydore Bar & Nightclub / Pluggas Film Studio, Warana / Strand Cinema Caloundra / Suncity Tenpin Bowling / University of the Sunshine Coast.
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Coolum Beach Crowned Queensland’s Best Beach
To celebrate Queensland’s 166th birthday the Queensland Government’s All the Best program invited Queenslanders to give a shoutout for local businesses, attractions, places to visit, food, and drink, with more than 61,000 votes registered across fifteen categories.
“I am excited to announce that Coolum Beach has been voted the best beach in Queensland, and I could not be prouder, Member for Ninderry Dan Purdie MP said.
“The Sunshine Coast region is spoilt for choice when it comes to its share of beautiful beaches, but we know that Coolum is unique for its three distinct ocean bays, and our highly ‘instagrammable’ headland, Point Perry.
“What is not to love about crystal waters, coffee rock formations, lush bushland, walking tracks and soft sandy coves. Swim, explore rockpools, spot turtles and dolphins, snorkel, picnic, and of course surf. Coolum Beach has something for everyone, no wonder it won.
“As a keen surfer and father of two, Coolum Beach is certainly my family’s favourite. Not to mention that it is in the best Electorate in Queensland, my electorate of Ninderry.
“While some might like to keep our beach all to ourselves, Coolum Beach is on the world stage for famously producing waves known as ‘Coolum Wedges’, which are perfect for bodysurfing.
“This is why every year Coolum hosts the National Bodysurfing Titles, known as the Coolum Wedge, and why the International Body Surfing World Titles took place here this year
“The secret is well and truly out; Coolum Beach is not just our treasure; it is Queensland’s Best Beach
LOCAL UPDATE
Wildlife
Rescue
hero named 2025 Citizen of the Year
When the 2019 bushfires ravaged Australia’s landscapes, Claire Smith didn’t just watch from the sidelines –she acted
Mobilising a grassroots fundraising campaign, she raised over $600,000 to support more than 50 wildlife rescue groups.
Claire embodies the values and spirit of our Sunshine Coast Biosphere, and her fierce determination has now earned her the title of 2025 Sunshine Coast Biosphere Community AwardsCitizen of the Year.
Founder of Wildlife Rescue Sunshine Coast, Claire is a tireless advocate for native animals.
She established Queensland’s first dedicated kangaroo hospital and is currently leading a $5 million fundraising campaign to build a Koala Conservation Centre.
Her work extends beyond rescue. Claire also educates communities, advises governments on wildlife policy and writes children’s books for those experiencing trauma, donating them through her Lionhearted Foundation.
Recently named Queensland’s Local Hero for 2025 in the Australian of the Year Awards, Claire uses her growing platform to push for national habitat preservation.
“We can’t just keep putting band-aids on wildlife. We need to protect the places they call home,” Claire said
Claire’s impact is felt across the Sunshine Coast and beyond. Her leadership, compassion and unwavering commitment to conservation make her a beacon of hope in a time of ecological challenges.
2025 Citizen of the Year - Claire Smith
Home Ownership Boost to Buy Scheme
The Crisafulli Government is launching a nationleading home ownership scheme to help reduce the deposit gap for first buyers, and deliver a place to call home for more Queenslanders sooner.
The new Boost to Buy scheme will provide an equity contribution of up to 30 per cent for new homes and 25 per cent for existing homes.
To be eligible, first home buyers will need a minimum 2 per cent deposit available for the purchase price of the property valued up to $1 million, supporting Queenslanders who don’t have the deposit needed to secure a home.
Boost to Buy is open to single purchasers with an income of up to $150,000 and households with two adults earning up to $225,000, with expressions of interest opening on 1 July.
How we’re helping more people enjoy Coolum Beach
Plans are underway for a new ramp that will allow much easier access to Coolum Beach.
Sunshine Coast Council will build an all-abilities access ramp next to the Coolum Beach Surf Life Saving Club and Tickle Park
This will provide easier and safer access to the golden sands of Coolum Beach for people of all abilities, ages, and mobility levels – including those using wheelchairs and mobility aids.
Ramp features
The ramp will aim to be Disability Discrimination Act compliant and integrate seamlessly with the top of the walkway and the carpark to allow direct access from the car park to the water.
It will be 2m wide, have a durable aluminium frame and feature timber and concrete finishes to match Coolum’s relaxed beach vibe.
The lower section has been designed to allow the all abilities and wheelchair beach matting to attach at various points to account for varying beach levels throughout the year.
The nearby carpark will also be relined to include 4–5 accessible parking bays, complementing the existing accessible toilets and amenities in the area.
The community is invited to view the plans and share their ideas for improvements at haveyoursay.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au from now until Tuesday, July 15.
BEST FRIENDS’ WALK
Walk with your best friend (furry or human) this September to help homeless pets find their best friends.
With 9,000+ homeless pets across Australia waiting for love and a safe place to call home, every step you take makes a difference.
This free virtual month-long fitness and fundraising challenge is perfect for you and your ultimate bestie (furry or human!). Simply set your fundraising goal, choose your walking distance for September, and start making an impact together from wherever you are.
Not only will you strengthen your bond by spending quality time with your BFF, but you'll also be directly supporting homeless pets through PetRescue's adoption platform and assistance programs.
Ready to walk for a cause? Each dollar you raise brings a homeless pet closer to finding their new best friend.
POLICE LAUNCH STATEWIDE ROAD SAFETY
BLITZ
Motorists can expect Queensland Police Service (QPS) officers to be highly visible and proactive on the roads these school holidays, with the launch of Operation X-Ray Cold Snap.
The statewide road safety campaign runs until Sunday 13 July, and is focused on saving lives and preventing road trauma by addressing dangerous driving behaviours and reinforcing the Fatal Five safety message
The operation will include a combination of high-visibility patrols, enforcement responses, and static roadside testing right across the state
Police will be active on highways, in regional towns, tourist hotspots and back roads Drivers and riders can expect to see police anywhere and at any time.
PROPERTY hello
Calendar JULY
Ladies Comedy Night, Noosa, 20 July
Get ready for a laugh-out-loud, highenergy, and seriously fabulous night out! This is more than just a comedy show it’s a feel-good experience that will have you in stitches and leaving on a high.
Clayton’s Towing Vehicle Auction, 12 July
Come along to the coast’s largest onsite vehicle auction with around 250 vehicles, trailers and motor bikes going under the hammer, all with no reserves. You can pre-register before the day via the website or on the day of the Auction This is free and easy, and open to everyone. https://claytonstowing.com.au/aucti on/auction-registration/
Imagine, Noosaville Lions Park, 26 July
This free community celebration, hosted in association with Noosa Alive! transforms the foreshore into an immersive wonderland, blending arts, music, dance, and magic with the breathtaking natural beauty of Noosa River.
LOCAL DEALS
HEARING CLINIC
Coolum Hearing co offers hearing solutions for locals by locals, including f hearing assessments for adults, wax removal, and hearing aid fittings from al leading manufacturers.
We also provide hearing aid repairs, batteries, accessories, DVA hearing assessments, custom ear plugs and mo
0412 570 484
hello@coolumhearing.com.au coolumhearing.com.au
Mount Coolum Plumbing is your experienced local plumber, offering a real No Call Out fee service.
Servicing only the Coolum area suburbs, including Peregian Springs and Peregian Breeze means I can offer great customer service and fast response times to all of your plumbing jobs!
0493 027 027
pete@mtcplumbing.com.au mtcplumbing.com.au
Editor: Email: Web: Krys Stedman - 0427 707 333
info@hellocommunity.com.au hellocommunity.com.au
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COMMUNITY DIRECTORY
ARTS AND CRAFTS
Coolum Harmonies Choir 0403 013 555
The Coolum Women’s Shed thewomensshed.org
Coolum Men’s Shed 5319 3755
Coolum Theatre Players 0415 421 045
CHURCHES
Coolum Beach Baptist Church 5446 1957
Coolum Beach Uniting Church 5446 1815
St Peter’s Catholic Church Coolum 5443 3488
Anglican Church - Peregian 5449 8009
Coolum Christian Family Church 5446 1295
COMMUNITY GROUPS
Peregian Beach Community Assoc. pbcai.org
Coolum & Northshore Coast Care 0478 435 377
Coolum-Peregian RSL Sub Branch 0401 181 016
Coolum Civic Centre 5413 1416 Coolum Meals on Wheels 5446 1000 Quota Coolum Beach 0421 440 058
EMERGENCY CONTACTS
JUSTICE OF THE PEACE
Library (Wed 9am-12noon) 5475 8989
Noosa Civic (Tue 1pm-4pm) & 5440 7900 (Thurs/Fri 9.30am-12.30pm)
SPORT AND RECREATION
086
Beach Surf Club 0491 640 129
Boardriders coolumboardriders.com.au
Colts Rugby Leage coolumcolts.com.au
Cricket Club 0417 584 875
Tennis Club 0421 391 505
Beach Bowls 5446 1153