PEREGIAN COOLUM NOOSA
FEBRUARY 2026 | ISSUE 26
This month, weāre shining a spotlight on the upcoming annual Clean Up Australia Day and the importance of keeping our beautiful waterways, parks, and bushland litter-free.
Many locals have made it a habit to pick up rubbish during their walks on the beach or in the park, often sharing photos of their collections on social media. Itās an inspiring practice that keeps the message front and centre for everyone.
To find a clean-up event near you, simply click on the purple Get Your Gloves On banner on the right. Then, hover over Clean Up Events in the menu, click Join A Clean Up, and enter your postcode.
I hope you enjoy this issue and the stories and local updates we have shared.
Weād also love to hear from you! Whether itās a story to share or details about an upcoming event, feel free to email: info@hellocommunity.com.au
Have a story or event you'd like to share?
Weād love to hear from you ā email us at info@hellocommunity.com.au
MOMENTUM AND MOVEMENT: WHAT THE 2026 YEAR OF THE HORSE BRINGS
As we bid farewell to the Year of the Snake, the cosmic energy shifts into high gear with the arrival of the 2026 Chinese Year of the Horse, specifically the Fire Horse.
The Year of the Horse officially begins on 17 February 2026 and runs until 5 February 2027 Governed by the Fire element, this year brings heightened passion, confidence and momentum, amplifying the Horseās natural drive and free-spirited nature.
In Chinese astrology, the Horse symbolises energy, independence, optimism and movement.
COUNCIL INFO
Bring your projects and events to life
Sunshine Coast Councilās 2026 Community Grant Program is off and running, with applications now open for the first Grants round of the year
Strong Community Portfolio Councillor David Law said Council remained passionate about empowering not-forprofit community organisations to bring a great projects, activities and events to life - big and small.
āIn this Major Grants round, groups can apply for up to $15,000 for projects, activities and events across all program categories, as well as up to $30,000 for infrastructure projects in the Community Facilities category. A co-funding contribution is required for requests over $7,500.
āPlease reach out to Councilās wonderful grants team about your community project, activity or event They can provide your group with guidance on how to submit a strong application and help determine which grant category would be the best fit for you ā
āApplications close on Monday 9 March 2026.ā
COUNCIL INFO
Meet our Australia Day award recipients
Citizen of the Year: Selina Tomasich
witnessed extremes of poverty in Selina decided to do something founded Hair Aid to help those free. Embodying the adage āgive a eat for a day, teach a man to fish for a lifetimeā, Selina mobilised a team of volunteer hairdressers to teach one universal skill ā haircutting.
Through five-day training programs delivered in Indonesia, Cambodia, Thailand, the Philippines and Guatemala, graduates receive professional tools, mentoring and the skills to start microbusinesses that feed families, send children to school and break cycles of poverty. Today, more than 7,000 people have been trained through Hair Aid.
Here at home, Hair Aid Community Cuts operates at nearly 100 locations nationally, gifting more than 25,000 free haircuts each year to Australians experiencing homelessness, domestic violence and hardship ā restoring dignity, confidence and connection.
Senior Citizen of the Year: Phil and Di Wilson
For over three decades, Phil and Di have welcomed more than 200 foster children into their home ā many with complex needs ā and have adopted 10 children, some with disabilities. Their unwavering, compassionate care has transformed countless lives and inspired others to step forward.
Young Citizen of the Year: Jessica Cronin
A passionate youth leader, Jessica has driven local and global initiatives ā from care packs supporting families escaping domestic violence to the ā2030 in Focusā project championing the UN Global Goals, school-based Book Buddies, and major stationery drives (270 kg donated).
Community Group or Organisation: Lookout07
Founded by Dr Leon Stensholm, Lookout07 is a purpose-built youth sanctuary offering free recreation, counselling, psychology and mentoring.
Creative Arts: Tie ā Kenilworth Arts Council and Gretchen Keelty
Kenilworth Arts Council (est. 1988) has expanded arts participation āwest of the rangeā through festivals, workshops, performances and awards.
Gretchen Keelty has united the arts community through inclusive programming and landmark projects such as Sculpture on the Edge and the Buddina Ocean Chair mosaic mural.
Healthy and Active: Tie ā Bamboo Projects and The Parkinsonās Centre
Bamboo Projects delivers inclusive, nature-based programs ā waterway cleanups, community walks and supported recreation ā that strengthen mental health, reduce isolation and build confidence; all activities are delivered entirely by volunteers.
Posthumous Award: June Upton
Affectionately known as the āSunshine Coast Charity Queenā, June dedicated a lifetime to fundraising and volunteer service, helping raise more than $4 million for local causes, championing womenās participation in community life, and tirelessly advocating for families in need.
EVENT SPOTLIGHT
SAVE THE DATE
Coolum Easter Art Expo
The Coolum Art Collective is presenting its first exhibition for 2025 over Easter long weekend from Friday April 3rd to Monday April 6th.
Over 200 original artworks by 20 local artists are offered for sale, by many and varied styles. There will be watercolours, pastels and oils on display, with many and varied subjects including local scenes of beaches, hinterland etc.
Entry is free, with the opportunity to purchase quality artwork and artisan items. The opening will be at 3pm on the Saturday 4 April. th
Visitors also have the opportunity to vote for their favourite artist in the āPeopleās Choiceā award.
Diarise now so as not to miss out on a great event for all ages
Local businesses proudly support and sponsor this event.
POLITICS UPDATE
SUNSHINE COAST LOCALS
SHOW RISING SUPPORT FOR ONE NATION
Sunshine Coast residents are increasingly drawn to One Nation, citing the partyās consistency and honest leadership.
At the recently established One Nation Fairfax Branch meeting on January 27, organisers were caught off guard as nearly 100 people attended, with some having to stand outside due to limited space. A larger venue is now being sought for the February meeting, with details to be announced soon as local interest in the party continues to grow
Calendar FEBRUARY
Movie Every Little Thing
The Majestic Theatre Pomona
8 Feb, 2.00pm-4.00pm
I N E C O A S T
Superbowl LX
VIP Package
Coolum Beach Hotel 9 Feb, 9.00am
Transvision Vamp
Australian Tour
Blackflag Brewing Coolum
14 Feb, 6.00pm Noosa
āLove Ya Dubā 2026
Noosa Marina
14 Feb, 8.00am-1.00pm
Goodbye Snake Fire Horse Activation
Yandina School of Arts
15 Feb, 4.00pm-6.00pm
Funny Coast Comedy Apollonian Hotel Boreen Point 21 Feb, 7.30pm-9.30pm
Sunshine Coast Veterans
Market-Veterans Health Week
Yandina Eumundi RSL
21 Feb, 9.00am-12.00noon
Car Sign on Day and Car Display
Nambour Show Grounds
22 Feb, 9.00am-12.00noon
End of Summer Party Noosa
22 Feb, 3.00pm
Choirboys
Great Australian Rock n Roll Stories - The J Noosa 26 Feb, 7.30pm
28 Feb, 7.00pm
