IN48_WINTER_2026

HASTINGS STREET NOOSA HEADS

MAHER TERRACE SUNSHINE BEACH

PEOPLE POWER PROSPERITY

Consistently outshining Noosa real estate agencies as Number One, archetypically at the top end of town, is entrepreneurial Tom Offermann, who maintains his self-effacing attitude, refreshing candour, and gratitude to his high-performance multi-talented teams.

A formidable database and vast market knowledge accumulated over three decades, plus a talented group of sales agents on every listing, gives Tom Offermann Real Estate the ultimate edge. It ensures consistency each step of the real estate way by delivering gold class client experiences. Every time.

Digital media has rewritten the rulebook on how properties are marketed, sold, and even talked about. Paramount is having the right exposure, albeit more a powerful masterclass in leveraging social media to amplify each property’s absolute reach and allure.

With an uncompromising dedication to excellence, Tom Offermann Real Estate’s achievements include selling 9 from 10 of Noosa’s highest sales in the $10m+ property sector, all co-incidentally in postcode 4567 also 6 times more prestige properties sold in the $5m+ sector than the next 6 agencies combined. All tantamount to unrivalled market success.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Editor’s Note

Winter IN Noosa is a magical time. The days might be shorter and cooler but the sunrises and sunsets are stunning and seem to glow a bit brighter.

The cooler weather brings hearty dishes to the tables of our favourite restaurants and the cooler weather is a great reason to update the wardrobe or invest in some soulful additions to the house and garden. It’s also a good time in invest in ourselves from beauty treatments to wellness and fitness support and advice.

There is also so much more to do! From visiting art galleries to events such as Noosa Alive, Noosa Concours, Noosa Jazz Festival, Noosa Open Studios and the Sunshine Coast’s ten-day food festival, The Curated Plate. Plus, we’re planning our road trip to Mundubbera for the Mundubbera Blueberry Festival.

We’ve listened and based on your feedback from the Reader Survey, we’re delighted to bring back our INspiring Person series and are honoured to celebrate the passion and dedication of 15-year-old Spencer Hitchen. Plus there’s more competitions, profiles and advice to INform! INdulge! and INspire!

Be sure to sign up to our weekly enewsletter for the latest events, special offers and more. Plus our “Everyone Has A Story: Conversations from the Sunshine Coast and Noosa” podcast is full of INteresting stories from our community - tune IN! Stay warm!

Deb

Deb Caruso

Stay INformed with our e-newsletter: www.innoosamagazine.com.au

SPRING DEADLINES

Bookings close: 27 July 2026

Art Deadline: 3 August 2026

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, the Brisbane Lions and hanging out with John and Max.

ALI SMITH

CONTENT + CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Ali is our go-to girl when it comes to design, deadlines and digital. An experienced graphic designer and creative with over 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, on her bike, running or in the gym with her husband.

MICHELLE TAIT

ACCOUNTS + ADMINISTRATION

Michelle has a Bachelor of Business plus 30+ years’ Administration experience in private and government sectors. She loves 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’.

hello@inpublishing.com.au www.innoosamagazine.com.au @innoosamag

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.

JAKKI GOODALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

With 30 years’ experience in Marketing, Advertising, Sales and Promotions as well as 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.

NICOLE MAY

SENIOR CONTENT CREATOR

With a communication degree majoring in journalism and public relations, and over a decade in print media, Nicole loves the art of storytelling and the people power of journalism. When she’s not creating, you’ll find Nicole reading, at Pilates, or by the ocean with her husband, two children and two border collies.

CHARLIE SHELLEY WRITER

Charlie graduated from UniSC in Communications (Journalism) and was awarded the University Medal for Academic Excellence, 2025. He has a passion for telling local stories and enjoys going to the gym, strolling along the Coast’s beaches, and curling up on the couch to indulge in a good book, movie or TV series.

JOHN CARUSO WRITER + PODCASTER + MC + DISTRIBUTION

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 watching the Formula One and raising his son Maximus.

PIP CASEY BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Pip has 30 years’ experience in magazine advertising and sales in both print and the digital space. She loves supporting local business owners, being outdoors walking or running in the Noosa National Park or being at the beach with Dave the dog, her hubby and twin kids.

JODIE CAMERON

WRITER + WEBSITE

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 boys and furry love, a Staffy x Red Cattle dog, Rudi.

CARLIE WACKER

FASHION EDITOR + WRITER + MC

A graduate Communications student at UniSC, majoring in Journalism and Graphic Design, Ida has a passion for storytelling, exploring her creative side through content creation. She has recently returned home to Denmark and we miss her already! We wish her all the best and hope to see her return soon.

Carlie has spent the last 30 years in the media and entertainment industry. She is our Fashion Editor, writer and a professional event MC. She keeps busy designing the next range for her own fashion label, Wacker Clothing Company. Anyone who knows Carlie, knows that she is also obsessed with dogs.

IDA FINK GUNDTOFT WRITER

CONTRIBUTORS

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 story-telling, a candid review and surviving another reno whilst thriving on the motto: Live Laugh Love!

JENNIFER SWAINE BUSINESS

A born storyteller and connector of people, Jennifer works with a number of SMEs looking after their branding, marketing strategy, communications, PR and events. As Chair of the Sunshine Coast Business Awards, Vice President of the Sunshine Coast Chamber Alliance and a Non-Executive Director of Visit Sunshine Coast, Jennifer proactively engages with local businesses on a daily basis.

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 and recipes for our readers, you’ll find him at food festivals and giving back to the many charities he supports.

JACKIE HILLEGERS MINDFULNESS

Jackie holds Mindfulness Workshops, teaches Mindful Photography and is a Holistic Integrated Creative Arts Therapists & Holistic Counsellor. Her passion is working with children and teens to help them reduce stress and anxiety and increase self-love. She loves to create art and learn about the brain from her Tewantin studio.

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.

MICHAEL BRENNAN ART

The Director of Noosa Regional Gallery has been described as an ‘accidental curator’ as a prize-winning painter and sculptor who has moved from creating works to curating them. It all began when he opened The Trocadero Art Space in Footscray to build an arts community in the area. Sixteen years later it is still standing and we are lucky to have him taking the arts to a whole new level in our region.

DIANA ROBERTSON STRENGTH & FITNESS

Di-Fit as she is known, brings more than 30 years’ experience as a fitness and strength coach, with a focus on women’s health and body transformation. Diana has empowered women to discover strength, confidence and energy. Her philosophy, Finish Strong, is about more than fitness, it’s a whole-life approach to wellness through movement, nutrition and balance. She runs women’s group training from her private performance facility.

REBECCA JAMIESON DWYER WRITER

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.

MORE THAN A MAGAZINE

Stay INformed with our e-newsletter: www.innoosamagazine.com.au

FOUNDER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/PUBLISHER: Deb Caruso, 0428 853 224 deb@inpublishing.com.au

CO-PUBLISHER: Paul Bird

ADVERTISING: Pip Casey sales@inpublishing.com.au Jakki Goodall 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.innoosamagazine.com.au

DISTRIBUTION: 15,000 printed copies available throughout Noosa and surrounds in locally-designed and handcrafted magazine stands.

IN Noosa Magazine is also supplied to local businesses and visitors through its tailored distribution process with 100% takeup rate.

IN Noosa Magazine is a free publication (subscriptions available) published four times per year by 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 IN Noosa 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.

Start your engines and save the date for the return of Noosa Concours d'Elegance!

WIN!! Scan the QR code to WIN a limited edition framed print of Glenda's artworks.

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

ON THE COVER Fille Avec Elegance by Glenda Borchard. Discover Glenda's art and her story on page 12. www.gborchard.com

Meet the 15-year-old committed to capturing and celebrating our natural environment.

IN NOOSA Magazine is printed on 100% recyclable paper. Made with love. Please enjoy!

50

DULGE

Discover the hottest dish for winter plus what else is cooking and spinning at the Peregian Beach Hotel.

108

SPIRE

Weathered timber, lush green surrounds and the easy charm of country hospitality, this season’s fashion story embraces an earthy palette with striking accents.

151

SPIRE

Explore a stunning garden setting that borrows inspiration from its environment - and the 'plant room' stroke of genius that controls it all.

FINALISTS 2022 SUNSHINE COAST BUSINESS AWARDS CREATIVE INDUSTRIES

SURF'S UP!

Event: IN Noosa Magazine Autumn Edition launch + Fashion Parade

Venue: Noosa Festival of Surfing

It was feet in the sand, drinks in hand to toast the latest edition of IN Noosa Magazine #48!

The Noosa Festival of Surfing crowd were treated to a fashion parade of the latest looks from local boutiques on the seaside catwalk, including a special surprise showcasing outfits from the Australian Wearable Art Festival.

Scan the QR code to discover the Fashion Parade Lookbook!

CHAMBER CHATS

Event: Noosa Chamber

Conversations at Sunset

Location: The Pavilion, Noosa Junction

Noosa Chamber members and guests from the finance, legal and the tourism sectors came together for conversation and connection at The Pavilion.

Sponsored by Ord Minnett, Coast to Coast Conveyancing and Queen of Hearts Training, guests enjoyed a welcome drink and canapés from Trattoria Benati. Check out the Noosa Chamber website for future events.

PHOTOS: CAROLINE EDGINTON

PHOTOS: MEGAN GILL

IT'S ALIVE!

Event: Noosa Alive Program Launch

Venue: The J Noosa

Friends, patrons and passionate supporters of the ten-day Noosa Alive Festival gathered for a sneak peek at the program and to welcome new President Sharon Wright and CEO Damien Anthony Avery-Rossi who conducted a Q&A with Festival Director Ian Mackellar and Playwright David Williamson AO. The 2022 inaugural Noosa STARS Alive winner Sari Abbott provided a mesmerising and soulful soundtrack to an inspiring evening.

See page 14 for more.

FUN TIMES!

Event: Hello Sunshine Autumn Launch #22

Venue: FunLab Maroochydore

We bowled, we played pool, we putt-putted, played the arcade games, sang karaoke and raided the Lolly Bar - we definitely had fun at Strike Bowling, Holey Moley and Archie Brothers Arcade.

It was definitely an event to remember with superb food, lots of family-friendly laughs and the friendliest service from Wayne and team of Funstars!

Holey Moley - this launch party was a hole-in-one, ten-pin Strike!

PHOTOS: MEGAN GILL

PHOTOS: TRAVIS MACFARLANE

IN THE KNOW

The INsider INformation on the clever, the quirky and the cool.

Doing chores doesn’t need to be a bore.

Laundry Lounge Noosa is a luxe local business that’s bringing a modern, premium laundromat experience to Noosa, complete with thoughtfully designed interiors, efficient largecapacity machines and convenient services tailored for locals and visitors alike. Entering this fresh and stylish space – located just down the road from Noosa Cinemas – feels more like stepping into a boutique hotel than

Laundry has never felt this good. Experience the Laundry Lounge

CALMING CRUISE.

Experience Noosa like never before with a cruise aboard the Noosa Queen, the longest operating vessel on the Noosa River. This family-owned and run business is helping locals and visitors to the region rediscover the magic of slowing down and taking a moment to fully appreciate the wonders of the natural world. Take a leisurely journey along the riverbanks and spot local wildlife while learning about the stories and history behind one of the Sunshine Coast’s most iconic waterways. Plus, soak in spectacular views of the picturesque Lake Cooroibah and witness golden sunsets light up the sky over the Sunshine Coast hinterland. This is one timeless Noosa experience that you absolutely do not want to miss – book your tickets today!

Noosa Queen, Noosa Marina 2 Parkyn Court, Tewantin www.noosaqueen.com @noosaqueensunsetcurise

THE POINT OF GOOD HEALTH

When your body feels off, there’s usually an underlying reason. Ongoing stress doesn’t just affect how you feel - it impacts multiple body systems. You may notice headaches or migraines, digestive changes, hormonal shifts, or persistent tension. At Pin & Tonic, acupuncture ‘pins’ help regulate the nervous system and ease pain, while naturopathic ‘tonics’ support the underlying drivers of imbalance.

Acupuncturist & Naturopath, Belinda Matkovich, has over 20 years of clinical experience delivering holistic, personalised care. If you’re not feeling like yourself, it may be time to look deeper. Book your appointment at Pin & Tonic today!

Pin & Tonic, 1/28 Sunshine Beach Road, Noosa Heads | 0413 390 802 www.pinandtonic.com.au @pinandtonic_noosa

WEARABLE ART SET TO WOW!

Prepare to be ‘wowed’ at the Australian Wearable Art Festival! Now entering its sixth year, the Sunshine Coast event has evolved from a grassroots creative experiment into Australia’s premier wearable art festival - helping put the region on the map as an unexpected leader in artistic innovation, sustainability and contemporary culture. Experience more than 40 national and international artists, immersive activations, collection showcases, artist demonstrations and expanded hospitality experiences as AWAF enters a bold new era at Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort.

BOOK NOW!

USE CODE: INCREDIBLE FOR 15% OFF GALLERY SEATING! *LIMITED TICKETS AVAILABLE BE QUICK!

Saturday 11 July, Matinee and Gala events

Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort www.australianwearableart.com.au

BOYGIRL BRILLIANCE

GET SOCIAL!

The Civic Social, Noosa Civic, 28 Eenie Creek Road, Noosaville 0428 398 317 @thecivicsocial

At The Civic Social, they believe great coffee and delicious food bring people together. Locally owned and community minded, they’ve created a warm and welcoming space where friends and family can relax, connect, and enjoy the moment. From expertly brewed coffee to fresh seasonal brunches crafted with care, every visit is designed to feel comfortable and memorable. Whether it’s your morning coffee, a leisurely brunch, or a catch-up with friends, The Civic Social is your new local favourite at Noosa Civic.

An incredibly unique apothecary and salon experience new to Noosa where BoyGirl Salon brings the poetry and biology of scent to life. Blending expert hair services with apothecary fragrance design, the experience feels closer to a modern fragrance house than a conventional salon. Guests can enjoy a champagne-and-gin salon ritual and design bespoke or seasonal fragrances for shampoo, conditioner, beard oils, perfumes and finishing products. Following the Australian lineage of Aesop, founded in Melbourne in 1987, BoyGirl imagines a new emotional aesthetic to bond with the visual. Walk-in or book online.

BoyGirl Salon

29 Sunshine Beach Road, Noosa Heads 0468 309 251 | www.boygirl.com.au @boygirl_salon

RENT RELIEF

INtroducing Salt Rentals Noosa! The team at Salt Rentals Noosa believe that exceptional property management creates stronger investment returns. Created by Gemma Freer, the former owner of Host Angel Noosa, this boutique agency specialises in premium permanent rentals across Noosa Shire. Gemma works closely with property owners and investors to deliver tailored management solutions, quality long-term tenants, low vacancy rates, and outstanding service. Combining local expertise with a fresh, modern approach, Salt Rentals Noosa is redefining permanent rental management with professionalism, transparency, and genuine care for every property. Salt Rentals Noosa offers investors a trusted, hands-on partner in long-term rental success. Contact Gemma today to discuss your property or to find your next place to live.

0434 631 777 | @saltrentals_noosa

Legacy LEAVING A

Combining fine art, nostalgia and the magic of a second chapter, Jodie Cameron meets the artist behind our classic winter cover…

I have always been a romantic at heart – the kind who believes serendipity can play cupid and the stars can align simply because the universe decides two souls are meant to find each other. So, when my Editor-in-Chief briefed me on this story, I was quietly hoping for one of those love stories.

Winding through the Yandina Creek hinterland on my way to meet our front cover artist, I found myself on one of those drives that feels like they’re taking you somewhere before you even arrive.

I pondered the subjects in Glenda Borchard’s paintings – the elegant figures caught in moments of quiet grace – wondering what it must be like to share your days with someone who truly gets your kindred soul, because they have one too.

Walking into the home Glenda shares with her husband, fellow artist and graphic designer David Hughes, I had my answer. Art adorned every wall, handmade upholstered furniture featured Glenda’s work, and every surface told a story – set amongst a backdrop of the Sunshine Coast that stretched out like a landscape in itself.

Having lived a rich life, Glenda is standing exactly where she should be. A beautiful second chance – two passionate artists who found each other, rediscovered their purpose, and gave themselves permission to spend the rest of their lives doing exactly what they love, together.

For Glenda, her passion started early – first falling in love with the nostalgic world as a child on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. The women in her paintings, caught in the sophisticated moments of the 1950s, carry a piece of her mother in every brushstroke.

“I’ve always stayed in my heart with nostalgia, the simplicity of the fifties and sixties and my childhood memories,” Glenda says.

Growing two young boys, Glenda’s journey to the canvas was a mindful and purposeful one. With fine arts courses unavailable while living regionally in Cambewarra, near the picturesque Kangaroo Valley on the NSW South Coast, she turned to ceramics – spending seven years running a professional studio, crafting large platters and forms.

But it was always the decorating that called to her most.

“In the end I thought, I need to make a transfer onto canvas – all I want to do is paint,” she says.

And paint she did. Mentored by renowned Australian artist Neil Cuthbert, Glenda developed a strong artistic career across the South Coast, Sydney and Canberra, exhibiting in associated galleries before her love of sharing knowledge led her toward teaching.

“I love teaching young people how to talk about art, and the language of understanding what holds your gaze,” Glenda says.

But teaching, as rewarding as it was, came at a cost. It’s hard to paint full time when you are pouring yourself into others. So, it took a chance encounter, a global pandemic, and a retro poster artist named David Hughes to change all of that.

“Meeting David and retiring from teaching gave me the opportunity to

PHOTOS: CHRISTINE HALL

Glenda Borchard

...the simplicity of the fties and sixties...

return to full time painting,” she said. “It’s my time now. It’s rare for an artist to settle on one complete style for their entire life, and my technique has been a big exploration through the decades, but I now feel very content building my legacy as a fine artist.”

David and Glenda’s love story unfolded as effortlessly as the woman gracing our radiant Winter cover – chic, unhurried and undoubtedly their own. During the uncertainty of the pandemic, the two widowed artists found each other online, Glenda in Kiama, on the NSW South Coast and David in Inverloch, Victoria. What followed was a courtship that Glenda says felt like it belonged to another era entirely.

“It was like a teenage relationship, right back to our youth,” she says. “It was predominantly email and then eventually Zoom, which I dreaded.”

But when you know you know. Within months David had proposed, and Glenda said ‘yes’. What neither realised at the time was just how much they had in common beyond their initial connection.

Both carried 40 years of experience, and remarkable careers behind them, each humbly holding something back.

“Neither of us fully understood our art backgrounds at that point,” David says. “I didn’t know Glenda was this good, she was very humble about it.”

Marrying in Brisbane and honeymooning on the Sunshine Coast, they wanted to find a home they could make their own.

However, the property market was moving faster than they could keep up with. But fate intervened - a house not yet on the market, a motivated seller, a

tip from a real estate agent’s son and a quick-thinking offer solidified the deal.

Perhaps it’s no surprise that Glenda’s nostalgic world has found a natural home on the Sunshine Coast. Sharing a love of classic cars with David, the vintage charm and glamour of her work has earned commissions that speak to the same community of collectors and enthusiasts who gather at Noosa Concours d’Elegance on Hastings Street every July.

“I love painting the classic cars and I’ve had several commissions for them” she says.

Settling into their Yandina Creek home, surrounded by sweeping coastal views and the freedom most artists only dream of, something began to shift.

The first two years were a honeymoon – getting to know each other, discovering their community, and slowly, beautifully, realising what they could build together.

DISCOVER GLENDA

Discover works by Glenda at Montville Art Gallery, Red Hill Gallery, Brisbane and online. Explore her creative process as part of Open Studios Sunshine Coast from 17 - 26 July. Scan the QR code or visit www.gborchard.com

“There’s nothing to prove to anybody now,” Glenda says. “This is 100 per cent passion, the client is us.”

Though they share a studio, a home and a life, Glenda and David are parallel artists, not collaborators. Glenda paints the world she remembers, sees and feels. David researches, adds narratives, contextualises and layers timeless typography to bring nostalgic moments to life as vintage posters.

Fiercely supportive of each other’s individual vision, they have built something rare – two distinct voices that are stronger simply for existing alongside each other. As Glenda continues painting her legacy, one canvas at a time, somewhere in the background her biggest champion is watching on, quietly certain he always knew she was this good.

WIN!

Glenda is giving away a framed satin print of Freefall from her Vintage Series valued at $260 to one lucky reader! Simply scan the QR code and subscribe for your chance to win!

Lucy’s Day Out

David Hughes and Glenda Borchard

Festival FEAST OF FABULOSITY

From Hastings Street to the hinterland, Helen Flanagan discovers a world-class program of theatre, literature, feasts and music.

Be inspired by imaginative one-of-akind cultural adventures and five-star eye-poppers at Noosa Alive! Get amongst the celebrity and glitterati over 10 days of theatre, literature, ballet, cabaret, feasts, films, beats, a gala opera dinner and world and Queensland premieres.

Celebrating 24 years since the festival’s inception, expect more than 50 ticketed and free events, 100 actors, singers, dancers, musicians, authors, food legends and associates taking part, and let’s not forget the culinary heroes and future stars of Stars Alive!

When it comes to hitting the high notes, Music of the Night, a Gala Opera Dinner in the Elysium Noosa Ballroom, is an unmissable evening to remember. Featuring the ethereal voices of Divina’s three sopranos Annebelle Kemish, Jessica Low and Laura Coutts, joined by tenor Shannon Leonard, this will be a night to remember long after the final notes echo.

Queensland Ballet hosts a special performance from Jette Parker Young Artists in a world premiere choreography, part of Artistic Director Ivan Gil-Ortega’s visionary leadership.

Witness the World Premiere of Coping with Winter, a new play by David Williamson exploring sexual intrigue and deceit. Holding up a mirror to the kind of country that has allowed the land of the ‘Fair Go’ to become a rapidly disappearing speck in our national rear vision mirror, it stars Erik Thomson, Renai Caruso and Janneke Williamson. Rory Williamson – husband and son of the Williamsons connected to the play –is also the director.

Intimate, joyful and deeply human, Olivia is an outstanding Queensland Premiere. Join Tottie Goldsmith OAM in

an intimate, joyful and deeply human experience sharing stories of her beloved aunt, the legendary Olivia Newton-John, who was instrumental in shaping the woman she is today. Tottie will be supported by singers Julie Walter who will capture the heart and soul of Olivia’s timeless hits and Stephen McDowell who will add depth and dimension together with a powerhouse band.

Ursula Yovich sings Nina Simone pays homage to the High Priestess of Soul with new energy. Together with a live 4-piece band, Ursula (The Sapphires, Top End Wedding) channels the spirit and defiant joy at the heart of Nina’s music with her own distinctive spark. Direct from a sellout performance at the Sydney Opera House to Noosa!

Songbirds is a cabaret show like no other. Gorgi Coghlan (The Project, The Masked Singer) together with her friend of 37 years, lyrical soprano Anna-Lee Robertson will wind hits from Bernstein, Irving Berlin, Paul Simon, Cole Porter, Puccini, and Adele to combine soaring harmonies, comedic charm, and musical brilliance, celebrating the enduring power of friendship.

Serious food lovers will adore Alsahwa Estate’s Hinterland Farm-to-Plate Gourmet Lunch at the beautiful restaurant ēthos, with exquisite music by harpist HayleyErin

Festival favourites the Grigoryan Brothers – Slava and Leonard – are justifiably regarded as Australia’s finest classical guitarists. Their performance features works from Bach to Towner,

Tchaikovsky to Lovelady, their own compositions, Spanish music and Handel keyboard suites.

Literary notables aplenty are on the menu this year, including Blanche d’Alpuget, acclaimed author of biographies, novels and essays will discuss her latest novel The Bunny Club – a racy tale of crime, intrigue, tragedy and a quest for belonging, where nothing is as it appears and the truth is more chilling than anyone could imagine.

Mike Carlton, one of Australia’s foremost naval historians, presents The Burning Blue – the story of the Royal Australian Navy’s Fleet Air Arm and the men who flew high throughout the twentieth century.

Bryan Brown’s distinctive storytelling voice returns in a gripping new novel

Bryan Brown

Divina

– intimate and cinematic, layered with suspense and quiet intensity that keeps you turning the page; and it’s breakfast with Louise Milligan, multi-award-winning investigative journalist for ABC TV’s Four Corners and bestselling author, discussing her latest, Shellybanks – a novel of buried secrets, unimaginable trauma and the love of family.

Robert Forster, with generations of fans from The Go-Betweens, will debut his novel Songwriters on the Run in conversation with Jon Coghill, former drummer for Powderfinger.

Playwrights Catherine Moore, Genevieve Hegney join trailblazer Deborah Lawrie for a lunch and conversation about the creation of Fly Girl, an award-winning play around Deb’s fight to win a case under the Sex Discrimination Act to become Australia’s first female commercial airline pilot.

War Dog by Jamie Williams is a story of trauma, addiction, brotherhood, betrayal and survival – young Jamie’s riveting account of serving with the French Foreign Legion against ISIS in some of the most dangerous places on earth.

Georgia Harper returns with Dove, a vivid portrait of a community on the edge, sparked by a viral moment on social media; and Rosalie Ham (author of The Dressmaker) joins for lunch with the funny, irreverent Look After Your Feet – a celebration of the wisdom that accelerates as body parts deteriorate and life falls into place, often a bit too late.

So What? Now What? Media personality Osher Günsberg will share his thoughts on how to stop being stuck and start living; political analyst Amy Remeikis will release her latest tome, Screw Nice, in a Queensland exclusive; and an up close and personal breakfast with David Williamson AO and acclaimed playwright Suzie Miller are not to be missed.

The Festival will culminate in a free event on the River Stage, Lions Park Noosaville on Sunday 26 July. This family-friendly event will bring together guest artists as well as the next generation of talented stars with performances by the finalists of Stars Alive!

Passionate Festival Director Ian Mackellar has excelled again, orchestrating an outstanding program that retains its philosophy of accessibility and broad appeal without ever being too cutting edge or elitist.

Several events are already sold-out so don’t delay!

COME ALIVE!

Noosa Alive! 17-26 July 2026 For full event information and TO buy tickets, visit www.noosaalive.com.au

BRYAN BROWN

MAGGIE BEER GORGI

LOUISE MILLIGAN

PRESENTING PARTNER

QLD BALLET

OPERA GALA DINNER

OLIVIA starring TOTTIE GOLDSMITH

WORLD PREMIERE DAVID WILLIAMSON’s Coping with Winter starring ERIK THOMSON

Tottie Goldsmith

Ursula Yovich

On your marques, get set for a highoctane essential pit stop with an array of rare collectibles on Hastings Street, extols Helen Flanagan

Start your engines and revel in a world of automotive elegance when Noosa Concours d’Elegance will transform the sophisticated, tree-lined promenade of Hastings Street into a veritable open-air gallery with some of Australia’s most exquisite works of automotive art and excellence.

Now in its fourth year and considered one of Australia’s leading international motoring and lifestyle events, the multi-awarded Noosa Concours d’Elegance returns with a cavalcade of 50 curated, rare and iconic automobiles showcasing more than a century of design innovation and restoration.

Marvel as they glide along Noosa Parade into their designated 5-star spots on the Hastings Street promenade which will be closed to other traffic for the event. Look out for polished and prestige rare beauties such as these:

An Austin-Healey 100S sits at the very top of the marque’s history, built in limited numbers for competition and regarded as the most coveted AustinHealey ever produced.

With only 180 built, the Facel Vega Facel II was among the most exclusive grand tourers of the early 1960s, combining French elegance and craftsmanship with the effortless power of a large American V8.

Chrome

Presented in 1987 to mark Ferrari’s 40th anniversary, the F40 stands as one of the most significant performance cars ever produced. Its name is deeply symbolic with ‘F’ for Ferrari, and ‘40’ commemorating four decades since the first Ferrari road car was approved, instantly becoming the world’s fastest car to officially exceed 200 mph.

The 2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 occupies a rare space where engineering purity, timing and emotion collide, making it one of the most revered modern Porsches ever built. As the final evolution of the legendary Mezger engine, it draws directly from Porsche’s racing heritage with a drive cementing the legend. Limited to just 600 cars worldwide, six to Australia, the 4.0 is the holy grail, the ultimate analogue 911.

The inaugural Supercar Circle will debut alongside the celebrated Concours exhibition with modern automotive masterpieces from Rolls Royce, Ferrari, Lamborghini and McLaren, offering onlookers a rare opportunity to experience some of the world’s contemporary hypercars and performers celebrating legacy craftsmanship and cutting-edge innovation.

A special exhibition for 75 Years of Porsche in Australia will feature the first Porsche ever imported into Australia.

When it comes to the pinnacle of supremacy aka a rare expression of individuality, perfectly at home in Noosa’s world of effortless sophistication, is the one and only Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended.

Envisioned by the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Brisbane team especially for the Noosa Concours and handcrafted in Goodwood by hundreds of artisans, the Ghost Extended is finished in Silver and Midnight Sapphire with a Grace White coachline, echoing the harmony of ocean, sky and shoreline. Inside, a refined palette reflects coastal surrounds, creating a serene, bespoke sanctuary.

“Repco powered Sir Jack Brabham to Formula One’s greatest ‘first’ in 1966, and winning the F1 Drivers’ Championship in his own car so it’s fitting that Repco powers the first-ever Anniversary Collection at the Noosa Concours d’Elegance,” says Repco executive Mitch Wiley, referring to Australia’s own Sir Jack Brabham AO, OBE, three-time Formula One World Champion and one of the most influential figures in motorsport.

This impressive display of eight historic Brabham motor racing masterpieces will honour the 60th anniversary of his win of the Formula 1 World Championship in a first-ever car of his name and construction.

1963 Facel Vega Facell II

The calibre of the judging serves as a guardian of authenticity and upholds the values of craftsmanship, innovation, and passion that defines the automotive world. Four judges have the onerous task of selecting the winners including the Best in Show, presented by founding event partner Tom Offermann.

“Once again Noosa Concours promises to showcase an extraordinary calibre of automobiles, from the rare, competition bred Austin-Healey 100S and the elegant, transatlantic Facel Vega Facel II to the iconic Ferrari F40 and the ultra purist Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0,” Tom said.

“We are profoundly grateful to the owners who generously open what are usually private, secure collections to the

world by sharing these beautifully preserved and historically significant machines.

“It’s a reminder that motoring heritage is meant to be seen, enjoyed and celebrated together.”

Adding to the automotive passion on display, a collection of Australia’s most renowned restorers, historians, and automotive experts will be on hand to guide guests through the history and work that goes into maintaining the incredible feats of engineering.

Expect a carnival-like atmosphere as you stroll Hastings Street. Immerse yourself in live music, gelato bars, open-air cafés and bars abuzz.

Side events include a wine masterclass

and dinner at Sails, a Long Lunch with Fashion at Miss Moneypenny’s, champagne masterclass and a Long Lunch featuring Rolls-Royce Brisbane at Locale, to name a few.

Hastings Street Association President Ben Orton said Noosa Concours d’Elegance was becoming something incredibly special for the community and for the many visitors from across Australia and around the world who experience it.

“Concours continues to build its reputation as one of the Southern Hemisphere’s leading prestige automotive events, attracting remarkable vehicles, collectors and visitors too,” he said. “As a local team it is incredibly rewarding to create an event that is welcoming, world-class, accessible to everyone and free.”

Event Director Alesha Gooderham added: “As a local team, we are proud to create and deliver an event that is welcoming, world-class, and accessible to all. We hope people leave with lasting memories not only of the exceptional cars on display, but also of a truly special day on Hastings Street.”

Noosa Concours d’Elegance cruises into Hastings Street on Saturday 18 July.

1990 Ferrari F40

1955 Austin-Healey 100S

LICENSED TO

Thrill

I own a pair of Salvatore Ferragamo shoes that have lasted longer than some marriages; a vinyl collection that stops around 1986; a 1970s Bialetti cafetière; and a few other collectables I’ve spent a portion of my life accumulating. It isn’t what they are, but what they represent. It took a number plate to make me realise I’d been thinking too small.

The Queensland registration plate Q513 was first issued in Brisbane in 1921. Three digits allocated once and never again. If you’d shown it to me on the street a month ago, I’d have glanced at it and kept walking. That would have been my loss, because Q513 is carrying more documented history than anything sitting in my home, and it’s been doing so for over a century.

Let’s start in June 1940. A private motor yacht called Sundowner is leaving Ramsgate Harbour under its owner’s command. The owner is sixty-six years old, retired, and has refused to hand his vessel over to the Royal Navy. He will sail it himself with a crew of his eldest son and an eighteen-year-old Sea Scout. Their destination is Dunkirk, where the British Expeditionary Force is pinned on the beaches under Luftwaffe attack, waiting for anything that floats.

comfort. Lightoller brings home 130 servicemen, packed below decks and on the gunwales, distributed under his direction with the calm authority of a man who has, on at least one previous occasion, been required to think clearly under conditions that would undo most people.

That previous occasion was April 1912 when Lightoller was the Second Officer of RMS Titanic. He commanded the port-side lifeboats, enforced the loading with a discipline that did not waver: women and children first, no exceptions, no argument. When the time came to leave, he was among the last. He ended up on the upturned keel of Collapsible B, and spent what remained of the night organising the men around him to balance their weight as the waterlogged hull threatened to roll. His steadiness kept people alive and he was eventually pulled from the water and survived. His sworn testimony at both the British and American inquiries that followed remains the most detailed first-hand officer’s account of that night.

One man: Titanic, 1912; Dunkirk, 1940. The kind of CV that makes the rest of us feel we haven’t been trying hard enough.

Brisbane. Dr Harry Martin Lightoller was a physician who had emigrated from Lancashire, settled his family in Albion, and made a respectable life practising medicine in a city still finding its feet. When Queensland’s Department of Main Roads began issuing its first numbered motor vehicle plates in 1921, Dr Lightoller’s wife made a decision that was, for the era, remarkable.

Maria Theresa ‘Minnie’ Lightoller, sixty-five years old, née Haly, a woman of independent means, registered a motor vehicle in her own name. Not her husband’s name. Not her son William Claude’s name, though he was a practising Brisbane solicitor - hers alone. The plate she received was Q513.

In 1921 Brisbane, female motorists existed but were far from the norm.

A married woman registering a vehicle entirely in her own name was unusual for the time, reflecting both her standing in Brisbane society and a certain confidence that, it turns out, ran in the family. Dr Lightoller died in September of that same year. Whether Q513 was one of their last shared household decisions or Maria’s first as a surviving spouse, the record doesn’t say. The plate, however, is unambiguous: registered to Mrs M. Lightoller, of Highlands, Albion.

The owner’s name is Charles Herbert Lightoller. He crosses the Channel under Stuka dive-bomber attack. Sundowner was built to carry twenty-one people in

Now here’s where plate Q513 comes in, and where the story gets local: Charles Lightoller had a second cousin in

Maria brings her own lineage. In the late 1840s, her father Charles Robert Haly founded Taabinga Station, a heritagelisted working cattle property and vineyard that stands as one of Queensland’s oldest continuously occupied stations. He also was in the first sitting of Queensland’s Parliament,

Sundowner at Ramsgate

Charles Herbert Lightoller, 1909

John Caruso learns that behind every great story is a paper trail. Behind Q513, there are three.

representing the Burnett district as a founding member of the first Queensland Legislative Assembly when the colony separated from New South Wales in 1860. Strong lineage to licence plate.

“Q513 isn’t just a plate; it’s a statement about the registrant and who got to drive,” explains Ryan Bartholomew, Director of Q Plate Sales and the man who now holds Q513.

The business Ryan runs is the largest curated holder of three-digit Queensland heritage plates in the country, and he’s spent what he acknowledges is a disproportionate amount of time in archives making sure the stories attached

to his inventory stack up.

Q513’s provenance has been crosschecked across Queensland Births, Deaths and Marriages, the original List of Motor Owners in Queensland held by the State Library, Find A Grave records at Toowong Cemetery, and genealogical research tracing the Lightoller line back through Lancashire.

“You don’t expect a 1920s Brisbane plate to put you one cousin away from the Titanic and Dunkirk, but the Lightoller name does,” he says.

I know what it means when an object has a verified paper trail, or I thought I did. A good pair of shoes with history, a

vinyl pressing from the right year, a cafetière earning its place on the stovetop since the 1970s. That’s the scale I’d been operating.

Q513 is something else entirely, a documented thread running from a registration address in Albion back through Lancashire to two brothers in Chorley, forward to the Titanic, across the Channel to Dunkirk, and further still to the first sitting of a Queensland Parliament. The documentation isn’t a bonus here. It is the thing.

Sundowner is preserved today at the Ramsgate Maritime Museum in Kent, flying the Cross of St George with the arms of Dunkirk in the canton. She is very well looked after. Q513, three digits, first issued in 1921, now held by Q Plate Sales as an officially certified Queensland heritage plate, carries that same story on this side of the world.

And now, thanks to Q Plate Sales, it could be yours. Every number has a story, this is just one from the collection.

Here’s another important number: 0477 004 933 to talk to Ryan and his team, or try 18 July when you can meet Ryan and discover what else is in the collection at Noosa Concours on Hastings Street. I’m pretty sure he has a licence to thrill.

RMS Titanic at Southampton

Right Notes HITTING THE

John Caruso discovers a local Festival that has been hitting the right notes for more than three decades.

August is Noosa’s best-kept secret. The days start to get longer, the winter chills start to thaw and, for the past three decades, the music starts.

The 2026 Noosa Jazz Festival runs from 28 August to 6 September - ten days in a program that moves from theatre to terrace to riverbank with enough live jazz to either convert the unconverted or confirm what the faithful already knew.

This year marks 32 years since Frank Johnson, a trumpet player from Melbourne with the gift of persuasion and the habit of acting on it, walked up and down Hastings Street with Richard Stevens, asking accommodation houses when their slowest fortnight was. They picked late August. They called it the Jazz Party and it struck a chord.

Richard is still involved. Frank passed in 2000, leaving behind a legacy that has outlasted most. What he started as an experiment to bring musicians together in Noosa, is now one of the most distinctive jazz events on the east coast, not because of its scale, but because of its format.

John Conley has been part of it almost from the beginning. He’s the bassist and guitarist from one of Australia’s most enduring jazz outfits, Galapagos Duck.

Joining the group in 1981. John’s been returning to Noosa long enough to remember when James Morrison was playing Berardo’s on Hastings Street to a crowd that couldn’t believe what they had in front of them.

“It’s a great party with people coming from all over Australia to be part of it,” John says.

What draws them, beyond the music itself, is the Jazz Party concept.

Musicians who wouldn’t normally share a stage, shake hands backstage, grab a couple of musical instructions and see what happens. It’s a format that asks something specific of its players, attentiveness, above all else.

“It’s like having a road map, but it’s not set in stone,” John explains of how jazz musicians navigate that kind of structured spontaneity.

“Quite often the piano player will change the harmony, because they have different ways of getting through a chord progression,” he says. “So, it’s a matter of using your ears, listening to what’s going on and reacting to it.”

He says this as though it’s obvious, which to a musician of four decades’ standing it probably is. But it’s worth noting that what sounds like spontaneity is a form of extraordinarily attentive

listening.

Jazz doesn’t just happen. It’s negotiated, bar by bar, in real time, between people who may never have shared a stage before.

The festival opens on the Friday evening at The J Theatre Noosa, with a concert pairing the Australian Jazz Ensemble and the Noosa Chorale. It’s a collaboration John has been involved with for the past two years, and the one he mentions first when asked what he’s looking forward to.

“How often do you get to work with a 40 or 50-piece choir?” he says.

“Something completely different from the normal run of things.”

A Saturday matinee reprises the concert, before the program shifts gear and venue with the ease of a band finding its groove.

Saturday evening brings the Big Kitty Jazz Band to Land & Sea Brewery for a sunset session, the kind of gig that proves that the local geography is one of the festival’s better features.

Sunday takes things inland to the heritage-listed Majestic Theatre in Pomona for a tribute concert to Tom Baker, a significant figure in Australian jazz.

Tuesday, 1 September offers something genuinely hard to improve upon, a river cruise followed by a dinner concert at Noosa Boathouse, where jazz enthusiasts will not only be entertained by the music but by the food and views.

Wednesday brings jazz to the Peregian Beach Hotel at lunchtime, the festival extending its reach and accessibility down the coast.

Thursday evening, Stevenson’s Rockets take the stage at Beach Road Hotel.

By Friday 4 September the action moves to Lucio’s at the Marina. I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying jazz here in the past on many occasions. A perfect combo, lunch, water and live jazz.

Saturday 5 September head to The J with the Noosa Jazz Party proper, the fullest expression of what the festival has always been about and John provides a glimpse into what audiences can expect.

“You’re going to see musicians who don’t usually play together, playing together,” he says. “Jazz musicians listening, adapting, using the form to create something new. You’re going to see exciting, wonderful, established players, and you’re going to be part of an exciting musical experience.”

Then comes Sunday 6 September, Father’s Day, and the festival will close the way it always does with a free community concert at the Riverstage along the Noosa River in Noosaville.

Picnic rugs on the grass, the river doing what rivers do in winter’s afternoon light, musicians who’ve spent the week playing ticketed rooms now playing for anyone who wanders past. No booking required. Just turn up.

It’s the most democratic item on the

ALL THAT JAZZ

Celebrating jazz over ten days with some of Australia’s most talented musicans.

Friday 28th August - Lunch

Jazz on the Terrace @ 250 Grammi

program and the most important. The Noosa Jazz Festival understands something useful about the relationship between music and place - neither should try too hard.

Noosa doesn’t need to be New Orleans. Jazz doesn’t need to be explained. Put the right musicians in a room, or on a riverbank, and they tend to sort out the rest themselves.

John Conley’s been carrying an upright bass to gigs since the early ‘80s and he sees no compelling reason to stop. Ask him what the bass presents by way of challenge and he’ll be straight.

“Carrying the thing to the gig. That’s the tough part,” he says.

Ask him about the vibe in Noosa when the festival’s running and he’s direct: “Really, fantastic. No question about it.”

Some things, three decades on, still hit the right notes.

Friday 28th August – Evening &

Saturday 29th August – Matinee

Australian Jazz Ensemble & Noosa

Chorale @ The J Theatre

Saturday 29th August – Sunset

Big Kitty Jazz Band @ Land & Sea

Sunday 30th August – Afternoon

Tom Baker Tribute Band @ The Majestic Theatre

Tuesday 1st September – Sunset

Noosa River Ferry Cruise & Dinner

Concert @ Noosa Boathouse

Wednesday 2nd September - Lunch

Jazz @ Peregian Beach Hotel

Thursday 3rd September – Evening

Stevenson’s Rockets @ Beach Road Hotel

Friday 4th September lunch

Jazz at Lucio’s @ The Marina

Saturday 5th September - Evening

Noosa Jazz Party @ the J Theatre

Sunday 6th September – Afternoon

Free Community Concert in the Park Noosa Jazz Club regularly host events, including the Noosa Jazz Festival. Scan the QR code to find out more.

A spectacular opening night featuring the Australian Jazz Ensemble and Noosa Chorale. Enjoy exciting jazz with fine food and sunshine, on river cruises, at riverside restaurants, elegant dining and jazz concerts at The J and Majestic theatres. e:

Good! SO BERRY

If you’re going to commit to one big road trip this year, make it a northwester to Mundubbera. Jodie Cameron discovers why this journey is ripe for the picking…

Did you know ‘town-envy’ is a real thing? As a former macadamia nut producer, I spent years traversing regional roads riding the festival circuit sharing the macadamia love, but every two years, one festival always stole my heart – the Mundubbera Blueberry Festival. With its rolling orchards, big blue skies and genuine country hospitality, it’s the kind of town that makes you think ‘geez they really have it going on here’.

Mundubbera might be known as the citrus capital of Queensland but come spring, blueberries take centre stage and the town quite literally turns blue for the occasion. Set in Queensland’s North Burnett region just a three-and-a-halfhour drive northwest from Noosa, the biennial celebration from 25 to 27 September is the best country festival you haven’t discovered yet.

The region is home to the largest undercover blueberry farm in the Southern Hemisphere, so it’s safe to say they know their berries well. This might be a small town, but they bring big energy so instead of a hurried dash, make it a slow weekend by staying a few nights – there’s plenty to explore beyond the festival gates.

Festival Coordinator Lisa Wain says while the berries are spectacular enough for a day trip, a weekend stay is a sure

...the real magic comes from slowing down enough to appreciate the country charm.

way to welcome the change of season while supporting a regional town that feeds the national supply chain.

“After a few tough years, the festival always brings our tight-knit community to life,” Lisa says. “It’s a celebration of local food, music, and good-old fashioned fun.”

The 2026 program is packed tighter than a punnet of premium blues and it’s big, bold and bursting with flavour!

The Marquee Muster kicks off the

weekend – a relaxed festival welcome with street food, music and that unmistakable hum of a town gearing up for a big event. For the foodies, the Locavore 4626 dinner is a long-table experience under the stars, showcasing the best regional produce by celebrity chef Matt Golinski. Held in a mystery location, this gastronomical affair is over 80% sold so be quick!

On Saturday, the Berry Big Day Out takes over Bicentennial Park along the Burnett River. Expect more than 80 stalls, blueberry-inspired treats (there will be pie and yes, it’s worth the drive alone), local makers, superstars and winners from the local talent show, Spotlight North Burnett, and a relaxed, sun-soaked vibe that makes it berry easy to lose track of time.

“There will be a jumping castle for the kids, live performances throughout the day, and plenty of space to roll out a picnic rug,” Lisa says. “It’s the kind of event where locals, visitors, growers and creatives all come together and you’re instantly part of it.”

For those keen to dig a little deeper, the Berry Bonza Bus Tour is an essential add-on. Hosted by Central Burnett Landcare, this guided experience offers a behind-the-scenes look at the region’s agricultural backbone – from citrus and mangoes to cattle, pecans and timber. Local producers often hop on board to share their stories, and you’ll finish with a curated goody bag. For a literal bird’s-eye view, Heli Tours can be booked to see the winding rivers, and that endless stretch of countryside that defines this part of Queensland.

If you’re a fan of live music, the icing

on the cake is the Blueberry Jam Sesh where live music rolls into the night under a canopy of stars. The legendary Tex Perkins and Matt Walker of The Cruel Sea, alongside 19-Twenty, Bourbon Street and Australian Idol alum Keely Ellen will be kicking off the jams.

When you aren’t elbow-deep eating berries, the region offers plenty of soul-soothing detours so pack the hiking boots for Cania Gorge National Park with its ancient sandstone cliffs and hidden caves or visit the Mundubbera Heritage for a time-capsule look of early

1900s life. For a slower pace, swing by the Three Moon Silos in Monto –the towering artwork is a literal head-turner.

The real magic comes from slowing down enough to appreciate the country charm. So, start a playlist and head north-west this September – come for the blueberries, stay for the community, and leave with that unmistakable feeling of having stumbled upon something special.

You’ll understand exactly what I mean by town-envy. Blue skies ahead!

BLUEBERRY BLISS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS!

For festival info + tickets, scan the QR code and follow the fun on social media @munduberrablueberryfestival

Use the code INNOOSA to receive two free drink tickets when you book your festival passes.

$110

FEATURING Tex Perkins & Matt Walker, 19 Twenty, Bourbon Street, Keely Ellen, Anderson Lane & more.

FAMILY FUN AT THE

Jam Sesh Saturday 26 September 4pm - til late Saturday 26 September 8am - 2pm FREE Free Entry. Free Kids Rides. Free Facepainting. Free stage entertainment. 80+ Markets, Food Trucks, and Blueberry Games

Launch Pad LUXE

Winter in Noosa is a stunning proposition. John Caruso checks into the luxe launch pad that makes it all oh so easy.

The best holidays are where the car goes into the secure, underground car park on arrival - and that’s where it stays.

That’s exactly how easy it can be at Netanya Noosa on absolute beachfront at the National Park end of Hastings Street with easy access to all that Noosa has to offer.

This is the home of laid-back luxury on the beachfront where the waves will mesmerise you from the comfort of your balcony, lull you to sleep in your ultra comfortable bed at the end of a long day exploring - and provide the soundtrack to a holiday to remember forever.

Winter is when Noosa really shows off - the sky is clear, the air is crisp and the water sits around 22 degrees - cool enough to feel invigorating, warm enough for no hesitation to dive in.

The mornings tend to set the tone. Providore On Hastings on the ground floor of Netanya is your go-to café and gourmet grocer - the kind of operation that gets the coffee right and doesn’t waste a square metre on anything that isn’t worth stocking. Coffee is by Sunshine Social Co, roasted locally, and the breakfast options run from a sitdown meal or something to-go. Locals frequent the place because it’s earned their respect, and that’s the most reliable endorsement available.

From Providore, the day opens in any direction. The World Surfing Reserve and Noosa National Park coastal walk begin just a few steps towards Little Cove and follows the headland around to Hells Gates - arguably the finest short walk on the Sunshine Coast, and one that rewards winter’s cleaner light with ocean views that stop you mid-stride. Dolphins are routine. Whales, between June and October, are not uncommon.

Water access of a different kind is available via Everglades Eco Safaris

...the sky is clear, the air is crisp and the water sits around 22 degrees - cool enough to feel invigorating...

who offer free bus transfers from Noosa to explore the system of tea-coloured waterways that sit behind the national park and constitute one of only two everglades on the planet!

In winter, the mirror-flat water and low morning mist make for conditions that are genuinely arresting rather than merely scenic.

Epic Ocean Adventures works the other direction - offshore, for snorkelling and marine life encounters; and Noosa Ferry offers more than a taxi service along the Noosa River from Hastings Street towards the Noosa Marina with plenty of

stops for shopping, dining or exploring. Stop off for a leisurely long lunch at the iconic Rickys River Bar & Restaurant or spice it up with a tasty tour of South America at Bandita Latina Cantina along Gympie Terrace.

Take in the latest exhibition at Noosa Regional Gallery and enjoy the freshest seafood and handmade chips from Noosa Harbour Fish Market.

Noosa Boathouse offers three levels of fun from sun-up at Little Boaty to sunset

Noosa Everglades

cocktails perched three storeys above the water in the Sunset Bar. The Noosa Queen is the longest serving vessel on the river, family-owned for 56 years with a range of cruises from sublime sunsets to seafood cruises or get your groove on with a Queen Beats cruise with a live DJ.

If golf is your thing, take a swing at Noosa Springs Golf Course, all easily accessible from your Netanya Noosa base.

Closer to your home-away-fromhome, stroll to Laguna Lookout for a view that explains why Noosa exists where it does: the National Park headland falling into the Pacific, the river threading south through the hinterland behind it, the town fitting between the two with the restraint of something that understood its magic from the beginning.

The world-famous Original Eumundi Markets operate every Wednesday and Saturday with handcrafted artisan treasures and on Sundays, join the local foodies and meet the makers at Noosa

As the sun begins its descent, Hastings Street shifts gears. A drink at the Noosa Surf Club is a good way to begin. The restaurants fill, the wine bars open and the street takes on a different attitude.

Stroll across the road for Aperitivo Hour at Locale with traditional cicchetti and cocktails. Stay for dinner or stroll the fairy-lit street for inspirationthere’s a virtual smorgasboard of flavours on offer.

This is also when the more casual end of Noosa’s food culture earns its place - Betty’s Burgers, El Capitano pizza, fish and chips - and save room for Happy Pops or Massimo’s Gelato. The options are endless.

A selection of recently refurbished apartments and penthouses now showcase fresh contemporary interiors, adding another layer of laid-back luxury to Netanya’s unrivalled Noosa beachfront location.

The kitchens are appointed with all you need to prepare a meal inspired by the local flavours from Providore On Hastings, including boutiqe wines and local beers and spirits.

The views are as good as it gets and the service is impeccable, including Netanya’s concierge service catering to your every needs - from arranging transport with partners such as Tesla Transfers to dinner reservations or booking experiences.

The right address doesn’t deliver convenience with conditions - it is quite simply the ability to spend time experiencing as much as Noosa can offer with ease. Noosa in winter is already doing most of the work.

Netanya makes sure nothing gets in the way.

LUXE LAUNCH PAD

Here’s a taste of some of the adventures that await when you choose Netanya Noosa as your home-away-from-home:

Noosa National Park Coastal WalkStarts at Little Cove and follows the headland to Hells Gates. Allow two hours return. Go early.

Everglades Eco Safaris - Guided tours into the Noosa Everglades, one of only two everglades’ systems on the planet. Morning departures from the Noosa River. evergladesecosafaris.com.au

Epic Ocean Adventures - Snorkelling and marine life encounters offshore. Seasonal whale watching available June to October. epicoceanadventures.com.au

Noosa Ferry - Sunset cruises along the Noosa River from Hastings Street and beyond. noosaferry.com

Noosa Queen - Family owned for 56 years with a range of experiencessunset, seafood or eco cruise or groove to Queen Beats. noosaqueen.com

Laguna Lookout - The headland view that puts the whole of Noosa in perspective. A short drive or a committed walk from Hastings Street.

Sensaura Day Spa - A luxury wellbeing day spa tucked away in the heart of Noosa. sensaura.com.au

Noosa Springs Golf Course - Eighteen hole golf course. noosasprings.com.au

Original Eumundi Markets - Wednesday and Saturday mornings. Produce, art, fashion, food. About 25 minutes inland. eumundimarkets.com.au

Noosa Farmers Market - Sunday mornings at the Noosa Tigers Football Ground. Local growers, bakers, makers. noosafarmersmarket.com.au

Providore On Hastings - open 7 days until 9pm. Dine in, takeaway or shop the essentials for your stay with coffee, pastries, sandwiches, salads and hampers plus artisan goods and grocery lines along with pantry staples and a cellar offering a selection of drinks which can be delivered to your room! Book your absolute beachfront escape at Netanya Noosa. Scan the QR code to receive a SPECIAL OFFER for winter. Phone: 5447 4722

Email: stay@netanyanoosa.com.au

Farmers Market.

Errands

TO Espresso

The era of the “in-out” shopping dash is making way for a more rhythmic, relaxed meeting place at Noosa Civic, and Nicole May discovers what led to this shift.

In the coastal sanctuary of Noosa, time is our most precious commodity. We often find ourselves caught in a cycle of ticking off the chores, rushing between commitments with a focus on efficiency rather than experience.

However, a significant transformation is taking place at the northern end of the coast. Noosa Civic is intentionally shedding the skin of the traditional shopping centre to emerge as a lifestyleled meeting place - a shift designed to turn a functional errand into a social outing.

This evolution is grounded in the idea that a community hub should be more than a collection of stores; it should be a destination that mirrors the sophisticated yet relaxed vibe IN Noosa.

At the forefront of this change is The Civic Social, located at the food court entrance near Australia Post. This isn’t just another cafe; it is a dedicated espresso bar and brunch hub that brings a fresh social energy to the precinct.

With outdoor seating, insta-worthy plates of curated dishes, and a license to serve bubbles with brunch, it encourages visitors to trade the hurried takeaway coffee for a pause a little longer or settle in for a relaxed lunch date. It serves as a social anchor, proving that even a trip for life admin can include a moment of indulgence.

Directly opposite this social hub, the arrival of Mind Body Soul Aesthetic Clinic reinforces the centre’s commitment to self-care as a primary pillar of the lifestyle experience. Rather than a clinical, hurried environment, the clinic offers a refined and results-focused approach to skin health in an unhurried, supportive setting. By integrating medical-grade technology with expert therapists, Mind Body Soul allows locals to

address complex skin conditions or seek long-term confidence as a seamless part of their weekly routine.

This intersection of health and retail is a key driver of the centre’s evolving appeal, where professional wellness services sit comfortably alongside fashion and lifestyle brands.

Even the established retail landscape is growing to match this elevated vision. High-street favourites like Cotton On Body and Strand (the fresh evolution of the familiar Strandbags) have recently upgraded into significantly larger stores. These new footprints allow for much larger collections and expanded ranges, ensuring that the convenience of having everything in one place doesn’t come at the cost of variety. It is a changing appeal that acknowledges the modern shopper’s desire for a more comprehensive and enjoyable browsing experience.

Perhaps the most compelling evidence of Noosa Civic’s transformation into a true community heart is its focus on local storytelling and high-calibre creative talent. This winter, the centre is offering a locally rooted experience led by Noosa local Dan Munday.

Dan brings a world-class creative

Civic Social

pedigree to the precinct, having previously served as a producer for the globally renowned television program Survivor

His background as a professional set designer and producer has now evolved into a passion for storytelling as an author and animator, leading to the creation of Kangamoo & The Not New Crew

The July school holiday program is designed to be an interactive world where children don’t just watch but participate. By becoming part of the Not New Crew, young visitors can engage in strategy games, ball mazes, slide puzzles, and memory games that spark imagination.

There are treasure hunts, drawing workshops, and story-building activities that reflect Dan’s professional background in creating immersive environments and encourage children to use their imaginations.

This sense of connection is further supported by the centre’s ongoing family initiatives, such as the regular Tuesday is Play Day events creating an environment where families feel welcomed rather than rushed, fostering a sense of belonging that is often missing when running errands.

Time Spent Well

To truly embrace this lifestyle-led model, the centre is also addressing that many residents are time-poor during traditional daylight hours; therefore, there is a renewed push towards Thursday evening trading until 7pm.

Located less than ten minutes from the movement of Hastings Street and featuring over 1,400 free car parks, the single-level ease of Noosa Civic remains a hallmark of its service. However, the real drawcard is the depth of experiences on offer.

JULY SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

Wednesday 1 July - Friday 10 July (excluding weekends), 10am-1pm. Kangamoo & The Not New Crew

Join local author and former Survivor producer Dan Munday in the Food Court area for a world of interactive fun. Enjoy interactive strategy games, ball mazes, treasure hunts, story building, and sign up to the Not New Crew with great prizes to be won.

WEEKLY PLAY DAYS

Every Tuesday. Free children’s activities designed for the little ones.

RECLAIM YOUR THURSDAY

Open until 7pm every Thursday. A convenient, relaxed way to shop and avoid the weekend rush..

THE ESSENTIALS

Noosa Civic

28 Eenie Creek Road, Noosaville. 100+ specialty stores. Over 1,400 free car parks on a single, accessible level.

Scan the QR code to find out more and sign up to the enewsletter to be the first to find out about upcoming events, new store openings, competitions and much more.

PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

Dan Munday

INSPIRING CONVERSATIONS

DEARNE DOWNES

Brewing with Balls: The SlabGod Story

OSCAR HOLGARDO

From Farm to Fire at The Woodshed

MARK WEBBER

Be prepared to do things others won’t

MATT GOLINSKI

Dealing with loss and new beginnings

MICHAEL BRENNAN

Meeting the Director

MARSHALL HAMBURGER

2025 Australian Idol Winner

JON COGHILL

From rock drummer to journalist

NIKI DE SAINT

An Exchange of Energy

LISA CURRY

A Life in the Spotlight

NILLA TOMKINS

The Rebel, The Traveller and The Cookbook

Katie Noonan

Kate Cox

David Ezrine

Kristine Young

Suzy Wilson

Wes Carr

CALL OF THE WILD

At 15 years old, this conservationist has more awards to his name than most will accumulate over an entire lifetime. Charlie Shelley explores what motivates his work and why he’s not giving up hope for the future…

I meet Spencer Hitchen at the end of a quiet street on a Friday afternoon. On any other day, I’d have passed this area by without a second thought, but I’ve been assured that something special awaits us just beyond the fence.

As we begin to wander through the bushland, I realise that the soil is starting to give way to sand. Soon, the trees are gone, and we’re standing in a magnificent open plain populated by low-lying shrubbery – this, Spencer says, is what we’re here to see: the Wallum.

Named after the Kabi Kabi word for Banksia aemula, the Wallum is an ecosystem unique to south-east Queensland and north-east New South Wales. Despite its acidic, sandy and nutrient deficient soil, it is home to a vast array of plants and animals, including a number of threatened species like the tiny Wallum Sedgefrog and the

beautiful Glossy Black-Cockatoo.

The ‘Glossies’ are one of Spencer’s favourite species due to their high level of intelligence.

“The more you observe them, the more you see how similar they are to us as humans,” he says. “They’re so clever and curious.”

The 15-year-old conservationist, environmental educator and photographer is uniquely attuned to the Wallum. He knows its rhythms and can identify each and every one of its inhabitants. As we walk, he eagerly points out a couple of bird species: the Tawny Grassbird and the White-Cheeked

When we all come together, we can make a massive difference

Honeyeater. His eyes light up as he talks about them, his passion shining through in every word.

But his knowledge of this ecosystem doesn’t end there – it extends to the plant life, too. “Right there in that little patch, you’ve got baeckea, banksia and native parsnip,” he says, pointing to a small spot on the ground. “That’s one of the things that’s so special about the Wallum – it’s actually more biodiverse than a rainforest.”

All of this knowledge is the result of a decade-long obsession with nature which began when Spencer was barely more than a toddler.

PHOTOS: SPENCER HITCHEN

PHOTO: JOSH

At age 6, he joined the Noosa Parks Association, a not-for-profit, volunteerrun community conservation group dedicated to preserving the region’s unique local environment.

The group encouraged him to start documenting the animal species he encountered on his nature walks, so he began snapping photos on his parents’ phones.

Spencer’s camera equipment has grown as he has, these days he uses a Sony with a mammoth 300-millimetre lens.

He has also won multiple photography awards – most recently the People’s Choice Award in the 2026 Crikey! Magazine Photography Competition.

Spencer views his photography not as an end in-and-of-itself but as a tool to raise awareness about the need to protect the environment and all the incredible creatures that call it home.

“Photography competitions, for me, are just a platform and a way to help more people see these amazing species so that they’ll fall in love with them and want to protect them,” he says.

His annual wildlife calendar, for which Spencer uses all his own photos, is an extension of these awareness-raising efforts. The project started in 2022 with the help of a mini grant from Jane Goodall’s Roots and Shoots program and, last year, saw calendars distributed to over 1,000 children.

Spencer hopes he can be a role model to other young people and show them that they, too, can make a positive impact on the natural world. His advice to budding conservationists is to remember that small changes can make a big difference.

“Just doing small things in your backyard like putting out a bird bath helps,” he says. “There’s amazing species that come into my garden for the bird bath because there might not be any natural water around.

“It’s just these small impacts that we have in our everyday life, that’s the most important thing.”

Hope is a core part of Spencer’s life and work. Despite the seemingly innumerable threats currently facing our environment – from climate change to deforestation, ocean acidification and more – Spencer refuses to dwell in despair.

“I’ve never lost hope, and I’ve always kept going,” he says. “I think part of that is always being out in nature.

I always encourage others to do what I do: observe, learn, protect your local environment, no matter your age.

“When we all come together, we can make a massive difference.”

Wise words from one of our most INspiring members of the community.

SUPPORT SPENCER

Support Spencer’s Conservation work by purchasing his 2026 Calendar for $20.

Featuring Spencer’s best nature, wildlife and bird photography of the Wallum, Heathlands and Woodlands in Australia.

Follow Spencer on Instagram @savesunriseglossies or scan the QR code to learn more about his journey and support his work. www.savesunriseglossies.com.au

PHOTO:

PHIL HINES

Robert Irwin and Spencer

Spencer with Jane Goodall

Rebalance. Refocus. Prepare.

The world may be feeling unsettled at the moment. John Caruso learns what that means for your money and why now is the perfect time for a mid-year review.

Digest the news and it’s not exactly a gentle experience. Wars, rising prices, interest rate hikes, and financial markets moving in ways that would make your head spin. Whether you watch Alan Kohler deliver the numbers with his trademark calm, or skim the headlines over a morning coffee, it can feel like the ground is shifting underfoot.

Which is exactly when you want someone steady in your corner.

Andrew Stafford and his team at Morgans Noosa are the go-to for local investors. They can translate the chaos of global markets into plain English. He’s the kind of bloke that knows what he’s talking about and the one you want at the table for a Sunday lunch when the conversation heads that way.

I rang Andrew recently with a “please explain” and this is what he had to say.

“We’re in a complex phase of uncertainty,” he says. “We have the conflict in the Middle East which is causing global economic disruption, and that’s feeding through to Australia more than other countries because of our heavy reliance on imported fuel. The next six months will be very challenging for us regardless of an outcome to the Iran conflict.”

Not exactly the kind of thing you want to hear, but Andrew is not in the business of sugar-coating. He’d rather you understood what was coming so you could prepare for it.

At the heart of the problem is the Strait of Hormuz, the critical shipping lane through which a significant portion of the world’s oil and gas flows. The conflict has disrupted those flows badly, pushing energy prices sharply higher.

For Australia, a nation that imports around 90 per cent of its refined fuel despite being a net energy exporter, that’s a real squeeze. It flows through to the price of transport, food, building materials and just about everything else. Add higher interest rates on top, and household budgets are feeling it from both ends.

So, what does that mean for your mortgage, your superannuation, and your investments? Quite a lot, it seems.

On interest rates, Andrew points to something that many people may not have noticed. Australia is one of the few countries in the world currently raising rates, while the US Federal Reserve is holding steady. That divergence has consequences.

“As interest rates go up, that generally

supports a higher local currency, so the Aussie dollar has been pushed higher, partly from the weakening US dollar, but also because we’re looking at going even higher with our rates,” he says. “You may see it push towards the mid-70USD range.

For investors, a stronger Australian dollar cuts both ways. It can reduce the value of returns on overseas investments when converted back to Australian dollars, but it also helps importers keep a lid on costs.

None of this is cause for panic, but it is cause for a close look at where your money is working, and where it isn’t.

Andrew is upbeat about certain sectors despite the headwinds.

Commodities top his list. The rebuild required in Ukraine and the Middle East will demand enormous quantities of raw materials. Defence spending across the globe is rising fast and the worldwide boom in data centres to power the growth of artificial intelligence is creating enormous demand for copper, energy, and the infrastructure to support it all.

“We certainly see an upside for commodities, from multi-year investments in energy transition, the big

data centre build-out around the world on this AI phenomenon, and major rebuilding in Ukraine and the Middle East, that alone should see significant demand coming through for resources,” Andrew explains. “Commodities is a place to be strategically focused.”

Gold, the traditional safe haven in times of uncertainty, remains on Andrew’s radar too. It has pulled back a little recently on central bank selling, but the broader case, inflation, geopolitical risk, a weaker US dollar, still supports it.

Energy is another focal point. Higher oil and LNG prices benefit Australia’s producers directly and uranium is a conversation Andrew thinks will become increasingly important as the world scrambles for clean, reliable power to fuel the data centre boom.

Then there’s the AI story itself, which is more nuanced than most people realise. I’ll admit it took a previous conversation with Morgans Noosa to shift my own thinking on this. The assumption that AI is a single, homogenous threat to the technology sector is too simple. Some tech companies will lose ground to it. Others will benefit enormously from it.

The recent broad sell-off in the sector has, in Andrew’s view, been

It’s a critical time for clients to come in for a review. These factors have a major impact on asset values, and it’s important to address your current financial situation and prepare for the near term.

indiscriminate, punishing winners and losers alike, and in doing so, creating some genuine buying opportunities for patient investors.

“Positioning your investments to benefit from the AI boom is super important. There’s a generational, once-in-a-lifetime build-out of AI infrastructure happening,” he says. “That’s something that over the next few years will continue to be a very big theme, and there are ways to invest in it to your advantage.”

The word Andrew keeps coming back

to is ‘rebalance’. Not a dramatic overhaul, not a panicked retreat to cash, but a considered, timely look at what you hold, how it’s positioned, and whether it reflects the world as it is right now, rather than the world as it was twelve or eighteen months ago.

“It’s a critical time for clients to come in for a review. These factors have a major impact on asset values, and it’s important to address your current financial situation and prepare for the near term,” he explains.

Mid-year is a natural moment for that kind of stocktake. Think of it as a health check. You don’t wait until something goes wrong; you go in regularly to make sure everything’s tracking as it should. Your investment portfolio deserves the same discipline.

The team at Morgans Noosa are across all of it. Local, experienced, and as embedded in this community as anyone. If the news has been making you uneasy about your financial position, that’s not a bad instinct. It’s a good reason to pick up the phone.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is of a general nature. Please seek professional advice tailored to your specific circumstances before making any investment decisions.

The Sunshine Coast Business Awards are back to empower local businesses with a platform to shine, writes Charlie Shelley

Business BACKING

Business leaders from across the region gathered at the Maroochy RSL on 1 May for a cracker breakfast to celebrate the launch of the 2026 Sunshine Coast Business Awards and the start of Small Business Month.

Judo Bank’s Chief Economic Advisor Warren Hogan provided powerful insights into the current economic climate and the highs and lows of being a small business owner.

A panel of leading business owners shared their story and real-world experience including Teneille Newton of Noosa Black Garlic, the 2025 Sunshine Coast Business of the Year; The Beach Bars’ Jonny Giles; and Tim Kelly from Manufacturing Excellence Forum.

Sunshine Coast Business Awards Chair Jennifer Swaine said the event provided a timely opportunity for businesses to step back and engage with the bigger economic picture.

“There’s no question businesses are navigating a challenging environment, which makes opportunities to hear directly from leading economists and connect with others even more important,” she said.

“The Sunshine Coast Business Awards not only celebrate success, but also tell the story of a region that continues to grow, innovate and make its mark nationally and globally.”

Entries are open until August, so there’s still time to get involved.

Nominate an outstanding local business or enter your business in this important initiative. As a previous winner and now proud sponsor, we can vouch for the benefits of being involved and going through the process.

PHOTOS: THE COMMS PEOPLE

KEY DATES

SUNSHINE COAST BUSINESS AWARDS:

Online Information Session

Wed 29 July, 6-7pm

Applications/Nominations Close Mon 17 August, 5pm

Masterclass Ticketing Opens

Thurs 17 September

Finalist’s Masterclass & Cocktail Event

Thurs 22 October, from 3.30pm, Noosa Springs Golf and Spa Resort, Noosa Gala Dinner & Awards Ceremony Sat 28 November, 5.30pm-midnight, Sunshine Coast Convention Centre, Twin Waters.

Scan the QR code for the latest news, galleries of previous events, how to enter or to nominate an outstanding local business or lodge your application.

protect your nest egg when the global markets get a little messy.

There is a common misconception that often floats around - the idea that you need to be a sophisticated investor to access the most lucrative financial opportunities.

In the world of high-end finance, ‘sophisticated’ is a technical term that usually just refers to the size of your assets or your annual income; it doesn’t mean you need a PhD in economics to walk through the door for advice.

Senior Private Wealth Adviser Chris Harris from Ord Minnett Noosa would like to remove the word ‘sophisticated’ from the conversation.

“It can be misconstrued. People think, ‘Am I clever enough for this?’,” he says. “But it shouldn’t be about that; it’s about making sure the right financial pathways are available.”

Whether you are a retail client just starting to build your wealth or a wholesale client with a more established portfolio, there is a strategy designed specifically for your stage of life.

At Ord Minnett, the philosophy is simple: they provide the infrastructure. They don’t just sell you a ‘product’ off the shelf; they create a solution.

Private Wealth Adviser Tom Hartvigsen says that the term ‘products’ can feel a bit clinical at times.

“It might sound like something you’d find in a supermarket,” he says. “But a solution is about building the framework that allows a client to invest in a way that actually suits their life.”

...the defensive side is what keeps you afloat when the wind picks up.

One of the most critical elements for any portfolio - especially those looking toward or currently in retirement - is the defensive side of their investments.

Think of this as the stabiliser for your financial ship. While everyone loves to talk about the growth side - the Australian and international shares that can provide exciting returns - the defensive side is what keeps you afloat when the wind picks up.

“In today’s global climate, where things can get a bit ‘messy’ due to international tensions and market volatility, having a solid defensive tilt is vital,” Chris says. “A typical balanced investor might keep about 35% of their money in this defensive zone, which includes things like cash, term deposits, and bonds.

“If you can get a decent yield off that defensive side, it goes a long way to assisting you in retirement.”

It’s about creating peace of mind that allows you to enjoy the Noosa lifestyle without constantly checking the news.

For those who don’t yet meet the wholesale criteria, there are still clever ways to access high-quality investments.

Chris points to Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) as a prime example. These are funds that trade on the stock exchange and allow retail investors to get exposure to things like subordinated notes - a type of investment that usually pays a higher rate than a standard bank account.

“It’s a way of looking under the hood, so to speak, of the professional investment world without needing millions of dollars to start,” Chris says.

“Essentially, a bond is like a loan you provide to a company or government and in return, they pay you interest. For a wholesale investor, this can be very direct.”

Whether you are just starting or you’re already working with a bank or an advisor but feel your returns have been a bit soft lately, Chris suggests it might be time for a second opinion.

Ord Minnett offers a unique service through its dedicated term deposit desk. They can shop around across approximately 15 different approved institutions to find the best rates for you.

This means if you have a significant amount to invest, they can spread it across different institutions and time frames - say, some for three months and some for nine - ensuring your money is working hard while remaining protected.

This makes them a very stable anchor for a portfolio, and having a strong return on this side of your investments goes a long way in assisting with retirement.

Tom says that Ords have built a fixed-interest desk, now managing over $2 billion, that allows clients the opportunity to invest alongside industry funds and institutional investors.

“At a time when Government bond yields are rising globally, the opportunities in this space are excellent,” he adds.

The process begins not with a sales pitch, but with a conversation. One of the primary ways the team assists is by helping you understand your own financial DNA rather than a one-size-

fits-all approach. A simple questionnaire and consultation helps them to ascertain your risk profile and preferences.

Once your profile is determined, the team can then help you find the right asset allocation - the perfect blend of Australian shares, international property, and those all-important defensive assets.

“Asset allocation shouldn’t be ignored, and if managed correctly, it results in the defensive part of your portfolio providing downside protection during times of volatility,” Chris says. “Once you determine the allocation of funds to the

TOPLINE TAKEOUTS

Infrastructure for success: They build the framework that allows you to access professional-grade investment solutions.

Retail options: Easy-to-access funds like Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) that let you dip your toe into big ideas without needing a massive upfront investment. The defensive tilt: A mix of cash and fixed interest that acts as a safety net for your wealth.

The second opinion: Not sure if your current rates are ‘soft’? A quick review can help determine if your asset allocation is actually working for you. Call Ord Minnett Noosa on 5231 9966.

defensive portion of your portfolio, investment selection is paramount. If you don’t have the time or expertise to look under the hood, don’t guess; seek advice.”

Once the strategy is set, Ord Minnett provides the technical backbone to make it happen. Ultimately, the goal is to make finance feel less like a chore and more like setting sail into the future.

DISCLAIMER: The advice in this story is of a generic nature. You should seek your own personalised advice before making any financial decisions.

Predictable income, confident future

Wholesale bonds deliver steady income and capital security, providing a defensive anchor for your investment portfolio. They help smooth volatility through changing market conditions.

Designed for sophisticated investors seeking predictable returns and peace of mind, find out if our Wholesale Bond Service is right for you.

Start a conversation

CHEF MEL ALAFACI presents PLATED: SUNSHINE

COAST. A COOKING CLASS

Join Chef Mel, The Happy Chef, for an interactive masterclass that blends elite culinary technique with high-octane entertainment. Learn new “cheffy” skills to produce a four-course feast, then enjoy it together.

Friday 24 July, 11am-2pm

$155pp Booking fees may apply The Studio Cooking School, Junction Drive, Coolum Beach

GREEN VALLEY FINGERLIMES presents TWILIGHT SOIRÉE

A unique fingerlime farm experience, with a fingerlime tour, gin tasting from Dalcelo

and your own private

in the

complete with a hamper filled with locally sourced produce.

Saturday 25 July, 3-7pm

$110pp Booking fees may apply 114 Stirling Road, Peachester

SPICERS TAMARIND RETREAT presents SUNSHINE COAST ASIAN FOOD FESTIVAL

Bring a picnic blanket and indulge in vibrant Asian flavours from the star-studded chef lineup amongst the 18 acre rainforest property of Spicers Tamarind Retreat. Your ticket includes, five dishes, two drinks and live entertainment.

Saturday 1 August, 12-5pm From $165pp Booking fees may apply Spicers Tamarind Retreat, Obi Lane South, Maleny

BONJOUR, BEACHES!

Classic French cuisine reimagined for the Sunshine Coast. This five-course dining experience brings together elegance, technique and bold flavour, pairing timeless French artistry with unmistakable ocean breeze.

Friday 24 July, 5.30-9pm

$179pp Booking fees may apply The Esplanade, Maroochydore

MAPLETON PUBLIC HOUSE presents GOOD SOIL: FARM. TABLE. BEAST.

Good Soil is built on two ideas: supporting local producers, and honouring the whole ingredient from root to tip, and nose to tail. Gather round an open fire to watch the feast be prepared with music from Intercooler and Double Talk.

Sunday 26 July, 11am-5pm Free entry; Lunch $30/kids $15, $25/kids $10 with pre-registration 2 Flaxton Drive, Mapleton

FAIRHILL GARDENS presents THE BUSH HARVEST MORNING TEA

Discover a generous, whimsical, beautifully presented menu with sweets & savouries from Peter Kuruvita & Fairhill’s renowned kitchen. Plus live music & flower-garlanded goats. Not to be missed.

Sunday 2 August, 11am-2pm

$50-$75 Booking fee may apply Fairhill Gardens, 114 Fairhill Road, Ninderry

SUNSHINE SOCIAL COTTON TREE presents SUNSHINE SOCIAL X SEABOURNE GIN

Led by Head Chef Braden Charlesworth, the menu has a sharp creative edge with a deep respect for local ingredients. Teaming up with Seabourne Distillery creating a bespoke cocktail offering alongside Jamsheed wines.

Friday 24 July and Saturday 25 July, 5-10pm $95pp Booking fees may apply King Street, Cotton Tree

SPICERS CLOVELLY ESTATE presents HINTERLAND PRODUCERS LUNCH

& Peachester Fresh, blended with the Provencial French style of The Long Apron.

Friday 31 July, 12-4pm $135pp Booking fees may apply 38-68 Balmoral Road, Montville

THE DOONAN presents PICNIC ON THE GREEN

The lush lawns at The Doonan turn into a laid-back picnic that’s all about good food and great company. Graze through a handcrafted picnic basket featuring a selection of locally sourced gourmet treats curated for two.

Sunday 2 August, 12.30-2pm $130pp Booking fees may apply 6 Beddington Road, Doonan

Distillery

teepee picnic

orchard,

Head Chef Geoff Abel presents a four-course lunch with wine pairings, using local produce from The Falls Farm, Maleny Buffalo, Maleny Dairies

From open-flamed feasts to hinterland harvests, Jennifer Swaine discovers The Curated Plate’s biggest program yet…

THE CURATED

Plate

Winter on the Sunshine Coast has its own kind of magic. The days are crisp, the hinterland glows and long lunches stretch effortlessly into the afternoon. It’s the season made for gathering, lingering a little longer and discovering the incredible food culture this region has become renowned for.

That spirit unfolds when The Curated Plate returns from 24 July to 2 August, transforming the Sunshine Coast into a celebration of flavour, community and great dining.

Leading the program is Island Fire by Culinary Director Peter Kuruvita at Alsahwa Estate – a spectacular event inspired by the sights, sounds and flavours of Sri Lanka. Expect traditional dancers, drummers and a bold threecourse feast celebrating spice, rhythm and storytelling. It sets the tone for an extraordinary 10 days.

The first weekend alone makes it

worth extending your stay. Head inland to Kenilworth where the Ember & Harvest Weekend delivers country hospitality at its finest. Friday night’s Smokin’ Boot Scoot brings live music, dancing and farm-fresh dining, while Saturday’s Wildfire & Wine gathers guests around fire pits beneath the stars for an open-flame feast paired with exceptional wines and acoustic music.

Along the coastline, seafood takes centre stage throughout the festival, culminating in the ever-popular Mooloolaba Seafood Market Day. Head to the wharf as local fisheries serve fresh plates, musicians perform beside the trawlers and visitors get a rare look into the local seafood industry that defines this stretch of coast.

For hinterland lovers, Tasting in the Treetops at Kondalilla offers a breakfast degustation above the rainforest canopy, while The Rocks Curated Plate Long Lunch in Yandina combines riverside dining

with rustic charm. Elsewhere, guests can tour working farms, learn about bees before brunch at Alsahwa Estate, enjoy French-inspired coastal dining at Bonjour, Beaches!, or share a Sicilian-style feast at Bottarga in Maroochydore.

The Sunshine Coast Asian Food Festival at Spicers Tamarind Retreat remains a festival highlight – guests wander between food stations, enjoy live music and graze through Asian-inspired dishes from some of the region’s best chefs, all set among lush rainforest.

What makes The Curated Plate so special is not simply the food – it’s the way the festival captures the personality of the Sunshine Coast.

Relaxed yet refined, welcoming yet world-class, it celebrates local people, local produce and the joy of coming together around a table. Whether you come for a weekend or stay for the ten days, you’ll leave already planning your return.

24 July – 2 August

50+ curated food and drink experiences across the Sunshine Coast The Curated Plate Returns

Peter Kuruvita

PHOTO:

1. Kenilworth Ember & Harvest 2. Mooloolaba Seafood Day 3. Sunshine Coast Asian Food Festival 4. Island Fire with Peter Kuruvita 5. Picnic on Kings featuring Bluey & Bingo

Grow WHERE GOOD THINGS

One of the jewels in the Sunshine Coast’s agritourism crown, Rebecca Jamieson Dwyer discovers how a dream, a passionate team, and a whole lot of heart and soul are the secret behind Alsahwa Estate’s first year.

Sipping a botanical spritz under the green-and-white striped umbrellas outside ēthos restaurant at Alsahwa Estate, it’s hard to believe the transformation that’s taken place here in the past year.

When I first visited Alsahwa’s Palmwoods location after it moved from Verrierdale, the team spoke of their vision to create an immersive, welcoming place where people could gather, learn, feast and connect – both with each other and the natural world.

Fast-forward 12 months and Alsahwa Estate has become one of the Sunshine Coast’s most exciting destinations, with a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, flourishing gardens, and conscious living and events space rolled into one very beautiful package.

General Manager Michelle Clark has been at the helm from the early days, and said the first birthday was a chance to pause and acknowledge all they’ve achieved.

“A year ago, Alsahwa was a vision and a paddock. Today it’s a working farm, a restaurant with a real soul, and a gathering place for our community,” she says. “Our first year has taught us that regenerative hospitality isn’t a trend – it’s slow, generous work, and it’s only just beginning.

“Every guest, grower, and team member has shaped this first chapter. We’re proud of where we are, and clear-eyed about how much room there is to grow.”

There’s plenty on the horizon over the next few months, including some not-to-be-missed culinary experiences.

First up, Alsahwa will be hosting the sold-out opening event for The Curated Plate 2026 – a special collaboration between Festival Culinary Director Peter Kuruvita and Alsahwa Head Chef Mal Meiers, combining storytelling, culture and food.

Set amongst Alsahwa’s tranquil gardens, Island Fire will feature cocktails, traditional dance, live drumming, a theatrical kottu roti demonstration with a shared Sri Lankan-inspired feast.

Every good farm needs pollinator pals, and Alsahwa’s apiary produces fresh honey that is spun and bottled onsite.

The return of the popular Bees & Brunch workshop will see guests donning Alsahwa’s iconic hot-pink bee suits for a morning of beekeeping, food and education.

Ēthos has now been established as a must-visit farm-to-plate destination restaurant, with a hyper-seasonal menu shaped by the spray-free produce growing in the estate’s own gardens, alongside partnerships with like-minded local producers.

Beyond the plate, Alsahwa Estate is flourishing, with more than 1,100 plants and trees added to boost biodiversity, improve soil health and encourage a deeper connection to nature. A multilayered food forest is also in the works, while the installation of an incinerator toilet is a step towards the dream of being a fully regenerative property.

Inspiring the next generation will see the return of Honey Heroes workshop in July school holidays and a Kids Eco Day Out is planned for September.

Wellness remains a key part of their philosophy, with the Wellness in Nature series recently relaunched beneath a tipi with a sound immersion by Kelly Landry.

Farm tours and free composting workshops are on offer too, with more agritourism experiences to come.

And given the dreamy gardens and magical atmosphere, it’s no surprise that Alsahwa is one of the most in-demand wedding locations around.

“Weddings at Alsahwa are bespoke at every scale – from full-Estate celebrations to intimate gatherings,”

This place belongs to everyone who has shared a table, a season, or a story with us here.

Michelle says.

Just as wellness starts in the soil, Alsahwa started with a vision – and for founder, Jo Walker, it was always about connection.

“When I first dreamed of Alsahwa Estate at Palmwoods, I imagined a community gathered around spray-free food, where every meal brings us closer to the land and to one another,” she recalls. “I imagined families wandering around our botanic-style gardens and learning new things through our workshops and events.

“That only comes to life through an extraordinary team, and ours has poured itself into every seed, every plate, every gathering. This place belongs to everyone who has shared a table, a season, or a story with us here.”

Gazing around on this sun-dappled afternoon, it’s hard to imagine the Sunshine Coast without Alsahwa Estate. Cheers to their inspiring first year – and all the growth and goodness to come.

DON’T MISS

First Birthday Celebration – 27 June Honey Heroes - 9 July Bees & Brunch as part of The Curated Plate – 1 August Scan the QR code to sign up to the Alsahwa Estate enewsletter for more.

PHOTO:

SIPS BITES AND

What’s brewing, cooking and happening...

NEW NOSH

Noosa’s hospitality scene has been going off like a Friday night kitchen. Are we ready for Noosa’s first true rooftop bar? Hell yes! Noosa Junction is getting a serious glow-up with New York Minute finalising plans for a dedicated rooftop bar - live music, sunset drinks and private eventsbring it on!

The Pavilion has its own exciting plans: a French Pâtisserie is preparing to rise... Keep your eyes peeled for two more cracking openings on the horizon.

The Three Oarsmen coastal café and wine bar has hit the waterfront on Gympie Terrace.

Find Good Asian (literally) on Hilton Tce Tewantin and seek out The Curry Kid in Cooran for traditional Indian curries that the locals can’t get enough of! Currently only Wednesdays from 4.30pm until sold out, chef-owner Ro says they’re planning more, including a Supper Club. Their social media @the.currykid is awesome!

Noosa Civic is making things more social with the opening of The Civic Social. This espresso bar and brunch hub is open 7am-2pm daily and is from the team behind The Coolum

Social. Plus, it’s licenced... to thrill! Cheers to that.

The Kin Kin Hotel keeps coming up with the goods - they’re cooking up a special Thursday night offer in The Woodshed plus they’re bringing the sourdough goodness of The Bakehouse to the Noosa River - watch this space!

IN GOOD SPIRITS

Noosa Heads Distillery has just released its new Peter Phillips Gina tribute to the late, iconic British pop artist (and former IN Noosa cover artist of summer 2019-2020!) who called Noosa home in his later years. It fittingly has bold botanicals and bags of personality! Get it before its gone.

DO YOU YUZU?

It’s winter which means our friends at Sunshine & Sons Premium Spirits are distilling the small batch, limited-edition Yuzu Gin - bright, bold and bursting with citrus flavour!

Also, try the Biosphere Gin with elderflower and native black myrtledivine! Buy 2 bottles and get 50% of your 3rd! Open from 10am daily or buy online.

WINTER WARMERS

Peregian Beach Hotel is bringing the grooves with Vinyl Nights every second Saturday from 6 June

with guest DJs spinning the tunes plus tapas and bar specials at Il Porto from 5.30pm. Don’t miss the fan-favourite Massaman lamb shank pot pie and Donburi Bowls are back for winter!

FRENCH COMFORT

Flo’s Crêperie are bringing two new winter dishes to tickle your Francey: Toulouse sausage & Paris mash; plus Boeuf bourguignon Oui, s’il vous plaît!

ALL ABOARD

Noosa Boathouse’s renovations on the outdoor deckperfect for coffee, morning tea from Little Boaty or a sneaky fish and chips from the Boathouse kiosk. Inside, Weekday lunch specials run Mon–Fri: 2 courses + glass of wine for $45pp, or 3 courses for $52pp. Dinner specials Mon–Thu from $45pp for 2 courses. Menus change daily, so every visit is a fresh adventure. And for intimate celebrations or boardroom meetings, the new Saltwater Studio is ready and waiting.

VIVA ITALIA

Noosa Waterfront Restaurant is serving a stunning lunch special Fri–Sun: 1 course $45, 2 courses $69, 3 courses $79 — all with a glass of wine from their awardwinning kitchen. The beloved Italian Long Lunch continues on the last Sunday of each month at $79pp.

AFTER DARK

Miss Moneypenny’s has Fri-yay after work drinks + date night sorted with Pizza & Pours After Darkauthentic Napoli pizzas paired with live music and a vibrant social vibe from

8.30pm. While Tomahawk & Tunes launches every Wednesday from 17 June. Enjoy a locally sourced tomahawk steak, leafy green salad, choice of housemade sauce -PLUS pre-book to receive a drink on the house.

APERITIVO HOUR

Locale Noosa has brought back its beloved Aperitivo Hour in the bar every day from 4pm-6pm with $15 margaritas and spritzers, $10 beers and wines and cicchetti - including the triumphant return of THAT gnocchi (you know the one, IYKYK). Plus live music every Thurs-Sat from 4pm.

SUNSHINE SPECIALS

Bandita Cantina Latina is the place for winter sunshine on the Noosa River with Sunset Margys for $15 from 3.30pm5pm, Mon-Sat. Plus enjoy a two-course lunch with a drink for just $39pp from 12-2.30pm, Tues-Fri. Latin inspired, Noosa refined.

HEAD TO COOROY

Copperhead Brewery offers a share plate of scallop and pork belly, arancini and halloumi chips for $18 for one or $35 for two plus $8 schooners and Pip Clay Lagoon oysters for $4 each - every Sunday from 3pm–5.30pm. Or Wed-Fri enjoy the Daily Lunch Special - two courses and a drink for $49, choose from Entrees: San Francisco fish cakes with mascarpone tartare, or housemade duck liver pâté with croutons and pickled grapes. For mains, take your pick of a 200g Black Angus rump or house-made linguine.

Midweek Burgers and Beers, Wed-Fri from 3pm–5.30pm, grab any burger –wagyu, palmi, snapper or vegetarian – with chips and a schooner, for $29. Children’s meals are $15 and include a soft drink and ice cream.

Thirsty on a Thursday? Squealer refills are $10 and new squealers filled for $25, plus a half-price beer while you wait.

LOCAL LOVE

Park & Cove is showing the locals some serious love - 15% off food and drinks every Wednesday at Locals Night from 5.30–8pm, plus a daily Social Hour 4.30–6pm with drinks specials and live music Fridays and Saturdays.

SUSTAINABLE SIPS

Alsahwa Estate’s ēthos restaurant at Palmwoods has Happy Hour Wed–Sat from 2.30–5pmdivine cocktails, antipasto platters and golden sunsets under swaying palms. Don’t miss the monthly Test Kitchen for culinary creativity on show.

MARKET RETURN

Colombo Foodies’ Chef Udee is back at the Noosa Farmers Market - returning to where it all began. Don’t miss the addictive in-house Sri Lankan spice blends.

READY TO MINGLE

The Sunshine Beach Surf Club now offers

a Singles Long Lunch in the Legends Room for singles aged 40-60. Meet, connect, enjoy on the last Sunday of the month from 28 June.

BELLA BOUNTY

Don’t miss the Lunch Prix Fixe menu at the multi award-winning Bella Venezia offers 2 courses for $49 or 3 courses for $59.

WINE DINNER

Fish House Steak & Grill will host Nicholas Goss of Hentley Farm for an unforgettable 6-course degustation with matching wines, including the incredible Clos Otto Shiraz. Thurs 16 July, 6pm-9pm $249 pp. Book now!

FESTIVAL FUN

The Curated Plate 10-day food festival returns from 24 July to 2 August. See page 38 for more. Hungry for more? Follow @innoosamag and subscribe to our weekly e-news or scan the QR code.

Jason Jones Bandita

Peregian Beach Hotel

Miss Moneypenny’s

FLAVOURS WINTER

RECIPES

BY

MATT GOLINSKI

This winter we’re reheating some of our favourite recipes created by Matt Golinski over the past several years. You can find a library of recipes and stories from Matt and other leading local chefs on our website www.innoosamagazine.com.au

Scan the QR code and get cooking!

Black Garlic is made by keeping whole bulbs at a constant level of heat and humidity for about 4–6 weeks. The result is coal-black cloves that lose their normal pungency through the breakdown of enzymes, and the development of sweet, balsamic vinegar characteristics that give an addictive umami hit to whatever you add them to.

STICKY OXTAIL WITH CUMQUATS, GARLIC AND CHILLI

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 kg oxtail, cut into 2.5cm pieces

• 50 gm rice flour

• 50 ml vegetable oil

• 100 gm cumquats, halved

• 50 gm ginger, sliced

• 4 dried red chillies

• 4 whole star anise

• 100 ml light soy sauce

• 75 ml black vinegar or rice vinegar

• 75 gm brown sugar

• 100 ml shao xing wine or dry sherry

• ½ cup coriander leaves

• 2 shallots, finely sliced

• 1 red chilli, julienned

• 30 gm black garlic, sliced

METHOD:

• Dry the oxtail on paper towel, dust in the rice flour and fry in the vegetable oil until coloured on all sides.

• Transfer to a casserole dish.

• Scatter over the cumquats, ginger, dried chillies and star anise.

• Whisk together the soy, vinegar, sugar and shao xing and pour over the oxtail.

• Cover tightly and cook for 12 hours at 100°C.

• Remove the oxtail to a serving dish with a slotted spoon and skim off any fat from the cooking liquid. Transfer liquid to a small saucepan and reduce by half.

• Pour over the oxtail, garnish with the coriander, shallots, chilli and slices of black garlic.

• Serve with steamed rice and pickled cucumber slices.

SAUERKRAUT, SMOKED BACON AND WHITE BEAN SOUP WITH SOURDOUGH CROUTONS

The nights are getting colder so it’s time to snuggle up with Matt Golinski’s sauerkraut, smoked bacon and white bean soup with sourdough croutons. Try this soup, your gut will thank you!

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 onion, finely diced

• 1 clove garlic, sliced

• 1 carrot, diced

• 1 stick celery, diced

• 200gm smoked bacon, diced

• 30gm butter

• 30gm plain flour

• 1lt Boneafide Chicken Stock

• 250gm cooked cannellini beans

• 1tbs chopped rosemary

• 1 cup Nourishing Wholefoods Happykraut

• 250gm Lust for Crust sourdough, cut into 1cm dice

• 50ml olive oil

• salt and pepper

METHOD:

• Sauté the onion, garlic, carrot, celery and bacon in the butter until soft and starting to colour.

• Stir in flour and cook for 2 minutes.

• Slowly add the hot chicken stock, bring to a simmer and add the cannellini beans.

TAMARILLO CLAFOUTIS

• Simmer gently for 10 minutes.

• Toss the sourdough cubes in the olive oil and bake in a 180°C oven for 10 minutes or until golden and crunchy.

• Stir the sauerkraut into the soup and divide between 4 bowls.

• Sprinkle with chopped rosemary and top with croutons.

Clafoutis is a baked custard and fruit dessert from the Limousin Region in France. It is traditionally made with whole, unpitted black cherries but can be made with any fruit. Plums, apricots, quince and berries all work well; tamarillo adds an interesting texture and an acidity to cut through the richness of the custard. Clafoutis is a handy “go to” recipe for a last minute winter warmer dessert.

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 tamarillos, halved lengthwise

• 75gm honey

• 100gm castor sugar

• 75gm plain flour

• pinch salt

• 4 eggs

• 2 yolks

• 500ml warm milk

• 60gm butter, melted

• pinch nutmeg

• 1 tsp orange zest, finely grated

• 2tbs icing sugar

• 150ml double cream

METHOD:

• Place the tamarillo halves cut side down on a baking tray lined with baking paper and drizzle with the honey.

• Roast for 15 minutes at 200°C. Leave on tray to cool down, then pull off the skins and cut each half into four. Scatter over the bottom of a greased l ltr capacity baking dish.

• Sift together the castor sugar, flour and salt.

• Whisk together the eggs, yolks and warm milk.

• Slowly whisk into the flour and sugar mixture and beat until smooth.

• Whisk in the butter, nutmeg and orange zest.

• Pour the batter over the tamarillo pieces and bake in a preheated 180°C oven for 35 – 40 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes.

• Dust liberally with icing sugar and serve warm with double cream or ice cream

Hub AND SOUL

Meet the couple who didn’t just rescue a country pub - they reimagined what one could be. John Caruso learns what many in the hospitality industry are still figuring out.

Kin Kin, in the Noosa hinterland, has been described as a ‘blink of a town’ and, like all good country towns, the local pub is the hub where people come together.

The Kin Kin Hotel has been here since 1914, and for most of that time it did what country pubs do, it served beer and it served the community.

David and Ellie Ezrine took ownership with a clear-eyed understanding of what that history was worth, and what it wasn’t. The building mattered. The community mattered. The model, they concluded, did not.

What they have built in its place isn’t easy to categorise. It is still a pub, technically. You can pull up a stool at the bar for a refreshing ale, enjoy food made from scratch, listen to live music, play darts or find a cosy corner for a board game or heartfelt catch-up with friends.

It’s also home to one of the best sourdough bakeries in the region, The Bakehouse; a Michelin Star-worthy dining experience at The Woodshed; luxe heritage accommodation; and now, a canvas for creative experiences such as an artist’s exhibition space and pop-up shop, bakery workshop, creative space, and soon, a butchery masterclass.

The Kin Kin Hotel has become, in the most practical sense, a campus for creativity.

This was not an aesthetic decision. David and Ellie are clear about that. It was a survival decision, and the distinction matters.

The Aussie country pub is under sustained pressure - from changing drinking habits, population drift, and the sheer economics of running a commercial kitchen in a town of a few hundred people. Their view is that a pub existing only to sell alcohol is a business with a narrowing future.

The Ezrines describe their model as one that must be genuinely useful in more ways than one - flexible to every age and demographic, capable of hosting a dinner, a coffee morning, a creative workshop, a book club, wine masterclass or a baking workshop without breaking stride. The pub, they insist, is the hub.

Three pillars underpin how they run the place: considered spaces, exceptional food, and a commitment to developing the people who produce both. That third pillar is where things get interesting.

Richard and Kirsty Mundt run The Bakehouse, and they’ve developed the

kind of following that most food businesses spend years trying to manufacture.

Their freshly-baked goods sell out within hours and when they announced the first sourdough workshops, three sessions sold out within 24 hours. Kirsty’s chocolate and patisserie masterclasses have their own waiting list and Ellie says the demand is an organic response to quality.

“People want to understand what they are eating, to get close to how it’s made, and to replicate it at home,” she says. “They are also hungry for meaningful hands-on experiences in an increasingly isolated digital world.”

They are not just baking bread. They’re making the case that bread made properly is worth understanding, and that difference is worth the drive.

Oscar Holgado runs The Woodshed, the hotel’s fire-cooked dining experience in a stunning setting with a small but mighty team. Friday and Saturday nights have started booking out weeks in advance. The draw, as David describes it, is specific: fire-cooked food served in a setting with genuine character, by a chef who has something to say about what ends up on the plate.

And, they want to engage the community on the journey through hands-on experiences. A whole-animal butchery course is in development - an overnight experience with dinner included - and it follows the same logic as the sourdough workshops. The Ezrines put it simply: the meal is the beginning of the conversation, not the end of it.

This is the thread connecting everything at The Kin Kin Hotel.

The food is outstanding, and it’s become a gateway to something less easily quantified - an understanding of where things come from, how they’re

PHOTO: BENJAMIN SOWRY

Lauren Jones

made, and the gap between a product off a shelf and one produced with knowledge and care.

The workshops extend well beyond the kitchen. Morning sessions in dog life drawing, painting, pottery and florals will be followed by upholstery and pickling workshops next year, sitting alongside the existing food programs. David and Ellie see a logic in that alignment, the skills involved in restoring the hotel’s heritage spaces along with the food ethos and craft skills of yesteryear are the same skills being passed on to guests. Craft is foundational here, not decorative. A charcoal artist residency is coming, where participants will make their own charcoal in the fire before sitting down to dinner, enjoying a restful sleep and a drawing session the following morning.

Clay, wine and cheese afternoons are planned for those who want the creative experience without a weekend commitment. Ellie is deliberate about the range: interest, age and budget are variables their model accommodates rather than filters out.

The pop-up exhibition space has been building its own reputation, steadily and without fanfare. Sunshine Coast painter Lauren Jones - who shows regularly in Brisbane and Sydneywill be offering a two day residential painting workshop with a Woodshed degustation dinner in October. A photography exhibition titled Animalia opened in May, featuring fine art animal photography by Jennifer from Concept Photography, a finalist in the Australian Animal Photographer of the Year. Painter Kate Owen, whose work appears in Sydney galleries, arrives in September with a workshop in tow. Regional hinterland venue or not, the calibre of what is being shown is thinking big.

Due to high demand, Thursday nights at The Woodshed are being introduced as a midweek option, offering the same exceptional experience when weekend demands on family time can make it feel out of reach. It’s a practical move, consistent with David and Ellie’s broader argument: that people are hungry for experiences that feed more than their mouths.

Not the passive consumption of a meal or a glass of wine, but genuine participation in a process. The appetite for learning to make things, for understanding and appreciating where food comes from, for sitting in a room with other people and doing something useful with their hands, is growing rather than shrinking.

The Bakehouse experience will also be coming to Gympie Terrace with an exciting bakery and wine bar which David sees as a natural extension of what they have built at Kin Kin. Watch this space.

The Kin Kin Hotel is not a destination that asks you to suspend disbelief about where you are. What David and Ellie have understood is that the location is precisely the pointthat the distance from the ordinary is what makes the ordinary extraordinary here.

The pub has always been the hub. They’ve simply built on that idea and added heart and soul.

PHOTO:

David and Ellie Ezrine

PHOTO: IAN WALDIE

Flavour PASSPORT TO

From Peruvian street food to Brazilian comfort dishes, Carlie Wacker discovers how Chef Jason Jones is turning Bandita into Noosa’s most exciting Latin American escape.

At Bandita, the winter sun spills through from the Noosa River into a space where margaritas flow and the scent of fire, citrus and spice drifts through the restaurant as diners settle into what feels less like a traditional restaurant service and more like an unfolding Latin American gathering.

At the centre of this new energy is Owner-Chef Jason Jones, whose evolving vision for Bandita is transforming the venue into one of Noosa’s most exciting and unexpected dining experiences.

The shift is subtle but significant.

While Bandita has always carried a vibrant Mexican influence, Jason is broadening the conversation beyond the familiar and expected flavours, introducing a more expansive Latin American approach that celebrates flavour, culture and discovery.

“We realised people often associate Mexican food with a handful of familiar

favourites,” Jason explains. “We love those dishes too, but we’re equally excited to introduce guests to flavours and experiences beyond the expected. We want every visit to feel like a discovery.”

It is a philosophy that feels perfectly suited to Noosa’s evolving food scene, where diners are increasingly searching for authenticity, storytelling and a sense of travel through food.

Under Jason’s direction, Bandita’s menu now journeys through Peru, Brazil, Ecuador and beyond, blending traditional Latin flavours with modern creativity and a distinctly coastal Australian sensibility.

One of the most exciting additions is the introduction of Anticuchos - Peru’s iconic street-food skewers traditionally cooked over open flame.

“Originally anticuchos featured llama heart,” Jason laughs. “Then when the Spanish brought cattle to South America it became beef heart. But these days

anticuchos is really any meat on a stick.”

Simple in concept but rich in heritage, the new anticuchos offering is designed around Bandita’s evolving sunset culture.

Think caipirinhas, smoky margaritas and mojitos paired with chargrilled skewers arriving fresh from the barbecue as golden hour settles over Noosa.

“It’s about gathering with friends, cocktails and sticks,” Jason says. “That relaxed Latin American vibe.”

Among the standout ‘sticks’ is beef rib eye marinated overnight in aji panca (a smoky Peruvian chilli paste) alongside cumin, garlic, olive oil and red wine vinegar before being grilled over flame. There are plans for chicken, seafood and traditional heart skewers too, all designed to bring a sense of authentic South American street culture to Noosa.

Inspired by Ecuador’s Pacific coast, the Encocado pairs flame-grilled local swordfish with a silky coconut sauce infused with citrus, tomato and fresh cilantro bringing the zing! Rich yet fresh, it’s a divine and vibrant dish that celebrates the spirit of coastal Latin American cooking. It’s as vibrant in colour as it is in flavour.

Bandita is more than meat and bbq. Jason’s menu also leans into the increasingly celebrated world of Nikkei cuisine which is the vibrant fusion of Japanese and Peruvian flavours. Born from Japanese immigration to Peru starting in the late 19th century, it combines the precision of Japanese sushi and sashimi with the bold, acidic, and spicy elements of Peruvian cooking.

Dishes like the Watermelon Tiradito is a celebration of Nikkei cuisine and has developed a cult following for good reason. Watermelon is marinated overnight in a Japanese-inspired blend of seaweed, tamari, ginger and miso before being compressed and slow roasted. Finished with avocado, pickled

ginger and bright aji amarillo chilli - it’s delicate, savoury and addictive!

“The tamari and watermelon combination really sings,” Jason says. “It’s refreshing and salty all at once.”

Then there is Bandita’s beloved street corn - a dish that refuses to leave the

Signature tacos remain, albeit with a more elevated twist. Rather than predictable fillings, Bandita will soon launch a rotating taco of the day featuring premium ingredients like wagyu, lobster, abalone or fried chicken with finger lime.

the joy of discovering new flavours.

And while the menu may be evolving, the heart of Bandita remains unchanged: warm hospitality, bold flavours and the kind of atmosphere that encourages people to stay for one more drink.

In many ways, Jason and the team are

Signature Tacos

Bandita Margarita

Nicole May discovers vinyl vibes and rich seasonal flavours at Peregian Beach Hotel this winter.

WINTER WARMERS AND

Vinyl Vibes

As summer’s high-octane energy dissolves into a soulful, slow-burning season, Peregian Beach Hotel becomes the place to be where the local pace gracefully shifts, finding a new rhythm in the warmth of community and the scent of slow-cooked spices.

Under the direction of co-owners Kylie and Sam, the Hotel has mastered the art of being exactly what the community needs, exactly when they need it.

With five main zones to suit any occasion, the vibes are always high, and the venue and its incredible staff are welcoming in any season.

Head chef Matt Holt is admired for his no fuss, honest, coastal and Asianinspired approach to what he calls ‘surfer food’. Winter brings some real winners to the table, including the triumphant return of the Massaman Lamb Shank Pot Pie - perfect with a glass of shiraz.

“This one’s a true crowd favourite that people were begging for us to bring back,” Kylie says.

Its creation is an exercise in patience, where the chefs roast whole delicious spices, including cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves, before marinating the shanks overnight and slow-braising them in a

rich, house-made massaman sauce.

Encased in golden, flaky pastry, it is a dish that demands you linger.

“The Donburi bowls are another favourite, and they are back for winter,” said Kylie. Whether you prefer grass-fed beef or Wild Mushroom, the wok-flamed Donburi rice bowls are full of flavour and offer a taste for every palate.

Peregian Beach Hotel has access to the finest fresh produce right here on the Sunshine Coast, and the kitchen loves the creative freedom to create a seasonal menu, with small and medium dishes

available all day and larger dishes served for lunch and dinner.

Thirsty? To spice things up, the bar has unveiled a refreshed curation of winter cocktails - think Fireside Cranberry Margarita, Kumquat and Ginger Caipirinha, or a heavenly Winter Solstice Spritz. Cheers to that!

If you’re a lover of the brews, Beer of the Month will offer a ‘Local Love’ price on featured brews.

As the sun dips, the energy migrates to II Porto Cocktail Bar for Winter Vinyl Nights - an invitation to wind down to the analogue warmth of records. Every 2nd Saturday from 5.30pm guest DJs will bring a vinyl-heavy vibe, paired with exclusive bar and tapas specials.

“We love bringing live music to the

Donburi Bowl

The Massaman Lamb Shank Pot Pie is a huge crowd favourite, and it’s back on the menu.

crowd,” said Kylie. “DJ Ryskee will kick it off and we’ll welcome other local DJs throughout winter. Keep an eye on our gig guide so you don’t miss out.”

Whether you are seeking the fun of the Il Porto Cocktail Bar and al Fresco space (18+), the communal hum of the restaurant or hinterland and village views from the upstairs Palm Bar, each

space has its own flavour to cater for everyone.

Peregian Beach Hotel even caters for those looking for a quiet night, whether it be a dish from the takeaway menu or a night in with a wood-fired pizza and a cheeky bottle from the drive-thru, its the quintessential winter destination. It’s a venue that doesn’t just host the season; it embraces the essence of winter with open arms and a perfectly chilled local brew.

WINTER RHYTHMS

Vinyl Nights: Join DJ Ryskee and rotating local DJs in Il Porto Bar every 2nd Saturday from 5.30pm with tapas and drink specials. Beer of the Month: Special Local Love pricing on a featured local brew every single day.

Seasonal Faves: Massaman Lamb Shank Pot Pie and Donburi bowls are back for a limited time.

For the latest events, menus and to book a table, scan the QR code or visit www.peregianbeachhotel.com.au

Massaman Lamb Shank Pot Pie

Flo’s SIMPLY TRÈS ET

Looking for a winter warmer with a whole lot of Francey flair?

Jodie Cameron discovers Noosa’s ticket to bon appétit, no long-haul flight required…

Taking my two young boys out for a midweek dinner and getting home before bedtime, without any whinging, is something close to a miracle.

But Flo’s Crêperie has a way of pulling it off. Sitting across from two chocolatesmeared faces, a gorgeous galette in front of me and a glass of pinot in hand, listening to our waitress rattle off the specials in a beautiful French accent –I feel like I’ve been transported to France.

With its relaxed atmosphere, familyfriendly vibe and a dinner menu that won’t break the bank, Flo’s delivers a little slice of France right here in Noosa.

The menu offers something for everyone so I found the perfect excuse to invite Mum and Dad along, which also meant I could enjoy another cheeky glass of wine.

And the best part? The service is friendly and efficient, our meals landed on the table before the kids had time to finish their crosswords, let alone muck up. Très bien, boys!

Co-founder Michelle Guillemard says every dish was thoughtfully crafted by Executive Chef, François Poulard, using seasonal ingredients and classic French techniques that have been the heartbeat of the kitchen since day one.

“Winter dinners call for something a little more heartwarming and we love creating the classic hearty, comfort dishes that have been on French tables for generations – slow-cooked, rich, and authentic,” Michelle said.

The new winter additions are ooh la la, designed to complement Flo’s beloved menu of crêpes and galettes, and they do so beautifully.

As a long-time galette girl, I was spoiled for choice on the savoury front. Dad and I are blue cheese fiends so our eyes and belly landed on the chef’s special of blue cheese, pear, caramelised onions and walnuts, with Dad adding prosciutto for a delicious, salty pop.

Mum opted for a smoked chicken, avocado and mushroom galette, while my little carnivores got stuck into the House-made Toulouse sausage & Paris mash with baby cos lettuce and onion mustard jus.

And as the boeuf bourguignon drifted past with its slow-cooked beef cheeks, mushrooms and lardons in a rich red wine sauce – it genuinely smelt like winter in Paris.

“We’re always guided by the seasons in France, so it felt natural to bring that same philosophy here,” Michelle says.

“Our winter dishes are the kind of meals that make you want to pull up a chair and stay a little while.”

As a six year old, I remember my mum pouring the crêpe batter onto the special pan, studying the tiny bubbles forming and wondering why they were smaller than pancake bubbles. That mystery remains unsolved, but watching my own boys experience that same first-crêpe wonder made me joyeux!

We all finished, naturally, with Nutella crêpes and vanilla milkshakes all round.

The boys asked to lick their plates and I wasn’t quick enough to stop them.

Oh well, as they say, go with the Flo. “We want people to walk in feeling like they’ve left Noosa for just a little while and feel that warmth, that ease, and that very French sense of taking pleasure in a

Boeuf Bourguignon

...comfort dishes that have been on French tables for generations –slow-cooked, rich, and authentic.

good meal,” Michelle says. “It doesn’t matter if you’re on a date night or wrangling kids at the table, we want everyone to leave feeling looked after, properly fed, and maybe a little bit closer to being French.”

Open seven days for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Flo’s is the real deal. First opening in Noosa in 2021, founders Flo and Michelle expanded to the Mooloolaba Wharf in 2022 and haven’t stopped since.

Their latest venture, Envie French Bakery in Alexandra Headland, is the next exciting chapter for the team who clearly have so much more to give.

So if you’re after something a little bit Francey this winter, make Flo’s your midweek go-to.

Let the French flavours whisk you away to somewhere magical, and leave you with a full belly and a warm heart. Merci beaucoup!

MIDWEEK COMFORT

Enjoy French comfort during winter with these new dishes: Toulouse sausage & Paris mash Boeuf bourguignon

Subject to availability. Scan the QR code to book.

French comfort at FLO'S

FLO'S CRÊPERIE NOOSA, AUSTRALIA Cooler nights

House-made Toulouse sausage & Paris mash

Pork sausage, creamy mashed potatoes, baby cos lettuce and onion–mustard jus

Boeuf bourguignon Slow-cooked beef cheeks with mushrooms and lardons in a rich red wine sauce, served with creamy mashed potatoes

The art OF THE Aperitivo

Blending Italian tradition with a dash of nostalgia, Nicole May discovers how Locale Noosa is redefining winter as a season for nourishing the soul.

If there’s one Italian tradition that I can totally embrace, it’s the aperitivo that takes place at the end of the day and involves having a drink and a light meal (cicchetti) as a kind of warm up to dinner - or sometimes, as dinner itself.

With the shorter days that settle over Noosa in winter, it’s the perfect time to embrace this concept. There is a particular stillness as the midday glare softens into a honeyed glow and the lush gardens surrounding Locale Noosa take on a rich green. Here, a different kind of clock is ticking - one that measures time in the clink of ice against glass and the shared flavours of the Cicchetti menu.

For owners Amanda and Rio Capurso, this Italian pre-dinner ritual represents a return to the heart of their heritage and is designed to bring a renewed energy into the bar to transform it into a social hub - somewhere to gather as the sun

starts to dip.

It signals a deliberate pause in the day, a moment of reflection and rejuvenation.

Reintroducing a concept that is as much about lifestyle as it is about flavour, aperitivo will run from 4pm to 6pm daily with a dedicated cicchetti menu and drinks specials.

“Cicchetti originated in Venice and are small bites that are the quintessential accompaniment to an aperitivo spritz or an Aperol Spritz,” she says.

“To enhance this experience, we will be putting on live music every Thursday and Saturday to create an upbeat atmosphere, pre-empt the weekend and bring energy back to Hastings Street during a time of year when it can feel a bit too quiet.”

I can just imagine wanting to linger longer, settle in and sample more cicchetti or move slowly into dinner.

“We used to run Cicchetti in the Locale bar when we opened 13 years ago and we want to bring that nostalgia back as a tribute to where we started,” Amanda said.

The centrepiece is a dish that carries the weight of a decade: the baked pumpkin and sweet potato gnocchi.

A nice glass of red wine and something a bit more hearty feels more nourishing in winter.

Originally a crowd pleaser from their previous Hastings Street restaurant, Lindoni’s, and a staple when Locale first opened its doors, the gnocchi has been reimagined by Head Chef Chris Hagan for the bar as a single-portion Cicchetti served in a charming individual ramekin.

This warm, molten bite of history is perfect for a winter afternoon when the air turns crisp. Perfetto!

As guests move from the social hum of the bar into the main dining room, the winter menu reflects a commitment to the rhythm of the land and locallysourced produce, from the restaurant’s own Maravista Farm.

“Every season we update the menu because produce changes and availability changes,” Amanda notes. “Winter at Locale is about weight and depth. You don’t want to be eating salads in August when it’s cold and wet.

“A nice glass of red wine and something a bit more hearty feels more nourishing in winter.”

While the full winter menu is being finalised, the dining room will feature winter classics designed to provide comfort. The true hero of the season will be a signature ragu, with the kitchen currently debating between duck, venison, or veal shin.

This slow-cooked specialty, paired with handmade pasta will serve as the ultimate, heartwarming winter dish for diners looking to escape the chill.

Other seasonal highlights include burrata with grilled figs and truffleinfused pasta as well as daily specials, ensuring the menu remains deeply connected to the best seasonal produce.

Winter at Locale is all about rekindling connections and, with the summer crowds gone, it is the perfect time to reclaim one of the region’s most iconic dining rooms. Whether you are stopping by for a $15 Margarita and a nostalgic

TASTES OF WINTER AT LOCALE:

Aperitivo Hour: $15 Margaritas and Spritzers; $10 beers and wines from 4pm – 6pm daily in the bar.

The nostalgia plate: Baked pumpkin and sweet potato gnocchi (served as a single-portion Cicchetti).

The sound: Live music every Thursday and Saturday from 4pm.

Winter pairings: Burrata with grilled figs and truffle-infused handmade pasta, best enjoyed with a robust Italian red.

Paddock-to-Plate: Seasonal produce sourced directly from The Ogilvie Group’s own Maravista Farm

bite of gnocchi during Aperitivo Hour or settling in for a long dinner centred around a steaming plate of ragu, Locale offers a space where the community can gather, nibble, and toast to the season.

It’s about the energy of the bar, the integrity of the paddock-to-plate produce, and that perfect Italian bite that makes the world feel just a little bit more intimate - and a whole lot more delicious.

LOCALE

Winter

WINNERS

Hastings Street’s iconic social dining destination is turning up the temperature for winter.

Nicole May discovers what’s stirring the senses at Miss Moneypenny’s.

The Noosa winter air carries a crispness that demands a certain kind of refugea place where the lighting is amber, the music is curated, and the food speaks of warmth and craft.

This winter, Miss Moneypenny’sfolded into the essence of Hastings Street is doubling down on its social dining philosophy with winter warmers that blend a high-end culinary theatre with an irresistible soundtrack of special offers and events.

For owner Michael White, the After Dark series is as much about the visual experience as it is about the taste.

The transition began in earnest with the launch of Pizza and Pours After Dark. Born from the runaway success of the weekday Pizza & Pours sessions, this Friday night evolution is designed to kickstart the weekend with a Mediterranean flair.

It pairs authentic Napoli-style pizzas with a curated musical backdrop, transforming the polished Hastings Street space into a bustling Friday night refuge.

“We are placing a heavy emphasis on the front-of-house experience,” Michael explains, noting that the presentation and the evening’s flow are built around the theatre of the kitchen.

Guests aren’t just eating; they are watching the chefs at work, witnessing the artistry of the Napoli dough hitting the heat, creating a sensory bridge between the kitchen and the dining floor. It’s a savvy move, inviting guests to

witness the behind-the-scenes brilliance of the kitchen.

If Friday is for the social vibe, then Wednesdays are for lovers of theatre and flavour.

Launching on 15 July, Tomahawks and Tunes marks a significant milestone for the restaurant: the first time a tomahawk steak has graced the Miss Moneypenny’s menu.

This isn’t just any steak. In keeping with the Noosa commitment to quality, the tomahawk is locally sourced, ensuring that the centrepiece of the meal

...winter warmers that blend a high-end culinary theatre with an irresistible soundtrack of special offers and events.

supports the surrounding region.

The Wednesday winter dining package is designed to be an all-encompassing experience, featuring the premium tomahawk served with a leafy green salad and selection of house sauces.

Intended to turn the traditional mid-week slump into destination dining. To further entice the experience, those who book ahead will be treated to a complimentary house beverage - so be sure to plan ahead!

Much like the Friday sessions, the ‘Tunes’ element is essential. The music

isn’t merely background noise; it is part of the feeling Michael is keen to cultivate - an environment where the sizzle of the meat and the rhythm of the music work in tandem to provide a sense of escape from the winter chill.

The indulgence of this in-house dining experience is enhanced by the venue itself. Miss Moneypenny’s is architecturally designed to seat guests on the edge of the venue, overlooking the vibrancy of Hastings Street, or in a more intimate setting at the rear of the restaurant, allowing a seamless flow between lively energy and slow, intimate dining.

During a season when many opt to stay in and cut back, Miss Moneypenny’s offers an opportunity to explore new dining options. Michael is delivering a high-quality experience that aligns with the essence of Noosa’s culinary scene.

Michael’s vision for the winter is one of cohesion. A dining style that underlines the chefs and the cooking process, the restaurant is being transparent about its passion.

Whether it’s the Mediterranean influence of their globally inspired menu or the local provenance of their beef, there is a thread of authenticity that runs through every plate and every playlist.

Miss Moneypenny’s is ensuring that this winter is anything but cold, offering a spirited haven where time graciously slows down, yet the night remains vibrantly young on Hastings Street. Picture the sunset-hued glow of an Aperol Spritz in hand and the lingering, rich flavours that tantalise your senses. That’s sure to warm the heart.

WINTER WINNERS

Pizza and Pours After Dark: Every Friday night. Authentic Napoli pizzas paired with live music and a vibrant social vibe. Tomahawks and Tunes: Launching 15 July. Every Wednesday. Locally sourced tomahawk steak, leafy green salad and house sauce. Pre-book to receive a complimentary house drink. Open from midday, 7 days a week for lunch, dinner, and world-first-class cocktails at 6 Hastings St, Noosa Heads. Bookings essential for the Tomahawk wine incentive with complimentary beverage.

Phone 07 4428 7630, scan the QR code or visit www.missmoneypennys.com

Rickys River Bar & Restaurant 10 THINGS WE LOVE ABOUT

From the first tipple and taste to those golden-hour riverfront sunsets, there’s something about Rickys River Bar & Restaurant that lingers in your memory long after you leave. Ida Fink Gundtoft shares her top ten reasons to return to Rickys, time and time again.

There are places you visit, and then there are places that evoke your senses and become embedded in your memory.

Rickys River Bar & Restaurant is the kind of destination where a lunch turns into an afternoon, and celebrations carry on long after the last glass is empty. It’s refined without pretence, iconic without trying too hard, and always exactly what you need it to be.

It’s difficult to put your finger on just one thing that makes Rickys so memorable so (if we must choose), here are the top ten things we love about Rickys…

1. The view

Let’s start with the obvious. That front-row seat to the Noosa River is nothing short of mesmerising. Boats drift past, light dances on the water, and time seems to soften. It’s the kind of view that makes you instinctively exhale and stay a little longer than planned.

2. Multi-generational memories

Rickys isn’t just a restaurant – it’s a tradition. Families return seasonally, marking milestones, anniversaries, birthdays and those ‘just because’ moments. Children grow up with Rickys at the centre of their celebrations, and before long, they’re bringing their own children back. It’s legacy dining, in the most heartfelt sense.

There’s something beautifully fullcircle about the story behind Rickys. Long before they were at the helm, General Manager David Jouy and his now-wife and Administration Coordinator Renee, were regular guests, travelling up from Sydney and returning to Rickys whenever they were in Noosa.

It was here, overlooking the river, that David proposed to Renee. Not long after, they made the move north, stepping into the very place that had meant so much to them. That sense of connection still shapes the experience they deliver, after

working alongside each other for 11 years. The moments that initially drew them in – the setting, the food, the feeling – are the same ones they now create for others. It’s this kind of magic, where the people behind the restaurant understand exactly why it matters, because they’ve lived it themselves.

3. Signature dishes that stay with you

There are meals you enjoy, and then there are dishes you think about weeks later. Rickys has mastered the latter. The spanner crab spaghettini: delicate, rich, unmistakable; the fried three cheese stuffed olives: indulgent, addictive, impossible to share; and the passionfruit soufflé: light, bright, and worth saving room for, every single time.

4. The team behind the magic

Great venues are built on great people, and Rickys is no exception. From David’s steady leadership and the friendly front of house team to the heroes of the kitchen under Head Chef Enrique

Mancilla’s thoughtful culinary direction, a genuine care for the craft flows through every part of the experience. It’s polished, professional and personal with many of the same friendly and familiar faces that have been there for six-to-ten years. Hospitality here is a true passion.

5. The River Bar

For something a little more relaxed (but no less memorable) the River Bar delivers. It’s where cocktails meet conversation, where afternoons slip into evenings, and where you can soak up that signature Rickys atmosphere without the formality of a full dining experience. Just ask Restaurant & Beverage Manager, James Rothwell, whose expertise in both dining and drinks ensures every detail is thoughtfully considered and perfectly matched and delivered.

6. Arrive by water (or by car)

There’s something undeniably special about pulling up to lunch by boat. Rickys embraces its riverside location in a way few venues can, offering guests the option to arrive via the water – a quintessential Noosa experience. Of course, if you’re arriving by car, the welcome is just as warm.

7. A true farm-to-fork philosophy

Behind the scenes, there’s a strong commitment to origin. With produce sourced from the restaurant group’s own Maravista Farm alongside trusted local suppliers, the menu reflects a deep respect for seasonality and sustainability.

8. The wine list

Curated with care, the wine list is both extensive and approachable. Whether you’re celebrating something special or simply elevating a long lunch, there’s always the perfect drop waiting to be discovered (and expertly recommended).

9. The occasion factor

Rickys has an innate understanding of occasion. Weddings, milestone birthdays, corporate events or spontaneous celebrations – it rises to meet them all. It’s the kind of place where you can say ‘I do’ or ‘woohoo!’ in equal measure, knowing every detail will be handled with style by Wedding Manager, Sinead Murtagh, every detail is meticulously looked after.

10. Those spectacular sunsets

And then, just when you think it couldn’t get better, the sun begins to set. The river glows, the sky melts into colourful hues, and everything becomes a little more golden. It’s a reminder of why this place holds such a special spot in so many hearts.

Rickys doesn’t rely on trends or fleeting moments. It endures because it understands something deeper: that great food, beautiful surroundings and genuine hospitality never go out of style. And that’s something worth celebrating.

Generations

John Caruso discovers generous winter dishes at Sardo Noosa and a restaurateur with no patience for carb anxiety.

My father came from a fishing village in Sicily and made the trip to Australia in 1952, eventually building a life here with my mum, the daughter of Sicilian immigrants. Needless to say, our kitchen was always filled with the aromas of great meals being prepared - oxtail ragù, handmade pork and fennel sausages and whatever fish had filled my father’s basket earlier in the day - bream, whiting, mackerel. The case for any dish was simply that it had fed people who mattered and continued to do so.

Sicily and Sardinia are two islands separated from the Italian mainland by the Tyrrhenian Sea. Island food carries an understanding that the sea provides and the land supplements. Bread is treated not as a side, but as a tool and this kind of cooking has no interest in explaining itself.

Danny Isaac arrived in Australia as a four-year-old, his family relocating from Sardinia in the late 1980s. He’s been in the food business long enough that the dishes on his menu are not concepts, they’re memories.

When I spoke with Danny at Sardo Noosa, the restaurant he co-owns with Stefano Rassu, I mentioned my background. He nodded and went straight to the sausages.

“Pork with fennel and chilli. We pull them apart and make a red sauce ragù with the Malloreddus pasta,” he explains, making my mouth water.

Malloreddus is a traditional Sardinian pasta made with saffron, pressed into small, ridged shells built to hold sauce the way pasta should. At Sardo Noosa, Malloreddus Sausage Ragù has been on the menu since opening and has not moved since. Danny’s description of it is the most useful endorsement any dish is likely to receive: “That dish is like Vegemite on toast,” he says. “It’s anytime pasta. Any time of the day, if you’re hungry, you eat it. It’s not something you need to feel like. It’s just automatic.”

The ragù is deliberately spare. Not many ingredients, Danny says, but a lot of time. The pork and fennel sausages are dismantled and cooked down into a red sauce that carries heat from the chilli, the fennel threading through with persistence. Simple done properly is a different thing from simple done carelessly, and this dish has been on enough tables long enough that the difference shows.

It is one of three dishes Danny considers winter’s best at Sardo Noosa. The second is a rigatoni with slowcooked

lamb neck ragù, taggiasca olives and aged pecorino.

“Sixteen hours, beer braised. Rich, heavy flavours. That’s a proper winter dish,” he says.

The rigatoni earns its selection here. The ridged tubes and hollow centre are built for a sauce this substantial, capturing the braised meat rather than letting it slip past. The taggiasca olives hold a small briny edge against the richness of the neck, and the aged pecorino cuts through the fat with some authority. It is a serious plate, designed to be eaten with bread - though at Sardo Noosa, that applies to everything.

The third dish is the one that stops conversation. The Fish Stew carries Moreton Bay bug, prawns, calamari, barramundi and mussels in a fresh tomato and lobster bisque that would be considerable on its own. But the kitchen seals it under a pizza dough lid and finishes it in the oven. It arrives looking like a handsome, heavy pie, the lid is opened in front of you, and the steam rises from the bowl theatrically.

“Piping hot, perfect in winter, with beautiful seafood flavours,” says Danny.

For men whose families came from an island that understand seafood better than most of the Italian mainland, the dish is perfection. Our parents believed that the ocean gave you mostly what you

needed, your job is to not overcomplicate it. The fish stew achieves this.

Which brings Danny to his only real philosophical position: “Cutlery.” he will tell you, “is a luxury.”

The pizza dough lid exists to be eaten. It is not a presentation device. It is an instrument for finishing what is in the bowl beneath it, and he is watching to make sure it gets used.

“We say to customers when we serve it that we’re not taking the plate away until all that bread’s gone,” he says. “It’s got to get messy. Scarpetta! Clean up the plate. That’s what it’s all about.”

For anyone raised in an Italian household, none of this requires

The bread is how you finish the sentence that the sauce started.

explanation. Leaving sauce in a bowl with bread on the table is not restraint, it is waste. The bread is how you finish the sentence that the sauce started.

Danny knows that not everyone arrives with this appreciation, especially those who believe that carbohydrates are the enemy.

“We eat bread with bread!” Danny exclaims.

It is not a slogan. It is a description of how the kitchen at Sardo Noosa works, and how food has worked in the households that produced these dishes long before they appeared on any menu.

The Malloreddus ragù was a childhood memory for Danny before it was ever a dish for sale; the fish stew carries Sardinia’s seafood instinct through generations and onto a local table; and the lamb neck is comfort food at its best. Slow and indulgent, prepared for the cooler months ahead.

My parents have passed on so I miss the homemade pork and fennel sausages, however I know a place where the same philosophies still exist: feeding people that matter.

In the quest for a wedding location that feels less like a setting and more like the start of something more meaningful, one riverside venue in Noosa lingers in Ida Fink Gundtoft’s imagination.

RIVERSIDE

Romance

There’s a moment, somewhere between the engagement ring catching the light and the realisation that this is all actually happening. It’s no longer if you’re getting married – it’s where. And not just anywhere. You long for somewhere that feels like you. Somewhere that holds the weight of the day without ever feeling like a heavy responsibility.

I’ve found myself in that moment more often than I expected – scrolling, visiting, imagining, discarding. Each venue ticking boxes, yet somehow missing the intangible. Then there are places like Noosa Waterfront Restaurant & Bar, which immediatley feels like a place where I can truly imagine my day unfolding. Not because they shout for attention. Quite the opposite.

It’s tucked away, almost resting in its own beauty along the Noosa River. There’s a calmness to the venue: the way the water laps against the edge, the filtered light through the trees, the sense that you’ve stumbled upon a little secret. And immediately, I could see it.

I’ve always imagined arriving at my wedding party with a sense of theatre, but not spectacle. Something cinematic, but humble.

At Noosa Waterfront Restaurant & Bar, that vision reshapes itself effortlessly. Guests drifting in by boat, the shimmering river stretching wide, dresses catching the breeze, laughter travelling across the water before anyone even steps ashore. And for the landpeople, perhaps something more

Restaurant

A place where I can truly imagine my day unfolding.

understated – arriving by car and walking down the Moreton Bay Fig-lined path, you’re greeted by the same calm, the same sense of quiet anticipation. The beauty of it is choice.

The space itself feels like an extension of the landscape: freestanding, private, and entirely its own. No interruptions, no competing noise. Just you, your people, and the river. It can hold 120 guests for a seated dinner or expand to 150 for a cocktail-style celebration, but it never feels crowded. There’s an ease to the layout, a flow that mirrors the water beside it.

And then there’s the ceremony.

I’ve always pictured saying my vows somewhere open, somewhere where the sky feels close enough to touch.

Here, that could be the lawn beside the venue – simple, elegant, grounded in green. Or perhaps somewhere along the river itself, where the backdrop does all the talking.

The idea that everything is within reach, just a short stroll away, removes that logistical tension that so often creeps into wedding days.

Of course, a wedding is as much about what’s shared at the table as what’s said at the altar. And this is where Noosa

menus aren’t designed to impress through excess, but through intention. Seasonal, clean, uncomplicated. The kind of food that doesn’t need explanation because it speaks for itself. I found myself lingering over the idea of a four-course Italian dinner, beginning with canapés that awaken the palate before unfolding into a curated selection of entrées, mains and desserts.

There’s something deeply personal about guests choosing their own dishes from a printed menu – it turns dinner into an experience, rather than a formality and provides flexibility.

A three-course option, perhaps, with your wedding cake stepping into the spotlight for dessert. And then, there’s the wine list…

I’ve never thought of myself as someone who obsesses over wine, but planning a wedding changes that. Suddenly, every detail matters.

Here, the list is extensive without being overwhelming, thoughtful without being pretentious. There’s the option of a set beverage package, simple and seamless. Or, for those who care to lean in, the chance to work with a sommelier to craft something entirely your own. It’s this balance – accessibility and refinement – that keeps drawing me back.

Because ultimately, this isn’t just about the logistics of a wedding. It’s about atmosphere.

There’s a warmth here that feels genuine. Not manufactured hospitality,

Waterfront

& Bar excels. The

but a sense that the people behind the venue understand what this day means. That they’ve seen it unfold in countless ways and still treat each event as a standout. You notice it in small ways –how the room settles as the afternoon fades, how voices blend into an easy, low murmur. Nothing feels staged or overworked. It is the authenticity of Italian dining with that modern and elevated Noosa twist.

I imagine the reception unfolding slowly. Glasses clinking, the hum of conversation, the river turning gold as the sun dips lower on the horizon. The kind of evening where no one is checking the time. Where the transition from dinner to dancing feels organic, unforced. Where the memory of it lingers long after the last song.

And perhaps that’s what I’ve been searching for all along.

Not perfection, in the polished, unattainable sense. But a place that allows for something real. A space that holds both the significance of the day and the lightness of celebration.

Somewhere that feels as though it could carry not just a wedding, but the story that follows. A place you can come back to, year after year, and celebrate.

As an engaged woman standing at the edge of this next chapter, I’ve realised that the right venue doesn’t just frame the day – it shapes it. It influences how people move, how they gather, how they remember.

I can see it unfolding – a wedding by the river. And maybe the best part: slipping away for a quiet walk along the water, hand in hand under the moonlight, now as husband and wife.

Then quietly returning to the venue, for a glass of that delicious, Italian wine.

SAY ‘I DO’ TO NOOSA WATERFRONT

With space for up to 120 guests seated or 150 cocktail-style, and the option to arrive by boat, car or gondola, every celebration can be tailored to suit your vision. From seasonal, Italian-inspired menus to curated beverage packages and riverside ceremony options, every detail is designed to flow seamlessly for your special day. Scan the QR code to begin your wedding journey.

Wagyu FROM SEA TO

Sourced from Queensland’s renowned Darling Downs region, the cattle are grain-fed for over 400 days, a commitment that translates directly into flavour, texture, and consistency.

With an exceptionally high marbling score, the Wagyu presents with a delicate, lace-like distribution of intramuscular fat – an intricate pattern that defines both its visual appeal and its eating experience.

“This cut delivers a signature melt-inthe-mouth texture,” Kristine said. “It has that intense richness and balance.”

As the steak meets the heat of the grill, that marbling begins to render, basting the meat from within.

The result is a texture that is at once silky and structured, rich yet balanced –a rare harmony that elevates the experience beyond expectation.

And this calibre of Wagyu has not gone unnoticed.

deeper, and altogether more indulgent. Co-owner of Fish House Steak & Grill, Kristine Young wants people to understand that Fish House Steak & Grill is more than just seafood!

Coastal ease meets winter INdulgence at Fish House Steak & Grill with award-winning Wagyu on the menu. Ida Fink Gundtoft digs in. Winter on the Sunshine Coast doesn’t quite surrender to the season. The air sharpens, yes. Mornings carry a gentle cool. Chilly evenings invite a second glass of red.

The light still dances on the water, and the ocean never really loses its glow. It’s this in-between mood that makes winter dining here so compelling: a time for warmth and indulgence, without giving up the coastal ease we cling to all year round.

Perched on the Mooloolaba Spit, Fish House Steak & Grill understands this duality instinctively.

Celebrated for its pristine seafood and laid-back coastal setting, the restaurant continues to evolve – and this winter, the spotlight shifts to something richer,

It’s a statement that feels particularly fitting as the cooler months roll in, bringing with them a craving for warmth, depth, and slow, considered dining.

At the centre of this winter offering is a cut of beef that speaks to precision, patience, and craftsmanship: the Sanchoku Pure Wagyu Rib Fillet MB10+. Described by Kristine as “the pinnacle of Australian Wagyu craftsmanship” this is not simply a premium steak, it’s the result of meticulous processes that begin long before it reaches the plate.

In 2025, it earned the Grand Champion title at the Wagyu Branded Beef Competition – Australia’s leading Wagyu specific award, hosted by the Australian Wagyu Association with more than 90 entries.

“Each entry is rigorously judged on marbling, aroma, flavour, juiciness, and overall eating quality to determine the nation’s best Wagyu beef,” Kristine said.

The judges’ feedback reads like a sensory journey in itself – one that captures the essence of what makes this Wagyu so distinctive. They praised the winning entry for its “caramelised grilled aroma, deep umami flavour, silky tenderness, and distinctive buttery popcorn notes - qualities that together define an ‘unparalleled Wagyu experience’.”

PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

Served with confidence, the Wagyu is allowed to speak for itself. There’s no need for excess, just careful preparation, considered accompaniments, and an understanding that when the product is this good, simplicity becomes the ultimate luxury.

Available as part of a curated tasting experience or from the grill in 200g and 400g cuts, it invites diners to savour it at their own pace – whether as a refined introduction or a full indulgence.

And perhaps this is where Fish House Steak & Grill finds its winter rhythm.

For many, the restaurant has been synonymous with the freshest catch. A place where seafood defines the menu and the setting. That identity remains, anchored in quality and consistency.

Add in the award-winning, high quality Wagyu offering, and the experience is quickly expanded.

More than that, it speaks directly to the season. Picture a premium cut of beef paired with a glass of red from their extensive wine list – more than 350 labels, with over 40 available by the glass – offering the freedom to match each pour perfectly to every course.

...a texture that is at once silky and structured, rich yet balanced – a rare harmony that elevates the experience beyond expectation.

Because winter here isn’t about retreating from the Coast – it’s about experiencing it differently.

It’s oysters followed by Wagyu. It’s a glass of red in hand, the faint touch of the sea in the air. It’s that balance between freshness and richness, light and depth, that makes dining on the Sunshine Coast feel so uniquely its own.

Outside, the Mooloolaba Spit continues its usual flow. The horizon holding onto the last of the light as people gather for dinner. Inside, a mix of indulgence and winter warmers. You’re still by the water, still immersed in that coastal ease, but now there’s warmth layered into the experience.

This is where Fish House Steak & Grill excels – not by changing what it is, but by expanding what it can be.

A place for long lunches that stretch into evening. For winter dinners that feel both relaxed and refined. For moments where the setting remains unmistakably coastal, but the plate offers something with a bit more umami.

And in that sense, the Wagyu becomes more than just a feature – it becomes a reason to return. Not instead of seafood, but alongside it. Because even in a place defined by the ocean, there’s something undeniably satisfying about turning, just briefly, toward the richness of the land – and finding it done this well.

DON’T MISS!

Land or Sea Tasting Menu – a Curated Plate Event, Sat 25 July | 11.30am–3pm. This exceptional dining experience invites guests to choose between the richness of premium land-based local produce or the pristine flavours of the Sunshine Coast’s finest seafood and be guided through each curated course by Executive Chef Ben Achurch, Scan the QR code to book.

LOVE TO LUNCH?

Love Noosa!

Charlie Shelley discovers community, creativity, and culinary excellence at Park & Cove.

Park & Cove has established itself as a go-to dining destination for those who want to indulge in the finest local flavours while soaking in a relaxed, resort-style atmosphere.

Nestled in amongst the treetops at Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas and overlooking stunning Laguna Bay, this iconic Noosa restaurant is about more than just good food – it is a place where connections are made, friendships are formed and good memories abound.

Community is central to the Park & Cove ethos, so now it’s giving back to the Sunshine Coast locals who have shaped and supported it with two unique offers designed to add a burst of flavour and a touch of luxury to the work week.

The first is the Love Noosa Lunch, the restaurant’s weekday midday offering available from 12pm to 2.30pm, Monday to Friday. For just $38, diners will receive a spectacular two-course lunch along with a glass of wine or local beer – the perfect pick-me-up to beat that pesky afternoon slump that tends to hit halfway through the day.

...an irresistible, slightly tangy lemon butter sauce that will make even the most jaded foodie’s mouth water.

The menu has been carefully curated by Head Chef Andrea Ravezzani and is inspired by his deep and embodied understanding of gastronomy, with a commitment to excellence and passion for working with local produce.

To start, enjoy premium sourdough bread that has been hand-crafted by the artisans at Ten Acres, an organic bakery tucked away in the rural town of Ninderry, and paired with a rich and creamy smoked butter.

What follows will vary according to the ingredients available from local growers, fishers and producers.

Chef Andrea’s Snack of the Day is

guaranteed to surprise and delight in equal measure, given his distinguished culinary background and charming Italian flair.

It will set the scene for a delectable decision on what to choose for a main dish which will generally feature options from both land and sea.

Those who love fish might opt to feast on tender pan-fried barramundi from Bowen-based Coral Coast Barramundi, renowned by chefs from across Australia for its superb texture and clean, sweet taste. It comes coated in an irresistible, slightly tangy lemon butter sauce that will make even the most jaded foodie’s mouth water, and is served with a side of creamy mash and perfectly-steamed broccolini.

Poultry fans can look forward to chargrilled spatchcock courtesy of Moya Valley Poultry, an accredited free-range chicken producer from Imbil. Cooked ‘alla diavola’ – a technique also referred to as the ‘Devil’s Style ‘owing to the intense heat applied in the cooking process – this spatchcock is truly something to behold.

Head chef Andrea Ravezzani and Food & Beverage Director Andy Wilcox

Its bold, smoky and well-seasoned flavour blends perfectly with the earthiness of roasted potato and heirloom carrots.

Finally, those in the mood for something more rustic can opt for traditional homemade fettuccine. These smooth, flat ribbons of pasta made from wheat and egg offer a mild, faintly buttery taste and a soft, satisfying chew.

Paired with a saucy and flavour-packed eggplant ragout, and topped off with a pinch of fresh basil and a dash of umami in the form of shaved Parmigiano Reggiano, this hearty meal will satiate your hunger and transport you to the sun-baked Mediterranean.

In addition to the Love Noosa Lunch menu, the à la carte Park & Cove menu is also available for lunch and dinner and is packed with the region’s finest ingredients to bring Noosa’s unique flavours to life with creativity and flair.

Keep an eye out for the monthly Producers of the Month highlighting favourite food and beverage producers with feature dishes and matching drinks.

Want to get over the mid-week hump? Every Wednesday from 5.30pm to 8pm is Local’s Night. Simply show your ID to enjoy 15 percent off Park & Cove’s food and drink menu as a thank you for the

support that the community provides. It’s the perfect opportunity to kick back with friends and family at the end of a long day to indulge in some of the best flavours that Noosa has to offer.

The extensive drinks menu has something for everyone – from smooth liqueurs to crisp and refreshing aperitifs, warm, full-bodied spirits and more.

Highlights for winter include the Witches Falls Wild Ferment Grenache –a spicy, evocative and sophisticated red wine with notes of red stone fruits, plums and mulberries which hails from Tamborine Mountain; or for the beer lovers, Heads of Noosa’s award-winning American Style Amber Larger has been brewed with a blend of six malts to deliver subtle hints of toffee and caramel.

Park & Cove continues to prove that celebrating all things local truly is a winning recipe.

In that sense, Park & Cove is not just offering an extraordinary culinary experience – it is offering a reminder that the best meals are often the ones that understand exactly where they are

PHOTOS: IAN WALDIE

Sit, Sip &

From the crunch of the region’s finest fish and chips to the boutique elegance of the brand-new Saltwater Studio, Nicole May explores what it means to linger by the water.

Noosa River is certainly captivating. Maybe it’s the way the light dances on the ever-flowing current at midmorning, or the graceful landing of a pelican. At the heart of this liquid gold landscape sits the Noosa Boathouse, a venue that’s continually evolving.

While the Sunset Bar is the crown of this absolute waterfront gem for sunset cocktails and snacks overlooking stunning mountain ranges and out to sea; the second-level River Room is unrivalled as a wedding and event destination for unobstructed, floor-toceiling views of the Noosa River.

The river level of ‘the Boaty’ is a dining destination - whether dining in for long lunches, afternoon delights or dinner with a starlight backdrop, or grab-and-go goodies from Little Boaty Coffee Bar or the Fish & Chips kiosk.

Just as the river ebbs and flows, so too do all good businesses, responding to the changing needs of the community it serves.

For Noosa Boathouse co-owner Sarah Bradford, this means creating new spaces for the community to enjoy all the venue has to offer.

The first enhancement sees the grab-and-go ritual transformed into a sit-and-savour experience.

Sarah is the creative force behind the venue’s recent styling, said they were responding to the desire for something more: a reason to stay.

“Previously, Fish & Chips was only a takeaway offering, so now guests have a brand-new, all-weather space to sit and enjoy the river views while enjoying the freshest seafood - or that early morning pick-me-up from Little Boaty,” Sarah explains.

This isn’t just a few extra chairs tossed onto a deck. It is a thoughtfully designed

..the grab-and-go ritual transformed into a sitand-savour experience.

seating space with outdoor picnic tables offering a front-row seat to the river, regardless of the weather.

There is something profoundly satisfying about peeling back the paper of a hot parcel of local fish and chips while your feet are practically in the sand, watching the world float by.

For the early risers and the midmorning socialites, the Little Boaty Coffee Bar is no longer just a pitstop on the morning power walk. The new seating plan is designed for the all-day coffee culture that Noosa does so well.

“It’s the perfect meeting place for friends at any time of the day,” Sarah says. “And it’s dog-friendly, so you can stop in for a coffee and linger longer with your four-legged friend.”

The evolution of the Boathouse doesn’t stop there. The second enhancement to Noosa Boathouse adds extra options corporate events, weddings or celebrations.

In addition to the River Room with capacity for up to 200 guests and the Eastern Deck with seating for up to 30 people, comes Saltwater Studio, a new chapter in boutique hosting which Sarah describes as a curated blend of coastal luxe meets Euro-Summer.

“Saltwater Studio is an air-conditioned private dining room or boardroom meeting space that seats up to 14 people,” Sarah says. “With the artwork and styling, it’s a real vibe and an

absolute pleasure to be in.”

Saltwater Studio is the kind of secret space that is perfect for intimate celebrations, a long lunch with loved ones, or an executive board meeting that requires relaxed elegance.

With full AV facilities, onsite catering and friendly and attentive service from the Noosa Boathouse crew, it’s the perfect balance of comfort and style.

The beauty of the ‘new and improved’ Noosa Boathouse lies in its versatility.

Arrive with salt-crusted hair and a wagging tail for a basket of flavoursome

fish and chips and a flat white, enjoy sunset drinks, long lunches or delightful dinners or step into the refined elegance and tranquillity of function and event spaces from 14 to 200 people.

The venue is officially the answer for every occasion from sun-up to sunset and beyond.

As the sun begins its slow descent, casting long shadows across the new deck seating, the message from the Noosa Boathouse remains the same, though the invitation feels more enticing than ever. As the locals say: ‘See you at the Boaty’.

OPTIONS APLENTY

In addition to all the things we know and love about Noosa Boathouse, check out the latest additions:

TAKEAWAY OR STAY, undercover alfresco, pet-friendly and perfect: Little Boaty: All-day artisanal coffee and a perfect meeting place for friends. Fish & Chips: Fresh, local, and now with a dedicated indoor/outdoor seating. FLEXIBLE FUNCTIONS

Saltwater Studio: The new ‘Coastal Luxe’ private dining space for up to 14 guests - perfect for celebrations or meetings. Find out more, including menus and bookings: www.noosaboathouse.com.au

Saltwater Studio Eastern Deck

INTIMATE

Italian Indulgence

The most Italian thing about winter isn’t the food – it’s the time you take to savour it. Ida Fink Gundtoft visits a multiaward-winning Italian gem.

Winter brings a seasonal recalibration that extends beyond wardrobes and menus. It reaches into the way we socialise. Summer is for spontaneity, for open doors and crowded tables that last into the night. Winter, however, invites something else entirely. It asks us to choose our company more carefully. To seek out spaces that feel enclosed, atmospheric, and quietly removed from the outside world. To sit, not among everyone, but among the right ones.

At Bella Venezia in Mooloolaba, this instinct finds its most literal expression behind a shimmering divide – a sparkling metallic curtain that marks the threshold between the everyday and something altogether more intimate.

Step through it, and the entire pace of dining out begins to change.

The murmur of the main dining room softens into the background. The space becomes yours. Not metaphorically, but entirely. A single long table extends through the centre of the room, set for up to 30 guests, inviting not just a meal, but a shared experience – one that unfolds slowly, deliberately, and with a sense of occasion that feels almost cinematic.

“Guests really embrace that sense of exclusivity,” says co-owner of Bella Venezia Kristine Young. “There’s something special about having your own private space within a fine dining setting – it feels like you could be anywhere in the world, yet you’re right here in the heart of Mooloolaba.”

It is this collection of luxuries – escape and proximity, intimacy and indulgence – that defines the experience. And in

winter, it resonates even more deeply. Because winter, in its very own subtle way, is a season of closeness. Of stepping away from the external and into something more personal. Of closing the curtain, both literally and figuratively, on the noise of the outside world.

Anchoring the experience is, of course, the food. Think, a shared charcuterie board, designed to be passed, tasted, and savoured. Then move into dishes that balance both brightness and richness in equal measure: Burrata with heirloom tomatoes; delicate tuna tartare; or a deeply layered beef carpaccio. All of which will pave the way to winterwarming mains: from confit pork belly to slow-cooked Angus beef cheek ragout folded through tagliatelle. It is food made for enjoying, entertaining – less about the individual plate, and more about a shared moment.

And just when the evening feels as though it has reached its peak, dessert arrives as the final finesse. A baked lemon tart topped with Italian meringue; a rich chocolate torte layered with burnt Peachester honey and whipped vanilla

mascarpone; or a delicate vanilla bean panna cotta with Glasshouse Mountains strawberries and basil. It is Italian flavours, grounded in local excellence.

Then there is the table itself. Long, singular, and deliberately communal, it is a configuration that draws directly from Italian dining tradition, where meals are less about courses and more about connection.

Plates are shared. Stories are exchanged. Time is not measured, but lived. There is something inherently balanced about a single long table.

No one is tucked away in a corner. No one is distanced from the conversation. Everyone is part of the same unfolding narrative. It is, in many ways, the antithesis of the fragmented, fast-paced way we often dine. And perhaps that’s why private dining is starting to feel less like an indulgence and more like something necessary.

A luxurious space for connection if you will, where we, for once, don’t have to rush.

“Italian dining has always been about coming together,” Kristine explains.

PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

“A long table naturally encourages sharing: food, conversation, and connection. It creates an environment where guests can truly relax while we take care of everything.”

It is this blend of heartfelt hospitality and authentic Italian cuisine that truly sets Bella Venezia apart on the Coast.

“The space is incredibly versatile,” Kristine says. “Whatever the occasion, we aim to deliver it with style and attention to detail.”

IN Noosa, we are quick to find a reason to celebrate, even the smallest moments. And at Bella Venezia, a birthday is never just a booking, but a moment to curate. An anniversary is not simply marked, but truly experienced. Engagements, family reunions, long-overdue catch-ups… no matter the occasion, the private dining room lends itself effortlessly to these moments, deserving both privacy and presence in true Mediterranean spirit.

And in winter, indulgences like these take on a sensory richness all their own.

“Winter is all about warmth – both in atmosphere and experience,” Kristine says. “It’s where hospitality really shines. Guests can expect attentive, welcoming service, a beautifully luxurious setting, and comforting, chef-hatted Italian cuisine paired with

an award-winning wine list that suits any occasion.”

It is, perhaps, the season where dining becomes most complete.

The interplay of rich Italian flavours, generous pours, an intimate setting, and attentive service creates a kind of cocoon. One that feels both grounding and elevated. Outside, the air cools. Inside, everything warms.

BELLA VENEZIA’S EXCLUSIVE PRIVATE DINING EXPERIENCE

Looking for a space that feels as considered as the moment itself? Behind the curtain at Bella Venezia, private dining transforms any gathering into something truly memorable.

From milestone birthdays and engagements to long lunches, business dinners and intimate wedding celebrations, the exclusive dining room offers a beautifully secluded setting for up to 30 guests –centred around one shared table, designed for connection.

Scan the QR code to find out more and to enquire about hosting a private dining experience or visit www.bellavenezia.com.au/ private-dining

Winter, in this sense, is not a season to endure. It is a season to lean into.

A season to embrace as an opportunity to retreat, refine, and reconnect.

And sometimes, all it takes is a stunning, intimate setting with beautiful food and your favourite people. Because in winter, the most memorable tables aren’t the busiest ones – they’re the ones that make you feel at home.

Copperhead

Cooroy is just a scenic twenty minute drive from Noosa. In practice, for a lot of people, it might as well be two hundred.

That’s their loss. Because at the corner of Kauri Street and Tewantin Road, Copperhead Restaurant and Brewery has been building one of the more complete hospitality offerings in the region – with the year-end function season closing in faster than most people are ready for, it’s worth the drive.

If your mental file on this venue is a few years old, you may remember it as the place the Bennett brothers bought because they loved the food and the beer.

Or perhaps you know it as the place where head chef Mark Potter has been running the kitchen for eight years with a passion for local produce and dishes that you won’t find on menus elsewhere.

Maybe you love that head brewer Simon Grasby keeps the taps humming across a core range of fourteen beers, all brewed onsite with meticulous attention to the craft from Cerveza to Detroit Red and a Hazy IPA. For fun, one tap is dedicated to a monthly experiment.

What Copperhead has assembled across the years is one of the more considered, consistent, and genuinely cool hospitality offerings in the region.

The building sets the scene - cement floor, exposed timber, old brick, industrial-style lights, comfortable furnishings, and floor-to-ceiling glass looking out to a sea of green. There’s a long, open bar; a view to the kitchen and standing proud in the corner, stainless steel tanks where the magic happens –it’s a room with character that didn’t arrive out of a catalogue.

In summer it’s cool and unfussy. In winter it earns a different quality entirely, the kind of warmth that comes from materials and mass rather than from mood lighting and music.

The restaurant can also cater to large groups, and with ample parking it handles the full range of occasions and celebrations: Christmas parties, end-ofyear dinners, wedding receptions, birthday gatherings, group lunches.

Restaurant manager Jimmy Van Den Bremer oversees the detail, and he’s passionate about what sets Copperhead Restaurant and Brewery apart.

“We run a dedicated and experienced events team,” Jimmy says. “Our menus are fully adjustable to our guests’ needs, and we are located away from the hustle and bustle while still offering a prime dining experience.”

Here are just five reasons to head to Copperhead this winter…

1. SUNDAY SESSIONS

Make the most of the winter sun, with two-for-one cocktails and $8 schooners every Sunday from 3pm–5.30pm. Throw in a mixed sharing plate of scallop and pork belly, arancini and halloumi chips at $18 for one or $35 for two - and don’t forget the Pipe Clay Lagoon oysters at $4 each. That’s a Sunday well spent!

2. EVERYONE LOVES A LUNCH SPECIAL

From Wednesday to Friday between 11.30am and 3pm, enjoy two courses and a drink for just $49 – one of the best value lunch specials you’ll find on the coast. Entrées include San Francisco fish cakes with mascarpone tartare, or house-made duck liver pâté with croutons and pickled grapes. For mains, take your pick of a 200g Black Angus rump with hand-cut chips, house salad and jus, or house-made linguine with chorizo, tomatoes, parsley and peas, and your choice of schooner or house wine is included. Decisions, decisions!

3. BRILLIANT BURGERS & LOCAL BEER

Fancy a burger, frothing local beer and cheap kid’s meals to get through to the weekend? From Wednesday to Friday

John Caruso discovers five reasons why Copperhead Brewery is the Coast’s best kept secret this winter…

from 3pm–5.30pm, grab any burger –wagyu, palmi, snapper or vegetarian – with chips and a schooner, for $29. Children’s meals are $15 and include a soft drink and ice cream. Everyone’s happy and your bank account will love you for it too.

4. THIRSTY THURSDAYS

For anyone who’s developed a preference for Simon’s work on those fourteen taps or are keen to offer their opinion on the monthly experimental brew, Thursday evening is a reasonable excuse to act on it. Copperhead’s 1L Squealer refills are $10 or $25 if you are new to the squealer game. Plus enjoy a half-price beer while you wait.

5. FUNCTIONS & CHRISTMAS PARTIES

Parking in Noosa can be a blood sport on a good day, but not at Copperhead. Easy parking means they are equipped to accommodate your next special occasion from Christmas parties, end-of-year dinners, wedding receptions, birthday gatherings or group lunches with seating for up to 130 guests. Their industrial open bar, contemporary furnishings and

sleek design make it a space with genuine warmth and soul.

Copperhead Restaurant and Brewery is the kind of place you come for the beers, but end up staying for everything else. The friendly team knows what they’re doing - and they love doing it. The kitchen punches well above its weight, and the brewery is the real deal. Head to Cooroy to discover some hinterland gold – Copperhead has the character, and the menu to make the drive worthwhile.

Gourmet FOOD

Song SIREN

Nicole May discovers the treasure shaking up Peregian Beach with a bold, ‘salty’ attitude, viral-worthy sips, and a scratch-made menu.

For co-owners Lisa and Kelly, the decision to open Salty Mermaid in Peregian Beach wasn’t a long, drawn-out negotiation; it was a 48-hour whirlwind, driven by a vision to create a space that was anything but ordinary and from the moment the doors swing open at 6am, Salty Mermaid Café is a sun-drenched departure from the mundane.

The difference here is in the detail. There are no pre-packaged shortcuts; everything is made from scratch, from the jams to the dressings. Their signature juices are canned fresh the night before, ready for the morning rush, and the bread arrives at 4am daily from Brasserie Bread.

“We wanted fun... honestly, just not vanilla,” says Lisa of their ‘not-sotypical’ aesthetic.

That spicy spirit is immortalised in their logo - a hand-drawn, gold, and feminine mermaid. Originally designed for an alluring look, her ‘salty’ personality remains a direct reflection of the owners themselves. This attitude extends to the coolest merch and most-delicious menu, curated by head

chef Emmy, who believed in the vision so much she relocated to the Coast just to join the team.

The menu is designed to keep locals on their toes, with staples like nourish bowls and halloumi rolls sitting alongside ‘viral’ specialty drinks.

Think Ferrero Rocher lattes topped with hazelnut cold foam or the Iced Vovo Matcha, which layers ceremonial grade matcha topped with strawberry coconut cloud cold foam, garnished with toasted

coconut for a taste exactly like an Iced VoVo biscuit. Just wow!

Beyond the caffeine, the space is an ‘environmental’ haven - a home away from home with oversized lounge chairs and big tables perfect for mothers’ groups and community congregations.

It’s a prime location they nabbed in a two-day tide turner because they knew Peregian Beach was ready for something different. And they’ve delivered! Stay salty!

SIP SLOW, EAT WELL & STAY SALTY, MERMAID

224 David Low Way, Peregian Beach 0491 120 197 // Open 6am - 4pm 7 Days

Lisa and Kelly

PHOTO: MEGAN GILL

From winter roasts to premium pet food, Charlie Shelley discovers how this premium butcher is turning the weekly meat run into something a little more convenient, creative and comforting.

Shorter days and cooler temperatures call for comfort foods. For many of us that means hot, meaty soups and tender, slow cooked cuts like osso bucco, braised beef ribs and lamb shanks – the perfect accompaniments for chilly evenings spent with family and friends, or curled up on the couch alone, wrapped in your warmest blanket. No matter what you’re cooking this winter, Eumundi Meats can help you take your favourite comfort food to the next level with their premium, ethically sourced produce.

This specialty butcher shop, conveniently located inside Belmondos Organic Market in Noosaville, prides itself on providing only the finest organic, free-range and pasture-raised meat. This means you can rest assured that what ends up on your plate is both hearty and healthy – packed full of all the essential nutrients you and your family need, with none of the unnecessary additives often found in mass-produced, over-processed foods.

Getting to the shops can be a hassle at the best of times though, and winter weather can make summoning the will to leave the house even harder. Thankfully,

Eumundi Meats can bring their top-tier produce straight to your door with Meat Club.

This subscription-based home delivery service is perfect for busy households who want convenience without compromising on quality.

All your favourite Eumundi Meats cuts are available – from delicious grass-fed steaks to mouthwatering mince, snags and roasts – plus their delectable chef-prepared ready meals designed for those who are short on time.

Choose what you want and how regularly you want it delivered, then sit back, relax and let the box turn up fresh and chilled on your doorstep.

Flexibility is a core part of the Meat Club promise. Orders can be set to arrive weekly, fortnightly or every 3 or 4 weeks, and what’s in the box can change week-to-week depending on your needs.

Got a big family barbecue lined up for next weekend? No problem! Just edit your order and you’re all set. There are no lock in contracts either, so you can pause, skip or cancel your subscription anytime it suits.

Plus, families with pets will be delighted to know that the Bella & Boots premium pet food range can also be bundled into Meat Club orders, making feeding your furry friends a breeze.

Created with input from Dr Renée of The Natural Vets, Bella & Boots pet food is organic, nutritionally balanced and made with care. It contains no artificial chemicals, pesticides or antibiotics and, as with all of Eumundi Meats’ produce, can be traced back to sustainable farms that adhere to strict animal welfare standards – because what goes in your pet’s food bowl is just as important as what goes on your plate.

So whether you’re stocking up for a slow Sunday roast or a midweek dinner in a hurry, Eumundi Meats’ Meat Club makes it easy to eat well without the supermarket scramble - fresh, local and delivered with care to your door. It truly is good food for the whole family.

MAGNIFICENT MEATS

Enjoy premium, butcher-selected meats, packed fresh and delivered cold when you sign up for Eumundi Meats’ Meat Club. Perks include:

• Door-to-door service across the Sunshine Coast, from Noosa to Caloundra

• Regular deliveries on Tuesdays and Fridays, every 1, 2, 3, or 4 weeks

• Flexible inclusions – choose from a premium range of ethically sourced organic, free-range and pasture-raised meats (plus the Bella & Boots organic pet food range!)

• Free delivery on orders over $200

• No lock in contracts or hidden fees: pause, skip or cancel your subscription anytime Subscribe at www.eumundimeats.com.au

PHOTO: IAN WALDIE

Good HONESTLY

Charlie Shelley discovers how a beloved local brand is defying trends and revolutionising the chocolate industry, one slab at a time

Crafting world-class chocolate is as much a science as it is an art. Nailing the delectable dessert’s universally beloved traits – from its smooth glossy surface to its deep consistent colour and rich creamy taste – requires craft, care and a steady refusal to cut corners.

At Noosa Chocolate Factory, that approach has shaped the business from the very beginning, and it remains the reason this homegrown brand still feels so distinctly local, even as it has grown well beyond its humble beginnings.

The story began back in 2009, when founders Pam and Gordon Thomson established a compact kitchen in Noosaville.

Their ambition was simple: to make extraordinary chocolate using the finest ingredients.

What started as a small operation not too far from where the large-scale factory now stands has blossomed into a thriving business, supported by more than 100 team members and a network of retail stores across Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.

Yet, even in the midst of so much growth and change, the original mission of the founders – to create small-batch, hand-crafted chocolate, made with pride and sold fresh – remains.

Noosa Chocolate Factory CEO Marcus Raward chalks up the success to this enduring commitment to quality, even in the face of adversity.

Since the 2024 price spike, when the cost of cocoa reached an all-time high, some mass-market producers have lowered cocoa solids in pursuit of profit.

Noosa Chocolate Factory has chosen a different path. Its dark chocolate

contains a whopping 70 per cent cocoa solids, while its milk chocolate contains no less than 36 per cent.

By contrast, other brands of dark chocolate currently seen on supermarket shelves can sometimes contain as little as 45 per cent cocoa solids, while milk chocolate can go as low at 20 per cent - the legal minimum for something to be called ‘chocolate’ in Australia and New Zealand.

For consumers, this distinction matters. Chocolates with lower cocoa content rely more heavily on sugar, milk and flavourings to achieve its taste. Meanwhile, chocolates with higher cocoa content, like those produced by

Noosa Chocolate Factory, offer a richer, more intense, and more complex flavour while containing less sugar and other unnecessary fillings.

Plus, higher cocoa content comes with the added benefit of increased antioxidants.

Research has shown that the antioxidants in cocoa have a number of positive health effects and can lower your risk of stroke and heart disease, balance your immune system and improve brain function.

Not that we need an excuse, but clearly chocolate rich in cocoa solids is an ideal choice for health-conscious people who still want to indulge.

Noosa Chocolate Factory’s products are also 100 per cent palm and vegetable oil free and contain no artificial preservatives.

They go out of their way to incorporate local produce like ginger and pineapples as well as decadent Australian-grown nuts such as macadamias, almonds and hazelnuts whenever possible – and most ingredients, like the marshmallows contained in their famous rocky road, are made in house right here in Noosa.

On top of ensuring that raw ingredients are sourced from organic and sustainable farms and suppliers, they also actively work to promote fair trade agreements, ensuring that farmers and workers are treated with dignity and respect and are fairly paid.

Plus, they continue to invest in

energy-efficient solar powered production methods so as to minimise their impact on the environment and ensure that future generations can enjoy a better, greener future.

This commitment to quality and sustainability which lies at the heart of the Noosa Chocolate Factory brand is why it continues to resonate so strongly with chocolate lovers across South East Queensland.

This brilliant local business offers

more than just sweet treats; it offers reassurance that something as simple as chocolate can still be made with integrity, using ingredients that are thoughtfully sourced and methods that respect the craft.

There is comfort in that, and pleasure too – the sort that comes from a slab broken in two, or a piece of chocolate that tastes exactly as it should.

In the end, Noosa Chocolate Factory is a story about family, flavour and the

enduring value of doing things properly. It is a business built on old-fashioned care and modern consistency, with a clear sense of who it is and what it stands for.

And in a world that often asks brands to be louder, faster and cheaper, there is something especially appealing about a company that still believes the best chocolate is the kind made with patience, pride and a proper amount of cocoa. Plus, it honestly tastes delicious!

SIP SMARTER

As consumers are more deliberate and discerning about what goes out of their wallet and onto their palate, John Caruso discovers this aligns perfectly with what’s on offer at one local distillery.

With a more discerning customer choosing to invest in quality sips and special experiences, Sunshine & Sons Premium Spirits are perfectly poised to deliver what the market needs.

For co-founder Matt Hobson, premium quality and unique experiences have been a core part of their DNA since day one.

“We are seeing people still enjoying a drink, but what is interesting, and where we love being part of the solution, is what people are being more deliberate about what they choose to invest in,” Matt says.

“We’ve seen great growth in immersive and interactive experiences such as a tasting tour where people can learn a little more about our globally-recognised and award winning range.”

It is a vindication of the philosophy that Sunshine & Sons Premium Spirits and Nil Desperandum Rum quietly building its reputation on for years: drink better. The line is disarmingly simple. The logic, right now, is close to irresistible.

Matt says the cocktail masterclasses have also taken on a life of their own.

“It’s booming! Lots of people are enjoying a fun afternoon out with friends and family,” he says. “We love that. And also, some simply want to savour a premium spirit in a setting that makes the trip worthwhile.

“We have what we think is the best view of any venue on the Coast, a view that rivals any other. It’s a great place to enjoy a lovingly-crafted drink in a relaxed, safe and calm environment surrounded by birdsong.”

Perched in the lush hinterland of Woombye with views north-west, it’s

no wonder it was crowned Best Queensland Distillery for two years running at the Royal Queensland Distilled Spirits Awards - along with three other gongs to add to the burgeoning trophy cabinet.

They also have entries for awards in the United Kingdom, San Francisco and Melbourne. Not bad for a distillery that began with a fairly straightforward premise: make something worth drinking and let the product do the talking.

The distillery’s reach into the local community runs deeper than most people realise. The Biosphere Gin, infused with locally-harvested elderflower and native black myrtle is a collaboration with the Sunshine Coast Biosphere and the University of the Sunshine Coast, while Lightning Bolt is a partnership with the Sunshine Coast Lightning netball team with a special edition blackcurrant gin and tonic poured at home games.

The story of this winter, though, belongs to something altogether more unusual: the Japanese citrus, Yuzu.

Think of a lemon, then strip away the ordinary and replace it with something considerably more complex: heavily perfumed, intensely aromatic, the kind of scent that stops a room in its tracks.

It grows in negligible quantities in Australia, which makes Sunshine & Sons’ relationship with one of the country’s few producers all the more special. The grower operates a small plot in the Mary Valley, most of his fruit goes to fine dining restaurants in Noosa and Brisbane; the remainder heads south to Sydney and Melbourne. Sunshine & Sons secures an allocation each year, and each year they turn it into something seasonal and finite.

Co-owner Michael Conrad describes the process with deadpan humour.

“We’ve just had the fun job of zesting and juicing 100 kilos of Yuzu, so that’s a good day to not be at work,” he jokes.

The gin is sitting in a tank now, working toward a release in late June, which is perfect timing as winter is when citrus peaks in this part of the world, and yuzu is no exception. It is produced once a year, in quantities dictated entirely by what the grower can supply. Similar to other small-batch, special edition gins such as Mum’s Rose Bouquet and Love Dragon infused with dragonflower, once it’s gone, it’s gone.

Then there’s the Nil Desperandum Rum range and for followers of the 1871 Club, the single barrel rum series, there is also the matter of the Tropical Temptress, which arrived 5 May and is the kind of rum that makes the case for itself on the first pour. Michael describes it as one of the most fruit forward expressions the series has produced: rich with tropical notes are immediate and unapologetic.

When most consumers are thinking twice about where they spend and why, Sunshine & Sons Premium Spirits is offering the kind of considered experience that makes the decision feel easy.

Matt Hobson says it can be a tough environment however they were very grateful for the huge level of support they have from locals and around Australia.

Loyalty has to be earned and the distillery appears to have worked out exactly how to earn it. Drink less surebut when you do, make it count.

Distillery doors open every day from 10am for tours and tastings.

Glass RAISE A

There’s nothing better than kicking back at your local surf club and enjoying a relaxing drink whilst studying the waves. Tony Cox discovers the perfect drops to accompany the view.

What better place to enjoy a quality beverage than the stunning Sunshine Beach Surf Club? The views are stunning, the service friendly and, as an active patrol member for Surf Lifesaving, I can vouch for the fact that the beverages consumed in Sunshine Beach Surf Club helps ensure the patrols are well equipped.

So, let’s raise a glass to some of the top tipples on offer to see if we can whet your appetite to do your bit to contribute...

Let’s start with vino.

The composition of the wine list is well thought out with a great range of quality wines for very fair prices. Consisting mostly of some of Australia’s best vineyards with a smattering of French and Italian and of course, the cool climes of New Zealand for Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot of both shades.

The chardonnay selection includes the full spectrum from the rich and rounded Fat Bastard Chardonnay from California (under $10) to Yarra Valley’s Rob Dolan Chardonnay which is vegan friendly and low in sugar (just over $10); or the fresh, citrus-driven 10 Minutes by Tractor 10X Chardonnay from the Mornington Peninsula starting at $13 a glass or $60 for a bottle. I certainly know what wine my wife will be consuming next time we frequent the Surf Club.

Continuing in the same vein is a strong representation of sparkling wine from prosecco through to champagne.

Particularly appealing if you’re on a budget is the fact there are several wines available under $10 per glass, a huge

selection under $50 per bottle, with budgets for those wishing to spend less than $40 per bottle, particularly in the prosecco department.

The top end of town is also looked after with vintage champagnes from Laurent-Perrier and representations from the houses of Tattinger, Moët & Chandon, Duval-Leroy and more.

Similarly, the pinot gris/grigio selection covers key areas such as Adelaide Hills, the Veneto region of Italy, Victoria’s King Valley and Tasmania’s Derwent Valley.

These range in style from the fresh and light-bodied Italian wines from the Veneto region – Monte Zovo Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie and a Talis Pinot Grigio - I’ll also include the Villa Fresco from Victoria’s King Valley at that fresher end of the spectrum given that King Valley grew from Italian migrant families turning to grapes after being involved in tobacco cultivation.

Riper, fuller styles are epitomised by the Stefano Lubiana Pinot Gris from Tasmania’s Derwent Valley.

Sauvignon Blanc is well represented with the mandatory options from Marlborough region of New Zealand as well as some nice drops from Lambrook Seed in the Adelaide Hills and a Hunter Valley Tulloch Semillon Sauvignon Blanc

As expected, there are several Provence rosés on offer with Lambrook Seed Pinot Noir Rosé from Adelaide Hills offering a slightly more red fruited alternative and Yarra Valley’s Medhurst Rosé, being a blend of cabernet sauvignon and shiraz, offering a little more tannin and structure, delivering more than just bright acidity on the back palate.

In the Reds pinot noir from Yarra Valley, Central Otago, Tasmania’s Coal River Valley and Mornington Peninsula are all available, with Rob Dolan’s True Colours Pinot Noir from the Yarra Valley shining through. Peninsula Panorama

Pinot Noir from the Mornington Peninsula and Rabbit Ranch from Central Otago New Zealand all priced below $60 per bottle, which is great value for good pinot noir.

The Riversdale Scorpio Pinot Noir, from the latest vinous hotspot, Tasmania’s Coal River Valley, is also under $60. One only needs to look at the number of significant mainland players sourcing from this area to see the shift taking

place – Tolpuddle was established as a standalone brand by the Shaw & Smith Team from Adelaide Hills and Yabby Lake on the Mornington Peninsula is also producing wines from a Coal River site.

If you prefer a bigger red Mollydooker’s The Boxer shiraz from McLaren Vale brings a soft mouthfeel with well measured tannins and slightly toasted oak – great with a steak on a Sunday afternoon.

Continuing the King Valley theme, the Dal Zotto Sangiovese offers a juicy, medium bodied alternative, great for kicking back and sharing a pizza or two with friends.

There’s a smattering of other reds with the classic Hollick Coonawarra Cabernet available and the slightly bigger-styled, Smokin’ Barrels Cabernet Sauvignon from Barossa Valley also on offer.

The fair pricing strategy also extends to the extensive range of quality spirits with gin, whiskey in all its guises, rum, tequila and vodka all supported by quality Strange Love mixers.

The cocktail section has all your favourite spritzers as well as classics such as margaritas, cosmopolitan and mojitos as well as twists on those cocktails utilising fruit and juices to keep

it interesting, the passionfruit mojito has certainly aroused the interest of your scribe. For those who like to spice things up you may find the Chilli Margarita or the Mango Habanero Tommy’s Margarita more to your liking. If wanting to spark up the ever-present Espresso Martini is also on offer.

The non-drinkers are well catered for and one of the best things is the commitment to local producers with Heads of Noosa and Boiling Pot breweries both being well represented as well as our good mates at Sunshine & Sons Premium Distillery.

All up, Sunshine Beach Surf Club has plenty of fantastic beverage options, in a spectacular setting overlooking the break, and at incredibly fair prices.

Next time you’re looking to catch up with friends or just sneak out for a sly beverage or two put it front and centre of your places to go to. The lifesavers will be glad you did.

CHEERS TO THE CLUB

Book ahead to secure your favourite table and don’t forget the Courtesy Bus is available seven days. Scan the QR code for menus, events and bookings.

Jackie Hillegers shares how to ride the rhythm of winter for better physical and mental health.

Winter AND THE Nervous System

As winter’s chill knocks on our door, we start to notice subtle changes within ourselves. We feel slower, more tired, and often more emotional. We crave warm drinks, longer showers, softer lighting, and deeper sleep. Beneath it all, our nervous system is asking for comfort, warmth, and restoration.

Nature slows down during winter, and our bodies instinctively long to do the same, yet modern life often asks us to keep pushing through.

When we ignore what our body is quietly asking for, it can leave us feeling overstimulated, mentally fatigued, and emotionally exhausted. Winter has a gentle way of bringing us back to ourselves, inviting us inward to rest, soften, and restore. Perhaps that is why winter can feel so deeply healing to the nervous system.

There is something especially beautiful about winter in Noosa. As the busy pulse of summer begins to soften, the coastline seems to exhale too. Our beaches may become quieter, but winter also welcomes a different wave of visitors - those escaping colder southern states and searching for warmth and rest.

...our nervous system is asking for comfort, warmth, and restoration.

Visitors are often drawn to the Sunshine Coast during the cooler months, trading grey skies and frosty mornings for sun-drenched afternoons and a chance to reconnect with themselves.

There is a different feeling in the air here during winter. Mornings seem to unfold more slowly, coffee chats linger a little longer, and the cooler breeze invites us to soften our pace and move through the day with more intention. Walks feel less rushed, evenings feel more restorative, and even the landscape seems to encourage stillness. It is a season that gently reminds us that life does not always need to be filled to the edges. Sometimes the greatest luxury is simply having space to breathe, pause, and lean into softer living.

Day spas can become inviting sanctuaries during the cooler months, allowing our bodies to slow down. Warm oil massages, magnesium soaks, infrared saunas, steam rooms, facials, and calming treatments gently support our nervous system, helping it move from stress mode into rest mode. Our body responds deeply to warmth, touch, and stillness. Muscles soften, breathing slows, and the mind becomes a little quieter. Perhaps that is the gift of winter here in Noosa - a reminder that we do not always need to keep pushing forward, but we can instead soften gently back into ourselves.

Even simple rituals at home can become deeply restorative. Cleansing your skin at night, applying scented oils with intention, or soaking in a warm bath by candlelight can all become mindful moments of self-care. These rituals do not really have to be focused on beauty at all. They are just small ways of reminding our bodies that it is safe, cared for, and allowed to rest.

Sleep becomes incredibly important during the cooler months. Without the heaviness and humidity of summer,

winter evenings can create the perfect environment for deeper rest. The nervous system restores and repairs during sleep, making it essential to create gentle evening routines that help the body unwind. By creating a slower, set routine in the evening, it can signal safety to the nervous system. You do not have to hibernate, just habitate!

Movement is a necessity, even when motivation dips. Gentle walks along the Noosa River, ocean swims, yoga, or mindful exercise can help release stored stress hormones and regulate your mood

naturally. Winter is less about intense routines and more about moving in ways that help the body feel more balanced, grounded, and connected again.

Winter can also become a beautiful season of gentle cleansing, a quieter form of clearing. Drinking more water, hearty soups in the slow cooker, weekends in, and letting go of emotional heaviness within the body and mind. Perhaps this season is less about productivity and more about replenishment.

A time to slow down enough to notice what the body has been whispering beneath the noise of everyday life. Winter reminds us that rest is not laziness, softness is not weakness, and slowing down is sometimes the very thing that

allows us to heal.

And maybe that is the real beauty of winter in Noosa. Slower mornings and a quieter coastline are an invitation to care for ourselves more gently. To listen more closely to our body, honour what it needs, and allow this season to become a quiet return to warmth, stillness, and restoration.

WINTER RITUALS

• Massage melts stored tension

• Facials boost circulation

• Warm baths calm overstimulation

• Morning sunlight regulates mood

• Coastal walks calm cortisol levels

• Early nights restore balance

• Warm tea slows thoughts

• Nourishment helps bodies regulate

VALLEY OF Vitality

Amidst the lush Kin Kin hinterland, Nicole May visits Living Valley to discover how 35 years of practitioner-led wisdom is empowering guests to transcend surface-level wellness and embark on a deeply supported journey back to health.

How does one generation truly honour the foundations of the last? We do so with vision, purpose and values, and for Giselle Martin, the custodian and heart of Living Valley, these grounds are more than a workplace; they are home.

Moving to the property at age ten, when it was a run-down bean farm, Giselle remembers the log-cabin beginnings, when her family of five lived within four walls, and she would climb a ladder to her loft bedroom each night.

Her father, Gary Martin, was a highflying Sydney accountant who traded the corporate grind for a vision of healing the ‘sick, suffering, or in distress’. He became a naturopath and established the retreat in 1990, building a foundation of deep detoxification treatments.

Today, Giselle has advanced that legacy toward a more considered, supportive, and outcome-focused experience that is practitioner-led and personalised to deliver a wellness sanctuary which reflects the modern day needs.

“Dad would always say, ‘we are like the Sherlock Holmes of your body’,” Giselle reflects. “We investigate the cause of illness and then put the right conditions in place, so the body can heal itself because we are designed to win.”

This diagnostic curiosity remains at the core of the Living Valley experience, and there is a choice of outcome-focused

retreats, from the signature Power Cleanse to shorter wellness stays and day experiences. And while there is a menu of programs to choose from, the Living Valley team of professional practitioners ensure that each guest receives a tailored wellness plan specific to their needs.

As part of the signature Power Cleanse, each guest begins their journey with a deep dive into personal history through a naturopathic consultation that assesses everything from live blood cell analysis to dental history, recognising the profound link between oral health and systemic disease. The overall focus is on providing the space, guidance and support needed to reset both body and mind.

These diagnostic findings form the foundation of a holistic approach that flows through every facet of the retreat.

From the kitchen, where naturopaths collaborate with the head chef to tailor the menu to a guest’s specific needs, to the Freedom Fitness Centre, where personal trainers align movement with individual health goals, the care is entirely interconnected.

As the team works together to investigate the root cause of illness, Giselle notes that “each of our practitioners connect to ensure a truly unified and supported health experience.”

This commitment is mirrored in the retreat’s physical environment. To elevate the aesthetic to match the depth of the treatments, the transformation of Living Valley have continued since 2020.

The heritage charm has since been enhanced with a clean, warm and contemporary palette, thoughtfully designed by Giselle to deliver a sense of calm and a place where every guest feels seen, heard, and grounded.

In this overhaul, Giselle’s original log cabin was renovated and extended to create Waterlily Day Spa - a sanctuary with eight treatment rooms delivering the latest therapies. Furthering this physical reset, the Peaceful Pilates Studio offers a heavenly range of classes from stretch and flow exercises to sound healing sessions for profound relaxation, and the nearby Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) Chamber delivers nearly pure oxygen in a pressurised environment to accelerate the body’s natural healing processes.

The Grander Fresh Water Lap Pool uses rods attuned to the rhythms of the moon and sun to create vibrational frequencies, producing water that is naturally rejuvenating and healing, reminiscent of swimming in a freshwater creek.

“The same system is used for the plunge pool to deliver extra purity and vitality,” Giselle explains. “And the

PHOTOS: IAN WALDIE

Serenity Sundeck encourages guests to soak up Vitamin D - an essential component for bone strength and immunity.”

Nutrition, of course, is the fuel for this transformation. Under the guidance of Head Chef Rowan Conboy, guests are nourished with organic, locally-sourced produce, fermented foods, and homemade bone broths.

During deeper detox phases, the menu shifts to nutrient-dense green smoothies and juices, allowing the release of heavy metals and toxicity.

This commitment to health begins the

moment guests arrive. Positioned near the entrance of the property is the Harmony Health Centre—the home to Naturopaths and access to other specialists, including a psychologist, hypnotherapist and registered nurse.

It also houses the Health Shop, containing the Living Valley range of superfoods, organic beauty items and practitioner-prescribed products alongside a thoughtfully curated range of wellness items and inspiring books.

The Living Valley range was specially created to support cleansing, healing and detoxification, and has been trusted by

thousands of guests since 1990.

Ultimately, the retreat’s enduring impact rests on Giselle’s deep conviction that there is a powerful link between the mind and our physical wellbeing.

At Living Valley, guests are never treated as mere numbers in a program; they are individuals being tenderly nurtured back to their original design.

Whether seeking a deep physiological reset, a mental revive, or a sophisticated day spa experience, the retreat restores health through intentional, natural healing.

Reflecting on the impact of this approach is Maurita, a recent guest who experienced the signature Power Cleanse in February 2026: “Living Valley has evolved into something that rivals the very best wellness destinations in the world, yet it has retained its heart and authenticity,” she said.

Across the 145 acres of lush Noosa Hinterland, with bush walks throughout, the property serves as a sanctuary where the Eight Laws of Health govern every treatment and every breath.

Giselle Martin

There is a new approach reshaping the global skincare industry - it began in Korea and has landed on the Sunshine Coast. Carlie Wacker gets her Korean glow on at Chloe Regan Cosmetic Clinic Noosa.

Inside Chloe Regan Cosmetic Clinic the newly launched Korean Glow Facial by SKN Bar is bringing the celebrated ‘glass skin’ movement to the Sunshine Coast, offering a gentler, hydration-focused approach to modern skin health.

According to clinic owner Chloe Regan and her team, the appeal of Korean skincare goes far deeper than beauty trends and viral TikTok videos.

“Korean skincare is very much about prevention,” explains Chloe. “They focus on preserving the skin while people are younger, rather than trying to aggressively correct damage later.”

That philosophy has become increasingly attractive in Australia, where consumers are stepping away from overcomplicated routines and aggressive treatments in favour of calm, healthy and resilient skin.

At the centre of Korean skincare is barrier protection, hydration and microbiome health - buzzwords that have now proven their worth throughout the global beauty industry.

“The whole foundation is about protecting the skin barrier and giving the skin resilience through health and

hydration,” Chloe explains.

Unlike previous Western skincare trends that often focused on stripping, exfoliating and resurfacing the skin, Korean beauty embraces nourishment and long-term skin function.

That softer philosophy aligns perfectly with the wider slow-living movement now influencing fashion, wellness and interiors. Consumers are craving simplicity, longevity and rituals that feel nurturing rather than extreme.

At Chloe Regan Cosmetic Clinic, the Korean Glow Facial reflects that shift.

The treatment has just arrived in Australia, with the Noosa clinic among the first in the country to introduce the technology.

Designed to deliver the luminous ‘glass skin’ finish Korean beauty is famous for, the facial focuses on deep hydration, cleansing, circulation and skin rejuvenation - all without downtime.

“It’s all about cleaning the skin and boosting it with hydration,” Chloe says.

Unlike more invasive procedures, the treatment combines multiple technologies to gently stimulate the skin while infusing it with active ingredients.

Hydro cleansing removes impurities while restoring hydration, sonophoresis uses vibration technology to stimulate cell activity, and electro-infusion technology helps deliver serums deep into the skin rather than simply sitting on the surface.

There is also muscle stimulation for lifting and toning, lymphatic sculpting for jawline definition and cooling technologies to calm inflammation and restore glow. The experience finishes with LED therapy, leaving skin luminous, plump and refreshed.

Importantly, the treatment delivers visible results without redness, peeling or recovery time.

“No pain, no downtime,” Chloe explains. “You can even do it immediately before events or weddings.”

Part of Korean skincare’s popularity also lies in its innovative ingredients. One of the most talked-about is PDRN - often referred to online as ‘salmon DNA’.

The ingredient, derived from salmon tissue extracts rich in essential fatty acids and omegas, is designed to support hydration and collagen stimulation.

Beyond the glow, beyond the trends and social media obsession, it taps into something much bigger - the desire to feel healthy, rested and naturally radiant.

Combined with hero ingredients like hyaluronic acid, the goal is not simply cosmetic enhancement, but healthier skin function overall.

“As we age, we decline in collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid,” Chloe explains. “Those are really the three foundations of healthy ageing skin.”

But despite the hype surrounding Korean skincare, Chloe Regan Cosmetic Clinic emphasises the importance of professional guidance, particularly in Australia’s harsh climate.

Certain ingredients that are popular overseas may not suit Australian skin conditions or UV exposure, making

tailored advice essential.

Instead, the clinic recommends combining Korean-inspired hydration and barrier support with proven Australian skincare essentials like Vitamin A and Vitamin C for environmental protection.

That balanced philosophy reflects where the aesthetics industry is now heading globally: away from aggressive

overcorrection and toward skin longevity.

“It’s all becoming more about skin health,” the clinic says. “Getting the skin tissue healthy and supporting what we naturally lose over time.”

Perhaps that is why Korean skincare resonates so strongly right now. Beyond the glow, beyond the trends and social media obsession, it taps into something much bigger - the desire to feel healthy, rested and naturally radiant.

In an increasingly noisy beauty world, the new luxury may simply be calm, hydrated skin.

Get your glow at Chloe Regan Cosmetic Clinic Noosa.

KOREAN GLOW FACIAL

SPECIAL OFFER: $295 SAVE $54

Experience the benefits of the Korean Glow Facial by SKN Bar at Chloe Regan Cosmetic Clinic:

• Cleanse and Infuse

• Exfoliate and Revive

• Tighten and Tone

• Boost and Rejuvenate

• Nourish and Moisture

• Plus bonus LED light therapy Scan the QR code for more details and to take advantage of the SPECIAL OFFER for a limited time. Conditions apply.

Award-Winning Cosmetic Clinic

Touch THE POWER OF

When was the last time you had a professional facial or a massage? Jodie Cameron discovers why personalised treatments and connection is so much more than a luxury.

There’s a concept known in the wellness world as ‘skin hunger’ – a physiological pining for human contact that can affect our nervous systems more than we realise.

As a mother of two young, energetic boys, I am rarely lacking in physical proximity, my sons are often glued to me the moment I sit down so it’s easy to feel ‘touched out’ when your body is constantly a playground.

Yet, there’s a profound difference between the functional touch of caregiving and the restorative power of therapeutic touch. For the elderly, single dwellers or those navigating widowhood, that hunger for connection is even more acute.

Jenny Wilson, owner of Noosa Body & Skincare, understands this deeply – and there’s a sophisticated science behind the glow her team delivers.

“We create an experience that appeals to all the senses,” Jenny says. “This provides an environment that supports our clients in becoming grounded, calm, and restful.”

For those feeling emotionally or physically depleted, Jenny utilises botanical tools to bridge the gap between clinical results and soul-deep relaxation.

The Dermalogica Soothing Additive – a calming aromatherapy blend – is used for inhalation therapy and massage, while the Calming Botanical Mixer lets therapists customise the treatment.

“Combined with the power of touch, we are able to induce a state of relaxation

Our hands literally cradle the face and increase the exchange of oxytocin – the hormone associated with connection and bonding.

and address skin concerns at the same time,” Jenny explained.

For those needing an emotional lift, the Neurosculpt massage and Neurotouch Symmetry Serum use aromachology – the scientific study of the influence of odours on human behaviour, moods, and emotions – to shift the energy.

“Our hands literally cradle the face and increase the exchange of oxytocin – the hormone associated with connection and bonding,” she says.

For those who haven’t stepped into a treatment room in years, the idea of a body ritual can feel daunting. Whether you are time-poor or living solo, making space for self-ritual is one of the most effective ways to come back to yourself.

“Our therapists can design a tailored treatment just for you,” she says. “Whatever you have going on, our services focus on your needs on the day.”

A Noosa Body & Skincare treatment is as much about the technique as it is about the product. We’ve all had a quick, functional massage, but there is something restoratively satisfying about sinking into a treatment where the noise genuinely stops and you just know that you are in good hands.

Lymphatic massage is one treatment that has always intrigued me with how it can help clear toxins from the body.

“When lymph flow improves, skin clarity also improves, and when the nervous system calms, the body’s repair processes can function more efficiently,” Jenny says. “Our therapists know how and where to work, to impact the body’s condition.”

Using professional-grade formulations,

Jenny Wilson

the team provides results that a DIY home routine simply cannot replicate – the difference between maintenance and a total reset.

Between school runs and deadlines, we tend to file massages and facials under ‘luxury’, but for those in caregiving roles or navigating isolation, touch can often be transactional or entirely absent. That’s a gap worth closing.

“Wellness is no longer just about looking good,” she says. “It’s about experiencing overall wellbeing, and combining professional services supports better outcomes, both physically and emotionally.”

A treatment at Noosa Body & Skincare allows for a rare moment of being completely still and passive, cared for by an expert, and free of the weight you walked in carrying. That first moment of professional contact sends a powerful message to the brain – you are seen, you are cared for, your body matters.

We might spend our days in an outdoor paradise, but we still need the quiet, tactile grounding that only human hands can provide. Your body isn’t craving a quick fix; it’s asking to be heard and held. Answer the call.

www.noosabodyskincare.com.au

THE EXPERT EDIT:

• Neurosculpt Massage: an advanced facial sculpting technique that targets muscle tension & supports lymphatic flow.

• Dermalogica Pressure Point: combines aromatherapy & acupressure to release tension & stimulate circulation of blood & ‘chi’.

• ProSkin Services: treatments tailored to your body’s needs on the day.

Finalists in the Australian Beauty Industry Awards for the best Salon/ Spa QLD 4 treatment rooms or less 2019, 2022, 2023 & 2024. Finalist for best Eco Salon 2021. Dermalogica Gold stockist Salon 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 & 2024.

Bloom WINTER

The sun takes a backseat during coastal winters, allowing for intensive beauty rituals. Our experts share their essential products to help restore, replenish and nourish inner and outer resiliency this season…

NATIO ROSEWATER HYDRATION MOISTURE RICH HAND & NAIL CREAM - TERRYWHITE CHEMMART, TEWANTIN

Treat your hands to the ultimate winter shield. Silky, fast-absorbing and scented with soft rose petals, Natio’s Rosewater Hydration Moisture Rich Hand & Nail Cream delivers intense hydration. Pure, antioxidant-rich rosewater joins forces with conditioning carrot seed to soothe, soften and nourish. Pop into TerryWhite Chemmart Tewantin to grab yours.

ULTRACEUTICALS YOUTH BOOST EXOSIGNAL GF² FACIAL SERUMABOUT FACES NOOSA

Chasing a youthful winter glow?

Ultraceuticals Youth Boost ExoSignal GF� Facial Serum provides instant hydration, barrier repair and skin resilience, helping restore luminosity for a natural healthy complexion. Containing 30-million plant-derived exomes per bottle, these microscopic messengers work with the skin’s natural surface communication to help maintain balanced, resilient-looking skin. Angie from About Faces Noosa’s winter must-have!

MOISTURISER - CHLOE REGAN COSMETIC CLINIC

Consider this your restorative winter essential, Crave Skin Collagen Plus Moisturiser is crafted to deeply hydrate and strengthen the dermal barrier, it supports collagen renewal for truly resilient skin. Targeting fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation with a calming, antiinflammatory touch, Chloe from Chloe Regan Cosmetics simply can’t get enough of it.

MEAGEN KWIATKOWSKI HEMPSEED CONCENTRATE - LUXE CANDLE CO AND THE FREQUENCY COLLECTION

Hemp seed oil boasts a massive concentration of omega fatty acids, making it a heavy-hitter for hydration and skincalming. Meagan Kwiatkowski’s organic concentrate combines vitamin E and carrot seed oil into a protective, soothing elixir for the face, neck and décolletage. Find your bottle at Luxe Candle Co and The Frequency Collection and feel the difference.

COLOUR WOW DREAMING ADVANCED REPAIR AND RESURFACING TREATMENTADRIAN J HAIRDRESSING

Tired tresses in need of some TLC? Colour Wow Dreaming Advanced Repair & Resurfacing Treatment is a 3-to-5minute root-to-tip hair mask designed to repair damaged cuticles and block out unpredictable humidity. Its lightweight, silicone-free formula visibly transforms fluffy, dehydrated strands into smooth, polished silk. Adrian J Hairdressing swear by it for reviving winter-worn hair.

GISELLE EVE ROSE TALLOW BALMMOISTURISING TREATMENT - LIVING VALLEY

Keep your skin lush this winter with Giselle Eve Tallow Balm. A deeply nourishing winter saviour featuring organic, grass-fed tallow, rosehip oil and therapeutic-grade essential oils. Designed to support dry, depleted skin, this luxurious balm replenishes moisture and reinforces barrier health for a softer, radiant complexion. Giselle from Living Valley created this gorgeous range herself – and it’s a seasonal essential.

With 35 years of experience, an impressive 184 five-star reviews, Angie Lamb is celebrated for exceptional client care, advanced technology and extensive qualifications. Known as Noosa’s Skin Whisperer she creates healthy beautiful luminous complexions for all ages with transformative results.

A decadent blend of nature’s best oils – including jojoba, sweet almond, macadamia and evening primrose. Saya’s Argan Body Oil delivers deep, lasting hydration that sinks in instantly, leaving a completely non-greasy, silky glow. Katrina from ikatan Spa lets us in on a secret – it doubles as a nourishing hair treatment too!

ADVANCED SKIN & LASER TREATMENTS

• Pico Laser - Pigment-Melasma

• Skin rejuvenation - Tattoo Removal

• Vascular - Roseaca - Acne

• Ablative Fraxel - Sun Damage

• Rosacea - Age Spot Treatment

• Acne • RF Needling - Tixel - Dermapen

• Skin Tag, Mole - Sun spot removal

• Laser Hair removal - Waxing - Brows

• Vaginal Rejuv - Strech Marks - Scars

• Bespoke Facials - Micros - Peels

• Lash Lifts - Tints - Makeup - Beauty

• Cosmetic Injectables - Fillers

• Bespoke Jewellery

Angela Lamb

SKIN, BEAUTY & LASER PROFESSIONAL Noosa Waters P 0411 699 227 aboutfacesnoosa@gmail.com www.aboutfacesnoosa.com.au

SAYA ARGAN BODY OIL - IKATAN SPA

In Good HANDS

A new era of healthcare has arrived in Noosa. Jodie Cameron discovers the pharmacy of the future…

Sundays in Noosa are sacred. Beach walks, coffee, slow morning rituals, until someone wakes up sick. When illness strikes outside regular hours, knowing where to turn can be stressful, especially when the issue doesn’t quite warrant an emergency department visit, but you still need trained and trusted advice.

In a bold move to serve the community better, TerryWhite Chemmart Tewantin’s qualified Pharmacist Practitioners are here to help - no referral, no waiting room required. Just proper, personalised care when you need it most.

Reopening its doors this year after a major renovation, this pharmacy of the future brings faster service, expanded health care and a more personal touch.

Step beyond the counter and the difference is immediate. Advanced dispensing technology means prescriptions are filled faster, dramatically reducing wait times.

Private consultation rooms provide space for confidential health conversations that simply weren’t possible in the traditional over-thecounter setting. There’s even a 24-hour prescription pickup locker for those times when life doesn’t slow down.

Tanya Maloney, pharmacist and owner of TerryWhite Chemmart Tewantin said it’s a genuine health hub for the Noosa community – a place where locals can access care and get the help they need all in one place.

“The store has been designed to make it easier for people in Noosa to access care,” she says. “To have meaningful conversations about their health and get the support they need when they need it.”

While scripts can’t be written for everything, a Pharmacist Practitioner can help with a growing range of everyday health concerns – the kind that will get you back to soaking up some sacred vitamin D aka sunshine.

It’s a genuine health hub for the Noosa community...

Urinary tract infections, skin conditions, repeat medications, and contraception don’t always warrant a visit to the GP, but still need proper attention – and now, they can be handled by a fully qualified prescriber.

With flu season approaching, and 42 per cent of Australians now preferring to receive their flu vaccination from a pharmacist, the store also plays an important role in local vaccination efforts.

“We’re seeing a real shift in how people access care,” Tanya says. “More Australians are turning to their local pharmacy for convenient, trusted health support – whether that’s vaccinations, advice or ongoing care.”

Perhaps the most significant advantage is time. With smarter systems handling the operational load, pharmacists at the Tewantin store are freed up to do what

they do best – spend quality time with patients.

For Noosa residents, this also means having access to a modern healthcare destination that combines clinical innovation with the kind of warm, personalised service that has always made the local chemist feel like a trusted friend.

TerryWhite Chemmart is already leading this charge nationally, with more than 65 stores across the country now delivering pharmacist prescribing services as part of their everyday operations – and Tewantin is proud to be among the first.

The days of a pharmacy being a place to just collect a script are fast becoming a thing of the past.

What’s replacing it is something far more valuable – a genuine first port of call for health, staffed by professionals with more tools, more training and more time for you than ever before.

For Noosa, that future has already arrived, and you’re in good hands.

PHOTOS:

Tanya Maloney

Pesky Parasites BE GONE!

Jodie Cameron discovers that a lot of health issues might be due to unwanted guests in your gut - and how to evict them for good!

Intestinal parasites are very real, and these feral freeloaders can be the hidden cause behind a surprising host of health issues and overall disease in the body.

Before you assume this isn’t your problem, did you know that raw foods like oysters, sushi, sashimi and raw beef could be introducing uninvited guests into your gut?

Parasites do not discriminate, and they certainly don’t need a passport to move into your body and take up residence.

Help is at hand! Bottoms Up Colonics Noosa are the gut-health specialists who can help get your gut garden under control with a dedicated parasite cleanse using Rojas Colon Hydrotherapy

supported by an Intestinal Support Tincture specially formulated to help migrate, loosen and eliminate unwanted pathogens, microbial overgrowths and stubborn pathogens.

With a background in traditional and dental nursing, certified colon hydrotherapist, Orion Kelly knows firsthand how profoundly gut health shapes the whole body. When colon function slows down, the liver is affected and detox pathways become stagnant.

“The body becomes inflamed, our cells are impacted, and toxins are reabsorbed, which then affects the brain and the vagus nerve,” she says. “How your body is operating affects the nervous system,

One cleanse and you’re done? Think again.

immune system and microbial system.”

These uninvited tenants live on or in a host and benefit entirely at the host’s expense. They weaken the immune system, steal vital nutrients, create inflammation, disrupt absorption, impair liver function, and cause the colon – one of the body’s largest organs – to slow right down.

A 2023 World Health Organization report estimated that over one billion people are affected by soil-transmitted helminths – parasitic worms. They can come in all shapes and sizes including tapeworms, hookworms, roundworms, rope worms, and pinworms. If you live on this planet, breathe the air, and are exposed to animals you are potentially a perfect host.

“Since the symptoms can be mild or easily confused with other common health problems, many people have parasites without even knowing it,” Orion says. “Parasites can impair digestion, cause inflammation and contribute to nutrient deficiencies.”

Poor diet, environmental toxins, antibiotic overuse and chronic stress weaken our natural defences and create the ideal conditions for parasites to thrive. Hookworms, for example, can deplete iron stores and contribute to anaemia – and that kind of nutrient theft quietly erodes the body’s defences over time.

Orion’s own journey into colon hydrotherapy began while seeking relief from severe menstrual and ovarian pain – an experience that deepened her understanding of the gut microbiome, systemic inflammation, nutrition, and nervous system regulation. Today, she

Orion Kelly

creates a safe, supportive space for every client at the Noosaville clinic, honouring each person’s journey to wellness.

“If you think one parasite cleanse and you’re done, think again,” she says. “Gut health is ongoing maintenance for as long as you’re alive. Just like the weeds in your garden, if you allow them to grow they will eventually take over.”

Bottoms Up Colonics’ parasite protocol offers a gentle, natural alternative to pharmaceutical drugs, with the power of consecutive sessions followed by a consistent maintenance plan. No harsh interventions, just sustainable, whole-body support that builds gut flora rather than depleting it.

When pathogens die they release acids, gases and toxins.

“If this waste isn’t removed quickly it recirculates through the bloodstream. Rojas Colonics helps minimise this overwhelm by keeping elimination open and flowing to prevent reabsorption and to reduce the intensity of die-off reactions,” Orion said. “Our slow-fill, hydration-focused method gently softens and removes waste while supporting the liver, lymphatic system and detox pathways.”

Ask yourself - where do you want to see your insides 12 months from now? How do you want to feel, move and function 10 years from now?

If you’re supporting your detox pathways, flushing out stagnant matter, increasing nutrient and water absorption and keeping parasites in check – you’re already investing in a healthier, fuller future.

Parasites have always been part of life, only the difference now is that we have the knowledge, and the team at Bottoms Up Colonics Noosa have the remedy to actually do something about them, permanently.

Bottoms Up Colonics is located at the Noosaville Medihub in a calm, welcoming and safe environment designed to help you lead a healthier, more fulfilling life - without the ‘hangers-on’.

GUT SAVERS

New Client Offer

90-minute initial visit including full consultation and treatment. Was $190 | Now $150

3 x Session Review Pack

A powerful way to create real change within the digestive system and overall wellbeing. Was $510 | Now $393

6 x Session Review Pack

Designed for clients ready to go deeper, supporting ongoing detoxification, hydration, gut restoration and whole-body wellness. Was $1020 | Now $666

Limited offer. Terms & conditions apply.

Scan the QR code to find out more and book in or visit www.bottomsupcolonics.com.au

As a grandparent, there is something extraordinary about watching your child become a parent. It is beautiful, emotional and deeply humbling. But alongside the joy often comes exhaustion, uncertainty and an overwhelming amount of advice. Carlie Wacker meets the wise woman of our village who is quickly becoming a national treasure for parents, grandparents and carers.

Sleep THE WISE WOMAN OF

Everyone has an opinion on babies and sleep. Just ask Google and you’ll be offered a thousand conflicting answers before breakfast. Social media swings wildly between strict routines and ‘just go with the flow’ parenting.

Grandparents remember doing things one way, modern parents are told another and somewhere in the middle sits a tired family simply wanting peace. That is where Joanna Sweeney quietly steps in.

Known to many families as the ‘Sleep Architect’, Joanna is the founder of Cradle Consulting which is a Noosabased service now in demand nationwide for its gentle, medical science-backed approach to infant sleep and family wellbeing. Spend a few minutes with Jo and another title feels equally fitting: wise woman.

In many ways, she is a modern version of the village midwife - calm, intuitive and deeply invested in caring, not just for babies but for entire families. Unlike the outdated ‘cry it out’ methods many people still associate with sleep training, Joanna’s philosophy is built entirely around connection.

“I want families to bond more, not less,” she explains. “This is never about breaking attachment. It’s about helping families feel rested, supported and connected.”

With more than 23 years of experience as a midwife and postnatal health professional, Joanna brings something increasingly rare to the modern parenting world: genuine lived expertise.

She understands that every baby, every parent, every family is different. I am a stepparent, now step grandparent. I never had my own babies, so I had just as much learning to do as my stepchildren Kimberley, Jesse and Chris when the new mini Wackers came along. I’ve watched in awe as these kids became parents and navigated this new chapter, all quite differently. I’ve been deeply grateful to be included in the lives of my beautiful and deeply loved grandchildren Ivy, Emelia, Lola and Wolfgang.

My husband Mark, new mum Kimberley, Wolfgang and I spent over an hour with Joanna chatting all things infant sleep and learning so much from this wise and truly beautiful human.

One of the most fascinating things Joanna explains is how biologically complex infant sleep really is. Babies are born with a maternal supply of melatonin passed through the placenta, which begins to deplete around eight weeks of age.

“That’s why newborns can sleep almost anywhere,” she says. “Then suddenly parents think something has changed because babies become fussier about where they sleep. But really, their

bodies are developing and they need the right environment to support sleep.”

Cue the blackout blinds, quiet spaces and gentle routines many modern parents now swear by.

Listening to Joanna explain sleep is like listening to someone translate a language most parents have been desperately trying to decode.

She shares her knowledge on melatonin, circadian rhythms and the vagus nerve with the warmth of a friend rather than the coldness of a textbook. She explains how babies hum themselves to sleep to activate relaxation responses in the body. She gently reframes the signs parents often mistake for hunger when in fact a baby may simply be tired.

But perhaps what makes Joanna so special is that she never removes emotion from the equation. In fact, she embraces the entire family unit. As a step grandma, I found that incredibly reassuring. Jo actively encourages grandparents to be part of consultations, often printing out personalised plans so everyone feels included and confident in supporting the baby consistently.

“Families used to raise babies together,” she says. “Now parents are overwhelmed by conflicting information. Sometimes they just need somebody they trust to help quiet the noise.”

It is no surprise then that Cradle Consulting has become increasingly sought-after not only in Noosa but across Australia.

Jo offers video consultations nationwide, allowing families from major cities through to regional communities to

PHOTOS: KYM BURMESTER

access her support remotely. For local clients she provides in-home consultations where she observes family rhythms, feeding, routines and sleep environments in real time.

And for visitors holidaying in Noosa, Joanna offers perhaps the ultimate modern luxury: restorative family support. She can stay within your holiday accommodation and work gently with your baby while parents actually rest, reconnect and enjoy their time away. Not in a detached nanny-like way but as a calm presence helping create sustainable rhythms the entire family can continue once they return home.

It feels particularly relevant in today’s world where parents are carrying so much mental load, often without ‘the village’ previous generations relied upon.

Jo sees exhausted mothers who feel guilty for not coping, fathers trying to balance work and sleepless nights, and grandparents wanting to help but unsure how modern parenting has changed. Rather than imposing rigid rules, she tailors her guidance entirely to the family sitting in front of her.

“There’s no one-size-fits-all,” she says. “A family dealing with postnatal anxiety needs different support to a

...she is a modern version of the village midwife - calm, intuitive and deeply invested in caring, not just for babies but for entire families.

relaxed family who simply need structure and confidence.”

That deeply intuitive approach is perhaps why Joanna’s clients speak about her with such gratitude. She is not simply teaching babies to sleep. She is helping households breathe again.

Helping mothers feel calmer. Helping relationships soften under less pressure. Helping grandparents feel useful and included rather than uncertain or outdated (or in my case, inexperienced).

In a world obsessed with quick fixes and loud opinions, Jo offers something

far more powerful: wisdom, gentleness and genuine human connection.

The kind once offered by the wise woman of the village. Only now, she arrives with science, compassion and perhaps a set of blackout blinds.

Dear wise woman Joanna, we are deeply grateful for the time you took to share your experience with us in our home. Although, mumma Kimberley and bubba Wolfgang are super chill, Grandma and Granddad Wacker feel much more confident in our skills and connection. And that’s absolutely priceless.

Approach A NEW

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis in Australia, affecting millions of people every year.

Jodie Cameron chats to a local radiation oncologist about a new treatment worth knowing about…

If you’ve ever watched someone you love slow down because of joint pain, you’ll understand just how much osteoarthritis can quietly take from a person. The morning stiffness that doesn’t ease quickly enough, and the ache that sets in even after a short walk. The way it chips away at the things they love doing – whether that’s gardening, keeping up with grandchildren, or simply moving through the day without pain.

At some point you’ve probably tried heat packs and cold packs, topical gels, over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, and maybe holistic approaches like magnesium sprays, herbal supplements, or anything that might take the edge off.

But osteoarthritis is far more common and debilitating than many realise.

At GenesisCare in Noosa, Radiation Oncologist Dr Bradley Wong and his team are treating osteoarthritis with low-dose radiation therapy. The results are encouraging – certainly not a cure, but for patients who’ve exhausted the usual options without enough relief, it’s proving to make a real difference.

It’s one of those conditions that doesn’t get a lot of airtime, perhaps because it creeps in gradually and comes with age.

According to an Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report on Muscoskeletal Conditions commissioned by the Australian Government, women account for approximately 60% of people living with osteoarthritis. Around 2.1 million Australians were living with the condition in 2022, and by 2040 that number is expected to climb to 3.1 million. It’s the kind of statistic that makes you sit up and listen, and makes a treatment like this one worth understanding properly.

Many assume it’s a wear-and-tear condition – cartilage wears away, bones rub together, pain follows. But that understanding has shifted.

The goal is not to destroy tissue, but to calm chronic inflammation.

“Osteoarthritis is now understood to be an inflammatory and immunemediated disease,” Dr Wong says.

“Activated immune cells within the joint release inflammatory signalling molecules that drive cartilage breakdown, pain, swelling and stiffness.”

Low-dose radiation therapy works by interrupting that inflammatory cycle –calming the immune response rather than destroying tissue.

“The goal is not to destroy tissue,” Dr Wong says. “But to calm chronic inflammation using doses far below those used in cancer treatment.”

That last point is worth dwelling on, because the word radiation can understandably be a common cause of fear and hesitation for many patients.

“A major misconception is that radiation therapy for osteoarthritis is the same as cancer radiation therapy,” he says. “It isn’t. The doses are significantly lower and carefully targeted to the affected joint – a fundamentally different application with a fundamentally different intent.”

It’s also not a treatment for everyone. Ideal candidates are patients who’ve already worked through conservative approaches like medication, physiotherapy, lifestyle modifications without adequate relief, or those who aren’t yet at the point of surgery, or surgery simply isn’t the right path.

“It’s positioned as an intermediate, non-surgical option rather than a first-line treatment,” Dr Wong says.

For those patients, what’s being reported is promising. Pain reduction,

improved joint mobility and a greater ability to manage daily activities are among the documented benefits, with results that can hold over time.

Low-dose radiation therapy is not a curative treatment,” Dr Wong says. “But rather a symptom-relieving intervention, particularly valuable for chronic pain management.”

Crucially, it works alongside existing care rather than replacing it. Physiotherapy, pain management and lifestyle interventions all remain part of the picture. For some patients, it may help delay or reduce the need for joint replacement surgery altogether – which for many people, is reason enough to have the conversation.

In Noosa, an active life outdoors is simply a way of being, and the prospect of long lasting pain relief can mean the difference between enjoying life or wishing it away. For the millions of Australians managing this condition, knowing there’s another option out there is reassuring.

GenesisCare Noosa accepts referrals for low-dose radiation therapy for osteoarthritis and other benign conditions including Dupuytren’s disease, Ledderhose disease, keloid scars and plantar fasciitis.

Speak with your GP to find out whether it may be an option for you.

DID YOU KNOW?

Around 2.1 million Australians were living with osteoarthritis in 2022 — more than half of all people with any form of arthritis.

In Queensland alone, approximately 705,300 people live with arthritis, costing the state health system close to $952 million annually. In 2020–21, an estimated $4.3 billion was spent nationally on osteoarthritis treatment and management.

By 2040, around 3.1 million Australians are expected to have the condition.

A clinical approach to exercise is reshaping how we think about strength, ageing and long-term health – and now, for the first time in years, there’s space for more people to experience it. Ida Fink Gundtoft steps inside Exercise Matters to lift the veil (and the weights) on their expansion.

Exercise, when done properly, is one of the most powerful tools we have for long-term health. Not for aesthetics or quick results, but for building strength, protecting bone density and supporting the body as it changes over time. It’s not complicated – but it does need to be consistent, considered, and guided by the right expertise. That’s exactly where Exercise Matters excels, offering a clinical, evidence-based approach that focuses on what actually works.

For almost three years, Exercise Matters has operated at full capacity –a testament not to hype, but to results. And now, something has shifted, doors have opened and walls have quite literally expanded.

“For the first time in a long time, we have the space and capacity to take on new clients,” said Director Dr Sven Rees.

And we’re not just talking about a handful of people. This is a considered, purpose-built expansion into the neighbouring space, doubling class capacity, introducing new state-of-theart equipment, and welcoming additional

clinicians into the space.

By June, the clinic will house seven exercise physiologists, each bringing a depth of clinical knowledge that elevates this space far beyond what most people would misjudge for a ‘gym’. In fact, that word doesn’t quite belong here.

Step inside Exercise Matters and the atmosphere feels closer to a wellness studio: calm, supportive, and intentionally designed to remove the intimidation so often associated with exercise spaces.

The equipment tells a storyof strength, of rebuilding and of carefully guided progression. But everything is underpinned by something far more powerful than equipment alone: evidence.

“We’re an evidence-based approach to treat bone density,” Sven explains. “For people dealing with osteoporosis, we’re pretty much the only non-medicationbased treatment around.”

And let’s talk about osteoporosis: a condition where bones lose density and become increasingly fragile. This will affect a significant portion of the

population, particularly women. It’s often silent until it isn’t, revealing itself through fractures that can dramatically alter quality of life. Risk factors range from genetics and hormonal changes to lifestyle influences like inactivity, smoking, and low calcium intake. It’s complex, multifaceted and for many, deeply concerning.

But here, at the studio, it’s met with clarity.

Exercise Matters has built its reputation on clinical exercise classes that do more than move the body. The treatment is structured, supervised and adaptable in real time. A hip or knee osteoarthritis class might sit alongside a back rehabilitation program; a client recovering from injury might train next to someone navigating perimenopause, or rebuilding strength post-treatment. Each person is seen individually, even within a group setting.

“It’s a clinical class,” Sven said. “There is treatment as well as the physical element of strengthening. We can always adapt and do the rehab and get them to the next stage.”

It’s this layered approach that sets the clinic apart. Because life, after all, is rarely linear. Bodies change. Injuries happen. Hormones fluctuate. At Exercise Matters, those variables aren’t barriers; they’re part of the process.

Take, for example, the client in a moon boot, unable to place weight on one leg.

Rather than pause, the team work around this to strengthen other areas, maintain momentum and preserving mental wellbeing. Similarly, the woman in her 30s rebuilding her body after chemotherapy; or the client approaching 90, lifting weights that challenge expectations of age entirely.

“There’s no age limit,” Sven says. “It’s about long-term functional health.”

And perhaps that’s the most compelling shift of all. The reframing of exercise not as punishment or obligation, but as medicine. A tool not just for today, but for decades to come.

“Exercise works, it’s medicine,” Sven said. “The important thing is knowing how to do it and doing it.”

Which brings us to the cornerstone of everything Exercise Matters stands for: consistency. In a world that thrives on flexibility and choice, the clinic has taken a deliberately different approach.

Membership here isn’t just access. It’s commitment. Clients secure a specific class time each week, embedding movement into their routine in a way that becomes non-negotiable.

It’s a simple shift. But a powerful one.

Routine leads to consistency. Consistency leads to results. And the numbers speak for themselves. At one point, the retention at the clinic sat at 98.7 percent over six months – a figure almost unheard of in the exercise and health industry. Today, it’s even higher.

“People don’t actually want more choice,” Sven reflected. “They want time and a routine that works.”

There’s something reassuring in knowing where you’ll be, who you’ll see, what you’ll do. In building not just strength, but familiarity, community, confidence. For many who walk through the doors, the first step is the hardest. The fear of the unknown. The belief that they’re ‘not a gym person’. And yet, within weeks, that narrative begins to shift.

“They’re a completely different person,” Sven said. “They’re feeling strong. They’re feeling comfortable. They’re excited.”

And that transformation – subtle at first, then undeniable – is what keeps people coming back. Not just for the physical benefits, but for the sense of empowerment that follows.

“Some of our clients will go on holiday and actually miss the routine,” Sven says. This is also what makes this moment of

expansion so significant. For years, there has been a waiting list of people ready to begin, but unable to step in. Now, with new space, new staff, and a full suite of upgraded equipment, that barrier has lifted. This is, quite simply, an opening for longevity. An opportunity for those managing osteoporosis, navigating perimenopause and ageing. For those who feel stuck in cycles of injury from unsupervised training or who have never lifted a weight in their life, but know that something needs to change.

“We’ve got the staff. We’ve got the facilities. We’ve got the equipment,” Sven said. “It’s the perfect time for people to come and see us.”

And IN Noosa, where lifestyle and longevity walk hand in hand, that invitation feels particularly resonant. Because this isn’t about chasing a version of yourself defined by appearance. It’s about building a body that supports you, through seasons, through challenges, through the passage of time called life. It’s about strength that lasts, movement that matters.

And perhaps most importantly, it’s about rewriting the narrative of ageing and injury altogether. And at Exercise Matters, the future doesn’t look fragile. It looks strong.

FINISHING Strong

As we age, our bodies naturally lose energy and strength. Strength Coach Di Robertson shares her passion and some simple exercises for finishing strong.

As the years go by, many women begin to notice changes in their bodies, energy, and physical abilities. The things that once felt effortless may now require more care, more recovery, and more intention.

And while we may not feel as invincible at 40+ as we did in our younger years, this season of life is not about slowing down; it’s about becoming stronger, wiser, and more intentional with our wellbeing.

For me ‘Finishing Strong’ means choosing to prioritise your health, strength, and vitality so you can continue to live fully and confidently through every stage of life.

Building strength and fitness as we get older becomes more important than ever, because the reason behind it changes.

It’s no longer just about appearance or performance; it’s about creating a body that supports the life we want to live.

We want to move with confidence, carry ourselves with strength, and handle everyday activities without pain, exhaustion, or limitation.

It’s about having the energy to keep up with your career, your family, your passions, and yourself. It’s about protecting your health, preserving your independence, and investing in longevity.

Strong women age differently because they choose not to give up on themselves.

I saw this firsthand while training senior women who regularly attended gym and gave their all in every session. They were an inspiring example of what it truly means to Finish Strong. When I asked them what their secret was, they simply replied: “Don’t stop moving!”

They understood that strength training wasn’t about competition or proving

Strong women age differently because they choose not to give up on themselves!

something. It was about maintaining the ability to move well, live independently, and continue enjoying life. Through structured and consistent training, they are building the strength needed for everyday movement and proving that age does not define capability.

In today’s increasingly sedentary lifestyle, structured and planned exercise has become essential. Strength and fitness training help us function well in our everyday routines while supporting longevity, injury prevention, balance, coordination, and overall quality of life.

As women age, prioritising strength training is even more important for:

• Bone density

• Heart health

• Mental clarity and emotional wellbeing

• Posture and mobility

• Injury prevention

• Energy and confidence

• Dopamine production - the ‘happy hormone’ that boosts mood and motivation

Five Functional Strength Movements to Help You Finish Strong

These five foundational movement patterns mirror the way our bodies naturally move in everyday life and help build practical, functional strength. All of these key movement patterns strengthen major muscle groups, activate the core, and improve posture. More importantly, they reflect how the body naturally functions and help create strength that transfers directly into everyday life.

It’s never too late or too early to begin. Investing in your strength today is one of the greatest gifts you can give your future self.

I highly recommend working with a qualified strength and conditioning coach or personal trainer who can teach correct technique and progressively guide you through a personalised strength program safely and effectively. We can’t simply just show up, we must Finish Strong!

FINISH STRONG

Robertson Register your interest for a 12-week strength-building program with Di-Fit to help build strength, improve fitness, and Finish Strong! Phone Di Robertson: 0419 322243 Email di@di-fit.com.au

Di

PUSH

Exercise: Single Arm Press

Everyday Movement:

Pushing a heavy door open or lifting an object overhead.

Benefits: Develops upper-body pushing power, improves shoulder stability, and strengthens the chest and triceps.

Tip: Brace your core. Press overhead with control. Avoid arching your back.

PULL

Exercise: Lat Pulldown

Everyday Movement:

Pulling a heavy door open, moving furniture, or lifting objects toward you.

Benefits: Improves posture, strengthens the back and biceps, and supports spinal stability, especially important for women working at desks for long hours.

Tip: Pull your elbows down. Keep your chest up. Control the return.

SQUAT

Exercise: Goblet Squat

Everyday Movement:

Sitting down and standing up, getting off the floor, or lifting children.

Benefits: Builds lower-body strength, improves mobility, and increases core stability and balance.

Tip: Chest up. Drive through your heels. Use a bench seat if needed.

HINGE

Exercise: Kettlebell Swing

Everyday Movement:

Bending to pick up laundry, lifting shopping bags, or tying your shoes.

Benefits: Strengthens the glutes, hamstrings, and lower back to support and protect the spine.

Tip: Hinge at the hips. Drive through the glutes. Guide the kettlebell with your arms, don’t lift it.

CARRY

Exercise: Dumbbell Carry Everyday Movement: Carrying groceries, luggage, or heavy bags.

Benefits: Improves grip strength, posture, core stability, and walking endurance.

Tip: Hold with a firm grip. Brace your core. Stand tall and walk with control.

WANT MORE?

Scan the QR code for instructional videos with Di and Tam to ensure you are finishing strong.

A fresh SPARK

A fresh address, a stunning new space and the same brilliant hands. Deb Caruso discovers the spark that has seen Adrian J make his boldest move yet. Coco Chanel famously once said “A woman who cuts her hair is about to change her life”. She understood the power of a good haircut – and the thrill of change.

As does Adrian of Adrian J who, 12 years after opening his first salon on the Coast, has swapped Sunshine Beach for Sunshine Beach Road. The new salon in The Pavilion on Noosa Junction’s main thoroughfare isn’t just a change of address, it’s a whole new chapter.

I have been sitting in Adrian’s chair for years, long enough to have watched his team grow, his reputation solidify and to understand the rhythm of the business. The easy chat. The cups of tea (ok, wine). The sense that you are in the hands of someone who knows exactly what they are doing and cares enough to get it right. That passion, skill and dedication hasn’t changed - just the setting, and with it, comes a fresh burst of energy. It is brighter, calmer and more considered, with the kind of detail that makes you slow down and take a breath the moment you step inside.

For a salon built on trust, conversation and craftsmanship, it feels like the right kind of reset.

Adrian said the decision to move came down to the opportunity to fully make something his own.

“I came to Noosa 12 years ago with my partner, now husband, Alexander, and bought an existing salon but it never fully felt like mine,” he says.

“When the chance came to create something new in a really exciting and vibrant area it’s not something you walk away from.

“It lit a spark.”

The design took about a year to come together and every decision, right down to the lighting, tells you something about the attention to detail that Adrian brings to his craft.

Gone is the runway layout of the old salon, where you could hear and see all the action. In its place, individual stations are positioned so that each mirror frames a different view to create something that somehow feels intimate and open at the same time.

Adrian says he wanted each station to feel private and relaxed.

It works. The moment you walk in, there is a sense that the salon is doing

exactly what a good salon should do: making people feel looked after without making a fuss. The palette is understated, the lines are clean and the whole place has that polished, slightly European vibe Adrian was chasing.

Limewash walls, concrete floors, warm organic textures and the standout lighting, including the ‘spheres’ inspired by a Coldplay concert.

The basin area deserves a mention of its own. Tucked behind a sheer smoke curtain, with ambient lighting and reclining massage chairs, Adrian says it’s a sanctuary – and he’s not overselling it.

The entire experience is deliberately unhurried: freshly laundered towels, T2 teas served in vintage cups and teapots, Flying West coffee, tap or sparkling water, fresh flowers. Salon time is ‘me’ time so this is exactly what I need.

“All the luxuries,” Adrian says, with the sort of quiet satisfaction of someone who has thought carefully about every single detail.

He had the space cleansed before moving in – an energy clearing to make the salon entirely his own. I didn’t raise an eyebrow. You spend enough time in

Jade, Adrian, Bek and Lana

my life and I love it every day.

someone’s chair and you understand and appreciate the way they think.

He talks about hair the way other people talk about art, and that is exactly how he treats it. Not as a quick service, not as a task to be ticked off, but as a considered process that ends when the result is right.

“That’s my background,” he said. “Every single haircut I do is approached

That philosophy has been with him for decades. Originally from the UK, he started in hair aged 19 and trained in London with hair architects Vidal Sassoon and built a career around precision, structure and creativity. He has been a Creative Director, educator and global ambassador for L’Oreal but the essence stays the same: listen first, ...it’s

like a piece of art.”

then create. He pays attention to face shape, hair texture, lifestyle and personality, and he is not afraid to say when something will or won’t work.

“For me, it’s not a job,” he says. “It’s my life and I love it every day. I still get as much from it as I did the first time I picked up a pair of scissors.”

That careful approach is part of why his clients stay loyal. It is also why the move matters. This is not just a new shopfront. It is a repositioning, a refresh and, in a way, a statement of intent.

The team around him is small but strong. Lana, a Senior Stylist who has been with Adrian for nine years, is also the Salon Manager, which means he can focus more on clients. Bek is an emerging stylist and is expected to be a colourist by year’s end; and Jade is an apprentice starting her hairdressing journey, which gives the salon a useful mix of experience and freshness.

“We work together really well,” Adrian said of his team. “And we’re looking for another stylist – so if you’ve got a talent for hair, come and see us.”

The salon may be in a new location, but the experience is still unmistakably Adrian J: smart, personal, meticulous and for those who appreciate the lifechanging difference of a proper haircut.

Elevated Living HIGH FREQUENCY

There is a lifestyle movement reshaping fashion, interiors, travel and wellness culture and Carlie Wacker discovers a local brand that is leading the charge.

Welcome to the world of high-frequency living where luxury is no longer just about how something looks; it is about how it feels.

The spaces we create, the clothing we wear and the rituals we surround ourselves with are increasingly designed to elevate mood, energy and wellbeing.

Once considered niche or alternative wellness language, ‘high frequency’ has become part of the modern wellness conversation and I am here for it.

The idea centres around embracing environments, habits and products that encourage feelings of calm, joy, clarity and emotional balance.

In a world overloaded with noise, stress and digital fatigue, people are searching for experiences that feel grounding, restorative and intentional.

It is why fashion is softening. Why homes are becoming sanctuaries. Why travel is more mindful - and why fragrance has evolved beyond perfume and into a soulful ritual.

At the forefront of this shift are Luxe Candle Co and The Frequency Collection, a Sunshine Coast brand embracing the idea that scent, space and energy are deeply connected.

Led by Founder Meagen Kwiatkowski the brand’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that luxury should not only look beautiful but also enhance the emotional atmosphere of a home.

Candles, mists, teas and crystalinfused products are designed to transform everyday moments into grounding rituals.

The rise of high-frequency living reflects a broader cultural shift

replacing purely aesthetic decorating trends.

High-frequency living taps into all of these ideas. It blends beauty with feeling. Style with atmosphere. Wellness with design.

happening across industries.

In fashion, consumers are gravitating towards tactile fabrics, earthy palettes and pieces that feel emotionally comforting rather than performative.

Soft tailoring, flowing silhouettes, natural fibres and sensory textures like boucle, silk and linen have replaced rigid glamour. In interiors, homes are evolving into personal wellness retreats.

Minimal clutter, layered textures, warm lighting and fragrance rituals are

Consumers are no longer styling homes purely for appearance, they are curating emotional environments.

A fragrance can energise a space, create calm, inspire focus or evoke nostalgia within seconds.

This is where brands like Luxe Candle Co and The Frequency Collection are resonating with modern consumers. Their products sit at the intersection of wellness, design and sensory living.

I have long practiced the ritual of lighting a scented candle each evening as a signal to sign off and unwind.

I think that is the appeal of highfrequency luxury philosophy, it celebrates the conscious rituals like lighting that candle at the end of the day, preparing herbal tea or resetting a room with fragrance.

These small conscious acts creating moments of pause within busy lives.

This shift has been accelerated by the wellness movement, the rise of nervous system awareness and a growing desire for homes and wardrobes that feel nurturing.

Even in fashion editorials and lifestyle campaigns, there is a noticeable move towards softness, nature, grounding colours and sensory storytelling.

High-frequency living taps into all of these ideas. It blends beauty with feeling. Style with atmosphere. Wellness with design.

For Luxe Candle Co and The Frequency Collection, this philosophy is woven through every detail in products from crystal-inspired candles to fragrances designed to shift mood and energy within a space.

The brand reflects a new era of luxury where emotional and energetic connection matters just as much as craftsmanship.

To create the highest frequency sanctuary at home, start with Luxe Candle Co and The Frequency Collection products. Grande, Uniqueness and Opulence are absolute best sellers!

The Nurture tea made with organic herbs of lavender, rosehip, peppermint, brahmi, black cohosh, cinnamon and vibrational flower essence calm the nervous system; and any one of the gorgeous individually handcrafted candles with crystals infused with the highest frequency will transform any space.

Add to the list of winter essentials for a calming abode the Ritual bath teas and Magnesium premium bath salts to soak into a warm bliss and Hemp seed concentrate to rehydrate your skin.

Take a deep breath and sink into a slower more intentional way of living with Luxe Candle Co and The Frequency Collection.

Find your frequency and more at Ivory Collective Haus in Maple Street, Maleny or discover more online at www.thefrequencycollection.com

WINTER

IN NOOSA

As the air cools and the landscape deepens into rich winter tones, fashion finds its perfect backdrop at The Kin Kin Hotel. Nestled between the coast and hinterland, the region’s most talked-about destination sets the scene for a winter editorial grounded in warmth, texture and timeless style. Against weathered timber, lush green surrounds and the easy charm of country hospitality, this season’s fashion story embraces an earthy palette of stormy neutrals, illuminated by striking accents of sunset red and burgundy. Inspired by the natural beauty of hinterland living and the relaxed sophistication of the Sunshine Coast, the collection layers rich colour, tactile fabrics and heritage-inspired silhouettes to create a wardrobe that feels both nostalgic and undeniably modern. The result is a celebration of winter dressing shaped by atmosphere, connection and the understated romance of country escape.

Carlie Wacker @worldofwacker

Vastra jacket handloomed Madka silk in Indra from Soul Song Life, 0412 246 550 Burke denim jeans, superfine merino wool singlet, Cable Melbourne, 5211 1482

Brooks Vanguard in Port, Frankie4 Levi soft white emboss sneaker and Camper Pelotas Soller in Blue Suede, all from Feet First Noosa, 5447 2211.

Pure cashmere relaxed knit top in biscuit, Edition Ebony Pant in Fawn, Oxford Coat in Port, leather belt, all from Cable Melbourne, 5211 1482

Brooks Vanguard in Port from Feet First Noosa, 5447 2211.

Birkenstock Wrapped in Pink Clay Suede Frankie4 Levi soft white emboss sneaker Brooks Vanguard in Port Camper Pelotas Soller in Blue Suede All from Feet First Noosa, 5447 2211.

Cherry Check tie top and skirt, Nadia Dafri clutch and Flabelus Imelda shoes from Sara Leonardi, www.itsafad.com

9k Yellow Gold Drop Earrings featuring Coober Pedy Doublet Opals

14k Yellow Gold and Diamond pendant featuring 6.99ct Queensland Boulder Opal

18k Yellow Gold and Diamond Ring featuring a 4.2ct Andamooka Crystal Opal

14k Yellow Gold Ring featuring a 2.9ct Queensland Boulder Opal

14k Yellow Gold Bracelet featuring Coober Pedy Crystal Opals

Jeanie Sculptural drawstring top and Lara skirt in black, resin bangle from Wacker Clothing Company, wackerclothingcompany.com.

Olukai slides from Feet First Noosa, 5447 2211.

Marilyn shirt embroidery Anglaise and Kiki dress in Chocolate from Wacker Clothing Company, wackerclothingcompany.com. Shoes, model’s own.

Vastra jacket handloomed Madka silk in Indra from Soul Song Life, 0412 246 550. Burke denim jeans, superfine merino wool singlet from Cable Melbourne, 5211 1482. Camper Pelotas Soller in Blue Suede from Feet First Noosa, 5447 2211

Ranger hat in Spice from Akubra, 0477 384 137 Scarf from Soul Song Life, 0412 246 550 Knits from Cable Melbourne, 5211 1482

Cotton robe from Manawee Garden Centre, 5445 2406

SHOP OUR ONLINE

Lookbook

See something you like? Shop the HOTTEST looks and local labels online!

Simply scan the QR code to access the Winter 2026 Lookbook with shoppable links to take you from curious to catwalk-ready!

the team

Fashion Editor: Carlie Wacker @worldofwacker

Creative Direction: Ali Smith @graphicali

Photographer: Ian Waldie @ianwaldiephotography

HMUA:

Craig and Lara Argent @pony_beauty_bar_noosa

Model: Jessica Rigg @jessica_kate_rigg Chic Management @chic-brisbane

Shot on Location at: The Kin Kin Hotel @kinkinhotel

Big Presence SMALL GESTURES

It takes confidence and resolve for an artwork to hold a space. Even more so if that artwork is small in scale.

But the other thing that a small object asks you to do is to look carefully and closely. There’s an intimacy to small works that can be absent in larger gestures. They invite you into their space rather than spilling into yours.

The Australian Ceramics Association is bringing a collection of petite pots and other small-scale ceramics to Noosa Regional Gallery this winter, drawn from the practices of their expansive membership base.

Titled Continuum, the exhibition sees a floating shelf trace a path around the perimeter of the Gallery, dotted with 89 works that draw you in close, then command attention once you’re there.

The repetition and the rhythm the installation creates as the collection of objects make a circuit around the space is a compelling visual experience of its own. You’re left with a sense of how

many beautifully intimate objects there are in the world, each awaiting our discovery and attention, if only we give them the space and time.

Similarly, in the adjacent exhibition space, Melbourne-based painter, Fabrizio Biviano has amassed fifty small scale paintings of a common subject.

The grey-scale depiction of roughly squeezed paint tubes, positioned like portraits in their individual picture planes, gather in one part of the Gallery, leaving the surrounding walls bare.

These empty spaces, in turn, amplify the presence of the still lives clustered en masse.

At first there’s a self-similarity to the paintings that Biviano gives us –doppelganger depictions of tubes skilfully painted again and again.

On closer inspection, the gifts of these works are in their individual titles –painted on the flat surface of each tube’s label, squeezed into subtly undulating 3D forms.

Names like Side Eye Green, Chlorine Haze and Guilty Pleasures lend a sinister tone to the otherwise ordinary objects. They draw into question what associations words bring to objects, in this case, metaphorically colouring the otherwise monochrome paint.

Stephanie Henricks, Drip, Wheel Thrown Red Clay Vase, 2025

Fabrizio Biviano, Guilty Pleasures, oil on canvas, 45cm x 35cm, 2026, Side Eye Green, oil on canvas, 45cm x 35cm, 2026, Chlorine Haze, oil on canvas, 45cm x 35cm, 2026

Noosa Regional Gallery Director Michael Brennan encourages contemplation in the art of the small and sublime this winter.

WHAT’S ON AT NOOSA REGIONAL ART GALLERY

20 June-12 July

IMAGINATE: Fields of Feelings

Artist Bonnie Hislop invites you to creatively explore your emotions and personal victories through clay, collage and drawing at Noosa Regional Gallery’s biennial children’s exhibition event, IMAGINATE. This exhibition is full of BIG emotions and tiny treasures. A place where all feelings belong and every emotion has a space to shine.

$5 per entry, bookings essential.

18 July to 13 September

THE AUSTRALIAN CERAMICS ASSOCIATION - Continuum FABRIZIO BIVIANO - Colourful Language Free entry.

Scan the QR code for bookings, workshops and more or visit www.noosaregionalgallery.com.au

Noosa Regional Gallery, 9 Pelican Street Tewantin

20 June – 12 July 2026

An exhibition full of big emotions and tiny treasures. We invite you to creatively explore your emotions and personal victories through clay, collage and drawings.

$5 per person | bookings essential

Proudly supported by Kiwi Underglaze, Zart, Haymes Paint, First 5 Forever & Noosa Council.

noosaregionalgallery.com.au

Jenny Mulcahy, Winged Vessel, Raku Clay, 2022

Kim Power, Accretion, Earthenware, 2025

Image:

Courtesy of Bonnie Hislop.

10 THINGS WE LOVE ABOUT

So Noosa

Jodie

Cameron has ten very good reasons to love Studio One Noosa…

In a world increasingly driven by algorithms, automation and mass production, Studio One Noosa’s Richard Donelly and Juanita Van Den Bergh continue to champion something refreshingly human: creativity, connection and community.

Located in the heart of Noosaville, Studio One Noosa has quietly grown from a fine art print and art studio into one of the region’s most recognised gallery and creative destinations. Now evolving under the broader identity of So Noosa, the gallery remains committed to celebrating art, artists and the unique lifestyle that makes this corner of Australia so special.

As Juanita says, “We’re not trying to be the biggest gallery in Australia. We’re simply trying to be the most Noosa.”

Here are ten reasons why we love them so…

1. They Love Original Art

At its core, Studio One Noosa exists to support artists and connect collectors with meaningful work.

creativity, style and sense of place.

3. They Love Supporting Artists

Studio One Noosa is more than a gallery. It is a platform for artists to exhibit, grow and connect with new audiences.

The gallery proudly represents a curated selection of Australian artists while also providing professional fine art printing, exhibition support, marketing assistance and opportunities for artists to expand their practice.

From immersive installations and collaborative projects to emerging artist showcases and experimental exhibitions, Studio One Noosa believes that art should provoke thought, inspire conversation and occasionally challenge expectations.

Some of the gallery’s most successful exhibitions have come from taking chances and embracing new ideas.

5. They Love Making Art Accessible

The team firmly believes that art should be approachable and enjoyable rather than intimidating.

The gallery proudly showcases original artworks from established and emerging Australian artists, believing that every piece should carry a story, a personality and a genuine creative voice.

In an age of mass produced artworks, they remain passionate advocates for authentic art.

2. They Love Noosa

The gallery’s philosophy is deeply influenced by its surroundings. The natural beauty, coastal lifestyle, hinterland landscapes and creative energy of the region continually inspire the artists, collectors and visitors who walk through the doors.

The transition to So Noosa reflects a commitment to celebrating everything that makes Noosa unique - its culture,

The gallery is also home to resident artist and curator Juanita Van Den Bergh, whose vibrant contemporary works have become synonymous with the Studio One experience. Her intuitive use of colour, texture and emotion reflects the creative spirit that underpins everything the gallery stands for.

Under Juanita’s new ‘Curators Choice’ model, every work in the gallery is there for a reason. She draws from a hand selected stable of artists whose work genuinely aligns with the gallery ethos, it’s that careful curation that has put Studio One Noosa on the map as one of the region’s finest art destinations.

4. They Love Taking Creative Risks

Not every exhibition follows convention.

Whether someone is purchasing their first artwork, commissioning a custom piece, producing a limited edition print or building a serious collection, Studio One Noosa strives to make the experience welcoming, educational and enjoyable. They believe that art is for everyone.

6. They Love Creating Locally

Every day, artworks are printed, stretched and framed within the gallery’s Noosa based production studio.

Through their ‘Noosa Made’ philosophy, Studio One Noosa supports local suppliers, craftspeople and artists while producing museum quality canvas and fine art prints for collectors, designers, photographers and artists throughout Australia.

It is a point of pride that so much of what leaves the gallery is created locally.

7. They Love Beautiful Spaces

Art has the power to transform an environment.

The team regularly works with homeowners, interior designers, property stylists, accommodation providers and commercial clients to curate artworks that elevate spaces and create lasting

Juanita Van Den Bergh and Richard Donelly

emotional connections.

Their belief is simple: great art doesn’t just decorate a room - it defines it.

8. They Love Collaboration

Creativity thrives when people work together.

Studio One Noosa is a proud supporter of the local arts community and work closely with Noosa Open Studios, supporting their yearly Art Trail.

As founding members of Gateway to Art Noosa - a collaborative collective of local galleries, studios and creative businesses in Gateway Drive - they are committed to encouraging greater opportunities for artists, attracting

visitors and strengthening Noosa’s reputation as one of Australia’s leading cultural destinations.

9. They Love Giving Back

Community has always been central to the gallery’s purpose.

Over the years, Studio One Noosa has actively supported local charities, fundraising initiatives and community events, using art as a vehicle for positive impact.

A highlight of the calendar is the annual Pretty in Pink exhibition and auction held each October. This much loved event brings together artists from across Australia to donate original

“We’re evolving into something that feels so much more Noosa.

We connect you with art that feeds your soul, from unknown hidden studios to celebrated artists—because great art should be both accessible and unforgettable.

Our selections are bold, courageous, a little luxe and absolutely unapologetic.”

Here, creativity is curated, considered and always unmistakably SO… Noosa.

artworks, with proceeds supporting the McGrath Foundation and its vital work funding Cancer Care Nurses.

The event has become one of the gallery’s most anticipated exhibitions, demonstrating the powerful role art can play in bringing people together for a meaningful cause.

10. They Love Being So Noosa

More than a brand, So Noosa is a mindset.

It represents creativity without pretension, quality without compromise and a genuine appreciation for the lifestyle and culture that define the region. It is relaxed yet So-phisticated. Local yet connected. Contemporary yet timeless.

As Studio One Noosa continues to evolve, the vision remains unchanged: to create a place where artists are supported, collectors are inspired and creativity is celebrated every day.

Because at the end of the day, art is not simply something to look at; it is something to live with - and that’s very much the So Noosa way.

Art. Print. Create. That’s So Noosa. Visit Studio One Noosa, 10/64 Gateway Drive, Noosaville, or online at www.studioonenoosa.com.au

Debra Hutton, Juanita Van Den Bergh & Jo Cook at the Affordable Art Fair, Brisbane.

WILD AND Elegant

From local wildflowers to national art fairs, Noosa artist Jasmine Veronique is scaling up without losing her roots. Jodie Cameron explores her evolution amongst the wallum.

The beauty of the Australian bush demands full attention, but few landscapes are as quietly intricate as the Sunshine Coast’s wallum.

It is a secluded place of resilient beauty, where the light dances through dense undergrowth and swamp banksias stand as stoic sentinels. For Jasmine Veronique, this isn’t just a backdrop; it’s her very own ecosystem and that sense of place is carried through her work in the most gentle, ethereal way.

I popped into her studio at Kim Wallace Ceramics in Noosaville. As she guided me through the workshop and introduced me to fellow artists, it was clear that Jasmine was exactly where she was meant to be, in an inspiring place surrounded by immense talent.

While Jasmine’s work is a fixture in the Noosa creative scene, including being featured on a front cover of IN Noosa Magazine, this July her reach extends north for a collaboration with Gympie Regional Council at the Gympie Regional Gallery. Her exhibition, The Wildflower Letters will run from 18 July until 27 August, coinciding with Walking Art Now by the Australian Walking Artists group which includes members of the Wildflower Women Collective.

“The wildflower women are essentially taking over the gallery,” Jasmine laughs.

It’s a significant milestone bridging the gap between grassroots community art and formal gallery representation.

The wildness in Jasmine’s work is often described as playful, but painting local flora isn’t just about documenting a species – though she admits an obsession with swamp banksias – it’s about revisiting the feeling of exploring the wallum.

“I love the dance of the wildflowers; I feel like that comes from my childhood,” she says. “Translating that onto a canvas, it becomes less about the individual plant and more about what it means to be within that landscape.”

This obsessive attention to detail has seen Jasmine’s career mirror the subjects she so delicately depicts – blooming and reaching toward new horizons.

While scaling an art business often brings fear of dilution, Jasmine manages her growth with precision. Whether she’s working on her wildflower stamp series or preparing for the Affordable Art Fairs, fine art remains her north star.

“I always come back to the original work; that’s where the integrity sits,”

I want people to feel like they’ve stepped into our wallum, rather than simply viewing a painting.

she explained. “Anything beyond that must add value, that’s my anchor.”

This year marks a shift toward a more deliberate practice, moving into a more concerted, curated space and includes a collaboration with Kim Wallace Ceramics. A partnership born from organic trust that features Jasmine’s favourite wildflowers on functional ceramic pieces.

“This collection is a beautiful example of how art can become functional without losing its soul,” Jasmine says.

Looking ahead, Jasmine is excited to expand into textile and fashion licensing; and I squealed with excitement when she shared that she’s pitched to Nancybird – a brand famous for collaborating with Australian artists. I will be first in line!

“Accessibility isn’t about simplifying the work, it’s about offering different

PHOTOS: CHRISTINE HALL

entry points,” she says. “Some people connect through a painting, others through an object they live with every day. It’s about maintaining the same level of care and intention across everything I create.”

Part of scaling up involves formalising her printmaking. To protect the value of her originals, Jasmine is launching a limited-edition print release of handembellished pieces that will only be released once a year.

As Jasmine prepares for her upcoming exhibition and continues working with local collectives like Stevens Street Gallery, she is focused on a legacy.

Her goal isn’t just a painting on a canvas; she wants her audience to step into a space.

“The impact I’m aiming for is something that lingers,” she says. “I want people to feel like they’ve stepped into our wallum, rather than simply viewing a painting.”

With national art fairs on the horizon, the rise of the wildflower seems less like a trend and more like a natural, inevitable expansion – one that has found its perfect storyteller in Jasmine, as she continues to draw her greatest inspiration from the wild beauty of the wallum.

IN THE WILD

Experience Jasmine’s art in the flesh: The Wildflower Letters

Gympie Regional Gallery 18 July to 27 August, Free entry. Exhibition opening 18 July, 11am. In conjunction with Walking Art Now. Affordable Art Fairs

27-30 August - Melbourne

5-8 November - Sydney

Free entry

Scan the QR code to discover more of Jasmine’s story, art and to read Jasmine’s insights on the rise of Australian wildflower art and seasonal styling or visit www.jasmineveronique.art

ART INSPIRED BY THE BEAUTY OF LOCAL WILDFLOWERS

Studio 10 Leo Alley Road, Noosaville. By Appointment Only www.jasmineveronique.art

Earthstar

Guardian

Are you an art enthusiast or simply wanting to learn from some of the best? Jodie Cameron explores what’s on offer at the Butter Factory Arts Centre…

pARTicipate Art Jam

The Cooroy Butter Factory Arts Centre is a hub for art lovers and makers of all skill levels with a full pottery studio equipped with wheels, kilns and plenty of workspaces for inspiration and collaboration as well as an ever-evolving calendar of courses and workshops.

The historic, repurposed building hosts regular exhibitions celebrating local creatives and providing community connection - plus the Artisan Store is my go-to for discovering handcrafted and heartfelt gifts, fashion, homewares and more - all created by local artists and artisans.

Which is why I’m excited about the upcoming program to help established and emerging artists build their practice.

From 4 August to 13 September, the Butter Factory Arts Centre is launching pARTcipate, a six-week program that will transform the gallery into a purposeful place of education and immersion.

Some artists are born with palettes and purpose, others find their creative spark later in life, often tucked between the demands of a busy career or hobby.

For those wanting to improve their creative practice and learn some business basics about what it takes to become a practicing artist, pARTicipate will include an inaugural Winter Art School as well as welcome back Art Jam where artists can take up residency in an environment bursting with creative support.

There’s something thrilling about being part of the foundational year of an arts program so whether you’re a total novice or a seasoned creator, the Winter Art School is sure to inspire.

Unlike the one-day masterclasses, this is a true six-week art school where participants can deep-dive into workshops during the week along with

two-day weekend sessions.

Factory Coordinator Kevin Wilson said the Winter Art School offered the chance for artists to go beyond the basics and learn professional techniques from some major Australian artists.

“The program is exceptionally strong,” he says. “We have incredibly talented artists visiting from across the region and country, to share their expertise.”

Join local animal artist Fiona Groom for a two-day workshop learning practical techniques to capture the personality of your favourite furry friend.

Black Mountain artist Colin Pennock will share his secrets on abstract landscape and textural application, while Brisbane’s Adele Outteridge brings her multidisciplinary expertise in book arts and printmaking.

New South Wales artist Laith McGregor, who recently exhibited in Los Angeles will lead the Drawing Room workshop, focusing on creative momentum and studio development.

“My workshop helps generate alternate and inspiring approaches to art and varied practices, by using the subconscious as a tool for creative potential and a constructive starting point for art making,” Laith says.

The beauty of pARTicipate is its flexibility; choose a single week, evening or weekend or mix and match throughout the program. Untutored life drawing, sessions on art and mental health, and the practical side like creative commerce, such as marketing for artists also keeps the momentum flowing.

Supported by Bendigo Bank, the initiative ensures world-class tuition remains accessible here in Noosa.

The popular Art Jam program also returns, running for six weeks alongside

the Winter Art School.

In a shift for 2026, the program moves into the front three galleries where artists will work in-situ from studio stalls. It offers a rare opportunity for visitors to take a look at the creative process and to engage with the creators behind the work.

Applications to hire one of the studio spaces are now open - but be quick as applications close 31 July with only ten places available.

If you’ve been thinking about rolling up your sleeves and trying something new, get amongst the hinterland energy this winter. Sign up for a course, drop in for a mosey and see some works in progress; you might just find the inspiration to join a class next year.

If you aren’t ready to pick up a brush yourself, the immersive atmosphere, exhibitions and Artisan Store with curated jewellery, woodwork, and ceramics, justifies a visit.

PARTICIPATE IN ART

pARTicipate - 4 August to 13 September

WINTER ART SCHOOL

Details for this inaugural program are now available online with bookings open.

ART JAM APPLICATIONS

Book a studio stall to work in-situ for 1 to 6 weeks. Weekly rates $100 ($90 for members) plus 20% commission on sales. Applications close 31 July .

WHILE YOU’RE THERE!

Wander through the Creamery and Butter Box rooms to see the latest curated collections from regional and touring artists and visit the Artisan Store for locally-crafted gifts and more.

Scan the QR code or visit www.cooroybutterfactory.com.au

Colin Pennock

Kellick Marine Concepts

BEHIND THE

Studio Door

Get ready to be inspired by Queensland’s largest open studios event, where the route is yours to choose and every stop offers a creative burst. Charlie Shelley explores what this year’s Noosa Open Studios has in store.

Art holds a special place in our lives. It brings us joy, contemplation and inspiration, and it can add a splash of colour and intrigue to the spaces in which we live, work and play. But while we regularly enjoy the effects of art, few of us have had the chance to peek behind the curtain to see where the work begins – in the studio, at the workbench, on the wall, in the quiet hours where an idea - a spark - slowly turns into something real.

Noosa Open Studios is here to change that. Now in its 11th year, the annual event sees artists open the doors to their creative spaces for ten days, giving art lovers the chance to meet the makers, ask questions and follow a trail that stretches from the coastline to the hinterland.

It is a choose-your-own-adventure style experience, where visitors can shape their own route, linger where something catches their eye and discover new favourites along the way.

The event runs on the days nominated by each participating artist, with studios open from 10am to 4pm, making it easy

to plan a day or string together a few visits across the region.

This year, the event returns to August to take advantage of the final throes of winter and, the participating artists have been carefully curated to a more sustainable number to allow for more time to linger, talk and take in each space without feeling rushed.

Wallace House remains as the starting point with an exhibition representing each artist’s work as well as maps, artist information and advice from the friendly volunteers to help you plan your journey.

To truly make the most of the experience, download the Noosa Open Studios Trail App before heading out. Search, filter and browse the full list of participating artists, then build your own itinerary visiting the creative spaces and artists you most want to see. Plus, it links with Google Maps, making navigating the trail an effortless experience.

Variety is the spice of life so tailor the day around new experiences or your own

interests – whether that means visiting painters, ceramicists, sculptors, artisans, printmakers - or a little of everything.

One visit might lead to a conversation about light and landscape, the next to a discussion about texture, form or the stubborn unpredictability of making art by hand.

The beauty of the event is that there is no single way to do it. Some people will set out with a plan and tick off a handful of studios in a neat line. Others will wander a little more freely, allowing one visit to lead to another as the day unfolds - perhaps stopping into a café, restaurant or bar along the way... Either way, the quest of creative

LEFT: AMANDA BROOKS, PHOTO: GEORGIA BEARD. BELOW: KATE OWEN, PHOTO: IAN WALDIE

curiosity is bound to be rewarding. There is also more to this year’s program than the studio trail itself.

A luncheon on 31 July at Sunshine Beach Surf Club will serve as both a fundraiser and a cracking way to spend a Friday with stunning ocean views, a fabulous feast and online auction featuring art and a mix of other donations including beauty products, accommodation, jewellery and tickets to the Broncos.

Studio One Noosa will be hosting an exhibition of artworks in its gallery for two weeks ahead of the auction, giving potential buyers the chance to view the

pieces in person before bidding with funds also going towards McGrath Foundation.

Internationally renowned Australian artist Michael Zavros will be the guest speaker to add another layer of interest to the month’s celebrations of creativity.

The result is a trail of discovery - a road trip through the region’s artistic heart. It’s a chance to enter the creative sanctuaries of some of our most talented residents to better understand and appreciate how living in Noosa influences and inspires their artistic pursuit.

InNoosa Advert-Luncheon Page.pdf 1 21/5/2026 10:26 am

And you might just find a special piece that captures your heart.

14-23 August 2026

10-Day Art Extravaganza Noosa Open Studios Art Trail

Witness Noosa’s creative spirit come alive this August, as more than 80 artists throw open the doors to their creative spaces and invite the public in to learn about methods (and the madness!) that underpins their work.

For artist profiles, workshop bookings, or to download the Noosa Open Studios App or the official Art Trail Guide, visit www.noosaopenstudios.com.au

NOOSA O PE N STUDI OS FUNDRAIS ING AR T AUCT ION LUNCHE ON

YO U ARE INV I TED..

.

Join us for a fabulous celebration of art, community, and giving at this year’s Noosa Open Studios event. Enjoy a delicious long lunch with a welcome drink in the stunning Ocean View Room at Sunshine Beach Surf Club, while exploring an exciting online auction featuring artworks, accommodation, jewellery, beauty experiences, and more.

Special guest speaker Michael Zavros, internationally renowned Australian artist and seven-time , will join us for an exclusive Conversation in Person

This special event proudly supports the McGrath Foundation, helping cancer patients and their families access vital care and support

Seats are limited. Book now and be part of an unforgettable afternoon celebrating creativity, connection, and community.

ANDREW HILLHOUSE.

PHOTO: MEGAN GILL

JO COOK. PHOTO: IAN WALDIE

Into Dreams TURNING CREATIVE IDEAS

The Sunshine Coast Arts Foundation (SCAF) is proving that philanthropy is more than a gift. Nicole May uncovers how SCAF enables artists like Libby Derham to push the boundaries of traditional watercolour into experimental new territories.

In the creative space of Alsahwa Estate’s ethos restaurant, Emeritus Professor Jennifer Radbourne, Chair of Sunshine Coast Arts Foundation (SCAF), spoke to the transformative power of the arts for the Business in the Arts Lunch. Her message was clear: ‘In a region as gifted as the Sunshine Coast, our artists are our greatest assets’.

“SCAF believes a gift is an investment,” Professor Radbourne explained to the guests. “Our artists foster creativity, critical thinking, and innovation -skills essential to a productive society”.

It is this philosophy that drives SCAF’s Gifted Program, a direct-funding initiative designed to bridge the gap between an artist’s pipeline dream and professional fruition.

For Libby Derham, a fourth-generation watercolourist based in Palmwoods, this support was the catalyst for a project that redefined her practice. Libby doesn’t just paint landscapes; she captures the very air around her.

“I begin by transcribing birdsong,” Libby says, her voice reflecting the quiet focus of her plein-air work. “I use a pencil and listen to their sounds and transcribe that into a line.”

This deeply personal process - rooted in her grandfather’s traditional English watercolour techniques but pushed into the contemporary forefront - took an experimental leap thanks to SCAF philanthropic funding.

Through the Gifted Program, Libby was able to collaborate with sound engineers to explore cymatics: the visualisation of sound.

“If you can picture this, we laid a subwoofer speaker on its back and were able to bring the sounds of Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve into the speaker and allow the specific sounds to then vibrate on the membrane,” Libby explains.

Using a petri dish with liquid and watercolour paper, Libby then ‘live painted’ the vibrations of the birdsong, capturing the reaction of pigment to sound.

“Something you would normally just dream of but not actually see come to life,” Libby shares.

For Libby, whose journey has been shaped by understanding the sensory profiles of her children, this ability to lose oneself in the visual and auditory world is vital for mental health and connection to nature.

The Sunshine Coast currently boasts one of the highest concentrations of

Libby Derham

artists in Australia, and Professor Radbourne said the Foundation holds a significant leadership role in the arts on the Sunshine Coast.

“Art achieves its highest moment when it is valued by the beholder,” she says. “So, peace, beauty, inspiration, connection, wonder and even challenge emerge.”

Through professional development, mentoring, and entrepreneurship, SCAF supports everyone from visual artists and filmmakers to Indigenous craft workers and musicians.

Professor Radbourne’s call to action isn’t just for big business; it is for anyone who values the cultural heartbeat of the Coast.

Whether it’s bringing murals into a workspace or office, donating directly for a tax deduction, or attending the upcoming Annual Giving Campaign, every bit of support helps an emerging artist reach their pipeline dream.

For local artists, Libby’s success serves as a roadmap. She now acts as a mentor and advocate, encouraging her peers to engage with the Foundation.

“It’s great to see the network within the Sunshine Coast really develop and become a strong advocate for visual arts,” she notes.

The work of SCAF ensures that the stories, sounds, and colours of our region aren’t just passing whispers, but an artistic legacy for future generations.

Whether an artist or an art lover, to donate or create, visit www.scartsfoundation.com for more.

+ Gallery Framing Inspired

Patron John Gallagher

Emeritus Professor Jennifer Radbourne and Alsahwa Founder Jo Walker

Noosa CREATED IN

Noosa has always been home to an extraordinary creative community. Mosey down the Junction laneways, wander the many galleries, market stalls or festivals and the talent is impossible to miss.

But finding the right photographer, the right illustrator or the right maker for a project meant relying on word-ofmouth, a friend-of-a-friend-of-a-friend or a lucky Instagram scroll. That disconnection is exactly why Locate was built. Noosa Shire Council’s newest initiative is an online directory where artists, designers, musicians, filmmakers, producers, artisans and fashion and textile makers can be found – not by algorithm, but by intention.

Ruby Donohoe, Cultural Development Officer at Noosa Council and a creative herself, has been instrumental in bringing it to life.

“Much of the creative work exists across scattered networks, word-ofmouth connections and fleeting visibility online,” Ruby says. “Locate was built as a direct response – a platform designed to make the region’s creative community more connected and discoverable.”

So why Locate and not just a quick Google search or Instagram scroll? Where similar platforms reward follower counts, trending content and advertising spend, Locate offers slower, more meaningful browsing rooted in curiosity, collaboration and place.

“It allows people to encounter local artists and creative businesses within a

broader cultural landscape, rather than through posts or disconnected search results,” Ruby says. “You might find what you were looking for, but you’re just as likely to discover practices, projects and people you never would have otherwise.”

Locate was built to dissolve the idea that creativity exists separately from the wider life of the region. A local café might commission an illustrator; a festival producer might discover a performance artist and a business seeking a fresh perspective could connect with a designer working just down the road. It opens pathways for the kind of exchange that produces the work people cherish and remember – not just transactions.

“Artists are not operating in isolation,” Ruby says. “They are contributing to tourism, hospitality, events, public life, education, design and storytelling. Creativity isn’t an extra – it’s central to the life of this place.”

The platform is supported by the Regional Arts Development Fund, a partnership between the Queensland Government and Noosa Council, but Locate’s vision is much bigger than its funding source. Think of it as creative infrastructure, less visible than a new road or building but just as formative in shaping how a place feels and who it is.

Even in its early stages, Locate is already generating new conversations. Artists are finding one another across

disciplines, festivals are identifying emerging practitioners, a filmmaker has discovered a choreographer, a designer has found a musician. These are the relationships that become the next festival, the next public artwork, the next thing people are talking about long after they’ve left.

Lyndon Davis, a Kabi Kabi man whose work spans painting, community arts and cultural mentorship, represents the kind of practice Locate was built to honour – creativity inseparable from Country, community and responsibility.

Visual artist Amanda Bennetts creates large-scale immersive installations exploring chronic illness, disability, care and the aesthetics of wellness culture. Working across video, sound and sculptural environments, her practice has recently featured at Ars Electronica, ISEA, CTM Festival in Berlin and received major acquisitive prize at the 2025 Girra: Fraser Coast National Art Prize

“ Locate brings contemporary art into Noosa, not the beach paintings you might expect, but rigorous artistic practices that hold their own alongside anything you’d find in a major city,” Amanda says. “I’m proud to be part of this community who’s gaining institutional recognition at state and national levels.”

New North Inc is an artist-run initiative and curatorial platform by Megan Rowland, Travis MacFarlane, Brian Keayes and Kellie O’Dempsey.

Jodie Cameron discovers the platform putting Noosa’s creatives on the map…

Imposter, Megan Rowland Warwick Gow

Working at the intersection of public art and contemporary happenings that involve installation, projection, visual art and performance. Their Apparent Light project in Peregian Beach Village in 2027 will transform walls, alleyways and public surfaces through projection and light across two evenings – an after-dark happening that shifts how familiar environments are seen and inhabited.

“We’re excited by creatives working experimentally across the region and beyond, especially those making things happen outside the norm and bringing people together,” Kellie O’Dempsey says. “We want more people to experience

And Thomson Knife and Utility – the handcrafted knife-making practice of Jason Thomson. Drawing from a background in restaurants and outdoor life, Jason creates kitchen and utility knives from high-grade mono steel and reclaimed local timber.

In a culture defined by mass production, his work is a quiet argument for precision and objects built to outlast their owners.

“ Locate is an invaluable platform for small makers and artists like me,” Jason says. “It’s given me greater visibility and

a directory in the functional sense, but a portrait of a region where culture is being made every day from studios, workshops, galleries and laneways.

Get amongst it – you might just find a connection you never thought possible, until it happens. If you’re a creative, get listed for free - and if you’re looking for a creative artist or experience, you now know where to Locate them!

LOCATE IS LIVE!

Explore our creative community, discover immersive events, inspiring spaces and heartfelt gifts - or get listed on Locate www.locatenoosa.com

Follow them on Instagram @locate_noosa_creatives

Stealth Care - Wellness from the Algorithm, Amanda Bennetts

Jack Staley

In-Hand, Thomson Knife and Utility

PHOTO: COURTESY

PHOTO: LOUIS LIM

PHOTO: COURTESY OF THE ARTIST

Arts RADA R

BENDIGO COMMUNITY

BANK – COOROY

UNTIL 20 JULY

MERRYN APMA

Rich with culture, creativity, and connection to country, discover the beauty of traditional indigenous paintings.

20 JULY – 27 AUGUST

U3A NOOSA PHOTOGRAPHY GROUP

Inviting seniors and retirees to explore the beauty of photography in an environment filled with collaboration, creativity, curiosity and community spirit.

36a Maple Street, Cooroy | 5447 7131

THE G CONTEMPORARY

FROM 2 JULY - 16 JULY

OPENING NIGHT: 4 JULY

DAI LI: ECHOES

A collection of whimsical ceramic sculptures that explore people’s emotional states.

6/32 Hastings Street, Noosa Heads www.thegcontemporary.com

COOROY BUTTER FACTORY ARTS CENTRE

2 JULY – 2 AUGUST

BETWEEN HOME & HORIZON

A rich, dynamic exploration of the natural world’s profound beauty and surprising complexity.

TWO ELEMENTS: COLOUR AND CLAY –CAROL WATKINS & SHIRLEY TOPP

Expressive ceramics meets fresh, luminous watercolours often touched by a whisper of Chinese influence.

AUGUST 6 – SEPTEMBER 13

ART JAM – MULTIPLE ARTISTS

Explore artists in a living studio space, engage with works in progress, converse with artists, and experience art taking shape in real time.

11A Maple Street, Cooroy | 5442 6665 www.butterfactoryartscentre.com.au

BENDIGO COMMUNITY

BANK – TEWANTIN-NOOSA

UNTIL 3 JULY

MULTIPLE ARTIST EXHIBITION –COLOUR MY WORLD!

A celebration of the artists who have

This season’s exciting new exhibitions in Noosa's galleries, studios and arts centres.

9 Pelican Street, Tewantin | 5329 6145 www.noosaregionalgallery.com.au

3 JULY – 14 AUGUST

MU-RAAY MULCAHY

Experience the deep abiding stories that accompany a collection of fine art creations.

14 AUGUST – 24 SEPTEMBER

PAULUS KOOIJ

A fusion of art, philosophy and science, exploring the notion of infinity, consciousness, nature and inviting reflection on existence itself.

114 Poinciana Avenue, Tewantin | 5440 5289

STUDIO ONE NOOSA

UNTIL 10 JULY

CURATORS CHOICE

Explore a captivating curation of works by an exceptional group of local artists.

14 – 30 JULY

NOOSA OPEN STUDIOS ART AUCTION EXHIBITION

A selected preview of works ahead of the NOS Fundraising Art Auction & Luncheon at the Sunshine Beach Surf Club on 31 July.

10/64 Gateway Drive, Noosaville 0481 155 287 | www.studioonenoosa.com.au

NOOSA REGIONAL GALLERY

20 JUNE – 12 JULY

IMAGINATE: FIELDS OF FEELINGS ENTRY FEE: $5

A playful exploration of big emotions and tiny treasures in a space where all feelings may shine.

POMONA RAILWAY STATION

18 JULY – 12 AUGUST BANANA SHED

MULTIPLE ARTIST EXHIBITION – NOOSA OPEN STUDIO PREVIEW

A curated glimpse into the diverse practices and artistic expression shaping this year’s event.

1 AUGUST TO 26 AUGUST CARRIAGE ROOM

MULTIPLE ARTIST EXHIBITION – ARTIST ALLIANCE AUSTRALIA INC.

Emergence works showcasing new forms, themes and styles developed over the past 12 months.

1 AUGUST – 9 SEPTEMBER THE WORLD WE LIVE IN: MARTIN TAYLOR

Through layered works in acrylics, oils and watercolours, thought-provoking themes and evocative depictions of nature sit alongside contemporary yet taboo issues.

10 Station Street, Pomona | 5485 2950 www.pomonagallery.com

LEIGHTON CONTEMPORARY

JUNE TO SEPTEMBER STABLE – GROUP EXHIBITION

A celebration of works from the gallery’s stockroom and resident artists.

5/64 Gateway Drive, Noosaville 0413 477 947 www.leightoncontemporary.com

exhibited in the Tewantin branch.

LEIGHTON CONTEMPORARY

A boutique contemporary art gallery and art consultancy representing dynamic emerging and mid-career artists.

5/64 Gateway Drive, Noosaville 0413 477 947 leightoncontemporary.com

TARA LOREL STOWER

Specialist in oil, water colour & acrylic Art for Interior Styling Residential & Commercial Projects Commissions | Workshops | Art Retreats. Sunrise Beach. Phone 0407 673 674 tarastowerstudio.com

NOOSA REGIONAL GALLERY

The premier regional gallery on the Sunshine Coast located riverside on the picturesque Noosa River in Tewantin. Phone 5329 6145 9 Pelican Street, Tewantin noosaregionalgallery.com.au

ANIMALIA PROJECT

A collection of fine art photography prints celebrating the beauty of the animal kingdom while raising awareness for its preservation. A tribute to the elegance, power and artistry found within the natural world. Prints available online. concept-photography.com.au

JUANITA VAN DEN BERGH

Artist and curator, creates intuitive, layered works exploring memory, place and colour. Artist in residence at Studio One Noosa, she champions authentic, timeless creativity.

10/64 Gateway Drive, Noosaville Phone 0418 155 287 juanitaart.au

STUDIO ONE NOOSA

A contemporary gallery and fine art print studio celebrating outstanding local and Australian artists. Original artworks, limited editions, curated exhibitions and fine art printing and framing. 10/64 Gateway Drive, Noosaville studiononenoosa.com.au

AMANDA BROOKS ART

Amanda’s original paintings on canvas are vibrant and textured using a combination of acrylics, ink washes and oils. She happily opens her Noosa studio by appointment and welcomes commissions and prints. Phone 0417 071 336 info@artbybrooks.com.au

Dianne captures nature in acrylic and oil paintings and transformative glass that deliver interpretations of the natural world.

6/33 Gateway Drive, Noosaville Open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-1pm @diannemcinerneyartist

DIANNE MCINERNEY ART

IMAGE: Stephanie Henricks, Drip , 2025

Jackie Hillegers knew a memorable afternoon would ensue.

COZINESS CRAVING

Cooler weather has a way of softening us into ourselves. The warmth of the sun arrives a little later, the blanket box quietly returns beside the TV, and hands linger longer around the first coffee of the day, as though the body is asking to be held a little more gently. There is something about winter that changes the pace at which we move through our homes, and we begin to crave spaces that feel comforting, calm, and safe.

While it may appear to be simple seasonal nesting, psychology suggests something much deeper is happening within us.

Winter naturally invites us inward, encouraging slower rhythms, softer routines, and spaces that feel nurturing to both body and mind. As the outside world cools down, the nervous system begins seeking warmth, stillness, and sensory comfort. Our homes slowly adapt too, becoming places not only to live in, but places to restore within.

Mindfulness teaches us that the body is constantly responding to its surroundings, often before the mind even notices. A cold, harsh room can increase feelings of stress, tension, or restlessness, while softer environments help the nervous system to settle.

Texture, temperature, lighting, scent,

and sound all quietly communicate messages of either safety or stimulation to the body. This is why certain spaces immediately make us feel calm, while others leave us feeling unsettled without fully understanding why.

During winter, even subtle changes in light alter the emotional feel of a home. Opening curtains fully once the morning sun arrives, or allowing soft sheers to dance in the afternoon light, can gently support mood, energy, and circadian rhythms.

Natural light plays an important role in emotional well-being during the cooler months, helping the body maintain balance and regulate sleep patterns. As evening settles in, drawn curtains create a feeling of warmth, enclosure, and protection, almost as though the home itself is exhaling around us.

Soft ambient lighting can also influence the nervous system. Harsh lighting can feel overstimulating when the body is already tired, whereas lamps, candles, fireplaces, and warm-toned lighting create a sense of calm and slowness. Flickering flames have a particularly soothing effect because humans have gathered around warmth and fire for centuries. There is something ancient and deeply regulating about sitting quietly beside warmth while the

Natural light plays an important role in emotional well-being during the cooler months...

outside world cools.

Texture also becomes incredibly important during winter. Soft rugs beneath bare feet create grounding and warmth. Layered throws, linen bedding, boucle chairs, textured cushions, and natural fibres provide sensory comfort that helps the body feel held.

Warm earthy tones, timber, wool, woven textures, and natural materials create visual calm while reducing overstimulation. The nervous system responds deeply to spaces that feel nurturing, organic, and restful rather than overly busy or sharp.

Scent and sound can also transform the emotional atmosphere of a home. Essential oils, room mists, fresh linen, the sound of rain, or soft instrumental music all influence how the body feels within a space.

PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

Often cosiness is not created by one single thing, but by many small sensory experiences working together to create feelings of comfort and ease.

Many homes and businesses throughout Noosa are embracing this softer approach to winter living, creating interiors designed not only to look beautiful, but to feel restorative.

In a lifestyle-driven place where outdoor living often takes centre stage, winter becomes a gentle reminder that wellbeing also lives indoors - in the softness of our spaces, the comfort of our rituals, and the way our homes allow our body to finally unclench, exhale, and rest.

Perhaps that is why we crave cosiness so deeply during winter? It is not laziness, indulgence, or simply escaping the cold. It is the nervous system instinctively guiding us toward the environments, rituals, and sensory experiences that help us feel calm, grounded, and emotionally restored.

Winter reminds us that sometimes healing begins quietly - in warm light, slower evenings, softened spaces, and the simple feeling of finally being able to let go and settle back into ourselves.

SMALL WINTER RESET RITUALS

• Snuggle up with a blanket

• Listen to the rain mindfully

• Read instead of scrolling

• Diffuse calming essential oils, light luxury candles and use high frequency mists

• Journal beside soft lighting

• Let yourself rest guilt-free

• Enjoy a warm bath

• Let winter slow you down

Covering the Sunshine Coast in Colour and Style

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Maroochydore and Noosa 5476 9888

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This season’s mood is rich with INdulgent palettes begging to be lived IN. Browse, be INspired and fall back IN love with your home this Winter...

PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

Emilio rug from Noosa Mats and Rugs,

Custom made cushions for your home using premium fabrics from Warwick, The Sewing Project, 0433 572 220.

Harlequin Blinds and Security, 5447 1888.

Fire

BY DESIGN

IN Noosa, winter is less about bracing against the cold and more about choosing to create warmth. Ida Fink Gundtoft turns to the experts at BBQ and Fireplace Centre.

There is something deceptive about winter on the Sunshine Coast. It doesn’t arrive with a cold snap or a sudden drop in temperature. Instead, it drifts in slowly, like an exhale after the long, salty days of summer. Mornings are crisp but golden, afternoons paint sunset stunners across the winter skies. And then, almost without warning, the light fades earlier and the thermostat drops–INviting us to gather, to slow, and to settle in around the fire.

Across the Coast, that expression looks different depending on where you reside. By the water, in the suburbs, or tucked into the hills of the hinterland, the season reveals itself through lifestyle as much as climate – and increasingly, through the presence of fire.

Along the coastline, where the ocean still holds the memory of summer beach days and the architecture leans into the clean and contemporary, fireplaces have

taken on a new form. Electric and gas designs are becoming a natural extension of modern homes – streamlined, architectural, and effortlessly ambient.

For Renee from BBQ and Fireplace Centre, fireplace choice reflects both place and lifestyle. There is no stacking of wood, no smoke curling into the night air, just the quiet flicker of flame set into stone or tile, often as much a design feature as a source of warmth.

“Coastal homes lean towards clean, architectural solutions designed for ambience without the need for wood or smoke,” she says.

This is a shift that local specialists like BBQ and Fireplace Centre have seen evolve in real time. With more than two decades of experience servicing the region, they’ve watched homeowners move toward solutions that prioritise both aesthetic and efficiency – electric, gas,

ethanol – each offering a different way to create warmth without compromising the relaxed, coastal lifestyle.

In these homes, winter evenings unfold with the doors still slightly ajar, the sound of the ocean not far off, and a glass of wine catching the last of the light.

The flicker of flames is not there out of necessity, but intention. It anchors the space, draws people in, and creates that subtle shift from day to evening that defines this special time of year.

In the hinterland, where suburban life meets generous backyards and open decks, the story becomes more social. Outdoor fireplaces and built-in features are extending the way people use their homes – turning terraces and gardens into year-round gathering spaces.

It’s no coincidence that outdoor living has become such a strong focus across the region. From built-in firepits to full outdoor kitchens, there’s a growing desire to blur the line between inside and out – something reflected in the expanding ranges of heating and outdoor solutions offered locally. Spaces are no longer designed just for summer entertaining, but for evenings that stretch deep into winter, shaped by firelight and conversation.

There is a particular kind of evening that feels unique to the Sunshine Coast –friends arriving barefoot, children moving between indoors and out, food prepared over the barbeque as the air cools. The fire becomes the centrepiece, not just visually, but socially. It stretches the night, encourages conversation and allows outdoor living to continue well beyond summer, shaped not by temperature but by ambience.

Here, the season finds a more traditional rhythm. Mornings can arrive wrapped in clouds, and the sun, when it breaks through, feels earned. This is where wood-burning fireplaces are not just aesthetic choices; they are part of daily life. They warm homes in a way that is steady and grounding, cutting through the damp, cool air.

There is a practicality to them too.

Wood-burning fireplaces and cookers offer an efficiency that speaks to the realities of rising energy costs, while also helping to keep homes dry – an important consideration in regions where moisture lasts a little longer than wanted.

“Wood burning fireplaces and cookers are highly efficient over other fuels,” Renee says.

Beyond that, they hold something less tangible. A wood fire changes the pace of

a home. It asks you to tend to it, to build it, to sit with it. It becomes a ritual as much as a resource.

For me, this way of living with fire feels deeply familiar. Growing up in Denmark, fireplaces were part of everyday life. Lit on summer evenings as much as in winter, creating a sense of comfort and connection that went beyond temperature. The fire was always the centre of the room, a place people naturally gravitated towards. Some of my fondest memories are framed by that glow. Conversations that lasted late into the night, the quiet crackle of wood, the feeling of being held in a space that was both warm and calm. That sense of cosiness, of atmosphere, of presence, is something echoed here on the Sunshine Coast, just in a different language. Winter, in this part of the world, is not about retreating indoors or enduring the elements.

It’s about enhancing the way we already live. It’s about recognising that as the evenings cool, there is an opportunity to slow down, to gather, and to create spaces that feel intentional.

Whether it’s the clean line of an electric fireplace in a coastal living room, the open invitation of an outdoor fire, or the steady warmth of a wood-burning stove, each expression reflects not just a climate, but a way of life.

A Sunshine Coast winter doesn’t ask much of us. It doesn’t demand heavy coats or long hibernation. Instead, it offers something quieter – cooler nights, lingering days, and the chance to shape our own sense of warmth.

And more often than not, it begins with a spark of energy, thoughtfully chosen, beautifully placed, and brought to life with the guidance of the local experts at BBQ and Fireplace Centre.

LIGHT MY FIRE!

However you experience winter in Noosa, there’s a fireplace to match your lifestyle. From design-led solutions for inside the home to outdoor entertaining and hinterland living, BBQ and Fireplace Centre offers a curated range of heating solutions to suit every space.

Wood – Traditional, powerful and grounding. Ideal for hinterland homes, offering efficient heat, reduced moisture, and that unmistakable crackle and glow.

Gas – Instant warmth at the touch of a button. Clean-burning and convenient, perfect for effortless indoor comfort.

Electric – Sleek, modern and low-maintenance. A design-forward solution delivering ambience without smoke or installation complexity.

Ethanol – Flexible and flue-free. A stylish option for adding warmth and atmosphere in spaces where traditional fireplaces aren’t possible. Shop the full range with expert advice at BBQ and Fireplace Centre. www.bbqandfireplace.com

Somewhere between selfies and the 6am queue for equipment, someone decided the commercial gym had run its course. John Caruso discovers that the alternative starts with a phone call.

Cast your mind back to the last time you trained at a commercial gym. Not the idea of it, the actual experience. The car park scramble, the machine that’s always out of order; the loud music, the obsession with capturing the perfect selfie or conducting a full volume phone call - and somewhere in the middle of all that theatre there is you, trying to train!

You’re not alone in noticing that something has shifted. What was once a straightforward arrangement, you paid a membership fee and got on with it, has become considerably more complicated.

Personal trainers now compete for floor space with content creators. Prime equipment sits occupied by people resting between sets and scrolling. And because more of us work from home these days, gyms that once ran at comfortable capacity through the middle of the day are operating at full tilt the moment they open. The fitness industry has boomed. The experience, for many serious trainers, has not kept pace.

Jason Robertson, co-owner of LuxGym said the transformation of the commercial gym landscape had been dramatic and broadly unwelcome for anyone genuinely focused on results.

It’s a frank appraisal that Jason, a

veteran strength and conditioning coach with decades of experience training elite athletes and world champion bodybuilders, is well placed to make.

And it’s that accumulated frustration, felt across a whole generation of serious trainers, that became the foundation of something genuinely different. Not another gym with a fresh coat of paint, but a rethink from the ground up. The answer, LuxGym! And it’s not a gym in any sense the word usually implies.

Located in Cooroy, LuxGym operates as a performance showroom, available by appointment and not for hire to the public. Nobody drops in unannounced. No membership cards. No queues for the squat rack at six in the morning. What there is instead is a meticulously fitted private training space, engineered with performance and aesthetics in equal measure, and accessible by appointment to individuals, elite athletes, sporting teams, and those who simply want to train without an audience.

Jason said the concept grew from his uncompromising position on what a quality training environment should look and feel like.

“It has to perform as a high-level space,” he says. “I won’t include

anything I’m not happy with myself. I’ve picked my brands, flooring, everything. It’s a solid marriage between performance and quality. Pieces that look good and move and feel how they should. Solid. No rocking, no breaking down.”

The results are immediately apparent. Step inside LuxGym and the contrast with a commercial facility is striking from the first moment. The fit out is considered and purposeful, the flooring premium, the equipment sourced from brands Jason regards as the best in the business. It’s the kind of space that makes you pause at the door before it pulls you in.

Di Robertson, co-owner and a personal trainer said the space had been designed to be as welcoming as it was impressive.

“It’s a nice space to be in,” she says. “It’s inviting. It’s motivating to have good equipment and for women it’s somewhere safe and comfortable.”

That appeal to women is something both Di and Jason have considered carefully. The gradual disappearance of dedicated women’s spaces within commercial gyms over the past decade has left a real gap, and LuxGym fills it with something arguably far better, a private, controlled environment where the focus rests entirely on the person training, without an audience or external distractions.

For Di, whose experience spans

decades of personal training and body transformation coaching, the space reflects a conviction she has always held that environment directly shapes the results you get.

Beyond individual clients, LuxGym serves a broader and perhaps surprising range of purposes. Elite and travelling sporting teams can book the space for sessions, bringing their own strength and conditioning coaches if they prefer, using the facility as their dedicated base.

Jason has seen this succeed before at premium hotels where teams have chosen accommodation specifically for the standard of the training space.

“Teams can come and train and book it out for a week or for a couple of hours. Spend the morning here, the afternoon at the beach and who knows, they might like what they see and ask us to fit out their own facility,” he says.

That brings LuxGym’s third dimension into focus. For architects, school administrators and homeowners planning training spaces of their own, LuxGym functions as a fully operational demonstration space.

Flooring samples, locker systems, equipment options: everything can be seen, touched and tested in a real,

It’s a real experience of a properly set up performance space.

functioning environment rather than imagined from a catalogue or a website.

“They can come and see exactly what we do, use the equipment, feel the quality, see the whole thing working,”

Jason says. “We offer the real experience of a properly set up performance space.”

For younger people, the experience carries a different and more meaningful weight. Both Jason and Di have long specialised in working with the 16 to 20 age group, helping young athletes and individuals build strength and, just as importantly, confidence.

The privacy of the setting matters enormously here, removing the awkwardness and anxiety that can make a crowded commercial facility feel like

the last place on earth a young person wants to be. For Jason, the reward of watching that shift never diminishes.

“Kids come in, low in confidence, and then their whole world turns around,” he says. “They become leaders, they carry themselves differently and that’s what training can do when the environment is right.”

It’s a thought that captures something essential about what LuxGym is really offering. Not simply a facility, but a considered approach to what training can and should be. One that performs at the highest level, looks the part, and respects the people who walk through the door enough to give them the space, the quiet, and the quality they came for.

Di and Jason Robertson

PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

John Caruso learns that the difference between a beautiful garden and a perfect one is rarely visible. That’s entirely the point.

Percent THE ONE

Standing on the upper balcony of a newly completed Sunshine Beach home, with the Pacific Ocean stretching beyond and the canopy of the National Park folding in from behind, it occurs to me that what lies between these two worlds is not simply a garden. It’s a conversation!

That conversation has been going on for more than two years between Earth Creation Landscapes founder Stuart Bain and homeowners Judy and Michael, a couple who had already trusted Stuart with the landscaping of their previous home. So when this ambitious multistorey build took shape on a secluded Sunshine Beach site overlooking the ocean, there was never any question about who would shape the ground around it.

Judy said the relationship with Earth Creation Landscapes had its own kind of origin story.

“When Stuart arrived at our previous home we got a spade out and we started carving a design on the ground and within two weeks we’d transformed a sandpit into a magical garden,” she says. “So of course, when it came to this project, there was only one person that was going to do it for us.”

Stuart said that kind of loyalty was something he had built Earth Creation Landscapes on.

“That’s something I’m really proud of,” he says. “We have clients that we’ve worked with for years and years and often it’s our second, third and sometimes fourth garden for them.

“It speaks volumes about the relationships we build with our clients and also our crew as a whole.

“I’ve always said I’ve got the best landscape crew on the Coast.”

But loyalty alone doesn’t explain a project of this ambition. From the moment the footings went in the ground, this was a build where the landscaping was not an afterthought. For homeowner Michael, that point of difference began underground, literally.

“We had some walls going up and I wanted irrigation in place ahead of the build so that it’s all hidden, otherwise it all becomes surface mounted and ugly,” Michael recalls.

The result is an almost-clinical yet easily-operational ‘plant room’ under the home which has a manifold of solenoid valves that controls everything.

“It’s not an afterthought, it’s a masterpiece,” Michael says.

That integrated approach extends to every corner of the property, including the pots on the upper terrace that are irrigated through pipes concealed beneath the slab, right up through the base. Stuart said that detail was exactly the kind of thing most people never

notice - until they see it done badly elsewhere.

“We see gardens on brand new, beautiful homes that have cables running up the side of pots and it looks terrible,” he says. “If you’re going for that perfect build, having black pipe and cable up a pot, that’s not perfect.

“This here, is perfect! That’s that one per cent that people don’t do.”

The ‘one percenters’, as Stuart calls them, run through this project like a thread. Take the umbrella by the leafshaped plunge pool. Judy described the problem of wanting shade around a large pot without the usual instability.

“Stuart suggested we get something made, formed up out of metal, before we fill the pot and we’ll drill it into the side of this sunken pot,” she says. “Now we have an umbrella that’s easy to put in and it’s stable in the wind, sitting in symphony within that pot.

>> continued over page...

Stuart Bain in the ‘plant room’.

People forget that gardens aren’t there for enjoyment only between sunrise and sunset.

<< from previous page...

“It’s functional. It’s beautiful and it’s simply thinking ahead of how you want to make this liveable and beautiful.”

The vision for the whole project was always Judy’s, shaped around what she describes as a ‘borrowed landscape’.

The National Park rises directly behind the property and the planting at the front, all Australian native species, is chosen to draw that world inward. Judy said she had wanted the garden to work as a series of discoveries rather than a single statement.

“My vision was to bring nature into the front of the house and as we move through the house, we would then create rooms and moments of unexpected joy with the landscaping and the sculptural elements,” Judy says. “Then of course the night element is next level again!”

Lighting is the element Stuart is most evangelical about. He said the landscape industry had for years either ignored it or handled it clumsily, and this project, with its bespoke copper fittings sourced from a Byron Bay company called Seaside, was an attempt to show what was possible.

The garden is divided into multiple zones, each independently controlled, each with its own character depending on whether the household is entertaining, winding down or simply letting the stars do the work.

“People forget that gardens aren’t there for enjoyment only between sunrise and sunset,” Stuart says. “You see these stunning homes, and they’re either lit up like the MCG or they’re completely black. I don’t think it’s been done well until probably the last five to ten years.”

Judy agrees, noting that the lighting here did something she had not anticipated.

“It has the opportunity to be a sculptural element in a garden as well,” she said.

One of the more radical ideas in the project came from Stuart’s observation that in a three-storey home oriented toward the ocean, the garden ocean-side, would almost always be seen from above rather than at eye-level.

“With this home, when you’re entertaining, nine times out of ten you’re on a raised balcony looking at that beautiful ocean and when you look down, what you’ve created has to have style. It must be different,” he explains.

The planting is deliberately designed for that aerial perspective. Species able to handle the coastal salt conditions,

including Hibiscus tiliaceus and Fraser Island apples, are selected to soften the balustrade line from above.

The lush turf undulated in key places to resemble the waves beyond and to deliver a sculptural element.

For Judy, the measure of what Earth Creation Landscapes has achieved goes

PHOTOS: IAN WALDIE

beyond any single detail.

She said the quality of the people behind the work was inseparable from the quality of the work itself.

“Their love spills over from their work into what they want to create for you,” she says. “They’re very special people to work with.”

Stuart’s final words are directed at his crew rather than himself.

He noted it was no coincidence that the team working on a job like this barely looked up from what they were doing even when our camera and microphone were present.

They were focused on the pot, on the irrigation line running up through the slab, on getting it right.

That, right there, IS the whole story!

PLANTING DREAMS

Manawee Garden Centre’s Simon Van Roy shares his coastal garden heroes: TREES:

Fraser Island Apple – a great small tree/ large shrub. Perfect for coastal conditions and sandy, well-drained soil. Light green foliage makes a great hedge or as a small feature tree. Keep pruned for a tight bushy appearance.

Coastal Cottonwood – fast growing mid size/larger tree with an impressive flower. Loves coastal conditions, can provide cover for shade plants or act as a screen.

MID-LEVEL:

Walking Iris – great for narrow spaces as they stay neat with little work. Thrives in part-full shade in the ground or a pot. Alpinia Malaccensis – an ornamental ginger that tolerates full sun to heavy shade with lovely white flowers, dark green foliage and movement in even the lightest breeze. Fertilise in spring.

GROUND COVER/TRAILING:

Goats Foot – super trendy and super tough, often found on sand dunes. A fast growing groundcover with a vibrant purple flower for a great trailing effect. Can be pruned back hard.

Kidney Grass – fast growing with lots of roots. Perfect around steppers and to keep weeds out. Enjoys water and will grow in shade. A clever lawn alternative!

Modular. Methodical. Memorable.

John Caruso meets a couple who bought a tired hinterland caravan park and dared to imagine something better. They needed a builder who thought the same way. They found one.

In 2019, Victoria Curtin was pregnant, living on-site at a run-down caravan park in Mapleton and certain she and her husband Aidan were onto something.

The property was Lilyponds Home Park, a modest cabin and caravan park in the hinterland, located on that elevated stretch between Montville and Maleny that people spend weekends visiting and weekdays thinking about.

The Curtins bought it, but not to run a caravan park. They could see something in it that wasn’t there yet: a village for people over 50 who wanted to trade the family home for something smaller, better built, and rather more deliberate.

Their development application was approved and they set about turning that vision into 16 manufactured homes.

The first four didn’t go well. Not a disaster, but the builder they’d engaged wasn’t the right fit, and Aidan and Victoria knew it. They moved on, went looking, and found Saltair.

“As soon as we met Steve, we really liked him. He was technically knowledgeable, and he understood the project on every level,” Victoria says.

That man is Steve Bridger, Managing Director of Saltair and a civil engineer with more than 30 years across largescale project delivery.

He acquired Saltair, a Sunshine Coast-founded modular builder with a

string of HIA awards behind it, in 2019 - the same year the Curtins were wrestling with their development application. The timing, in retrospect, was good for everyone.

“From the ground up, whether it was a steel-frame or timber frame build, Steve was across every aspect. He knew the work like the back of his hand, and we relied on his experience and knowledge,” Aidan explains.

What the Curtins were buying, though, was more than expertise. They needed a builder who could deliver to a schedule, not the optimistic, fingers-crossed kind of schedule the construction industry often trades in, but actual deadlines with actual consequences.

Sixteen homes across a staged development meant income was tied directly to completion. Delays weren’t an inconvenience; they were a financial problem.

This is where the modular model earns its keep, and where Saltair’s version of it is worth understanding.

Steve walks through it methodically: the first two months after contract are almost entirely invisible to the client, approvals are locked in, material ordered and staged before production touches a single wall.

“That preparation is critical because once we commence in the factory,

everything needs to move efficiently and without interruption,” Steve says.

From there, all four homes moved through production simultaneously over four weeks in Saltair’s controlled factory environment. While final quality checks and storage were underway, the onsite footings were being poured in parallel, nothing waits on anything else.

Lift-in, connection and fit-out takes around four weeks. Certifications and compliance follow, then handover. Twenty weeks, start to finish.

For four homes at 95 square metres apiece, that is a number that tends to get people’s attention. No rain day delays. No subcontractors who’ve knocked off early because the surf’s up. Every person on the tools is a Saltair employee, managed under one roof.

“That’s the benefit of building off-site and undercover. It’s an in-house, weather-proof, personal experience,” Aidan says.

Saltair built 12 homes for Lilyponds Home Park in three phases of four, across roughly two years. All 12 were delivered on time. For Victoria, this still carries a certain weight.

“We knew that builders were notoriously not very good at keeping on schedule, however with Saltair, every single promise, every deadline, every time frame. It was remarkable,” she says.

Lilyponds Home Park, Mapleton

PHOTOS:

Steve is measured about how that reliability is achieved.

“It comes down to every part of the process working together, front-end design, procurement, production planning and factory operations all moving in alignment. Strong systems, experienced people, disciplined processes. It certainly isn’t easy. But that level of coordination is what creates reliable outcomes,” Steve explains.

One thing Victoria found unexpectedly useful was Steve’s approach to the initial conversation. Rather than presenting a fixed package and asking them to sign, he spread out everything Saltair was capable of, from a bare ex-factory delivery through to a full turnkey project and told them to take what suited them.

“We could cherry-pick what we wanted and didn’t want. We could design it and get it in the ground or choose a design from Saltair. There was real clarity and flexibility,” she says.

It’s an approach that reflects something Steve believes in.

“Every project is different, so we don’t want to lock clients into one rigid delivery model. It’s about understanding the client’s goals and tailoring the process to suit their needs.”

...the benefit of building off-site and undercover. It’s an in-house, weatherproof, personal experience...

What the Curtins also found, and what doesn’t always make it into the business case for a builder, was that Saltair was genuinely enjoyable to work with. Fast with correspondence. Generous with explanations. Nobody ever made them feel that a question wasn’t worth asking.

“We had a great rapport with the whole team from the bottom up to the top, everyone was so knowledgeable and helpful,” Victoria explains.

Steve acknowledges the culture is deliberate and frames it as reciprocal.

“At the core of it is a simple approach, we treat people the way we’d want to be treated ourselves,” he said. “Aidan and Victoria were fantastic to work with because they were equally proactive and responsive, which really helped keep momentum moving.”

A successful project, in his view, is always a two-way arrangement.

Lilyponds Home Park today is what Victoria imagined when she was living on-site at a caravan park, pregnant and certain that the hinterland was ready for something better. Sixteen high-spec homes in a well-chosen pocket of Mapleton, all sold, most of them occupied by people who made exactly the kind of decision the Curtins hoped they would. The first four, the ones built before Saltair, are there too, though Victoria is diplomatic about comparisons.

“The finished product finish from Saltair is real high spec,” she says. Sometimes that’s all that needs to be said.

Saltair delivers construction solutions across residential, commercial, government, health, education, tourism and resource sectors with the flexibility to meet any project demand.

There is a specific kind of magic that settles over New Zealand’s Central Otago region in winter. As the last of the golden autumn leaves fall in Arrowtown, the air turns crisp, the mountain tops turn white, and the region transforms into a world-class playground. For many Noosa and Sunshine Coast residents, this isn’t just a holiday destination anymore - it’s becoming a second home.

The allure of the South Island has always been strong, but a new trend is emerging among those looking to make the most of their holiday escapes: the ‘lock-and-leave’ buyer.

These aren’t necessarily people looking to move overseas permanently, nor are they typical holidaymakers staying for a fleeting week. Instead, they are a group of strategic investors and lifestyle seekers - often retirees - who want a base they can call their own for three to six months of the year.

“In winter, Queenstown turns into a snowboarding and skiing haven,” says Kyle Clark, property expert and owner of Southern Haven Property Advisory who has navigated these alpine waters herself.

“You’ve got the après-ski culture, everyone carting their skis in, sitting by the fireplace, and having their mulled wine.

“It’s a completely different world, and it’s so close to home. For Noosa locals, it’s often cheaper and easier than hitting the slopes of Europe or Japan.”

For the modern investor, the goal is simplicity without sacrifice. They aren’t looking for sprawling estates that require constant maintenance; they want high-end, functional spaces that allow them to immerse themselves in the season and then simply turn the key and walk away when the Australian spring beckons.

“The people I’m working with at the moment are looking for a studio or a one-bedroom unit apartment that they can just lock and leave for six months of the year,” Kyle explains.

“The beauty of it is the convenience. They can store all their snowboard gear or mountain bikes right there in the unit. They don’t have to think about it, they don’t have to pack it, and it’s there waiting for them the moment they land.”

However, the path to owning an alpine sanctuary is paved with complexities that can catch the uninitiated off guard.

New Zealand’s property market, particularly in hotspots like Queenstown and Wanaka, operates under a unique set of rules regarding ‘Visitor Accommodation’ (VA). Kyle’s own journey into the market served as a steep learning curve that now forms the backbone of the service she provides.

“We did this ourselves,” Kyle shares. “We were holidaying over there every ski season, and eventually looked into buying a unit. But we quickly found out about the zoning rules, which like Noosa, are very strict. You must be in a special

zone to put your place on Airbnb or into a holiday rental pool. If it’s zoned for permanent rental, you can’t just go and stay in it whenever you want.”

This realisation led Kyle to develop what she calls a ‘concierge service’a framework designed to provide clarity before commitment. Before a buyer even speaks to a real estate agent in New Zealand, Kyle sits them down to map out their lifestyle needs, financial goals, and long-term plans.

“It’s about understanding if this is for retirement, short-term gain, or a long-term family legacy,” she says.

“Most properties in these high-demand areas are actually sold off-market. If you’re just looking on the major websites, you’re not seeing the full scope of what’s available.

“My services sit before you engage an agent as I already work with a trusted network of partners on the ground who understand my clients’ specific needswhether that’s a two-bedroom unit within ten minutes of the ski field or a studio in the heart of the action.”

This independent approach removes the pressure often felt in the committal stage. Kyle’s framework ensures that by the time a client is introduced to an agent, they are moving forward with total confidence.

They understand the tax implications, financial requirements and the management logistics.

“One of the big conversations I have is about location versus utility,” Kyle notes. “People often think they want to be right near the international airport for convenience, but that changes how you use the property, especially if you choose to follow the investment path.

“Travelers want to be in the hustle and bustle of Queenstown or at the base of the ski fields where the restaurants are. Look at Arthurs Point for example - it’s a short drive from the airport but much more appealing for holidaymakers to rent out when the owners aren’t there, if they wish to go down the investment path.”

While the ski season is the tourism appeal, the lock-and-leave lifestyle is increasingly a year-round proposition.

As the snow melts, the Central Otago region reveals hundreds of kilometres of world-class mountain biking trails with an additional 250 kilometres of tracks around the Arthurs Point area, ensuring the region remains a destination for active travellers, regardless of the temperature.

Beyond the adventure and the investment potential, there is a deeper, more emotional pull.

“Being in New Zealand feels safe,” Kyle says. “Tucked away in that Central Otago region is a place where you can truly switch off.’

With the Sunshine Coast Airport now offering flights to New Zealand, the dream of a snowy sanctuary is more accessible than ever. While many locals fly into Christchurch and enjoy the scenic drive down to Queenstown or Wanaka, the journey is a small price to pay for the lifestyle that awaits.

Whether it’s the thrill of the first tracks on a crisp winter morning or the quiet satisfaction of a glass of local Pinot Noir by a roaring fire, the lock-and-

Imagine having your own alpine getaway in Queenstown?

INDEPENDENT LIFESTYLE PROPERTY GUIDANCE

We offer a concierge service to buyers considering a lifestyle property in Queenstown and Central Otago, NZ - ensuring informed decisions and clarity every step of the way.

OUR APPROACH

• Structured decision frameworks

• Experienced cross-border insight

• Lifestyle-first conversations

• Trusted professional connections

Start a conversation with us today to explore the Queenstown alpine lifestyle possibilities for your family.

Kyle Clark 0401 915 659 @southern_haven_property www.southernhavenproperty.com

THE LOCK & LEAVE CHECKLIST

The VA Factor: Understand the ‘Visitor Accommodation’ requirements. Some properties allow 365-day short-term rentals, while others are strictly for permanent residents.

Storage is Key: If you’re a seasonal visitor, ensure your unit has secure, integrated storage for skis, snowboards, and mountain bikes.

The Concierge Advantage: Consider a consultation before engaging an agent to align your lifestyle needs with market realities.

Travel Logistics: Explore the new flight options from the Sunshine Coast. A flight to Christchurch followed by a stunning drive through the Alps is a popular way to reach the Central Otago hot spots.

leave lifestyle offers a rare commodity: freedom to choose your own adventure.

“We’re not just helping people buy a house or apartment; we’re helping them design a lifestyle,” Kyle says.

It’s definitely worth a conversation to access the experience of someone who has been there and can help you ‘do that’. Call Kyle on 0401 915 659.

SOUTHERN HAVEN

PROPERTY ADVISORY

Seasons ENDURING LEGACY FOR ALL

From humble beginnings to defining luxury, Tom Offermann’s story is one of vision, relationships, and the relentless pursuit of excellence, Helen Flanagan enthuses.

Where squeaky white sand beaches and sparkling meandering turquoise waterways meet lush hinterland peaks, Tom Offermann saw the potential for more than homes. He saw legacies.

When Tom moved to Noosa from Brisbane in 1986, he did so with a motivational mantra in mind.

“I have always been spurred on by a famous saying from Thomas Jefferson: ‘If you want something you’ve never had, you must be willing to do something you’ve never done,’” he says, whilst recalling his initial foray into real estate at an agency on sophisticated Hastings Street.

His first sale was a $31,200 threebedroom apartment.

“Man was I excited,” he enthuses. “I would kayak along the Noosa River and fully appreciate the sense of community and the diversity of people I could serve, from families to business leaders and high-profile investors.”

Thirteen real estate agencies operated on the same street, and the concept of exclusivity barely existed.

However, Tom found his point of difference six years later, unveiling his

namesake agency in Quamby Place on Noosa Parade. Ten years later he opened the Hastings Street office.

“I was now weaponised with a mobile phone with a pull-up aerial, but I used it as little as possible because it cost 65 cents per minute, and texts were 40 cents,” he recalls. “A competitor said I would be broke in a year and never make it outside of Hastings Street. I love a challenge, so he did me a favour.”

Beyond the luxury homes, boutiques, and fancy restaurants, he was drawn by nature, the people, also the shaping of Noosa, especially in burgeoning Noosa Heads which was well underway and facilitating fortuitous times for bold entrepreneurs.

As the market shifted from beach shacks to high-end residential estates and mindful architectural projects, Tom didn’t follow merely to stay current, he led.

Veer off Hastings Street, leaving boutiques, gelato queues, and beachbound crowds behind, head briefly along Noosa Parade, then turn again. There, a small bridge arcs over a quiet canal.

On the other side lies Witta Circle, an island of privacy where lawns roll to the river and paddleboards rest beside private jetties.

Developed in the early 1970s as part of the Noosa Sound canal estate, the first project to offer the region truly waterfront homes, this curving stretch of about 50 houses is among the most coveted pieces of real estate in Australia.

Waterfront land originally sold for around $12,000, today sites trade in the tens of millions, and Witta Circle boasts some of Queensland’s most stunning waterfront properties with the highest land sale at $18 million, and highest house sale at $30 million.

When the land was released many real estate naysayers predicted it would sink, washed away by a king tide.

Over 5O years later, with glimmering waterways leading to the magical Noosa River, nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, Noosa Sound has enjoyed an annual 15.75% average capital appreciation that has resulted in the average doubling period of four years and nine months.

Proud ten to 30-plus years at Tom Offermann Real Estate: BACK ROW: Cameron, Alistair, Sandy, Tom, Tracy FRONT ROW: Rebecca, Jesse, Nic, Rebekah and Julie. Eric absent

PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

Tom and his agents have sold almost every property along its sweep at some point, some several times over. Part of the allure lies in its geometry. Most allotments sit on about 600 square metres, the classic quarter of an acre in ‘old money’ and, being fan-shaped, they narrow toward the street and flare at the water. Holding the house price record for the street is 43 Witta Circle, and looking at the size and beauty of it, there is no wonder why.

Other residents did the opposite, buying side-by-side blocks with dreams of a grand compound, only to discover one parcel was enough when the architect added space with a subterranean level. The leftover site in question, a vacant lot at number 45, sold in 2025 for $18 million. The blend of rarity and lifestyle, coupled with the lack of any prospect of further development, continues to define Witta Circle.

“Whoever you speak to on Witta Circle, they have the best aspect,” Tom says. “They are all big fans of their own aspect. Every owner on the Circle is unified in their belief that it is the best place to be, plus the best outlook and best aspect. I think they are all correct, there is something going for every sector of the 360-priceless-degrees.

The circular nature of the 650-metre street gives every home a unique perspective: north for sunlight, east for morning glow, west for sunset gin and tonics. The south gazes across to a heavily vegetated rise, where night is punctuated only by the sound of fish splashing in the stillness.

”Then there’s the street’s idyllic combination of qualities,” Tom says.

“You have got river frontage where you can anchor a boat, yet you are only a five-minute walk from the beach and Hastings Street. Some fortunate people have the tough decision between riverfront or beachfront, but here, you have it all.

“The compound capital growth of land value on Witta Circle has been around 15.75% average annually since it was developed,” he says. “And it is one of the most exceptional and consistent growth rates in the country.”

Similarly in Little Cove, Hastings Street and near Witta Circle, irrefutably the ‘Holy Grail’ of Noosa Parade, a 700-metre row of 36 homes, coveted absolute riverfront address looking north to the Noosa Woods, and almost on the doorstep of glamorous Hastings Street.

These days Tom and his team have been responsible for multiple records at a super-prime level. Topping the list of $10m+ properties sold is 32-34 Noosa Parade for a yet undisclosed amount and a new Queensland record; numbers 10 and 40 are in seventh and eighth positions; Witta Circle sees number 43 in third place; and 31 and 45 fill the ninth and tenth positions.

The magnetism of Noosa is undeniable, and constantly in the media spotlight from investors eyeing off hot spots and visitors thinking perfect holidays. Countless have found the idyllic subtropical climate irresistible, similarly owning a forever home in other booming areas such as the eastern beaches from north Sunshine Beach which abuts the Noosa National Park to Peregian Beach.

Testaments are properties on the top $10m+ list such as 17 Webb Road and 33 Ross Crescent, both in Sunshine Beach, in second and fourth positions, while the resplendent Maravilla on the

beachfront at 3/56 David Low Way in Sunrise Beach, came in fifth.

Tom Offermann Real Estate is consistently responsible for multiple records at a super-prime level.

“Many of my clients and also most of my amazing team have worked with me for one, two and three-plus decades,” Tom says proudly. Topping the leader board are ad manager Rebecca who joined in 1995, contracts manager Sandy in 1996, and IT manager Alistair in 2002. Four sales and marketing agents Cameron, Eric, Julie, and Nic joined in 2009, and close behind are Tracy, Jesse, and Rebekah.

With one eye always on the landscape, both natural beauty and property trends, Tom has shaped a premium brand that does not just sell prestige, it embodies it.

In doing so, he has established not just a business, but a reputation built on authenticity, strong local and global connections, delivering more than expectations, and a commitment that property ownership is not just a transaction. It is the kind of legacy that lasts beyond sale prices.

Committed to the community with a three decades plus sponsorship of the Noosa Heads Surf Life Saving Club, he is also keenly growing the region’s profile, as a founding event partner of the Noosa Concours d’Elegance, Australia’s leading international award-winning luxury motoring and lifestyle event which returns to Hastings Street on 18 July.

“The spirit of Concours is so exciting and everyone benefits,” says Tom, a very proud supporter and serious motorbike and car lover. “It is so much more than a motoring event, it is a powerful expression of the Noosa brand on a national and international stage.

“It cultivates communities united by excellence, passion and precision, all values central to Tom Offermann Real Estate.”

Noosa Parade

Ross Crescent

Webb Road

More Selective A MARKET THAT’S BECOMING

Winter may be bringing a cool change to the property market but, as Jennifer Swaine discovers, Noosa still warms the wallets and hearts of the smart investor.

Winter has arrived with a noticeably different temperature across the Noosa property market. The urgency that defined recent years has softened and, according to Noosa buyers agent Kirstie Klein-Hunter, buyers are taking more time before making decisions.

“The market hasn’t stopped,” Kirstie said. “But people are definitely more cautious. Buyers are asking more questions about holding costs, returns and long-term value before they move.”

That doesn’t mean interest in Noosa has faded.

Far from it. Quality homes continue to attract strong enquiry, particularly in tightly held locations, but buyers are becoming increasingly selective about what they are willing to pay premium prices for.

“There’s still strong demand for the right property,” Kirstie explains.

“But buyers want to feel confident they’re making a smart decision, not just an emotional one.”

HOLDING COSTS ARE STARTING TO BITE

One issue becoming harder for property owners to ignore is the rising cost of holding property.

Land tax increases, insurance premiums and ongoing maintenance costs are all starting to influence investor behaviour, particularly for owners holding holiday homes or investment properties that are not consistently generating income.

“We’re seeing some long-term owners reconsider whether they want to keep properties sitting idle for parts of the year,” Kirstie said. “For some families, the holding costs are becoming difficult to justify.”

That shift is starting to create more movement in parts of the market that have traditionally been tightly held, particularly among older family-owned properties.

At the same time, buyers are paying much closer attention to ongoing ownership costs before they commit.

“People are looking beyond the purchase price now,” Kirstie said.

“They want to understand exactly what it’s going to cost them to hold the property over the next five to ten years.”

THE LUXURY MARKET STILL HAS MOMENTUM

While the broader market has become more measured, the upper end continues to perform relatively well.

Unique homes in premium positions are still attracting strong interest, particularly from interstate buyers and cash purchasers looking for lifestyle assets.

“Noosa still has that scarcity factor,” Kirstie said. “There are only so many quality properties close to the beach, the river or Hastings Street.”

Recent off-market activity across the prestige sector has reinforced that demand remains strong for exceptional properties, even as the pace of the wider market slows.

“It’s the unique properties that

continue to stand out,” she said. “Buyers will still move quickly when something genuinely special becomes available.”

A GREATER FOCUS ON QUALITY

Another trend emerging this winter is the growing importance of presentation and property quality, particularly in the short-term accommodation market.

Kirstie says guest expectations continue to rise and owners are increasingly recognising that styling, furnishings and maintenance directly affect both occupancy and returns.

“The old beach shack style doesn’t really cut it anymore in the premium holiday market,” she said.

“Guests are expecting a much more polished experience.”

That shift has led Kirstie’s property management company, Allawah Noosa to bring more services in-house, including cleaning and property presentation management, to maintain consistency across high-end properties.

“When you’re managing luxury accommodation, the small details matter,” Kirstie said.

“Presentation has a direct impact on reviews, repeat bookings and overall performance.”

...quality, compliance and long-term thinking matter more than ever.

THE INVESTMENT CONVERSATION IS CHANGING

Economic uncertainty and ongoing discussion around negative gearing and taxation changes are also beginning to shape investor sentiment.

Kirstie believes many investors are becoming more conservative, particularly around high-density apartment stock and heavily leveraged purchases.

“There’s definitely more caution around properties that rely purely on future growth,” she said. “Buyers are focusing more on assets that have strong fundamentals and can perform well regardless of market conditions.”

That includes properties with flexible use options, reliable rental performance and long-term lifestyle appeal.

At the same time, some investors are beginning to look further afield, including overseas markets such as Queenstown in New Zealand, where

taxes on properties are viewed more favourably.

“People are comparing markets much more carefully now,” Kirstie said. “They’re looking at the full picture, not just the location.”

NOOSA REMAINS TIGHTLY HELD

Despite changing conditions, the underlying fundamentals of the Noosa market remain much the same: supply is still limited. Demand for lifestyle property remains strong and quality homes continue to be tightly held by long-term owners.

What has changed is the mindset of buyers entering the market.

“The days of rushing into purchases without doing proper due diligence are definitely behind us,” Kirstie said.

“Buyers want clarity. They want to understand the approvals, the costs, the returns and what the property will realistically look like long-term.”

As winter progresses, Kirstie believes preparation and good advice will continue to separate smart buying decisions from costly ones.

“It’s still a very good market,” she said. “But it’s become a market where quality, compliance and long-term thinking matter more than ever.”

Our professional team expertly project manages every step of the acquisition process, from researching, sourcing and negotiation through to settlement - removing the stress and uncertainty from your property purchase.

Contact Kirstie today for a no-obligation discussion about how a local, independent Buyer's Agent can help you secure your piece of paradise.

Kirstie 0449 640 204 kirstie@khpb.com.au noosapropertybuyersagent.com.au Klein Hunter Property Buyers specialise in sourcing and negotiating residential property purchases for local, interstate, and international clients.

John Caruso meets the agent who loves the stories behind the sales.

Seller STORY

NAME Kate Cox AGENCY Reed & Co

You’ve said every sale has a story, is there one that captures your heart?

We had a wonderful young couple who met in Europe and recently purchased a home near the Noosa River. The family lived in the area and he had grown up here before working and travelling overseas where he met his partner, now wife. They were looking for a home that they could grow into and found one that required some work, but to them it had character and bones. It was so nice to work with a young couple with dreams and plans.

What part of your story surprises people when they meet you professionally?

That I’m very down to earth, many see me from afar and presume I’m a little snobby but I’m the complete opposite. I love people and their stories. Style and substance are often used to describe you; how does this transfer to how you present a home and show up for your clients?

The home must be decluttered and all personal items removed without the character of the home being lost. Maintenance on the property should be up to date - from window cleaning to gardens.

Personally, I like to be well presented every day, you never know who will walk into the office. I also am aware that I’m presenting a home so nothing too loud that takes your eye away from the home. No high heels to respect the floors of the home and I’m not a fan of bare feet.

I’m there to do business so even though our clients can be as relaxed and

casual as they like, I’m there to be professional so always make sure I look that way.

What does a typical day look like?

We rise around 5am and try to exercise every day, normally a Reformer Pilates class. Tony swims in the ocean most days and I like walking Noosa National Park, particularly on Sundays.

Then we get ready for work. No day is the same in real estate. You can plan your diary as much as you like but you have to be available for buyers or sellers.

Real estate can look very glamorous, and it can be with beautiful homes and lovely clients but it can also be a lot of phone calls, emails, cleaning, organising people’s lives and negotiating, often into the evening or in the early morning. What’s your go-to ritual, place, or practice to reset and be grounded?

Walking Noosa National Park - it’s a non-negotiable for me. If it’s not Noosa then its another National Park.

I like tracks that are inland and have as few people on them as possible.

Reed & Co is involved in fundraising and community, what’s one project that’s close to your heart?

We have raised almost $1.5 million for paediatric hospital equipment by physically climbing mountains through the 6 Peaks in 1 Day challenge and we hold a Charity Gala every two years. All the team at Reed & Co put a lot of time and energy into it. We’re very proud to be part of this effort and it’s wonderful to meet families that have benefited.

After almost two decades in property; what’s changes have you noticed?

The buyers are much savvier. With the internet and AI all the information is out there and a lot of buyers study it and have done a lot of research before they call or walk into an open home. Also, the demographic has changed a little with a lot of younger families moving here looking for a lifestyle change.

When you walk into a home for the first time, what do you instinctively look for?

The overall flow, any points of difference or outstanding features, and who the property will attract.

Advice for buyers playing the long game?

Look after the property. Keep it clean and tidy and spend money on the home every year. Make improvements, even if they are small and maintain or replace anything that is starting to age. If the home is well looked after you will get a much better price when you sell and you get to enjoy the benefits along the way.

What kind of Noosa do you hope future sellers and buyers will be helping to create through choices they make today?

I’m hoping that Noosa keeps growing. That doesn’t mean population, it means that people are starting or growing businesses and that they are upgrading or rebuilding their homes. That they are making Noosa a better place.

We are not a quiet holiday destination anymore. We are an established, wonderful community that cares and deserves to grow into a place that people love to visit - and I hope they always do.

Kate and Tony Cox, Erin McCartin

Searching for the perfect property can come with its fair share of stress and weekends spent at open homes.

But what if your property search began with a helicopter ride over Noosa’s stunning coastline?

Welcome to the world of Luxe Coastal Property Buyers, where finding your dream home is wrapped in an experience so good, you’ll want to move before you’ve even signed a contract.

Founder and principal Christine Mount has always believed that finding the right property is only half the job. The other half is making sure her clients live well and feel like locals from day one.

From luxury tours by air, road or sea to private chefs that literally dish up a taste of the good life, Luxe Coastal Property Buyers offers a white glove concierge and wellness service that puts the ‘dream’ in dream home.

Imagine, interior styling ready to make your new home feel like yours from the moment you walk through the door. No unpacking stress and no awkward first nights in an unfamiliar space. Just the Noosa life, served up immediately –exactly as it should be.

“Our role is to take clients beyond the transaction, so they fall in love with that life before they fall in love with a floor plan,” Chris says. “We curate how they experience Noosa, because that’s what

informs the decision. This may begin with a private stay. A considered arrival. Time to move through the villages, coastline and hinterland are becoming top priorities for many buyers so we’re here to deliver.”

It’s this philosophy that inspired their Platinum Concierge Partnerships – a carefully curated network of 5-star local providers covering everything from private chefs and in-home yoga to helicopter tours and gourmet grocery deliveries. It’s a natural extension of Christine’s vision from day one that goes beyond the contract.

“The thing about Noosa locals is they live like tourists, and they’re not remotely sorry about it,” she says.

At the top end of the Noosa market, buyers arrive with more than a budget and a wish list. They arrive with a vision – often generational, always lifestyleled; and the Luxe Coastal team translates that into bricks, mortar and the perfect morning routine.

The Sunshine Coast has led national luxury growth from 2016-2026, with luxury house values rising approximately 159 per cent. The region continues to attract entrepreneurs, executives, expats and interstate buyers seeking both lifestyle and long-term investment performance.

According to the latest Ray White Luxury Outlook 2026, the Sunshine Coast has

emerged as Australia’s strongestperforming luxury property market, recording the nation’s highest luxury house price growth over the past decade.

The report highlights a major shift toward lifestyle, wellness, privacy and flexibility, with buyers prioritising homes that support wellbeing, balance and connection to nature.

“Buyers aren’t asking where to buy,” she says. “They’re coming to us with a brief of how their family lives, how generations come together, often travelling from overseas and the property is shaped around that. Zoning, flow and privacy by design become critical.”

With over 30 years of global property expertise and $1.7 billion in transactions on her books, Christine has witnessed these shifts in decision-making and is well-equipped to help clients find a home that meets their specific needs.

At Luxe Coastal, inspections come second – immersion comes first.

Before a client even sets foot in a home, the team curates an experience designed to show them exactly how their Noosa life could look and feel.

Think private stays, unhurried exploration of villages, coastline and hinterland, and property that’s seen not just as four walls, but as a gateway to everything Noosa has to offer.

Property is then viewed within context,

We curate how they experience Noosa, because that’s what informs the decision.

not in isolation, allowing for informed decisions rooted in real understanding. In most cases, this expertly-crafted experience extends into ownership.

“There’s a simplicity to it,” Christine says. “A surf or a paddle before work, a walk through the National Park at lunch and a beachside dinner after work. Trust me, it never gets old.”

The welcome doesn’t stop at settlement either, the team can turn meaningful requests into reality, including private smoking ceremonies to cleanse the space; stocking the pantry with local gourmet produce to make home feel like a home from the moment they walk in.

“We curate memories within our clients’ homes,” she says. “Every detail is tailored.”

For newcomers, having an insider who knows how to tap into that life – from the right suburb to the right local contacts – makes all the difference.

With Luxe Coastal’s concierge network firmly in place, that introduction to Noosa living is effortless from day one. Their ‘In-Air’ property tours are a perfect starting point. Just 25 minutes by helicopter from Brisbane, Noosa is closer than most people realise – and from altitude, it’s breathtaking. Nearly 40 per cent of the region is protected national park, and from above, the scale of that landscape tells you everything.

“You see immediately how limited the footprint is,” Chris says. “Scarcity in Noosa is not theoretical – it is geographic.”

Supply at the prestige end remains tight. Architecturally designed waterfront homes – those rare combinations of position, privacy and design integrity –are limited and tightly held.

“Many of the best properties never hit the open market at all, which is precisely why having the right buyers agent isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity,” Chris says.

Noosa is not for the faint-hearted –it’s for those ready to commit to living the good life like a local, from day one.

The secret? It’s got nothing to do with luck, and everything to do with knowing who to trust. At Luxe Coastal Property Buyers, you’re welcome!

LOCK IN THE LUXE LIFE!

In addition to the expert professional services of finding homes and investment properties, Luxe Coastal clients can experience the luxe life that living in Noosa can deliver with its Platinum Concierge Partnerships including:

• In Home Experiences – Private chefs, yoga and massage, all tailored to your stay.

• Travel in Style – Private travel by air, sea or road, arranged to your exact requirements.

• Luxe Living! – Interior styling, furniture selection, fine wine curation and gourmet grocery services.

• ‘In-Air’ Property & Lifestyle Tours – Discover Noosa from above with exclusive helicopter tours across the coastline, hinterland and prestige property precincts.

Plus, download the Living Your Luxe Life podcast with expert market commentary and insights and experiences from those who are already living the luxe life.

Scan the QR code or visit www.luxecoastal.com.au to start living your luxe life!

Explore our latest podcast episodes, where we have conversations with expats and locals on finding homes & investing in properties on the Sunshine Coast.

Explore our latest podcast episodes, where we have conversations with expats and locals on finding homes & investing in properties on the Sunshine Coast.

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & Google Play.

SHONA STEPHENSON

Why Expats Choose Peregian BeachLifestyle & Legacy

KATE COX

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & Google Play. THE PREMIER BUYERS AGENTS IN NOOSA & THE SUNSHINE

S03, E05 - Emma Stephens Community, Connection & the Peregian Beach Lifestyle

S03, E05 - Emma Stephens Community, Connection & the Peregian Beach Lifestyle

S03, E03 - Shona Stephenson Why Expats Choose Peregian BeachLifestyle & Legacy

S03, E03 - Shona Stephenson Why Expats Choose Peregian BeachLifestyle & Legacy

Exploring Noosa, Noosa Waters & Noosaville

S02, E18 - Carolyn Jansen Key Considerations for Investment Properties in SEQ

S02, E18 - Carolyn Jansen Key Considerations for Investment Properties in SEQ

S01, E15 - Kate Cox

Exploring Noosa, Noosa Waters & Noosaville

S01, E15 - Kate Cox Exploring Noosa, Noosa Waters & Noosaville

Christine Mount www.luxecoastal.com.au

Christine Mount www.luxecoastal.com.au

+61 448 288 080

christine@luxecoastal.com.au

+61 448 288 080 christine@luxecoastal.com.au

SELLING WITH

soul

There’s a subtle, yet unmistakable feeling when you walk into a home that’s been intentionally prepared for market. It makes you pause at the doorstep, shift in pace – and most importantly, revive a sense that something has been anticipated for you before you even arrived. IN Noosa, where lifestyle is as much a currency as location, that moment matters. And it’s precisely this feeling that sits at the heart of what Sun & Sage has come to define.

For founder and director Kathy Wise, selling a property is never just about the transaction. It’s about translation. Taking the essence of a home, understanding its story, and shaping it into something a buyer can immediately step into and feel.

“The Sun & Sage feeling in a property is when the buyer walks in and can connect what we were conveying online in photos and videos, to the experience of actually being there,” she says. It sounds simple, but in practice, it’s anything but. Creating that seamless alignment between digital impression and real-world experience requires a level of care that goes far beyond standard real estate marketing. It begins long before a listing goes live.

At Sun & Sage, every property is approached as its own creative and strategic project. There is no formula, no

At Sun & Sage Real Estate, selling a home becomes an exercise in emotion, where considered branding and storytelling shape a deeper connection between property and buyer. Ida Fink Gundtoft takes a step inside.

template or one-size-fits-all campaign. Instead, there is a process of immersion – meeting with vendors, understanding not only the physical attributes of the home but the emotional ones too.

“We spend time looking at what needs to be highlighted,” Kathy says. “What needs to be repaired, moved, or even added. Sometimes it’s about keeping the character, and sometimes it’s about stripping things back to reveal the bones of what makes a property truly special.”

This is where the Sun & Sage difference begins to take shape. It’s not about over-styling or masking a home’s imperfections. It’s about refinement, editing a space so that its most compelling qualities come forward with clarity and confidence.

We all know the feeling of being deeply connected to our home. Which is why so often, the decision to let go and sell can feel like an emotional rollercoaster. For vendors, there’s a reassurance in knowing their property is being handled with intention through Sun & Sage’s approach. That every decision, from styling to photography to copywriting, is made with purpose. That their home is not just being listed, but represented.

For buyers, the experience is more visceral. Because when a property has been thoughtfully branded, it doesn’t just show well – it resonates.

“The buyer needs to be able to see themselves in the property,” Kathy says. “Living their own life and lifestyle.”

It’s a deceptively powerful idea. Because people don’t purchase homes based purely on specifications. They purchase based on possibility. On how a space makes them feel about their future.

Take, for example, a recent listing at 8/56 Duke Street (pictured above). On paper, it may present as a wellpositioned residence. But through the Sun & Sage lens, its defining feature became something far more evocative.

“The view from the kitchen is extraordinary,” Kathy says. “Even if you aren’t a master chef, you would certainly feel like one cooking and living there.”

It’s not just a selling point but more so a narrative. One that invites the buyer to step into a version of themselves that the property enables.

In contrast, a home like 13 Whale Drive required a completely different approach. Rich in character and personality, it wasn’t about broad appeal. It was about precision. And identifying and speaking directly to the right buyer.

“It was a home oozing with character,” she says. “We had to connect with buyers who would appreciate that as well as developers or renovators that wouldn’t.”

This is where branding, in the Sun &

PHOTO:

Sage sense, becomes both an art and a discipline. It’s not simply about making a property look beautiful (although that is part of it). It’s about understanding who the property is for, and why.

“Knowing who’s in the market and what they’re looking for is a big part of the inspiration,” Kathy explains.

“But ultimately, it comes down to how the property is thought about, cared for and considered throughout the process.”

That word – considered – comes up often when speaking with Kathy. And it’s telling. Because in an industry that can sometimes prioritise speed over substance, Sun & Sage has carved out a space where thoughtfulness leads.

Every campaign is both creative and strategic. Designed not just to reach the most eyes, but the right ones. There is a deliberate balance between broad exposure and targeted storytelling.

“We take the time to understand all the property’s features, and its follies,” Kathy says. “We think about what buyers might see that we don’t, and how we either rectify that or allow it to shine and be used to its full potential.”

It’s a nuanced approach. One that acknowledges that perfection is not always the goal. Authenticity is. And perhaps that’s what makes the Sun & Sage brand so distinctive within the Noosa market. It doesn’t attempt to impose a general aesthetic or identity across its listings. Instead, it elevates what is already there, drawing out the unique qualities of each home and presenting them in a way that feels both aspirational and honest.

Over time, this has had a compounding effect. Not only in the way properties are received, but in the types of listings the agency attracts.

There is a natural alignment that begins to occur. Homes with a certain character, a certain story, a certain depth, finding their way to an agency that knows how to tell it. And vendors who value that level of care, seeking out a process that reflects it. It becomes, in many ways, a feedback loop of intention. Which brings us back to that moment at the doorstep. The pause. The shift. The recognition that what you saw online wasn’t just clever marketing – it was a true reflection of what awaits.

In a place like Noosa, where lifestyle is everything, that alignment is powerful. Because it builds trust. It builds emotion. And ultimately, it builds decisions. For Sun & Sage, that is the goal. Not just to sell homes, but to create a sense of connection that carries from first glance through to final settlement. A process where vendors feel proud, buyers feel INspired, and the property itself is honoured in the way it deserves.

Because when all of those elements align, the outcome is more than just a successful sale.

It’s a lasting sense of connection.

PHOTO: PAULA BRENNAN

Kathy Wise

PRIDE & Care PRESTIGE

Nicole May uncovers how Queensland’s only finalist in the Luxury & Prestige Buyers Agent of the Year Awards takes pride and care in saving clients’ time and money whilst unlocking exclusive off-market properties.

We’ve all felt that magnetic pull of Noosa! It’s the way the light hits the Pandanus trees at Little Cove or the salty hum of Hastings Street at dusk.

But for those looking to turn a holiday attraction into a permanent residence, the market’s reality can be a sharp wake-up call. It’s competitive, quality property is tightly held, and - most frustratingly for the uninitiated - the most coveted properties often change hands behind closed doors.

To navigate this landscape, you need more than an app; you need a local advocate who has seen the town evolve from a sleepy coastal getaway into a global prestige destination.

Kristy Bruggy, Principal of Noosa Buyers Agent has called Noosa home since 1981. She doesn’t just work in the market; she is intertwined in the community. Her personal property journey began at just 21 when she purchased her first home in Sunshine Beach, sparking a lifelong passion for renovation and investment that eventually led her away from a career in health and into the realm of prestige real estate IN Noosa.

The transition from being a Registered Nurse and Midwife to a buyer’s agent might seem like a leap, but for Kristy, the core mission remains the same: advocacy.

“When I think about what I like the most, it’s about knowing I have supported my clients to secure the best possible property.” she explains. “It is about understanding my clients goals, sharing knowledge and local insight and knowing when to act, when to wait and when to walk away.”

...blend of technical due diligence and highlevel advocacy...

This dedication recently saw Kristy shortlisted as the state’s only finalist in the inaugural Australian Buyers Agent Awards 2026 (Luxury & Prestige Buyers Agent of the Year) - a milestone that allowed her to reflect on the impact of her work.

“I feel very fortunate to do what I love and look forward to continuing to advocate for my clients with integrity, discretion and a commitment to achieving exceptional results,” she said.

The award recognised professionals who represented and empowered property buyers nationwide - celebrating those who exemplified excellence, achievement and innovation.

For Kristy, the award isn’t just a plaque on the ledge; it’s a testament to the long-term relationships she builds within the industry and with her clients who are navigating the Noosa market and making a significant positive difference to their buying experience.

The recognition also underscores why more buyers are seeking out Kristy’s distinct local knowledge in an increasingly complex market. It is this blend of technical due diligence and high-level advocacy that ensures her clients can purchase with absolute confidence.

Kristy’s deep-rooted ties are her clients’ greatest asset. She estimates that her service can increase the scope of available properties for her clients by 30 to 50% by tapping into a network of long-term agents and locals who prefer the discretion of an off-market sale.

“As an established and trusted buyers advocate, I regularly receive calls and access to properties from agents and vendors with excellent opportunities not yet publicly listed,” she says.

For buyers located locally, interstate or internationally, Kristy acts as their trusted advocate on the ground. She eliminates the fatigue that comes with buying in an unfamiliar market, saving clients from spending countless hours attending inspections, only to find properties that do not meet their expectations or online listings that fail to reflect reality.

“My site inspections are thorough and detailed,” she says. “I carefully assess both the interior and exterior of the property, along with the surrounding area, so my clients receive an honest and unfiltered representation of each property.”

This level of transparency is fundamental to her clients making educated decisions and buying with confidence.

Her expertise extends to the technical granularities that can make or break a purchase.

Whether it’s navigating the strict Airbnb (Short Term Accommodation)

restrictions or understanding that a beachfront property has specific setbacks for redevelopment, Kristy manages the tedious due diligence, so her clients don’t have to.

She has earnt a reputation for assisting clients acquire prestige properties that are in scarce supply. Her success speaks for itself: in the last twelve months alone, Kristy has supported clients with the purchase of luxury penthouse apartments in Little Cove and Noosa Heads, a canal front property in Noosa Waters, a prestige estate in the rolling hills of the Noosa Hinterland, a newly completed high end residence in Sunshine Beach, and recently uncovering a tightly held beachfront property in Peregian Beach with wide water views.

In a market that can often feel transactional, Kristy is altering the experience into something more personal and grounded. By accepting a limited number of non-competing clients at any one time, she ensures that every brief receives her full, undivided attention.

“My clients are solely working with me,” she says, accentuating the clarity and confidence that comes from having a single, trusted advocate in your corner.

While the Noosa dream remains as alluring as ever, the path to achieving it has become significantly more sophisticated. With an advocate like Kristy leading the way, that dream doesn’t just become a reality - it becomes a wise, well-vetted investment in a lifestyle that is like no other.

NOOSA BUYERS AGENT BENEFITS

• 40% of properties secured are off-market, giving clients a 30-50% increase in property options.

• Full service from search to settlement, save time and money by putting your property search in experienced hands.

• A limited number of non-competing clients are taken on at any one time to ensure a premium, VIP experience.

• Ready to move quickly.

• Benefit from unrivalled local knowledge.

• 100% independent advice with no commissions from third parties - the agent works exclusively for the buyer.

Handled HOME SWEET

Picture it. You’ve been away for three weeks, Hong Kong, maybe, or London for meetings, visiting family or a relaxing escape, and your Noosa home has been sitting empty. The garden’s now an unrecognisable jungle. The pool is anyone’s guess, and somewhere in the back of your mind, across many time zones, an anxious voice asks the same question on a loop, ‘what state is it in’?

It’s a worry that comes with owning a prestige property in one of Australia’s most sought-after towns while not living in it full time. The market is full of second homes in Noosa, bought for the right reasons and maintained out of obligation rather than joy.

Donovan Biss has spent his career reading the local market, its character, the people who make it work.

As director of Cove Property, the family-led agency building its reputation across sales, development and rental management in the region, Donovan has identified a gap that sits between holiday letting and permanent rental. A gap with real money and real anxiety sitting in it.

The answer is Cove Concierge, a tiered, flat-rate property care service designed for owners who are there some of the time, but far from all the time.

Donovan described it as a way for part-time residents to walk back into a property that still feels like home after being properly maintained in their absence.

“It’s like coming back to a hotel to stay at your own place every time,” he explains.

The concept is more straightforward than its appeal might suggest. Cove takes on the full management of a property while the owner is away - cleaning, pool care, garden maintenance, security monitoring, subcontractor coordination, everything that would otherwise deteriorate or require the owner to make a dozen calls from the other side of the country, or world.

The service runs across three tiers, priced at $500, $800 and $1,200 a month, with no extras added on and no surprises on the invoice.

The top tier amounts to total property stewardship.

Donovan shares the example of a recent client, an overseas resident who returns to their Noosa home roughly once a month and needed the full suite, security camera monitoring, garden and pool maintenance, cleaning and subcontractor management.

They arrive. The house is ready. The pool is blue, and the garden hasn’t had the chance to embarrass anyone. All of it taken care of without the owner lifting a finger or manage maintenance across time zones.

Donovan is blunt about the scope of the arrangement: “We do it all! One hundred per cent,” he says.

At the lower end of the scale, the needs are different, but the principle holds.

The Brisbane professional, for example, who drives up for long weekends needs the pool kept, the lawn tidy and the occasional tradesperson organised, but has no need for taking calls from the mobile security guy. That peace of mind for just $500-a-month!

What separates this from comparable services is pricing clarity and the absence of fine print.

“Our rates are keener than the competition, and the fee is precisely what it says it is. Not an approximation. Not a starting point,” Donovan says.

“A lot of others will go, here’s your tier, but then there’s all these extras we’re going to add on.”

For a homeowner who has been caught short on a maintenance bill before, that distinction matters.

In Noosa’s second-home market, where a significant proportion of the property stock is owned by interstate and overseas buyers who visit for the school holidays and the occasional long weekend, cost transparency is not incidental. It’s the whole point. A flat rate is a simple thing. In this market, it’s also relatively rare.

There’s a further dimension that speaks directly to Cove’s character as an agency. Donovan’s background is not in property management alone, it runs through construction, trade and

development, with a family history in Noosa going back to the ‘70s and connections to builders, architects and town planners that are long-established and well used.

If an owner decides that two months away is the right moment to finally renovate the kitchen, or add that deck, Donovan can project-manage the work from start to finish.

This is the service at its most ambitious, a proposition that goes well beyond keeping the garden alive. Come back in eight weeks and the renovation is done, the site is clean, and the

contractors have been kept honest throughout. It’s the kind of capability that only makes sense inside an agency with genuine development depth.

The concierge offering is the newest addition to what Cove runs as three distinct rental arms: the permanent rental side has placed six properties in the past six months, each rented within a fortnight and each above market rate; on the holiday letting front, Cove Holidays, (coveholidays.com.au), brings four years of management experience with high-end homes, established first in Agnes Water and now expanding into Noosa with a pipeline of properties

awaiting council approval; and Cove Concierge completes the picture, designed for the owner who doesn’t fit neatly into the other two categories.

It’s a considered piece of positioning. Permanent rental assumes you’re largely absent. Holiday letting puts short-stay clients in your home. The concierge service assumes you have a property worth maintaining however your lifestyle takes you away from it regularly, and that your time is worth more than the hours managing it yourself would require.

Donovan is measured about what the demand for Cove Concierge might look like. He makes no grand claim to having invented the category, and no prediction about how quickly it may grow.

“I wouldn’t say it’s a huge gap, it’s been around for a while, and I believe we’ll do it better,” he explains.

The best concierge, in any context, is the one you never have to think about. You walk through the door. Everything is exactly as it should be.

For Noosa’s growing cohort of parttime owners and full-time travellers, that promise, priced clearly, delivered effectively, is worth more than any brochure can stipulate.

Tara Morris and Donovan Biss

*Artist impression, indicative only.

John Caruso discovers the magic in building a brand-new coastal community from scratch.

Start A FRESH

It’s a special feeling to be part of something before the story has been told and the narrative established; to literally build a community from the ground up.

At Sunrise Beach Village that means the paint is still fresh, daily life is still establishing a rhythm, nobody’s claimed a favourite seat in the communal lounge and that fresh ‘new car’ smell lingers. Everything is ready for new experiences and memories to be made.

As Village Manager at Keyton’s newest community, Sunrise Beach Village, Carrie Woods is in the middle of it all.

She didn’t arrive to maintain something another person had spent years establishing. She arrived to a fresh start. For her, it’s a meaningfully different job, and one she chose deliberately.

“There’s a very relaxed coastal resort feel about this place, that’s the first thing you notice,” she says. “Then the wonder and excitement of discovering and defining what we want the community to be.”

It’s an observation echoed by the first residents who agree that Sunrise Beach Village offers new beginnings, full of possibility - somewhere you choose to be, rather than somewhere you land due to circumstance.

For Carrie, that atmosphere isn’t just a backdrop, it’s a foundation to build on.

Before arriving at Sunrise Beach Village, Carrie was managing an already established community at a Keyton Village in Brisbane, complete with all the processes, rhythms and rituals that years of settled life bring.

The contrast between stepping into something that has already found its stride and stepping into a brand-new village was a fundamentally different experience.

“Opening a new location along with those foundation residents mean you grow it together, you’re not just stepping into an established community,” she explains.

‘Growing it together’ is a phrase that sits at the centre of what makes Sunrise Beach Village’s current chapter exciting.

The residents living at Grasstree Court haven’t arrived at a community with its habits already formed and friendships already cemented. They’ve come in alongside a team that’s also finding its footing, learning the building, working out the ropes in real time.

This is the part that rarely gets told. We hear about what retirement living can look like once it’s humming - the social clubs, the morning teas, the rhythms of a community that’s had years to settle.

We hear less about the blank canvas stage: where new discoveries are made en masse and the relationships and rhythm that will define the place are still in their first steps.

At Sunrise Beach Village, that canvas is taking shape quickly. A residents’ committee has formed and meets monthly, something Carrie speaks about with genuine enthusiasm.

“We assisted them with getting that underway and developing that, which is exciting,” she says. “I also meet with them to talk about village life, things that are happening and things we can work on together.”

Week by week, the village is growing. The arrival of new residents is a nearweekly occurrence, and with Stage 3 yet to launch, the community is still very much in its opening chapter.

The friendships forming now, the habits taking root, the small rituals being established, these are the things that will define what Sunrise Beach Village

becomes for the future.

That thread of being part of something from the very beginning is one Carrie keeps returning to. It’s not hard to understand why. There’s a belonging that comes from having been there when something started. Foundation residents here aren’t arriving to join someone else’s story. They’re writing their own.

What tends to get overlooked in conversations about retirement villages is that the staff are on the same foundational journey. Carrie didn’t just arrive to open a building. She arrived to build an operations team from scratch, a group of people charged with running a location that was still working out, day by day, what running it looked like.

“Building the team is a journey in itself because we’ve all come in fresh to establish processes and procedures and put everything in place,” Carrie says.

“You need to know and understand the differences between village designs. How do we conduct a fire evacuation? How does the lift work? How does the key system work? There’s a lot of things to plan, discover and tune.”

Everyone is writing the reference points in real time and fit-for-purpose.

This is what a legacy looks like in its earliest days. Not a plaque on a wall or a name above a door.

A group of people, staff and residents alike, who will one day be able to say they were there when it all started. When the first friendships were struck. When the residents’ committee held its first meetings. When the team learned the building and the building began, slowly, to feel like home.

At Sunrise Beach Village, the paint is still fresh, the lawns are green and gardens are blooming, and the story is well and truly underway.

PHOTO: IAN WALDIE

Carrie Woods talks with a resident

Friendly FINANCE

Finding finance can be a minefield. Deb Caruso discovers a friendly face who helps bring it all together with the power of local knowledge and the strength of national networks.

There’s something compelling about Noosa women who build quietly, lead confidently, and still manage to make everyone around them feel seen. Loan Market Noosa Heads Director Nikki Nielsen is one of those women.

Known across the coast for her sharp mind, magnetic energy, and polished presence, Nikki has carved out a name for herself not simply as a mortgage broker - but as a trusted strategist, connector, and modern businesswoman with a distinctly human touch.

Behind the luxury branding, and beautifully curated office aesthetic is someone deeply driven by people. A mum, entrepreneur, and finance expert, Nikki has built her career around helping others step into security, freedom, and possibility through property and smart lending. But what truly sets her apart is the way she blends professionalism with personality - equal parts polished and relatable.

Having spent almost two decades living in Melbourne before returning home to Noosa, Nikki brought back with her a sophisticated edge often seen in larger city markets, while still holding onto the warmth and ease of coastal living. That combination has become her signature.

Clients describe her as tenacious, intuitive, fiercely loyal, and refreshingly honest. She’s the kind of broker who will fight hard behind the scenes, but still remember your child’s name, your settlement anniversary, and exactly how nervous you were signing your first contract.

Today, with a growing office presence in Noosa Junction, Nikki and her team are continuing to redefine what modern finance broking can look and feel like. Built around a collective of specialists

...continuing to redefine what modern finance broking can look and feel like.

who are masters in their respective fields, the business offers a comprehensive approach to lending - supporting clients across residential finance, commercial lending, business and cash flow solutions, asset finance, SMSF lending, property investment strategy, and everything in between.

But beyond lending itself, Nikki believes deeply in the power of building what she calls your ‘A Team’ - the trusted circle of professionals around you who help shape long-term success.

For Nikki, finance is never just about one loan or one transaction. It’s about creating a network of aligned experts who work together toward a shared vision for a client’s future.

From accountants and financial advisers to investment strategists, buyers agents, solicitors and business mentors, Nikki specialises in connecting people with the right professionals at the right time. Her strength lies not only in what she personally delivers, but in the relationships she has carefully built over years within the industry.

“It’s important that everyone around a client is aligned,” she explains. “When your accountant, broker, adviser and strategist are all singing from the same hymn sheet, incredible things can happen over time.”

That collaborative, relationship-first philosophy has become one of the defining features of her business. Clients know they’re not simply walking into an office to secure finance - they’re

PHOTOS: MEGAN GILL

Nikki Nielsen

stepping into a trusted network designed to support them through every stage of life and business.

And perhaps nowhere is that philosophy felt more strongly than inside the office itself.

Thoughtfully crafted to feel more like a welcoming lounge than a corporate finance space, Nikki’s Noosa Junction office has been intentionally designed around connection, comfort, and conversation.

It’s a place where clients are encouraged to linger a little longerwhether that’s over a morning coffee, an afternoon drink from the always-stocked bar fridge, or simply a chat about life, business, and goals.

The space reflects Nikki herself: warm, elevated, approachable, and deeply community-minded. Locals regularly pop in just to say hello, and friendships are often formed as naturally as business relationships.

And in true Noosa fashion, four-legged visitors are equally welcome for a treat, a pat, and a cuddle from the team.

Her vision for business extends far beyond transactions. Nikki has become increasingly focused on building a premium brand experience within the

finance industry - elevating what mortgage broking can feel like.

Think less sterile office, more refined lifestyle brand. Her approach merges finance with design, storytelling, relationships, and trust; something rarely seen in the finance industry.

Outside of work, Nikki is deeply grounded in family life, motherhood, wellness, and personal growth. She’s equally at home discussing global investment trends as she is posting funny content about her child or sharing glimpses of Noosa life.

And while success has certainly followed, Nikki’s story isn’t one built on perfection. It’s one built on resilience. Reinvention. Learning to back herself. Starting over when needed. Choosing growth over comfort.

There’s a depth to her that people feel almost immediately - a softness beneath the ambition that makes her both aspirational and approachable.

In many ways, Nikki represents a new generation of women in business: emotionally intelligent, commercially savvy, style-conscious, and entirely unafraid to take up space.

In a town known for lifestyle, connection, and entrepreneurship, she fits naturally into the fabric of modern Noosa - ambitious, evolving, and subtly building something meaningful.

FIND FINANCE

Nikki and the team from Loan Market Noosa Heads offer a free, no-obligation conversation to discuss your finance needs and explore the right solution. Scan the QR code to make an appointment, phone 0407 008 000, email nikki.nielsen@loanmarket.com.au or visit the team at B/32 Sunshine Beach Road, Noosa Junction.

BarefootTHE CORPORATE WARRIOR

Be cautious and bold. Attributed to both Victor Rothschild, 3rd Baron Rothschild, and American showman P.T. Barnum

Part II – Retirement: How To Snippets

I once told a friend that I felt the post-work transition to a ‘successful’ retirement was at least a five-year project. This timeline is due to the challenge of making big life changes across our complex physical, mental, emotional and spiritual selves.

So much of our identity, the ‘who I am’ is caught up in our career or workthe structure, the routine, the systems and processes that provide so much comfort to the human spirit. Work provides a crutch to identity… plus gives us something to do.

Once the title, and the hours of activity are gone the questions are: who am I and what do I do now?

Drawn inexorably down into depression and ‘grumpy old so-and-so’ syndrome?

Maybe, maybe not. Approaching this stage of life with planning and forethought brings rewards. This is your time. Don’t end up snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.

A few thoughts from my 13+ years of being ‘mostly retired’ to help you on your way.

Routine and new habits: We are creatures of habit and routine - they seem to provide purpose and comfort. Apparently, it takes a couple of months for an action to become a habit or a new routine. Anchoring the week with consistent routines is a good foundation for the morphed you.

There will be grief, there may be guilt, there could be tears: No matter how it happens – voluntary redundancy, an equity buy-out, a corporate downsizing of which you are simply a spent cog or even the shock of a sacking – there will be grief, there may be guilt and there could be tears.

Experts in human psychology include retirement/loss of job up there with the big grief events like losing a life partner, being diagnosed with cancer, personal financial disaster, divorce or even the loss of a child. Come to retirement with

an understanding that you will experience an assortment of emotions and an acceptance that this ebb and flow is a natural process.

I don’t like Mondays: A curious thing happened about a month into being ‘mostly’ retired. I would wake in the mornings ready for action, full of energy and adrenalin. The only problem was that there was no action, there was nothing specific to be energetic about. No manner of reasoning could deny the fact that I was jumpy and ‘on’. All dressed up and nowhere to go... it was the classic fight or flight response only there was neither a fight to respond to, nor a flight to be initiated.

Adrenalin is a great energy-giver for an active career but a downer when it literally has no use in the present moment. It produces an aimless jumpiness which can feel unpleasant.

Recognise the adrenalin effect and commit to the long march of bringing yourself down slowly/with kindness.

Regrets, I’ve had a few: You’ve got a lot more time on your hands. You are not focused wholly or mostly on work. You may find yourself sloping around the house a lot more. The Buddhist’s ‘mad monkey mind’ remains restless. The horses are galloping free in the top paddock.

What might your mind do in the absence of work and career focus? Go to war on itself, of course. All I am saying is that you may need to do some ‘work’ on your inner self to emerge as a retiree butterfly. Rumination on the past is the idle mind’s go-to. Time to move on. Turn it around – you didn’t lose, you won! The emotions you go through in the early stages of retirement are interesting. I suppose it depends a bit on your personality. Are you a glass half full or a glass half empty kinda guy/gal?

It is easy to fall into some poor thinking habits which bring nothing positive in retirement.

Your diligence over decades has earned

you the right to easier times. You’re the winner. Remember that.

Is being ‘mostly’ retired a gentler transition? Some people go cold turkey into retirement. If they believe they have the right attitude and approach to make that happen, good luck to them. For me, the best was a gentler transition/ adrenalin downslope, which involved some work. The combination can help at all levels of the challenge. Explore or plan for the options which are available to you if this approach appeals.

Wild horses, Mad Monkey Mind, Zen and other psychobabble: Are you a spiritual person? Have you been active in cultivating this aspect of being human? Is it time to do so? Spiritual development can help in finding new directions, as a trigger for selfexploration/acceptance/calmness or even as a new intellectual or travel interest to keep things interesting.

Get Physical, take up Yoga, go sailing?: I am in training! For what you ask?

A marathon, a long bike ride, a trek to Everest Base Camp? Maybe some, maybe none of the above. But the simple answer is that I realise now that I am in training for life - the kind of life which I want to experience before I shuffle off the mortal coil. Making physical activity central to my routine has been great for me.

Year one – it’s a holiday!: If you are really having trouble with your newfound freedom and the time which it delivers why not take a holiday?

“But I’m already on a holiday… a permanent holiday,” I hear you say. Well, that might be technically correct but you may not be feeling like that. Deliberately move yourself into the holiday spirit.

The Bucket List: Have you ever sat down and thought about your Bucket List? The list of experiences you want to have before you die? Is this something you think might be useful? If so, sit down, and write it down. Then make it happen.

...it might be the time to fully embrace your values so you can benefit from living your version of an authentic life.

Lists, lists, lists: One of my career superpowers was the daily action list. Nothing got forgotten and ticking off the completed actions gave a great sense of satisfaction. I cling to this habit in retirement. It might help in avoiding the ‘forgetful’ tag as you age.

For the blokes - Manopause or You Are Going to Die so Get Over It: Remember in your early twenties? Seems to me it was a never-ending carousel of parties, twenty-first celebrations, engagement parties and marriages. Occasionally you attended the funeral of an aged relative. You may have noticed a change. There seem to be a lot of funerals now. Parents,

parents of friends, even friends. We do like to pretend we will live forever, don’t we boys? Well, time to face up to your own mortality. Stop pretending. It might just deliver the zest for life you need.

Stop Rushing, Start ‘Flâning’: There’s a scene in the 1993 Woody Allen film Manhattan Murder Mystery where Alan Alda, who plays Woody’s friend (secretly in love with Woody’s wife played by Diane Keaton), walks away from an encounter with Keaton and along the streets of New York City.

He strolls along the sidewalk, hands in his pockets, glancing around at the scenery, the trees, the street and its life. The camera is directly in front of him, moving backwards as Alan Alda moves forward. We have a full-frontal view of the actor and the streetscape. There is no dialogue. And the sequence lasts for a surprisingly long time for a scene which is simply a bloke walking down the street.

He is not walking fast or slow. He is sauntering along, happy to be alive, seemingly with no particular place to go and with no time imperative.

The French have a word for this: to

“flâner” which makes me a flâneur when I actively cultivate this experience. Make flâning a retirement superpower.

As the French would say Alan Alda is “bien dans sa peau”– good in his skin. Comfortable and relaxed. He is fully accepting of the fact that he has “no particular place to go”. This is really a state-of-mind to be cultivated.

Be a ‘hub’ for male/female mates: We are social animals at our core. Being a hub for mates was always an ambition of mine in retirement. The longer we hang around the more important our mates become. Keeping mates takes time, dedication and regular contact. It requires proactive reaching outs. Create reasons to see them and be in touch. Both you and they will benefit.

Who Do You Want to Be?: Don’t be afraid to ask yourself a few hard questions in retirement. Stop hiding from these questions by creating more and more activities or simply distracting the mind via television/social media, continuous noise (music non-stop?), online games and internet research aka fodder. Create some quiet time for reflection. Re-image yourself if you want and then make it happen.

Values are the key: Be honest. Have you lived a life according to your values thus far? It would be unusual, I think, if you could answer hand on heart that you have always spoken and acted according to your core values. Life throws some curly ones at us as we go through and we end up in tangles. Well, now that you aren’t being tugged and pulled in as many directions it might be the time to fully embrace your values so you can benefit from living your version of an authentic life.

Nothing Stays the Same Forever: Everything is in motion. Quantum physics, which postulates the dynamics of the sub-atomic world, tell us that the universe of which we are a product is aquiver with movement and in a constant state of flux. All is change, from moment to moment, from micro moment to micro moment. Try to move into change with the least resistance possible.

Retirement can be exciting, a fitting reward for decades of honouring commitments to family, friends and work colleagues.

Get planning, get active and stay alive!

WANT MORE?

Scan the QR code to catch up on Part 1: Time to Go? If so, Think. Prepare and explore more musings from Paul Bird.

Soul

OF THE CITY

Four homes. Two levels. One address that changes the definition of luxury. Words by John Caruso.

The Maroochydore City Centre is an ambitious piece of urban planning, a 53-hectare greenfield development representing a multi-billion dollar investment by Walker Corporation in the future of the Sunshine Coast.

Delivered by Walker in partnership with Sunshine Coast Council, the precinct is transforming Maroochydore into a connected commercial, residential and lifestyle destination, supported by significant state and federal infrastructure investment in the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

SOL by Walker is at the heart of ittwo world-class towers in an emerging City Centre in one of the country’s fastest growing regions.

Residents of SOL have it all on their doorstep - fine dining, casual eats, cocktails or coffee; retail, wellness or business. Walker’s 50 First Avenue sets a new standard for green offices and the Maroochydore Private Hospital is now open. Maroochy River and Maroochydore beach is a short stroll away; Ocean Street is a leisurely ten-minute walk through a city centre that is really starting to feel like one.

Beyond the amenity, SOL’s four coveted penthouses are the jewel in the crown.

The Penthouse Collection offers a

limited release of dual-level sky homes occupying the top two floors of the first tower. Just four residences, each spanning between 374 and 417 square metres across two levels. Private lift access. Wrap-around terraces. A plunge pool that is yours alone. Views that take in the Pacific Ocean, the Maroochy River, Point Cartwright and the hinterland in a single uninterrupted sweep. This is serious, head-in-the-clouds real estate!

Miriam Fanning and her team from Melbourne-based Mim Design brought a disciplined and inspired approach to the interiors to deliver a material palette of polished plaster, brushed metals, layered ceramics and natural timber - all inspired by the tones of the Sunshine Coast landscape.

In the kitchen, a 3.5-metre island bench anchors the space, backed by a concealed butler’s pantry and close to nine metres of joinery. The entry is marked by a glass-encased wine cellar,

not an afterthought but a considered arrival. Bathrooms are defined by natural stone, handcrafted mosaic tiles, freestanding baths and custom vanities, creating the kind of space that feels like a genuine retreat.

The upper level of each penthouse works as either a master suite or an additional living area, opening directly to the wrap-around terrace and private plunge pool.

Beyond their front doors, penthouse buyers can access an elevated adultsonly pool and private function area; The Sanctuary on Level 4 with cabanas surrounding a 20-metre lap pool, spa, cold plunge, sauna, steam room, fully equipped gym, and outdoor yoga area; the Sunset Gardens overlook mountain ranges with mounded lawns and seating positioned to capture the late afternoon light that makes this stretch of coast particularly stunning.

A dedicated BBQ area invites social gatherings, the entry foyer resembles an upmarket hotel, the ground floor will be buzzing with boutiques and places to eat - this is an answer to how people want to live!

Construction of the first tower is well underway with a targeted completion date of late 2027, and the second tower not far behind. Both are around 90 per cent sold.

At last, the future is arriving - and it will be the soul of the city. Opportunities like this are rare and life’s too short for regrets. Book your private appointment today.

Artist Impressions

The pinnacle of coastal living

Discover The Penthouse Collection. The height of sophistication, featuring curated interiors by Mim Design and expansive ocean views from the heart of Maroochydore City Centre.

Secure your private appointment today

Artist Impression