Noosa Today - 1st March 2024

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Over the moon

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Popular local artist Fiona Groom is still coming down to earth or, maybe more appropriately, she’s over the moon.

The reason: A video of her in her studio starting and completing a painting of two emus is in the space capsule Odysseus which touched down last Friday on Malepart, a crater near the South Pole of the Moon.

“I’m so excited. It’s like living in a sci fi movie but it’s real,” she told Noosa Today when we called the next day to congratulate her. Launched by NASA (the first US Moon landing in more than 50 years), Odysseus is the first in a series of time capsules to the moon and beyond. The series is called the Lunar Codex and, when completed, will contain the work of 30,000 artists, musicians, authors and other creatives from 157 different countries.

U.S. astrophysicist and best-selling author Dr Samuel Peralta is the mastermind behind the project. He sees it as “a message in the bottle of the future.”

So how did Fiona (63) and her emus merit space on the capsule?

“Five years ago, a New South Wales artist, Graeme Stevenson, produced a documentary TV series called ‘Put Some Colour in Your Life’ featuring artists in their studios.

“He came to my studio and while I talked to him, I created the painting. He also took some more images of my work.

“I understand the series was distributed worldwide on TV and Foxtel to millions of viewers and featured and hundreds of artists, with film teams in Australia, New Zealand, USA and the UK.

Continued page 3

Foreshores’ suffer

Noosa Council’s encroachment policy needs real teeth if it is to meaningfully address the continued damage caused by encroachment in our coastal foreshores, said Marcus Beach Bushcare Association past president Judy Tulloch in an address to Noosa Parks Association Friday Forum last week.

JudytoldapackedmeetingthatCouncilhad recognised the extent of the problem but its local law applied only to vegetation damage and had insufficient ‘clout’ to deal with encroachments as defined in the Noosa Encroachment Policy. Council developed a separate policy (Noosa Encroachment Policy 2023) from the Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan (November

2021) and the Eastern Beaches Reserve Management Plan (August 2023) and the Noosa Encroachments Organisational Procedures 2023 guides the Councils management of encroachments into Council Reserves, parks and Council-managed land.

“It clearly defines what constitutes an encroachment,“ Judy said.

“What we need is a zero-tolerance of encroachments, strong compliance measures and action by Council to enforce compliance. Without clear and well-communicated strong local laws and compliance measures, some property developers or home owners may see paying a fine for damage to vegetation as a small cost for the perceived improvement to the value of a property.

“This has gone on for too long without many people in the wider community realising what is happening. It needs to be out in the open so that the people of Noosa understand why the Council must act now to stop any further damage to Noosa’s Reserves and public spaces.”

Judy led a push for protection of nature reserves on the Eastern Beaches in 2022 when a petition was presented to Council.

“A resident approached the association concerned about an encroachment, and hadn’t had a response from Council,“ she said.

“When I went down to have a look I was really shocked at what I saw - 300sqm had been cleared from the dunal area over 18 months.

“In May 2022 residents raised complaints

with a huge garden that’d been built, trees cleared.

“When we first looked into this we couldn’t understand why nothing was being done. We’re still in the same place.

“In that petition we asked for this garden to be restored to its former state, and for that to be done at the expense of the owner, not the ratepayers.

“Second thing we asked for was that Noosa takes a proactive zero tolerance approach to illegal appropriation of public land, degradation of public land through removal of native vegetation and unlawful dumping on public land.

Continued page 6

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Noosa’s Daisy goes viral

A Noosa girl with a rare genetic disorder has gone viral in a TikTok at the Taylor Swift Eras Tour, highlighting the importance of access and inclusion ahead of Rare Disease Day (29 February).

Daisy Doherty, 9, was instrumental in having the accessibility beach mat installed on Noosa Main Beach, and recently her mum Libby was surprised to see a video of Daisy and support worker Bianca dancing to Taylor Swift’s song on TikTok with millions of views.

“What has followed has been extraordinary. We were stopped in the street in Melbourne by people who saw us at the show or saw the video,” she said.

“We have done a follow up with USA Today and have been interviewed for an article in Italian Newspaper IL GIORNO. And the beauty of it is that we have been able to shine a light on just how well the Eras tour provided access and inclusion. In Italy, there is no such thing for persons with a disability.”

Libby said the concert at the MCG in Melbourne was the best access and inclusion that she’s seen for a major event.

“It really stood out because everything was made so easy for us,” she said.

“The hardest part was getting a ticket, like everyone else. But we had to fight for one of 20 wheelchair seats, not one of 96,000 tickets. So, we were pretty lucky to get there.

“The MCG offered us and anyone with a disability with a familiarisation tour the week before. We couldn’t attend but I thought it was amazing.

“When we arrived, we were escorted through to our seats. They put extra disability

toilets near our seats. The staff had all been very-well briefed and anything we wanted to do, they made it easy for us.”

It’s the simple things that made a big difference, and Libby said Rare Disease Day was an important day to bring attention to access and inclusion for all.

“The theme behind Rare Disease Day is Show Your Stripes,” she said.

“So it comes from having a unique stripe like a zebra. It’s a time for people to show their support, ask questions, and get involved.

“That’s something I’ve struggled with because Daisy is one of three in Australia who has this condition. So we don’t have a support group. We don’t have people pushing for treatment. We didn’t have access to the NDIS for a long time because they didn’t recognise her condition. We do now, but it was a big challenge to have her condition acknowledged.”

Libby is travelling to America for a Rare Disease Day summit with all the people who have the same condition as Daisy.

“I’m really looking forward to it because it’s going to be the first time I get to meet anyone who has the same condition,” she said.

“There’s no big Pharma looking for a treatment for people like Daisy because there’s only 89 of them in the world, so they’re never going to make any money out of it. We as parents have fundraised for scientists to work on some treatments. Scientists are coming to the conference and I think we’ve raised about $180,000. It’s pretty amazing and we’re going to celebrate that.”

For information on the fundraiser visit secure.givelively.org/donate/cdg-care/findinga-treatment-for-pign-cdg/libby-doherty

This month new laws enforcing the right of employees to disconnect out of work hours were passed in Parliament.

Under new laws, workers will have the right to ignore calls and emails from their boss after hours, without fearing punishment.

The laws, which will come into effect in six months, contain no general prohibition on employers contacting staff after hours, but employees can take their boss to the Fair Work Commission and seek orders to stop them from forcing them to respond to after-hours communications.

What will it mean for employees, especially those for whom overtime, coerced or unpaid, has been a normal expectation of their working week?

The ABC reports Professor Greg Bamber, co-director of the International Consortium for Research in Employment and Work at Monash Business School and immediate past president of the Australian Labour and Employment Relations Association, saying Australians work “a huge amount of overtime” much of it unpaid. According to OECD research, 12.5 per cent of Australians work what is termed “very long hours”, defined as putting in more than 50 hours a week and placing us 34th out of 41 OECD member nations.

The Australia Institute’s 2023 report into overtime found Australian workers put in an average of 280 hours of unpaid overtime every year.

The Fair Work Act 2009 rests on a test of what is considered“reasonable”.

What is reasonable?

Tourism focus for forum

Tourism Noosa’s members-only election forum at the Noosa Boathouse on Tuesday contained no surprises and continued its selective approach to the dissemination of information, by banning recording and photography during the candidate presentations and brief Q and A with the Courier-Mail’s Kylie Lang.

Fortunately for the media, the candidates stuck mostly to the script, which was their written responses to three questions about their attitudes to tourism, already sent to members, published in full on social media and summarised elsewhere in this edition of Noosa Today.

However on the kind of sun-splashed morning that Noosa is famous for, mayoral candidate Nick Hluszko couldn’t help himself when he amiably opened proceedings with: “I’m Nick Hluszko and I live over there,” pointing to his North Shore river frontage, then hurriedly following up with, “But I’m not going to stand here and prattle along about me.”

The essence of Mr Hluszko’s five-minute precis of his written responses was that Noosa was deeply in trouble and there was no destination management plan that was representative and accountable enough to get us out of it.

Candidate Ingrid Jackson followed her written submission, calling for detailed expert analysis and assessment of how Tourism Noosa funding was being allocated, diverting only briefly to tell the members that her son now lived in Bali, which had been destroyed by tourism and should be a lesson noted.

Candidate John Morrall carried his cheery and self-confident countenance into this, his third or fourth election pitch in a week or so, but seemed a little light on for detail on the specifics ofTourism Noosa’s role, which he had

also conceded honestly in his written submission.

Mayoral candidate Frank Wilkie prefaced his remarks about a necessary balance of community needs and tourism by suggesting that Noosa was at the “crossroads of realisation” that change would be needed, and manage-

ment of that change would be critical.

MC Kylie Lang injected a lighter note, perhaps unintentionally, when she asked Cr Wilkie, “What does the ideal visitor to Noosa look like?” Wilkie: “Well, we’re open to all shapes and sizes,” which got a welcome laugh from the audience of 50 or so.

A smiling Mayor Clare Stewart took in proceedings from the back row, seemingly enjoying time out of the spotlight.

For edited highlights of candidate responses to the Tourism Noosa questionnaire, see Campaign Diary pages 30-31.

Fiona’s art is out of this world... literally!

From page 1

“Only last year he sent me a message saying, ‘Hi, you are going to be on the Moon.’

“I said, ‘Whaat!’ and he said he had negotiated with Samuel Peralta to include the 301 episodes of ‘Put Some Colour in Your Life” in the Lunar Codex and I was one of them.”

Painting all thinks furry and feathered has been her life. “I don’t do people. I have a need to get things down on the canvas, to express them. They just develop in front of my eyes. I love the fact I don’t really know what they are going to do. They just evolve and I love that.

“That is what pushes me on -- to keep creating. It’s fun. People always smile when they look at my work. Animals are fun.They are not serious. That’s what I like to bring in my art.

“I still can’t fathom the fact that I’m sitting here right now talking to you and that my work is on the Moon with video footage of me painting and talking, it’s just weird. It’s so far out.”

Fiona’s studio is in Ninderry and she is well known in Noosa art circles. She works at Co-

oroy Butter Factory Arts Centre gallery and is a volunteer with Noosa Open Studios and Pomona Railway Galleries where she arranges exhibitions and contributes paintings.

She has been a guest tutor with the Tinbeerwah Art Group (TAG) for the last five years and she was with the artists on Friday watching the live feed of the Odysseus Moon landing. Said committee member Jan Cooke: “We were all excited to share this momentous occasion with Fiona. She is an exceptionally talented artist and tutor and is always introducing us to new techniques.

“TAG is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year and who could have imagined that we would be tutored by an artist whose work has landed on the Moon!”

Said Fiona: “We had cake and everything was really good. It was a bit of fun. I had a space helmet so I put it on and when I walked in the door, everyone burst out laughing. Note: Here’s the link to the video with Fiona made with Graeme Stevenson: https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=glxbvZyWTRQ

Cooroy meets candidates

It was an orderly audience in the Cooroy Memorial Hall last Thursday as residents filled rows from the stage to the back wall to hear from candidates vying for places on Noosa Council at the local government election on 16 March.

MC Richard Hansen set the rules of the Cooroy Chamber of Commerce event giving each candidate three minutes, on the clock, to present their pitch to the voters.

Kicking off with the Mayoral candidates John Morrall was first at the podium, setting the standard by giving an overview of his career history and his reasons for running for council and was followed by 15 of the 18 registered candidates. Jess Phillips sent apologies, unable to attend because of prior work commitments. Andrea Newland arrived 50 minutes into the event, missing her chance to respond to the first question.

Giving their reasons for running for Council candidates said:

John Morrall

Why am I running? Because I have a broad of knowledge in three industries - hospitality, retail, fitness.They are big industries in our community.

I have a broad range of knowledge of budgeting, finance, focusing on future development in industry, business.

I love my community, that’s the only reason I am standing up, I love everything about it. My business has been a high volume business for 26 years. I’ve listened to every person whose been through my store, so I hear you and I know what you want. I’ve never failed in my life I won’t fail this time.

Ingrid Jackson

I will build on previous achievements improv-

ing council transparency and accountability, ensure a more respectful council in and outside of meetings, in relations with staff and dealing with residents. One of my important priorities is to achieve the intent of the Noosa Plan, which has a 20-year vision to achieve community wellbeing, economic prosperity and protection of shires natural assets, often this picture is forgotten on focusing narrowing on parts of the plan.

I want to see the biosphere more faithfully reflecting Unesco’s intent to see people working together to create a more resilient and thriving community in harmony with nature. It’s meant to be about people not just environment.

A key priority is to get action on strategies and plans that have seen community consultation but never been fully implemented and includes the transport strategy, cycling and walking strategy, housing strategy and health and wellbeing plan.

With the community I want to minimise Kin Kin quarry trucks, seek agreement on Cooroy’s intersections. I’m committed to listening.

Nick Hluszlo

I believe Council has lost its way.

There are three issues as I see it. Council is in disarray in terms of its staffing. You cannot have over 100 vacancies.

You cannot have an organisation run by 80 contractors and casual staff.

You cannot have an organisation that has a staff turnover of 46 per cent in less than two years and expect the culture to be efficient and productive. I’ve never seen anything like it.

My foremost priority is to make sure we get the right people to do the right job and deliver

the right services at the right price.

Frank Wilkie

My focus is on making our shire a great place to live for family and also a great place to visit and set up a business.

Some of my key aims include effective service and responsible budgeting, sustainable finance practices are key to council’s strong rating.

Hinterland residents often feel isolated, so I propose regular Council meetings be held in hinterland townships so you get an opportunity to be face to face with councillors and staff, if you want that.

I will suggest introducing portfolios so councillors can be contacted for specific area of operations.

I support investigating whether you want to expand community support programs instigated for the wellbeing of residents.

When it comes to financial support you will not be forgotten.

I’d request a review of principles on sealed gravel roads.

Mathieu Bankes

I look forward to helping people to support their goals, achieving what they truly value.

I’m in a position where I can help others.

The reason I did it, I kept hearing the majority of people are just surviving, doing their best.

I’m here to support this community.

Joe Jurisevic

My priorities are the Noosa plan. The State Government is intent on a population of five million as part of SEQ regional plan. Our challenge is to manage the impacts to maintain our standard of living, including short term

lets and more affordable housing.

We need to focus on severe weather impacts on the economy and the system.

We need to improve removing food and waste from landfill. This is a major undertaking to enhance recycling and recycled products.

I will continue to advocate for public transport including free buses every day, through the introduction of paid parking in the Hastings Street precinct.

I will continue to advocate for improvements to Cooroy. Congestion and parking continue to be a focus for improvement.

Karen Finzel

A driving force in our lives has always been to see people treated fairly and live in a respected community where our natural environment is valued.

I am committed to authentic leadership focused on caring for our environment and each other.

I am committed to advocacy for programs to deliver greater services for young people.

My priorities for 2024 include acquiring housing for all. This requires all levels of government working together.

I will use my leadership capacity to not shy away from informed decision making and delivery.

I will continue to fight for prioritisation of connectivity and safe roads around the shire especially the hinterland.

I am passionate about people and focus on how we can live in harmony with natural and urban environment.

I believe in equal distribution and community input on funding and policy reviews to meet the demands of a contemporary society.

Michelle Ngatai-Stokes

I’ll be focusing attention on five areas:

1. to ensure open dialogues to create a community to make solutions together, have community meetings held monthly with councillors attending each meeting. Get back to basics, get back to the people.

2. to leave a legacy we could be proud of. We live in place of natural beauty but there’s been more destruction in the last four years.

3. to work with local businesses to ensure a thriving economy, to buy local, spend local, making clear this is our goal; less partnership with global corporations whose revenue does not stay in the community.

4. honour our past and protect our lifestyle by allocating resources to the right things.

5. protect the health and safety of our people and the future.

Chris Darwen

Why I decided to run for council, it comes down to frustration.

I drive around the community and I see things I want to fix up.

I see people talking about the same topics. Things I’m focused on - the river. I don’t want to see it locked up, I want to see people enjoying it.

I want to focus on things on the land.

The Noosa plan - I want to see, with our changing environment, it still rings true.

Alecia Staines

People tell me they want hands on, visible and hardworking representation.

The hinterland community feels forgotten, little things like shade has been overlooked, footpaths, parking, public toilets need ad-

dressing.

They’re keen to have constituents works across the shire to sort out parking, traffic congestion.

I’m committed to being accessible, transparent in decision making, ensuring we get the best outcomes.

I will be setting aside teaching to serve my community the best that I can.

Leigh McCready

Numbers and people are my two strength and those are the things I’d like to bring to Council.

The reason I’m running is I’ve witnessed this growing disconnect between our councillors, our Council staff and the community. We’ve got an opportunity at this election to heal the rift and start to be listened to especially in the hinterland. I love solving problems and I do get things done. In terms of policies, I have come out strongly saying there should be no commercial development in national parks. I’d like to see us bring back kerbside rubbish collection and I’d like to get back to basics.

Brian Stockwell

This election is all about the liveability of our community and the environment.

I’ll advocate for the top five values in our liveability survey. They were elements of natural environment, protection of the natural environment, general condition of public open space, local businesses, sense of neighbourhood safety

I’ll continue to advocate for increased funding in walking-cycling paths.

Housing crisis - the worst performing area. I’ll continue to argue for major investment

from other levels of government to fund new affordable housing for our community. I’ll continue to support our hinterland character and the implementation of the recommendations of the heritage review in the Noosa Plan.

I have the local knowledge and skills to work with community to protect those values you’ve told us are important.

Nicola Wilson

My mission will be to make sure ratepayers money is being used in the best interests of the whole community and is focused on basics - roads, bridges, traffic, parking waste, and protecting our environment. The issue I’m hearing most is housing.

Council can do more like freeing up land, allowing more homes on large blocks. It can also crack down on STA properties and return homes to residents.

The population is just going to keep growing. We need to find solutions to the way our community wants to live now and into the future. I tell it like it is and stand up for what’s right. Tourists are welcome but residents come first.

Amelia Lorentson

I’m dedicated to maintaining my focus on prioritising residents, dedicated to supporting Kin Kin community, lessening the impact of the quarry. Preserving the character of the hinterland is a priority for me.

I’m dedicated to supporting local businesses and acknowledging the vital contribution they make to the community. My focus remains steadfast, I’m delivering results for all Noosa residents.

I’ve been a vocal advocate for environmental initiatives including wastewater recycling. Every decision should be guided by commit-

ment to ensuring fairness to all residents.

Best outcomes are achieved when residents are engaged. I have never been afraid to stand up for what is right, what is fair and community consultation. I’m working for you.

Tom Wegener

What do these incredible groups (in the hinterland) have in common. Their success starts with Noosa Council. Noosa Council has been fantastic for the hinterland. Working in partnership with Noosa Council we have the businesses running well, the economy running well, we have happy residents. You have strong community groups. When you have all three working together, that’s fantastic.

I stand for the hinterland.

Fiona Jacobs

The rise in tourism, population growth has brought opportunities but also pressing challenges, particularly in business operation. One of most pressing issues we face is the housing crisis, and availability of affordable housing.

We must refocus our efforts on supporting all small, local business ensuring their viability. This mean addressing critical issues like parking, traffic congestion and improving our roads.

We can’t afford to delay crucial environmental projects vital for the health of our environment and businesses.

We must strike a balance between promoting tourists and preserving the essence of what makes our community special. We can’t allow unsustainable levels of tourists. Our ultimate goal must be to create a community where residents come first.

Policy failing foreshores

From page 1

“Council now has a definition of encroachment with all those things and a bit more.“

Judy told the forum encroachments went beyond the coastal reserve, could be small or large and include activities such as the dumping of rubbish, the creation of walking paths, clearing or trimming of native vegetation, planting of unsuitable plant species, laying of lawns and building of structures.

“Council needs to draw a line under this now,“ Judy said.

“There used to be small houses on properties with a garden. Now people have big houses. They don’t have a backyard so they build a backyard in the reserve.

“It doesn’t reflect our values in Noosa. It takes years to regenerate. It’s done by people for personal or commercial gain. It’s unjust.

“This is people who are taking things that don’t belong to them for their own personal gain.“

Judy said in their research they found individual fines up to about $12,000 could be incurred under Local Law 4 but when the encroachment had the potential of adding hundreds of thousands of dollars to a property, it was seen by some property owners as a good investment and the fine was ineffectual.

“That has to change. Local Law 4 has to change to reflect the policy that Council has developed,“ she said.

Council’s Environmental Services manager Ben Derrick told the forum Council had an issue with encroachments throughout the shire and its policy related to council-managed land across 183 bushland reserves, 3500 hectares of natural reserves and an additional 3500 hectares of road reserves.

“We’ve mapped all of our encroachments. We have a prioritisation plan. We have a working list,“ he said.

Ben said communicating with residents, engaging them and education were Council’s

first steps in returning encroachment areas back to the community.

“We identify each individual encroachment,“ he said.

“Ecological restoration plans are developed, we engage with residents.

“Efforts up to that point are about working together leading to the creation of strong ecosystems. Sometimes that doesn’t work. If it comes down to enforcement then it’s up to the local law and working through the processes.

“We’ve seen in the past fines don’t work. If they don’t comply Council will come in and fix it.”

There are a number of grey areas when it comes to encroachments including the need of land clearing for fire breaks and emergency vehicle access, public rights of access, the construction of structures such as swimming pools on public land, and the onus of encroachments, particularly involving historic encroachments that may have been inherited by new owners.

Ben said while government works in a slow moving way the intent was to go into those places and bring them back to the community, the intent was to fix those up.

He said Council had last week advertised for a recovery officer to be tasked with ad-

dressing encroachment recovery over the next several years.

“This is essentially a decade long journey,“ he said.

Judy called on all Council candidates for the upcoming election to commit to a strong regime of compliance when encroachments occur on Council land.

“Residents who are lucky enough to live on the boundary of a nature reserve can consciously choose to become custodians of the adjacent reserve, or create serious damage that has a negative impact on the natural environment,” she said.

I

•

am committed to dealing with this issue

• No conservation park.

Rail set to go

Sunshine Coast Council this week welcomed the Queensland Government commitment to provide $2.75 billion towards the delivery of Stage 1 of its proposed Sunshine Coast Direct Rail project from Beerwah to Caloundra.

But Fairfax MP Ted O’Brien said the rail announcement by Premier Steven Miles confirmed that the most sought-after legacy of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games was dead in its tracks.

“The 2032 Games was the Sunshine Coast’s ticket to finally secure passenger rail to Maroochydore, but two years of delay and indecision amidst a hyper inflationary environment has left this project in tatters,” Mr O’Brien said.

“Work should have already commenced two years on from the former Coalition government’s historic commitment of $1.6 billion towards this project.

“Under the 50/50 partnership previously negotiated between the Morrison and Palaszczuk governments, this debacle would never have happened.”

Stage 1 of the project includes a 19 km dual track built from Beerwah to Caloundra that the government announced could be operational in time for Brisbane 2032, subject to a matched funding agreement from the Federal Government. The funding envelope for Stage 1 is expected to be between $5.5 billion and $7 billion, with final costs to be confirmed at the completion of the procurement phase.

Staged delivery will see the line ultimately run to Birtinya and Maroochydore.

“A direct rail connection to the Sunshine Coast will unlock thousands of homes in the growing Sunshine Coast region and accelerate the release of new, affordable developments,” Premier Miles said.

“Without the rail line, that development would bring an unmanageable level of congestion to the local road network, making this connection essential for new housing to be brought forward.”

Acting Sunshine Coast Mayor Rick Ba-

berowski said Council appreciated that, for the first time, our region had a clear commitment from the State Government regarding the project and better clarity on the likely cost, timing and destinations.

“What is important now is that the Commonwealth Government comes on board to match this commitment so Sunshine Coast residents have certainty that the first stage of this critical public transport link to one of the fastest growing regions in the nation can get underway,” he said.

“While having this rail link delivered in time for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games is important, what is more important is having in place an efficient, reliable and sustainable public transport network.”

Cr Baberowski said the Sunshine Coast had the second highest rate of private vehicle trips per day of any regional area in the country.

“So, getting people out of cars and on public transport is vital to reduce traffic congestion, cut emissions and increase productivity and wellbeing by better connecting people with their workplaces, shops and services in a timely and efficient manner,” he said.

“What our Council and our communities will now be looking for is a clear matching commitment from the Commonwealth to the funding announced by the Miles Government for Stage 1 of Direct Sunshine Coast Rail.

“We also want to see agreed timeframes, designs, plans and a starting date for Stage 1 and for the State Government to continue to explore methods of procurement that maximise the speed of delivery to ensure completion of Stage 1 by 2032.

“What also remains critical is that all levels of Government keep focussed on ultimately delivering public transport connectivity from Caloundra through to Maroochydore – our region’s capital and major commercial centre – so that the bulk of our community can easily access a reliable and efficient public transport system to get them to where they need to go.”

Work ready to start on Garth Prowd bridge

Garth Prowd bridge at Noosa Heads is about to undergo a $3.7 million revamp to boost road safety and connectivity.

It’s part of the Australian Government’s Bridges Renewal Program, which is delivering improved infrastructure for bridges across the shire.

The Australian Government has committed $1.75 million and Noosa Council close to $2 million towards the $3.7 million project.

Acting Infrastructure Services Director Shaun Walsh said the bridge is a vital link for about 21,000 vehicles daily, as well as pedestrians and cyclists.

“This extensive upgrade is a significant investment in our community’s infrastructure and will extend the lifespan of the bridge by 50 years, while enhancing its safety and functionality for all users,” he said.

Minister for Regional Development and Local Government Kristy McBain said the Garth Prowd Bridge is a key part of Noosa’s cycle network and transport corridor, which is why it’s important that as this region grows and attracts more visitors, the bridge remains fit-for-purpose.

“That’s why we’re investing $1.75 million towards these upgrades, as part of our commitment to partner with local governments across Queensland to kickstart priority projects that will have a lasting impact in communities,” she said.

The scope of works includes concrete and steel corrosion repairs, protective coating treatments, pile encasement, replacement of the southern walkway’s timber

decking, and resurfacing the bridge’s asphalt road.

Construction is due to start in early March, with completion anticipated by late June this year.

Mr Walsh said the bridge would remain open to traffic during construction, however motorists and pedestrians are advised of potential lane closures and traffic control measures for their safety.

“To mitigate impacts, Variable Message Signs will provide advance notice of changed traffic conditions and alternate routes,” Mr Walsh said.

With construction scaffolding in place, marine access beneath the bridge will be suspended during works, with users encouraged to seek alternative travel routes.

Bridge jumping is also strictly prohibited.

Noosa artist shuts doors

Having become disillusioned with Noosa, artist and blacksmith Steve Weis last Sunday auctioned everything to walk away from the Kin Kin property he transformed from an industrial storage site to a work of art after it became his sanctuary 25 years ago when he was “spiritually devastated“.

Auctioneer Richard Hansen described the artist as “an absolute legend in the game“ before Steve opened the auction to shed more than two decades of creative endeavour, along with his tools of the trade.

“There are a lot of reasons this auctions happened - some of them are age-related, some accident-related some emotional, some political, some global - all together there are enough reasons to be selling everything off,“ Steve said.

“I hope you enjoy 25 years doing the best I could to make a difference in this world.

“May you bid with courage and spirit and may you get something you spend the rest of your life grateful for having.“

As the auction proceeded Steve told Noosa Today more about his time in Noosa.

“My life’s been a rough rollercoaster,“ he said. “My first two wives died, the first one from Avian (Hong Kong) flu, the second one died from breast cancer. Then I had a marriage on the rebound that offered me the opportunity to be the latest arty-farty superstar in New York. I just wasn’t ready for it and I walked out and that was devastating.“

Filled with unresolved grief Steve searched for a place to heal, finding a property just outside the town of Kin Kin. It was an “industrial mess“, owned by a hoarder.

“I was spiritually devastated. I said if you can clean this up you may save yourself.“

Having spent hours just visualising the world he was going to create, over the next two decades Steve achieved his goal - “absolutely“.

“My pieces all hold spiritual determinations,“ he said.

He’s created some of the most historic and remarkable pieces of art metal around the region. Steve’s artworks adorn sites across the country and internationally and his Kin Kin property has long been a place of wonder for its many visitors.

“The best part of it was making it. I’ve loved doing it,“ he said.

Steve defines his art pieces, many large in scale and filled with musical elements, as be-

ing driven by “spiritual conscience“.

“Some people say I’ve got small man complex. but I do like big, I like scale. I like magnificence. I like to have the feeling there’s something bigger than us,“ he said.

“By nature I’m a mystic.

“My father used to say I don’t know where you come from, you’re definitely not one of us.“

Steve had little formal art education.

“I did six Saturday mornings of adult education training then started my career on the

seventh day,“ he said, with the inspiration for his work coming from the “spirit dimension“.

“At a knife convention they told me every knife I made is unique, they said your knives all have a soul,

“That’s where I start, I go into the workshop.

“I call out to the infinite to bring me an activity of creation in the form of a knife to invest this day in.

“I call it down. Then I wander around the place and say which pieces of steel want to be in this Damascus lamination I’m going to make.

“They said this is the strangest process we’ve ever heard, but it makes sense.

“And I said the moment you start doing it, it’ll start working for you. It’s a method you’re not going to learn in a university.

“It’s the sort of method you’d learn if you worked with any indigenous Elder in any culture in the world.“

Over the decades his art base has captured the imagination of many.

“I’ve showed thousands of people through and told them the deeper inner stories of it,“ he said.

“I showed councillors through. They said, how do you do this with all the quarry noise?

“I said it’s completely devastating. And they said it must be. And nothing happened, and I felt patronised. I voted for these people and I felt betrayed.

“I have financed this, I’ve gifted this and received nothing in return.

“The lack of respect, the lack of gratitude the lack of acknowledgement just got to a point that I said the work of continuing and

maintaining this with no recognition and response, no protection, no kindness is more than I’m willing to bear.“

Steve said the disruption to his life caused by the operations of the Kin Kin quarry were part of his reason for leaving.

“The quarry, my disappointment in Noosa Council poor performance in protecting the people of the hinterland.

“I’m 2km from it, 288 quarry trucks a day on a big day, starting at 5.15 in the morning, six days a week for many years.

“I’m so completely disappointed that Noosa with its biosphere and with its marketing seems to have missed the point and seems to be so gloating in its financial superiority.

“My gift has been received by a few and overlooked by the institution and in that regard they no longer deserve me.“

Steve’s health has also been a cause of his departure.

“I tripped and I fell. I crashed my forehead very badly. I got a serious concussion,

four months I had a concussion, had to have X-rays and ultrasounds they told me this isn’t your first brain injury. They told me no heavy lifting for a year,“ he said.

“I didn’t go into the workshop for a year. Then I got a flu, got pneumonia, thought it was a good time to stop welding.“

After what has been an emotional past five years he describes as “devastatingly agonising“ Steve and his partner have bought a house at Woodgate Beach, ready to begin the next stage in life, and maybe write a book.

“To be at this moment when it’s coming to an end, there’s some relief to it,“ he said.

“I’m lucky I’m surrounded by people who adore me. I’ve earned it.

I’ve stayed loyal to my heart, loyal to my creativity, my imagination, loyal to my friends.

“I’m going to Woodgate to walk along the beach, do some meditative breathing, try to heal, let go, purify.

“If it goes the way I’m imagining I might put myself in a very quiet place and write a

book of spiritual lessons, a memoir.“

His intended title brings together his philosophy on life and a page from his childhood - ’Holy sufferance, diary of a dingbat’.

“If you live the truth of your heart you will suffer, humanity works on other things it’s about money, control, power, if we live truly by our heart we end up being a kind of an oddball,“ he explained.

“Because it has to feel everything it’s a path of suffering.

All the saints and mystics and all the great stories of great courageous spiritual souls live by the heart and accept that suffering is the price.

The sub-heading of his book comes from something his father would “regularly“ say, “you’d have to be a bloody dingbat“.

“This isn’t everybody’s language of life but it’s the one that fits my experience of it.“

Addressing traffic crisis

“Noosa is choking with traffic and car pollution! The town comes to a gridlock every day during school pickup and drop off affecting our quality of life in terms of congestion on roads and pollution affecting the quality of the air we breathe. For too long governments have buried their heads in the sand and said there’s nothing they can do. I won’t accept that narrative. I am committed to trying to make life better for Noosa residents,” Cr Amelia Lorentson says.

Amelia Lorentson, a Candidate for Noosa Council and current Councillor, is putting forward an initiative to address Noosa’s Traffic Congestion head-on and pollution in Noosa if re-elected in the upcoming Council term. This plan is geared towards improving the quality of life for all residents of Noosa by tackling traffic congestion head-on and advocating for sustainable travel options, particularly for school children.

Cr Amelia Lorentson’s policy proposal calls for a fundamental shift in the way students commute to school, urging all schools in Noosa to strongly discourage school drop-offs and pick-ups and to encourage all the schools to add 1 electric bus to their fleet. In collaboration with the state government, the introduction of 10 electric buses is proposed to provide eco-friendly transportation alternatives for daily commutes.

To ensure the safety and success of this initiative, Cr Amelia Lorentson suggests that school authorities appoint dedicated educators to train students on bus safety and responsible conduct during transit.

With each one of the 10 electric bus capable of accommodating up to 80 students, this initiative holds the promise of significantly reducing the number of cars on Noosa’s streets.

VOTE

“The proposal aims to remove 800 cars or 1600 trips off Noosa’s roads every morning and afternoon, reducing congestion and pollution.” Cr Amelia Lorentson

Funding and support from the State, schools, parents, community and Noosa Council are proposed to be secured through collaborative efforts to facilitate the implementation of this initiative.

“This policy will address the issue of gridlock, which is a daily problem in Noosa, not just during holiday periods.With the exponential growth of schools in Noosa, it’s clear that we need to change how we do things. Everyone wins- the community, the environment, and our children learn to be independent.”

“This is how we fix Noosa. This is how we fix our quality of life. This is my vision for a better future.” Cr Amelia Lorentson

Policy Proposal by Cr Amelia Lorentson: Promoting Sustainable School Transportation in Noosa

Key Components

1. Parental Drop-Offs: All schools in Noosa will be required to strongly discourage parents from driving their children to school. Instead, parents will be encouraged to drop off their children at designated bus stops.

2. Collaboration with State Government: The council will collaborate with the state government to increase the availability of electric buses for school transportation. Efforts will be made to procure 10 additional electric buses to meet the demand.

3. Training and Education: Schools will collaborate with dedicated teachers to provide training to students on how to safely catch buses and adhere to a code of conduct while using public transportation.

4. Coordination by Council: The council will coordinate efforts between schools, the state government, and other stakeholders eg parents and community to ensure the successful implementation of the policy.

1 AMELIA LORENTSON

balanced, passionate, committed and independent

• NOOSASHIRECOUNCILLOR

• CommunityVested:Volunteer lifesaver at Noosa Heads Surf Lifesaving Club, Volunteer for Seahorse Nipper Program (inclusive program for children with physical and mental challenges), and member of Surfrider Foundation and the Noosa Malibu Club. Recipient of OBE Medal for Lifesaving Excellence: Outstanding Rescue and Resuscitation (2015)

• AcademicallyQualified: Law Degree (QUT); Masters in Industrial Relations and Labour Law (Uni. Of Sydney); Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice(QUT)

• SuccessfulBusinessCareer: Operations Manager in Sydney Retail; owner/operator of Employment Law consultancy

• NoosaLocal: 22 plus years.

• Status: 56 years old, married to Chris Lorentson, Commercial Manager (30 years)at Page Furnishers, Pomona, 2 childrenBen (19) and Gia (21) both SLSQ lifeguards and avid surfers.

• Independent: NO membership or affiliations with any political parties present or past.

• Self-funded: Last election and this election.

• ListenstoEVERYONE – engages withandvaluestheinputofevery member of the community

Business focus

Approximately 45 members and key stakeholders of the Sunshine Coast Business Council (SCBC) had the opportunity to hear from mayoral candidates for both the Sunshine Coast and Noosa Councils at the advocacy group’s forum hosted at Youi headquarters in Sippy Downs last Thursday.

SCBC Chair Sandy Zubrinich facilitated the panel discussion including eight of the ten candidates, holding them to account to better understand both their planned approach to lead and progress the region over the next four years and beyond, as well as the skills and credibility they will bring to the role should they be successful.

Ms Zubrinich said both councils faced challenges in regard to creating diverse housing options to accommodate the inevitable population growth and to address other pressing issues like transport and infrastructure.

“In December 2023, SCBC asked voters to think about, what qualities and capabilities they wanted to see in their new mayor as they are preparing to vote on 16 March at the local council elections and test each candidate’s experience and suitability to fulfil the role against their expectations,” said Ms Zubrinich.

“At the Business Council, we believe both new mayors need to be leaders committed to effective delivery of services, strategies to collaboratively tackle the issues we face as a broader region — and, most importantly, they need to listen to the community and have the ability to garner community support to implement those strategies.

“Our members further outlined the qualities and style of leadership they would be assessing candidates against, which included the ability to lead and listen; communicate a vision, strategies, ideas and benefits; bring communities together; be strong advocates for the region with other levels of government; and to work hand-in-hand with the business community to advocate for infrastructure in-

vestment and funding.

“Members reminded candidates that creating investor certainty and an environment where businesses can thrive was critical for the region’s economic growth, and at the local government level this would be helped by improving efficiency in planning processes, resulting in quicker and more transparent planning decisions.

“These messages have consistently been raised by both our membership base and the broader business community. The audience made it clear, they want to see a more effective and collaborative leadership approach, and also a big shift in the internal culture of both organisations.

“What was really encouraging was to see all candidates agree that greater collaboration was not only necessary across all levels of government to ensure the region was better represented, but also between the Sunshine Coast and Noosa Councils. This was certainly identified as a priority.

“There appeared common acceptance of the need to unlock housing, secure investment for Heavy Rail by working more collaboratively with State and Federal governments, growing economic opportunities while protecting the liveability of the region.”

With eight of the ten candidates in the upcoming Noosa and Sunshine Coast Council elections present, the event was a critical opportunity for local business leaders to engage

forum

with the candidates and understand their approach.

Candidates were asked to share what they believed their biggest strengths were to bring to the position of mayor and the SCBC has summarised these below.

For Noosa Shire Council

· Frank Wilkie was unable to attend the forum due to a Noosa Shire Council Ordinary Meeting but provided SCBC with details of his experience in local government, supporting business growth and citing having worked in management within Queensland’s island resorts and private sector businesses. Mr Wilkie said he appreciates the importance of businesses in the community’s social and economic fabric.

· Ingrid Jackson emphasised skill in responding to diverse needs and strengthening governance throughout her career as a management consultant and leadership roles in Noosa and Sydney resorts. Ms Jackson said her experience demonstrates her ability to adapt and improve processes to enhance organisational governance.

· John Morrall said he brings 45 years of business experience and a focus on leadership and financial acumen. Mr Morall emphasised his ability to rally teams and his expertise in forecasting, budgeting and financial analysis to achieve organisational goals and navigate financial challenges.

· Nick Hluszko said, as a CEO with international experience and equipped with a master’s degree in business administration, he pledges to manage the council efficiently, minimising rates and levies and fostering a united community where all sector concerns are addressed.

· For more information about the event and to access handouts summarising the candidates’ platforms and answers to questions posed to each candidate by the SCBC, please visit http://tinyurl.com/2u4smzdy.

Truths versus the myths

Ingrid’s policies are about action. She is committed to giving people a voice and ensuring open and honest communication.

Sadly there have been untruths promulgated about Ingrid. Here are the facts.

Ingrid stands for:

· Achieving the whole Noosa Plan vision. Not just refusing things by cherry picking and box-ticking

· UNESCO’s real intent for the Biosphere, a thriving community and economy in harmony with environment. About people, not just pet projects

· Transparency, accountability, respect. Not just secrecy and politics

· Getting things done. Not just announcements and obstacles

· Supporting Noosa’s small businesses. A change from the past

· Taking a strong stand and giving people a fair go!

Myth: Ingrid does not support the Noosa Plan - UNTRUE

As Councillor, Ingrid almost always voted in line with staff recommendations. She only diverged when she saw a higher priority for the community, e.g. medical services.

Ingrid believes councillors’ job is exercising judgement to achieve Noosa Plan vision and public interest.

Myth: That Ingrid is anti-environmentUNTRUE

Ingrid will protect Noosa’s environment now and for future generations.

As a Councillor, Ingrid consistently voted for environment initiatives. She was against the oyster reef project as she was not convinced it was an effective spend of ratepayers’ money.

Myth: That Ingrid is against cars - UNTRUE

Ingrid wants to see traffic and parking well

MAKE

managed. After Ingrid left Council, the Transport Strategy did not get done. Ingrid will seek to have it revived. It includes park-and-ride hubs, timed parking and paid parking for visitors, priority bus lanes, and ideas from public

consultation.

Myth: That Ingrid will cause over-tourismUNTRUE

Ingrid’s goal is a thriving visitor economy with-

out overtourism, to protect residents and the environment. A well planned Destination Management Plan based on research and impact analyses is vital to managing visitors.

Myth: That Ingrid wants more Short Term Accommodation (STAs) - UNTRUE

Ingrid is concerned for residents. Too much short term letting goes under the radar.

Efficient complaints processes and enforcement are needed, including targeting properties without approvals.

Myth: That Ingrid is a climate change denier - UNTRUE

As a Councillor, Ingrid supported Council initiatives to reduce its emissions and encourage residents to do the same. This continues to be her policy.

Myth: That Ingrid is biased towards business – UNTRUE

Ingrid recognises a thriving economy as vital for resident wellbeing. 95 per cent of the 7,600 businesses are small. Businesses provide jobs and incomes. Ingrid wants a fair go for businesses.

Myth: That there is no poor behaviour in Council - UNTRUE

During the last two Council terms, councillor complaints bodies found some Councillors engaged in inappropriate conduct and misconduct. The most frequent causes were not declaring conflicts of interest and engaging in disrespectful behaviour.

Ingrid will lead the way to ensure respectful behaviour.

Myth: That Ingrid has alliances and preference deals with other candidatesUNTRUE

Ingrid is completely independent. She has no deals and is not accepting donations.

Some candidates’ How-to-Vote cards include Ingrid for mayor. Ingrid did not seek or approve these, but she believes candidates have a free choice.

IT’S TIME TO DO BETTER

EFFECTIVE ACTION ON THE POLICIES THAT MATTER

Embracing

When

and wine store at the bottom of my street. We soon developed a nodding acquain-

whenever he happened to be at the store, or more likely sitting on the bench out front and talking story with other salt-encrusted locals. I guessed he had a surfing background but didn’t know the half of it until I went along to the recently-opened Surf Heritage and Culture Centre in San Clemente one night for a surfing talk show and Dick was on the panel. I discovered that not only had he co-founded the Surf Heritage Foundation in 1999 and that many of the most historic surfboards exhibited at SHACC were from his private collection, but that he had more or less invented the surf retail and travel industries in the US and Hawaii, at one point owning 22 shops in California, Florida and Hawaii, including the Hobie chain, and had pioneered surfing at several of the iconic surf breaks of the world. He was described –never by Dick himself – as “the most important man in surfing you’ve never heard of”, and“the Forrest Gump of surfing, always on the edges of history, mostly evading mention or fame”.

But even after absorbing all of this, I still wasn’t close to understanding the whole picture of this fascinating man, now 94, until I watched director Richard Yelland’s absorbing documentary, The Birth of the Endless Summer (yes, Metz invented that too) which has its Australia/New Zealand premiere on the opening night of the Noosa Surf Festival next Friday 8 March at The J.

The film tells the story of how the crazy travel adventures of a wise-cracking, partyloving, chick-hugging California beach bum with a dash of business savvy convinced his surf-filming buddy Bruce Brown to make The Endless Summer, which since its premiere 60 years ago has become the most-watched documentary of all time, inspiring generations of

summer

surfers and adventurers – this one included –to grab a board and a backpack and take the road least travelled.

Born in Laguna Beach in 1929, Dick Metz’s earliest memories are of playing on the rocky beach at Oak Street with child star Shirley Temple while her parents lunched at his dad’s famous restaurant on the cliffs.

His next memories are as a seven-year-old, riding tandem at San Onofre’s friendly rollers with surf legends Peanuts Larson and Hevs McClelland. Within a year or two he was borrowing their heavy redwood boards and riding

waves by himself.

After graduating from Santa Barbara State College and doing a stint in the army, he found himself back in Laguna in 1954, with the postWorld War II surf scene starting to boom.

Dick teamed with his surf pal Hobie Alter in the launch of the landmark Hobie Surf Shop in Dana Point, the first purpose-built surf shop in the world which would become the blueprint for a lifestyle, culture and industry that was to soon blossom.

Business was good and one Hobie store soon became a chain. But Dick had the travel

bug … bad. Apart from numerous trips to Hawaii to ride the big waves of Makaha, he hadn’t seen much of the world, and as he sat in the barber shop reading True and Argosy mag stories about bare-breasted beauties on remote tropical beaches while he waited for his college cut, he developed a plan.

His dad had helped set him up in another restaurant, so he sold that, his car and anything else dispensable, and with two grand left after paying down his debts, in 1958 he hopped a freighter from Mexico, finally washing up in Tahiti.

From there he spent the next three years wandering and looking for waves across the Pacific to Australia, then on to South East Asia, India and eventually Africa, where one dark night a hitched ride landed him at Victoria Falls. Dick recalls: “I looked out the window, it’s one in the morning, I could see a couple of fires and two or three little huts, but no lights, nobody around, no real buildings of any kind. I really didn’t want to hang around, and since the driver was bound for Cape Town, I just stayed in the car. And that was how I met John Whitmore.”

A funny-looking guy with a goatee and pointy features, Whitmore was regarded as the father of South African surfing, such as it was in 1959. As Metz says in the film: “They really didn’t know much about it, but they were so eager to learn, and no one more so than John, who took me into his home, we became firm friends and we started exploring the coast for surf.”

On one of these trips Whitmore took him to the very tip of the Eastern Cape, to a village called Cape St Francis, where Dick saw the kind of surfing line-up that surfers dream about, lines of swell running down a long sandbar framed by a rocky beach. The boys got wet but this particular day it was really nothing to write home about. However Metz saw the potential and logged it into his memory bank, and his travel notes.

Back home in California in 1962, Dick and his buddy Bruce Brown were enjoying a few brews at a bar in Dana Point when Brown shared his big idea. After several years of producing a surf documentary every summer and showing it around college halls to make enough for the next one (often, pre-1959, with Dick helping him run the shows), Brown was going to mortgage the house and stake everything on a vast exploration of the unknown

surfing world, and Dick was going to tell him where to go.

It was a good idea and Dick was a generous friend. After digging out his travel diaries and moving onto a good bottle of bourbon, Dick gave him the lowdown on the waves of Tahiti, Australia and beyond. Then he got to South Africa and described the waves he’d surfed from Cape Town to Durban, before pausing, taking a slug from his glass and revealing: “And there’s this little remote place called Cape St Francis that looked really interesting.”

The rest, as they say, is history. In 1963 Bruce Brown flew his surfers Mike Hynson and Robert August (seen getting on and off planes in ridiculous business suits) to South Africa and eventually they made their way to the Eastern Cape and to Cape St Francis, where the most magical scenes of Brown’s iconic Endless Summer were shot in just under 90 minutes, while the tide was right and Hynson and August rode wave after perfect wave alone at the surf break that would become known as “Bruce’s Beauties”. For the filming of The Birth of The Endless Summer a few years back, director Richard Yelland took Metz, then 90, back to Cape St Francis, which looks a lot like modern Noosa, with its canal estates and low-rise waterfronts. And guess what? It was flat again, as it frequently is. The camera shows the old man staring wistfully out to sea, a sly smile creasing his lips.

Bruce Brown, now departed, gave his name to a famous surf break and made his fortune with the phenomenal success of Endless Summer, some of that thanks to what we might call Metz Magic, but until now, Dick has been very much the silent partner. Regrets? Nah, Dick Metz doesn’t do regret. Life’s too short.

The Noosa International Surfilm Festival presents Birth of The Endless Summer, The J, 6pm Friday 8 March.

Living the California beach lifestyle, 1950s.

Budding patients wellness

There’s been a collective sigh of relief from those who suffer with anxiety or PTSD related issues in Noosa, thanks to the help of an expert team at Budding Wellness.

The new medical centre and dispensary in Noosa Junction has been receiving rave reviews, with Dr Cheyne Mitchell and his pharmacist business partner, Alya Abdulmaksoud, feeling pleased to join the community.

“It’s been satisfying hearing positive feedback regarding the relaxed professional feel of the clinic,” Dr Cheyne said.

“We treat a large number of patients that suffer with anxiety or PTSD related issues; it’s been a delight to hear from this group of patients in particular that they feel safe and cared for attending the clinic.

“The easy physical access to the clinic with parking and public transport options benefits our more elderly and chronic pain patients.”

Budding Wellness provides a holistic approach to patient care, and Dr Cheyne has taken the time to explain exactly what this means.

“Patients have distinct understandings of what quality of life means to them. Perhaps a better night of sleep is a key goal, maintaining a physical hobby, or just being less stressed and able to notice life positive experiences without anxiety getting in the way,” he said.

“Whatever the particular goals, we seek to combineexistingtreatments,endocannabinoid support medications and lifestyle interventions to most effectively improve quality of life.”

The endo-cannabinoid system is an important regulatory system that exists in the human body with receptors located in every organ.

“Its functions are largely directed towards maintaining balance, or homeostasis,” Dr Cheyne said.

“The endocannabinoid system has wide ranging impacts on body processes such as

pain transmission and perception, the sleep/ wake cycle, the balance between fight or flight and more relaxed states for the nervous system, appetite/ nausea, regulation of the immune system and control of inflammation.

“Supporting the function of the endo-cannabinoid system, which is known to degrade in the setting of chronic disease, helps to improve the outcomes associated with the pro-

cesses under its control.”

For more information or to book an appointment, visit buddingwellness.com.au, call (07) 5440 4900 or find them at Shop 6, 4-6 Sunshine Beach Road, Noosa Heads.

expl rer sessions

Let Viking be your guide in a series of immersive, free information sessions that dive deep into the world’s most remarkable destinations, itineraries and introduce you to The Viking Way of Exploration.

With 12 different themed sessions to choose from, each focused on unique regions and ways to cruise, your journey of discovery is just a presentation away.

At each session, you’ll enjoy complimentary refreshments and receive an exclusive offer.

10:00 AM

Europe river cruising

Introduction to Viking

Ocean cruising – Scandinavia and Northern Europe

11:30 AM

Europe river cruising – France and Portugal

Ocean cruising – Mediterranean

Unique destinations for previous Viking guests

1:00 PM

Europe river cruising – Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers

Polar Expeditions

Ocean Cruising – Asia, Australia, NZ and The Americas

6:30 PM

Introduction to Viking

The best of Viking’s river voyages

The best of Viking’s ocean voyages

BRISBANE

Tuesday 12 March 2024

Convention & Exhibition

Centre, Glenelg Street

South Brisbane QLD 4101

Scan the QR code or visit viking.com/explorersessions to secure your seat — but be quick, they book out fast!

Normalising period talk

Like-minded women gained invaluable insights from Ironwoman Carla Papac at Jungle and Co on Wednesday 21 February.

The Waves of Wellness event, presented by Bendigo Community Bank Sunshine Coast, was a holistic exploration of exercise, nutrition, and well-being for women at every life stage.

It’s important to normalise and start conversations around the changes in a woman’s body during puberty through to menopause, Carla said, as she delved into her own experiences.

“Last season, I moved up to Noosa from Sydney to try and kickstart my Surf Lifesaving, Ironwoman career,“ she said.

“I’ve been training and competing since I was eight years old but for me this was the big step to take it very seriously. I had the goal to do the Coolangatta Gold. I ended up winning, so it was a fairy tale ending. I trained very hard and fuelled myself in what I thought was the correct way.

“In the first round of the Nutri Grain series, I raced horribly and I kind of just accepted that it was my body adapting to the shorter racing.

“To cut a long story short, I never really recovered. I was suffering from a lot of fatigue, I started having really painful and intense periods which I had never suffered from before, and I was just lacking in my recovery. I wasn’t performing well and I knew something was up, however a lot of these symptoms are normalised for athletes, in a way they shouldn’t be.

“I just pushed through and I felt a lot of pressure to keep going and show everyone that my Coolangatta Gold win wasn’t just a one off.

“It didn’t happen, and it didn’t happen because I didn’t adapt with my body. My body went through a lot of changes in this time and it was demanding more from me. It needed more fuel, more recovery, and a change in my training mindset.“

With her knowledge as an exercise physiologist, Carla said it was vital to accept that women’s bodies change in a way that’s different to a man.

“I’m grateful for my studies because it’s giving me this new idea that we don’t just train the same way all throughout our life,“ she said.

“There are a lot more female studies coming out, guiding us on how we can better support our bodies as we go through hormonal changes.

“Previously all of the studies were mostly just done on men. The studies were done on men because it was easier, it was cheaper, they didn’t have to take into account hormonal changes throughout the month, and they just adapted the studies from men to women.

“For myself as an athlete this has been really valuable information that I’ve been able to take on and put into my own training.“

Carla said it’s time to start these conversations with the people around us, about how to support women’s bodies through these changes.

“These changes are normal and they need to be normalised and not feared and

dreaded,“ she said.

“Generally, what we’re seeing through periods to menopause, females are dreading the changes that are happening to their body and most of the time they’re trying to offset the changes.“

So how can we better support girls throughout puberty as coaches, parents, friends?

Carla said it’s important not to push girls throughout this time, if you’re a coach it’s the time to decrease the intensity of the workouts.

“I think there is more that we can do to help our young girls going through puberty,“ she said.

“The focus of this period is to just empower the girls and remind them why they love the sport to begin with.

“We want to educate them about fuelling their bodies. I train with a lot of young girls, so I’m always trying to start these conversations.

“I’ve been normalising these conversations with my own coaches and they are male, so yes it is a little bit uncomfortable sometimes. But if I can start the conversation, or you guys can start the conversation, it’s not going to be weird.“

Just before you reach menopause is the most optimal time to start lifestyle interventions, Carla said.

“We don’t want to do it once we’ve reached menopause, it’s in that before phase. The biggest things have to do with exercise. As we start to head into menopause, it’s the classic ’If you don’t use it, you will lose it’. So, if we don’t stimulate the muscles, we will start to lose that stimulation, causing that decrease in bone density.

“We want to be doing more strength training. If you weren’t weight training before, this is the time to start. We need impact on our bones. In terms of a nutritional point of view, we are prioritising protein intake during this phase.“

Hinternoosa announced winners at awards

The 2024 Australasian Real Estate Results Awards were held on Monday 19 February in Sydney to recognise the top real estate professionals and businesses in the industry across Australia and New Zealand.

The list of 159 finalists in 34 categories were announced late last year and Hinternoosa were thrilled to be named as a finalist in four award categories.

The team went on to win the Culture Award for 2024.

Hinternoosa director and principal Sirah Robb said, “Being named as finalists in four categories is well-deserved recognition for the incredible work our team is doing for our clients, our community and each other every day.”

“Winning the Culture Award at such a high level is incredibly special.

“We are honoured to be recognised for our commitment to providing a work environment where our entire team can perform at their best for our clients, have fun while doing so and celebrate each other’s

successes.

“Thank you to every single member of our team for living our culture every single day. And thank you to all our clients who allow us to shine and do what we do best by choosing us.”

Sirah achieved recognition as a finalist for Principal of the Year following the successful merge of her two agencies, Wythes Real Estate and Hinternoosa, in April of last year.

Under her leadership, the newly formed Hinternoosa super-team has thrived, demonstrating remarkable strength and growth.

Jennifer Anderson was named a finalist for Property Management Leader of the Year due to her continuous dedication to both her department and clients throughout the last year.

Rebecca Ali-Mumtaz, leveraging her diverse skill set, played a pivotal role in our rebrand last year and was recognised as a finalist for Support Star of the Year.

Idea contest

Borrowing an idea originally canvassed by former councillor Vivien Griffin in a Noosa Today Soapbox article at the start of this campaign, suggesting that this is what all election campaigns should be about, Cr Tom Wegener and campaign manager Margie announce a “contest of ideas” function aimed at getting younger voters interested in election issues and possible solutions.

At Noosaville’s Land and Sea Brewery this Sunday (3 March) from 4pm,“six of Noosa’s best young entrepreneurs will pitch their big ideas for Noosa, and the audience will judge the winners… Be entertained, stretch your mind, share the stoke! Bring your friends!” If that sounds like a party, you’re not wrong. Between talk sessions special guest DJ Fin Wegener will be on the decks, handmade “Surfie” bellyboard lucky door prize and other giveaways, and plenty of cold libations.

But there is also a more serious side to the gathering. Says Tom: “We are staging this event as part of my election campaign by way of cel-

ebrating the best of Noosa and inspiring Noosa residents, especially the young crowd. We are asking contestants to come with one big idea for Noosa. I know that might seem daunting but all ideas are valid. History shows us that ideas we once thought were impossible or crazy, come to be the best ideas over time.”

Supported by Tom and Margie, each contestant will be given three minutes to pitch their ideas, and they’ll be judged by a panel of groms known as The Future, with help from the audience.

Confirmed contestants include: Javier Leon, Surfrider Sunshine Coast president and science professor USC; Joel McPherson, outdoor adventurer and owner of Joel’s Journeys; Ashleigh Browne, surf coach, entrepreneur and student; Shane Fairweather, head brewer, Land and Sea; Jake Henry, music promoter, Little Temple Records.

Land and Sea Brewery, 19 Venture St, Noosaville, from 4pm Sunday.

The work-from-home and flexible work dilemma has seemingly divided employers and workers over the last couple of years.

Social media headlines have been dominated by stories of large employers trying to convince (perhaps even coerce) their employees to return to the workplace, while workers who have benefitted from the work life balance of telecommuting are clinging on to the arrangements by their fingernails. But there are evidentiary conflicts aplenty, and some studies have found that work-from-homers have been perfectly effective and improved worker’s quality of life, while others have found that not only has productivity decreased, but that culture has also suffered.

So, who do we believe? Or does it simply depend on your perspective? Or have they all got it wrong?

I was intrigued to read that in 2023, articles on flexible and remote work - and its impact on culture - dominated the list of most engaged stories on the LinkedIn platform. It’s clearly an issue of great concern to both employers and employees alike. In our so-called post pandemic period, the future of work is being debated like never before.

From a four-day work week to work-fromhome, telecommuting and flexibility, opinions are as polarised as the Republicans and Democrats in the race to the Whitehouse. And while we must respect all sides of the debate, I struggle to see why we look to measure time, clicks and keystrokes when at the end of the day, all that both sides should be concerned with, is value creation.

There are at least a couple of truisms when it comes to remote work; it greatly enhances work life balance, but it also negatively impacts culture (and on one view, productivity).

A 2023 OECD report has seen a“decoupling” of wages and productivity, perhaps due to the

confluence of labour market shortages driving up wages while enforced and unplanned work-from-home brought with it productivity declines. But with the labour market pendulum beginning to swing back in favour of employers, do we risk seeing real wages erode as SME’s takes steps to tighten the expense line and balance the budget?

The most immediate price paid by homebased employees was their privacy, as paranoid employers engaged with technology to monitor metrics such as activity on a keyboard and even mandated that cameras be left on so that managers could “watch” their pyjama-wearing workers in all their diligent and compliant glory. But if the OECD study is right, this surveillance by stealth did little to improve productivity. A period of “quiet quitting” was then the highwater mark of a labour market cycle in which workers held all the Aces – a phenomenon which did little to enhance national GDP.

So, what does the near future hold for remote workers?

My guesses:

· Organisations who want to emphasize collaborative practices will adopt policies of paying more to staff who work full time in the office

· Most professional service employers will develop policies that enable a balance of remote and office-based work, by adopting technology-based measures of productivity

· KPI’s will shift to focus on metrics of value creation, rather than tasks or time on the keyboard

Employees will make career decisions based on their personal circumstances and will sacri-

fice income or career progression if they value flexibility or family time more highly than their short-term career aspirations

At the end of the day, fairness is the key consideration. Employees know that they need to deliver a fair contribution judged by their role, responsibilities and remuneration. But employers need to be prepared to be malleable where the requested flexibility has little or no impact on organisational performance.

To my mind, time and energy spent formulating and complying with rigorous policies and then arguing about exceptions would be much better spent on creating value for stakeholders of the organisation. And time at the desk doesn’t of itself, equate to productivity!

What “value creation” looks like will vary from one business to another, and measuring it isn’t always easy, but organisations that make it their strategic focus will inevitably outperform their time-focused competitors.

To me, technology, training and balance are the keys to releasing the remote work tension and ensuring sustainable businesses.

Just as total flexibility has too high a price on performance and culture, so too does stubborn inflexibility come at a cost too high for organisations to bear. If my guess is right, within five years, most professional services firms will forget measurements of units of time, clicks or keystrokes, but rather will have invested heavily in tech, systems, processes and policies that enable flexible but part-time work-from-homers to deliver measurable value, while providing employment conditions that respect a new post-Covid normal.

Llew’s News

Llew O’Brien

Carbon tax to be a shock

If you are planning to buy a new car in the next year you might be in for a shock when the Albanese Government’s proposed carbon tax on cars kicks in on 1 January 2025.

The Government’s plan for new fuel efficiency standards will impose penalties on popular new petrol, diesel, and hybrid models in an attempt to subsidise the cost of electric vehicles.

Buying a new SUV, 4WD, or ute will be punished under Labor’s plan, with the automotive industry warning that by 2029, the cost of Australia’s favourite family cars could increase by up to $25,000.

The Government claims that the new vehicle efficiency standard will result in lower running costs for new cars – but that’s only if you can afford to buy a new one! Slapping a new tax of thousands of dollars on to the purchase price of the most popular family vehicles will only make life harder for most Australians.

Cleaner and more efficient motor vehicles are an important way to reduce pollution, but the Government’s proposal totally fails to deliver any balance between price, consumer choice, and emissions. For many Australians, this tax hike will force them to either keep driving their current car or choose a second hand car, and simply result in keeping older and less efficient vehicles on the road.

In September 2023 I wrote to Tanya Plibersek, Minister for the Environment and Water, to express both my and the community’s concerns about the proposed clearing of vital koala habitat at the Kin Kin Quarry site.

Last month I received a response from the Branch Head of the Environment Assessments Queensland Branch, whom the Minister had delegated to respond on her behalf. The response advised that the Environment Protec-

and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) has a framework for protecting matters of national significance and any pro-

If the Minister or one of her delegates agrees that the Kin Kin Quarry clearing is likely to have a significant impact, it will be determined to be a ‘controlled action’ and must undergo rigorous assessment before a decision is made whether to approve it. This assessment process also includes further opportunities for public comment.

At this stage, no decision has been made on whether the Kin Kin Quarry application is a ‘controlled action,’ and the project status is still listed as Awaiting Information. My understanding is that the Minister is awaiting further details from the quarry operator before this decision is made.

Interested parties can keep track of the progress of this proposal via the EPBC Act Public Portal, epbcpublicportal.awe.gov.au/ all-notices/.

In other matters, Parliament has commenced for 2024 and legislation under consideration in February includes significant changes to Industrial Relations laws and the already legislated stage 3 tax cuts, amendments to the National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse, Modern Slavery, and Paid Parental Leave.

In the Parliament I also congratulated Wide Bay’s Australia Day Awards recipients. Mr Paul Marden of Pomona, Dr Brian Hoepper of Peregian Beach, Dr Christine McConnell of Noosaville, Mr Morgan Parker of Sunshine Beach, Ms Julia Davison of Noosa Heads, Ms Bronwyn Edinger of Tewantin, Mrs Bernadette O’Neill of Gympie, and Mrs Carmel Murdoch of Maryborough were all recognised for their remarkable achievements and extraordinary contributions to the community.

Have a say on new vehicle efficiency standard

The Federal Government plans to introduce a New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) in a bid to encourage vehicle suppliers to sell cleaner cars and to reduce transport emissions, and people have until 4 February to have their say on the proposed design options of the NVES.

On 4 February the government published the Cleaner, Cheaper to Run Cars: An Australian New Vehicle Efficiency Standard Consultation Impact Analysis which sets out the options and government’s preferred design.

The impact analysis says Australia and Russia are among the only advanced economies without a new vehicle efficiency standard, meaning we spend more on fuel and

have fewer choices of cheaper-to-run cars.

More than 85 per cent of cars sold worldwide are covered by a new vehicle efficiency standard, but, the one million new cars sold in Australia each year are not required to meet any level of fuel efficiency. Passenger cars in Australia on average, use 20 per cent more fuel than passenger cars in the US, the report said.

“The introduction of a new vehicle efficiency standard or NVES, will mean that global car manufacturers will need to supply the same advanced emissions technology to Australia that they already supply to other advanced economies.”

about 13 per cent of Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions, with cars being the largest contributor to CO2 emissions in the transport sector.

In submissions to the National ElectricVehicle Strategy in September 2022, there was strong support for an Australian new vehicle efficiency standard. In April 2023, the Government released a consultation paper seeking views on the design of a standard – and by June 2023, received about 2,700 submissions, with the majority supporting a new vehicle efficiency standard, the impact study states.

and the Government’s proposed policy.

The Government’s preferred settings for a new vehicle efficiency standard is to put in place arrangements by 2025 that mean catching up to the US average vehicle emissions intensity by around 2028. The change is expected to deliver abatement of 369 million tonnes of CO2 by 2050, and close to 100 million tonnes of CO2 abatement by 2035.

The cars we drive are responsible for

YOUR SPACE

Following on from the consultation paper, the impact study presents options, the costs and benefits associated with each option,

People can have their say on the NVES by visiting infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructuretransport-vehicles/vehicles/australian-government-introducing-new-vehicle-efficiency-standard-cleaner-and-cheaper-run-cars

Submissions close at 11.59pm on 4 March.

Energy grants available

Queensland small and medium business owners now have access to funding to purchase energy efficient equipment upgrades to reduce their carbon footprint and save money, thanks to the Energy Efficiency Grants for Small and Medium Enterprises (Round 2).

Eligible businesses are free to claim between $10,000 and $25,000 to purchase energy efficient equipment, including replacing inefficient air conditioners, upgrading lighting from halogen to LED globes and energy audits to reduce and manage energy usage and costs. Expenses must be aimed at reducing your expenditure on energy and do not extend to any solar panel or battery related costs.

The grant opened on 28 February for businesses who meet the qualifying criteria, so be sure to get in fast, as allocation of funding is on a “first in, best dressed” basis.

To be eligible, you need to be a partnership or incorporated entity, sole trader or trustee on behalf of a trust, with between 1-199 employees consecutively over a 12-month period since 2020, and have operated for a minimum of 24 months. If you received any of the Small and Medium Enterprises (Round 1) funding, you will not be able to apply for the second round.

The objectives of the program are to improve energy efficiency practices and increase the uptake of energy efficient technologies. It will also help SMEs to manage their energy usage and save money, while reducing overall greenhouse gas emissions – Zero Emissions Noosa’s focus.

For more information on criteria and how to apply, please visit Energy Efficiency Grants for Small and Medium Enterprises Round 2 | business.gov.au.

Most importantly, get in fast to avoid disappointment.

See Zero Emissions Noosa’s Business Case Studies for businesses that have already saved

money on their e-bills at zeroemissionsnoosa. com.au/case-studies. For Queensland businesses, ecoBiz is a free, Queensland Government-funded program that supports organisations of all kinds to reduce energy, water,

waste bills, and environmental footprint. Go to zeroemissionsnoosa.com.au/energy-effeciency-2 for the link. Interested in joining Zero Emissions Noosa? Go to zeroemissionsnoosa. com.au

DIGGERS BAR - 8pm

1st MARCH

DIGGERS BAR - 8pm FRIDAY 8th MARCH

DIGGERS BAR - 8pm

2nd MARCH

BISTRO STAGE- 8pm SATURDAY 9th MARCH

BISTRO STAGE- 8pm

BISTRO STAGE - 12pm SUNDAY 10th MARCH

The Guide

KING CON: LIFE AND CRIMES OF HAMISH MCLAREN

PICK OF THE WEEK

GARDENING AUSTRALIA

ABC TV, Friday, 7.35pm

Gone are the days of the hardworking yucca plant featuring in almost every second front garden. Thankfully, plant lovers’ eyes have been well and truly opened to the beauty and benefits of Australian natives, and tonight Clarence Slockee celebrates the bright and beautiful array of autumn flowering natives. The tail end of summer won’t seem so sad once you lay eyes on these blooming beauties. While Millie Ross soaks up the last rays of summer, Costa Georgiadis meets multicultural community gardeners, and Tammy Huynh (pictured) pops in to a collector’s colourful balcony. Always vibrant and earthy, tonight’s episode is a kaleidoscope of colour.

MALAYSIA GOURMET WITH JUSTINE SCHOFIELD

SBS Food, Monday, 7.30pm

Between the picturesque locations and mouth-watering fare in this luscious foodie exploration, it’s fair to declare that Justine Schofield (pictured) is taunting us all – in her eminently good-natured, smiling manner, of course. Tonight’s episode kicks off with spectacular scenes guaranteed to inspire an early wake-up with the sun. Justine and her camera crew savour the sights on a sunrise hike into the treetops of Ria Lookout in Sabah. Afterwards, the breakfast of champions calls: noodles! Suddenly, toast and cereal seem so insipid. Chef Christopher Wan also shares his beloved recipe for the iconic spicy Sarawak laksa, which elevates comfort food to a lip-smacking new level.

Friday, March 1

ABC TV (2)

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News

Mornings. 10.00 Planet America. (R) 10.30

That Pacific Sports Show. (R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon.

1.00 Silent Witness. (Mav, R)

2.00 House Of Gods. (Ml, R)

3.00 The Cook And The Chef. (R)

3.25 Tenable. (R)

4.15 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

5.10 Grand Designs. (R)

7.35

12.10

Belgravia. (PG, R) 2.30 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

SBS (3)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Make Me A Dealer. (R) 9.50 Hugh’s Wild West. (PGa, R) 11.00

Food Markets: In The Belly Of The City. (R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Mastermind Aust. (R) 3.00 NITV News: Nula. 3.30 The Point: Road To Referendum History Bites. (R) 3.35

Dirty Bird. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up With Adam

Liaw. (PG, R) 4.15 Secrets Of The Tower Of London. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 The Good Ship Murder. (Mv)

8.25 Endurance: Race The Pole: The Discovery Expedition 1901-1904. Part 1 of 3.

9.20 Queens That Changed The World: The Queen Of Empire – Victoria. (PG) A look at the reign of Queen Victoria.

10.15 SBS World News Late.

10.45 Departure. (Madl)

11.30 Miniseries: The Unusual Suspects. (Mls, R) 3.20 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PG, R) 4.20 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

Seven, Sunday, 8pm

NITV

6am

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

PG) 11.10 Desperately Seeking Susan. (1985, M) 1.05pm Stage Mother. (2020, M) 2.45 The Movie Show. 3.15 Young Girls Of Rochefort. (1967, PG, French) 5.35 December Boys. (2007, PG) 7.30 The Lady In The Van. (2015, M) 9.30 Swan Song. (2021) 11.30 The Duke Of Burgundy. (2014, MA15+) 1.30am Benedetta. (2021, MA15+, French) 3.55 The Man In The Basement. (2021, M, French)

Follow the rise and fall of one of Australia’s most successful conmen. The subject of hit podcast Whothe HellisHamish?, the Bondi resident with the gift of the gab showed no mercy when it came to who he scammed for big bucks. Girlfriends, high-profile businessmen and even his best friends were stung, on home soil and in the UK and Asia. It’s estimated the Ferrari-driving criminal swindled more than $60 million from his victims. It wasn’t until young NSW police officer Tom Zadravec forensically threaded together his audacious frauds that McLaren (pictured) was found out and forced to swap the high life for a lengthy stint behind bars.

From the heart: Jodee Mundy spends time with a CODA community in the US for Dateline

DATELINE

SBS, Tuesday, 9.30pm

“Do you want to learn more sign language?” guest presenter Jodee Mundy inquires of a young boy. “Yes, because I want to talk to my mum!” he answers emphatically. This week the veteran current affairs program returns for its landmark 40th year, with a stirring and gripping insight into a CODA – Children of Deaf Adults – community in the US. Film director and performer Mundy, who has two deaf parents and was raised with Auslan as her first language, is an empathic voice as she joins the first Asian American CODA camp for families in Pennsylvania. Imbued with Mundy’s warmth, it’s a compelling tearjerker about identity, love and the kids caught between two worlds.

SEVEN (7)

NINE (8, 9)

TEN (5, 1)

6.00 Seven Local News.

6.30 Seven News.

7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Johanna Griggs visits Mandurah.

8.30 MOVIE: Where The Crawdads Sing. (2022, Masv) A girl who raised herself in dangerous marshlands finds herself the prime suspect in a murder. Daisy EdgarJones, Taylor John Smith, David Strathairn.

11.10 First Dates UK. (Mal, R) Couples meet for the first time in a restaurant.

12.10 Get On Extra.

12.40 12 Monkeys. (MA15+av, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 5.00 NBC Today.

6.00 9News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 David Attenborough’s Dynasties II: Meerkats. (PGa) Narrated by Sir David Attenborough.

8.40 MOVIE: Miss Congeniality 2: Armed And Fabulous. (2005, Mv, R) An FBI agent goes undercover once again. Sandra Bullock, Regina King.

11.00 MOVIE: Monster-InLaw. (2005, Ms, R)

12.50 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.40 Pointless. (PG, R) 2.35 Great Australian Detour. (R)

3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Postcards. (PG, R) 4.30 Global Shop. (R) 5.00

TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

6.00 Deal Or No Deal.

Hosted by Grant Denyer.

6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news.

7.30 The Graham Norton Show. Graham Norton chats with Cate Blanchett, Kate Winslet and Dua Lipa.

9.30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly Australia. (PG, R) It is a busy week for British dog trainer Graeme Hall as he meets a labrador, a bulldog and a terrier.

10.30 Fire Country. (Mav, R) Vince’s judgment is compromised.

11.30 The Project. (R) A look at the day’s news.

12.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) Hosted by Stephen Colbert. 1.30 Home Shopping. (R)

6am The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. 7.00 Becker. 8.00 NBL Slam. 8.30 Friends. 10.00 The Big Bang Theory. 11.00 Becker. Noon Frasier. 1.30 Two And A Half Men. 3.00 The King Of Queens. 4.00 Farm To Fork. 4.30 Becker. 5.30 Frasier. 6.30 The Big Bang Theory. 8.30 Two And A Half Men. 11.00 Frasier. Midnight Home Shopping. 1.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. 2.30 Just For Laughs Uncut. 3.30 The Bold And The Beautiful. 4.30 Home Shopping. 5.30

7MATE (74)

Saturday, March 2

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

6.00 Rage. (PG) 7.00 Weekend Breakfast.

9.00 Rage. (PG) 12.00 News. 12.30 Death

In Paradise. (PG, R) 1.30 Darby And Joan. (Final, Mav, R) 2.15 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 2.45 Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery. (PG, R) 3.15 Joanna Lumley’s Great Cities Of The World. (PG, R) 4.00 Universe With Brian Cox. (R) 4.55 Better Date Than Never. (R) 5.30 Landline. (R) 5.55 Australian Story. (R)

6.30 Back Roads: Eugowra Recovery, NSW. (PG, R) Heather Ewart returns to Eugowra, one of the first towns she visited when the pandemic hit in 2020.

7.00 ABC News. Takes a look at the top stories of the day, including coverage of developing stories and events from local and international correspondents.

7.30 Sydney Gay And Lesbian Mardi Gras 2024. (Malns) Coverage of Australia’s largest celebration of diverse LGBTQIA+ communities from Sydney. Presented by Courtney Act and Mon Schafter, with G Flip, Remy Hii, Mel Buttle and Jeremy Fernandez.

10.50 Rage Mardi Gras Special. (MA15+adhlnsv) Music videos that keep the festivities going long after the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade has finished.

5.00 Rage. (PG) Continuous music programming.

ABC TV PLUS (22)

6am Children’s Programs. 7.05pm Karma’s World. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Spicks And Specks. 8.00 QI. 8.30 Live At The Apollo. 9.00 Whose Line Is It Anyway? 9.45 Shaun Micallef’s

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.05 Love Your Garden. (R) 10.00 Vintage Voltage. (Premiere)

11.00 Britain’s Great Outdoors. (R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Gymnastics. Artistic Apparatus World Cup. Highlights. 3.00 Motorcycle Racing. Australian Superbike Championship. Round 1. Highlights. 4.00

Secrets Of A Celtic Grave. (PGav, R) 5.30 Merrill’s Marauders: Burma WWII.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Cotswolds And Beyond With Pam Ayres: Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons. (PGa) Pam Ayres heads to the Oxfordshire.

8.25 Scotland’s Scenic Railways: Edinburgh Waverley Station. (PG) A look at the Edinburgh Waverley station.

9.20 The Wonders Of Europe: Versailles, Louis XIV And His Destiny. (PG, R) Part 2 of 4.

10.20 Those Who Stayed.

11.05 Cycling. UCI Women’s World Tour. Strade Bianche Women.

12.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Strade Bianche. From Tuscany, Italy. 3.00 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (R) 4.00 Bamay. (R)

4.50 Destination Flavour: Japan Bitesize. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6am Athletics.

World Indoor C’ships. Evening session. Continued.

8.00 WorldWatch. 10.00 The Movie Show.

12.10pm Gymnastics. FIG Rhythmic World Cup Series. Replay. 2.10 Every Family Has A Secret. 3.15 WorldWatch. 5.50 Food That Built The World. 7.20 The Day The Rock Star Died. 7.50 Athletics. World Indoor Championships. Day 2. Morning session.

12.20am Late Programs.

SEVEN (7)

6.00 NBC Today.

7.00 Weekend Sunrise.

10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG) Highlights from the past week.

11.30 Horse Racing. Verry Elleegant Stakes Day and Australian Guineas Day.

5.00 Seven News At 5.

5.30 Creek To Coast. A look at the latest in outdoor activities.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R) Border Force executes a warrant.

7.30 MOVIE: RED. (2010, Mlv, R) After a retired CIA agent is attacked by a hit squad, he reassembles his old team to uncover his enemy’s identity. Bruce Willis, Mary-Louise Parker.

9.50 MOVIE: Con Air. (1997, MA15+lv, R)

A newly paroled criminal becomes caught in a siege after the prison transport aircraft he is on is hijacked. Nicolas Cage, John Cusack.

12.10 The Arrangement. (Mav, R)

Megan and Kyle struggle to reconnect.

1.10 Travel Oz. (PG, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Get Clever. (R)

5.00 House Of Wellness. (PGa, R)

7TWO (72)

6am Home Shopping. 8.30 Travel Oz. 10.00 Harry’s Practice. 10.30 Get On Extra. 11.00 Horse Racing. Verry Elleegant Stakes Day and Australian Guineas Day. 11.30 RSPCA Animal Rescue. Noon Escape To The Country. 1.00 House Of Wellness. 2.00 Escape To The Country. 5.00 Bargain Hunt. 6.00 Heathrow. 6.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 8.30 Escape To The Country. 11.30 Late Programs.

6.00 Hello SA. (PG, R) 6.30 A Current Affair. (R) 7.00 Weekend Today. 10.00 Today

Extra: Saturday. (PG) 12.00 Great Australian

Detour. (R) 12.30 My Way. (PG, R) 1.00 The Pet Rescuers. (PG, R) 1.30 MOVIE: Rocky IV. (1985, PGv, R) Sylvester Stallone, Talia

Shire, Burt Young. 3.30 Renovate Or Rebuild.

(Return) 4.30 The Garden Gurus. (Return)

5.00 9News First At Five. 5.30 Getaway. (PG)

6.00 9News Saturday.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Space Invaders. (PGa) Experts help people declutter their lives.

8.30 MOVIE: Skyfall. (2012, Mlv, R)

In the wake of a botched operation and the apparent death of 007, M finds herself under pressure to resign. Daniel Craig, Judi Dench, Javier Bardem.

11.30 My Life As A Rolling Stone: Charlie Watts. (Mad, R)

12.45 Renovate Or Rebuild. (R)

1.35 The Garden Gurus. (R)

2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PGa)

2.30 Getaway. (PG, R)

3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 Global Shop. (R)

5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)

6am Morning Programs.

10.00 Helping Hands. 10.30 My Favorite Martian.

11.00 Avengers. Noon MOVIE: Arabian Adventure. (1979) 2.00 MOVIE: Five Golden Dragons. (1967, PG) 4.00 MOVIE: Vera Cruz. (1954, PG) 6.00 Rugby Union. Super Rugby Pacific.

6.00 Morning Programs. 9.00 Tough Tested. (R) 10.00 Australia By Design: Architecture. (R) 10.30 Farm To Fork. (R) 11.00 Everyday Gourmet. (R) 11.30 Australian Survivor. (R) 12.30 Silvia’s Italian Masterclass. 1.00 All 4 Adventure. (PGl, R) 2.00 Wildlife Rescue. (PGm, R) 3.00 What’s Up Down Under. 3.30 GCBC. (R) 4.00 My Market Kitchen. 4.30 Taste Of Aust. (R) 5.00 News.

6.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R)

Hosted by Grant Denyer.

6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Kelly meets a fluff ball named Jinglebells.

7.30 The Dog House. (Return)

A family looks for a pet.

8.30 Ambulance Australia. (Ma, R) After a woman becomes stranded on a remote walking track, unable to make her way out, she must rely on the help of Emergency Services, as well as Senior Operations Supervisor Brad, to organise her extraction.

9.45 Ambulance UK. (Ma, R)

A crew attends to a woman who has contracted COVID-19 while pregnant.

11.00 So Help Me Todd. (PGlv, R) Lyle’s niece is accused of committing a crime.

12.00 FBI: International. (Mav, R)

1.00 Home Shopping. (R)

5.00 Hour Of Power.

6am The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. 7.00 The King Of Queens. 8.00 Becker. 9.00

3.50 Grand Designs New Zealand. (R) 4.40 Extraordinary Escapes. (PG, R) 5.30

The ABC Of... (PG, R)

6.00

6.30

7.30

7MATE (74) 6am

Modhaffar.

9.30 Silent Witness. (Ma, R)

Jack heads to Belfast.

10.30 Midsomer Murders. (Mav, R)

12.00 Harrow. (Mav, R)

12.55 Significant Others. (Mals, R)

1.50 Sanditon. (PG, R)

2.40 Rage Vault. (MA15+adhlnsv) 4.00 Catalyst. (PG, R) 5.00 Insiders. (R)

6am December Boys. (2007, PG) 8.00 Young Girls Of Rochefort. (1967, PG, French) 10.20 J.T. LeRoy. (2018, M) 12.20pm The Producers. (2005, M) 2.50 Peggy Sue Got Married. (1986, PG) 4.45 Kim Ji-Young, Born 1982. (2019, PG, Korean) 6.55 All At Sea. (2010, PG) 8.30 American Hustle. (2013, M) 11.00 Concussion. (2013, MA15+) 12.50am The Salesman. (2016, M, Persian) 3.05 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 1pm Blokesworld. 1.30 Bossy’s Bucket List. (Premiere) 2.00 Rides Down Under: Workshop Wars. 3.00 Boating.

6am Children’s Programs.

2pm MOVIE: My Little Pony: A New Generation. (2021, PG) 3.50 MOVIE: Dora And The Lost City Of Gold. (2019, PG) 5.50 MOVIE: Over The Hedge. (2006) 7.30 MOVIE: She’s The Man. (2006, PG) 9.35 MOVIE: Dumb And Dumber To. (2014, M) 11.45 Dating No Filter. 12.15am Made In Chelsea.

2.05 Rich House, Poor House. 3.00 Teen Titans Go! 3.30 Late Programs.

19. Western Sydney Wanderers v Sydney FC. 9.15 NCIS. 10.15 NCIS: Los Angeles. 12.05am FBI: Most Wanted. 2.00 48 Hours. 3.00 JAG. 5.00 Home Shopping.

Friday, 1 March, 2024

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.20 Love Your Garden. (R) 10.10 Vintage Voltage. (PGl) 11.00 Ireland’s Secrets From Above. (PG) 12.00 WorldWatch. 12.30 PBS Washington Week With The Atlantic. 12.55 Powerchair Football. (R) 1.00 Speedweek. 3.00 Surf Life Saving. Super Surf Teams League. Highlights. 4.50

Where Are You Really From? (PG, R) 5.25 Her War, Her Story: WWII. (PGa)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 The Lost Scrolls Of Vesuvius With Alice Roberts. (PG) Hosted by Professor Alice Roberts. 8.30 Netanyahu, America And The Road To War In Gaza. (MA15+av) Examines the relationship between Benjamin Netanyahu and various US presidents over Middle East peace.

10.05 Military Strongholds:

Megastructures Of Genius. (PG, R)

11.05 Rodman: For Better Or Worse. (Mal, R) 1.05 Dirty Bird. (R) 1.10 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Paris-Nice Race. Stage 1. 3.10 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PG, R) 4.10 Bamay. (R) 4.45 Destination Flavour: Japan Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 Al Jazeera News.

Morning Show: Weekend. (PG)

Of Wellness. (PGa, R) 1.00

Movies. (PGav, R) 1.30 To Be Advised.

Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R) 4.30 Be Our Guest! Behind The Scenes Of Beauty And The Beast: The Musical. (PG, R)

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Australian Idol. (PGl) Hosted by Ricki-Lee and Scott Tweedie.

8.00 King Con: Life And Crimes Of Hamish McLaren. (Mal) Looks at how con man Hamish McLaren swindled $60 million from friends, family and lovers.

10.00 Soham: Catching A Killer. (Mav) Part 2 of 3.

11.00 Autopsy USA: Andy Gibb. (Mad) A look at the death of Andy Gibb.

12.00 MOVIE: Jesse Stone: Night Passage. (2006, Masv, R) Tom Selleck.

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Seven Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

Footy: Vegas Pre-Show. 2.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 1. Sydney Roosters v Brisbane Broncos. 4.30 NRL Sunday Footy:

Post-Show. 5.00 News: First At Five. 5.30 My Way.

6.00 9News Sunday.

7.00 Married At First Sight. (PGls) It’s time for the commitment ceremony.

8.30 60 Minutes. Current affairs program, investigating, analysing and uncovering the issues affecting all Australians.

9.30 9News Late.

10.00 To Be Advised.

11.00 The First 48: Deadly Secrets And True Lies. (Mal, R) Detectives investigate a double murder.

11.50 Family Law. (Mas, R)

12.40 Building Icons: Public Places. (R) 1.50 World’s Greatest Islands. (PG, R) 2.50 Explore. (R) 3.00 TV Shop:

6.00 Morning Programs. 8.30 Freshly Picked. (R) 9.00 Luca’s Key Ingredient. (R) 9.30 My Market Kitchen. (R) 10.00 Farm To Fork. (R) 10.30 Pooches At Play. (R) 11.00 Buy To Build. (R) 11.30 Healthy Homes. (R) 12.00 Australian Survivor. (R) 1.30 Cook With Luke. (R) 2.00 4x4 Adventures. 3.00 Roads Less Travelled. 3.30 Farm To Fork. (R) 4.00 My Market Kitchen. (R) 4.30 GCBC. (R) 5.00 News.

6.30 The Sunday Project. Joins

the day’s

7.30 Australian Survivor. A group of Australian castaways battles it out on the beaches of Samoa as they vie to become the sole survivor and claim the grand prize of $500,000. Presented by Jonathan LaPaglia.

9.00 NCIS: Hawai’i. (Mv, R) As Jane investigates her former mentor Maggie’s kidnapping, she is shocked when she learns a troubling truth and enlists her team and Whistler to prove her findings.

11.00 The Sunday Project. (R) Joins panellists for a look at the day’s news, events and hot topics.

12.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 CBS Mornings. Morning news and talk show. 6am

Monday, March 4

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News

Mornings. 10.00 Landline. (R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon.

1.00 Vera. (Mav, R)

2.30 Back Roads. (R)

3.00 The Cook And The Chef. (R)

3.25 Tenable. (R)

4.15 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

5.10 Grand Designs. (R)

6.00 Back Roads: Eugowra, NSW. (R)

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 7.30. Presented by Sarah Ferguson.

8.00 Australian Story.

Presented by Leigh Sales.

8.30 Four Corners. Investigative journalism program exposing scandals, firing debate and confronting taboos.

9.15 Media Watch. (PG) Paul Barry takes a look at the latest issues affecting media consumers.

9.35 Q+A. Presented by Patricia Karvelas.

10.35 ABC Late News.

10.50 The Business. (R)

11.10 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (R)

11.40 Planet America. (R)

12.15 Grand Designs. (R)

1.00 Tenable. (R) 1.50 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

4.30 Catalyst. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Destination Flavour. (R) 9.10 Make Me A Dealer. (R) 10.00 Hugh’s Wild West. (R) 11.10 Food Markets: In The Belly Of The City. (PGaw, R) 12.10 WorldWatch. 2.20 Ramses The Great Empire Builder. (PGa, R) 3.10 Mastermind Aust. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 The Great Fire Of London. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Finding Your Roots: Secret Lives. (PG)

8.30 The 2010s: Obama – Legacy On The Line. (Ma) Looks at key moments in Obama’s presidency.

9.20 24 Hours In A&E: An Education In Happiness. (M) A 71-year-old is rushed to St George’s.

10.15 SBS World News Late.

10.45 Blanca. (MA15+a)

11.40 Silent Road. (Madsv)

12.35 Wet By Fire. (R) 12.50 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Paris-Nice Race. Stage 2. Thoiry to Montargis. 177.6km. From France. 2.50 Exit. (MA15+ads, R) 3.45 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PG, R) 4.45 Destination Flavour Scandinavia Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines

The World Tonight.

Catalyst. (PG, R)

5.30 7.30. (R)

SEVEN (7)

6.00 Sunrise.

9.00 The Morning Show. (PG)

11.30 Seven Morning News.

12.00 To Be Advised.

1.30 Motorbike Cops. (PG, R)

2.00 To Be

6.00 Seven Local News.

6.30 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)

7.30 Australian Idol. (PGl) Hosted by Ricki-Lee and Scott Tweedie.

8.30 The Irrational. (Madv) Alec and the team take on a kidnapping case at the request of a desperate father. But their investigation is hampered by a complicated family dynamic that slowly reveals everyone’s hidden motivations.

10.30 The Latest: Seven News.

11.00 S.W.A.T. (Mav) Hondo and the team race to locate a hacker.

12.00 Curse Of The Chippendales. (Malsv, R)

1.15 Bates Motel. (MA15+alv, R)

2.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Seven Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

6am Athletics.

10.05 The Movie Show. 12.10pm WorldWatch.

12.40 Christians Like Us. 1.45 The Tailings. 2.55 The

NITV (34)

Arabian Inferno. 7.45 Wellington Paranormal. 8.40 Ice Cowboys. 9.30 Over The Black Dot. 10.15 Rugby League. English Super League. Wigan Warriors v Huddersfield Giants. 12.05am Late Programs.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Who Do You Think You Are? (PGa, R) 8.30 Insight. (Return) Presented by Kumi Taguchi.

9.30 Dateline: Camp Coda – Children Of Deaf Adults. (Return) 10.00 SBS World News Late.

10.30 Great British Railway Journeys. (R)

11.05 Blackout: Tomorrow Is Too Late. (Mlnv) 12.00 Miniseries: Bonnie And Clyde. (MA15+asv, R) 12.50 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Paris-Nice Race. Stage 3. 2.50 Exit. (MA15+ads, R) 3.45 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PG, R) 4.45

6am

6.00 9News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls) It’s time for the annual couples’ retreat.

9.00 Big Miracles. (Mam) Follows a new group of hopefuls on their journey to becoming parents with the help of IVF.

10.00 9News Late.

10.30 Law & Order: Organized Crime. (MA15+av) Pearl falls mysteriously ill.

11.20 Court Cam. (Mlv, R)

A courthouse escape goes wrong.

11.50 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

12.50 Pointless. (PG, R)

1.50 Hello SA. (PG)

2.20 Talking Honey. (PG)

2.30 Global Shop. (R)

3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)

4.30 A Current Affair. (R)

5.00 9News Early. 5.30 Today.

4.30 Bold. (PGa) 5.00 News.

6.00 Deal Or No Deal.

Hosted by Grant Denyer.

6.30 The Project. The hosts and guest panellists take a look at the day’s news, events and hot topics.

7.30 Australian Survivor. A group of Australian castaways battles it out on the beaches of Samoa as they vie to become the sole survivor.

8.40 FBI: Most Wanted. (MA15+v, R) Missteps along the way lead to more death when the Fugitive Task Force investigates the murder of a professional basketball player’s wife, who was a famous supermodel-turned-lifestyle guru.

11.30 The Project. (R) A look at the day’s news.

12.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) Hosted by Stephen Colbert. 1.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 CBS Mornings.

6am Children’s Programs.

Noon Scorpion. 3.00 Bewitched. 3.30 Full House. 4.00 Family Ties. 4.30 The Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 I Dream Of Jeannie. 6.00 Raymond. 7.00 The Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: Mad Max. (1979, MA15+) 10.30

11.00 Frasier. Midnight Shopping. 1.30 Stephen Colbert. 2.30 Just For Laughs Australia. 3.30 Bold. 4.30 Shopping.

6am Home Shopping. 8.00 Buy To Build. 8.30 All 4 Adventure. 9.30 iFish. 10.30 JAG. 12.30pm In The Dark. 1.30 NCIS. 2.30 Jake And The Fatman. 3.30 Diagnosis Murder. 5.30 JAG. 7.30

6.00 Deal Or No Deal.

Hosted by Grant Denyer.

6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news.

7.30 Australian Survivor. A group of Australian castaways battles it out on the beaches of Samoa as they vie to become the sole survivor.

9.00 NCIS. (Mv, R) Gibbs and Parker go on a road trip to find a serial killer’s victim. Knight goes undercover at a large manufacturing company with ties to the murders.

10.00 NCIS: Los Angeles. (Mav, R) A navy reservist is stabbed.

11.00 The Project. (R) A look at the day’s news.

12.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.

6am Home Shopping. 8.00 Buy To Build. 8.30 Diagnosis Murder. 9.30 Jake And The Fatman. 10.30 JAG. 12.30pm In The Dark. 1.30 NCIS. 2.30 Jake And The Fatman. 3.30 Diagnosis Murder. 5.30 JAG. 7.30 Bull. 9.25 FBI. 12.15am Home Shopping. 2.15

6.25 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 7.30. Presented by Sarah Ferguson.

8.00 Hard Quiz. (PG) Presented by Tom Gleeson.

8.30 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. A satirical news program exposing the humorous, absurd and downright hypocritical.

9.05 This Is Going To Hurt. (MA15+l) The day of Adam’s engagement party arrives.

9.50 Planet America. A look at the US political climate.

10.20 Adam Hills: The Last Leg. (R)

11.05 ABC Late News.

11.20 The Business. (R)

11.35 Rosehaven. (PG, R)

12.30 Grand Designs. (R) 1.20 Tenable. (R)

2.05 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 4.30 Catalyst. (R)

5.30 7.30. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Australia’s Sleep Revolution. (Ml) Part 1 of 3.

8.30 Pan Am: Rise And Fall Of An Aviation Icon. Takes a look at the history and demise of defunct American airline Pan Am.

9.35 Kin. (MA15+l) Bren seeks out Anna, against Michael’s wishes.

10.30 SBS World News Late.

11.00 Blinded. (Madl)

11.50 The Wall: The Chateau Murder. (Return, Malv) 12.40 My Life In Clay. (R) 12.50 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Paris-Nice Race. Stage 4. Chalon-sur-Saône to Mont Brouilly. 183km.

From France. 2.50 Exit. (MA15+ads, R) 3.45

Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PGa, R) 4.45

Destination Flavour Scandinavia Bitesize. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven Local News.

6.30 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGad)

7.30 The 1% Club. (PGls) Hosted by Jim Jefferies.

8.30 The Front Bar. (Return, Ml) Hosts Mick Molloy, Sam Pang and Andy Maher take a lighter look at all things AFL.

9.30 Talking Footy. (Return) A look at the week’s AFL news, hosted by James Brayshaw, Tim Watson, Joel Selwood and Trent Cotchin.

10.30 The Latest: Seven News.

11.00 Inside Cyprus. (PGav, R) Ben Fogle heads to Cyprus.

12.30 Parenthood. (PGa, R)

1.30 Travel Oz. (PG, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Seven Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 9News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls) It is time for the dinner party.

9.10 Under Investigation: I Am The Law. (MA15+av) Liz Hayes and her team of experts look at the case of former WA cop Adrian Moore.

10.10 9News Late.

10.40 See No Evil: Making A Killing. (MA15+av) A look at the murder of Michelle Mockbee.

11.40 The Equalizer. (Mv, R)

12.30 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

1.20 Pointless. (PG, R)

2.10 Destination WA.

2.35 Global Shop. (R)

3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)

4.30 A Current Affair. (R)

5.00 9News Early. 5.30 Today.

6am The

Movie Show. 6.30 The China Syndrome. (1979, PG) 8.45 Cutthroat Island. (1995, PG) 11.00 The Last Emperor. (1987, M) 2.05pm The Age

9GO! (82, 93)

Mt Hutt Rescue. 4.30 Storage Wars. 5.00 American Restoration. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.30 Highway Patrol. 8.30 The Force: Behind The Line. 9.30 Motorway Patrol. 10.30 Busted In Bangkok. 11.30 Late Programs.

(R) 10.30 Judge Judy. (PG, R) 11.00 Dr Phil. (PGadl, R) 12.00 10 News First: Midday. 1.00 Ent. Tonight. 1.30 Australian Survivor. (R) 3.00 Farm To Fork. 3.30 10 News First: Afternoon. 4.00 Neighbours. (PGa) 4.30 Bold. (PGa) 5.00 News.

6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Contestants compete in a high-stakes game where they must beat The Banker to win a cash prize.

6.30 The Project. The hosts and guest panellists take a look at the day’s news, events and hot topics.

7.30 Ambulance Australia. (Ma) Follows NSW Ambulance on the longest night of the year, the end of daylight saving.

8.30 FBI: International. (Mv) Raines goes undercover as a wheelman as the FBI fly team races through the streets of Budapest to foil a major art heist. The situation is complicated by Dandridge, who is monitoring their every move.

11.30 The Project. (R) A look at the day’s news.

12.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) Hosted by Stephen Colbert. 1.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.

10 PEACH (52, 11)

6am The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. 7.00 Becker. 8.00 Dr Phil. 9.00 The Middle. 10.00 Rules Of Engagement. 11.00 Becker. Noon Frasier. 1.00 NBL Slam. 1.30 The Big Bang Theory. 2.00 So Help Me Todd. 3.00 Rules Of Engagement. 4.00 Farm To Fork. 4.30 Becker. 5.30 Frasier. 6.30 Neighbours. 7.00 The Big Bang Theory. 8.30 Two And A Half Men. 10.00 Rules Of Engagement. 11.00 Late Programs.

10 BOLD (53, 12)

6am Home Shopping. 8.00 Buy To Build. 8.30 Diagnosis Murder. 9.30 Jake And The Fatman. 10.30 JAG. 12.30pm In The Dark. 1.30 NCIS. 2.30 Jake And The Fatman. 3.30 Diagnosis Murder. 5.30 JAG. 7.30 Bull. 8.30 NCIS. 9.25 Hawaii Five-0. 10.20 NCIS: Hawai’i. 11.15 Diagnosis Murder. 12.15am Home Shopping. 2.15 Diagnosis Murder. 4.05 JAG.

8.40 Stanley Tucci: Searching For Italy: Venice. (Return, PGal) Stanley Tucci visits Venice.

9.30 The Vanishing Triangle. (Premiere, Mal) A reporter investigates a serial killer.

10.20 SBS World News Late.

10.50 The Spectacular. (Malv)

11.50 Marion Jones: Press Pause. (PGas, R) 12.50 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Paris-Nice Race. Stage 5. 2.50 Exit. (Mals, R) 3.45 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (R) 4.45 Destination Flavour Scandinavia Bitesize. (R) 4.55

Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven Local News.

6.30 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGadv)

7.30 ABBA Silver, ABBA Gold. (PG, R) A look at Swedish supergroup ABBA.

8.30 MOVIE: Made Of Honor. (2008, Msl, R) A man tries to win the

6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer.

6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news.

7.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa) Narrated by Mark Coles Smith.

8.30 Gogglebox Australia. TV fanatics open up their living rooms to reveal their reactions to popular and topical TV shows.

9.30 Law & Order: SVU. (MA15+asv, R) Benson and Carisi are baffled when a series of assaults have the same

10.30 Blue Bloods. (Mv, R) Eddie helps a woman being stalked.

11.30 The Project. (R)

12.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings. 6am

NITV (34)

Dingo. 8.30 Bones Of Crows. (Premiere) 9.25 MOVIE: The Drover’s Wife. (2021, MA15+) 11.25 Late Programs.

SBS

7MATE

6am Home Shopping. 8.00 Soccer. A-League Men. Round 19. Western Sydney Wanderers v Sydney FC. Highlights. 8.30 Diagnosis Murder. 9.30 Jake And The Fatman. 10.30 JAG. 12.30pm

To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns,

ACROSS

1 Cicatrix (4)

3 New comers to the nation (10)

10 Marriage (7)

11 Sloping type (7)

12 Inventoried (8)

13 Publication (5)

14 Uncommon (4)

15 Bypass (10)

18 Process of change (10)

20 Help (4)

21 Homeland of Sachin Tendulkar (5)

23 Distinguishing badges (8)

26 Dizziness (7)

27 Ships (7)

28 A release of information (10)

29 Holy song (4)

DOWN

1 Cut (4)

2 More than one auditorium (9)

4 Provisional (9)

5 Homerian epic (5)

6 Practical view (7)

7 Fasteners (5)

8 Possibly guilty (9)

9 Composition in verse (4)

14 Recovered (9)

16 Bridge (9)

17 Elusively (9)

19 Having three dimensions (7)

22 Game of skill (5)

23 False gods (5)

24 Huff (4)

25 Book ID (1,1,1,1)

DECODER

WORDFIT

3 LETTERS

9-LETTER WORD

12

Campaign Diary Week 4

Day 25, 22 February

MUM’S THE WORD AT COOROY

Fortified with only bottled water and three packets of biscuits, hundreds of Cooroy residents packed into the town’s Memorial Hall last Thursday to hear from 16 of 18 candidates in the upcoming Council elections.

Andrea Newland arrived 50 minutes into the event, seemingly prepared for all occasions, rolling in a large suitcase and carrying a briefcase and folder, but missed her slot to pitch her bid to the people of Cooroy.

Candidates had three minutes to win over voters, MC Richard Hansen happy to stop them mid-sentence from going over time. At the end of the 48-minute round he called for questions from an orderly audience with the proviso they state their names. “It’s not Facebook, you do not get to do this anonymously,” he quipped.

After the first couple of questions, hosts of the evening, Cooroy Chamber of Commerce had the floor, asking each candidate how they would improve Cooroy, if elected. This was too much for mother-of-six Alecia Staines’ youngest who loudly voiced a protest, forcing mum from the stage. Alecia managed to return for her response when Mayor Clare Stewart stepped up to help, trying in vain to comfort the youngster with a walk in the cool air while cries continued through the open windows.

Maybe the child triggered something in the adults, or they just couldn’t take another round of replies, but at 6.50pm about half the room steadily exited while the questions continued.

Day 28, 25 February

THE NON-ROAST

“It was never going to be a roast,” MC Debra Walz assured the eight candidates who took their seats up front at the Tinbeerwah Hall for the meet the candidates forum which had been advertised as a “friendly roast”.

“We’re all friends here and it’s going to be

a very respectful meeting,” she continued.

“We’ll leave the nastiness to the keyboard warriors on social media.” And so it seemed for the first 20 minutes or so that CD caught, all peace, love and free popcorn, and a country fair vibe amongst many of the 70-plus punters in attendance, current Noosa MP Sandy Bolton and former MP Bruce Davidson among them.

Two of the four mayoral candidates, Ingrid Jackson and Nick Hluszko, and six councillor candidates, including Cr Amelia Lorentson and Leigh McCready, faced off for the first

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round of Q and A with the audience, although CD, having moved on to the next engagement, is not sure how many of them bought their 15 minutes of fame (at $50 a minute, proceeds to charity) to preach to the choir in the afternoon’s finale.

Regardless of who won the debates inside, candidate Hluszko read the car park perfectly with his farm truck mobile billboard just reeking of “old-fashioned values”.

TN OR NOT TN? THAT IS THE QUESTION

Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock you

will have heard the cascading torrent of negative (and occasionally over the top) reaction to Tourism Noosa’s candidate questionnaire, sent in advance to all 18 candidates for mayor and councillor, with their responses to form the basis of last Tuesday’s election forum at the Noosa Boathouse.

Since the timing of the forum coincides with Noosa Today’s publication deadline, we will deal with its outcomes via a “late drop” elsewhere in the paper, while discussing the responses here in Campaign Diary.

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The questionnaire asked just three tourismrelated questions of candidates:

1.What are your thoughts on tourism in Noosa?

2.Tell us about your ideas for how you will sustain Noosa’s visitor economy across the region.

3.Noosa Council currently contributes $2.5M annually to Tourism Noosa which in 2022-23 returned $1.7B overnight visitor expenditure into the local economy. What are your thoughts on this?

Since answering any of them with detailed plans could create difficulties for successful candidates in future debate over TN funding or the Destination Management Plan, most of the responses were cloaked in generalities or purposely oblique, but only question three was blatantly politically loaded, asking can-

didates to comment on council’s current $2.5 million annual contribution to Tourism Noosa based on the false premise that the organisation, rather than the industry, had turned this into a $1.7 billion return.

Whether this was the reason that candidate

Chris Darwen sent an apology and candidates

Andrea Newland and Michelle Ngatai-Stokes failed to respond is anyone’s guess, but the 15 responses received varied from thesis-length to single sentence, with several of them calling question three inappropriate. We’ve chosen some highlights from Q. 3 responses:

· The economic contribution from Tourism Noosa throughout the Shire’s historical narrative is embedded into our social and economic ecosystems that over many years of careful cultivation is gradually maturing. -

· What these statistics don’t show is the impact of Noosa’s success as a tourist destination has had on the community, principally through the spread of ShortTerm Accommodation and [on] our environment through extra waste generated, waste to landfill and resource recovery. It’s the social and environmental cost of this success that has prompted the need for a reassessment of where we are heading as a community, via the Destination Management Plan.- MAYORAL CAN-

DIDATE FRANK WILKIE

· This is an amazing return on investment and if these numbers are correct, well done to TN. To be completely honest I would need to [know] more facts to determine how you came to this conclusion that the $2.5mil returned the figure of $1.7b. – MAYORAL CANDIDATE JOHN MORRALL

· In this question, there is no evidence pro-

vided to demonstrate a causal relationship between Tourism Noosa activities and the visitor expenditure… If I become Mayor, I would hope that, in order to reassure Council of the value its $2.5 million annual investment, Tourism Noosa would provide more sophisticated assessments. – MAYORAL

CANDIDATE INGRID JACKSON

· My greatest concern is that of the $3.3m income that NT [sic] receives annually only 33 per cent actually goes to marketing the rest goes to SG and A. While the effectiveness of marketing efforts suggest some success in terms of contribution to the local economy and visitor numbers I feel that we have to challenge ourselves to find creative ways to convert SG and A to more marketing funds. –

MAYORAL CANDIDATE NICK HLUSZKO

· I think you’re asking the wrong question. Based on these figures, I could expect that TN should be more self-sustainable and be looking at ways to lever the benefits from that sort of input rather than reliant on a long term investment…What is the true measure of success? Is marketing all it takes, or all there is? What does it take to facilitate a more sustainable and manageable tourism future without killing the goose? – CR JOE JURISEVIC

· I choose to abstain from providing commentary on this matter. It’s my belief that publicly expressing an opinion on this matter could potentially lead to a conflict of interest when the funding agreement is deliberated upon by the Council. - CR AMELIA LORENTSON

· We need to be clear, the values and natural assets of the destination together with those who provide accommodation and experiences are the major contributors to the visitor economy. Successful and highly professional marketing and product development by TN contributed to the realisation of some of that return. -CR BRIAN STOCKWELL

· This is an inappropriate question. – CR TOM WEGENER

· The wording of this question is problematic… as it suggests TN is taking credit for the whole industry’s performance. TN did not return $1.7B to the economy, it was generated by the tourism industry. – CANDIDATE NICOLA WILSON

Music makes world go round

It’s heartening to see our youngsters of today being such big fans of Taylor Swift.

The amount of energy she puts into one of her shows you can see attracts her followers to follow suit.

To say they are not getting enough outdoor exercise is just not true. They dance every dance with her and sing every song also.

There are a lot of Putins and Hamas’s and other war mongers trying to achieve the same thing. But using weapons and killing innocent people will never achieve the same result or followers.

Let’s not forget.

“Music makes the world go round.”

Some of the fans unfortunately get ripped off by crooked ticket sellers and I am certain that the promoters could make a kind donation out of the huge amounts taken for each show to recompense them.

That’s assuming some of the fans didn’t make a habit of it.

Ernest Wright, Tewantin

Contest of alternative visions

Much has been said and written by the candidates in the upcoming local election, but it might be relevant to paraphrase some recent words by John Hewson.

Elections should be a contest of alternative visions and policy proposals to achieve them.

A fundamental requirement for better government is for our elected representatives to take the risk of providing clear, visionary leadership, saying what they believe needs to be done, and on what evidence, to move this (Shire) forward and to step up to the challenges presented by a shifting economy and a changing climate.

The (Council) must attempt to do what is right in things that matter, and not merely what is popular.

As Henry Ford is reported to have said ’if I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses’.

Gross misuse of green space

When will the Noosa Council and/or the State Government take ownership and answer, as opposed to buck passing, complaints (with photo proof) related to the eyesore on the Eumundi Noosa Road, near the Goodchap Street roundabout, next to the school crossing? This former green space with a walkway under the trees at the rear of residential properties, has been commandeered by anyone wanting to peddle their wares.

For those wishing to sell prawns from a refrigerated van, caravans, cars, SUVs, trucks, utes, a vintage ambulance and more, promote house building via ads on a trailer, use as a parking lot whilst waiting for school kids, visiting friends or working at one of the new apartment complexes across the road, it’s popular and of course free(and free of penalties) for as long as you like.

How unsafe for people who drive away, having taken a quick gander, but who want to stop and possibly shop? Next there’ll be election posters.

What Biosphere?

Anthony Flanagan, Noosaville

STA not an easy fix

It has been reported that Noosa Council is now cracking down on approximately 1,500 unregistered and unapproved dwellings be-

ing offered for short-term tourist accommodation and is trying to enforce their local laws regulating the thousands of STA existing approvals.

InPhilJarratt’sNoosaTodayarticle02/02/24

Cr Tom Wegener, who has consistently opposed the expansion of short-term accommodation, points out that “STA restrictions are now an all-of-council issue with widespread support”. However the genie has well and truly been let out of the bottle and fixing this situation will not be easy.

In addition to the loss of community, traffic congestion, parking problems and sleepless nights for residents living near party houses, we now have the ridiculous situation where charities are paying for motel rooms for desperate families unable to find long-term rental accommodation.

Rhonda

Prescott, Lake Macdonald Victims call for compensation

We, the victims of juvenile theft and damage, would like offenders and their parents to pay compensation.

We are “Aussie Battlers” who work hard all our lives to provide a home, a car, and personal items for our family, only to have it stolen and destroyed.

I would like to extend my thanks to our Sunshine Coast Police and Forensic Squad who successfully apprehended these young offenders, your work is valued and appreciated.

Unfortunately despite this good work from police, our juvenile court systems leave a lot to be desired.

These young offenders are quickly released to go about re-offending and are provided with anonymity with their names not being published or even provided to victims of their crimes to seek compensation.

These youth crime laws need to be amended now.

Youth crime has been on the rise in recent times as we are all aware, the laws need to change in such a way as to be an active deterrent to this kind of destructive behaviour.

Our family is now without a car after a group of young offenders stole it from our front yard and took it on a joy ride before running it into a tree, a total loss.

To replace this vehicle which is a large 4WD needed to transport our family of six, is an expense we had not anticipated and certainly did not need.

Our car had been meticulously maintained in excellent condition and handed down through three generations, its loss has taken an emotional toll alongside the financial one.

Our court systems should be acting in the interests of the public. These laws protecting the identities of youth offenders require immediate adjustment.

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter

On The Soapbox

Bicycle ways, boardwalks

A Noosa Councillor recently announced that ‘day trippers’ should pay a congestion charge. So much for the Noosa ‘village feel’ and welcome.

Rapid population growth is on the town’s doorstep.

Why should tourists pay for Councils infrastructure failures? It’s certain to back-fire, causing damage to Noosa’s reputation and Hastings Street business.

A Noosa Drive bus transit lane especially for day-trippers terminating at Lions Park would be welcomed. See Drawing TDP-0053.

A Noosa Drive bicycle lane and boardwalk announced in 2022 and widely announced in the media was however plonked right in the exact path of the transit lane. This is totally in conflict with the 2016 advice by Council’s highly professional engineering consultants, Parsons Brinckerhof (nowWSP Global).

For generations, a diverse range of Hastings Street retail businesses, especially those attractive to higher income visitors and wealthy residents, have not been able to survive economic fluctuations. The rich are essential. They help pay for the bicycle lanes and boardwalks.

For the rich, convenience is critical, and patience is minimal.

A bicycle may be viewed as a quirky choice for rich tourists to ‘get around’.

The600carLanguraStreetpaidgaragewould feed the 8 person shuttles to bypass eventual consistently heavy traffic on Noosa Drive. Start with a big hardstand. Then expand to a garage. It could also service Girraween Sports Complex. Confident sports cyclists will ride as they wish.

public viewing.

Recreational/average cyclists would arrive at the Junction near where the original Noosa Drive boardwalk/cycling link is currently planned to terminate.

This surely still meets Government objectives and qualification for grants.

Relocated from Noosa Drive, the superior boardwalk along the canal would be loved by the tourist, the elderly and resident of average fitness. This West enclave BOARDWALK would extend to below Macquarie Lodge on the canal, then climb the Banksia Avenue easement (see drawing) up on to Banksia Avenue and then continue on to the “J’ carpark employing part of the same route as that employed by cyclists.

Drawing TDP-0053 hereby shows an alternative route in the West residential enclave for a general purpose bicycle lane along the canal from Lions Park, passing around the Serenity Close development to Banksia Avenue and the ‘J’.

| PH (07) 5449 4754

It would be far more interesting and healthier for recreational cyclists, featuring no pollution and less danger of collisions. Mangroves could be protected.

Note that Council built a boardwalk through mangroves nearby at Weyba Creek, simply for

The height at Banksia Avenue is only half that of Noosa Drive. The route is about 200 metres longer, still a treat for residents and resort guests. A second boardwalk (see drawing) in the East residential and resort enclave should commence at the junction of Noosa Parade and Noosa Drive (the entrance to Halse Lodge), leading up the hill behind resorts which overlook Noosa Drive.

This boardwalk would connect readily to Edgar Bennet Avenue, again, negotiable for elderly and the less mobile.

It would be great for resorts while an existing staircase is a real trudge for guests. A boardwalk extension to Attunga Heights could be considered.

A forest environment is a main feature of the East enclave.

That’s it folks. Look out for concept 4 next week.

Position Vacant Board Directors x2

We are seeking expressions of interest from suitably experienced and qualified individuals to join us on the NBRF Board.

The NBRF is a not-for-profit organisation established by the Noosa Shire Council. Its role is to manage a charitable trust to advance research, education and information about, and protection of, the Noosa Biosphere Reserve.

The skills-based Board is made up of eight volunteer Directors, appointed for terms of up to three years. Directors collectively guide the direction of the Foundation and liaise with project stakeholders.

We are seeking highly-motivated candidates with demonstrated interest/experience in social, economic and environmental sustainability. Two roles are available, one being the Company Secretary – for this role an accountancy background would be preferable. Applications close 15 March. Visit website for more information.

Play your part in progressing the global aims of the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme, in Noosa 12668882-AV09-24

Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation Ltd

www.noosabiosphere.org.au/vacancies

Ph: 07 5474 0932

Premium blend of beans

Noosa’s only commercial coffee plantation has been put on the market.

After 20 years of establishing the plantation and the Noosa Black brand, Peter and Traecy Hinner are reluctantly taking the 52-acre property to auction in March.

Kin Kin Creek Estate is planted with 6500 K7 Arabica coffee trees, 700 lime trees, a collection of mixed fruits including Davidson plum, and runs about 20 head of cattle.

Water is abundant on this estate, with two large dams teeming with wildlife, and the Kin Kin Creek and Sister Tree Creek running through the property.

The Hinners bought the property in 2001 and planted the first coffee trees in 2005.

It is a pristine setting, with fog sometimes in the valleys or low clouds hanging on the surrounding ranges.

“It’s been a fascinating journey,’’ Peter said. “Very interesting.

“You only get one chance to try this in life. We have put everything into it.’’

Peter and Traecy have been thankful for their original decision to sell up in Brisbane and move to the Noosa hinterland.

They travelled up each weekend, bringing their children with them to build a shed to live in before choosing a house site.

It was then a matter of planting the first seedlings and installing irrigation so the plantation could be getting established during the building process.

Once the decision was made, Peter’s father mentioned a work colleague who had retired to the Sunshine Coast and was growing 500 coffee trees.

“Through them we became aware of the Sunshine Coast Coffee Growers Association,’’ Peter said. “One of the members had 10 trees and we went as a group to look.

“We discovered a connection with New Guinea and acting on advice made the jump from planting 500 trees to 6500.

“The K7 Arabica variety is very popular with growers in New South Wales and South East Queensland.

“Now, all of the hard work has been done. A lot was trial and error.

“We followed the book by the Department of Primary Industries about machine harvesting - it is regarded as the coffee bible for Queensland.

“But we had to develop some of our own techniques as well.’’

If well cared for, coffee trees can last ages, Peter said, noting that some they had seen in Hawaii were more than 100 years old.

Peter and Traecy hadn’t farmed before but they had noticed coffee plantations while working in West Africa.

“We had been pretty much been tea drinkers until then but developed a taste for coffee,’’ Peter said.

“Traecy has this terrific ability to taste and smell the coffee.’’

One of the biggest lessons learned was getting the name Noosa Black out into the market.

“We were totally unaware of the need to market it,’’ Peter said. “We thought the name Noosa would be enough.

“We thought, grow it and they will come. It didn’t happen and we had the realisation we were doing it wrong.

“It needed effort put into marketing … getting our name out there.

“We did markets, functions … anything and everything where we could get the word out.

“In the end we changed the business model.

“When we planted it we felt if it was grown in Noosa, it would sell in Noosa. We would not need to sell to the world.

“There were no roasteries at that time, but within a few short years there were five or six roasters who import green beans.

“Instead of selling into coffee shops, we started selling into independent supermarkets - roasted coffee in packages.

“Coffee shops became so competitive so we concentrated more on wholesale and less on retail.

“Our point of differentiation is that it is grown in Noosa.’’

During their time at KinKin, Peter and Traecy have participated in many community events, markets, tourism and industry promotions including the Cooloola Farm Trail.

They have taken part in industry-backed workshops about expanding the Australian coffee industry

The bottom line is the best coffee growing areas are where people want to live, Peter said, and that is the best land - the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales including Tweed Valley, Bangalow and Byron Bay; South East Queensland including the Blackall Range.

Notably, the property’s coffee beans are re-

nowned having featured in multiple ABC radio and magazine articles over the past decade.

The beans are sought-after by a local gin distillery for their unique flavour profile, while also being sold as single-origin and blended coffee to major multiple outlets in the region for more than 10 years.

The property has been awarded Slow Food Noosa’s Snail of Approval in recognition of the farming practises - good, clean and fair food produced by sustainable methods.

The mixed lime plantation adds to the agricultural diversity, with several hundred Tahitian limes, Indian sweet limes, blood limes, and finger limes. In addition, the estate’s orchard boasts a variety of mature fruit trees, including Davidson plum.

The rich pastures are ideal for grazing live-

stock with the property divided into seven main paddocks and has quality steel cattle yards.

The estate hosts a mixed herd of ex-stud Santa Gertrudis and Brangus cattle.

Situated 40 metres above the valley floor, the homestead was built in 2011 and comprises four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a study and expansive open living and dining with timber floors and soaring ceilings.

The kitchen overlooks the coffee plantation, while expansive verandahs catch the cooling south-easterly breezes throughout summer and provide an abundance of natural light.

The decision by the Hinners to sell is due to generational change, with their parents at a stage of needing care. Continued page 35

Change in dire need

As we have heard loud and clear lately, Noosa is demanding genuine, “transformational” change to arrest the decline in our lifestyle. And there’s something else.We – the residents –want to drive that change, along with our Council, not have it forced on us by vested interests.

Tourism Noosa is asking council candidates to “Tell us about your ideas for how you will sustain Noosa’s visitor economy across the region.” Really? The clear suggestion is that our Council should be sustaining the visitor economy. That is not its role.

There are over 7000 businesses in the Noosa region. Less than 1,000 are related to direct tourism services such as accommodation, food services and retail.

Council’s role is to ensure services and infrastructure are provided to the entire community. This includes ensuring roads, bridges, traffic management, parking, and waste management can support all of us…residents, local businesses, and tourists.

Crucially, Council’s role is also to ensure we protect the environment that underpins the entire local economy and resident amenity. It’s why people come here.

My background in finance and analysis for large corporations has me questioning several basic assumptions about the way our Council spends our money.

Residents need to be able to trust their council to spend ratepayers’ money wisely.

In the past, the tourism levy mechanism was clear; businesses operating in the tourism industry paid the levy, and in return Tourism

Noosa’s campaigns brought visitors to hotels, resorts, restaurants, shops and services in the key tourism precincts.

Now, with the majority of tourists being driven to self-contained short-term accommodation (the ‘Airbnb’ tsunami) much of that income is diverted away from local businesses and into the hands of property investors, most of them outside our shire.

The next council will need to consider whether to continue its $2.5 million per year funding to Tourism Noosa (of which $1.1 million was spent on marketing, the rest on salaries, legal and compliance fees and “other corporate costs” in 2023).

Does the industry still need that level of marketing support when services and infrastructure are already struggling?

We will need some robust discussions to clarify priorities, with input from well informed, independent Councillors and all of the community.

•

Regenerative farm

A weekend workshop linking regenerative farming with good health is to take place at Kin Kin in March.

Eastwell Farms will host the inaugural HEART Summit on Saturday-Sunday, March 23-24 at their Kin Kin property in Moran Group Rd.

This ground-breaking event aims to bring together farmers, health educators, and success mentors at the forefront of regenerative agriculture and health optimisation for a transformative experience.

The HEART Summit offers attendees a unique opportunity to delve into the intersection of agriculture and health, fostering connections and insights to pave the way for a healthier future.

Participants will engage with thought leaders and innovators from various disciplines, gaining valuable knowledge and practical strategies to enhance their well-being and connection with agricultural practices.

Key highlights:

Regenerative Agriculture: Learn from experts in the field about regenerative farming practices that restore and enhance the environment.

Quantum Health: Explore cutting-edge approaches to health and wellness that integrate mind, body, and spirit.

Circadian Health: Discover the importance of aligning lifestyle with natural rhythms for optimal health.

Quantum Dentistry: Gain insights into holistic dental care and its impact on overall wellbeing.

Succession Planning: Navigate the challenges of intergenerational farming and business succession with expert guidance.

Women’s Reproductive Health: Address women’s health issues with a focus on holistic approaches and empowerment.

Special Guests: Join renowned speakers including Max Gulhane MD, Jalal Khan, John Moor, Deb McLucas, Rob Bauman, Stacey Curcio, Bryant Ussher, Andrew Zerner, and Jack Milbank. Plus, culinary delights by chef Matt Golinski.

“We’re excited to create a platform where farmers, health professionals, and individuals passionate about holistic well-being can come together to exchange ideas and inspire posi-

Bryant Ussher of Eastwell Farms at Kin Kin. 391462

tive change,” says Bryant Ussher, co-founder of Eastwell Farms.

This is a chance to be part of a transformative event that bridges the gap between agri-

culture and health.

For more information and ticket purchases, visit www.eastwellfarms.com.au

Reassessing who Wallis Simpson was

Adfas Noosa has rebranded to ArtsNational Noosa and will kick off their 2024 program on Saturday 9 March with a presentation by author Anna Sebba on the topic of Wallis Simpson.

Titled ThatWoman or The Duchess of Style: Time to reaccess Wallis Simpson, the talk will explore the clothes, jewellery and homes of Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor and the power she had over a King. Accused of spying and Nazi sympathies, by now 88 years since the 1936 Abdication, is it time to reaccess ‘ThatWoman’?

Anna Sebba has written many books, her best sellers include That Woman - The life of Wallis Simpson and Les Parisiennes - The Woman of Paris who lived, loved and died in the 1940s.

The ArtsNational Noosa talk will be held at St Mary’s Church, 17 William St, Tewantin at 3.45pm for 4pm start.

Casual fee $30 includes wine and nibbles after

Bookings: membershipnoosaadfas@gmail.com

You are most welcome to join us and meet our members.

Waving off Willy

A crowd of well-wishers joined Sea Life Sunshine Coast Aquarium at Mooloolaba Beach last week to wave off Willy.

The juvenile green turtle (Chelonia mydas) was safely returned to his natural habitat along the pristine shores of the Sunshine Coast after months of rehabilitation at the aquariums Turtle Rehabilitation Centre.

Classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), green turtles are a vital part of the coastal ecosystem, with adults primarily feeding on seagrass and algae, while juveniles also consume small crustaceans.

These majestic creatures face numerous threats, including light pollution, marine debris entanglement, and the impact of extreme climate events on seagrass beds.

Willy’s journey began in September 2023 when he was discovered on Marcoola Beach by the Coolum Coast Care team.

The turtle stranded in critical condition, with oedema and covered in leeches.

Thanks to swift action, Willy was transported to Sea Life Sunshine Coast for immediate treatment and rehabilitation.

Cathleen Diamond, Vet Nurse, SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast, who has been overseeingWilly’s rehabilitation, said,“Initially, Willy was severely dehydrated, floating, and lethargic, with little appetite. X-rays performed by Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital revealed gas in his coelom, necessitating intensive care to alleviate his floating syndrome.

“Afteramonthoftreatment,Willy’sappetite picked up, and by the two-month mark, he was able to sink to the bottom of his tub,” Cathleen added.

“Our focus then shifted to building his body condition to ensure he is fit and healthy for release.”

On release, Willy weighed 16kg, approximately 90 per cent of his ideal body weight ensuring Willy’s readiness for the challenges of the open ocean.

Willy’s remarkable journey would not have been possible without the collaborative efforts of Coolum Coast Care, who initially rescued Willy, and the Australia ZooWildlife Hospital, which provided essential diagnostic services.

SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast’s Turtle Rehabilitation Centre cared for 41 adult turtles and 129 hatchlings in 2023, marking a significant milestone in their conservation efforts.

To report sick or injured marine turtles, please contact the Queensland marine stranding hotline at 1300 130 372.

Age no barrier to singing

Joan Murray will be 91 next month and, just as she has done for the last 30 years, she will be on stage with Noosa Chorale in May for its first concert of the year.

And standing with her in the sopranos will be the Chorale’s newest recruit, Sunshine Beach State High School student, 14-year-oldVivienne Thomson.

Noosa Today met Joan, Vivienne and her mum Jane Tallon, who sings with the altos, at The J just before the choir started its Monday night practice for Mendelssohn’s world famed oratorio, Elijah.

The Chorale is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year and Joan recalled how in April 1994 she was one of the first to answer the call for singers from founder, former local barrister Joe McMahon.

“We met in a hall in Duke Road in Doonan. There were six of us. Joe had found a conductor who played the clarinet. So there we were, all holding music, listening to him playing notes on the instrument and trying our best to follow him.

“Most of us had fairly extensive experience in choral singing and we wondered what we had got into.

“We were lucky to get our first conductor, Leonard Spira, who had extensive experience and was well known as a Melbourne musician and founder and director of theVictorian Opera Company.

“He led us brilliantly until 2007 and then came Adrian King who gold plated us and made us the great choir we are today.”

She was Vivienne’s age when she started singing. She sang in choirs in her native Ireland, Papua New Guinea, Sydney and even with an opera company in Nigeria. She came to Noosa two years before the choir was formed and now lives in Noosaville.

She has only missed one concert in her 30 years with the choir. “Would you believe it was

Elijah which we did in 2007? I attended the rehearsals but just before the concert I had to take my husband to hospital in Brisbane.”

She shared her thoughts on singing with teenager Vivienne who was sitting in on the interview.” I was about your age when I started to sing. I really enjoyed it and still do. Chorale singing becomes part of your life. When you leave the stage after a performance you almost cry with the wonder at the beautiful music and the appreciation of the audience.”

Vivienne is a multi-instrumentalist. She plays the piano, violin and guitar. “Violin is my main instrument.” She also loves acting and is a member of the Little SeedTheatre at Noosaville.

“I like to sing and when mum suggested we join the choir I thought I would give it a go. I’m just loving the classical music and doing it with the Chorale.”

Vivienne comes from a musical family. Her parents are both professional musicians. Dad OwenThomson is a classical guitarist and mum Jane plays the cello. Her Year 12 brother, Donald, also plays cello.

Jane taught and lectured at the College of the Arts in Melbourne and played as a soloist in ensembles across Australia before the family moved to Tasmania where she played with the state symphony orchestra, also co-founding the Huon String Quartet.

The family came to Noosa five years ago and live in Tinbeerwah. “We both thought this year it would be fun to join a choir and it’s great to have organisations like this where we both can go,” Jane said.

“Being a cellist, I have never had the experience of singing music like this. It is incredibly complex and passionate.

“We’ve been blown away by the choir’s sound… right from the first warm up and how welcoming everyone is.”

“Elijah,” Noosa Chorale, Friday May 24 at 7pm and Saturday May 25 at 2pm atThe J, Noosa Junction. Tickets $45. Bookings 5329 6560 or www.thej.com.au

Tom Gleeson’s gearing up

Get set for 10 days of incredible arts and culture in Noosa.

NOOSA alive! Festival will re-ignite your senses with breathtaking live shows, thoughtprovoking forums, mind-tingling performances accompanied by sensational food and wine events, all set in the many naturally stunning Noosa locations.

NOOSA alive! Festival, now in its 22nd year, is a multi-genre Arts and Cultural festival held over 10 days each July, with the naturally stunning Noosa as our backdrop.

The festival offers a diverse program of events including everything from the classics, Ballet, Opera and Classical Music, to Theatre, Circus, Stand-Up Comedy, Foodie events including long lunches plus fascinating Literary events, and our popular Seaside Vibes dance festival on Noosa Main Beach.

Don’t miss headliner and comedian extraordinaire Tom Gleeson with his brand-new show GEAR.

Hard Quiz Overlord, Taskmaster host and Gold Logie Winner Tom Gleeson has taken the Brass Mug on the road for the past two years with Hard Quiz Live.

Now he’s giving Noosa audiences an opportunity to see a master stand-up at work with his brand-new live show, Gear.

Don’t miss the chance to watch this goldplated, comedy superstar live!

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

Tom has performed at every major comedy festival in the world, has been nominated for a Helpmann Award three times, won the Gold Logie for the Most Popular Personality on Australian television and is the host of two smash hit TV shows, Hard Quiz on ABC TV and Taskmaster on Network Ten.

Soon to be announced, NA! 2024 program will include, a sensational (multiple) Soprano act, two world-renowned Magicians, plus the zany Junk Yard Beats, providing pop-up fun and stage performances for the whole family throughout the 10 days of the festival.

Soak up the winter sunshine and the worldclass entertainment on offer at NOOSA alive!.

Now in its 22nd year, the festival will include many of its usual and very popular offerings of scrumptious brunches, lunches and dinners, hosted in range of intimate venues across the many corners of the Noosa region.

These culinary events not only showcase the best produce the region has to offer but are also accompanied by some of Australia’s finest entertainment.

There are intimate performances by Queensland Ballet (Including a World Premiere performance), and by Aria-award winning artists/musicians, ‘Twilight Classics’ on Noosa Main Beach, topical, thought-provoking, and often controversial literary events, beach parties offering dancing in the sand, mind-bending magic that will stun, stand-up comedy, Theatre and much more.

The festival offers a very diverse program of World-class events to appeal to all ages and all demographics of visitors when the weather in Noosa is at its finest.

If you haven’t experienced winter in Noosa, then you are missing out. Enjoy the clear blue skies and sunshine and stimulate your senses!

Book now for NOOSA alive! 2024, July 19-28 2024.

Book your accommodation now and escape the winter cold.

Head to the website for tickets and more details at noosaalive.com.au

Red Hot Summer Tour adds Noosa show

Jimmy Barnes’ return to touring has been overwhelmingly welcomed by fans with six shows on his national Hell of a Time Tour selling out within a day as well as an announcement that the Red Hot Summer Tour has been extended with a show in Noosa.

The show will be at Noosa and District Sports Ground on Saturday 18 May, with The Living End, Birds of Tokyo, Pete Murray, Kasey Chambers and Mahalia Barnes and The Soul Mates.

These shows see Barnes return to the stage following his admission to hospital on 27 November last year with bacterial pneumonia requiring open heart surgery.

It’s now been a little over nine weeks since the surgery and as fans have seen through his social media posts and his recent 60 Minutes interview, his road to recovery has been inspirational with doctors giving him the all clear to start preparing for his return to the stage.

Jimmy said, “I’ve visited all my doctors now and they all tell me the same thing. I am ready to rock.”

“I’ve been in my gym every day (sometimes twice a day) and I feel fitter and stronger with each passing day.

“My band are chomping at the bit and just like me, they can’t wait to hit the stage. So bring on the tour!

“Get your tickets soon because it seems a lot of you are keen to come out and celebrate with us and I wouldn’t want you to miss out. See you on the road.”

Bloodlines are releasing a limited edition sand-coloured vinyl reissue of Flesh and Wood, celebrating 30 years since the release of Jimmy’s much-loved seventh solo studio album. All vinyl copies will be personally signed by Jimmy and are available for preorder now from here.

Flesh and Wood was Jimmy’s seventh solo album and entered the Australian charts at number two in December 1993.

It went on to garner triple platinum sales, spending eight weeks in the Top 10 and four months in the Top 50. Flesh and Wood featured duets with the likes of Joe Cocker, Diesel, Ross Wilson, Don Walker, The Badloves and Archie Roach, with four singles released

Free show will take you back

IF you haven’t yet visited the new Marina Bar at Noosa Marina in Tewantin, here’s another good reason to.

The Claptomaniacs are looking forward to playing the venue this Sunday, March 3, from 4pm to 7pm, for the very first time,

The band already knows there’s a great new atmosphere there at the Marina, with a choice menu and quality drinks - and on Sunday you can also enjoy some great transatlantic music from the late 60s to late 80s.

The five-piece Noosa-based Claptomaniacs play the best classics originally performed by the likes of the Doobie Brothers, Steve Miller Band, Joe Cocker, Steely Dan, the Hollies, Travelling Wilburys and so many more.

They have the tightest sound around - and the show is free!

Come on down to the Marina, just off Memorial Avenue at Parkyn Court, where there’s plenty of parking, and good times await you!

You can check out the Claptomaniacs at Facebook/claptomaniacs for more information on the band.

· WHO: The Claptomaniacs

· WHERE: Marina Bar, Noosa Marina, Tewantin

· WHEN: Sunday March 3, 4-7pm

· INFORMATION: facebook/claptomaniacs

More Queensland, for more Queenslanders

Let’s grow a better Queensland together

Let’s face it, life in Queensland is pretty sweet. We’ve got the great outdoors, and that famous sunshine-state-of-mind. And we’re not the only ones who think so, because Queensland is growing. In fact, over the next 10 years our state is expected to grow with over a million more people through both interstate and international migration, as well as natural increase. That’s great news for our economy and communities. But with all those extra Queenslanders, it’s important that government, industry and communities work together to plan and build for this growth.

There’s no place like Queensland

A million extra Queenslanders means we’ll need more homes. And because household dynamics are changing, the types of homes we’re planning and building for need to change too. People want different things depending on their personal circumstances. There are more single person and single parent households than ever before and there will be more in the future. Not everyone wants a big block with an equally big mortgage,

or lawn they need to care for. So now and into the future there is going to be more demand for attached housing and smaller homes.

We call this housing diversity and we’re baking it into our future long-term strategic plans. From duplexes and granny flats to townhouses, terrace housing and units, we’re planning for more housing types so that more people can find homes to suit their needs and budgets. A bigger range of housing gives people more options about where they live, such as being able to live closer to family, friends or places of work. Ultimately our goal of well-planned growth is to provide people with a better quality of life and more time to connect - because what’s good for Queensland, should be good for every Queenslander too.

More people means more benefits

But it’s not just more homes in the pipeline.

As Queensland’s population grows, so will its vibrant communities, and it’s our job to plan ahead - to meet current and future needs of a changing population. More homes and people means more community benefits, like improving transport infrastructure, with more public transport services. It means more hospitals and more upgraded schools. And with all those extra people, we’re going to need somewhere for us all to hangout, practise some of that famous Queensland sociability and maybe kick a footy around (go Maroons!). So it means more parks and places to meet too.

Of course none of this exciting growth would be sustainable without proper planning. Queensland’s planning framework continues to evolve as the state grows and changes, but how it works is actually pretty simple. The state government’s planning framework is there to help development succeed - by encouraging the development of more walkable neighbourhoods for instance, streamlining planning approvals, increasing transparency and giving every community a voice. Which is where you come in.

Take a closer look

In Queensland, planning is a joint effort between the councils and the Queensland Government. The Department of Housing, Local Government, Planning and Public Works is the custodian of the overarching planning framework; working with Queensland’s 77 councils to ensure state and local interests are integrated into planning schemes to guide the future shape of our communities. Industry and the community also play a role in planning for the future, by getting involved when there is a new state or local government policy or plan, or when these instruments are being amended. The community can also have their say on certain proposed developments, when a development application is assessed.

So if you are interested in learning more about the planning process, what’s planned for your area, or how you can get involved, visit qld.gov.au/GrowingTogether and let’s grow a better Queensland together.

For more than 30 years Noosa and District Landcare has been regreening the region and reestablishing native wildlife habitat. ERLE LEVEY sits down with the team that is helping keep Noosa natural.

Growth’s many forms

“The degradation of our environment is not simply a local problem, nor a problem for one state or another, nor for the Commonwealth alone. Rather, the damage being done to our environment is a problem for us all – and not just government - but for of us individually and together.’’ - former Prime Minister Bob Hawke in his speech to launch Landcare.

From an initiative between the Victorian Government and the Victorian Farmers Federation in 1986, Landcare has grown to become a national body, as the need to protect the environment now ranks as arguably the world’s most pressing issue.

Many Australian communities had already begun practising Landcare decades earlier; with grass roots environmental issues being tackled as early as the 1950s.

In 1989, the national Landcare movement was officially recognised with Rick Farley of the National Farmers Federation (NFF), and Phillip Toyne of the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF), successfully encouraging the Hawke Government to commit to supporting the emerging movement.

Today Landcare is vital part of the Gympie and Noosa regions - both having active movements after facing different environmental issues.

For Noosa it included the clear-felling of old-growth forests. For Gympie, the proposed Traveston Dam was part of it.

I’m sitting with Noosa and District Landcare general manager Phil Moran at the Rural Futures Centre in Pomona. It’s a multi-purpose building for a string of community organisations as well as the Landcare group that uses it as a base for contract work and training courses - such as Skilling Queenslanders for Work participants.

Yet it is also the site of the Landcare nursery for the hundreds of thousands of seedlings that are grown each year for rehabilitation projects.

Phil has been a member of Noosa Landcare since 1991. Originally from Brisbane, he loves the bush and lives on a 30-acre property at Cooran.

“I sold my catering business in Brisbane and moved up here. I didn’t have a job so I joined Noosa Landcare as a volunteer in 1991.

“Landcare had been going a little bit longer … since 1990. My membership number was 30, 31 or 32.

“In Brisbane, I did a traineeship apprenticeship in the Crest International Hotel in Brisbane on the corner of George Square, opposite City Hall. It was the biggest hotel in Brisbane at the time. The other big hotel was Lennons.

“Starting as a trainee manager, I ended up as catering manager when I was 23. It had seven bars in five restaurants, so that was a bit of an introduction to hospitality.’’

Phil saw the changes in Brisbane due to World Expo 88, and the way Queensland was thrust onto the international stage.

“It was fun in a lot of ways,’’ he said. “The city was quieter then, and it’s gone from a country town to being a proper city.

“I went to school just up the road. There were still cars in Queen Street.’’

Groups such as Landcare came about because of World Expo 88 and the changes in lifestyle.

oxygen.

It’s about growing people, not just trees. That’s what I like to see.’’

The marriage between the Australian Conservation Society and National Farmers Federation saw groups starting up at a local level.

Noosa and District Landcare’s beginnings started with protests to save old-growth forests from clear-felling in the early 1980s.

Gympie and District Landcare had formed a few years earlier, after consultation with the Cattlemens Union of Australia - that later became the National Farmers Federation.

The work of these dedicated groups of volunteers, employees and trainees has become invaluable in the protection of the natural assets of the region.

A common bond between farmers and conservation groups was trees - invaluable in providing windbreaks, shade on watercourses and shade for stock.

“Stock do better when they have shade,’’ Phil said.

“Look at the weather today. The humidity is high but you go past any paddock and the cattle are in the shade.’’

Noosa Landcare is not just about ensuring healthy soil, clean waterways and natural bushland, it’s also about the development of the many individuals involved with the group.

“It’s about growing people, not just trees,’’ Phil said. “That’s what I like to see.’’

A lot of the participants in their Skilling Queenslanders for Work program come from the neighbouring Cooroora Secondary College at Pomona.

“You see them develop … we’ve got some great mentors here, such as Darrin Barden.

“To see these kids develop and get full-time

jobs is so rewarding.’’

Speaking with Phil, you become aware that we either take for granted, or we don’t realise, the diversity there is in the Australian bush - the different species of trees, plants and wildlife.

With that, he points to a row of trees he planted 20 years ago that is fully established.

We talk about the benefit of trees forming a canopy over water courses, as a means of weed control rather than relying on concrete drains.

Sadly not enough is being done in this regard.

Growing up, Phil used to play in Kedron Brook, which is where Toombul Shopping Centre is being demolished because of flooding.

“I read the other day that was just a concrete drain.

“What you actually do then is speed up the volume of water so you have huge velocity.’’

Phil was chairman of Mary River Catchment Coordinating Committee for a while and again brought up the benefits of trees growing over the river.

“Things like the Mary River Cod … they need a differentiation of temperature to spawn, to trigger them. A lot of fish do that, which is why its good to have logs in the creek.

“There were those who used to pull the logs out. We used to have projects to put them back in.

“That slows the water down which means the predator sits this side and can wait for the little fish and attack them.

“The cod has got a home and the water aerates as it turns over the logs - they need that

“Mary River Cod need a log 500mm in diameter to breed and lay their eggs.’’

Oceanographer, filmmaker and author Jacques-Yves Cousteau came up to the Murray River to save the lungfish - that would’ve been the ’80s.

“He saved the lungfish,’’ Phil said, “and the lung fish and its friends - the cod, the turtle, the mullet - saved us from the Traveston Dam.

“That was one of the major achievements of Peter Garrett while he was Minister for the Environment.’’

The main reason Noosa Landcare was established, Phil said, was the farmers and landowners being against weeds, with groundsel a particular problem at the time.

The second reason was the concern about the monocultures and expected loss of biodiversity in Yurol Forest - clear-felling of oldgrowth bushland to create softwood and hardwood plantations.

Some time ago there was an arrangement with the Department of Environment and Science, Noosa Council and Noosa Parks Association to buy the forestry leases.

They had a 99-year lease but the CEO of Noosa Shire Council at the time, Brett de Chastel, was really instrumental in negotiating with HQ Plantations to buy them at $3.60m.

Council provided $1.2 million, $1.2m came from Noosa Parks Association and $1.2 million from the Department of Environment and Science.

So theYurol Ringtail Conservation Project is 2400ha and stretches right down to McKinnon Drive at Tewantin.

It effectively doubles the size of Noosa’s National Park estate, and protects wildlife corridors with major revegetation works to be carried out by the Kabi Kabi People Aboriginal Corporation, Greenfleet Australia and Noosa Landcare.

“That is this enormous connection from the coast to the hinterland,’’ Phil said. “It’s the biggest environmental move I will see in my lifetime - 2400ha of land coming across to national park over five years.

“When HQ Plantations are finished doing the harvesting, Noosa Landcare has a contract to revegetate 1000ha of land` out there.

“We have this lovely symmetry that we started. This group originated by demonstrating against the plantations and now, 30 years later, we’ve got the job to revegetate them with native species.

“The whole idea is to make a koala corridor.’’

The Rural Futures Centre, where I’m talking with Phil, came about in 1997 as an education centre that would allow Noosa Landcare to expand its native plant propagation nursery, set up a farm forestry demonstration site, overcome its reliance on government funding, and generate enough income to give the organisation and staff some certainty of continuing operations.

The objectives were to link the education system with community organisations and the wider community - and to bring about environmental protection, restoration and ecologically sustainable development across the Sunshine Coast region.

The concept was supported by Peter Bradford, then principal of Cooroora Secondary College, who suggested that a 2ha area of school might be made available. The total project cost of about $600,000 saw Education Queensland secure a $300,000 grant to go towards building the new centre. This was supplemented by the skills program labour, hundreds of community volunteer hours, secondhand building material donations and a $40,000 private donation.

By 2000 the headquarters and nursery had become a reality., and it was envisaged that the centre would achieve full funding self-sufficiency within five years.

It became an incubator of many innovative eco-businesses and farming or gardening programs.

The venue became a living classroom used for playgroups, cooking classes, choir rehearsals and training courses.

The Skilling Queenslanders for Work program usually attracts younger people and they do 22 weeks in two parts.

“There’s a lot of misconceptions about Landcare,’’ Phil said. “Some people think we’re council and others think we are funded by the Federal Government.

“We don’t receive funding from anybody. We generate our own income.

“We turned over $4.1 million last year and there are 65 on staff. We are the biggest employer in Pomona.

“Much of our income is generated from a contracting crew in that 25 people or so that go out and do weed removal and tree-planting.

“We go for tenders with such entities as Burnett Mary Regional Group, Seqwater and Energex among others.

“It’s all competitive - we are not given anything.’’

The Skilling Queenslanders for Work program sees groups of 10 being trained in conservation land management, first aid and construction. They are in the nursery for 11 weeks and then in the field for another 11.

In that time they learn how to use brushcutters, mowers and the like.

“We’ve trained 400 people in the time I’ve been here,’’Phil said. “Many come through to work here, with Noosa Council, Sunshine Coast Council, Seqwater, BMRG or other contractors.

“As an employer you can be interviewing someone for a job for 15 minutes, but if I’ve had you here for 22 weeks I know what you’re like. Do you turn up on time? Do you show interest? Do you ask questions?

“Towards the end of their traineeship, we will put them out on a contract course for a couple of days. We’ve got a reputation of employing quite good people and Noosa Council often pick the best.

“When I started this, there was virtually no career in the environment. Now they’ve got a pathway.

“One staff member has been here for 17 years. We have five people due for long service leave.

“Having trainees leave after two months, that’s not a viable proposition.

“We can talk about environmental sustainability. What about economic sustainability?

“That’s why we moved across to a fee-forservice model.

“We charge clients to do work and as long as we do a good job, we will continue to get the work. You build a reputation, and so we don’t rely on a grant.’’

The Covid pandemic changed the demographic of the Noosa hinterland and Gympie region, with a groundswell of newcomers looking for a better lifestyle than the urban areas.

“There’s been a big of increase in values and many of people coming up here, don’t really want to clear lantana on a hot and humid day, so they get us to do the hard stuff.

“They are also interested in the type of plants and vegetation they have growing, so we can help identify that.’’

Another way in which Noosa Landcare generates revenue is by producing 250,000 trees a year - eucalyptus and rainforest trees that are endemic species to the area.

The Hinter Hub in the heart of Pomona is another arm of the business. It was the old QCWA Hall and a school before that.

It has been completely restored and refurbished to create a centre for local artisans as well as a plant nursery.

The question now is what role volunteers play in Landcare? How dependent upon them is the business, and how does the community respond?

“As we’re a not-for-profit community group we rely on volunteers. However, my job is to make us a not-for-loss community group.

“We do have volunteers - around about 40. One of them has been here for 23 years - so if the volunteers are coming back after that length of time, they must enjoy it.

“Volunteers primarily work in our three nurseries. One is called the Potters Club, and they just come out and do the potting and have a great little social event.

“Gardening is so therapeutic - people love to work with the soil to balance their life, and they know that they are contributing.’’

The big buzz Phil gets from trees is driving past places where he collected the seeds, planted the trees and now its bushland.

“The volunteers know what they are doing is contributing to a lot of revegetation. Last year we planted 63,000 trees on 63ha in three and a half months on one job.

“All the volunteers know that their trees went into that site and that’s wonderful satisfaction.

“One of the men is not a handyman but comes and helps make cages to stop the rats eating the seedlings in the nursery.’’

Those of us in everyday life can take simple steps to protect seedlings, protect creeks, create shade or an environment to encourage biodiversity for wildlife.

“You don’t have to have hundreds of acres to do it. Try to stick to endemic local species because a lot of the other varieties can become weak.

“And just on this, I believe that anything is better than bare soil. So are some of the socalled weeds.

“Some weeds are transitory plants that transform the ecosystem.

“Rats tail grasses are an issue because they are not palatable for stock.

“We have to treat the bad ones - cat’s claw creeper and Madeira vine. If you don’t have them on your property, you don’t want them.

“Singapore daisies were introduced in the ’70s to protect sand dunes.

“We also have aquatic weeds, such as salvinia which was introduced in 1950s as an ornamental.

“Cabomba is prolific in Lake Macdonald

“Groundsel is not the problem it used to be because the shire now issues notices to individual landholders to eradicate it.

“Most weeds like full sun, so a tree canopy is the best deterrent.’’

Noosa Landcare has a three-year program to control or slow down the impact of cat’s claw creeper and Madeira vine.

On the other hand, there is a conservation network to increase the population of Richmond birdwing butterflies. It is a vulnerable species and feeds on a particular vine.

“There’s an example of something that can be done in the garden,’’ Phil said. “Plant a couple of vines. Shade is what they love - there are a lot of things that we can do.’’

Fencing of creek banks gets the cows away from the water so they don’t contaminate it. By providing watering points in paddocks, the stock can be drawn away so their manure becomes fertiliser.

During my visit to Landcare I went on a field trip to see a tree-planting program at Cootharaba.

Field officer Tamara Kubica was in charge of a work team carrying out slashing and weed

control at the Dangerbridge property, now a nature refuge like many others in the area.

The 270ha property near the shores of Lake Cootharaba was a macadamia orchard and has had about 70ha planted with local native trees.

It is a koala habitat restoration project, as well as an agreement by the client with a carbon storage company.

The landholder’s contribution is to provide the land and then to maintain the firebreaks and tracks.

In return there is re-establishment of the environment, increased biodiversity, carbon capture, and keeping the land cool.

The project sees trees planted in June last year that have already grown to above head height. Tree guards are generally only used on smaller plots because it doubles the cost of a project where you have more than 100,000 trees.

The idea is to keep the grass away from around the trees until they get higher than the grass.

The big paddock at Dangerbridge has 100,000 trees planted while the smaller one has 13,000 trees at 2200 trees per hectare.

These were planted in 2021 and the trees are probably 12 to 15 feet tall.

“It’s amazing after three years to be looking up at the trees and not down on them,’’Tamara said. “Normally when they plant them they are 30cm high.’’

The Dangerbridge program is not just about koala habitat and carbon storage but protecting the Kin Kin Creek, which is so much a part of the history of colonial pioneering days.

There’s a mix of 20 to 30 different rainforest species planted along the creek so that it looks after itself.

“Koalas just don’t eat eucalypt trees,’’ Tamara said, “they eat other trees as well.

“This is part of the The WildSeek Projectone of five areas in Australia in which Landcare Australia, WIRES and Queensland University of Technology (QUT) are partnering to identify koala numbers.’’

This includes the use of drones with thermal cameras to collect infrared imagery.

The incentive of such tree-replanting projects is that less work is needed to maintain a forest than an open paddock, in which case the paddock would need to be stocked or regularly slashed to keep the grass down.

“It’s actually less work there,’’ Tamara said.

“The macadamias have been pulled out.

“They are turning a monoculture into bushland. Instead of chopping trees down for forestry we are planting trees for habitat lifestyle, well-being, environment enjoyment by the landholders and the community.

“The aim is to get the land back to a healthy or original level. It reminds people of the natural assets we have here.’’

That accurately sums up what Landcare is all about.

People come to this region because of the environment and the natural appeal of the beaches, the rivers and the mountains.

It’s all about keeping Noosa natural. And we can all make a contribution.

Get set for Birthday Blues

Noosa band Ampersand are set to launch their latest single, Birthday Blues, at a brand new entertainment venue opening this weekend in Birtinya.

They hit the ground running with their debut EP, Originality, already reaching 22,000 streams across over 70 countries and being played on over 20 radio stations.

Ampersand is an entertaining, energetic and ever evolving funk/soul/pop fusion band featuring two spectacular lead vocalists backed by a tight, innovative trio of keys, bass and drums.

The group’s polished, engaging sound and infectious youthful energy allows them to adapt to any stage or venue and their original music has secured them residencies, festivals, support slots and headline gigs across Queensland.

Birthday Blues will be launched on Sunday 3 March at The Station from 2pm, with the band followed by local dance party sensations Raw Ordio.

In a mere blink of an eye, ‘Raw Ordio’, has carved their name into the hearts of music lovers, leaving a trail of awe-inspiring performances in their wake. Their debut year was nothing short of legendary, leaving incredible memories etched in the minds of those who witnessed their explosive appearances at festivals both national and international, Splendour in the Grass, Pranafest, Elements Festival, Earth Frequency, and Caloundra Music Festival.

Open to all ages, everyone’s invited to spend the afternoon hanging out at the Sunshine Coast’s new entertainment hub.

Ampersand recorded their Debut EP at Yama Nui Studios in October 2023 thanks to the Federal Government’s Regional Arts Fund’s (RAF) Quick Response Grant adminis-

Birthday Blues will be launched on Sunday 3 March at The Station from 2pm.

moshtix.com.au/v2/ Listen to Amersand’s latest track Birthday Blues at https://gyro.to/BirthdayBlues

‘Amazing experience’: Musician chases her dreams

In the last year Sari Abbott has done it all in her Noosa hometown and felt it was time to spread her wings and explore this beautiful country.

Releasing two chart hoping singles on iTunes and AMRAP gaining high rotation on ABC Country, Kix Country, Zinc FM and many more, Sari’s been gracing stages in 2023 at Noosa Alive along side Tobias and Kate Ceberano, entertaining thousands at the Brisbane Ekka Show, playing her own show at the Gympie Muster and Caloundra Music Festival.

It all began in Tamworth where she won a scholarship at the Academy of Country Music and was a top 10 finalist in Australia’s biggest Country Music Competition, the Toyota Star Maker.

“Star Maker was amazing experience and playing to a huge park full of people was so exciting, I recommend other singers to give it a go,“ Sari said.

“Walking the red carpet for the first time at the Golden Guitar Awards as a Star Maker finalist was a blast.“

While in town, Sari also won the inaugural 2TM Discovered Talent Search.

After all the hype of Tamworth, Sari was offered her very first Songwriters in the Round session at the local Pomona Arts Hall for blues legends Cara and Hatfliz.

“We did this really cool songwriters in the round at the local hall where we could just strip it all back to the story behind the song,“ Sari said.

“It was really special to have a whole hall just listen to every word of what you’d produced and I loved hearing the other artists tales.“

Besides playing around the coast all throughout the year, her favourite local appearence’s at The J Noosa welcoming new Australians into the community at the Noosa’s Citizenship Ceremonies, and Noosa Come Together Fundraisers were some of the most memorable.

“Getting out and helping in the community where I can is special for me,“ she said.

A huge highlight for Sari was winning the Open section for her song Burning at the Australian Songwriting Awards night in Sydney along with Performer of the Night and runner up Country song for Feels Like Home. Sari sung Burning in a packed ballroom full of legends like ACDC Drummer the late Colin Burgess, Dave Faulkner from Hoodoo Gurus and Keith Potger from the Seekers to a massive applaud.

In between shows Sari spent her time with teaching singing at Hamburger Productions and studying a Bachelor of Music at USC.

Hitting the road in November last year in her toyota troopy called ‘BOB’ , Sari’s been playing music up north in Moranbah and Airlie Beach before heading down through NSW stopping in for a few shows at Orange and finishing the year playing at the Brunswick Hotel and Noojee Pub Victoria.

Reaching for the stars continued into the new year with a visit to the Tamworth Country Music Festival in January thanks to some generous support from the Tewantin Noosa RSL.

Sari supported five times Golden Guitar winner Ashleigh Dallas at the famous Town hall last month, had her own Fanzone appearance on popular Peel Street and proudly supported Lifeline New England at Toyota Park, opening night of the festival in front of a crowd of more than 5000 people.

Making her way along the Nullabour to Western Australia is in her sights now as she discovers the South Australian coastline at present songwriting her experiences as she goes.

If you’d like to follow or support her in her music journey you can follow her @sariabbottmusic on Instagram or Facebook or contact her on her website saribbottmusic.com

“I’d like to thank the Noosa Community and events for the past few years of support which has truly helped me chase my dreams,“ Sari said.

You’ll find all of Sari’s released music on leading platforms like Spotify, iTunes and Apple music.

First stop, first Sunday

The First Sunday nature and music event at Noosa Botanic Gardens goes from strength to strength.

And the upcoming event, on Sunday March 3, will be no exception.

For many, the first popular stop is at Rob’s Busstop Coffee cart, next to the poincianas where the music stage is set up. Fill up on your Cooroy Coffee hit before setting out to enjoy the rest of your morning – or your day.

At 8.30am you can join the Guided Walk through the gardens, hosted by a knowledgeable volunteer and Friend of Noosa Botanic Gardens (bring a hat and walking shoes), then at 9am, take a peek into the exotic Shade Garden.

At 10am, live music gets underway which will take you through to around midday.

And if you feel like it, bring a picnic to enjoy a lakeside table. You can bring your fur baby too – but only on leash!

Check Facebook/noosabotanicgardensfriends for a weather update on the morning of, then take the journey to the gardens along Lake Macdonald Drive, about 4km from Cooroy – and have a great day out! Crowds

From singing and bush care to service clubs and art, there are a wide variety of groups in Noosa.

YANDINA COUNTRY MUSIC

Yandina welcomes guest artists The Gecko Brothers to the ACMA concert on Sunday 17 March. You’ll also enjoy popular country music and other upbeat, crowd-pleasing favourites from local artists backed by a great house band. See you at the Hall of Fame, 24 Steggalls Road, 12 noon start. Raffle and door prizes, byo lunch, free tea and coffee. Entry $10, members $8. Enquiries 0437191004. We are a not-for-profit organisation and the proceeds will go towards the upkeep of the hall.

ORCHID SOCIETY

Noosa District Orchid and Foliage Society welcomes new and existing members to its monthly meeting this Saturday 2 March, at 1pm Tinbeerwah Hall. (Meetings are held first Saturday of each month Feb-Dec.) Learn more about growing orchids and foliage with our friendly club. For more information visit noosaorchidsociety.com.au

QCWA

QCWA Tewantin Noosa Cuppa, Chat and Create is on every Thursday 9-11 am. BYO project or just come and enjoy some company. Morning tea provided. Locals & visitors welcome. Craft and Art class schedule coming soon. Next branch meeting Wednesday 27 March 5-7 pm. QCWA Hall, next to Tewantin PO, Poinciana Ave. Enquiries Jennifer 0409 063 738

WOMEN’S DAY BREAKFAST

The Zonta Club of Noosa is hosting its International Womens’ Day Breakfast on 8 March at Noosa Springs, Links Drive, Noosa Heads at 7.30am. The guest speaker will be Dr Dimity Dornan, a speech pathologist, author, bionics advocate and researcher. She is the founder of the Hear and Say Centre for Deaf Children and the founder of Bionics Qld (BIONQ) which was established to promote the development of the human bionic industry in Queensland. Tickets $45 per person and are available at trybooking.com/COKGN

RED CROSS

Red Cross Tewantin - Noosa Branch meet monthly on the third Friday of each month. the next meeting will be on Friday 15 March at Tewantin Noosa RSL. Doors open 10am followed by meeting. All welcome. For more information contactValerie 0466 846 110.

VEGGIE VILLAGE

Veggie Village at Rufous St Peregian Beach is a community garden growing organic fruit, herbs and vegetables. Membership is open to anyone who wants to learn more about gardening, share their knowledge or just make some friends. Veggie Village has individual plots for rent plus communal plots that we look after and share. Contact us on info@veggievillage.org.au. www.veggievillage.org.au

GARDEN CLUB

The next meeting of the Tewantin Noosa Garden Club will be held on Monday 11 March at the Anglican Church, 17 William Street, Tewan-

tin. The guest speaker will be a representative from Bendigo Bank who will speak on Credit Card Fraud. Plant sales competition table raffles and afternoon tea. Guests welcome. For more information contact Len 0417604889.

QCWA TEWANTIN NOOSA

Thursday morning social art & craft meet ups will be held every Thursday 9 -11am. All welcome for a chat & a cuppa. BYO project optional. Classes for 2024 to be announced soon.

Enquiries: Jennifer 0409 063 738

RSL WOMEN’S AUXILIARY

The next meeting of the Tewantin-Noosa RSL Women’s Auxiliary will be held on Friday 1 March at the Tewantin-Noosa RSL at 10.30am. All members and visitors welcome. Phone Kay 5447 5042.

LEARN UKULELE

Ukulele Group Lessons now available with Cherry the Ukulele Lady. A 6 week course will be starting soon near Cooroibah. Each lesson is 1 hour long with a cuppa afterwards. (Adults only). For more details - 0410573629.

BOOMERANG BAGS NOOSA

Fabric donations always needed. Boomerang Bags are sewn from recycled fabric with the aim of reducing single use plastic bags and minimising landfill from discarded textiles. Any unwanted fabric, doona covers, sheets, denim, curtains or upholstery fabric can be dropped off at Wallace House (near the Noosa library) on a Monday or Wednesday morning or phone Ned on 0411 784 911.

WAVES OF KINDNESS

Waves of Kindness Care Centre Cooroy meets at the Uniting Church Hall, 51 Maple Steet Cooroy on Tuesdays. Join Our Ladies Craft Group every Tuesday from 10am to 12pm for morning tea, B.Y.O. Craft. We are open from 1pm to 3.30pm forWelfare Appointments. Call 0499 091 352.

ACTIVITY WITH PARKINSONS

The Parkinsons Activity Group, provides activities for Parkinsons sufferers, the activities range from Boxercise in the Box Office, 25 Project Avenue (0422 485 482) Georgina, Physio-led exercise (0490444255) Emily, Speech Therapy voice and choir (0400 037 901) Edwina. Call Ann for an info pamphlett on 0458 009 601. Parkinsons Group meets the third Friday of each month at Noosa Tewantin Bowls Club at 10.30am for information and lunch. You need to stay active and socialise to help deal with the symptoms.

LIONS CLUB NOOSA HEADS

Want to make friends and assist the community?We are a small, friendly club who will celebrate our 50th year soon.We need people to assist us with the NoosaTri later on in the year.We have varied activities and projects to raise funds to assist the local community. We meet the the Tewantin RSL. Please phone Keetha 0421 250 614 to enquire.

COMMUNITY GARDEN

The Noosa Community Garden is back in full swing attracting a lot of new members. “Our mission is to create a place of positive impact

through a community garden in a relaxed, social and sustainable environment through growing together“. Our summer gardening hours are Friday 7.30-10am. After harvest which is shared amongst the gardeners, we enjoy a chat over a cuppa. Further details please call Erika 0409 300 007.

CLASSICAL MUSIC GROUP

Our Classical Music Group meets in a private home in Noosaville each Thursday from 2-4pm and either watch a Classical Music DVD or listen to Classical Music CDs. There is no charge but I do appreciate a donation of $2 for afternoon tea/coffee biscuits. Please phone Lyn on 5449 0537 for more details.

FABULOUS 60S PLUS

We are a fun, friendly, seniors social group. We welcome couples and singles to join us for morning coffee everyTuesday at the Noosa Marina wine bar Tewantin, from 10am and every Thursday at the Boathouse on the Noosa River from 10 am. We also have a monthly program of lunches, dinners, picnics, walks and other fun activities. Contact Joan on 0419 517 869 for more details.

PHOTO CLUB

We meet on the second Monday of each month at Uniting Church Hall, 6 Grasstree Court Sunrise Beach at 7pm. The club comprises all levels of expertise form novice to professional. The night comprises a guest speaker, supper and our monthly critique of member’s work. Visitors welcome.

NOOSA U3A FRIDAY TALKS

U3A Noosa Friday Talks are held at 1.30 pm at U3A, 64 Poinciana Ave, Tewantin. Friday 8 March – David Braddock - History of the Maryborough Sugar Industry. Full details available on U3A website u3anoosa. com.au/ or phone 5440 5500.

ARTS AND CRAFTS

Workshops (bookings required):

Abstract botanica with Bronwyn Barton: Saturday & Sunday 2 & 3 March, 9 am – 4 pm. Turning greenware and glazing with Tricia Moore:Wednesday 6 March, 9 am – 12 noon. Colour intensive for watercolorists with Jan Lawnikanis: Saturday & Sunday 23 & 24 March, 9 am – 4 pm.

Monoprinting with Lizzie Connor: Saturday & Sunday 13 & 14 April, 9 am – 4 pm.

To book events phone 5474 1211, email create@ noosaartsandcrafts.org.au or visit noosaartsandcrafts.org.au

FAMILY HISTORY

The Heritage Centre at 17 Emerald Street in Cooroy welcomes visitors to research family and local history.Volunteers are there to help. Access a wide range of resources including a library, computers, digital databases and subscriptions to MyHeritage, Ancestry.com, FindmyPast and more. Open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays 9.30am-1pm Information ph. 07 3129 0356 or visit genealogy-noosa.org.au

WOMEN’S SHED

At Noosa Women’s Shed our focus is to teach

women tool-based skills. Members can attend tool learning sessions on Mondays and Saturdays in our workshop.

On the second Saturday of every month, we have a general meeting, held at Noosa Seniors, 11 Wallace Drive Noosaville from 1.30pm. All are welcome. Come along and hear our story, tour our shed, chat with like minded women. Find out more about us at noosawshed.com.au or www.facebook.com/NoosaWomensShed

MENS SHED

Want to join a group of like-minded men for mateship, camaraderie and networking? The Noosa Men’s Shed provides a venue for the men of Noosa to gather in an environment of traditional Australian mateship. It aims to advance the health, well being and social inclusion based on individual interests of the members.

Apart from social interaction, support and companionship, the Shed offers facilities and support for many activities: woodwork, metalwork, gardening, arts studio, music, hobbies (leatherwork, technology, amateur radio), health and wellbeing, bee keeping, aquaponics and hydroponics. Membership is $120 per year and application forms are available from the Shed office on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8am to 11am at Rotary Lane off Wallum Lane, Noosa Springs.

Meals on wheels

Weekly Roster for Tewantin- Noosa Meals on Wheels beginning Monday 4 March

Monday Drivers: Rotary D Break, Tony, Darryll, Maria & James, Driver needed for F run, Patricia, Ian, Jason, Robyn, Paul

Kitchen: Geoff, Denise, Janet.

Tuesday Drivers: Laguna, Paul H, Tania and Friends, Margaret and Jill, Denise, Barani and Peter, Carlee and Gordon, Bill and Cealy

Kitchen: Chris, Ann,

Wednesday Drivers: Trish and Karen, Alan and Cynthia, Jan and Bryan, Kevin, Kath and Melody, Simone, John and Helen, Paul

Kitchen: Denise, Chris, Judi, John, Jerry

Thursday Drivers: Kyle, Darryl, Driver needed for C Run, Donna and Julie, Margo and Jim, Kerryn and Stuart, Ian, Driver needed for I run, Michael, Sharon and Mal

Kitchen: Donal, Vicki, Sharon You can also check the roster on our website mealsonwheels-tewantinnoosa.org.au

If you are unavailable or can do an extra run, please phone the kitchen on 5449-7659.

Therese Anne McManus of Eumundi,

Be awestruck by conservation

“Awesome” is one of the most craved human experiences. When in a state of awe, a person can be more willing to protect the environment, connect to nature, and create a sense of belonging.

At the next Friday Environment Forum on March 8th, Karen Jones’ interactive presentation will share the science of awe and provide insights on how to experience awe.

Karen will present research which was conducted as part of Taronga Zoo and University of Sydney’s Masters of Wildlife Conservation Education, to support zoo and aquarium staff to implement their Social Change for Conservation: The World Zoo and Aquarium Conservation Education Strategy. This strategy recognises their critical role in building diverse and sustainable futures for people and nature.

“Awe is an emotional experience hard to describe, a fleeting moment that marvels the mind and reminds you that it is impossible to fully comprehend the vast mystery and majestic beauty that is the world you live in” (Azzopardi, 2020)

Come along to this forum to be inspired by Karen, a passionate and award-winning environmental educator who blends three decades of national park ranger and local government sustainability experiences to reveal the scientific evidence to prime participants to experience one of the most craved human experiences - awe.

Everyone is welcome at the Noosa Parks Association Environment Centre, 5 Wallace Drive, Noosaville on March 8th. The forum starts at 10:30am and morning tea is available

at 10-10.25am. Entry is $5 by tap & go at the door which includes morning tea/coffee.

Join the bird observers at 8.30am in the car-

park for interpretive birding

For more information: www.noosaparks.org.

au

Sunshine Coast vodka named the best

Sunshine and Sons Original Vodka has been awarded the title of World’s Best in the coveted World Vodka Awards in the UK.

After previously winning gold as Australia’s best in the Botanical Vodka category, the Aussie drop in a lineup of the very best products in the world from over 20 countries was judged by an expert panel to be worthy of the title of World’s Best.

The accolade comes as the team behind Sunshine and Sons Premium Spirits pack their bags for Europe and the UK where they will attend trade and industry events in Dusseldorf, London and Manchester. They will also join Austrade for drinks industry networking as the Sunshine Coast based business prepares to export internationally.

Sunshine and Sons founder Matt Hobson said, “Industry acknowledgement is always a fantastic boost for any business and we are no exception. Our team pours their heart and soul into producing quality spirits for people to enjoy with their loved ones.”

“Sunshine and Sons is about sunshine, quality time with family and friends and escaping to the laid back lifestyle of Australia’s beautiful sub-tropical Sunshine

Coast. Now, with the backing of this accolade, we’re on a mission to take a slice of what we’re about to the Europeans and Brits,” he said.

The award winning Original Vodka is one of less than five per cent of vodkas globally that are produced from grapes giving a soft, spongy and velvety texture that Hobson says is unmistakably premium in comparison to traditional grain, sugar cane and potato vodkas.

The vodka is made with a filtration system unique to its natural location on the Sunshine Coast. It uses millennia old volcanic rock giving the vodka a minerality that is often described as ‘floral pepperiness’.

Veronika Karlova, Chair of Judges for the World Vodka Awards, said, “All World Vodka Award winners this year impressed judges by their quality and taste.”

“Year-on-year we see an increase in World Vodka Awards entries for varietal, botanical and flavoured categories, which confirms that the future of vodka is leaning towards styles with a lot of character and flavour.”

Move more in March

Noosa Council is proud to announce the launch of its exciting new initiative, ‘Move More in March’, aimed at promoting physical activity and overall well-being among adults in the Shire.

Partnering with local sport and active recreation providers as well as sports clubs, the community campaign, starting on March 1, offers over 30 diverse activities for residents to try, completely free of charge.

‘Move More in March’ features a wide range of classes designed to cater to various interests, abilities, and fitness levels.

From rejuvenating yoga sessions and dynamic Pilates to energetic dance workshops and invigorating personal training sessions, participants will have the opportunity to explore activities such as qigong, martial arts, group fitness, tennis, lawn bowls, badminton, and more.

Sport and Active Lifestyles Manager, Brad Chalmers emphasised the holistic benefits of physical activity.

“Research shows that physical activity is not only essential for physical health but also plays a crucial role in supporting mental and emotional well-being. With Move More in March, we aim to provide adults in the Shire with diverse opportunities to incorporate movement into their daily lives,” Mr Chalmers said.

Local sport and recreation providers have generously contributed to the campaign by offering a variety of recreational sessions, ensuring that there is something suitable for everyone.

Cathy Tapper, Zumba instructor from Pomona was keen to sign up as a class provider to the local community campaign.

“I’m happy to be part of the Move More in March program. Endorsing and encouraging health and fitness in the community is an effective way of building a happy and healthy community. I’m in!” said Ms Tapper.

To participate in ‘Move More in March’ visit the Events Calendar on Council’s website for a full list of activities and booking.

Great results for Thunder

Quote of the week- “The bat is not a toy; It is a weapon. It gives me everything in life which helps me do everything on the field.” Virat Kohli, Famous Indian Cricketer.

FIRST GRADE: 1st grade hosted Glasshouse for week one of the last fixture game of the season. The team were aiming for a win to guarantee them the Sunshine Coast’s Association minor premiership.

Winning the toss Thunder decided to bat on the notorious number 2 pitch at Read Park which looked great for batting. When a few balls flew through off the ramp in the first over, the batters knew the new ball was going to be a challenge. Like some of their opening starts in recent weeks, Thunder found themselves in trouble again at 2-1 which soon became 3-9. However Sam Baker and Jarrod Officer (28) were able to consolidate the innings to 4-58, then another wicket fell for the Thunder to be at 5-68. This brought Blake Steel out to partner Baker and the pair put together a brilliant partnership of 105 with both looking like they would bat all weekend. Steel went for 66 (7 x 4s and 3 x 6s) and Baker was out soon after for 58 to see the team in a good place at 7-181.

No 8 Cooper Lea was out there with No 9 Ben Claypole. It was strange to see a batsman who has scored two 100s in the past twelve months batting at 9.

Cooper Lea (23) went at 8-207 to bring out

No 10 DomTaylor. Claypole was out at 228 and then everyone watched Taylor completely dismantle the Glasshouse attack, taking 48 off the last 6 overs of the day with the No 11, Zac Murray also clearing the ropes!

Bad light saw the day finish with Thunder 9-276 from 74 overs.

SECONDGRADE: ThesidetravelledtoCoolum to take on the Sharks needing an outright win for a shot at the finals. Losing the toss, Thunder were asked to bowl first. Tyron De Kauwe and Luke Smalley started really strongly with both picking up wickets in their first overs. Smalley in particular toiled hard, bowling 13 overs straight threatening the whole time and was unlucky to not pick up more wickets. Joshua Christensen was always threatening the outside edge picking up 3 wickets of his own through the middle. Jarred Davis bowled superbly putting the ball on some very challenging lines and lengths with his off-breaks to snare two wickets.

The threatening rain was mostly confined to the tea break, only losing a couple overs of play, before Fin n Mayo bowled well to clean up the tail and skittle them for 114 in 41 overs. A really good result for Thunder. After losing two wickets, Max Cooper stayed solid and was joined by Tristan Griffin and the pair were still there when bad light stopped play early. Max batted with patience and poise to finish 37 not out. The team will start next Saturday at 2 for

59 aiming to pass Coolum’s score and then go for the outright win.

THIRD GRADE: The boys drove south to take on the fourth placed Caboolture Snakes team. Winning the toss Thunder chose to bat on a pitch that offered little other than a slow bounce. They started well with Craig Moore and Lachlan Webster taking the shine off the bowling and batting out the first 15 overs of slow but accurate bowling. Craig then departed for a well-earned 18 before Lachy followed to have the team a little shaky at 3-32. Richard Lee and Daniel Cooke then steadied the ship and took the score to 4-75 at tea. After tea it all went south with all the batters falling to get-out shots on a slow pitch: all out for 109. Caboolture then batted in slow drizzle making bowling hard until the umpires calling end to play with them 0-42. Lots of work to do next week!

FOURTH GRADE: Fallons Solutions 4th gradeDay 1 v Cooroy-Eumundi at Dale Officer Oval. Winning the toss, Cooroy chose to have a bat. Jeremy Holland went through the top order with accurate and intelligent bowling, taking all the wickets to have Cooroy at 5-22. Their middle and lower order dug in for a while but were all out in the 44th over for 119. Max Joyce, Cooper Withers with a wicket each and Alek Dillewaard with two wrapped up the Cooroy innings. Some all-round brilliant fielding by Thunder was a key factor as well.

In fading light and with on and off drizzle, Thunder lost two batters early but Anthony Blackwell (100*) and Jeremy Holland (38*) then put on a superb 124 partnership to snare the 1st innings lead and finish out the day. Anthony was able to bring up his century in the last over before stumps. His great innings included 19 x 4s. A great start for the team and a lot to build on next Saturday.

UNDER 15s A: The team put on a terrific team effort last weekend to win their way into the Grand Final next Saturday/Sunday against the Coolum Sharks. The Thunder boys scored 9 for 149 with top scorer Rory Ramsden registering 81 runs off 76 balls (7 X 4s and 3 X 6s.) Aedan Mayo backed him up with 16. Then the Thunder rolled the Caboolture Snakes for 59. Best figures to Rory Ramsden 3-11 and Ben Blackwell 3-10. The boys will be practicing hard this week looking to bring home the premiership next weekend.

UNDER13s A: The Thunder team are off to the big dance V Coolum Sharks next Saturday after a close semi-final win over the Maroochydore Swans last weekend. Against disciplined bowling theThunder team scored 115 with top scorers, Henry Blackwell 34 not out and Nate Watson 19. Thanks to an inspiring team effort in the field, the players were able to restrict the Swans to 102. Great performance from every player. Here’s hoping the team have saved their best till last.

Call for Olympic infrastructure funding to be re-directed

Over $100 million in Olympic infrastructure funding, allocated to a basketball stadium at Kawana, needs to be urgently re-directed into a multi-purpose facility that will benefit the wider community and be able to host a multitude of different types of events, says former Mayor.

Alison Barry-Jones, Chair of the Sunshine Coast Arts, Convention, Exhibition and Entertainment Association, says that the Sunshine Coast community overwhelmingly wants an indoor multi-purpose entertainment facility that can cater for music events, theatre, a variety of Olympic sports, as well as commercial enterprise. “Conventions and exhibitions make a facility like this viable and are an important component within the overall design, they provide long-term financial, tourism and employment benefits and leave a legacy for our community”, she said. “A basketball stadium at Kawana, while it can be used 10% of the time, doesn’t provide economic opportunities for the region.”

Sadly, there has been no community consultation on the current proposal for Kawana. We believe funds in the longer term are better spent on hosting a broader range of Olympic training facilities, not simply basketball. An iconic regional project will be a functional wealth-creating community asset. It will produce immediate and long-term employment for the residents across a vast range of industries and creative positive aspirations for our youth.

Three million dollars of Government feasibility studies over 27 years recommend the importance of constructing this vital community infrastructure. The Sunshine Coast RDA region, from Noosa to Moreton Bay, has a population nudging up to one million and our capital city of Maroochydore has no enclosed plenary meeting facility for large community events.

Sunshine Coast Council already owns the land for the multi-purpose entertainment centre. The financial contribution from three

tiers of government, including the Olympic legacy funding, could go towards construction expenses. Generous benefactors have already committed $10 million along with venture partners who will commit to constructing an international hotel.

“Anurgentreviewisrequiredastowhatunderpins and drives a successful well-rounded economy. We suggest a region brought together by showcasing Arts, Sport, Convention, Exhibitions, and Entertainment events will reinvigorate the community’s sense of well-being and be the economic driver we desperately need”, Alison said. “These types of events inspire excellence and prevent the ‘talent drain’ of our young people moving elsewhere to further their careers – be they sporting, cultural or otherwise”, she added.

“Being equipped to host a wide variety of national and international events will embellish our citizens with a sense of pride and place fulfilling the moral obligations of the Olympic Legacy Oath”.

Bay fires up

Tin Can has been fishing well this week with good whiting being caught around the banks of Snapper Creek andTeebar Creek on yabbies, peeled prawns, and worms.

Kauri Creek has been one of the prime spots for Trevally and queenies.

These speedsters have been taking a liking to lightly weighted live herring on a snelled rig.

The flathead was a sort-after fish on the weekend with the Levi Hanna Family Fishing Classic in full flight.

Fishing the flats in the Tin Can and Rainbow area has seen some good fish taken.

The best results have been on the run-out tide and fishing from a boat, casting plastics into the shallow waters, and rolling back into the deeper waters has seen some nice fish over the 50cm mark landed.

Give the Keitech Easy Shinners in the 4” size ago, these plastics are made from vinyl and swim brilliantly.

Jack numbers are also good with plenty of fish taken from the rock bars and structure and live bait has been the best bet.

Mud crabs are on the march with most creeks holding good-sized bucks.

Mullet is definitely the best bait for these tasty crustaceans.

Make sure you know the rules about crabbing before putting your pots in as it can be a hefty fine for those caught breaking the rules.

On the offshore scene, the wind and swell have made conditions pretty average for most of the week.

There were a few windows through the middle of last week that saw some anglers sneak over the bar at Wide Bay and Noosa.

There have been some nice snapper, sweetlip, jew and cobia around North Reef with live yakkas and slimy mackerel definitely the best chance to hook up to the bigger fish.

Sunshine Reef out of Noosa saw some nice fish with trout from the bottom and some nice spotted and spanish mackerel around.

Chardon’s was also producing some bigger Mahi Mahi, mackerel, and Cobia.

Tuna schools are also around and have been spotted on the closer reefs.

Small slugs are your best bet as they are feeding on small rainbait or frog-mouthed pilchards.

Make sure you have your trolling lures when moving spots as the pelagic’s are really firing.

On the beaches, there is still the sneaky tailor hanging around and plenty of anglers are reporting bite-offs on the tide at night.

After uprating their leader the result has been some larger tailor with reports mostly coming from the Noosa North Shore.

Mullet, bonito and pilchard baits have nailed most of the fish.

Dart is in good numbers with most fish in close.

This is great for the kids as they don’t have to cast a mile and prawns and small fish baits have claimed plenty.

We are also seeing some good quality whiting along Rainbow and up towards Inskip.

Live worms and pippies have been the goto bait.

In the Mary with a little less rain things have improved.

Most of the smaller tributaries are where the bass are hiding in the clearer waters.

Small cicada and frog-style lures have been very successful.

Up in the Dam, Borumba has seen plenty of saratoga action with most fish taken in the morning around the weed edges.

For all the latest information log onto www. fishingnoosa.com.au for up-to-date bar and fishing reports, don’t forget to drop into Gympie’s Newest tackle store “The tackle Shop”, Tackle World Noosa, and Northshore Bait & Tackle in Marcoola for all the right equipment, bait and advice to get you catching.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook and remember Tight Lines and Bent Spines!

Stay active and healthy in Noosa, there’s plenty of ways

From sport to dancing or walks there’s plenty of ways to get active in Noosa.

WALKING NETBALL

With a focus on fun and social interaction rather than competition, it is a great way to stay active, energized, and meet some new friends. The aim of fast walking (rather than running) is to keep it safe and injury-free for all. No team is required; just come along and play. Registration is $37, then $5 for each game you play.Wednesday 6-7:30pm, Noosa Netball courts, McKinnon Drive,Tewantin. Call Jane 0407 480 125 for more information.

SUNNY COASTERS LINEDANCING

We are a warm, welcoming, inclusive, friendly bunch who love to dance. With five classes offered each week together with absolute beginner workshops also starting periodically each term, there is something for everyone. Classes are held in Tewantin and Noosaville and taught by Sue who is a passionate teacher with over 30 years experience. Take an ‘average day’, build

in some dance and realise the positive and rewarding results from a little music, a few Boot Scoot’n steps and encouraging vibes. Visit sunnycoasterslinedancing.com.au or phone Sue on 0408 337 262.

FREE TENNIS AT TEWANTIN

As a special promotion, there will be free tennis court hire at the Tewantin Noosa Tennis Club until 28 February. The Tewantin Noosa Tennis Club is situated at the Noosa Sports Complex, McKinnon Drive, Tewantin. Simply log onto the Club website and use the promo code FREEFEB24 to book a court. play.tennis.com.

au/tewantintennisclub/court-hire

TRY LAWN BOWLS

If you are looking for a low-impact, therapeutic exercise that can improve fitness, coordination and confidence, then lawn bowls is the sport for you.

The Cooroy Community Bowls Club, located at Your Mates Bowls Pub, 5 Opal Street, Cooroy, offers social bowls every Tuesday and Saturday

NOOSA WEATHER FORECAST

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afternoon.There is no need to book, simply turn up at 12 noon. For further information contact Maureen (club president) on 0419 588 661.

SUNDAY DANCE

Every Sunday, from 12.30, at the Tewantin Masonic Hall, Moorindil St. We start by teaching basic dance steps, then Waltz, old time, New Vogue, Ballroom Dances and a little Latin. We run through to 4pm. Lots of fun and dancing, including a 20 min. tea/coffee break to socialise. (Only $10:00) Hope to see you there. Singles or couples welcome. Just rock up or phone Andrew 0429 829 328. For more info, please visit andrewsclassdance.com

WALK AND WORKOUT

Mature ladies, if you’re not as fit as you used to be and you want to get back into moving your body in the great outdoors, then this might just be your answer. Accountability and achievability with a healthy active lifestyle plan customised just for you. Vitality, mobility, stability and longevity are a few of the benefits of building strength and improving flexibility with an easy active fitness plan. Please call Donna on 0419 373 319.

CROQUET

Every Sunday morning is Come and Try Day at the Club in Noosa Waters’ attractive grounds in Seashell Place. Be at the Club by 8.15am where experienced trainers will help you understand what this strategic game is all about. And remember our offer – four free lessons before you need to think about joining. For further information ring Niven on 0428 799 987.

PLAY TENNIS

Fit tennis players required for singles and doubles play during the week and weekends. Squash and tennis players needed Monday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday. Call Karen on 0412 485 411.

MAGZ JAZZ

Increase strength, flexibility, energy and wellbeing. Dance exercises and stretching. Learn new dance moves and routines to inspired music. Jazz and Latin style dance keeps the body moving, mind agile, memory working and spirit lifted. Wednesday mornings: 8.45am-10.15am inTewantin. Phone Margaret for details on 0425 269 988.

INDOOR BOWLS

Noosa Indoor Carpet Bowls Club would love to welcome new members to join us each Friday morning at the Leisure Centre inWallace Drive, Noosaville. No experience necessary and lots of fun to be had. Play starts at 9am till 11am. Please contact Pam 0407 493 402.

NOOSA FOLK DANCERS

You’re invited to come and try sessions, first one free. Experience traditional and modern, easy and moderate dances from countries around the world, on Fridays from 10-11.45am at the Catholic Parish Hall, Moorindil Street, Tewantin.We are a welcoming group providing physical and social well-being through world dance. Phone Philippa on 0417 780 016 or just come along.Wear comfortable shoes.

TAP DANCING

Come and join the fabulous foot percussionists every Thursday at The Uniting Church Hall, Werin St, Tewantin. Beginners start class at 4.45pm and do combined work with the intermediate class from 5-5.45pm.The intermediate class runs from 5-6pm. Contact Helen on 0448 621 788 for more.

SOCIAL BALLROOM DANCING AT POMONA

Every Tuesday evening from 7-9.30pm Pat and Norm Young organise a social evening at the Pomona Memorial School of Arts Hall. Cost is $4. It is a very enjoyable evening as Pat and Norm provide New Vogue as well as Old Time Dancing. Come and see if you will enjoy it or phone 0407 456 939.

PICKLEBALL

Life begins when you discover pickleball. Make new friends, play indoor or outdoor, and its a sport for all ages eight to 88. Noosa Pickleball Club is hosting beginner lessons, and sessions for all skill levels. Find out more by emailing info@noosapickleballclub.com

FITBARRE

Classes for adults based on ballet. Improve your posture, tone and tighten your muscles with this total mind and body conditional workout while enjoying classical music. Class- es are on Mondays and Wednesdays 9-10.30am (Intermediate level),Thursday 5-5.50pm (Beginners), Friday 9-10am (All levels) at Performing Arts Factory, 2/6-8 Rene St, Noosaville. Phone Angelika on 0488 088 633.

Talking Sport

Exciting visitor for Noosa

Last week an international renowned karate instructor visited Noosa to conduct an eighthour training seminar with students from Noosa and surrounding areas. The instructor was Norio Kawasaki sensei from Japan: a graduate from the famous JKA headquarters instructor program.

Kawasaki sensei, was a guest of the Karate Noosa club, run and operated by Bryan Dukas 6th Dan. ‘’We were extremely privileged to have him share his knowledge with us. He taught two sessions on both Saturday and Sunday at the Noosaville State School Hall.” Next week we take a close up look at this International seminar, the third to be held in Noosa Rugby League Once again it is time for those green grass warriors of the Noosa Pirates Rugby League Club, who go in pleasant per-suit of the pill, to gather to the fray. This season, not only will they welcome all members, sponsors and supporters back to the fold, but also a new sponsor, who has now become part of the Noosa family. A big welcome goes out to 4Pines Noosa.

The 4Pines Brewing Co. has come on board as the Premier Sponsor of Pirates Senior Ladies Side for 2024 season, thus showing a major investment into female sport locally: as well as Pirates. Recently Pirates met at the venue with Carlton & United Breweries- Glen Thiele, Head of Craft Beer, to announce the sponsorship with Noosa Pirates.

“The 4Pines community sponsorship allows our venue the unique opportunity to give back and support the local communities, in which we operate, and greaten the connection between our staff, who operate our bars, and the local community. We are delighted to be a part of the Noosa Pirates exciting 2024 campaign: and look forward to celebrating their success this year,” said CUBs Head of Craft Beer Glen Thiele.

In response, Pirates President Liam Alazar said, “We are thrilled to have 4Pines Noosa on board as a Premier Partner for the ladies side, for the season ahead. They have certainly got a great venue in the Junction: and it is great to see them doing good things in the local community. Our ladies playing numbers are really strong, and it is fantastic to see 4Pines backing the growth of female sport locally.”

The fact that new sponsors such as 4Pines Noosa, are willing to step forward and come on board, speaks volumes for the reputation of the club, within our sporting community. Well- done to all involved.

Head coach Michael Duff has given us a good look at the season ahead. ‘’The club just held its inaugural masters rugby league competition on the weekend which was a great success. We also had our women’s and reserve grades first hit outs for the season, hosting Wondai in trial matches.

The reserves had a 10 all draw showing early signs of potential. Our senior men’s numbers have grown to the point where we will have a third- grade side in 2024, with many players competing for spots. This can only raise the standards for the season ahead. Our women’s side won the annual Reef and Beef Cup beating Wondai 30 to 6. Brazilian import Franciny Amaral, known by all as“Bu” took out the player of the match award. This is a new look team in 2024 with five new players making their debuts.

A fantastic crowd was in attendance for the first home games. I expect this will grow with the quality of players we have in 2024. We now move into the Sunshine Coast 9s competition this Saturday at Kawana stadium, where all grades have entered teams. The next trial games will be held at Pirates Park on the 16th March.

A grade and Reserves will host South Toowoomba and third grade plays Mary Valley. The main game for that evening will be our women’s side kicking off Round 1.” All aspects are for a good season ahead.

Weightlifting

The Noosa Barbell Athletics Shine at Oceanic Weightlifting Championships. In a remarkable

display of talent and strength, Noosa Barbell athletes made a lasting impression at the OceanicWeightlifting Championships, with standout performances that earned them well deserved accolades. A proud Head CoachWoogie Marsh, sums up a great championship.

“The week started with Natlite Marshal competing in the Masters Tri Nations Cup, which was the opening event of the championships. Representing Team Australia, Marshal delivered an outstanding performance that contributed to the team’s domination in the competition. This lady set a new world record in the Masters category for her age and weight class.

She showcased her prowess with a snatch of 60kg and a clean and jerk of 82kg.This cemented her status as a force to be reckoned with in the weightlifting world. The success continued as Taj Marsh took to the platform in the Junior Men’ M96kgs category, later in the week. With a snatch of 136kg and a remarkable clean and jerk of 170kg, Marsh secured the gold medal with a total of 306kg.

His impressive performance, also earned him the title of having the second biggest total in the open men’s class M96kg class. This has highlighted his exceptional skill and dedication to the sport. The achievements of these Noosa Barbell athletes, has not only bought glory to their club, but also showcased Australia’s strength in weightlifting on the international stage.

Their victories in the respective categories further solidify their positions as rising stars in the sport, inspiring a new generation of aspir-

ing weightlifters. As the applause fades and the medals gleam, the legacy of Noosa Barbell athletes at the Oceanic Weightlifting Championships, continues to shine brightly: a testament to their hard work dedication, and unwaning passion for weightlifting.”

With their eyes set on an even greater heights, these remarkable athletes are poised to leave a lasting impact on the world of weightlifting for years to come. Once again athletes of our community who reach the top in a lesser publicised sport, have shown that they are indeed amongst the best in the country.

The efforts, dedication and the sacrifice to achieve these heights, should be acknowledged, not only within the boundaries of our community, but throughout this great country. We salute them all. Athletes, coaches, families and sponsors: coach Woogie Marsh and his whole team.

Between the Flags

Our fantastic little Noosa Seahorse Nippers, last weekend held their water events, of swimming, board and rescue work, followed by their annual presentation of awards and trophies. Good conditions and a safe small surf, accompanied by their qualified helpers made it a fun day.

Once again, the highlight of the morning for the 38 little seahorses, was meeting and receiving their trophies from Dawn Fraser, AC MBE. For the kids, this is always a big thrill, but for one in particular, over 18 member Luke Rhinebolt, who has met Dawn on several oc-

casions, it was as usual an emotional moment. One that gives this young man something to remember. So many thanks to this great Australian for her continued support, both as Patron of the Seahorse Nippers and a Surf Club member.

This weekend will certainly be a big one for the Seahorse people. Apart from the standard activities, the purpose will be a Joint Program. Clubs in attendance will be Noosa, North Burleigh Dickie Beach and Mooloolaba.

The Joint Program will be the catalyst for communication and discussion for all aspects in lifesaving. Main points for discussion will be, Programs (for future seasons), Accessibility in Patrol Flagged Areas and Pathways into Lifesaving (where people with disabilities can volunteer into surf club life).

As always, with major gatherings such as this, there are always those people behind the scenes who make a generous contribution regarding the financial expenses: such as accommodation and travel, to all visiting clubs. With our organising groups being unpaid volunteers, this sort of gesture is gratefully received: and therefore, a major vote of thanks to Tewantin Noosa Lions Club and the RACV Noosa Resort. Also, on a personal note Ian Glew President of Tewantin Noosa Lions.

Once again, our great partnership with our over the hill clubmates, Sunshine Beach Surf Lifesaving club: very prominent in all aspects with its involvement. Also, thanks to Councillor Amelia Lorentson who has just chalked up her 10 years as a supporter and clubmate.

The Molly and Jack show

How great was it to see two Aussies on the podium at Sunset, proudly holding their Hurley Pro trophies aloft as the magnificent Hawaiian season reached its climax!

It’s a bit early in the season to be making rash predictions, but under the old first past the post system, I’d be putting good money on Molly Picklum to become the 2024 world champion, but of course, under the World Surf League rules all you can do is make top five and hope for the best at September’s crap shoot at Lower Trestles. Still, with a second at Pipe and a first at Sunset, Molly is into the yellow jersey and off to a flyer.

Jack Robinson also found outstanding form at Sunset after faltering at Pipe, putting him at number two in the rankings and sniffing down John John’s neck as the tour heads to Portugal. We’ll come back to rankings and their ramifications in a moment, but first let’s unpack the performances of the Aussies at Sunset.

Pickles’ perfect 10 at Pipe was a moment for the ages, even though she couldn’t back it up in the final, but at Sunset she surfed with power, style and confidence throughout, and then airdropped out of a bomb in the final, and that was all she wrote for Hawaii’s great hope, Betty Lou Sakura Johnson. It was a near-flawless exhibition by the 21-year-old from the NSW Central Coast, but three years her junior, Betty Lou is going to be right there with her and Caity Simmers in finals to come, particularly in Hawaii.

Of the other Aussie girls, only Isabella Nichols impressed, as she had without luck at Pipe. At Sunset for her fifth place she looked confident and at home on a difficult playing field. The Sunny Coaster is a smart operator with a load of talent, and she’s now inside the midseason cut.

The veteran Sally Fitzgibbons did her smiley Sally thing without luck and now sits just outside the cut alongside Tyler Wright, of whom we have to ask, have we seen her best? Tyler still has plenty of power and won’t pull back, but you’d have to wonder about her focus.

Jack Robinson was disappointing at Pipeline where so much was expected of him, but he knew exactly what he needed to do at Sunset on finals day in clean, growing conditions. He started the day by taking out Italo Ferreira with a near-perfect 9.77, then saw off teammate Ryan Callinan in the semis and demolished Kanoa Igarashi in the final with some of the most extraordinary surfing ever seen at Sunset, the high point being his threading of two barrels as a quirky wave humped across the inside reef, this time for a 9.87.

Of the other Aussies, I was particularly impressed by the backside attack of Ryan Callinan and, to a lesser extent, Connor O’Leary (now representing Japan). But, as mentioned last week, the draw did our guys no favours, with Liam O’Brien knocking out Ethan Ewing and RyCal taking out Connor in back to back heats in the round of 16. Straddie’s Ewing, frequently mentioned in world title conversations, looked out of sorts, his timing frequently just off a shade. Hopefully it’s a momentary aberration.

So where does that leave us going into Portugal and then the home season at Bells and Margaret River? Well, in the girls it’s all about Molly, and in current form she’d be hard to beat at Supertubos, Bells or Margaret River, if there’s size, and just one of those wins would consolidate her as top five. Bella Nichols is worth keeping an eye on too. She gets better every event.

In the men’s, it’s all about Jack, and he just looks the goods. Connor O’Leary would be our

next highest at five, if he hadn’t turned Japanese, and at seventh we have Ethan Ewing and Liam O’Brien. I’d back Liam over Ethan right now, but these Queenslanders are both brilliant surfers, and that could easily turn around. It’s highly unlikely that we’d see three Aussies in the final five, but they’d be mine.

Team for El Salvador longboard El Salvador is the new home of world longboarding, with both the ISA andWSL conducting world titles at the right point break of El Sunzal in the coming months.

Last week Surfing Australia announced its Irukandji Longboard team for next month’s championships, with last year’s Australian champions Noosa’s Kirra Molnar and Bokarina’s Clinton Guest (born in Noosa) first picks. Joining them will be NSW wildcards Tully White and Declan Wyton.

Said Kirra: “As always, I’m very excited to be representing my country, especially in a sport that is normally very individual. Coming together as a team and supporting each other

truly shows the Aussie spirit. I’m looking forward to surfing this wave again as it changes so much in size and shape every day.”

TheWSL also announced its longboard tour schedule last week, with events scheduled for Bells Beach and Huntington Beach, California, with one venue to be announced ahead of a finals series at El Sunzal, El Salvador in October. It’s ironic that El Sunzal replaces Malibu as the finals venue, since 45 years ago it stood in for the ‘Bu in the shooting of cult classic movie Big Wednesday, long before it was known as “Surf City”.

FOOTNOTE: Speaking of Big Wednesday, in last week’s print edition of Noosa Today, the ticketing link got lost for the Noosa Surf Museum presentation of Big Wednesday, with special guests and world champs Peter “PT” Townend and Tom Carroll. Tickets are selling fast so don’t delay. Visit: events.humanitix. com/big-wednesday-x-immortals-launch

Sport has power for change

“Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand,” - Nelson Mandela.

Sport plays a key role in connecting communities and bringing people together. Whether it’s a local soccer match, a masters swim meet or kids playing cricket in the park, at a community level, sport breaks down social barriers, builds friendships and develops a sense of belonging. While, on an individual level, the importance of exercise for physical and mental wellbeing cannot be underestimated.

I have been an AFL supporter, player, sponsor and local club president and I understand the value of the camaraderie and sense of belonging that comes with involvement in sport. And, of course, I know from my own personal experience the key role of sport and exercise in improving physical and mental health. I have gone from being hugely overweight, drinking and smoking heavily, never exercising and suffering from depression to getting my weight under control, exercising every day and being fit, happy and healthy. I believe passionately that adults and kids in our community should be encouraged to participate in sport and exercise activities, whether its fitness classes for new mums, getting kids to sign up for their favourite sport or our elite athletes taking their skills to the next level.

If I am elected Mayor of Noosa Shire, I will make it my mission to work closely with all our sporting clubs to understand their individual needs and what Council can do to help strengthen the role they play in the community. Noosa Shire has over seventy not-for-profit sports clubs. That’s a huge number of people in our community who volunteer, support and take part in these clubs. In my 26 years living in Noosa Shire, I have personally been involved

with many of these clubs. Some memorable moments include the World Rugby 7’s held at the Noosa Dolphins where I provided strength and conditioning training and access to my gym facilities to the smaller clubs from the South Sea Islands; Guns & Hoses charity AFL game at Noosa Tigers AFC; and more recently being involved in hosting the Port Adelaide AFL team in Noosa for six days. Port Adelaide spent more than $200,000 within our community dur-

ing their short stay here, on accommodation, restaurants and activities. Just one example of how sport can contribute to the wider Noosa community, boost and support local tourism which, in turn, benefits residents and ratepayers.

Apressingissueistoensurethatoursporting facilities are at a standard that will allow events like these to continue. For some, that means financial investment to upgrade grounds and

changing facilities. Accessing grants and funding is key for our sports clubs and Council has a significant role to play here. I believe it is essential that we work to build stronger and better relationships with stakeholders at all levels of community and government to take our sports facilities to a higher standard. The upcoming Olympics in 2032 provides the perfect springboard to achieve this. With sport there are no State or Federal boundaries.

PROPERTY

NOOSA PROPERTIES CATCH THE EYE

PROPERTY MATTERS

The riverside house with pool at 7 Robert St, Noosaville, goes to auction at 12pm on Saturday, 2 March, with father-and-daughter team Luke Chen and Lauren Chen of Tom Offermann Real Estate. “The campaign has been going really well,’’ Lauren said. “There has been 12-15 groups through at every open house, as well as holding private viewings during the week.

“It is single-level living, which means you can sit on the front terrace and enjoy water views but without the traffic.

“Much of the appeal comes from the good separation for family or the extended family.

“The main bedroom suite is completely separate, and there is a resort-style central pool. “Pretty much all interest has been from South East Queensland, looking to upgrade. “At the same time locals are taking advantage of the market conditions.’’

With an under-stated, modernist look from the street, everything changes once inside - a substantial residence with numerous expansive living areas indoors and alfresco, including poolside and the north-facing terrace with river views.

The practicality of coastal living mixes with European flourishes such as a bodacious chandelier above the long timber dining table.

There is a beam rescued from the Yamba Bridge, while walls are VJ-profile throughout and an abundance of light from two terraces sends shadows across seemingly endless timber flooring.

The U-shaped kitchen is set up for all entertaining options, with long pastel greystone topped white cabinetry, breakfast bar seating six, three umbrella-inspired

pendants, walk-in pantry, and plenty of storage.

As well as the north-facing alfresco terrace with a pre-cast concrete table and bar, the west side of the living area opens to an outdoor room with washed timber decking, a bar, the pool and spa, with a sun deck on the other side.

A maintenance-free grass area on the north-side has a shaded area, thanks to a pandanus.

COASTAL LIFESTYLE

Just launched this week by Lauren Chen is a five-bedroom, two-bathroom, two-car family home at 180 Old Emu Mountain Rd, Peregian Breeze.

A big home in an established estate within a bike ride of Peregian Beach, it goes to auction Saturday, 23 March, at 11am.

Another fresh listing is a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment in a beachside position with ocean views at Sunshine Beach.

Happy Tom Offermann and Adam Offermann outside the Pinnacle on Sunshine, 29 McAnally Drive. 391006

Priced at $2.1m, Apartment 7 in Costa Nova at 1 Belmore Tce is on the second level with those 180-degree coastal views, lift access from the secure carpark, and wide east-facing balcony.

FLURRY OF RECORDS FLY

There’s certainly been more than love in the salty air along the popular Eastern Beaches with the Tom Offermann and Adam Offermann-listed 29 McAnally Dve at Sunshine Beach, and the Rebekah Offermann and Michael McComas-listed 26 Lorikeet Drive at Peregian Beach, both selling prior to planned auctions, both at similar premium prices and just several days apart.

When the buyers found the properties they’d long been searching for, the only way to avoid auction competition and risk missing out was to submit pre-auction knock-out offers.

The sellers were ecstatic with the prices and unconditional contracts, and in the case

A

at 7 Robert St, Noosaville, goes to auction at 12pm on Saturday, 2 March. 389329

The three-bedroom beachside house with pool at 29 McAnally Dve Sunshine Beach, sold prior to auction. 391006

of the vendors of 29 McAnally Dve, it was the end of a long selling process.

They had been trying to sell for 18 months before listing it with Tom and Adam, so to sell in 30 days for much more than they had hoped for had them jumping for joy.

Creating success stories like these for clients has a lot of moving parts. In this case it was also about teamwork with the buyer introduced by Luke Chen, supported by Lauren Chen, and expertly guided through the goalposts by Tom and Adam for the big pre-auction result.

Premium property buyers are sensitive about their privacy, and this occasion is no exception.

“Noosa’s Eastern Beaches are under fire from affluent buyers,” Tom Offermann said, “taking out four of the tightly-held premium homes in the $8million to $13million range this month.

“And, unusually, they are not southernbased buyers but local property owners who

A four-bedroom, four-bathroom, two-car waterfront house with pool, jetty, at 28 Mossman Ct, Noosa Sound, goes to auction Friday, 15 March, at 12pm. 391006

are buying and/or adding to their portfolios.“

PEPPERS IS HOT

Tom Offermann Real Estate listing agent Chris Miller was also hitting the high notes, albeit the Scoville scale of spiciness, with 6109 in Tree Tops at 5 Morwong Drive, Noosa Heads.

The four-bedroom villa in the Peppers Noosa Resort sold under the hammer for $3.05m.

“The auction saw competitive bidding with three registered bidders,’’ Chris said.

“The Victorian buyers are very excited about being 500m to Noosa Main Beach, the treetops location in an exclusive area near the Hollindale Track with direct access to Laguna Lookout and the Noosa National Park.

“They loved the natural outlook, generous floorplan with dual living spaces and private garaging.”

The sale was the 47th at Peppers in four years and represents a record sale price for Tree Top Villas.

LOCATION BRINGS SUCCESS

Achieving an excellent result for a very happy vendor on Saturday was Offermann’s Julie Bengtssen with her listed townhouse 1/13 Nebula Street in Sunshine Beach sold at auction for $1.08m.

Interest throughout the campaign was predominantly from local and Brisbane parties looking to downsize; however, the ultimate buyer from three registered bidders was an investor from Tasmania who had a private inspection and recognised

the good value of the property and its excellent location.

HAPPY OUTCOME AT DOONAN

After a fantastic auction campaign with with more than 60 inspections, Kess Prior and Jeanette Catalano of Hinternosa ended up with three registered bidders last Friday for the auction of the four-bedroom home on 5366sq m at 357 Sunrise Rd, Doonan.

First time for sale, the solid rendered block home over two levels with pool was presented like you would find in a lifestyle magazine.

Other infrastructure included three-car parking, a separate shed and workshop.

The property sold under the hammer for $2.25 million to a local buyer who will live in the property with her family.

WATERFRONT HAVEN

There is big interest in the four-bedroom waterfront house with pool at 28 Mossman Ct, Noosa Sound.

Mike Hay and David Conolly of Century 21 Noosa are taking the property, which comes with jetty, to auction on Friday, 15 March, at 12pm.

With holiday approval already in place and a prime location a short walk from Main Beach and Hastings Street, this property will appeal to a wide variety - from owneroccupiers to investors.

A tranquil garden leads to the spacious two-storey home with four bedrooms and four bathrooms along with a selection of living areas.

Serving as the hub is the gourmet chef’s kitchen with a waterfall-edge centre island,

A four-bedroom, two-bathroom, three-car house with pool on 5366sq m at 357 Sunrise Rd, Doonan, sold at auction Friday for $2.25 million. 386412

a long breakfast bar, a butler’s pantry and a suite of stainless steel appliances.

It is central to the dining area and family room, as well as to the covered alfresco with a built-in outdoor barbecue.

One bedroom, with an ensuite and a powder room, are on this level, while upstairs are the remaining bedrooms and bathrooms alongside a study and yet another sitting area.

The owner’s bedroom suite is a retreat, with a luxurious walk-in robe, an ensuite and a private deck.

There’s also lift access and airconditioning throughout. Outside, there is lush landscaping, a sparkling solar-heated lap pool and a serene backyard that leads to the jetty.

AUCTION ACTION

SATURDAY, 27 January

Peregian Beach

· 25 Currawong Cres: 4bed, 3bath, 2car house, pool, Tracy Russell 0413 319 879

Tom Offermann Real Estate. Sold postauction $3.050m, expats from the US returning home

SATURDAY, 17 February

Doonan

· 221 Duke Rd: 2bed, 1bath cottage on 8399sq m, 1pm, David Berns 0408 629 438 David Berns Real Estate. Passed in, listed at $1.795m

Peregian Beach

· 1/4 Avocet Pde: 3bed, 2bath, 1car townhome, 11am, Tracy Russell 0413 319 879

Tom Offermann Real Estate. Continuing to negotiate with interested parties, listed $1.850m

FRIDAY, 23 February

Doonan

· 357 Sunrise Rd: 4bed, 2bath, 3car house, pool, on 5366sq m, Jeanette Catalano

0422 923 851 Kess Prior 0404 344 399 Hinternoosa. Three registered bidders. Sold under the hammer for $2.25 million

Noosa Heads

· 6109/5 Morwong Dve: 4bed, 3bath, 2car apartment, Chris Miller 0412 894 542 Tom Offermann Real Estate. Sold under the hammer for $3.05m

Sunshine Beach

· 1/39 Duke St: 3bed, 3bath, 2car apartment, Mike Hay 0417 624 059 David Conolly 0438 259 956 Century 21 Noosa. Negotiating

SATURDAY, 24 February

Noosa Heads

· 32/5 Quamby Pl: 2bed, 2bath, 1car apartment, Melanie Butcher 0407 379 893

Laguna Real Estate. Registered bidders, passed in $1.625m. Talking to interested parties post auction

Sunshine Beach

· 1/13 Nebula St: 3bed, 2bath, 1car apartment, Julie Bengtsson 0418 980 247 Tom Offermann Real Estate. Sold at auction for $1.08m

· 29 McAnally Dve: 3bed, 2+bath, 2car beachside house, pool, 3pm, Tom Offermann 0412 711 888 Adam Offermann 0475 804 467 Tom Offermann Real Estate. Sold prior.

FRIDAY, 1 March

Noosa Heads

· 4/3 Morwong Dve: 3bed, 3bath, 2car apartment, 12pm, Mike Hay 0417 624 059 David Conolly 0438 259 956 Century 21 Noosa

SATURDAY, 2 March

Noosa Heads

· 307/5 Hastings St: 1bed, 1bath, 1car top-floor apartment, 1pm, Shane McCauley 0403 646 930 Frank Milat 0438 528 148 Richardson & Wrench Noosa

Noosaville

· 7 Robert St: 5bed, 4bath, 2car house, pool, 12pm, Luke Chen 0417 600 840 Lauren Chen 0412 672 Tom Offermann Real Estate

Noosa Waters

· 7 Corinthia Ct: 3bed, 2bath, 2car house, pool, 2pm, Amanda Balding 0408 088 788 Leteasha Richards 0420 524 760

Richardson & Wrench Noosa

Peregian Beach

· 26 Lorikeet Dve: 5bed, 3bath, 3car beachfront house, pool, Rebekah Offermann 0413 044 241 Michael McComas 0447 263 663 Tom Offermann Real Estate. Sold prior. ●

AUCT IONSATURD AY 12 PM

InthethickofNoosaville’sillustriousbeauty,several fishing rodlengths awayfromGympieTerrace and theNoosaRiverforeshore,whatappearstobean understatedmodernistresidencefromthe street, makes aquantumleapinto animpressivesubstantial residencewithnumerousexpansivelivingareasindoors andalfresco,includingpoolsideand anorth-facing terracewithriverviews …ofcourse.Whenit comes

to lifestyleanddesign,insidehitsthehighnoteswith aspecialblendoflaid-backglamourandpracticality, chilled coastalaccentsminglewithEuropean flourishes suchas abodaciouschandelier,whileanabundance oflight,emanatingfromtwoterraces,sendalluring shadowsacrossseeminglyendlesstimber flooring.

Auction Saturday2 March12pm

View Friday4.30-5.00 &Saturday11.30am

Agent

Luke Chen 0417600840

luke@offermann.com.au

Agent

LaurenChen 0412672375

lauren@offermann.com.au

5/20 HEND E RSON ST REET , SUNSHINEBEACH

Lookingfor atrulyspectacular,unrivalledeagle’s eye viewfromnorthernSunshineBeach, sweepingbeyond 180degreesacrosstheluminousazureofthe CoralSea, wheredreamywavesare off thehook,andall totally visiblefromone-and-onlypenthouse-perfection, twominutes to thesand.Comeinside.Beenthralled by the generosityofwell-appointedlivinganddiningareas, andafreshaestheticmimickingtheenvirons. Tall walls

ofglassseeminglydisappearandmorphfromindoors out, totwo offourundercoverterraces.Imaginea vibrantspectrumofblues,greens,oohs,andaahs,also sun-kisseddayswiththe carefreespiritoftheseason asfreshasanearlymorningswimand walkalongthe beach.Entertainersare definitelyspoiltforchoice

Auction

Saturday 9March11am

View

Saturday 11.00-11.30

Agent

JesseStowers 0414367282

jesse@offermann.com.au

Lookingfor aone-in-a-million exclusiveinvestment opportunity,acomplexwiththreeentire floorthreebedroomapartments,amere70m to theNoosaRiver’s white-sandshore?Thisisit,all 3unitshaveHoliday LettingApproval. Easyto baskinthepleasureofhaving oneofNoosaville’smostsought-afteraddresses,and aquietcomplexaptly called‘Illoura’,anAboriginal word for‘beautifulplacenear water’.Eachsizeable

apartmenthas abrightwhitebreezy-beachaesthetic thankstoa recentmakeover;furniture andaccessories inthetiledopenplanliving,diningandkitchenarea witha monochromaticpalettetocomplement;and north-eastfacingundercoverterraces. Fromthe top floordrinkintheviewsoftheNoosaRiver,whileonthe groundleveladoorway leads to aprivatecourtyard andlawn.

Auction

Saturday 16 March12pm

View

Saturday 12.00-12.30

Agent EricSeetoo 0419757770 eric@offermann.com.au

27MC ANALL YD RIVE , SUNSHIN EB EACH

Reachforthe stars fromthehighestpointinSunshine Beach,as youimagine floatingonCloudNineabove animposing rooftop terrace whichseeminglyspills overthe CoralSea,with explosive180-degreeviews sweepingNoosaNational Parkalongtheeastern coastlineofwhite-water wavesandglisteningshores,to Mooloolabaandbeyond.Insideishighandmighty,has classicalproportionsand asophisticated yet laidback

aesthetic.Admirehow doorsfromthe overgenerous openplanlivingspacesdisappearandmorphinto the wideeast-sideundercoverterrace.Similarly,outtothe luminescentpoolonthesouth-side. Perfectfor aquick dip, afew lapsbeforestartingtheday,yogaunderthe Pandanusorbreakfastinthegazebo.

Auction Saturday16March1pm

View Saturday10.00-10.30

Agent

Roark Walsh 0437447804

roark@offermann.com.au

Agent

RebekahOffermann 0413044241

rebekah@offermann.com.au

18 CO ORAN CO UR T, NOOSAHEADS

Ifescaping toyear-roundforeversummers of tranquillitytoatopoftheclass waterfront residence, withits ownwhitesandbeach,spacefor two boatsand only ashort walk to HastingsStreet,soundstoogood to betrue, startpacking.Swoon overtheexpansive livingareasboasting asunnydesign-forward aesthetic, alsotheextensivedeck,whichappearsperchedonthe 20-metrewater’sedge.Note thereare onlyfour steps

to thewhitesandtidalbeach,soeasyforlaunchinga kayakintotheshimmeringriver.Thejettyisperfect forsundowners, yet longenoughfor apowerboat requiringdeeper water. Access to theNoosaRiverand theEvergladesisclose.

Auction Saturday23March12pm

View Saturday& Wednesday10.00-10.30

Agent

JulieBengtsson

0418980247

julie@offermann.com.au

Agent

NicHunter

0421785512

nic@offermann.com.au

739/61 NOOSASPR ING SD RIVE , NOOSAHEAD S

Designed by PaulClout,a superlativealbeithandsome residenceoffersabeguilingblueprintwhichlooks beautifully to thepastandfutureforitsdesign credentials, by cleverly combiningArtDeco’s eyepoppingcurvaceouslineswithlavishspaces,timeless style,andneverleavingglamouratthedoor.Thedesign isonparwith excellencewith anortherlyaspect,views frommostroomsandhas a36mgolfcoursefrontage

whichseeminglymeldswiththe5thand7thholesof worldclassNoosaSpringsGolf Course. Central to the residence,isan overgenerous,loftyceilingedliving/ diningspace,drenchedwithnaturallight,a fireplace withsandstonefeature,andcurved wallsofglass.

Price $7.45M

View Saturday& Wednesday 12.00-12.30

Agent

ClareSherwood 0402903733

clare@offermann.com.au

Agent

PatrickSherwood 0413889130 partick@offermann.com.au

3/18 BR YA NS TREET , SUNSHINEBEACH

EnjoythebestofSunshineBeachinthisluxuriousmultilevelvillawith stunningsea,sandand coastalviews,sundrencheddecks, rooftop terraceandperfectNorth Easternaspecttothepanoramicofthe CoralSea. It’simpossiblenottobeimpressedatthefront entrance,followedbythe vast livingareasandbeyond. There’s anod to the Mediterraneanwithbanksof slidersandglasslouvres, stonebenchtops,VJ cabinetry

and terracotta tiles,whilecurvaceouslinesthroughout suggestartdeco.

Thebeautyofthisluxuriousresidence ismatched only by itssuperblocationjust50m to thesandand oppositepopular cafes,barsandboutiques.Idealfor holiday lettingor aplacetocallhome–thechoiceis yours!

A 3 B 3 C 1 D

Price $4.35M

View

Saturday 10.00-10.30

Agent

JesseStowers

0414367282

jesse@offermann.com.au

551/61 NOOSASPRI NG SD RIVE , NOOSAHEADS

Do youhave anenduringlove forlivingnearNoosa

MainBeachinthequiet,secureand stunninglybeautiful sanctuaryofNoosaSprings?Howabout astriking designer residence, centralcourtyard and alongwide terraceabuttingthedazzlingnorth-facingpooland exquisitelandscapedgardens.

Soaringglass wallsallow anabundanceofnaturallight to shadow-shimmyoverstunning floorsandbanksof

slidingdoors almostdisappearandcoalesceseamlessly withtheundercoverterrace.

Upstairsinthenorthwingisthepremierkingretreat withsun room, terraceoverlookingthepooland gardenand extendingintoa mezzanineloungespace. The walk-in robeisfashionista-style,andthe two-way ensuite has aspabath to ‘bubble away’theblues.

Price $2.5M

View

Saturday 10.00-10.30

Agent

PeterTeWahta

0423972034

peter@offermann.com.au

180 OLDEM UM OUN TA INRD , PER EG IANBEACH

Elevatedtocapturenaturalair flow,space andpracticalitywasfrontofmindwhen designingthisfamilyhome.Set amongstthebushscapeatthesouthernboundary oftheNoosaNational Parkina finitepocket of PeregianBeach,we’rejust5 minutes fromthebuzzof PeregianVillageandpatrolledbeaches.Thesinglelevel floorplan &secondliving/media roomallowsrelaxedlivingforalldemographics.Acovered alfresco areawith abushbackdropsurroundedbylow maintenancegrounds won’t keep youinthegardenforallof yourSunday.Instead,grabthekidsorthedogand strollthroughthistreelinedbeachsideestate,orheaddown to Peregianvillageand enjoysomequalityfamilytime.

A 5 B 2 C 2 D

Auction

Saturday 23 March11am

View

Saturday 10.00-10.30

Wednesday4.00-4.30

25/67 GIBSONROAD , NOOSAVILL E

Agent

LaurenChen 0412672375

lauren@offermann.com.au

Lookingfor aquiet, veryprivate,renovatedabsolutewaterfront townhomewith long waterviews,threebedroomsandmultiplelivingareas,in aslice ofparadise?It isguaranteedanenviableunretiringlifestyleisnever-ending,especiallyforwalking, cycling,boatingand fishingenthusiasts.

An expansivelawnstretchesfromthealfrescoterracetothe revetment wall,so fish fordinner, kayakand canoearoundtheneighbouring waterways,or take aboatvia thelockand weir system to theNoosaRiver.Strollalongthemeanderingpathways orviatheunderpass tocafé centralon Gympie Terrace,alsothedog-friendly walkway whichisparallel to theNoosaRiverforeshore Thisis asageinvestmentopportunityina muchsought-afterlocation.

A 3 B 2 C 1 D

Price $1.795M

View

Friday11.00-11.30

Agent JulieBengtsson

0418980247

julie@offermann.com.au

HOME FOCUS

3-ENTIRE FLOOR APARTMENT COMPLEX

LOOKING for a one-in-a-million exclusive investment opportunity, a complex with three entire floor three-bedroom apartments, mere 120m to the Noosa River’s white-sand shore? This is it, and all 3 apartments have Holiday Letting approval.

Easy to bask in the pleasure of having one of Noosaville’s most sought-after addresses, and a quiet complex aptly called ‘Illoura’, an Aboriginal word for ‘beautiful place near water’.

Each sizeable naturally light apartment has a bright white breezy-beach aesthetic thanks to a recent makeover; furniture and accessories in the tiled open plan living, dining and kitchen area with a monochromatic palette to complement; and north-east facing undercover terraces; from the top floor apartment drink in the views of the Noosa River. The ground floor terrace has been enclosed however has a doorway to a private courtyard with lawn and fragrant frangipani.

The modern U-shaped and well-equipped kitchen has white benchtops and cabinetry including a semi-island breakfast bar or casual meals area.

Along the hallway are three carpeted bedrooms with built-in robes. The main bedroom is on the north-east side, the bathroom and laundry with full facilities are semi-combined.

At the rear of the property is an outdoor shower, single garage, two abutting carports, two adjacent storerooms, also a shed. Next to the two visitor parking spots is a lawn area fringed by a ‘neighbourly’ Poinciana and palms.

Apart from the lifestyle value, the solid return on investment from the year-round holiday rental market is undeniable and the location is second-to-none. Several doors away is the water’s edge, where watching activity on the river, casting a rod for delicious flathead, sharing sundowners and delightful sunsets, or taking a few minutes’ walk to Gympie Terrace and myriad well-known restaurants, cafes, bars, and take-outs are amongst favourite past times. There are jetties to catch the Noosa Ferry to Hastings Street, leisure craft hire companies, shallow waters for safe swimming and adjoining parkland dotted with gazebos.

“World-famous Hastings Street and Noosa National Park are a cycle or short walk away and this unique investment opportunity so close to the water and in such a prestigious location is ultra-rare,” explains Tom Offermann Real Estate agent Eric Seetoo who is taking the apartment complex to auction in one line on Saturday 16 March 2024. “This is the domain of the canny and on the wish list of many looking for the magical power of a silver bullet in

HOME ESSENTIALS

Australia’s favourite holiday destination.”

Facts & Features:

· Apartments Area: 3 entire floor apartments each 116m2 & identical floor plans

· All 3 apartments have Holiday Letting Approval transferrable upon sale.

· Land Area: 607m2

· About: open plan living/dining w natural light; white/blue beachy aesthetic; white tiled open plan; sheers/plantation shutters; aircon/fans; open to nth-east facing undercover terrace - #2 w river glimpse, #3 w river view from living & terrace, #1 w enclosed terrace & access to residents-only use courtyard & lawn; modern U-shaped kitchen w white benchtops & cabinetry incl 3m breakfast bar; 3-carpeted bedrooms w BIRs; main on nth east side; bathroom w sep toilet & laundry facilities

· Inventory: fully inclusive

· Exterior: outdoor shower; single garage w 2 x carport; 2 x visitor parking; 2 x storage + shed adjacent to carport; lawn area fringed by neighbourly Poinciana & palms; front courtyard w lawn & frangipani

· Complex: ‘Illoura’ - an Aboriginal word for beautiful place near water; building height 8.3m; zoned residential to 12m high; currently holiday rental via AirBnB

· Location: 120m to Noosa River foreshore; close to Gympie Terrace, Quamby Place, Noosa Village shopping precinct, Hastings Street, Noosa Main Beach & Noosa National Park

· Conveniently located only 180m from the boat ramp, offering easy access to aquatic adventures and a picturesque waterfront lifestyle. ●

Address: 17 Russell Street, NOOSAVILLE Description: 9 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 5 garage Inspect: Sat, 2nd Mar 12.00pm - 12.30pm

Auction: Sat, 16th Mar 12.00pm Contact: Eric Seetoo 0419 757 770, TOM OFFERMANN

ON THE COVER

PENTHOUSE IN HEART OF HASTINGS STREET

IF hidden treasure is a penthouse nestled between the western end of sophisticated Hastings Street and beside the Noosa River, with spectacular views from the terrace over the private jetty, verdant Noosa Hill, along Noosa Sound waterways, west for best sunsets, beyond the Noosa River To Mt Cooroy and much more, you have found it.

On the top level, it is easy to sigh when you open the door and peek ahead from the entry way to the Italian-tiled open plan dining and living spaces. The muted coastal palette is complemented by pale grey modular sofa and ottoman coffee table, comfy cane chair, glass-topped dining table, dome-shaped cane pendant, timber with white fabric chairs, also specially selected seaside art, artifacts and accessories. Push aside the glass doors to reveal an extension of indoors, to an undercover terrace which wraps the south and west sides and affords wide river views and beyond to the Hinterland, over the resident’s-only jetty, walkway to the Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort wharf where the Noosa Ferry picks up and returns passengers and on the west side, the Noosa Woods. Stop at the kiosk to buy bait or hire a kayak or two. The alfresco alternative entertaining setup is also perfect for sundowners, watching fly-boarders, kayakers, fisherfolk ever hopeful of catching whiting or bream, and boaties returning after a day bobbing around the Everglades.

The contemporary U-shaped kitchen with plantation shutters, beige stone-topped cabinetry, has all the whizz-bang latest appliances and accoutrements just in case despite the fact it’s holiday time, it is the night to dine ‘at home’ maybe under the stars. There are two bedrooms with a beach look, plantation shutters, a television and built-in robes.

The main king suite has a pastel creamtiled ensuite, opens out to the terrace and has those views – from bed! The second bedroom with double and single beds is on the north west side.

The bathroom with stone-topped cabinetry and plantation shutters adjoins and a fully equipped laundry is next door. The single secure undercover car park also has a storeroom for boards etc.

“This is a 5-star penthouse in a 5-star location,” enthuses Tom Offermann Real Estate agent Jill Goode who is taking the property to auction on Sunday 17 March 2024.

“It’s right in the heart of Hastings Street at the western end, mere footsteps to Noosa Main Beach and amongst Hastings

HOME ESSENTIALS

Address: 18/2 Hastings St, Noosa Heads

Street’s plethora of restaurants, beachside cafes, bars, boutiques, art galleries, surf club, also boardwalk to Noosa National Park with its world famous surfing reserve. Turn left from the #2 Hastings Street complex and head to the Noosa Woods, picnic areas and gazebos, river mouth and walkways through to less popular parts of the beach, also the doggy beach.”

Facts and features:

· Penthouse Area: 86m2

· Terrace: 5.8m x2.3m wraps south and west sides with wide river views across to multi million dollar homes, Mt Cooroy for amazing sunsets, Noosa Woods and hinterland, private jetty; walkway to Sofitel wharf and kiosk for hire of rods, boards etc; plus Noosa Ferry stop.

· About: top level; Italian ceramic tiles; plantation shutters; high ceilings; ducted air/fans w timber blades; monochromatic aesthetic; living w pale grey modular sofa; ottoman, cane comfy chair; coffee table, smart TV; specially chosen seasidethemed local art, coloured glass artefacts; accessories; glass-topped \ dining table, cane ‘dome’ pendant, 6 x timber/white chairs; 2 bedrooms w plantation shutters, TVs; BIRs – main king suite w/ TV, river views, terrace access, pastel cream-tiled ensuite; 2nd w/ double bed and single bed; bathroom w stone-topped cabinetry; plantation shutters; fully-equipped laundry; secure undercover single car garage; lockupstore room

· Kitchen: U-shaped w beige stone-topped 2-pac cabinetry, pantry, plantation shutters; 2-door LG fridge; Sharp micro; Fisher & Paykel Dishlex dish drawer; Westinghouse oven + cooktop; coffee maker

· Inventory: fully inclusive to cater for highend holiday market

· About #2 Hastings Street: boutique complex of 15; edge of the Noosa Woods Reserve; residents only jetty; easy side entrance

· Location: western end of the world-famous Hastings Street; mere mins walk to Noosa Main Beach, restaurants, bars, cafes, boutiques, art galleries, Noosa Surf Club + boardwalk to the Noosa National Park w world-famous surfing reserve; left from #2 complex is Noosa Woods, picnic areas, gazebos quieter part of Noosa Main Beach with accesses plus Noosa Spit and doggy beach; 5-min drive to Sunshine Beach and Sunrise Beach; 25-min drive to Sunshine Coast domestic Airport. ●

Description: 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1 garage

Inspect: Open everyday from 1st - 9th March, 12.00 - 1.00pm

Auction: Sunday 17 March 2024, 10am

Contact: Jill Goode 0418 714 653, TOM OFFERMANN REAL ESTATE

3

- Stunnung turn key single level home

- Huge fully tiled 9x4 pool with spa and seperate hot tub

- Two outdoor dining/lounge areas with outdoor kitchen

- Superbly renovated chef’s kitchen with Smeg oven

- Full home security/touch screen system including blinds

- Sony Oleg TV’s in living/media area,surround sound system

Auction

AUCTION

307/5 Hastings Street, Noosa Heads

1 bed | 1 bath | 1 car

- Top floor apartment, beachfront complex

- Sliding doors running the full width of the apartment

- Master bedroom opens directly onto large balcony

- Lift, gym, pool, spa & security carpark on title

- Modern luxurious light and airy with air conditioning

- Impeccably fully furnished with substantial size kitchen

Auction On-site Saturday 2nd March 1pm

Open Saturday 12.45pm

Shane McCauley 0403 646 930

Proudly Richardson&Wrench

Noosa | 07 5447 4499

Frank Milat 0438 528 148

www.rwnoosa.com.au

23 Hastings Street, Noosa

10 Greenshank Street, Peregian Beach

4 bed | 4 bath | 4 car

- 120 metre walk to the beach

- Stunning pair of beach side duplexes

- High ceilings with open plan living

- Fantastic alfresco outdoor areas with lovely courtyards

- Fresh breezes and air-conditioning

- Master bedrooms with balconies and walk-in robes

Price By Negotiation

Open Wednesday 9.30-10.15am & Saturday 9.30-10.15am

Proudly Richardson&Wrench

Noosa | 07 5447 4499

www.rwnoosa.com.au

SINGLE LEVEL COASTAL LIVING

THIS beautifully presented property offers the ideal coastal lifestyle within minutes from North Peregian Beach. With its immaculate presentation and light-filled spaces, this home is sure to captivate.

This property is nestled in a serene location surrounded by the national park, offering tranquil views of the hinterland and breathtaking sunsets. Single-level home boasts an open-plan design with expansive living spaces.

High ceilings in the main living areas, alongside plantation shutters, ceiling fans, and roll-down blinds, create an inviting ambiance. Features three bedrooms and two bathrooms, including a master bedroom with a walk-in robe and ensuite. The master bedroom opens to a northfacing sunny terrace, providing a private retreat.

The modern kitchen is open plan, flowing into the dining and family area. A second living space and TV nook add versatility to the layout, catering to different lifestyle needs.

Enjoy outdoor entertaining with an undercover alfresco area conveniently located beside the sunny pool, perfect for relaxation and gatherings. The covered patio becomes an extension of the living space, blending indoor and outdoor seamlessly.

With a separate laundry and a double auto lock-up garage, including internal entry for added convenience. It also features a lock-up garden shed and 3kW solar power, enhancing its functionality and sustainability.

Situated on a low maintenance 629m² block, established gardens, privacy and easy-care living without compromising on style or comfort.

Whether you’re downsizing or accommodating family, this home offers the perfect balance of elegance and functionality. Enjoy daily strolls to the beach and village, encapsulating the essence of this coastal lifestyle.

Owners are on the move and say Sell! ●

HOME

Noosaville

NoosaWaters

PeregianBeach

SunshineBeach

Tewantin

•Elegant Design: Anear-newhomefeaturing the finest finishesandfixtures

•SophisticatedLayout:Enhanced bywide hallwaysandan impressivestaircase

•UltimateComfort:Equipped withstate-of-the-art ducted air conditioning

•PrimeLocation: Withinfive minutesshort walk toNoosa Junctionandclose tobeaches

•LifestylePotential:Comes withagenerousallotmentthat offers thepossibilityfor apool

SHARONMcLURE

0400084975

sharon@themcluregroup.com.au

t hemclureg r oup.com.a u

OPENHOmE

Sa tu rday2 ndma rch a t 11a m-11:30a m

We dnesday6 thm a rch a t 11a m-11:30a m

AUCtiON

Sa t 16 thm a rch 10 a m On-s ite

Rarely AvailableGroundFloorUnit 9/76 HILtOntERRAcE,nOOSAVILLE

2 A 2 B 1 C D

•Bequick forthisrareopportunity to ownthislovelysinglelevel unit

•Locatedin asmall waterfront complexwitha sunny, northfacingaspect

•Two goodsizedbedroomseachwithown bathroomandrobe

•Functionalkitchenfeaturesgranite benchtopswithplentyofcupboards

•Loads of naturallight throughout,attractive shuttersoffer privacy

•Fencedcourtyard idealforchildrenorpetswithBCapproval

•Lockupgarage,aircon, lowbodycorps,private jettyandboardwalk

•Walktothe NoosaYacht Club, Marina,BowlsClub andGympieTerrace

FORSALE OffersOver$995,000Considered

VIEW Sat9-9.45am Wed12-12.30pm

MelanieButcher

0407379893

mel@lagunarealestate.com.au

Live InorLetOutInPrimeLocation 4/5BARBAdOScREScEnt, nOOSAVILLE

2 A 1 B 1 C D

•Stylish townhousemid-way between Gympie Terraceand MainBeach

•Nearbyparkwithriveraccess forSUPor relaxation

•Currently holiday letina small,tightlyheldcomplex

•Stylish newflooring, air-conditioningand amplestorage

•Modernopen-plankitchen, with spacious living/dining areas

•Fullbathroom upstairs,laundry with toiletdownstairs

•Fullyenclosedgrassy courtyardideal forpetsorchildren

•Withfew properties availableinthis primelocation,bequick to inspect!

FORSALE OffersOver$1,300,000Considered

VIEW Sat& Wed11-11.30am

Anne Powell 0419332973

anne@lagunarealestate.com.au

www.lagunarealestate.com.au