COMMUNITY A WELCOME NOTE
MARCH 2025 | ISSUE 15
Relationships Australia has launched Neighbour Day 2025, happening on March 30 This year’s theme, “Create, Share, Grow Belonging,” inspires everyone to strengthen their community connections. Want to get involved? Click on the NED banner to explore 21 Connection Tips and discover ways to foster belonging in your neighbourhood.
There’s been a lot of discussion on Facebook about the chaotic parking situation at Peregian Springs Shopping Centre due to ongoing construction. Many residents believe it could be better managed, with suggestions like a temporary 2-hour parking limit to prevent all-day free parking. There’s also some uncertainty about the planned changes. If you’d like to see the proposed plans, click here.
Don’t miss your chance to share your thoughts on the draft plan for local dog exercise areas, including the muchloved Stumers Creek in Coolum Beach. As of now, the response deadline has been extended to March 7. Click on the Stumers Creek banner on the right to have your say!
If you have a story to share or an upcoming event to promote, feel free to email: info@hellocommunity.com.au
Have a magic March ahead!
Krys Krys Stedman
Hello Community Manager
COMMUNITY UPDATE
Residents urged to ‘favourite’ the Emergency Alert number to stay informed
Queenslanders are being urged to update their phone settings to ‘favourite’ the Emergency Alert (EA) phone number, to stay informed during an emergency or disaster.
Emergency Alert is the national telephone-based warning system used to send voice messages to landlines and text messages to mobile phones to warn people of emergencies. This includes dangerous weather with potentially severe impacts.
An Emergency Alert is just one way for authorities to warn communities of a dangerous situation in the area and only issued when necessary
They are not issued for every circumstance but the message will include important, potentially lifesaving directions which require you to take action to stay safe.
You do not need to register to receive an Emergency Alert from the system which is sent from caller ID number: +61 444 444 444.
Messages from +61 444 444 444 are not a scam, they are official phone warnings as part of a national geotargeting emergency alert system.
Residents are being asked to check the number is not blocked on their device and to add it to their ‘favourites’, so they don’t miss the alerts.
If you follow these steps, even if your phone is set to ‘do not disturb’ you will still receive the alert, no matter what time of the day or night it is issued.
Visit the Disaster Management website for the latest Emergency Alert details and for local area information on Local Government disaster dashboards.
BUSINESS FEATURE
This month’s business spotlight is on local business Horizon Training-CPR & First Aid Training
Hi, I’m Kelly, and I live in beautiful Coolum Beach. My husband, Neil, and I moved here after COVID with our two children, Ryan (13) and Zara (10) We recently welcomed Lana, our playful six-month-old Groodle, into the family. Originally from Northern Ireland, we made Australia our home in 2003.
I founded Horizon Training in October 2024 after six years in the training industry My background is in Respiratory Medicine, but after working with various First Aid companies, I realized my passion for delivering engaging, affordable training. I love helping people gain confidence in essential life-saving skills.
Coolum has so much to offer, but a few favourites stand out Canteen for its stunning sunsets and cocktails, and Estancia Maria for its delicious chimichurri burrata and empanadas.
I also love taking a dip in the Kondalilla Falls rockpool or starting the day with a sunrise beach walk. Paddleboarding and cooking three-course meals are my go-to pastimes, along with curling up with a great book.
If you’re looking for First Aid training, I’d love to help! Whether it's a public or private course, I can come to your business to make certification easy. Let’s chat and find the best option for you!
FREE FLU SHOTS
BOOKINGS ARE NOW OPEN
The Queensland Government will provide the free flu vaccination program for all Queenslanders in 2025 in the interests of their own health and in reducing the pressures on hospital emergency departments and General Practitioners. All Queensland residents over the age of 6 months are eligible to receive the free vaccine from vaccination providers, including GPs and pharmacies. Bookings are now open.
The peak season for influenza varies from year to year, but typically starts in May and lasts until around October, with most cases typically recorded in August.
Queenslanders are encouraged to consider vaccination ahead of the peak season to ensure coverage over the winter months.
The 2025 Free Flu Vaccination Program, concluding in September 2025, aims to encourage more Queenslanders to get
GOVERNMENT UPDATE
Queensland Government launches real-time health data
Queenslanders can now access the real-time performance of 25 major hospital emergency departments and seven Satellite Hospitals, providing transparency into what is happening in the state’s health system. The Open Hospitals portal delivers real-time health data, providing openness and transparency to Queenslanders in need of medical care.
The Open Hospitals portal delivers real-time health data, providing openness and transparency to Queenslanders in need of medical care.
Critical information on the website such as median patient wait times and the number of patients who have been triaged and waiting for treatment will be updated every 15 to 30 minutes
Minister Nicholls said the Queensland Health Open Hospitals website would also provide people with information on alternative care options, including the Virtual Emergency Care Service
“It’s vitally important that Queenslanders can get the right care for their condition, close to home,” he said.
“Of course, anyone who needs emergency attention should go to their nearest emergency department or call an ambulance on Triple-0 (000) for assistance.
“That’s why the new Open Hospitals website will also provide information on when to go to the emergency department, details for 13HEALTH and a link to the healthdirect online symptom checker.”
Access the Open Hospitals website here: www.openhospitals.health.qld.gov.au
DIGITAL GAME DEVELOPERS
LEVEL UP THEIR SKILLS
The Sunshine Coast is set to become Queensland’s game production powerhouse, with the launch of a new program – Season of the Dev – which will help emerging developers upgrade their skills through a series of free and affordable workshops, networking events and a three-day games jam
The program runs from March to May and targets young adults, at the start of their career, to create a pipeline of skilled workers
Season of the Dev registrations are now open via Screen Queensland’s website:
COMMUNITY LOCAL PLANTS
Coolum Community Native Nursery
Located at the base of the picturesque Mt Coolum, this non-profit community Nursery specialises in local native plants to the area, including those resilient to the salty conditions synonymous with the Sunshine Coast.
There are usually around 170 species available, and all plants are grown from scratch using seeds collected in the local area.
Local native plants have adapted over thousands of years to thrive in our windy, sandy, and salty environment. These salt-tolerant species are particularly well-suited to our region, requiring minimal water, fertiliser, and upkeep compared to exotic or nonlocal varieties. Moreover, they play a crucial role in supporting local wildlife and preserving the unique essence of the Sunshine Coast.
The Nursery offers complimentary expert guidance on caring for your new plants, optimal planting locations, and common pitfalls to avoid. Whether by phone, email, or in person, feel free to reach out with any inquiries about local native plants.
Membership is Free. To find out more, why not pop-in to the Nursery at 157 Warran Road, Yaroomba. Trading hours can be found on their website at www.coolumnatives.com
Refres Homes Sunsh
Local, Insured & Trustworthy
WehavejusthadRyanrestoreour deck.Wearemorethanhappywit howit’sturnedout.Ryanisprompt efficientandatotalprofessional.W can’trecommendhimenough! Excellentthroughout..
Mike
COUNCIL UPDATE
Deliberate vegetation damage in Coolum
The scenic Coolum coastline has been targeted by environmental vandals after native trees have been damaged at two separate locations, with a third under investigation.
Herbicide testing has confirmed poisoning of trees at First Bay, Coolum, and a sign has now been put up as a warning.
Steps were taken to investigate the area after Council received reports of suspicious decline in health of the native plants in the area
Independent testing confirmed the presence of three separate herbicides, impacting vegetation next to beach access 82 in the Yaroomba Coolum Foreshore Reserve.
The second incident of vegetation damage was at Donegal Drive Environment Reserve, Coolum.
In this instance, Council successfully prosecuted a case of vegetation damage resulting in a $20,000 fine and an additional $14,452 in compensation.
A third location near the Coolum boardwalk is also under investigation due to suspicious damage from suspected poisoning.
If you notice suspicious vegetation damage occurring in Council-managed reserves or parks please contact Council’s customer services on 5475 7272
Poisoning of trees at First Bay, Coolum
COUNCIL UPDATE
Could you be the next $25,000 art prize winner?
In 2024, contemporary artist Todd Fuller took out the major award in the prestigious Sunshine Coast National Art Prize for his captivating motion animation work, ‘No use crying over ripped lace’
Fuller was selected from a pool of 40 exceptional finalists from across the nation, receiving $25,000 and making headlines with the first digital work to ever win the region’s flagship art award
One year on and the Sunshine Coast National Art Prize 2025 is again calling for entries from across Australia, as Sunshine Coast Council’s Caloundra Regional Gallery searches for the next major winner
Who Can Apply
The Sunshine Coast National Art Prize is open to all professional artists living in Australia.
Artists working in various 2D mediums, including traditional oils, drawings, prints, photographs and assemblages, as well as digital compositions and other new media, are encouraged to apply.
Entries Close: 11 59 pm AEST, Sunday, May 11, 2025
Finalists Notified: By Friday, June 6, 2025
Exhibition Dates: Friday, August 15, 2025 to Sunday, October 12, 2025
Winners Announced: Thursday, September 25, 2025
Entry Details:
Artists can submit their entries online through the Caloundra Regional Gallery website. Each submission must include high-resolution images of the artwork, an artist statement and a completed entry form. A non-refundable entry fee of $45 AUD applies
2024 Major Prize winner Todd Fuller with John Gallagher (Argon Law) and Julie Ewington (Judge)
SMALL
AND FAMILY
BUSINESSES
TO HAVE THEIR SAY ON RED TAPE
495,000 small and family business across Queensland are now encouraged to have their say on red tape reduction.
Phase one of feedback was focused on Queensland’s 120 Chambers of Commerce, and phase two is now open to all small and family businesses from all industries.
Business Chamber Queensland revealed the cost of regulation has doubled in two years to $50,000, and on average business were having to engage the equivalent of a fulltime employee just to manage regulation.
Small and Family Business Minister Steve Minnikin said. “Feedback is now open to all 495,000 small and family businesses across Queensland from tradies to tourism operators, and cafes to clothing stores”.
HAVEAGREATSUNSHINE COASTBUSINESS?
COMMUNITY FEATURE
Community group growing on the Sunshine Coast
The Men’s Table is a national not for profit, gathering groups of 8-12 of the same men together for dinner once a month to enjoy deeper conversations, build trusted connections, and offer peer support for one another.
“It’s a confidential place for men to talk about their experiences, get stuff of their chest and have a conversation that goes beyond the usual banter you find in the pub or on the golf course,” says Regional Host, Wayne Krueger. “Men tell us they find it a safe place to share, and they can rely on their Table mates when they need support It’s so important for men’s mental, emotional and social wellbeing and it not only helps the men, but it also helps their families and others around them too.”
Chris Hewitt is a retired teacher from Caloundra. He belongs to a cycling group and has a great set of mates around him. Looking to widen his social circle even further, last year he saw an ad for The Men’s Table and decided to go along to an Entrée (introductory evening).
“I was interested in the idea that it was a different kind of conversation on offer, so I wanted to find out more,” Chris says. “The men who attended that night came from all over. It goes to show there’s a demand for this sort of thing.”
There are three Men’s Tables on the Sunshine Coast in Caloundra and Noosa/Tewantin, with Entrees during March in Maleny and Gympie.
Interested men can visit www.themenstable.org for more information or to register to attend.
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Cooroy
*Offer valid to 31/5/25 for new website builds
COMMUNITY FEATURE
Help solve housing stress with Better Together Housing
Ever wondered how your space could make a difference and be part of a solution for affordable housing options for women in need?
The Sunshine Coast is currently experiencing significant housing stress which means that there are more people experiencing homelessness for the very first time.
Strong Community Portfolio Councillor Taylor Bunnag said as part of Council’s Sunshine Coast Housing and Homelessness Action Plan, Council was supporting Better Together Housing to support women in finding accommodation.
Better Together Housing brings together like-minded women in a safe and secure way to find shared accommodation. Created by women, for women, we welcome women who own or rent their home and are wanting to find women to share with, women who are looking for a new place to live with one or more women, or women who are uncertain about sharing, but want to connect with other women to explore the possibilities of shared housing
Nola and Nada’s story
Better Together Housing Member Nola said she didn’t have any money to donate to causes but could offer her support to other women out there and try to show them not to be afraid, because it can work
“We’ve blended so well together,” Nola said. “It’s reassuring having another person in the house.
Watch Nola and Nada’s story online
For more information about the program, visit www.bettertogetherhousing.com.au.
PROPERTY hello
Calendar MARCH
Mega Car Park Sale
Exoticathletica, Sat 15 Mar, 9am-3pm, Noosaville
What’s available? Workout leggings, shorts, crop tops, t-shirts, singlets, palazzo pants, dresses skirts, Sizes? kids, extra small right through to XXL. So grab your tribe and come on down and grab some bargains
CPR & First Aid Course Coolum, 5 Mar
Unit HLTAID009 covers CPR and AED use ( finishes 10am).
Unit HLTAID011 covers CPR, AED, emergency asthma response, EpiPen use, bandages and slings, fractures, sprains strains and snake bite bandages HLTAID012 first aid in a education and care setting. Book via www.horizontraining.com.au
Dog First Aid Course Cooroibah, Sat 15 Mar, 9am
Are you a pet owner in the Sunny Coast, QLD looking to expand your knowledge and skills in caring for your furry friends? Course size is limited to 12 students
Chilli & Chocolate Festival
The Station, Sun 23 Mar
Expect the most spectacular day at the 3rd annual Sunshine Coast Chilli & Chocolate Festival. Gather the people that help you laugh, eat, sweat, shop and smile for this sizzling day celebrating the spice of life. Family & Pet friendly.
Yandina Five’O 2025
Sat 29 Mar
Run Queensland is thrilled to bring you another running of the Yandina Five '0'. The Yandina Five 'O' includes 50km, 36km, 21km and 12km courses through Mapleton National Park and some private land and will take you across bubbling creeks, past a stunning lookout and up and down challenging hilly terrain.
St Patrick’s Day Golf, Peregian Springs, Sun 16 Mar
Get your shamrocks ready for a St. Patrick’s Day golf event at Peregian Springs! There are great prizes to be won for the best dressed player AND best decorated cart! This event is open to members and their guest! Call or see the proshop now to lock in your team!! $35 Entry includes comp fee and meal.
Bottomless Brunch
The Doonan, Sun 30 Mar
You will get to enjoy: 90-minute drink package – Spritz, bubbles, and more! Chef’s selection of gourmet canapés –A rotating menu of seasonal delights. Live music – Set the tone for a relaxed and vibrant Sunday.
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
Beach Surf Club 0491 640 129 Coolum Boardriders coolumboardriders.com.au
Colts Rugby Leage coolumcolts.com.au
Cricket Club 0417 584 875
Tennis Club 0421 391 505
Beach Bowls 5446 1153