With the current cost of living, there’s never been a better time to review your home loan.
We’ll look at your rate, term, repayments, and equity, giving your loan a full check-up to make sure it’s still right for you and your current needs.
Community Bank • 89B Bulcock Street, Caloundra
DROVES of car enthusiasts and motoring fans gathered at Cartel Co on Sunday, 24 November, for the inaugural Aura Summer Car Show, kicking off what promises to be a seasonal highlight in the community calendar.
Event organiser Amber Phipps said she was overwhelmed by the turnout and would be organising an Autumn event for March.
“We have always been into cars and that car park outside Cartel Co and Brouhaha is
just perfect for a car show and I approached the businesses and said, let’s do this,” Ms Phipps said.
“It was really well received by the community, and we can’t wait to do it all again.
“There needs to be more car events on the coast, we have a huge community of car lovers here who want to come together.”
Cartel Co’s owner Sean Cattell said the event had a fantastic turnout of both spectators and cars.
“I believe we had close to two hundred cars rotate through over the three-hour showcase,” Mr Cattell said.
“We had a great variety of cars from classics to modern cars, Japanese, American, European and Australian.
“We had a lot of support from local businesses donating some incredible prizes.
“Planning for the next show is already underway and we are hoping to have in addition a 4×4 and bikes category.”
LOCAL kids can dial Ho Ho Ho (46 46 46) from any Telstra payphone for a direct line to Santa this Christmas, but Aura-based little ones are in for a bit of a hike.
There are no public phones in Aura forcing residents to travel to neighbouring suburbs to make calls - not only to Santa but also in emergencies - when their mobile phones are lost, damaged, out of battery or otherwise non-operational.
A Baringa resident would need to travel 3km in a straight line to access their nearest phone booth in either Little Mountain or Golden Beach.
Yet the distance apparently meets Telstra’s Universal Service Obligation to “ensure payphones are reasonably accessible to all people in Australia, no matter where they live or conduct business”.
According to a Stockland spokesperson they are yet to be contacted by Telstra to install public payphones within the Aura community, but suggest residents reach out to Telstra to determine any future or planned locations of their public payphones.
Telstra is “open to public consultation on the location of payphones” and those who wish to request one for their area can call Telstra on 1800 011 433 or in writing to Telstra Payphone Siting Manager, Locked Bag
4850, Melbourne Vic 3001.
But if greater Caloundra parents are willing to get the kids to their nearest booth, kids of all ages can phone Santa for free from 20 November until Christmas Eve by dialling 46 46 46 from any payphone.
Last year over half a million calls were made to Santa from payphones across Australia – a cost-free way for kids to chat oneon-one with Santa.
With just one dial, they can ask Santa anything, from what the reindeer are snacking on to how chilly it is at the North Pole.
Payphone locations across the 4551 are:
• 11 Pierce Avenue, Little Mountain
• 49 Nelson Street, Golden Beach
• 20 West Terrace, Caloundra
• 6 Centaur Street, Caloundra
• 6 Esplanade, Bulcock Beach
• 1 Central Park, Caloundra
• 39 South Ulm Street, Moffat Beach
• 56 Coolum Street, Dicky Beach
• 32 Buderim Street, Battery Hill
• 695 Nicklin Way, Currimundi
The lack of payphone access adds to the lukewarm service that many Aura locals experience with the Telstra network.
New Aura resident Kirk Edwards said he’d never considered phone booth access until it was too late.
“It’s something you don’t really think about until you need one, I never thought about it once when we were looking to buy here or after we moved, until I left my phone at home one day and needed to make a call.
“I thought, bloody hell, where’s the nearest phone box, and there wasn’t one,” he said.
“It wasn’t an emergency, but it got me thinking about if it was, you rely on others.”
This follows a number of local residents including Vinoy Dafin venting their frustrations earlier in the year when Telstra mobile services were affected during a power outage.
“The absence of mobile connectivity, particularly data service backup, during power outages by Telstra, the largest telecom operator, is a significant cause for concern,” he said.
CONSTRUCTION of the Sunshine Coast’s “largest hotel and music venue” has been given the green light following the property settlement in late November.
Works on the $45 million Aura Hotel will soon commence, with the project’s completion expected in 2026.
From the owners of Eatons Hill Hotel, Sandstone Point Hotel, The Doonan, and Imperial Hotel, the new “mega venue” is expected to bring world-class talent to Caloundra.
Speaking on location over the weekend, Comiskey Group director Rob Comiskey said the pub and music venue would be a “big bastard”.
“It’s going to be a big pub, it’s got a big music venue in it… it’s huge,” Rob says.
“It has a massive 90,000sqm shopping centre next door to us, and a big beer garden out the back that rolls into what they call People’s Place which is like South Bank.
“There’s not much here at the moment, but oh my god… This place is (going to be) an absolute monster.
“(Aura) is like North Lakes on steroids; so it’s about twice the size of North Lakes.
“It’s going to be a pretty awesome pub and I can’t wait to start building it.”
Aura Hotel isn’t the only venue set to bring a musical and economic boom to the Caloundra region.
The Comiskey Group received developmental approval for a large holiday resort and 150-hectare festival-site at Coochin Creek last year (pictured).
The ‘Coachella‘-style site – called Coochin Fields – will be 10 minutes from Aura Hotel, bringing an expected annual $60 million to the local economy.
The two new developments will join Caloundra music venue heavyweights Kings Beach Tavern, Norton Music Factory and The Events Centre.
With the nearby Sunshine Coast Stadium and The Station, both in Birtinya, also attracting major artists, including British drum and bass act Rudimental, the area is set to remain as the Coast’s entertainment capital.
“We’re excited to create a thriving epicentre of entertainment for the Coast and bring something really special to this already innovative and unique community,” Rob says. Buderim musician and high school teach-
er Drew Wilson welcomed the Comiskey venues.
“Having new world-class facilities on the Coast, that will hopefully attract world-class artists, can only be a positive for local musicians and fans,” Drew says.
The Comiskey Group’s award-winning venues have hosted international stars including: Prince, Post Malone, Khalid, Joan Jett, Ice Cube, Good Charlotte and Bryan Adams.
Sandstone Point Hotel will host Lookout Festival in February, with the likes of Grinspoon, JET and The Veronicas.
They plan to bring similar musical icons to Aura Hotel.
Capable of hosting 2500 punters, the venue will offer both “epic” and “intimate” shows.
“We’ve had artists from Prince to Post Malone play at our venues, every genre, for
every demographic,” Rob says.
“Aura Hotel will also see a revolving door of talent, bringing big acts closer to home for those residing on the Coast.
“We are already thinking about the live music experience, meticulously planning the design of the live band room and worldclass production.”
The music venue will boast a world-class PA and lighting system, band room, and mezzanine level.
The hotel features internal and alfresco dining areas, six bars, a gaming room, and function spaces.
“We have the largest entertainment offering in the Moreton Bay region and felt it only natural to expand into the neighbouring Sunshine Coast,” Rob says.
“South East Queensland is where we were born and raised. We are passionate about bringing premium experiences to locations
rich with opportunity in this thriving state.” Comiskey entertainment director Jono Jackson says Aura Hotel (pictured) and Coochin Fields are a much-needed addition to the region.
“The Coast offers an incredible lifestyle and it is an exceptional place to visit, but we saw a gap in the market in terms of live music venues.
“The region’s ongoing population growth creates demand for premium production opportunities locally.”
Aura is Australia’s largest master-planned community to be constructed over three decades and will cost upwards of $5 billion to complete, eventually housing 50,000 residents.
The town centre is touted to include cinemas, restaurants, cafes, medical facilities, an urban university campus, private schools, transit centre, and vibrant public spaces.
SCHOOL’S (mostly) out, the summer break has officially begun, and it’s time for Mums and Dads to brace for the chaos (and fun!) of the school holidays.
Luckily there is plenty to do across the 4551 postcode.
AT THE LIBRARY
Library Explorers Club
Join the Library Explorers Club for a summer of adventure.
From December 1 to January 31, kids can complete weekly challenges at their local library or online for a chance to win a $100 book voucher.
Each challenge earns an entry, and participants can collect stamps on a special boarding pass to track their progress. Visit any Sunshine Coast Library or visit the Libraries website to embark on this fun reading journey.
When: December 1 – January 31.
Where: All Sunshine Coast Library locations and online.
Details: Sunshine Coast Libraries website– library.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/ whats-on/library-explorers-club
Library elf on a shelf scavenger hunt
Our library staff have been masquerading as elves at the North Pole and we have the pictures to prove it!
Grab a scavenger hunt clue sheet and see if you can find all the elves…on the shelves. All ages. Registration not required. Dropin session.
When: December 14 – December 24.
Where: All Sunshine Coast Library locations during open hours.
Busy elves station
Make elf ears, hats or just get creative and make something elfmazing! Ages 4+. Registration not required. Drop in for as long as you like.
Beerwah – Tuesday, December 17, 10am12pm.
Caloundra -Tuesday, December 17, 10am-12pm.
Deadly Australians
Learn interesting facts, curious habits and little known ‘secrets’ about the venomous wildlife that inhabit our suburban backyards, bush, beaches and ocean.
Ages 4-12 years. Registration required.
Caloundra – Friday, December 20, 1011.30am.
Comic express cartoon workshop
Learn how to create your own original cartoon character with the help of cartooning legend Phil Judd.
Ages 7-12 years. Registration required. Caloundra – Thursday, January 9, 1.302.30pm.
Paper engineering
Make a paper plane or flying craft. Will it fly and how far? All ages. Registration not required. Drop-in session.
Caloundra – Wednesday, January 15, 10am-12pm.
AT THE REGIONAL GALLERY
Draw and discover
Visit the Caloundra Regional Gallery and take part in a self-guided drawing activity in conjunction with Nature and Culture – animal as object in the Gallery Artroom Space. Free activity during open hours. While there, be sure to check out the Nature as Culture exhibition, it’s showing from December 13 to February 2.
When: Tuesday to Friday, 10am – 4pm and Saturday and Sunday, 10am – 2pm.
Where: Caloundra Regional Gallery, 22 Omrah Avenue, Caloundra.
Details: Caloundra Regional Gallery website – gallery.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
Kids Art Attack
Draw, cut, collage, paint, fold, create on the first Saturday of every month. Cost is $2 per child.
When: Saturday, January 4, 11am – 1pm. Where: Caloundra Regional Gallery, 22 Omrah Avenue, Caloundra.
Draw animal objects
Join artist Deb Mostert for a children’s drawing workshop. Suitable for children aged 6+. Cost is $15 per child.
When: Friday, January 10, 10 – 11.30am. Where: Caloundra Regional Gallery, 22 Omrah Avenue, Caloundra.
Diorama Workshop with Deb Mostert
Make your own miniature museum display in a box. Suitable for children aged 12+. Cost is $15 per child.
When: Friday, January 10, 1–4pm. Where: Caloundra Regional Gallery, 22 Omrah Avenue, Caloundra.
GEAR up and kit out in your most festive outfit for the inaugural Bus 600 Pub Crawl!
Organiser Wendy Sparkles said the event would be a fun-filled day of Christmas cheer for a worthwhile cause, raising funds for the Salvation Army.
The event will kick off at the Caloundra Hotel at 10 am on Saturday, 14 December, following the Translink Bus 600 route and finishing around 6 pm at the Cotton Tree Beach Bar.
And the best part?
Participants can then jump straight back on the bus for a safe ride home!
Stops will include:
• Caloundra Hotel
• Kings Beach Tavern
• Currimundi Hotel
• Mooloolaba Bowls Club
• Taps
• O’Malley’s
• The Blue Bar
• Cotton Tree Beach Bar
“The only rules are to dress up in your favourite Christmas gear—the more outrageous, the better – and join in the carols sing-along at each venue,” said Ms Sparkles.
“Many years ago, I did the Brisbane pub crawl and have been bouncing ideas around with this year’s organiser, getting some tips and tricks from him.
“I’ve had this idea for a while, so I’m super excited that it’s actually happening.”
The event has been advertised on Facebook groups Sunny Coast Socials and Sunshine Coast Friendship Group, and the response has been positive.
“People have been really enthusiastic about the pub crawl - some are using it to make new friends, and some want to join because they haven’t done a pub crawl for a long time,” Ms Sparkles said.
“Whatever the reason, it will be a fun-
filled day full of Christmas cheer.”
Venues have been informed the Bus 600 pub crawl crew will be visiting on the day, and bus drivers have also been given a heads-up.
Ms Sparkles said she hoped participants and venue patrons would embrace the holiday spirit and help fill the Salvation Army collection bucket along the way.
“If anyone is interested in coming along
on the day, they can text me on 0407 428 547, and I will add them to the list,” she said.
“Or they can join either of those Facebook groups to see the full details and register there. Anyone is welcome to come along and join in the fun.”
The event is in need of another ‘bus leader” and “carols leaders”, if this sounds like your jam please reach out to Wendy.
THE team behind #trekforparkinsons2025 is inviting the Sunshine Coast community to lace up their walking shoes for a special sunset trek up Mt Ngungun on 10 December, to raise awareness and funds for Parkinson’s Disease.
Participants will meet at the Mt Ngungun carpark at 4:45 pm for a walk that promises stunning views, plenty of chats, and a festive atmosphere.
Attendees are encouraged to bring a hat, sunscreen, water, and perhaps a Santa hat or Christmas shirt to get into the holiday spirit.
“Do one or a dozen laps, it’s up to you,” said organiser Gary McKitterick Gillett.
“It’s fun, it’s free, and it’s all about what you can do.
“All abilities are welcome, and we’re here to walk, talk, and help raise awareness for Parkinson’s Disease.”
The event is part of a broader effort supporting Shake It Up Australia, a charity dedicated to funding research to slow, and ultimately stop, Parkinson’s Disease.
On the Sunshine Coast alone, more than 2,000 people are living with the condition, with families and carers adding up to an affected community of around 14,000 individuals.
Next April, Mr McKitterick and 20 trekkers will take on the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal, climbing to 5,416 meters above sea level.
The group, ranging in age from 21 to 73 and featuring 65 per cent women, is self-funding the trek while raising money for Shake It Up Australia.
“This isn’t just a walk in the mountains— it’s about actively doing something to tackle Parkinson’s Disease,” Mr McKitterick said.
The initiative is a collaborative effort between Trek Ready Himalayas and The Silver Fox Initiative, a local group addressing mental health challenges through safe spaces and community support.
“Mental health and Parkinson’s have many crossovers, and our objective is to not just talk about it but to take action,” Mr McKitterick said.
This year’s efforts have already raised $4,200 towards a goal of $10,000, with a stretch target of $15,000.
Every dollar raised goes directly to Shake It Up Australia.
Mr McKitterick said Parkinson’s is the second most common neurological disease in Australia, affecting an estimated 150,000 Australians, with 38 new diagnoses each day, with 20 per cent of sufferers under 50 and 10 per cent are diagnosed before the age of 40.
He said the impact of the disease was not only personal but also financial, with the costs to the community increasing by 48 per cent in the last six years.
Recent breakthrough research, such as a biomarker discovered in partnership with the Michael J. Fox Foundation, offered hope for early diagnosis and treatment, but these advancements still required significant funding and collaboration.
“Life is short, health is everything, and regret is forever,” said Mr McKitterick.
“We do this for fun, but please be responsible, respectful of others, and kind to the environment.”
For more information or to support the cause, visit the event’s social media pages by searching ”trek ready himalayas” on facebook or instagram.
AFTER moving from Texas to the Sunshine Coast, Jacob and Amy Staines launched a Christmas Day Beach Breakfast in 2023, serving hope with a side of pancakes to Caloundra locals in need.
The event is set to return for 2024 from 7am to 10am at Happy Valley on 25 December, but the tireless team behind the scenes needs your help.
Ms Staines said the family recognised the increasing presence of homelessness in their new community and, having left their own extended family back in the USA, wanted
to help the lonely and in need at Christmas.
“Christmas Day is such a powerful day for many people, but that can be on a positive or negative spectrum,” Ms Staines said.
“We somewhat left behind our family obligations when we left Texas, so with nothing else to do on Christmas Day we figured we would serve others in need and show our kids what that meant.
“There are so many more services in Australia to help those in need than we had in Texas but there still isn’t enough – everyone deserves a beautiful meal on Christmas.”
Together with their friends at The Gathering Church Caloundra, the Staines set out to raise money for the Christmas Beach Breakfast feast and managed to secure $3500 from the local community to provide food, gifts and grocery vouchers to more than 500 people.
“Last year we had an army of volunteers, but this year so far we have less than half of the help we need signed up,” Ms Staines said.
“We have partnered with Gateway Care and will do all of our purchasing through
them to make sure the money stays in the community, but we need more donations and more help.
“Happy Valley is the perfect location for the breakfast because of its size and amenities, but our dream is to hold these all over the coast and, if we can get the funding, we will grow to more than one location.”
Businesses and individuals who would like to assist can email christmasbeachbreakfast@gmail.com.
Thank you to the event organisers, all who donate and volunteer on the day.
THE iconic Kings Beach Fountain will shine bright orange to mark 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence – a global call to end violence against women and girls.
From 25 November to 10 December the fountain and other Sunshine Coast Council landmarks, such as Maroochydore’s City Hall and the Landsborough Museum, will be lit up in orange in support of the ‘Orange the World’ initiative – raising awareness of gender–based violence.
Sunshine Coast Community Portfolio Councillor David Law said a number of community groups would be hosting events during the 16 days, including a community event at Buhk Family Park in Alexandra Headland and another which will unveil a new Red Bench seat in Maleny.
The Red Bench project is an initiative of the Red Rose Foundation to raise awareness of domestic and family violence and to build a permanent reminder that domestic and family violence occurs within all communities.
Unitywater has also taken a pledge of commitment to act against domestic and family violence in support of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
Unitywater Executive Manager Customer Experience, Katherine Gee said Unitywater was always looking for ways to enhance the processes that are already in place to support customers experiencing domestic and family violence.
“Unitywater has also supported women’s refuges and behavioural change programs across their service region through commu-
she said.
DANCE like no one’s watching and sing at the top of your lungs with like-minded people at the Caloundra CCSA Hall at 1 Nutley Street each Saturday from 9am.
The one hour class is fun, friendly and social with low-impact disco dance moves to “classic hits” from the ABBA era to now.
Dance instructor Sandra Baclayon said Dance Fever Sunshine Coast was set up to “share the joy of friendship, fun and fitness”.
“We advertise that you will make new friends, dance like nobody’s watching and sing like nobody’s listening,” Ms Baclayon said.
“This is adult disco dance fitness suitable for all ages with the best music that you will know the words to and want to sing along with.”
“I run the class with choreographed moves you can follow, but you can also come along and dance to whatever moves you want.”
Find the Facebook page under “DANCE FEVER SUNSHINE COAST” for class updates and events or phone Sandra on 0432 980 432 for more information.
GET out and about on two wheels across Aura this summer and go into the draw to win $200 at Baringa Bikes.
Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or just starting out, Aura’s 130km of cycling and walking paths offer something for everyone, from leisurely rides to more adventurous routes.
Snap a photo of yourself along the 130km of cycling and walking paths throughout Aura, showcasing your favourite spot or a special moment on your ride.
It could be your local park, a scenic route, or just a moment of joy as you ride through the city’s beautiful landscapes.
Then, post it on Instagram or Facebook and tag Aura – City of Colour with the #rideaura hashtag.
This is your chance to share the unique beauty of Aura while encouraging others to get outside and explore.
In the caption, explain why you love that spot and what makes bike riding special to you.
Whether it’s the fresh air, the sense of freedom, or the opportunity to connect with nature and your community, make sure to include what makes cycling in Aura a memorable experience for you.
Pacific Lutheran College Year 12 student and budding archery champion Jessica Lloyd is one step closer to her Olympic dreams after attending the Olympic Change Maker Summit in late November.
The Australian Olympic Change Maker Program identifies young sports leaders across Australia gearing up to become part of a future Olympic team.
The Change-Maker program provides students with the opportunity to share their ideas, connect with other like-minded peo
ple and be immersed in a unique Olympic experience, hearing first-hand from Olym
pians.
Schools are invited to nominate Year 10, 11 or 12 students who actively demonstrate leadership through sport and/or use sport as a vehicle to improve health and wellbeing and drive social change in their school and/ or local community.
Jessica completed a video application to be chosen for the program and only took up the sport of archery in 2018 after shooting her brother with a toy bow during a holiday.
“I thought it was so fun I begged and begged my parents to take me for a lesson,” Jessica said.
In 2023 Jessica competed at the Trans-Tasman Archery Championship and the World Archery Oceania Championships.
At the Trans -Tasman Archery Championship, she earned one gold and three silver medals and secured two golds and a silver at the World Archery Oceania Championships.
BARINGA State Primary School students participated in the First Lego League National Championships in Gladstone in late November.
The students impressed the judges during the presentation of their innovation project on “reducing microplastics in our oceans and waterways”.
They also competed in timed challenges using coded robots and sensors to complete a variety of missions on this year’s theme ‘Submerged’.
The competition provided an incredible opportunity to connect and collaborate with some of the brightest and most promising minds of the future.
1. What is the nickname of the Australian Test Cricket Team?
2. What word can be both a salad vegetable and a form of space transport?
3. What “boy band” did Justin Timberlake join in 1996?
4. Who became the British Queen in 2023?
5. What alter-ego of Barry Humphries was famous for outlandish spectacles?
6. In an art gallery, what is the colour of the dot placed on paintings to signify they have been sold?
7. What canal connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea?
8. On a road map, what does “Fwy” indicate?
9. What chemical has the symbol Hg?
10. What does a milliner typically make?
11. In Paris, what structure is the Pont Neuf?
12. rue or false: a banana is a berry?
13. What colour is uppermost on the Aboriginal flag?
14. Which team was the loser in the 2024 NRL Grand Final?
15. What animal is referred to in the title of the Rolf Harris song, “The Six White Boomers”,
16. What is closest in meaning to “sycophant”: genius, pleasure-seeker, flatterer?
17. Referring to years, what does AD literally stand for?
18. Invented in 1930, what shape was the chocolate Freddo?
19. What is the correct spelling of the Sydney suburb known as The Loo?
20. What is the reciprocal of 4.
ACROSS: 1 ROSA, 4 AREAS, 8 CUSTOM, 9 OMEN, 11 EASEL, 12 ONTO, 14 DOT, 15 WATTLE, 19 ENSUED, 21 ROD, 22 ALAS, 24 ROBES, 27 ANTI, 29 ARABIC, 30 YEAST, 31 REEL. DOWN: 1 RIO, 2 SCENTS, 3 AUNT, 4 ATE, 5 ROAST, 6 EMS, 7 SALTED, 10 MOON, 13 OWE, 14 DEFRAY, 16 ADA, 17 TRANCE, 18 LOST, 20 USERS, 23 LAIR, 25 BAA, 26 SAT, 28 ILL.
ACROSS
1 GIRL’S NAME
4 REGIONS
8 HABITUAL PRACTICE
9 AUGURY
11 CANVAS SUPPORT
12 UPON
14 MORSE ELEMENT
15 ACACIA
19 RESULTED FROM 21 LINEAR MEASURE
22 WOE!
24 GARMENTS
27 PREFIX-AGAINST
29 LANGUAGE
30 BREWING SUBSTANCE
31 STAGGER DOWN
0-5: BEGINNER - B ro, read a book!
5-10: INTERMEDIATE - You’ve been selected on the pub trivia team.
10-15: EXPERT - You’re now officially captain of the pub trivia team.
15+: MASTER - Wax on, Wax off.
20. 1/4 – Tto find the reciprocal of a number, divide 1 by that number.
19. Woolloomooloo – The correct spelling of a well-known Sydney suburb.
18. Frog – The original shape of the chocolate Freddo, created in 1930.
17. Anno Domini – Refers to the years after the birth of Christ, literally meaning “in the year of our Lord.”
16. Flatterer – A sycophant is someone who flatters for personal gain.
15. Kangaroo – The animal -men tioned in the Rolf Harris song “The Six White Boomers.”
14. Melbourne Storm – Penrith -Pan thers - 14 to Melbourne Storm - 6
13. Black – The uppermost color on the Aboriginal flag.
12. True – Bananas are botanically classified as berries.
1 BRAZILIAN PORT
2 PERFUMES
3 FAMILY MEMBER
4 CONSUMED
5 BAKE
6 PRINTING MEASURES
7 CURED WITH SALT
10 SATELLITE
13 BE INDEBTED TO
14 BEAR COSTS
16 GIRL’S NAME
17 HYPNOTIC STATE
18 MISSING
20 CONSUMERS
23 DEN
25 SHEEP’S CRY
26 POSED FOR A PORTRAIT
28 SICK
makes
Hg (also known as quicksilver).
MARC Gurr traded Tasmania’s chill for Baringa’s buzz, and as he watches his new retirement apartment rise from the ground, he’s counting down the days until he can ditch the lawnmower for good.
Mr Gurr, and wife Lyn, will be one of the first residents to move into Baringa’s Plantation Retirement Resort when it is completed in late 2025, but in the meantime, the couple check on the site’s progress daily.
“We go for a little walk around and we have figured out where we’ll be and where the pool will be and everything we have to look forward to,” Mr Gurr said.
The couple moved to Baringa from Tasmania six years ago and have never looked back.
“Obviously the weather is better here than in Tasmania, and after holidaying here for 18 years we decided it was our turn to live here full time.
“We have loved Baringa, it has everything we need, but we are at the age where we are ready to get rid of the mowing and all of that.
“The resort lifestyle will let us kick back and have a drink on the balcony and not have to worry about maintenance and it has a pool and other amenities we don’t have now.”
The resort will feature luxury two- and three-bedroom apartments, all with private balconies, high-quality finishes, and secure ground-level parking.
Residents will enjoy access to a large swimming pool, BBQ facilities, and an entertaining area designed for socialising.
With an on-site manager and a vibrant community of like-minded neighbours, the resort promises a low-maintenance lifestyle in the heart of Aura.
Located next to the Stockland Baringa Shopping Complex, residents will have easy access to an array of shops, cafes, health services, and fitness facilities.
Surrounded by parklands and recreational spaces, the resort offers the perfect blend of convenience and tranquillity for retirees
seeking a relaxed, coastal lifestyle.
“It is important to us to have a shop close by and our doctor, and we’ve got that,” Mr
“We are really looking forward to it and the next stage of our lives.”
AS the year comes to an end, and a bumper year for the 4551 postcode, we start to have conversations around what buyers and sellers should expect going through the Christmas period and into the new year.
While it’s important to understand there are many different factors that go into the decision of selling or buying, I’ve jotted down some tips to help both buyers and sellers through what year-on-year is a peak period for real estate on the Sunshine Coast. Take these things into consideration to ensure a smooth sale over the new year.
Presentation is key. It seems like a simple thing, but it cannot be said enough. When the presentation of a property fails to impress potential buyers at an open home it will affect the value of your property. Make sure you have the air conditioner on, lights on, set open home times that suit your property and tidy up the lawns. All of these things help to make a lasting impression on buyers.
Be ready for competition. Many vendors decide to sell during the holiday season when buyers from interstate make their way to our area. The agent you choose should have a really good idea on how to make sure any interest from out-of-town buyers is followed through. Don’t accept verbal offers –get them on paper and signed!
Christmas trees are great in December, not so much in January. If you’re preparing to launch your property for sale in January, make sure your photos have no
Christmas decorations in them. It can give the feeling of it being on the market longer than it actually has been.
Make the decision to go hard. Last year in Baringa I was the only agent to hold open homes the weekend of 23rd December and 3rd of January and had the sale of two properties come from that effort. If you can use your timing as a point of difference, go hard!
Have a building and pest inspection done. This is something you can do easily that will ensure the maximum price for your home. If you have a building and pest done presale, you can use that as part of the
contract negotiations. This saves time, reduces a condition on the contract and brings transparency to the transaction. If there are things you can fix, then you can have it done before a contract is written. It is something I ALWAYS suggest to my vendors.
Buying now means you’re moving in January. Before you sign a contract on a property don’t forget that banks and solicitors will shut down around Christmas, most likely for the week leading into Christmas and the week after New Years. You will not be able to transact within that period.
Be ready to be in multiple offer scenari-
os. There are more buyers this time of year and if there is a property that ticks the boxes for you, it will do the same for others. Be ready to sign ‘multiple offer forms’ and understand that you might miss out if you don’t put your best foot forward
If you’re looking in an area, see if there is anything coming up. A lot of agents are holding ‘off-market’ stock for the coming months – it’s worth asking if there is anything similar coming up.
Be ‘offer’ ready. You will miss out on property if you don’t have your ducks in a row. Have a pre-approval, have your property on the market, know what you like, have a solicitor ready to use and bring your best offer to the agent.
Do a second inspection. We spend more time planning a holiday than we do buying and selling our home. Do a second inspection, ask about the schools, get as much information as you can. I love living in Baringa and selling there as well. I can tell people what the neighbour is like at 7pm on a Friday night, or why the Brew Box has saved the coffee scene in Baringa, or that while it might look like fun, the flying fox is strictly for children. Not an overweight 37-year-old dad trying to impress his daughter. Get the information you need!
It’s been a great year for a lot of property owners, buying their first homes, investments, dream homes, moving overseas. And by the looks of things, it’s a market that is still holding its own.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
WITH over 35 display homes in the Aura Display Village, Tony Quinn - franchisee owner at G.J. Gardner Homes Sunshine Coast South - recently discussed how their designs cater to the evolving needs of Australian families and the trends shaping the future of home building.
How do your home designs fit with the way that Australian families and residents want to live? Has this changed over the years?
At G.J. Gardner Homes, our designs are crafted with the evolving lifestyles and needs of Australian families in mind.
Today’s families prioritise functionality, comfort, and sustainability and our homes reflect these values.
Our designs incorporate open living spaces that encourage family interaction, versatile rooms that can adapt to different uses, and seamless indoor-outdoor living, which is ideal for enjoying the region’s beautiful climate.
Over the years, we’ve noticed a shift towards energy-efficient homes.
Features like solar panels, rainwater tanks, and energy-efficient appliances are now in high demand.
The rise of remote work has also increased requests for dedicated home offices and study areas.
Our commitment to understanding and adapting to these changing trends ensures our homes meet the current needs of Australian families and anticipate future demands.
What is your top tip for prospective buyers to consider when building a new home?
My top tip is to prioritise careful planning and clear communication throughout the building process.
Here are a few key considerations:
1. Define your needs and budget: Before starting the building process, clearly outline your needs and preferences, consider the size of your family, your lifestyle, and how you plan to use the space. Establishing a realistic budget early on will help guide your decisions.
2. Choose the right location: Consider factors such as proximity to schools, work, and amenities, as well as the overall lifestyle you envision. If you already
live in a suburb you love, a knockdown-rebuild option could be ideal. At G.J. Gardner Homes, we can assist with the process, helping create your dream home without changing your neighbourhood.
3. Engage with your builder: Building a home is a collaborative process. Work closely with your builder to communicate your vision. At G.J. Gardner Homes, we pride ourselves on open lines of communication, ensuring our clients are informed and involved every step of the way.
4. Consider future needs: Think about your family’s future requirements like additional bedrooms, a home office, or outdoor living spaces. Planning for these now can save you time and money in
the long run. By taking these steps, buyers can create a well-thought-out home that truly meets their needs and enhances their lifestyle.
What do you think are the main challenges faced by prospective buyers when planning to build a new home?
Managing a budget effectively can be tough, as many buyers underestimate total costs, including unexpected expenses.
At G.J. Gardner Homes we offer a transparent, no-hidden-costs approach to help buyers plan accurately.
Choosing a home design that suits both present and future needs can also feel overwhelming.
That’s why we work closely with buyers to shape homes around their lifestyle and preferences.
Navigating local regulations and permits can be complex and frustrating, leading to unexpected delays.
We guide clients through these processes, empowering them to make informed decisions so they can feel at ease as they build their dream home.
What’s your favourite home design trend for 2024?
Sustainable and energy-efficient designs. More homeowners are prioritising sustainability, incorporating elements like solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, high-performance insulation, and sustainable materials that reduce environmental impact and offer long-term savings.
THE Sunshine Coast show choir is serving sass, sequins, and serious talent this festive season when they take over the Caloundra RSL on 7 December for an afternoon you won’t want to miss.
Choir Artistic, Music and Executive Director Jen Young said the team would partner with the Curra Kids Show Choir to perform a variety of repertoire, from musical theatre, jazz, pop and Christmas classics.
Ms Young said the show choir combined vocal performances with choreographed dance routines, creating high-energy, theatrical entertainment.
“We don’t stand still, not even for a moment,” Ms Young said.
“There is sparkly costumes and props as well – we thoroughly enjoy fully entertaining the crowd.”
The Sunshine Coast Show Choir is calling for interested participants to audition for its 2025 team.
“Our choir is for anyone above the age of 18,” Ms Young said.
“We have an audition process, but even that is fun.
“We have three choirs that make up Sunshine Coast Show Choir – two groups that rehearse on Tuesday night and one that rehearses on a Friday lunchtime.
“They have different amounts of songs to learn but everyone comes together to have fun.”
For more information on auditioning email sunshinecoastshowchoir@gmail. com.
The Sunshine Coast Show Choir and Curra Kids Show Choir will perform at the Caloundra RSL on Saturday December 7th from 3pm.
CALOUNDRA’S cranking up the Christmas cheer throughout December, turning Bulcock Street into a festive frenzy with lights, carols, and enough holiday sparkle to make Santa jealous.
With dazzling decorations, street performers, and a jam-packed lineup of events, it’s the kind of holiday magic that’ll have even the Grinch tapping his feet.
Locals have two family-friendly celebrations to look forward to this month with Carols in the Caloundra CBD and Christmas Tree Lane.
Christmas Tree Lane runs until 3 January at Caloundra’s iconic Strand Arcade.
Local businesses and artists have collaborated to adorn the arcade with decorated trees with discounts and giveaways hanging from their branches – making the stroll through Christmas Tree Lane a worthy trip for shoppers.
On Saturday, December 14, Carols in the Caloundra CBD will hit Bulcock Street with Christmas carols performed by local musicians and choirs from 9am to midday.
Families can enjoy free activities like face painting and meeting Santa while browsing unique gifts from local retailers taking their shops to the street.
Free tickets are available from humanitix. com, search - Carols in the Caloundra CBD or type events.humanitix.com/carols-in-thecaloundra-cbd into your address bar.
For more information on Caloundra’s Christmas events, visit caloundra.com.au.
THE revamp of Caloundra’s city centre will include a cutting-edge tri-level community library with a dedicated kids’ space, kiosk and event space with tiered seating.
Sunshine Coast Council has released a “fly-through video” artistic visual impression of the Library+ project showcasing a state-of-the-art facility set to become a central hub for Caloundra residents and the wider Sunshine Coast community.
Division 1 councillor Terry Landsberg
said Library+ was a “beacon of modern design and functionality”.
“The ground floor will feature an open foyer and event space with tiered seating, kids’ space, an outdoor activity deck, a young adult area, a quiet lounge, a creative space and reading lounge, a kiosk and a customer service centre,” Cr Landsberg said.
“Level one will house a spacious foyer and exhibition space, the main library collections, a makerspace to develop creative
projects, digital studios, and meeting rooms.
“On Level two, visitors will find another open foyer and large flexible community meeting areas and Council administration offices.”
The fly-through video is available by visiting Council’s website and searching for ‘new Caloundra district library and community space’.
“We also invite the community to visit the current Caloundra Library at 8 Omrah Ave-
nue between November 18 and December 1 to take a 3D tour of the project,” Cr Landsberg said.
“This interactive experience will allow our community to explore and discover what the repurposed Caloundra Administration Building will look like once the transformation is completed in mid-2025.”
Further details on how the community can access this new facility will be available in early 2025.
TURTLE nesting season is in full swing across the east coast of Australia and the release of a new children’s book fits in perfectly with the season.
Rocky and the River in Peril is a locally produced book that has been released across the Sunshine Coast library network just in time for the school holidays.
Rocky is a very special turtle – his species is only found in the Mary River catchment and was recently declared Critically Endangered.
The story follows Rocky’s journey upstream, following the wise words of an ancient lungfish, to where the weeping lillypilly trees cradle the creeks.
But with new perils appearing every day, what will happen to Rocky and his river?
Environment and Liveability Portfolio Councillor Tim Burns said the book showcased our beautiful local ecosystems to kids and encouraged them to care for the environment.
“Council works to educate our community, including kids, about ways we can all care for our Sunshine Coast Biosphere,” Cr Burns said.
“This book is another way to introduce youngsters to some of the beloved native species in our region.
“It also helps kids understand tricky concepts like the impact of invasive plants and animals.”
Council Vector and Pest Plant Officer Rhea Phelan said storytelling could foster passions for learning in the classroom.
“Rocky is determined, brave and curious, but he also craves belonging, something lots
of kids can relate to,” Ms Phelan said.
“When kids connect with a storybook character like Rocky, it can make a strong impact and help shape values like caring for the environment.
“It can also help them understand connections in an ecosystem.”
Ms Phelan said the project strived for ac-
curacy in depicting local species, with illustrations by Michelle Lees (nee Pike).
“We made sure there’s plenty of information for inquisitive minds, all conveyed in a very simple way,” Ms Phelan said.
The release comes during Manage Invasive Species Month, which highlights action to protect our environment, communi-
ties and economy.
We’re now coming into Mary River turtle nesting season, which is fraught with danger from foxes that dig to eat the eggs on riverbanks.
Rocky and the River in Peril is available for loan at Caloundra Library - 8 Omrah Avenue, Caloundra.
From Page 24
“I took my foamy out which I hardly ever do, I was later than usual and I had caught a few extra waves than I usually would when I heard screams as I was leaving the beach.”
Looking back to scan the ocean, Mr Skele saw two teenagers caught in a fast-moving rip and waving for help.
“A bodysurfer immediately went in to get the girl, he didn’t even have a board, he just bravely jumped in and swam to her – he got her out really fast, I wish I knew his name,” Mr Skele said.
“I got on my board and paddled out to the guy who was screaming and waving – he was being pulled out really fast.”
Mr Skele said time seemed to stop for a moment as he approached the man, who by this point, had only his lips above water.
“For a second I felt a bit of panic surge up but I thought, no, you’ve got this, you have to get him, the rip was really strong,” he said.
“I pulled him onto my board and just said, you’re right mate, you’re not dying on me today, but he was in a really bad way, he had taken in a lot of water and he couldn’t see.
“He was just gurgling help me, help me, help me, over and over.”
Mr Skele waved in another surfer who helped him bring the man to the beach, with paramedics and Dicky Beach Surf Lifesavers on the scene within moments.
“He was going in and out of consciousness and the paramedics and lifeguards were working on him,” Mr Skele said.
“He couldn’t see, he couldn’t respond, another 10 seconds and I think he might’ve been gone.”
A Currimundi native and surfer since the age of 13, Mr Skele has often toyed with the idea of becoming a lifesaver.
“I grew up by the lake and the beach is in my blood, but I just want everyone to think twice before they take on the ocean,” he said.
“All it takes is one bad decision and it’s all over, especially if you’re nowhere near the flags.”
Sunshine Coast chief lifeguard Trent Robinson said surfers like Mr Skele frequently
put their life on the line to rescue swimmers outside of flagged areas across the coast.
“Surf Life Saving Queensland and the Sunshine Coast Lifeguard Service would like to acknowledge the good work surfers do with rescues like this right across the coast, especially after hours,” Mr Robinson said.
“There’s a lot of rescues that get done at non-flagged beaches by board riders where, like this one at Currimundi, swimmers are in really bad spots.
“But situations like these could be easi-
ly preventable if people swam between the flags.”
Mr Robinson said board riders interested in learning more about board rescue and resuscitation could present to their local Surf Life Saving Club and attend an upcoming rescue course.
“We’d love to work with board riders and board rider clubs right across the coast to share some rescue techniques and encourage all surfers to get involved with their local surf club,” he said.
Please remember, No flags = No swim.
LUXURY hotel developments could be fast-tracked across the 4551 postcode, with building regulations eased as Sunshine Coast Council aims to expand short-term accommodation ahead of the 2032 Olympic Games.
However, Caloundra locals fear the relaxed rules could be exploited to push through developments unsuited to the area.
Sunshine Coast Council decided to make a proposed Temporary Local Planning Instrument (TLPI) at Council’s November 21 Ordinary Meeting.
The proposed TLPI provides for a “targeted and time-limited” set of planning provisions to encourage the development of upscale hotels – four star and above.
This would include a height allowance and reduced on-site car parking requirements.
Before it can take effect, the proposed TLPI must be approved by the State Planning Minister.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the tourism industry and business community have highlighted the urgent need for new, branded hotels for several years.
“To confirm this need and help design the incentive package, Council engaged an independent consultant early in the development of the proposal,” Cr Natoli said.
“We need a breadth of options to suit different visitor needs.
“We acknowledge our community is concerned about high rise development, so it’s
Artist impression of the proposed development’s streetscape.
important to understand that the TLPI provides for only a modest increase in building height, in very limited circumstances, for only a single form of development and only for a short period of time.
“It’s not anticipated to result in development substantially different to what is cur-
rently allowed under the current planning scheme.”
Mayor Natoli said the proposed TLPI only related to “building height and car parking” for a hotel development.
“All other provisions in the planning scheme such as biodiversity and coastal
protection, continue to apply,” she said.
But a group of concerned locals are petitioning against the proposed 12 storey IHG Hotels and Resorts Holiday Inn and Suites Caloundra development on Bulcock Street.
The 160-room hotel is set to be completed by 2028 with plans to provide only 86 parking bays, raising concerns among locals about the strain on available spaces and sparking the launch of a local petition.
A local resident argued the Council’s assumption guests would “likely use other transport and shuttle services instead of arriving by car” doesn’t reflect reality.
“Council states guests will not drive cars to stay here and if they do they can utilise the existing parking infrastructure in Caloundra – parking is a major issue already,” she said. There was also concern that the proposed hotel was 13m higher than current planning laws permit.
A petition against the hotel development is set up on Change.org and states “We, the undersigned respectfully petition the Sunshine Coast Council to:
“Not approve a development proposal for a hotel at 51-55 Bulcock St Caloundra that involves the use of their proposed TLPI to allow for a reduced number of parking spaces and increased height.
“The petitioners reject the notion that 86 car spaces are adequate for a 160-room hotel.
“We also reject the increased height proposal and the location of the hotel.”
MOFFAT Beach’s iconic and beloved Norfolk pine trees will be preserved as part of a major seawall reconstruction along the foreshore.
The seawall needs to be reconstructed after the western section was damaged by severe weather and rainfall in 2022, and the middle section damaged in early 2024.
The reconstructed seawall needs to be made wider, with a gentler slope to meet safety and engineering standards.
Community action group Save the Moffat Beachfront formed in July as an engagement initiative while Council considered the next steps for the restoration.
Save the Moffat Beachfront coordinator Emma Johnson said, while initial negotiations were tense, the group felt they had been “listened to and respected” by Council.
“We had 1500 people complete a survey on their thoughts about the seawall rebuild and what was needed to protect the character of the Moffat Beach foreshore and immediate greenspace, including the iconic Norfolk pines,” Ms Johnson said.
“Since we formed in July, we have had lots of correspondence with Council and completed a focus group in September.
“There were three options presented, one which was all landside and would take out the pines and green space, one which took more of the beach and a hybrid option where the seawall is broken into three segments which keeps the Norfolk but meets engineering standards.”
Ms Johnson said the “power of the people” has led to what she believed would be the best outcome for retaining the character of Moffat Beach while making the seawall safe again.
“This isn’t just a group of Moffat residents; we are formed by people from further afield who love Moffats and want it to main-
tain its sense of place, which includes the Norfolk pines,” she said.
“Our engagement with Council started off rocky but has ended with a final result that has well and truly taken into consideration what we petitioned Council for.”
Dozens of locals turned up to a Council-run drop-in session on Saturday November 30, at the Moffat Beach Park, to learn more information about the seawall reconstruction application.
The draft proposal will now be referred to the Queensland Government’s State Assessment and Referral Agency and Sunshine Coast Council’s Development Services to be assessed against the relevant acts and codes.
its unique coastal atmosphere.
“Council has worked hard to find an alignment that attempts to retain the much-loved Norfolk pine trees, while minimising beach loss and disruption to the bay’s coastal processes,” Cr Landsberg said.
“To do this, Council has proposed a hybrid seawall design, that moves the wall out onto the beach between the central and the eastern end and then back into the parkland at the western end.”
Cr Landsberg said the hybrid option provided the best chance of preserving the Nor-
folk trees with the least impact to the beach and the park.
“The reconstructed seawall footprint is larger than the existing seawall to meet engineering standards, ensure the safety of our community and to ensure it lasts a long time,” he said.
“So, it is inevitable that we will lose a little of both the park and the beach – Council has done its best to balance the impact to these areas.”
A new ramp will be built at the western end of the seawall, to be used by Council and emergency vehicles accessing the beach.
It is planned to be less steep than the existing ramp and will also be available for people who are unable to use the stairs.
The beach access stairs will be replaced with slightly wider sets, so two people carrying surfboards can pass each other.
Council is working on a draft plan for the landscaping elements behind the seawall such as new trees, updated pathways, picnic tables and beach showers.
The community will have the opportunity to provide feedback on this early next year.
Cr Landsberg thanked the Moffat Beach Community Focus Group for its valuable contribution to the project.
“Council and its expert Coastal Engineering Consultant have worked diligently over the last few months to reach this point,” he said.
“The Community Focus Group members have volunteered their time to represent the community and meet with Council.
“Group members vary from longstanding Moffat Beach locals to business representatives.
“They have shared local insights and values and had constructive discussions on the project’s issues and opportunities.”
ANTIBIOTIC resistant E.coli was found in the water around Golden Beach and Bulcock Beach by Take Action for Pumicestone Passage (TAPP) and scientists from the University of the Sunshine Coast following recent rain events.
TAPP believes these levels breach National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) water quality guidelines, but local and state authorities have yet to offer any solutions.
A TAPP spokesperson said results from a water collection on 21 November during high tide at the Coast Guard Jetty and Military Jetty revealed TEM-1 gene E.coli contaminant.
The TEM-1 gene in E. coli encodes a beta-lactamase enzyme that breaks down antibiotics like penicillin and ampicillin, making them ineffective.
The testing group believe prolonged rain is flushing contaminated freshwater through the stormwater system in the area, which is now infrequently flushed out by ocean water since the Bribie Island breakthrough.
“It appears that the recent prolonged rain has again caused an E.coli spike at the Coast Guard Jetty site, and the low salinity level indicates high levels of freshwater admixture at the (Military Jetty) site,” the test results read.
TAPP members are also concerned closely-located construction sites with deep basements could be likely contenders for low pH levels.
“The Council are still seemingly unconcerned and believe the Pumicestone Passage is the responsibility of the State, but stormwater is the responsibility of the Council and they should be running independent testing to investigate this,” the TAPP spokesperson said.
“Since the bar has closed over the water at Bulcock and Golden Beaches is now under much more influence from stormwater than before.
“Every time we get water in the north end of the Passage from our storm water drains we are getting bacteria and we don’t know where it’s from or how long it’s hanging around.
“The Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) are purposely not looking into it and the Council are purposely not looking into it.
“It’s a heads up that TAPP has identified these potential problems but is is now up to State and Council to become fully active and investigating this in far more detail according to NHMRC guidelines.”
A Sunshine Coast Council media response to the issue maintained the State Govern-
ment is responsible for water quality in the Pumicestone Passage.
A DESI spokesperson said they had “not recently observed anything of concern with water quality in the Pumicestone Passage.
“For the past 20 years, DESI has been conducting water quality monitoring within Pumicestone Passage as part of the South East Queensland Ecosystem Health Monitoring Program, which forms the basis for the Healthy Land and Water Report Card,” the spokesperson said.
Since the formation of a new passage at Bribie Island, DESI said it had “increased water quality monitoring in northern Pum-
icestone Passage”, specifically:
• An additional water quality monitoring site was added at the entrance to the new bar in September 2022.
• Quantification of the concentration of Enterococci bacteria as an indicator of sewage contamination was added to data collection in August 2023 to support safe swimming conditions over the summer.
Water quality data within the Pumicestone Passage is publicly available via the Healthy Land and Water interactive dashboard and the Queensland Government Open Data Portal.
LOCAL toy-making sensation Emily Davies is turning childhood dreams into reality with her whimsical small business - Pieces of You - where your sketches transform from mere fridge art to huggable friends.
This summer, the talented artist will be showcased at the Caloundra Regional Gallery in an exhibition featuring her unique handmade and customised gifts.
Until then, you can hire her to stuff the stockings under your Christmas tree with the gifts your kids dreamt up themselves.
Ms Davies said growing up she always believed her toys were “alive and filled with magic” and honed her skills in sewing after studying fashion design.
“I began it by creating patchwork memory quilts after my third child was born; I had an overwhelming need to create,” Ms Davies said.
“My work quickly took the direction of creating the popular ‘Picture Pieces’ after I made a doll for a little girl in Aroona who drew a picture for her elder sibling’s birthday.
“Picture Pieces are custom toys I make from children’s artwork which is the majority of work I produce now.
“Every piece is unique so the work is never dull, even though some designs may be more challenging than others.”
Ms Davies said the work was the “perfect creativity balance” for a mother of five.
“Over the years I have been approached by the likes of book illustrators to create their characters for promotion with children’s books and schools have contacted me to do competitions for book week designs,” she said.
“I have created sports and school mascots for a schools in Currimundi and interstate and I’ve even created dolls as gifts for members of Saudi Arabian Royalty.”
“It’s a thrill to see how my work is being appreciated globally when it started from such humble beginnings.”
To find out how to bring your very own drawing to life visit poydesigns.com.au or visit the Caloundra Regional Gallery as part of the Nature and Culture – Animal as Object exhibition, running from 13 December 2024 to 2 February 2025.
Caloundra Regional Gallery is located at 22 Omrah Avenue, Caloundra and is open Tuesday to Friday 10am – 4pm and weekends from 10am – 2pm.
CONNOR Skele’s daily surf session at Currimundi Beach turned into a life-saving mission on Monday 25 November when he paddled into a rip to rescue a man on the verge of drowning.
According to 32-year-old Mr Skele it was as if the stars aligned for him to be there at the right time, armed with a foam board instead of his usual surfboard.
“It’s like there was a higher power at work that day, the timing of it all really spun me out,” Mr Skele said. Full Story - Page 21
