Peregian Springs News July 2020

Peregian Springs News Inform know grow Volume 5. Issue 9

July 2020

INSIDE..

New water main to boost security - p6

Ducking for cover over speed MOTORISTS are being urged to check their speed around the golf club streets, The Avenue, Peregian Springs Drive and Ridges Boulevard in particular with the local ducks seemingly out in force moving between watering holes.

Concerned residents have alerted Peregian Springs News to near misses and ducks being hit by motorists unable to stop in time.

With school holidays on until July 12, pedestrian activity is also at a peak, with scooter riders, skateboarders and cyclists

out enjoying the winter weather.

Queensland Police have labelled their latest road campaign Operation Sierra Cold Snap and have promised to be out in force to monitor speeding, drink/ drug driving, distraction, fatigue and seat belt use.

Assistant Commissioner Ben Marcus said: “This operation is to ensure the safety of all road users.

“The road rules will be enforced by officers so if you see officers out and about or are stopped for a random driver test know that they have your safety in mind.”

Peregian Springs News, July 2020

A few tips to help beat anxiety - p24

Meet the locals at The Bunyas - p28

From the Ed’s desk: Community is a chameleon concept. It means different things to different people. And rightly so - there are communities of Action, Practice, Place, Circumstance and Interest plus hybrids of these types. No wonder it’s difficult to work out sometimes why you do and don’t feel connected to community. You have to connect with belonging.

This publication has always aimed to foster a sense of Community of Place with stories that combine Place with all the other types of community - hoping that all will find a sense of belonging and connection in the magazine.

I know that each community locally is different. That’s why I’m so excited to announce plans for my Journalist husband and I to launch two new magazines, one especially for Coolum and another for the “Beaches” Peregian Beach, Marcus, Castaways, Sunrise and Sunshine. Our two new human interest, business and community news magazines will join Peregian Springs News (covering Peregian

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Springs/Peregian Breeze) and bring stories that matter to those niche communities, all hand delivered to letterboxes each month with bulk drops at prominent locations.

Geoff and I have been on the Coast working in and serving our local communities for over 12 years. We’ve had and raised our two girls here, so the communities our magazines serve are well known to us... we live, work, shop, eat, socialise, learn and play in these communities. We know you - we know how you’re connected, but we know what makes you different. We’re consistent, competent, connected, compassionate journalists and businesspeople and we hope your community group, businesses and each individual will get in touch with us whether it be to tell your story or advertise to your target market while supporting local independent media.

We love print and we’re here for you. We’ll be out in the community meeting you all soon so please say hi if you see us.

Call Geoff Crockett on 0413 988 333 or Rebecca Crockett 0422 215 648.

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Local News

Community sport back from July 3 THE move to lighten Queensland’s COVID-19 restrictions to Stage 3 has arrived early, with the exception of interstate travel to and from Victoria.

With the current increase in cases in that state, the Queensland Government announced on June 30 that from July 3, anyone travelling into Queensland from Victoria would be required to isolate in a hotel for 14 days at their own expense, including returning residents.

Interstate travel from the other states and territories into Queensland will be allowed from July 10, with all travelers required to fill out a border entry form stating that they have not been to Victoria in the last 14 days.

Outside of travel, other Stage 3 restrictions come into force from July

3, a week earlier than originally planned.

The changes will allow noncommercial gatherings of up to 100 people, including weddings and funerals, and “the resumption of activity including competition and physical contact is permitted on the field of play�.

Smaller businesses, with less than 200sqm of floor space can have one person per 2 square metres up to 50 people.

Office-based workers will also be allowed to return to their place of work and concert venues, theatres and auditoriums can open and have up to 50% capacity or one person per 4 sqm, whichever is the greater. For more see www.covid19.qld.gov.au.

Peregian Springs News, July 2020

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Local News

Budget offers boost for schools IMPROVEMENTS to pedestrian, cycling and car parking facilities in and around Peregian Springs State School and Coolum High are the major highlights of local funding approved in the Sunshine Coast Council 2020/21 Budget released on June 25.

Division 9 Councillor Maria Suarez said the projects planned for the division over the next 12 months would help to support our community and build a healthy, smart, creative region.

“Meeting the needs of the community as we recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic has greatly influenced preparation of this year’s council budget,” Cr Suarez said.

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“For example, recent applications for council grants have far exceeded supply and as a result, the community grants program funding has increased from $3 million to $4.5 million, which Division 9 not-for-profit groups may be eligible for.”

Cr Suarez said residents would also see work happening on the ground around the division.

“Work will be done to make the pedestrian and cycling facilities around Peregian Springs State School and Coolum State High School precinct safer for students walking and riding their bikes or scooters to school.

“Coolum High School parents will be pleased to know more parking bays

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Council Budget 2020/21 will also be built near the school.”

Other highlights for Division 9 include: • $15,000 to replace play equipment at Peachtree Park Playground, Peregian Springs • $1 million for stormwater works at Cinnamon Avenue, Coolum Beach • $165,000 for Doonan Creek Environmental Reserve, Verrierdale for the staged development of trail construction works • $50,000 for Coolum Beach Holiday Park, Coolum for electrical upgrade works to improve capacity • $10,000 to replace the basketball unit at Laguna Grove Park, Doonan.

The $782 million budget includes a $35 COVID rebate on residential and commercial properties’ rate bills, no

increase in environment, transport or heritage levies, and the continued commitment to provide rebates to pensioners.

Major projects include $40 million to start construction of City Hall, Maroochydore City Centre, which is expected to generate 300 jobs.

Council has also committed to paying contractors and suppliers on a seven day payment program to assist with cashflow, and to aim to assign contracts valued up to $250,000 to local companies “generally” and to “favour” local companies for contracts valued over $250,000.

See www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/ budget for more information on Sunshine Coast Council’s 2020/21 Budget - which has been branded, Healthy. Smart. Creative.

Peregian Springs News, July 2020

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Local News

New water main out for tender TENDERS have been called for a new water main joining the reservoir at Peregian Springs to Mt Coolum, 10km away.

The main, which will run down the hill from the reservoir, under the road at Ridges Blvd, and A 10km water main will join Peregian Springs and Mt Coolum then out through the Noosa National Park, at the back of “We expect construction to begin in Heron Rd (the name of the fire trail about three months and take about 12 behind Sandhurst Crescent). months to complete.

Unitywater Executive Manager “This is an important project to meet Sustainable Infrastructure Solutions the needs of the growing Peregian Amanda Creevey said the new water Springs and broader Sunshine Coast main will be installed at Mount Coolum community.” and will connect to existing water In other water related news, infrastructure on the western side of Unitywater has decided to freeze its the Sunshine Motorway and then north prices for the financial year ahead. to the Peregian Springs water Unitywater Chief Financial Officer reservoir.

Pauline Thomson said the price freeze “The new water main will provide would apply to all Unitywater fees and water supply security in this area and charges for 12 months from 1 July service about 11,000 people.

2020 to 30 June 2021.

“This project has an estimated value “This is the sixth consecutive year of $11 million and is currently in the Unitywater has frozen its usage tender process. charges,” Ms Thomson said.

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Peregian Springs News, July 2020

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Local News - In Brief WATCH OUT FOR ODD NOTES

Local police have issued a warning to residents and business owners to be on the look out for counterfeit $50 notes.

As of June 26 the notes used at businesses from Maroochydore to Kawana were copies of the “original” $50 polymer notes with Edith Cowan on one side.

The police said while convincing, the notes lacked some of the security features of Australian banknotes. See https://banknotes.rba.gov.au/ counterfeit-detection/counterfeitdetection-guide/ for more.

Anyone with information about these notes is urged to contact police and quote QP2001239126.

KOEL CIRCUIT DEVELOPMENT Progress on the application for a proposed unit block and office spaces at Koel Circuit appears to have stalled in recent times with the last documents loaded on to Council’s Development I portal on May 15.

These documents, were from Pivotal Perspective to Council’s Development Planner, in response to a request from Council for further information on a range of topics including mailbox location, privacy screening, waste management, storage and bicycle parking.

Anyone interested in reading the full suite of documents on this development so far should search from Development I and then the application number MCU18/0023.

GET READY TO SURVIVE Whether it’s bushfire, floods, hailstorms or other severe weather events, Queensland has its fair share of challenges. To help young 8

Queenslanders to learn how to be prepared for the unexpected the Commonwealth and State Governments have created the Get Ready Queensland Challenge game to empower children to be part of their household’s emergency planning.

There are nine levels to the game which can be found online at www.getready.qld.gov.au/game.

BUILDING BETTER COMMUNITIES Sunshine Coast Council has partnered with Community Praxis Co-op to present a six-week online course on Building Better Communities.

Community Praxis facilitator Howard Buckley said the course would be a wonderful interactive learning opportunity.

“This is open to anyone and may appeal to someone who is engaged and active within their neighbourhood; those who volunteer or perhaps are part of community groups,” Mr Buckley said.

“We’ll explore safe ways to build people’s confidence and skills effective communication; connect with others around shared ideas and provide support for people to build inclusive groups and initiate local projects.”

Session topics include understanding challenges people face in trying to build a community, positive examples of local values plus understanding First Nations’ perspectives.

The course will be held each Tuesday from 10.30am to Noon from July 14 to August 18.

People can register for the course online at https:// haveyoursay.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.a u/communitybuilding

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Peregian Springs News, July 2020

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Local News

Emails sought to save money at Pavilions IN a bid to keep a cap on mail costs and speed up the delivery of information the body corporate of the Pavilion’s development is urging all of its owners to register an email address with the body corporate manager Stewart Silver King and Burns (SSKB).

A Pavilions body corporate spokesman said an email address for owners allows SSKB to contact them electronically at minimal cost.

“Standard mail costs postage and the time to put it together. Annual Levy costs are an issue for everyone and the body corporate committee endeavours to save money wherever possible,” he said.

Via email, he said, owners could easily be kept informed of all that is planned and issues affecting them in the Pavilions and it was a quick way to have voting papers for General Meetings and Annual General Meetings distributed to owners wherever they live, in Australia or overseas at minimal cost and effort.

“Units within the Pavilions are leased by several estate agents, owners email addresses should be listed in the ‘Roll List’ so they have the option to vote on important issues affecting their investment.”

“Some owners do not have email contact available so they will continue to be contacted by standard mail.

“Everyone needs to be involved in the effective operation of the Pavilion Body Corporate area.”

A contact form is available online at https://pavilionschair.wixsite.com/ pavilionsbodycorp.

The Pavilions Body Corporate Chairperson can be contacted via email at pavilionschair@gmail.com.

If any owners wish to update their information or add an email address, they can send the information directly to SSKB at rollchanges@sskb.com.au Standard body corporate management queries should still be sent to the general SSKB email at sskb@sskb.com.au.

Rec Club re-opens under COVID-19 rules RESIDENTS in the Ridges body corporate area have regained access to the pool, tennis court and gym, with social distancing rules applying.

In a letter to owners FKP Residential Pty Ltd listed a series of works done in the downtime at the centre, including replacement of ceiling lights, painting of some external walls, paint of the kids pool and terrace decks, replacement of tactile indicators, installation of stair treaded slip treatment strips, chemical treatment of 10

the pool surface, maintenance and repair of the pool pumps and equipment, an external pressure clean of the facility, garden pruning and garden works, replacement of the external BBQ electrical elements and a deep clean of the entire facility.

As part of the return process, all owners and residents cards were to be reset with users sent a Rec Club Membership form and asked to complete it and email to janine.walter@aveo.com.au by July 1.

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Peregian Springs News, July 2020

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Local News

Sign up to Peregian Family and Friends AS life heads slowly back to a preCovid-19 world, Peregian Family and Friends are busy planning the year ahead.

After postponing membership renewals for three months, the group has updated its membership year to run from July 1 to June 30, with renewals and new members welcome.

A PFAF spokesperson said: “We would like to invite all current members to renew their membership and new members across the Peregian region to consider supporting our local community association.

Current projects include • Advocacy for a bike and walk way between Peregian Springs and Peregian Beach, via Peregian Breeze;

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• Revival of the local Peregian Surf Club; • Representation of Peregian residents’ interests to Council regarding relevant development applications; • Advocacy for other local projects such as infrastructure, funding and support from all levels of government; • Fundraising for important local not for profit groups such as the Rural Fire Brigade and Nippers.

All members are welcome.

To join or renew via credit card, see http://www.peregianfriends.com/ membership The membership fees for the next 12 months are: Individual: $15; Couple: $25; Family: $30; Business: $100.

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Peregian Springs News, July 2020

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Local News

Life savers dig deep for Peregian THE mission to return Peregian Beach Surf Life Saving Club to an entity in its own right stepped up a notch last month with the creation of Working Group charged with its revival.

The new group mimics the positions of a standard Surf Club management committee.

It includes the following locals: • Tom Britten (Coach & Cadets Manager) • Lyn Bollen (Secretary) • Russell Porter (Club Captain), • Rob McCready (Sponsorship Manager) • Kristy Morris (Events & Merchandise Manager) • Leigh McCready (Chair), • Kane Livingston (Finance Director) • Lyndon Forlonge (Junior Activities Director) • Brett Morris (Assistant Club Captain & Water Safety Coordinator) • Brett Leckie (Clubhouse Director) The Working Group will work with the Community Advisory Board set up following Noosa Council’s decision to award a three-year permit for the Surf Club building to Surf Lifesaving Sunshine Coast (SLSSC).

Surf Life Saving Sunshine Coast president Gerard O’Brien has backed the move.

“With over 100 years of combined lifesaving service to the Peregian community, the group of local Peregian lifesavers that has joined together in the Working Group, have been working hard to plan how the club can build on the success of the two previous seasons of supporting the Noosa Heads SLSC to re-establish 14

the Peregian Nippers program and also to grow local surf lifesaver numbers,” Mr O’Brien said.

Newly elected chair of the Working Group, Leigh McCready said they were determined to succeed.

“We know from the success of the nipper program, which has grown from 0 to 170 children in two seasons, that the demand and support from the Peregian community is there.

“Building on this, we plan to attract new members, retain current members and restore previous Peregian surf lifesaver memberships over the next two seasons to enable the Peregian Beach SLSC to once again, patrol their own beach on weekends and public holidays.”

“Going forward, we would like to add 50 local lifesavers to our current numbers and revive previous membership activities such as regular events at the clubhouse, Sunday patrols and family BBQs in the park.”

Noosa Heads SLSC president Ross Fisher welcomed the news.

“We most certainly look forward to supporting Leigh and the Working Group in maintaining lifesaving services at Peregian Beach, whilst also supporting them to ultimately achieve their goal of a new SLSC.” Peregian locals wishing to become a lifesaver can find out more by messaging the Peregian Surf Life Saving Facebook page (https:// www.facebook.com/ PeregianSLSC/).

Parents searching for nipper information please go to Peregian Nippers on Facebook (https:// www.facebook.com/ peregiannippers/).

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Peregian Springs News, July 2020

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Peregian Springs News, July 2020

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Councillor Maria Suarez—Division 9 there are a host of great instructional videos to guide you through the steps to use the website.

Recent Budget news

Coolum High School will build new parking bays and improve pedestrian and cycling access thanks to a $977,000 Council budget allocation.

Find out about development applications near you

Have you ever seen a vacant block or a sign advertising an impact assessable development application and wanted to see the details?

Development.i is your place to go for information on development applications in Peregian Springs and the rest of the Sunshine Coast.

I’d recommend using the map search function.

You can type in a suburb and see all the past and current development applications around you as red dots on the map. Click on each dot to unpack the details.

The email alert feature is a really great option if you want to stay informed.

Once you log in, you can set favourite searches and receive regular alerts on any new development applications near you or get updates on the status of an application as it changes. If you visit the website at developmenti.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au 18

Council recently adopted its 2020/21 budget – some highlights include the community grants program funding increase from $3 million to $4.5 million to support our community as we recover from the effects of the COVID19 pandemic – I encourage Peregian Springs not-for-profit groups to apply.

Peregian Springs State School and Coolum State High School precincts will be made safer for students walking and riding to school with funding of $180,000 and $977,000 respectively allocated to upgrade pedestrian and cycling facilities.

The funding for Coolum High School also includes extra parking bays to be built near the school.

Peregian Springs Skate Park I visited the Skate Park shortly after it

was opened to get feedback from parents and kids.

Nearly everyone there really enjoyed being able to use this facility and I received some great suggestions to make it even better.

The mulching bark is a problem when it is scattered outside of the garden beds and there was some concern about the exposed end of the drop off point.

I’ve taken these concerns to the Capital Works team and will update you on any progress.

If you have other suggestions, please contact me on 54759810 or maria.suarez@sunshinecoast.qld.gov. au

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Peregian Springs News, July 2020

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Ninderry update:

State Member Dan Purdie • replacing unsafe floor coverings • installing internal stairs or chair lifts, and security doors and screens • major repairs (e.g. roofing repairs, guttering replacement, stump replacement and replacement of rotting timbers on floors and decks • necessary modifications to kitchens and bathrooms.

Please note, other eligibility criteria apply, so give my office a call on 5406 7900 for all the details, or contact Maroochy Home Assist Secure on 5476 6130 for information.

COVID-19 Adaption Grant Seniors may be eligible for accessibility grants up to $5000. Phone Maroochy Home Assist Secure on 5476 6130 for more information.

Seniors and Accessibility Assistance grants

If you are a senior aged at least 60 years or any age with a disability, and have a Pensioner Concession Card, you may be eligible for one-off assistance of up to $5000 for larger home repairs or upgrades to home safety or security.

Repairs and upgrades can include: • electrical work (e.g. upgrading electrical safety boxes and smoke alarms to meet safety standards • plumbing works (e.g. to minimise water wastage, including replacement of hot water systems) • building works to improve accessibility (e.g. building or repairing ramps and steps, improving driveway and property access) 20

As we have continued to work through the challenges and adapt to a new way of life during the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the biggest issues I am hearing is the struggle being faced by small businesses.

Not unrelated to their plight is the ongoing border closure debacle, but in the short term, it is essential that small businesses are receiving the appropriate support from the State Government.

To date, there has been criticisms that the grants and assistance packages have fallen short, with many businesses missing out completely.

If you are a small business in Peregian Springs or the Coolum area and you have applied for a grant or funding through a COVID-specific package, I would like to hear from you.

In the meantime, the second round of the Small Business COVID-19 Adaption Grant Program is now open, and I would encourage you to apply as soon as possible if you believe you may be eligible.

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Peregian Springs News, July 2020

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FAIRFAX update: VOLUNTEER FUNDING

Eighteen volunteer organisations from across the electorate have shared in $60,000 worth of funding from this year’s Federal Government Volunteer Grants program, including the Sunshine Coast Physical Culture Club ($4,990) and the Coolum Crusaders Soccer Club ($1,500) which both support students from Peregian Springs Centre front: Peregian Springs State School student Piper Beardwood (7) with Ted O’Brien MP, head teacher Julie Lightfoot and team members from Sunshine Coast Physical Culture Club, a beneficiary of the Volunteer Grants Program.

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COVID UPDATE

COVID restrictions are continuing to ease.

In Queensland Step 3 restrictions are scheduled to come into effect on July 10.

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Federal Member Ted O’Brien The Prime Minister has announced a couple of additional changes to be introduced under Step 3.

For example, for indoor venues, the 100 person maximum will be replaced by the 4sqm rule for each room of any venue. Importantly, that allows for greater capacity at larger venues like RSLs, pubs and wedding locations.

And for outdoor venues that usually hold less than 40,000 people, up to 25 per cent of the venue’s capacity will be able to be used for ticketed and seated events.

I’m keen to hear about what the “new normal” under Step 3 will look like for you.

I’m also wanting to discuss ideas about rebuilding our local economy and navigating the postCOVID recovery.

I’ll be in Peregian Springs on Monday 13 July from 2:30pm at the corner of Peregian Springs Drive and Ridges Road.

ROAD TRIP – July 13

As always, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with any Federal issues, concerns or enquiries on 5479 2800; via email at ted.obrien.mp@aph.gov.au or visit us at 17 Southern Drive, Maroochydore.

Reaching Step 3 also allows me to get back out into the community again and Peregian Springs is one of the first stops on my next seasonal road trip.

GET IN TOUCH

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Chappy’s Corner with Mark Horsfall

Top tips for keeping anxiety at bay Last month I wrote about depression and how it can be a significant challenge for many in the aftermath of Covid-19.

Mental health professionals are expressing concerns that anxiety will be just as prevalent.

Anxiety is more than just feeling stressed or worried. It’s feeling overwhelming worry, distress or fear frequently and persistently which negatively impacts your day-to-day functioning.

Anxiety symptoms can include panic attacks, excessive fear, racing heart, quickened breathing and being wound up and edgy.

Those battling anxiety tend to focus on worst case scenarios, often in vivid and frightening detail.

Keeping your mind on the present rather than projecting into the future can help minimise your anxiety.

Dwelling on factors that are outside of your control can heighten anxiety and will lead nowhere.

Instead, shift your focus to what you can control and preferably to something positive.

It can be extremely hard to be positive while feeling anxious, but if you can make the change in your thinking you can significantly change your emotions.

If you struggle with anxiety actively doing things you enjoy should be a priority. Being idle allows time for negative thoughts to increase and dominate.

Beneficial activities include, finding a hobby, doing exercise, reading a book or trying your hand at art.

One way to slow down your body’s 24

reaction to anxiety is to practice deep breathing, says Dr. Vinita Mehta, a clinical psychologist.

Taking slow, deep, mindful breaths can help you relax in the moment.

When you feel your anxiety rising, count to three as you breath in slowly and then three as you breath out.

Science shows that breathing techniques like this can help reset your brain and thinking.

Be aware of your diet and never underestimate the power of healthy eating habits.

Substances like alcohol, cigarettes and caffeine can trigger anxiety.

Cutting them out of your lifestyle or limiting them can be beneficial.

Most importantly if you are struggling with anxiety seek some help and support from a professional or friend.

You don’t have to be alone!

Mark Horsfall - Chaplain Coolum State High School

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Peregian Springs News, July 2020

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Business Profile

French Language & Culture for all Ages AFTER departing your cul-de-sac, you rendez-vous with your Fiancé at a restaurant, peruse the menu and enjoy joie de vivre and a champagne.

Ahh, France, we have so much to thank you for from your food, culture, romance, landmarks and language (much of which we’ve borrowed to enrich our own, often bland, English).

International travel may be off for now but you can still experience all things French and prepare in your own time and pace for your next adventure.

Since 2008, the Alliance Française (AF) Sunshine Coast has been a branch of the global AF network which is dedicated to promoting French language and culture to the world.

Starting in 1883 in France the AF

Peregian Springs News

network now operates in 132 countries worldwide welcoming people of all ages and language levels to learn French in a fun, interactive setting.

Coordinator of the AF Sunshine Coast, Cécile Couper says French is the international language for the job market, higher education, international relations and renowned for being the language of love and there are many great reasons to learn or brush up on your French now.

“French is the most taught language in the world after English and is spoken on five continents,” Cécile said, noting also the social benefit to learning a language and also keeping the brain active. “It’s gymnastics for the mind,” Cécile says.

Inform know grow

Peregian Springs News thanks our readers and asks you to please show support for the businesses whose advertising dollars allow us the space to share your stories.

ADVERTISING DEADLINES FOR NEXT TWO EDITIONS: Edition Booking & Copy deadline Distributed from date August: July 27 Friday, August 7 September: August 24 Friday, September 4 Phone: 0422 215 648 (leave a message). Email: peregianspringsnews@gmail.com.

Copies are delivered to letterboxes in Peregian Springs* and Peregian Breeze without no junk mail signs, and bulk dropped at the Pool Café, and the shopping centre.

For Advertising cost and dimensions: www.peregianspringsnews.com.au/advertising Peregian Springs News - independently produced and published by Rebecca J Crockett T/As Peregian Springs News (ABN 49865205676). Those making advertising placement and/or supply copy material or editorial submissions to the publication undertake to ensure that all such material does not infringe the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 CTH as amended from time to time or other laws, regulations or statutes. Further to this, these persons agree to indemnify the publisher and/or its agents against any investigations, costs, claims and/or judgments. *No hand delivery in Sentosas or Pavilions occurs.

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Alliance Française

Did you know France has 365 cheese varieties ? That’s one for every day of the year!

Classes are currently being offered

by Skype and the Alliance is aiming to resume face to face classes for all ages and levels in mid-July along with a French Littlies playgroup.

The Alliance also hosts a number of cultural events during the year including to mark Bastille Day in July and the French Film Festival.

Cécile said now was the perfect time to enrol in a French language course for a new term, to be able to learn and enjoy without the added pressure of any looming travel deadlines.

For more information about classes, cultural and social opportunities see www.afsunshinecoast.org.au or phone Verity on 0418 159 139.

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Travel

Stay and play just three hours away WHEN it comes to a perfect winter break within a short driving distance of the Coast it’s hard to go past a few days spent in the bracing chill of the Bunya Mountains.

Found about half way between Kingaroy and Dalby, and elevated to an average of 975m above sea level, the Bunya Mountains offers great views of the surrounding regions, a national park with numerous rainforest type walks, camping, and chalet-style accommodation to suit all manner of family sizes.

Recently re-opened for visitors after the lessening of COVID-19 restrictions, the village is slowly coming back to life.

For the two cafes, the bar and the general store, the challenges of social distancing require some limits on the number of people inside at any one time, and for the moment, the wild bird feeding sessions are off (although the birds are still around and have a tendency to drop by the campsites and accommodation houses to say hello anyway).

In our four days there we were caught out only once, unable to find a table at the café - however a picnic blanket was quickly offered and food served takeaway style so we could still enjoy the experience.

Travelling with two children under the age of 11 it was refreshing to be able to park the car and walk to where we needed to go most of the time.

The abundance of wallabies, birds, and other wildlife offered plenty of opportunities to experience nature, and a chance for my eldest daughter to try her hand at wildlife photography.

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Hiring the tennis court for an hour or two proved to be a hoot - no vouching for the quality of the tennis, but it was a novel way to spend some time.

A trip up the road to Fishers Look Out offered amazing views across the nearby regions (it’s also the one place with a strong mobile signal for anyone desperate to reconnect with the outside world).

For our stay we chose a two bedroom house, Bergenlea, and we couldn’t have been happier.

With two levels of living, a loft-style bedroom for the kids, plenty of space, two decks and a centrally located pot belly stove (with cut wood delivered to the wood pile under the house when it got low) we were left wanting for nothing.

While no two days are the same, an example itinerary could be homemade breakfast at your house, a walk on one of the many trails through the national park, followed by a hearty lunch at one of the cafes, then home to light the fire, set up the board games or grab a book and relax into the evening. In Winter time, the days are shorter, the light fades by 6pm. Be sure to wander outside and look up when it gets dark though - the star show is amazing!

As for the wildlife, The Bunya Mountains is home to 215 species of birds, with king parrots, rosellas and satin bowerbirds a common sight.

Swamp wallabies and red-necked pademelons also call the rainforest and grassed areas home.

To find out more, see https:// bunyamoutains.com.au - by Geoff Crockett

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Bunya Mountains

BUNYA Pines, peace, quiet, birds, wallabies, walks, great cafes, and even a whisky bar with 176 whiskies are to be found at The Bunya Mountains.

Pictures: Genevieve Crockett

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Local Heart LOCAL CHURCH CONTACTS (limits to onsite services during COVID. Contact Churches directly for information on resuming “in person” services) Coolum Beach Anglican Church -Cnr Perry St & Beach Rd Coolum Beach 0447 002 573 email ang.coolum@gmail.com Or see www.anglicanchurchcoolum.com Noosa Anglican Church- 5449 8009 & www.anglicanchurchnoosa.org.

Sunshine Beach (Bicentennial Drv) or Peregian Springs (in St Andrew’s , 40 Peregian Springs Dve) Coolum Beach Baptist Church 1912 David Low Way -call 5446 1957 or www.coolumbeachbaptist.com/

GOVERNMENT REP CONTACTS Peregian Springs– Local Sunshine Coast Councillor Maria Suarez, office (Division 9) Tel – 5441 8086 State (Ninderry) - Dan Purdie (Liberal National Party) Tel - 5406 7900 Federal (Fairfax) Ted O’Brien (Liberal member of Liberal National Party) Tel- 5479 2800 Peregian Breeze— Local Maria Suarez (Division 9) State (Ninderry) Dan Purdie – see above

St Peter’s Catholic Church 28-32 Elizabeth St, Coolum 5443 3488 www.saintsonwaves.com.au

Federal (Wide Bay) Llew O’Brien (National member of the LNP) Tel - 1300 301 968

Coolum Christian Family Church 2 Arcoona Rd (Coolum Beach Christian College) http://ccfchurch.org.au or call 5446 1295.

PEREGIAN FAMILY & FRIENDS COMMUNITY GROUP. www.peregianfriends.com, or www.facebook.com/ peregianfamilyandfriends.

Phone 0400 053 444.

Coolum Uniting Church, Cnr Elizabeth St & Heathfield Rd ,Coolum www.maryburnettpres.org.au or 5446 1815

Salvation Army, Meeting Rooms 127, Greenoaks Drive Coolum. Call Warren or Denise 0400 797 480 / 0418 214 723.

EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE United Synergies at 12-14 Ernest St, Tewantin, is offering emergency relief assistance to people experiencing financial hardship from COVID-19. Help includes food vouchers, emergency payments and temporary accommodation. Phone 5442 4277 and selection option 3 or email reception@unitedsynergies.com.au

Wave Church, The Cavern Theatre.

Sunshine Beach State High. Ph: 5353

* If you’d like to add your notes here, email peregianspringsnews@gmail.com

C3 Church Noosa, Noosaville State School Hall, 75 Beckmans Rd, Noosaville. See www.c3noosa.org

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5152. Weekly events for youth, children and adults. wavechurch.com.au

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Peregian Springs News, July 2020

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