Your Local Lifestyle: August 2024

Artwork by Erenee McGovern

Celebrating

Culture and Results

Here is to everyone who paved the way before us. Here is to the positive impact our current team is making, the professional service network that supports us so well, and to our clients who ultimately allow us to shine by choosing us. Thank you for being a part of our journey.

Read more about Hinternoosa’s 35 year legacy by scanning the QR code below.

With a legacy spanning 35 years, Hinternoosa is dedicated and proven to deliver exceptional results and maintain the highest standards of client service. Ready to explore your property journey or curious about where your property sits in the current market? Reach out to Hinternoosa today and take the next step with confidence.

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Little Planet Media Pty Ltd

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Janet Webb hello@yourlocallifestyle.com.au

0400 168 191

Lil Staff news@yourlocallifestyle.com.au 0417 778 662

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Alan Lander

Matt Golinski

Andrea Taylor

Tony Wellington Erin Yarwood Hayley Saunders Margie Wegener Andy Flanagan

www.yourlocallifestyle.com.au

PO Box 125, Cooroy Qld 4563

PUBLISHED MONTHLY

Distributed in Noosa Hinterland & surrounding areas

Disclaimer: All information in Your Local Lifestyle (YLL) has been published in good faith based on material provided by contributors and advertisers. YLL is not obliged to publish every item received and those submitted may be subject to change. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information in this publication, YLL accepts no responsibility for errors and omissions. The views expressed therein are not necessarily those of YLL. Any submissions received, including photographs, to YLL are accepted on the basis that approval has been given for publication by the contributor. Advertisers upon approving the publication of any material indemnify the publisher against all liability, claims or proceedings whatsoever. All material is copyright to Little Planet Media Pty Ltd and may not be reproduced without permission.

Y LL respectfully acknowledge the sacrifices of all who have gone before us who help to make our country great.

Discover the heart of local farming

THE Cooloola Farm Trail returns this August, offering a unique self-guided journey to some of the region’s most dedicated and passionate farms and producers.

Spanning two days, this immersive experience will highlight the rich agricultural diversity and sustainable practices that define the Cooloola region. PARTICIPATING FARMS AND PRODUCERS:

Purity Essential Oils: Explore the aromatic world of essential oils, witnessing the intricate process of distillation and learning about the therapeutic properties of various oils.

Fraser Grill: Savour locally sourced ingredients transformed into delectable dishes, showcasing the culinary creativity and commitment to farm-to-table dining.

Eastwell Farms: Delve into the world of organic farming and see first-hand

how fresh produce is grown with a focus on sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Noosa Black Coffee: Experience the art of coffee making from bean to cup, and taste the rich, locally grown Noosa Black Coffee, renowned for its distinctive flavour.

Beenham Valley Passions: Discover the vibrant passionfruit vines and learn about the cultivation of this sweet and tangy fruit, a staple in many local delicacies.

Sublime Farm and Brewery: Combine the best of farm and craft brewing, enjoying farm-fresh produce and unique brews in a picturesque setting.

Lindols Macadamias: Tour the macadamia orchards and sample fresh macadamia nuts, while learning about the nut’s journey from tree to table.

Kin Kin State School: Witness the innovative school garden programs that

educate students on the importance of agriculture and healthy eating.

Wolvi State School: Engage with the school community’s agricultural projects and see how young minds are inspired by hands-on farming experiences.

Rossmount Nursery and Rural Retreat: Explore a diverse range of plants and enjoy the tranquil retreat, ideal for garden enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Join us on August 10 and 11 for an unforgettable experience celebrating local agriculture, sustainable farming, and community spirit. Whether you’re a food enthusiast, a gardening aficionado, or simply curious about where your food comes from, the Cooloola Farm Trail offers something for everyone.

For more information and to plan your trail visit, www.cooloolafarmtrail.com.au.

CAN YOU FILL THESE BOOTS?

AS part of celebrating Rural Fire Service Week, the Cooroy-based Black Mountain Rural Fire Service is having an open day at their shed on Saturday August 3.

Come along and see the yellow fire trucks and try out the hoses and the flashing lights! Talk to current members about what opportunities there are for training, personal development, and being part of a team as a volunteer with Black Mountain RFS. All are very welcome.

The service is also putting on a complimentary sausage sizzle and a barista coffee for the first 80 people at this Open Day! They hope to see you and your family there.

Saturday August 3, 11am to 1pm. The RFS shed is just past the Waste Transfer Station at 191 Mary River Rd, Cooroy.

Traditional hearing aids amplify sounds but often miss the mark when it comes to focusing on what you actually want to hear.

This is particularly challenging in noisy environments, where discerning speech can be nearly impossible for those with hearing loss.

Think about how difficult it is trying to chat in a bustling restaurant or while the TV is on in the background.

Meet Oticon Intent™ — a revolutionary hearing aid designed to tackle this exact issue.

While our ears collect sounds, it’s

our brain that interprets them.

That’s why Oticon creates hearing aids like Intent™, specifically engineered to support brain function.

In conversations, you might keep your head still to focus on a single person or move your head to engage with multiple people in a group setting.

When you’re struggling to hear, you might lean in to better catch what’s being said.

Oticon Intent™ takes these natural movements into account, helping the device understand your listening intentions and providing personalised

support.

This allows you to interact with the world on your terms.

Oticon Intent™ is now available at Acoustic Hearing Clinics, where we offer a wide range of hearing technology brands along with comprehensive hearing testing.

As a local, independent audiology clinic, we always provide the latest advancements in hearing technology without being tied to any single brand. Call 5443 6633 today to discover how Oticon Intent™ can enhance your listening experience.

Eumundi Supermarket approved

THE consortium behind the proposed Eumundi supermarket site has commended Sunshine Coast Council for supporting their court appeal, resulting in a favorable decision from the Land and Environment Court to approve a supermarket at the southern end of the town.

Director of Altum Property Group, Alex Rigby, expressed satisfaction with the outcome after a five-year process, emphasizing that it aligns with Eumundi’s town plan, which identifies a clear need for a supermarket.

“This approval marks a significant day for the people of Eumundi and the

surrounding catchment. We firmly believe that without Council’s support, Eumundi would have faced an indefinite delay in acquiring a supermarket, which would have

been detrimental for a town that has seen substantial growth since we first submitted our application,” said Alex.

“The overwhelmingly positive feedback, publicly available, underscores that approximately 95% of the local community recognizes the necessity of essential infrastructure such as a supermarket. This will enhance convenience for Eumundi residents and its surrounding areas, while potentially reducing the overall cost of living,” Alex noted.

Altum plans to regroup with their commercial partners to review the approval and determine their next steps forward.

HINTERLAND’S SANCTUARY FOR WELLNESS

A SPECIAL haven for mental wellness is nestled in the Noosa hinterland at Madeleine Flynn’s farm sanctuary. As an endorsed mental health Occupational Therapist, Madeleine offers a unique blend of traditional and innovative therapies. Madeleine combines general counselling and psychotherapy with cutting-edge approaches like AnimalAssisted Therapy (including EquineAssisted Therapy), Somatics , Dance Movement Therapy, Sensory Modulation, and Nature Therapy. Madeleine creates

a holistic therapeutic experience - her serene farm, home to many rescued animals, provides the perfect backdrop for healing.

“By enhancing self-regulation strategies and embodiment, clients can access their inner resources to achieve a more joyful, calm, and authentic life,” Madeleine enthuses.

Individual and group sessions are available, with new women’s group sessions starting in early August. To find out more head to https://animalassistedtherapy.net.au

SAILABILITY aims to provide individuals with disabilities the opportunity to experience the joy of sailing.

The Noosa Yacht & Rowing Club boasts qualified instructors, seasoned volunteers, and top-notch equipment to facilitate sailing for individuals of all abilities. Under the guidance of qualified sailing instructors, each participant sets sail on a 12-foot Vagabond sailing dinghy. Safety is paramount, with a dedicated safety boat constantly monitoring the activity. A new mobility transfer device has been acquired to assist individuals with mobility challenges.

The Sailability program runs annually from March, every Thursday morning at 9.30am, spanning 24 weeks. The season culminates in a Regatta and BBQ celebration in September. Participants can access support through the NDIS.

Sailability’s success relies heavily on volunteer and community support. Donations are warmly welcomed, and sponsorship opportunities are available. Ph 5449 8602 or sailing@nyrc.com.au

The 4TH Noosa Biosphere Awards entries are open, recognising those making a positive impact in the Noosa region.

In 2024, the Awards will recognise excellence across community, environmental and business sustainability, with new categories being announced.

Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation Chair, Fiona Berkin says the 2024 Awards have been revamped to recognise outstanding achievements in social impact, environmental stewardship, technology, conservation and sustainable business.

“Coming into our fourth year, we want the Noosa Biosphere Awards to better represent our Noosa Biosphere values across the Noosa Shire community,” said Ms Berkin.

The 2024 awards include six categories for entry: Social Impact Award, sponsored by

Bendigo Community Bank

Tewantin-Noosa, Young Environmental Steward Award (under 30), sponsored by UniSC, Environmental Steward Award (over 30), Thriving Nature Award, sponsored by Noosa4Sale, Smart Biosphere Award, (sponsored by Noosa Council Economic Development) and Sustainable Business of the Year Award, (sponsored by Tourism Noosa).

Entries are open to individuals, community groups, organisations, and business. Winners will be announced at the Awards ceremony on Wednesday, November 6.

“We invite everyone to nominate an individual or business doing great things,” said Ms Berkin.

Entries close Sunday September 8. Nominate or enter the Awards at www.noosabiosphere. org.au/awards.

Imported from Italy and built to order, our Valoriani Forni pizza oven brings authentic Italian pizza right here to the Cooroy Hotel. Being wood fired and gas assisted with a full rotating slab system, our oven can reach temperatures of up to 500C and by circulating high temperatures under the baking floor, the pizzas are cooked to perfection. We utilise locally sourced, sustainable Ironbark wood to ensure quality smoke and high heat to enhance the flavour profile. Made with quality, fresh ingredients, using 72hr cold fermented and hand stretched dough to order, our pizzas will not disappoint. Available to order 7 days a week, 12pm to 8pm, dine in or takeawaysimply order by phone 5472 1900 or online cooroyhotel.com.au

BIG SHOUT OUT!

BIG SHOUT OUT TO THE TEAM AT BIG HEART BAMBOO who recently raised $730 through sales for the Queensland Koala Crusaders, a Noosabased organisation that provides a voice for our koalas. From every jar of their awardwinning chutney, relish and pickle sold, Big Heart Bamboo has donated a portion to the Koala Crusaders, a local organization who are dedicated to re-establishing koala habitat and educating on the plight of our koalas. In a generous gesture, Bendigo Community Bank Cooroy Branch has matched that amount, making a total of $1460 for the cause.

WILLIAMS, whose service as a Justice of the Peace for 25 years has just been recognised by the Attorney

the Sunshine Coast Regional 16-19 Years Boys Volleyball team!

The Peach Society a collaborative space in the town of Cooroy situated in the beautiful Noosa Hinterland.

We have brought together Creatives to provide a BOUTIQUE STYLE approach to all Hair & Beauty Services.

We also incorporate sustainable fashion and stockists of local products.

BIG SHOUT OUT & Congratulations to Noosa District SHS Year 12 student JAKE SMITH who has been selected for

BIG SHOUT OUT to MAL SCOTT - For 18 years the Blue Light Disco has had Cooroy’s wonderful Sergeant Mal Scott’s dedication and commitment.

ADRIAN

General. Adrian received his official certicate from Noosa MP Sandy Bolton.

Congratulations FIONA GROOM ARTIST for being longlisted for @explorersagainstextinction - Sketch For Survival exhibition in London. With the artwork titled Tag Ur It.

Cooroy Badminton club revamps

THE Cooroy Badminton Club has unveiled its upgraded facility featuring brand-new flooring, funded by a $120,000 grant from Bendigo Bank. This achievement follows multiple grant applications and was completed in early July.

Club Secretary Kris Blurton underscored the necessity of the renovation due to the poor condition of the old floors.

“We reached out to several sources, including Noosa Shire Council and the Queensland Government, before securing the funds from Bendigo Bank,” she said. The project was led by Kris with key contributions from club member Vanessa Bennet, who was instrumental in the grant application process. Kris stressed that the upgrade extends beyond badminton, benefiting community activities such as Pilates and pickleball.

“This enhancement supports the entire community,” she noted.

“Special thanks to Steve Clarke, Branch Manager for Community Bank Cooroy, whose support turned this dream into a reality,” Kris commented.

In celebration of the new flooring, the club is launching an initiative to encourage more women to participate in badminton. Throughout August, free coaching sessions for women and girls will be conducted by Olympic-trained coach Andrea Dako.

The club’s upgraded facilities have also drawn the attention of the 2032 Olympic squads, who are considering the venue for training sessions.

For more information on the free coaching sessions or to join the club, visit cooroybadminton.com.au.

COOROY HANDMADE & ARTISAN FESTIVAL

THE Cooroy Memorial Hall is set to come alive with color and creativity for the fourth annual Cooroy Handmade Artisan Festival, taking place from August 23 to 25. This highly anticipated event promises an array of quality, beautiful, and unique handmade items, showcasing the talent of over 70 artists, makers, and designers.

Festival co-ordinators Nicole Hilton and Marie Shannon said they were excited to be back in Cooroy for their 4th year!

“The festival kicks off with a Sip and Shop experience on Friday, August 23, from 3 to 7pm. Buy a drink, wander around at your leisure and enjoy an afternoon or evening of shopping and beat the weekend crowds. Great time to get the girlfriends together for a night out!” she said.

Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 August the doors open at 9am and close each day at 3pm.

“There are some changes in vendors over the 3 days so pop back so you don’t miss out,” she said.

Nicole encourages attendees to stay connected through the festival’s social media pages.

“Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see daily posts from individual artists. It’s a great way to preview what to expect and support our local talent,” she said. “We’re excited to celebrate handmade artistry and keep it local!”

For more information and updates, visit Facebook: cooroyhandmadeartisanfestival or Instagram: cooroy_handmadeartisanfestival

A range of doctors to choose from. Visitors to our area are always welcome. Open 6 days a week.

| Dr Antoinette Du Toit | Dr Rakibul Hasan | Dr Lisha Pollocks | Dr Hannah Gough | Dr Hannah Newell Kraus | Dr John Bilenki. Coming early 2025 - Dr Matthieus Ratthe, Dr Lara Dawood and Dr Samuel Edwards.

GENERAL SERVICES:

• Men’s Health,

• Women’s Health,

• Children’s Health,

• Skin Cancer Checks/ Excisions,

• Vaccinations,

• Pre-employment Medicals,

• Preventative and Chronic Disease Health Care,

• Iron Infusions

SPECIAL SERVICES:

• Contraception services including Implanon, copper IUD, Mirena insertions and removals

• Aesthetic medicine and the application of stem cell therapies

• Drug and alcohol testing - no appointment necessary

‘ Mother of Teals ’

NOOSA COUNCIL’S MOTTO IS ‘DIFFERENT BY NATURE’, ENCAPSULATING A REGION THAT LEADS WITH ITS ENVIRONMENTAL AND AESTHETIC CREDENTIALS, WHICH ARE NOT ONLY INTEGRAL TO THE WELLBEING OF RESIDENTS, BUT ALSO TO OUR TOURISM ECONOMY

MANY people attracted to Noosa are those who see themselves as independent thinkers, being part of something unique, not a facsimile of every other coastal town or tree change trend.

So, when it comes to higher-tier government representation, our representatives are, or should be, just as independent and different in their thinking. And they probably don’t come any more independent than Noosa’s state MP, Sandy Bolton.

Many ‘independent’ MPs are disgruntled ex-political party members, single-issue warriors, or habitual contrarians.

But then, someone comes along who cannot be ‘bought’ or compromised by party machines, who has vision, and who will transparently and respectfully work with the community and the major parties – and get outcomes.

Not that Sandy has just ‘come along’ –she’s lived here for more than 30 years, including in Kin Kin, Pomona, Cooroibah and Noosa North Shore.

Her mum, Clare, and sister, Lyn, also live in Noosa, with a son, Ben, and daughter, Sara, in Darwin and another son, James, in Brisbane, who combined have gifted Sandy with five grandchildren.

In her younger years, Sandy cut her

teeth in hospitality management, before a journey through Queensland to the Northern Territory led to marriage, children and life on remote properties.

Prior to entering politics here in Noosa 10 years ago, she worked in diverse industries including for Pacific Personnel and Sunshine Butterflies, was a founding member of Innovate Noosa, a director for the local Bendigo community banks network, and advisory committee member for the Primary Health Network.

It was in 2007, whilst she was a consultant to Cooroy RSL following its amalgamation with the bowls club, that she met her life partner, Ian ‘Shoey’ Schuback OAM, a four-time world bowls champion, coach and ABC commentator, with gold and silver medals from two Commonwealth Games. Each already touted five grandchildren, expanding the family considerably.

Councillor Tony Wellington.

Within six months Sandy ran for the state seat of Noosa as an independent, a position she has held since, and the only elected Independent state MP in Queensland since.

The ‘Teal’ movement, where numerous independent female candidates successfully stood for Federal Parliament in 2022, may well have been inspired by Sandy - right down to her own teal campaign colour she successfully ran with five years earlier than them, and still does.

Anyone who knows Sandy will see why she’s often referred to as the ‘Energiser bunny’ given her frenetic work schedule

In 2013, she successfully ran for Noosa Council at the de-amalgamation election, then in March 2016 ran for mayor, just missing out to fellow

One major news outlet went as far as to anoint her ‘The Mother of Teals’.

Anyone who knows Sandy will see why she’s often referred to as the ‘Energiser bunny’ given her frenetic work schedule.

She admits to being an “over-sharer”, and ultra-tactile.

“I’m free with hugs, laughter and information, whether on the street, on social media, news columns and newsletters, or in my famous Q&A sessions.”

The Q&As reflect her efforts to encourage

open conversations and share knowledge which is essential for good decision making by residents. She also mentors many youngsters considering a career in politics, as well those contemplating becoming an independent candidate.

“It’s an incredible honour and privilege to be the Noosa MP, and the only state ‘Indie’,” Sandy said.

“Drawing strengths and wisdom from our whole community - even from detractors - is of enormous benefit as that’s where you obtain your objectivity and clarity in research.”

“As an Independent I take forward the viewpoints of all of Noosa, not just one segment, or a pre-determined position or policy set by a political party which does not suit our diversity.”

Sandy talks of “journeys” when it comes to tackling issues that strongly divide the community.

But good politics is finding and achieving consensus - everyone gets to be heard – and importantly, to then ‘take them’ on that journey.

“The ‘journey’ as I call it, is to get to some form of unified position to take to state government when there are divisions,” Sandy said.

Detractors in the first years accused her of

With partner Shoey, Bear and Jet on the North Shore

having “voted with Labor over 100 times”, but she said while that was true, “I’d also voted with the LNP more than 100 times”.

“Ultimately, when I stand in Parliament, I can say I represent all that I live amongst, and have done for over three decades, not vested interests, an ‘echo chamber’ or party policy developed by someone we do not know, and who does not know us.”

Sandy keeps her community front of mind when facing the ‘bearpit’ of Parliament – particularly recently, where bullying from one side of politics reached a crescendo in the Youth Justice Reform Inquiry that she chaired.

“The inspirations and aspirations of our community are high in my mind in those moments where I am being abused or under duress, as was seen during that inquiry,” she said.

“That moment seen on the news when

I was fighting to ensure that the interim report and its 60 recommendations would be made public, was a catalyst as to why Independents are needed more than ever.

I thought of our community, and people across Queensland who wanted to see an end to what was occurring, and the promise I made to all victims that actions would emanate.

“And they have.

“That moment, and the decision I made to see an end to the blocking of that report by a political party, saw within two months over half of those recommendations becoming reality, whether through the tabled Community Safety Bill, or in the recent Budget.”

Failures in billionaire-owned ‘mainstream’ media, social media disinformation, growth in distrust of politics and the resulting polarisation of the

populace have seen a growth in support for independent politicians in an increasingly unfamiliar social and economic landscape.

But ‘independent’ can mean many things, and what is done is a far better measure than what is said.

“Every day I am proud of what has and is being achieved for Noosa, and Queensland, as the only Independent now for seven years.

“This is due to our incredible community who make anything possible, and lead the way in so many realms, including its fight to retain its uniqueness, and to make a difference.

“This for our residents, our environment, our furry buds, our economy, our politics. How special is that?”

Every day, she feels the community is beside her.

“Regardless of what party they may or may not support, or whether they agree with how I work towards respectful debate versus screaming and media grabs, they know as an Independent I am putting them and Noosa first - not a political party.

“And that is what will keep us unique. We are different by nature, and not just environmentally.” We are independent by choice, and that is to be celebrated.

by ALAN LANDER

As a young mum in her ‘outback’ years

Sandy sets off for another day’s work

Sandy with our front liners and broken foot!

BUTTERCUPS CUPCAKES

FUTURE FORGE: IGNITE. CONNECT. COLLABORATE

POMONA & District Community House (PCH) are launching their young people program called “Future Forge: Ignite. Connect. Collaborate”.

Commencing in early August, the program will feature ‘The Social’- a weekly meal-share and social gathering for young people that incorporates skills development and building young people’s voice in the community. ‘The Social’ will be a safe, inclusive space where our region’s young people will have the opportunity to connect and learn life skills around meal preparation and budgeting.

The initiative will also offer young people (12-24 years), the opportunity to collaborate on a youth focused community engagement project. Under the mentorship of PCH, participants will design and deliver projects that reflect their interests and aspirations. Young people will also have the opportunity to design their own page in the PCH ‘What’s On’ bi-monthly publication.

‘The Social’ launches on Wednesday August 7 and will be held in the Lawson Shed in Pomona on Wednesdays from 3pm-6pm. The program is a monthly rotation for specific youth audiences:

• Young Men 12-17 years: 1st Wednesday

• Young Women 12 - 17 years: 2nd Wednesday

• Beyond Binary 12-17 years: 3rd Wednesday

• Everyone 18-25 years: 4th Wednesday

The dinners will include cultural themes to broaden palates and cultural understanding. Alongside ‘The Social’, the youth drop-in space will continue each week at PCH every Wednesday from 3-6pm. The drop-in space is a facilitated, unstructured environment where young people 12-17 years can drop by, hang out, play games, zine and catch up.

For more information about ‘The Social’ or ‘Future Forge’, please contact Pomona & District Community House on 07 5485 2427

THE MONTH

HI MY NAME IS ARCHIE

Breed: Irish Wolfhound / Bull Arab (Mixed)

Gender: Male Age: 5 years, 8 months

I’m a happy Wolfhound boy looking for a new start, could it be with you?

I will suit a family, likes to be inside and calm, would suit a female dog in the home.

Unsure cats or small pets but likes kids He is a very sweet natured dog Needs a fenced yard to keep him safe.

RSPCA NOOSA

Cnr Hollett & Eumundi Rd, Noosaville QLD 4562

Phone: 5449 1371

WILD ABOUT NOOSA

SWAMP Wallabies used to be known as ‘stinkers’ on account of their strong, swampy odour. They were considered inedible by First Nations people and European settlers. This didn’t prevent them from being hunted for their fur, however.

Presumably the animal’s rather unusual diet is what renders the flesh unpalatable. The Swamp Wallaby has a very broad intake that includes shrubs and herbage. It also appears to tolerate plants that other animals find toxic, including introduced hemlock. These animals are designed for solitary lives in forests. Most other large Macropods need to leave forests to find grasses to eat, but Swamp Wallabies are just as happy eating shrubs as they are grasses. Their teeth also differ from other wallabies, being designed for tougher plant material.

Macropods (kangaroos and their cousins) often exhibit embryonic diapause, which allows them to slow down the development of an embryo if conditions aren’t suitable to bring young into the world. In modern parlance, the pregnancy is placed in ‘pause mode’.

Swamp Wallabies are unique in having their gestation period longer than their oestrous cycle, so they can overlap pregnancies. They can thus have a fertilised embryo whilst there is a young in the pouch. As long as a young wallaby is suckling milk, the development of the next embryo remains dormant, waiting until the joey is weaned. As a result, female Swamp Wallabies are continually pregnant.

Thanks to their unique breeding capabilities, Swamp Wallabies may be increasing in number. A 2019 study found that they have extended their distribution over the last 40 years and are adapting to drier habitats. Their biggest threats are from wild and domestic dogs.

with Tony Wellington

Swamp Wallabies

Travel! Travel!

YOUR LOCAL Business Spotlight

COOROY’S Pet Affair is a real passion project for owner Richard Murrihy who enjoys the rapport he has with his pet owners. “They are great people to deal with,” Richard tells me. He is happy to cater to your pets every need, whether they walk, swim, slither of fly.

“I have been in the pet industry about 17 years now and hopefully I’ve bought my passion for the pet industry to Cooroy. My primary market are the dogs and cat owners in Cooroy and surrounds but I also cater for fish, bird, small animal and reptile customers,” Richard says. His well stocked aquariums are popular with young and old customers alike, and Richard has regular reptile owners who he keeps well stocked with feeding supplies.

Pet Affair is a small pet goods retail store, tucked behind Waves of Kindness in Emerald Street, just past the IGA. Richard has been a Cooroy local for the past ten years. He loves the quaint town and its well placed vicinity with the region, but he felt the need for a local pet store. He says, “I was living here and working in Noosa. I realised how many people travelled the 40km round trip for their pets, so creating a store from scratch for the local area seemed like a good idea.”

Operating as a small, independent retailer comes with many challenges these days. Competing online with national chains is not easy, but Richard brings an old-school philosophy to his locally owned business and believes in giving his customers the best experience, in service and price.

Pet Affair stock all the well known brands of pet food

“I am continually looking at ways to get the message out that big stores and memberships are not always the best deal. People who shop here know my prices are more than competitive. If my price is good then I can become a destination store, not a convenience store where prices are higher,” Richard points out.

Pet Affair stocks quality frozen meats at competitive every day pricing, savings worth travelling for. Richard adds, “We constantly monitor our pricing against the larger pet store chains and supermarkets to ensure you get a great price on all products. We have a large range, all the well known brands, at every day low prices.”

A local business, with low prices and quality products that is open seven days a week is an asset to any town and Richard and his team love looking after the locals; dogs, cats, lizards, snakes, birds and fish, and they love looking after their owners as well!

Richard Murrihy owner of Cooroy’s Pet Affair

YANDINA STREET FAIR’S THRIVING RESURRECTION

A

MERE twenty-five minutes could have changed the hinterland town of Yandina in a big way

THREE years ago, Greg and Terri Corbin were ‘driving hell for leather’ through northern NSW, on a 24-hour journey from Melbourne, in a bid to beat the deadline for closure of the Queensland border during COVID.

“We got over the border at Tweed Heads at 12.35am – the border was closing at 1am,” Greg said.

“This was our transition to retirement. We were towing our worldy goods – well, the ones we didn’t want to leave with the removalists – and two dogs.”

Greg, an architect, and Terri, an executive assistant and events coordinator, were finally pulling the plug on their working lives and leaving Melbourne forever.

“We always used to bring the kids up to Noosa for holidays – a lot of Melbourne people do,” Greg said.

“For years, we earmarked [the Coast] as where we would retire, and that’s exactly what we’ve done.

“We wanted a more temperate, relaxed lifestyle. We got quite sick of Melbourne, where the streets have changed – you don’t feel as connected to community as when we were younger.”

They’d done their homework, and had decided against the more suburban areas of the Coast with the high fenced homes in close-living suburbs, and had bought a block of land at Yandina Creek.

“We can put a nice house here and still feel we have some distance. And yet, it’s incredibly convenient to get to Noosa, Coolum, Maroochydore. It’s the best of all worlds.”

But Greg and Terri knew almost no-one in the region, barring a couple in Coolum and family near Brisbane – and then, a little magic happened.

“We realised we needed to find some way of engagement with the community - so this meeting came up to form a committee for the Yandina Street Fair in 2023,” Greg said.

The fair had been cancelled at the last minute in 2021 due to COVID, and 2023 would be the post-COVID ‘resurrection’ – a mammoth task for anyone brave enough to undertake it.

“It was our second year in the community – we went along to a meeting at the School of Arts Hall and suddenly found ourselves actually involved that night,” Greg said.

“So we took it on, inheriting the plan [from] 2021.

“Terri was elected as secretary and organising street entertainment; the stage entertainment coordinator was Belinda; Cindy to do the stall coordination and amusements; Holly to do social media and sponsorships - none of whom had done this before,” Greg said, while he was elected committee chair. Later Cindy’s son Noah joined the committee too.

“For this inexperienced team it was an amazing experience in personal growth just having been involved, and at the end of

the day when they saw it went so well, they were pretty chuffed.

“It was pretty hard work – we had only a few extra people to help us on the day – so we were running round like cut cats all day, but it was very rewarding.

“We got excellent feedback. Last year, the sun shone, and everything fell our way.”

A crowd of an estimated 5000 attended, rivalling pre-COVID events – the Street Fair having started in 1978.

“According to records supplied by local historian Audienne Blyth, it was conceived and managed by local group the Starlight Foundation from 1978 to 1982, taken over by the Lions Club from ‘83 to ’99, then the Yandina and District Community Association, and finally Yandina Chamber of Commerce from 2001,” Greg said.

And now it’s time for 2024, with plans well underway for the Sunday, August 18 event, with, Greg, Terri, Cindy, Noah, Belinda and Holly all maintaining their committee roles.

Good ideas have been learned from the 2023 experience, and this year will be “huge”, Greg said.

Three main stages will operate showcasing community and school groups and young emerging talent on the Community and Country Stage; diverse musical acts on the Chill Out Stage; and bigger band acts on the Main Stage.

Stall numbers will increase from last year to near 100, and popular attractions such as the Petting Zoo and face painting will again be present.

“This year will also include pony rides, and a mechanical bull. We have also been able to secure fireworks (with a lower-level detonation), provided by local firm KC

“Along with arts and crafts stalls, we have a big range of food stalls to cover all tastes.”

Eumundi Markets star Miss Donna will be there with her balloons, while ‘Silver Steve’, who doubles as a silver-sprayed statue, will perform his Mr. Egg Head magic show.

Roving entertainers will mix with the crowds throughout the day.

One big interest Greg and Terri have had for years – and will maintain – is their love for classic cars, of which they have two.

“One is a Bug-Eye Sprite, while the other is a rare Italian Innocenti, by the company who made Lambretta scooters,” Greg said.

That interest has led Greg to arrange for a speedway car display at the fair, to respect

But, as anyone involved in community event creation will tell you, it’s not easy.

For one thing, costs have skyrocketed, Greg said – and volunteers are even harder to come by, especially post-COVID

“Costs have increased by about $5000, and we have to cover things like stage and sound equipment hire, traffic management, waste bins, portable toilets, first aid and security staff,” he said.

“We’ve certainly had to work even harder this year to balance the books and we need more volunteers.”

If you are half social, as Greg says he and Terri are, then volunteering is a great way to navigate the community and get to know who’s

As new people to the area Greg says this has worked well for him and Terri and a bonus has been seeing the fair return with gusto.

“Like last year, although the fair starts at 11am, people were arriving at 9am and we expect it might be like that this year too with the community eager to express their pride in their great community and lifestyle. Yandina Street Fair 2024 takes place on Sunday, August 18, from 11am to 7.30pm. If you would like to volunteer to be part of the event on the day, you can call Greg on 0418 179 327

by ALAN LANDER

Take the first bite to a healthier happy life

Let Sarah come and introduce you to a good relationship with food

Sarah Grey - Fully Certified Nutritionist Offering a Mobile Service - I come to you

FOODTRITION

PH: 0434 033 008

Email: hello@foodtrition.com.au I www.foodtrition.com.au

SONGWRITERS IN THE ROUND RETURNS

GET ready for an unforgettable night as the Pomona Music Collective presents their much-loved ‘Songwriters in the Round’ concert. Returning to the Pomona Memorial School of Arts Hall on August 17, this live, local music event is supported by the federal government’s Live Music Australia program.

Musicians Kim McCartin, Lawrence Menard (from Those Folk), Anjali Leonard and Ewan Cloonan (of the Humbuckin’ Pickups) will share the stage to showcase their original songs and the stories behind them in a ‘round robin’ performance that is guaranteed to leave you with a heart full of appreciation for the craft that is song making.

The songwriters’ round will be followed by a performance from alt-country sensation, Kim McCartin and band.

The critically acclaimed songstress has performed alongside some of Australia’s music greats including recent support shows for Troy Cassar-Daly, Wendy Matthews and Josh Cunningham and Felicity Urquhart.

“I’m looking forward to sharing the stage with beautiful songwriters in my sweet hometown Pomona and getting to close the showcase with my band,” she said.

Pomona Music Collective member, Kate Marian Rose, says the Collective are committed to curating unique musical experiences for the community.

“Storytelling and music bring people together and our local halls are fantastic venues for social gatherings that have live music as the drawcard”, she said.

“We are grateful to have the backing of the Pomona and District Community House and the Pomona Memorial Hall committee, and we are thrilled to be Live Music Australia grant recipients.”

Tickets for the Saturday August 17 show ‘Pomona Music Collective Presents Songwriters in the Round’ are available online through Humanitix.

Kim McCartin is headlining the upcoming Songwriters in the Round

Bushfire season is here

WHAT’S YOUR WHAT-IF PLAN?

Bushfires can strike any part of Queensland but being aware and prepared can protect you, your family and your property.

but being aware and prepared can protect you, your family and your property.

For more information go to getready.qld.gov.au or qfes.qld.gov.au

For more information go to getready.qld.gov.au or qfes.qld.gov.au

For more information go to getready.qld.gov.au or qfes.qld.gov.au

GET ready for a day of pure delight at the Noosa Pengari Steiner School Children’s Festival on August 11, from 10am to 3pm. Tucked away in Doonan’s beautiful hinterland, this festival celebrates the loving support of the community, emphasising the adage that ‘it takes a village to raise a child’.

Step into a world of creativity and nature's wonders. From pony rides to rock climbing, tie-dyeing to candle dipping, there's something for kids of all ages. Get busy with 'make and create' activities that let your imagination run wild. Be mesmerised by live performances by school orchestras and the amazing Pengari Strings.

Don't miss the chance to win incredible prizes at the festival's raffle – over $10,000

worth, including a fantastic $3000 Stratus Ultimate Camping Package. And check out the Silent Auction, where you can bid on goodies worth $10,000. While there, savour the delicious locally sourced treats and explore the mini-market stalls.

The Children's Festival is more than just an event; it's a gift from our community to yours. Bring your family, friends, and inner child for a day of shared laughter and connection. Experience the vibrant spirit of Noosa Pengari Steiner School and consider joining a guided tour.

Stay in the loop on Facebook: Pengari Children's Festival. Let's all come together on August 11 for a wonderful day at the Noosa Steiner School Children's Festival! www.facebook.com/pengari

Sergeant Mal Scott raising the flag for the first time outside the new Cooroy Police Station. The station opening hours for the front counter are 8am to 4pm Monday, Wednesday and Friday. If you want to speak to an officer or have an officer attend your location outside of these hours a large free blue phone is provided next to the front door. A free call to PoliceLink (131444) which is a 24 hour Police call centre.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

4th Birthday

our

and endlessly crazy Adler Marshall Crawford Window! Love Mummy, Daddy, Arlen, Archer & Alvie xxxx

COMMUNITY CORNER

FABULOUS

60S PLUS EVERY THURSDAY @ 10AM

WE are a fun, friendly, seniors social group. We welcome couples and singles to join us for morning coffee every Tuesday 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.

Joan 0419 517 869 for more details

NOOSAVILLE VIEW CLUB

2ND & 4TH THURSDAYS OF THE MONTH

THE Noosaville lunchtime VIEW Club is a valued part of The Smith Family dedicated to supporting the education and wellbeing of disadvantaged Australian children. On the 2nd Thursday of each month is our ‘Friendship Day’ lunch. On the 4th Thursday is our club meeting at the Tewantin RSL at 11.30am with a guest speaker and lunch.

For more information call Wendy 0417 267 281

Cooroy State School - Celebrating the Preppie’s 100th Day of school!

Happy

to

wild, chaotic

What's ON!

CINEMA ON THE ROOF

SATURDAY AUGUST 10

COOROY LIBRARY ROOFTOP - 5.30 - 7.30pm

BRING your family, a blanket and a picnic to enjoy a movie 'The Croods - A New Age' together under the stars. Soft drinks and freshly cooked popcorn will be available. Admission by donation

AUGUST 16-18

NAMBOUR SHOWGROUNDS

LATEST models of caravans, motorhomes, campervans, camper/tent trailers and slide-ons will be on display. www.caravanqld.com.au/show/lets-gosunshine-coast-caravan-outdoor-expo

YANDINA COUNTRY MUSIC

SUNDAY AUGUST 18

ACMA 'HALL OF FAME' - 12noon-4pm 24 Steggalls Road, YANDINA - Entry $10

prizes, byo lunch, free tea and coffee. Enjoy a great afternoon! @FB Yandina Country Music Hall of fame

Have EWE marked your Calendar

SATURDAY-SUNDAY AUGUST 10-11

FARMS OPEN - 9am-4pm

TWO day self-drive tour event - An exclusive look behind the scenes at some of the working farms in the Mary Valley & Gympie region. www.cooloolafarmtrail.com.au

KENILWORTH CLASSIC CAR SHOW

SUNDAY AUGUST 25

KENILWORTH SHOWGROUNDS - 8am-2pm

THE Car Show is set to be a buzzing day with live music, classic cars, markets and food stalls, face painting and jumping castle! @FB Kenilworth Classic Car Show

COOLOOLA FARM TRAIL

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 1 - FATHER'S DAY

NOOSA DISTRICT SPORTS COMPLEX MCKINNON DRIVE, TEWANTIN

THIS years’ event features All German Marques and a special focus on the 60th Anniversary of the Mustang. The event will showcase the wonder of the automobile, past present and future. There will also be racing cars, trucks and even a class for that special barn find. There will also be lots of new attractions for the entire family to enjoy –different trade displays, music, food and more. www.noosacarshow.com.au

SAVE the Date!

COLLECTORAMA FAIR

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 7

NAMBOUR SHOWGROUNDS @ FB Collectorama Fair

MARY VALLEY SHOW & RODEO

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 7

IMBIL - 8am-10pm @ FB Mary Valley Show & Rodeo

NOOSA COUNTRY SHOW

SEPTEMBER 13-14

POMONA SHOWGROUNDS

www.noosashowsociety.org.au

SCONETIME

See you all TUESDAY AUGUST 13

Cooroy Hall - 10am - Tickets $8 www.trybooking.com/COSKG

SHOW & SHINE

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 14

GYMPIE SHOWGROUNDS

@FB Show and Shine hosted by Cooloola Classic Car Club

KENILWORTH SHOW & RODEO

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 21

KENILWORTH SHOWGROUNDS

@FB Kenilworth Show & Rodeo

IMBIL BULL BRONC & BARRELLS

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 28

MARY VALLEY STATE COLLEGE OVALS, IMBIL

www.imbilbullbroncbarrells.com.au

@FB Imbil Bull Bronc & Barrells

NOOSA TWILIGHT POLO

SATURDAY OCTOBER 5

NOOSA AFL OVAL @ FB Noosa Twilight Polo

SHEPHERD’S

SEASONAL PRODUCE WATCH with Matt Golinski

PEARS

THE pear is native to Northern Europe, North Africa and China, and has been cultivated for its edible fruit for thousands of years.

A member of the Rosaceae family which includes, apples, quinces, apricots, plums and peaches as well as strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, almonds and roses, the pear tree is deciduous and fruits from late summer through to mid-winter depending on its species.

There are 5 or 6 main varieties that we see on the shelves each year in Australia –Corella, Packham, Sensation, Nashi, Beurre Bosc and cute little golf ball sized Paradise pears which make great lunch box snacks.

They can be eaten raw, poached, roasted, dried or juiced and are great in both sweet and savoury dishes. I personally prefer Packham and Beurre Bosc pears for cooking and the other varieties to eat fresh or in salads.

The texture and sweetness of pears makes them the perfect accompaniment to most cheeses.

Although they are more commonly grown in cold climate areas in Australia, there are now low chill varieties available such as the tropical pear that fruit very successfully here on the Sunshine Coast.

INGREDIENTS:

CORELLA PEAR, ROCKET, BLUE CHEESE AND WALNUT SALAD WITH HONEY BALSAMIC DRESSING

2 Corella pears, halved, cored and finely sliced

50 gm rocket

75 gm blue cheese, crumbled

75 gm walnuts, toasted

½ cup pear juice

1 tbs balsamic vinegar

1 tbs honey

1 tbs olive oil

Salt and pepper Serves 4

METHOD:

Place the pear juice, balsamic vinegar and honey in a small saucepan, bring to the boil and simmer until it reduces to ¼ of a cup of liquid. Whisk in olive oil, season with salt and pepper and allow to cool.

Mix together the pear, rocket, half of the blue cheese and walnuts with the dressing and transfer to a serving bowl.

Crumble over the remaining blue cheese and walnuts and serve immediately.

TINBEERWAH ART GROUP ANNUAL EXHIBITION

AVRIL Hare, 90, hasn’t missed the Tinbeerwah Art Group’s annual exhibition at Tinbeerwah Hall in 27 years.

As the longest-serving member, she will join 50 TAG members for the 30th exhibition from August 16-18. Sharing their 30th anniversary with Noosa Chorale and Noosa Jazz Club, TAG also has an eshibition ‘The Joy of Music’ at The J from August 1-31.

Celebrating thirty years of ART and JAZZ

Avril, a Coolum resident, rekindled her passion for painting after retiring, thanks to her husband’s gift of watercolors and her daughter’s enrollment in an art class. New TAG member Jason Whiteman, who settled in Tinbeerwah nine months ago, will also exhibit. A painter for 30 years, Jason is inspired by Australia’s landscapes and ocean colors. The exhibition will be officially opened by Tony Wellington at 5pm on August 16, with viewing and purchases available Friday 12-7pm, Saturday 10am-4pm, and Sunday 10am-3pm.

THREE Noosa cultural organisations formed in 1994 will celebrate their 30th anniversaries with a month-long series of art and music events starting on Thursday August 1 with the Tinbeerwah Art Group’s admission-free art exhibition, ‘The Joy of Music’, at The J Theatre in Noosa Junction.

The Noosa Jazz Festival’s spectacular opening night on Thursday August 22, features the Australian Jazz Ensemble and the Noosa Chorale with ‘All That Jazz’ under the direction of guest conductor Paul Coppens. Coppens founded the Melbourne Philharmonic Orchestra and has a distinguished career as a conductor and musician working with orchestral and choir recitals, ballets and operas.

Australian jazz legend Brett Iggulden

will lead the Jazz Ensemble, including internationally famous jazz guitarist Ian Date and local clarinet artist Paul Williams.

This exciting 11 day program includes a Saturday matinee of ‘All That Jazz’, a Sunday afternoon jazz concert at the Majestic Theatre in Pomona, four Jazz Party sessions at The J Theatre in Noosa Junction, two afternoon matinees, and two evening concerts.

“The Jazz Party concerts have been the festival’s centrepiece event”, according to Noosa Jazz Club President Richard Stevens.

“They are unique in that individual musicians are invited to play at the festival and are formed into bands and ensembles that guarantee exciting improvisation of traditional jazz”.

The Jazz Party program will include a

special tribute to Louis Armstrong’s music, featuring The Syncopators jazz band members and vocalist Yvette Johansson.

In between the concerts, jazz musicians will entertain on river cruises and over lunches and dinners at Lucio’s Marina restaurant, Miss Moneypenny’s in Hastings Street, the Noosa Boathouse at Noosaville, Noosa Springs Resort and Trattoria Benati in Noosa Junction.

The festival wraps up with the traditional family picnic concert, which will be held at The Riverstage along the Noosa River in Noosaville on Father’s Day, September 1. To buy tickets, go to noosajazzclub.com/ programs-tickets. For more information, email info@noosajazzclub.com or text 0478 256 245.

Carol Watkins Leading the Art Trail

“I AM PASSIONATE ABOUT COOROY. IT’S A FANTASTIC TOWN. IT IS REWARDING TO BE INVOLVED IN HOW THINGS HAPPEN IN A TOWN. I SEE MYSELF AS A VOICE OF REASON AND EXPERIENCE.”

CAROL Watkins’ Black Mountain ceramics studio will be just one of the ninety-two artists’ studios open to visitors as part of this year’s Noosa Open Studios art trail.

An annual favourite for locals and visitors, the art trail is a free, ten day event that showcases artists from Noosa shire and the areas around Doonan, Verrierdale and Eumundi, as far as Peregian Springs. As current President of Noosa Open Studios, Carol has a long history with the event and is passionate about promoting the concept of open studios and attracting buyers to the artists of our region.

“I have participated every year, and this is my ninth year. It was started by a group of people at Wallace House in Noosa Arts & Crafts and some of them were from Doonan and around Eumundi so historically those areas have always been in Noosa Open Studios. A couple of years ago we changed the constitution to say it’s for artists in their studios in Noosa shire plus Eumundi, Verrierdale and Doonan, which includes Carters Ridge, Weyba Downs and Peregian Springs,” Carol explains.

and colours, many with varying surfaces and unique finishes. There are distinct ranges of style, but they all carry a similar organic finish that elevates them as one of her pieces.

“I throw mainly on the wheel. You need to be able to throw a piece and when it comes to the decorating I can’t draw to save myself so that’s why I play with the surfaces with the alternative firings. I get the atmosphere and the chemicals and the organics to do the work for me.”

They are individual works of art and the larger pieces defy the reality of the process. It makes me nervous just looking at them, imagining the gamble on firing day. Carol says that taking ceramic lessons got her to where she is today.

“I wasn’t very good at the start. I was going to someone for a few years and I couldn’t throw anything bigger than that” she indicates my beautiful, ceramic tea cup, an original.

Retirement opened up a new life for Carol and she began her second career, as a community volunteer.

Carol’s ceramics studio sits neatly underneath her ridge-side home and the large, open space displays her creative works at various stages. On the day I visited her studio Carol was preparing for a Raku firing, an ancient Japanese ceramics technique, and she is excited about featuring these latest works in her open studio. Ceramics, which began as a postretirement hobby, has defined the last 20 years of Carol’s life and she now specialises in alternative firings and is known for her one-off creations. She shares her humble artist’s journey from the beginning.

“I never had children and I worked all my life so when I came to retire, someone said to me, what are you going to do? And I said, I don’t know. And they said why don’t you try pottery. I can’t draw, I’m not artistic at all, but I got into it and I love it. To me pottery is not artistic, it is actually technical.”

We stop to admire her vessels, of extraordinary textures

“I thought this is useless, and I walked away,” she says.

A friend encouraged her to seek out Dennis Forshaw, a Doonan-based ceramicist and master thrower. Carol spent a couple of years with Dennis, setting aside every Monday morning, learning how to throw bigger pots.

“I did lessons for about three years with Dennis and that was the best thing I ever did. I can throw something in about 5 minutes now, but it used to take me about three hours. You’ve got to be disciplined and persistent. It’s not easy.”

Carol shows me one of her large vessels, telling me that it can take two weeks to make.

“You’ve got to wedge up your clay, then you have to throw it, then you’ve got to let it dry. When it’s dry, you have to do your bisque firing, then you do your decorating and your second firing. It takes ages. I have pieces in my kiln at the moment that have been in there for nearly a week. I’m waiting for it to dry before I fire the first firing because if it has any moisture in it, it can blow up and take

out everything else in the kiln. So it’s very technical to me. I got an A in chemistry and now I know why,” she says laughing.

Carol and her husband relocated from Brisbane to Peregian Beach while Carol was winding down her business. She started showing an interest in doing a bit of pottery but when they moved to Black Mountain in 2005 that was when she fully retired and really got into it. Retirement opened up a new life for Carol and she began her second career, as a community volunteer.

“I had my own business, a recruitment consultancy in Brisbane. And when I retired we moved here in the July, and then in January 2006 I joined the SES. Within 18 months I was Group Leader in Cooroy and then I was Deputy Controller for Noosa for a long time. I just wanted to do something different and I learnt a lot. I was awarded the Minister’s Cup in 2014 which recognises the Member of the Year for the state.”

Carol joined what was then the Cooroy Lower Mill Board, a group responsible for re-imagining the town

and ushering in the new library precinct, following the closure of the timber mill.

“I was invited to join them in 2014 and then I was involved along with Tex Pipke in the negotiations with Noosa Council for the Cooroy Butter Factory Arts Centre. We took over the Buttery Factory from council in January 2016 and in December 2016 I set up the Artisan Store,” Carol recalls.

Following the successful redevelopment of the Lower Mill area the group’s name was eventually changed to Cooroy Future Group, enabling the organisation to take on any projects in Cooroy. Carol was the group’s President for three years leading up to 2020 and she remains as Chair of the Management Committee.

“We run the Great Noosa Trail Walk, the Cinema on the Roof and the Butter Factory Arts Centre. The Pottery Studio has been activated and we have a coordinator there now. We are open six days a week and we have classes and master classes. It’s just fantastic. I’m quite passionate about it.”

Volunteering is not new to Carol, who loves to be engaged and work hard, as part of a team.

“My first volunteering role was when I lived in Sydney in the eighties. I was the first woman appointed to the board of the state Chamber of Commerce and Industry and that was voluntary then. Since I retired, I have been volunteering for the last 19 years and I love it! I have been just as busy,” she laughs.

“When you’re in business, you’ve got your plan, you’ve got everything

organised. But when you are retired things happen and you just have to react immediately. I look at my calendar each week and I think, oh my God! But it’s not the same as when you are working, because it’s different! And it’s voluntary!”

Noosa Open Studios runs from August 30 until September 8. It is Queensland’s largest open studios art trail event and Carol and her team are ready to welcome visitors.

Carol manages the advertising and marketing budget. The aim is to bring the people. With an experienced team of volunteers they are ready to take you into the artist’s studios.

“Jasmine Hayes is doing a really good job on our social media this year. Kay Wright has taken on the Trail Guide and she has just run with it. Shirley Topp is doing our events and for Moira Pearl, our secretary, this is her fifth year. John Tonkin and Clare Parsons are our artist liaisons and

Gabi Dick is the treasurer. Everyone is so organised and working so well together, it’s a great team,” Carol says happily.

Historic Wallace House at Noosaville is the event hub and a great place to check out before beginning your trail adventure. Each artist has an artwork on display and volunteers are on hand for more information. You can select individual artists to visit or you can follow the designated trails. Carol explains, “Everyone is open Friday, Saturday, Sunday and then on Monday, Trail One, which is Noosa opens, Trail Two the Beaches opens the next day,

Trail Three Doonan, Trail Four Cooroy and Pomona so we have a dedicated trail day. So some people might think, I just want to see people in the Cooroy area, I will go on a Thursday and it works really well.”

The Noosa Open Studios Trail Guide will be available soon or you can view it online at https://noosaopenstudios.com.au/trailguide-2024/

by MARGIE WEGENER

Carol at her home studio throwing a large vessel Carol Raku firing

BOOKS with Hayley Saunders

IF YOU GO BY

ALICE ROBINSON

ANOTHER psychological thriller this month with the latest novel from Alice Robinson ‘If You Go.’

When Esther wakes with a breathing tube down her throat, and no memory or understanding of where she is or why, she focuses on trying to make some meaning, “I came to as if crackling through ice, gasping, a fish with a hook down its throat.” She floats in-and-out of consciousness for days, tended to only by Grace, who is gentle but officious, and, it seems to Esther, a little bit vague with her explanations.

As Esther begins to regain her strength she remembers fragments from her past, and the love she has for her young children, Wolfie and Claire. She feels the absence of their little bodies next to hers, and worries about them, out in the world without her. Esther also recalls her own childhood, the feelings of loss and abandonment stemming from her parents’ divorce, and her mother’s move to London to seek freedom from her own parental responsibilities.

As Esther’s memories come flooding back, she focuses on regaining her strength and plotting her escape from the underground bunker she is trapped in. But first, she needs to understand the reality of her situation.

Alice Robinson’s prose is exquisite, delving into the depths of Esther’s experience “While my brain tried to calibrate what I’d been told, my grief was a hostile landscape I had to live in, a madness.”

This poignant novel about love and loss and grief and hope explores complex emotions (both new and inherited) and the fragility of the human life.

BERKELOUW BOOKS EUMUNDI ARE GIVING AWAY A COPY OF IF YOU GO BY ALICE ROBINSON Email hello@yourlocallifestyle.com.au to enter. You will need to collect from the Eumundi store. 87 Memorial Dr, Eumundi. FB @BerkelouwBooksEumundi

DIVERSE EXHIBITS AT COOROY BUTTERFACTORY

THE Cooroy Butter Factory Arts Centre (CBFAC) welcomes the new month with a diverse group of exhibitions that explore a broad range of art mediums – from textiles, paper craft, ceramics and painting. Anyone visiting the gallery will find the range of work and how the artists have explored their material highly engaging.

First up in the foyer gallery is a First Nations weaving exhibition titled Threads of Unity. This Exhibition is the result of a four-day retreat in the mountains on the border of Kabbi Kabbi and Wakka Wakka territories which centred on ‘Weaving, Wellbeing, and Wonderful Women’. Supported by six First Nation weavers from across the country, around 40 women engaged deeply with the traditional practices of their cultures. This exhibition which will be in two parts over 8 weeks was developed by Stepping Black, a vibrant First Nations organisation.

In the Creamery gallery, local artist Michael Augustine paints the outback. The paintings are a result of the artist’s solo trip in his 1996 Toyota Hilux Ute up to the northwest Queensland outback. From his campsites he walked further into the landscape to gain a sense of ancient time and a deeper understanding of country conveyed by Traditional Owners.

The rest of the CBFAC is taken up with two striking exhibitions by six local female

artists who are known for their level of experimentation. Flow and Tactility which features Victoria Bradbury, Margie Gibson and Julia Vale taps into the energy of their chosen medium to express ‘scapes’ and form whether it be ceramic, painting, fibre and mixed media.

Finally in the upstairs gallery visitors have a chance to explore a different kind of medium in the exhibition Through the Window. Here the works by Judy Barrass, Barb Hart and Elizabeth Farrell combine printmaking and artist book making, using new digital technologies to push beyond traditional boundaries.

All exhibitions run until August 25. Please note new gallery hours Tue-Fri 10-4 , Sat & Sun 9 – 1

musicians and

Artwork by Margie Gibson

The Shining Hour returns

THE artists behind the acclaimed concert tour ‘Blue Bayou’ return to the Sunshine Coast this September with their fresh take on modern folk, bluegrass and Americana in their band The Shining Hour.

This folk supergroup features the multiaward-winning talents of Nadia Sunde (vocals), Marcus Church (guitar and vocals) and Paul Henderson (banjo).

Audiences can expect to hear a pin-drop as the trio gathers around a vintage-style single mic to perform their collection of stunningly crafted originals and curated covers.

Nadia Sunde is familiar to Sunshine Coast audiences through her work as a regular collaborator with Maleny musician Linsey Pollak on projects for the Horizon and Woodford Folk Festivals, as a lead vocalist with Red Chair’s The Playlist, and as a former radio announcer for ABC Coast FM.

Marcus Church has recently returned from a trip to America, where he received a scholarship to study with legendary bluegrass guitarist Bryan Sutton (Ricky Skaggs, Dixie Chicks). More recently, he toured as a featured artist with The Australian Guitar Spectacular.

In addition to being a high-profile Brisbane guitarist, Paul Henderson is one of the country’s finest bluegrass banjo players. He’ll be fresh off the plane after a tour of the US when the band brings their unique brand of modern folk to the Coast.

Catch this folk supergroup at the Majestic Theatre, Pomona Friday September 6, 7pm plus at the Maleny Community Centre September 5, Coolum Civic Centre September 7 and Eudlo Hall Sunday 8 September 8. Full Event Details: https://www.redchair.com.au

1950S COMEDY CHALLENGES GENDER NORMS

WINNER of the 2019 Olivier Award for Best New Comedy, Home, I’m Darling is a clever social comedy tackling gender issues and the glorification of 1950s culture.

Wittily written by Laura Wade and cleverly directed by award winning director, Tania Nash, Home, I’m Darling is an examination into the reverence of wifeliness. Observing the familiar theme, that 1950’s women focused on the wedding ring, and the men, on the skirt, and the embedded propaganda that women were the happy homemaker and men the head of the household and the sole provider— Playwright Laura wade flips this idea on its head.

vintage clothes and village fetes, is all good squeaky-clean fun at one level. But this icing sugar-drenched life is not as sweet as we might imagine.

Judy, played by Deb Ellison, clings to her fantasy, long past all reason, allowing it to gradually become her prison and a denial of reality and Johnny, played by Sean McDermott, plays the patient husband who realises that having more time but less money is wearing thin and that outside of their four walls, modern life beckons.

Protagonist Judy has opted into this kind of regressive arrangement, coaxing her reluctant husband into trying to live out the 1950s as an ‘experiment’ because she favours what she views as the simplicity and kindness of that era. Obviously, this is an extreme fantasy, bordering on delusion. The 1950s ideal of cupcakes and cocktails,

production

The subject of 1950s sitcoms and their incongruity with harsher realities has gotten the cinematic treatment before, but this theatrical presentation packs a punch. Preview: September 12 at 7.30pm – all tickets $27. Evenings: September 13, 19 & 20 at 7.30pm. Matinees: September 14, 15, 21 & 22 at 2.00pm. Charity Night for Tewantin Noosa Lions Club: September 18 at 7.30pm – all tickets $52. www.noosaartstheatre.org.au/

Tania Nash is the director of ‘Home I’m Darling’

You ’ re Invited

STUDIO YARN

The ARTS in brief

JAN MURPHY WORKSHOP

IN 2015 Jan started on her painting journey after an overseas photographic and IT career. Her latest artwork, recently at Pomona Railway Gallery, includes abstracts, some referenced from her photographs, others, more stylised, use mixed media, acrylic, stencils, collage and found objects. Jan is providing another TWO WORKSHOPS coinciding with Noosa Open Studios 2024. Titled ‘City by Day and Night’, participants will build their own cities using different art tools and mediums. Workshops run on Thursday September 5 or Saturday September 14, 9.30am to 3.30pm. Cost $100 per person, includes all art supplies. Contact Jan Murphy 0499 551 700 or jgfiji1988@yahoo.com.au

THE CHERRY SHOW

SINGER , songwriter, multi-instrumentist CHERRY BRIGHT will entertain you on piano, ukulele, kazoo and spoons with her own songs such as Facebook Addiction, On-Line Dating, Noosa in the Summertime, and Young Man Blues. Her parody of Lenard Cohen’s Halleluyah would have Lenard laughing in his grave. Cherry has built up an impressive repertoire of witty and thought-provoking songs. Genre - Think Tim Minchin’s long lost Nanna on steroids.

Sunday August 18, 2pm - Majestic Theatre Pomona WEAR - RED

MAJESTIC THEATRE COMEDY NIGHT

THE MISFITS are back on August 3 for this year’s Comedy Night at the Majestic Theatre Pomona. They will perform in ‘Paper Wasps,’ a comedic play exploring how a Paper wasp nest ended up in pieces at the base of a gumtree. The MISFITS, are local hinterland comedy writers Jim Bird and Helen Moffitt. After a hiatus, they return alongside other local talents, including Cherry Bright and poet Ian Mackay. Now in its seventh year, the show features two performances at 4pm and 7pm.

THE Tall Trees Art Inc association will deliver another fabulous event that is the TALL TREES ART EXHIBITION in Cooran. Artworks will be showcased in 12 venues along the main street, with the historic Cooran Hall the star of the event. The Small Trees art exhibition for 8 to 12 year olds will be back, and there will be a mini art market and craft workshops in the park, a guided heritage town walk, live music throughout the town and much more… Happening on September 21 and 22. More details at www.talltreesart.com

PACIFIC CHAMBER PLAYERS

INTERNATIONALLY acclaimed violinist and conductor DANIEL KOSSOV will be joining PCP for their concert Lighter Shades. Daniel Kossov has performed with many of the world’s foremost musical personalities. The Players’ programme includes Strauss’ Blue Danube waltz, Mozart’s clarinet concerto, Martinu’s Kitchen Suite, Gershwin’s Someone to Watch Over Me and Piazzolla’s Lieber Tango, to name just a few.

Performing Sunday August 11, 2.30pm at Cooroy Memorial Hall. Tickets are available at www.pacificchamberplayers. com or cash at the door.

POMONA RAILWAY STATION GALLERY WHAT’S ON

IN the Carriage Room, ‘P’ showcases early childhood art from Peregian Beach, Palmwoods, and Pomona Community Kindergartens, featuring over 60 children’s works focusing on local fauna and birds starting with ‘P’. Organized by retired teacher Melindi Robertson, it runs from August 3 to September 5. In the Banana Shed, landscape artist Shay Balmanno presents ‘From Where I Stand,’ capturing Australia’s beauty through acrylic and multimedia. It runs from July 27 to August 28. Visit 10 Station St, Pomona, open 10am4pm Tuesday to Friday, 10am-2pm Saturday and Sunday.

TALL TREES TAKE OVER COORAN

Sparrows of Kabul

TO commemorate the third anniversary of the fall of Kabul and the subsequent evacuation on August 15, 2021, Fred Smith tours his poignant stage show, Sparrows of Kabul.

Seen by many as the unofficial storyteller of Australia’s involvement in Afghanistan, Smith’s song ‘Sapper’s Lullaby’ is engraved in marble at the British War Cemetery in Kabul.

As the first Australian diplomat sent to Uruzgan Province in 2009 and the last to leave in 2013, Smith wrote songs and held concerts with Australian, US, and Dutch soldiers, and Afghan interpreters. These songs were released on his album ‘Dust of Uruzgan’, with the title track covered by Lee Kernaghan on his top-selling ‘Spirit of the Anzacs’ album.

In 2020, Smith returned to Afghanistan

and worked at Kabul International Airport during the evacuation. His new show,

“Sparrows of Kabul,” blends stories and songs from this experience, offering a vivid personal account of Australia’s 20-year involvement in Afghanistan.

“Despite the many challenges during the evacuation mission, the Australian team managed to get 4,100 people out, most of whom are now living in Australia. Their girls and boys are going to school and having swimming lessons. We’ve changed people’s lives,” said Smith.

Performing locally at the Majestic Theatre, Pomona Friday August 23, 7pm. Other performances are SunPAC, Sunnybank August 17, Maleny Community Centre August 22, Coolum Civic Centre August 24, Eudlo Hall August 25. www.redchair.com.au

‘MARY POPPINS’ TAKES TO THE STAGE THIS SEPT

A SPOONFUL of sugar is just what the Doctor Ordered as Little Seed Theatre Company gets ready to stage Mary Poppins.

Fresh from their successful seasons of Hamlet and The Wizard of Oz Little Seed Theatre Company is in rehearsal for their next production Mary Poppins

With a cast of local secondary school talent from several of the Coast’s schools, Mary Poppins is a feel good musical perfect for all ages.

The musical is based on the similarly titled Mary Poppins children’s books by P. L Travers and the 1964 Disney film, and is a fusion of various elements from the two, including songs from the film.

Produced by Cameron Mackintosh and Disney Theatrical Productions and directed by Richard Eyre with codirection from Matthew Bouren who also acted as co-choreographer with Stephen Mere, the original West End production opened in December 2004 and won two Olivier Awards, one for Best Actress in a musical and the other for Best Theatre Choreographer.

The original Broadway production closed in March 2013, after 2,619 performances. Touring and international productions followed.

FRED SMITH

Grace Burroughs and Isabella Tate will alternate as Mary Poppins when Little Seed brings the show to the J Noosa and The Events Centre Caloundra. Mackenzie Lenten and Thomas Mould star as Burt and together these four performers head up a troupe of talented performers who can’t wait to bring this well loved show to life. Audiences can expect the same standard of excellence that Little Seed brings to all their productions with beautiful costumes, a terrific set and breathtaking vocals.

Coming to the J in September and Caloundra in October, tickets are available from www.little-seed.com.au

SPARROWS OF KABUL

An extraordinary song cycle on Australia’s 20-year involvement in Afghanistan.

Maleny Community Centre

Thursday 22 August, 7pm

Majestic Theatre, Pomona

Friday 23 August, 7pm

Coolum Civic Centre

Saturday 24 August, 7pm

Eudlo Hall

Sunday 25 August, 4pm

New Artists join art trail

It’s only a month to go before we launch this year’s Noosa Open Studios Art Trail. Open from August 30 to September 8, there are 92 artists on the trail this year. All studios are accessible by car and there is a free Trail Guide Navigation App that can be downloaded from the website, and from the Apple and Google app stores, which will direct visitors to studios. Participating artists are divided into 4 trails, and all trails are open to visitors on Friday, Saturday and Sunday each weekend. During the week there is a dedicated day for visitors to individual trails.

Many of the wonderful, exciting artists are back, and we have 27 artists participating for the first time. Here they are...

MAREE AUSTIN is a skilled ceramicist and painter, drawn to abstraction, the artist’s reactions to the world around her are visceral, emotional, and aesthetic. Working from her large bush block she absorbs herself in the process of art making. Maree’s paintings are extravagantly activated with intuitive use of colour. Her ceramics include porcelain sculpture, wheel thrown and hand-built vessels.

Self-taught artist IEFJE BOISSEVAIN breathes life into her tactile masterpieces with a unique glass-like finish, radiating a luminosity akin to supernovas. Her artworks explode with vibrant hues and dynamic textures, transporting viewers into a realm where colour reigns supreme. Embracing the unconventional with grace, she crafts a bold and sophisticated style that is unmistakably hers.

JHANA BOWEN’S exquisite paintings reflect a remarkable love affair with the ocean and marine life. Working mostly with oils on canvas, stunning underwater scenes come alive in rich oceanic colours. Jhana is an established and well collected artist, he is also a published author, illustrator and therapist.

BROWN creates one off pieces that are both beautiful and functional. While sewing has been a passion since childhood, Libby is a self-taught bag maker. Libby loves bringing fabrics and other textiles to life in practical one of a kind bags that reflect their owner’s individual style. Recently, she has been experimenting creating bags from upcycled materials giving them new life and purpose.

CANTWELL has been involved in various art forms studying at the National Art School in Sydney. Cynthia is a Mixed Media Artist, and is currently focused on charcoal as a medium producing graphic shading of light-and-dark.

SAM CHARD is an emerging ceramic artist, making homewares and jewellery in porcelain and other local clays. Sam graduated from the Australian National University, School of Art in 1994, specialising in digital media. She has won numerous awards for her art-work, been active in social art projects and was awarded a Public Service Medal in 2023.

After a long career as a painter and published author, LIZZY CHARD, Noosa Waters Ceramics, has recently started working in ceramics. Specializing in porcelain, Lizzy makes a diverse range

of vases, bowls and other homewares, along with jewellery. She is inspired by her amazing garden - filled with roses and splashes of colour for her vases. Her work is either crisp white porcelain, or bright and quirky alfresco-style table wear.

ERENEE MCGOVERN creates beauty from ashes. From electrical components to the remnants of nature, each found object is the beginning of a new creative life. Rene’s distinct style is imprinted on the hinterland township of Eumundi through creative commissions undertaken for local business, creating functional art that can be worn, displayed, used and enjoyed.

LUKE DEACON, a contemporary fine artist, delves into the profound bond he shares with the coast and the hinterland. His creations mirror meditative contemplation, portraying the coastal environs as both a refuge and a wellspring of life and healing. Through a rich tapestry of media, Luke weaves together layers that reveal his intimate connection to the enigmatic beauty of the coastal landscape.

HAMPSON moved back to Australia after 26 years of living in various countries and embarked on art classes. She enjoys experimenting with various techniques and mediums, and particularly likes re-imagining scenes and subjects in vibrant colours.

HANN’S (Brisky Creations) mix of artworks burst with her love of Australian native flora and fauna. From the beauty of banksias and paper daisies to the animated charm of cockatoos and wombats, Nikki tries to convey a vibrant narrative through screen printing, painting, pottery, and mixed media.

JODI JAMES is inspired largely by her experiences from both living and travelling overseas. She creates vibrant figurative works in oils and enjoys the challenge of painting a variety of subject matter, including charming scenes, landscapes and portraiture.

HAYDN LEWIS is a self-taught painter from Noosa who shifted gears from engineering to painting. He channels his love for creativity into vibrant oil landscapes and abstractions. Inspired by the coastal vistas surrounding him, his work evokes a sense of energy and connection to nature.

EMMA NANCARROW works from her new purpose built studio in the Noosa Hinterland. She is a painter with a love of interiors. An avid gardener her work encompasses still life paintings often using home grown Australian native flowers as inspiration. Emma also works on abstract visions of outback Australia and aerial views of coasts and cities.

JOYERIA SOLARA is a jewellery artist, located at Weyba Downs

LIBBY

CYNTHIA

CAROLE

NIKKI

LYNDI PAGE-BICKLEY is a proud Koori woman whose creative repertoire spans various genres, with a primary focus on nature in all forms. Lyndi’s artistic journey recently led her on an enriching eight-month pilgrimage across Australia, where she had the privilege of collaborating with fellow indigenous artists. Their stories, techniques, and passion have been a wellspring of information for her creative expression. At the core of Lyndi’s practice lies a spiritual connection that transcends the physical realm. She feels a profound connection between her heart and ancestors, guiding her hand in an intuitive dance of creation.

KATE PARKES pursued a childhood love of drawing with London-based studies in Art, Sculpture and Photography, with a strong focus on realism. More recently Kate has developed an interest in exploring a freer, more intuitive artistic practice, inspired by the mid-century modern aesthetics of Abstract Expressionism.

BRIAN PETERSEN has a passion for Australia’s beautiful hardwood timbers. He sources new and old abandoned timber, remilling it to create elegant and functional lighting.

CHRISTOPHER PHILLIPS’ work explores the subtle space between two states. Meditation is the state between the conscious and the unconscious and his work treads the fine line between the abstracted and the representational.

ALAN PIRIE is a prolific artist with no formal training who has mastered a variety of styles and mediums. It is for his rich abstracts and exquisite drawings of wildlife and nudes that he is primarily recognised. Pirie’s abstract works are designed to create a sense of mystery, exploration and escapism, allowing the viewer to explore and find their own interpretation of the image.

MARGI PONGRITZ, Margi Art, creates her energetic vibrant art pieces from deep within her imagination, allowing a freedom of inspiration to come flowing through and tantalise the senses. The bold, striking movement with intriguing intuitive strokes, gives a fascination connected to geometry, form and flow.

PHIL ROLTON’S elegant and distinctive art works demonstrate the detail of local natural landscapes and city built environments. A professional painter for over 30 years his works are now held in public and private collections around Australia and overseas, and he has been the recipient of numerous awards. He creates his paintings from drawings and photographs utilising pen, ink, watercolour and mixed media to enhance his photorealism approach to his compositions.

UTE STRENGE enjoys working with colours, fabrics and her hands. It all started as time out from routine life. Making quilts, sewing, and quilting by hand to sewing for foster children. Her journey evolved into textile art. She enjoys discovering, exploring and creating unique pieces.

SHIRLEY TOPP is an accomplished watercolour artist and skilled potter who draws inspiration from her travels, multicultural background and the beauty of the Hinterland. Based in her Lake Macdonald studio, her watercolour paintings exude a gentle elegance, reflecting a ‘less is more’ ethos. Her pottery pieces are created with simplicity, clean lines, and practicality in mind, each crafted with a purpose.

THERESE VAN HAASTER has a passion for watercolour and has been painting for over 25 years. She is inspired by her love of figures, portraits and places to which she has travelled. Children, coastal life, street scenes, wildlife and portraits are her favourite subjects to paint. She has won several awards and has been involved in numerous solo and joint exhibitions.

MARIA VASILENKO originally from St. Petersburg, Russia, was born into an artistic family and graduated in Fine Art. She has lived in Australia a little over a year and has been inspired by the unique Australian nature. Maria loves to paint landscapes, and in particular the local Noosa beaches with oil on canvas. Mixing her Russian education in art with the Australian landscape makes for unique pieces of art.

JULIA WHEELER is a self-taught, intuitive painter. Moving from the UK in 2005, Noosa has definitely brought out her creative side. From her home studio she paints a wide variation of subjects in differing mediums. Although acrylics are her preference, she loves to ‘mix it up’. Nature and her travel experiences have been her main inspirations and she keeps a vast photographic library for reference.

True to your word

WHAT if there were an untapped power totally in your control that could transform your life… would you use it? When it comes to achieving goals, I’m all for using what you can, so long as it doesn’t harm others!

One of my favourite books is The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. Simple concepts, easy to read and implementing the ideas create profound transformation. I remember when I read the first agreement ‘Be Impeccable with your Word’. “I am, that’s me,” I thought, until it came to looking more closely at how that showed up in the context of achieving my goals. You see, I’d write my goals down and develop an action plan, yet many of my goals weren’t coming into fruition. Why was that? If I had the plans, if I said I was going to do it, why didn’t I achieve those goals? It turns out I wasn’t as impeccable with my word as I thought. I’d write down my next step but then I’d let myself off the hook – there wasn’t time, I didn’t have the money or some other resource I needed. I came

to understand this created a sense of distrust within me. Becoming impeccable with my word meant consciously thinking about what I said I would do, and then taking action despite whatever was going on in my life. It meant instead of making excuses, I had to make commitments. Doing this consistently has led me to know I can trust myself to follow through.

Take a moment to consider where this principle impacts your life. What would it be like if you knew you were always going to follow through on what you said you’d do? Of course, being a coach, I must ask, what is one small thing you will commit to so you can be impeccable with your word? Margit Cruice is an experienced Life Coach based in Tewantin. For more information head to margitcruice.com.

with MARGIT CRUICE

Not one size fits all!

ALTHOUGH there are countless variations of the true meaning of Holistic Nutrition, one thing they all have in common is that it encompasses mind, body and soul.

In my profession I have encountered people from all walks of life, age groups, genders and educational backgrounds. Trust me when I say that it is never just about food. Food and nutrition is the easy part. What drives our relationship with food is on a whole other level.

How we feed, nourish and nurture our body and our mind are so intertwined, they are inseparable. Our mindset is a driving force behind the foods we consume and in contrast, the food we consume affects our mindset, which in turn affects our health choices all over again. Feels like you are on a mouse wheel, doesn’t it. But wait, there is more, throw in your spiritual awareness or lack of and it seems as if there is no end to the madness. Although the cycle may seem unbreakable there is light at the end of the tunnel and it all starts with you.

It is a part of most human’s evolution, that we care for things that are of value to us. You love your kids, your home, your

car, your pets, you look after them. You feed them. You spend time with them. But somewhere along the evolutionary scale we have lost sight of our own inner value. The outcome is we fail to thrive. We make poor food choices and treat ourselves as an afterthought. Our mental health suffers as does our physical and spiritual health, all because we are living through someone else’s eyes not our own. The only way to break free is to learn to love yourself again. Mindset is everything, where your head is your body will follow. Sustainability, less stress, reconnection and education is Holistic Nutrition.

You are what you eat! www.foodtrition.com.au, @foodtrition1

BREATH AND MEDITATION

Breath and Meditation

LEARN simple tools and techniques to help you navigate the pressures of everyday life, especially when you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed.

In these sessions you will:

• Move your body to release stress and tension;

• Harness the power of breath to relax your body and clear your mind; and

• Learn meditation techniques to cultivate a calm state of being. Empower yourself to reduce stress and anxiety in your life by learning simple practices that will help you regulate your nervous system.

noosa.qld.gov.au

Supported by Noosa Council, these sessions are only $5 - School term time only.

Noosa River Lions Park Thursday 12 - 1pm Cooroy Memorial Hall Thursday 6 - 7pm Please wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat and cushion.

STRETCHY, STRETCHY…

DO you take the time to stretch your body? Like REEEAALLLLLY stretch? Let’s be honest… usually, the answer tends to be a hard ‘no’.

Stretching seems to be something that tends to fall by the wayside, even though our intentions may be good.

We get busy. Things pop up. And even though we might be hobbling around with a sore lower back or hammys that feel like they’re about to snap, it’s often the last thing on our to do list.

But stretching out the body is such an important ritual you should be adding to your day.

Stretching isn’t just advised for people who work out or play sports. Everybody can benefit greatly from even the simplest of stretches.

You may have a desk job. Or drive a long way commuting to work. Or your job might be quite physical and you lift heavy things? If so, you’re definitely a candidate for a good stretch out.

Being flexible and having supple muscles can help in more ways than one.

It can elevate pain in your body, improve your posture, increase blood flow and in general just make you feel really good.

To motivate you to stretch your body, sometimes it’s worth joining in on a class that focuses on stretching. Or you can make the time to stretch at home, even pop

on a youtube video for guidance. Or if you ever get a chance, treat yourself to a deep stretch with a personal trainer or stretching coach. It’s pretty darn good!

It’s not all about being able to touch your toes or do a backbend. We’re all built differently, therefore we will all have different limits our bodies can reach. And different goals too.

But one thing that stays the same for everyone is that looking after your body

and giving it the time and care that it needs enables you to live comfortably and pain free.

So make sure you find some time today to stretch! Your body will thank you for it. E x

with ERIN YARWOOD

Off Grid Expo starts this weekend

THE Off-Grid Expo is ramping up for its event at the Gympie Showgrounds on August 3 and 4, showcasing a diverse range of home solutions and sustainable living options.

Now located on flat ground in Gympie, the event will feature everything from small home building ideas to solar systems with various price points, rain tanks, fencing products, native plants, heirloom seedlings, permaculture and community gardens, chickens, fruit trees, and much more.

Attendees will benefit from a range of guest speakers offering insights on topics such as Wicking-beds, battery storage, land healing, solar misconceptions, dowsing tools, and creating the ideal permaculture property. Details about the speakers are available on the event’s website.

Workshops throughout the event will cover a variety of practical skills, including skin tanning,

ready for POTS GALORE

salve making, smudgestick creation, yogurt displays, jewellery wrapping, and upcycling. Some workshops are ticketed, while others are open to attendees who simply show up at the designated tents. Workshop spaces will be marked with colorful flags for easy identification. Enjoy delicious food and relaxing music in a comfortable setting. For updates on late additions and event details, visit the website or Facebook page.

Tickets are available online, with prices set at $10 per adult per day or $15 for the weekend. Under 16s can attend for free. While tickets can be purchased on-site, bringing small notes and gold coins is recommended as there are no ATMs available. Friendly, well-behaved dogs are welcome. For more information, visit www.offgridexpo.com.au or call Di at 0419 224 628 or Dee at 0434 630 510.

BE ALERT FOR KOALAS WHEN OUT AND ABOUT

IT’S KOALA BREEDING SEASON so please stay alert when driving around Noosa as they are on the move. When you see our ‘koala zone’ signage, please slow down and be extra cautious. Call the Wildcare Australia 24-hr Emergency Rescue Hotline on (07) 5527 2444 if you see a sick or injured koala.

BUSHFIRE SEASON IS HERE

SPRING brings with it the start of Sunshine Coast’s dry season. It also heralds the start of bushfire season.

In preparation, it’s important for residents, no matter where they live, to prepare their property and business this August.

You can prepare by:

• Mowing your lawn regularly

• Keeping your gutters clear

• Trimming low-lying branches

• Preparing an emergency kit and household plan

Bushfire prone areas should be self-reliant to ensure their safety. To find out about your home’s level of risk, check the Rural Fire Service post code checker.

Learn what else you can do to prepare at the Get Ready Queensland website.

For the latest updates and information check out Council’s Disaster Hub website and app.

Being prepared and understanding how bushfires behave is everyone’s responsibility.

www.getready.qld.gov.au

TAKE A HIKE IN THE HINTERLAND with Andrea Taylor

LAKE WEYBA Bushland Reserve

THIS Lake is just magical, with so much to offer including walking trails, kayaking, kite surfing, stand up paddle boarding, sailing, dogs allowed on leash or just sitting back and enjoying the view.

The walking trail from the Charlotte Drive Weyba Downs entrance now has a new suspension bridge and four new foot bridges connecting the trail to the Peregian side of the lake. There are two other entry points on the Peregian side, Lakewood Drive and Annie Drive. All trails meet to make this a great day’s adventure. I would give yourself 4-5 hours to explore all the trails.

Hearing about the new 24m suspension bridge was the draw card for me - I was excited to check it out. I highly recommend this for the kids, they will love it and if they haven’t walked across one before it’s a great experience.

We did a short 3.7km loop over the suspension bridge which took just over an hour. The trail is well signed it can get very boggy after rain, and the lush vegetation hides the trail in a couple of spots. For those of you who love a flat trail and plenty of options on how far you would like to walk, this is right up your alley.

Walking along the sandy edge of the lake you can see small fish and stingrays. There is plenty of bird life and other wildlife to see if you look carefully. The paperbark trees are one of my fav’s and if you look closely amongst the mangroves you can see tiny crabs.

I was so impressed I returned the next day to watch the sunrise. The reflections of the clouds and trees over the lake took my breath away. Early morning and late afternoon is best and most peaceful.

There is a sheltered picnic table and plenty of room to kick a ball around on the green grass. Unfortunately there are no toilets. Happy Hiking - Andrea

LOCAL SCHOOL TO BECOME 100% CARBON NEUTRAL

AFTER learning about Noosa Pengari Steiner School’s focus on sustainability, we were enthusiastic about meeting with Principal, Francis Klugman.

What we learned about the school’s focus and vision was even more impressive! Infants as young as five are instilled with values such as ‘Respect for others and respect for the environment’, purposefully developing an understanding and relationship with nature. These values shape students from foundational years, into primary not only through sowing, planting, pruning and harvesting, but reaping what they sow, learning to harvest and prepare food they can eat and share in their Kitchen Garden program.

In 2022, 12 high school students volunteered to drive a project to become Carbon Neutral by 2024, commencing with data collection, analysis and generating ideas on how to reduce energy consumption and become self-sufficient.

As a result, the school boasts 15kW solar panels installed on the new Basketball and Sports Arena, plus additional panels and plans being finalised for an additional 13kW solar system to be installed on the new Music Building. Whilst the school utilises two diesel buses daily, they are focusing on using Biodiesel being produced by high school students as part of their Chemistry Curriculum from years 9-10 as an alternative. The school has also electrified the Maintenance Department as petrol

powered tools near the end of their lives are replaced with battery powered tools instead. This will expand to the ride-on mowers and brush cutters etc and eventually, replace the two diesel buses with electric.

Additional changes convert any non-LED lighting and appliances (i.e. refrigerators, airconditioners etc) to more efficient alternatives. The school’s focus on sustainability and electrification is demonstrative of how residents and businesses are achieving significant cost reductions by analysing costs of traditional fossil fuels and turning to renewable energy alternatives.

communityengagement@zeroemissionsnoosa.com www.zeroemissionsnoosa.com.au

DURANTA is a very common plant in gardens on the Sunshine Coast. I wonder if it would still be so popular if more people knew how toxic it is.

All parts of the Duranta are poisonous. Dogs and cats have died from eating the berries and the toxin level is high enough to kill a human. The most common effects are vomiting and diarrhea.

Duranta is a known invasive environmental weed. The plant is dispersed by birds eating the berries as the birds aren’t affected by the toxin.

The common names for Duranta include Golden Dew Drop, Geisha Girl and Skyflower with scientific names being Duranta erecta and Duranta repens. The two Duranta species are very similar and are often mistaken for each other.

This plant is native to southern United

States of America, Central and South America. It is shrub/tree that can grow up to 7m but we usually find it pruned in a garden setting.

The cut and paint method should be used to control the weed. Stems should be cut as low as possible and the stumps immediately painted with a registered herbicide.

A native species to use in place of Duranta are any of the lovely Callistemon species available, commonly referred to as bottlebrushes. Bottlebrushes provide food and shelter for native animalsbirds, insects and skinks - and produce lovely bottlebrush shaped flowers that provide plenty of food for nectar eating birds like honeyeaters, insects, possums and flying foxes.

Healthy soil, healthy people, healthy planet! Food grown with

KIN KIN Growers veggie boxes are more than a selection of seasonal, organically grown produce. Everything in the box is grown with love on a small Kin Kin farm, home to market gardeners Alana Anderson and Jake Pannunzio.

“We are a small organic market garden. We grow vegetables, herbs and flowers focusing on regenerative and organic principles. We supply veggie boxes to our community on a weekly basis through the months of Autumn to Spring and sell produce at our monthly markets in Kin Kin. Everything is grown with love by us on our property,” Alana explains.

Jake and Alana who grew up on the Sunshine Coast, met while surfing Noosa’s Tea Tree bay. They quickly realised they shared the same dream of owning a property and growing food.

“Although we grew up closer to the beach we both loved the country lifestyle which is why we chose Kin Kin to buy a property. It has such a wonderful community and is so peaceful but still close to Noosa and the

surrounding areas,” Alana says.

Juggling farming, surfing and now motherhood is a challenge for Alana, who previously worked as a medical scientist, but with the addition of baby Olive, a wholesome lifestyle became her priority.

“Olive is almost two and helps with planting the seedlings and harvesting the produce. It feels so wonderful to be able to show her from a young age where her food comes from. We are hoping down the track to run workshops for children so they can learn how to grow their own food at home. We feel it’s so necessary these days to educate our children from a young age on healthy eating.”

With her background in healthcare, Alana is passionate about building a healthier society. She has continued her studies, branching into soil microbiology, to identify beneficial microorganisms in soil and compost, improving growing conditions for produce and applying this knowledge to her own market garden.

She adds, “Another challenge is educating

love

people how important it is for their own health to eat not only organic food but food that is grown locally. We are hoping that people will start to see by supporting small farms, they are supporting the economy in their region and fostering a more resilient food system. But the biggest benefit is their own health as the nutrient content hasn’t been lost in transportation.”

Alana and Jake are healthy, vital advocates, passionate about local farming.

“We are hoping to have workshops down the track focusing on growing food as medicine,” Alana shares.

“I’m so passionate about nutrition and how regenerative farming and nutrition are interconnected. I would love to educate the community about our region’s most nutrient dense crops aka superfoods. Stay tuned!”

by MARGIE WEGENER

Merino Treads Australian Made Socks

East Tibrogargan CAVES ADVENTURE

DECADES ago I had the opportunity to climb the east side of Mt Tibrogargan with a very experienced guide. It’s a spectacular route called ‘Caves’ that is rated as Very Hard on the Aussie Bushwalking web page.

Our guide had us use a prusik technique that allowed us to climb while being attached to a fixed rope. This was a really good and safe way to experience this route from the bottom for the first time. I have since done the route many times with other experienced scramblers and am now confident to do it solo and help others enjoy it.

This route is definitely not for the faint hearted or anyone with any fear of heights. For those that are experienced scramblers and have a head for heights it is, as I have mentioned, spectacular and challenging. It starts out fairly easy and steadily gets more exposed and difficult. The way is not marked and it’s quite easy to get off route. When this happens you will be very pleased to have had plenty of down climbing experience under your belt. At about the halfway mark you will crest a ledge and walk through cave 1 and into cave 2. From here cave 3 is off to your right, as is cave 4 but getting to 4 requires a very exposed 15m traverse. A rope is highly recommended here and there are good anchors to attached it to. To continue up from 3 you must traverse a narrow precipitous ledge before ascending for about 20m on one the steepest and most exposed sections of the route. From here a short walk up a bush trail takes you to the Chimney and cave 5. Both have challenging ascents to get up onto the safety of Tibro’s Shoulder.

Abseiling is also a good and safe way to experience this route with family and friends that are not experienced scramblers. There are good permanent rigging points on all the pitches and a standard 60m climbing rope will reach the bottom of them all. If you would like to learn safe abseiling and self-rescue techniques, Climbing Guides Australia are

an outstanding local business that teach these skills. Tell Mason, Andy sent you. Safe travels and adventures. Andy Flanagan, Adventurer, climber, mountain biker and advocate for continued access to the awe and wonder of our beautiful countryside. Join our free newsletter subscription at www.SaveOurSummits.org

The Annual KIN KIN PINK STUMPS

Sunday Cricket Extravaganza

PREPARE for a day of unforgettable excitement as Kin Kin and Noosa Council go head-to-head in a cricket match for the ages! Join us right after the renowned Kin Kin Market for a day that’s set to be as vibrant as it is impactful.

WHAT’S IN STORE:

Dress Code: Pink is the theme, so don your most dazzling pink outfits and get ready to stand out!

Monster Raffle: Try your luck with our epic raffle—fantastic prizes await, and all proceeds support the McGrath Foundation.

Celebrity Players: Get starstruck as Matt Golinski and Jimmy Wilkins hit the field for the Kin Kin team. You won’t want to miss their moves!

BBQ & Sweets: Enjoy a mouthwatering

BBQ featuring sausages generously donated by Eastwell Meats. Plus, indulge in delicious pink cupcakes baked with love by Kin Kin State School.

Pink Tutus & Cricket Fun: Watch players sporting pink tutus for a game of cricket like you’ve never seen before. It’s guaranteed to bring smiles and laughter! Fully commentated by local comedians

Chris Fuller & Scotty Cairns.

Beer Flowing: Thanks to Stone & Wood, we’ll have plenty of beer to keep you refreshed throughout the day.

Supporting a Cause: All proceeds from this spectacular event will go directly to the McGrath Foundation. Our Kin Kin community has some incredible mothers bravely battling breast cancer, and your

support will make a world of difference.

Event Schedule:

•Kin Kin Market: 8 AM to Midday

•Cricket Match: From 1 PM

Organizers: This fantastic event is brought to you by Wanda Jardine and the Kin Kin Community Group.

Mark your calendars, gather your pink gear, and head to Kin Kin Oval for a day of cheers, fun, and making a meaningful impact. See you there!

Date: Sunday, August 4

Location: Kin Kin Oval

Donations: www.pinkisthecolour.com. au/fundraiser/kinkin/pink-stumpsday24

MAKING AN IMPACT EVERYWHERE!

IT’S been a very, very busy couple of weeks for the Impact Boxing Club of late, with all the athletes training hard, aiming for various competitions and goals.

Recently, four of the Impact team members travelled out to Ipswich for the Ipswich Regional Titles. This event attracted people from all over Queensland, with around 60 bouts for the evening.

First up for Impact Boxing, we had Theo Rivera, who won the 57kg division. Then we had Luke Austin, who won the 71kg division. We also had Slade Gray, who won the 48kg division. And then we had Nicole Kostovski who won the 63kg division. Four from four for Team Impact, all boxers performing exceptionally well against quality opponents.

We then came home from Ipswich, regrouped and had another week of preparation, before it was time to head to Perth for the Australian titles. From Impact Boxing, we had Ciara Storch 60kg, Slade Gray, 48kg, and Tiana Rew 63kg, all winning their Australian title. Three from three for Team Impact. The three girls made up a team of 40 Queenslanders that

travelled across, and this year, we are proud to say that the Queensland team dominated these titles.

Out of the 40 athletes that we took across, we won 26 gold medals and 9 silver. Definitely the most successful tournament for a Queensland team. As head coach of the team, I was extremely proud, not only of my own athletes, but the way everybody, all the athletes performed. It was a reassuring sign for us as coaches that we are definitely doing the right thing back home, and the development that we’re putting into our athletes and coaches was rewarded with our medal tally.

Team Impact will now prepare for a trip to Singapore and then a trip to New Zealand. So to say the gym is buzzing at the moment is an understatement. Every athlete working hard, striving towards their goals. “As a coach, I could not be more proud,” coach Mark Evans said. We thank you all for your continued support.

Yours in Sport - Mark Evans

President - Boxing Queensland Inc. Ph - 0403 264 048.

COWAN TAYLOR AQUATICS @ COOROY POOL

Andrew and Georgina from Cowan Taylor Aquatics have reopened Cooroy Pool. Offering Learn to Swim, Squads for both kids and adults, Aqua, Swimming Club and general lap swimming.

Public hours for lap swimming are below.

Monday - 7am to 8.30am & 3.15pm to 6pm

Tuesday - 6.30am to 8.30am & 3.15pm to 6pm

Wednesday - 7am to 8.30am & 3.15pm to 6pm

Thursday - 6.30am to 8.30am & 3.15pm to 6pm

Friday - 7am to 8.30am & 3.15pm to 6pm

Saturday - 7.30am to 12.00pm

For more information please contact Andrew on 0423191995 or Georgina 0413929197

Or follow us on Facebook Cowan Taylor Aquatics

CAZA HINTERLAND JIU-JITSU

Learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with classes catering for men, women and children. With a trio of highly skilled instructors newcomers can be confident of first-rate instruction in a friendly atmosphere. Check online at www.cazahinterlandbjj.com.au to view the class timetable and for any enquiries email info@cazahinterlandbjj.com.au

Little Jiujitsu buddies

Ipswich Regional Titles - Four from four for Team Impact - Theo Rivera, Nicole Kostovski, Slade Gray and Luke Austin

Slade Gray - Australian Title Winner 48kg Division Tiana Rew - Australian Title Winner 63kg Division

Ciara Storch - Australian Title Winner 60kg Division

LLEW

CYBER criminals are constantly looking for new ways to steal your data, so it is important to practice cyber hygiene to keep your devices in good health and improve your online security.

Pwned is an industry term that means your data has been exposed to cybercriminals. You can check to see if your email or phone number has been involved in a data breach by visiting https://haveibeenpwned.com. This website also lets you sign up to be notified if future pwnage occurs and your accounts are compromised.

These days we have so many different online accounts that it can be difficult to keep track of your passwords. Most of us are guilty of reusing passwords or having favourite passwords that are easy to remember. While password reuse is quite normal, it is also quite risky. Because it is so common and easy, most of us are not aware of the potential impact.

Cyber criminals launch credential stuffing attacks, where they take advantage of reused credentials by automating login attempts against systems using known email and password pairs that have been

exposed by data breaches.

The importance of using strong individual passwords or password phrases for different accounts is the first step in practicing good cyber hygiene, and the next step is enabling two or multi factor authentication to stop hackers and cyber criminals who may have your password from gaining access to your account.

Tax time is also the time of year when scammers are sending text messages and emails pretending to be myGov or Services Australia. They will ask you to click on a link so they can steal your sign in details, personal information, and ultimately your money!

Scammers might say are that you can get a one-time payment, rebate, or other kind of refund, that there is a problem with your tax return or myGov account, or there have been changes to your account, your details need to be updated, or your account is about to be frozen or suspended. Do not click on these links or any attachments in emails or text messages. You can find out more by visiting www. servicesaustralia.gov.au/how-to-know-ifits-scam? and www.scamwatch.gov.au.

FRANK WILKIE Noosa Mayor

100-DAY REPORT

APRIL

COUNCIL and police crack-down on travellers illegally using public carparks as campsites. Short Term Accommodation Local Law review gets underway. The third crackdown in just over a week on illegal camping. A community reference group is convened to guide Noosa Botanic Gardens Master Plan.

MAY

Council trials new hinterland customer service desk at Cooroy Library.  Noosa River reforms as advised by the council’s Noosa River Stakeholder Reference Advisory Group are announced by Noosa MP Sandy Bolton and the state government’s Marine Services Queensland.Despite 28 days of rain in March,

solid progress made on $45.9 million capital program, and $127-million in flood recovery projects. Local Government Association of Queensland and South East Queensland Council of Mayors support council in opposing state laws to enable developers to bypass Council’s planning scheme. A range of planning scheme amendments aimed at addressing the local housing challenges and further limiting the spread of short-term accommodation go out for community comment. Parking bays at the Mitti Street / Park Road junction, Noosa Heads, become tow-away zones between 10pm and 4am, to

ROB SKELTON State Member for Nicklin

UPSKILLING LOCALS FOR GOOD JOBS

I had the pleasure of dropping by ECOllaboration in Yandina to tell Mal the good news – that they’ve been successful in their application to the next round of Skilling Queenslanders for Work!

Four Conservation and Ecosystem Management trainees are working one day a month at ECOllaboration’s partner nursery Mooloolah River Landcare, and for their field days they work with Seqwater, ensuring a clean water supply for Nambour and surrounds.

Since 2015 we’ve invested $743 Million to deliver training, skills development and job opportunities to nearly 90,000 disadvantaged Queenslanders, giving unemployed and underemployed people on

the Sunny Coast the skills they need – with extra, wrap-around support to graduate and find ongoing employment.

$1000 REBATE – CHECK YOUR NEXT BILL!

Now that we’re in the new financial year, your next energy bill should show the Miles Government’s $1000 energy rebate! This will be applied to your account as a lump-sum credit, alongside an extra $75 from the Federal Government each quarter (for an additional total of $300 this financial year).

If you’re a senior or concession card holder and you’ve supplied your concessional details to your energy provider, you should be seeing another $372 on top of that!

This means the most in-need households will be getting $1447 credited straight to their electricity account in their next bill.

20% OFF YOUR REGO

On top of the biggest energy rebates in the country, we’ve also taken 20% off your next rego payment!

This means that everyone in Queensland who pays rego on a light vehicle gets a fifth of their fees slashed.

If you already paid your rego before July 1 rolled around, don’t fret! You’ll still get your discount on next year’s rego.

of its 2021 decision to refuse a 246-unit retirement village on land next to the golf course at Cooroy. A draft Noosaville’s foreshore infrastructure master plan out for consultation. Community-based Ordinary Meeting held at Pomona Memorial Hall is well attended. Second phase consultation of the Pomona Placemaking pilot trial concludes. Council introduces budget aimed at absorbing record cost increases, delivering the services the community needs, keeping rises as low as possible and offering relief for those in financial hardship.

10 days. The Teewah & Cooloola Working Group (TCWG) convened by Noosa Council proposes measures to improve management of the Cooloola Recreation Area.  Noosa Council announces a further round of consultation on an updated draft Noosaville Foreshore Master Plan and a redraft of the Noosa River Plan. The $3.5million upgrade of Garth Prowd Bridge is completed. Sand pumping works to replenish Noosa Spit’s dog beach are completed two months ahead of schedule due to favourable weather and tides

ARCHITECTURALLY DESIGNED MASTERPIECE

NESTLED in the serene enclave of Doonan, this architecturally designed masterpiece by Gareth Cole epitomizes harmonious living with its unique octagonal layout.

Radiating from a central hub, the home seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor spaces, accentuated by a sweeping raked ceiling that extends over the sitting rooms and expansive decks. This design ethos not only enhances natural light and airflow but also invites nature into every corner.

Spanning three levels, the property boasts a host of amenities including a 12.5m pool, a versatile workshop, central meditation tower, and a spacious rumpus room ideal for conversion into a studio. Its energy-efficient design ensures comfort throughout the seasons, perfectly complementing our subtropical climate. Thoughtfully positioned for privacy, each area is meticulously crafted for effortless

family living. Originally two separate blocks, the property now features a sprawling, level expanse adorned with a picturesque dam, mature fruit trees, and a tranquil section of rainforest. This merger of land has created a sanctuary that blends natural beauty with architectural ingenuity, offering a rare opportunity to own a slice of paradise in Doonan.

Price: On Application

4 2½ 3

Pool - 1.4ha

Address: 55 Wust Road, Doonan

Agent: Brendan Weatherill

Property Providore

Phone: 0466 248 345

WALK TO EUMUNDI

WITH its fabulous street appeal, elevated position and location within walking distance of Eumundi township, this spotless home is the ideal investment or family residence. Built in 2010, it has been well-maintained and sports fresh paint inside and out, plus brand-new blinds, curtains, and shower screens.

The rendered brick and colorbond home is low maintenance without sacrificing quality and comfort, with plush but easy-care carpets, stylish floor tiles, feature cut-outs, custom cabinetry, and ceiling fans throughout.

The spacious, centrally positioned kitchen features Caesarstone benchtops, glass splashback, plenty of cupboards, soft-close drawers and a 900mm Omega oven with five-burner gas cooktop. Living and dining spaces wrap

around the kitchen, and the area opens onto a covered entertaining deck. Set on a 700sqm block in the soughtafter Eumundi 110 Estate, the property’s thoughtful design extends to the easy-care lawns and dog fenced yard. It is wonderfully situated just over a kilometre from the heart of Eumundi, with its cafes, pubs, artisan stores, school and world-famous markets.

Price: OFFERS OVER $1,075,000

4 2 2

Address: 19 Fullager Drive, EUMUNDI

Agent: Kess Prior, Hinternoosa

Phone: 0404 344 399

DECEASED ESTATE

WELCOME to an exceptional property nestled in the thriving township of Pomona, offering a rare chance to acquire 1868sqm of prime, completely cleared and usable land.

Held tightly for 43 years, this property now presents a unique opportunity for the next fortunate owner. Located centrally and zoned for medium density, this property presents a myriad of possibilities for the astute buyer. This property is a developers dream with the potential to develop townhouses or units to capitalise on the desirable location and zoning and cater to the influx of buyers seeking convenient, community-oriented living.

A majestic Queenslander graces the front of the property, showcasing timeless features such as 12ft ceilings, VJ walls, and timber floors. This sturdy home is ripe for renovation, offering ample space to create a truly spectacular residence while maintaining its original charm. Convenience is at your doorstep with schools, shops, medical facilities, and public transport all within walking distance. An investigation report is available upon request.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACREAGE WITH VIEWS

TUCKED away in a quiet hinterland acreage belt, is this truly fabulous family home on 9055sqm (2.24 Acres) of fully useable land, showcasing a stunning view of Mount Cooroy and surrounding countryside from the expansive north-east facing poolside alfresco entertaining area and offering comfortable all-season friendly living in glorious surrounds.

Across a single level with a welldesigned floor plan, the home comprises covered patio at entry, four bedrooms, two bathrooms, 5th bedroom/office (internal and external entry), tastefully updated kitchen, open plan living and dining flowing out to wraparound covered verandah and outdoor decking, plus separate laundry. An extra-deep double garage with separate studio/ multipurpose room with own external access, is adjacent to the home.

Current owners have fully renovated the main bedroom ensuite and kitchen, and partially renovated the main bathroom putting in a new vanity, shower screen and a new toilet (separate). Other features include split system air-conditioning x 2, ceiling fans throughout, new carpets in main bedroom and two other bedrooms, dual vanities in ensuite, stone benches

in kitchen, shaker-style cabinetry, woodburning fireplace in lounge, 2 x 5000 Gallon rainwater tanks, with town water and 6.5kW solar power.

Presentation inside and out is immaculate; and the grounds are parklike with a picturesque dam, masses of lush grassy lawn, mature native and tropical vegetation, a plethora of fruit trees including mango, orange, lemon, grapefruit, and macadamia, and the

perimeter is fully fenced. The size allows for a horse or two, if desired - it’s a perfect size acreage parcel, not too big, not too small.

The outdoor entertaining zones are superb - with cosy spots to capture toasty winter sunshine and cooling summer breezes, those poolside weekend BBQs will be something to look forward to, and what about Christmas lunch on the deck with family

and friends, savouring the privacy and admiring that breathtaking vista of Mount Cooroy.

Located just three minutes to Cooroy’s many amenities including schooling, rail, dining, shopping, golf, medical, sporting/leisure, brewery, and parks/playgrounds; five minutes to magnificent Lake Macdonald for boating, fishing, and picnicking; five minutes to Noosa Botanic Gardens; 20 minutes to Noosa River; and 25 minutes to Hastings Street and Noosa Main Beach - it’s all here or near to enjoy!

Buyers in the market for a pristine acreage property that caters for the needs of all the family in an idyllic setting will absolutely love this… and you won’t be alone, so act quickly to make it yours.

Price: Offers Over $1,590,000 5 2 2

Address: 10 Pine Tree Drive

LAKE MACDONALD

Agent: Tamar Scott-Holland Countryside Realty Noosa Phone: 0416 620 287

Beds R Us Noosa,