Sunny Coast Times October 2020

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SUNNY COAST TIMES

FROM CALOUNDRA TO NOOSA

ISSUE #3 October 21 – November 17, 2020

Greatest gift of all Coast-based newsreader’s act of sibling selflessness

WIN! One of three Gold Coast family holidays Page 37

En pointe

Standing tall

Glad for gigs

From bullying victim to thriving career

Troy Cassar-Daley returns to region

Tiny ballerinas excel at eisteddfod

6-7

27

50 - 51

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Published third Wednesday of the month Booking and editorial deadline for our next edition Monday, Octoberof12 Publishedisthird Wednesday the month Booking and editorial deadline for our next edition EDITORIAL 5499November 9049 is Monday, 9 Editor EDITORIAL

5499Gilmore 9049 Chris chris@sunnycoastmedia.com.au Editor

Chris Gilmore ADVERTISING chris@sunnycoastmedia.com.au 5499 9049 Manager ADVERTISING

Karen Muir 54990414 9049432 423 production@sunnycoastmedia.com.au Manager

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ACCOUNTS accounts@sunnycoastmedia.com.au accounts@sunnycoastmedia.com.au Please note: Please note: We are often out, writing stories and talking to local businesses We are often out,–writing talking to local businesses please stories leave usand a message.

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FROM THE EDITOR

INSIDE THIS MONTH

FROM THE EDITOR

Katie Noonan talks about her new album

IT LOCAL AKEEPING WAY TO FLOURISH

WRITERS WRITERS Chris Phil Michele Shirley Taylor Dillon Sternberg Sinclair Chris Rebecca Michele Shirley Taylor Sinclair The SunnyMugridge Coast Times is a P100 Sternberg sponsor of SunnyKids

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We hope you enjoy this month’s edition. Remember, you can connect with us on Facebook and Instagram, and we would love to hear your thoughts and ideas.

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12 –lost 15wildlife The Coast’s Food wine 12 and – 15

– and 17dine Food,16 drink 16 – 17 Education Community news 20 – 21

–school 23 holidays What’s on20 these Education 22– 23

25 Travel Troy Cassar-Daley 24 - 25returns

Letters, puzzle27 and Poet’s Corner Refuge26 through – 27writing

28 – 29

Creative Cuts Creative Cuts

29 – 31 30 – 31 Business

Letters, puzzles and Poet’s Corner

32 – 33 32 – 33

Nature Kerrie Friend on gratitude

34 37

Health Health

35 – 40 38 – 41 Classifieds Classifieds

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by While you continuing tohas support advertisers. of the publication, the SCT accepts no responsibility for inaccuracies. The views expressed this OURinSPECIALIST RUBBISH REMOVAL SERVICE takes away, publication do notbulk necessarily the views held by the SCT. All Battery content Hill, is copyright and may 50,000 papers droppedrepresent to Alexandra Headland, Aroona, Aura, Birtinya, Bli Bli, redundant, dis-used, obsolete and wornCover out furniture not be reproduced without permission.

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8puts – 9family first Newsreader Artist gets creative 8 – 9 in lockdown

to the edition offor themany SunnyinCoast Times. ullying.elcome It’s sadly still second a prevalent issue our community.

Most of The response had to the form first edition hasorbeen us have been the victim ofwe’ve this disturbing of abuse, at least know overwhelmingly positive. The thing readers seem to have someone who has. appreciated most is havingvictims a printed in and theirlong-lasting. hands. While it is The effects on bullying cannewspaper be profound undeniable the newsfrom media is looking at in anthree increasingly future, there According to statistics Bully Zero, one womendigital and one in five men is clearly a great demand hard copies of the news.as You read a with mentalstill health disorders citeforbullying and harassment thecan main reason. selection of the kind feedback we’veout received in the editor Encouragingly, there are people there who areletters readyto tothe tackle theon page 26. problem head-on. In this month’s Sunny Coast Times we feature not one but The otheryoung thing that has struck me in the feedback we’ve had that two outstanding individuals who have overcome bullying andisare now peopleinlove Theyways. want to know what is happening up the road thriving theirlocal ownnews. different from thefeature suburbShirley over. As a result,profile in thisofedition we have beefed Onthem, page or 6-7inwe Sinclair’s Brock Fleming, who was up our withthriving short, sharp snippets from acrossof bullied in community his youngernews yearssection but is now as a hairdresser andright dreaming the Coast. becoming a doctor.

You’ll also be to know that team here at the Sunny Coast Times And on page 29,glad we talk to surfer and photographer-turned-novelist Dacre is 100who periscent Fromsurvivor the advertising staffreleased to editorial and even the Danes, alsolocal. a bullying and has just his debut book, Danyon. owners, we all liveis right on the Coast.for That means Cyberbullying also ahere growing concern many, andwe onhave pageour 5 wefinger meeton the the pulse it comes to local news and indangers your neck of the woods. police officerwhen overseeing efforts to protect kids events from the of the internet.

Thisare is my first edition at the helm, butoffortunately our inaugural editorIf you suffering from bullying in any its many forms, I urge you to in-chief Michele willorganisations still be involved. can read her cover story reach out to one ofSternberg the fantastic outYou there offering support for aboutAs Coast-based singing sensation Katie page 6-7, plus she’sand victims.

Brock and Dacre demonstrate, it is Noonan possible on to overcome bullying reviewed somefear delicious drops in her Wine Time column on page 16. flourish without of abuse.

COVID is still lot of first-hand the headlines locally OnElsewhere, a lighter note, I had thedominating privilege of aseeing whatboth great work around the world, butcrew we feature onepeople Sunny Coast travel company thatto theand Caloundra Coast Guard do to keep safe on our waters.

I want has the re-imagined its again business model and is continuing support its staff and thank team there for the great morning on theto water. customers in community new ways. Read Chris story pageGuard’s 8-9. ability to raise Like most groups onTaylor’s the Coast, theonCoast Creative types have been hit COVID hard bypandemic.

COVID, but Shirley vital funds has been affected by the If you do Sinclair have thetalks means one Coast artist has been continuing her fascinating work whileplease in to to support any of ourwho hard-working volunteer groups here on the Coast, lockdown in Victoria.

Read the story on page 10-11. contribute what you can.

We also have a travel story featuring the delightful of Stanthorpe, Elsewhere, we have terrific reads on a diverse range oftown topics, from a a new recipes page, a school holiday on guide,come an expanded Creative 91-year-old philanthropist finally seeingwhat’s her biography to fruition, to a dog Cutsbecome section afeaturing the best local arts and entertainment, puzzles, who’s social media star,of and a dance studio’s tiny ballerinas excelling at socialeisteddfods. photos from recent business events, sport and more. recent Wedon’t hopemiss youthe enjoy the read.

You canofalso connect And chance to win one three family escapes to the Gold withthanks us on Facebook and Instagram, and we wouldatlove Coast, to Paradise Resort.

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Keeping kids safe online

OTHER TIPS • Explain that people met online may not be what they seem. Teach kids how to block or report someone.

• Start a conversation about being careful what they post, both text and images.

• Encourage kids to feel comfortable coming to you about any interactions and messages they receive.

BY REBECCA MUGRIDGE

T

he officer in charge of the Sunshine Coast Child Protection and Investigation Unit is tackling some of the darkest crimes against children.

Detective Senior Sergeant Phil Hurst is on the frontline in protecting kids from the dangers of the internet, such as cyber-bullying and online child grooming.

During COVID-19 kids increasingly turned to learning and socially connecting using technology, with many new developments and opportunities. They could attend live school classes, go on virtual zoo and museum tours, interact with the friends they could no longer see and even talk face-to-face with people on the other side of the world.

But there is a dark side to that technology. Sliding across Sen-Sgt Hurst’s desk are files that no parent wants to see, including cases of online abuse.

An instant reaction might be to take away technology, but experts like Sen-Sgt Hurst say this can leave children isolated and vulnerable when they then go online.

“You cannot just ban kids from technology these days,” he says. “I know

through having a family of my own that technology is part of where they learn and socially interact.”

Sen-Sgt Hurst says the very best protection we can give children is to communicate more openly with them.

“What the advice to parents is, have an open conversation with children about (technology), sexuality and offending so children get a feeling it is not a taboo subject and they can talk about it,” he says. “The best thing that parents can do is talk to their kids.

“Offenders groom children to make sure they keep the secret, to hide it. The offenders are very adept at manipulation; they do whatever they can to make sure the child does not report it so that their behaviour remains a secret. The biggest safety tip … is to give them information for them to protect themselves.

“Having these open relationships where parents can talk to their kids and provide that level of supervision and relationship about what they do online is probably one of the best safety things we have.”

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• Some apps have settings that mean profiles can be set to ‘friends only’ or ‘private’, and ‘live location’, ‘find friends’ and ‘geotagging features’ can be turned off.

• Talk to older teens about true stories like Carly Ryan.

• Stay up to date with government safety tips and warnings via government websites on cybersaftey and sites like Internet Matters.

• Let kids know they can reach out to Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800 and seek help at any police station at anytime.

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Sunshine Coast Child Protection and Investigation Unit officer in charge Detective Senior Sergeant Phil Hurst

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Despair to doctor dreams

by SHIRLEY SINCLAIR

Y

ou could mistake Brock Fleming for any other bright-eyed 21-year-old with a dream to change the world. But that would be a big mistake.

He could have allowed labels such as ‘light-skinned Aboriginal’, ‘bullying victim’ and ‘gay’ define him. But they don’t.

A quietly spoken young man with a beaming smile and gentle nature, he has overcome his fair share of pain, yet remains philosophical about the world and his place in it.

So when this hairdresser from Buderim speaks of his plans to become a doctor, he says this so matter-of-factly that it appears almost a fait accompli – his destiny.

At 16, the notion of Brock finding his feet and thriving may not have been quite so apparent as it is today.

Alcoholism and abuse maim his memories of growing up.

For much of his childhood, he couldn’t feel safe unless he crawled into bed with his older sister to sleep.

Nine-year-old Brock, his 12-year-old brother and 15-yearold sister were forced to stay with his aunty at his grandmother’s house for two months after one particular night.

The bullying he endured throughout high school – the name-calling and having things thrown at him – added to Brock’s teenage woes.

“I just think, this day and age, I still can’t believe that being racist and being discriminated against is still such a big thing,” he says.

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“It’s so hard to see that some people still have that mindset that fair-skinned people are more superior than any other race or the fact that who we decide to love at the end of the day also makes you worth less than other people. I just think it’s so unfair.

“Everyone at one point is both the giver and receiver (in bullying).

“Being able to apologise and grow from that experience is what shapes you as a person.”

Brock says that after spending almost a month in hospital in Toowoomba being treated for severe depression at age 16, he was kicked out of high school for having so many absent days.

Then he was thrown out of home but found a place to stay with a KFC workmate.

His career prospects, let alone his health and state of mind, didn’t look promising at that stage.

He was a rudderless boat.

But the dark days were starting to brighten.

It was during his hospitalisation that Brock was inspired to consider a career as a doctor, though an apprenticeship in the beauty industry seemed far more achievable at the time in Toowoomba.

Makeup and hairdressing gave him the connection with people he yearned for.

“I still love hairdressing to bits,” Brock says.

“The feeling of people having bad days, and they can just come in and talk to you about it ... You can help them leave feeling fantastic.”

Brock admits a turning point in his life came when he first heard a quote from American civil rights and women’s rights

"I still can’t believe that being racist and being discriminated against is still such a big thing."

activist Dr Dorothy Height: “I want to be remembered as the one who tried.”

He took it to heart.

“You give it your best shot. I was 17 when I actually saw that quote and it’s just stuck with me throughout everything,” he says. “That quote got me to where I am today.”

With a belief that words can change a life, Brock also sees himself in a mentoring role for Indigenous children.

He admits he wasn’t surrounded by his Aboriginal culture growing up and what he knows now he has learnt through research.

But he wants to talk to Indigenous students and show them the opportunities available to them to succeed in all facets of their life, as “education is such an important thing”.

Life continues to be a learning curve for Brock.

For the past year, he has become a popular member of the Hairlucinate team at the Wurtulla salon – and he laments that if his future goes to plan, he may need to push hairdressing to one side.

His long-term goal is to become a neuro (brain, spine and nerve) or trauma surgeon, build up his own private practice, then travel to Africa – a place he’s always loved and been intrigued by – to develop free medical treatment to help less fortunate souls living in poverty.

Since July, he has been studying a Bachelor of Biomedical Science on his days off and has applied to be an undergraduate in medicine through the University of New South Wales, based in Sydney or Melbourne, through its Indigenous program.

He will know later this month if his enrolment has been successful in the preliminary three weeks of the course at the end of November, before the 2020-21 intake of students is decided on aptitude and performance.

Brock seems to finally have found his happy place at last.

“Life is going very well at the moment for me,” he says.

“I’m very happy and content with where I’m at.

“Life’s a journey. Every up and down has its purpose.”

OCTOBER 2020 SUNNY COAST TIMES

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H

e’s one of the most recognisable faces in the state, but the man who reads the news is making headlines off the screen as well.

Caloundra resident and Channel Nine newsreader Andrew Lofthouse has been helping his big brother in his fight against disease by making a life-saving stem cell donation.

‘Lofty’, as he is affectionately known, says making such a huge contribution to his brother Simon’s life has been a special experience.

“That’s been a pretty major event for us,” he says. “He had a blood condition – myelodysplasia is the technical term – but what it means essentially is that your immune system gradually drops in its effectiveness. So when your body stops producing enough stem cells, your immunity levels drop, which means that you are then really vulnerable to infection, so it got to a point where he needed a stem cell transplant.

“Luckily I was a match to be a donor for him. It’s a one in four chance that you’ll have a sibling who is a match and that’s a really good bonus if you’re going to have the transplant. So essentially I was able to donate stem cells, which were then harvested from me and given to Simon.

“On the basis of that donation he’s now been able to start to grow stem cells in his body so that he can grow a

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whole new level of immunity. After a period of some months, when his immune system is functioning strongly enough and independently, then he can resume normal life as it was.

“So it’s been a pretty special thing for me to be able to make a donation which makes such a difference to my big brother’s life. All the signs are pretty good at the moment that in terms of recovery he’s heading in the right direction. We’re hoping that in a few weeks, when that period of isolation and recovery and rebuilding is done, that he’ll be able to get out of the hospital environment and go back to his home and resume life as it was.”

Family is a recurring theme for the Lofthouse family.

Andrew’s son Tim, a journalism graduate, now works alongside his dad at the Channel Nine newsroom in Brisbane.

“He has a position in the newsroom – the technical term is assistant to the chief of staff – and it means he gets a good idea of how a big, busy newsroom operates,” Andrew says. “He gets to go out on the road with crews and help with gathering news and doing interviews and that kind of thing. He can gain the experience of working in that sort of environment and then find his pathway when he’s ready.”

Do the father-son duo get to work together closely?

“We have done,” Andrew says. “He’s been out with the crew

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while I’ve been out doing a story, so we do get to do some stuff together (but) not every day.

“It is is a pretty neat thing to be able to do some work with one of your kids, rather than just get home at the end of the day and just talk about it.”

Lofty, who has been living on the Sunny Coast for a decade, says the trade-off between living near the beach but working in Brisbane is well worth it for the coastal lifestyle.

“It’s not too much of a commute – it’s a little bit over an hour – but I know plenty of people who live in the outer suburbs of Brisbane and if they’re commuting in peak hour they can easily spend up to an hour in the car, so it’s not too much of a tradeoff in terms of the distance that we’re travelling,” he says.

“We love the beach and the whole coastal lifestyle, and have family around that part of southeast Queensland, so it was just a

good fit for us to have somewhere close enough to still work in the city but out of the hustle and bustle on a day-to-day basis.

“We had been living in Brisbane for quite a few years and had young children, and we just thought going up to the Coast, moving away from the city a little bit, would be a good change for all of us and the kids would probably have a bit more space to roam and enjoy the beach.”

Lofty is also a passionate runner, making the most of the Coast’s scenic paths.

“I love just to be able to run by the water and then jump into it at the end of it,” he says. “It just ticks so many boxes from a family point of view and a personal point of view in terms of the natural environment.”

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But is it too cold for swimming?

“No, it’s fantastic. It’s a great way to wake up in the morning,” he says.

Lofty has involved himself in the Coast community since moving north, being previously part of the Sunshine Coast Events Board.

“That was a good way to get my teeth into the Sunshine Coast community, because I didn’t just want to live there but have all my efforts and work energy outside of the Sunshine Coast,” he says. “I really appreciated that opportunity to be an independent representative on the board so that I was really plugged into the community up there.

“Events, music and sport are things that I’m interested in as well so it was just a good fit for me to be able to give something back into the community, as well as enjoying living there.”

Lofty has enjoyed a measure of professional success this year, with the 6-7pm 9News bulletin he co-presents leading the ratings. He attributes part of that success to his chemistry with his co-presenter of 11 years, Melissa Downes.

“That’s a long time in any business, particularly in TV news, so we’ve been lucky that we’ve been given this opportunity together,” he says. “Basically we like each other, we get on, we’re friends anyway, and I think because of that we have a good relationship on air. We know the way in which each other works and how we work as a team, and it’s just a good fit for us.

“It’s always a good thing to get the result like that, which means that people are still putting their faith in us for news and information.”

And despite his extensive experience in the media industry – which has included stints on radio and with the ABC, as well as in teaching – Lofty still gets a kick out of going on television every night.

“Going live to air is still an exciting thing, there’s still an adrenaline rush, so I love that and all that happens in the build-up to that deadline at 6pm,” he says. “It’s still an exciting environment to work in and despite having done this for a couple of decades now or more, I still get the kick out of it.

“You get up every day and go to work not really knowing what’s going to be thrown at you – anything can happen on any day and it’s a pretty good thing to have in your head when you go to work.

“You do get to appreciate the weekends, there’s no doubt about it.”

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9

Life story well worth the wait

by CHRIS GILMORE

I

t only took 91 years but a Sunny Coast philanthropist has finally released a book about her extraordinary life.

Laurie Cowled worked with fellow Noosa area resident Michael Taylor to produce A Joyous Addiction – and in the process the duo have formed a wonderful new friendship.

Ms Cowled began making significant donations to educational institutions in 2005 after her husband died. She has since helped more than 150 women follow their career dreams by providing financial support for their education.

She says she’d been planning to write her life story for many years.

“I’ve been meaning for 20 years or so to write an autobiography but obviously I’ve procrastinated for years, and now that I’m 91 I thought I’ll never get it done,” she says. “Then I saw an ad in the local paper for Michael Taylor saying that he could write family stories for people. I contacted him and we got on quite well.

“That was in about November last year and he started interviewing me about the end of February, just before the pandemic started. So it was an ideal thing to be doing during that time while we were really shut down. He used to come and talk and ask questions once a fortnight, and at the end of each one he’d say what he’d like to cover next time and I’d read up on my diaries and so on to be ready, so it worked out well.”

Ms Cowled has lived an amazing life. She grew up on a farm outside Bethungra in rural New South Wales and started work in Cootamundra in 1946 aged 16-and-a-half. She commenced work in banking in Sydney in 1951 and retired there in 1981 after 35 years in different fields. She married for the first time aged 54 in Sydney and moved with her husband to Marcus Beach in 1984.

She now lives in Noosaville.

She says she and her husband made the agreement to help support women’s education.

“We'd agreed that whichever of us was last to go would leave the estate to charity,” she says. “I had a couple of blocks of land which produced no income. I realised I didn't need them to maintain my lifestyle so selling them started me off after my husband died.

“Since 2005 until now I’ve supported about 150 young women with various scholarships at Queensland University of Technology, University of the Sunshine Coast, University of Technology Sydney, NSW University, NIDA in Sydney for design students and the Australian Balllet School in Melbourne.

“I try to keep in touch with as many (recipients) as I can. It gives me a reason to be very happy to be associated with lovely young women. I only give to women because I would’ve liked

Call Today LI M IT ED OF FE R!

Laurie Cowled with USC graduate Sally Watson

further education but never got it, so it came to the point that I decided I would like to help financially stricken young women who were intelligent and could go to university to have a bit of a go.”

Of the many women Ms Cowled has helped, she singles out three notable recipients: Sally Watson, who studied paramedics at USC and now works for Bundaberg Ambulance; Erica Marschall, who studied as a high school teacher at QUT and is now head of the mathematics department at Murgon State High School; and Evie Ferris, who was originally from Cairns and studied ballet at the Australian Ballet School, and is now the second Indigenous ballerina with the Australian Ballet Company.

Biographer Michael Taylor paid tribute to Ms Cowled and her youthfulness and generosity.

“She’s an extraordinary woman,” Michael says. “She is certainly the most youthful 91-year-old you would ever hope to meet.

“She’s 91 years old and if you met her you’d maybe think she was 70, so youthfulness is one of the outstanding features of her.

But also the scope of her philanthropy – it’s not just universities that she has given to, she’s given to NIDA in Sydney, to the Australian Ballet in Melbourne, she’s given to an education fund in Cootamundra where she grew up – it’s just extraordinary how much money she’s given away.”

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Michael Taylor

As an example of her youthfulness, Michael tells a story about a recent lunch they shared in Noosa to celebrate a birthday. While waiting for other guests, Ms Cowled and Michael decided to order a drink.

“I’m thinking lemon, lime and bitters or something – she’s 91 years old – and the waiter comes up and she says, ‘I’ll have a scotch on the rocks thanks.’ Scotch. Straight. She’s 91 years old!

“She’s just unbelievable. She’s just a very youthful woman and a great sense of humour and just good fun to be with.

“We’ve become friends now which is a bonus to the whole thing – it doesn’t always happen with clients – but my wife and I have both become friends with her and I think it’ll be an enduring friendship for sure.”

Michael – who has penned a memoir of his own called Number 41: 40 Years 40 Jobs, detailing his winding route into writing – began writing biographies about three years ago and has found a niche market. He is now booked out for the next 12 months and has clients all over the country.

“I’ve done 13-14 (biographies) now, writing people’s life stories. Compared to lots of others I’ve done she was so meticulous in the records that she had kept … plus she’s a very good talker and has a great memory, so it made my job quite easy," he says.

Ms Cowled is also donating the proceeds of A Joyous Addiction to the University of the Sunshine Coast Laurie Cowled Regional Scholarship, which provides a high-achieving regional student in financial need with $5000 each year for a three or four-year degree. She has also funded course prizes and student support bursaries at the uni.

“I now want to set up this endowment fund so the scholarship can hopefully go on forever,” she says. “I hope other people see the terrific pleasure you can get out of giving even a small amount, particularly if you’re interested in educating the next generation.”

Ms Cowled was a nominee for 2017 Queensland Senior Australian of the Year and received the 2010 Premier’s Award for Queensland Seniors.

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11

Our lost paradise

The Sunshine Coast Environmental Council’s Narelle McCarthy

Passionate animal advocates reflect on the Coast's missing wildlife

by CHRIS TAYLOR

F

or many people arriving on the Sunny Coast from bustling metropolitan areas, the region seems like a quiet beachside paradise.

But Valda (Val) Robinson, who arrived from Victoria in 1968, remembers the Coast when it was a pristine habitat to multiple species no longer seen.

Wanting to bring up her children in idyllic surroundings close to the beach, what they lacked in material things they more than made up for in nature. Living in a home they built surrounded by pristine rainforest behind Mooloolaba beach, she says they had every kind of animal in their “backyard”.

Along with a pet kangaroo they took down to the waterfront to graze on the grass – much to the amazement of tourists – she says the surrounding coastal area was home to large families of koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, possums, turtles, frogs, sea and land snakes, goannas, echidnas, small bird species such as kingfishers and much larger birds such as roaming emus, peacocks and pheasants. And, she says, probably many more animals that the 81-year-old has forgotten.

In those days fish were jumping out of the water, Val says.

Val Robinson moved from Victoria with her husband and children to an undeveloped Mooloolaba “paradise” rich in wildlife in 1968

“You could cast a line off the beach at 5pm and take your pick of catch for tea,” she says.

Large sharks also patrolled the river mouth of the Spit before the rock wall was built to flatten out the beach. Dingoes and foxes roamed along the newly opened Nicklin Way between

Mooloolaba and Caloundra through what was then wallum swamp land. You had to drive carefully from where the bush started on First Ave as wildlife was common.

Val says her kids would also play in the Mooloolah River National Park across from where Kawana Shoppingworld is today.

“There was a natural spring that filled a big blue lake with a sandy beach around it,” she says. “It was amazingly beautiful. One day the developer opened it up to the ocean and it was lost.”

To her shock, also in the blink of an eye the dense rainforest that surrounded her home disappeared.

“Overnight they cut down everything around us. I was one of the first protesters when the bulldozers started clearing the land,” she says.

It was a trend she continued to witness over the following decades.

“They did all the North Shore Maroochy River area … There was supposed to be green corridors all the way through but they never kept them,” she says.

CONTINUED PAGE 15

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Koala Rescue Queensland’s Ray Chambers standing next to his thought-provoking koala signs

Remembering lost wildlife FROM PAGE 12 What makes Val’s story even more compelling half a century later is that the Sunshine Coast has just been ranked the fourth worst region in the country by the Australian Conservation Foundation for habitat destruction.

Narelle McCarthy of the Sunshine Coast Environmental Council says the 881 hectares of habitat destroyed was home to 46 per cent of locally protected species that are now lost forever.

Although eastern grey kangaroos are still hanging on in pockets, according to Narelle they are about to become locally extinct. She says developers have the attitude that if they build then the kangaroos will move on, but they are running out of places to go. SCEC is currently working with University of the Sunshine Coast wildlife ecologist Elizabeth Brunton to lobby for state protection of the marsupial.

Ray Chambers of Koala Rescue Queensland says the plight of the koala has also never been worse than it is today. He’s the man behind the thought-provoking signs strategically nailed to trees around the Coast to remind passing drivers of where koalas once called home: “I lived here, now you do” and “Council – you failed us”.

“Urban sprawl has almost completely annihilated koala populations across the region, and I can’t see the end of it,” he says. “If you drew a map from 30 years ago where the koalas were, they’ve all been replaced with houses.”

He says he’s previously petitioned the Environment Minister and has gotten nowhere. Koalas already face short life

spans, extremely brief breeding periods and a vulnerability to chlamydia, and Ray says that’s without their biggest threat: humans.

He says habitat protection is the only answer. He is currently fighting a new loophole in legislation introduced after this year’s catastrophic fire season, which he says developers are exploiting: clearing of protected habitat 45 metres from homes. He says this effectively classifies the land as fragmented, giving the green light for them to completely clear any remaining bushland. He says this is happening on the Coast at places such as Sunset Drive and Parklands Blvd in Little Mountain, a onceimportant koala corridor and still home to dwindling eastern grey kangaroo populations.

Now living on Kawana Island, Val says it’s sad to see how the demand for development has taken over so much of the Coast’s natural habitat, but that’s because so many of us want to live in a beautiful place. As for her kids, she says they’ve since moved on to less developed beachside locations in regional Queensland and WA to bring up their children in a similar wildlife-rich environment to the Sunshine Coast before it boomed.

Ray standing inside one of his koala recovery enclosures at his home in Moffat Beach. He and his small team of dedicated volunteers rescue about 500 koalas a year statewide

Share your memories of the Coast with us by emailing editor@sunnycoastmedia.com.au.

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FOOD, DRINK AND DINE SPINACH, BERRY AND CHICKEN SALAD

STRAWBERRY, PEAR AND VANILLA LOAF

Serves: 4 Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 0 minutes Fruit and veg: 1½ serves per portion

Serves: 12 Prep time: 30 minutes Cook time: 70 minutes Fruit and veg: ½ serve per portion

Ingredients 1/3 cup raspberry vinegar or vinegar of your choice 2 tablespoons fresh mint, snipped 2 tablespoons honey 1 tablespoon canola oil 4 cups fresh baby spinach leaves 2 cups chicken breast, cooked and shredded 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced 1/2 cup fresh blueberries 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped 30g semi-soft goat’s cheese, crumbled 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly cracked Method • Combine vinegar, mint, honey and oil into a screw-top jar to make vinaigrette. Cover and shake well.

• Toss spinach leaves, chicken, strawberries, blueberries, walnuts and goat’s cheese into a large bowl.

• Plate salad and drizzle with vinaigrette dressing and a sprinkling of freshly cracked pepper.

What’s great about it?

Seasonal fruit is a great addition to any salad, particularly in spring when there are so many different options. Experiment with cranberries or blackberries for something a bit different.

The QCWA Country Kitchens program has been supporting members to run healthy eating and lifestyle initiatives in their communities since 2015. The recipes have been ‘health-a-sized’ to include more fruit and veg and achieve our Country Kitchens Stamp of Approval! If you would like to learn skills to improve the health of you, your family or your community, pop in to your local QCWA branch and see how easy it is to become a Country Kitchens Facilitator today. We are proudly funded by the Queensland Government through Health and Wellbeing Queensland. https://qcwa.org.au/Find-Your-Closest-Branch https://www.qcwacountrykitchens.com.au/

Recipe courtesy of May Hampton, Palmwoods branch

Ingredients 400g strawberries, chopped 2 pears, cored and chopped 1 tablespoon caster sugar 1½ cups wholemeal plain flour 1 cup self-raising flour 1 teaspoon bicarb soda 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 cup milk 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil 1/3 cup honey 2 eggs, lightly beaten 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 150g strawberries, extra, sliced Method • Preheat oven to 180°C. Line a 25cm loaf pan with three layers of baking paper, extending the paper 2cm above the edges of the pan.

• Place strawberries, pears, sugar and 2 tablespoons of water in a saucepan. Cover, bring to the boil over high heat.

Remove lid and reduce heat to medium-low.

• Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes or until strawberries have softened and sauce thickens slightly. Set aside for 20 minutes to cool.

• Blend fruit mixture until smooth. Allow to cool completely.

• Sift flours, bicarb soda and cinnamon into a large bowl.

Make a well.

• Add milk, oil, honey, eggs, vanilla and fruit mixture. Stir well to combine.

• Spoon mixture into prepared pan. Level top.

• Arrange slices of strawberries, overlapping to completely cover top of batter. Bake for about 70 minutes, or until skewer inserted into the centre of loaf comes out clean.

• Stand in pan for 10 minutes. Turn, top-side up, onto wire rack lined with baking paper. Cool completely and serve.

• Serve dusted with icing sugar.

Recipe courtesy of Cynthia Daniels, Maleny branch

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19

COMMUNITY NEWS

Mooloolah Valley

Mapleton

Work commences

Movember prep

Support Vinnies

The first sod has been turned on the long-awaited Mooloolah Valley Men’s Shed.

“The members of the shed are eagerly looking forward to beginning construction of the new building,” club president John Holland said. “Internal fit-out will be carried out by the members themselves as their very first project.”

The facility, paid for by a Federal Government grant of $250,000, is being built on land behind the Mooloolah Valley Community Centre.

Visit www.mooloolahcommunitycentre.org.

Pictured is MP Andrew Wallace with John Holland and Mooloolah Valley Community Centre secretary Anita Verwayen.

With Movember on the horizon, there are plenty of groups ramping up their fundraising efforts. One of these is SUPPORT2U, a community business providing disability support.

“In support of men's health and wellbeing, Movember is our nominated charity, and a worthwhile opportunity to fundraise for a great cause,” said spokesman Martyn Baldwin, from the MAD (Mapleton and Districts) Brothers team.

“We already have various events happening in October, and raffle tickets available, with all funds going to our team goal.”

The MAD Brothers will host a dinner at Le Relais Bressan, Flaxton, on October 29. To donate visit mobro.co/ madbrothers?mc=1.

The St Vincent de Paul Good Shepherd Conference is holding its election weekend book and plant sale fundraiser on October 31 and November 1.The event was planned for the March election but postponed due to COVID-19.

There will be something for avid readers and the home gardener as well as DVDs, CDs, pots, bird feeders and more.

All proceeds go towards assisting St Vincent de Paul give a hand to those experiencing hardship during these difficult times in our local community.

It will be at the Good Shepherd Centre (opposite Kawana Library), Nanyima St, Buddina, from 8am–2pm on October 31 and 9am–1pm on November 1.

For more information phone Maria on 5478 2954.

Eumundi

Noosa

Caloundra

Festival changes

New markets

Award winners

Performing arts and cultural festival NOOSA alive! will adopt a different model in the year ahead.

“After the COVID shutdown of the NOOSA alive! festival in July this year, we’ve looked at ways to reignite performances in the arts and find different ways of bringing them to the community,” president Andrew Squires said.

In 2021 a series of events will be spaced throughout the year instead of a 10-day festival in July.

“As there are obvious limitations in booking international talent, we are looking at the very best of Australian talent,” Andrew said.

The Viva la Vintage market has launched at the Imperial Hotel in Eumundi.

The markets take place on the first Sunday of the month from 9am-1pm, with the next date November 1.

“You’ll be hard pressed to not find something you absolutely love, with a wealth of fabulous old wares and unique collectables to discover, along with retro fashion gems, bespoke crafts, plants and fresh flowers,” co-ordinator Lisa Williment says.

Pictured are Wendy Birrell and Kait Manchip. Image by Alain Bouvier.

Two Sunshine Coast scientists claimed prestigious honours in this year's Women in Technology Awards.

Dr Jodi Neal, from Golden Beach, and Dr Elke Hacker, from Mooloolah Valley, were selected as winners from a record field of 440 nominations.

The awards recognise outstanding talent and achievement, building support for women working in science and technology, and inspiring the next generation of leaders by showing what is possible.

Dr Neal (pictured above) won the top prize in the Rural, Regional and Remote Award. She is the project lead for the National Strawberry Varietal Improvement Program within the Queensland Government's Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. Through her work, Dr Neal has utilised cutting-edge approaches to influence the breeding cycle of strawberries to produce advanced varieties.

Dr Hacker (pictured below) won the Sue Wickenden Innovation in Science Award. She is a world-leading Sal, a couple of edits... postdoctoral researcher in the skin cancer field at the Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation at the Queensland University of Technology. Over the past 10 years, her work has generated DELETE results that improve understanding of the relationship between sun exposure, genetic susceptibility and skin cancer risk.

16 Nov Bremer River The winners were announced on October 9.

WiT is dedicated to supporting, developing, recognising and promoting the achievements of women from all science and technology disciplines.

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17 Nov

Tangalooma 3 days

24 Nov

Natural Arch & Hinze Dam

15 Dec

Granite Belt and Darling Downs Zoo

26 Nov

Lockyer Valley Farm Produce & lunch

19 Dec

Christmas in Tasmania - few left

29 Nov

Outback Spectacular Lunch

9 Feb

Bateman’s Bay, Lakes Entrance Mogo Zoo

6 Dec

Redcliffe markets

18 Feb

5 Day Mystery Tour - be quick

8 Dec

Christmas Shopping DFO Ikea, & Northlakes

25 Feb

Lady Elliott & Fraser Is. 5 days

9 Dec

Bayside Drive & lunch

6 Mar

Norfolk Island Foundation Day 7 days

16 Dec

High Tea Parliament House

14 Mar

Kangaroo Is and Murray River Cruise

31 Dec

New Year’s Eve Dinner Cruise

24 May

O’Reilly’s 4 days

Phone today to book! 5494 5083 20

Buddina

OCTOBER 2020 SUNNY COAST TIMES

www.sinclairtours.com

COMMUNITY NEWS IN BRIEF

Art workshops Tewantin

Buderim

Help the homeless

$85k handed out

Not-for-profit organisation Youturn is drawing attention to homeless people’s needs and providing opportunities for communities to get involved in responding to the issue.

The Tewantin-based group has started a Big Hearts for Tiny Homes project. The aim is to build tiny homes that will be available as short-term, transitional housing to young people aged 18-25 who need homelessness support. Youturn is hoping for community support through cash donations and help with materials, transport and labour.

Youturn has also launched #YouturnRocks, which encourages the community to share kindness by painting rocks with inspirational messages (pictured).

Visit youturn.org.au.

The Buderim Foundation has awarded a record $85,022 to 20 community-based organisations.

Grants Committee chairwoman Rebecca Ramsay said the foundation was delighted to provide the grants to groups supporting the 4556 postcode area.

“The grants come from earnings made from the foundation’s investment fund, so it is thanks to everyone’s donations and the hard work of our Investment Committee that we are able to deliver the much-needed funding,” she said.

Since 2008, the foundation has distributed $636,942 to 82 not-for-profit community-based organisations.

For the full list of recipients visit www.buderimfoundation.org.au.

Image by Ross Eason.

Maroochydore

Bli Bli

Special guest speaker

Cochlear advice

Maroochydore VIEW Club’s next luncheon is on October 23 with a Spring Racing Carnival theme. The guest speaker will be Professor David Lacey, the director of the Institute for Cyber Investigations and Forensics at USC and the managing director of IDCARE, to talk about identity theft and the cyber world.

VIEW supports The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program, and the Maroochydore branch is proud to support 10 children. Members also participate in the Learning Club at Kuluin State School. Volunteers from the club assist with making library bags and helping children with reading, homework and after-school care.

Maroochydore VIEW Club is part of a network of clubs all over Australia that celebrate the interests and education of women, where newcomers can make new friends and become a part of their community, participate in coffee mornings and book clubs, and enjoy a monthly social outing.

The club meets on the fourth Friday of each month at the Maroochydore Surf Club.

Pictured above are Jeannie Black and Lorraine Gould enjoying a high tea at Brightwater Tavern as September’s social outing, and pictured below are Mary Cheeseman, Julie Terrasson and Karen Chin who volunteer to assist at Kuluin Primary School.

The Sunshine Coast Cochlear Implant Group provides advice, support and accurate information about cochlear implants to assist candidates and recipients in their journey.

On October 27 the group will have a representative from Cochlear Ltd who will be available to chat to members about receiving a cochlear implant or correcting any issues you may have.

The group has regular meet-ups (pictured) at the Sunshine Castle in Bli Bli on the last Tuesday of the month from 10amnoon. All are welcome.

For more information on cochlear implants contact Penny on pennyphillips1@bigpond.com or 0421 328 909 (SMS only).

The Noosa Shire Arts and Crafts Association is a not-for-profit organisation run mostly by volunteers. It has a number of workshops available: Learn to crochet: One-to-one tuition with Janelle Turley, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9.30-11.30am.

Art after dark: A fun evening session with tutor Trevor Purvis on October 29 at 5.30pm for a 6pm start until to 9pm.

All tuition, materials and refreshments provided and take home your completed masterpiece at the end of the evening. $65 per person.

Eco-dye workshop: October 24 with tutor Coralee Asker.

Members $55, non-members $65.

Creative writing: Four weeks from October 29, 10.30-11.30am, with tutor Jules Blackburn. Members $50, non-members $65.

New members are welcome.

Visit www.noosaartsandcrafts.org.au, phone 5474 1211 or email create@noosaartsandcrafts.org.au.

Carols cancelled

The Buderim Community Carols have been cancelled for 2020.

“While we will miss the community gathering in Buderim Village Park that for many signals the start of the festive season, we are unable to proceed this year,” Buderim War Memorial Community Association carols subcommittee chairman Andrew Butterworth said.

“The committee has been working hard behind the scenes to investigate options so the event could still go ahead without compromising the community atmosphere but ensuring community safety and compliance with COVID Safe Event Plan guidelines. Unfortunately, it isn’t possible.

“We look forward to seeing everyone for a bigger-thanever event in 2021, so put Sunday, December 12, 2021, in your calendars now so we can all look forward to it together.”

JP service resumes

The popular free Justice of the Peace service has returned at Sunshine Coast Council's Beerwah, Coolum, Kawana and Maroochydore libraries.

“Many people in our community rely on this service, so it’s great to see it recommencing in a COVID-safe way,” Cr David Law said.

“The health and safety of staff, volunteers and the community remains our highest priority so customers will be required to make an advance booking with library staff to use the JP service.

“Customers are also asked to bring their own pen and continue adhering to social distancing requirements, including good hygiene and not attending if you are feeling unwell."

To make a JP booking visit library.sunshinecoast.qld.gov. au, phone 5475 8989 or email libraries@sunshinecoast.qld.au.

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OCTOBER 2020 SUNNY COAST TIMES

21

COMMUNITY NEWS

Film

Science

Pitch perfect

Kidney breakthrough

Marketplace date

Sunshine Coast feature film production Two Hours From has been announced as a top 20 finalist of the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts initiative called Pitch: ISOLATION. The finalists get to pitch their project to a panel of established producers and distributors. The winners will receive $10,000 in development funds and a distribution deal.

The writers, creators and producers of the psychological thriller came out of the not-for-profit Sunshine Coast Screen Collective and plan to film locally in 2021.

The winners will be announced in November.

Pictured are screenwriters Joe Newkirk and Megan Williams, and producers Livia Hanich and Gareth Davies.

A former University of the Sunshine Coast student has used laboratory modelling to identify a key feature of a rare kidney disease in humans – thanks to zebrafish.

Dr Jennie Chandler, a 2018 PhD graduate, is a member of the team that conducted the world-first research at London’s Institute of Child Health, partnered with Great Ormond Street Hospital, in conjunction with a university in Hungary.

The 28-year-old molecular biologist said the team chose zebrafish as a model because it carried a version of a defective gene that was similar to that of humans.

For a “tweetorial” on her work follow @ICH_Nephro on Twitter.

The highly anticipated NightQuarter at the Birtinya town centre is set to open on November 6.

The $8 million, 7000 sq m space will come to life with live bands and specialty performers across five stages, as well as street art, market stalls and food, amusement rides and more.

“The dynamic, open-air marketplace complements our existing centre offering and positions the retail precinct as more than just a great place to shop and socialise, but a destination with a range of choice, convenience and entertainment,” said Fiona Papworth from developer Stockland.

The marketplace will be open on Fridays and Saturdays from 4-10pm. Visit www.nightquarter.com.au.

Buddina

Technology

Buderim

Internet upgrade

Court challenge

Safety message

NBN Co is rolling out new Business Fibre Zones to businesses in Caloundra, Wurtulla and Birtinya, allowing them to order highspeed fibre broadband.

The Business Fibre Initiative is part of a $700 million package to transform the accessibility and affordability of business-grade fibre.

“Businesses located in Caloundra, Wurtulla and Birtinya’s Business Fibre Zones will be able to request a fibre upgrade through their retailer at no upfront cost,” Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace said.

“This Business Fibre Initiative will support business critical applications including cloud storage and online collaboration helping our local businesses stay competitive in the digital age.”

Community group Friends of Buddina will take on interstate developer Pacific Diamond 88 and the Sunshine Coast Council in the Planning and Environment Court on November 26-27 to challenge the approval of a high-rise, high-density development in the suburb.

Residents are concerned the proposed development is not in keeping with the character of Buddina, will negatively impact the endangered loggerhead turtle and is located within a coastal erosion zone.

“This building will tower over surrounding properties and the beachfront, and is completely out of character with this area,” spokeswoman Kate Harvey said.

Friends of Buddina is asking the community to donate at www.friendsofbuddina.com.

The P&C of Buderim Mountain State School has commissioned a series of road safety videos in which the students become the teachers.

Principal Neil Jenkins said the P&C wanted to provide information about how to ensure the safety of students. More than 1000 children travel to and from the school each day.

P&C vice-president Terry Colless said: “We wanted to provide information to parents about how to use our drop zones more safely and efficiently as well as educate parents, children and the community about road courtesy and safety behaviours everyone could adopt to make the community safer for everyone.”

Terry said the concept for the videos was to make the students the teachers, with some talented Year 5 and 6 students presenting the ‘classes’.

“The students were great – they made great teachers and TV presenters for the project,” he said.

There are six videos in all and they can be viewed at the school's website www.buderimmountainss.eq.edu.au and the P&C Facebook page @buderimmountainpandc.

Pictured above are the stars of the videos Emma, Xavier, Maya, Fynn (front), Taiyo and Emma with (at back) P&C president Rachel O'Brien, Terry Colless and Neil Jenkins, and pictured below are Year 5 and 6 students watching the videos.

Where carers can find support 1800 422 737 caregateway.gov.au

22

Birtinya

OCTOBER 2020 SUNNY COAST TIMES

COMMUNITY NEWS IN BRIEF

Family research Caloundra

Golden Beach

Club marks 25 years

Join the fun

Despite this year’s unique circumstances, women from Caloundra Evening VIEW Club celebrated the group’s 25th anniversary in style.

Instead of the usual formal dinner, members enjoyed delicious morning teas in four separate groups at beachside locations across Caloundra.

Sunshine/Fraser Coast national councillor Margaret Elliott and club president May Thomas toured all the functions to share in the cutting of the cakes.

Founding members Carol Kahl and Beverley Walker (pictured) were also present.

For more information phone Sue on 0403 504 408.

The Probus Club of Currimundi Combined is focused on fun, friendship and fellowship. Members come from all parts of Caloundra and even further afield.

In September, 33 club members made their way to Crows Nest for a three-night winery and gardens trip.

The club meets at 9.30am on the second Wednesday of the month at the Caloundra Indoor Bowls Club, Burke St, Golden Beach. Prospective new members are welcome. For more information phone Ros on 0458 753 922 Pictured are Glenn, Ed, Monika, Delisse, Laurel and Denise at a winery in Crows Nest.

The Caloundra Family History research group is a FamilySearch-affiliate library, which means it has been approved by FamilySearch to have access to about 350 million-plus records that are not freely available to other users of the website.

Members of the public are welcome to attend the research rooms to access the records. However, due to COVID restrictions, the rooms are only open Thursdays from 9.30am-1.30pm.

Bookings are essential via www.caloundrafamilyhistory. org.au or phone secretary June Blackburn on 5493 2679.

Runway concerns

Flight Path Forum is holding an information session on October 24 at the Peregian Beach Community House to address concerns over an increase in air traffic since the new Sunshine Coast Airport runway opened.

“Come along for an update on the Airservices Australia Post Implementation Review, what it means for the community and what you can do to help with the next steps,” FPF spokeswoman Vivien Griffin said.

Four COVID-safe sessions, with a maximum of 40 participants at each hour-long session, will be held.

Bookings can be made at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/122472780383.

Parade suspended Australia Day

Bokarina

Awards open

Tower opens

Nominations for the 2021 Sunshine Coast Australia Day Awards are now open.

“The Sunshine Coast Australia Day Awards celebrate the achievement and contribution of individuals and community organisations across our healthy, smart, creative region,” Mayor Mark Jamieson said.

“We’re looking for everyday people as nominees. They don’t have to be famous to be nominated for our Australia Day Awards.

We want to honour the unsung heroes in our community.”

The categories are Citizen of the Year, Senior Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Community – Group or Organisation, Environment, Creative and Sport and Recreation.

An Outstanding Achievement Award will also be presented.

“The Outstanding Achievement Award, sponsored by Sunshine Coast Lightning, will be presented to one community member or organisation selected from all award nominations received across each of the categories,” Cr Jamieson said.

Entries close on November 16, with recipients to be announced at a ceremony on January 22, 2021.

To nominate visit www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.

Pictured above is 2020 Citizen of the Year Mark Forbes with Cr Jamieson, and pictured below are members of the Sunshine Coast Animal Refuge, the 2020 Community Group Award recipients.

The new Bokarina Beach lifeguard tower has opened and is set to keep thousands of beachgoers safe this summer.

The tower will be staffed by professional lifeguards on weekends, public holidays and Queensland school holidays until May. “Patrols from this new tower will greatly improve lifeguard surveillance along this stretch of our coastline, while providing an additional flagged bathing area for beachgoers at peak times during the coming summer,” Councillor Peter Cox said.

Sunshine Coast Council has made a $5.5 million investment in lifeguard services this financial year.

Pictured is Bronte Hartland at the new tower.

The ever-popular Mooloolaba Christmas Boat Parade has been cancelled for 2020 in the interests of public safety.

“To be a COVID-safe event we don’t have the numbers and resources to manage people in the public areas that we would be required to do,” event manager Josh Close said.

Up to 30,000 people come together annually in up to four public viewing areas, along with everyone in the houses and apartment blocks that line the parade course.

“This this has not been an easy decision for Mooloolaba Yacht Club,” Josh said. “We very much look forward to delivering once again a bigger and better parade in 2021.”

The 2021 parade will be on December 18.

Fox control

Local councils are working with the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and Coolum and North Shore Coastcare to carry out a coastal fox control program.

The program is conducted in coastal areas from the Maroochy River to Peregian Beach and will conclude on November 27.

Residents living near the program areas will be notified.

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OCTOBER 2020 SUNNY COAST TIMES

EDUCATION

Year 12s showing their resilience

Matthew Flinders Anglican College head of senior school Gary Davis with Year 12 students

I

t’s been a tough year for many because of the COVID pandemic, but spare a thought for Year 12 students in Queensland as they also grapple with exams and a new tertiary pathway.

Matthew Flinders Anglican College principal Stuart Meade is full of praise for the efforts made by Year 12 students in 2020.

“I feel desperately sorry for them in the way their final year at school has turned out, but – to their enormous credit – they have, in the main, stuck at it and should be very satisfied with the resilience they have shown and the support they have given each other,” he says.

“Someone once said, ‘The harder the battle the sweeter the victory.’ I think this will be an apt quote for this group of young people as they emerge with their ‘victory’ at the end of the year.”

Head of senior school Gary Davis agreed that 2020 had thrown its fair share of challenges at senior cohorts across the country.

“Our Year 12s are the first group to complete the new Senior Assessment and Tertiary Entrance program, which involves understanding the new syllabus documents, learning intentions, assessment types and ranking through the ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank),” he says.

“We expected this new process was going to involve a degree of resilience, flexibility and adaptation from all at Flinders – staff, students and the family as support. However, when COVID-19 began its impact, the levels of resilience, flexibility and adaptation that were required grew incrementally.

“It has been positive to watch the support and guidance that our Flinders staff team has provided to find new, novel and extra ways to be there for our students.

“One thing we are all certain of is that the experience of 2020 has forced us all to look at different ways of working, learning and performing. We also agree that the experience has made us more resilient, able to cope with the curveballs that life throws at us and secure in the knowledge that, with help from our support networks, we can manage to still do our best.”

Students themselves are also remaining positive about their roller-coaster of a graduating year.

“Remote learning was a new learning experience,” Year 12 student Sofia says. “There were lots of negatives about it but there were some positives as well. As a Year 12 group, we will always say that this is something we experienced together that no one else has. It has taught us to learn by ourselves and to motivate ourselves.

“We can’t control the coronavirus and we will adapt as we need to but we have no idea with ATAR. This is the first year of ATAR for us; by now, with the OP system, we would have had our QCA practise to track our readiness. The teachers are supporting us and giving us as much extra teaching as they can but we don’t know what our grades will get us.”

Her Year 12 colleague Daniel agrees.

“I am feeling unsure about ATAR but all I can do is put my best foot forward,” he says. “I have learned to accept that the outcome is out of my reach – I can only do what I can do.”

Photographer shares skills

A

photographer who has worked with some of the world’s most famous supermodels is sharing his skills with students at TAFE Queensland’s Nambour campus.

Eric Blaich has turned an interest in the creative arts into a successful career that has taken him across the globe, and now teaches the Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging TAFE course.

“I’ve been able to work with some very creative people throughout my career, from creative directors and production managers to stylists and makeup artists, so I was fortunate enough to work with people from all over the world from all kinds of different backgrounds. It’s definitely been an interesting life,” Eric says.

He began studying photography in 1988 and soon after took a leap of faith in moving to Milan, working with modelling agencies, advertising agencies and magazines. After returning to Australia in 1992, Eric and his production manager partner started Daylight Studios, which went on to become one of Melbourne’s most prominent advertising photography studios.

“We gained a lot of exposure for our high-end production values and experience in constructing sets and client liaison, hosting shoots for the likes of Claudia Schiffer, Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, and even The Eagles while they visited Australia,” Eric says.

In 2001, Eric and his partner moved to the Sunny Coast to pursue a more relaxed lifestyle, commuting interstate for shoots when needed.

“It’s become easier over the last few years, with technology enabling me to work remotely before COVID-19 had even hit,” he says.

Eric now has his sights set on skilling the next generation of photographers.

“I really enjoy the enthusiasm of people at the start for their journey. It’s been really amazing seeing my students’ progression from the start of the year to now,” he says.

Visit tafeqld.edu.au or call 1300 308 233.

Study reveals USC’s benefits

A

new report has underlined the financial contribution the University of the Sunshine Coast is making to the wider community.

The Regional Universities Network report, produced by the Nous Group and Victoria University’s Centre of Policy Studies, used data from 2018 that showed on the Sunshine Coast alone, USC contributed $174 million to the region’s real gross domestic product that year.

In total USC contributed $199 million in 2018 to the combined real GDP of its various regions from Brisbane’s north to the Fraser Coast.

USC Vice-Chancellor Professor Helen Bartlett said the report considered factors such as employment, real wage levels and industry productivity.

“It models the economic contribution RUN member universities have on their regional campus economies through their impact on spending, jobs and research,” she said.

“Regional universities, such as USC, are key drivers of economic activity. They act as anchor institutions by attracting students, increasing local demand for goods and services, and creating jobs outside capital cities.

“They also increase graduates’ lifetime earnings, fill the demand pipeline for skills in key sectors of the economy, and bring research benefits to the regions.”

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SEPTEMBER 2020 SUNNY COAST TIMES

CREATIVE CUTS SUNNY COAST TIMES

Back in business

by CHRIS GILMORE

C

ountry singer-songwriter Troy Cassar-Daley is heading to the Imperial Hotel at Eumundi in October – and the beloved Aussie icon can’t wait to be back on the stage.

With gigs put on hiatus due to the COVID pandemic, he says it will be great to be back doing what he does best.

“You bet it is!” he says. “If there is one thing this whole experience has taught me it's to never take what you do for granted ever again. I was born to play and to have that taken away has been a battle for all of us musicians.”

The four-time ARIA Award winner says he’s used the enforced hiatus to work on new material. “(I’ve been) writing a new album and playing drums and bass very badly on the demo songs,” he says.

“I will apologise to my neighbours at some stage.”

The Eumundi shows on October 22 and 23 will feature Benji Pocock on guitar and vocals, and Troy’s promising “old, new, borrowed and blue – a good range of songs to fit into this intimate show”.

The shows will be a family affair, with Troy being supported by his daughter Jem Cassar-Daley.

Jem graduated from the Senior Academy

of Country Music in Tamworth in 2019 and was the opening act for her dad’s Greatest Hits Tour that year. She has collaborated with seasoned artists including Catherine Britt, Lyn Bowtell and Kevin Bennett, and has also performed at the Ekka, Gold Coast 600 and festivals including the Tamworth Country Music Festival.

Troy says he is very proud of his daughter’s musical endeavours.

“She has been a breath of fresh air during this time,” Troy says. “Her gigs all dried up so she went and got three part-time jobs but kept songwriting all the way through. She is humble and extremely talented our girl and all last year on tour she stole many hearts with her singing and piano playing abilities. So so proud of her.”

Troy, who has released 10 studio albums throughout his 30 years of making music, says playing at Eumundi is a chance for him to return the love he has been given by the Sunny Coast over the years.

“The Sunshine Coast has been a mental health refuge for my wife (Laurel) and I over the years, not just 2020,” he says.

“Laurel has big family holiday connections up there and I feel soDEPLOYMENT happy to CODE: NEWSPAPER be coming up to play some shows and give back a little of what it’s given me.”

Tickets to both shows have Troy Cassar-Daley sold out.

Sunny Coast Times 21/10

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION LOCATED AT YAROOMBA

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE MOBILE PHO LOCATED AT YAROOM

Telstra plans to upgrade an existing telecommunications facility located at 52 Warran Road, Yaroomba QLD (Lot 286 Rp85976), www.rfnsa.com.au/4573008 1. Telstra are currently upgrading existing mobile network facilities to allow for the introduction of 5G to Telstra’s network. As part of this network upgrade, Telstra proposes the installation of NR850 and NR3500 technologies at Yaroomba locality and surrounds. Proposed works at the above site will involve the installation of three (3) 5G AIR6488 panel antennas (each no more than 2.8m long), the recon guration of existing panel antennas and the removal and installation of associated ancillary equipment. All internal equipment will be housed within the existing equipment shelter located at the base of the facility.

2. Telstra regards the proposed installation as a Low-impact Facility under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 ("The Determination") based on the above description.

3. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2018 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/or written submissions should be directed to Didier Ah-Sue, Aurecon Australasia via email to: Didier.ahsue@aurecongroup.com or via post to: Didier Ah-Sue, Aurecon Australasia Level 5, 863 Hay Street, PERTH WA 6000 by 5pm on 4 November 2020.

NOTICE

Telstra plans to upgrade an existing telecommunicat 52 Warran Road, Yaroomba QLD (Lot 286 RP85976), w N O M I N A 1.

T ETelstra NOW are currently upgrading existing mobile netw introduction of 5G to Telstra’s network. As part of this ne Do you know a Sunshine Coast local who has made an the outstanding contribution to the community? installation of NR850 and NR3500 technologies at Y Proposed works at the above site will involve the inst panel antennas (each no more than 2.8m long), the r antennas and the removal and installation of assoc internal equipment will be housed within the existing e base of the facility.

2. Telstra regards the proposed installation as a L www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/ausdayawards Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determina based on above description.

Sunshine Coast Council gratefully acknowledges itsthe supporters: 3. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2018 Mobile P Code, we invite you to provide feedback about th and/or written submissions should be directed to Didier email to: Didier.ahsue@aurecongroup.com or via p 200140D 09/20. Image: Dale Leach, Sunshine Coast 50th Anniversary Commission, Australasia Level 5, 863 Hay Street, PERTH WA 6000 by 5 2018, (detail), mixed media on canvas, 122 x 152cm. Sunshine Coast Art Collection RSL

SEPTEMBER 2020 SUNNY COAST TIMES

27

CREATIVE CUTS

Novelist spreads message of hope

Author Dacre Danes

by CHRIS GILMORE

A

Sunny Coast-based writer has turned his experiences as a victim of bullying into a powerful new novel with a profound message of hope.

Dacre Danes was inspired by true events to write his work of fiction Danyon – and is now using his experiences in an ambassador role for anti-bullying organisations.

The novel was a labour of love for Dacre, who grew up in Cronulla but moved to the Coast about seven years ago and now lives in Shelly Beach, where he writes and also has a fashion photography studio.

“The book is a mixture of my experiences plus other people’s experiences,” he says. “It’s all inspired by true events but it is definitely fiction, it’s not a memoir.”

Set in 2005, the story centres on Danyon Harp, who lives in the fictional town of Silver Beach, which Dacre describes as “any Australian coastal town”.

“Danyon is a young guy of 20 and he is a pro surfer. He starts blacking out and he’s saved on the beach by someone who’s bullied him his entire life,” Dacre says. “From there it goes on about making peace, and he follows breadcrumbs as to his mother’s death. There’s themes in there about suicide and bullying, but Danyon’s a great character and he really speaks for a lot of the people out there that are suffering.”

Dacre – who has enjoyed writing ever since being given a typewriter by his parents when he was 10 – says it was a lengthy process getting the novel to completion.

“It took five years to write, because it’s such a heavy topic with lots of things to go through, and to carefully wind together various experiences from other people and myself into a story that can create hope for anyone that’s suffering,” he says.

“It’s quite a confronting book. Reviews so far are that it’s a pageturner but it is quite heavy.

“There’s so many books out there about mental health at the moment but this book especially, I wanted to draw attention to what happens in the mind psychologically once you’ve been bullied for so long. I drew on things like magic realism, which happens with mental health things like schizophrenia – things that can happen in the mind.

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28

OCTOBER 2020 SUNNY COAST TIMES

960 433

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Representative image

CREATIVE CUTS

Ed Hamill's artwork "a time before"

“There’s also a parallel story about the war and just how mankind has really treated each other and where we can go from there.”

As a survivor of bullying and now a novelist, Dacre – who’s aged in his 30s – has accepted ambassador roles with national suicide and bully prevention organisations Bully Zero and Equi Energy Youth.

“I was heavily bullied growing up in school and even in the adult world,” he says. “It can cause complexes in the mind where it affects you later on in life and can affect relationships and you don’t realise it because you go about your way and you think things go away. With me unfortunately, I suffer from a complex where sometimes you don’t trust a certain person’s intentions if they’re nice to you, and that’s another symptom of bullying.

“That’s why we’re on such a mission to raise awareness about it and to stop it. There’s so much education that’s already starting but I can help by being an ambassador for Bully Zero and EEY, and the Australia and New Zealand Mental Health Association, and I’m starting a podcast too soon.

“My mission as an ambassador and a writer is to really make people be nicer to each other and be careful what you say because you never know what that sentence can do to someone.

“My book does provide hope, but it is quite heavy and goes through certain things that a lot of people can resonate with, and that’s why I think I can help a lot of people.”

Dacre launched the book at Brisbane bar Blackbird in late August. He told attendees: “I’ve suffered for years and years and I’m not the only one. Everywhere has bullying. No matter where you go there is bullying. If you can stop and think before you say anything at all – that is our movement.

“If you’re told you’re gay it sticks in your mind and gives you a complex when you’re older.”

"My mission as an ambassador and a writer is to really make people be nicer to each other."

Despite the confronting nature of the book, Dacre is determined to continue writing novels.

“Being a novelist is definitely my calling, and so far it’s been proven,” he says. “I’ve got a few other manuscripts on the go at the moment – I really should be focusing on one but it’s deciding where I want to go next. My next novels will be intertwining with Danyon so it’ll be interesting that way.”

Danyon is available in either paperback or eBook from amazon.com.au – search for ‘Dacre Danes’. Books are also available from Annie’s Books on Peregian, The BookShop at Caloundra, Sandy Pages at Noosa and many others. Dacre will be doing signings in the coming weeks. To stay up to date, like @dacredanes on Facebook or visit www.dacredanes.com. Dacre’s photography website is www.rorkusexplosive.com.au.

A selection of Dacre’s fashion photography work

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www.PetBoneDrink.com OCTOBER 2020 SUNNY COAST TIMES

29

CREATIVE CUTS

Cooroy

Forest Glen

First Nations celebration

Comedy on the Coast

Jazz extravaganza

As part of NAIDOC Week celebrations, the Cooroy Butter Factory Arts Centre is hosting a First Nations art exhibition throughout the whole gallery.

Here We Stand, Always is an exhibition for emerging and established First Nations artists residing on Gubbi-Gubbi land, culminating in a Gubbi-Gubbi celebration during NAIDOC Week.

It follows a successful 2019 First Nations exhibition, after which artists and audience requested a larger-scale exhibition.

"There is such a diverse expression of arts and culture being shared with us, it is a valuable opportunity to connect and understand our First Nations culture coinciding with NAIDOC Week from November 8-15,” gallery co-ordinator Alicia Sharples says.

“Thanks to Flying Arts and a Regional Arts Fund, we have a real celebration of culture to share with our audience, with over 50 First Nation artists exhibiting, creating artist residencies and hosting masterclasses in our arts centre during the next eight weeks."

The exhibition runs until November 22.

Image by Paul Calcott.

What better way to round out 2020 than with a stack of Queensland’s funniest comedians doing what they do best?

Showcasing three days of comedy shows at the NightQuarter in Birtinya from November 13-15, tickets to the COVID-safe inaugural Sunshine Coast Comedy Festival are on sale now.

Alongside all-star lineups and headline shows including Queensland’s Steph Tisdell (pictured) and Jacques Barrett, the festival will also feature sit-down dinner shows at the Malt Shovel Taphouse; a competition for emerging comedians at Solbar in Maroochydore with a $500 cash prize; a special all-ages event suitable for the whole family; and more shows still to be announced.

For more information visit sunshinecoastcomedyfestival.com.

Flamenco, manouche and jazz guitar specialist Camaron De La Vega will be the headline act at the Jazz Sessions at Glass House Brewery on November 8.

Camaron is a Brisbane-based guitarist, Q Song Award nominee and Vanda and Young International Song Competition finalist who combines the deep groove and rhythmic intricacy of flamenco with the harmony and phrasing of jazz. His music has taken him all around the world, seeing him perform in Spain, England, Paris, Ireland, Thailand, Indonesia and at the prestigious Montreaux Jazz Festival.

He has now formed a collaboration with Shenzo Gregorio (violin), John Reeves (accordion) and Peter Walters (bass) to create a gypsy jazz extravaganza.

Camaron De La Vega and Friends will be a unique and passionate musical journey performing at the Jazz Sessions for a dinner show. Tickets are $49 and include a two-course dinner.

Bookings are essential, visit www.stickytickets.com.au/ thejazzsessions.

Coolum

30

Birtinya

Noosa

Nambour

A turbulent life

Surfing serenade

Laughs on stage

"It’s been a crazy life. I’m lucky to be here. But as an alcoholic, I’ve hurt many people."

They are the words of Coolum's Richard West, who has launched his memoir If, which recounts what has been a turbulent life through alcoholism and depression.

Four years ago he embarked on a 16,000km circumnavigation of Australia on an old motorcycle, completing the journey in 46 days and raising $6000 for Beyond Blue.

Richard had a successful career with an American bank, with overseas postings in Italy, Saudi Arabia and Greece. Alcohol followed in his suitcase.

Tragically, one of his sons and his ex-wife were killed in a car crash in 2003.

"Writing the memoir was cathartic," he says. "My manuscript got dumped in the trash many times, only to be resurrected and dusted off months later. It was an emotional roller-coaster."

Order If in paperback or eBook from your local book store or directly from Amazon, Apple, Barnes and Noble, Kobo or via Richard’s website www.richardwest.com.au.

Author and life-long surf tragic Rob Black has written a book called Noosa... What's Your Point? A Place in the History of Surfing, which explores the hold Noosa has over surfers.

“Some say it has been loved to death, or is the love-hate relationship in their life, but Noosa is still Noosa, and the magic and the beauty is still there,” he says.

The book's focus is surfing, and Noosa, but also the Sunny Coast in general. It contains chapters on the development of Noosa, the national park and the role of government and community groups in maintaining the beautiful region's appeal, plus some of his own story and his family's relationship with Noosa. There are also chapters on Caloundra and Agnes Water.

Rob is a journo and now author who has lived and worked in Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, Agnes Water, Sydney and London.

Visit noosawhatsyourpoint.com for details on how to get a copy.

Nambour’s Lind Lane Theatre is planning to give theatre-goers a hearty laugh with Social Climbers, a play by one of New Zealand’s most beloved playwrights, Roger Hall.

Directed by Julian White, Social Climbers is the story of six women who set out for a weekend of bushwalking to get away from it all. On arrival at their tramping hut, they unload their packs, food and alcohol ready for a fun evening. Then the weather closes in. Trapped for three days, tempers fray and they also unload their worries and grievances.

Social Climbers opens on October 29 and closes on November 7. Bookings are a must and can be made at www. lindlane.com.au/watch or by phoning 1300 732 764.

Pictured are Anna Huang, Lea-anne Grevett, Deb Mills, Glenda Campi, Victoria Bensted and Kirsty White.

OCTOBER 2020 SUNNY COAST TIMES

CREATIVE CUTS IN BRIEF

Tribute act

Noosa

Pomona

Figurative style

Back to nature

Brisbane painter Ian Smith is the subject of a new exhibition at Noosa Regional Gallery.

Curated by gallery director Michael Brennan, Flesh and Bone is a survey of recent works by the internationally renowned artist.

"I am primarily a figurative painter, even if in Australia conceding to landscape is inevitable," Smith says. "While painting mountains, I preferred ‘flesh and bone’ density to the airy sketchiness employed by many Australian landscape painters. ‘Deconstructing’ the mountains to expose imaginary inner armatures, paradoxically delivered me more solid mountainscapes than if I painted them as ‘views’."

Noosa Regional Gallery has two other current exhibitions: French-born mixed-media Australian artist Beatrice Prost's Penance and Repentance, and Sunshine Coast-based ceramicist Rowley Drysdale's Extracts. All three exhibition run until November 7.

The gallery is at 9 Pelican St, Tewantin. V isit www.noosaregionalgallery.com.au.

Pictured is Ian Smith in front of Steps Between Islands and Mainland, 1986. Photo by Your Life Photography.

The restorative relationship between people and nature is the subject of Pomona Railway Station Gallery’s latest exhibition Solace, which runs until October 28.

Artists Debra Dougherty and Erica Harvey have created the new exhibition, which displays their affinity with our local bushland.

"I can breathe deep and slowly when I am painting amongst the trees,” Debra (pictured) says. “Moments of spontaneity occur on the canvas, a lightness of feeling becomes a broad brush of colour curved up to the sky."

Erica's 3D botanical art connects us with the forest's ground by using organic objects like bark, bone, air fern and logs found in the bush. Each piece is a micro-garden in itself.

The Pomona Railway Station Gallery is at 10 Station St. Visit www.pomonartgallery.com or phone 5485 2950.

PJ Creamer will pay tribute to the legendary Jon Bon Jovi at the Palmwoods Hotel on October 25 with the Viva Bon Jovi show.

Bon Jovi has sold more than 150 million records worldwide with mega-hits including Livin' on a Prayer, You Give Love a Bad Name, It's My Life, Wanted Dead or Alive, Bad Medicine, Bed of Roses and Always.

PJ Creamer’s professional outfit has been blowing audiences away in Queensland and northern New South Wales for the past five years. The show is full of great rock energy and does justice to the Hall of Fame talent that is Bon Jovi.

Entry is free. Visit www.palmwoodshotel.com.au/ entertainment.

Big band visit

The Sunshine Coast Jazz Club returns to the Caloundra Power Boat Club with two shows on November 15 featuring the 18-piece Jindalee Jazz Orchestra.

The orchestra is a semi-professional community big band based in the western suburbs of Brisbane.

Members have been performing together for more than 10 years and comprise a mixture of passionate and skilled music teachers, tertiary music students and other professionals.

Instruments played include a mix of saxophones, trumpets, trombones and rhythm. The group plays a wide range of music from traditional big band classics to funk/rock, Latin American and modern big band repertoire. The Sunshine Coast Jazz Club is a nonprofit organisation bringing the best of the best jazz to the Sunshine Coast. Shows are at noon and 3.30pm.

Visit www.sunshinecoastjazzclub.net.au.

Supporting artists

Caloundra

Landsborough

Talented trio

Coping with hardship

Live music is returning to the Events Centre at Caloundra, with beloved singer-songwriter Katie Noonan being joined by internationally renowned cellist and fellow Sunny Coast resident Louise King for Sunshine Sounds.

Along with support act Andrea Kirwin, a Fijian-Australian soul songstress, the trio will share stories of their music and friendship, bringing some sunshine to your soul.

Katie recently released her 20th studio album, called The Sweetest Taboo. She was planning a 25-date national tour in support of it, but was forced to cancel it in March after just four shows due to the COVID outbreak.

Louise has worked with the BBC Philharmonic, Halle Orchestra and Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. Since moving to Australia in 2003, she has become a favourite of classical music lovers and performs regularly at Australia's major art and music festivals, and established classical concert series.

The show is on November 6. Tickets are $40.

Visit www.theeventscentre.com.au.

The trio also play the Imperial Hotel at Eumundi on November 7. Visit www.imperialhoteleumundi.com.au.

Landsborough local Tom Stodulka recently released his new book, Life is a Dance, which captures the challenges of life, the human condition and how to stay positive in an everchanging world.

With more than 40 years’ experience in the legal and mediation professions, from both military and civilian backgrounds, Tom has had a long life working with people who are often at low points in their lives. And, after growing up in a refugee family in the ’50s, Tom is no stranger to some of life’s hardships – which the world is experiencing en masse with COVID lockdowns and increasing periods of social isolation.

“Life has always had its challenges and heartache. It is how we face these challenges which can make a huge difference,” he says.

Tom has chosen to support two charities engaged in supporting homeless and disadvantaged people nationally and internationally with the sales of his book.

Visit tomstodulkaauthor.com.

A new website has been launched by a Sunny Coastbased group to allow established and emerging artists to promote and sell their work.

Artists Alliance Australia started the website aaaart.online to cater for all mediums and all types of arts.

“The arts movement in south-east Queensland has always been strong, however for many artists the costs and commissions incurred in selling their art has been prohibitive,” says AAA president Graeme Love.

AAA is a not-for-profit group run by artists to support the promotion and development of artists.

Its goal is to charge just enough commission to cover costs – currently ranging from 5 per cent to 10 per cent.

Interested artists and collectors can visit aaaart. online or phone Graeme on 0409 087 157.

Creative project

Maleny’s Corrie Wright is joining nine other artists in the Sunshine Coast Council-initiated creative project called Place2Play.

Corrie’s contribution, called BirdCall, is a temporary interactive shared place on the public seats around Caloundra.

She says BirdCall is a “social act, one that offers community engagement, a contemplative slow listening, slow writing, a sit for a while unpredictable kind of place”.

Corrie will be on the streets for the project until October 23, see www.corriewright.com for times.

More on Place2Play can be found at www.downtowncaloundra.com.au/place2play.

OCTOBER 2020 SUNNY COAST TIMES

31

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

We need more attention Our Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson has urged voters to ask all candidates in the October 31 state election what they are offering for our region. He said the time for “lazy representation and buck-passing” is over and the Liberal National Party MPs who have represented this area for so long need to step up to the plate and deliver.

During the last LNP term in office, all the local MPs were LNP and ministers in the government, and the Member for Maroochydore was the Speaker. What did we get out of all those “heavy-hitters” in government? Very little.

Our economy was just limping along, so the recovery from the heavy price of the COVID-19 pandemic is going to be long and hard. We need representatives who will go in to bat for us, especially for the young who are bearing the brunt of this recession.

The Mayor is right to make this call – if the Sunshine Coast had MPs from both sides and became more marginal, then we may get more of the attention we deserve.

Robyn Deane, Bli Bli

Crowning glory The Noosa Chorale’s Spirit of Olympia concert, with swimming icon Dawn Fraser as ambassador, is a great and innovative concept, blending the aspect of music with the aspirations of athletes endeavouring to reach their chosen goals on the world stage.

The concert was scheduled for this year but has been pushed back until May 2021.

As a 1980 Moscow Olympian I proudly marched into the arena to the Olympic theme, while also listening to the song Moscow. Written and sung by Genghis Khan, it really added to the explosive atmosphere of the boycotted Games. Thankfully

32

20m above our roof. Seeing my husband and I, the drone descended to get a better look as we visually cued it was not welcome. It disappeared as soon as I grabbed the keys and headed up the driveway to find the source.

The next morning at 8.30 it returned but this time even closer, hovering close to windows. I rang the police who said they don't deal with drones. They gave me the number for the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. Option 4 on their recorded messages stated they didn't deal with complaints, but I could go to the website and fill out a form.

After calling the neighbours, they – to their surprise and very apologetically – found it was one of their guests’.

Surely there needs to be legislation to protect the public from this invasive technology and their either ignorant or voyeuristic users?

Name and address supplied, Montville

What is being done?

Lately there seem to have been more break-ins and robberies happening both up and down the range. I can’t help but think there needs to be a bigger response to this from our local council, politicians and police. Clearly much of this is drug-related, and we know the insidious drug that is the major player: ice.

So, what is being done? Can someone please enlighten us?

There is a pitiful police presence in Palmwoods, and I know other towns have similar problems. I’m not blaming the police, it’s clearly a (lack of) funding issue. But we need more support and rehabilitation programs in place as well. Police presence alone won’t fix the problem.

It’s time we took back our towns that are being taken over by anti-social behaviour and petty and increasingly violent crime.

No insincere promises for votes please, politicians – it’s time for real action.

Paul Evans, Palmwoods

We would love you to share your thoughts and experiences with us and our readers.

Email editor@sunnycoastmedia.com.au.

Crossword No. 304

1. What is the only letter in the English alphabet with a multi-syllabic name?

2. In 24-hour time, how is eight minutes before 11pm depicted?

3. What peacekeeping organisation came into being in June 1945?

4. What is the human body’s largest internal organ by weight?

5. What church has the most worshippers in Ireland?

6. On what part of the body is a bolero worn?

7. What scandal led to President Nixon’s downfall?

8. What Johnny Cash song begins, “Love is a burning thing”?

9. What Indian city was infamous for the “Black Hole” incident?

10. What is the value of a “loonie” in Canadian currency?

11. In which Australian state or territory is the town of Penguin?

12. What system of a car can be ABS? 13. How many posts are at each end of an AFL field?

14. What is the food of a silkworm?

15. What was the name of the one-eyed giants of Greek mythology?

16. Siamese, Russian, Manx and Ragdoll are breeds of what domestic animal?

17. What is the collective noun for bananas?

18. Who played Kojak in the TV series of the same name?

19. What major pandemic struck the world after the First World War? 20. What colour flag is used to indicate surrender?

OCTOBER 2020 SUNNY COAST TIMES

A Sunday afternoon nap at our private rainforest property in the Hinterland was interrupted by what seemed a distant buzz not dissimilar to a mosquito. As it became louder and louder I realised this was a drone.

I ran outside to confront the drone, which hovered about

Please include your name, location and contact details (for verification, not to be published).

Letters may be edited. As we are a monthly publication, we are unable to print time-sensitive letters.

Across 1 5 10 11 12 13 (10) 14 16 19 22 24 25 28

Trivia answers:

Droning dilemma

1. W, 2. 2252, 3. United Nations, 4. Liver, 5. Roman Catholic, 6.

Torso or upper part, 7. Watergate, 8. Ring of Fire, 9. Calcutta, now known as Kolkata, 10. One dollar, 11. Tasmania,12. Brakes, 13.

Four, 14. Mulberry leaves, 15. Cyclops, 16. Cats, 17. Bunch, 18. Telly Savalas, 19. Spanish flu, 20. White.

Trivia questions

our attendance allowed Australia to remain one of only two countries to participate at every Olympics since 1896.

Moscow wasn’t the only Games I attended. Moving into the media working for ABC Radio, I covered the next five Games, finishing in Sydney 2000.

The 1988 Seoul Olympics were backed by the world’s greatest vocalist, Whitney Houston, with One Moment in Time.

The song was the soundtrack to some events that will never be forgotten: Innisfail’s Jon Sieben upsetting world champion Michael Gross in the 200m butterfly and the Sunshine Coast’s Glynis Nunn-Cearns edging out Jackie Joyner-Kersee to claim the heptathlon.

The music stars really came out to play at the opening and closing ceremonies of the 1992 Barcelona Games: Queen’s Freddy Mercury with Barcelona and Sarah Brightman and Jose Carreras with Amigos Para Siempre (Friends for Life).

Not to be outdone, at the Atlanta Games four years later, Canadian Celine Dion opened the show with Power of the Dream and Cuban-American Gloria Estefan closed with Reach.

Then in Sydney 13-year old Nikki Webster floated into the 2000 Olympic Games with Under Southern Skies.

I am delighted to offer my support to the Noosa Chorale’s most exciting event coming up in 2021. I am sure it will be a gold medal performance, and I hope everyone lends their support to the production just two months before the Tokyo Olympics.

Benny Pike

Beautiful (8) Moves through water (5) Unconventional (7) Pilot (7) Pollen gatherers (4) When the living is easy Otherwise (4) Artificial sparkler (10) Corridor (10) Yorkshireman (4) Preceding wedlock (10) Precious stones (4) Shining (7)

29 30 31

Hollowed inward (7) Bovine mammary gland (5) Austrian Alpine resident (8)

Down 1 2 3 4 6 7 8 9 15 17

18

19 20 21 23 26 27

Farewell (7) Plunder (5) Paradise (4) Lie (7) Restaurant worker (8) Marriage (9) Opera by Bizet (6) Current of air (6) Pendent (9) Large island in the Channel (1,1,1) Computer information store (8) Thin and translucent (6) Expels (6) Disorder (7) Oriental (7) Fill with high spirits (5) Untie (4)

POET'S CORNER

SEE

NORTH STAR

Danger is not a danger

What do I see?

If I can’t see, feel or smell.

I open my eyes and I see light.

I have to close my eyes

I know if it is morning, or if it is night. I look and I see,

So I can really see what I should see.

But do I know and understand

So when I open my eyes to see,

Seeing is not seeing,

Do I see what even a blind man can “see”?

I see what I hear, feel, and smell,

Do I listen, do I feel and can I smell,

Or I don’t see at all.

So I can see what I really “see”?

And I don’t see what even a blind man sees!

If I can’t see.

Leunig

on familiar paths to unknown destinies without doubt sung by the north star unsure of herself

What is plain to see?

A smiling face is not a happy person,

counting tiny blooms

enclosed by chatters and chants

So what do I see?

© Lorraine R

of starry eyes and whispers engulfed in grief and stung within a wreath woven tight of mistletoe. © Spirit You (Fiona)

SPIRITS OF THE RIVER The freshness of the winter chill caress my wrinkled face, while a pale sun of the new dawn warms my back.

I gaze across the river from my urban vantage point, as I prepare to run along the cold hard concrete track.

Not a wavelet on the river’s surface can be seen this morn.

Smooth without a ripple in the winter morning hue.

I tarry, for an emerging scene before me warms my heart.

A pair of majestic silhouettes appears, gliding into view.

With regal grace, these silent sacred forms emerge.

The totem of the Maroochy, like surreal visions float.

With long black necks that gently curve like Cupid’s bow, so graceful and so proud, above their jet black feathered coat.

Three more shadows I can see between the cobb and penn.

Maggie

Safe, protected by their guardians’ stern parental gaze.

Smaller, lighter, paler, a dusty gentle shade of grey.

Their silent images reflected, inverted in the mirrored glaze.

Like mystic ghostlike mirages, drifting silent and serene.

Unaware of worldly dangers lurking, posed by human kind.

Soon they disappear from view, the river now looks empty and forlorn.

But their presence seem to linger, like an echo in my mind.

Black swans of the Maroochy, transcending place and time, Since the Dreamtime you have graced this river and its banks.

My peace is rudely broken by the roar of a powered craft.

Still, to the spirit of the river, I give to you my thanks. © Denzil Nash 2019

Send us your poems – we love receiving your creative work!

To submit your work for possible publication email editor@sunnycoastmedia.com.au.

Word limit per poem (due to space) is 300 words.

OCTOBER 2020 SUNNY COAST TIMES

33

Health boost for your best mate A

drink for pets that was created to help a family dog overcome joint and muscle pain is now available on the Sunny Coast.

Pet Bone Drink founder Sam Miszkowski says he has been blown away by the response to the drink and its benefits.

“My youngest daughter has a beautiful chocolate labrador by the name of Koda,” he says. “She instantly stole everyone's hearts and her cheeky behaviour has definitely been entertaining the family for years. So we were all quite concerned when she started having issues with her joints and muscles.

“My daughter and I started researching ways to help improve Koda's health and we kept finding the benefits of bone broth has such an impact that we decided to create our own.”

Sam says the product is made purely from beef bones, with no additives aside from Celtic sea salt.

“We slow-cook the grass-fed beef bones for 48 hours, ensuring maximum nutrient extraction from the cooked bones,” he says. “The result is a thick, marrow-rich, nutrient-dense bone broth extract extremely high in natural, undenatured bioavailable collagen.

“The bone drink is high in 19 amino acids that your dog needs for complete health.”

Sam says the drink can help treat arthritis; improve immunity; increase bone density; aid digestion and gut health; treat and repair muscle, joint and bone injury; and boost fur, skin and teeth health. It is gluten, antibiotic and dairy-free.

Sam, who has previously worked in sales and marketing, says customers’ pets have loved the product.

“We are overwhelmed with the positive feedback we receive and how much the Pet Bone Drink has really made a change in not just the dog's life but the owners’ too,” he says. “Seeing their best friend find new-found energy and happiness again has changed many, from customers to friends.”

As well as the original Pet Bone Broth drink, there are three concentrates available – Original, Turmeric and Turmeric with Honey.

“We are currently looking at a new flavour but we are still doing research at this stage,” Sam says.

The product is now available from Seasons IGA in Noosa and Caloundra.

“I would like to thank them for giving us the opportunity of showcasing a Queensland and world-first on the Sunshine Coast,” Sam says.

For more information visit www.petbonedrink.com.

34

OCTOBER 2020 SUNNY COAST TIMES

Chocolate labrador Koda, who inspired Pet Bone Drink founder Sam Miszkowski to create the product

Charlotte’s safety message song:

Frankie really is top dog

Pat before you chat Talk to the owner Don’t stare into their eyes Pat under, not over

by MICHELE STERNBERG

S

unny Coast dog trainer Charlotte Bryan and her best mate Frankie are a busy pair. In between her university studies and training dogs, Charlotte has helped Frankie – the charismatic black and white border collie – become a certified advanced trick dog, canine model and the star of his own children’s book, Learning with Frankie.

Frankie is also somewhat of a social media star with his own Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube accounts @BorderCollieFrankie. He’s also the poster boy for the Chat Before You Pat campaign, designed to teach Prep to Year 4 students the dos and don’ts of meeting a dog for the first time.

The program helps children read a dog’s body language, know how to approach a dog correctly, when not to approach a dog and what to do if the dog starts off happy and suddenly becomes scared or angry.

“I don’t take Frankie into the schools with me because some children have a genuine fear of dogs. Instead, I take soft toys that look like Frankie for the children to practise with,” 19-yearold Charlotte says. “I really just want to teach safety around dogs because there are reasons why dogs will bite and if the children can see the signs that a dog is scared or angry, they will know not to approach it. Dogs can’t speak but they can show you through other ways how they’re feeling.

It’s important for young children to look for the signs.”

Charlotte takes along stickers and colouring sheets with her easy-to-remember song on the back. The rhyme covers

Your lawyers for life’s journey.

three basic principles of child safety around dogs.

“That last two are so important because staring into a dog’s eyes can be threatening behaviour to them and when they see a hand coming at them and they can see it as a threat and react out of fear,” she says. “Whether it’s your dog or someone’s else dog, you should always pat under – bring your hand in under their chin and then pat. It shows the dog you’re not going to hurt them.”

Every year in Australia, about 13,000 people head to hospital emergency departments for dog bite injuries and, of those, children under the age of five are most at risk. Charlotte, who has a certificate in dog psychology, behaviour and training, wants to reduce the number of children being bitten each year.

“Education is the best way,” she says. “When children know how to approach a dog, they reduce their chance of being bitten or nipped.”

The Chat Before You Pat program also educates parents on how to prevent children being hurt, how to read dogs, how to identify situations when children should not approach dogs and how to be safe around familiar dogs. Charlotte said while a dog may look friendly, it’s vital you always ask for permission to pat.

“I insist that people don’t just run up to Frankie and pat him.

Even though I know he’s super-friendly, he can be a bit scared around strangers,” she says.

With Frankie’s large repertoire of tricks, Charlotte said he is hoping to make it big in Hollywood with his acting skills one day. She has been training 18-month-old Frankie since he arrived into her care as a tiny pup and this year he became a certified advanced trick dog so he can officially have the letters ‘ATD’ after his name.

“He completed the four levels in just one week because he already knew all the tricks that he had to achieve,” Charlotte says.

His favourite trick?

“Skateboarding has got to be his favourite trick, or maybe it’s my favourite,” she laughs. “He loves skateboarding. And he can freeze like a statue. Frankie also loves the side step, which not many dogs can do, and he’s also learning to paint with a paint brush but it’s going take a while – he still just wants to chew on the paint brush.

“Trust is key to dog training, and positivity, because if you’re positive and play games your dog will want to be around you so that really helps with the obedience. So positive reinforcement, tricks and toys and things will make your dog much more likely to come when called.”

Throughout the COVID lockdown, her one-on-one dog training sessions came to a sudden halt, so she developed an online training service free of charge, organised the Sunshine Coast Dog Awards that attracted 150 entries, and she has been posting regular blogs with helpful tips on her website. For more, go to pawsclawstails.com.au.

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35

NATURE

A mating ritual like no other

by VIC JAKES

A

nyone who has sat and watched the goings-on at a bowerbird’s bower will live with the memory for the rest of their life. It is easy to think that these special birds cannot possibly be found locally but, here on the Sunshine Coast, we are fortunate to have two of this unique family, the regent bowerbird (Sericulus chrysocephalus) and the satin bowerbird (Ptilonorhynchus violaceus) that call this area home.

Sadly, neither are frequently seen but they are around if you are looking in the right place.

While far less flamboyant in plumage than the regent, the mature male satin bowerbird is very aptly named, as the shiny A male satin bowerbird. Images by Vic Jakes

iridescence of its black plumage results in a metallic sheen that makes the bird appear dark blue. This adult plumage first starts to show when the bird is about five years old and takes a further two years to fully develop.

Before this, immature males are rather like the females, having non-iridescent upper-parts that are mainly dark green, while the folded wings are brownish. The under-parts have a distinct cream and green scalloped pattern. Female birds can easily be identified, having vibrant blue eyes that, perhaps coincidentally, precisely match the colour tones of the numerous blue trinkets that are eagerly collected by the male to decorate the bower to attract a mate.

The bower, carefully sited and built by the male, is a courtship arena consisting of two parallel walls of neatly arranged sticks sufficiently far apart to just permit a female to walk between them. The male ‘paints’ chewed vegetable matter and saliva on parts of the internal walls and he then makes the bower attractive to as many females as possible by collecting a whole array of blue objects – ranging from man-made items such as pen-tops, straws, clothes pegs and bottle tops to natural items like flowers and feathers – all of which are carefully arranged around the bower. Any disturbance of his preferred arrangement of trinkets results in an undisguised ‘scolding’ sound and immediate reinstatement of the item in its ‘correct’ position.

Arrival of a female to inspect the quality of his bower triggers a whole variety of mechanical-sounding calls and excited strutting, quivering and bowing movements, together with the selection of an appropriate trinket carried in his bill, all of which are intended to persuade the female to enter the bower. Success will result in the male mating with her within the bower, following which she will, entirely on her own, perform nest-building duties some 30 to 35 metres above ground in a

nearby tree. The male, meanwhile, monogamy furthest from his mind, continues to try to attract yet more females with whom he might copulate.

Over the years, occasional sightings of the satin bowerbird have been recorded in a number of locations around the Coast, including the Noosa Heads section of the Noosa National Park, around Lake Macdonald and in Doonan Creek Environmental Reserve, with more frequent sightings further inland in the Blackall Range.

This is the right time of the year to see activity at the bower, so if you happen to come across one, stay a while, remain still and quiet, keep a respectable distance and allow yourself to enjoy one of the most spectacular shows of the natural world.

A female satin bowerbird

Keep your pets cool during summer heat

by PENNY BRISCHKE Sunshine Coast Animal Refuge

S

ummer and the festive season is nearly upon us, so that means hot weather, getting out and about and celebrations.

Here are a few tips to help keep your pets safe in the hot weather: • Never leave them in a parked car in the sun. It takes less than six minutes for a dog to die in a hot car.

• Avoid walking (or running) your dog in the heat, aim for evening and early morning. If it’s too hot for your hand on the road or pavement, it’s too hot for their paws.

• Ensure your pets have plenty of shade available at home and on your outings, and of course access to enough water. If dogs tip one bowl over, make sure they have opportunity to access another bowl.

• As it gets hotter try putting ice blocks in your pet’s water to help keep them cool.

Be vigilant in checking for signs of overheating – glassy eyes and frantic panting may be signs of heat exhaustion. Take your pet to a vet immediately if concerned.

And if you are like me and always looking for places to share with your pooch, check out “Dog friendly places and spaces – Sunshine Coast” on Facebook. It gives a great and growing list of pet-friendly cafes for your doggo to accompany you to check out.

If you’re wanting to add a forever furry friend to your family, please consider contacting SCARS or other reputable rescues.

There are many wonderful cats and dogs available, of varying ages, breeds and to suit different lifestyles.

Currently we have a few senior cats looking for loving

36

OCTOBER 2020 SUNNY COAST TIMES

Molly (left) and Pebbles are looking for loving retirement homes

retirement homes. Molly and Pebbles are 10 and 11 years old and have lived all of their lives together. They are happy, chilled and affectionate felines.

Contact us to arrange to meet them. Phone 5494 5275 Tuesday to Sunday from 10am-5pm.

We will be having our Santa Paws and his Christmas market

at SCARS in November so keep an eye out for updates.

If you can’t adopt or foster then volunteer! We would love to hear from you at office@sippycreek.com.au.

Sunshine Coast Animal Refuge is at 28 Sippy Creek Rd, Tanawha.

Phone 5494 5275 or visit www.sippycreek.com.au.

You can follow it on Facebook and Instagram.

HEALTH, WELLNESS AND BEAUTY

Gratitude is a game-changer

by KERRIE FRIEND

S

howing gratitude is good for the soul and is an epic game-changer that can literally revolutionise our life.

It’s connected to appreciation and thankfulness, and changes our image from the inside out. Being grateful can reduce or eliminate entirely self-pity, jealousy, bitterness, regret and apathy. It’s about having a genuine sense of appreciation for all of the situations in our life, even the tough ones, because ultimately we can be grateful that growth will be achieved from going through the hardships.

Gratitude found deep within our souls can also remove fear, doubt and worry because a grateful heart is able to transform even the most difficult areas of our life.

Gratitude in these complex days due to COVID can seem far more difficult but when we truly attempt to keep it a crucial factor in our lives, we maintain victory over even these extraordinary times.

Gratefulness can be as simple as appreciating the air we breathe, the country we live in, our family, friends, food on the table, our health and well-being, freedoms and a lot of other things we can often take for granted.

When we fill ourselves with gratitude it powerfully changes how we feel and act and guarantees we keep first things first. Thankfulness promises to create days appreciative of the goodness of life.

Keep it uncomplicated when adopting a grateful heart and remember it's not dependent on how much you have but it’s about how grateful you are to have what you have.

A beautiful way to express your gratefulness is to keep a gratitude journal as they are a wonderful record of everything you are thankful for and keep your hearts flowing with thanksgiving. I purposely grow my “grateful” list in some way every day by writing down all I’m grateful for – big or small and everything in between.

During a tumultuous time like this (COVID) it’s essential you stay grateful even as you traverse all of the extra challenges you are living through. Being grateful carries hope and you’ll sense more control, your mind will stabilise and your wellbeing is restored. Your soul definitely prospers from being grateful.

Finally, here's a couple of lovely traditions you can begin or enjoy with your family. Start a “jar of gratefulness” by writing down every day something you or a family member is grateful for and put them into a jar. Then on a chosen day such as Christmas/New Year’s Day enjoy reading them.

The other delightful activity is to start a “gratitude board” by putting photos, magazines cutouts, sayings, mementos, drawings and so on onto a board. These are fun projects to help keep gratitude front and centre of you or your family’s life.

Discover the power of gratefulness because it will change your life.

God bless, Kerrie

www.kerriefriend.com

OCTOBER 2020 SUNNY COAST TIMES

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OCTOBER 2020 SUNNY COAST TIMES

HEALTH, WELLNESS AND BEAUTY

Help for children of families hit by cancer B

loomhill Cancer Care is partnering with the Buderim Foundation and local business Stream Financial to create a program that supports children of parents and guardians with cancer.

The Sunshine Coast currently has no dedicated program for kids dealing with the impact of a parent, grandparent or sibling going through cancer treatment.

It is hoped to create a free, supportive care program designed to assist families with younger children – particularly aged 6-12 years – to help them navigate the emotional journey.

The Buderim Foundation kickstarted the project with a $7991 donation through its Community Grant program. Grant funds will be used to buy resources needed to establish a Family Cancer Care and Play Therapy program at Bloomhill’s Wellness Centre in Buderim. Ideas include giant outdoor games, a fully stocked library and arts and craft materials to explore emotions through creative therapy.

“Engaging in individual or group play therapy allows children to experience a sense of control and participate in positive and fun interactions with peers and facilitators, all which help develop insights and skills into managing difficult or challenging thoughts, feelings and relationships,” says Bloomhill clinical services manager Trish Wilson.

“Thank you to the grants committee at the Buderim Foundation and all of its amazing donors who have set the wheels in motion for this amazing initiative.”

Stream Financial will help Bloomhill raise funds for the next stage of the project, which will see an additional $8000 committed to the project.

“We are so passionate about supporting Bloomhill – an amazing and trusted local cancer care charity,” says Stream Financial client services manager Janis Glassop.

“I invite all like-minded businesses who are committed to caring for children whose family have been impacted by cancer to help us sponsor this new counselling position for the next three years.”

If you’d like to help contact Janis Glassop on 0448 511 866 or janis@streamfinancial.com.au, or Sarah Wetton at Bloomhill Cancer Care on 0419 564 772 or sarah.wetton@bloomhill.com.au.

Seasons Caloundra residents on their regular scooter ride to the beach

Colourful scooter brigade spreading joy Seasons Caloundra residents on their regular scooter ride to the beach

S

easons Caloundra residents have discovered their own unique way to spread laughter and joy to their local Golden Beach community with their regular scooter ride to the beach.

Decorated in brightly coloured balloons and streamers, several residents have been causing quite a bit of excitement as they ride their scooters down to the beachfront.

“We always get a lot of attention from the locals on our scooter rides – cars tooting their horns, people waving at us and children coming up and making lovely comments” says, Seasons Caloundra’s lifestyle co-ordinator Vicky.

“It just started out with a way for the residents to see each other, but our local community has really responded in such a positive way. People love it.”

At the end of their ride, the residents enjoy a drink and nibble together by the seaside.

“It is a great way to spend an afternoon, having a drink and some food at the beach,” says Reg, a keen member of the scooter group.

“We also have some residents here who aren’t very experienced at riding their scooters. Our ‘scoot to the beach’ provides them the opportunity to practise their skills in a friendly, supportive group environment before they venture out on their own. It has been delightful and helpful at the same time!

To find out more about Seasons Caloundra visit seasonsagedcare. com.au/caloundra or call sales manager Deb on 0436 650 812.

Breast aware This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, teams from Ramsay Health Care hospitals across the Sunshine Coast are drawing attention to the importance of being breast aware – to be proactive with your own health, and thoughtful of those affected by breast cancer.

Across our 3 hospitals, we provide quality treatment and care for locals on their breast cancer journeys, from breast surgery to day infusion oncology treatment, in a friendly, supportive environment.

At Noosa Hospital, breast care nurses provide support and resources to patients referred for surgical procedures and their families and at Sunshine Coast University Private Hospital, some patients utilise scalp cooling treatment which may help reduce hair loss during chemotherapy.

Sunshine Coast University Private Hospital sunshinecoastuniversityprivate.com.au Nambour Selangor Private Hospital nambourselangor.com.au Noosa Hospital (public & private patients) noosahospital.com.au

OCTOBER 2020 SUNNY COAST TIMES

39

HEALTH, WELLNESS AND BEAUTY

Stakeholders team up on $25m health project

Do you know a mole from a melanoma?

S

ome of the state’s top health and innovation minds have joined forces to ensure the $25 million Vitality Village at Birtinya produces the best health and wellbeing outcomes for all involved.

The project is currently under construction in the Sunshine Coast Health precinct at Birtinya. Its goal is to tackle some of the region’s biggest health and wellbeing challenges by encouraging organisations to collaborate, think differently and innovate.

Among the people to provide insights at the inaugural Vitality Village Partners Collaboration Event were Dr Sarah Pearson, the deputy director-general of innovation for the Department of State Development, Tourism and Innovation; and Adjunct Professor Naomi Dwyer, the CEO of the Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service.

The Vitality Village project is being led by Be (formerly ComLink), whose CEO Feda Adra said the event for key stakeholders was an important next step in the project’s development.

“While construction is progressing really well, Vitality Village is so much more than a physical building,” she says.

“This was the first opportunity to bring together Vitality Village tenants and partners to get to know each other and start conversations around how we can work together to solve health and wellness challenges which will have application both on the Sunshine Coast and right across Australia.

“This is the first of many of these events we will be undertaking. We want to give all Villagers the opportunity to meet regularly so they can build their networks and share ideas.”

She says Vitality Village comes at an important time for the Sunshine Coast community as it emerges from COVID-19.

To find out more visit vitalityvillage.com.au.

Dr Sarah Pearson, Feda Adra and Naomi Dwyer

W

ith summer just around the corner, the broad blue skies and open beaches of the Sunshine Coast beckon us outside to enjoy the warmer weather. But as we head outdoors to soak up the sun, it is essential that we don’t become complacent with looking after our skin health.

Every day, five Australians lose their life to melanoma, which sometimes appears like a tiny mole that’s barely visible to the naked eye (see right).

“Skin cancer can grow very fast, come in various shapes and colours, and often shows no symptoms until the advanced stage,” says skin cancer doctor Terry Harvey, who recently joined the busy Skin Surveillance Skin Cancer Centre in Birtinya to accommodate the growing patient demand for skin cancer care on the Sunshine Coast.

Skin cancer detection and treatment is certainly needed in the area, where the rate of melanoma diagnosis is 57 per cent above the national average, which is why regular skin cancer checks are essential.

"Early detection through an annual full-body skin cancer check is the best defence,” he says. “Our mission is to detect

skin cancers in the early stages to minimise complex, invasive and expensive treatments and ultimately save lives.”

The Skin Surveillance Skin Cancer Centre is at 5 Innovation Parkway, Birtinya.

Visit skincancercentres.com.au/birtinya or phone 5438 8889.

Volunteers sought for eating disorder study

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esearchers are seeking more than 3500 volunteers with first-hand experience of eating disorders to enrol in the world’s largest ever genetic investigation into the devastating illnesses.

Sunshine Coast-based Millie Thomas, who works with eating disorder charity endED, is a strong advocate for the Eating Disorders Genetic Initiative study.

“It will be extremely important to have a better understanding of the genetics of eating disorders and identify potential genes that could distinguish individuals who are predisposed to developing an eating disorder,” she says.

“Identifying the genes that predispose people to eating disorders will revolutionise future research into causes, treatment and prevention of the illnesses.”

The study aims to identify hundreds of genes that influence a person’s risk of developing anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder, to improve treatment and ultimately save lives.

Volunteers need to be aged 13 years or over and have, or at any point in their lives experienced, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa or binge-eating disorder.

To find out more or register for the study visit www.edgi.org.au or email edgi@qimrberghofer.edu.au.

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OCTOBER 2020 SUNNY COAST TIMES

Skin Surveillance

Skin Cancer Centre

IN HOME

5 Innovation Parkway, Birtinya

REHABILITATION

WHEN WAS YOUR LAST SKIN CANCER CHECK?

We come to you

Skin cancer can look very innocent and is often invisible to the naked eye, which is why professional skin cancer checks are so important.

Can you spot the melanoma?

This tiny spot was diagnosed as melanoma that could have cost the patient's life.

See the Sunshine Coast's trusted Skin Cancer Doctors for peace of mind.

Dr Donal Kerrin

Function Plus Therapy is a new Allied Health (Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and other) service providing in home rehabilitation.

We are highly experienced, senior level therapists with 25 years combined experience between two directors, Emily and Carlicia.

Dr Terry Harvey

Dedicated skin cancer facility No referral required Short wait times

Call 5438 8889 or book online at www.skincancercentres.com.au/birtinya

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• •

Norma Street, of Reflexology on Buderim, who is a fully qualified reflexologist has been practising reflexology on the Sunshine Coast for 20 years. Norma’s client base is very diverse, ranging from five-year -old children to seniors.

Oral Art Denture Clinic and Dental Ceramics will give you a new reason to smile. We PROVEN BENEFITS INCLUDE: OTHER TREATMENTS AVAILABLE: VOUCHERS use the best quality materials from Switzerland and take pride in ourGIFT excellent service • Relief of chronic & acute pain • Facial Reflexology AVAILABLE! and workmanship. Your satisfaction is our priority.

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Oral Art Denture Clinic and Dental Ceramics will give you a new reason to smile. We use the best quality materials from Switzerland and take pride in our excellent service and workmanship. Your satisfaction is our priority.

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We specialise in full removable dentures

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Partial dentures

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Make an appointment to see us for a FREE initial consultation

Relines and repairs Mouthguards/ sports mouthguards and occlusal splints Dentures on implants All ceramic and implant work for dentists CAD CAM and 3-D printing Most private health funds and DVA claims are processed immediately Registered with Dental Board of Australia | Australian Dental Prosthetic Association

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07 5597 4633 0408 784 643

Shop 5, 168 Main Street Village Square, Montville

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www.functionpl.us OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY carlicia@functionpl.us | 0455120077 PHYSIOTHERAPY emily@functionpl.us | 0414 898 516 OCTOBER 2020 SUNNY COAST TIMES

41

BUSINESS Lisa Versaci from Cheeky Little Monkeys

T

he 4556 Chamber of Commerce and the Caloundra Chamber of Commerce banded together for a networking event at Strawberry Fields in Palmview in September.

It was a great opportunity for members to pick their own punnet of the ripest, sweetest, reddest strawberries.

Glass House Brewery at Forest Glen lent a hand with its range of boutique beers and Sunshine Coast ciders to quench everyone’s thirst.

The Strawberry Fields season closes on November 1.

Photos courtesy of H2H Studios, visit www.h2hstudios.com.au.

Tadeusz Pieniek from ACN with Paul from Strawberry Fields

Allen Hertel from Focus Group with Geraldine Taggart-Jeewa from Sunny Nutrition and Dietetics

Olivia Sainsbury from Caloundra Chamber of Commerce, Anna Southey from Sunshine Coast Rental Managers and Donna Niazov from Family Friendly Carpet Cleaning and Pest Control

Ian Van der Woude from NightQuarter and Carlos Vaquero from H2H Studios

TRADE AND SERVICES ASPHALT DRIVEWAYS

TREE SERVICES

HANDY MAN AND HOME MAINTENANCE

Roll Formed Driveways Roll Formed Driveways provides a range of asphalt, bitumen and road base to residential, commercial and civil customers. Trust us to complete your project. Call us for a free measure and quote. PHONE (07) 5446 7104

ELECTRICIAN

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Prompt & friendly, servicing Caloundra to Maroochy and Hinterland. Household Repairs, Installations, Fans, Switches, Power Points, Safety Switches.

Senior & pensioner card discounts. 0432 278 487, 5353 0417 www.electricianhealion.com.au

BRM Tree Services Locally owned and operated, qualified and insured. Tree to stump, we do it all. Tree removal and pruning, mulching, stump grinding.

Free quotes call Tim 0401 441 945

Hire A Hubby Hire A Hubby Property Maintenance, Repairs and Handyman services Sunshine Coast. No job too large or small. Obligation free quote. $20 discount on successful job. Ad Code: SCTHAH. Call 1800 803 339.

HEALTH, WELLNESS AND BEAUTY Home and Energy Solar "Money doesn't grow on trees, it grows on your roof!" Installations, Upgrades, Service and Repairs In partnership with the sun since 2011.

Licence: 84040 • Ph: 07 5403 7969 homeandenergy.com.au

YOUR WELLNESS MATTERS Tracy Mellors – Social Worker, Counsellor, Art therapist, ACA Counsellor Supervisor.

Compassion-focussed care through Life transitions, Mental Health, Grief & Loss, and Post Trauma Thriving. NDIS #430874304 & Health Fund Registered 0407 499 846 www.yourwellnessmatters.com.au

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Contact 42

OCTOBER 2020 SUNNY COAST TIMES

sales@sunnycoastmedia.com.au

BUSINESS Chloe Thirlwell and Jacinta Roberts from BR Solicitors with Lance Collett from Buderim Auto Service

Jenny Collett from Buderim Auto Service, Lisa Listama from Sparkle E-Learning and Justine Easton from Designing Solutions for Better Aging

Sarah McIntosh from Your Employment Solutions with Victoria and Chris Kerrisk, founders of the Cerge app

Jackie Peall and Matthew Yates from My Legal Group with Michelle Williamson from Lifestyle Strata

Calvin Kong from Pacific Law, Leo Plaza from Easy Clean Sunshine Coast and Asrar Ismail from Total Management Australia

Ian ‘Dicko’ Dickinson, Tony Aitken and Michael Shadforth from Ray White Commercial Northern Corridor Group

David and Sarah from Strawberry Fields with Cathy Dyson and Bianca Green from BOQ Buderim

OCTOBER 2020 SUNNY COAST TIMES

43

PROUDLY SUNSHINE COAST’S ONLY BROTHEL

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OCTOBER 2020 SUNNY COAST TIMES

Seek an edge on your competitors today!

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• Want access to fee free merchant trading?

If you as a business owner would enjoy any or all of the above, then it’s time to engage in the latest Australian digital currency payment solution for your business.

Contact Nicole Mase, your local Independent Qoin Agent on 0410 891 612 or nicole.mase@qoin.world for a 15 minute no obligation phone appointment.

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W hat is Kazoik?

It is a verb! A Kazoik is a five-minute auc on where the highest bid wins. No Reserves. No Minimums.

No Auto-bids. No Fuss!

Kazoiks happen on a Wednesday evening at 8pm with five, five-minute auc ons between 8pm and 9pm. There are some awesome deals to be had - but be quick, when the five minutes runs out the current highest bidder will get the deal.

There are three main offers for brands: 1. Kazoik – Companies can par�cipate for free, beyond the product or service they are making available for the auc�on, which is typically part of a company's marke�ng budget, there are no charges nor fees for the company to be involved.

2. Voucher – �nce the auc�on has run, companies have the opportunity of delivering a call-to-ac�on offer, such as a coupon or voucher or special offer, to all those that par�cipated, mul�plying the exposure on offer. This is trackable and will lead to further sales opportuni�es.

3. Media – We know who the customers are, we know where they are online and can now offer companies opportuni�es to re-market to them, and if desired, similar audiences, without the addi�onal costs and �me of other remarke�ng ac�vi�es and services.

Why Kazoik Local then?

There were a few reasons for the crea on of the dedicated local version of Kazoik: 1. We have a Kazoik for Business offer. This is endorsed by the SME Associa�on of Australia, a body suppor�ng small and medium businesses, and we offer business deals and services on a Thursday, at 5pm AEST. There are certain members that only operate in their local area, so they were not sure about being able to par�cipate on the pla�orm.

2. We were also receiving requests to promote services and localised offers. So we thought, what be er way to help give back to the smaller businesses that are doing it tough at the moment (as well as those that don't have a na�onal foot-print as men�oned above)? Plus seeing if we could find a way to help get people back into restaurants, cafes and bou�que hotels/bed and breakfasts, as well as begin using the services of the local experts when it comes to DIY, maintenance, building, budge�ng, etc.

3. The next driver was that a large number of local businesses don't have an e-commerce-ready website or the ability to sell their products/services online.

In these �mes and the current Covid-19 situa�on, the need to transact online can be the difference between being in or out of business.

Kazoik is a fully-fledged e-commerce pla�orm and so we will extend opportuni�es to the local businesses

For more informa on please visit: h ps://www.kazoik.com Facebook.com/kazoik

to be able to sell and offer their services and products through our portal.

4. Finally, we have a Daily Deals offering, where each day a great deal is made available for 24 hours. It is a win-win for everyone.

A great way for local business to gain exposure for their products or services.

Twi er.com/kazoik

Instagram.com/kazoikit OCTOBER 2020 SUNNY COAST TIMES

45

REAL ESTATE SUNNY COAST TIMES

Capitalisation: how much is too much?

by ANTONIA MERCORELLA CEO, Real Estate Institute of Queensland

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ccording to the last quarterly Australian Bureau of Statistics Building Activity report, Australians still continue to have a healthy appetite for home renovations. Despite a drop of 3.4 per cent from the previous quarter, Australians still spent a staggering $2.1 billion on home alterations and additions.

It seems that regardless of the COVID-19 pandemic, home owners remain keen on completing home renovations in the next 12 months. If that’s the case, what does that look like across the Sunshine Coast for those looking to renovate with a view to sell?

Firstly, it’s a question of how much should you invest in a renovation? That’s not an easy question to answer without doing some homework first.

A good starting point is to seek advice from an REIQaccredited agency. They can provide you with a current appraisal as well as solid insights for where to concentrate your renovations. Not all renovations are equal and differ significantly in their contribution to the overall increased value of your home.

An agent can also provide information on median house prices and a comprehensive sales history for the locality. To help back this up, local comparisons are a valuable guide too – that is,

if you can buy a completed property in the area for equal or less than the combined current value of your property plus renovation costs, it’s definitely not worth the investment (unless you decide not to sell of course).

The general rule of thumb that many still use is that renovations shouldn’t cost more than 10 per cent of the current market value of your home. On the Sunshine Coast, where the current annual median house price is above $600,000, that translates to a cap of about $60,000 in renovation costs. But would that investment then translate to a higher valuation?

Unfortunately, the cost of any improvements you make don’t always automatically add to the value of a home at a particular time.

Adding value to your home is based on what the market is willing to pay, which is why doing your due diligence is critical to understanding the market at the time. The good news for the Sunshine Coast is that continued investment in infrastructure and business that promotes employment also brings flowon benefits to the real estate market. It’s another important consideration when deciding the right time to renovate with the intention to sell.

What else is important is your buyer. Over the past five years, the Sunshine Coast has attracted three core groups of buyers – young couples, families and interstate investors. Factors that influence their purchasing decisions differ but what they do share in common include affordability, accessibility and local amenities. And what they look for in a property also varies – from new builds on larger blocks through to established housing with the potential for flipping or good investment returns, and affordable homes for first-time buyers. This will help target the price point you want to achieve with your home renovation, the investment you need to make and the buyer pool looking for what you’ll have to offer.

This brings me to the final question in the home renovation equation: what to renovate. However, to answer this, I need another column so stay tuned next month when I’ll tackle this question in much more detail.

New Maroochydore CBD residential sales under way

SUNSHINE COAST BRISBANE GOLD COAST MELBOURNE GEELONG SURF COAST

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OCTOBER 2020 SUNNY COAST TIMES

Visit www.marketlanemaroochydore.com.au.

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Completion of the first tower is scheduled for January 2022.

“As we have on all our previous projects, we’ve been really focused on supporting local trades and suppliers and we are pleased to report that around 90 per cent of our contracts have been awarded to local subcontractors,” Cleighton said.

“By Christmas this year we expect to have around 90 people working onsite and numbers should swell to well over 300 people when we commence on the internal fit-out of the towers next year.”

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a very positive future ahead of it. “Market Lane Residences have been designed to meet the market in terms of creating a desirable, value-for-money lifestyle with a true inner-city vibe.

We’ve had interest from a range of purchasers, from first-home owners through to families and retirees, with a good mix of both investors and owner-occupiers keen to get in early before prices inevitably rise.”

The development includes 146 two and three-bedroom apartments over 14 levels and two towers, plus six townhouses and retail space. There will be a private dining room on the top level, pool and rooftop terrace.

Property Styling Styling

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ales for the first residential project in the new Maroochydore CBD have been launched.

Habitat Development Group’s $83 million Market Lane Residences project, on Mundoo Blvd, commenced construction in early August.

Habitat director Cleighton Clark said strong demand was expected.

“We’ve had inquiry from local and interstate buyers, however interest from local buyers has been the strongest to date,” he said. “This is a great sign and supports our view the new Maroochydore CBD is an exciting new precinct and has

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Rush into indoor adventure A new indoor family entertainment and adventure centre is set to open in Maroochydore just in time for the Christmas school holidays.

Rush Adventureland, covering more than 1100 sq m, is scheduled to open opposite Woolworths in the Sunshine Plaza Shopping Centre precinct in December.

The centre will feature an air coaster, the first indoor one of its kind in Australia. It will send riders around the roof space above the activities below.

Other attractions include a ninja course, high ropes challenge and climbing area, and hyper bumper cars, where riders can blast their friends with lasers and watch them spin around in circles.

There will be a secure play area for younger children, and

the centre will also include a sensory room specifically designed for children living with autism and special needs.

There will also be a 120-seat cafe and four party rooms.

“Our aim is to provide Sunshine Coast families and visitors with some of the most modern, unique and exhilarating indoor family entertainment and adventure all in one place and at a real value-for-money price,” owner Jim Perry said.

“We spent many months planning and engaging with local Australian (and) Sunshine Coast-based businesses, playground designers MJ Playgrounds and specialists from Sensory Wizard to create an immersive play space for all children to enjoy.”

It is expected the business will employ 50 local residents.

To stay updated visit www.rushadventureland.com.au and its Facebook page.

Alex development almost complete

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$70 million development at Alexandra Headland is nearing completion, with work on Beach Life Alex recently topping out.

McNab began construction for Cube Developments in July last year and work looks set to be complete by the end of the year.

“This project has been incredibly important to the Sunshine Coast industry and the timing could not have been better in regards to providing certainty for our local trades and ensuring continuity of employment,” McNab construction manager Carl Nancarrow said of the Alexandra Pde development, which has created up to almost 200 jobs during construction.

“We’re pleased we have helped provide a significant economic injection to the local economy as the Sunshine Coast region emerges from the impacts of COVID-19. Despite the ongoing restrictions, the project is progressing well.”

Sales were positive, with only six out of the 57 apartments remaining.

“Most of our buyers are from the Sunshine Coast and can see great value in the location of Beach Life Alex, which boasts uninterrupted – and never-to-be-built-out – views of the ocean or lake views of Nelson Park to the west,” Cube Developments director Scott Juniper said.

The project has 57 two or three-bedroom apartments.

Visit www.beachlifealex.com.au.

Penthouse sale shows demand is still strong

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$1.7 million penthouse at Latitude Coolum Beach has been purchased by north Queensland buyers, showing the appetite for luxury property on the Sunshine Coast is alive and well.

The 247 sq m apartment is one of only seven in the boutique $8 million development on the corner of Frank St and Beach Rd. “We made the decision to start building Latitude Coolum Beach while much of Australia and the world was locking down due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Double R Projects director Ken Reed said. “Our commitment to keeping the economic wheels turning locally, combined with our confidence that luxury, beachside apartments would continue to be in high demand, were fundamental to our decision to proceed as planned.

“Like many in the property market at the moment, the penthouse buyers had long been considering a move to the Sunshine Coast and COVID-19 was the catalyst to make it happen."

North Shore Realty sales consultant Ben Thomson said the Sunshine Coast’s housing market was showing strong resilience, particularly with an increase in inquiries from Victoria and also south-east Queensland.

“About 50 per cent of our inquiries in the past month came from Victoria, which is indicative of how COVID-19 will continue to have far-reaching implications, well beyond the immediate impact of restrictions on the day-to-day lives of Victorians,” he said.

“There’s no doubt that many living in the southern states have their eye on the Sunshine Coast, and in particular in the townships north of the river.

Three three-bedroom apartments are still available at Latitude Coolum Beach. Visit www.latitudecoolum.com.au.

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REAL ESTATE SUNNY COAST TIMES

Property market maintains stability

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Parkour park takes shape T

he region’s first outdoor parkour facility is being built at Pelican Waters’ new island precinct.

The parkour circuit will be a feature of stage one of the 2ha activity park expected for completion early next year.

Other highlights will include feature lighting, sporting facilities and barbecue and picnic areas.

“This equipment is designed to unleash the inner ninja warrior in all of us,’’ Pelican Waters general manager of development Hamish Pressland says.

“The parkour sports park is in keeping with Pelican Waters’ philosophy of creating active spaces for all age groups in the

community. It’s a motivation for teenagers to put down the electronic devices and engage in some fun outdoor activity.

“We also see it as a great meeting place and a way of promoting interaction between generations.”

The Finnish-designed equipment promotes creative movement including climbing, jumping, swinging, balancing and vaulting.

The parkour zone is just one part of the grand Central Park currently under construction at the southern end of the estate, which will also include a marina and associated waterfront shopping and dining hub.

What’s my property worth?

Scan Here – QR Code or call Carmel on 0488 443 239

ueensland’s real estate market is continuing to defy predictions of property price falls as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic – and the Sunny Coast is leading the charge.

According to CoreLogic’s latest data for the April-June 2020 quarter, only two of the state’s 13 major regions recorded marginal price retractions (Cairns and Mackay). Sunshine Coast median house prices increased 1.7 per cent and 1.9 per cent in Noosa, while unit prices increased 1.2 per cent on the Sunshine Coast and an impressive 3.8 per cent in Noosa.

The median for the Sunshine Coast LGA is $605,000 for houses and $410,000 for units, while Noosa remains Queensland’s most expensive jewel in the crown with a median house price of $836,724 and median unit price of $715,000.

COVID-19 has accelerated interstate migration into Queensland, with predictions that a massive influx of Sydneysiders and Melburnians will make the move to the Sunshine State as border restrictions are eased.

“Interstate demand continues to strengthen in Queensland with the main drawcards being affordability, livability and the lifestyle on offer,” says Real Estate Institute of Queensland CEO Antonia Mercorella. “And while border restrictions haven’t stopped interstate buyers from snapping up properties sight unseen over the last few months, we anticipate this demand to surge in the coming year.”

While the property market is currently insulated thanks to wide range of monetary and fiscal policies that have been rolled out by both the Federal and State governments in an attempt to soften the blow to the broader economy, the biggest concern is the impact of job losses. This is likely to create some downward pressure on property values as income and borrowing capacity is limited and sentiment levels drop.

THINKING OF SELLING? No Obligation Property Appraisals Noosa to Maroochydore area

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“Carmel is extremely professional. She kept me informed every step of the way which was absolutely fantastic! Purchasing a home can be a very stressful time and she made the process as smooth as possible. I can't recommend her highly enough!” Buyer “I wish to commend Carmel for her professionalism and assistance with regard to selling my property. Carmel was always available when required and always had an attitude that she was there to help me and that she was working for me. It was a pleasure to have her sell my property and I will not hesitate to recommend her.” Vendor

Contact Carmel Fulton on 07 5373 5077 or 0488 443 239 www.tmestateagents.com.au

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OCTOBER 2020 SUNNY COAST TIMES

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SPORT

SUNNY COAST TIMES

Best foot forward

Leanne Burke from the Sunshine Coast Conservatory of Dance helping the tiny ballerinas be COVID-safe backstage

by REBECCA MUGRIDGE

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team of tiny Sunny Coast dancers have taken out a clean sweep of age champion prizes at the Sunshine Coast Dance Eisteddfod.

Dancers from Kuluin’s Sunshine Coast Conservatory of Dance won the six, seven, eight, nine and ten years and under categories at the event in September.

Conservatory director Karen Manley said she was so moved that her students were able to achieve the results in what has been a hard year for dancers everywhere.

“I think what’s really special about those kids winning the age champions is they came off a whole term of Zoom, of online classes, and they were able to step out in front of an adjudicator and perform,” she says. “Seeing those kids get up and do that, I was quite teary. It must be so hard for them.

They had lost that connection to going into the studio, being with their friends and having their teacher there.

“These kids that were able to get on stage and do their solos and win that age champion, it was such a credit to them. I was so proud of these kids.”

The studio has also taken out other dance awards and regional champion awards this year, including 10-yearold student Katelyn McCormick winning the prestigious Sunshine Coast Dance Eisteddfod Junior Bursary with a solo choreographed in-house by the studio’s award-winning teacher, Kelly Muscillo.

Student Maci Smith also won the Petite Championship in the Queensland finals for dance competition Get the Beat.

Karen says winning is amazing but is quick to point out that teaching dance is more than that.

Katelyn McCormick.

Image by Pointeshootlove Photography

Sunshine Coast Conservatory of Dance teacher and choreographer Allison Bunney leads a team-building exercise

Log on – it could save your life

by JOHN GASPAROTTO Caloundra Volunteer Coast Guard

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adio has always been the lifeline for boaties when things go wrong. Now thanks to more volunteers becoming base radio operators, Caloundra Coast Guard is now able to offer boaties extended hours of radio coverage.

“Our base radio station is now on air from 6am to 5pm seven days a week,” says Roger Pearce AFSM, commander of the Caloundra Coast Guard.

“Now that our radio room is operating on extended hours, we encourage all boaties to log on with us when they go on the water.

“Our call sign is ‘Coast Guard Caloundra’, and we are not there to keep tabs on what you are doing, but to help keep you safe while you enjoy your time on the water. If you are having difficulties while boating, we will always come to your assistance, but it helps if you have logged on with us in the first instance.”

The Caloundra Coast Guard has on-call duty skippers and crews to provide assistance 24 hours a day seven days a week in case of emergencies. But there is still a need for more radio operators to further expand its on-air coverage. Anyone wanting to become a base radio operator should contact the Calondra

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Sunshine Coast Conservatory of Dance’s tiny ballerinas

Veterans herald carnival success

L Caloundra Coast Guard base radio operator Sharon Auhl

Coast Guard on 5491 3533.

Rezember that coming to the assistance of a boat in difficulties is made much more difficult if you have not told anyone where you are going and when you will return.

So log in to the Caloundra Coast Guard via your radio on channel 73 on VHF set or Channel 91 on a 27mg set, or phone the Coast Guard on 5491 3533. It might just save your life.

ast month the Maroochy River Veterans staged their annual golf carnival – the 21st successive year the event has been held.

A total of 236 male and female golfers representing 34 clubs from Townsville in the north, Southport in the south and Toowoomba and Murgon in the west played under ideal conditions over two days.

The visitors were very complimentary of the Maroochy River facilities.

Winners: Thursday – Women: Division 1 Lyn Black (MR); Division 2 Hannah Anderson (MR). Men: Division 1 David Reid (MR); Division 2 Eric Edgeworth (Gailes); Division 3 Dave Carr (MR); Division 4 Andre Lusan (Meadowbrook).

Friday – Women: Division 1 Jan Porter (Mt Coolum); Division 2 Kay Campbell (Headland). Men: Division 1 David Dickson (MR); Division 2 Peter Grant (MR); Division 3 Jack Watson (Murgon); Division 4 Hugh McLaughlin (Hervey Bay).

36 holes – Women: Division 1 Jan Porter (Mt Coolum); Division 2 winner Margaret Yardley (MR). Men: Division 1 Tony Lambour (MR); Division 2 Eric Edgeworth; Division 3 David Carr (MR); Division 4 Andre Lusan (Meadowbrook).

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“The wins, the age champions, are lovely, but it is seeing that development of kids that is the most rewarding,” she says.

“It gives them confidence to be able to stand in front of a room and have that lovely eye contact – a sense of commitment, the ability to stick at something and be organised, and perseverance.

“Regardless of whether they go on to dance careers or not, a lot of them come in and they are really shy, or the confidence isn’t there and you work with them … and they blossom.

“We guide them, we nurture them, but ultimately they have to put the work in themselves and I think that is where, as a studio, we do well. We inspire them to work hard, even at home in their spare time. They are driven and want to do well; they want to succeed.”

Teamwork also makes the dream work and Karen is passionate about it. She says success comes from a great team at the Sunshine Coast Conservatory of Dance; her family, who have been behind her from the very beginning; and her students and their families.

“What we have achieved as a school is a team effort,” she says. “We have always instilled in the kids the need to do teams if they want to do the solos. We make sure that they do have that team environment as well and I think that has fostered a better culture. I am a big believer in that because you have got to have a sense of respect and support for each other in this industry.

“It is tough. It is a roller-coaster. A lot of highs and a lot of lows … so you must draw on the support for each other.”

Rugby club flicks the switch on new lights

Andrew Wallace with Scott Kidston and Cr Terry Landsberg at Caloundra Rugby Union Club

C Kelly Muscillo, Maci Smith and Karen Manley

Ailis McCarthy and Katelyn McCormick

Scarlett Bunney, Maci Smith, Aylah Burr, Ailis McCarthy and Katelyn McCormick

Ailis McCarthy, Ashlyn Brault and Katelyn McCormick

aloundra Rugby Union Club has officially switched on its new set of lights on its third field at Lighthouse Park.

The lights will allow the club to offer more nighttime training opportunities and keep its main pitch in better condition, as well as allowing for more participation for women and bringing new events for people in the community.

“This is a fantastic outcome for the rugby club and for the Caloundra community,” said the club’s marketing and business development officer Scott Kidston. “We are really grateful for the Federal Government coming through with this grant. We were a club that was at capacity, but this project now means that we can cater for the increased participation we are seeing in rugby on the Sunshine Coast.

“We’ve seen a massive increase in women’s participation in rugby in particular and having access to the third field after dark is now allowing us to provide a training space for everyone and not be as cramped as we have been.”

The lights were paid for with a $131,000 Federal Government grant and were by turned on by Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace Caloundra Rugby Union Club has more than 200 registered players. It hosts touring teams from as far afield as Japan. The club’s fields also host the nearly 1000 regular players of Caloundra’s Oztag association.

World champion sets new ocean goals

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tand-up paddleboard world champion Brianna Orams was planning a tilt at the 2020 Euro Tour before the onset of the COVID pandemic.

Now, the University of the Sunshine Coast environmental science student is using the lockdown to develop her Blue Carbon Project, which uses ocean-based sports as a platform for marine conservation.

When the pandemic began, the 19-year-old was in Bangkok completing an internship as part of her studies and training to compete in the 2020 SUP Euro Tour from April to July. She immediately returned to stay with family in New Zealand.

“I refuse to see the pandemic as a setback,” she says. “I didn’t feel prepared going into Euro Tour 2020 and needed time to knuckle down to learn how to properly train. COVID has given me that opportunity.

“As well as trying to suck it up and brave the cold Auckland weather and get out on the water a few times a week, I am also working to transform Blue Carbon Project into a reality.”

At her first event, Blue Explore, more than 50 people paddled out and planted 500 native grasses to help prevent coastal erosion and stabilise dunes at a marine reserve near Auckland.

“This project is really a fusion of my sport competing on the ocean and my USC environmental science studies,” says Brianna, who won gold at the SUP championships in China last year.

“Sport can bridge the gap between science and local communities, and I think that is what sets this project apart.

“There is a huge population of outdoorloving enthusiasts like me who really care about the places we compete at and enjoy for recreation, so why not use this to our advantage to promote the restoration of blue carbon environments as a pathway to a sustainable future.”

Brianna is a member of USC’s High Performance Student Athlete program and said the scheme was a massive support as she juggled online studies and an interrupted training schedule from “across the ditch”.

“The HPSA program offers me so many opportunities and without it I don’t believe I would be where I am today,” she says.

Under the guidance of USC Sports Clinic assistant Aaron Turner, Brianna is focusing on cross-training to avoid overuse injuries and maintain intensity without having races to break up her training blocks.

Brianna Orams on her stand-up paddleboard

Brianna says she’s not entirely sure where the Blue Carbon Project will lead, but plans to work with events in New Zealand and Australia to help them focus on climate positivity.

“The water sports community spends countless hours out on the ocean and sees first-hand the impact of issues such as plastic pollution, climate change and decreasing species abundance,” she says.

“Imagine the environmental benefits if every outdoor enthusiast lent a hand to plant a tree and restore blue carbon environments.”

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