Hello Sunshine | Autumn 2024 | HS14

Alsahwa Farm is an eco lifestyle destination inspired by nature that crafts moments, develops experiences and aims to be a source of inspiration for our community and beyond, promoting a sustainable and thriving future.

CULTIVATE YOUR LIFESTYLE AND AWAKEN YOUR WELLBEING AT ALSAHWA FARM.

Scan now for updates on our journey and enjoy the beauty of everlasting daisy seeds delivered right to your doorstep!

www.alsahwa.com

Editor’s Note

Welcome to our Autumn Abundance issue! It’s an apt cover line because, while pulling it together, I’ve been completely inspired by the sheer abundance of amazing things to experience in our own backyard

My autumn bucket list now includes booking a secluded treetop cabin at Secrets on the Lake to immerse myself in nature for a weekend; taking the kids for a staycation at Novotel Sunshine Coast and taking advantage of the kayak hire, bike hire, swimming pool, fish feeding, kids’ club and many other activities on offer; and visiting the Local Contemporary Art Prize 2024 exhibition at Caloundra Regional Gallery to be inspired by the diverse creative talent from our region.

I’ll also be heading along to Alsahwa Farm’s exciting opening weekend for regenerative farming events, talks and beekeeping workshops galore; booking a table at Dee Den on a chilly night for a dee-lightfully warming Asian fusion feast; and sampling as much locally sourced deliciousness as possible at Noosa Eat & Drink, The Curated Plate, and the many other food festivals happening over the coming months.

Phew! I hope you find plenty of inspiration within these pages and have fun crafting your own autumn adventures.

How lucky are we to live in such a special place?!

Rebecca Jamieson Dwyer Editor

Keep in touch with our e-newsletter: www.hellosunshinemag.com.au

WINTER DEADLINES

Bookings close: 10 May 2024

Art Deadline: 17 May 2024

hello@hellosunshinemag.com.au

www.hellosunshinemag.com.au

THE TEAM

DEB CARUSO

PUBLISHER + EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Deb has more than 30 years’ experience providing strategic communications and brand reputation advice to clients in the government, business and not-for-profit sectors. She started IN Publishing to connect the community through storytelling and is passionate about local businesses and hanging out with her boys John and Maximus.

ALI SMITH DESIGN + OPERATIONS MANAGER

Ali is our go-to girl when it comes to design, deadlines and digital. An experienced graphic designer with nearly 20 years’ experience in advertising, magazines and publishing, she brings creativity and efficiency to the team. When she’s not at her computer, you can find her on the water with her husband and three kids.

MICHELLE TAIT ACCOUNTS

Michelle has a Bachelor of Business plus 30+ years’ Admin experience in both private and government sectors. She loves all things local, has a creative flair as a handbag designer and is passionate about sustainable fashion. She loves exploring the region with hubby Ian and puppo Daisy aka “Pocket Rocket”.

JODIE CAMERON CONTRIBUTOR

Jodie is a city-turned-countryturned-coastal chick with a degree in Journalism & PR and a passion for events. Her 15+ years’ experience is diverse, including launching a macadamia nut farm! In her spare time, she’s beachside with her two tiny treasures and furry love Staffy x Red Cattle dog, Rudi.

PAUL BIRD PUBLISHER

Paul is the Publisher and co-Director of IN Publishing. He has enjoyed a successful career spanning almost 40 years working in media and corporate communications industries and more recently, in the profit-forpurpose charity and business sector as an Independent Director and Corporate Advisor.

REBECCA JAMIESON DWYER EDITOR

Rebecca is a writer, editor and communications consultant with a passion for connecting people and brands through storytelling. When she’s not writing or reading, you might find her moseying around cute hinterland towns, stomping along a forest track, or hanging out at the beach with her husband, two small kids and rascally sheepdog.

MILLIE ROBSON DESIGN

Millie recently completed a Bachelor of Design and now works as a freelance designer. After spending her youth across the UK, USA, and Australia, she has called the Sunshine Coast home for almost a decade. Naturally creative, Millie is passionate about graphic design and finds joy in sewing, cooking, and spending time at the beach.

JOHN CARUSO WRITER/PODCASTER/MC

After 30 years in radio, John now runs the Everyone Has a Story: Conversations from the Sunshine Coast and Noosa podcast and in between being our writer, delivery driver and event MC; he spends time with his first love, recording a daily Drive program for regional radio while also raising his son Maximus.

JAKKI GOODALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

With 30 years’ experience in Marketing, Advertising, Sales and Promotions and an MBA, Jakki loves to connect with and develop local businesses which can be seen through her position on the Executive of the Maroochydore Chamber of Commerce as well as other local networks.

CHLOE KNIGHT MARKETING INTERN

Chloe will soon graduate with a Business degree and Double Major in Marketing and Design from the University of the Sunshine Coast. She grew up surfing, skating and swimming and is fuelled by a love for market research and social media, plus an açaí bowl here and there. Chloe is eager to ride the next wave of innovation in the dynamic world of marketing.

MEGAN

CONTRIBUTORS

MATT GOLINSKI FOOD

A highly regarded chef with a passion for simple, produce-driven cuisine based on seasonal, fresh local ingredients. Matt is an active member of the Slow Food movement, a champion of artisan producers and a generous mentor to keen young chefs. When he’s not cooking up stories for Hello Sunshine Mag you’ll find him at food festivals and giving back to the many charities he supports.

ALLY CHUCK FASHION EDITOR

Stylist Ally Chuck has a certification in Styling from The Australian College of Professional Styling, brings a wealth of knowledge in trends and forecasting, and has years of experience managing busy retail stores. With her positive outlook, creative flair and lifelong passion for fashion, she loves working with the team to bring our fashion shoots to life by telling a story through clothes and accessories.

JON COGHILL GUEST WRITER

A musician, journalist and screenwriter, who learned to write songs with Powderfinger, spell and write sentences at the ABC, and make film from the internet. Together with his old Nambour High School mate, Dan Munday, he started Sunny Coast Showdown to foster a stronger film industry on the Sunshine Coast. Warning: Jon is deaf and slightly unhinged from drumming, both prerequisites for working at Hello Sunshine Magazine.

HELEN FLANAGAN TRAVEL + LIFESTYLE

Noosa’s sophisticated charm, vibrant food culture and the magnetism of a subtropical paradise surrounded by national parks inveigled Helen’s manic world and flipped it on its side. She pursues the good life with gusto, instinctively understanding the joys of travel, the art of storytelling, a candid review and surviving another reno whilst thriving on the motto: Live! Laugh! Love!

CARLIE WACKER WRITER + MC

Carlie has spent the last 30 years in the media and entertainment industry. She is a passionate storyteller and writer, event MC, ambassador for local businesses, owns her own fashion label, Wacker Clothing Company, and is dog-obsessed.

TONY COX DRINKS

After 25 years of sniffing, swirling, spitting and slurping various vinous temptations our drinks writer has decided that his future lies firmly planted on the consumption and storytelling side. Tony not only still enjoys consulting about wine and other beverages but is now part of the successful Kate Cox Real Estate Team at Reed & Co Noosa.

KATRINA THORPE WELLNESS

With qualifications and years of experience in health, wellness, beauty, management and business, culminating in the creation of the award-winning ikatan Spa, Katrina has a passion for everything relating to the wellness world and loves to share her knowledge, experience and research. She is an active member of our community with involvement in tourism and charity work.

NIKKI FOGDEN-MOORE LEADERSHIP

Proud local and lover of the outdoors Nikki is a highly regarded leadership expert, author, and speaker dedicated to empowering individuals to reach their peak performance and achieve optimal wellbeing. Nikki has earned a reputation as a trusted advisor to high-profile executives, entrepreneurs and athletes - and through her books, coaching programs and podcast, she assists others in finding balance, vitality and success in all aspects of life.

SUN PROTECTION WITH PURPOSE

4 Hours Water Resistant

Pba & Nano Particle Free

Oxybenzone & Octinoxate Free

Sustainably & Ethically Sourced Indigenous Australian Owned & Operated Cruelty Free

MORE THAN A MAGAZINE

Print | Digital | Social | Podcast | Events

We would like to acknowledge and pay respects to the traditional owners, the Kabi Kabi and Jinibara people, whose country we create on, and we would like to extend our respect to their elders, both past, present and emerging.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/PUBLISHER:

Deb Caruso, 0428 853 224 deb@inpublishing.com.au

PUBLISHER: Paul Bird

ADVERTISING: advertising@inpublishing.com.au

SUBSCRIPTIONS, EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS & DISTRIBUTION ENQUIRIES: hello@inpublishing.com.au

Unit 12/ 2-6 Focal Avenue, Coolum Beach PO Box 542, Noosa Heads Q 4567 www.hellosunshinemag.com.au

DISTRIBUTION: 20,000 printed copies available throughout the Sunshine Coast: Peregian to Caloundra and the hinterland, in locally designed and handcrafted magazine stands. Hello Sunshine Magazine is also supplied to local businesses and visitors through its tailored distribution process, including placement in key resorts.

Hello Sunshine Magazine is a free publication (subscriptions available) published four times per year by IN Publishing, a business of IN Noosa Magazine Pty Ltd (The Publisher). All rights are reserved and the contents are copyright and may not be reprinted without the express permission of The Publisher. IN Noosa Magazine Pty Ltd ATF Hello Sunshine Magazine, their related companies and officers hereby disclaim, to the full extent permitted by law, all liability, damages, costs and expenses whatsoever arising from or in connection with copy information or other material in this magazine, any negligence of The Publisher, or any persons actions in reliance thereon.

Any dispute or complaint regarding placed advertisements must be made within seven days of publication. Inclusion of any copy must not be taken as any endorsement by The Publisher. Views expressed by contributions are personal views and they are not necessarily endorsed by The Publisher.

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SPIRITED

Discover a wellness and farm retreat delivering unstructured wellness from the ground up.

IN appreciation!

Our sister publication, IN Noosa Magazine is celebrating 10 years of connecting the community through storytelling. We would like to thank all the local businesses that have supported us, the people who have shared their stories with us and the team members who have helped us grow.

HELLO

Including: Brett Mills, Harri Jones, Mark Webber, Amanda Yeates, Aldy Johnson, Matt Golinski, Rob Comiskey + more...

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SURPRISING

Live the resort life for the young and young at heart with daycation and staycation options at Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort.

58

SPIRITED

Meet the team redefining the experience at one of the region's oldest heritage hotels.

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108

SURPRISING SAVVY

Discover the quiet luxury of autumn tones, textures and accessories.

Discover the latest in tile trends, including love of the ledge!

BELLA BUBBLES

Event: Veuve Cliquot Champagne Tasting

Venue: Bella Venezia, Mooloolaba From the idyllic Champagne Garden at Bella Venezia on the Mooloolaba Esplanade to one of the finest Champagne houses in France, the Veuve Clicquot Champagne Summer Tasting Event guided guests through the artistry, nuances and exquisite flavours of NV Veuve Clicquot, NV Veuve Clicquot Rosé, and the breathtaking 2015 Vintage Veuve Clicquot. Every moment was about indulgence and sophistication, all served with delicious canapés. Cheers to that!

PHOTOS: MEGAN GILL

ENGAGING EDUCATION

Event: Engage & Elevate Business

Breakfast

Venue: Sunshine Beach Surf Club

The first Engage & Elevate business breakfast hosted by St Andrew’s Institute of Learning (SAIL) saw students, teachers and the business community come together for a morning of inspiration and learning. Big Wave Surfer, author, keynote speaker, mindset coach and Ocean Adventurer Mark Visser shared his insights with an engaged audience. See page 28 for more information!

PHOTOS: IAN WALDIE

Tag yourself and your friends at our events #hellosunshine @hellosunshinemag hellosunshinemag

SCULPTURAL CELEBRATIONS

Event: Sculpture on the Edge

IN38 LAUNCH

Event: IN Noosa Magazine

Summer launch

Venue: Netanya Noosa Resort

It was hot off the press and hot in Hastings Street for a luxe launch of IN Noosa Magazine’s summer edition at Netanya Noosa. Guests enjoyed creative cocktails with a cool iced tea collaboration between Sunshine & Sons and Tea Shop Noosa, as well as local treats, including sweets from Noosa Chocolate Factory! Tesla Transfers Noosa got us home safely after we welcomed summer and farewelled our Georgia on her overseas adventure!

PHOTOS: MEGAN GILL

Venue: Flaxton Gardens, Montville

From humble beginnings, Sculpture on the Edge has grown into an immersive arts festival with an 18-day program of local food, live music, artist talks, workshops, masterclasses and special events. With a prize pool of over $22,000, it attracted globallyrecognised artists from across Australia and around the world. Now in its 14th year, the Arts Connect Inc. event will return in 2024 - don’t miss it!

Send your event to hello@inpublishing.com.au

PHOTOS: BARRY ALSOP, EYES WIDE OPEN

JIN FULL Bloom

Moving to the Sunshine Coast was the creative catalyst for our cover artist Jasmine Veronique, who’s captivated by the wild beauty of all things floral, discovers Rebecca Jamieson Dwyer.

asmine Veronique’s bold, moody, sumptuous flowers might have you thinking she’s perfected her style over decades, but – although she’s been creative her entire life – Jasmine’s oil-painting practice and her career as a full-time artist is relatively new.

Growing up, her mother was an artist with a little studio and gallery on the Gold Coast, and Jasmine was surrounded by pots of paint, blank canvases and plenty of creative encouragement.

She studied a Bachelor of Animation at university, but found herself craving a more tactile outlet, which led her to dabble in painting portraits, animals and landscapes. However, those feelings took a back seat as she gave birth to a daughter and a son, and fully immersed herself in the beauty, joy and chaos of early motherhood.

In 2022, the family moved from Ipswich to the lush hinterland area of Ninderry, and something sparked in Jasmine.

Inspired by the landscape and the close-knit creative community of artists on the Sunshine Coast, she enrolled in a four-day oil painting workshop at Art School Co with founder Jess Le Clerc – and the rest is history.

“I’d never really been interested in still life before, but one day our task was to paint this bunch of flowers in a vase, and I thought, ‘I absolutely love this!’” she says. “My daughter is obsessed with flowers and is always picking them, so that really brought them into my consciousness.

“But I also realised that with flowers, as opposed to people or animals, you don’t have to depict them perfectly –instead you can relax and focus on developing a style that feels true to you.”

Jasmine now has a large, cohesive body of blooming beautiful work: opulent arrangements in vessels; flowers beside gorgeous faces (as seen on the piece chosen as our cover image, In the Waiting); and, more recently, native flora resplendent in its natural habitat –miraculously springing up from sand dunes, clustered together in a field, or caught just at that moment as the sun goes down, bathed in golden light.

She takes inspiration from photos she’s seen, places she’s been, and the beauty of the world around her.

“The natural world just provides that constant sense of wonder and grounding. I love how free it is; it’s eternally inspiring,” she says. “As kids, we were

outside exploring all the time, and I’m so thankful for that chance to cultivate an appreciation for nature. That’s helped shape my values for both my business and personal life, which are ‘beauty, freedom and wonder’.”

One of her recent works was selected as a finalist in the Local Contemporary Art Prize and on display at Caloundra Regional Gallery – a large canvas featuring the pink Pigface flowers from the native succulent that Jasmine saw

Rising Together

In the Waiting

The natural world just provides that constant sense of wonder and grounding. I love how free it is; it’s eternally inspiring.

blooming on the sand dunes as she walked on the beach one afternoon.

“I called it Dune Warden because the plant helps maintain the structure and integrity of the sand dunes,” she shares. “I saw them on one of my first beach walks after moving here, so it’s a special memory for me. I thought they were beautiful, but they also have this purpose of protecting the landscape, which is something that resonates with us all.”

Constantly refining her process thanks to the regular classes she attends at Art School Co, Jasmine has a huge notebook filled with inspiration images, sketches, colour studies and quotes that she’s always updating to keep her own creative garden flourishing.

Rather than diving head-first into her canvases, each artwork is carefully planned and executed.

“I’ll decide where I want the focus

to be and which colours I’ll be using, and then I’ll sketch out the whole thing, which means I’m less likely to get halfway through a work and decide that I don’t like the composition,” she explains. “That’s been a really big breakthrough for me.”

Since moving here, Jasmine has enjoyed connecting with the vibrant, eclectic arts community here, and feels supported and encouraged.

“There’s a broad spectrum of artists – young and old, professional and emerging – across lots of different mediums, and everyone is really happy to be part of the same community,” she says.

She was recently voted the People’s Choice at the 40 Under 40 Exhibition at Cooroy Butter Factory Arts Centre for her work Golden Hour – a painting symbolising “the opening possibilities of a new day” – an accolade that has fuelled her to work even harder at her craft, and put more beauty out into the world. In addition to being part of the Local Contemporary Art Prize on display at Caloundra Regional Gallery, Jasmine’s work will be featured at the Affordable Art Fair in Brisbane from 9-12 May as part of Yandina’s Stevens Street Gallery.

Creating art helps Jasmine feel increasingly connected to this special place she now calls home, and as her style develops, she feels compelled to move away from still life scenes and focus on the imperfect, resilient, wild beauty of native flora.

“This year, I want to bring more storytelling and a sense of place into my work,” she says.

We can’t wait to watch her creativity bloom! www.jasmineveronique.art

Wild Symphony

Golden Hour

THE LAND Awakening

Jo Walker has gone from working in the entertainment industry, mixing with rockstars to creating her own regenerative farm – educating others about the foundations of wellness starting with healthy soil, while giving back to the land. Rebecca Jamieson Dwyer visits the magical Alsahwa Farm in Verrierdale to discover all that’s on offer.

Cockatoos squawk overhead, kangaroos bound across undulating hills, and the leaves from hundreds of macadamia trees rustle gently in the breeze. Welcome to Alsahwa Farm, nestled in the Noosa hinterland.

This 100-year-old macadamia farm has been recently transformed by Jo Walker, an ex-entertainment industry executive who had an epiphany while staying at a wellness retreat in 2018 and decided to radically change her life, moving to Noosa from Melbourne and pivoting into the world of wellness.

But Alsahwa Farm isn’t predominantly about massages, meditation and ice baths (although these things will be part of its offering in the future) –it’s founded on the philosophy of

‘unstructured wellness’, a term coined by Jo herself.

“Unstructured wellness is something that’s accessible to us all – you don’t have to be in a retreat to experience it,” she shares. “You can immerse yourself in a forest, ground yourself by walking in bare feet, practise yoga by a lake, or connect with nature in another way.”

The core element of unstructured wellness, however, is literally an element: earth.

The soil beneath our feet is so commonplace, it’s easy to forget we depend on it for our food.

“Healthy soil is the key to everything,” says Jo. “It enables us to grow healthy, organic food, so we can nourish and fuel

our bodies without chemicals.

“Moving your body through exercise and practising mindfulness are vital elements of wellness, but the foundation of health always comes back to the soil.”

Alsahwa has been three-and-a-half years in the making, with Jo putting her heart and soul into the property. A huge focus has been joining forces with local wildlife and wilderness groups to regenerate the area by planting over 1,000 trees.

“We’re joining different sections of the farm to our existing koala corridor for koalas and other animals to move safely and freely,” she says.

Elsewhere on the farm, the team have added beehives that are producing a

unique blend of Alsahwa Farm honey; an organic kitchen veggie garden; the Secret Garden where you can meditate and plant a tree; and a stunning lookout with vistas over the hills, the perfect spot to enjoy a locally-sourced picnic as the sun sets.

The farm also has a permanent ‘flagship’ farm store at Eumundi Square Markets where the team sells Alsahwa Farm honey, herbs, plants, a selection of beautiful lifestyle books, and Alsahwa macadamias.

Alsahwa Farm officially opens on Saturday 27 April, with an exciting launch weekend packed with activities that give a taste of everything that’s on offer, including a beekeeping workshop; eco living workshop; a community tree planting; Terra Firma Dining

Masterclass; a community film screening of actor and farmer Rachel Ward’s film Rachel’s Farm followed by a Q+A with her and other likeminded regenerative farming personalities - and lots more.

There will also be other big names in the farming world, such as the woman Jo describes as “the godmother of Australian permaculture”, Robin Clayfield, who will be running an Introduction to Permaculture workshop; and friend of Alsahwa, eighth-generation farmer and regeneration advocate Charlie Arnott who will be running a two-day Introduction to Biodynamics workshop.

“It’s funny, because I used to idolise performers, but now I idolise regenerative farmers; they’re the real rockstars to me,” Jo says.

Young and old, everyone is welcome to attend the opening weekend, and Jo is looking forward to a vibrant community of like-minded people growing around the farm as it spreads its roots and begins to flourish.

Jo has big plans for the future, with an eco-wellness farmstay retreat currently in development. This will provide boutique accommodation for couples, singles and groups, and combine curated activities such as Breath, Fire and Ice workshops incorporating breathwork, infra red sauna and ice bath; massages, facials and other standard wellness offerings, with regenerative farming experiences, helping visitors connect with mind, body and planet.

The name Alsahwa comes from the ancient word meaning ‘the awakening’, which is something that resonates deeply with Jo and the way she sees the world.

“I always say some people are awake,

...now I idolise regenerative farmers; they’re the real rockstars...

and some people are still asleep, but we meet people at different stages of their journey,” she says. “We want to take people on a journey of conscious thinking that encompasses sustainability, holistic wellness and regeneration of the earth.”

Just like a closed-loop farming system creates healthy soil, Alsahwa coming to life is a bit of a full-circle moment for Jo.

Essentially, she’s created the space she was craving all those years ago.

“I always tell my friends who are still in the entertainment industry, ‘Guys, I’m creating this for you, for all of us,’” she says.

She hopes that everyone will feel welcome to visit and immerse themselves in this special place.

“Whoever you are and whatever your background, we can’t wait to welcome you to Alsahwa Farm and help you create that deep connection with the earth, your food and yourself.”

WANT MORE?

Alsahwa - Mind. Body. Planet. Official Opening long weekend

Saturday 27 - Tuesday 30 April Workshops, tree planting, community film screening and much more. For booking information, sign up at www.alsahwa.com or follow @alsahwafarm for more

PHOTOS:

Jo planting her first tree on the property alongside Queensland Koala Crusaders.

ELECTRIC Avenue

Rock on down to Sunshine Coast Turf Club to experience the electric vibes of The Avenue – a Palm Springsinspired pink-and-green oasis of eats, sips, live music and fun times that’ll have you eagerly racing back for another visit, discovers Rebecca Jamieson Dwyer.

You might have attended previous Race Days at Sunshine Coast Turf Club, but we can guarantee you haven’t experienced anything quite like The Avenue!

This stunning new space has been meticulously designed for maximum wow factor: think pink decor, lush greenery galore, arched arbours for the perfect Race Day photo, live music, Fashions on the Field competitions, and culinary delights that’ll keep the good vibes flowing all day long.

Not only will this new area blow you away in the style stakes and elevate your racing experience, but admission is included with ANY ticket on feature race days – making it easier than ever to glam up, soak up your surroundings, enjoy quality entertainment, and make everlasting memories with your crew!

The Avenue will come alive on four not-to-be-missed feature Race Days of music, racing and fun in 2024: the 91.1

Hot FM Ladies Oaks Day on Friday 31 May; Caloundra Cup Day on Saturday 6 July; Melbourne Cup on Tuesday 5 November; and Mooloolaba Cup Day on Saturday 16 November.

First up, don’t miss the 91.1 Hot FM Ladies Oaks Day on Friday 31 May – a Race Day that combines the lively ambience of a festival with a passion for fashion and the thrill of thoroughbred racing! Revel in The Avenue’s thrilling atmosphere, courtesy of live music from Super Disco Club on the Main Stage, along with top DJs Emma Peters and Jake Webb who’ll keep the party going all afternoon and well into the evening.

Fancy being a VIP for the day? Join fellow merrymakers at the exclusive Red Hot Garden Party in The Establishment, which boasts luxuries including premium indoor-outdoor seating, trackside views, diverse bars, a food truck park with two vouchers, and intimate performances by Emma Peters and Jake Webb.

Or up the luxury stakes by booking your very own VIP Cabana within the Garden Party – a vibrant, open-air mini marquee for 10 people, with comfortable trackside seating on The Rails plus two bottles of G.H Mumm Champagne to toast your winning experience!

“The 91.1 Hot FM Ladies Oaks Day is one of our stand-out events for the year, and we’re so excited to be introducing members and attendees to the beauty of The Avenue and all it has to offer,” says Taryn Delaney, Marketing and Events Manager at Sunshine Coast Turf Club.

“From the Fashions on the Field competition showcasing the most gorgeous and creative looks, to the

endlessly delicious eats and drinks on offer and the amazing lineup of live music from world-class talent, we know it’s going to be an event that goes down in Turf Club history!”

Taryn was previously at Flemington Victoria Race Club before making the move to Queensland with her young family, and has been collaborating with interior and event stylist Melanie Barone of The Style Dispensary – who she previously joined forces with at Flemington – for all Sunshine Coast Turf Club’s space designs and activations.

“Melanie’s an absolute creative force, and I love collaborating with her,” Taryn says. “Not only is Sunshine Coast Turf Club currently the world’s busiest grass track, with more races per year than any other, but it’s now one of the most exciting in terms of the stunning spaces and the variety of entertainment and events on offer!

“The SCTC team have worked hard to build this beautiful space, and we can’t wait to share it with people.”

It’s fair to say that Sunshine Coast Turf Club is off and racing for stylish celebrations in 2024! Giddy up!

DON’T MISS THESE KEY EVENTS AT SCTC

31 May - 91.1 Hot FM Ladies Oaks Day

6 July - Caloundra Cup Day

18 August - Noosa Cup Day

5 November - Melbourne Cup

16 November - Mooloolaba Cup Day

Sunshine Coast Turf Club

170 Pierce Avenue, Caloundra

Bookings: www.sctc.com.au

TIME FOR A

Showdown

It’s time to shine the spotlight on the Sunshine Coast’s creative community! Jon Coghill announces the winners for this year’s Sunny Coast Showdown and previews what’s in store for Showfest 2024.

Six local filmmakers have won the chance of a lifetime, with their film and TV projects going into production with the Sunny Coast Showdown presented by Bendigo Community Bank (Marcoola, Cooroy, Tewantin-Noosa).

The not-for-profit talent incubator offers local writers, producers and filmmakers the chance to win funding, support and mentoring to produce their own film and TV ideas.

Founded by myself and fellow Nambour High schoolmate Dan Munday, who has delivered reality productions

including the global Survivor series, Sunny Coast Showdown is run by a handful of volunteers and screen professionals who want to establish a viable and sustainable film and TV industry on the Coast.

It’s possible due to the support of the Sunshine Coast Screen Collective, patrons and sponsors who want to see a film and television industry develop and take off in the region. We’re now in our third year, and are proud to say that we are still uncovering new talent, and plenty of it. This year, we had more than 90 submissions and we can’t wait to uncover the next wave of storytellers.

LIGHTS! CAMERA! LUNCH!

Scripted category winner Josh Gannon from Eudlo won one of three scripted categories this year with his horrorcreature-feature script Lured

“Last year I helped to grip and gaff on the Showdown films, and to go from that to writing and directing my own short film is a dream come true,” Josh said.

Writer and former federal cop, Stephen Walker, is a second-time winner of Sunny Coast Showdown and says his career has benefitted hugely due to the experience.

Join Sunny Coast Showdown founders Jon Coghill and Dan Munday for an intimate and inspiring afternoon exploring the emerging film industry on the Sunshine Coast. Share in the journey of how two mates from Nambour High School went on to become a global rockstar as the drummer for Powderfinger and four-time Emmy nominee for work on hit TV show Survivor – and what led to them starting Sunny Coast Showdown.

Hosted by Hello Sunshine Magazine’s John Caruso, presenter of Everyone Has a Story: Conversations from the Sunshine Coast & Noosa podcast, enjoy an engaging conversation and Q&A session in the deliciously award-winning Bella Venezia Mooloolaba.

FRIDAY 21 JUNE, 12 NOON

Bella Venezia Mooloolaba, 95 Mooloolaba Esplanade

Tickets: $125 per person, including three courses, scintillating conversation and a welcome drink on arrival.

There will be raffles with sensational prizes and all funds raised will go back to the not-for-profit Sunny Coast Showdown to help build a bigger, better film industry on the Sunny Coast.

To book, scan the QR code or visit www.hellosunshinemag.com.au

Stephen Walker

John Caruso

Dan Munday

Jon Coghill

“Being selected last year for this unique opportunity was a game changer for me,” Stephen said. “My confidence as a writer has grown too, in fact, I write most days. I am working with several groups of writers and individuals on a range of projects, as well as my scripts. This confidence and experience has also led to me being accepted into the Screen Queensland Writers Write program.”

Stephen has this year put his hand up to direct his winning comedy, Stiffs

“I’m equal parts scared and excited as we now move into pre-production,” he said. “It’s hard to imagine that production quality will improve from last year, but it already feels like the bar has been raised.”

Indigenous writer and actor Beverley Marcusson said she was shocked to win the First Nations category.

“I didn’t think I could do such a thing, but once I started writing, Pearl (the main character of her film Smiley) started coming alive,” she said.

Beverley said Showdown was important to emerging writers and filmmakers, especially First Nations creatives.

see me doing it they might think, ‘wow, I can do that,’” she said.

Coolum’s Emma Morgan is studying Creative Industries at UniSC as a matureaged student and was overwhelmed that her comedy drama script, The Hoist, about a local bush dance going wrong, won in the scripted category.

“I’m still in that pinch-me moment, because I find this unbelievable. I’m excited someone actually read my script and saw something in it,” she said. “It’s allowed me to realise it’s never too late to start something you love and to present what I can give to the world. You just have to seize the opportunity.”

Freelance producers Kim Ingles and Julia Lörsch won one of two unscripted categories with their documentary The Art Side of the Moon, which follows the story of the Odysseus Lunar Lander.

They said they were thrilled and that they entered because it’s a unique opportunity to have their story supported and brought to life; plus they get to work and connect with other local creatives.

Sunny Coast Showdown is now in pre-production stage, with the finished

SHOWDOWN FINALISTS OF 2024

Presented by Bendigo Bank Community Bank Sunshine Coast

SCRIPTED WINNERS:

The Hoist, Emma Morgan - comedy/drama

Lured, Josh Gannon - horror

Stiffs, Stephen Walker - comedy

INDIGENOUS WINNER: Smiley, Beverley Marcusson - comedy/drama

UNSCRIPTED WINNERS:

Rustworthy, Elsie Bowditch - automotive/ lifestyle/educational

The Art Side of the Moon, Kim Ingles and Julia Löersch - documentary

SHOWFEST FILM & TV FESTIVAL

Friday 21 June

SHOWFEST x Hello Sunshine Magazine Lights! Camera! Lunch! Bella Venezia, Mooloolaba

SHOWFEST x Hot 91 Mobile Phone Film Festival, make-your-own-2-min-film competition

Saturday 22 June

SHOWFEST x Showdown Showcase, Sunny Coast Showdown winning films at The MET, Maroochydore. Red carpet outdoor cinema and VIP event.

More details and events are to be confirmed.

Tom Gleeson

STAYIN’ ALIVE & In Gear

Excite the senses, kick up your heels and enjoy Noosa Alive! a world-class razzle dazzle cocktail of arts and culture, writes

Ten days of unquestionable Festival Fever like no other, is the promise.

With sun and song in your heart, love, laughter and taste buds piqued, this years’ festival from Friday 19 to Sunday 28 July will have arts and culture lovers in a whirl and spoilt for choice.

The Festival is now in its 22nd year, and with acclaimed director Ian Mackellar once again at the helm, the program will offer a broad spectrum of events.

All the things the Festival is famous for - breathtaking live shows, thoughtprovoking forums, and mind-tingling eye-catching performances, sensational food, film and wine events.

Helen Flanagan

Think dance, ballet, opera and classical music; theatre, circus, magic and stand-up comedy; long lunches, brunches and dinners; fascinating literary events, popular Seaside Vibes dance parties, and all with the stunning backdrop of Noosa. Naturally.

Sure to hit the high notes is the festival’s headliner, comedian extraordinaire Tom Gleeson. The Hard Quiz Overlord, Taskmaster host and Gold Logie winner has taken the Big Brass Mug on the road for the past two years with Hard Quiz Live

He has performed at every major comedy festival in the world, been nominated for a Helpmann Award three

“...I’m looking forward to getting back to doing what I do best. Poking and provoking a live crowd.”

– Tom Gleeson

times, won the Gold Logie for the Most Popular Personality on Australian television and now he’s giving Noosa audiences an opportunity to see a master stand-up at work with his brand-new live show, Gear

“Stand up is my specialty,” says Tom. “Television is a beautiful distraction but I’m looking forward to getting back to doing what I do best. Poking and provoking a live crowd.”

He must be ok at it winning Best Comedy Performer, AACTA Awards 2022; and Best Comedy at Adelaide Fringe Festival 2020 and Perth Fringe World 2019.

Don’t miss the chance to watch this gold-plated, comedy superstar live!

What is not to love about an opening night especially when it features an amazing performance by the worldrenowned Opera Divas at the J Theatre?

And better be quick to book Twilight Classics on Noosa Main Beach two nights later. It promises to be a much soughtafter event, offering dinner, live chamber music and three outstanding vocalists, two sopranos and a tenor.

Pulling more than rabbits out of their hats will be two internationally acclaimed, truly astounding magicians for a series of intimate up-close and personal experiences, including the inside know-how of amazing your friends. Tim Ellis who has been chosen three times to represent Australia on the Jury at the FISM World Championships will perform Timeless Magic - an exclusive stage performance for Noosa Alive! And Harry Milas will invite an intimate number of guests to share some incredible ‘sleight of hand’ magic, where he reveals (shhh) some of his magical secrets! There will only be a handful (literally, five) of the Up Close Experience sessions with a limit of 40 guests per event - so be quick as opportunities will disappear.

Love a bit of Agatha Christie, known throughout the world as the Queen of

Crime as the best-selling novelist in history?

A great who dunnit theatre improv-production Murder Village, will see the audience choose the suspects, the weapon and setting, in this laugh-aminute spoof.

Noosa Alive! would never be the same without intimate performances by the Queensland Ballet and audiences will be thrilled with their latest World Premiere performances; and similarly irresistible MEOW MEOW! returning with theatre royalty John Bell AO and piano virtuoso Simon Tedeschi, together for an unmissable one-andonly performance.

Junkyard Beats, renowned for their dynamic rhythm shows, will present The Box Show of high-energy routines including drumming, body percussion, dance, junk percussion, circus and hilarious skits. The family-friendly show is inspired by everyday life, created from recycled junk, filled with imagination, humour, lots of rhythm and performed by loveable characters. During the 10 days of the Festival, watch out for the Junkyard Beats where you least expect, with pop-up zany snippets of their funky performances.

Noosa Alive! 2024 offers an eclectic array of events and performances over 10 days and nights from Friday 19 to Sunday 28 July, with an emphasis on accessible ticket prices to suit all budgets and of course most tastes. The full program will be announced early April with ticket sales direct from the website for a more streamlined, booking fee-free process. We can’t wait!

NEED TO KNOW MORE?

NOOSA ALIVE! 2024

FRIDAY 19 JULY - SUNDAY 28 JULY 2024

For all events, including the announcement of two additional performances for the Queensland Ballet, be sure to sign up for the latest information via the website. www.noosaalive.com.au

Queensland Ballet

BOOK YOUR NEXT FUNCTION

REACHING NEWHeights!

It was “Hello Sunset” for our summer launch party, which reached new heights in the Maroochydore City Centre.

We love bringing our clients together to celebrate the birth of another edition of Hello Sunshine Magazine, particularly when it’s in a stunning new venue such as Altitude Nine in the Maroochydore City Centre.

Situated at the top of Sunshine Coast Council City Hall with sweeping views over Maroochy River and the hinterland, Altitude Nine puts you on Cloud Nine!

The multi-purpose venue is conveniently located in the emerging City Centre and is the perfect space for weddings, celebrations, seminars and more with super friendly staff, an on-site commercial kitchen, a full service bar and professional events team.

We sipped on a cool iced tea cocktail collaboration by Sunshine & Sons and Tea Shop Noosa, as our guests got into the giving spirit with donations to the SunnyKids’ Save a Life Tonight initiative as well as gifting goodies for fellow business owners to win.

We love our Hello Sunshine community!

PHOTOS:MEGAN GILL

A CLEVERCartel

Deb Caruso meets the brilliant minds behind the good times.

If you have ever enjoyed a meander around the markets, frocked up for a fundraiser, enjoyed a festival for furry friends or enjoyed free, live music, chances are you have the Cartel to thank.

Not ‘the’ Cartel, but a professional event management and music booking agency, Cartel Music & Events. These creators of cool are the quiet achievers delivering good times across the region with more than 220 events annually, including 10 major events and up to nine weekly markets, rain, hail or shine!

Not only are they the largest provider of community events across the region but they have raised over $1 million for various Charity and Not-For-Profit partners over the last decade.

It’s no surprise that these activation specialists also have the largest database and network of microbusinesses in the industry - talk about a Cartel with connections!

For founder Lea Bye the events they don’t do are just as important as the ones they do.

“A key part of our approach is to apply our experience and understanding of the marketplace to develop an event that will

resonate and deliver,” she said.

“Whether it’s introducing a new market, executing a festival or designing a black-tie fundraiser, ensuring that the event is needed and necessary and stacks up from an economic, social and environmental viewpoint is key.”

With event partners ranging from the Sunshine Coast and Noosa Councils to various chambers of commerce and not-for-profit associations and charities, Cartel Music and Events brings extensive experience to a broad range of events, festivals and activations.

Amongst the highlights from 2023 and in the planning stages for 2024 are:

A Dog’s Life: Pet Expo; Feast Fest: World Food Fair; Good Vibrations Retro & Vintage Festival; Namba Street Fair as part of The Curated Plate; Mooloolaba Foreshore Festival; Multicultural Moon Festival, Mooloolaba; Peregian Beach & Coolum Beach Christmas Carols; and EARTH, a new Sustainable Living Expo to launch Plastic Free July as part of Village Vibes for The Village Peregian Beach.

Watch this space as the Cartel are coming at you with good times galore in 2024!

COMING UP!

Cartel Music & Events are always cooking something up! Here’s what’s on the radar:

FEAST FEST: WORLD FOOD FAIR

Celebrate diverse cultures with live entertainment and an explosion of global flavours - culinary adventures await!

Saturday 30 March, 12pm-8pm.

Brouhaha Baringa, 1 Edison Cr, Baringa

GOOD VIBRATIONS RETRO & VINTAGE FESTIVAL

Celebrate all things yesteryear - classic cars, retro tunes, vintage fashion & finds, old-school entertainment.

Friday 3 & Saturday 4 May, 12pm-8pm.

Jack Morgan Park, Coolum Beach.

www.cartelmusicandevents.com.au

Creating Community Activations Across the Coast

Cartel Music and Events team

NAMBOUR TWILIGHT MARKETS

Discover a world of culinary delights, captivating art, and rhythmic beats! An enchanting experience filled with food, art & music.

Second Friday of every month, 4.30-8.30pm Short Street, Nambour @nambourtwilightmarkets

HARVEST FARMERS’ MARKET - BARINGA

Join us for coffee & brunch in Baringa to restock your pantry with farm fresh produce. A weekly gathering celebrating local growers, creators, and bakers!

Every Saturday, 7am-12midday

1 Edison Cr, Baringa @harvestfarmersmarkets

SALTY SATURDAYS COOLUM BEACH

Enjoy a salty swim and sandy soles with delicious food trucks and market stalls, free live music and entertainment plus the always-popular local’s bar.

Second Saturdays, 3-8pm

Jack Morgan Park, Coolum Beach @saltysaturdayscoolumbeach

MARKETS PROUDLY PRESENTED

BARINGA TWILIGHT MARKETS

Join us for a night of fun with beers, beats and eats at one of the Sunshine Coast’s most family-friendly venues, Brouhaha Baringa.

Third Friday of every month, 4.30-8.30pm Brouhaha, 1 Edison Cr, Baringa @baringatwilightmarkets

MOOLOOLABA SUNSET MARKETS

Enjoy coastal vibes as the sun sets over beautiful Mooloolaba Beach. It’s a food-lovers paradise with 50+ stalls of global flavours and local creators!

Every first and third Saturday, 5-9pm Mooloolaba Esplanade @mooloolabasunsetsmarket

PEREGIAN BEACH MARKETS

Enjoy breakfast and browsing by the seaside with 100+ stalls where everything is handmade, ethical, and sustainable.

Every first and third Sunday, 7.30am-12.30pm

Peregian Park, Peregian Beach @peregianmarkets

COTTON TREE MARKETS

Your local market on the beach side of Maroochydore since 1984, the Cotton Tree Markets feature 70+ local artisans, designers and unique and creative works.

Every Sunday, 7am-12midday

King Street, Cotton Tree @cottontreemarkets

A card reader to suit every business

POS Lite + Air

Transform your checkout and enjoy free integrated POS software without monthly costs.

Air

An affordable EFTPOS terminal that pairs with your smartphone. Its long battery life makes it a great option for busy venues.

AMAZE-ING Businesses

Sunshine Coast Business Award winners, sponsors and supporters came together for a Cocktail Party to celebrate the 2023 efforts and look forward to 2024, as Deb Caruso discovered.

Adam, Robyn and the team from Amaze World opened the gates to fellow Sunshine Coast Business Award winners, sponsors and supporters at the newly-refurbished venue.

The Amaze-ing team showed why they were awarded 2023 Business of the Year as well as the Large Business category winner for Experiences in 2022 and 2023.

Preparations are already underway for 2024 with applications and nominations opening in May! We’re proud to again sponsor and support such a great program.

KEY DATES FOR 2024

Sunshine Coast Business Awards 2024

2 May: Business Breakfast Launch. Nominations and Applications open

May-June: Information Sessions, including live online Q&A session

26 August: Applications close

19 September: Finalists announced

2-4 October: Finalist interviews

10 October: Finalist’s Masterclass and Cocktail Event

9 November: Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony

For more details, including categories, visit www.sunshinecoastbusinessawards.com.au

PHOTOS: BARRY ALSOP, EYES WIDE OPEN

the Sum

OF IT

SumUp provides fast, affordable payment systems for small businesses – making it easier than ever to get paid wherever, whenever. Rebecca Jamieson Dwyer discovers how this global brand, based right here on the Sunshine Coast, is making business better in 2024.

When you run your own business, you want to do things your way. That’s why SumUp offers a range of options for even the smallest of operators, including remote card readers and in-store point of sale systems, as well as digital payment solutions such as invoices, gift cards, payment links and more.

This means that whether you run a market stall, a food truck, pop-up store, hair salon or a bricks-and-mortar retail store, you can connect with and service your customers easily – something that’s increasingly important in this progressively cash-free era.

Trisha Stephens is the owner of Noosabased Tutu for You – a tutu-hire business for young ballerinas.

As well as her store in Noosaville, Trisha travels to competitions around the country, and switched to SumUp because the previous payment system she was

using just wasn’t up to scratch.

“I saw lots of adverts on social media for SumUp and thought, ‘this has to be better than what we’re using,’” she says.

“The previous system was slow and unreliable, whereas SumUp is really easy to use and never lets us down.

“And the fee structure is much more beneficial as well – the system is much cheaper than others that are around at the moment!

“We have the Point Of Sale Lite system in store, and we take the Air EFTPOS Terminals on the road when we travel to shows. Getting set-up was relatively simple, and our staff quickly got used to using a new system.

“The support from SumUp has been great – they’ve pointed out a few things to us that have made the whole process go really smoothly.”

As well as the affordable cost, Trisha loves the flexibility that comes from

using the SumUp system.

“It connects to our mobiles so we can use it anywhere and everywhere, and we can even send payment links to clients via their phone numbers,” she says.

“We’ve been recommending it to other businesses.

“It proves that you don’t need to be locked into using a specific device just because it’s the most popular.”

Millions of businesses around the globe use SumUp – SumUp believes that every business should have access to affordable, easy-to-use payment solutions, no matter their size.

They don’t charge monthly fees and the transaction fees are currently lower than competitors, making them the smart option for savvy business owners looking to upgrade payment systems and take their business to the next level.

When you do the sums, it pays to use SumUp!

PHOTOS: IAN WALDIE

OPPORTUNITY! Ahoy,

Ahigh school with an entire unit dedicated to research and innovation may not seem so extraordinary in today’s era of schools that buzz with the hum of an uber professional, contemporary business.

St Andrew’s Institute of Learning (SAIL), however, is extraordinary.

For its impact, its longevity and for the multi-layered difference it’s been making to teachers, students, learning communities and the field of education since 2016.

Sporting an entirely appropriate acronym that conjures up opportunity, adventure and dreams of future horizons, SAIL is the research and innovation hub at St Andrew’s Anglican College, Peregian Springs.

Led by Tim Barrett and a small team of directors, SAIL aims to challenge, impact and inspire efforts in research, collaboration and innovation at a local, national and global level.

It’s all about contributing to discussions on education and offering ongoing professional learning to staff and the broader educational community.

SAIL has four project areas: research; professional development; personal capacity building; and partnerships.

Meet the school empowering its students to fulfil their personal capacity, their way. Bec Marshall discovers a unique approach that prepares the whole person to live their best life beyond the classroom.

“SAIL inputs into the professional development of our teachers, which ultimately has flow-on benefits for our students,” Mr Barrett said.

“We take research and translate it into our specific context, ensuring what we are putting our time and energy into is meaningful for learning. We also conduct our own research and regularly present at various conferences, including The Australian Council for Education Leaders Conference and the Anglican Schools Australia Conference.

“This input into education extends beyond the Sunshine Coast to numerous partner schools around the globe that collaborate on projects and conduct staff and student exchanges.

“We love the fact that we are part of shaping the bigger picture of education and preparing students for their futures.”

That’s a nice segue into one of SAIL’s flagship initiatives, the Personal Capacity Transcript

Delivered to all Secondary students and their families for the first time last year alongside their academic transcript, it sets St Andrew’s apart in the quest to capture the individual involvement, passion and achievements of each student.

“In simple terms, personal capacity is the knowledge, skills and capabilities that promote effective management of self, relationships and learning,” Mr Barrett said.

“We know universities and employers are looking at more than just grades or an ATAR these days. They are looking at the whole person. The Personal Capacity Transcript tracks all the previously unreportable traits of students outside of the traditional exam results or generic statements on report cards.

“Things like courage, service learning, entrepreneurship and financial literacy, critical and creative thinking, intercultural and ethical understanding, and awareness and management of self and others.

“Students provide evidence meeting these credits which are tracked and visualised through a dashboard.

“So, when they apply for jobs or go out into the real world, employers and universities have a better and more holistic understanding of the entire person.

“We believe we are the only school that is currently reporting on personal capacity in this way.”

SAIL is hosting a new series of business breakfasts in 2024 to give students the

PHOTO: IAN WALDIE

St Andrew’s Anglican College Captains and Sport Stream Future Ambitions students enjoyed meeting and hearing from Mark Visser at the Breakfast.

chance to network with business owners and gain insights from the life experiences, challenges and triumphs of accomplished leaders across diverse industries.

And who better to launch the series than Mindset Coach Mark Visser?

The big wave surfer, ocean adventurer and epic breath-holder with close ties to St Andrew’s was the guest speaker at SAIL’s very first Engage and Elevate event in March.

“These events are great because they tie into SAIL, our focus on personal capacity and really just highlight our ethos as a college of helping to prepare students to be the best they can for life beyond school,” event organiser and St Andrew’s Head of Community Development Jaclyn Oudejans said.

“And that means helping them understand the business world, learning how to network and seeing and experiencing things they don’t see inside the classroom.

“The breakfasts provide the opportunity to learn from people within our community, to talk to adults and people from industries they may want to join – or not.”

Better still, the events are open to

everyone in the community.

The breakfast series and SAIL link in with the new Future Ambitions program, another way St Andrew’s is going to impressive lengths to support the whole student.

Launched at the end of last year, it provides students who don’t fit inside the curriculum box with a pathway to stay in school and still follow their dreams and passions.

Secondary students go through an application process to be accepted, and they have to demonstrate six months of commitment to a project in key categories such as academic, sport, music or entrepreneurship.

“We have had about 50 students sign up to Future Ambitions so far,” Jaclyn said. “It’s about supporting those students who have passions outside of the curriculum with another pathway to achieve their personal capacity.

“Our biggest category is sport, so we provide our students who are elite athletes with alternative timetabling to fit in around their training as well as access to mentors, additional programs like a performance breathing workshop, and guest speakers.

“Another popular category is

entrepreneurship. A lot of our students run their own successful businesses, there are some students making some serious money.

“They identify areas where they need help to grow, it might be marketing or they might need a mentor, and then we put them in contact with a business mentor or a course to assist.”

The work of St Andrew’s SAIL staff has been recognised in research papers, conference presentations and in the 2019, 2020 and 2021 Australian Educator Awards, winning Best Co-Curricular Program.

Find out more at www.sail.qld.edu.au

DIARY DATES

ENGAGE AND ELEVATE 2024 EVENTS:

Thursday 16 May 7am to 9am: Peter Low, business coach and leader

Thursday 15 August 7am to 9am: Guest speaker to be announced

Thursday 17 October 7am to 9am: Guest speaker to be announced

Venue: Sunshine Beach Surf Club

Cost: $45 or $35 for students Register to receive notifications about upcoming events and ticket sales www.saac.qld.edu.au/engageandelevate/

WITH A LITTLE

GETTING BY Help

With burnout becoming a global phenomenon at all stages of life, the Mojo-Maker Nikki Fogden-Moore explores how to harness help from coaches and mentors.

There is a trillion dollar industry dealing with stress, burnout and lack of direction - yet we supposedly have more tools to help us navigate life and work easier than ever before.

As a global coach, the consistent theme for me is not just having the tools but actually helping people unlock the willingness and the motivation to use what’s available to them.

It really doesn’t matter what role you have in life as you read this. A parent, teacher, tradie, CEO, business owneror all of the above!

What matters is you realising you have to lead your own life and understand what you focus on will be what you end up cultivating for the now and the future.

We can’t have a successful life alone. Whatever you want to argue, even the most purest of entrepreneurs still require extra resources to bring their ideas to life and execute their vision. The flip side of living in today’s fast-paced life is we have to try to find the way to be happy, do well, pay the bills, grow, travel, learn and create, and do this all on repeat.

At some point if you don’t have someone in your corner, it’s not sustainable.

In a nutshell, the pursuit of success so often leads to burnout or breakdown these days, making the role of a coach, a group program or mentor invaluable.

Here’s why successful, happy people invest in support personally and professionally, and how to know what’s right for you.

1. THE RISE OF COACHING: A GLOBAL TREND. MAKE SURE YOU APPLY YOUR KNOWLEDGE.

Globally, the coaching industry is thriving, reflecting a growing recognition of its value. The International Coaching Federation notes a substantial increase in both coaches and clients, illustrating its effectiveness. However, while many seek advice and strategies, only a fraction apply these tools effectively. Those who do experience significant transformation, highlighting the role of a coach in turning potential into achievement. Check the coach, the content and the style is right and relevant to you first. Then lean into the content, but make sure you apply the tools before deciding if it works or not.

2. BURNOUT IS A TRILLION DOLLAR ISSUE: THE SILENT EPIDEMIC AMONG LEADERS, PARENTS AND PEOPLE EVERYWHERE.

Burnout and overwhelm are alarmingly common and it’s not getting any better.

A recent Harvard Business Review study revealed that 50% of respondents suffer from some level of burnout and the World Health Organisation recognises BURNOUT as an occupational phenomenon, emphasising its prevalence in today’s workforce at all levels.

So, if your employer is offering wellbeing and performance programs, lean in and see what you can apply to your situation.

If you’re running a business don’t keep pushing through alone. Take a moment and make sure you have the right level of coach, mentors and experts around you. It’s lonely at the top.

3. INVESTING IN SELF: THE PATH TO SUSTAINABLE SUCCESS.

Coaching is pivotal in balancing professional ambitions with personal health and happiness. One of my programs, Founder Fitness, talks about recognising signs of burnout and taking proactive steps towards well-being.

I truly believe we all need to recognise these signs, whether you run a business or a family. This holistic approach is where coaching and mentors play a crucial role, guiding you to manage your well-being alongside your professional goals. Work/Life BLEND is the answer, otherwise you will never feel calm if you are always trying to ‘balance’ things.

HOW TO MAKE IT VALUE PACKED:

1. RADICAL SELF BELIEF: THE STEPPING STONE TO GREATNESS. YOU’RE IT: THE DRIVER OF YOUR OWN MINDSET.

At the end of the day, really good coaching is about putting self confidence, good decision making skills and “Radical Self Belief” back in the hands of individuals. It’s about empowering self leadership instead of constantly questioning your decisions, ideas and needing outside validation.

Investing in reducing stress and increasing your wealth and happiness involves mastering self, dismissing doubt, and taking control of life.

A coach or mentor is instrumental in building this belief, providing tools and support to foster a mindset prepared for success. They help differentiate between ego and centered decision-making, fostering a mindset ready for success.

Make sure you work with someone who wants you to step up and feel strong, centred, calm and happy rather than reliant and reactive.

2. THE ENERGY OF ATTRIBUTION: RECOGNISING AND VALUING MENTORSHIP.

“The Energy of Attribution” highlights the importance of acknowledging those who inspire us. A coach or mentor becomes a source of inspiration, and their teachings, when applied, lead to shared success. This collaborative relationship is celebrated and attributed to the growth it fosters.

It’s motivating to work with a great coach or mentor. It makes you want to be better, do better and shows what that can mean to you and look like. Make sure your coach or mentor is inspiring, real and walks their talk.

3. WHY YOUR HAPPINESS IS YOUR #1 PURPOSE.

Happiness should be the forefront of everyone’s pursuits. Great coaching extends beyond professional growth; it’s about unlocking simple happiness, which in turn unlocks potential in all life aspects. Experienced coaches and mentors help you navigate life’s pressures, refocusing on what truly matters - happiness and well-being.

Health is your wealth and your mindset is your most important investment. Get that right and it can transform your life.

THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF COACHING.

Coaching can significantly impact happiness, financial success and wellbeing. A study by the American Psychological Association found that coaching interventions improve life satisfaction, the ability to earn more, know your value and reduce stress. With the right coach, you can transform your approach to challenges, enhance decision-making skills, and improve overall life quality - without turning everything upside down.

EMBRACING THE JOURNEY: THRIVING, NOT JUST SURVIVING. CLICHE BUT SO TRUE.

I coach top performers who design, build and live a life where vision and purpose is always present. This highperformance entrepreneurship has factors that everyone looks for in the importance of being able to swap ‘hustle for happy’ - there is always something to learn. Embracing the journey is key.

Good people deserve to do really well. Don’t wing it. We all need a level of outside support and inspiration - even if it’s just at a point in the road while we

may pivot and need to refuel.

Investing in a coach or mentor is an investment in your entire being. It’s a journey towards achieving goals while living a life marked by balance, happiness, and a strong sense of selfbelief. Embracing this path can lead to profound personal and professional transformation.

Start simple but get started, we can’t do this world alone. Digital, AI and now UI are making it more and more common to not need any human interaction - where this is the very thing that actually can propel you into the real point of this life - one that is healthy, wealthy to what you need and a sense of peace and happiness no matter what is going on around you.

Stay inspired and keep thriving, and reach out if you want to know how to find the right coach or support.

WANT MORE?

Sign up to Monday Mojo and join the new all-in-one on-demand app ACCELER8TE! Available on Apple and Google Play. Grab a founding membership while spots last! Scan the QR code or visit www.appnikkifogdenmoore.com

The Ultimate Strategic Retreat Experience You Can't Miss!"

Join acclaimed award winning coach Nikki Fogden-Moore on the iconic Makepeace Island Noosa Heads this July 25-28th for an unparalleled strategic reset.

Seeking an unparalleled retreat recognised worldwide for its commitment to sustainable success? Eager to reignite your vision, rejuvenate your energy, and rediscover purpose in every facet of your life? Your search ends here!

Join us for four days and three nights of global level inspiration at the year on year sell out Boardroom Retreat©. Immerse yourself in stimulating conversations, savour curated moments of reflection in our iconic setting, and luxuriate in unforgettable experiences.

Don't let this chance slip away to elevate your leadership to new heights, both personally and professionally. Secure your place today and embark on a transformational journey unlike any other!

➕ Exclusive Benefits Await:

Connect with fellow thought leaders.

Foster meaningful connections and collaborations.

Unleash your strategic clarity, personally and professionally. Have the time to create a game plan on what great looks like, without distraction.

Be part of an incomparable 4 days based around the essential three pillars of healthy, wealthy and wise.

NIKKIFOGDENMOORE.COM/THEBOARDROOMRETREAT

Driving

FORCE

In a rapidly changing landscape there’s comfort, confidence and trust in a proven brand to steer us into the future. John Caruso buckles up for what’s next in the automotive industry.

Toyota is one of the most trusted, reputable and reliable car makers globally so when the opportunity to spend an afternoon with Brett Mills arose, I jumped at the chance to take a deep dive into the famous Toyota brand and the road ahead for motorists.

“It’s nice in a community like this to sell a car that when the customer takes delivery of it, you shake their hand and you’re probably not going to see them again until they come in for a service or they want to trade it,” says Brett, Dealer Principal for Ken Mills Toyota.

It’s true, my Toyota Corolla hybrid is notching up 280,000 kms since I bought it 12 years ago and I’m not looking to replace it anytime soon - although the new bZ4X EV has sparked my interest!

Brett’s dad, Ken, originally ran the Gympie Toyota dealership and in 1993 bought the Kingaroy dealership.

While studying at university, Brett worked in the Kingaroy business before moving to Sydney as National Dealer Planning Manager for Toyota. This provided him with a clear understanding of how the dealer network and manufacturing and supply elements of the global business operated.

In 2002, at age 27, Brett became Australia’s youngest Toyota dealer when the family took over the dealerships in Maroochydore and Nambour.

“Joining the family business wasn’t planned, however I’ve always had a real inkling for it, and was excited to be involved,” Brett said.

Brett said the future direction for car manufacturers on a mass-market level in terms of Electric Vehicles (EV), hydrogen or hybrid - not to mention self-drive or autonomous - was an interesting space.

“There are early adopters - and we saw that when Toyota introduced the Prius in 2001 - there are also realists who

support the idea of lowering emissions, however they’re waiting for solutions that don’t compromise what they most want out of a car - power, and range,” he said. “Toyota’s approach is to take a multi-path strategy. We know from our hybrid experience with the Prius that until we can get reasonable price parity and overcome the negative perceptions, achieving mass-market acceptance for EVs will be an interesting journey.

“Electric cars are really cool - super powerful, great to drive and quiet, however, globally we’re seeing that resale values can be low.

“To address this, Toyota’s first EV, the bZ4X can be purchased on a full-service lease, meaning Toyota will guarantee the value of that car at the end of the lease if you want to trade it in. This provides protection for the consumer and reduces uncertainty over resale values.

“It’s a RAV4-sized SUV available in two-wheel and all-wheel drive and, if you put your foot down, it has a lot of power off the mark, with about 450 to 500 kilometres on a full charge.”

Brett said the high spec version of the bZ4X was around $66,000, with the top-of-the-line model in the midseventies, plus on-road costs.

“I’m excited about owning and driving an EV and to better understand it from the consumer’s perspective,” he says. “There are buyers who’ve been waiting for Toyota to release an EV to give them confidence and providing the full-service lease removes the resale risk.”

Along with his role as dealer principal for Ken Mills Toyota, Brett is also Chairman of the National Toyota Dealer

Association, an independent body representing dealers and working closely with Toyota at a senior level to improve customer experience, brand strength and have complex conversations.

“The relationship that the Association has with Toyota Australia is envied in the motoring industry,” he says. “It makes us all winners, including the customer.”

As the motoring landscape changes, dealerships and the people that run them are also moving with the times.

“The learning curve never ends; you must continuously evolve,” he says. “In my Dad’s day it was all about growing market share from Commodores and Falcons, so he had fun with aggressive strategies and incentives to sell as many cars as possible.

“Now the Australian market has matured and we only sell 1.2 million new cars a year with limited growth, so we must be more efficient in how we operate. In the past, most dealer principals were salesmen; now there’s accountants, economists and lawyers running complex businesses.”

With a focus on understanding consumer needs and a multi-pronged approach to new technology, it’s clear that Toyota is not just along for the ride, they will continue to be a driving force for the exciting journey ahead.

PHOTO: MEGAN GILL Brett Mills

MAKING

Family holidays are all about connection, making memories, and hopefully a bit of relaxation!

Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort offers all of this by the (sandcastle-shaped) bucket load, for a getaway that ticks all the boxes, discovers Rebecca Jamieson Dwyer.

When it comes to holidays, happy kids equal happy parents (as everyone who’s ever tried to relax while a bored child whines at them, fully understands). But when it comes to family-friendly holiday locations, not all resorts are created equal.

The newly renovated Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort at Twin Waters is one of those rare places that ticks all the boxes for kids and adults: think swimming pool, beach access, bike and kayak hire; plus stunning natural surrounds, beautiful accommodation, a resort gym with lagoon views, and an elegant restaurant and bar serving up signature cocktails alongside a locally sourced, Sicilian-inspired menu.

If that’s not enough, one of the big drawcards for families is the exclusive resort program for younger guests. Promising unforgettable resort fun, VIK (Very Important Kids) Activities is jam-packed with activities for active little bodies and minds.

Not only are kids welcome here, they’re treated as treasured guests. Every weekend and throughout school holidays, the VIK Activities program provides all sorts of excitement and adventure in the form of fish feeding, treasure hunts, tug-o-war competitions, beach soccer and sandcastle competitions that’ll help them create memories, forge new friendships and lifelong memories.

Outside of these times, your beloved brood will love swimming in the pool

and lagoon; digging on its sandy shores; playing mini golf; exploring the resort by bike; hiring kayaks, catamarans and paddleboards; playing arcade games in the tropical games room; or perhaps a round of table tennis and game of pool.

Exploring the sub-tropical surrounds, and saying hello to the resident wildlife, including kangaroos, wallabies, kookaburras, possums and a plethora of birds offers close encounters of the animal kind.

There’s also a patrolled surf beach, playground, shops and cafés nearby.

As you can see, there’s unlikely to be a dull moment at Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort, which means happy hearts and huge smiles all around – basically every parent’s holiday dream!

Plus the resort makes family stays as affordable as possible with their yearround special offers: two children stay free when sharing a room with their parents, or you can receive 50% off when you book a second room for the kids (giving you extra space to relax, as well as extra cash in your pockets for those all-important ice creams).

Locals can take advantage of the Family Bliss day package, which includes all-day access to the resort and 270

everything it has to offer. Or you can soak in the resort vibes by dining at the sensational Sola Bar and Restaurant.

Don’t miss the Bush to Coast High Tea experience with a delicious spread of sweet and savoury treats sourced from the sea to the hinterland. It’s created to showcase the best produce from the region, such as Kenilworth Blue cheese and fig tart, Fraser Isle spanner crab salad, truffled egg and warrigal green sandwiches, classic scones with cream

EXPERIENCE AUTUMN BLISS

and Berenberg raspberry jam and wattleseed and salted caramel macaron, alongside a selection of botanicalinfused teas. Why not upgrade to a two-hour unlimited spritz package with Aperol, elderflower and limoncello to get those feel-good holiday vibes flowing?!

Whether you’re a child or a child at heart, there’s really no place like Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort. Explore the special offers today and get ready to start making your own cherished memories!

VIK Easter Activities Treat your little ones to a world of fun with our VIK (Very Important Kids) program! We’ve curated a lineup of activities to keep your children entertained, including our annual Easter Egg hunt.

Family Accommodation Deals Create cherished memories with your family against the backdrop of our lush surroundings and serene atmosphere.

Easter High Tea Indulge in a decadent Easter High Tea experience, featuring an exquisite selection of sweet and savoury delights, while basking in the breathtaking views of the Sunshine Coast.

Easter fun with the whole family at Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort SCAN

SECRET

Recipe

Can you keep a secret? Whether you love walking, kayaking, running or simply immersing yourself in the beauty of the hinterland, we know a place where you can do it all – and reward yourself with a delicious brunch afterwards! Rebecca Jamieson Dwyer visits Secrets on the Lake to discover all that’s on offer.

Picture the scene: you wake up super early, pull on your sneakers, and meet your bestie, beloved or a group of friends on the banks of the tranquil Lake Baroon, located between the quaint hinterland towns of Montville and Maleny.

The trees are alive with cockatoos, rainbow lorikeets and other bird life, and the lake ripples in the breeze as you start down the gentle track from Baroon Pocket Dam towards Baroon Lookout –passing through mixed open woodland and creeks fringed by palms and vine forests, before enjoying the 180-degree views over Obi Obi Gorge.

After two hours of wandering, laughing and connecting with nature and each other, you get back to the carpark feeling ravenous and in serious need of a coffee – but instead of having to drive to the nearby towns in search of sustenance, you simply stroll to the area’s best-kept

secret: Secrets on the Lake!

This rainforest retreat’s beautiful cafe is a hidden gem, with waterfront views that’ll take your breath away and a fantastic menu to match.

Breakfast is served from 8am to 10.15am Tuesday to Sunday and lunch from 11am to 2.30pm daily, and the menu includes Moroccan Baked Eggs with chickpeas, capsicum and chilli; Smashed Avo with dukkah and lemon; Steak Sandwich; Chicken Burger; and the delightfully decadent Brioche Cinnamon Toast with vanilla gelato, chocolate ganache and fresh berries – the perfect reward after all that exercise!

You don’t need to be a guest at the resort to visit the cafe – everyone is welcome to dine – but once you’ve swooned over the towering treehouse cabins with their carved wooden features, panoramic views and luxurious spa baths, you’ll be determined to book

...passing through mixed open woodland and creeks fringed by palms and vine forests...

yourself in for a future staycation.

After a big day exploring the beautiful gardens, verdant rainforest and lakeside walks on the property, guests can retreat to their cabin with a thoughtfully packed dinner hamper to BBQ on their deck, with a red wine in hand, as they gaze out at the view.

Each hamper is made to order to your preferences, and can include wine, garlic bread, salad, gourmet sausages, salmon and steak for the ultimate treetop feast.

If you’re longing to get out on the water, canoes, fishing rods and lifejackets are available for guests to use, and Lake Baroon is stocked with lots of fish, so you’re likely to get lucky!

Or for those seeking to stretch themselves, the nearby walk from Baroon Lookout to Kondalilla Falls is a relatively challenging three-hour hike through the lush rainforest and dense bushland of Kondalilla National Park, with the

opportunity to take a refreshing dip in the swimming hole at the falls on arrival!

The Secrets on the Lake team are happy to pick you up from Kondalilla Falls afterwards, and have a wealth of information about all there is to see and do in the area, so make sure you take advantage of their insider knowledge when planning your stay.

Next time you’re craving some time in the great outdoors with your favourite

people – whether it’s a day trip or a night or two away from it all –Secrets on the Lake is sure to satisfy.

The secret’s officially out!

You’re welcome!

www.secretsonthelake.com.au

PHOTOS: MEGAN GILL

peregianbeachhotel.com.au

What’s brewing, cooking and happening...

SIPS BITES AND BONJOUR

BUBBLES!

Those fantastic Frenchies at Flo’s Crêperie have crafted an authentic French cider suited to our Aussie palates and perfect for enjoying with their range of crêpes and galettes! Ooh la la!

CULINARY COMEBACK

Australia’s first low-carb bakery Palena Fresh is back in business after a six-month hiatus. Operating from their Warana-based facility, visit the online haven for a taste of all things ketogenic and gluten-free, including a range of diabeticfriendly delights.

ALL ABOARD!

Say Hello to The Station! The former Nightquarter site has been reimagined into a fun and inclusive space heralded as a playground for kids and adults, featuring an indoor skate park, food trucks, a live music venue and retail spaces.

EAT & DRINK

Noosa Eat & Drink is back!! Tickets are now ON SALE for restaurant events, Festival Village and Beach Garden events.

SUNNY SUCCESS!

Sunshine & Sons Vodka was named World’s Best in the World Vodka Awards from a line-up of more than 20 countries! It follows a Gold medal win as Australia’s best in the Botanical Vodka category. Beachtree Distilling Co. was awarded the prestigious title of World’s Best Craft Producer at the World Gin Awards Icons 2024 for their unwavering commitment to crafting exceptional gin and honouring the land that sustains us. Well done!

Moffat Beach Brewing has cleaned up again at the Royal Queensland Awards, with its Trilogy IPA scoring a hat trick, winning Champion IPA, Queensland Beer of the Show and the Grand Champion.

The following superstars have received two Australian Good Food Guide Chef Hat Awards: The Long Apron, Montville; Bask, Peregian Beach; The Tamarind Restaurant, Maleny. One Chef’s Hat was also awarded to Mooloolaba’s

Bella Venezia and Spice Bar; Dee Den and Honeysuckle Restaurant in Buderim; and The Spirit House, Yandina.

Woombye Cheese Company has achieved second place at the WORLD Championship Cheese Contest for their Blackall Gold Washed Rind!!

Congratulations to White’s IGA Bli Bli for taking home the award for Best Deli Department in the medium store category at the IGA QNN Awards of Excellence in Bali. Good luck at the Nationals!

Plus spend $50 or more at White’s IGA Baringa, Mount Coolum, Peregian Beach and Forest Glen to receive a FREE barista coffee made from delicious local Pioneer Coffee Roastery, Yandina.

SPICE IT UP

From 12 April, Spice Bar Mooloolaba will open Spice Bar Lounge from 4pm-midnight every Friday & Saturday night in the bar adjoining the restaurant, with artfully curated cocktails, an extensive wine list, local tap beers, and small

plates and snacks, plus ocean views and rich, sultry decor. Hop to it for the Bottomless Brunch on the last Saturday each month, including Easter Saturday, 30 March.

MEET THE MAKERS

Love healthy eats, free tastings and delicious discounts?

Greensmith Grocers are holding their Autumn Market Night on Thursday 30 May from 4.30 to 6.45pm to meet the faces behind some beautiful brands, try some delicious local morsels and receive 10% off everything in-store!

A TASTE OF AUTUMN

Peregian Beach Hotel’s new autumn menu will include a mix of heartwarming, Asian-inspired curry dishes. Yum!

Talented Executive Chef Wayd Bailey has joined the Club Hotel Namba crew! Previously Head Chef at The Doonan, Coolum Beach Hotel and Exec Chef at Miss Moneypenny’s Noosa.

Frock up and experience an array of awesome autumn flavours on the new menu

at Atrium Dining at the Sunshine Coast Turf Club

- featuring fresh, seasonal and local produce, grab your tribe and head to the track for the ultimate day out!

Bella Venezia are taking you to heavenly heights this autumn with their Chef’s 7-step Tasting Menu for $129; $199 with matching wines or $259 premium matching wines.

DECADENT DAYS

Indulge in an exquisite Easter Bush to Coast High Tea at Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort. Delight in a delectable array of sweet and savoury treats, including freshly

baked scones, delicious desserts, and tantalising pastries, expertly crafted to celebrate all the seasons.

BUSH TUCKER

Enjoy an afternoon of INspiring stories and a bush tucker feast at VanillaFood, with a welcome and farewell botanical cocktail from Sunshine & Sons and Nil Desperandum plus a podcast panel session, Q&A and lucky door prizes as part of Noosa Eat & Drink! $120pp, only 46 seats. Book now!

Flo’s French Cider

Sunshine & Sons

RECIPES BY

MATT GOLINSKI

With the Mary Valley celebrating GourMay for the whole month of May, local food lover Matt Golinski has come up with some Autumn recipes using his favourite producers from the region.

HALOUMI SAGANAKI, FIGS, CHILLI HONEY AND THYME

Saganaki is a traditional Greek dish named after the pan it is served in. The idea is that the small heavy based pan keeps the cheese hot at the table while everyone digs in. Prawn Saganaki uses the same pan but generally consists of prawns cooked in a tomato-based sauce sprinkled with fetta cheese. You can usually pick up a suitable pan at a cookware or camping shop.

I find some haloumi to be either too hard or too salty, but the Kenilworth Dairy one is just perfect for this. Saganaki is so simple and quick to throw together and autumn is the best time to enjoy the beautiful fresh figs that come out of the Mary Valley.

Ingredients:

• 200g Kenilworth Haloumi

• 50ml extra virgin olive oil

• 2 ripe figs, cut into quarters

• 2 tbs Hum Honey cold fusion organic chilli honey

• 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves

• Cracked black pepper

• Lemon wedges

• 1 small baguette, sliced

Method:

• Dry the block of haloumi on paper towel.

• In a small cast iron pan large enough to fit the whole block of haloumi, heat the olive oil and fry the haloumi on all sides until golden and crispy.

• Arrange the figs on top and drizzle with the chilli honey.

• Sprinkle with thyme and pepper and serve to the table in the pan with the baguette slices and lemon wedges on the side.

BBQ K2 T-BONE STEAKS, SUMAC ROASTED PUMPKIN AND CHERRY TOMATO SALAD, YOGHURT AND TAHINI SAUCE

Ingredients:

• 4 K2 T-Bone steaks

• 1 kg Kent pumpkin, peeled and diced

• 1 punnet cherry tomatoes, halved

• 2 tsp sumac

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• ¼ cup fresh oregano

Method:

• 50ml extra virgin olive oil

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 150gm Kenilworth Natural Yoghurt (or good Greek Yoghurt)

• 50gm tahini

• Salt and pepper

• Toss the pumpkin and cherry tomatoes with half of the olive oil, sumac and cumin and season with salt and pepper.

• Spread in a single layer on a baking tray lined with baking paper and roast for 30 minutes at 210°C.

• Once cooked, toss in a bowl with the oregano leaves, lemon juice and remaining olive oil.

• Whisk together the yoghurt and tahini and season with salt and pepper.

• Rub the steaks with oil and season with salt and pepper.

• Grill to your preferred doneness on a hot BBQ, then allow to rest for 5 to 10 minutes.

• Serve each steak on a generous amount of yoghurt and tahini sauce and divide the pumpkin salad between each.

Method:

• Preheat oven to 160°C.

• Line a 25 x 40cm baking tray with baking paper.

• Beat the egg whites using the whisk attachment of an electric mixer until they form soft peaks.

• Slowly add the sugar and beat for 5 minutes or until the sugar has dissolved.

• Gently fold in the vinegar and cornflour and spread the meringue in an even layer on the lined tray.

• Bake for 20 minutes at 160°C.

• Lay out a clean tea towel and cover with a piece of baking paper.

• Sprinkle evenly with icing sugar and turn the meringue out onto the baking paper.

Tim and Amber Scott produce their certified organic grass-fed K2 Beef on their farm in Kandanga. They are strong advocates for regenerative farming and are leading the way in their industry. You can drop into their Kandanga Farm Store to purchase their meat as well as other local organic produce.

ROSELLA AND NATIVE RIVER MINT MERINGUE ROULADE

Greg and CC from Petersen’s Farm in Woolooga are one of the main growers of rosellas in the country - each season they pick tonnes of fruit which either gets shipped off to the markets, or CC turns into over 30 products in their on-farm kitchen.

On the first weekend in May they hold the Big Rosella Festival, giving the public the chance to visit the farm and learn all about this beautiful fruit. Native river mint is available as tube stock in most Landcare nurseries, but if you can’t find it, regular mint is fine.

Ingredients:

• 150gm rosella jam

• 4 Forage Farm pastured free-range egg whites

• 150gm caster sugar

• 1 tsp cornflour

• 1 tsp white vinegar

• 300ml cream, whipped

• ¼ cup native river mint (or regular mint)

• icing sugar for dusting

• Peel away the lining paper and replace with a new piece of baking paper, then roll up tightly in the tea towel, starting from the short side.

• Allow to completely cool then unroll and remove top sheet of baking paper.

• Spread evenly with the whipped cream and generously spoon on the rosella jam.

• Sprinkle with half of the mint leaves and roll tightly into a log, using the bottom sheet of baking paper as an aid.

• Gently transfer to a serving platter and dust generously with icing sugar.

• Serve each slice sprinkled with the remaining mint.

SERVES 8-10

A FEAST OF Flavours

Food festivals are back in a big way! Matt Golinski tucks into what’s on offer and discovers a veritable feast of themes and flavours.

Being a born and bred Queensland boy, I’ve always scoffed at people with air conditioning.

I swore I’d never install it in my house, I’d rather sit around in a pool of sweat in my lounge room than accept that I’m not tough enough to handle whatever summer can throw at me.

But this year broke me. The electrician came last week, and now I live in 26 degree comfort all day long like the majority of the sane population.

It really has been hard to get motivated to do anything outside over the past few months – the relentless sweltering heat has been punctuated by only just enough rain to make the day more humid than it was before.

The vege garden has exploded into a very successful crop of weeds out of sheer neglect, exercising outside is unbearable, and any time spent socialising outdoors ends in sweaty armpit patches and heatstroke.

Which is why we don’t see many food festivals taking place in the summer months – no one looks glamorous running screaming for cover from a sudden hail storm, high heels and champagne flute in hand, perspiring from every crevice.

Autumn, however, is when the foodie fun all kicks off.

GourMay Mary Valley is a month-long celebration during May which covers everything from food movies to farm tours. There’s something for all age groups and budgets, and it’s all happening in one of the most picturesque parts of the coast. Even if food isn’t your passion, it’s worth the country drive to take in the beauty of this place.

...each event is a truly unique experience due to its climate, geography and most importantly the chefs and producers who live and work there...

Staying in the Gympie Shire, there’s also the Big Rosella Festival in Woolooga on the first weekend in May, the triumphant return of the Goomeri Pumpkin Festival on the last weekend, and the Gympie Show right in the middle of the month.

Noosa Eat & Drink is back in full force at the end of May and into early June, with the much-loved festival village in The Woods at the end of Hastings Street

promising plenty of opportunities to catch your favourite chefs in action on stage, and snack and sip your way through the weekend. There’s also dozens of satellite collaborative lunches and dinners happening over the four days in all the best restaurants around town.

Over the last week of July and the beginning of August, The Curated Plate shows off the southern part of the Sunshine Coast from Caloundra to Eumundi, and out west into the lush hinterland.

There’s so much diversity in the food and landscape in this region that you might find yourself eating prawns while you’re looking at the ocean from the beach, or eating beef while you’re looking at the ocean from the mountains.

Moreton Bay Food and Wine takes in three days and nights at the Woody Point waterfront in late August, with so much happening you’d need to be there the whole time to see it all.

Noosa Eat + Drink Festival

If you’re keen for a food discovery road trip, there’s plenty happening in regional Queensland as well.

June brings the Scenic Rim Eat Local Month and St Lawrence Wetlands Weekend between Rockhampton and Mackay; July see the return of the Jumpers and Jazz Festival in Warwick; August is all about

Baconfest in Kingaroy and the Capricorn Food and Wine Festival in Rockhampton.

Spring sprouts the Mundubbera Blueberry Festival on 27-28 September, Cooloola Farm Trail on 28-29 September and the Stanthorpe Berry Festival on November 16 and 17!

Country festivals are a great way to meet the locals, get to know a new area and explore the surrounding countryside while you’re there.

There’s enough food festivals on in 2024 to keep even the most gluttonous gastronome satisfied, and each event is a truly unique experience due to its climate, geography and most importantly the chefs and producers who live and work there.

So step out into that safe Autumn weather, find the indulgence that grabs you, and start creating some culinary memories that will last a lifetime.

Big Rosella Festival

The Curated Plate

GourMay Mary Valley

Matt Golinski discovers a tasty food festival where one month is just not enough to taste and tour all the delights on offer!

Marvellous

Most regions in Australia these days hold an annual festival of some sort to highlight their agricultural identity – Chinchilla has watermelons, Kingaroy has pork, Mundubbera has blueberries, Stanthorpe has apples and grapes. The festivities generally run over one or two days, some of the big ones go for a whole week.

Very few regions can boast that they have so much to share that they need to party for over four weeks to get it all done.

But there’s a fertile and flourishing little pocket of countryside that sits between Cooroy and Gympie that’s so abundant that 31 days barely scratches the surface of all there is to savour.

Driving past lush grassy paddocks around Amamoor and Kandanga it’s hard to believe that if a decision about the proposed Traveston Dam had gone a different way back in 2009, much of this area would be underwater now.

‘GourMay Mary Valley’ is a monthlong celebration of the fact that all these small communities have their heads very

much above water and are working hard to ensure that this prime farming land continues to produce food thoughtfully and sustainably for generations to come.

Beginning on the first of May with an opening ceremony at the Honeybee Wellness Centre in Kandanga, ABC Rural’s Jen Nichols will MC a variety night of music, comedy, performances and of course, delicious local food.

This kicks off a month-long celebration with a number of tasty satellite events, including a Vintners

MAY-HEM

Lunch at Dingo Creek Winery in Tandur, a Bushfood Long Lunch with legendary local chef and character Peter Wolfe at the Kandanga Farm Store, and a sunset stroll along the Mary Valley Rail Trail to experience the unforgettable symphony of the Bellbirds in Imbil.

If you have a competitive spirit, you could consider entering the inaugural Mary Valley Camp Oven Competition, or release your inner artist and come up with a piece to display in the Kenilworth ArtsFest. The winning work will feature a food product or process specific to the Mary Valley and will take home the special $2,000 prize.

...there’s a fertile and flourishing little pocket of countryside that sits between Cooroy and Gympie that’s so abundant that 31 days barely scratches the surface...

Take a stroll through Amamoor State Forest and experience Macadamia Trees in their original habitat with expert guided commentary and a morning tea filled with macadamias and other native bush plants on 5 or 8 May; or book a seat on the historic Valley Rattler on 9 May to experience a different perspective of the region, and stop at farms along the way to learn, taste and relax.

There will be two ‘foodie’ films at the

Kandanga Hall – Ratatouille for the kids on 12 May presented by Mary Valley Film Society and The 100-Foot Journey presented by Slow Food Noosa for the adults on 16 May.

If you really want to immerse yourself in the Mary Valley’s rich and diverse farming culture, there are plenty of chances to visit properties over the month and get a deep insight into the processes involved in food production, and listen to the passionate people who put their heart and soul into making sure we can have access to healthy and nutritious ingredients.

On 18 May you can start the day with a Sunrise Breakfast at The Avocado Tree Farm in Amamoor, and sip on bubbles as you greet the day with a breakfast of local cuisine in an open air, paddock-to-plate celebration of organic farming and local farmers; later Tim and Amber Scott will host a Farm Tour & Tapas of their certified organic K2 Beef property in Kandanga, or head to Kybong on May 26 to learn all about regenerative farming and see it in action at Forage Farms.

These are just a fraction of the events that lead up to the big festival day on Saturday May 25 when Imbil Town Square and Rail Park will come alive with food stalls, cooking demonstrations and competitions, interesting speakers and entertainment all day long.

GourMay winds up with a Gala Dinner Party on the first of June (I told you 31 days wasn’t enough) held at the Mary Valley State College in Imbil.

And just when you thought the Gympie Region couldn’t possibly have more on, there’s also The Big Rosella Festival in Woolooga from 4-5 May, The Gympie Show from 16-18 May, and the Goomeri Pumpkin Festival is back in full swing 26 May.

GourMay may be a great showcase of all the individuals that make the food scene of the Mary Valley so special, but more than that, it highlights the public’s appetite to get to know the region better. Join in the May-hem, you won’t regret it!

JOIN THE FEAST!

1 May - 1 June 2024

Satellite Events: 1 May -1 June

Festival Day: 25 May; 8.30am - 3pm

Gala Dinner Party: 1 June, 6.30pm - late

For tickets and tasty tidbits, visit www.gourmaymaryvalley.com.au

TASTE NOOSA: eat, drink,

Immersing yourself in local culture and all it has to offer is rewarding as well as exciting, however food is one of the most visceral ways to do this and also appreciate the surrounds. So, if your stomach rules the roost, get on your bibs for Noosa Eat & Drink, a once-a-year chance to feast, sip and party your way through a full-throated festival of the local food and drink scene - and it’s forks at the ready.

be happy

Expect

extraordinary culinary events with celebrated culinary talent, all showcasing premium produce and drinks, in a magical destination, enthuses Helen Flanagan.

The jam-packed program from 30 May to 2 June 2024 promises an unforgettable weekend. Discover a delicious serving of next-level, food and drink featuring culinary heroes, special dining experiences, flavour-packed produce, impeccable techniques and everything in-between.

Whether you are looking for beachfront or long lunches, dinners with celebrated chefs and restaurateurs, mixologist masterclasses and live cooking demonstrations with serious foodiesor a beach party under the night sky, there’s something for everyone.

A multi-talented, star-studded lineup will flow endlessly from sand to stage to masterclasses. Included are Khanh Ong, Anna Polyviou, Matt Golinski, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Cameron Matthews, Luca Ciano, George Calombaris, Gary Mehigan, Adriano Zumbo, Jason Saxby from Raes at Wategos, Ben Cross from Mason Bali doing a collab with Agnes’ Ben Williamson, George Calombaris and Sarah Todd, Sixpenny’s Anthony Schifilliti, Aalia’s Paul Farag, Rose Adam, Guy Grossi, Nick Holloway, Hamish Quinn, Richard Ousby, Sergio Perera, Warren Mendes, George Georgovski, Jason Jones, Carolyne Helmy also Olympians Michael Klim and restaurateur Eamon Sullivan in Chef vs Olympians competition mode.

Many will also be co-hosts and behind the burners in collaboration with

restaurants such as Locale, Humble on Duke, Sofitel Noosa Beach House, Lucio’s Marina, onboard Catalina, and more.

Super action central for food, drink and entertainment, the Festival Village will host over 80 local, Australian producers and international brands, exciting demonstrations and masterclasses including Seabourne Gin, desserts, Sunshine & Sons cocktails, and seafood.

Village tickets include a glass of Prosecco on arrival, a chance to explore pop-ups from top locals restaurants and specially selected food trucks. Sip on refreshing tipples from the finest craft brewers and distillers, alongside a selection of national and international winemakers.

Taste and stock up on artisan delights and associated products from across the region, savoury and sweet, at the Producers Pavilion. From Sticky Balsamic, Salumi Australia, Spice Origins, Max and Tom Cheeses, The Village Pickle, Amrita Park Meadery, Woombye Cheese, Noosa Black Garlic, The Tea Shop, Hum Honey, The Herd Biltong, Beyond Honey, the Gourmet Fudge Company - and so much more. You could be there all day however you cannot miss dancin’ and singin’ along with DJs and live entertainment such as Bermuda Social, a 6-piece cover band and duo/DJ The Potbelleez.

The Chandon VIP Lounge ups the ante for fine food and wine aficionados, with ticketholders enjoying front-row seats to celebrity chef cooking demos, a Chandon

cocktail on arrival, catering by Lanai Noosa restaurant and in readiness to almost eye-ball the entertainment.

In Noosa for a flying visit, want to spread your wings and rub shoulders on tours with tastes, chats, eats and more?

Head to the BEERmuda Triangle albeit three breweries or let the fun beGIN in two distilleries including lunch at the latter, the Pomona Distilling Co. It is also hosting Sunshine Coast’s inaugural Grain vs Grape event, a four-course dinner, a glass of wine and spirits paired with each course, also entertainment.

Fancy something decadent with toes in the sand at the new-look Beach Garden at Noosa Main Beach?

Picture yourself sipping sun-kissed spritzes and dancing in the golden hour glow at the ultimate sunset soirée, the Official Pre-launch Party!

Look out for more unforgettable beach events such as the daily Sundowner Cocktail Party, exclusive sessions at the new Beach Club and Sunday Brunch by the sea hosted by George Calombaris and Masterchef’s Sarah Todd.

Whether sitting pretty over the beach and river; on Hastings Street; the cosmopolitan heart of Noosa Junction; or in the lush Hinterland, Noosa will never lose its uber-glamorous appeal, as epitomised by the Noosa Eat & Drink Festival in 2024. Bring your appetite, thirst and party spirit. Let’s eat, drink, celebrate and be happy.

Tickets now ON SALE!

www.noosaeatanddrink.com.au

BUSH TUCKER BOTANICAL LUNCH

VANILLAFOOD x IN NOOSA MAGAZINE

WITH BESPOKE BOTANICAL COCKTAILS BY SUNSHINE & SONS + NIL DESPERANDUM

IN/TRODUCING...

JOHN CARUSO | PODCASTER, WRITER, MC IN NOOSA MAGAZINE

With more than 30 years in radio, John has honed his natural gift for storytelling as host of the Everyone Has a Story: Conversations from the Sunshine Coast and Noosa podcast. He loves to help others share their stories.

NILLA TOMKINS | CHEF, COOKBOOK AUTHOR VANILLAFOOD & NILLA’S PANTRY

With her passion for, and commitment to wholesome, real food, Nilla will deliver a hearty healthy and full-of- avour feast. She will share her story of growing up in Denmark and what drove her to become a chef and move to Australia.

SUNDAY 2 JUNE, 1PM - 4PM

VanillaFood, 2/10 Lanyana Way, Noosa Heads

TICKETS $120 (+booking fee)

MATT HOBSON | FOUNDER & CHIEF IMAGINEER, CAVU DISTILLING

Matt will share his journey and dreams as one of the founders of Australia’s rst certi ed organic rum, Nil Desperandum; and Sunshine & Sons distillery which was recently awarded World’s Best Vodka.

Tickets include: Bush Tucker feast, welcome and farewell cocktail, lucky door prizes

BOOK NOW VIA THE QR CODE

www.noosaeatdrink.com.au

Matt Hobson

Nilla Tomkins

John Caruso

TBOTANICAL Bliss

We love celebrating local food and drinks so when Noosa Eat & Drink announced it was back, Deb Caruso got a few friends together to create a very special experience.

here’s something special about a long Sunday lunch sharing interesting conversation, fabulous food and making new friends and magical memories.

We love connecting the community through storytelling whether through the pages of our magazines or interviews on our Everyone Has a Story: Conversations from the Sunshine Coast and Noosa podcast.

So when Noosa Eat & Drink returned, we thought it was the perfect excuse to bring some of our favourite food and drink people together for a long lunch celebrating local flavours and sharing local stories.

Enjoy a stunning Bush Tucker Lunch prepared by one of Noosa’s most celebrated chefs and cookbook author, Nilla Tomkins of VanillaFood and Nilla’s Pantry, in the intimate and earthy VanillaFood café.

Our Podcast host, writer and emcee John Caruso will chat with Nilla about growing up in Denmark, her approach to food and how she landed in Noosa.

The event will begin and end with specially-crafted cocktails created by the award-winning Sunshine & Sons and Nil Desperandum Rum legends.

John will chat with Founder & Chief Imagineer, Matt Hobson, about his journey from working in airlines to starting a distillery with some mates and the challenges of cracking the local,

national and global markets, winning the World’s Best Vodka title, and producing Australia’s first certified organic rum.

This promises to be an INspiring afternoon of fascinating conversation, fabulous flavours and a load of fun!

Chef Nilla and distiller Matt Hobson will share their stories between courses, culminating with an interactive Q&A session and giveaways before adjourning to VanillaFood’s Kitchen Garden gazebo for dessert and a specially-created organic spiced rum from Nil Desperandum.

Additional cocktails and Australian organic natural wines, craft beer and kombucha will be available for purchase and there will be lucky door prizes galore including limited edition 700ml bottles of IN Noosa Gin by Sunshine & Sons and VanillaFood Cookbooks

With only 45 seats available, this intimate event is not to be missed.

BOOK NOW!

BUSH TUCKER BOTANICAL LUNCH, SUNDAY 2 JUNE, 1-4PM

Enjoy an afternoon of INspiring stories together with a bush tucker feast, welcome and farewell botanical cocktail plus lucky door prizes! $120 per person.

Limited Tickets Available! Scan the QR code to book or visit www.noosaeatdrink.com.au

THE MENU

~ On Arrival ~

Sunshine & Sons Specially-crafted cocktail featuring native botanicals and the Vodka voted the World’s Best!

~ Starter ~

Wallaby tartare with crispy salt bush, & housemade crackers with Emu mayonnaise

Betel leaf with chili prawns, bush tomato, macadamia cream, finger lime

~ Middle ~

Whole roasted Cauliflower, with roasted wattle seeds, bush honey miso tahini

Papaya salad with native herbs

Roasted Eggplant with native greens & bush chilli and date caramel sauce

Whole wild caught Fish with Bunya Nut & saltbush dukkah

Housemade gluten-free Smoked Damper with macadamia butter

~ End ~

Native Tiramisu

Small batch organic spiced rum from Nil Desperandum

Enjoyed in Nilla’s Kitchen Garden Gazebo

Fresh from the kitchen

THE CURATED PLATE IS BACK FOR 2024!

Don't miss a thing! Scan the QR code and we'll keep you updated on all the latest news.

The Curated Plate Food & Drink Festival | Sunshine Coast, Queensland thecuratedplate.com.au @thecuratedplate

A delicious 10-day celebration of the Sunshine Coast’s local producers, restaurants, experiences, chefs, and unique natural assets from the sea to the hinterland.

PLATES OF Plenty

Hold onto your knife and fork and raise your glasses – The Curated Plate is serving up another year of deliciousness across the Sunshine Coast, discovers Rebecca Jamieson Dwyer.

Lovers of local flavours, mark your diaries: there’ll be cooking classes, culinary cruises, degustation dinners, long lunches and brunches, farm tours, workshops, cocktail classes, high teas and lots more deliciousness at this year’s The Curated Plate food festival, running from 26 July to 4 August across a wide range of venues.

Attracting foodies from far and wide, this event aims to showcase the exciting talent right here in our region, as well as the plethora of amazing produce from the hinterland to the sea that goes into making our culinary scene so special: think Woombye Cheese, PineCo pineapples, Mooloolaba prawns, Sun Valley bacon and ham, local wild-caught mackerel, Green Valley Fingerlimes, PinksBlush custard apples, lychees and dragonfruit, and more.

Plus, what’s to eat without something to wash it down with? As the Craft Beer Capital of Australia and with many global award-winning distilleries, we’re sure there will also be lots to cheers about!

The full program and ticket sales will be launched in April, but until then, here’s a little taste of what’s on offer...

Spicers Tamarind Retreat will once again host the popular Sunshine Coast Asian Food Festival across their gorgeous green fields in Maleny – a sold-out event last year, it’s been extended to two days this year, running Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 August. This is one of three signature events for The Curated Plate in 2024, with the other two key events to be announced in early April. We can’t wait to see what the team’s been cooking up!

The Curated Plate allows us to get up close and personal with, and be inspired

by, some of the most celebrated chefs on the Sunshine Coast, and this year is no different.

Headline chefs include internationally renowned chef, restaurateur, television presenter and author Peter Kuruvita; Spirit House Head Chef and the winner of Queensland Chef of the Year 2023 Tom Hitchcock; and Executive Chef and Partner at Mapleton Public House Cameron Matthews, plus others to be announced.

You can look forward to mouthwatering experiences from some of the Sunshine Coast’s most wellknown, well-loved and award-winning restaurants, such as Tiffany’s Maleny, Spirit House, Spice Bar, Bella Venezia, Harry’s on Buderim, Spicers Clovelly Estate, Fish on Parkyn, The Long Apron and many more.

There’ll also be more exciting local producers, growers, distillers and makers than you can wave a menu or cocktail umbrella at, including Beachtree Distilling Co, Moffat Beach Brewing, The Falls Farm, Nutworks, Canefields Distillery, Sunshine & Sons, Sunvalley Fine Foods, Good Harvest Organic Farm, Montville Coffee, Yanalla Farms, Piggy in the Middle, Little White Goat’s Cheese, Hum Honey, Cotton Tree Meats, Daniel Street Fish Market and Mooloolaba Seafood Market, to name just a few.

Hello Sunshine Magazine is again pleased to be a media partner for this delicious event and are cooking up plans for our third Podcast & Pinot lunch, where our podcast host John Caruso will be chatting to a fascinating foodie line-up.

The Curated Plate events will be coming to a spot near YOU, with the hinterland, central areas and the coast all catered to, literally. Sign up to The Curated Plate e-newsletter for first access to the program when it launches. Bon appétit – get ready to fill your plate!

WHAT'S ON

The Curated Plate, various venues

Friday 26 July to Sunday 4 August

Full program and ticket sales will be launched in early April. Scan the QR code to sign up to their mailing list for all the latest news and launch details!

DON’T MISS! SIGNATURE EVENT!

Sunshine Coast Asian Food Festival

Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 August 2024

Spicers Tamarind Retreat, Maleny www.thecuratedplate.com.au

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

BOUNTIFULblues

With the return of the Mundubbera Blueberry Festival, Matt Golinski is very happy to have the blues!

Believe it or not, some people don’t like coriander. They can’t stand it and it’s almost like they’re offended that it even exists.

Humans get funny about all sorts of food. They hate certain cheeses, or different fruits and vegetables for their particular flavour or texture.

But you’d have to try really hard to find someone on this earth who would say ‘no’ to a blueberry.

These crunchy sweet little morsels that have no seed, that you don’t have to peel, that you can gorge yourself on with little fear of a bellyache (within reason), and that anecdotally make you smarter and less oxidised, are universally adored by humans all over the world.

Consumers’ appetite for these little blue spheres of deliciousness has seen the Australian blueberry industry flourish in recent years, with extensive research into low chill varieties helping to make it possible for farms to successfully grow fruit in more temperate regions.

Queensland’s own town of Mundubbera has traditionally been known for its exceptional citrus and has now become equally as iconic for its blueberry production – with roughly 100 hectares of orchards under nets (we aren’t the only species that loves them) it is the largest farm of its kind in the southern hemisphere.

With an ideal climate, good soil drainage and ample water to grow winter varieties of blueberries, the success of the crop has been a huge boost for the local economy since its inception.

In 2022 the community decided to celebrate the little berry’s contribution to the town and the Mundubbera Blueberry Festival was born. In September 2024, the festival is back bigger and better than

These crunchy sweet little morsels that have no seed, that you don’t have to peel, that you can gorge yourself on with little fear of a bellyache.

ever, with a jam-packed program including a gala dinner called Locavore 4626; The Berry Big Day Out – an artisan market held under the gum trees in Bicentennial Park; and The Blueberry Jam Sesh, a live music concert featuring rock, country and indie artists and headlined by legendary rock gods, The Angels!

Mundubbera is a beautiful oasis, being on the junction of three rivers, and its a

must-visit country town. It is the State’s largest producer of table grapes as well as adding citrus, blueberries, avocadoes, mangos, lemongrass, pecans, pork, beef, free-range eggs and more into its food bowl! I’m inspired for the Locavore 4626 dinner on opening night.

Mundubbera is just over 200km from Hervey Bay and just under 300km from the Sunshine Coast with lots of RV and camping options so its perfect to hook up the camper or caravan or pack the tent and make a weekend of it!

The full program is yet to be released so keep an eye on the Mundubbera Blueberry Festival website and social media and plan your camping trip or book accommodation now!

Until then, enjoy this recipe I created for IN Noosa Magazine readers back in 2015 - it’s still as easy to cook and delicious as it was almost ten years ago!

PHOTO: LORRAINE MASKELL PHOTOGRAPHY

BLUEBERRY AND TANGELO TARTS

MAKES 6 SMALL OR 1 LARGE TART

Ingredients:

For the pastry:

• 250gm plain flour

• 125gm butter

• 60gm caster sugar

• 1 egg

For the syrup:

• 500ml tangelo juice

• zest from 1 tangelo, finely grated

• 100gm caster sugar

• 5 egg yolks

• 50gm cornflour

To serve:

• 1 punnet fresh blueberries

• 2 tangelos, segmented

• 4tbs orange marmalade, warmed

• 200ml double cream, to serve

Method:

In a food processor, pulse the flour, butter and sugar until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs.

Add the egg and process until the pastry just comes together.

Wrap in plastic and leave to rest for 30 minutes.

Roll the pastry to 5mm thick and cut circles large enough to line 6 small or one large tart tin.

Trim the edges and blind bake at 180° C for 10 minutes.

Remove the paper and weights and bake for a further 5 - 10 minutes or until the pastry is crisp all the way through.

Bring the tangelo juice, zest and half of the sugar to the boil.

Whisk together the yolks, remaining half of the sugar and the cornflour in a heat proof bowl and slowly whisk in the hot juice.

Return the mixture to the saucepan and stir over a low heat until it thickens.

Divide among the pastry shells and allow to cool.

Decorate the tops of the tarts with the blueberries and tangelo segments.

Gently brush the warm marmalade over the tops of the tarts to glaze them.

Serve with a big dollop of double cream.

DESTINATION Dining

Fancy a food-focused date night with a relaxed alfresco ambience and plenty of options? Sunshine Plaza’s Riverwalk is the perfect place to snack, sip and stroll, discovers Rebecca Jamieson Dwyer.

It’s early evening down at Sunshine Plaza’s Riverwalk and there’s a buzz in the air: couples stroll hand in hand eating gelato; families feast and chat at large tables; shoppers wander past, laden with bags; and hungry diners browse the menus of the many alfresco restaurants and cafes overlooking the water.

If you and your significant other are fans of eating your way around the world, then you’ll love the range of cuisine on offer here, spanning Mexican, American, Chinese, Korean, Japanese and more – plus dessert-lovers are well catered for, with gelato, frozen yoghurt, churros and plenty of other sweets for your sweet!

Need some ideas for the dream date night? Read on to discover some of our favourite options…

Start your evening with a bit of fun by popping into Timezone for some pre-dinner games. Battle it out on the arcade machines, head to the laser tag arena, or see who can get the first strike at the bowling alley – the winner gets to choose where to eat!

You will have worked up a serious appetite, and if you’re in the mood for icy-cold cocktails, American-style sharing plates and hearty mains, mosey along to TGI Fridays for their famous Long Island Iced Teas, flame-grilled signature ribs, juicy burgers, perfectly cooked steaks and lots more. With its waterfront views, buzzy ambience and friendly staff, a visit to TGI Fridays is the ultimate life-hack for giving yourself that relaxed Friday feeling, any day of the week.

At the other end of the Riverwalk,

the colourful El Camino is calling – step inside this vibrant, eclectic cantina for great vibes, frozen margs and authentic Tex-Mex delights such as sizzling fajitas, tasty tacos, brilliant burritos and other classics. With its neon lights and upbeat tunes, it’s sure to get you in the mood for a fiesta, free rainbow sombrero included!

Trying something new is the perfect way to build a deeper connection, so if you’ve never had Korean fried chicken before, you need to get yourselves into Momo Chicken, stat! With interesting options such as Candy Chicken, Snowing Chicken and Volcano Chicken on the menu alongside traditional Korean favourites like Bibimbap, Kimchi Soup and Beef Bulgogi, you’re bound to order something delicious –even if you wing it.

Chinese food is always a crowd pleaser, and the Riverwalk doesn’t disappoint with both the award-winning Yum Cha Cuisine and the ever-popular Little Red Dumpling catering to those Cantonese cravings. Delight in the experience of Yum Cha with dim sums and other traditional Chinese dishes at Yum Cha Cuisine, while at Little Red Dumpling you’ll love the mouthwatering bao, soups, steamed greens, crispy pancakes and dumplings of all varieties. Yum indeed!

No date night is complete without a sweet treat, but the big question is to order one each or to share with your sugar?!

San Churro serves up sensational Spanish chocolate with sugar-dusted churros for dipping, while Gelatissimo

is the go-to spot for artisanal gelato in a range of indulgent flavours such as Turkish Delight, Sticky Date Pudding and Salted Caramel Tiramisu.

You definitely won’t want to share your dessert at Yo-Chi – a self-service situation that allows you to create your fro-yo just the way you like it, with a smorgasbord of tasty toppings including fresh berries, lychees, lollies, chocolates and caramel sauce, as well as pretty much anything else you can possibly imagine! With their range of probiotic frozen yoghurts including dairy-free and gluten-free options, Yo-Chi really does have the dream dessert for everyone.

With Sunshine Plaza’s Riverwalk offering all these culinary delights plus many more, it sounds like you’ll need to pencil in a regular dinner to work your way through them all. It’s a date!

PHOTOS:

LET THESunshine In

Sunshine Beach Surf Club is all about good times, good views and good music, regularly bringing the community together with live performances from Australian music royalty. Rebecca Jamieson Dwyer dives into the program to see what’s on offer.

If you’ve seen a rocking-great band recently, chances are it’s been at Sunshine Beach Surf Club. One of the Noosa region’s most popular live music venues, they have a revolving door of legends taking to the microphone, with past performances from people like Russell Morris, Kate Ceberano, Ross Wilson and many others!

This modern, beautiful club was completely rebuilt in 2020, and features two outdoor decks with panoramic ocean views, plus an atmospheric dining and bar area and a state-of-the-art games room. As well as great acoustics, a big ol’ dancefloor and some delicious brews on tap, the Sunshine Coast Surf Club is open seven days – a welcoming place where everyone in the community is invited to meet, relax and connect.

True to form, they’ve got a fantastic line-up of events happening this Autumn – see what’s on offer below, and be sure to follow them on social media for future announcements!

Enjoy a special Easter breakfast on Saturday and Sunday from 8am and on Easter Saturday, guests have the chance to win an Easter Hamper that’s choc-full of goodies. Simply eat, drink and play to earn entries, with prizes drawn from 3pm. The Easter Bunny will be spreading joy and hoppyness at 1pm and 5.30pm on Saturday and at 9am, 1pm and 5.30pm on Sunday. There’ll also be a balloon artist visiting on Easter Sunday 1pm to 3pm (get your animal requests ready!).

Local band, Raw Ordio’s, Special Easter Sunday Sunset Session promises epic tunes

and epic vibes while the sun goes down, encouraging you to dance the afternoon away at this family-friendly event on Sunday 31 March!

With huge appearances at Splendour in the Grass, Elements Festival, Caloundra Music Festival, NZ Spirit Festival and more this year, Raw Ordio have repeatedly sold out their Queensland shows, and have an infectious raw energy that’s sure to get you moving.

And there’s more than great tunes happening over the holidays!

Treat your mum to gorgeous food and great vibes on Mother’s Day, Sunday 12 May! Downstairs in the dining area there’ll be tantalising special offers and a special gift for the first 100 mums who walk through the door; while upstairs

there’ll be an Eagles Tribute Show, with tickets including a two-course lunch and a complimentary drink on arrival.

Doors open at 11:30am and each mum will receive a special gift, with multidraw and lucky door prizes up for grabs!

The final act from An Intimate Afternoon series will see pop/rock sensations Uncanny X Men will hit the stage for their reunion tour on Sunday 19 May!

Colourful and entertaining lead singer Brian Mannix is known for his stage antics and uncontrollable energy (one of the reasons they’re named after the Marvel comic book series), making this a not-to-be-missed extravaganza!

Thanks to sponsorship from Green Beacon Brewery, tickets are now almost 50% discounted to the final show, making them just $60 per person for members (available through reception) or $75 for non-members – so it’s more affordable than ever to experience the magic of these legendary performers in person! Grab your tickets before they’re gone.

Ending the Autumn season with a bang, rock legends Angry Anderson and The Filthy Animals will be doing their thing at the surfy on Sunday 23 June,

with a special pre-show meet and greet.

Formed during lockdown, this tribute brand includes over 30 accomplished musicians from iconic bands, giving it official Australian Supergroup status.

Prepare to be blown away by their energy as they delight the crowd with hits old and new!

With stunning views, regular specials, live music and a dedicated function space for special celebrations, it’s got to be Sunshine Beach Surf Club for sunshine, songs and sensational times!

WHAT’S ON?

30-31 March, Easter Weekend

Easter breakfast both days from 8am; Easter Bunny visits, Sat 1pm & 5.30pm; Sun 9am, 1pm & 5.30pm; Balloon Artist, Sun 1pm-3pm.

Raw Ordio’s Special Easter Sunday Sunset Session

12 May - Mother’s Day + Eagles Tribute Show

19 May - An Intimate Afternoon with Uncanny X Men

23 June - Angry Anderson & The Filthy Animals www.sunshinebeachslsc.com.au

Uncanny X Men

John Caruso discovers a pub that’s prepared and poised and ready to reclaim its position as a modern-day player in Nambour’s social scene.

CLUBCool

One of my strongest memories from my childhood is of the family’s car trip from Bundy to the ‘big smoke’, south along the old Bruce Highway running right through the heart of Nambour.

It was a thing of wonder to spot the Big Pineapple!

The highway now bypasses Nambour but for many, this hinterland town, rich in history, still represents the heart of the Sunshine Coast.

One prominent fixture in that history is the building that now houses the Club Hotel Namba. Originally constructed in 1912 as the timber-made Residential Hotel, it transformed into a licensed pub named The Club Hotel in 1914. Over the years, it witnessed countless gatherings, stories shared over schooners, and the forging of local bonds.

However, by 2010, the pub fell silent.

Fast forward to late 2022, and a new chapter began for the iconic building. The Club Hotel Namba reopened its doors, welcoming not just patrons, but a renewed sense of community spirit.

At the helm is Shayne Daniel, the General Manager and part-owner, who brings with him a wealth of experience and a clear vision for the pub’s future.

“I was at the old Joe’s Waterhole in Eumundi until about a month before it reopened as Matso’s Sunshine Coast and then the opportunity arose to join the Club Hotel Namba crew,” he said.

“Along with my business partners, we really want to establish a destination pub in Nambour.

“There hasn’t been much of a choice in the area, so its satisfying hearing the positive feedback and comments from our clientele so far with a lot of repeat business.

“We believe our food is amazing; what Executive Chef Wayd Bailey is doing in the kitchen is exceptional.”

Shayne has been in the pub game for eighteen years with stints at the Coolum Beach Hotel and Kawana Waters Hotel prior to Joe’s in Eumundi.

“I wanted to be part of this so I could really have my say and put my stamp on things, which you can’t do in a pub that’s one of many in a corporate entity,” Shayne said “With those kinds of places there are people in Melbourne telling you what to do on a daily basis.

“As independents running our own show, we have a say with the menu, wine list, cocktails - whatever specials we want to implement.

“We get new products in and are able to support local business, suppliers, producers; we can make all those decisions on the spot,” Shayne says.

Chef Wayd Bailey brings his brilliance to the Club Hotel Namba kitchen and he’s integral to the pub owners’ future plans and expansion.

Our Hello Sunshine Magazine readers might remember Wayd’s stunning food served at our Podcast & Pinot as part of

Curated Plate last year. As the Head Chef at The Doonan, Wayd quickly earnt a reputation for using local produce and skilful cooking techniques to deliver exceptional dishes.

We’re glad to be working with him again and are planning on a few joint events at Club Hotel Namba, so stay tuned!

“I worked with Wayd at the Coolum Beach Hotel, I was the venue manager, and he was my head chef,” Shayne says.

“His skill is that he’s very good at managing the kitchen and staff and working with local producers and suppliers. It was important to get him onboard to run our operation and grow our team because we’re looking at a bigger picture down the track.

“We’d like to expand with more venues, and we’d like Wayd to look after the whole food department.

“Our team is involved with events as well, for example the Noosa Festival of Surfing and Brewfest, so having someone with Wayd’s skills and experience to oversee that is important for us and our growth in the long term.”

If the walls could talk, they’d tell you

The

some of the building’s story.

You see, the original building burnt down on the 2nd of January 1938. The pub was rebuilt, and its new doors reopened in March of 1939.

In the 1960s, a renovation included the rendering and painting of the building’s facade completing its current art deco look.

“The building looks beautiful; I think it’s one of the most impressive buildings in town,” says Shayne. “When you’re stopped at the lights on Currie and Mill Streets and you’re looking across at the pub, I reckon she looks really good.”

There was a brewery on site in recent years, starting up just before the pandemic and closing soon after.

“Prior to the brewery there was a steakhouse here; the whole building was bright orange and I believe it hasn’t traded as a pub since 2010,” Shayne said.

“The interior area downstairs was dressed up about 12 months ago, we’re going to build a sports bar out the back with a massive screen, and upstairs is office space.

“It used to be accommodation in the pub’s glory days, we may turn that back into accommodation or maybe a space for functions.”

We’ve created a vibrant and enjoyable dining experience in Nambour.

A transformation is underway. The Sunshine Coast Council’s Nambour Place Plan is set to breathe new life into the town centre with an ambitious plan, greener streets, wider pathways, and vibrant art installations with local businesses poised to reap the benefits.

“Part of that means Mill Street out the front of the pub could be one way and we can then extend dining out onto the street into this entertainment precinct; and that’s a positive, as far as I can see,” says Shayne.

Club Hotel Namba’s story is one of renewal and community spirit.

From its historic beginnings as a watering hole to its current incarnation as a vibrant destination pub, the establishment will be a cornerstone of Nambour’s social scene.

With Shayne Daniel’s leadership and Wayd’s focus on quality and local produce, Club Hotel Namba is poised to become the heart of Nambour’s revitalised town centre, just as it has been for over a century. Cheers to that!

Family FOOD &

Rebecca

Name Sophie Phipps

Position Owner & Executive Chef

Restaurant Spice Bar

Why did you become a chef?

My whole family love food, and the experience of coming together over a meal – both in my childhood and to this day – is always such a passionate, beautiful bonding experience for us. When we go away together, it’s never about where we’re going to stay; it’s all about what we’re going to eat! A bloody good meal is something we can all give as a gift to those we love, while at the same time experiencing it with them.

What are your career highlights?

The moment when you realise the people you really respect – both for the way they cook and who they are as a person – respect you back. That’s when you know you’re doing something right. What do you love about being a chef?

I love food. There are no limits to what you can do or how creative you can be – the only limit is your own imagination. I also love how it can make people happy. There’s nothing else I’d rather be doing!

What do you love about local produce?

Local producers know every single thing about their product, and I think that’s really amazing. You can see the origin, the detail, and the care that’s involved in every part of it. Plus when you buy local, you’re supporting this neighbour of yours, who can then afford to support that other neighbour of theirs, and it’s just this amazing circular network that’s created.

We love Daniel Street Market for seafood, Ten Toes for beer, and Sunshine Coffee for beans, plus we get our edible flowers from a lovely local lady called Min. When buying from these businesses we’re creating real relationships that help us all feel supported.

What

do you love about the Sunshine Coast?

Everyone is so friendly. I’ve met quite a few local business owners and everyone has been so open and genuine.

What is your approach to food?

Produce dishes that, when you look at people eating them, you see the beautiful surprise of genuine pleasure and happiness within them – without compromising animal welfare or the happiness of your staff.

Who is your culinary inspiration?

Food is my inspiration! The lightbulb really goes off when I go to the markets. I’ll be like, ‘Oh my god, that’s the most beautiful pumpkin I’ve ever seen in my life.’ And a lot of my inspiration comes

Jamieson Dwyer meets the local chef who puts family at the heart of everything she does.

from eating with my family.

Do you cook at home? What’s your specialty?

Absolutely everything! I have three kids who are five, nine and 13, and we do a country of the world every Monday. They get involved and make a lot of it themselves; my kids know how to make fresh pasta, breads and roti and pizza dough, as well as how to julienne vegetables and season food to taste. I’m so proud that their lunches consist of olives, pickles, cured meats and crudites – that’s the kind of food they love to eat. What is your favourite dish – to eat or cook?

I really love cooking the Tomahawk Steak when we have it on the menu at Spice Bar. The basting, the amount of time it takes – you just put so much love and energy into it. Slicing into it and seeing that you’ve cooked it perfectly is the best feeling, because you can’t go back at that point. You have to have done it right.

Who would you love to cook for?

My grandmother.

Any advice for young chefs?

Respect and patience. No one gets far in this industry without doing some dishes and learning from someone else who has made it to the top through genuine hard work.

Favourite kitchen tool?

My hands.

Favourite ingredient?

Aromatics like Thai basil, lemongrass, chilli and finger lime! I grow the Thai basil and lemongrass in my garden and I love how sensory they are – you experience them even before you eat them. Your body starts to have this amazing anticipation of something that it’s going to really enjoy. That’s pretty cool.

One of the region’s oldest and most awarded restaurants is cooking up a new offer which will have you in seventh heaven. Deb Caruso discovers what’s cooking at Bella Venezia for autumn.

SEVENTHHeaven

Starting its 41st year by retaining and receiving a Chef’s Hat for 2024, Bella Venezia has come out of the blocks with fresh new dishes and a stunning Chef’s 7-step Tasting Menu. Featuring signature dishes, the Tasting Menu offers a true dining experience, starting with an amuse bouche of Shortcrust Mini Tart with Leek Emulsion, Sturgeon Caviar and Yuzu Gel to awaken and stimulate the palate.

The superbly fresh and flavoursome Mooloolaba Yellowfin Tuna Crudo with Fennel, Caper, Lime, Chilli and Leek Oil is both gluten-free and dairy-free and a hard act to follow.

But the challenge is made easier when the next dish is Housemade Ravioli with Western Australian Lobster, Mooloolaba King Prawn, Champagne Sauce and Oscietra Caviar.

When you think it can’t get any better, along comes a showstopping Sous Vide Grain-Fed Eye Fillet that’s so tender you can cut it with a butter knife. It’s accompanied by a Leek and Potato Terrine, Romesco Sauce and Pickled Green Tomato.

A palate cleanser of Yuzu Olive Espuma, Lemon Sorbet and BittersInfused Fingerlime does its job to prepare you for the finale, a dessert to die for!

CHEF’S 7-STEP TASTING MENU

Shortcrust Mini Tart, Leek Emulsion, Sturgeon Caviar, Yuzu Gel

Mooloolaba Yellowfin Tuna Crudo, Fennel, Caper, Lime, Chilli, Leek Oil (GF, DF)

Undoubtedly Bella Venezia’s most popular dessert is the Coconut & Lime Panna Cotta with Mango Sorbet, Passionfruit, Roasted Macadamia, Caramelised White Chocolate, Meringue and Basil.

This dish literally makes your tastebuds sing and zing in a way that surprises and delights, with popping candy adding an extra twist to the experience.

At $129 per person, the menu is great value and for $199 with matching wines or $259 with premium matching wines, it’s hard to not say ‘yes’.

House Made Ravioli, Western Australian Lobster, Mooloolaba King Prawn, Champagne Sauce, Oscietra Caviar

Sous Vide Grain Fed Eye Fillet, Leek & Potato Terrine,Romesco Sauce, Pickled Green Tomato (GF, DF)

Yuzu Olive Espuma, Lemon Sorbet, Bitters-Infused Fingerlime

Coconut & Lime Panna Cotta, Mango Gelato, Passionfruit, Roasted Macadamia,Caramelised White Chocolate, Meringue, Basil (GF) Petit Fours $129

$199 (with matching wines) $259 (with premium matching wines) 3 x half glasses + 45ml dessert wine

Bella Venezia Director Kristine Young said the concept highlighted the Chef’s Signature dishes to offer a true fine dining experience.

“The Chef’s 7-Step Tasting Menu is a great opportunity to present our most popular dishes in one coordinated experience and build on what our customers already know and love,” she said.

A new season brings new dishes and autumn doesn’t disappoint with Executive Chef Ben Achurch and Head Chef Anthony Dunne, who was again a Finalist in Chef of The Year competition,

Coral Coast Barramundi

Zucchini Flowers

introducing some new dishes to the extensive menu.

For starters, there is a Lemon, Ricotta & Roasted Sunflower Seed Stuffed Zucchini Flowers with Roasted Zucchini, Spinach and Grana Padano Purée; and the intriguing Rockmelon with 30 Month-Aged Prosciutto di Parma, Cucumber, Smoked Feta, Mixed Leaves, Roasted Almonds and a Peperonata Puree – a delightful dish featuring traditional Italian ingredients that is smokey, sweet and savoury all at once.

The standout new pasta dishes include Pasta Tagliatelle with Slow Cooked Angus Beef Cheek Ragout, Basil-Infused Grana Padano as well as a Queensland Pumpkin & Truffled Pecorino Tortellini with Zucchini Puree, Pumpkin Seeds, Grana Padano Crisp.

Instead of Fish of the Day, the chefs have secured a steady supply of Coral Coast Barramundi which is served with a Tomato Concasse, Smoked Tomato Vinaigrette, Green Olives, Lemon Panko Crumb, Caper Emulsion and Yuzu Gel.

With a focus on paddock-to-plate and portto-plate ingredients that brings together the freshest, locally-grown produce and premium quality imported Italian products, it’s no wonder Bella Venezia is entering its fifth decade of dining with more accolades.

Paired by more than 500 award-winning wines, mostly available by the glass thanks to the Coravin wine preservation system, Bella Venezia is one of the true gems in the culinary crown of the Sunshine Coast – and beyond.

PHOTOS: JASON KING - SPOONING AUSTRALIA

SOMETHING Cosy...

Rebecca Jamieson Dwyer visits Dee Den to discover the decidedly dee-lightful ambience and a menu that’s perfect for autumn.

Is there anything better than cocooning yourself somewhere cosy and enjoying a flavoursome feast on a wild and windy night? Dee Den’s menu lends itself perfectly to this scenario, offering a warming range of curries, noodles and stir fries alongside a selection of more unusual bites to warm you from within as the weather starts to cool.

Located in an old Queenslander in Buderim, Dee Den has charm and welcoming vibes in abundance: think white VJ walls, pretty floral installations, a dark, moody bar area, and a back deck with views out over the treetops, which can either be open to let in the breeze or closed to protect diners from the elements.

If you love fresh Asian flavours and sharing plates with your dining companions, you’ll love the whole Dee Den experience. But if you think you know what to expect, think again: this restaurant prides itself on offering ‘something different’, with creative interpretations of beloved dishes that will surprise, delight and keep you coming back for more.

Stand-outs include the Betel Leaf with Caramelised Pork, served with peanuts, pineapple and green apple – a fun, crunchy parcel of tastiness; and the Hokkaido Scallop Sashimi with chilli sesame vinaigrette, lychee, ginger and kaffir lime zest, which has to be tasted to be believed. The Slow-Cooked Angus Beef Cheek Massaman with sweet potato, almond flakes and toasted coconut melts in the mouth and is the most popular item on the menu for good reason, while the Grilled Chicken Turmeric Curry with roasted Japanese pumpkin, sweet potatoes and crispy shallots is a mellow, warming crowd-pleaser (and a popular

... that combination of herbs and tomatoes with the Japanese kohlrabi radish – it’s a mix of ingredients you won’t see anywhere else.

one with the kids).

Dee Den owner Jeremy Khoo is particularly proud of the Thai Herbed Grilled Chicken – a unique dish that combines unusual ingredients like spiced sundried tomato, roasted kohlrabi radish, pickled fennel, basil, chipotle salt and dried shallot for a full-on flavour sensation.

“My business partner and Head Chef Mike Meesuwan put this together after lots of taste-testing, which is why you’ve got that combination of herbs and

tomatoes with the Japanese kohlrabi radish – it’s a mix of ingredients you won’t see anywhere else,” he said.

The menu is split into small, medium and large dishes for easy ordering and, if you’re feeling indecisive (me, always!), there’s a handy flow chart at the back that splits the dishes into two sections – ‘something different’ or ‘something familiar’ – and will help you create a

feast that’s perfect for your palate.

You can make it easy with a range of banquets to choose from - and all dietaries, particularly gluten-free are covered.

To encourage conversation and connection while dining, Jeremy comes up with a series of unique questions for each menu, such as, ‘If you had a TARDIS, could travel anywhere in time and space for a day, where and when would you go, and

why?’ and ‘What’s your game plan when AI and robots take over the world?’. Super interesting and fun!

“The whole idea was to give people something to chat about while waiting for their food, and we love seeing customers engaging with the questions and having great conversations together,” he says. “It works equally as well for first dates as it does for 10-year-anniversary dinners!”

Just as much care is given to the drinks menu, with signature cocktails combining locally crafted and smallbatch spirits with unusual flavours.

We love the strong, sweet Lychee Martini; the aromatic Fig Negroni; the delicate, citrusy Yuzu Pisco Sour; and the tropical, moreish Strawberry Mimosa (but beware: one is never enough!).

For flavoursome, cosy and fun dining this autumn, Dee Den definitely delivers.

Greensmith Grocers is more than a one-stop organic shop, Jodie Cameron discovers it’s a destination for all things real — a thriving creative community hub that educates, nourishes and inspires to get creative and hands-on in the kitchen with workshops, retreats and community events. Owner, and real food specialist, Jess Holdsworth shares her top three Autumn must-haves to restore, revive and reboot your bodies as we prepare for the change of season.

MORE THAN A

market

RESTORE REVIVE JUNIPER MEDI BALM

Does your skin suffer from retaining moisture? Say hello to Juniper Medi Balm — a must-have product for the super dry Autumn days. Designed to heal, protect and lock in moisture all at once, this sweet-smelling balm is an ideal scalp treatment, lip balm or works wonders on dry cracked feet and elbows. Recommended for sensitive skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, nappy rash and scar healing, this multi-vitamin treatment balm is an everyday family essential and is beneficial to all skin types.

NOURISHED BLENDS GUT FOOD

Made locally on the Sunshine Coast using quality, organic wholefood ingredients, Nourished Blends Gut Food is a prebiotic, polyphenolic and postbiotic formula designed to assist in soothing, repairing and nourishing the gut while feeding a healthy microbiome.

Proudly certified organic and plant-based, this super gut food is scientifically formulated without additives, preservatives, flavours or GMOs. Nourish from within and give your gut the TLC it deserves!

REBOOT

ROOGENIC NATIVE RELAXATION BIODEGRADABLE TEA BAGS

Drift into the most delightful deep, restorative sleep with this soothing herbalflavoured sleep tea powered by Australian grown plants.

Designed by naturopaths, Native Relaxation Tea is made from wild-harvested Jilungin — Australia’s ancient deep sleep herb, and Passionflower which is proven to improve sleep quality for anxiety sufferers.

WHAT'S ON

WORKSHOPS + MARKET NIGHTS + RETREATS

Dahl Workshop

Saturday 13 April, 10-11am

An Intro to Intuitive Cooking + Pantry Reset Workshop

Saturday 18 May, 10-11.30am

FREE EVENTS

Love healthy eats, free tastings and delicious discounts? Be sure to head along to the Greensmith Grocers’ Autumn Market Night on Thursday 30 May from 4.30 to 6.45pm to meet the faces behind some beautiful brands, try some delicious local morsels and receive 10% off everything in-store on the night!

RETREATS

Bali Nourish Retreat - 20 April - 25 April

There’s still a few spaces left on this Sensory Food Retreat in Ubud, Bali. Nourish your senses with five nights at the Shala Yoga Retreat and Ayurvedic Spa.

Stay up-to-date with all Greensmith Grocers goss by subscribing to the free newsletter at www.greensmithgrocers.com.au

LOCAVORE Love!

FTo make a great meal you need to start with the freshest and best quality ingredients and, as Matt Golinski discovers, that generally comes from the closest source possible.

ood lovers on the Sunshine Coast understand the importance of buying local.

While we’re spoilt for choice with produce markets across the coast, it’s not always convenient to shop on the weekend when we have so much going on in our lives, but the clued-up and dedicated ‘locavores’ who live here know there’s a seven-days-a-week option available wherever there’s a White’s IGA.

From humble beginnings as the owners of a small convenience store in Maroochydore 31 years ago, Michael and Roz White have built an empire of six IGA stores from Baringa to Peregian Beach, and each has been thoughtfully custom-designed with the community it services in mind.

The couple has never taken for granted the community support that has afforded them the success they have achieved over the past three decades, and are always looking at ways to give back – whether it’s helping local charities, sporting groups and schools or raising muchneeded funds for medical research or disability groups.

But probably their greatest achievement within the community, and their main point of difference to any other supermarket on the coast, is the 200 or so local farmers, producers and food manufacturers whose wares they proudly stock and promote in all their

stores - helping these small family businesses grow by giving them exposure and actively encouraging their customers to choose local.

The distinctive locavore culture of White’s IGA incorporates a trademarked ‘tractor’ emblem to highlight locally grown and made products, making it easy to find the good stuff, and their website has a comprehensive list of everyone represented on the shelves, so you can research what’s on offer before you even leave the house.

The supermarket industry has got itself a bad name of late when it comes to putting shareholder profits above the wellbeing of both farmers and consumers, but IGA owners - being independent - have the ability to make a difference by being directly connected to their small suppliers, and not having an obligation to return profits to shareholders.

Michael and Roz White live and breathe the locavore philosophy, and are more than happy to put the satisfaction of doing something good for the world above their bottom line.

With over 60 years’ combined experience in the retail game, they know a good product when they see one, and they’re always out looking for people in the food industry who are doing new and interesting things that they can add to the inventory.

They’re generous with their time and advice, and are always happy to share their vast knowledge with newcomers to make sure they have every chance of surviving that perilous start-up phase.

The White’s IGA group has won a slew of awards over the years for its commitment to service, sustainability and the community. Roz has been acknowledged as Sunshine Coast Businesswomen’s Network Outstanding Business Woman of the Year in 2015 and in 2017 was inducted into the IGA Hall of Fame

With 500 staff employed across the six stores, the business is heavily focussed on fostering a happy and proud workforce, and it’s clear as soon as you walk through the doors of any of their outlets that the success of this group is very much a team effort.

White’s IGA stores are located in Peregian Beach, Baringa, Bli Bli, Forest Glen, Mooloolah and Mount Coolum. All are open from 6am, seven days a week, the first three until 9pm, with the last three closing at 8pm. You can also grab your copy of Hello Sunshine Magazine from our dedicated stands in most of these outlets – locals supporting locals.

So whether you eat like a carnivore, herbivore or omnivore, keep an eye out for that little tractor sticker when you’re at a White’s IGA to guarantee that you’re shopping like a locavore.

Flo's French Cider

Handcrafted French cider, direct from Bretagne, France

Three varieties on offer: Traditional, Organic and Rosé

The

BONJOUR

FLO’S FRENCH CIDER ARRIVES!

Bubbly!

The creative crêpe champions at Flo’s are always cooking up something special. Deb Caruso discovers what revolution is next for this powerhouse business.

Not content with making us fall in love with crêpes and its savoury sister, galettes, the crew at Flo’s Crêperie have gone extra ‘Francey’ with exciting and delicious new creations, including its own French Cider and an expanded dinner menu.

According to crêpe connoisseur and owner of Flo’s, Florian Guillemard, cider is the ‘go-to’ drink of choice with crêpes.

Growing up in the home of crêpes in Bretagne, France, he should know.

“We’ve been running crêperies for 15 years, so offering our own version of cider was something we always wanted to do,” he said.

“Finding the right partner to make it happen was challenging. We wanted it to be authentic as the way we make cider in France isn’t common in Australia.

“The distance was the main hurdle, so when an opportunity arose with an experienced French cider producer that was a perfect fit, we jumped on it to craft a cider that remains true to its French roots while satisfying Australian palates.”

The result is a range of Traditional, Organic and Rosé ciders full of flavour and a perfect match for both crêpes and galettes.

Florian said the Rosé offered a touch of sweetness with a hint of acidity which complemented the lightness of a galette salad perfectly.

“The Traditional is more dry and crisp so enhances the taste of any of our seafood galettes; and the Organic variety has a bolder apple flavour which pairs beautifully with galettes with strong cheeses like Flo’s Alpine Cheese or a decadent blue cheese special,” he said.

So, whether you’re a cider enthusiast or cider-curious, it’s a must-try!

...a cider that remains true to its French roots while satisfying Australian palates.

“Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what your preference is and like anything at Flo’s, to have fun and experiment along the way.”

Helping to make the decision easier, Flo’s offers a cider tasting board, allowing you to explore all three options.

Flo’s French Cider is a unique cider you can’t find anywhere else in Australia.

French cider isn’t the only thing Flo’s are cooking up.

Dinner is about to get a little more Francey in May with the introduction of an expanded dinner menu featuring classic French dishes with a Flo’s twist.

Developing the menu is long-time friend of Flo’s, François Poulard, who delivered the sold-out Go With the Flo tasting dinners last year and brings experience from working in multiple Michelin-starred kitchens in France, Belgium, the UK and Switzerland, before moving to Sydney in 2014 to work at Matt Moran’s Aria and later, becoming head chef of Chiswick Woollahra.

We’ll raise a glass (of cider) to that!

Tony Cox is shaken, stirred and muddled by Sunshine & Sons’ latest offering - and global glory.

COCKTAILS & Dreams!

From the very beginning, the clever crew at CAVU Distilling established the infrastructure to be able to distil in sufficient volumes to service national retail distribution along with stocking bars, restaurants and independent retailers. The dream though, has always been global.

Initially concentrating on Sunshine & Sons to produce mostly white spirits, namely vodka and gin, the launch of a sister brand, Nil Desperandum, saw Australia’s first certified organic rum hit the market.

The distillery door at Woombye has seen constant growth in visitor numbers as discerning consumers make their way for tastings, education or just to relax with a cocktail overlooking the surrounding rainforest.

Thanks to a cracking product and the team’s commitment to getting sips on lips as often as possible with pop-up bars and tastings, consumer awareness of their stable of spirits has been simmering away for quite some time.

That simmer has not just turned into a boil, but the entire stockpot has been raised from the hotplate with Sunshine & Sons Vodka taking out World’s Best Vodka at the 2024 World Vodka Awards in the UK! For the next few weeks, the team will be on a whirlwind combination of trade tastings, potential distributor meetings, promotional events in the quest to capitalise on the award - and realise the dream of global domination!

Back home in Woombye, the team is already seeing an uptick in demand. Viewing the big gong as an opportunity to introduce consumers to the broader Sunshine & Sons / Nil Desperandum range, the latest experience at the distillery door is a hands-on Cocktail Masterclass where you get to play around with several products, get a spirited education and have fun with friends.

Hosted by an experienced mixologist,

you are taught the basics of cocktail making, including muddling, shaking, building, straining (getting those Boston shakers unattached from one another can be a strain!) with three delicious cocktails on the menu.

As long-time lovers of Sunshine & Sons, our team had the opportunity to road test an abridged and much-needed experience just before print deadline!

The first cocktail creation was the Near North which saw us muddle a few lime segments using a small rolling pin-like ‘muddler’ to releases the juice as well as the essential oils and aromatics of the skin and pith. To this we added 30ml of Original Cane Spirit (made from local Sunshine Coast sugar cane which is more cachąca than white rum); topped the shaker up with ice, and proceeded to unleash the inner Bryan Brown and Tom Cruise ala the 1988 movie Cocktail

All that was left to do was to empty the contents into a short glass and enjoy.

The beauty of this cocktail, despite being a super-refreshing sipper, is that it is the base for a great array of longer drinks: simply add some mint and soda for a mojito; use a long glass and top up with ginger beer for a spicy alternative; or even switch out the lime for another citrus fruit for a different flavour profile – blood orange and ruby grapefruit come immediately to mind.

Next up was the Mr Barista Martini, a take on the current favourite of Espresso Martini. Simply add 30ml each of Sunshine & Sons Mr Barista Coffee Liqueur (a combination of organic molasses rum, cold-brewed coffee and

local Nutworks macadamias), Sunshine & Sons Original Vodka and Espresso coffee with 15ml (or less) of vanilla syrup or sugar syrup to a cocktail shaker; top with ice and shake it to within an inch of its life! Strain into a martini glass and admire that layer of delicious froth (Guinness drinkers might be particularly excited by this one) on top of the dark coffee colour beneath. Top with coffee beans and enjoy - even better try with that other favourite, a Tim Tam or two.

Being on deadline, we didn’t have time for a third cocktail which, together with Woombye Cheese and Silver Tongue lavosh crackers, is normally on offer.

In a few short years the team at Sunshine & Sons and Nil Desperandum have achieved a hell of a lot not just within Australia but also on the world stage. What’s next for the team?

Luckily for us we can enjoy the fruits of their labours close to home and it pays to regularly drop into the distillery to watch (and taste) the evolution - we can’t wait to see what the future holds!

SHAKE IT UP!

Distillery Experience. Daily, 10am-4pm. Tastings and etched tumbler to keep. 1-15 guests, $15 per person, fully redeemable on any 700ml bottle purchase. Bookings recommended, walk-ins welcome.

Cocktail Masterclass. Fri-Tues, 3.30pm-5pm. Three cocktails, recipe book, cheese platter. 2-10 guests. $99 per person with $15 redeemable on any 700ml bottle purchase. Bookings essential.

To find out more, discover the range and book visit www.sunshineandsons.com.au

PHOTO: MEGAN GILL

OF HEALTHHeart

The future of wellness is in our hands, and in this fast-paced world, we need all the biohacks to ensure we’re living our best lives. Carlie Wacker uncovers the heart of health and happiness at Cotton Tree’s family-run Body Transformation Institute.

Trent Banyan is a trusted name in the world of holistic health. In the ever-growing realm of wellness and longevity, together with his co-founders, he’s combined cutting-edge technology with ancient forms of healing to create Body Transformation Institute – a clinic that’s shaping the future of wellness right here on the Sunshine Coast.

On The Esplanade overlooking Cotton Tree you’ll enter an instantly calming space that seamlessly combines traditional Chinese Medicine with the world’s latest non-invasive technology.

Alongside acupuncture for advanced energy healing, you’ll find the most technologically advanced devices such as the HOCATT and Tesla Chair, plus the leading fat-freezing and body-shaping machines. Body Transformation Institute delivers what it suggests – a holistic approach to enhancing our lives from the inside out; the ultimate in biohacking.

Biohacking (or human enhancement) is quite simply the new age term for self-love – it’s the act of making lifestyle changes to improve health and wellbeing to live our fullest healthiest life, by losing weight, improving brain function, increasing lifespan and so much more.

Body Transformation Institute is the evolution of Canberra-based business, Total Body Contouring, owned and run by Suzie Heath and Danni and Jess Rustenburg and now incorporating Trent’s holistic health approach to offer 17 different services that deliver the ultimate in health enhancement.

Trent says in a fast-paced world, we are time poor and looking for that edge.

“There are ways through nutritional, daily habits and treatments that can help us gain better results in shorter amounts of time,” he adds.

Body, skin and wellness treatments are all on the menu at Body Transformation Institute. Athletes are recovering quicker

through ice baths and infra-red saunas, while hot and cold therapy is the game changer for recovery and chronic pain.

The HOCATT machine is creating a worldwide stir in the biohacking space.

“HOCATT is Hypothermic Ozone and Carbonic Acid Transdermal Technology, and we only need 30 minutes each week to reap the rewards,” Trent explains. “You sit in a capsule as the ozone sauna heats up using infra-red technology and steam – your body receives the benefit of an infusion of super oxygen that goes down to a cellular level, improving energy, cell regeneration and energy production. It can ward off viruses and bacteria in the body and improve the lymphatic system.”

I wasn’t leaving without experiencing this magic machine, and it delivered the goods. My head was outside the capsule and I was inhaling pure oxygen through a tube while the work was happening inside the machine. Steam, warmth and aromatherapy filled the capsule, and while I was heavily sweating, it was perfectly comfortable and I definitely felt like I was burning up to the 600 calories the HOCATT claims it can do.

After a relaxing 30-minute session I felt an immediate energy boost and certainly felt detoxified – a feeling of lightness and clarity. There is lots of research indicating the benefits of this therapy in treating women’s health issues, which is really exciting for those suffering endometriosis and infertility.

On that note, I was really interested in Body Transformation Institute’s Tesla Chair, which works through Advanced Functional Magnetic Stimulation. This one-hour treatment will change the way we think about treating pelvic issues such as lower back pain, incontinence, impotence and pelvic floor strength.

After only a few minutes, I certainly felt like I’d done an abdominal workout.

The clinic is popular for their body and skin services, offering Cooltech, Onda and Slimyonik therapies for fat freezing and body shaping; Emface, Etherea and Mesopen as revolutionary skin treatments; and cosmetic acupuncture as a non-invasive and effective alternative to surgery and injections.

Ice baths and infrared therapy add to the full-body approach to wellness and beauty – a holistic approach to getting the best from our body, mind and spirit.

This institute really offers the complete body transformation from head to toe.

A complimentary consultation from the experts at Body Transformation Institute will be the best step in living your best life, where they’ll customise a treatment plan for your needs.

Trent, who’s a highly regarded holistic practitioner and health coach, leads this family team with experience and integrity.

“We don’t treat superficially –our approach is to ensure that the technologies are complementary to the client’s lifestyle,” he says.

“We won’t suggest fat-freezing if the client is not including lymphatic, dietary and detoxification support to get the best results.

“It’s important to us to support our clients on a physical level, but also spiritually, emotionally and mentally. These attributes contribute to our overall wellness.

“We must ask ourselves if mindset is contributing to a physical factor.

“If you are working on a physical body only, you’re going to get left behind –the world of wellness is shifting very quickly.”

Body Transformation Institute is leading the way in the art of biohacking, and our future is looking healthy and very well.

PHOTO:MEGAN GILL

INDAH

ahhh...

The moment you drive into ikatan Spa at Doonan, you instantly feel a sense of calm. If you’ve experienced a treatment here before, it’s probably due to your emotional or muscle memory recalling a previous visit.

And, if you haven’t experienced ikatan Spa before, the sense of calm is probably due to the tropical oasis and sounds of nature that quickly envelop you as soon as you arrive.

After more than two decades nurturing our minds, bodies and souls, ikatan Spa owners Katrina Thorpe and Nicholas Pilditch show no signs of slowing down in their quest to redefine the day spa experience in Australia.

“From the start, we wanted to create a Balinese village-style day spa with your own private villa and lush tropical gardens,” Katrina says. “A place where everyone feels calm and relaxed. We want people to leave their world behind and surrender into ours.”

In the first five years of operation, ikatan Spa was nominated for Best Destination Spa Australia by the Australian Tourism Travel Awards and the accolades haven’t stopped since.

As a former therapist Katrina is very hands-on, particularly with regards to creating treatments as well as understanding and supporting her team.

“Happy therapists mean happy clients – and that means a happy boss and a good business, and that’s my formula for everything,” she says.

Keeping the team as happy and engaged in the business as they can be is important to Katrina and Nick, with regular training, feedback sessions and product development aiding personal growth.

Which brings me to why I am fortunate enough to again be sitting in the serene surrounds of ikatan.

Due to many requests for particular treatments, Katrina developed the new ‘Indah’ package.

Named after the Sanskrit word often used to describe natural beauty, the Indah package promises to have you sighing ‘ahhhh’ for days after the two-hour treatment is over.

Combining a Facial plus Foot Therapy and an Asian Head Massage, it is a true top-to-toe immersion of the senses.

I’m shown to my private villa by my therapist who helps me choose the right facial and products for my skin. I choose ASAP for its anti-ageing properties and, once cocooned on the bed, let the bliss begin.

One of the things I love about any treatment at ikatan is the element of ritual. Starting and ending with light pressure, the therapist ‘walks’ their hands down my body from head to toe; immediately grounding me and reminding me to release any tension I am holding from the outside world. I surrender to the table as a warm towel

Tootsies tingling, it’s time for the grand finale in this tantalising trio of treaments and it is by far my favourite way to end the day...

connects with my feet to cleanse away the day’s stress and I am ready to drift away.

I do just that and actually drift into a state of deep relaxation (with perhaps a micro nap or two!) while my face enjoys a deep clean, micro exfoliation and peel.

As an ikatan VIP, I choose a complimentary eye boost and while the treatment mask, nourishing serums and moisturisers work their magic, I enjoy a series of soothing massages focusing on my hands, feet, scalp, neck - all the places that are holding tension

- I just didn’t realise how much!

The products are divine and feel so spectacular on my skin that I decline the opportunity for Inika organic, vegan mineral makeup - I want to see the natural glow!

This is a facial that feels so good on a deeper level, I feel lighter, refreshed and extremely relaxed overall - can it get any better?

The answer is ‘yes’ because the Indah Package also includes a Foot Therapy and Asian Head Massage!

I’m escorted to a beautiful garden room where the therapist provides me with a complimentary champagne or tea to enjoy a 30 minute foot scrub, soak and massage - I’m again in heaven!

Tootsies tingling, it’s time for the grand finale in this tantalising trio of treaments and it is by far my favourite way to end the day - a 30 minute Asian Head Massage!

Created at ikatan Spa and using a combination of the best techniques from Bali, China, Japan and Thailand, this massage aims to help clear the mind and release tension.

I choose one of the energy-balancing Chi Oil blends, Chi Aroma with

lemongrass, rosemary and peppermint to help clear the mind and enhance my ability to stay focused and present.

The only thing I’m focusing on is how amazing this feels as my mind unloads and I drift deeper into a state of bliss as my head, neck and upper shoulders get the unwinding and attention they so desperately need.

With its cosmeceutical and therapeutic benefits, the Indah Package is one of those treatments that could - and absolutely should - form part of a regular self-care ritual.

- 60 minute facial of choice

- 30 minute Foot Therapy

- 30 minute Asian Head Massage = 2 hours of total bliss!

Want to experience the Indah Package? Simply scan the QR code and enter your details by 24 April to go in the draw!

Acne, rosacea, pigmentation, sun damage, fine lines, signs of ageing – we all want to love the skin we’re in, but sometimes expert advice from a professional can help target areas of concern and result in our skin looking and feeling its best.

Enter Dr Clare Patterson, a British doctor and dermatologist who knows firsthand what it feels like to struggle with her skin after experiencing debilitating acne in her younger years.

“I had acne when I was a teenager, and I absolutely hated it,” she shares.

“We had a couple of really old books lying around that recommended applying carbolic acid and other questionable treatments. But it wasn’t until I was a junior doctor in medical school that I learnt more about skin and found an effective way to treat my acne.

“The whole experience gave me empathy for others, and a life-long passion for good skin and the power it has to make us feel great about ourselves.”

From her boutique Peregian Beach clinic, Dr Clare offers a variety of treatments for all types of skin conditions and concerns, with a focus on skin damage including acne, rashes,

LOVE THE SKIN You’re in

As a highly experienced medical doctor and dermatologist, Dr Clare Patterson is passionate about helping the people of Peregian Beach and beyond feel confident in their skin, discovers Rebecca Jamieson Dwyer.

rosacea, skin cancer; and the signs of skin ageing that can be treated with energy devices, injectables and prescription skincare.

With over 24 years of experience as a medical doctor and as a Board Certified skin specialist, she is at the cutting edge of technology in the dermatological space, bringing her unrivalled expertise to each consultation.

Dr Clare loves the aesthetics side of her practice, and is committed to achieving a fresh, subtle look for her clients – helping them feel more like themselves when they look in the mirror.

“People’s biggest fear is that they’re going to look overdone,” she says.

“I read each person’s face properly to figure out exactly what they need, and my work is extremely subtle – I aim for them to be able to go out for lunch afterwards without anyone noticing.”

Thanks to her extensive medical training, Dr Clare treats every client as an individual and can recommend the best course of action for their unique circumstances - from a combination of creams, injectables and energy-based devices for their particular skin concerns.

As an experienced doctor she can offer an entire suite of options, following up

with the client throughout the entire process to make sure their skin is reacting as it should.

“I have some clients come to me that have been going round in circles for years and haven’t quite achieved the results they were hoping for, and I’m able to help them,” she says.

“Other times, someone might ask for a spot to be lasered off and I’ll diagnose it as a melanoma – or someone might ask for fillers when muscle relaxing injections would be more effective at targeting their particular concern. When people come to me, they’re not going to get the wrong treatment.”

Almost every month there are new developments in the aesthetics industry, and as a medical doctor, Dr Clare is passionate about offering the most advanced, progressive treatments.

“I attend the right conferences, have the right contacts and know what the latest treatments are and how to carry them out effectively,” she says.

It can be intimidating seeking help for skin concerns for the first time, which is why Dr Clare and her team are committed to creating a relaxed experience in the clinic.

For such an accomplished medical

professional, Clare herself is lively and down-to-earth, with a demeanour that helps patients feel completely at ease during their treatment.

As well as treating women in their mid-thirties and beyond, Dr Clare sees an increasing number of male patients who are particularly interested in targeting rosacea, uneven skin tone and frown lines. And there’s no age limit for getting aesthetic treatments, with an 80-year-old woman recently coming in for a touch of lip filler so she could continue wearing her beloved lipstick.

Regardless of who she’s treating,

authenticity and discretion are at the core of Dr Clare’s ethos – something that’s appreciated in such a close-knit community.

“Privacy is extremely important to me – nothing leaves these four walls,” she says. Helping people feel happier with the reflection in the mirror comes with deep job satisfaction for Dr Clare.

“People just want to feel good. No one is expecting to look like a model. They’re just saying, ‘I want to look like the best possible version of myself.’”

Here’s to loving the skin you’re in!

DR CLARE’S TIPS FOR TAKING CARE OF YOUR SKIN

• 80% of visible facial ageing is due to UV – never leave the house without sunscreen on, even if you’re not planning to be outside.

• Be sure to apply sunscreen right under your eyes and to the edges of the sides of your face. These areas are often missed!

• Plenty of UV is still transmitted on cold and cloudy days.

• If you already have pigmentation or brown spots, try good-quality IPL – three sessions can really clear the complexion.

• Collagen-booster injections can help you get your glow back!

PHOTOS:

IAN WALDIE

IDowntime ON THE LOWDOWN Downtime

Katrina Thorpe discovers the importance of downtime - and how to achieve it.

t’s not what you think, it’s when you don’t think. Do you spend time completely alone, silent with your own thoughts? Letting your mind drift, daydream or wander with no outcome, agenda or purpose?

Downtime is not time-out, where you might be scrolling social media, listening to a podcast, or half-watching something on TV.

Much the same as your body, where

muscles need rest to recover, the mind also needs regular breaks and time off during the day.

Downtime for the mind can help uplift your mood, and your ability to concentrate.

Whereas not taking mind breaks can contribute to burnout, fatigue, stress and health issues that can develop from an overactive mind can also impact the body.

Have you heard of ‘mind wandering’?

“It’s about the brain’s default mode network”, explains Zachary Irving, PhD, an Assistant Professor of Philosophy of Cognitive Science at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, whose work focuses on the philosophy of mind wandering.

It’s a concept scientists are still researching, but the default mode

network is thought to be the parts of the brain that activate when people aren’t thinking about anything in particular.

Research suggests it’s connected to processes like memory, self-reflection and imagination.

According to Dr Irving: “When your thoughts wander from one thing to another, it creates a passive stream, which is really distinctive of human downtime.”

It’s also considered to be connected to our emotions, creativity, problem solving and forward thinking.

When you are in the shower tends to be a great time for brain downtime as water is also very calming and cleansing for the mind. In fact, many cultures use water flowing over their head as a daily ritual for clearing the mind and body.

Downtime is a time when you can’t use a device; perhaps this is why teenagers naturally ‘de-vice’ while spending so long in the shower?

The brain needs wandering, downtime, for the default mode network, which automatically turns off whenever our brains focus on something.

Years ago, our brains had more downtime as we didn’t have devices to fill in every spare minute we had.

What counts as downtime?

Downtime only occurs when the brain isn’t engaged in, or following directions from, either your effort to focus, our emotions taking control, or an outside stimulus, like engaging on devices.

Instead, it seems that a low level of distraction is required, such as exercise, swimming, housework, art or any other activity or hobby that allows your mind to wander and practice silence while you are distracted by the activity.

Interestingly, not all meditation is considered ‘downtime.’ Some types of meditation with an emphasis on mindwandering may meet the downtime criteria, but general forms of meditation where you focus attention - such as focus on your breath - to help control your thoughts, is not downtime.

Are you getting enough downtime?

Unlike exercise or sleep, there’s no set amount of downtime recommended by health professionals.

It’s no surprise that research has found that people with high stressors in their life tend to need more downtime, and some people naturally need less.

Pay attention to how you feel throughout the day, and if you feel constantly stressed, overwhelmed and

unable to turn ‘off’, you might lack downtime.

Control the urge to fill in time with phone calls and devices, put them away.

Instead, choose to people watch; notice the weather and nature as it changes; daydream; or look out the window on the bus, train or car ride home (if not driving!). If you are driving and traffic is stressful, take note of your environment (as in the sky), or play some relaxing music rather than asking Siri to make business calls or tuning into the news.

Do what you can to leave space in your life for your brain to wander and meander, when and wherever you can.

Book in for a massage, facial, float therapy, salt cave, oxygen pod, or try water therapy such as a swim or relaxing bath at home - anywhere that allows you to be at one with your mind without a device.

Importantly, pay attention to your own mental state. Your downtime may not always be the same, nor the same as it is for others, as it depends how engaged your mind is.

Make small, easy changes to incorporate some downtime into your life and see what a difference it makes to clearing your mind and general health.

Silk Pant & Silk Boyfriend Shirt by George Ermis; Pearl Look Square Drop Earrings and Silver Satin Slide by Lav-Ish from Elmari Boutique in Cotton Tree, Coolum and Mooloolaba. www.elmari.com.au

Autumn has arrived and we have entered our ‘Quiet Luxury’ era.

Quiet Luxury represents a mood – a minimalistic approach to fashion.

Designed to remain relevant over time, the styles worn as Quiet Luxury are better known as wardrobe staples or investment pieces – the essentials we all need to create looks that are versatile to mix & match, and looks that will last for seasons.

Think unisex styles that can be worn various ways, simple yet refined elegance, neutral tones and high-quality fabrics such as silk, linen and wool; Quiet Luxury garments are made with love and designed to last.

Accessorising the Quiet Luxury trend is just as simple, as you will see on our Fashion Pages. Our talented local jewellers have a stunning range of handmade, natural stones, rustic and elegant pieces to subtly enhance these looks.

We hope you are inspired by our autumn fashion looks to stay stylish this season!

ALLY CHUCK Fashion Editor @ac.stylecollective

Antique Print Pant & Top by La Strada; Pearl Look Hoop Earrings & Elena Ring ‘Melbourne’ Wedge shoe by Hinako from Elmari Boutique in Cotton Tree, Coolum and Mooloolaba. www.elmari.com.au

Silk Satin Skirt in Chocolate by Otomo; Preloved Waistcoat by Kookai from La Extravaganza, 0478 627 886.

Marrakech Earrings, Baby HALO Assher Cut Moissanite Ring, Charlotte M Moissanite Engagement Ring from Debra Fallowfield, www.debrafallowfield.com

Marilyn Cami & Silk Satin Pant by Otomo from La Extravaganza, 0478

Gold Bangle from Uncle George, Sunshine Plaza, 0432 230 461

Rainbow Pop Ring & 9CT Gold Twig Ring from Debra Fallowfield, www.debrafallowfield.com

Preloved

Black

Sabine Linen Vest by JAG from David Jones, Sunshine Plaza, 13 33 57 9CT Yellow Gold Solid Round Bangle RD FIT, 9CT Yellow Gold Solid Round Bangle RD FIT, Solid 9CT Yellow Gold Handmade Bangle with a scattering of diamonds, 18ct Yellow Gold Diamond Earrings, 9CT Yellow Gold Paperclip Chain 50 CM, 18CT Yellow Gold Floating 0.75CT Lab Grown Diamond necklace, ‘Callie’ 18CT Yellow Gold Lab Grown Pear Solitaire Engagement Ring, ‘Dana’ 2.24CT Lab Grown Diamond Platinum Oval Solitaire Engagement Ring from McLean & Co Jewellers, 5452 6774

Toi Et Moi Engagement Ring Lab Grown Diamond & Natural Spinel, Tourmaline Pale Pink 2.78 Carat Oval Ring, 18CT Two Tone Pink Argyle Diamond Drop Earrings, 18CT White Gold Diamond Earrings, 14CT White Gold Multi Stone Natural Sapphire and Lab Grown Diamond Ring from McLean & Co Jewellers, 5452 6774

18ct Yellow Gold Diamond 10-0.46CT Earrings from McLean and Co Jewellers, 5452 6774

18CT Yellow Gold Floating 0.75CT Lab Grown Diamond necklace from McLean & Co Jewellers, 5452 6774

Woodys Eyewear from Hammond Optometry, 5476 2333

Black Aztec Necklace from Uncle George, Sunshine Plaza, 0432 230 461

Antique Print Pant & Top by La Strada; Pearl Look Hoop Earrings from Elmari Boutique in Mooloolaba, Cotton Tree and Coolum, www.elmari.com.au

Glare Eyewear from Hammond Optometry, 5476 2333

Dharma Stitch Detail Blazer by SABA from David Jones, Sunshine Plaza, 13 33 57

Glare Eyewear from Hammond Optometry, 5476 2333

Kashmiri Hand Embroidered Bolero by Silvercocoonz from La Extravaganza, 0478 627 886

14K White Gold Crystal Opal and Diamond Pendant; 14K White Gold Crystal Opal Earrings; 14K White Gold Crystal Opal Ring from Opals Down Under, 5494 5400

Two Tone Indigo Dress by AJE from David Jones, Sunshine Plaza, 13

Yellow Gold Crystal Opal Earrings; 14K Yellow Gold Boulder Opal Ring from Opals Down Under,

Field Rugby Sweat & Brunch Pant by Elm from Uncle George, Sunshine Plaza, 0432 230 461

Louisa Sneaker by Kurt Geiger from David Jones, Sunshine Plaza, 13 33 57

Freya Top & Guru Pant by Boom Shankar; Gold Bangle; Necklace & earrings set from Uncle George, Sunshine Plaza, 0432 230 461

Fashion Editor: Ally Chuck @ac.stylecollective

Assistant: Chloe Knight @chloeaknightt

Photographer: Lauren Biggs @laurenbiggslbph

Hair and Make-Up: Justina Simone @justina_simone

Model: Tanaya McCarey @mcareytanaya_model

Shoot Manager: Deb Caruso @debcarusopr

Shot on location: Lauren Biggs Photography Studio

Classic, effortless style

Mens and Womens

Designed in Noosa, Australia

SHOP ONLINE

www.wackerclothingcompany.com.au

Cuban George Shirt by Wacker Clothing Company, www.wackerclothingcompany.com.au

Sabine Relaxed Linen Pant by JAG from David Jones, Sunshine Plaza, 13 33 57 Prodesign Eyewear from Hammond Optometry, 5476 2333

Black Linen Shirt; Wacker Woman Wide Leg Pant by Wacker Clothing Company, www.wackerclothingcompany.com.au

Simone Perele French Lace Bra from LadyBird Noosa, 5455 4070

Silver Pearl Detail Chain Necklace from Elmari Boutique in Mooloolaba, Cotton Tree and Coolum, www.elmari.com.au

Mocha Dress by Staple the Label from David Jones, Sunshine Plaza, 13 33 57 KINA Gold Earrings; Rainbow Pop Ring; 9CT Gold Twig Ring; ADAMAS Ring; Carved Rock Band; Le Cadran Solaire Opal Halo Ring by Debra Fallowfield, www.debrafallowfield.com

Tanaya wears Penelope Apron Tank & The Kylie Maxi Skirt from Desert Lily Vintage, www.desertlilyvintage.com.au

Linen Jude Pants & Spring Tank by Little Lies; Tan Half moon leather Earrings, Blue & grey wooden beaded Necklace from Rayanna, www.rayanna.com.au

Sponsor by Steve Madden Footwear; Succumb by Status Anxiety Handbag from David Jones, Sunshine Plaza, 13 33 57

Precious

METALS

Family heirlooms are what keeps our family’s story alive – a tangible and highly sentimental connection to our heritage. Carlie Wacker meets a custom jeweller who is bringing beautiful memories to life in her bespoke reimaginations of precious jewels.

Somewhere in the middle of fine art and contemporary jewellery is an artist that has always been a step ahead of the game – I introduce you to the one and only Deb Fallowfield.

I once referred to her as a woman with her ring finger on the pulse of a jewellery revolution and I stand by that statement.

Deb is a designer that has always pushed back at traditional jewellery making and design. Her work doesn’t skimp on metals, it is solid, tactile and there’s an organic flow and movement through her designs that brings us back to connection with nature and nurture of family.

Our ancestry and memories are at the core of the rise of jewellery remodelling, and Deb has been creating special pieces upcycling, recycling and reusing heirlooms and sentimental items from our jewellery boxes for well over ten years.

The Deb Fallowfield collection is brought to life with the help of her husband Dean Brewster – a former builder who is perfectly geared for construction (of the jewellery kind now).

After many exhausting years rebuilding Christchurch after the tragic earthquake in 2011, he was well due a change of

...it’s like unpicking a couture designer dress then putting it all back together...

career and now is the master setter in this dynamic duo.

Between the two of them they work lovingly to create breathtaking pieces that allow the next generation to continue telling the stories that make us who we are.

Deb began remodelling for a close family friend a decade ago. Her mother had passed and she wanted to restore the rings for her wedding, but there were signs of wear and tear and the design wasn’t her style. After an emotional design process, Deb helped her friend create a ring that was the perfect fit to reflect her friend’s personality plus serve as a daily reminder of her dear mum.

Deb and Dean take great honour in being entrusted with the job of remodelling such special family

heirlooms.

“We understand we are not just working with metals and the physicality of it all, so you really need to be emotionally intelligent,” Deb shares.

“These jewels have often been handed down through generations and sometimes the truth behind the value of the jewel can be exaggerated, so there has to be a delicate approach in these times, you need to tread carefully and communicate compassionately.”

There has been an exponential growth in the remodelling side of Deb’s business, and I can sense it is due to that perceptive and delicate approach and understanding.

Deb says there have been times when they have recognised that a piece holds more value as an antique rather than

remodelling it.

“I think Dean and I are equipped emotionally to deliver the best advice and experience of having a special piece remodelled,” adds Deb.

“In remodels, it can be common to be dealing with the maker, the designer and the gem setter and things can get lost in translation when you’re not connected and communicating directly with the person you have entrusted to work on your sentimental pieces.

“Our experience and skill sets means that you are dealing with us on the whole journey. We know we’re working with people’s emotions and memories so you need to have a solid connection with them.”

And it’s not necessarily easier or a less expensive option to remodel.

Deb tells me Old Europeancut diamonds are particularly challenging to set.

“Dean has an extraordinary talent in thinking outside the box and finding ways to make a piece work,” she adds.

“It’s more about the sentimentality than cost –the thing about remodelling jewellery is that it’s like unpicking a couture designer dress then putting it all back together – it can take five to 10 times longer to undo and redo a piece of jewellery rather than starting from scratch.”

Deb Fallowfield continues to deliver custom bespoke remodelled jewellery designs to clients in New Zealand and Australia-wide.

We talk about the ‘taonga’ (a Maori word meaning treasured and close to your heart). When her clients look at her remodelled designs, she wants them to feel that fond connection to family.

As we move forward in a world that values quality, connection and sustainability, it can only mean that the art of remodelling will flourish.

It’s time to breathe new life into those old necklaces, solo diamond earrings and your grandmother’s engagement ring – let’s wear our heirlooms in a beautiful new way and add our very own chapter to the family story.

PHOTOS: MEGAN GILL

FAMILY Jewels

Handcrafting beautiful jewellery for over three decades, McLean & Co Jewellers are harnessing the very latest design technology as well as keeping it all in the family, discovers Rebecca Jamieson Dwyer.

When jeweller Stuart McLean and his wife Angeline started their jewellery company back in the 1990s, they could never have imagined that more than 30 years later, they’d be working alongside their son Hayden in a thriving family business that’s created thousands of treasured pieces for other families and individuals along the way.

From their store and workshop in Kawana Shopping Centre, where they’ve been for the past 10 years, Stuart, Angeline, Hayden and their team of three jewellers create a stunning selection of classic, contemporary and bespoke pieces. Melding traditional jewellerymaking skills with advanced CAD design and rendering technology, making the design process as fast and cohesive as possible, and giving their clients complete involvement over the outcome.

Whether it’s a bespoke item or something for their extensive in-store collection, the process of making each piece goes something like this: Stuart, a jeweller and gemologist (or occasionally Angeline, who’s also a qualified gemologist), will sketch out the design for an item of jewellery on paper, before passing it across to Hayden, an expert in CAD technology. Using a specialist program, Hayden then creates a model of the piece to the exact specifications, and then turns this into a high-quality render: a photo-realistic image or video of the design for the client (or Stuart) to approve.

From there, a cast is created and filled with the precious metal of choice, which is then passed onto the jeweller who crafts the piece in McLean & Co’s in-house workshop.

“I used to be on the bench creating everything, but I’m busy with design and sourcing, so these days we have three highly experienced and talented jewellers creating everything,” Stuart explains.

The advantage of this high-tech team approach is the flexibility it offers the client if they want to tweak the colour, shape or style of their design – meaning that the McLean & Co team can ensure every customer is absolutely delighted with their final piece, be it ring, bangle, necklace, earrings - or sets.

“Hayden’s expertise with CAD software means it’s not costly or time-consuming for us to make changes during the design

process, unlike other jewellers who don’t have access to this in-house, or might not be using it at all,” Stuart says.

Passionate about gems, Stuart stocks a veritable rainbow of diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, opals, tourmalines, aquamarines and more in all shapes and sizes for customers to choose from; as well as having the experience and the contacts to be able to source special stones when requested.

This industry knowledge helps protect against potential costly mistakes.

“Sometimes I’ll have a customer bring me a piece of jewellery that just isn’t sitting quite right and we’ll discover that the gem hasn’t been cut properly,” he explains. “When the stone isn’t perfect, the item can never be perfect, which is why it pays to go through an expert when sourcing or choosing gems.”

At McLean & Co, customers will talk to a qualified jeweller or gemologist at every stage of their journey.

“We don’t employ salespeople,” Angeline explains. “Everyone the customer encounters, from the moment they enter our store, has extensive industry experience and is fully qualified

to give the best advice.”

Between them, the team has over 120 years of experience – so you know you’re in safe hands.

It’s often said that three is the magic number, and for Stuart, Angeline and Hayden, that’s proven to be true, with their complementary range of skills helping the business grow and thrive.

“As well as serving customers and helping with repairs and design, I do all our marketing, digital and social media content creation,” says Angeline, who also teaches others how to grow their online engagement and is something of a leader in the digital space.

Although Stuart regularly works with all sorts of gems, his favourite stone is undoubtedly the diamond: a timeless classic that’s sparkled on hands throughout generations for good reason.

“I always come back to a really nice diamond –they’ve just got that magic quality,” he says.

All natural, earth-mined diamonds used in McLean & Co jewellery are precision cut and conflict free, with the more unusual diamonds sourced from Belgian cutting and polishing houses.

They might be a girl’s best friend, but for young people trying to get into the housing market or make their own way in the world, earth-mined diamonds are not always achievable cost-wise, which is why McLean & Co also stocks a range of lab-grown diamonds –offering that stunning signature sparkle without the same level of financial investment.

Sentimental at heart, Stuart loves creating milestone pieces for special occasions, such as the show-stopping three-carat yellow diamond ring he designed as a surprise for Angeline’s 50th birthday.

“Jewellery is important because it’s a permanent, beautiful reminder of those special and meaningful occasions in life,” he says. “If your item is high quality, you can enjoy that moment for a long, long time. We want our pieces to stand the test of time and provide continual enjoyment, and then be handed down through generations.”

Creating fine jewellery that’s been designed and crafted by their family for yours?

It’s fair to say the team at McLean & Co Jewellers are absolute gems.

PHOTOS: MEGAN GILL

Stuart, Angeline & Hayden McLean.

FORTY FABULOUS Finalists

Forty of the region’s top visual artists are vying for a major prize pool and the chance to join the Sunshine Coast Art Collection as part of Local Contemporary Art Prize 2024: reflections on here and now Jodie Cameron previews the high-calibre collection of finalists on display at Caloundra Regional Gallery.

Art can help us understand our history, our culture, our lives, and the experience of others.

Visual art has a distinct style and is a fundamental component of the human experience, often reflecting the world and the time in which we live.

Now in its tenth year, Caloundra Regional Gallery, in partnership with the Friends of the Regional Gallery, have announced the finalists from across the Sunshine Coast regions, including two-dimensional and three-dimensional works across all mediums.

The annual art prize, originally known as Local Artist - Local Content, has been renamed in 2024 to Local Contemporary Art Prize: reflections on here and now to embody the artists living and working on the Sunshine Coast and ultimately, attract a wider calibre of artists.

Sunshine Coast Art Collection Curator Nina Shadforth says local art prizes create a platform for the finalists to connect with their own tribe and audiences.

“It not only raises the profile of local

talent in the region, it provides an opportunity for local talent to be shown in a regional gallery setting, giving artists an outlet to sell their artwork while attracting audiences to local art, particularly visitors to the region,” she said.

The finalists’ work features a variety of genres and media – from abstraction, landscape, portraiture and still life through to a range of media such as photography, digital stills, drawing, painting, relief prints and watercolours - each offering a unique perspective; a fleeting moment in time; a homage to heritage or a demand for social change. Over the years, the level of engagement

through local business sponsorship and the prize value has grown, as has the number of entries. And for the past three years, the prize has evolved to become an acquisitive artprize, meaning the winning work will be acquired into the Sunshine Coast Art Collection — a growing collection of artworks developed to encourage enjoyment and awareness of the visual arts.

“Giving artists the opportunity to join the ranks of high-profile contemporary artists within the holdings of a public collection is a priceless part of the Local Contemporary Art Prize,” Nina adds.

“By growing and sharing the art collection, the Sunshine Coast is developing an enduring cultural asset that will be enjoyed by generations to come.”

...local

art prizes create

a platform for

the

finalists to connect with their own tribe and audiences.

Curated from over 280 entries, these compelling finalists’ works represent various formats of artistic expression.

Looking deeper, there is more than meets the eye; they evoke emotion through an expression of skill and imagination that invites the viewer to

challenge their way of thinking while absorbing their surroundings.

Local artist, designer and 2024 Finalist, Nicole Voevodin-Cash says the chances of being selected as a finalist in a local art prize are like winning lotto and she is so grateful to be a piece of the jigsaw puzzle that is today’s Sunshine Coast mosaic of art makers.

Fellow Finalist Melissa Stannard, a First Nations jewellery and small sculpture artist, said sharing her art with local audiences was like sharing a narrative that evoked emotions and memories of childlike curiosity.

Meanwhile, Sunshine Coast local Blair McNamara’s artwork is a chronology of changes occurring along the coastal plain since the 1970s. He says the region has grown beyond the ‘Big Pineapple’ agricultural vibe it was once famous for, so being a finalist in the Local Contemporary Art Prize is like finding a carpark when the surf is pumping. With a total prize pool of $17,000 up for grabs, the stakes are high!

Award categories include Best in Show Acquisitive Award, a $10,000 prize; 2D and 3D Excellence Awards offering $2,500 each to the winners; and the popular People’s Choice Award with a cash prize of $2,000.

The public programs offer a suite of events and activities to highlight the amazing local talent in our region and engage the community with a series of children’s activities; meet and greet style talks, including Meet the Finalists; and practical workshops like the Paint Out at Bankfoot House in Beerwah.

At the time of going to print, the winners have not yet been announced, which means there’s still time to view the finalists and winners up close and vote for your favourite artwork in the exhibition as part of the People’s Choice Award — which will be announced on Saturday, 27 April.

The exhibition runs from Friday 22 March to Sunday 5 May 2024.

Come and view

Created by the Friends of the Gallery in 2014, and now in its tenth year, the prize has been given fresh energy via its new name Local Contemporary Art Prize, reflecting the here and now of artists living and working on the Sunshine Coast. Come and view the forty finalists now on display at Caloundra Regional Gallery.

Image: Benjamin Hedstrom | Creek Reflection I (Coolum) (detail) | 2023 | oil on linen | 101 x 101cm | Winner, Best of Show Acquisitive Award, Local Artist – Local Content Art Prize 2023 | Image courtesy of the artist

Tues to Fri 10am-4pm, Sat to Sun 10am-2pm | 22 Omrah Ave, Caloundra | gallery.sunshinecoast.qld gov.au | gallery@sunshinecoast.qld gov.au

24019E

Nicole Voevodin-Cash | Dying Bed | 2023 | LANDscan-digital frottage, digital print | Ed. 1/5 | 120 x 90cm

Melissa Stannard | Tidal Pool Pair (Coastal Connections and Tidal Pool Amulet) | 2024 | lost wax carved and casting recycled silver with patina | 3 x 5cm and 4 x 3cm

Blair McNamara | Boreen Point #1 | 2023 | acrylic on canvas | 120 x 120cm

ARTISTIC

Await! ADVENTURES

From the coastal strip of Caloundra to the foothills of the hinterland and across the Blackall Range, witness the magic of creatives in their element when they open their studios and galleries for Sunshine Coast Open Studios 2024. Jodie Cameron discovers this year’s local Art Trails to be explored and adored.

Solace often goes hand-in-hand with artists working alone in their sacred spaces, not sharing a piece until it’s just right. But Sunshine Coast Open Studios 2024 invites us to meander through gardens, mosey down laneways, get off the beaten track and stumble upon artists at work in their creative spaces.

From 18-26 May, 70+ artists and individual gallery spaces along the coast and through the hinterland open their studios to share their passion and process first-hand, offering visitors a glimpse into their world along with five days of hands-on, innovative and creative workshops to experience art making.

From upcycling, ceramics, drawing, glassblowing, mixed media, painting, photography, printing, sculpture and textiles; to metalwork, woodwork, jewellery and shoemaking, installation and printmaking, there is something for every taste.

Fancy rolling up your sleeves and getting amongst it? Art lovers, amateurs and appreciators at any level can participate in artist-led workshops to learn, create and immerse themselves in their favourite artists’ space.

This year’s event features six regions

— where the community can undertake self-guided tours to meet local artists in situ, view artistry in action, purchase art, and participate in workshops while gaining a newfound appreciation for the creativity of local talent.

Arts Connect Inc President, Jen Braithwaite says artists can engage with visitors interested in art in a comfortable and familiar environment, such as their home studio or a collective venue shared by a number of artists.

“The exposure to new audiences is a vital information gathering tool, as well as an excellent way to connect and learn from other local artists and art professionals while building relationships with art lovers keen to invest in buying pieces,” Jen said.

The program explores art behind the scenes by providing a glimpse into spaces not usually available for public viewing — from permanent gallery spaces, backyard sheds, shipping containers and warehouses to glorious garden retreats.

Along the Coastal trails of Caloundra, you’ll find international award-winning artist, Jenny Newbound’s vivid watercolour creations; or take the kids along to enjoy illustrator Kerry Ide’s cheeky drawing and digital art; or delve into the world of coastal beach shacks

with Shelley Harkness.

Immerse yourself in the Central Coastal Trail with storyteller James Stickland’s figurative works; for a playful pop of colour and vibrant depictions of brunch dishes, visit Liz Pepper; or be inspired by Denise Gee’s mosaic garden gallery complete with a mosaiced lounge, paths, pots and bird feeders.

Across the Coastal North Trail, experience Sarah Sculley’s Banksy-style large-scale artworks; relive childhood memories with Gemma Troy’s ethereal works from the heart; or get a taste of the Australian outback with Geoff L McKenzie and Allison Shaw at Wallaby Studios.

Nestled in the foothills of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, channel your inner Salvador Dali with a visit to Marcel Desbiens where realism meets surrealism and abstraction; take in the Glasshouse Art Spaces for an eclectic female artist collective that will surely ignite the senses; or discover the Chenrezig Institute Art Studio in Eudlo which brings together sculptors, mould makers and painters who produce traditional Tibetian Buddist artworks.

In Maleny, explore award-winning conceptual artist Richard Muldoon’s Zone Gallery for an introduction to

James Stickland, Coastal Studios

PhotoUnrealism; take a leisurely stroll through Nicky Dierens garden featuring glassmaking, metalwork and sculpture; let Kim Herringe take you on a printmaking journey or unearth the nexus of creativity and nature at The Little Red Cottage — where the beauty of art harmonizes with the serenity of the natural world.

High on the range in Montville, get your quirky on at Flying Porky Studio where Jim Cox’s diverse collection of drawing, painting and ceramics will surely delight; let Molly Galpin’s mixed media unique art and passion for recycling inspire you; or witness magnificent, upcycling beauty with Sue Neale’s feather wall art.

Participating galleries include Caloundra Regional Gallery, Sunshine Coast Art and Framing Gallery, Seaview Artists Gallery, the Zone Gallery, Munimba-ja Gallery, Art School Co, The Little Red Cottage, Montville Art Gallery, Hidden Gallery and Illume Creations.

Busy or short on time? In April and May, Art Snack at the Maroochydore Library’s Artspace is giving visitors a tiny morsel of what’s on the 2D-curated viewing menu. Graze your way through painting, drawing, printmaking, and photography and taste the diverse blend of local creative talent while whetting your appetite for more!

New in 2024 — explore a small slice of the work created by this year’s Open Studios Sunshine Coast artists at their first combined exhibition, bringing together work personally selected by the artist to showcase their individual skills, talents and inspirations. With most studios opening around 10am, why not take a geographical approach, grab some brekky and a copy of the Art Trail Guide – or access it online and really make a day of it!

Art explores our subconscious and engages our senses by temporarily allowing us to escape from our reality; it can be a wonderful way to ignite the imagination and what better way to do this than to visit the amazing local artists in our region up close and personal. I encourage you to check out the Art Trail Guide and start planning your artistic adventure, you may just find the perfect piece to complement your home and life!

From mid-April you can pick up the 2024 Art Trail Guide from a variety of locations including Sunshine Coast Art and Framing Gallery, Equity Makers Sunshine Coast, Caloundra Regional Art Gallery, Sunshine Coast libraries and Eckersley’s Arts & Crafts.

Discover the Art Trails and view the Guide and artist profiles at www.openstudiossunshinecoast.com.au

WHAT'S ON

Sunshine Coast Open Studios 2024

Saturday 18 & Sunday 19 May: Coastal Studios open 10am - 4pm

Saturday 25 & Sunday 26 May: Hinterland Studios open 10am - 4pm

Monday 20 - Friday 24 May: hands on

Open Studio Art Exhibitions

26

9 May – 26 May: Open Studio Meander - Old Ambulance Station, 80 Howard Street, Nambour

From mid-April you can pick up the 2024 Art Trail Guide from a variety of locations including Sunshine Coast Art and Framing Gallery, Equity Makers Sunshine Coast, Caloundra Regional Art Gallery, Sunshine Coast Libraries and Eckersley’s Arts & Crafts. www.openstudiossunshinecoast.com.au

Meet

70+ Artists: Painting, Printmaking, Photography, Drawing, Ceramics, Shoe Making,

ARTS RADAR

Discover exciting new exhibitions at the Sunshine Coast’s leading galleries, studios and arts centres!

CALOUNDRA REGIONAL GALLERY

UNTIL 5 MAY

LOCAL CONTEMPORARY ART PRIZE:

REFLECTIONS ON HERE AND NOW

Be inspired by the two and threedimensional artworks of the Local Contemporary Art Prize winners. Head into the gallery before 27 April to cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award.

LOCAL STUDENT ART PRIZE EXHIBITION

Visit the inspiring winners of the Local Student Art Prize in an exhibition of two-dimensional artwork by the region’s up-and-coming artists. The Local Student Art Prize celebrates and fosters the region’s budding artists by showcasing artwork from students depicting local themes. Aligned with the Local Contemporary Art Prize, it is an opportunity for students across all year levels to exhibit their artwork in a curated gallery exhibition.

22 Omrah Avenue, Caloundra. Ph: 5420 8299

www.gallery.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

CA GALLERY

20 MAY-10 JUNE

OTHER VISIONS, REX BACKHAUS-SMITH

Born in Queensland, watercolourist Rex Backhaus-Smith’s love for local landscapes feature in his latest exhibition Other Visions — a collection of new and selected works celebrating the iconic Glasshouse Mountains.

5/43 Access Crescent, Coolum Beach Ph: 5471 7366

www.coolartgallery.com.au

HEART SPACE CREATIVE STUDIO

18-24 MAY, 10AM-4PM

OPEN STUDIOS SUNSHINE COAST 2024: CONVERSATIONS WITH FLOWERS

Discover four local artists including Katia Ksr, Daina McCauley, Rose Iron and Jasmine Veronique on display at The Pavilion in Eumundi. Experience their unique visions in a collaborative space where art connects and inspires. A studio event not just to observe, but to feel, discover, and engage.

8/79 Memorial Drive, Eumundi hello@hscstudio.com.au www.hscstudio.com.au

STEVENS STREET GALLERY

UNTIL 28 APRIL

LAND & SKY, VARIOUS ARTISTS

Promising a rich tapestry of interpretations and emotions evoked by the vistas of the Land & Sky, this exhibition celebrates the connection we share with our diverse landscape and the expansive sky above. Featured artists include Lucinda Leveille, Anthony Walker, Wayne Smith, Domica Hill and Katrina Pennock, amongst others.

1 MAY-30 JUNE

THE FABULISTS - THE ART OF STORYTELLING

Explore the imaginative world of The Fabulists where storytelling, whimsy, and folklore come to life through paintings, sculptures, and mixed media. Artists from varying disciplines weave narratives that transport you to whimsical realms, evoke nostalgia, and stir the imagination.

2 Stevens Street, Yandina

Toni – 0414 687 895 / Alicia – 0437 141 786 www.stevensstreetgallery.com.au

UNISC ART GALLERY

UNTIL 4 MAY

OCCURRENT AFFAIR, PROPPANOW

After a five-year hiatus to focus on their individual careers, Occurrent Affair features new and recent works by Brisbane-established Aboriginal artist collective proppaNOW — one of Australia’s leading cultural collectives, exploring the politics of Aboriginal art and culture, and provoking, subverting and re-thinking what it means to be a ‘contemporary Aboriginal artist’.

Conceived as a collaborative activist gesture, Ocurrent Affair addresses current socio-political, economic and environmental issues, while celebrating the strength, resilience and continuity of Aboriginal culture. Featured artists include: Vernon Ah Kee, Tony Albert, Richard Bell, Megan Cope, Jennifer Herd, Gordon Hookey and Laurie Nilsen.

90 Sippy Downs Dr, Sippy Downs Ph: 5459 4645

www.usc.edu.au/art-gallery

BUDERIM CRAFT COTTAGE

18 MAY-26 MAY

EXISTENCE

Visit the biennial Buderim Fibre Group exhibition featuring three-dimensional,

metal work, weaving, basketry, book making, embroidery, paper clay work, felting, hand printing, botanical dyeing and many others.

Fibre art is a new and an old art form — fibrous materials have been used for hundreds of years to make functional and artistic works. With today’s technological advancements, new materials and evolving techniques are engaging contemporary artists in a new way, and in a very different way from the old traditional crafts of drawing and painting.

5 Main Street, Buderim

Ph: 5450 1714

www.buderimcraftcottage.com.au

BENDIGO COMMUNITY BANK MARCOOLA

UNTIL 4 APRIL

GEORGES PETIT

With a career spanning five decades, highly-acclaimed Australian artist Georges Petit is well known for his expertise in portrait art, charcoal and landscape pieces.

4 APRIL-20 MAY

MATT GOULD

Living by the sea at Marcoola, Matt takes inspiration from the movement and colours of the ocean. A swim each morning becomes an observation on the form and shape of the waves and the way light rests on and penetrates the water, sparking a desire to capture that fresh feeling.

20 MAY-26 JUNE

PHYLLIS ARANEO

Phyllis Araneo’s captivating paintings feature the striking Australian light and colour while incorporating its luscious plant and floral life.

26 JUNE-8 AUGUST

JESSICA HANSELMANN

Jessica Rose is a florist turned painter, illustrator and surface design artist. Using predominantly pen, ink and watercolour or gouache on cotton rag paper, Jessica’s background in floristry and love of nature and daydreaming are the main inspiration for her work.

1/930 David Low Way, Marcoola

Ph: 5448 8582

www.bendigobank.com.au/branch/qld/ community-bank-marcoola

SHELLEY HARKNESS

Shelley uses the beach shacks of the coastal environment as inspiration for her painting and drawing and enjoys creating her colorful and expressive artworks.

Commissions by Request - Moffat Beach Phone 0414 311 413 micheleharkness@bigpond.com

CALOUNDRA REGIONAL GALLERY

Caloundra Regional Gallery presents a changing exhibition program featuring leading local and national artists.

Phone 5420 8299 www.gallery.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

22 Omrah Avenue, Caloundra

JASMINE VERONIQUE

Where art meets nature: Jasmine is a fine artist known for her bold, floral paintings that connect the wild and natural to highlight the beauty and elegance of nature as a backdrop for storytelling. Original artworks and commissions. www.jasmineveronique.art

ART SCHOOL CO.

Home to the creative soul, Art School Co. is a new destination for fine art supplies and art classes. Directed by award-winning artist Jess Le Clerc, Art School Co. guarantees the best priced art supplies on the Sunshine Coast. The Zone, 32 Wises Road, Buderim Phone 0491 756 172 artschoolco.com & artstoreco.com.au

We love art at Hello Sunshine Magazine, and so do 90,000+ our readers*

BE PART OF OUR ART DIRECTORY

Artists, art galleries, art supplies and more, be included in our Art Directory for just $350+gst per edition.

BOOK ONLINE NOW FOR OUR NEXT EDITION

*90,000+ readers based on 20,000 copies per quarter and the industry average of 4.5 readers per magazine.

EXISTENCE

EXISTENCE : a look at life from an individual perspective. Large hanging textile works and 3D sculptural interpretations will be featured.

Buderim Craft Cottage, May 18-26 Atrium Gallery, 5 Main Street, Buderim buderimcraftcottage.com.au

LIBBY DERHAM

Contemporary landscape and flora paintings created in loose watercolour and ink. Libby transcribes birdsong to line and captures the natural world.

Palmwoods

Phone 0424 880 703 libbyderham.com

MICHELLE MANN ART

A mixed media artist and illustrator, Michelle’s vibrant, joyful and whimsical artworks are inspired by nature, spirituality and a colourful imagination.

62 Kiel Mountain Road, Woombye

Phone 0412 151 593 michellemannart.com

EUGENE RUBULS ART

Eugene’s talent for capturing nature brings the beauty of underwater seascapes to life on canvas with vibrant colours and textures. He specialises in creating bold, contemporary statement pieces for Sunshine Coast interiors and beyond. Maroochydore www.eugeneart.com.au

PHOTO CREDIT: YOUR LIFE PHOTOGRAPHY

ALLURING Autumn

ABODES

WONDERFUL WINDOWS

Your blinds and curtains are a powerful way to set the tone of the room, so if yours are looking a little lacklustre, fear not – the expert team at Harlequin Blinds and Security has a huge range to suit every style and budget. For soft, filtered light that’ll add that cosy glow to your home, Roman Blinds – with their stylish fabric panels and functional operating system – are a beautiful option; or Cellular Blinds, with their distinctive honeycomb structure, are another popular choice, creating a pocket of air that acts as insulation on those chilly mornings.

Sheer Curtains are an easy way to add elegance to your home and soften hard edges, creating a warm, welcoming effect and allowing natural light to filter into the room. Or if you’d like to extend your morning slumber, consider Blockout Curtains, which hug the window frames to ensure minimal light intrusion. Sweet dreams!

HOMEWARES WITH HEART

Add some heart and soul into your space with homewares that have a story. Eumundi’s Vintage Haveli Barn is packed to the rafters with one-off, hand-picked, hand-crafted and completely unique furniture, homewares and textiles from

We’ve been living outdoors all summer long, but autumn brings the opportunity to retreat inside, refresh our living spaces, and cocoon ourselves in cosiness. Rebecca Jamieson Dwyer shares some inspirational ideas for updating your home this season for a space that’s sure to spark joy!

India, including beautiful kantha rugs and floor cushions; huge distressed mirrors; rustic furniture in a rainbow of vintage colours; vases; decorative items; and so much more.

Not only will these special pieces add personality and energy to your space, you’ll know you’ve supported artisans and makers in India, which will make you feel warm and fuzzy inside!

STYLE IT YOUR WAY

If you love the eternally popular Hamptons look, Style My Home makes it easy to put your own spin on it this season – bringing together a huge range of furniture, homewares, art, rugs and

lighting so you can create the perfect Hamptons-inspired space that’s unique to you!

We recommend adding texture with one of their ceramic or marble table lamps in muted tones; creating cosy, warm vibes with their Turkish

transitional rugs; and fostering a calming ambience in your bedroom with their quilt cover sets that come in oatmeal stripe, a deep navy, minimalist white and more. Why not engage their expert interior decorators to help you create your own alluring autumn abode!

PHOTO: STYLE MY HOME

Sheer curtains and Hamptons Style are a match made in heaven.

One-of-a-kind urn from Vintage Haveli Barn

TOP TILE trends

Crystal Bylett from Sunshine Living Tile and Stone talks us through the top tile trends for this season – from retro colours to contemporary curves.

The biggest trend we’re seeing come through at the moment is that a 60s and 70s vibe is coming back! People are being braver and bolder with their choices, using colours like warm rusty reds, corals and terracottas, as well as patterns like stripes and checkerboards.

Blues and yellows are also making a comeback – think Italian vibes – and larger tiles with colour and texture are proving to be great features in bathrooms and splashbacks, while also using less grout and saving labour costs!

Built-in EVERYTHING is definitely proving an amazing stylish and practical solution for so many areas. Think banquet seating in dining rooms and tiled bench tops, which are going to be the biggest hit in the next few years!

Ledge walls have been a great look in the bathrooms but these will start coming through into the bedroom for bedheads, and even ledges in the dining room to be used as shelves.

Marble is also back, which is great because it’s durable, dense and a very practical option that will last for generations! We’ll be seeing doorways framed in marble, lots of multi mixed marble in large formats, marble-lined alcoves, and bench tops with marble tiles – the brighter the better!

Another trend that’s perfect for coastal living is tiles with scallop edges and wave accents, which add curvaceous personality and softness into kitchens and bathrooms.

PHOTOS:

Rusty reds and terracottas add warmth and depth.

Scalloped edging is a fun feature in this bathroom.

Add a marble ledge wall to your shower for a look that’s bang on trend.

The 60s and 70s are back with brave, bold colour and texture choices.

Say goodbye to boring all-white rooms and hello to joy-sparking stripes and checkerboard patterns!

Sunshine Living Tile & Stone

Not just a tile shop...

We believe that beautiful style should be accessible to everyone. From exquisite tiles to stunning stone options, our showroom is filled with a wide range of unique and hand picked products.

Our knowledgeable and friendly staff are always ready to assist you in finding the perfect tiles or stones for your project. We have the local knowledge to connect you with reliable and skilled tradespeople who can bring your vision to life.

Alison Smith explores three different types of gardens to suit all lifestyles and tastes.

Native gardens are always a popular option especially if you are trying to attract birds, insects and native wildlife to your garden.

There is a vast array of native varieties that will suit your local area and soil type. For sandy-soil and Coastal conditions choose Pandanus, Banksia Integrifolia and for smaller options look for Casuarina ‘Cousin It’ and

Banksia Spinuloas. Kangaroo

Paws and Xanthorrhoea Grass Tree can’t be overlooked as an option when you are working with dry areas in the garden.

Once established these native varieties generally require little maintenance, just a feed of a native-safe fertilier every few months. And like all gardens a good layer of mulch goes a long way to minimising weeds.

If low-maintenance, minimalist and stylish design sounds like you, then consider a Palm Springs-inspired landscape. Increasing in popularity and desire, these gardens are focused on shape and intelligent layout.

Utilising a simple design, this style doesn’t overcrowd a space – less is more. A few larger plantings spaced around, perhaps a large pot, then smaller plantings of

complimentary shapes with the use of low, fleshy ground covers to soften gravel or stone. Plant choice is key in these so look to Crassula, Agave and Senecio for the lower levels with features plantings of Euphorbia, Bismark Palms or Dragon Trees. These gardens epitomise xeriscaping – using low water/no water techniques and plants which are perfect for our subtropical climate.

EDIBLE GARDENS

No matter how large or small of a space you have, an edible garden can be created. Small herbs like basil and parsely are great for window sills and kitchen benches.

Head outside and larger pots or a sunny small garden bed can be adapted to grow tomatoes, chillies, leafy greans, strawberries, peas and beans. If you have a larger space and are keen to grow

enough to sustain your family larger plants like, pumpkin, zucchini and fruit trees to create a small orchard can be introduced.

There are also many options for modular container gardening that can be used in any space including balconies.

Always remember to plant what you like to eat so you get the most out of your garden.

LOVE & Dogs

As the proud mum of fur kids, I take great pleasure in understanding and researching why there is such a strong bond between humans and their dogs. It is thought that the relationship is very similar to the parent-infant attachment bond and unlike human babes growing up and out of that stage, our dogs remain completely reliant on the pawrents for life.

For me, it’s a bit like having a child that won’t ever fly the coop. It’s beginning to sound a bit like I have abandonment issues, but there are other cool reasons we dig our dogs!

Man’s (and woman’s) best friend provides us with unconditional love, and the wellbeing benefits far outweigh the chewed-up slippers, poop-bag carrying and puppy nips.

All you need is love - and dogs!

Carlie Wacker explores the world of canine parenthood and the benefits of living in the pet-friendly Sunshine Coast region.

A dog provides companionship and motivation to get outside and take a walk. There is scientific proof that dogs reduce stress and anxiety, which is why we see this animal in so many impawtent therapy jobs. They are so smart they can even detect medical emergencies and they have always been trusted to do the tough work in emergency and defence services. Let’s face it – dogs are PAWESOME!

With 69% of Australian homes shared with such marvellous creatures, it is no wonder the pet industry is on a steady incline. According to the Pets in Australia: A National Survey of Pets and People report by Animal Medicines Australia, approximately $33 billion is spent annually to tend to our pet’s health and wellbeing.

Food, medicine, fashion, accessories,

schooling, entertainment and daycare for our pets is big business. The rise in dogfluencers on social media has probably contributed – I’m finding more fabulous things for my fur kids from these online superstars.

I recently purchased paw pads for my older dog so he could get a grip on the tiles at home and a special hydrating snout balm to apply when we do our weekly day spa treatments. Fur real!

Our region is also home to some of the best pet events like A Dog’s Life Pet Expo in Noosa and Doggy Vibes in Peregian.

Our cafes and bars are becoming more and more pet friendly, the fur kids can come to Bunnings, and the airlines are even jumping on the bandwaggin’.

Our connection to canines is getting stronger and one Sunshine Coast

Sunset Cockatoo indoor bed, Indie Boho

...the wellbeing benefits far outweigh the chewedup slippers, poop-bag carrying and puppy nips.

business that is here for the ride and totally gets our love of dogs is Indie Boho. Designer and founder Sora knows what dog owners want – luxurious and stylish, portable, high-quality, durable and easy to clean lifestyle accessories for our much-loved best furry friends.

The original pet bed and travel mat are essentials for my bigger pooches, and everyone I know has an Indie Boho car booster seat for their small breed pupper.

As we demand more and more luxury for our four-legged family members, the team at Indie Boho have been innovating and creating the next chapter of dog gear – we can now add an outdoor dog bed to the collection so we can all lounge around the pool in style.

Happy hound shopping darlings! See you for a puppucino at the local!

PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

Cockatoo large bed, Indie Boho

Feather blanket, Indie Boho

Cockatoo car booster seat, Indie Boho

Sunset Cockatoo travel mat, Indie Boho

MARKETMentor

There’s nothing dull about the property market. Real estate remains a hot topic, and many are surprised at how price rises have contradicted interest rate rises and predictions of property pundits and economists.

Interestingly, the dynamic and everevolving real estate market of the Sunshine Coast has witnessed a notable change in recent years – the rising demand for buyer’s agents.

Home purchasers in cities like Melbourne and Sydney have long been seeking assistance from buyer’s agents, but it wasn’t until the onset of COVID-19 and the mass migration of city dwellers to Noosa and the Sunshine Coast that buyer’s agents gained popularity here.

With limited homes for sale and high demand from interstate homebuyers, the need for expert guidance and a professional who can negotiate on your behalf has become the difference between securing a home or being left on the sidelines, wondering how you are missing out time and time again.

During the COVID era, with many properties snapped up within a day or two of being advertised, Queenslanders began recognising the value of a buyer’s agent to unearth properties, often before they were publicly listed for sale.

According to Christine Mount of Luxe Coastal Property Buyers we are now in a more balanced market between seller and buyer and are still experiencing low volumes of stock.

“This limits the options for buyers and consequently, we’re seeing people turn to buyer’s agents to unlock hidden opportunities and make informed decisions amidst fast-changing market conditions,” she said.

We asked Christine what is driving this shift towards buyer’s agents:

1. Secret listings and early advantages

“Noosa and the Sunshine Coast have long been popular with families and retirees looking to make a sea change. However, once settled, it’s a long time

Looking for the elusive dream home or investment but feel like you’re constantly behind the game?

Discover how a buyer’s agent might just hold the key to securing your new home.

before they are ready to up and leave,” she shared. “With a short supply of new homes being built and current residents staying in homes for an average of 12 years, there’s a long waitlist of people keen to secure a property in the region. Hence, finding any property, let alone a top-quality home can be challenging.

“Buyer’s agents bring local expertise and in-depth knowledge of the real estate market, helping locals identify properties that align with their specific requirements.”

Christine shares that she often hears about the next set of homes being listed for sale before the ink is dry on the sales agent’s listing contract.

“I make it my business to touch base on a regular basis with the many real estate agents I’ve built a relationship with. Because they know me and know my clients are finance approved with a clear brief, I get given the opportunity to inspect homes ahead of the general public – even before the property photographer has been sent in!

“As a buyer’s agent, my team and I have access to what is known as off-market listings, giving our clients that all-important first mover advantage. 20-30% of transactions never actually come to market, and in an environment of limited supply, you can’t really afford not to have access to the hidden, offmarket opportunities. We have an active database of off-market listings”

2. Understand the street values “Engaging a buyer’s agent who specialises in the Sunshine Coast and Noosa Shire regions ensures you have an expert with a deep understanding of the local communities, neighbourhoods and amenities,” Christine says.

“There are some aspects of the Southeast Queensland lifestyle that only a local would be privy to, such as the reputation of schools, highly soughtafter streets, the best suburbs to buy property in, the best streets to buy in Noosa, the fastest transport routes, and popular activities, clubs and facilities.

“Your buyer’s agent is not only a highly trained negotiator but a local guide, making informed decisions about the location and suitability of a property based on your current and future lifestyle needs. Understanding local market nuances is crucial. Different streets will have significant variations in property values. Without this knowledge, buyers can make critical judgement errors, overestimate a property’s value and pay more than needed.”

3. Take the emotion out of negotiation

Christine said a key advantage to working with a buyer’s agent was their ability to assess market value of a home and their experience with different types of negotiation scenarios.

“A home can be sold through private treaty, expression of interest or public auction,” she explains. “As market conditions change, so does the selling agents’ sales strategy. Understanding the negotiation process and legislative practices for each of these sale methods is crucial. Put a foot wrong and you could end up paying tens of thousands more than is needed.”

Keeping your cool in negotiations and not giving the game away to the other party is hard to do when you are emotionally invested. A buyer’s agent negotiates and closes deals with a cool head, week in and week out.

4. Save time to secure your home

Once you embark on your property search, you soon realise how timeconsuming finding a property that ticks all the boxes can be. You have to sift through a lot of property listings and unless you can put aside a day a week ahead of the weekend Open Homes to call agents and desk-research properties, it’s easy to become overwhelmed.

Christine says this was where a buyer’s agent proved invaluable as they conduct extensive research to shortlist viable properties and even gain access to view homes ahead of the general public.

Christine shares how her team helped a time-poor couple from Buderim with

demanding jobs lacked the time to do the groundwork.

“The wife is a doctor at SCUH and the husband a corporate executive working remotely. Initially, we tried to secure an off-market property on a standard size block near Buderim Village,” Christine said. “But after talking to the couple, and developing a macro strategy, fine-tuning it to ‘precision perfection’, we secured their dream home.

“Not only did they buy a beautiful property with ample space for generational living, the home had the added benefit of lush acreage still in close proximity to the Village. The financial outlay and price was less than they’d anticipated and they were grateful for our assistance in helping them narrow down their search criteria, making the process straightforward and stress-free, and negotiating a great deal for them.”

Leveraging the network and connections of a buyer’s agent can fast-track the property search process and save your most precious resource: time; not to mention lessen the frustration of viewing unsuitable homes. Even local homebuyers can start their search in the wrong place or with misconceptions however an experienced buyer’s agent knows exactly how to find a needle in a haystack.

If you’re looking for a new home in the region, it’s worth weighing up the benefits of working with a buyer’s agent. You’ll not only gain access to hidden gems, but you’ll have an expert helping you make informed decisions, conduct negotiations and avoid overpaying on your next home purchase.

Isn’t it time to find your dream forever home?

SPECIAL EVENT: THE ART OF LUXE

This

cocktail event will include special guest speakers including:

CHRISTINE MOUNT

Join Host and Founder of Luxe Coastal Property Buyers

Christine and special guests for a Property Market Update

Christine will share her unique insights into the market and her top three tips on buying property on the Sunshine Coast and Noosa as well as chair a Q&A Panel.

STUART GREENSILL Director, Herron Todd White

Stuart will share a big-picture view of Australia’s economic conditions with a spotlight on the Sunshine Coast growth corridors, including how the emerging Maroochydore City Centre and key infrastructure projects will impact the local economy. He will also look at key trends and opportunities in Noosa’s mid-tier and luxury home markets.

DI HENSHALL Director, Di Henshall Interior Design

Renowned, multi-award-winning interior designer and builder, Di will share insights on how to draw true potential from your home or holiday abode.

CHARITY PARTNER: MCGRATH FOUNDATION

Sara Leonardi McGrath will share the latest news from the McGrath Foundation with10% of all art sales made within eight days of the event to be donated to the Foundation by The G Contemporary and the artists.

Wednesday 8 May, 5.30pm

The G Contemporary, 6/32 Hastings Street, Noosa Heads. Free event, registration essential. Scan the QR code or visit the website: luxecoastal.com.au