Peregian Springs News November 2015

Peregian Springs News Inform know grow Vol 1. Issue 2

November 2015

0422 215 648

INSIDE

Remember them, page 5 SERVICE BOOST: Telstra upgrades set to add internet ports.

Web work welcome RELIEF is in sight for Peregian Springs residents struggling with no or slow internet access.

A Telstra spokesman has informed Peregian Springs News that “port” numbers will increase by the end of this month with a number more to be added before the end of February 2016.

Like a port at a marina connects a boat to land, a port in an exchange is what connects customers to the Telstra network. The upgrade means those unable to get access to the

network via ADSL, (the wire based internet and phone connection) at the moment will have more chance of getting connected.

The spokesman said for anyone still unable to access Telstra’s ADSL service, a high speed wireless broadband alternative was on offer.

For those wanting a port, he advised residents to call Telstra on 1800 708 867 for placement on a waiting list where a port would be allocated on a first come, first served basis. More, page 2

Peregian Springs News, November edition 2015.

Off leash still on, page 6

Ballet school shines, page 14

Local News From the Ed’s desk A BIG thank you for the wonderful response to the first edition.

Since then I’ve had the privilege to speak to more people in our community about their stories, passions, businesses and issues.

The mission of this publication is to bring you community news. But what is community? Why do people refer to community needs or wants and how can those views can be so different?

The Oxford dictionary definition is: “The people of a district or country considered collectively, especially in the context of social values and responsibilities”. I think a key word is values. Individuals can have personal values and they may or may not be the same as the community values.

What would you value in a community to make it better for all to live in? Usable open spaces, environment, diversity (of others’ backgrounds and opinions), inclusion, friendliness?

I’d love to know your views.

Shared values are a great way to build a community and inform government and development policies.

Now, with Council elections coming up in March 2016 and a redistribution of state government electoral boundaries based on communities of interest (ie shared values), the time is right to consider who we are as a community and what we value so that message can also be communicated to those who govern our community.

I hope you enjoy the read,

Rebecca

peregianspringsnews@gmail.com 2

Crossing success PEREGIAN Springs State School’s bid to have a supervised pedestrian crossing on The Avenue has been successful.

Volunteers started to work on the crossing from the start of Term 4, adding extra safety for students attempting to cross the road during peak pick up and drop off times at the school.

The opening of the crossing was welcomed by the school’s principal Dr Gwen Sands and the P&C committee.

Continued from page 1…

Slow internet will also be addressed with work on the NBN due to commence in the Coolum Beach Catchment, of which Peregian Springs is a part, in 2016.

Internet speed may be affected by a number of factors, such as the number of users on the network, your router, network configuration, hardware and software. Wifi can also be slower than Ethernet cable connection. Also if you have used up your monthly download, the supplier can slow your download speed. See www.nbn.com.au/3yearplan for more information on the NBN.

www.peregianspringsnews.com.au

Local News

Speeding vehicles on the watch list FEELING the need for speed?

Well, don’t plant the right foot in Peregian Springs unless you’re keen to talk to the police and find your street a little more bumpy or windy in the future.

In response to residents’ concerns raised after our last edition, Peregian Springs News got in touch with Council and Police to find out what could be done about drivers seemingly ignoring the speed limits in the estate.

Division 9 Councillor Stephen Robinson said Council worked collaboratively with police when trying to reduce speeding.

Police issue fines, and Council

investigates other options for deterrence such as signage or traffic calming measures like speed bumps or chicanes.

If you spot a car travelling at dangerous speed, and it’s happening now, contact police on 000. Otherwise, contact Police Link on 131 444. In both cases, they will need all the information you can provide in regards to rego number, street name, direction of travel and time of the event.

If speeding is a regular occurrence on your street, let Council know the details on 07 5475 7272. Council officers will investigate and recommend solutions to Council.

Peregian Springs News, November edition 2015.

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Local News

Redistribution seeks common ground PEREGIAN Springs could go from currently having two state politicians representing different parts of the suburb, to being one state electorate with a new state member representing the community as a whole if new electoral boundaries are drawn for the area.

Though one suburb, largely developed by FKP Residential, Peregian Springs is currently divided into two state electorates with two state members of different political affiliation.

Those residents in Ridges have Peter Wellington, Independent member for Nicklin, and the remainder of residents have Glen Elmes, Liberal member for Noosa.

Residents can be forgiven for being confused about who they go to address state government matters, such as schools, policing, roads and hospital issues.

To account for increasing and moving populations, every seven years, electoral boundaries are re-examined and often re-aligned so population is more evenly distributed across electorates.

The last state boundary redistribution was done six years ago, when Ridges was still undeveloped. The next round will take place February 2016.

Along with boundary realignment, the Liberal Party has proposed a law to increase the number of state politicians to effectively service the increased numbers of electors in each electorate in what it says has been a boom in the Queensland population in the last six years.

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CURRENT STATE BOUNDARIES ● Relevant Noosa electorate boundary as described by ECQ is: “Commencing at the intersection of Sunshine Coast Motorway and Peregian Springs Drive, Peregian Springs and bounded thence by that drive, Ridges Boulevard and Heron Rd, westerly, south-westerly and north-westerly to Doonan Bridge East Road..” ● Peregian Springs State School, Coles, Ridges part of estate in Nicklin. ● For more on the state election process see www.ecq.gov.qld.au State member for Nicklin, Peter Wellington, said Peregian Springs may be an area for electoral boundary redistribution due to rapid growth.

He said an overriding consideration for the area to become one electorate would be whether there is a “community of interest”.

In establishing whether Peregian Springs is suitable to become one electorate the Commission will consider whether there are shared economic, social, regional or other interests, the ways people communicate and travel within the area, and the physical features of the district.

The Electoral Commission will soon calling for public comment on state redistribution of boundaries.

We’ll keep you updated via our website and Facebook page when public comments open so you can have your say.

www.peregianspringsnews.com.au

Local News Remember our fallen warriors on November 11 AFTER living a life on the high seas and in high society it seems only fitting Commander (RAN Rtd) Steve Hill, pictured, is now living the high life at Aveo Peregian Springs Country Club.

Retired Commander Hill had a distinguished Naval career where he served postings overseas and within Australia and oversaw the build and commissioning of HMAS Tobruk.

He retired from the Navy in 1986 and was appointed the Comptroller of Queensland’s Government House by Sir Walter Campbell AC QC. He managed the operation of the House for 10 years and welcomed in

Queensland’s first female Governor, Leneen Forde AC. He navigated many logistical and diplomatic situations organising dinners and overnight stays by dignitaries and royalty during Expo 88.

With Remembrance Day coming on 11 November 2015 Commander Hill (Rtd) said it was a day to remember with gratitude all of those who served in the Defence Forces and those who did not return home.

A Remembrance Day service will be held at 10.30am on November 11 at the Aveo Peregian Springs Country Club. Residents, their families and the public are invited to come and remember and lay a wreath or flowers at the Memorial Stone.

A word from one of our sponsors...

“I am delighted to welcome a new community newsletter for the residents of Peregian Springs. A newsletter helps us keep connected with our neighbours and makes relevant information readily available.

“I look forward to being a regular contributor and if I can help anyone with any state government issues, please make contact with my office.”

- Glen GLEN ELMES MP Member for Noosa Working for our community!

telephone: email: website:

07 5449 8988 noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au www.glenelmes.com

Peregian Springs News, November edition 2015.

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Local News

Talks still going on dog park idea RESIDENTS’ submissions to Council on a proposed fenced off leash area at the Duck Pond park on The Avenue have shown people are generally in favour of having an off leash facility in Peregian Springs, but not all are keen on the Duck Pond as its location.

The proposal presented by Council to residents for consultation in September involved fencing an area of the Duck Pond park behind the toilet block, including the existing tables next to the footpath around the lake, to allow dog owners the opportunity to exercise their dogs off the leash.

In all, Council received 44 submissions on the plan, 24 were in favour of the proposal, and of the other 20, 13 were against an off leash area of any sort in the estate and 7 were in favour of the idea, but not at the area proposed at the Duck Pond park.

Councillor Stephen Robinson said of those 13 submissions against the off leash area it was clear to Council those residents valued the park’s environmental character and had a strong connection to its current amenity including having the open space available to kick a ball and play with their children.

He said some residents expressed concern that a fenced area would cut the open space offering and change the green-space look and feel of the park, while potentially increasing the risk of conflict between wildlife, other park users and dogs due to the increased number of dogs in the area.

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DOGGY TIME: Decision time nears on an off leash area for Peregian Springs.

Cr Robinson said he and Council officers had read and considered all of the responses and, in respect of the views of residents who do not support that location but were in favour of an off-leash area, Council would revisit Peregian Springs to look for another site that may meet community expectation.

He said Council expects to be able to report back to the community on potential alternative sites within 4-6 weeks.

We will continue to follow the story and report developments on the proposal as they occur.

www.peregianspringsnews.com.au

Local News

Neighbourhood Watch takes off PEREGIAN Springs has a new Neighbourhood Watch group ready to help address local crime concerns and encourage the community to look out for one another.

Peregian Springs (Coolum 10) Branch was officially launched on October 24, 2015, at the Peregian Springs Golf Club with senior police, residents, business and government representatives attending.

Area Coordinators Leigh Boggis and Paula Lyall said the birth of the group had been a collaborative effort with fantastic assistance from the Queensland Police Service and wonderful volunteer community members.

Neighbourhhood Watch aims to create a safe, inclusive and connected community.

You can make a difference in your backyard by attending meetings or participating in strategic activities and projects police have identified to prevent and reduce crime, such as the following:

1. Bicycle Identification Cards — take a picture of your bike and record its details so if it is stolen and later found by police, it can be returned; 2. Walk to School Program — reducing traffic and improving safety 3. Turning the screws — promoting the installing of theft proof screws for number plates; 4. Coffee cups — with an anti domestic violence message printed to try and break the taboo of domestic violence and help people open up about it in every day situations.

5. Dob in a Hoon More details of these programs and Neighbourhood Watch meetings will be available in Peregian Springs News and on the Peregian Springs (Coolum 10) Neighbourhood Watch Facebook Page. Please keep an eye on both for information on how you can get involved, meet some new people and help to make the community a safe, inclusive and connected place for all to live.

FAST FACTS ABOUT NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH QUEENSLAND (NHWQ)

 

NHWQ gives police, individuals and business the chance to work together to reduce crime and improve neighbourhood safety.

Over time the focus has broadened from reducing fear of crime and improving home security to working together to address problems, such as “ice” use and domestic violence.



Neighbourhood Watch began in the United States to help police work more closely with the community with an early scheme established in 1973 in Seattle USA Neighbourhood Watch came to Australia in the 1980s in Victoria and was launched in Queensland in 1988 after a successful trial on the Isle of Capri on the Gold Coast and continues to grow today.

Peregian Springs News, November edition 2015.

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Education

Independent status a plus for school PEREGIAN Springs State School is in a unique class of state school due to it’s “independent” school status.

This means it still receives state government funding but can raise funds in a more entrepreneurial way such as with community partnerships, for example with “Love your Doorstep”, Star Real Estate, Mondo Real Estate and individual fundraising efforts such as the Live Life Pharmacy Peregian Springs raffle.

Independent status also means the School has more say in its operations, how government funds are allocated, the choice of staff to guide and nurture the students and the strategic direction of the School.

The School can also use more cutting-edge and creative teaching methods to deliver some aspects of curriculum such as the Self Organised Learning Environment (SOLE) involving creating a stimulating environment to pique the curiousity of students by encouraging them to learn through self-instruction and sharing knowledge with their peers.

SOLE method, was pioneered by internationally renowned Educational Research Professor Sugata Mitra who detailed his latest research at the World Educational Leadership Summit 8

in Singapore attended by the School leadership team in April 2015.

Principal Dr Gwen Sands says the student population is diverse and the school community values such diversity.

Dr Sands said being an independent school meant the school could respond to the individual needs of students more effectively, including being able to implement innovative teaching methods such as SOLE, to create great outcomes for students.

Demonstrating these great student outcomes were recent Education Qld school survey results showing strong performance across the wide range of performance assessment indicators such as school learning culture, student behaviour, digital learning strategies, social and emotional wellbeing program, and having an experienced teaching team.

Dr Sands said there is still work to be done but with the foundations in place the School is in a great position to go from a great school to an even better one.

Construction update: the two storey year 5 and 6 classroom block will provide 10 classrooms and one common room. It is set for completion approximately Easter 2016.

www.peregianspringsnews.com.au

Local News

What is the story with the toilets?

PUBLIC USE: Council is investigating ways of opening the toilets at the rugby fields IT has plenty of green space, a playground for the children, a collection of outdoor fitness equipment for the joggers, water for all, including the dogs. It also has toilets for men and women, only noone can use them unless the rugby fields are being used for an event.

Residents keen to make the most of the outdoors in the early mornings and on weekends are seeking answers as to why toilets at the Council sporting fields next to the Rec Club cannot be opened to public use.

Groups gathering for a barbecue and a kick of the football on the weekend have no easy toilet access, unless someone in their party happens to live in the Ridges and has a key to share to the Rec Club.

When asked about the issue, Councillor Stephen Robinson was sympathetic to the plight of the residents and said he would investigate the possibilities, including having the toilets opened for at least part of the time.

We’ll report updates as we get them.

Nominations now open for local councillors THINK you have what it takes to be a local Councillor?

Nominations for candidates for the Local Council elections to be held on March 19, 2016, are now open.

Peregian Springs, in local government Division 9 of the Sunshine Coast Regional Council, currently has two candidates who have nominated. Councillor Stephen Robinson is in the running with Scott

Larsen recently announcing he has joined the race.

Our local government election coverage starts soon so please send us your questions for the candidates to peregianspringsnews@gmail.com.

In the meantime if you want to nominate for local council go to www.dilgp.qld.gov.au/so-you-want-tobe-a-councillor/how-to-nominate-forcouncil-election.html

Peregian Springs News, November edition 2015.

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Local business Find an aged care solution that fits your needs THE topic of aged care is often emotional to discuss and burdensome to consider, in part because there are some confusing, once in a lifetime decisions to be made for loved ones.

To help cut through the complexity Tom Wigzell, Branch Manager of Patersons Peregian Springs, has a new service coming in early November to create a “one stop” shop supporting seniors and their families to negotiate this phase of life.

Tom says he will sit down with seniors and their families to devise a plan for the aged care phase and, depending on what their situation is, assess what the ongoing costs and needs will be, advise on what to do

with property and strategise to help maintain aged pension including liaising with Centrelink or Veterans Affairs if needed.

Using his knowledge of numerous aged care offerings between Peregian Springs and Gympie, Tom can also help seniors choose aged care and help families navigate the paperwork in conjunction with the family’s solicitor and accountant.

Tom says it is important to plan to maximise your financial position and be clear on what your ongoing financial needs will be to avoid costly surprises later, when it might be hard to correct. To chat about your options, call Tom at Patersons on 5409 6100.

How to grow your wealth through your investment property MORTGAGE MATTERS with Trevor Ryan Aussie Home Loans Phone: 0411 211 401 PUT yourself on track for an awesome 2016 and get serious about building your prosperity in the upcoming year with 5 key strategies.

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3. Look at ways to add value: Improving your property can boost its market value, potentially allowing you to increase the rent when the current tenant moves on, or helping you to retain the current good tenant.

1. Review your rental return: If the lease is coming up, talk to your property manager about increasing the rent.

4. Put equity to work: Increasing values of residential property means you may have more equity in your rental property than you realise. This is a valuable resource that can be used to grow your wealth further.

2. Be an active landlord: You should inspect your rental property(s) at least once a year. No one cares more about your property than you!

5. Review your current loan structure: Is your current loan meeting your needs? Should you fix rates while they are low, or move from interest only to principal and interest?

www.peregianspringsnews.com.au

Local business

Checking out the Country Club LIKE most residents of Peregian Springs I had seen the grand looking glass tower projecting up from inside the Aveo Peregian Springs Country Club Retirement Village as I rode my bike around dropping the kids off and doing everyday things and wondered what went on there.

My curiosity got the better of me and I had to see for myself. I drove through the gates of the retirement village and found the properties all looked slightly different and branched off into their own streets.

I parked next to the bowling green and met sales assistant Karol Kljajcin in the clubhouse — Gracemere Manor.

This is more like the sprawling lobby of a 5-star resort with a grand piano, dance floor, restaurant, private dining room for residents and family functions, licenced bar, billiards area, computer room , gym, hair and beauty salon, library and a solar heated 25m heated swimming pool.

Karol informs me the Manor is due for a facelift and after consulting with the residents it’s away with the federation colours of the maroons and navies into more natural beachy tones.

Level 1 and 2 of the Manor building is where the one bedroom Serviced Apartments are located. The glass tower you see from afar is located above the atrium in this building, allowing a wonderful warmth of natural light into a common area of the Serviced Apartment floors.

Serviced Apartment residents have access to a number of options including meals, linen, housekeeping, medical services and more.

Aveo Peregian Springs offers a range of designs in 2 and 2 bedroom plus a study one-level villas, some with golf course frontage, garden courtyards and full access to the resort style facilities within Gracemere Manor.

Karol said all properties had access to 24/7 care staff, a visiting doctor, podiatrist, RSL care nurse, weekly pathologist, regular bus outings and shopping visits to all local centres.

I was just about to leave and as we strolled around the dining room a young woman rushed past us and said she had to get back to work across the road as she’d just popped in to see her Nanna and they’d been riveted to a show on the television.

I thought how great it would be to have your parents and grandparents and their friends close by so you could pop in and enjoy their company whenever you liked knowing they are supported and stimulated and cared for when you are not there.

I left thinking it’s no wonder the village is expanding with 62 new 2 bedroom and 2 bedroom plus study villas to be built in the next two years.

I am still in my child rearing years and have not yet earned my place at Aveo. Knowing a facility like this on hand in our community makes me look forward to a time when I could consider it either for myself or a loved one.

— Rebecca Crockett

Peregian Springs News, November edition 2015.

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Local business

Around the world to Peregian Springs THE difficulties and delays she experienced when relocating her young family halfway across the world into Peregian Springs made Nicole Tilling pictured, think there must be a better way to find a house and a community to live in.

After 14 years working in the United Kingdom in the finance industry negotiating debt settlement terms with multi million dollar companies and designing and implementing systems to improve overall customer experience during the process, Nicole did not expect her own experience finding a home from overseas to be so frustrating.

Upon choosing to move the family to Peregian Springs Nicole decided to combine her knowledge of the Brisbane and Sunshine Coast property markets with her passion for property to establish Your Move Property in 2014.

Her aim? To use her experience of relocation from England to help bring client satisfaction to the whole of the property experience.

Nicole says looking after clients during the whole property lifecycle is important.

She says that includes everything from offering advice on property 12

presentation and decluttering, to personally attending other similar open houses to help clients know the market and the “competition”.

An understanding of the financials, strong negotiation skills and actively listening to the needs of buyers and sellers are skills that help clients achieve their property goals.

Nicole says the first “golden 30 days”, a time when the property is the hottest to prospective buyers, is maximised at Your Move by using a wedding videographer to film real people, not necessarily the sellers themselves, enjoying the house and its space and taking buyers on a journey to effectively market the possibility of them living there.

Nicole helps both buyers and sellers, whether local, national or international, connect with property and supports the community by sponsoring St Andrews school and local sports clubs.

She also helps her buyers settle into Peregian Springs community by organising a meet and greet with the neighbours. After settlement, she invites a number of people in the buyers’ new street to a drinks and nibbles at a local café to encourage new friends to be made.

Nicole says with agents fees no longer set by law the way was open for fees to be freely negotiated between clients and agents. She said with no shopfront to maintain Your Move’s service levels were enhanced and uncompromised, with savings able to be passed on to the clients.

Phone Nicole on 0402 737 079 or see www.your-move.com.au

www.peregianspringsnews.com.au

Local business

Manager destined for a stockbroking life FOR Patersons Peregian Springs Branch Manager Tom Wigzell, pictured, finance and stockbroking is in the blood with his father and brother both stockbrokers Tom started out in the finance world in Sydney at the age of 18 trading Foreign Currencies and Interest Rate markets for a variety of overseas and local banks.

Studying as he worked, Tom completed his Professional Diploma of Stockbroking and is now an Accredited Derivatives Advisor and recognised as a Master Stock Broker by the Stock Brokers Association of Australia (MSAA).

Since moving to the Sunshine Coast in 1997 Tom has been advising on wealth management based at Patersons’ Maroochydore office.

He saw a need in the northern Sunshine Coast market for stockbroking and wealth management services and chose to evolve the business in Peregian Springs when he moved Patersons from Maroochydore earlier this year.

Tom, also a Peregian Springs resident, says he and his team look forward to meeting residents and to chatting about what they offer and discussing ways they can help create and manage wealth, whatever stage of life people are at.

Patersons is located in the Peregian Springs Commercial Centre on the corner of Peregian Springs Drive and Balgownie Drive.

PATERSONS

WEALTH MANAGEMENT founded 1903

Are you in control of your super?

Book a free consultation today Tom Wigzell (07) 5409 6120

Aaron Cross (07) 5409 6100

www.psl.com.au

Suite 4, 2 Balgownie Drive, Peregian Springs

Peregian Springs News, November edition 2015.

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Dining and Culture

It’s never too late to dance again THE Peregian Springs Dance Centre offers a unique range of dance and musical performance classes, workshops, holiday programs, shows, concerts and activities taught by a highly qualified and experienced dance faculty.

The Dance Centre also creates pathways for students to take their dance as far as they would like, from personal enrichment to a full time career path. It has 6 students on The Australian Ballet School Interstate Programme and its students are able to take Royal Academy of Dance examinations and join a vocational program.

The Centre is always encouraging the community to come and experience physical expression at the Centre with a recent free community disco and new classes being offered in the last 2 terms.

The most recent class to start this term, on Wednesdays at 5.30pm to 6.30pm, is a pay-as-you-go class aimed at adults with some ballet experience who may have been away from dance for a long time due to

STRETCH OUT: Ex-dancers are being encouraged to stretch out again for fun and fitness.

having a baby or losing touch with a Dance School they attended.

Co-Director Deborah PreeceBrocksom says she is excited the Centre is soon to expand its physical space and offer wellness programs facilitated through the services of allied health and physical therapy staff to promote emotional and physical health to all participants.

Phone The Dance Centre on 0400 029 198 or visit their website for updates and class details.

ENROL NOW Adult Ballet Class - pay as you go Wednesdays, 5.30pm Phone: 0400 029 198

2/5 Balgownie Drive, Peregian Springs

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www.thedancecentreperegiansprings.com

www.peregianspringsnews.com.au

Dining and Culture

Giddy up and stay close at Melbourne Cup UNLIKE our southern friends there is no day off to celebrate Melbourne Cup here in Queensland, but that doesn't mean it’s not a great excuse for a long lunch and a catch up with friends.

For Peregian Springs residents looking for a day out on Tuesday, November 3, The Pool Café, Benchmark Café & Bar and The Golf Club are all putting on functions or special deals to help make life easier.

At The Pool Café it’s platters for two including seafood, antipasto, cured meats, cheese, dips and a selection of breads at a cost of $35 per person.

Sweeps and lucky door prizes will be part of the fun, with reservations essential on 5448 2207.

At Benchmark, the new menu is highlighted with a Mexican platter and live music with Lauren Jones from 123pm at $30 per person. Sweeps also on offer. Phone 5448 1911 for details.

At Peregian Springs Golf Club, it’s the race on the big screen, a chance to have a bet, a gourmet buffet luncheon, a glass of beer or sparkling wine on arrival, best dressed, competition, sweeps and live music on the terrace after the race. Tickets are $65 per person. Phone 5471 5471.

If you’re staying home, why not pick up some takeaway from Brown Rice on 5448 2197, Peregian Springs Fish & Chips on 5471 2222 or Pizza Capers on 5471 3099.

Peregian Springs News Phone: Email: Web: Facebook:

0422 215 648 peregianspringsnews@gmail.com www.peregianspringsnews.com.au www.facebook.com/peregianspringsnews

ADVERTISING DEADLINES FOR NEXT EDITION: Copy and advertising art is due by NOON, December 3.

Copies are hand delivered to letterboxes in Peregian Springs not displaying no junk mail signs, and can be picked up from Benchmark, the Pool Café, Peregian Fish and Chips and the shopping centre.

Peregian Springs News is independently produced and published by Rebecca J Crockett T/As Peregian Springs News (ABN 49865205676). Those who make advertising placement and/or supply copy material or editorial submissions to the publication undertake to ensure that all such material does not infringe the Trade Practices Act or other laws, regulations or statutes.

Further to the above mentioned, these persons agree to indemnify the publisher and/or its agents against any investigations, claims or judgements.

Peregian Springs News, November edition 2015.

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Dining and Culture

Be a part of the Christmas fun CAROLS, colour and the spirit of Christmas is coming with the Peregian Lions staging the annual Peregian Beach Carols on December 21.

The iconic event, popular with Peregian Springs’ residents and it’s suburban neighbours alike, is in its 51st year.

Peregian Lions are busily preparing to stage it for the second year since the Surf Club was no longer able to.

This year the Carols has a Disney theme: “Once Upon A Christmas Carol”.

It will be produced by Melissa Isles, and feature the Doo Wop Dolls along with traditional carols favourites and the excitement of the fireworks display.

The event, at Peregian Beach next to the Surf Club, starts at 6.30pm for two hours of fun and entertainment, with a gold coin donation on entry requested.

The spectacular sound, staging, lights and fireworks are all costly for a community service organisation such as the Peregian Lions to run so sponsors are being sought.

SANTA TIME: One of the sets likely to come out at the 2015 Peregian Carols.

If you are interested in helping the Lions bring this event to the community, please contact Sharon Stevens on 0417 227 254 or Sharon.stevens@westnet.com.au All sponsorship is gratefully received.

However, if your sponsorship is more than $1000 please get in touch with Sharon by November 8 so your logo can be added to the advertising, the event’s web page and so social media can be arranged along with other benefits.

Spicing it up for Summer at Benchmark Café and Bar MEX it up with some new friends and familiar faves with Benchmark’s fresh menu now on for the feasting.

Make room for tasty tacos, cos lettuce cups and quesadillas filled with your choice of tasty Mexican fillings.

Options include red “mole” pulled chicken with lime, shredded beef brisket chilli con carne with corn aioli or lettuce, cheesy black beans with 16

pumpkin, sweet potato and sour cream.

Tempting new tapas like jalapeno balls and calamari with mojo aioli give a new slant on the shared dining and family feel Benchmark is known for.

Other new mains include king prawn salad, chicken nachos and pork belly with black chilli sauce.

See benchmarkrestaurant.net.au

www.peregianspringsnews.com.au