Noosa Today - 21st November 2019

NOOSATODAY.COM.AU

INDEPENDENTLY FAMILY OWNED THURSDAY, 21 NOVEMBER, 2019 PHONE: 5455 6946 | FACEBOOK.COM/NOOSATODAY | ISSUE 389

VOTED COUNTRY QUEENSLAND'S BEST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER 2017 & 2018

NEWS

MAYORAL CONTENDER PAGE 3

COVER STORY

TOURISM

GOLD NOOSA CELEBRATES MEDAL HAUL PAGES 4-5

Do you know what the most cost effective way to market your property is?

theodora Garwood

call David or theodora for a confidential conversation

Theodora Garwood, Mobile 0408 710 373 theodora@garwoodsestateagents.com David Garwood, Mobile 0411 862 954 | david@garwoodsestateagents.com 6 Mary St, Noosaville Phone: (07) 5455 6942 |www.garwoodsestateagents.com

David Garwood

Garwoods E S TAT E AG E N T S

12434027-SG48-19

very few agents know this tried and proven method

MORE TO LOVE The editor’s desk

THE LATEST IN FOOD

It has been pretty tough few weeks for the Noosa region, struck by the horror and devastation of bushfire for the second time in the early part of what looks like being a scorching summer. So it was great to get some good news as the fires were burning.

Noosa shone out at the Queensland Tourism Awards, with the world renowned Noosa Triathlon and the impressive Habitat Noosa picking up Gold Medals, earning the right to represent the region on the national stage. Congratulations also to the RACV Noosa Resort and the Noosa Beach House Restaurant and Bar for adding to the medal haul.

Just getting back to the fires, isn’t it time we started ignoring those at the extremities of the climate argument and let more sensible heads deal with the issue?

Garry Howe

��

EVENTS

��

NOOSATODAY.COM.AU

NEWS

’ELP YOURSELF TO ELF Join the festive spirit as Elf Jr takes to The J stage this Christmas!

And, Noosa Today has a double pass to giveaway to the Friday 20 December 2019, 2pm performance.

From the company that brought you Aladdin Jr, High School Musical Jr and Legally Blonde Jr, Sunshine Coast Youth Theatre is back this Christmas with Elf Jr! A cast of 50 talented performers, all under the age of 18, will bring to life this holiday family favourite.

This value-for-money production will delight young and old, and be sure to make even the biggest Christmas scrooge smile.

So deck the halls, and come and experience the Christmas cheer with SCYT these holidays!

To enter simply go to the Noosa Today competition page at noosatoday.com.au/competitions/ ●

��

LIFESTYLE

��

REVIEWS

NEWS SPREADING WINGS Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack popped in to Sunshine Butterflies last week to announce some funding to go towards their excellent work, promoting well-being, independence and inclusion in the community. See page 8 for the full details of his surprise and welcome visit.

LANA BACKS UP Last weekend at Burleigh on the Gold Coast, Noosa’s Lana Rogers, just four weeks after winning the Coolangatta Gold Marathon, backed up to win the second round of the Nutri Grain Open Iron Woman Series.

Read all about this remarkable athlete's latest feat in Ron Lane's Between The Flags column in Sport.

BLOWN TO RIVER Anglers were blown towards the Noosa River over the past week.

Check out Jack Mangrove's Hook, Line and Sinker column to see where they are biting.

Behind the desk

BY DAVID GARWOOD

Did your agent tell you they had buyers??...PART 2 My column of 2 weeks ago prompted several calls concerning misleading information given to secure the appointment at the listing presentation. Once upon a time, a seller would call in an average of 3.5 agents – today it is less than 2 as the seller would have formed an opinion from online information as to who they really want to talk to. All good, but the seller will rely on the information without the chance to cross refer facts. And the one big fact is competition creates the optimum price, and not necessarily the old idiom “Your first offer is the best offer”. Maybe the first offeror is going to be the best buyer, but

Our most recent house sale saw 5 offers pre-auction,us calling a multiple offer situation 4 days before the scheduled auction date, and the final buyer increasing their offer by $90,000!!

12433833-LN48-19

will they give you the best offer upfront? Unlikely.

Your Honour, my case rests.

Theodora฀Garwood,฀Mobile฀0408฀710฀373฀฀•฀฀David฀Garwood,฀Mobile฀0411฀862฀954

Shop฀2/6฀Mary฀Street,฀NooSaville฀•฀5455฀6942 2 NOOSA TODAY

|

Thursday, 21 November, 2019

www.garwoodsestateagents.com.au noosatoday.com.au

THIS WEEK WE’RE TALKING ABOUT…

A MAYORAL CONTENDER Clare Stewart has declared herself a contender for the Noosa mayoralty at the March 2020 local government elections.

Describing herself as a "small business owner, mother of three, former barrister-at-law, trauma survivor, published author and board director of a national charity" Clare says she is "here to listen" as she goes up against incumbent Noosa Mayor Tony Wellington.

Ms Stewart has also said her commitment if elected will be to "deliver community services, business support, and an open, accountable, transparent Council".

On her Facebook page - 'Clare Stewart for Noosa Mayor' she this week outlined her stance on a number of 'hot button' issues, thanking "the many people who have already reached out to highlight some of the major issues of importance to this community".

"This feedback and this passionate debate are exactly the reason I have opened my doors and welcome what people have to say," Ms Stewart said.

"You can rest assured that each of these issues is being looked into and comments are being taken on board as I continue to develop policy."

Under the heading "Short term letting" Ms Stewart said she is "currently looking deeper into this issue and am now in possession of a 55-page submission that I am working through, looking at the various implications from both a legal and financial standpoint".

On "Chemicals" she said she understands many councils "are confronted by the challenge of chemical contaminants as a result of practices in the past".

"If elected mayor I would be seeking to understand how we can mitigate and minimise this problem to protect our community in the future," Ms Stewart said.

And under "Pelican Jetty" she sates that "unfortunately, I wasn't privy to the conversation or the documentation that was presented to Council when the vote on the Pelican Jetty was taken".

"However, I am currently meeting with stake holders on this issue, and I consider the support and promotion of our local business paramount to an economically sustainable Noosa," she said.

Ms Stewart says she welcomes "feedback and insight" from voters and intends to launch "a full policy document mid-February 2020".

ONLINE TRAINING ...

All intending candidates for next year's Queensland local government noosatoday.com.au

Clare Stewart. elections, including sitting councillors and mayors who plan to run again, are now required by the Queensland Government to complete an online training course before they nominate.

The compulsory training, as a requirement for nomination, is now live and was part of the 'Local Government Electoral (Implementing Stage 2 of Belcarra) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019' passed by Parliament on 16 October.

Queensland Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the training was integral to promoting community confidence in the sector.

"Queenslanders deserve representation of the highest calibre and mandatory training will mean they have elected officials who have a better understanding of their responsibilities and obligations when

serving their communities," Mr Hinchliffe said.

"This was an important recommendation in the Crime and Corruption Commission's Operation Belcarra Report and will make sure all candidates go in with their eyes wide open about what is required during the campaign and as a councillor once elected.

"Already, there have been more than 200 enrolments, 124 completions, 27 nominations for face-to-face training, 28 completions of the evaluation survey and 33 calls to the hotline across the state.

"Mainstream media and social media campaigns have also started.

"The training includes information such as obligations in relation to reporting donations and expenditure during the campaign, as well as the requirement to have a dedicated bank account.

"It also details responsibilities once elected, such as understanding conflicts of interest, the Code of Conduct and requirements involved with a councillor's register of interests."

Mr Hinchliffe said the free training is now available on the Department of Local Government, Racing and Multicultural Affairs website for all intending candidates.

"An alternative to the online training will be face-to-face training at various locations around the State as department officials conduct 'So You Want To Be A Councillor' information sessions," he said. · For information about the online training as well as the 'So You Want To Be A Councillor' information sessions visit www. dlgrma.qld.gov.au/candidates ●

Thursday, 21 November, 2019

|

NOOSA TODAY 3

COVER STORY

The Noosa Triathlon reveals Noosa's beauty to the world.

NOOSA’S

TOURISM GOLD oosa has taken a swag honours at the 2019 Queensland Tourism Awards.

The world renowned Noosa Triathlon picked up a Gold Medal in the Major Festivals and Events Category and Habitat Noosa also won Gold in the New Tourism Business category.

As Gold winners, they gain automatic entry into the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, which will be held in Canberra on Friday 6 March 2020.

RACV Noosa Resort scored a Silver Medal in the Self-Contained Accommodation category and Noosa Beach House Restaurant and Bar picked up Bronze for Tourism Restaurants and Catering Services.

Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones congratulated Triathlon organisers on their success.

“Congratulations to everyone involved in the Noosa Triathlon on this well-deserved recognition,” she said.

“This event is one of the highlights of Queensland’s major events calendar, which is worth $800 million to the state’s economy this year.

N

4 NOOSA TODAY

|

Habitat Noosa... aahh the serenity.

“The team continues to innovate and grow their event, bringing tourism benefits to the entire region, including 10,000 visitors last year. Being the largest standard distance triathlon in the world, this

Thursday, 21 November, 2019

event continues to attract people to Queensland and is a fantastic opportunity to promote our state.”

Ironman Group Oceania managing director Dave Beeche thanked Tourism and Events

Queensland, Tourism Noosa, Noosa Council, the Noosa business community, local residents and competitors for their support over many years. noosatoday.com.au

Some of the delightful fare of the Noosa Beach House Restaurant and Bar.

The award-winning RACV Noosa Resort.

Noosa Beach House won Bronze.

Noosa hosts the world's largest triathlon.

“From a simple local swim/ ride/run 37 years ago, the Noosa Triathlon has developed into an iconic Australian and international celebration of the healthy Queensland lifestyle,” he said.

“Noosa is one of Australia’s most popular holiday destinations year round, but when it is Noosa Triathlon time the town really comes alive and the excitement level goes to a whole new level.

“As a Noosa based company, it has been important for our team that the Festival retains the genuine family friendly Noosa feeling and delivers an amazing athlete experience.”

Noosa mayor Tony Wellington said the Noosa Tri was an important signature event for Noosa.

“As well as boosting the local economy and bringing glory to our shire, this event also provides considerable financial support to local community organisations and many national charities.”

Tourism Noosa CEO Melanie Anderson added her congratulations.

“Over its 30-plus year history, the event has grown into a five-day festival culminating in the Noosa Tri, which is now the world’s largest standard distance triathlon. noosatoday.com.au

“This acknowledgement is a testament to its success and as a proud partner in the festival we congratulate the Ironman team and the many volunteers who successfully deliver this incredible festival.”

Presented at the newly constructed $10 million Sunshine Coast Convention Centre at Novotel Twin Waters Resort, more than 900 guests gathered to celebrate the achievements of Queensland’s best tourism operators.

A total of 83 awards, including 26 Gold, 25 Silver, 24 Bronze, four highly commended and two individual awards were presented across 28 categories, as well as two RACQ People’s Choice Awards.

Host region, the Sunshine Coast, received 11 awards, including the Young Achievers Award which recognised Robert Irwin and his remarkable contribution to the industry at such a young age.

Australia Zoo also proved to be a crowd favourite taking out the RACQ People’s Choice Award for Experiences and Services.

Next year the Queensland Tourism Awards will be held at Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on Friday 13 November 2020. ●

RACV Noosa Resort picked up a Silver Medal at the Queensland Tourism Awards.

Habitat Noosa picked up the New Tourism Business award.

Thursday, 21 November, 2019

|

NOOSA TODAY 5

NEWS

Mayors from across Queensland and NSW are making the link between climate change and bushfires.

Pictures: QFES (left) and Susan Huber

JOINT CALL ON CLIMATE CHANGE Mayors of bushfire-stricken regions of Queensland and New South Wales - including Noosa Mayor Tony Wellington - have signed a statement calling on the Australian Government to acknowledge the link between climate change and the catastrophic fire conditions in both states in recent weeks.

Twelve mayors have called on the government to recognise the "spiralling costs to the community from catastrophic fires, and provide more funding and resources for frontline services".

Simon Richardson, Mayor of Byron Shire in NSW, said that "now is the time to talk about climate change, and called on the State and Federal Governments to face up to the heightened threat from hotter, longer fire seasons that is facing regional communities".

"Everybody who's involved with the bushfires are talking about climate change, the only people who aren't talking about it are the politicians and their media supporters," he said.

Dominic King, Mayor of Bellingen, said that his community, in an area that does not normally experience fires, is struggling with the new fire risk.

"It's quite obvious that this is very different from something that we would expect on the Mid North Coast (of NSW)," he said.

"This is a wet area that has lots of rainforest and we're seeing them dry out and burn.

"It's also quite obvious to anyone 6 NOOSA TODAY

|

Tony Wellington. who's been watching the discussion around climate change that this is exactly what the scientists were talking about."

FULL STATEMENT FROM AUSTRALIAN MAYORS (RELEASED FRIDAY 15 NOVEMBER) ...

The fires this week in Australia have placed hundreds of thousands of people in great danger.

The catastrophic conditions for these fires were, at least in part, fuelled by climate change. 13 of the 14 hottest years on record have occurred this century. Last year Queensland experienced

Thursday, 21 November, 2019

catastrophic fire conditions for the first time. This week, Sydney experienced catastrophic fire conditions for the first time.

Climate change has grave costs for our community that can no longer be ignored. The fires on across Australia this week have caused catastrophic damage.

In the past week, people have lost their lives, their loved ones, and their homes. Many businesses have lost the ability to operate and trade.

Our air has been filled with smoke, making it hard to breathe and affecting thousands of people with respiratory issues.

Fire seasons are now starting earlier and lasting longer. Apart from the stress this takes on first responders and communities, it also results in a shrinking window to carry out hazard reduction burns.

Now, it is time to honestly and bravely address one of the major causes of these fires, climate change.

Now we need to significantly increase funding to frontline services. Now we need to place the welfare and safety of citizens ahead of profit, and to support those companies offering real solutions.

Some regional towns are already running out of water. How will they survive the next fire? Many in the insurance industry are saying that large areas of Australia will be uninsurable.

This government has the chance to be the first to turn the years of inaction and neglect into action and focus and allow our communities to

reap the rewards.

When we have a crisis, it makes sense for us to listen to emergency service professionals. Now, it makes sense for our federal government to listen to the warnings of those on the frontline.

We need the government to acknowledge the link between climate change and bushfire, we need more funding for all emergency services, and we need the government to take the action required to prevent mega-fires.

Now is not the time for blame.

Now is the time for leadership, and keeping all Australians safe.

Joint statement signed by: · Tony Wellington, Mayor Noosa Shire Council · Simon Richardson, Mayor Byron Shire · Claire Pontin, Deputy Mayor MidCoast Council · Dominic King, Mayor Bellingen Shire Council · Katie Milne, Mayor Tweed Shire · Amanda Findlay, Mayor Shoalhaven City Council · Elly Bird, Deputy Mayor Lismore City Council · Jerome Laxale, Mayor City of Ryde · Barry Calvert, Mayor Hawkesbury City Council · Emma Heyde, Councillor Hornsby Shire Council · Mark Greenhill, Mayor Blue Mountains City Council · Nuatali Nelmes, Lord Mayor Newcastle City Council ● noosatoday.com.au

Tewantin Noosa RSL Serving the Community...

•฀3฀Bars฀including฀Sports฀Bar฀with฀TAB฀•฀Keno฀•฀Bistro฀฀•฀Bottle฀Shop฀•฀Coffee฀Shop฀ •฀Children’s฀Room฀•฀210฀Poker฀Machines฀•฀Free฀Courtesy฀Buses:฀Phone฀5447฀1766฀to฀Book

Great฀Entertainment฀…฀Great฀Promotions฀…฀Great฀Food Blackwater Duo

Fri 22 Nov 8pm

Free Show

The Lion’s Den

Sat 23 Nov 8pm

Free Show

Free Show

Byron Bay Lager 24 pack Stubbies

Jack Daniel’s 10 pack Cans

$

3999

$

4599

ea

Drop in for some old fashioned service!

Tradies Special Buy any 6 pack Carlton or 700 ml spirit bottle to go in the draw to win a $1000 gift voucher for Bunnings Warehouse Drawn last Wednesday of the Month after 5.30pm in Diggers Bar. Be here to win.

Two Suns Lager 24 pack Stubbies Jim Beam Devils Cut 666 4 pack

$

ea 2399

$

4499

Expires: Thursday 28th November 2019

Christmas Day Bufet Luncheon 11.30am to 2.30pm 25th December

Delicious buffet selection with hot and cold dishes including seafood, roasts, salads, sides, desserts and a selection of beverages. $130 members / $160 Non-members Children prices: $130 for 13 to 18 years; $60 for 6 to 12 years; under 5 free Courtesy bus available and bookings essential

MEMBER’S PROMOTION

WIN

NOVEMBER BISTRO SPECIAL

NOVEMBER COFFEE SHOP SPECIAL

$10,000

Mixed Grill

Roasted Vege Wrap

CASH

$24.90 MEMBERS / $27.90 NM

$8 MEMBERS / $9 NM

Drawn 28 November

Terms and conditions apply — check at concierge desk for details

... and so much more!

Providing over $400,000 in community donations each year!

Memorial Avenue, Tewantin Phone 5447 1766 www.noosa.com.au

12433834-LB48-19

Johnny Spitz

Thurs 21 Nov 6pm

NEWS

SPREADING THEIR WINGS

LETTERS FIRE HAZARD Our Noosa Mayor Tony Wellington blames "climate change" for the spate of fire emergencies recently facing our area and other parts of Queensland and New South Wales.

Cr Wellington makes no mention of the fact a number of the fires have been deliberately lit, or that climate change did not provide fire bugs with matches or cigarette lighters.

He says his council "works closely with Queensland Fire and Emergency Services and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service on a comprehensive preparatory burning regime during the cooler months".

"That work is useful during 'normal' fire conditions. But no amount 8 NOOSA TODAY

|

Butterflies’ donors and sponsors, they keep the doors of this magical place open and I thank them for their ongoing and much needed support.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the funding will go towards Sunshine Butterflies excellent work, promoting well-being, independence and inclusion in the community.

“I’m pleased the Liberal and Nationals Government has provided this funding to help Sunshine Butterflies increase membership and referrals to meet current and future demand, improving the quality of life of people with disabilities in Noosa,” Mr McCormack said.

“The Government is committed to supporting local communities prosper and grow and local

infrastructure projects such as this are critical if we want to boost economic growth and improve local amenities and facilities.”

Noosa Mayor Tony Wellington said the facility could now efficiently meet the increasing demands on Sunshine Butterflies due to the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

“Before this project came along, the residents of Cooroibah lacked a hub for assisting families and individuals with disabilities,” Cr

Wellington said.

“With the hub now in place, we have equipped the staff and the residents of this town with the services they need to provide the best possible care for those who need it most.”

The project was jointly funded, with the Australian Government investing $104,657, Noosa Shire Council contributed $19,600, Sunshine Butterflies $66,743 and Bendigo Bank $9000 through the Bendigo Bank Community Grant. ●

Post your letters to: 36 Mary St, Noosaville, 4566 or email: newsdesk@noosatoday.com.au

of hazard-reduction burning can prevent fires in unprecedented extreme fire conditions.

"What’s more, hotter, longer fire seasons driven by climate change have dramatically shortened the window we have to reduce fuel loads with planned burns...."

I don't accept this "shortened window to do back burns" claim.

From our home, we can see the surrounding national park bordering our suburb and any fires from back-burns in winter are visible over a big area of bushland. I could count these on one hand. We regularly walk along the fire trails with the national park on one side and houses on the other.

Thursday, 21 November, 2019

These trails are less than 10m wide in places and on the park side there is long grass, bracken ferns and overhanging eucalypts, banksia and melaleucas. It's a fire hazard just waiting to happen.

John Mikkelsen, Noosa.

SLAVE DRIVER Remember when “Work, Save, Invest” was trumpeted by the then Treasurer, now the present PM? “Work, Slave, No Rest” or “Don’t Stop till You Drop” will be reality for the aged 60s economic work units , as the newest Treasurer plans. Thoughts and praise?

Margaret Wilkie, Peregian Beach. ●

INDEPENDENTLY FAMILY OWNED

36 Mary Street, Noosaville, QLD 4566 Digital version available for FREE Subscribe at www.noosatoday.com.au/subscribe

12428947-DJ41-19

A new Family Central facility offering important services to people with disabilities and their families is delivering real benefits to Noosa communities through a $71,000 Liberal and Nationals Government grant.

Federal Wide Bay MP Llew O’Brien said the funding contributed to the creation of dedicated place for services including family counselling, social enterprise initiatives for job creation and creative spaces for therapy, all in a non-clinical setting.

“Family Central, at the Sunshine Butterflies Our Backyard learning, respite and recreational centre, enhances the delivery of important support services for people with disabilities and their families and carers,” Mr O’Brien said.

“Leanne Walsh and her Sunshine Butterflies team have done a fantastic job in creating a bright, friendly and welcoming space that will continue to improve and enrich the lives of people with disabilities and their families.

“This funding has helped to provide a one-stop shop for a range of services and resources in one convenient location.

“There’s always a lot of colour, movement and entertainment at Sunshine Butterflies, and I’ve been keen to support their work, with Stronger Communities Program Round 3 and Round 4 grants of $16,362 and $17,295. It’s wonderful to see the amazing difference Sunshine Butterflies makes in the lives of so many people.

“It’s also important to acknowledge and thank Sunshine

Editorial newsdesk@noosatoday.com.au Advertising sales@noosatoday.com.au Classified Advertising Phone: 1300 666 808 Email: sales@networkclassifieds.com.au READERSHIP: Engaging with a weekly audience across Online: Digital and Social Platforms Published by Star News Group Pty Ltd ACN 005 848 108. Publisher/Managing Director, Paul Thomas. All material is copyright to Star News Group Pty Ltd. All significant errors will be corrected as soon as possible. Distribution numbers, areas and coverage are estimates only.

For our terms and conditions please visit www.starcommunity.com.au

PROUDLY AUSTRALIAN OWNED & INDEPENDENT

noosatoday.com.au

Resort Specialists (open to the public) A local family business with over 31 years on the Coast SUPPLIERS OF OUTDOOR •฀DINING฀SETTINGS฀•฀BAR฀SETTINGS฀•฀DAYBEDS฀•฀COUCH฀SETTINGS •฀SUNLOUNGES฀•฀UMBRELLAS฀•฀HOMEWARES •฀ACCESSORIES฀&฀MORE

ACRES NOOSA SUNCOAST CENTRE Shop 1/37 Gibson Rd Cnr Main Drive & Noosaville Q 4566 Nicklin Way Warana Q 4575 P 5449 9336 P 5493 4277

www.daydreamleisure.com.au 12433836-NG48-19

GemLife.com.au/gpp

GemLife offers luxury resort-style living with world-class lifestyle facilities on your doorstep.

No entry, exit fees or stamp duty

Pacific Paradise.

A whole new life.

Friendly community Pets welcome Gated neighbourhood Extensive first-class facilities Luxury homes Caravan and boat storage* Retain your capital gain Ageing in place solutions

GemLife over 50s lifestyle resorts.

New homes now selling.

Call 1800 430 885 QUEENSLAND • NEW SOUTH WALES • VICTORIA

*Conditions apply.

12433058-NG47-19

LIVE

FIREFIGHTERS’ FESTIVE HONOUR Tewantin’s annual Christmas Carnival is always a wonderful community event and this year it is set to be extra special, as it will be dedicated to our local firefighters.

“We felt it was very fitting to dedicate this year’s Tewantin Christmas Carnival to the local firies, to recognise the hard work they’ve done to protect our community. It’s a great community event making it the perfect place to thank these local heroes. We have also decided to make donations to the local rural fire brigades instead of holding fireworks this year,” said Tewantin Noosa RSL general manager, Julie McLaws.

This is the 24th year of the Tewantin Christmas Carnival and the fun kicks off at Memorial Park, Tewantin, on Sunday 8 December from 4pm to 8pm.

The Tewantin Christmas Carnival is a free event with live entertainment and carols by Contraband, the best party cover band around. There are carnival rides, food vendors and lots of fun to be had throughout the evening.

It is a free event, everyone one is

The Tewantin Christmas Carnival. welcome, so get down to Memorial Park and kick of this year’s festive season with an afternoon of fun, food, and entertainment while also taking the opportunity to thank our

brave and dedicated fire fighters.

This fantastic event is presented by the Tewantin Noosa RSL Club in conjunction with the Tewantin Noosa RSL Sub Branch and the

Vietnam Veterans Association. It is supported by sponsorship from Coca Cola, Tim Payne Electrical and Zinc FM and the Noosa Council through a community grant. ●

PUZZLES Quick Clues

11.

12.

16.

20.

22.

23.

24.

25.

SUDOKU How to solve Sudoku!

ACROSS Fussy (10) Dry (4) Nudge (4) Musical instrument (5) Border (4) Past instance (9) Moderate (9) Knife (4) Penetrates (5) Cry (4) Adhere (4) Digit (10)

6 8 4

3

3

5

CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 7601

Musical instrument (5) Past instance (9)

ACROSS 6. Fussy (10)

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

7.

13.

14.

15.

17.

18.

19.

21.

DOWN Taste (6) Extend (7) Harmony (6) Bottle (6) Bird (5) Scorch (5) Tree (3) Sketch (7) Old (5) Whole (6) Refine (6) See-saw (6) Muscular (5)

ACROSS

8 4 7 9 7 6 2 8 5

DOWN 1. Taste (6) YPTIC PUZZLE NO. 7601 ACROSS

Cryptic Clues

3

5 3 9

4

6

2

1

6 3 8 1 7

Fill the gr every row 3x3 squar the digit 2 6 8 7 3 1 5 4 9

Solution 4 9 3 2 8 5 1 7 6

3 6 9 1 4 5 9 1 7 7 1 9

CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 7601 - SOLUTIONS Across - 6, Strong case. 8, La-m-p. 9, I-co-n. 10, Adm-it.

11, Site (sight). 12, Good stock. 16, Half a loaf. 20, M-iss. 22, Tes-sa (rev.). 23, Weed (we’d). 24, No-l-a. 25, Greyh-ounds.

Down - 1, Stucco. 2, To-rna-do. 3, Agha-st. 4, Tar-mac. 5, Belts. 7, S-mite. 13, ‘Owl. 14, Blown up. 15, Si-mo-n. 17, Answer (anag.). 18, Fl-ash-y. 19, A-me-nds. 21, Stage.

5 2 9 7 6 3 1 8 4

1 3 7 4 8 2 6 9 5

3 6 8 2 4 7 9 5 1

7 4 5 9 1 6 2 3 8

2 9 1 5 3 8 4 7 6

8 7 3 6 9 1 5 4 2

4 1 2 8 7 5 3 6 9

Solution No.4263

9 5 6 3 2 4 8 1 7

Fill the grid so that every row and every 3x3 square contains the digits 1 to 9

noosatoday.com.au

Roaming in the estate there are dogs! (10).

DOWN 1. What the Italian said when he couldn’t solve the clue “Coating”? (6). 2. Ran off amid the hurly-burly of the storm (7). 3. Appalled by a hag wandering on the street (6). 4.

Covering Jack with a coat (6). 5. Socks often worn by men (5). 7. Hit a second time, knocking out (5). 13. Bird cry, to a cockney (3). 14. Had made a big thing of how the storm had started (5,3). 15. Did he do wrong to protect the doctor? (5). 17. Come back to find a wren’s hatched out (6). 18. A loud tree insect outside (6). 19. Changes when I find myself caught in a sand-storm (6). 21. Boards the coach (5).

6 8 4 1 5 9 7 2 3

ACROSS 6. A lot to be said for having a sturdy cover (6,4). 8. Round about a thousand will be needed in the power cut (4). 9.

Picture a house in the outskirts (4). 10. Confess to being mad about the thing (5). 11. A lot, you say - and it is a lot (4). 12. What the cannibal made of the captive of noble ancestry? (4,5). 16. Is it better than no lazing at all? (4,1,4).

20. Is writing about a girl (4). 22. Is she equally intent on returning? (5). 23. Said we would work in the garden (4).

24. On return, taking a novice on: a girl (4). 25. Hey! Roaming in the estate there are dogs! (10).

DOWN 1. What the Italian said when he couldn’t solve the clue

9

How to Sud

QUICK PUZZLE NO. 7601- SOLUTIONS Across - 6, Particular. 8, Arid. 9, Poke. 10, Organ. 11, Edge. 12, Precedent. 16, Temperate. 20, Stab. 22, Enter.

23, Weep. 24, Glue. 25, Forefinger.

Down - 1, Savour. 2, Stretch. 3, Accord. 4, Flagon. 5, Crane. 7, Singe. 13, Elm. 14, Drawing. 15, Stale. 17, Entire. 18, Purify. 19, Teeter. 21, Beefy.

CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 7601

No.4

Fill the grid so that every row and every 3x3 square contains the digits 1 to 9

8 6 7 4 1 5 2 6 1 7 3 6 9 6 3 8 9

6.

8.

9.

10.

SUDOKU No. 4263

8 9

QUICK QUICKPUZZLE PUZZLENo. NO. 7601 7601

Thursday, 21 November, 2019

|

NOOSA TODAY 11

5 1 7 4 6 9 3 8 2

7 2 1 3 5 6 8 9 4

3 4 5 9 2 8 7 6 1

LIVE

The awesome volunteers in Cooroy.

COOROY’S TIME TO GET FESTIVE If you’ve been into Cooroy recently you would have noticed that town is looking delightfully festive. That’s thanks to the awesome volunteer decorators who are co-ordinated by Cooroy Chamber of Commerce.

Before you get grinchy and say it is too early for Christmas decorations, remember these volunteers and this same group of people which also volunteers for Christmas in Cooroy on 6 and 7 December.

So the decorations go up in mid-November to give them a few weekends between efforts and to make sure they have some time up their sleeves to reschedule in case the weather turns nasty. Luckily this year, the decorations went up before the storms and have weathered well so far!

A big thank you to Noosa Care for sponsoring the lovely Christmas shirts for the volunteers. If you see someone in one of these shirts, you know they have rolled up their sleeves and doing some festive activities for our community!

The Cooroy street decorations are so wonderful and couldn’t be done without the sponsorship of Cooroy IGA, Cooroy RSL, Cooroy Community Bank Branch of 12 NOOSA TODAY

|

Bendigo Bank, Hinternoosa Real Estate, Live Life Pharmacy, Bold as Love Jewellery, Blue Brown Bag and Sunshine Mitre 10. The clock tower at the roundabout is decorated and sponsored by Cooroy Pest Control.

The amazing centre point of the decorations is the magnificent Studio Steel Christmas Tree that is official lit up on the night of Friday 6 December.

The tree decorations are installed and sponsored by Studio Steel with sponsorship support from The Shed Company Cooroy, Palm Lake Resort Cooroy-Noosa, Sunny Pool and Spa, and Aaction Traffic. What a fantastic thing to do for our community!

It also wouldn’t all happen without the magical marketing and event management skills of the team at Firefly Solutions who are like Cooroy’s very own Christmas elves.

Christmas in Cooroy is on Friday 6 and Saturday 7 December and is a totally free event organised by Cooroy Chamber of Commerce with the support of the Rotary Club of Cooroy and funding from fantastic local business sponsors.

To find out about all the free activities visit www. christmasincooroy.com.au ●

Thursday, 21 November, 2019

PLAY NOOSA AND TEE UP A $13 LUNCH SPECIAL.

Enjoy our $13 Lunch special, served with a golf course on the side.

For details go to noosagolf.com.au, to book call 5447 1407(ext 2) or simply come along to 46 Corooy Noosa Rd, Tewantin.

12427683-SN39-19

noosatoday.com.au

NEWS

WILD THINGS The Noosa National Park Association will host Dr Celine Frere from the Global Change Ecology Group, at University of Sunshine Coast, at next Wednesday night’s EnviroForum, who will present the definitive scientific findings on the project her team have been involved with for over 12 months to determine the distribution and health of koalas in the Noosa Biosphere Reserve.

The night will aim to bring attendees up to date with the latest scientific research on that most cryptic yet beloved animal - the koala.

Dr Frere’s research will outline: · Where are they? · How to maintain genetic diversity which underpins adaptation to changing environments (heat waves, disease). · How are they connected across the landscape? · Will new technologies and innovative advances lead us to successful outcomes for them?

Dr Frere is a Senior Research Fellow and Team Leader of the Global Change Ecology Group.

She is an empirical biologist with specialist expertise in animal behaviour, behavioural ecology and genetics.

The University of Sunshine Coast team under Dr Frere has been the central scientific player in a major local project “A Key Study on the Distribution and Health of Koalas in the Noosa Biosphere Reserve”.

As Celine says: ”I will give a global/local presentation on how recent technological innovations in genetics and detection have

Dr Celine Frere from the Global Change Ecology Group, at University of Sunshine Coast, will present scientific findings on the project her team have been involved with for over 12 months to determine the distribution and health of koalas in the Noosa Biosphere Reserve.

VANDALS FORCE CLOSURE Noosa Council says a $42,000 repair bill in the last eight months has forced Noosa Council to close an amenities block at Lions Park at night.

The latest incident happened last Friday night, 15 November, where doors were smashed, a soap dispenser was ripped off the wall and several toilet lids destroyed.

Infrastructure Services Director Carl Billingham said such actions cost the community.

"It is frustrating that we have to put funds aside to fix this type of blatant destructive behaviour," he said.

"Our maintenance crews had only just repaired damage from a previous incident.

'These toilets in Lions Park have been repaired three times in the last eight months and the total cost is in the vicinity of $42,000.

"At the end of the day, these acts are costing council and the

allowed scientists to collect unprecedented data about our koalas, revolutionising our ability to understand them and thus our ability to better protect them”.

The session is on Wednesday 27 November, from 6.15pm to 7.30pm - with a ’Happy Hour’ from 4pm to 6pm - at Land & Sea Brewery, 19 Venture Drive Noosaville.

Entry is by a $5 contribution per person (kids under 15 are free).

All money collected goes towards the work of the Noosa Parks Association, including the purchase of land to create national parks to create biodiversity corridors, especially for koalas. ●

COMMUNITY UPDATES NOOSA TOASTMASTERS Develop Public Speaking and Leadership skills for life at Noosa Toastmasters. They are a fun loving, supportive group who are all learning together. They meet on the second and fourth Monday of each month 6.30-8.30pm at the CWA Hall in Poinciana Ave, Tewantin.

The first two visits are free so you can come and see if it's the place for you. For enquiries phone Ian Davies on 0410750651 or email noosatoastmasters@gmail.com .

NOOSOPHIANS NOOSA THEOSOPHY In 2020, the Chinese Year of the Metal Rat beginning late January, noosatoday.com.au

community real money."

Mr Billingham said the toilets would be closed from 9pm every night, in an effort to curb the senseless vandalism. The facilities will reopen at 5am daily.

Hastings Street Association Vice President Graham Bradford said the vandalism was disappointing as it is an amenity for visitors and residents alike.

"We understand that Council has no other option but to close the toilet block at night in the short term until we can discuss measures to deal with vandalism in the precinct," he said.

Mr Billingham hopes CCTV footage will help track down the culprits.

"We are talking to the Police and it is hoped this latest incident was captured by the recently installed cameras," he said.

Mr Billingham urged anyone with information to contact local police. ●

we will experience the end of three major astrological cycles that will bring fundamental changes to the entire planet. The Rat Year begins a new 12-year cycle. The way forward to ride these changes involves understanding why it’s happening and letting go of any fear and about material and political events. In the words of leading Aussie Astrologer Ed Tamplin: "2020 represents the birth of new directions, symbolised by the meeting of three of the most important predictive hands on the planetary cosmic clock - Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto. All three planets will begin a new cycle with each other, ushering in the first year of enormous global changes."

Astrologer of 30 years and Feng

Email your community news to: newsdesk@noosatoday.com.au

Shui practitioner of 20 years Richard Giles will give an explanation of the timing of events and how they may play out on 22 November at 7pm at the CWA Hall in Tewantin.

Everyone welcome. Phone Ailsa on 07 5470 2656 or 0416 442 962.

Peregiean Massage and Natural Therapies Clinic, Ruth has travelled the world and conducted classes throughout Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong and Dubai. Everyone is welcome to attend!

NOOSA FREE MONTHLY TALKS

NOOSAVILLE VIEW CLUB

Held at the CWA Hall in Tewantin on the first Saturday of each month, 2pm for 2-15 start.

The next talk on 7 December will be presented by Ruth Reedy on Stress and Tension of Mind and Body! Ruth has over 45 years of experience in many natural healing techniques. The previous owner of Noosa Holistic Centre and the

The next meeting of the Noosaville View Club will be on Thursday 28 November 2019 at the Tewantin Noosa RSL Club, 11am for 11.30am, cost $23 for a two course lunch.

Guest speaker will be Kylie Finigan, Noosa Council Community Development Officer. Visitors are welcome but bookings are essential.

Phone Nanette 0428 635 126. ●

Thursday, 21 November, 2019

|

NOOSA TODAY 13

LITTLE BLACK BOOK

1300 666 808

SPORT TODAY

Find your trades and services in our LITTLE BLACK BOOK

BUILDERS & BUILDING SERVICES

SOLAR ENERGY

Daniel Lees

homeandenergy

TNT TEAMS IN BOX SEAT

Your Solar and Battery Specialist

Builder

‡ &RPSHWLWLYH SULFLQJ ‡ 3URYHQ TXDOLW\ ‡ /RQJ WHUP SHUIRUPDQFH ‡ *RYHUQPHQW LQFHQWLYHV

0450 096 348

:H RIIHU D KROLVWLF DSSURDFK WR HQHUJ\ HIÂżFLHQF\ WDLORUHG IRU WKH XQLTXH QHHGV RI \RXU KRPH RU business.

danleesbuilder@live.com QBCC Licence 1020280

&DOO XV WRGD\ WR DVN ZKDW ZH KDYH GRQH IRU \RXU QHLJKERXUV DQG ZKDW ZH FDQ GR IRU \RX

12428593-SN40-19

MATES RATES

MOWING Julian 0402 630 687 Ben 0421 288 717

฀ ฀

1300 666 808

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

07 5403 7969 www.homeandenergy.com.au

CALL US ON

฀

฀

12421870-RC28-19

฀ ฀ ฀

฀

A local solar company you can trust

(OHFWULFDO &RQWUDFWRU /LFHQFH 1R

Big or small, we do it all!

฀ ฀

12429610-SN43-19

MOWING & LAWN CARE

฀

BY RANDALL WOODLEY

฀ ฀ ฀

TO DISCUSS YOUR ADVERTISING!

julianslavin@hotmail.co.uk benjaminslavin@hotmail.com RUBBISH REMOVAL

Rubbish Removal

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES GUIDE

Specialise in Household LEGAL

Rubbish Removals, including Furniture, Green Waste and site clean ups No job to small and are happy to give a no obligation free quote on all work

Call Brad 0419 570 933 12421869-RC28-19

CHRIS REEVE & CO Solicitors Serving the Noosa community since 1979 in all areas of law

Suite 15 Tewantin Plaza

Call Noosa Today on

Ph: 5449 7500 E: reeve@chrisreeve.com.au

12428604-LB40-19

113 Poincianna Ave. Tewantin Q. 4565

1300 666 808 CLASSIFIEDS to book your advertising space

CARAVANS & TRAILERS

Caravan 1993 Viscount Sports Poptop. Solar panel and batteries, porta potti, TV, clothes line and kitchen, ramps, hoses, mirrors, full awning and gas bottles.

Other accessories.

Reg to 12/19 251UCA. $10,000.

Ph: (07) 4666 3953

14 NOOSA TODAY

|

Thursday, 21 November, 2019

CALL US ON 1300 666 808 TO DISCUSS YOUR ADVERTISING! CALL US TODAY TO DISCUSS YOUR ADVERTISING!

1300 666 808

On a day one of their two-day matches where the playing time was shortened by storms, each of the TNT teams are in a position to win their matches.

To achieve these wins, the Firsts will need to bowl well and the other three teams will require to be disciplined in running down the opposition’s scores.

FIRSTS The TNT team hosted the Nambour Cutters for their second match of the season at home and despite some moisture and grass on the pitch it was definitely a bat first day. Captain Jacob Dennien called correctly.

The Nambour bowlers were spot on early and the home team were in trouble at 3-27 needing a partnership to settle things down. Then two of the club’s most experienced batsman delivered on the day. Jarrod Officer (46) and Andrew Kratzmann combined and with aggressive but intelligent batting put on 100 runs during the next 20 overs.

When “Kratzy� was out for his best score of the season of 82, two of the younger players, Adam Curry, 19 and Blake Steel, 23 added some quick runs before the tail capitulated and the innings closed on 215, at least 40 runs short of the target that had been set. From being 5-184 to be all out for 215 was disappointing with seven of the batsmen failing to pass 10 runs.

TNT took the field with 30 overs of play left in the day. Tom Freshwater bowled with some real zip taking an early wicket before the Cutters chanced their arm as a storm approached. When play was abandoned after 11 overs, Nambour were 1-44 in an interestingly poised game. TNT will be aiming for some early wickets next Saturday to ensure a t least a first innings win.

SECONDS The team travelled to Yandina for their match with at least four of the regular players either promoted to First Grade or unavailable. On such a hot day the players were hoping to bat first but losing the toss meant some long hours out in the sun.

Opening bowlers Brad Thompson bowled a tight spell and Rowdy Thomson picked up 2 wickets - the first of which knocked over the middle stump after the previous two balls went for towering sixes, one of which hit the umpire’s car.

After having Yandina 6-74 they hung on and finished the day at 6-123 off 34 overs. After delays for minor showers and some cracking lightning shows, stumps were called early. It had been a strong performance by the TNT and four wickets early next week will see them in a strong position for a run chase.

Best bowling figures were Matt Tie 4-46 off 10 and Mike Thomson 2-26 off 6.

FOURTHS Following yet another loss at the toss and asked to field, the frustration of the opposition tail wagging continued for the team with Buderim adding an unbeaten 60 for the last wicket at Dale Officer Oval before lightning stopped play.

Buderim finished 9-175 from 55 overs, following a 20-over partnership. They had been 4-36, 7-84 and 9-115, but all the Tewantin-Noosa boys can hold their heads high after a great bowling and fielding effort on another easy paced batting wicket. Five catches, a stumping and a run out highlights the outstanding fielding performance on a hot and humid day.

Opening bowlers Steve Hill (1-23 from 11) and Luke Anstey (1-21) snaring an important breakthrough with his “leggies� coming on first change. The first spell from Troy Evans (1-33) was right on the money including the ball of the day hitting the top of off stump and he was unlucky not to bag a couple more.

Todd McNamee (2-35) hit the gloves the hardest and constantly asked questions of the batsmen in a fine spell, while Alex Haigh (1-18) was strong on his return to cricket.

175 is not a huge score on what is typically a great deck at this ground so the objective next week for TNT will be to finish Buderim’s innings quickly and chase the target down.

SIXTHS Playing at home on the synthetic pitch at Mat Thornhill Oval, the team lost the toss and were asked to bowl first. The match was against the strong Palmwoods team and after a long hot afternoon TNT had the visitors 4 for 150 when rain stopped play. All bowlers toiled hard and Lachie Webster was rewarded with his first wicket in senior’s cricket.

Next Saturday the boys hope to pick up the remaining six wickets and set about running down Palmwood’s score. � noosatoday.com.au

HOOK, LINE & SINKER

JACK MANGROVE

Jeff Buchanan landed this nice 40cm whiting.

BLOWN INTO THE RIVER With the weather seeing a quieter start to the week due to the hot and strong Northerly winds the Noosa

River was a popular choice.

On a northerly wind Woods Bay is one of the more sheltered spots

KIDS PLAY NOOSA FOR FREE SUNDAY AFTERNOONS.

Bring the kids to play NoosaÕs only Championship Golf Course set in a nature reserve. For all the details go to noosagolf.com.au or call 5447 1407. We are located at 46 Corooy Noosa Rd,Tewantin.

12428831-RC41-19

noosatoday.com.au

and offers a multitude of different angling styles for not only boat anglers but land based too. Here you can cast surface lures for trevally or flick the jetties for mangrove jack.

As the week progressed the winds and currents dropped which saw many anglers making the most of the situation and heading offshore to enjoy the local reefs.

Early mornings on Sunshine Reef saw quality fish consisting of sweetlip, pearlies and coral trout.

During this time of year it pays to enjoy the early higher tides for a safer bar crossing. Once on your mark quickly drop a live bait on a number eight ball sinker and strike hard the second it gets hit as it could be a big coral trout!

With many anglers anticipating an early pelagic season reports of the occasional Spanish coming through along with school mackerel are showing promise of what’s to come. Without a doubt the best way to target these fish is to slow troll a whole bonito around Halls Reef, Jew Shoal and Sunshine reef. Elsewhere, North Reef has seen a few jewfish, cobia, pearl perch, snapper and tuskies.

The Noosa River has a mixed bag of different trevally species, flathead up to sizes too big to legally keep, whiting, bream and of course mangrove jacks. During the daytime you can expect to find whiting, bream and trevally around the various flats of the river mouth and rock wall, various jetties and bridges if land based.

When chasing whiting be sure

to grab some whiting tube and live worms for the best results. For those in a boat it is a case of assessing the wind direction and getting in the best possible location. If headed up river to the stretch known as between the lakes be sure to use sounders and have a hard body trolling along while you search for schooled up fish. These could be bream, tarpon or jacks and jewies.

The lack of rains have seen salt contents peak up here so who knows what else you may find.

The sand flats of the lake and surrounding areas are great to flick a small surface lures from. You can park the boat and go for a stroll and enjoy this area.

Freshwater of Lake MacDonald had a temporary closure due to bushfire support aircraft drawing water from the lake for water bombing. Be sure to check SEQ water for up to date info before you plan to go to any dams this week.

Borumba Dam is still very much open and the bass are certainly on the chew with deep divers a must have. Spinnerbaits are also getting a few fish but trolling the weed lines is the most popular method.

Saratoga are locked into breeding mode so expect to find the smaller fish more abundant while the bigger fish attend to their young. As always navigate with extreme caution as levels are almost at 80 per cent capacity.

So on behalf of Jack Mangrove, best of luck on your fishing adventures! ●

Thursday, 21 November, 2019

|

NOOSA TODAY 15

BETWEEN THE FLAGS

RON LANE

PREPARING FOR CHRISTMAS

Lana backs it up Last weekend at Burleigh on the Gold Coast, Noosa’s Lana Rogers, just four weeks after winning the Coolangatta Gold Marathon, backed up to win the second round of the Nutri Grain Open Iron Woman Series.

“I am really happy with the result,” said Lana, “I would like to thank all those around me who have helped; I call them my engine,” she said with a laugh.

“It’s the engine that keeps me going and they are just great.”

The event which was run over an M shaped course saw Lana win in approximately 39 minutes and the order of the draw for the race, swim, board then ski, really suited her.

“This has been a phenomenal performance,” said coach Sharlene Kelly. “To back up just a month after the Coolangatta Gold, which was a four hour marathon and finish in first place shows how determined, dedicated and strong mined she really is.”

Well done to Lana and team.

Surf success The Summer of Surf which was also contested at Burleigh saw good results for both Noosa and Sunshine 16 NOOSA TODAY

|

Beach. It is good to see that in the Taplin relay, the blue ribbon team event, both clubs are performing well; success in this event (which is a six person team) shows depth within the ranks of board, ski and swim.

For Sunshine they won bronze in the boys and girls u/17 Taplin and in the single ski, also u/17, Hamish Selby won the bronze. Coach Josh Minogue said: “It is only early in the season but we are really happy with the performance of our juniors; it really looks good for the future.”

For Noosa in the Taplin events they won the open women’s and finished third in the men’s. In the open surf race Nick Sloman won the men’s and made it a double by winning the run-swim-run. As with Sunshine, Noosa juniors showed great promise when, competing at their first big carnival, they entered the u/15 iron woman, made the final and finished in 4th 7th and 8th placings. Truly a great effort for their first outing.

Rowers step up The weekend also saw the first round of the Australian Surf Rowers League, Queensland Navy Series.

For the Noosa crews it was a big step with most of the fleet being new rowers and others stepping up into new divisions. For example the open female and the u/23 females moved up a division and finished a credible fourth. Good to see the reserve female crew, who travel from Yeppoon to represent Noosa, finishing fourth.

Stand outs for the day were the Reserve and u/19 female crews who both finished second. The carnival which was held at Mooloolaba gave the coaches a great indication of fitness of the crews. ●

Thursday, 21 November, 2019

Noosa’s Lana Rogers, backed up her win in the Coolangatta Gold Marathon by winning the second round of the Nutri Grain Open Iron Woman Series.

Tide Times

Noosa WeaTher ForeCasT Thursday 21 Nov

Thursday 14Th November To WedNesday 20Th November 2019 morning clouds.

Time

height

Time

Height

3:33 pm 10:13 pm

1.74 m 0.40 m

4:34 pm 11:02 pm

1.75 m 0.30 m

5:27 pm 11:47 pm

1.76 m 0.22 m

26 / 20 °C

Thurs 21sT Nov 3:19 am 9:04 am

1.35 m 0.59 m

Friday 22 Nov morning clouds.

Fri 22Nd Nov 4:24 am 10:19 am

1.51 m 0.52 m

5:19 am 11:22 am

1.68 m 0.44 m

suN 24Th Nov 6:09 am 12:17 am

1.83 m 0.37 m

26 / 19 °C

saTurday 23 Nov sunny.

saT 23rd Nov

26 / 20 °C

MoNday 25 Nov 6:16 pm

1.74 m

decreasing cloudiness.

1:09 pm 7:01 pm

0.33 m 1.70 m

Tuesday 26 Nov

1:57 pm 7:45 pm

0.33 m 1.63 m

2:45 pm 8:27 pm

0.36 m 1.54 m

25 / 20 °C

MoN 25Th Nov 12:29 am 6:55 pm

0.15 m 1.95 m

sunny.

Tues 26Th Nov 12433837-CG48-19

With Christmas fast approaching members wishing to join our mobile rescue crews (jet rescue ski operators and IRB crew teams) are undergoing basic training.

Area captain for the jets rescue ski and IRB teams of the Emergency Response Group, Steve Crisp said: “On the weekend we put through eight new IRB crewies, five from Noosa and three from Sunshine Beach. Also three probationary Jet Ski (Wave Runner) operators are completing their probationary training and on the weekend another two will also commence.”

The area covered by the two ski patrols Wave Runner 18 and Wave Runner 19, extends from Wilderness Camp North Shore to Peregian.

With several unpatrolled beaches in the Noosa National Park and increasing crowds walking these scenic paths, the importance of these courtesy patrols cannot be stressed enough. Add to this Alexandria Bay the biggest, most beautiful and very dangerous beach area of all; patrolled by the team from Sunshine Beach and you will understand the responsibility that these volunteer patrolmen and women face.

As we have said many times to families, please before starting your walk, talk to the duty lifesavers/ lifeguards on Sunshine Beach and Noosa.

1:10 am 7:40 am

0.12 m 2.03 m

Wed 27Th Nov 1:49 am 8:23 am

0.13 m 2.05 m

25 / 20 °C

WedNesday 27 Nov sunny.

27 / 21 °C

noosatoday.com.au

LIFE OF BRINE

PHIL JARRATT

Leopards of Bera.

Picture: GRAHAME MCCONNELL

LEOPARD SPOTTING IN BERA It’s about an hour since I spotted my first leopard in the wild (two of them actually, a mother and cub) and we are sitting around a campfire in the dark somewhere in the granite hills near the village of Bera in Rajasthan, drinking gin and tonic with Reggie Singh, grandson of the Maharaja of Jodhpur and the king of safari camps in this neck of the woods.

Although Reggie and his brotherin-law, Thakur Baljeet Singh (known as Winkoo) have all kinds of wildlife safari operations in Jodhpur and beyond, this particular one is a private getaway for him, his two sons and their uncle.

Tomorrow the staff will pack it up for the next visit since Reggie has invited us to lunch at his Mountbatten Lodge, somewhere in the hills on the way to Udaipur, but tonight it sparkles in the firelight as a team of uniformed waiters serves our circle with drinks and delicious nibbles.

This is glamping on steroids. Next to the busy cocktail bar, Reggie’s sumptuous bedroom suite is hung with pictures of his ancestors dressed for polo and posing with their guns around dead leopards. Although he is immensely proud of his clan - the Rathores who established Jodhpur in 1459 - and its tribal culture, there are no guns at Reggie’s camps any more.

And despite the drop-dead luxury of the camp, Reggie is down to earth.

“There is a camp toilet for the girls,” he says, “boys use the bushes.”

It’s impossible not to like Reggie, an impeccably-dressed larrikin of about my age who has charmed university campuses and frat houses on both sides of the Atlantic, and built a little cultural empire while doing what he loves. Twirling a fat cigar between thumb and forefingers, he tells me: “It’s been my endeavor to recreate the past, the colonial times and the days of The noosatoday.com.au

The Rathore Polo Club.

Raj, to give guests an experience of the real thing.” Perhaps realizing that he is pitching me, he calls for more drinks, moves closer and asks on a more personal level about my very recent up-close-and-personal with a leopard. “And how was your experience?”

“It was magnificent,” I reply. And it was. I had convinced myself that we wouldn’t be lucky enough to see one, let alone two, so I hadn’t really considered how I would react. It’s such a small thing, to meet a big cat on its own terms, and yet it made such a big impact, possibly because I had been doing my homework on the leopards of Bera and nearby Jawai, learning how half a dozen of them had descended from the Aravalli Hills about 50 years ago and made the bald rocky hills and caves of Bera their home.

Picture: R SINGH

Reggie Singh at his camp with brother-in-law “Winkoo”.

But even now there are only about 40 of these beautiful beasts in and around Bera, coming close to the village at night to take dogs and other prey, but basically living in harmony with the human population. And there has never been a human fatality. This special relationship between villagers and leopards is what has made it such a global example of animal conservation, and former hunters like Reggie Singh its ambassadors.

Consider that in the last census in 2016 there were around 12,000 leopards in India, but in 2018, 460 leopards were killed, the highest death toll in the world. So the small things we experienced in Bera are important in the larger picture.

That smoky sunset night last week, waiting in silence for a leopard to emerge from a cave across a

small valley, seeing the monkeys scampering across the rockface to safety, and then the excitement among the watchers as mother and cub emerged and assumed majestic poses to either side of the entrance, will remain etched in my memory for a long, long time.

The next day Reggie hosted us for a wonderful lunch on the terrace at the Mountbatten, before we rolled into Udaipur in the late afternoon, checking into the Fateh Prakash Palace Hotel within the vast complex of the City Palace, the largest in Rajasthan. Our room overlooks Lake Pichola and the Lake Palace Hotel, where a couple of our well-heeled mates are staying. But, you know, this’ll do us just fine. And the reality check of normal life is coming up fast now as this grand adventure winds down. ●

Thursday, 21 November, 2019

|

NOOSA TODAY 17

DIGITAL Subscribe to the

Noosa Today Digital Edition

FREE NOO SATO OUR TOW N,DAY.C U YOUOM.A R PAPE

R Picture: Andrew Maccoll

NOOSATOD OUR TOWN, AY.COM.AU YOUR PAPER Picture: Andrew Maccoll

INDEP ENDE THURS FAMIL DAY,NTLY Y OWNE 5 SEPTEM BER, 2019 D PHONE: 5455 6946 | FACEBOOK.

COM/NOOSATODAY | ISSUE 378

VOTED COUNTRY QUEEN SLAND'S BEST COMMUNITY NEWS PAPER 2017 & 2018

NOOSATODAY.COM.A OUR TOWN, YOUR PAPER U Picture: Andrew Maccoll

INDEPENDENTLY THURSDAY, FAMILY

5 SEPTEMBER, OWNED 2019

PHONE: 5455 6946 | FACEBOOK.COM/NOOSATODAY

INDEPENDE THURSDAY,NTLY FAMILY

5 SEPTEMBER, OWNED 2019

PHONE: 5455 6946 | FACEBOOK.COM/NOOSA TODAY | ISSUE 378

VOTED COUNTRY QUEENSLAND 'S BEST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER 2017 & 2018

NEWS

| ISSUE 378

VOTED COUNTRY QUEENSLAND'S BEST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER 2017 & 2018

NEWS

WEEPING TREE WOES

NEWS

WEEPING TREE WOES

WEEPING TREE WOES

PAGE 3

LIFE OF BRINE

A LAST POST FROM TIMOR

PAGE 3

PAGE 3

LIFE OF BRINE

A LAST POST FROM TIMOR PAGE 16

PAGE 16

LIFE OF BRINE

COVER STORY

POWER OF AN

COVER STORY

POWER OF AN

A LAST POST FROM TIMOR

IMAGE PAGES 4-5

Mini Chef Sessions Join us for mini chef sessions at Noosa Civic these upcoming school holidays.

You’ll also get your own mini chef hat and apron to take home as our gift to you!

Dates: Monday 23rd September to Friday 4th October daily Times: 9am and 11am Cost: $5 donation to Slow Food Noosa Location: Outside Red Rooster Bookings essential.

Visit noosacivic.com.au for details.

IMAGE

PAGE 16

Big W Woolworths 100 speciality stores 28 Eenie Creek Rd (Cnr Walter Hay Drive) Noosaville Ph 5440 7900

PAGES 4-5

Mini Chef Sessions

12426847-LB37-19

Big W Woolworths 100 speciality stores 28 Eenie Creek Rd (Cnr Walter Hay Drive) Noo

VISIT

noosatoday.com.au

/subscribe

SUBSCRIBE ONLINE FREE noosatoday.com.au/subscribe

12427908-RC39-19

Join us for mini chef sessions at Noosa Civic these upcoming school holidays.

You’ll also get your own mini chef hat and apron to take home as our gift to you!

Dates: Monday 23rd September to Friday 4th October daily Times: 9am and 11am Cost: $5 donation to Slow Food Noosa Location: Outside Red Rooster Bookings essential.

Visit noosacivic.com.a u for details.