Your Local: December 2022

Christmas Merry

Janet Webb hello@yourlocallifestyle.com.au 0400 168 191 Lil Staff news@yourlocallifestyle.com.au 0417 778 662

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

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Distributed in Noosa Hinterland & surrounding areas Y LL respectfully acknowledge the Gubbi Gubbi Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live and work, and to their Elders past and present.

that have supported us in 2022. The team at Your Local Lifestyle are incredibly proud of what we have achieved since our first edition. We cannot thank our local communities enough for embracing the publication and for supporting us as we strive to connect the hinterland with the coast.

Wishing you and your families a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. We look forward to working with everyone in 2023.

Janet, Lil & Team

Alan Lander

Matt Golinski

Andrea Taylor

Tony Wellington

Karen Woods Erin Yarwood Hayley Saunders Margie Wegener

Christmas creativity and celebration in Cooroy

WE all love Christmas in Cooroy when the whole town pulls together to celebrate Christmas. As part of this wonderful evening event the Cooroy Future Group will again host a community Christmas Party and Artisan and Pottery Market at Butter Factory Arts Centre (BFAC)! It will be a celebratory night full of music, art, and food.

At 4pm on December 9 our carpark and front lawn will transform into a Christmas wonderland, hosting 40 market stalls and two food trucks. There will be free, live music, starting with the music students from Noosa District State High School and then the Claptomaniacs, a five-piece,

THE WONDERS OF WORKING WITH WOOD!

THE Cooroy Memorial Hall was buzzing recently when the local woodworkers put on their annual show.

From Pete’s native bees sharing out front with Shane Christensen’s sculptured 200kg Northern Hairy nosed wombat, the ‘wombat trail’ led right into the hall, past Charlie’s toys and the Bushie’s Bar raffle, around the tables and stalls groaning under the weight of a myriad of makers creations to a well lit display area for the interclub, intra club and

school students competition entries.

Maryborough Woodies pulled off the top gong – even though it was their first time; Peter Bradford was the Clubman of the year and People’s Choice with his carved pudgy echidna; John with his bedside table won the senior school students and Emma won the Junior school students comp with her ‘Starry Night’ footstool. Congratulations to all participants for entering creations of such high standards.

acknowledged as one of the tightest, most authentic cover bands in the region. They will fill the night with covers of classic hits by the likes of Joe Cocker, the Doobie Brothers, the Travelling Wilburys, Steely Dan, the Doors, Eric Clapton, and many more from the late 60s to 80s era.

While you enjoy the music and partake of food from Paco Tacos and Dhoms Kitchen and the pop-up bar, take the opportunity to buy unique, handmade Christmas gifts on offer from local artisans and witness the exciting annual Australian Pottery Throwdown when 5 experienced potters go head-to-head to complete a series of pottery challenges within a limited time frame. The

BFAC annual friends’ exhibition Eclectica and artisan shop will also be open till 8pm. Not all the action is down the Butter Factory end of town as the whole town celebrates the Lighting of the Christmas Tree, the annual Santa Race, the kids decorated bike competition, street entertainment and businesses and shops open till 8pm.

So, get your creative fill and support your local artisans. We look forward to seeing you there to celebrate another creative year.

Event opens 4pm. NDSHS music students 4.30 – 5.30pm; Pottery Throwdown 5pm; Claptomaniacs 6 to 8pm; Christmas tree lighting 7pm.

Heartfelt thanks to all our local sponsors for their generosity and wholesome support of our show. Great to see our external exhibitors so supportive of our event as well.

We look forward with anticipation to seeing you all at our 2023 show.

THE year just got a little more joyous for 17 community organisations who shared in over $30,000 in donations from Cooroy RSL. Representatives from the organisations gathered to celebrate and receive their cheques which will enable them to do some fantastic activities for our community over the coming months.

Some of the recipients included $2000 for Katie Rose Cottage Hospice to purchase

a new syringe pump; $2000 for PomonaCooran Amateur Rugby League Football Club for sporting equipment; $2000 for Cooroora Historical Society for chairs for the Noosa Shire Museum; $1600 for Cooroy Tennis Club for cleaning of courts and replacement of nets; $2000 for Cooroy Pomona Lions Club for rides at King of the Mountain; $2000 for PTSD Dogs Australia for training equipment; and $2000 for

“We are lucky enough to live and work in such a wonderful community with not for profits and volunteers who do so many amazing things. We are so pleased to be able to support some of the great projects that are happening locally,” said Cooroy RSL President Barrie Adams.

“From all the team at Cooroy RSL we

thank everyone for a wonderful year

The Cooroy RSL has two rounds of donations each year and also supports many other community activities with donations, prizes and in-kind support throughout the year. Visit www.cooroyrsl.com.au/community, the next round will be in May 2023.

Friends of Noosa Botanic Gardens for their monthly music in the gardens.

and wish everyone a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year,” said General Manager Helen Hollingworth.

FAMILY FUN DAY FUNDRAISING EVENT

RESEARCH shows that connection and having fun together builds empathy and kindness. Local mum of two, Robyn Simpson, has spent the last two years researching what creates kind, connected communities in order to reverse damaging social trends such as bullying - which often lead to self harm and suicide. Mark Sunday December 11, 9am-3pm in your calendar and join her at the Family Fun Day Fundraising Event, Eumundi Sports and Showgrounds.

“These trends cost the country billions every year and leave indelible scars. It’s a huge, complex problem, but nothing changes unless we do something to break

There will be lots of fun free and paid activities to raise funds for a docuseries being co-produced with one of Australia’s most experienced TV Directors, Bill Hughes. The docuseries aims to raise awareness of the root causes of bullying and for subject matter experts to shed light on how to disrupt the cycle.

Highlights of the day include a Colour Blast obstacle course for the whole family, zorb balls, cupcake creation competition, a chill-out zone filled with fun activities, prizes, local sports clubs running mini-games and activities, food, ice-cream and coffee carts, a sausage

Pomona Night of Lights

IT’S time to get the picnic rugs out, dust off the vocal cords and come celebrate with your community.

Pomona Night of Lights is back! A free community event with performances by Those Folk, Christmas carol singalongs, hamper raffles, and Santa’s coming too. The night will end with a laser show finale.

Food will be available from Dhoms kitchen, Lions Club BBQ and drinks, Mr Whippy Icecream and Little Boy Blue Coffee van.

A big thank you to the volunteers from Cooroy-

Pomona Lions Club and Pomona & District Community House who help put this event on. Pomona Night of Lights - Thursday December 15, 5 to 8pm in Stan Topper Park, Pomona. Check out www.pomonacommunityhouse. com.au for more details, and download a copy of the carols to your phone so you can singalong.

THE world of arts and culture is buzzing after NOOSA alive! was awarded Best Festival Small Business 2022 by the Sunshine Coast Business Awards last Saturday night.

A not-for-profit festival run by volunteers, a paid Festival Director Ian Mackellar and one administration assistant, the 10-day arts and cultural festival has brought home an award for artists, sponsors, patrons and volunteers to be recognised for their contribution to the community.

NOOSA alive! festival is a world stage and this award is a tribute to the hard

work undertaken by our local community to showcase world-class entertainment in and around Noosa.

NOOSA alive! festival President Andrew Stafford said “We are proud to receive this award and look forward to presenting the 10-day 2023 festival program shortly. We have always had a strong arts following on the Sunshine Coast and considering the challenges faced, the community has championed the Festival showing how thirsty they are for arts and culture here on the coast.”

Festival Director Ian Mackellar said “Curating a festival of this calibre is always

a financial challenge and without the generosity of our long-standing patrons and corporate partners this festival would not have reached its 20th year without their backing. I was delighted to be the Festival Director in 2022 and to be recognised for this contribution is an honour.”

“With the ongoing challenges the arts community is facing, we are hoping to secure further sponsorship and more grant funding to allow us to grow and prosper to provide a much more exciting program in 2023,” Mr Stafford said.

The festival will run July 21-30 in 2023. noosaalive.com.au.

MAYOR’S APPEAL SUPPORTS LOCAL CHARITIES

NOOSA Mayor Clare Stewart today launched the annual Mayor’s Christmas Appeal, this year urging locals to support six local charities who are helping those in need during the festive season.

“If you’re able to make a donation either in the form of a present for a child, food items or vouchers for food and back-to-school items, our local charities greatly appreciate the support,” she said.

Mayor Stewart kicked off the appeal with $500 worth of stationery store vouchers. See Council’s website for the list of charities in need of support and how to donate to each – noosa.qld.gov.au

In addition, gifts and vouchers can be dropped off at several locations around the shire:

• Tewantin-Noosa RSL Club,

• Noosa Council

• Cooroy Library

THE Yellow-Tailed Black Cockatoo is very large and very loud. In flight they appear to be moving in slow motion, with a half-hearted flapping of their huge wings. The distinctive call carries for many kilometres: a mournful sound, which the poet Judith Wright described as “crying the world’s unrest”.

These birds live on seeds and grubs. They happily tear apart pinecones and banksias to extract the kernels, and they can use those enormously strong beaks to gouge into hardwood on the hunt for wood borers.

Both sexes construct a nest in a tree hollow, which they line with wood chips. Only the female sits on the nest, with the male bringing her food. Once the chick has hatched, the male helps feed and rear it. I say “chick” singular, because although these birds lay two eggs a few days apart, the second chick is usually neglected and dies. Nature works in mysterious ways.

A Victorian study examined nesting hollows used by Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos. The average age of trees which provided appropriate nests was 228 years. That’s a pretty good argument against the harvesting of old growth forests.

Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos are rarely kept in captivity because they tend to suffer from acute despair. That may be a sign of their high intelligence.

Yellow-Tailed Black Cockatoo

A Bush Tucker Christmas

By Margie Wegener

UNSEASONAL weather, alarming prices and supermarket shortages are changing the way we look at the food we eat. More and more people are taking an interest in growing food and eating locally grown produce.

The secret is discovering what to grow in our sub-tropical environment and incorporating locally grown food into our meals. I have been rediscovering things that my grandmother grew in north and central Queensland over 80 years ago; tapioca, arrowroot and choko. Yet native bush foods are still a bit of a mystery to me, so this summer I’m determined to learn how I can include these unique ingredients in my cooking, starting with Christmas feasting. I turned to celebrated Aboriginal chef, Dale Chapman, for guidance. Dale first published her bush food kitchen recipe book, Coo-ee Cuisine in 2016. Today her passion for Australian bush foods has taken her around Australia and the world, showcasing a unique style of cuisine that uses ingredients native to country. Her recipes are world renowned and her work has inspired and educated many, including younger generations of chefs.

Dale mentored Chris Jordan who is now the owner and chef of Brisbane-based catering company Three Little Birds. Chris connects with his First Nations ancestry

through cooking with native ingredients. He draws on ancient knowledge of customs and techniques to make food that tastes as good as it looks. Warren Gracie from Three Little Birds grew up on the land of the Yuggera and Yugambeh language group foraging for lilly pillies and shellfish. They’re interested in the role foraging can play in building strong relationships to place, encouraging care for country and building resilient & connected communities.

For professional chef and food ambassador Matt Golinski, foraging and sourcing local produce is how he connects his food story from producer to plate. Despite a hectic schedule Matt found time to turn a Christmas favourite, the humble roast chicken, into a bush tucker masterpiece, with in-season Lilly Pillies that he foraged locally, turned into a joyous festive chutney. Matt’s commitment to using local and native produce is inspiring. Our chefs have kindly shared the following recipes for you to try at home. I wish you a happy (and delicious) bush tucker Christmas!

For more inspiration and ideas on sourcing native ingredients our chefs recommend starting with Dale Chapman’s incredible platform to ancient foods and traditional wellbeing, My Dilly Bag More details at www.mydillybag.com.au and www.3littlebirdsevents.com

METHOD

Trim side flower stems off the main centre stem (discard), add side stems to a pot. Cover with water, bring to a boil & cook for 15 minutes. Let steep for 1 hour. Strain through a colander, then strain again through a cloth. Add sugar and sliced lemons.

WATTLESEED DAMPER

Prep Time: 20 mins

Cooking Time: 30 mins

INGREDIENTS

• 500gm strong white flour

• 15gm salt

• 55ml olive oil

• 10gm dried yeast

• 275ml water

• 1 tbs wattle seed (alternatively use or add barbed wire grass or kangaroo grass seed)

METHOD

Mix all ingredients, in a large bowl. Take care not to put the yeast in direct contact with the salt when they are first added to the bowl.

shapes and press firmly down. Sprinkle white flour lightly over the top and mark them with a cross.

Place them on a baking sheet lined with baking paper (silicone paper) and prove for one hour in a warm spot.

Bake at 220C for 30 minutes until golden-brown. Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack.

Alternatively wrap small logs of dough around myrtle branches and cook over low coals. This can be done by rolling out the dough and creating a spiral. The damper is cooked when the myrtle leaf comes out clean (without raw dough).

•

•

•

•

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Cool in the fridge. Serve over lots of ice with a lemon slice. Consume within 3 days. If you can’t find Lomandra flowers, substitute with 10 lemon myrtle leaves or 1 tablespoon of dried ground lemon myrtle.

KUPPIBUNDA is the Yuggera word for Lomandra, a common native landscaping plant found in parks and gardens. It has many uses; decorative stems and flowers or as a weaving material. The seeds can be turned into flour or roasted and used like coffee. This is the season for flowers, scented like honeysuckle with an earthy undertone.

LEMON MYRTLE is native to rainforests in central and south east Queesland. It has a strong, sweet citrus flavour, similar to lemon balm or lemon verbena. Use fresh or dried ground leaves anywhere you could

Knead well with your hands and knuckles until the dough is elastic, smooth and shiny. Cover with a piece of cling film and leave to rise for one hour. Divide the dough into two, mould both the doughs into rough round

use an acidity boost. It makes a delicious iced tea, poultry spice rub or added to butter to pair with seafood. It’s also great in desserts - try adding 2 teaspoons to a pavlova meringue or trifle recipe.

WATTLESEED is native to all over Australia and is traditionally ground into flour to make breads. Most commercial wattleseed has been roasted, which gives it a chocolate, hazelnut, coffee like flavour. Add to chocolate desserts like biscuits and tiramisu, boil & sweeten to make a coffee syrup or add to salad dressings.

Photo: Warren Gracie

Recipe courtesy Matt

Golinski

MACADAMIA AND LEMON MYRTLE STUFFED ROAST CHICKEN WITH LILLY PILLY CHUTNEY

INGREDIENTS

• 1 whole size 16 free range chicken

• 1 onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, sliced

• 50ml macadamia or vegetable oil

• 100gm macadamias, chopped

• 100gm sourdough breadcrumbs

• 2 eggs

• 2 lemon myrtle leaves, very finely sliced

• salt and pepper

Lilly Pilly chutney

• 200gm Lilly Pillies

• 200gm jellied cranberry

• 2tbs castor sugar

• ¼ cup water

• 1 tbs apple cider vinegar

• 6 fresh lemon myrtle leaves

METHOD

Fry the onion and garlic in the oil until soft, add the macadamias and continue to fry over a low heat until they turn light brown. Mix with the breadcrumbs, eggs and lemon myrtle and season with salt and pepper.

Stuff the stuffing into the chicken and tie up with string. Rub the chicken with olive oil, season with salt and pepper and roast for 60 –75 minutes at 180°C.

Remove all stems from the Lilly Pillies and wash well.

Place in a small saucepan with all other ingredients, bring to the boil and simmer gently for 15 minutes

Recipes courtesy Dale Chapman

POACHED CINNAMON QUANDONGS

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup wine

• 1/2 cup water

• 1 cup sugar

• 4 cardamon pods bruised

• 1 vanilla bean (cut in half, scrape out seed)

• 1/2 stick cinnamon

• 2 cups quandongs and juice - see Chef’s note

METHOD

Place first 6 ingredients in a medium saucepan over low heat.

Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes or until sugar dissolves. Add the quandongs and juice to the pan. Simmer for 10 minutes on low until fruit is soft.

Keep in a lidded jar and chill.

Chef’s Note: Dried quandongs are usually sold as halves for you to reconstitute. Cover them for 12-24 hours ahead of time in apple juice.

DRUNKEN QUANDONG BAKED HAM

INGREDIENTS

• 1 x whole leg ham, on the bone 6kg

• 3 tbs poached cinnamon quandongs (see recipe)

• 1/4 cup brandy

• 1 tbs mustard

• cloves

METHOD

Preheat oven to 170C.

Blend poached cinnamon quandongs to make a sauce.

In a bowl add mustard, quandong sauce and brandy. Combine to make the glaze.

Line a large baking dish with 2 layers of non-stick baking paper. Place on oven shelf in the lowest position.

Use a sharp knife to cut around the shank of the ham, about 10 cm from the end.

Run a knife under the rind around the edge of the ham. Gently lift the rind off in one piece by running your fingers between the rind and the fat.

Score the fat in a diamond pattern, about 5mm deep. Stud the centres of the diamonds with cloves. Transfer to the prepared dish.

Brush one-third of the glaze over the ham. Bake, brushing with the glaze every 25 minutes, for 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Blue Quandongs

Lilly Pillies

Noosa Biosphere Gala celebrates regional food and UNESCO status

THE Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation (NBRF) hosted its annual Gala & Awards ceremony on Tuesday November 1 at Peppers Noosa Resort and Villas, as part of the International Day for Biosphere Reserves celebrations.

This year’s theme, Grow for Noosa, aimed to raise seed-funding for new initiatives to help grow a sustainable food future in the Noosa Biosphere Reserve.

150 guests packed out View Restaurant for what was Executive Chef Matt Golinksi’s last shift. Matt created a fabulous menu featuring local produce - Nguni beef and oyster mushrooms from Eastwell Farms, Green Valley Fingerlimes, Davidson plum from Galeru Farm, handpicked fresh herbs and locally grown arrowroot crisps.

ABC Rural Reporter, Jennifer Nichols, hosted a panel of industry experts including FAN CEO Emma Greenhatch, Kandanga Farm Store’s Tim Scott, Pyrocal Managing Director Durell Hammond, and regional food champion Matt Golinski.

An eco-inspired fashion show featured Sunshine Coast TAFE students’ repurposed fashions, and bold designs by local trailblazer Teddy McRitchie.

NBRF Chair Fiona Berkin said the event was a resounding success and great fun.

“Our aim is for the entire Noosa Shire community to understand what a

Biosphere is and how to enhance it. Today’s event was a great example of this,” said Ms Berkin.

For more information head to: Grow for Noosa - Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation | Noosa, Qld NOOSA BIOSPHERE 2022 WINNERS:

• Water Category (sponsored by UniSC)

– NICA Waterwatch Team

• Wildlife Category (sponsored by Tourism Noosa) – Meghan Halverson

• Land Category (sponsored by Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation) –

• People & Economy Category (sponsored by Community Bank Tewantin-Noosa) –

• Young Eco Leader Category (sponsored by Tewantin-Noosa Lions Club)

FERRY CONTRACT AWARDED

The option of cashless payments and the roll-out of larger vessels are some of the changes in store for the Noosa River vehicle ferry following the awarding of a new service contract, which is due to begin in July of 2024. The new operator runs vehicle ferries in New Zealand and the Daintree River vehicle ferry in Queensland.

STOP BY FOR INFORMATION, A CHAT AND A COFFEE

Members of Noosa Council’s Community Development team will be on hand each week to help link local residents and community groups with key community and social services. Visit the Cooroy Library every Tuesday from 9am to 2pm to have a chat and a coffee.

IGA OPENS AT SUNRISE BEACH

After an extended vacancy period within the anchor tenancy space, the Council-owned Sunrise Shops welcomes an IGA supermarket to the retail precinct. The new store is the third in the Sunshine Coast region for franchisees Rachael and Todd O’Reilly, creating new job opportunities for Noosa locals.

Rosecliffe Boutique Farm Cottages

Plastic Free Noosa

– Jarrah Small and Spencer Hitchen

Tom Wegener (Noosa Councillor) & Martin Duncan (Sunshine Coast Foodie)

Jennifer Nichols (ABC rural reporter) & Celebrity Chef Matt Golinski

Phil Jarrett, Meghan Halverson & Vivien Griffin

Linda Venables & Fiona Berkin (Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation)

By Alan Lander

TWENTY-SIX years ago, a couple from the North Burnett town of Mundubbera made a visit to what was then a very different Cooroy - and decided to stay.

And now they have sold the jewel in the crown of the property portfolio they built up through these years: Cooroy’s IGA supermarket.

Peter and Jackie Zipf had been looking for a change back in 1996 - and they’d found it.

“I was originally an electrician then I went back to the family farm; we had an orchard and were also growing small crops,” Peter said.

“We were looking at a change in life,” he said.

“We weren’t looking only at supermarkets – just to buy a business – we travelled all over the place looking at about 40 different businesses, and eventually this one came up.

“We were targeting supermarkets and motels.”

The one that “came up” was Cooroy’s Four Square supermarket in the town’s Emerald St.

The couple’s first visit to Cooroy was memorable.

“We drove down on a Sunday morning, Jackie and I,” Peter said, “down the main street and there were potholes all over the road and there wasn’t one person in the street.

“Nothing was open; there wasn’t even a dog in the street. You couldn’t even get a cup of coffee.

“But it’s what we liked; it felt like home.”

The Four Square was about 400 square metres at the time, echoing its name.

“It only had four checkouts, and it just

grew out of proportion, so we had to do something.

“We gradually worked on buying [nearby] blocks. We acquired them and started working on the extensions.”

That was about 2004 and some locals had held doubts at the time as to whether the Zipfs would go through with their plans.

“When we completed the expansion, the hospital was closing down, the sawmill had closed down.

“People would come up [before we expanded] and say ‘are you still going to do it because the town’s dying’.

“We said we’re still going ahead.”

The naysayers were proven wrong, because the town took off - and has remained so since.

“We’d bought the two houses [next to the supermarket]. It was a huge success,” Peter said.

The family built up a substantial property portfolio, including the sports club land in Opal Street, the Wimmers market site and Pomona’s IGA – only the Wimmers site of which is included in the current sale.

Peter is more than aware that, as a major business operator in town, everything he does or says is likely to be put under a microscope, so he is understandably blunt in stating his reasons for selling the IGA.

“I’m 64 years old – that’s it,” he said.

“I need to step back; I’ve got too much going on.

“I don’t want to do it [all] anymore.”

He said in talking to family, he agreed that “you’ve only got 15 good years after that”.

“It’s an extremely good business, and the town’s good to it, but I’ve had enough,” he said.

He said Cooroy’s IGA is favourably compared in relation to the many IGAs on the Sunshine Coast, “but we put a lot of work into it”.

Peter and Jackie intend to stay in the Cooroy area in the future.

He was cautious in his views on the future of the town, but agreed it was much changed from that 1996 Sunday morning drive.

“Cooroy’s a great spot, it’s very busy. It is sort of maturing instead of being a country town – it’s maturing into what it is,” he said.

New owner Seasons IGA took charge from December 1; Seasons also operates the Noosa Junction IGA among others across the coast.

Jackie and Peter Zipf with new owners Dustin and Andrea

Photo: Alan Lander

Photo: Lesley Maxfield

BEST ADVICE

BEST PRICE

Store manager Phil and his team will ensure you are given the best advice and the best price when purchasing your new Bed from Beds R Us.

An adjustable bed might be right for you as it can assist in pain relief from conditions such as arthritis and sciatica.

Beds R Us Noosaville is a registered NDIS provider and we also have several finance options including HUMM.

We have a great range of adjustable beds and are proud to support local manufacturers Sleepmaker and Sleepyhead that supply us with leading technology mattresses.

Phil and his team look forward to meeting you.

“Finally, friendly nonpushy sales people. Very helpful and great prices”

“Great staff, very professional and helpful, a very good range of beds and mattresses.”

“Awesome experience the guys there really know their stuff ... highly recommend.”

Cooroy’s Christmas tree turns 10

BACK in 2012, Ricon Constructions director John Jenkins decided he wanted to give something back to the Cooroy community - so he engineered wire light fittings for the Christmas pine tree in Maple Street.

As a result, the Chamber of Commerce added another event to Christmas in Cooroy, The Lighting of the Christmas Tree.

Ricon then sponsored the lighting of the tree through to 2016, and when Ricon moved out of Cooroy, John gifted the lights and wires to the Chamber.

Another Cooroy business, Studio Steel, owned by Barry and Anda Hamlet, stepped

up to maintain the tradition, ensuring Cooroy had the best tree around.

In 2018, the Chamber reached out to the community and funds were raised to upgrade the lights for a taller tree.

Since then, despite Barry and Anda having sold their business, they have continued to make sure all the lights are in order (it can take weeks to do) and bringing new volunteer Colin Thompson on to test the lights this year.

When COVID-19 hit, the Chamber decided on a different format for the event to support businesses, with the late-night trading and the Friday night street party started.

THYME FOR A CHANGE AT COOROY HOTEL

COOROY Hotel is about to give ‘local’ food a whole new meaning. In fact, all the hotel’s chef has to do to get fresh, herbs and vegies is to reach out the window.

It’s a turning point for the hotel, spokeswoman Megan Mason said, as it moves into a more sustainable culinary stance, to be reflected in the hotel’s new menu.

“We’ve planted more than 25 different herbs and vegies, which are getting used in the kitchen,” Megan said.

“The whole philosophy is for people to see where food is coming from – and it’s fresh and flavoursome.”

They’ve even planted complementary species like marigolds to ward off pests, all in a new garden space, which runs next to the hotel. And with a new approach comes a new head chef, Peter Andrews.

“Peter’s from the UK, and he has worked internationally, classically trained in Escoffier cuisine,” Megan said.

“He comes from a farming background, and he’s giving local farmers better prices by dealing with them directly.”

Megan said Peter is using the herbs in his sauces which are made from his own ‘special recipes’.

“They include many healthy options, accommodating dietary needs, gluten-free options, and menus for seniors and kids.”

And there’s a special new attraction for meat-lovers.

“We also have a new woodfire grill, where the meats are cooked over an open fire for flavour, using our herbs in the process,” Megan said.

“It’s a new direction for our hotel.”

A new direction, indeed, in the ongoing changing face of hotels. The new menu launches on December 6.

“Meals are served seven days a week from

Lighting the tree costs nearly $5000, involving cherry-picker, trucks and traffic control. In 2020, the Chamber was concerned about the growing cost.

But then, a Christmas miracle - the local Energex crews offered to give up their time and trucks to give the community its famous tree lights - and have done so since.

The Cooroy Chamber of Commerce is grateful to Barry Hamlet and the Cooroy Energex workers who bring plenty of Christmas spirit to the town.

And with the Chamber’s thanks to all the volunteers who make Christmas in Cooroy happen, the tree will again be lit up this Friday, December 9, on Maple St.

12pm to 8pm with an all-day menu,” Megan said. Cooroy Hotel is located at 38 Maple Street. Call 5472 1900, visit www.cooroyhotel.com. au or Facebook/cooroyhotel

A selection of herbs and vegies planted at Cooroy Hotel

The big heart in the ‘heart’ of town

By Alan Lander

THE hinterland town of Cooroy boasts many such people, but Helen Hollingworth is in a league of her own.

For the few in town who don’t know her, Helen is general manager of Cooroy’s RSL, which is regarded by so many as the heart of the town.

Born in another country town – Grafton in NSW – Helen was already working at the age of 14, if not quite legally.

“When I was fourteen, I lied and said I was older,” she explained.

“Heading to school I would get changed and go to work in a health food shop from eight in the morning until 10, then go two doors up to work at a shoe shop until 2pm, go back to the health food shop until 4pm then jump on a bus, head home and put my school uniform back on.

“I did that for nine months before I got caught – but I did show up at school now and again - that kept them away from notifying my parents.”

She did get caught in the end, resorting to casual employment until leaving school aged sixteen.

Helen’s exemplary work ethic made its presence felt even more when she left school.

“I always had more than one job, even when I had kids, whether at the chicken shop or pumping fuel, before I got into the pubs and hospitality,” she said.

She worked at everything including success as a shopping centre spruiker, and at one stage when married, running her own cafe at Grafton Airport.

One customer she regularly saw when working at one venue near the Pacific Highway was a certain Mr Richard Branson.

“He would stop regularly at Grafton on his way north,” Helen said – although it does beg the question why he might not fly there …

But once into [front of house] hospitality, she stayed – and experienced the best and worst.

In one of the better, “I worked for a well-known chef who taught me a lot about customer service”, which has proven a boon to her future.

Helen stayed in Grafton for 38 years, bearing three children, before deciding “if I’m going to move, now’s the time”.

Tewantin became the destination in 2003 before moving to Lake Macdonald, where

Helen worked at the Royal Mail Hotel for a couple of years.

“I had an attraction to this area; coming up here was really laid back compared to NSW, where everyone was always rushing.

“And Grafton once had a cordial factory, a match factory, a brewery, Peters Ice cream – but they’re all not there now. It all changed there; the cane farming was gone.”

In 2006, Helen switched to work at Cooroy RSL – a similar, yet different form of hospitality.

“It was a big change because it was so quiet.

“We got larrikins in, but not the type you’d get in a pub. [The RSL] has always been a family-oriented place.”

Back then, Helen said, there was a lot more activity between the sub-branch and the club with a lot more volunteers, but unlike some RSLs they still work well together.

When she gets time, Helen indulges in her “family” of three dachshunds, along with her interest in classic cars and motorbikes.

“We’ve got one of the better subbranches. They do so much for this community and the ex-service people: arranging medical appointments, taking them when they’ve got to go to hospital, drive them there and back to do their shopping, they don’t even have to be subbranch members.”

Helen mainly worked nights on the bar and gaming in the beginning, and progressed into human resources and operational management, working under three general managers until, in 2018, she was awarded the senior position herself, initially on a temporary basis, then permanently.

“I hadn’t really envisioned doing [the job] but being a smaller club learned a lot and felt I had a lot of respect from the people I work with - and some of the long-term staff encouraged me to do it.”

A lot has happened since Helen took over at the RSL. For starters, the membership is more than 5000 which, given the 2020 Census figure for the 4563 Cooroy postcode

population is around 8500, is an astonishing figure, even taking the last three years of COVID-19 into account.

“We are a bit of a beacon in Cooroy; we’ve done really well.

“In the last few years, we pushed over 5000 –but with a $5.50 annual membership cost, you can walk in, get $2 back on your first meal, a few drinks and paid it off in your first visityou’ve got your money back.”

Surprising, too, is the female proportion of membership being bigger than the male – at 52% to 47% - but as Helen explains, the club is a big meeting place for ladies’ coffee get-togethers and lunches.

“As bad as COVID was, it was good for business here, because it’s got people supporting their local community,” Helen said.

And while some venues might be busy on weekends and quiet mid-week, it’s fullon every day at the RSL.

“It’s never quiet anymore. It’s rare when we don’t do more than 100 lunches and morning teas, and nothing for staff to do a hundred coffees before brunch.”

Helen said good staff are the key, and she nurtures all 27 of them carefully, especially given the staff shortages in hospitality. And they respond, with talented people such as Leanne who has been there 26 years, she said.

“With their support, I’m living my fullest life here.”

When she gets time, Helen indulges in her “family” of three dachshunds, along with her interest in classic cars and motorbikes.

“I really like old cars. I’ve had Holdens in my time, and currently have a ‘68 V-Dub and a MG Midget.

“I had motorbikes too; I’ve got a Suzuki now, which is easy to ride, but I used to have a Harley, then got rid of it.”

On the surface, the GM role might be

fairly self-explanatory and straightforward.

But when you’re at the heart of the community, the club – and the job - is a lot more than it seems.

And this is where Helen really shines.

“Over the last couple of years, we’ve given more back to the community than ever.

Helen and her MG Midget

SOME PEOPLE SEEM TO LIVE ORDINARY LIVES – AT LEAST ON THE SURFACE. YET THEIR QUIET ACHIEVEMENTS, THROUGH DEDICATION TO A SOLID WORK ETHIC AND GENUINE CARE FOR THEIR FELLOW HUMANS MAKE THEM QUITE EXTRAORDINARY.

“We sponsor a lot of junior sport – we gave $30,000 to different organisations –and we’re doing that twice a year, as well as doing a lot in between.

“We do our best to give back to the community in ways people probably don’t know. To Smart Pups, PTSD Dogs; we do a lot for local organisations and events, and the Scouts get all our recyclables for their club.

“I love supporting the juniors, and always tell soccer clubs if their families can’t afford boots for their kids, to come and see me.

“I don’t want these kids sitting on the sidelines not getting involved because they can’t afford boots. I want to see everyone have the opportunity.”

And while there have always been

homeless people in the area, the rental crisis and cost of living pressures have increased that number.

“We have a lot of homeless people; I often give them toasted sandwiches and coffee, often people living out the back.

“I’m not sure if they’re always local – they’re pretty quiet about their life experiences - some are maybe passing through and stay for a while, some choose to stay that way.

“The numbers are a bit bigger lately. I’ve put some young people in touch with [those] who can help them out; they’ve gone through unfortunate circumstances. Some have actually come back and thanked me, as it’s got them out of difficulty.

“[Our job is] not just about serving a beer. We see people, perhaps a bit down and out; I’ll often pull up a chair and sit and have a chat. You get a bit more information each time you talk, to help them out.

“That’s a bit more than just serving a roast.

“And I often reach out to the schools, taking 15- and 16-year-old trainees.

“I’ve met some beautiful people in my job; it’s so rewarding to come to work and make that little piece of difference to somebody’s life each day. Some of the people that come in, just by having a chat and smiling it makes their day.

“A lot of our customers are lonely - we’re family to them.”

PROPOSAL FOR REPURPOSE OF COOROY HERITAGE JAILHOUSE

HISTORY

Cooroy’s police station and jailhouse were constructed in 1911 with timber from the local sawmill, the jail hosting its first ‘tenant’ in November that year.

The jailhouse was originally located at the bottom of the police property near the back gate.

But following an incident where a young Eumundi man, detained to sober up overnight, was ‘visited’ by his mates brandishing more booze to share through the cell window, the jailhouse was moved closer to the station in 1969, wire mesh being added to discourage further shenanigans.

Cooroy welcomes the enhancement of police facilities - but due to its current position the jailhouse is at risk of being forever lost.

THE VISION

Cooroy Memorial Hall Association (CMHA) wishes to preserve this important part of our hinterland history and

heritage, proposing a relocation into central Cooroy for use as an information and heritage education centre.

CMHA envisions it being manned by different local community organisations.

The proposed relocation site is on part of the old car yard beside the restored memorial hall on Maple St.

CHMA envisions a ‘Memory Lane’, leading visitors to the jailhouse, interactive displays giving visitors an overview of Cooroy history, the cells used for photo opportunities.

SO WHY THE SURVEY?

The Cooroy community’s opinion is valued.

CHMA would like to know if you would support this proposal, giving your thoughts and opinions. To complete the survey and have your say either scan the QR code or head to www.surveymonkey. com/r/Y2TWQ62

DECEMBER SCONETIME

So be sure to book your ticket and get some Christmas cheer.

Hinterland Christmas

Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle bells it’s hot, I hope I’m prepared and nothing gets forgot, I ticked off the list all the prezzies and gifts, Remembered the sherry, so Aunt Lilly won’t be miffed, The tree is all loaded with tinsel and decos, Within its green branches hide the resident geckos, One sleep to go before Santa gets here, And all of the rellies and friends far and near, With the sun shining down and the pool filter humming, The song in the background of a little boy drumming, We’ll all sit around the table eating and drinking, With loud talk and laughter, while Grandma sits thinking,

Adam Bishop will be on the Grand Piano with Christmas carols and a singalong. Helen McFadzen’s tap dancers have been working on a Christmas dance to a catchy Christmas song called ‘Santa’s Lost His Mojo’.

How in God’s name will we clean up this place, How to get out of washing dishes with tact and grace, While the annual game of cricket is again a disaster, With young Josh needing yet another knee plaster, I’ll steal a quiet moment with the new baby in my arms, To keep the blissful feeling in my heart like a charm, Looking ahead to the New Year with great delight, Hoping to gain more wisdom and insight.

By Lesley Maxfield

A BIG YEAR FOR LIVE LIFE COOROY

RUNNING a small business can be challenging at the best of times, let alone in the current post-COVID economic conditions.

When Smoking Billy’s opened in Cooroy, that rang true, as much for its popularity as the hurdles.

“We were completely overwhelmed by the response when we opened,” owner Kellyann said.

The new eatery was initially beset with technical problems along with some staffing issues.

“Some days we even felt that we may have even bitten off too much,” she said, as they were simultaneously operating another outlet.

“But we don’t give in on things too easily. We’ve made the decision to give Smoking Billy’s the time and energy the shop and the community deserves.”

The co-owners, Bill and Kellyann Misener, are now full-time at Smoking Billy’s in Cooroy, and have recently been adding “extra little touches to the shop, re-staffing and introducing new menu items and daily specials throughout the week”.

“We would like to thank everyone that has supported us from the beginning and continue to do so; we are greatly appreciative of your patronage,” Kellyann said.

The business owners acknowledge

some customers may not have had the best experience during these early times and, given the recent attention to these issues, are asking for “a second chance”.

“We take a lot of pride in the quality of product we deliver. If you have not been satisfied with your experience at Smoking Billy’s in the past, we would love to see you here again to give us another shot.”

Smoking Billy’s, Shop 4/20 Maple Street, Cooroy. You can also order online at smokingbillys.square.site.

NINETY years ago in 1932, a newly minted young pharmacy graduate called Harry Spring came down from Gympie with his wife Gladys to establish a business in Cooroy’s Maple St, during the hard Depression years, later also opening in Pomona.

Spring’s Pharmacy blossomed through to 1966 when they sold, the business later becoming Guardian Pharmacy.

Today it’s the thriving Live Life Pharmacy, in the exact same location, with owner manager Jacquie Meyer and her staff celebrating the 90-year milestone in November.

“Many stories were shared and

memories re-visited with some previous employees of the pharmacy coming in for the birthday celebrations,” Jacquie said.

And in exciting news Live Life Pharmacy Cooroy has been selected as one of six finalists in The Guild Pharmacy of the Year Awards. With 488 nominations nationwide this is quite an achievement! The awards are conducted annually by the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, and recognise pharmacies that are leading the way in providing innovative and optimal healthcare for members of their community.

We wish Jacquie and her team the best of luck in the finals!

Co-owners, Kellyann and Bill Misener

ONE of the longest running Christmas events in the region, the Tewantin Christmas Carnival, is back for the 26th year on Sunday December 11 from 4pm! It is set to be another fantastic event of community celebrations for the whole family.

Run by the Tewantin Noosa RSL at RSL Memorial Park, this year will see a full onstage festival program starting at 4pm with Brett Campbell’s Children’s Christmas Show, Hot Ginger Chorus, Amanda Jensen and Carols by Candlelight with The Kitty Kats.

Rides will all be free again this year including a giant slide, skater ride, tea cups, pony rides and an animal farm sponsored by Tewantin Noosa Bendigo Bank.

Food stalls will keep your belly satisfied including Noosa Lions Club, Neshama, Woodfired Pizza, Mr Whippy, Fairy’s Floss

and VYX coffee. Buy a raffle ticket in the super Christmas raffle drawn on the night and purchase candles and songsheets from the volunteers from KNGO Australia.

The evening finishes with spectacular fireworks over the Noosa River.

For all the information about the day, visit www.tewantin.town

SPORTS PROJECT STARTS IN JANUARY

Work will begin in January on a $1.8 million infrastructure project that promises to benefit a host of local sports clubs. The new facility at Noosa District Sports Complex includes four change rooms, a kitchen, six unisex toilets, storage space, first aid and umpire room and multi-purpose area. Cr Joe Jurisevic said

“We’re also pleased to receive funding from Zero Emissions Noosa to support the installation of solar panels, which will help reduce this important local facility’s carbon footprint and support our netzero emissions target,” he added. Target completion is June 30, 2023.

A night to remember - Noosa Christian College students celebrated their Year 12 Formal last month. Taken at the Noosa Botanical Gardens by photographer Reece Woodland of Woodland Photography. They then celebrated with dinner at Saw and Mill Cooroy.

ONE of the highlights of the music calendar at Good Shepherd Lutheran College, the annual Spring Spectacular, involved over 220 students in bands, choirs, dance, musical theatre and string performances. Over two concerts, these talented students from Prep to Year 12 showcased their many hours of practise and commitment and delivered joyful and energetic concerts for family and friends. The evening began with the Senior Jazz Band, followed by the newly established Junior Jazz Ensemble. The evening continued with junior bands including choirs and a circus-style dance number. Last, but certainly not least, the Wind Ensemble of 42 students brought the show

to an inspiring conclusion.

The second concert consisted of nine different string groups, including a guitar ensemble, that entertained the audience with a huge variety of styles, from classic to modern. Antoni Bonetti (AM), founding conductor of Noosa Orchestra led the final performances of the evening.

Director of Instrumental Music Jim Tomkins proudly explains, “The students and their music tutors invested hours and hours of practice and it is so rewarding to see them shine so brightly on stage as they did again tonight.”

On their final school day, the class of 2022 Year 12 students were honoured and celebrated by the entire student body during the Good Shepherd Lutheran College’s emotion charged ‘Walk of Honour’.

everything you need for Christmas

more!

merry christmas from the team at GELIGNITE JACKS

Your Local

NOOSA COUNCIL RECREATIONAL VENUES www.noosa.qld.gov.au

Whether you are creative, sporty, crafty or just wanting to learn something new, Noosa Council offer a range of school holiday activities for children of all ages and interests to enjoy.

Venues include Noosa Leisure Centre, Noosa Aquatic Centre, Noosaville and Cooroy Libraries, Noosa Regional Gallery, The J, Peregian Digital Hub and don’t forget the GO NOOSA free local bus service throughout the holiday period. Here is a snapshot of the activities you can choose from:

NOOSA LEISURE CENTRE

Noosa Leisure Centre is hosting Bricks for Kidz one-day workshops for Lego lovers, basketball clinics and casual hoop shooting for all ages. Kids’ Playroom provides an awesome space for the 1-5 year olds to jump, climb and swing while

School holiday ideas

mums can grab a cuppa at our onsite café and supervise from the cool and inviting air conditioned room!

NOOSA AQUATIC CENTRE

Qualified learn to swim staff offer Intensive blocks of swim lessons throughout the December and January School holidays. This is an excellent way to catch up on vital lifesaving water skills and swimming abilities. The shaded and heated pool, inflatable fun, BBQ area and on-site café make it a full day outing guaranteed to wear the kids out! Lap swimming is available as well as an air conditioned spacious gym and crèche.

NOOSAVILLE AND COOROY LIBRARIES

Noosaville and Cooroy Libraries have numerous FREE creative workshops on offer these holidays including Tinsel Tales, a fun morning of Christmas tales, songs, and a visit from a special guest. Discover a love of robotics and coding in the Robotics drop in session, challenge your brain as you master Mbots, Spheros, blue bots and more.

Other creative activities include a drop-in Creation Station session where you can make a book, an outdoor mobile, Christmas gifts, cards or even design and print a Christmas ornament using our 3D printers. Cool down at Waterplay, a fun

session with your baby or toddler or create your own grasshead person or creature in the Grasshead Gardens session where you can take it home and watch it grow! Not to mention Lego Challenge, Crochet for kids, Going on a Bear Hunt, Ukulele fun and a Mindful Photography workshop for teens!

and ‘Take to the skies hot air balloon’ with artist Amanda Bennetts and ‘Stop motion animation’ with artist Alicia Sharples.

THE NOOSA J

The J is hosting ‘The Addams Family’ presented by Sunshine Coast Youth Theatre (SCYT). They’re creepy and they’re kooky… history’s darkest family comes to life in all its spook-tacular glory. This abridged version is a perfect outing for the whole family. A cast of 50 talented performers, all under 18 years of age, will bring this iconic story to life, in this original musical about love, family, honesty and growing up.

NOOSA REGIONAL GALLERY

Noosa Regional Gallery also has lots of school holiday workshops for children over 6 years. For a small fee children can attend ‘Ochre Painting’ with Jinibara man and artist BJ Murphy for a cultural yarn and painting with earth pigments. BJ will share the meaning of various ochre colours and the process of searching, harvesting, grinding and putting paint to canvas. Create your own painting using ochre on watercolour paper! Other workshops to choose from include ‘Exploring Painting’ with artist Katy Bain, ‘Fly away bird Characters’ with artist Kerry Ide, ‘What if?’, ‘Leaf art’ and ‘Dancing paint’ with artist Ruby Donohue, ‘Diorama drama’

PEREGIAN DIGITAL HUB

Peregian Digital Hub have lots of fun workshops on offer – taught by talented teenagers (Hub Cadets) who are passionate about sharing their technology and creative skills. Hands-on workshops will include robotics, cyber security, digital art, kids in business, 3D design/printing, music, coding, Minecraft/Roblox sessions and more!

Go Noosa Free Buses are running again around Noosa from Sat December 10 through to Sunday January 22. Enjoy the journey this festive season - walk, hire a bike or scooter, catch a free bus or buy a discounted frequent traveller pass for the local ferry.

A Pantomime by Limelight Scripts | Adapted by Susan Dearnley

Directed by Susan Dearnley | Musical Director Diana Thomson

Noosa Council’s Summer School

Holiday activity guide (great for printing off and popping on the fridge) can be found here - https://www.noosa.qld.gov.au/ school-holiday-activities/school-holidayactivities-1

Booking information for individual venues is listed on the summer school holiday guide and is required for most of the activities. Some require a small fee, others are free.

On behalf of all Noosa Council venues we wish residents and visitors a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and safe New Year. We look forward to seeing you and your family at one of our venues over the summer holidays!

COOROY BUTTER FACTORY ARTS CENTRE

11A Maple Street, Cooroy www.butterfactoryartscentre.com.au

CLAY CLUB MINI COURSE

December 12 & 19 and January 9 & 16. 12 - 3pm. Cost $80.

An immersive program intended to expand our connection to our inner creative selves, connecting to our hands and our sense of touch, developing skills within our hands to create a variety of sculptural forms, exploring foundational construction techniques and sculptural concepts. All work will be fired and glazed. All materials included. 7 years +

CLAY PLAY FOR LITTLIES

December 13 & 20 and January 10 & 17 12 - 1:30pm. Cost $50.

Join us for a sensory experience, connecting with our hands and sense of touch, expanding dexterity and our connection to our inner creative self. Each session will commence with a story, guiding our inspiration while we connect to the wonderful tactile medium of clay. 5 - 7 years.

ANIMAL ANTICS with Fiona Groom

Tuesday December 13, 10 - 11am or 12 - 1pm. Cost $35.

Come paint your favorite animal on a tile using under glazes with local Artist Fiona Groom who will guide the kids through the drawing and painting process. Tiles will be fired and can be picked up before Christmas. All materials and firing included. 5 years+

MONSTER MAYHEM with Fiona Groom

Tuesday Jan 3 & Friday Jan 13, 2023. 10 - 1pm, both sessions. Cost: $100.

Session 1 Lets make a monster! Come and create a monster using air dry clay with guidance from Artist Fiona Groom.

Children will learn how to mold the clay, join, blend and create a fun creature.

Session 2

Returning 11 days later the monsters will be dry enough to paint using acrylic paints and lots of crafty bits! 8 years+

WHEEL THROWING 4 SESSION

COURSE

December 12, 13, 19 & 20

January 9, 10, 16 & 17.

9.30 - 11am. Cost $140.

Over four sessions we will learn basic centering techniques and how to throw a pot, as well as various finishing techniques, including how to turn a foot and traditional pulled handle. We will look at various surface design and finishing considerations, including glazing. All work produced will have the opportunity to be glazed and fired. All materials supplied. Parents are welcome to book in and learn alongside their children. All welcome for this unique, whole family, immersive, learning opportunity. 7 years+

SUBLIME FARM & BREWERY 33 Priddy Road, Kia Ora www.sublimefarm.com.au

Relax your soul with good food and great music these school holidays - a destination the whole family can enjoy. Providing food with seasonal choices that are farm grown or locally sourced there is something for everyone. Relax in our beer garden and soak up the tropical gardens, catch some live music and enjoy the wildlife while the kids are entertained with our chickens, vegie patch, basket ball ring, hopscotch and 35 acre lime farm!

With affordable camping on site an option - why not stay the night?

EUMUNDI CHRISTMAS NIGHT MARKET!

Friday December 16, 5 - 8.30pm.

Eumundi Markets - Memorial Drive & Eumundi Square - Albert Street

Join us for a magical family evening and support local small businesses this Christmas season! Artisan stalls, street food, live music, roving entertainment and a very special visit from Santa! There will also be a Christmas gift wrapping station, loads of giveaways and plenty of FREE kids activities!

Thank you

To our amazing local team and wonderful passengers for a fantastic first year!

STUDIO YARN

3/2 King St, Cooran www.studioyarn.com.au

Get your creative vibes happening these Christmas school holidays, December and January, with crochet classes for the kids and adults alike, as well as Christmas decoration workshops in December. Details and bookings via facebook, Instagram and the website. Lots of Christmas gift ideas for the crafty loved ones also available.

School holiday ideas

will be offering a wide variety of programs for kids and adults of all skill levels.

2 DAY MTB SKILLS CLINIC

December 28 & 29, 9am-12pm (Wooroi, Noosa)

January 2 & 3, 9am-12pm (Wooroi, Noosa)

January 4 & 5, 9am-12pm (Parklands, Nambour)

January 9 & 10, 9am-12pm (Wooroi, Noosa)

January 11 & 12, 9am-12pm (Parklands, Nambour)

January 16 & 17, 9am-12pm (Wooroi, Noosa)

January 18 & 19, 9am-12pm (Parklands, Nambour)

ROAD TRIPS WITH TRANSPORT!

Victory Heights kids full day road trip December 20 - Intermediate & Advanced. Get some variety and take a road trip and check out the newly rebuilt Victory Heights trails in Gympie.

Mt Cotton Kids Full Day Road Trip December 21 - Advanced only.

PEDALLING

PARENTS – ADULTS

MTB SKILLS CLINICS Can’t keep up with your kids anymore and want to improve your own skills? Why not join our Adult’s MTB skills sessions running over the Summer School Holidays!

Pedalling Parents

Learn to Fly, Intermediate MTB Skills (Faster descending, drops and jumps)

Pedalling Parents - Get Rollin’ Introduction to Fundamental MTB Skills

For after school and weekend programs please visit our website www.bikeon.com.au.

Bauble Workshops

Join us for a fun filled workshop, where you can create your very own decorated Christmas bauble. Limited spaces, be sure to book in early. Enjoy listening to Christmas carols while you get creative. 30-minute workshop hosted by the Cheeky Monkey Club, a bauble and craft supplies. Little Explorers

Bring your little ones and let them play, climb, and explore in our new soft play space… opening soon! Little Explorers is a fun soft play space that will light up your little one’s imagination. Filled with soft playground equipment and a ball pit, it is the perfect destination for laughter and exploration. Grab a coffee and relax in our parents’ area as you watch your child make the best memories!

Come and explore The Gruffalo Trail here at the Ginger Factory!

THE GINGER FACTORY

50 Pioneer Road Yandina www.gingerfactory.com.au

BIKE ON

12 / 20 Venture Drive, Noosaville www.bikeon.com.au

Want to have fun, ride with mates, make new MTB friends and take your riding to the next level? Over the summer holidays we

Transport provided. Get some variety, jump on board and take a road trip with Bike On to Mt Cotton, Brisbane.

Shuttle Bus Gravity Days

Catch our shuttle bus up the hill, then shred the downhill trails of the Wooroi trail network (Noosa) with our coaches!

Meet Santa December 1 - 24.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, everywhere you go… but the prettiest sight to see, is Santa sitting by our tree, with candy canes and silver lanes aglow!

Santa is available for photos everyday from 9.30 am until 1.30 pm.

Journey through our rainforest and follow the trail in search of the Mouse, Fox, Owl, Snake and of course the hungry Gruffalo with our new augmented reality app. Free. Calling All Garden Lovers!

The Ginger Factory has an exciting new space, The Potting Shed! Filled with a wide range of plants and flowers available to purchase, including the Sunshine Coast’s best selection of ginger plants and famous heliconias, The Potting Shed is the ultimate location for garden lovers.

Local School holiday ideas

SEALIFE SUNSHINE COAST

www.visitsealife.com/sunshine-coast

SUMMER OF SEALS

December 10 to January 31.

SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium is celebrating with a range of school holiday activities for families to enjoy. There will be new interactive opportunities for you to get involved in the daily seal presentations! Presentations will run at 10.30am, 12.30pm and 2.30pm and offer the chance to get closer than ever before to these powerful pinnipeds.

SUNSHINE COAST

BALLOONING

sunshinecoastballooning.com.au

Experience the breathtaking scenery of the Sunshine Coast and Noosa Hinterland as you float across the morning sky.

A bucket-list must-do with your family, or that special someone!

We fly daily throughout the year.

An all-inclusive adventure of flight, transfers to/from our meeting point in Cooroy, champagne, full breakfast, and photos. Book online at sunshinecoastballooning.com.au

You can also take part in a new activity trail, discover fascinating facts at the artefacts table and take photos with the new seal mascot. There is also the opportunity to watch the seals take part in a daily enrichment session at 1.30pm where trainers will encourage the seals to demonstrate new behaviours and interact with new and innovative enrichment items.

Pre-booking is highly recommended: www.visitsealife.com/sunshine-coast/ tickets-passes/

AUSTRALIA ZOO

www.australiazoo.com.au/event/ summer-holiday-fun/ December 10 - January 26, 9am – 5pm

THE IRWIN FAMILY FEED THE CROCS! Watch the Irwin family follow closely in Steve’s footsteps and feed the crocs in our Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors show! December 10 to 16 ONLY! Watch on as our Wildlife Warriors take you through an experience you’ll never forget!

SANTA’S ELF HUNT

Santa and his elves stopped at Australia Zoo, but the elves got lost, and there were quite a few! Santa left a clue with each animal they met. Uncover the riddles, get ready, and get set! Find the five elves and discover the secret word, to get your prize so well deserved!

THE LAUGHING FROG SPLASH PARK

Cool off in our water splash play area, designed for keeping even our youngest guests safe and refreshed. There’s an enormous laughing frog that tips bucket loads of water onto those below when it starts croaking, plus a giant kookaburra and a bubbling crocodile.

THE FESTIVE GARDEN

Friday December 16 to Tuesday

December 20, 5 - 9pm. Free event.

Come and experience The Festive Garden at the Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Garden.

The gardens will come alive with lighting displays, roving entertainment, Santa and his elves, storytime with a reading of The Night Before Christmas, The Grinch Live Christmas Show on stage as well as a performance by the Sunshine Statesmen Barbershop

Chorus plus food trucks and more—all for free. Bookings essential. Scan the QR code.

GO CAR FREE CAREFREE

TO BE

10 December to 22 January

Walk, hire a bike or scooter, catch a free bus, or buy a discounted frequent traveller pass for the ferry

IMAGE: Tourism Noosa

CHECK OUT THIS PATHWAY TO ADVENTURE THESE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

AN exciting new link in the Sunshine Coast’s beautiful coastal pathway is open and ready for adventure.

Whether you’re riding a bike, enjoying a scenic stroll with family and friends or tackling a cardio-boosting run, this is the place to be!

The 850 metre Warana section of Coastal Pathway forms part of the 73-kilometrelong route from Bells Creek in the south to Coolum in the north.

Sunshine Coast Council Division 3 Councillor Peter Cox said he was pleased to officially open the new link which had been well received by the community.

“What don’t you love about the sweeping

vistas as you walk, ride, run, scoot or skate alongside the open beach,” Cr Cox said.

“One of my favourite sections is between Palkana Wetland and Beach Access 234, where there’s a 100-metre raised boardwalk allowing users to travel through a seasonal tea tree wetland.

“This section offers a chance for our community to hear the site come to life during frog mating season or see it explode with butterflies at various times of the year.”

Bush revegetation works are ongoing, including managing weeds and assisted generation of native vegetation.

The long-term bush regeneration and offset planting is an important part of the

Coastal Pathway project which has seen almost 900 plants and trees planted in this stage of works.

Council reminds everyone to share the path when out and about. All users should have respect for others and slow down, keep left, pass on the right, and don’t block the pathway for others.

Check out the Coastal Pathway Guide or get a copy from your local bike shop, visitor information centre or council office.

For more info about our Coastal pathway network visit: www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov. au/Experience-Sunshine-Coast/Pathwaystracks-and-trails/Coastal-Pathway

Coastal pathway spans 73-kilometres from Bells Creek in the south to Coolum in the north.

NEW MANAGEMENT FOR NOOSA RIVER HOLIDAY PARK

A new operator will take over the management of Council’s Noosa River Holiday Park this month.

Council has awarded experienced management company 1EIGHT a fiveyear contract for the holiday park, with further options to extend.

Mayor Clare Stewart said the company was an experienced provider of accommodation management services, adopting an innovative and modern approach.

SALE HELPS TACKLE NOOSA’S AFFORDABLE HOUSING ISSUE

The purchase of a housing site in Tewantin by the Queensland Government will help boost social and affordable housing in Noosa. Noosa Mayor Clare Stewart has welcomed news that the State Department of Communities and Housing has confirmed the purchase of 30-32 Doonella Street in Tewantin.

Cr Stewart said the Housing Strategy was critical to tackling the worsening affordable housing situation.

“This sets out a clear plan for housing in Noosa Shire through to 2041 and considers planning scheme changes, stronger advocacy and partnerships with government and the private sector,” Cr Stewart said.

Lara has 10 years of real estate experience, with close to 7 of those as a Property Manager for Countryside Realty Noosa.

She pairs local knowledge with exceptional customer service to provide a fresh and consistent approach to property management.

Scenic cycling along

raised boardwalk through Palkana Wetland

CHRISTMAS APPEAL TO SUPPORT SIX CHARITIES

Mayor Clare Stewart has called on Noosa to back local charities in their mammoth effort to support residents in need after a challenging year

The Mayor’s Christmas Appeal this year supports six local charities in their efforts to make the festive season a little brighter for Noosa residents doing it tough.

Mayor Clare Stewart said donations in the form of gifts, non-perishable food or supermarket and school supply shop vouchers would greatly help.

“Your contribution – no matter how small - will all help to ensure children receive gifts at Christmas, families have food on the able and kids have books and stationery for the new school year,” she said.

Mayor Stewart kicked off the appeal with $500 worth of stationery store vouchers.

“It’s been a tough year for many with the shire in the grip of a housing crisis and the impacts of COVID-19 still being felt.

“To help out wherever you can, check Council’s website for the list of charities that need support and details on how you can make your donation.”

Gifts can also be dropped off at:

• Tewantin-Noosa RSL Club, Memorial Avenue Tewantin

• Noosa Council, 9 Pelican Street, Tewantin

• Cooroy Library, 9 Maple Street, Cooroy

“Every donation helps make a difference to those dealing with significant hardship this Christmas.”

Visit noosa.qld.gov.au

NEW COMMUNITY SERVICE AT COOROY LIBRARY

Council trials weekly community worker support in hinterland.

Noosa Council is trialling a community worker based at the Cooroy Library every Tuesday to help the most vulnerable residents of the hinterland.

Residents can pop into the library on Tuesdays, grab a cuppa and have a chat regarding local community and social services.

The trial service is offering help with the following: accessing and linking with social services such as My Aged Care, NDIS, Domestic and Family Violence services, Homelessness and Housing, Health and Wellbeing services, Not for Profit assistance, and help with volunteers, disaster recovery and resilience.

Council’s Community Development Officer Cheryl Pattison says, community development as a practice has long held a focus on local needs and strengths and the importance and uniqueness of place.

“The Cooroy Library is a central point for the Cooroy and Hinterland communities. With its welcoming open

spaces, friendly and helpful staff, free activities, and the offer of educational and recreational resources, it fosters a place for connection, refuge, and a ‘sense of place’,” added Ms Pattison.

The community service is available every Tuesday during the trial period from 9am to 2pm, no bookings required.

Alyssa Mikkelsen, former Marketing Manager and Michael Sue See General Manager from Tewantin Noosa RSL.

COOROY BELLI CREEK BRIDGE NOW OPEN

of this critical piece of infrastructure.

“I would also like to thank Council’s staff and contractors who worked hard to deliver the project within five months given the challenging weather and supply chain conditions.

“Thanks to funding assistance from the Australian Government, there has been a strong focus on improving hinterland infrastructure.

The Australian Government is contributing $450,000 to the construction costs of this project, through the Bridges Renewal Program.

Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Minister, the Hon Kristy McBain MP said, “The Cooroy Belli Creek Bridge project is another step forward in the Australian Government’s Bridges Renewal Program.

IN BRIEF Festive fun returns

The Cooroy Belli Creek Road Bridge replacement in Cooroy is complete, with the road now open to motorists.

The new two-lane, $1.3 million bridge is wider, safer and stronger, having being constructed with a 100year life design to reduce long-term maintenance and operational costs.

Director of Infrastructure Services

Larry Sengstock said the original 9.7 metre timber bridge, built in 1929, was the oldest bridge maintained by

Noosa Shire Council.

“The Cooroy Belli Creek Road Bridge plays a critical role in the region’s rural road network west of Cooroy, with about 1,700 vehicles per day using the bridge to access supplies and services,” he said.

“We understand that the bridge closure has impacted the daily travel patterns of residents, and we thank them for their patience and understanding during the construction

“With the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters such as flooding continuing to place pressure on supply chains, upgrading and replacing bridges to connect communities and reduce freight costs for businesses has never been more important.

Planning is underway on a fourth hinterland bridge at Lawnville Road, Black Mountain, with construction anticipated to commence in mid-2023.

BE KIND, PARK WITH OTHERS IN MIND

A significant increase in illegal parking offences has sparked a warning to those who continue to flout the rules.

Local Laws officers have noticed a doubling in the number of fines being issued for offences such as parking on yellow lines, parking in bus stop areas and parking on or near a pedestrian crossing.

“It really is quite dangerous and poses a risk to the safety of pedestrians and

other motorists,’ Local Laws Manager Paul Kirkley said.

“Our officers adopt an education first approach where we can, but some motorists appear to be blatantly ignoring parking signage,” he said.

Council has launched a “Be kind and

park with others in mind” campaign.

“We really would prefer not to issue fines, so we simply ask drivers to think before they park,” Mr Kirkley said.

The major concern is parking on yellow lines and too close to intersections.

You must park at least 10 metres from an intersection without traffic lights or 20 metres from an intersection with traffic lights.

“These regulations are in place across the state,”Mr Kirkley said.

The vehicles are polished and Santa is ready to spread Christmas cheer in the Connecting Noosa Christmas Convoy. This year’s convoy is running from December 5 through to December 8, visiting streets around the shire.

The convoy is visiting Boreen Point, Cooribah and Noosa Banks on 5 December, Kin Kin, Cooran, Pomona and Cooroy on 6 December, Tewantin and Noosaville on 7 December. On the final day the convoy will drive through Peregian, Castaways, Marcus and Sunrise Beach, Noosa Junction and through Hastings Street. For more information visit Council’s website.

BIN COLLECTION AT CHRISTMAS

Bin collection days remain unchanged over the Christmas/New Year period, so you can put your bins out on their usual days.

With extra visitors, food, drinks and, of course, presents over the holiday season, household wheelie bins can fill up quickly!

If you fill up your wheelie bin early over the break and need an extra rubbish, recycle or garden waste pickup, we can help.

You can book an extra one-off wheelie bin collection online for around $15.

Find out how at noosa.qld.gov.au/ online-waste-forms.

Cooroy Belli Creek Bridge open to motorists.

Drivers have a responsibility to know and comply with parking rules.

NOOSA COUNCIL SANTA’S CONVOY

DECEMBER 5-8

The convoy will roll through the shire with our local Emergency Services from 5 - 8 December.

Check out when we will be in your neighbourhood: Mon 5 Dec: Boreen Point, Cooroibah, Noosa Banks. Tues 6 Dec: Kin Kin, Cooran, Pomona, Cooroy. Wed 7 Dec: Tewantin, Noosaville. Thurs 8 Dec: Peregian, Castaways, Marcus, Sunrise, Noosa Junction, Hastings St.

Residents can win prizes for decorating their driveways and homes. So let’s spread festive cheer this Christmas.

Details on Santa’s route https://bit.ly/3cNape7 @Noosa Council

FRIDAY DECEMBER 9

AMAMOOR VILLAGE GREEN - 5.00pm

FOOD trucks, Live music, Bar, Raffles, Street performers, Face panting, Kids corner, Santa, MV Rattler

@Friends of Amamoor

ECLECTICA EXHIBITION

FRIDAY DECEMBER 9

COOROY BUTTER FACTORY

ECLECTICA - an exhibition of the Cooroy Butter Factory Friend which started in 2016 with 14 entries and has since grown to 73 entries in 2021. The exhibition has turned into an art award with the following categories 2D, 3D Ceramics and Portraiture and a people’s choice award www.butterfactoryartscentre.com.au

SATURDAY DECEMBER 10

MEN’S SHED POMONA

1 School Street, Pomona - 8am-12noon POWER tools, furniture, pottery moulds, plants, metal and wood items made by the Shed Members, Sausage Sizzle and drinks available.

@Men’s Shed Pomona

FEDERAL HALL CHRISTMAS PARTY

FESTIVAL OF SMALL HALLS

SATURDAY DECEMBER 10

FEDERAL MEMORIAL HALL AND COMMUNITY CENTRE INC.

BUFFET with cold meats and salads. Celebrate the opening of the new playground. water play for the kids. $5 per adult, children under the age of 12 free.

@Federal Memorial Hall and Community Centre Inc.

SUNDAY DECEMBER 11

COOROY MEMORIAL HALL RETURNING to Cooroy with Canadian Celtic fusion band, Inn Echo and Northern Rivers gal, Sam Buckingham. www.festivalofsmallhalls.com

KENILWORTH CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS

SATURDAY DECEMBER 17

KENILWORTH SHOWGROUNDS

Starts 4pm

JOIN us at this year’s Kenilworth Christmas Celebrations at the Kenilworth Showgrounds on Saturday 17th December 2022. Free Rides and Balloon Artist for the Kids, Santa Arrival at 6pm, Mega Raffle Draw and Fireworks & Laser Show! Don’t miss out!

@KenilworthChristmasEve

JP’s Now Available in The Community signing hub at the KANDANGA POST OFFICE

Thursdays between 10am & 12 midday. No Appointment necessary Mark & Cindy Hart Kandanga LPO Managers 45 Main St, Kandanga, Qld 4570 admin@kandangalpo.com.au

OCKTOBERFEST

The theme was set by the Social Club Members and a great night was well supported with lots of residents attending. The dance floor was filled with residents dancing to the music from the Claptomaniacs who even dressed for the event wearing their braces. The evening was a wonderful success. This is Living!

Sue Stanley Palm Lake Resort Cooroy-Noosa

MELBOURNE CUP - Fashions on the Field played a big part of the day. The winners were announced after the Melbourne Cup race was run and wonderful prizes received. Best dressed Lady - Yonne Amson, Best Dressed Gentleman - Bill Pettet, Best Dressed Couple - Shirley and John Lay, Best Hat - Ruth White and the best Novelty - Bookie Barry Akers.

Congratulations Tia on the publication of your new book and book launch this month.

WATERMELON

SITTING on the edge of a swimming pool with your feet dangling in the water as you slurp down big juicy, crunchy triangles of watermelon is about as summertime as you can get.

Watermelon is a curcurbit – the same family as pumpkins, zucchini and cucumbers. Although we’ve come to expect it in our diet all year round these days, it’s really the warmer months when it’s at its sweetest and crispest.

More often than not just eaten on its own for its hydration and a nice sugar hit, watermelon is actually really nice matched with savoury ingredients like fetta or goats cheese.

It makes a perfect colourful Christmas side dish.

WATERMELON, POMEGRANATE, WALNUTS, FETTA AND MINT

Ingredients:

600gm watermelon, diced and/or balled ¼ cup pomegranate seeds

80gm walnuts, lightly roasted 80gm soft fetta, crumbled ½ cup fresh mint leaves

½ small red onion, finely sliced ½ cup small rocket leaves

50ml extra virgin olive oil juice of 1 lemon salt and pepper

Method:

Mix together the watermelon, mint, rocket and red onion. Dress with the lemon juice and olive oil and season with salt

Emma Swann is a dedicated and ambitious young doctor. She is about to start her first year as an orthopedic surgical resident at the prestigious training hospital The Mount. Emma knows the next 12 months will be stressful, often gruelling, and that she will need to survive on very little sleep, neglecting her relationships and family. After all, her brother Andy is four years ahead of her in his training, and the legend of their recently retired dad still haunts the hallways at The Mount.

There is a strict hierarchy in the system, and resources are stretched to breaking point. It takes Emma weeks to get an ID badge so she can access different wards – and at orientation the staff are told “Do not ask to be paid overtime, it will not be paid”. But, in an effort to combat burnout, the hospital introduces some wellness initiatives like potted plants in the staff rooms, and surprise meditation sessions.

Emma throws herself into her training, learning and absorbing all she can while also trying never to forget that there is a real person at the end of every life and death decision she makes. From the daily struggles of simply trying to ensure that she can see every patient during rounds, to balancing the egos and frailties in this male dominated profession, Emma finds herself starting to sink, and starting to forget why she chose surgery in the first place. She is struggling under the pressure and doesn’t know where to turn.

The Registrar’s author Neela Janakiramanan is a reconstructive plastic surgeon, who paints a gritty and realistic picture of the difficulties faced by medical trainees in a system based on humiliation and bullying.

Neela wrote this novel from a place of grief after learning about the suicide of a colleague, and in the hope that the book might help readers to understand why doctors sometimes fail. As she says, “Sometimes, in hospital, people die. But not all of them should.”

Email hello@yourlocallifestyle.com.au

THE KOALA’ CELEBRATING THE BARRIER REEF, WITH A SPLASH!

THE third book in the hugely successful and locally Noosa written and produced Karla the Koala series of beloved children’s books was launched last Thursday, when BOUNCE was transformed into the colourful Great Barrier Reef.

Officially launched by Mayor Clare Stewart, Karla Discovers the Great Barrier Reef is the latest book in the series which has proven very popular with tourists and locals alike. Over 5000 books have been sold and shipped all over the world.

Written by Noosa local Elizabeth ‘Fizzi’ Reynolds, and illustrated by her lifelong friend and artist Lili, the books have proved to be hugely popular, selling out as soon as they hit the stores.

Author Fizzi said “We always wanted Karla to discover the Barrier Reef and to learn to snorkel but pondered where to set the story. We finally decided on Lady Elliott Island as this glorious and world famous, sustainable reef destination is basically in our backyard.”

In preparation, Fizzi travelled to Lady Elliot Island, and immersed herself in island life, undertaking all the activities that Karla would do if she visited the island. She then locked herself away to write the tale without distraction. Lili then worked her

magic creating the glorious watercolour illustrations featured throughout the book. All proceeds from the book launch will go to Noosa District Landcare and Tourism Noosa’s ‘Trees for Tourism’ program, to raise money for more Koala tree planting. The books are now offered as a 3-pack and make the ideal gift. Visit karlathekoala.com. au for more information.

‘KARLA

THE REGISTRAR – NEELA JANAKIRAMANAN

BERKELOUW BOOKS EUMUNDI ARE GIVING AWAY A COPY OF THE REGISTRAR BY NEELA JANAKIRAMANAN

TICKETS for the third annual OFFBEAT MUSIC FESTIVAL in Eumundi are on sale now, with a line-up that brings some of Australia’s top acts to Eumundi for the first time ever and confirms that live music is back and it is better than ever.

The festival will take place on Saturday March 25 from 12noon, with two stages and a first announcement line-up that boasts Thelma Plum, Gretta Ray, Electric Fields, Clews, and Brisbane based Clea, alongside local favourites Blues Arcadia and a stack of fresh acts like bogan-funksters Playlunch and indie rockers Eastbound Buzz and Tommy Gun.

“We are thrilled with this first announcement line up, and with limited ticket numbers to this boutique event, we

are pretty excited to get tickets on sale,” said Festival Director Alice Jones.

“Without the assistance of the Federal Government’s RISE grant, acts like Thelma Plum, Gretta Ray and Electric Fields would not be seen in Eumundi, we are very lucky,” Alice said.

Offbeat promises to be just that. “A little offbeat, a bit quirky, a little off the beaten track, and a bit of the unexpected,” she said.

The weeks ahead will see the announcement of further Offbeat events that will form part of the Offbeat Music Festival weekend running from Friday March 24, through to Sunday March 26 in various locations throughout the village of Eumundi.

“Offbeat will offer the best of what locals hold dear, a weekend of incredible music,

great vibes, and creativity, all set in the beautiful town of Eumundi.”

Proudly supported by Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand Fund (RISE) - an Australian Government initiative, and is an 18+, COVID safe event. For travel and accommodation ideas, go to: www.visitsunshinecoast.com/. Tickets: $95 + booking fee via Oztix.

THERE’S plenty of great Christmas season entertainment happening at Kia Ora’s Sublime Farm venue in December.

Sublime has firstly organised a Full Moon Harvest for Friday, December 9, which will be headlined by the fabulous Kitty Kats playing a special Christmas-inspired show in a dinnerand-show package.

Featuring renowned vocalists Michelle Brown, Renae Suttie and Susanne Campbell, The Kitty Kats are proud to be “bringing booty back”.

With a sassy mix of three-part acapella harmonies, cabaret, swing, blues, and rockabilly, The Kitty Kats will have you dancing, crying, singing, laughing out loud, and “loving the skin you’re in”.

On Friday, December 23 the delightful duo of Chris Ah Gee and Jazzella make a return appearance at Sublime.

The duo presents a fun, diverse and entertaining show with an alternative soul/r&b style that is tailored to suit all audiences, mixing up old songs with a new fresh sound.

If you missed their last show, please do yourself a favour and see these two in action –you won’t be disappointed.

Finally, bring in the New Year’s Eve at Sublime with Juke Joint live in the house playing their special blend of bourbon soaked blues. You won’t be able to resist dancing to their cracking tracks.

This is a ticketed event with dinner, show and party favours included.

For more information please visit the gig guide at www.sublimefarm.com.au.

Festival of Small Halls is back in Cooroy!

FESTIVAL of Small Halls has announced that Sam Buckingham and Inn Echo will feature on their 31st tour, Summer 2022: Queenscliff Music Festival to Woodford Folk Festival.

Cooroy Memorial Hall will fling open its doors for an evening of music, food, drinks and community. The hall comes alive and will be filled with soulful sounds and great company.

Famous for their larger-than-life music festivals, Woodfordia Inc. presents a programme that showcases musicians from the beloved folk music mecca of Prince Edward Island, in Canada, and from Byron Bay, New South Wales.

Inn Echo are a young trad-folk trio, blending hundred-year-old traditional tunes with contemporary arrangements and originals that have been enchanting audiences across the Pacific. Their music is captivating and beautifully crafted, each member hailing from a different town, they blend their individual experiences into this project.

“We are beyond excited to bring our music to Australia for the first time as part of the Festival of Small Halls!” said the group.

Sam Buckingham is a folk-pop songwriter whose repertoire has progressed as she has. Growing from her American/folk roots into alternative pop with fierce storytelling and rich soaring vocals, Sam’s live show combines vocal looping with guitar into a dynamic and intimate performance.

“To be invited to work with the legendary Small Halls tour feels like a dream. I’ve seen my friends play these shows, and heard them rave about the beautiful shows, the incredible team, and the lovely people they meet along the way. I’m honoured to become a part of this nation-wide family.”

Opening the show will be Pomona based singer-songwriter Morgan Ferne! Hailing from the wild lands of Scotland, she carries the sounds of Celtic folklore in her blood. Dreamy and poetic, her music is inspired by the forest and rooted heavily in the influence of the great storytellers who have come before her – Laura Marling, Alice Night and Birdy. Her songs are emanations of love and beauty that have the power to enrich the lives that hear them.

Don’t miss this truly beautiful night.

Sunday December 11.

Cooroy Memorial Hall, Maple Street, Cooroy. Bar Service will be available at the Hall from 6.30-9pm. The Hall won’t be serving food, but their are some great takeaway options next door and in the main street which you can bring back into the venue to enjoy.

Tickets are priced at $20, $15 concession and children under 6yrs free when accompanied by an adult. Tickets on sale now at www.festivalofsmallhalls.com

CLAPTOMANIACS IN COOROY

- TWICE!

NEW Year will be upon us before we know it - and New Year’s Eve will see Noosa five-piece band The Claptomaniacs return to Cooroy RSL on Saturday, December 31 to play the new year in. It’s gonna be a big night!

As so many already know, the band plays tight, authentic renditions of classic transatlantic hits by the likes of Joe Cocker, Travelling Wilburys, Steely Dan, the Doobie Brothers, Huey Lewis and the News, Boz Scaggs, Eric Clapton, Steve Miller Band and many more from the best era of rock.

You can preview the band by coming down to Christmas in Cooroy on Friday December 9, where they will be playing on an open stage outside the Cooroy Butter Factory from 6pm.

Bookings for NYE at Cooroy RSL will go quickly, so don’t wait too long to book on 5447 6131. You can also check out Facebook/Claptomaniacs and www. claptomaniacs for further information.

Kindergarten

Echo

Sam Buckingham Morgan Ferne

2021 Festival

Help put a Mirror Mirror on the wall

DO you need to sell an old treasure?

The Cooroy Butter Factory Arts Centre (CBAC) is currently asking for works for its resale exhibition New Homes for Old Art from January 20 to February 19.

Do you have an artwork by a well-known artist, or a work that is distinctively from an art period e.g. art nouveau, art deco, modernism etc? It can be a 2D piece or a decorative work. Already works submitted include a Sidney Nolan print, Norman Lindsay prints, art deco lamps and mirrors and even a Kiss pinball machine.

A commission on sales from New Homes for Old Art will be used to support our Mirror Mirror exhibition and celebratory events at CBAC around the 2023 International Women’s Day. Mirror Mirror seeks to explore oneself through the reflection in a mirror. What do you see when you look in the mirror, a strong woman, a vulnerable woman, an old woman, a woman who knows who she is, or does she see inside the hidden reflection of herself a side that no one’s sees but she knows is there?

Each artist will be challenged to create two artworks, one a portrait on an actual mirror and the second work, could be a painting, sculpture etc, that contains their refection in it.

To submit works for sale in New Homes for Old Art contact coordinator@ butterfactoryartscentre.com.au

Mirror Mirror runs February 24 – March 26

STUDENTS WOW COMMUNITY WITH ART EXHIBITION

THE importance of art and community has been highlighted at the opening of Noosa District State High School’s ‘ALT. kNOWledge’ exhibition at Cooroy Butter Factory Arts Centre.

The official opening event was held on Friday November 18 with Noosa District State High School’s String band. The exhibition displays the culmination of dozens of student’s art pieces, including realism, abstract and contemporary pieces. The exhibition provided a perfect platform for students to show weeks of hard work and their personal connections and realisations.

For some students it was their first time having their art framed and displayed in a gallery.

Year 8 student Sage Morris was beyond thrilled to have her work displayed.

“After completing multiple artworks, it is uplifting to see them on display,” Ms Morris said.

The exhibition opening was also a chance for the local community to meet Noosa District State High School’s new Head of Campus Oliver Colmer. Mr Colmer stated how important art was for the local

community and how for young people it is a fantastic vessel to express feelings.

“I was impressed by the fantastic art works which showed considerable dedication, skill, thoughtfulness, and creativity. This student excellence is founded on the hard work and support by their teachers and parents. I would also like to celebrate the Butter Factory Arts Centre for hosting and for the considerable time taken in hanging and displaying the art pieces,” Mr Colmer said.

Kiss pinball machine

Sidney Nolan print

Sage Morris and her Artwork

50 Years after The Vietnam War : A New Exhibition

AUSTRALIA withdrew its last regular troops from the Vietnam War in December 1972. Eumundi Museum is marking the 50th anniversary of this significant part of our history with a new temporary exhibition: 50 Years after the Vietnam War.

Nearly 60,000 Australians served in Vietnam. 521 died in the conflict. Over 3,000 were seriously wounded. A lot has been written about the war, both at the time, in the 1960s and 1970s, and a lot more since then. Many movies have been made about the war, including several American blockbusters. But apart from Australian authors, few even mention Australia’s involvement.

It was controversial at the time. It remains controversial today. For those of us under 50, in general, very little is

known about the war. For those of us who were alive at the time, now is a good time to reflect on what was happening in the world and to discuss this with the younger members of our community. We have interviewed six local veterans from the war and asked them to reflect on their experience and their thoughts and feelings now, fifty years on - army, navy and air force. Another interview was conducted back in 1969, just days after one of Eumundi’s locals was injured in a landmine explosion. And another interview is with

the wife of this veteran. Please come and watch and listen to their insights.

Tewantin Noosa RSL have been generous and loaned us numerous pertinent objects from the Australian armed forces, the American armed forces, and the North Vietnamese army.

The exhibition opens on December 6. Eumundi Museum is located opposite the market, in the old church at 73 Memorial Drive. Entry is free. Open Tuesday –Saturday, 10am – 3pm.

LOCAL ARTISTS EXHIBITION AT THE ART HUB

ART Hub Cooroy will be hosting a new exhibition running until December 22. Showcasing work by local artists Tony Coles and Kerry Keyte.

TONY COLES

Tony Coles lives and works from his beachside home on the Sunshine Coast. Looking west he finds inspiration from the roads, buildings, hills and sky. Out to the east, the magnificent beaches, ocean, coves and headlands inform his work.

Tony is interested in interpreting his surrounding subject matter through the balancing of its simple shapes. The brush work itself finds origins in loose painterly geometries that interact and move

between passages of paint. Light and colour share an important role in Tony’s work whether it’s a full-bodied Australian light hitting a hillside or a close tonal light found at dusk in a rocky cove.

Tony’s work often moves close to abstraction due to the inventive breakup of space and deviation from local colour.

KERRY KEYTE

Working in mixed media gives Kerry the ability to adapt and change her artwork inspired by the light and ocean lifestyle on the Sunshine Coast.

Her art has a reflective quality using light to bring up the colour and intensity of her artwork. She mainly works

with resin, mosaic, wood, surfboards and fused glass, upcycling old objects into works of art. Most of her artwork encompasses ocean themes or dramatic tones and is practical - it can be used and is not just ornamental art hung on the wall for display.

She describes her artwork as evolving – always experimenting and looking for new ways of creating and having fun. Artists are offering 5% discount for Christmas in Cooroy celebrations on Friday 9 and Saturday 10. Be sure to visit the Art Hub Gallery to view this amazing exhibition. 3/2 Emerald Street, Cooroy – 5447 6155.

A special Christmas event at The Majestic

NOOSA Jazz Club’s final event for the year at the Majestic Theatre, Pomona, Tuesday December 20, will be something really special. A great program of jazz with some hearty Xmas Cheer, some carols that you can sing along to and lots of lucky door prizes. On offer are:

• Tickets to 2023 Jazz Club monthly concerts at The Majestic

• Tickets for The Hot Peppers gigs at the Noosa Marina in 2023

• A selection of classic CD’s

• Some Xmas Cheer

As usual there is a great line-up of musicians with Brett Iggulden-trumpet and saxophone, Jo Bloomfield-piano, Paul Williams-clarinet and saxophone, Kevin Brown-trombone, Dave Burrows-guitar, Richard Stevens-sousaphone and Chris McConachy on drums.

Music starts at 1.30pm and goes through till 4.30pm. There is a bar with snacks and drinks – or you can BYO lunch. The doors open at 12 noon.

Don’t miss this special end of year event to celebrate and enjoy some great jazz. Get in early, get organised, book your table, and bring your friends.

Bookings at www.noosajazzclub.com/ december22/. Phone 0478 256 245 or email info@noosajazzclub.com for more information.

AMANDA BRIERLEY @ FRAME TREE COOROY

Local Artist Amanda Brierley is exhibiting now at Frame Tree, Cooroy. Come and experience her stunning artworks, born through love and loss.

On display for the month of December at Frame Tree Custom Framing, 2/20 Maple Street, Cooroy

NEW BAR. NEW MUSIC.

STANDING on Memorial Drive in Eumundi, the historic Joe’s Waterhole is ready to welcome new and old patrons as the weather finally begins to improve.

The beer garden out the back of pub has seen some minor improvements with a small pop up bar installed to take advantage of the sunshine. The bar will be operating over the summer months serving a limited range of canned products, slushies and cocktails. Joe’s has also seen major change coming into summer with new operator, Dallas Mlakar, stepping

into the kitchen to serve up delicious, pub classics and fresh local produce.

Keep an eye out for the line up at Joe’s with two themed decade nights. New Years Eve ‘Eve’ (December 30), Joe’s will host an 80s night with popular tribute band, 80s Recall playing the tunes and on January 7 Joe’s will take it back to the 70s with tribute band, Sensational 70s

Come down to Joe’s for a fun filled summer of live music, great food and a range of drinks over the bar.

Joe’s Waterhole, 85 Memorial Drive, Eumudi.

JACKIE HILLEGERS NEW EXHIBITION

Jackie’s exhibition will be showcasing the photography by some of the children she works with and is on display at the Cooroy Branch of the Bendigo bank until December

16. View more of Jackie’s work on her website www.pheatherine.com/

AMAMOOR

EVERY SATURDAY - 7am - 11.30am

EVERY WEDNESDAY - 9am - 12noon

Amamoor Train Station

EUMUNDI

THE ORIGINAL EUMUNDI MARKETS

EVERY WEDNESDAY 8am - 2pm

EVERY SATURDAY 7am - 2pm

THE Original Eumundi Markets is the biggest artisan market in Australia. www.eumundimarkets.com.au

YOUR LOCAL

GOOMBOORIAN

MEMORIAL HALL MARKETS

EVERY 2ND SATURDAY 8am - 12noon Goomboorian Memorial Hall

IMBIL

IMBIL SUNDAY MARKET FARMERS & CRAFT MARKET

EVERY SUNDAY 8am - 1pm Yabba Creek Road www.maryvalleychamberofcommerce.com.au @ImbilMarkets

KENILWORTH

KENILWORTH MARKET

EVERY SATURDAY 8am - 1.30pm Art, crafts, food, music,fashion etc. kenilworthmarketssecretary@gmail.com

KIN KIN

MARKETS

POMONA

POMONA COUNTRY MARKETS

KIN KIN MARKET - NOOSA HINTERLAND

1ST SUNDAY OF EVERY MONTH 8am - 12noon

KIN KIN Creations Market is a market for all people who have made their own products, or grown their own produce. www.inkinkin.net/Markets

NOOSA

FARMERS MARKET

EVERY SUNDAY 6am - 12noon Weyba Road Noosa Heads www.noosafarmersmarket.com.au

MARINA MARKETS

EVERY SUNDAY 8am - 1.30pm 2 Parkyn Court Noosa www.noosamarina.com.au

STORYTELLING, ONE STITCH AT A TIME

DENISE Powell is a professional Pattern Maker and Designer of 40 years. She studied and refined her craft through embracing life experiences and love of country. She is an advocate for the richness in culture synonymous with ‘Dreamtime’ storytelling, the underpinning tradition of Aboriginal art.

Respect and acknowledgment of this tradition which dates back 50,000 years, has seen this designers Sunshine Coast business, ‘Global Vibe’, become a local and international success. Global Vibe is the brand name behind the designs and creations which use 100% high-quality cotton fabric printed from original paintings by Indigenous artists. Each garment carries a story. That garment is then carefully cut and sewn to individually optimise the artwork. Global Vibe clothing is made to measure. Off the rack it can be altered to

Denise is a creator, dreamer, go getter and innovator at heart. She learned to sew from an early age on an old Singer treadle machine. Making summer dresses for long carefree days growing up on Sydney’s northern beaches became the memories stitched into her psyche leading to a passion she has pursued most of her life. Denise is the face of Global Vibe at the Original Eumundi Markets. For the last decade, Global Vibe apparel has been a favourite for locals, tourists, and world travellers.

Another of the stallholder stories waiting to be discovered at the famous Original Eumundi Markets. Wednesday and Saturday, rain, hail or sunshine. eumundimarkets.com.au

EVERY SATURDAY 7am - 11.30am

LOTS of great stalls, food and music. pomonamarketsqld@gmail.com.

YANDINA

YANDINA COUNTRY MARKETS

EVERY SATURDAY 6am - 12 noon Plants, local produce, secondhand items. @YandinaMarkets· Flea market

@ THE ORIGINAL EUMUNDI MARKETS

EXPLORATIONS OF THE INNER

AND THE

SELF

PLANET

at Pomona Gallery

Julie

A lifelong observer, Julie engages play as an integral element in the making of her work. As she progresses, the strongest images remain and a theme emerges.

Peter paints by responding to life’s confusions and solutions. His work for this exhibition began as aspirations during lockdowns, only to become darker during the floods. He paints aiming for a peaceful and contented inner and outer environment.

Julie and Peter’s show Happy Places is in the Carriage Room at the Pomona Railway Station Gallery from December 3 to January 4.

Pomona Railway Station Gallery is at 10 Station Street Pomona.

It’s Pantomime time!

IT’S that time of year again …. Pantomime time! It’s a brilliant yearly tradition from Noosa Arts Theatre so grab the kids and get along to see Mother Goose - fun and delightful show the whole family will enjoy.

The story follows Mother Goose who is desperate to recover her youthful looks, and agrees to let Demon Night have her precious Goose, Priscilla. But racked with guilt, she decides to rescue Priscilla from his evil clutches.

Meanwhile Demon Night has kidnapped Jill, the girlfriend of Mother Goose’s son Jack. Jack sets out to rescue her, accompanied by Mother Goose and his brother Silly Billy, Squire Blackheart. They catch up with Demon Night courtesy of a hot-air balloon, but he flees and gives up Jill and the Goose.

Everyone will love this show, full of laughs, surprises, fun songs and great costumes. The audience will all get into the spirit with the cast and come away

with big grins on their faces. The kids also get a chance to have their photos taken with the cast after the show which is a brilliant opportunity for the little ones.

Director Susan Dearnley and her team are creating a show that is sure to warm your heart!

The show plays twice daily on the following dates: Saturdays January 7, 14 and 21, 11am and 2pm; Sundays January 8, 15 and 22, 1pm and 4pm.

All tickets are $16 and sold online at www. noosaartstheatre.org.au or call Noosa Arts Theatre on (07) 5449 9343 Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 2pm. Book now to avoid disappointment!

Biff and Bash and the Demon - (L-R - Harvey Sallaway (Bash), Tom Middleton (Demon) and Nicholas Tatham (Biff)

LOCAL artists

St Aubyn and Peter Aland come together to show their wonderfully colourful work during December.

Peter Aland

A safer Bruce Highway has been one of the major things I set out to achieve as the Federal Member for Wide Bay.

Before I was elected to Federal Parliament in 2016 I was a first responder and I saw far too many motor vehicle accidents and deaths on the Bruce Highway.

Quite a bit has been accomplished over the last few years to improve the safety and efficiency of the Bruce Highway, and in 2023 the Cooroy to Curra upgrade will be completed and open to traffic.

The Bruce Highway will then be a flood proof four-lane divided highway from Brisbane to north of Gympie, which will reduce travel time, improve safety, and increase freight efficiency.

Funding has been secured for the fourlane Tiaro Bypass, which will address flood immunity, safety, and traffic efficiency on a notorious section of the highway.

I have called on the Government to release a full funding profile for the project so we know the funding allocations on a year-by-year basis. This will tell us when major construction is expected to start and when the project will finish.

However there is still much to be done. I’ll keep on fighting for funding to fill in the

four lane gaps between Curra and Tiaro, and from Tiaro on to Maryborough.

The Bruce is our national highway and it should already be four lanes through Wide Bay. The longer it takes to achieve this the more it will cost taxpayers, and the longer lives will continue to be at risk on this dangerous section of the Bruce Highway.

There will be some bridge works taking place between November and January for the Cooroy to Curra section upgrade of the highway, and motorists may experience detours and minor delays due to the delivery and installation of concrete barriers and girders. This work will be done at night, between 6pm and 6am to minimise disruption. It is important that motorists follow the guidance of road crews and observe lowered speed limits through the work sites.

With the school holidays starting soon and Christmas fast approaching, this usually signals an increase in traffic on our roads. There will be several road works sites on the Bruce Highway, so please drive carefully, and follow the road rules and speed limit.

All the best for a safe and happy Christmas and New Year.

DAN PURDIE State Member for Ninderry

JUSTICE FOR ANGUS

Last month in Parliament, I spoke of my support for the Beaumont family’s petition to amend the Youth Justice Act and reinstate tougher laws. The family started the petition after their 15 year old son Angus was murdered in 2020 by recidivist juvenile offenders, who were out on bail at the time. As I said in my speech in Parliament, I met the family later that year, and I remain in awe of their strength, courage and resolve. One question they asked me back then, and the question they continue to ask is, could Angus’s death have been prevented? And sadly, the answer is yes.

At the moment, we have a revolving door

youth justice system. We need to give our police and the courts the laws and powers they need to keep us safe. We need to ensure there are consequences for actions. On this occasion, the breach of bail offence would have given the police or the courts the power to take action, detain the offenders and bring them to justice before they committed another offence.

To learn more about this, and to sign the Beaumont Family’s petition, check out my Facebook page, or visit www.parliament. qld.gov.au/work-of-the-assembly/petitions/ current-epetitions.

SHARING THE DIGNITY

A big thank you to the local community who got behind Eumundi Rotary and Eumundi CWA’s Share the Dignity campaign.

LOCAL SPORTING CHAMPIONS

It was great to meet another crop of local sporting champions this week. Thirty four (34) young sporting stars were recognised in the latest round of Local Sporting Champions grants for 12-18 year olds, from diverse sports such as artistic roller skating, orienteering and sport climbing.

I would particularly like to give a shoutout to North Arm local, Cooper Archibald, who represented Queensland in the Australian Junior Track Motorbike Championships; and Kiamba local, Millan Power, who represented Queensland in triathlon at the School Sport Australia 2022 Multiclass Aquathlon and Triathlon.

I look forward to following their journey to the 2032 Games!

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM TED O’BRIEN

As many of us look forward to a busy festive season, let’s not forget that many people are also doing it tough. If each of us can reach out to someone who may be alone – an old friend, a neighbour, a distant relative – it would make the world of difference. Lastly, it’s with great optimism that I look forward to 2023 as your Federal MP. I pledge to continue my focus on delivering for our local community.

From my family to yours, I wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

Thanks to the generosity of locals, we were able to contribute quite a lot of female hygiene products to this wonderful cause.

WIN A $200 VOUCHER FOR CHRISTMAS!

For your chance to win a $200 Whites IGA voucher in time for Christmas, keep an eye out for my end of year newsletter in your letterbox. On the back page you’ll find a survey - simply complete it and return it by December 20 to go in the draw!

Speaking of Christmas, I’d like to take this opportunity to wish you a very merry Christmas and a safe, happy and healthy New Year. During the busy festive season, please take care on our roads, and don’t forget to support our local small businesses where you can.

LLEW O’BRIEN Federal Member for Wide Bay

TED O’BRIEN Federal Member for Fairfax

Dan with Eumundi CWA’s Janet Millington, and the donated items

Cooper Archibald

Millan Power

LIVING WELL NOOSA

WHAT ARE YOU INTERESTED IN?

Active Mums - weekly

Cooran Yoga and Pilates

Noosa Pregnancy Aqua

Cooran General Fitness

Noosaville Postnatal Pilates

Community Yoga / Tai Chi - weekly

Yoga Pilates - Cooran and Federal Noosa Stretch Yoga

Tai Chi - Cooroy and Noosaville Cooran Yin Yoga

‘Living Well Noosa’ is a free and low-cost preventative health initiative developed to improve the health and wellbeing of the Noosa Community. The program offers a variety of health and well-being initiatives for individuals of all ages and abilities. Check the program and scan the QR code for details.

FIND A SUPPORT SERVICE

Lifeline Counselling services for anyone at anytime. Phone 13 11 14 Kids Helpline Counselling for young people aged 5-25. Phone 1800 551 800. Cooroy AA Group Wednesday night at 7.30pm. Freemasons Hall, 58 Elm Street, Cooroy. www://aa.org.au/ Beyondblue Phone 1300 224 636

The silly season has well and truly arrived!

IS anyone else feeling as frazzled as I am with how fast the year has gone….!?

It’s all a bit of a blur.

This time of the year usually brings with it very hot & humid days, plenty of things to organise in the lead up to Christmas and usually a whole calendar of festive social gatherings lined up!

All of which can be slightly exhausting, time consuming and energy zapping, hindering any chance of having the motivation of wanting to exercise.

So, if you’re feeling more festive than fit at this moment in time, don’t lose that cheer! Here’s a few hints that may help you get through this time of year without the guilt.

Ways you can stay active:

Shopping – whether it’s shopping for gifts or filling the fridge, hitting the shops is a wonderful way of upping your steps for the day! Why don’t you also try parking your car a little further away than you might normally. And pick up the pace a little more than your usual perusing speed to get your heart rate up.

Fun with friends – when you’re having friends over for a barbie, or meeting at the park for a picnic, chuck in your kids frisbee or your old touch footy that’s been sitting on your boot box for the last few years. Team up and get the heart pumping. Just the laughter, and possible competitiveness

will brighten up your day, and help you work off the yummy pavlova that your bestie brought over for dessert.

Wrapping Presents – wrapping presents can be a tedious job sometimes. But this year you’re going to make it fun! And active! Make up a fun little routine that can keep you keen while wrapping your gifts. You could choose three exercises, say; squats, wall push-ups and a plank. Every time you cut your paper to size you could do five squats. Then when you’ve folded the paper and stick the sticky tape you could do

five wall push-ups. And then finally when you go and hide the gift in the back of the linen press, you could jump down and do a 30 sec plank. Then repeat.

(…..Oh go on! Try it!)

The festive season is definitely the time of the year that we tend to consume more in the eating and drinking sense. But instead of feeling guilty, just be mindful. And try to stay as active as you can. And know that 2023 is just around the corner, all ready for you to add a new years resolution to the list. www.efitnesspomona.com.au

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Sunny Street collaboration in the Hinterland

RISING costs of living, lack of affordable housing, increases in population and a reduction in bulk billing are some of the factors preventing vulnerable locals from accessing health care.

And coordinators of the Pomona & District Community House, Susan Schiotz and Heather Manders know only too well that there are people falling through the cracks and are not getting the medical care they need.

“We were recently introduced to the team at Sunny Street who were telling us about the new clinic they are opening at Waves of Kindness in Noosaville,” Ms Schiotz said.

“We were excited to hear about this collaboration but were immediately concerned because we knew lack of transport would prevent many from accessing this service.”

Keen on solving this potential barrier, they reached out to Sunny Street to gauge interest in coming to Pomona and

partnering with Community House.

Director of Clinical Services at Sunny Street, Sue Ferguson visited the space, immediately saw the potential and the benefit it would bring to the community, and set about making plans to bring a clinic to the people.

“The Community House team have welcomed us with open arms, and we look forward to partnering with them to deliver equitable healthcare in the community,” Ms Ferguson said.

The Sunny Street Pomona Clinic will operate out of the Community House on Wednesdays, fortnightly from 9.30am to 1.30pm, starting on Wednesday, December 7. The Clinic will also take drop-ins and bookings. Visit sunnystreet.org or call 07 5313 7778 to make a booking.

Pomona & District Community House is located at 1 Memorial Avenue, Pomona. www.pomonacommunityhouse.com.au.

NUTRITION with Sarah Gray

SANTA CLAUS IS COMING!

WHO doesn’t love Christmas, it is such a magical time of the year. Everything just feels, smells and tastes so good. Presents appear under the tree, relatives come to visit, friends celebrate, and undoubtedly, for most of us another couple of holes appear in our belts. Like I said, magical! There are not many of us who can withstand the onslaught of the end of year celebrations and countless party’s and not pack on the kilo’s.

You can’t blame Santa for that. Santa does not hold us down and shove food down our throats.

Overindulgence seems to go hand in hand with Christmas celebrations, but it doesn’t have to. You can decide what you do and how you treat your body. You are big kids now!

Think about how many times we buy

someone a box of chocolates who really don’t need chocolates. Or we give a bottle of alcohol as a gift when that person already struggles with sobriety. Making healthier choices for others invariably leads to healthier choices for ourselves and our families. It has a flow on affect. Whatever we give so we shall receive.

The buck stops with you. You don’t have to eat everything that is on the table. You don’t have to keep up with the boys beer for beer. You don’t have to, period. It is OK to say “no thank you”. Self-control is the key and moderation is the goal.

Christmas is a time for sharing, giving and receiving. Appreciation and gratitude for all gifts great and small. Your greatest gift is the health of you and your family.

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

TAKE A HIKE IN THE HINTERLAND with Andrea Taylor

WELL the ‘Silly Season’ is upon us and fingers crossed the weather is going to be sunny days for summer. So let’s head down to the Noosa River.

Did you know the name Noosa came from the Aboriginal word meaning ‘shadows’ or ‘shade’ As once the land was rich with casuarina, gums, mahogany, honeysuckle, bloodwood, stringy bark, tea tree, scrub tree and box tree. The river was once full of fish, crabs and oysters. Mangroves are an important part of the river system because of their value to fisheries. Despite development there are still many mangrove conservation areas along the river.

I love doing this any day of the week but Sunday mornings are my fav! Especially As you can finish back at the markets at Noosa Marina.

I start at RSL Memorial Park and follow the walkway behind the Noosa Regional Gallery past the marina then go in behind the fire station onto Hilton Esplanade. You will have a short walk along Hilton Terrace before turning left into Mill St, through Chaplin Park and over the bridge with all the locks. There you come out at the magnificent strangler figs. I love the strangler fig tree’s so much - it’s one of those places I see and it just never gets old. I also like to walk all the way to William St at the eastern end of the river. All up it’s just over 10km’s return taking - about two and a half

ALONG THE NOOSA RIVER

hours, with beautiful river views all the way.

As usual sunrise is the best, blissfully peaceful before the crowds arrive. If you like you can use the exercise equipment along the way and T-Boat Hire is the earliest for a coffee at 5.30am. But don’t worry there are plenty to choose from as you watch the river come to life. When you get to William St you can keep walking all the way to Hastings St or the National Park. Bella and I do this often as there are plenty of spots along the way to cool off in the water and our journey usually finishes at the start of the National Park.

Suitable for the whole family with plenty of facilities and the Pirate Park for the kids. An afternoon stroll along the river is equally as good for watching the sun set. Christmas

Day is very popular so you need to get there early to get your spot.

The Lions Park is having its annual Christmas carols on December 18 and fireworks on New Year’s Eve. For more information on what’s on, head over to the Events Calendar on noosa.qld.gov.au

Now if you are not as passionate about walking as I am you can jump on a Noosa Ferry sit back, relax and enjoy the same journey by boat. Noosa Queen River Cruises have a sunset cruise which is amazing and reasonably priced.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all and as always when you’re out and about over the holiday season remember sunscreen, hat and plenty of water. Happy Hiking.

Noosa Coast Guard Rescued

THE Noosa branch of the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard will have a team of fully trained volunteers this summer, courtesy of a $5000 donation from the Community Bank Tewantin-Noosa branch of Bendigo Bank.

Noosa Coast Guard QF-05 Flotilla Commander Ian Hutchings recently hosted the Tewantin-Noosa Community Bank Manager Mark Gielis, and Sunshine Coast Community Financial Services Ltd Board member Elizabeth Reynolds for a tour of the Coast Guard premises in Noosaville. They were both astounded to discover that the Coast Guard relies almost exclusively on volunteer support and financial sponsorship, and did not have a suitable training raft for their ‘Survival at Sea’ techniques.

“The Coast Guard provides a vital service to our community that needs to be supported,” Mr Gielis said. ‘

“The guard will be training new recruits in November and they required an inflatable raft that could be reused. We were happy to support this by purchasing a training raft, knowing the Noosa waterways would be even safer for the community with the trainees being able to become fully qualified crew members.”

Commander Ian Hutchings described how important this donation will be for the service: “Without having a life raft to practice on, our trainees would not be able to progress and very shortly Coast Guard Noosa would run out of qualified crew.”

Up to 80% of company profits are invested back into the local area when you bank with your local Bendigo Community Bank. This allows the bank to continue to support great causes like this one and extend a helping hand to services and groups who are working to make our community a better place for us all.

Community Bank Directors present Ian Hutchings with a cheque

It’s a Blooming Distaster

native vegetation …or any vegetation.

In some situations, certain weeds can support the recovery of native forests, altering the microclimate or attracting seed-dispersing birds to allow native recruitment overtime, however this is definitely not the case with the Cat’s Claw Creeper Vine. With some weeds there can be a benefit in short-term retention whilst natural regeneration occurs, but with the many pressures impacting our native forests and the wildlife and ecosystem services they support, we see the risk of not addressing this significant weed too high not to act.

Cat’s Claw vine, particularly threatens our riparian zones and the health of our waterways. Smothering and further degrading these already very vulnerable environments. Treating Cats Claw vine along riparian zones is a high priority for us in the Noosa Shire and surrounding regions.

AT this time of year, you will notice in parts of the Sunshine Coast and Gympie region, a flush of pretty yellow flowers in shrubs and trees along roadsides, creeks and edges of bushland. This is the infamous Cat’s Claw Creeper Vine (Macfadyena unguis-cati), an aggressive transformer weed that smothers native vegetation to the point of collapse. It creates a matting mess of vine along the forest floor impeding regeneration of

Alongside Noosa Council, we have been undertaking regional scale Cat’s Claw surveys and treatment for a number of years now as part of a long-term Cat’s Claw Vine control strategy for the Noosa Shire

To learn more about controlling Cats Claw or report sightings contactTayla rfcadmin@noosalandcare.org

Cat’s Claw Creeper Vine infestations at Gympie smothering mature trees. Bottom: Cat’s Claw flowers (Source: DAF – Queensland Government)

Council trials early bushfire detection technology

ARTIFICIAL intelligence and ultra-highdefinition cameras are being trialed in Noosa Council as part of the Firetech Connect Program, to demonstrate and test novel approaches to bushfire detection.

Noosa Council is the first council in Queensland to partner with US tech company Pano AI to trial 360-degree, ultrahigh-definition cameras and advanced AI technology to detect fires early, verify their location and provide real-time intelligence.

The intention of the trial is to demonstrate the capabilities of the new technology to improve the way we react and respond to fires.

Pano Stations have been installed at Mt Tinbeerwah lookout in Tewantin National Park and on Black Mountain to continuously scan the landscape to patrol and identify potential bushfire activity.

Mayor Clare Stewart said real-time information makes all the difference.

“Rapid confirmation of a fire may help our fire emergency personnel to identify and extinguish a blaze before it becomes a threat,” she said.

“This council is driving big changes to traditional fire detection measures to do what we can to avoid a repeat of the 2019 bushfires,” Mayor Stewart said.

The $120,000 technology is fully funded by the 2019 Cat D Bushfire Recovery Fund and the 2019 Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Program.

Pano’s Head of Australia, Andrew Prolov, said the technology provides a real-time picture of threats and rapid actionable intelligence to fire services.

“Our network of cameras constantly survey the landscape, we combine that imagery with satellite and other data feeds, which is all analyzed by our AI algorithms.

When Pano detects a fire threat, our 24/7 intelligence centre confirms the fire and alerts our customers within minutes,” he said.

POSSUM joeys have been coming into care in increased numbers, for reasons that always seem to lead back to human impact. Unusual bird species are coming into our care.

There is a lack of understanding that ‘every tree matters’. It is devastating to see people buy small semi rural blocks and then proceed to clear it of trees. It was hoped that this ignorance was left in the last century - that everyone was now intent on replanting forests, not destroying them.

To see the animals that live in just one individual tree is astounding. Occasionally a tree may have to be removed for safety

reasons. To see possums, gliders, nightjars and various bird species homed in one tree is always a source of amazement to me. Responsible property owners will ensure that these animals are protected while the tree is removed. Nocturnal hollow dwellers can be reinstalled in their hollows in nearby trees after sunset.

It is always a worry when there is a change in wildlife species arriving on our doorsteps.

Owlet nightjars are a bird rarely seen as they are so small and nocturnal. Recently two nests with three chicks in each arrived through the WILVOS Hotline, unable to

be reunited with parents. Hollows are their choice of residence which makes life difficult. Hollows are becoming scarce and these older trees are often thoughtlessly removed. Destruction of habitat is leading to heavy wildlife losses.

Watch out for our native animals over the holidays. Have a wonderful Christmas with family and friends and the very best for 2023.

YOUR LOCAL WILDLIFE with Donna Brennan Wilvos Hotline 5441 6200 www.wilvos.org.au

The Australian Owlet-nightjar Aegotheles cristatus

Photo:

Sharon Brennan

Cameras installed at Black Mountain

WE GOT PHYSICAL FOR LILLIAN

Clique Photobooths who donated her time and gave all money made on the snaps to the fundraiser. And Rebecca from Live In Colour who made the most amazing balloon creations for the kids. What a hit! Both girls contacted me to see if they could help. And I am truly grateful.

FOODTRITION

IT takes a village! And the village of Pomona sure came alive and full of colour on Saturday November 26 at The Majestic Theatre, with a beautiful little Kin Kin girl on everyone’s mind.

Recently turned 3-year-old Lillian was earlier this year diagnosed with a rare cancer, Rhabdoid Tumours. So, to help raise some money for her family and to bring awareness and show our love and support, I thought an 80s aerobics night was in order.

And what a night it was!

Sadly, Lillian and her family were unable to join us, as they are currently residing in Brisbane so they are close to hospital for Lillian’s ongoing treatments. But I am sure they could feel the buzz all the way from Pomona!

It was so lovely to have a lot of her extended family there on the night though!

The event was a sell out! And everyone who came brought the most amazing colour, energy, 80s vibes and love into the Majestic Theatre’s walls… It was truly an amazing evening. A huge shout out to all the beautiful people and businesses around the area who donated the seriously epic prizes on the night. There were A LOT of prizes!! And although I am still to add up all funds raised (stay tuned for an update on social media) I already know that at least $5000 was raised purely on raffle ticket sales!

How awesome is that!?

Thank you to The Majestic Theatre and its volunteers for helping and letting me use your beautiful building. It is such a magic space with such beautiful energy.

Thank you to Eliza from The Coastal

Thanks to local artist Ann White who spent the evening creating a couple of amazing pieces of art that were auctioned off at the end of the night which helped raise an extra $300. So cool.

Thank you to Jodie from Black Ant Gourmet who provided delicious food, keeping everyone’s tummies happy and energy levels high for their 80s moves and grooves.

Thanks so much to all my helpers on the night, checking people in, selling raffle tickets, helping set up/pack down the theatre, keeping an eye on my kiddos! , and everything in between! You all know who you are. And you all officially rock my (legwarmers!) off!

It just shows how beautiful our community is; how when we all band together we can make some serious magic happen. And that’s exactly what happened.

Let’s all spend some time after reading this to send little Lillian a wish, a prayer, some love and healing energy to help her get over this hurdle and on the road to recovery. Thanks again everyone, from the bottom of my heart. You’re amazing. E x

Glasshouse Mountain

EVER since I was a small child I wondered what it would be like to stand on top of those magnificent volcanic plugs that are the Glasshouse Mountains. I would gaze in wonder at them as we drove past on the way to the sunnycoast for our family seaside holidays.

Fast forward 40 or so years. Mt Beerwah was my first. I arrived early one Sunday morning, around 6am wearing the stickiest runners I owned. A little nervous and climbing on my own I waited at the base and chatted to climbers about the route. It starts with a steep slab with few holds, nicknamed ‘chicken rock’ because it’s kind of like a qualifier for what’s to come. It doesn’t get easier so if you have doubts on your ability now is the time to turn back. Most of the climb is on very solid rock with good footing and holds but it is steep and exposed in places so if you have a fear of heights and lack confidence in your climbing ability don’t attempt this hikejust because it’s done by tens of thousands every year doesn’t mean it’s suitable for all.

First thing I noticed when I started climbing these peaks regularly is how friendly everyone is. These climbs seem to put people in extremely good moods. The mental health benefits are obvious, immediate and incredibly valuable to some of us. In the short time that I’ve been climbing these peaks I’ve chatted and laughed with hundreds of strangers and made dozens of new friends.

Mt Beerwah and Mt Tibrogargan are the tallest peaks in the Glasshouse group and both have quite exposed sections on their summit routes. But with care, a good head for heights, correct foot wear plus some experienced guidance, they are achievable by most with reasonable climbing ability. Experienced climbers can get to their summits in about 45min but I’d recommend taking your time, enjoy the scenery and expect it to take 2-4 hours. A recent Beerwah trip with our grandson took 5 hours and the smile he had on the summit was priceless!

Approach Shoes are by far the safest and

best option for footwear. You will need both hands so use a backpack for water, snack and first aid kit. Very important is a willingness to say no if you aren’t confident at the start. Don’t climb in bad weather as places like these can become very dangerous. Social media is great for finding experienced groups to join.

Summits

Mt Beerwah -Take nothing but photos & leave nothing but footprints

These peaks are precious and sacred to us ALL so treat them with the utmost respect and care. Take nothing but photos and leave nothing but footprints.

Happy hiking. All the best Andy Flanagan. Adventurer, lover of wild places, mountain biker and Senior Mechanic at SpokenTrail.

IBA YOUTH MEN’S & WOMEN’S BOXING SPAIN 2022

best by far. The way this team gelled and supported each other was amazing.

We ended up with Jye Dixon finishing sixth in the world and Craig Evers earning himself a top 12 position. All these kids fought with great tenacity. Our losses were close, as were our wins.

I really felt that this team proved that they deserved to be on the world stage and that we as Australians are closing the gap between the dominating nations.

I couldn’t be more proud of this team of young guns. Keep on grinding champions, trust the process and stay true to your path. Your results will continue to come as you strive to reach your goals.

Congratulations to the home coaches of these kids, you guys are doing an amazing job. Thank you to Jamie Pittman for his great leadership of this team. A more dedicated man for the good of boxing you will not find. Shout out to my fellow coaches Jeremy Udovich & Jessica Cashman for their great work and good laughs also.

FINALLY home from another great trip with another great Aussie team of amazing young athletes. Feeling very privileged to be part of this team. This is my sixth World Championship - four as an assistant coach and two as a support coach and definitely one of the

To Paige Robinson I couldn’t be more proud of you kiddo. The world is your oyster and I cannot wait to see where this crazy journey takes you. To my gorgeous partner Kylie Richards I am forever grateful to have you by my side and to be doing this crazy life with you. Shout out to good friends Adam and Kelly Caple for making the trip to Spain to support Paige and the team.

Thank you to Boxing Australia for giving me this opportunity to once again help our athletes on the world stage.

A massive shout out to Boxing Queensland Inc. and all our sponsors that helped make this trip possible. Without

SOCIAL TENNIS COOROY

Social tennis at the Cooroy Tennis Club is for all in our community, members, non-members, family and friends. It’s a great opportunity for our local community to come together on Tuesday and Thursday mornings 7-9 and Sunday evening 6-8. Members $3, Non-members $6, balls provided. For more information contact Ian Garvey 0409 581 870, Dorelle Goldsworthy 0403 737 183 or Lyn Barker 0439 648 407.

your support trips like this just could not happen. Thank you.

Now time to get back in the gym and start planning what looks to be a massive 2023.

Mark Evans - Impact Boxing

Coaching lessons are available from the Club’s professional coach. Contact James Webber 0473 569 501 or admin@allplaytennis.com.au

GYMPIE BUSINESS

Tom Grady Real Estate is privileged to offer this long established Takeaway and Convenience Store that has been operated by the current owners since 1982. The business operates from 5.00am to 8.00pm seven days per week, providing fish & chips, burgers, sandwiches, coffee and other takeaways as well as important core convenience items including milk, bread, papers, ice creams and confectionery. The customer base changes over the course of the day providing breakfasts at the start of the day through to coffees and snacks mid-morning, lunches during the middle of the day through to snacks for after school patrons in the mid afternoon and takeaway meals in the evening. This Gympie Southside business is in a rapidly expanding area and has huge potential. Southside Takeaways is offered for sale at the realistic price of $295,000 plus stock at valuation. Shop lease available to the buyers.

Contact: Peter Scott on 0458 958 286

TOM GRADY REAL ESTATE

155 Mary Street, Gympie - PH: (07) 5482 6622

Coach Mark Evans & Paige Robinson

The team in Spain

Modern 2 bed plus large office Townhouse in the heart of Cooroy

NEAR new architecturally designed townhouse presenting lifestyle luxury just footsteps from the Cooroy CBD. This modern townhouse spaciously delivers 2 bedrooms plus study (option as a third bedroom), 2.5 bathrooms in addition to open plan living and dining.

Enjoy the finer things, with reverse cycle air-conditioning, ceiling fans, induction cooking and built-in wardrobes. As well the townhouse features stone bench tops, completing the kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry. An entertainers dream with a fully fenced outdoor entertaining area and perfect easterly aspect. The downstairs living area is lined with wood panelling for practicality, whilst the upstairs bedrooms embrace cosiness with carpet.

A stand out feature is the two-car garage with storage cupboard and internal access. Situated in a complex of four, in the charming town of Cooroy, enjoy the walkable distance to cafes, medical, schools, public transport, and supermarkets. If you are seeking a modern townhouse in a prime location, walkable distance to Cooroy CBD and only a short 20 minute drive to Noosa CBD, this is a must inspect!

Family home, first time to the market

THIS 5.7 hectare rural property is perfectly suited for horses or hobby farm and is manicured enough to build your personal golf course.

The established property is complete with a shed/ studio, stables, machinery shed, and an original 1976 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom home with a pool and rumpus room, made of quality construction materials with a functional design and layout.

Perfectly positioned in an enviable location just 10 minutes to Peregian Beach, 15 minutes to Noosa and a short drive to Eumundi to enjoy everything the region has to offer.

The Property:

• Well-presented, original, retro style 3 bed, 1 bath home with a pool and rumpus

• Terrific layout and a solid block build with concrete slabs on both levels

• Newly re-roofed, ideal renovator or refit with the ability to simply move in and enjoy

• Manicured grass lawns, rock retaining walls, established gardens, dams, and bore water

• Private elevated aspect, perfect for a golf course or for horse arena, with 2 bay stables

• Level terraced areas, rainforest and bushland walking paths, established orchard, all weather road access

• Approx. 6.5m x 22m machinery shed, stables, pump house and 2 water tanks

• Lined 6m x 12m shed complete with bathroom, kitchenette, storage, and covered patio

Contact Brendan Weatherill on 0466 248 345 to arrange a private inspection

Filtered views to Mt Tinbeerwah

or guests. The heart of this home is the timber country style kitchen with plenty of cupboards, central island bench cooking station and granite tops. The fifth bedroom is a versatile space and would also make a great study, home office or media room.

THIS huge solidly built family home is perfectly positioned on a prime, fully usable, 2.7-acre north-east facing corner block, to maximise glorious water views across magnificent Lake Macdonald opposite; it offers an outstanding lifestyle in a truly stunning setting.

It is a commanding home with strong street presence, a porte cochere driveway, and dual street access. Features include granite benches in kitchen, gas cooktop,

AGENT: Countryside Realty Noosa Stacey Hitch PHONE: 0411 429 499

stainless steel appliances, built-in bar in living/games room, direct balcony access from master, 5kW solar power, rainwater tank, cosy garden gazebo, and powered 2-bay shed with annexe at front and caravan/boat port at side.

GYMPIE

Tom Grady Real Estate is privileged to offer For Sale

this long established Water Carrying business of 30 years with the present owners for the past 10 years. The business comprises 2 well-kept semi-trailer combinations, one being a 2016 Volvo FM540 Prime Mover with a 22,000 litre stainless steel Tanker and the other being a 2014 Volvo FM500 with a 18,000 litre stainless steel Tanker, plus a 2006 Scania P420 with a 12,000 litre f/glass Tanker.

Other equipment includes: 2 Single axle stainless steel Tankers (one being 13,000 litres and the other being 10,000 litres)

This business has it’s own privately owned potable Hard Stand Water Supply with high flow rate for quick turn around in a prime position. This business has been showing good returns for many years. Price On Application.

TOM GRADY REAL ESTATE

155 Mary Street, Gympie - PH: (07) 5482 6622

BEAUTIFULLY positioned in a quiet court, this brick home with character on 5,713 sqm features, enjoys filtered views to Mt Tinbeerwah and a lovely northern aspect to the rear.

Built in the late 90’s, the spacious home has large open plan living, ducted air conditioning, and real timber floors. All bedrooms are a good size, however the main bedroom is like a suite, plus there’s a walk in robe, very large ensuite, even a private balcony. The other bedrooms have their own wing and have their own living/ rumpus area, ideal for children, teenagers,

Enjoy entertaining on the covered timber deck that is big enough for all the family and friends to come together. From here the picturesque views are very far reaching with no neighbours behind. The balance of the land provides for raised vegie gardens, a variety of fruit trees with room for a shed and a pool if so desired. Other features include wood combustion stove, solar hot water, 22 solar panels, 2 rainwater tanks, and extra storage rooms in the garage. The ride on mower is even included. The opportunity here is to live in the property as is or to add value by adding your own touches in a sought after Noosa hinterland address. An inspection is a must!

Bespoke abode in peaceful privacy

INSIDE this home’s chalet style exterior is an impressive bespoke abode that boasts high quality and a beautiful renovation, situated privately on a peaceful 7,132 sqm. The floor plan now flows with beautiful open spaces that embrace scenic hinterland and blue sky views from floor to ceiling windows in all directions. The kitchen is seamless with integrated cabinetry and built in appliances, Italian granite bench top that doubles as a casual eating bar, induction cooking, and self cleaning oven. Also on this level is a guest bedroom, another large room with built in storage for a dressing room, plus an area that would be ideal as a home office.

A hand crafted timber staircase leads to the second floor parents retreat. Spanning the full length of the home, this luxury attic style bedroom has a plush built in bed headboard with lights and a roomy and sophisticated ensuite at the other end.

Outside is the extremely generous timber deck area for covered outdoor dining or entertaining adjoining the perfectly positioned concrete saltwater pool with travertine tiled edge - just the spot to cool off this summer.

Some more features include two large open sheds, 3 phase power, deep bore, dog fenced perimeter, remote control gated entry with intercom, fruit trees and 70,000 litres (approximately) rainwater storage. The real bonus is a separate building with timber verandah. This would be an ideal project to convert to liveable accommodation with part of the work already done!

Situated in the picturesque Noosa hinterland yet so close to all the activities of the coast, this exciting property offers a fantastic relaxing lifestyle you’ll be proud to call home. Inspection is at the bi-weekly open homes.

FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS

Did you watch ‘ The Block ’ 2022?

Congratulations to Graham Lowe and his amazing team at brand territory for putting together the winning marketing campaign for Omar and Oz’s property on ‘The Block’ 2022!

We are so proud and fortunate to have worked with Graham over the past 15 years and its long term relationships like this that we appreciate.

Like Omar and Oz, I have been fortunate enough to market many properties with Graham, also producing outstanding results, including Ray White Rural Marketing Campaign of the Year 2020.

Omar and Oz appointed one of the Ray White Network teams to produce a record sale with their 10 acre property selling for $5,666,666.66!

If you want to achieve the same outstanding result for your property using a brand territory campaign, contact Vicki Pain today for more information.

Business Owner & Selling Principal 209 vicki.pain@raywhite.com

Ray White Rural Dayboro

Ray White Rural Eumundi

NOOSA HINTERLAND WELLNESS RETREAT ON 44 PRIVATE ACRES

HIGH on an exclusive ridgeline with views to Noosa and beyond, this inspirational, fully setup lifestyle property will astound you.

Just 10 minutes to the beach and positioned at the end of a no through road, ‘Amara Retreat’ is the ideal property to expand your horizons.

Run as a successful private retreat and short stay accommodation venue with corporate, local and international clients, its beauty and healing energy keeps guests coming back again and again. Advance bookings and a waiting list ensures a reliable income which averages $8-10K a week year round.

With a perfect north east orientation, there are 2 houses and 2 cabins as well as 3 glamping tents, a retro red bus and 5 dams on 44 useable acres.

Several lush green level paddocks suit horses or orchards and there’s unlimited clean water for irrigating gardens via an incredible spring fed well.

The Hampton’s style GUEST HOUSE has 6 double bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a steam sauna and therapeutic magnesium pool.

Enjoy open plan living with chef’s kitchen and scenic verandahs offering sensational views of Cooroy Mountain, Mt Tinbeerwah and Noosa Heads.

The ultra-private HIGH HOUSE overlooks the whole property with stunning views to the coast, is ideal for an owner or

caretaker and is approved as a secondary dwelling.

With recycled hardwood flooring and a rustic country kitchen, this home oozes character. Built in 3 sections separated by large breezeways, each expansive bedroom suite has its own stylish bathroom.

The HEART CENTRE is a dedicated space for yoga and workshops. With a kitchenette and bathroom this 100 sqm fully insulated space is air-conditioned with views over green paddocks and dams.

An attached raised vegetable garden is ideal for growing nutritious organic produce to feed guests.

A network of excellent internal roads lead to a choice of private tiny house cabins and a magical retro red bus. These creative, imaginative spaces are perfect for Airbnb offering a very unique experience.

The gorgeous retro SHANTI CABIN is built with recycled timber and features glass with hardwood flooring, kitchen, bathroom, double bed and queen bed.

The fully off grid SANCTUARY CABIN is private with a wood burner, recycled cedar windows and hardwood flooring, kitchen, bathroom, double bed plus a queen bed upstairs.

A bright red RETRO BUS affectionately known as ‘Ruby Baby’ has 4 single bunk style beds encompassed in a rustic camp style setting with kitchenette and is fully insulated.

Three new GLAMPING TENTS surround

Character cottage on 2 cleared acres

a central fire pit and each guest has their own private bathroom facility.

These beautiful spaces look out to the huge one acre lake, perfect for swimming and contemplation. Additional special spaces include a communal fire circle, rock balancing garden, walking trails and dedicated wild spaces to explore and connect. This property is a unique offering in an incredible position, simply walk in and enjoy. Amara will change your life.

Please call for more information or a private inspection.

81 Litfin Rd, Verrierdale

BED: 14 BATH: 12 CAR: 10

PRICE: Offers Over $5,995,000

VIEW: By appointment

AGENT: David Berns Real Estate David Berns

PHONE: 0408 629 438

AGENT: David Berns Real Estate George Andrews

PHONE: 0447 778 951

Outstanding views + dual living on 10 acres

HAVE you been seeking a character cottage set on a couple of cleared acres away from the hustle and bustle, yet only 15 minutes to beaches, Eumundi markets and all the Noosa precinct has to offer?

Welcome to your Hinterland rural getaway…

This wonderful three bedroom traditional timber cottage offers an idyllic lifestyle where you can enjoy spectacular views to eastern beaches and sunrises - or west to glorious sunsets - from the top of your 2 acres of cleared land, then cool off in the summertime with a dip in your salt chlorinated pool.

Classic features of this cottage consist of original gorgeous double French doors leading off every bedroom including

85-89 Sudholz Road, Verrierdale

BED: 3 BATH: 1

PRICE: Offers Over $1,095,000

VIEW: By appointment

AGENT: Wythes Real Estate

Caroline Johnstone

PHONE: 0409 953 311

main and rear timbered balcony, original casement windows with lead-lighting, ceiling roses and cornices along with timber wall panelling throughout.

The sunroom leads off the fully equipped kitchen and has both double French doors and sliding glass rear doors extending out to the terraced grassed backyard.

The perfect country rural lifestyle awaits in the Verrierdale area, where you’ll find fantastic community spirit, a local tennis court and community hall. School buses also operate transporting to all the quality local schools.

SET in a wonderful location, this large stylish 6-bedroom, 4-bathroom, solid splitlevel home with dual living, is positioned on a fenced 10 acres with pool, sheds, dam and orchard trees.

This property is perched high on Black Mountain, in the Noosa Hinterland, Sunshine Coast of Queensland, with stunning views.

The home is a split-level design, with the main bedroom upstairs, with walk through wardrobes and new large ensuite. On the same level is a second bedroom with builtin wardrobe and drawers. The main level welcomes you with large timber door, to the informal and formal living areas, with high ceilings and floating timber floors throughout.

The stylish and well-appointed kitchen has large stone benches, modern appliances, including dishwasher. A servery to the large deck overlooking the in-ground pool and pool house has views of Mt Eerwah and the hinterland. There are two good sized bedrooms with built-in wardrobes close to the new main bathroom and additional study/ bedroom. The fourth bathroom /laundry combo, plus activity room has access to the outdoor entertainment areas and fire pit.

At the northern end of the home there is a separate one-bedroom, one-bathroom studio with its own kitchen and ductedair- conditioning. Perfectly set for extended family, guests, or work from home with a separate entry, entertainment areas and gardens.

There is a separate drive though garage and carports, plus, a barn-style shed and two further sheds and old stables with access from a second entry away from the home. Sealed road frontage, a dam and loads of freshwater tanks make for an ideal for country lifestyle. The school bus stops down the road and only five minutes’ drive to picturesque Cooroy, 20 minutes to Noosa River or 1.5 hours to Brisbane.

To truly appreciate what this spectacular property has to offer - an inspection is a must!

The editorial that appeared in our November edition for Shields Rd, Eumundi and Cootharaba Rd, Cootharaba were not the correct editorials and Your Local Lifestyle apologises for this error.

Safe&

Festive Christmas

A MESSAGE FROM DAVID BERNS, PRINCIPAL

It has been our absolute pleasure to be working with the Noosa Hinterland this year and helping people find their dream homes. We have not slowed down since the pandemic and have kept our momentum as one of the top 5 agencies in the Noosa region and number 1 in the Hinterland.

It is through the dedication of my team Heidi, George and Guy that we strive for excellence, a personalised service that is honest, concise and caring.

Our valued clients are like family to us and many friendships have formed along the way of 22 years of servicing this great region.

As the year approaches an end it is with heart felt sentiment that we wish all our clients and the Noosa Hinterland a joyous festive season. We are looking forward to 2023 with some fantastic listings on the way… but until then, there is no place like home for the holidays… so enjoy, stay safe and a Merry Christmas to you and your family.

David Berns