Tony Wellington Erin Yarwood Hayley Saunders Margie Wegener Andy Flanagan
www.yourlocallifestyle.com.au
PO Box 125, Cooroy Qld 4563
PUBLISHED MONTHLY
Distributed in Noosa Hinterland & surrounding areas
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Y LL respectfully acknowledge the sacrifices of all who have gone before us who help to make our country great.
BIG SHOUT OUT!
BIG Shout Out to JOEL’S JOURNEYS
Winning Top Tour Guide 2025 Congratulations Joel McPherson for his magnificent and well-deserved win at the Top Tourism Town Awards. This is the Noosa-based tour company’s second win, as they previously received gold at the 2023 awards.
Tewantin Noosa, Geoff Black - Noosa and District Landcare, Edwin Boyd - Noosa Arts Theatre, Cheryl Brynes - Katie Rose Cottage Hospice, Wendy CaldwellNoosaCare Inc, Penny Casey - Peregian Family & Friends, Greg Christensen - Noosa Pirates Rugby League Club, Graham Coghill - Marcus Beach Bushcare Association, Nick Cooke - Save Noosa Hinterland, Jilli Cooper-Peyton - PTSD Dogs Australia, Zara Crulci - Lifeline, Irene Currie - The Salvation Army Noosa/ Coolum Family Stores, Bruce Cuttle - Tewantin Visitor lnformation Centre Parkyn's Hut, Brian Dale - Cooroy Pomona Lions Club, Nancy Dittrich - Noosa and
District Landcare, Dave DunwoodyNoosa Beach Classic Car Club, Ken Eddy - Friends of Kinaba, Jim Fagan - Noosa Chorale, Greg Furner - Noosa Pirates Rugby League Club, Russell GentleNoosa Arts Theatre, Ron J Gunn - Noosa 2010 Combined Probus Club, Avis Hannah - QCWA Tewantin Noosa, Tony HaslamNoosa Integrated Catchment Association, Louise Hayse - Sunshine Coast Screen Collective, Tom Heitmann - Cooroy Noosa Genealogical & Historical Research Group Inc, Sally Heron - Noosa Arts & Crafts Association, Brett Hill - Katie Rose Cottage Hospice, Ally Hollier - Cooran State School P & C, Val Hooper - Noosa Little Athletics, Helen Jarden - The Majestic Theatre Pomona, Bernard Jean - Wildlife Noosa, Michael Kavali - The Salvation Army Noosa/Coolum Family Stores, Keiran and Maree Kearney - Noosa Rugby Union Club, Maryanne Lillecrapp - Sunshine Butterflies, Marshall Mackay - Tewantin Tennis Club, Dean Marsh - The Majestic
Theatre Pomona, Dianne McDonnell - The Hub Noosa, Liz and Ian McNaughton
- Waves of Kindness, Roger Mountford - Tewantin Tennis Club, Michelle Moore - Noosa Little Athletics, Dan MundaySunny Coast Showdown, John O'Halloran - Sunshine Coast Riding for the Disabled (RDA Inc), Gill Paling - Noosa 2010 Combined Probus Club, Aimee Poyner - Cooroy Badminton Club, Ken Plunkett - Noosa Yacht & Rowing Club, Robyn Sanders - Noosa Women's Shed, Gloria Schultz - Noosa Care Inc, Julie Schultz
- Tewantin Netball Club, Peppie Simpson
- Noosa Festival of Surfing, Ashley Stephenson - Cooroy Pomona Lions Club, Kim Vines - Pomona Memorial School of Arts Hall, Gisa Weatherill - Noosa FM 101.3 Community Organisation, (Arthur) Henry Weatherill - Noosa FM 101.3 Community Organisation, Michele Wessling - Cooran State School P & C, David Watts - Tewantin Noosa Lions Club, Scott Williams - Noosa Community Foundation Forum.
FROM July 1,2025, Noosa landowners who build secondary dwellings or ‘granny flats’ will no longer be charged infrastructure fees—saving an average of $7000.
The move is one of several new financial incentives introduced by Noosa Council to encourage affordable housing options for one- to two-person households and older residents. These dwellings must be for permanent rental only and cannot be used for short-term letting.
Council is also waiving Material Change of Use application fees for affordable rental components in new residential developments and offering 50% reimbursements on pre-lodgement fees.
Not-for-profit and community housing providers will benefit further, with full deferment of infrastructure charges and reduced application fees for social and affordable housing.
“These changes are designed to help increase supply and ease the housing crisis while supporting those most in need,” said Development and Regulation Director Richard MacGillivray.
PTSD Dogs’ much-loved High Tea for the Hounds is back on Friday July 18 at 10.30am at Maroochy RSL, aiming to raise $40,000—the cost of fully training one rescue dog as a certified assistance dog for a Veteran or First Responder living with PTSD.
Now in its fourth year, the event offers a decadent high tea experience, with live music by acclaimed musician Andrea Kirwin and a hilarious appearance from a Dame Edna impersonator.
PTSD Dogs Australia trains rescue dogs to become lifesaving companions for service heroes. These dogs interrupt nightmares, anticipate medical episodes, provide emotional support, and help their handlers regain independence and safety.
Co-Founder, CEO and Pack Leader, Angie Weeks explains:
“Training a rescue dog between 10 months and 2 years old to become an assistance dog is no easy feat. It takes more than three hundred hours, deep dedication, and a skilled team. But the outcome is extraordinary – we’re saving dogs, and in turn, these dogs are saving lives. We are grateful to our sponsors and other supporters for helping us to make this event a success.”
Co-Founder and Director, Roger Weeks knows the power of that bond firsthand and shares:
“My assistance dog, Rosie, literally saved my life. After my service in the Royal Australian Air Force, I struggled with the weight of PTSD. Rosie helped me turn my pain into purpose – and now we help others find that same hope.”
By attending High Tea for the Hounds, guests are directly contributing to this vital cause – helping to save two lives: a rescue dog’s and a Veteran or First Responder’s.
To buy tickets, visit https://events.humanitix.com/high-tea-forthe-hounds-2025
NEW FLOOD WARNING SIGNS TO BOOST SAFETY IN POMONA AND LAKE MACDONALD
Noosa Council is enhancing flood preparedness and community safety with the installation of automated illuminated flood warning signs at two high-risk locations: Subway Avenue in Pomona and Six Mile Creek Crossing on Lake Macdonald Drive.
Both areas are prone to flash flooding during heavy rain, and this new technology will deliver real-time hazard alerts, improving emergency response times.
Each site will feature solar-powered LED warning signs, high-definition CCTV cameras for live monitoring, and integration with Council’s Disaster Dashboard. Existing flood sensors will automatically trigger the signs to warn motorists of danger.
NOOSA RADIOLOGY LAUNCHES NEW MEDICARE-ELIGIBLE 3T MRI SCANNER
NOOSA Radiology has announced the installation of a state-of-the-art Siemens MAGNETOM Lumina 3T MRI scanner, offering full Medicare rebates for eligible patients from July 1, 2025.
This major upgrade gives Sunshine Coast residents access to world-class imaging technology with little to no out-of-pocket expenses. The enhanced MRI licence expands Medicare-funded scan availability, easing financial pressure while improving diagnostic access.
“This is a significant benefit for the local community,” said Dr Drew McMenamin, owner and managing radiologist at Noosa Radiology.
“We’re proud to offer world-class imaging technology with full Medicare access. This allows GPs and specialists greater access to fast, accurate and reliable diagnostics without the financial barrier.”
The Siemens 3T MRI delivers exceptionally fast and detailed images across all areas of the body—especially in neurology, musculoskeletal, breast, abdominal and prostate imaging—thanks to its cutting-edge AIenhanced technology and wide-bore patient-friendly design.
Importantly, the new MRI service complements Noosa Radiology’s existing PET/CT capabilities, enabling a full suite of advanced imaging under one roof. This combination of high-resolution MRI and molecular imaging strengthens the centre’s ability to support early detection, diagnosis, and management of complex conditions, including cancer and neurological disorders.
Noosa Radiology continues to lead the way in independent, locally owned radiology services. The new MRI installation supports its mission to combine advanced technology with personalised care, ensuring patients receive the very best in diagnostic support.
For appointments or more information, visit www.noosaradiology.com.au or call (07) 5440 9700.
Medicare eligible MRI
We are proud to offer a comprehensive range of Medicare eligible MRI services using the latest 3T technology & AI for faster, more accurate imaging with improved patient comfort. Our team has over 100 cumulative years of experience in MR reporting.
o Full Medicare eligibility1st and only clinic in Noosa
o Industry leading specialists
o Faster scan times
o Latest 3T technology & AI
Contact our clinic on 07 5440 9700
Noosaville Medical & Professional Centre, 90 Goodchap Street, Noosaville
$350K REVAMP HITS THE RIGHT NOTE AT IMPERIAL HOTEL EUMUNDI
THE Comiskey Group has unveiled a $350,000 renovation of the band room at the iconic Imperial Hotel Eumundi, reinvigorating one of Queensland’s most loved regional live music venues.
Blending vintage charm with modern flair, the redesigned space features a retro, old-Hollywood aesthetic—complete with pressed metal accents, chandeliers, and ambient lighting. Enhanced acoustics, professional lighting rigs, and an upgraded stage now deliver a premium experience for artists and audiences alike.
“This band room has hosted an incredible lineup over the years, from local talent to household names,” says Rob Comiskey, Director of Comiskey Group. “Our vision was to create a
room that feels intimate, cinematic, and unforgettable. It’s now the kind of place artists want to play—and fans never want to leave.”
Adding to its appeal, the stage overlooks the Eumundi Brewery— recently acquired by the Comiskey Group—offering a unique link between local brewing heritage and the region’s music scene.
Guests can also stay overnight in the hotel’s Boutique Accommodation, complete with wellness facilities for a relaxing post-show retreat.
With Stage 2 of redevelopment underway, the Imperial Hotel is set to become a cultural cornerstone of the Sunshine Coast.
LAKERIDGE ENTERS NEW CHAPTER
AFTER 25 years of dedicated service to the Cooroy community, Lakeridge Health Beauty and Skincare is entering a new chapter, with long-time staff member Rachel Scanlon taking over the reins from founder Annaliese (Lisa ) Lister on June 30.
Lakeridge began its journey as Sunrise Hills Beauty in Tinbeerwah before relocating to Cooroy and rebranding.
“When I moved to Lakeridge Ct, I had a beautiful clinic overlooking Pomona Mountain and Lake Macdonald,” says Lisa. Over the years, the business shifted locations to Miva St, then Ruby St, before settling at Garnet St in August 2018—just months before the COVID-19 shutdown.
“The pandemic hit us hard. Beauty was one of the first industries to be shut down, but I was lucky to be well-established and had a financial backup plan. I was also fortunate to have fair landlords,” she says.
Lakeridge has thrived thanks to a loyal clientele and a supportive community.
“Some of my clients have been with me the whole 25 years,” she reflects.
“I’ve also been blessed with great staff. Rachel Scanlon has been with me for eight years, and four years ago we began planning for this transition.”
therapy, will officially take ownership at the end of June. Lisa will continue to offer Bowen Therapy from within the clinic.
Cooroy has always supported local businesses,” Lisa says.
“I’m proud Lakeridge has been part of that. It has always been, and will continue to be, Cooroy’s health, beauty and skincare
WILD ABOUT NOOSA
THE Grey Goshawk is a sleek, elegant raptor and powerful predator. It comes in two distinct forms which may interbreed: grey and all-white. Some experts have suggested that the grey version is more genetically dominant and that white birds will eventually be replaced by grey ones.
The Grey Goshawk enjoys a variety of habitats including woodlands, forests, farmlands and even suburban parks. They are often seen perched on powerlines or streetlights, scanning the ground for movement. Hunting by day, they feed on birds, mammals, reptiles and insects.
Grey Goshawks form life-long pairs that defend a home territory year-round. Both sexes help build a stick nest in a tree fork, usually around 20 metres above the ground. Trees need to be at least 30 years old to be suitable. Nest construction is a complex affair that takes from 6 to 8 weeks. The smaller male catches most of the food to feed the nestlings, which he hands over to the female to tear into pieces and place in the babies’ gaping beaks.
Grey Goshawks are listed as endangered in Tasmania and expected to soon go extinct there. Here in Queensland, they are listed as being of least concern.
These birds are very sensitive to disturbance during nesting, and parent birds readily desert their nests. Nearby agricultural activity and roadworks can interrupt their breeding.
with Tony Wellington
Grey Goshawk
POMONA SES SHED GETS MUCH-NEEDED UPGRADE
POMONA SES volunteers are celebrating the completion of long-awaited onsite toilet facilities at their Hospital Street base.
The new amenities, funded by Noosa Council and a Queensland Government SES Support Grant, negate the previous need to trek to public toilets in Stan Topper Park— sometimes in the dark or wet weather.
“This is a huge benefit to the serviceability of our space,” said Noosa SES Local Controller Warren Kuskopf. “It means we can now operate more effectively and comfortably, especially during inclement weather.”
Infrastructure Services Director Shaun Walsh said the upgrade supports the vital work of SES volunteers. “These improvements give the Pomona team a functional base to train, recruit, and respond in times of need.”
Mr Kuskopf thanked Council and all involved for their ongoing support.
BUSHFIRE MODELLING BOOSTS
DISASTER RESILIENCE
RESIDENTS
at Southern Cross Care’s
Noosa Waters Retirement Estate took part in a Noosa Council-led disaster preparedness workshop this week, using Council’s Simtable technology to visualise how a bushfire could impact their homes.
“The 3D hazard mapping tool helps residents understand potential risks and plan effective responses,” said Council’s Disaster Resilience Officer Ian Williams.
Run in partnership with Queensland Rural Fire Service, the session highlighted the importance of evacuation planning and resilience in aged care communities.
Estate Manager Deb Leask said the workshop was “incredibly informative” and will help shape their village’s evacuation procedures.
Council’s emergency education programs have reached thousands of residents.
The Noosa Emergency Action Guide is available at disaster.qld.gov.au.
STOCKLAND LAUNCHES OVER50S COMMUNITY IN YANDINA
STOCKLAND has announced Halcyon Yandina, a new $200 million land lease community designed for over-50s, nestled in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Expressions of interest for the first homes are now open, with construction beginning later this year and first residents moving in mid-2026.
Project Director Andrew Astorquia said, “Halcyon Yandina will offer a vibrant, connected lifestyle, surrounded by nature and Yandina’s rich heritage.”
The 17-hectare development includes pedestrian links to the township, infrastructure upgrades, and support for the Yandina Bowls Club, which will receive significant enhancements.
The community will feature resort-style facilities and eco-friendly homes with a 7-star NatHERS rating.
To register interest, visit: stockland.com.au/ halcyon-communities/qld/halcyon-yandina
COOLUM BEACH CROWNED QUEENSLAND’S BEST BEACH
COOLUM Beach has taken out top honours as Queensland’s Best Beach after more than 61,000 votes were cast across 15 categories in a state-wide celebration of all things local.
Member for Ninderry Dan Purdie MP said the recognition was well deserved.
“Coolum’s natural beauty, with its three ocean bays, Point Perry headland, coffee rock formations and lush bushland, makes it a true gem of the Sunshine Coast,” he said.
“From swimming and surfing to spotting turtles and dolphins or exploring rockpools, Coolum has something for everyone.”
Mr Purdie said the beach was also known for its strong community spirit, including the legendary ‘79ers’ bodysurfing group, and for hosting national and international bodysurfing titles.
FROM ABC TO BESTSELLER
MARY-LOU Stephens never thought she would be a writer, exploring the world as a slow traveller and yet, here she is. Back in Australia earlier this year, for a national book tour promoting her third historical fiction novel The Jam Maker, Mary-Lou Stephens appeared at Cooroy’s The Spot for Coffee author event. The Jam Maker is a captivating historical novel about love, deceit and friendship, intertwined with the fascinating history of jam making in Tasmania.
Afterwards Mary-Lou and I caught up to chat about her top selling books and life as a writer, following her successful radio career, but it was her wanderlust and stories of slow travelling that I found most alluring.
After many years living on the Sunshine Coast, Mary-Lou, who grew up in Hobart, and her husband Ken have embraced a nomadic lifestyle, driven by curiosity and adventure.
They are among the slow travellers, people who consciously and deliberately seek out overseas destinations where they can immerse themselves, working if necessary, prioritising meaningful experiences and cultural connections over tourist attractions and sight seeing.
Mary-Lou reveals, “Because you are staying in one place and you are not rushing around, you save a lot on the actual travel aspect but you also save on accommodation because if you stay for a month or more you get big discounts. Living locally and eating locally, you save a lot of money on day to day living expenses. The whole thing with slow travel is to spend most of your time in countries where the cost of living is lower than Australia.”
The
If you were lucky enough to be on the Sunshine Coast in the late 1990s and through the 2000s you will remember ABC Coast FM (now called ABC Sunshine Coast). Mary-Lou Stephens (nee Thorp) hosted the popular Drive time-slot, while the breakfast show belonged to a fabulously smooth and much loved host, the late John Stokes.
in radio and I didn’t have a TV yet and the Olympics were on and I asked my neighbours if I could come in and watch the Kathy Freeman race with them. That’s how fresh I was to the coast,” she laughs.
The laid-back ABC format captured the sound of the coast and was immensely popular, carrying local news and content, to the soundtrack of a mature, indie-music mix. Mary-Lou had landed her dream job.
whole thing with slow travel is to spend most of your time in countries where the cost of living is lower than Australia.
“I was on Drive to start with and the Music Director. Music was such an important part of my life, that was something I really wanted to do as part of my career in radio, right from the get go. When someone left to go to Launceston, I was just gobsmacked that anyone would give up, what to me, was my dream job.”
songwriter. I never thought about writing books or novels,” she says.
Before radio, Mary-Lou studied acting, but music was her true love.
“I played in bands in Hobart in the early eighties. Then I went to Melbourne, acting at the VCA (Victorian College of the Arts).
As soon as my three years was up I went back to playing in bands. I’d had enough of acting,” Mary-Lou says.
“Our band was doing really well in Hobart so we decided to give it a go in Sydney. Within two months everyone else had given up and gone back to Hobart. But I had said no to an acting contract, and I had left my boyfriend to come to Sydney, so I had to see if I could make a go of it. I played in bands in Sydney for ten years.”
“The year 2000, I remember it well,” Mary-Lou recalls. “I had just arrived from Townsville where I was working
As part of her on-air role Mary-Lou would interview authors, but it was not something that she aspired to at the time.
“I wanted to be a famous singer/
Eventually Mary-Lou decided she wanted a career in radio and from then on, every door opened for her. In 1997 she was accepted into Sydney’s Australian Film Television and Radio School. After she graduated she applied for a job at Tamworth radio station 2TM. From Tamworth she went north to Townsville after she was head hunted to join the new FM stations, as Music Director and Brekky Co-host, before landing the Sunshine Coast gig.
HOW MARY-LOU STEPHENS FOUND HER VOICE—AND A LIFE ON THE MOVE
Alluvia Chocolate Factory in the Mekong Delta
Golden Hands Bridge, Ba Na Hills near Da Dang, Vietnam
While at Coast FM, Mary-Lou also wrote a weekly column for a local paper and that was when the writing bug bit. She started studying writing, attending workshops and master classes. Then she took six months leave without pay to see if she could finish a novel.
She wrote a few practice novels but it was her memoir that got picked up and published. Sex, Drugs and Meditation, her first book with a major publisher, is about how she saved her job, changed her life and found a husband all through meditation.
“I had been doing a lot of writing while I was working for Coast FM. I wrote my memoir and that got published while I was still working at the ABC. I thought they would sack me because it’s pretty full on,” Mary-Lou exclaims. She went on to write the first of her historical fiction novels, The Last of the Apple Blossoms, published after she left the ABC.
“When my husband said to me, what do you want to do next? I said, all I want to do is travel and write. But we are low-income earners so it took a while for him to figure out a way for both of us to get on the same page as to how we could do that,” she explains.
“No, I was not going to travel on a bicycle and sleep in a tent, which was his first suggestion. The second one was through house-sitting, so we gave that a good go. Then he discovered slow travel.”
Mary-Lou’s first novel did so well that she was signed to a two book deal, quickly following up with The Chocolate Factory in 2024 and this year’s The Jam Maker. The
slowed down lifestyle has been conducive to her writing.
“One of the things that I do love about being in a different place, there are no demands on my time, there are no expectations from anyone,” she says.
“When we set off, I said I will need a room of my own. What I thought was a non-negotiable going in, pretty soon went out the window, because sometimes we are in one room. It’s just me and my laptop, that’s all there is. It’s very easy. I’ve got a MacBook Air in my carry-on luggage wherever I go.”
Mary-Lou and Ken emptied their house, and determined not to use storage facilities, got rid of everything, even their books.
“I am the Queen of decluttering!” she rightly claims.
“It was very intentional and I absolutely loved it. We sold or gave away everything. We kept our house and it is rented out. I had friends who were upset that I was giving away everything and they offered us storage but we got rid of everything. We know people who slow travel and they are paying for storage, but we didn’t see the point.”
The intrepid couple have already slow travelled through some interesting regions of Asia including: Thailand’s Huan Hin and Chiang Mai, Siem Reap and Kampot in Cambodia, and the tiny island of Siquijor in the Phillipines. They have stayed twice in Kuching, the capital city of Sarawak, Borneo, and plan to return.
“We have lots of friends there and we
NEW SEASON WOOL
absolutely love it. It is an incredibly tolerant society. It’s Malaysian so it is mostly Muslim but there is a huge Christian society as well. There are all the indigenous people who have agency in absolutely everything in that country. There are about 17 different tribes and then there are the Indians as well, the Hindus. Everyone is friendly and most people speak English so it is really quite easy for us to spend a lot of time there.”
Language is the obvious barrier to living in other countries, along with quality or emergency health care. MaryLou shares, “We did spend five months in Uruguay. Our plan was to spend two years. We bought a car, which is a process I can tell you. And then my husband turned yellow and had to have his gall bladder out. After four days in hospital he was well enough to fly home. So we came back to Australia, had to sell the car. These are the kind of things that can happen and I don’t know when we will get back to South America.”
“Even now, I am supposed to be either in Thailand or Borneo, but here I am on the coast. The book tour was wonderful. I have never eaten so many scones in my life,” she laughs.
Cooroy was the last stop on the tour but with new book deals for 2026 and 2028 we have more to look forward to. Adventure beckons.
Between her trio of best selling novels, historical research and travel goals, we could talk all day, but Mary-Lou must move on.
by MARGIE WEGENER
Writing on Siquijor Island in The Philippines
OVER $ 60,000 IN DONATIONS FROM COOROY RSL
COOROY RSL’s June round of their biannual donations program saw a record $61,000 provided to the community.
In the most competitive round to date in the program, thirty-seven applicants were successful and approximately 100 attendees joined the Cooroy RSL board members and staff to receive their donations at a special presentation night.
The donations were provided to Cooloola Dressage Association; Noosa Museum; Cooroora Netball; Cooroora Woodworkers; Cooroy Badminton Club; Cooroy Chamber of Commerce; Cooroy Dolphins Swimming Club; Cooroy Food Pantry; Cooroy Gymnastics; Cooroy Pomona Lions Club; Cooroy Scouts; Cooroy State School P&C; SU Australia for the Cooroy State School Chaplain; Federal State School; Katie Rose Cottage; Kin Kin State School; Noosa and District Landcare Group; Noosa Christian College; Noosa Pathfinders; Noosa District
State High School; Pacific Rim Just for Kids; Permaculture Noosa and Cooroy Community Garden; Pink Up Cooroy; Pomona & District Community House; Pomona Demons; Pomona Horse and Pony Club; Pomona State School; Pomona Tennis Club; Roadrunner Car Club; Santa’s Classy Helpers; Smart Pups Assistance Dogs; Tewantin Noosa Probus Club; Alba Barnes to compete at Queensland School State Swimming Competition; Liam & Connor McNamara to compete at AFL at State Level and Futsal at National Level; and Slade Gray following her dream in Boxing.
A second round for the year will be held at the end of year, closing on October 26 and awarded in November.
Details of the application process and closing date can be found on the website at www.cooroyrsl.com.au/community.
Before you apply, check out the guidelines and terms and conditions.
Some of the recipients: Katie Rose Cottage,Noosa District High School Musical, Pomona & District Community House, Sarah and Slade Gray and Smart Pups
RSL Manager Helen Hollingworth and RSL Board President Barrie Adams
Slade and Sarah Gray
& ENTERTAINMENT
NOOSA REGIONAL GALLERY
OCHRE PAINTING, DREAMTIME STORIES AND BOOMERANGS, CHILDREN’S WORKSHOP
Join Zeke Davis of Gubbi Gubbi Dance for creative fun and storytelling! Enjoy a short walk in the park learning traditional stories of shell middens and the local campground. Then, have fun with ochre painting and boomerang design.
Join Kabi Kabi artist Zartisha Davis for a symbol and mark making workshop based on the designs she uses in her artwork. Children will paint their own artwork on canvas guided by Zartisha using acrylic paint and posca pens and take their creations home for display.
Join Floating Land artist Fiona Harding for a performance tour of her work Translating Trees. Dressed in costume, Fiona will take the group on a short walking tour near the Gallery sharing the stories of her conversations with the trees! Back at the Gallery design your own tree character. Dream up its own personality and features. If it could talk, what stories would it tell you about its life and experiences?
Participants will be guided by Katrin Hochschuh to build a toothbrush robot and create a collective robot swarm! Leave your creation at the Gallery and take home a kit to make your very own Bristlebot to keep and continue the fun. No previous experience with robotics is required to participate in this workshop.
Enjoy captivating shows and hands-on activities with STEAM workshops on engineering and space exploration plus Lego build and create sessions. Get creative with Woolly Wonders yarn creations or make a tote bag with our Cricut machine workshop. We also have the launch of our brand-new kids’ library card, the Junior Book Café and lots more.
NOOSA LEISURE CENTRE
The Kids’ Playroom is always a hit with kids under 5 yrs. Let them climb, jump, swing, bounce and balance in an airconditioned, safe environment while you relax with a coffee from our café. Check out the outdoor activity area including 3 basketball hoops, handball court, a pickleball hit out wall, and more! If you want to shoot hoops with your friends, indoor courts are available too (please phone the Centre first to check availability).
P EREGIAN DIGITAL HUB
Choose from 15 fun workshops for kids and teens who want to learn and create with technology! For ages 7-17. A variety of workshops on offer, all taught by talented young Hub Cadets. Topics range from beginning iOS app development with AI, to designing and building a wind-up car. Or learn how to use Scratch to create interactive stories, create a VFX short film, Minecraft computer science basics, or programming basics (python, java, rust).
WINTER INTRO TO LEGO SPIKE PRIME ROBOTICS
Join us for a fun and interactive 2-day workshop designed to introduce students to the exciting world of LEGO Spike Prime robotics and coding. Learn how to design, build, and program your own robots using LEGO Spike Prime kits. Explore the basics of block-based coding, tackle engaging challenges, and develop essential problemsolving and teamwork skills.
Thursday July 10 and Friday July 11, 9am –1pm. $85 pp, for both days, ages 8-12 yrs.
VIDEO GAME SOUNDTRACK FOR BEGINNERS
Whether you’re brand new to music or want to learn some music production, this course is perfect for those 8-12 who love music or want to try it out. I will guide you through the fundamentals of music production and creating soundtracks for your favourite video games.
Monday July 7, 9am – 12pm. $45 pp, ages 8-12 yrs.
ASSEMBLE AND RACE YOUR OWN WIND-UP CAR!
Looking for an exciting, educational experience that gives your child a real head start in design, technology, and creative problem-solving? This hands-on workshop is built for curious minds aged 11–14, and is a blend of engineering, creativity, and hands on experience. Design custom race car parts using Onshape, a CAD tool, used by realworld engineers and designers.
Thursday July 10 and Friday July 11, 1.30pm. $90 pp, for both days.
THE GINGER FACTORY
OLD MACDONALD’S FARM
Snuggle a sheep, pat a chicken, and say hello to the cutest crew on the coast! Our pop-up petting zoo is packed with friendly farm animals who cannot wait to meet you. Don’t miss it, join us in The Barn!
June 30 to July 5, 10am – 2pm CRAFTY TUESDAYS
It’s time to sparkle like royalty! Every Tuesday during the holidays, kids can decorate their
very own crown at our FREE craft station. No bookings needed, just bring your imagination and let’s get crafty!
Tuesdays July 1 and 8, 10am – 2pm. KNIGHT SCHOOL
Calling all brave knights and noble adventurers! Sir Ginger The Brave needs help protecting The Ginger Factory realm. Are you courageous and strong? Do you have what it takes to become a knight?
July 7 to 12, 10am and 1pm. $10, Bookings are essential.
MEET ZOG
Catch magical meet-and-greets with Zog every Monday to Saturday. Be sure to bring your camera for a ROAR-some selfie! July 1-5, 7–12.
THEATRE CAMPS AND TERM BASED CLASSES FOR YOUNG PERFORMERS
EACH school holiday Little Seed Theatre Company offers week-long programs where children can participate in staging a show in one week. Hundreds of children have attended these programs, many having their first theatrical experiences during these week-long camps.
With a strong focus on creativity the program sees children working on scripts, training in acting skills, dance and song as they work towards presenting a show on Friday afternoon. These school holidays
Little Seed will run several programs, two in Noosa and one in Gympie.
In addition to their week-long programs, Little Seed also offers weekly term based classes with training in acting, dance, singing and acting for film. Now taking enrolments for Semester Two these classes offer a plethora of performance opportunities. Now offering classes in Noosa, Pomona and Gympie we invite you to check out our timetable at www. little-seed.com.au
THEATRE HOLIDAY PROGRAMS
BANKFOOT HOUSE ARCHAEOLOGY DIG
Forget textbooks and homework, discover the history of the Sunshine Coast through an archaeology dig at Bankfoot House on Wednesdays and Saturdays these school holidays. Uncover artefacts and use clues to discover what lies just under the surface at Bankfoot House Heritage Precinct.
Wednesdays and Saturdays 10.30 - 11.30am and 1 - 2pm. Free! Bookings essential. Bankfoot House Heritage Precinct, 1998 Old Gympie Road, Glass House Mountains.
CALOUNDRA REGIONAL GALLERY
Join Kids Art Attack, where kids can draw, cut, collage, paint, fold and create.
Kids Art Attack is a facilitated drop-in style art and craft activity aimed at children aged 4-10 years and their big people.
Saturday July 5, 11am - 1pm. $2 per child, and all materials are supplied. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
& ENTERTAINMENT
GUIDED WALKS ON CLIMATEWATCH TRAILS
What is this plant flowering? What is this bird doing? What kind of bug is this? Let’s answer those questions together at a guided walk happening across the Sunshine Coast this school holidays. Free family-friendly activity in nature where participants become citizen scientists and assist researchers to record observations on the seasonal behaviour of plants and animals at the three ClimateWatch Trails.
Kawana Forest, Wednesday July 2, 8.3010.30am. Lake Currimundi, Thursday July 3, 8.30 - 10.30am. Doonan Creek Environmental Reserve, Monday July 7, 7.30 - 9.30am. Register online or email naturewatch@ sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au for details.
COME TOGETHER, PLANT TREES AND GROW A LEGACY
Bring your family and friends along to help plant 6000 trees, shrubs and ground covers at the Doonan Planting Festival.
You can also enjoy a wildlife display, live music, face painting, craft activities for all ages and information stalls. There will be two sessions, 8-10am and 10amnoon to ensure many people can join in. Bookings essential. To redeem your free small espresso coffee (for adults), bring along your own reusable coffee cup. Please remember to bring a water bottle.
Saturday July 5, 8-10am or 10am-noon (two sessions). 219 Doonan Bridge Rd, Verrierdale. https://events.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/ event/32555684-a/doonan-planting-festival
SUNSHINE COAST NAIDOC FAMILY FUN DAY
Country, Sunshine Coast. Wan’Diny means ‘coming together’, inviting everyone to join to celebrate First Nations culture and community! You can expect dance, food, entertainment, cultural workshops, kids activities, market stalls and more.
Saturday July 5, 10am - 2pm. Free and all ages. Nambour Junior State College, 1 Carroll St, Nambour. https://events.sunshinecoast. qld.gov.au/event/32652098-a/wandinynaidoc-family-fun-day.
ADVENTURE SUNSHINE COAST
Looking to get outdoors with the family these school holidays? Explore the Sunshine Coast by bike, enjoy the fresh air and discover local paths and hidden gems near you. Or if you’re ready for something different, reroute to the water! Take the Mooloolaba Ferry or kayak to explore Sunshine Coast waterways and create unique memories. Whatever mode you choose, it’s good for your health and our environment. For more than 250 walking, running, paddling, cycling, mountain biking and horse riding trails on the Sunshine Coast, visit Sunshine Coast Council’s Adventure Sunshine Coast website and choose your next adventure. https://adventure.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
Tonkotsu Ramen
Come along to the biggest community led NAIDOC celebration on Gubbi Gubbi/Kabi Kabi
What's ON!
WHEELS ON MARY
FRIDAY JULY 4
MARY STREET, GYMPIE - 5pm-9pm
GYMPIE'S iconic Mary Street transforms into the hottest spot in town. With over 60 rally cars on display, this is your opportunity to get close to these powerful machines and meet the drivers competing in this year's Accent Benchtops Rally Queensland. Also, get ready to be amazed by captivating street performances, treat your taste buds to an irresistible selection of food prepared by local vendors, and groove to a packed lineup of live music featuring talented local artists. Plus, don't miss the enchanting Winter Trees celebration, as each tree along Mary Street is adorned with intricate handmade designs visitgympieregion.com.au
SATURDAY JULY 5
GEORGE STREET, IMBIL - 3pm till late NRA All Round Rodeo. Heaps of funRodeo, Entertainment, Bar, Markets, Kids zone is FREE - Rides, Rock climbing wall, inflatable slide, swing chair ride, Face Painting & Fire works @8.30pm.
Thanks to major sponsor Railway Hotel Imbil @FB_Imbil Bull Bronc & Barrells
SKATEBOARDING WORKSHOP
THURSDAY JULY 10
GYMPIE SKATEPARK RIVER ROAD - 9am-3pm - FREE
LOOKING for something fully sick to do on the school holidays? Grab your board and join Chiggy's Skateboarding for a full day of learning new skills! Whether you're a complete beginner or want to level up your tricks - this is your chance to learn from the pros themselves. Spots are limited, so get in quick - https://tinyurl.com/yrtkhxma @FB_Chiggy's Skateboarding
QUEENSLAND GARDEN SHOW
FRIDAY-SUNDAY JULY 11-13 NAMBOUR SHOWGROUNDS
QUEENSLAND Garden Show is a ‘must see’ in 2025 for green thumbs and novice gardeners alike. This three-day show is Queensland’s premier gardening event. qldgardenshow.com.au
SATURDAY JULY 19
HASTINGS ST, NOOSA HEADS
HASTINGS Street transforms into a paradise for car enthusiasts, bringing you an awe-inspiring display of the world's most extraordinary cars from across the decades. Live music and entertainment. @FB_Noosa Concours
BE entertained with popular country crowdpleasing favourites. Guest artists Dennis Sankey Duo. Raffle and door prizes, byo lunch, free tea and coffee. Enjoy a great afternoon! @FB Yandina Country Music Hall of fame
WINTER SCOOTER RALLY
JULY 25-26-27
APOLLONIAN HOTEL, BOREEN POINT
THE rally is open to all types and makes of Scooters and Postie bikes.All Scooter Clubs Welcome and no limit on how many can attend. Great for spectators to pop into the Apollonian Hotel at Boreen Point for a look! @FB_Winter Scooter Rally
NOOSA CONCOURS D'ELEGANCE
SATURDAY JULY 26
KINGS BEACH AMPHITHEATRE CALOUNDRA - 10am-4.30pm
FAMILIES can look forward to a fun-filled day celebrating food, community and play. The Amphitheatre will transform into a giant picnic featuring fresh local food, kids' activities and appearances from Bluey and Bingo. caloundra.com.au/news/families-invitedto-picnic-on-kings-with-bluey
DESTINATION DAGUN
SATURDAY JULY 26
MARY VALLEY RATTLER
10 Tozer Street, Gympie - 2pm-5.30pm
THIS unique heritage rail experience is more than just a scenic journey - it’s a celebration of local culture, music and tastes in the heart of the Mary Valley. Sip & savour at Dagun Station Wine Bar, Relax to live music, Explore the natural history walk, Browse artist stalls. @FB_Destination Dagun
POMONA HOTEL
EVERY SECOND WEDNESDAY
12NOON-3PM - JULY 2 + 16 + 30
LUNCHTIME muso’s jam/open mike session with Trev every second Wednesday at the POMONA HOTEL.
EVERY THURSDAY MORNING
Along the River @ The Jetty Cafe 186 Gympie Terrace, Noosaville 10am-12noon
LIVE music on the banks of Noosa River every Thursday morning (weather permitting). The Freddys with their classic vintage rock sound entertain locals and visitors alike. The music is free, but BYO chairs. ALSO Playing in July: Friday 4 July: Pomona Bowls Club, 6-8pm. Sunday 13 July: Apollonian Hotel, Boreen Point, 12-3pm. Sunday 27 July: Mrs Browns Diner, Belli Park, 1-4pm.
COOROY SCONETIME
AUGUST 12
COOROY MEMORIAL HALL
@FB_Sconetime
COOLOOLA FARMERS TRAIL
AUGUST 16-17
MARY VALLERY
@FB_Cooloola Farmers Trail
YANDINA STREET FAIR
SUNDAY AUGUST 24
YANDINA @FB_Yandina Street Fair
KENILWORTH SHOW & RODEO
SEPTEMBER 20
KENILWORTH SHOWGROUNDS @FB_Kenilworth Show & Rodeo
MITCHELL CREEK ROCK & BLUES FEST
SEPTEMBER 19-21
MARY VALLERY
@FB_Mitchell Creek Rock n Blues Fest
MARY VALLEY SCARECROW FESTIVAL
SEPTEMBER 1-30
MARY VALLERY
maryvalleyartslink.com.au/mary-valley
YOUR SEASONAL PRODUCE WATCH BRUSSELS SPROUTS
ALMOST as polarising amongst the population as coriander, poor old Brussels sprouts have had a bad rap over the years, and most of the blame can be placed on the way someone’s mum or nanna prepared them for dinner when they were kids.
My personal childhood memory is of them boiled until mushy, served with corned silverside and covered in a lumpy white sauce.
I avoided them for years until someone showed me that they could also be sauteed, roasted, pickled or steamed, and now they are up there as one of my favourite members of the brassica family.
Most of the bitterness we relate to this vegetable has been bred out through selective hybridisation in recent years, and these days they’re just little balls of sweetness and flavour. Purple sprouts are sometimes available which have been crossed with the purple cabbage, giving them a striking colour and increased sweetness.
Native to Europe, they were first cultivated and popularised in the Netherlands and Belgium, taking their name from the capital city of the latter country.
Brussels sprouts grow best at 15 – 18° C, so although they do grow here on the coast, the local season is relatively short.
Choose tight, heavy buds with no yellowing outer leaves and store them as cold as possible.
I saw both green and purple Brussels sprouts at Pomona’s Little Pantry last week, so I thought I’d make this wintery dish for our dinner. I also noticed that my local IGA is now stocking Gotzinger Smoked Speck which is a high-quality block style smoked bacon produced in Beenleigh, so that went into this dish as well.
with Matt Golinski
POTATO GNOCCHI, BRUSSELS SPROUTS, SMOKED BACON AND ROSEMARY
INGREDIENTS:
500gm unwashed Sebago or Dutch Cream potatoes
150gm(approx.) plain flour
pinch nutmeg
salt and pepper
2 tbs olive oil
1 golden shallot, finely sliced
1 clove garlic, sliced
200gm smoked bacon, diced
200gm green Brussels sprouts, halved
200gm purple Brussels sprouts, halved
1 cup chicken stock
75 gm parmesan, grated
¼ cup rosemary leaves
2 tbs butter
Serves 4
METHOD:
Peel and dice the potatoes and boil in salted water until soft.
Pass through a fine sieve and gently mix in the flour, nutmeg, salt and white pepper.
Roll into 2cm diameter logs and cut each into 2cm pieces.
Blanch the gnocchi in boiling water for around 2 minutes, or until it rises to the surface. Refresh in iced water, drain and set aside.
In a heavy based frying pan, fry the shallot, garlic and bacon in the olive oil until lightly coloured.
Add the Brussels sprouts and fry over a medium heat until they start to soften and caramelise.
Add the chicken stock, parmesan and rosemary and simmer for 5 minutes.
In a separate pan fry the gnocchi in butter until golden and crispy.
Mix through the sprout mixture and season with salt and pepper.
Pomona Village Kitchen
SLOW FOOD EXPRESS
2 Memorial Ave, POMONA
7DAYS - 7:30-2:00pm JAZZ NIGHTS SATURDAYS 6.30-8.30pm New
7DAYS - 7:30-2:00pm
BOOKS with Hayley Saunders
HISTORICAL RURAL NOIR AT IT’S BEST
THIS year I’ve really enjoyed reading Pip Fioretti’s novels, Bone Lands and Skull River.
In Bone Lands, we are introduced to mounted trooper Augustus Hawkins. It is 1911 and Gus is still living with injuries from the Boer War, both physical and mental. He’s been living in a rural town in NSW and one cold winter’s night, he discovers a grisly murder scene, and the bodies of three young people. They are members of the same family, one of the richest in the district, and, had Gus been fulfilling his role and patrolling the area, instead of bedding the local schoolteacher, he may been able to prevent their deaths. Instead, Gus faces fierce scrutiny from the detectives who’ve been sent from Sydney, and he risks losing both his honour and his sanity. Gus is not satisfied with the detective’s enquiry of the case, and becomes determined to uncover the truth, no matter how much it costs him personally.
Skull River follows Gus to his next posting in Colley, where on his very first day of duty, he rides straight into an ambush and witnesses the death of his junior officer. Someone is targeting the mounted troopers and, for Gus, this mission becomes a matter of life and death. But, he has only a rag tag bunch of green troopers, and an incompetent detective to help him hunt down the murderer. Not to mention, some long standing town secrets that the townsfolk are reluctant to share.
COME with me, and you’ll be… in a world of pure imagination!
Get ready, Noosa! The countdown is on for the magical, musical event of the year. In just under a month, Noosa District State High School will unwrap its muchanticipated biennial production—Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: The New Musical.
children, Charlie explores Willy Wonka’s fantastical chocolate factory, encountering mischievous Oompa Loompas, edible inventions, and life lessons sprinkled along the way.
Author Pip Fioretti has written two fantastic murder mystery novels that detail a country on the verge of transformation. I can’t wait for the next chapter in Gus’s adventures.
BERKELOUW BOOKS EUMUNDI ARE GIVING AWAY A COPY OF BONE LANDS BY PIP FIORETTI Email hello@yourlocallifestyle.com. au to enter. You will need to collect from the Eumundi store. 87 Memorial Dr, Eumundi, 5442 8366. Insta @berkelouw_books_eumundi
With over 100 students from Years 5 to 12, this golden-ticket event promises to be a spectacular journey into Wonka’s whimsical world. Bursting with colourful sets, toe-tapping choreography, and a modern score that includes catchy hits like ‘Candy Man’, ‘The Queen of Pop’, and ‘Pure Imagination’, this production is as scrumdiddlyumptious as it gets!
The story follows the humble and kind Charlie Bucket, whose life changes forever after finding a Golden Ticket. Alongside a group of awfully flawed
Behind the scenes, our students and teachers have worked tirelessly for months. A big thank you to our community sponsors—especially major sponsor McDermott Aviation—whose support makes this production possible. With a talented cast, vibrant costumes, and imaginative staging, this is a show not to be missed!
Performance dates are August 7, 8 and 9 Tickets available now at TryBooking.com or at the door each night.
Wiggle, giggle, and fly through the air in our Tiny Circus (3-5yrs) & Junior Aerial Classes (5-7yrs).
A magical mix of Aerial Hammock, circus skills and play – designed just for little bodies with big imaginations.
Lake MacDonald
No experience needed – just bring your sparkle!
Term 3 spots are filling fast – book now!
Phone: 0408 828 125
Email: info@aerialmagic.com.au
Website: www.aerialmagic.com.au
@aerialmagic.studio
MAGIC IN THE AIR NOOSA alive! 2025
MAGIC is in the air as the 23rd NOOSA alive! festival is more than 60 percent sold with one month to go.
From July 18 to 27 Noosa will come alive with 10 magical days and nights filled with theatre, music, ballet and world-class performances.
“We’re thrilled to see such a positive early response to this year’s program which will truly ignite your senses! Our program of live shows, thought-provoking literary events, and exclusive premiere performances married with Noosa’s finest food and wine experiences is one not to be missed,” said Festival Director Ian Mackellar.
Headlining the program is the world premiere of Sleeping Dogs by acclaimed Australian playwright David Williamson, directed by Ian Mackellar and starring Erik Thomson (All Saints, Packed to the Rafters), Alison Venning, Jo Hendrie, Louisa Williamson, and Samantha Sherrin.
Presented across three exclusive performances at The J Theatre, the darkly funny and emotionally resonant Sleeping Dogs, is a piercing look at memory, regret and the lingering impact of the past.
Over two spectacular nights, Queensland Ballet presents a special double bill performance by its Jette Parker Young Artists. Back to Bach by Greg Horsman is an elegant return of the 2016 world premiere, while Curious Beings is a world premiere by Amelia Waller in collaboration with Dead Puppet Society. The combination is a blend of classical ballet with bold contemporary storytelling, puppetry, and imagination. Experience the grand opera houses of Europe without
leaving Noosa. A Night At The Opera presents the sensational Brisbane trio Divina performing classics like Carmen and The Magic Flute and served as an intimate dinner at the Noosa Waterfront Restaurant.
Two of Australia’s finest classical musicians, Sharon and Slava Grigoryan will perform works for cello and guitar at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.
Award-winning country star Amber Lawrence will transport audiences from Noosa to Tennessee with her full band performance at The J Theatre.
For theatre buffs, stage and screen legend Caroline O’Connor will present her exclusive Queensland performance, My Musical Life sharing intimate stories and performing numbers from her musical career here in Australia, London, Paris and on Broadway.
Mackeller says the NOOSA alive! festival continues to attract the very best of Australian and international performers, writers, musicians and artists to Noosa.
“This year’s program focuses on intimate, thoughtprovoking and spellbinding performances offering exclusive Australian launches and world premieres,” said Mackellar.
The literary series features three captivating food events, including exclusive Australian book launches by Adam Courtenay (son of Bryce Courtenay) and Kimberley Freeman, as well as Bec Wilson and her reflection on modern ageing and retirement.
NOOSA alive! 2025 will close with a free community event at Noosaville’s foreshore.
View the program and book tickets at www.noosaalive.com.au.
Caroline OConnor performs My Musical Life at NOOSA alive
Five fiery musicians
BRING TANGO’S RICH HISTORY TO LIFE
THE Mendoza Tango Quintet has quickly gained a reputation as one of Australia’s leading tango exponents.
The ensemble is comprised of five fiery, Australian-based musicians specialising in the performance of traditional Argentinian tango music. Featuring the quintessential ferocity of the bandoneón and the velvety voice of Solange Lipcin (Buenos Aires), the Mendoza Tango Quintet will take you on a journey from the elegant dance halls to the underground tango clubs of Buenos Aires.
Delving deep into this rich tradition, the ensemble delivers an impassioned and gutsy performance without the clichés. Spanning the traditional dance music of the 1930s, the avant-garde of the 1970s, and the music of the 21st century, tango’s rich history is unravelled and brought to life with the Mendoza Tango Quintet.
At the heart of the ensemble is Argentine-born vocalist Solange Lipcin, now Brisbane-based, who brings tango to life with an emotive voice that spans six languages and a rich tapestry of international experience. Her deep connection to the music infuses every performance with authenticity and soul.
Joining her is violinist Liz Young, whose classical training is perfectly complemented
by a long-held love for tango music and dance. Her playing brings lyrical warmth and expressive power to the group’s unique sound. One of Australia’s finest bandoneón players, Stephen Cuttriss, adds expressive brilliance with the signature instrument of tango. His mastery of the bandoneón breathes life into every note, adding the essential heartbeat of this passionate genre.
On piano, Thomas McCorquodale delivers rhythmic elegance and theatrical flair, drawing on a strong background in
The Events Centre, Caloundra
Thursday 17 July, 7.30pm
Majestic Theatre, Pomona
Friday 18 July, 7pm
Coolum Civic Centre
Saturday 19 July, 7pm
both tango performance and music theatre. His dynamic style provides both drive and emotional depth.
Rounding out the ensemble is double bassist Isabella Brown, whose international tango training and orchestral versatility ground the ensemble’s sound with warmth and precision.
This exceptional lineup of musicians will perform at The Majestic Theatre, Pomona, Friday July 18. Plus Caloundra, Coolum, Maleny and Eudlo. www.redchair.com.au.
WRITER RELEASES NEW SHORT STORY COLLECTION
SUNSHINE Coast writer Ian Laver has published Hard Hits, his second collection of short stories following Deadly Sins. The stories explore tough choices, human flaws, and emotions, with some based on real events.
Ian has also written two novels, Crucial Step and Uneasy, and is working on Comeback, continuing Detective Sergeant FitzMichael’s story.
A former president of the Sunshine Coast Literary Association, Ian leads a Haiku study group and creative writing class at Wallace House, Noosaville. His books are available online and locally at Noosa Arts and Crafts. More at www.IanLaver.net
Maleny Community Centre
Sunday 20 July, 4pm
Redland Performing Arts Centre, Cleveland
Friday 25 July, 7pm Eudlo Hall
Sunday 27 July, 4pm
13/9 Fellowship Drive, Doonan 54711 865. Open 7 days online ordering available via hey you
Five fiery musicians bring tango’s rich history to life
HOP INTO HOLIDAY FUN WITH Dot and the Kangaroo
THESE school holidays treat the family to the Queensland Premiere of the new Australian musical, Dot and the Kangaroo playing at the J Theatre in Noosa. Young, rambunctious Dot longs for an
adventure exploring everything the bush has to offer. When she finds herself lost and afraid in the darkening Australian bush Dot befriends a wise mother Kangaroo who enlists the help of Australia’s favourite bush
creatures to help Dot find her way back home.
Presented by Little Seed Theatre Company, Dot and the Kangaroo brings together young performers from across the Sunshine Coast with a passion for acting, dance and singing.
Audiences can expect a bright and colourful musical that celebrates the Aussie spirit of adventure, mateship and humor with a mix of beautiful ballads and catchy, toe-tapping, feel good numbers.
Established in 2009, Little Seed Theatre Company has a strong reputation within the community for both its well known Shakespeare at the Lake productions and the musicals they stage bi-yearly at the J Theatre in Noosa Junction.
Now in its sixteenth year, Little Seed has seen hundreds of young performers through their doors. With a love of story and song the Little Seed team have built a following by producing shows of high quality. Dot and the Kangaroo builds on this tradition, offering a story rich in the unique characters of the Australian bush and the joy and adventure of a young girl learning about her place in the world. Catch Dot when she bounces into the J on July 11 and 12 at 11am and 2.30pm. Tickets via www.little-seed.com.au
GLAZE AND GRAZE: FOOD & FINE ART EXPERIENCE
BACK by popular demand, Providore Privee teams up with The Pottery Studio for Glaze and Graze, part of The Curated Plate Food Festival. This unique event blends culinary mastery with creative pottery glazing in a relaxed, intimate setting.
Guests arrive to smoky wood-fired cooking and roaming canapés featuring the best of Sunshine Coast seasonal produce. While sipping your favourite BYO drink, you’ll join a guided glazing workshop to create your own take-home vase, suitable for all skill levels. After pottery glazing, enjoy a four-course shared meal crafted by Head Chef Braden Charlesworth, showcasing local flavours and dishes cooked over an open fire pit. Saturday July 26, 12–3pm at The Pottery Studio, Nambour. Tickets: $140 (includes glazing workshop, pottery, and meal). Reserve your spot at www. providoreprivee.com.
dot & the kangaroo jr
An Australian Musical Adventure for the whole family!
Introduce the whole family to the magic of live theatre with an allnew musical adaptation of the bestselling Australian classic An experience full of toe-tapping music, heartwarming moments and family fun is just a hop away
The story follows young, rambunctious Dot on an adventure as she explores everything the country has to offer. When she finds herself lost and afraid in the darkening outback, Dot befriends a wise mother Kangaroo who enlists the help of Australia’s iconic bush creatures to help Dot find her way home
A charming tale full of quirky Aussie-native characters, this outback adventure is perfect for the whole family this July school holidays
Eumundi’s FIRST-EVER Writers Festival
FROM August 22-24, the hinterland town of Eumundi—renowned for its vibrant arts and cultural scene—will host its inaugural Eumundi Writers Festival, adding another creative gem to its calendar of events.
The festival has recently released its program of thirty workshops, panel discussions and special events. Tickets are on sale via Humanitix and many events and participation opportunities are free. Most events have limited places.
Writers and illustrators of all levels are invited to apply to a range of opportunities on the festival website, including:
• Eumundi Writers Festival Short Story Award 2025
• Eumundi Writers Festival Poetry Slam Award 2025
• Meet the Author and Meet the Illustrator events at the Original Eumundi Markets and Berkelouw Bookstore
• An Illustrator Exhibition
• Mini-mentoring 1:1 sessions where published authors offer practical advice
• Pitching to publisher sessions With over 30 presenters and a wideranging program of panels, workshops, and events across multiple venues, there’s something for everyone. Panel discussions
will encourage conversations that really matter including some about how to get published, the impact of Artificial Intelligence on creativity and how writing contributes to saving the natural world and supporting musicians in the era of algorithms.
Festival goers will be moved and inspired by the magnificent line-up of presenters. Workshops are designed to build skills and support professional development.
Festival Director, Dr Suzanne Campin says, “Our festival stands out as an event that aims to truly benefit writers and illustrators by providing
lots of opportunities for showcasing and skill development. It’s wonderful how much support we have received from local writers, illustrators, sponsors and government grants all listed on our website.”
Apply for festival involvement opportunities before the deadline via the ‘Participation’ button on the website. You can also put your hand up to volunteer and subscribe for email updates. www.eumundiwritersfestival.com.au Follow along for festival updates on the Facebook and Instagram accounts: @ eumundiwritersfestival
Festival Highlight! Celebrating a Writing Life with Nikki Gemmell
Using a different model to get publishedIn conversation with Carolyn Martinez
Sandra Severgnini (above) and Alison D StegertWorkshop ‘Unleashing the Kidlit Creator Within’
SIX BANDS 40+ MUSOS 1 Amazing Gig!
MUSIC lovers take note! Tickets are now on sale for a night of incredible music – the Eumundi School of Music Mini Festival taking place from 4 – 10pm at the Eumundi School of Arts on Saturday September 13.
The mini-festival will showcase bands formed by the young rockers who have won scholarships to the Eumundi School of Music (ESOM) this year, along with ESOM alumni band Karma Police and three-time ARIA winners The Superjesus, who will headline this year’s event.
In its ninth year, Eumundi School of Music (ESOM) has now gifted scholarships to more than 250 young rockers from across the Sunshine Coast.
ESOM was founded by five-time ARIAaward winning songstress Katie Noonan along with an impressive line-up of Sunny Coast professional musicians.
“The program has flourished in all the right ways over the years, and is something we’re all really proud of,” says Katie.
EUMUNDI
“It’s genuinely a privilege for us to mentor the next generation of passionate young musicians.”
ESOM provides scholarships to 30+ young musicians each year – offering 20 tuition and band scholarships for three months to students in Years 3 to 9 for their core program. They also offer tuition and band/mentor scholarships for the Teen Band (Years 9 -12), and mentor scholarships in the ESOM Show Band featuring the strongest kids from the previous year.
“Over the years our young rockers have had opportunities to be mentored by and share the stage with some super stellar musicians and bands including Tim Rogers, Frente, Abby Dobson, Clare Bowditch, Jack Carty and Dallas Frasca,” she says.
“Sarah McLeod and her band The Superjesus will bring their mentoring musical best for this year’s show, and the students are pumped for their involvement.”
“Do yourself a favour and come along to what will be a super special night of music with all the feels,” says Katie. “Our talented ESOM rockers will be showcasing their skills in a variety of performances that are sure to impress and fill your hearts!”
ESOM bands have also had opportunities to perform on festival stages including Woodford Folk Festival, Horizon Festival, The Little Day Out and The Gympie Muster.
Katie proudly shares that many of the school alumni are now professional working musicians and studying at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music and Sunshine Coast University.
TICKETS at Eventbrite: $49 adults/ $39 concession/ $20 children. Kids under 5 free. Discounted early bird tickets are on sale until July 31. All who buy early are in the running to win two awesome prizes - a family pass to see Lime Cordiale (including Brisbane accommodation at The Pullman Hotel) worth $750 or a family pass to see Amy Shark worth $370!
ESOM is supported by RADF, Eumundi District Community Association, Experience Eumundi, Sunshine Coast Council, Mooloolaba Music, The Imperial Hotel, Fender Australia, Rode Australia, Eumundi Rotary, Eumundi Historical Association, various local businesses, MP’s/Councillors and a fabulous team of volunteers.
ESOM alumni band Karma Police
CALLING ALL LOCAL ARTISTS FOR YANDINA EXHIBITION
THE Yandina School of Arts Hall is set to showcase the creative talents of the community with a local art exhibition on Saturday July 26—and they’re calling for more artists to get involved. Whether you’re a painter, sculptor, photographer, jewellery maker or create art of any kind, this is your chance to have your work seen and celebrated by the Yandina community.
Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a vibrant display of local talent. To register or find out more, email bookingysoa@gmail.com.
Acoustic Guitar Spectacular
EXPERIENCE stunning acoustic mastery as the highly anticipated Acoustic Guitar Spectacular returns in 2025. Hosted by renowned Brisbane guitarist Michael Fix, this series of intimate concerts brings together a trio of Queensland’s finest musicians including Majelen and Tom Combes.
Known for his brilliant fingerstyle guitar playing and captivating compositions, Michael Fix has released numerous albums, won multiple awards, (including three CMAA Golden Guitar Awards), and has toured extensively throughout Australia and the world.
Majelen’s music style is a blend of Ani DiFranco’s fire with Ed Sheeran’s storytelling and acoustic energy. A jazz guitar graduate, her percussive playing creates an immersive live experience. Her debut album, recorded at Abbey Road, drops early 2025.
Tom Combes, a passionate guitarist for over 25 years, is known for his distinctive fingerpicking and percussive techniques. His debut album, Spark (2015), led to his selection for the 2016 Guitar Masters competition, showcasing his musical sensibility.
Complete with fretboard virtuosity, personal tales, and charming humour, this concert promises to be a unique journey into the heart of acoustic music, captivating
Acoustic Guitar
Spectacular
Performing solo and ensemble pieces and traversing a wide range of genres from country to rock, classical to contemporary percussive styles, these diverse guitarists offer a rare opportunity to witness an abundance of musical talent on the one stage.
Fretboard
Don’t miss the
when it takes centre stage at The
in Pomona on Saturday August 2. The tour also includes shows across Queensland, from RPAC on August 1 to Coolum, Eudlo, and beyond. For the full list of tour dates and to book tickets, visit www.redchair.com.au.
music fans and guitar aficionados alike.
Acoustic Guitar Spectacular
Majestic Theatre
TOM COMBES MAJELEN MICHAEL FIX
Based on the novel by ROALD DAHL
Photo: David Kelly
Green light for Imbil’s new CULTURAL HUB
A PERMANENT fine art gallery and cultural hub will be built in Imbil after the local council approved the new build.
Mary Valley Artslink received lease documents this week after the unanimous vote of approval by Gympie Regional Council.
Art group president Heinke Butt said everyone was delighted that council had approved the application to build the cultural hub next to the Imbil library.
“This new facility will provide a permanent home for the Art on Yabba fine art gallery, and is an extension to the already successful library precinct,” Ms Butt said.
“The space has been designed to encourage collaboration, innovation and productivity.
“Having a home for arts and culture will create a space for the arts sector in the Mary Valley community in all facets of the arts, whether it’s dance, theatre or poetry or visual arts.”
Ms Butt said studies had shown that engagement with the arts enriches the lives of regional Australians.
“It creates stronger, healthier and more cohesive communities, and we agree!
“Now the hard work begins to build the new venue,” she said.
“The building will feature a formal gallery and workshop space, with a breakout area overlooking the beautiful Yabba Creek, which is how we came up with the name.
“The front façade is modern and minimalist, which contrasts with the village street.”
The announcement comes as the art group prepares for its annual festival in July.
More than 300 entries are expected –with the deadline for submissions less than four weeks away on July 7.
This year’s judges are Dr Lisa Chandler,
Adjunct Associate Professor in Art and Design at UniUSC, and teacher and natural history artist Jim Cox.
Entry forms are available online and at your favourite art outlet.
Awards include the RJR Property Best in Show award of $2000, and $1500 for the Open winner from Gympie’s Bendigo Bank.
The gala awards presentation will be held on Friday July 25 from 6pm, with tickets available on Eventbrite. All details at www.maryvalleyartslink.com.au
TALES FROM THE TINY MOUNTAINS: AN EXPERIENCE, NOT JUST AN EVENT
TINY Mountains is back with a vibrant celebration of storytelling, community, and creativity in the Noosa hinterland.
Held on Saturday, July 12 at The Majestic Theatre, Pomona, the event brings together local filmmakers, musicians, and performers in a heartwarming showcase of short films and live performance.
At its core are the ‘Tiny films’—locally made stories under four minutes long that capture the magic in everyday moments.
FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS
Thu 24 10am 4pm
Fri 25 10am 4pm
Awards night 6pm
*Wearable art
* Perseverance St show
Sat 26 10am 4pm
Sun 27 10am 3pm
People’s Choice 2.30pm
*Artisan Markets
VENUE
Imbil Public Hall
16 Edward St, Imbil info@maryvalleyartslink.com.au
24 - 27 JULY 2025
Tickets are just $20 and offer a chance to support local talent and enjoy an unforgettable evening of raw, honest, and inspiring storytelling.
Tales from the Tiny Mountains is proudly supported by the Regional Arts Development Fund and Noosa Council. Book now at tinymountains.com.au and be part of something truly special.
Judge Dr Lisa Chandler
The ARTS in brief
ART ADVENTURES AT CBFAC THIS JULY
UniSC Lecture Theatre Gympie
GPAC BRINGS CHAOS AND COMEDY WITH ‘OLD FARTS & UPSTARTS – RELOADED’
DIVE INTO REEF LIFE— WITHOUT LEAVING POMONA!
Friday 4 July, 7pm & Saturday 5 July, 2pm
Get ready for laughs as Gympie Performing Arts Collaboration Inc. (GPAC) brings its new two-act comedy Old Farts & Upstarts – Reloaded to the stage. Performed by a talented cast of 10, aged 18 to 75, the show follows a cheeky Aussie family left in the care of Grandpa and Grandma while Mum and Dad head off for a weekend away — with hilarious and unexpected consequences.
Brolga Theatre & Convention Centre Maryborough (Tickets through Humanitix.com
(Tickets through brolgatheatre.org or call 4122 6060
Majestic Theatre Pomona
Sunday 20 July, 2pm Saturday 12 July, 2pm
(Tickets through trybooking.com
Majestic Theatre, Pomona, July 20. Tickets via trybooking.com. Additional shows in Gympie and Maryborough.
MWAH IS BACK!
The Mature Women’s Acting Hub returns with Dear Goddess — a hilarious, heartfelt, and utterly divine new show created by and for mature women. Step into the glittering jazz lounge of the cosmos, where seven sassy wise tongued goddesses hold court—armed with wit, and a wicked sense of humour. Welcome to Dear Goddess, the uproarious and soul-stirring theatrical experience that’s giving mature women their well-earned spotlight. Join the divine dames at Cooran Memorial Hall for a night of unapologetic fabulousness.
Tickets $25 at https://events.humanitix. com/dear-devine-goddess
Explore the vibrant marine world of the Great Barrier Reef this July at the Pomona Railway Station Gallery. Yandina artist John N Mason’s exhibition Great Barrier Marine Life runs from July 5 to 30, showcasing stunning reef-inspired works drawn from years sailing and snorkeling in the Whitsundays. A retired illustrator now painting full-time, John brings the colours and creatures of the reef to life in this captivating exhibition.
Gallery hours: 10am–4pm Tuesday–Friday, 10am–2pm weekends. Don’t miss this ocean escape—right here in Pomona!
MEET THE ARTISTS
Join Experimenta Curator Lubi Thomas in conversation with Experimenta Emergence artists Adam Donovan and Katrin Hochsching. Demonstrating Plasticity of Mirrors, a new commission which is being presented for the first time as part of Experimenta Emergence, this talk will focus on their practice of creating sophisticated mechanisms to explore robotic behaviours, algorithms and interactivity.
Noosa Regional Gallery. Sunday July 20, 10 - 11am.
THE world comes to Cooroy Butter Factory Arts Centre (CBFAC) in July. On top of a bunch of new exciting exhibitions, CBFAC presents a major international ceramic workshop by Korean potter, Moon de Bang. As a dedicated community art centre, CBFAC then ventures out to Kin Kin to support Artists in Nature International Network (AiNIN), a French based organisation running a site-specific sculpture event and series of public talks. But first, four new exhibitions grace the building through to the end of July.
David Thorogood’s Carnival paintings explore curious internal bodily sensations - simultaneous levity and gravity, stillness and movement, life and death.
Alex Naray, an artist who has devoted over 50 years to his craft, presents Sunshine Coast to Outback Australia, a collection of oil paintings that reveal his mastery of classical techniques, creating works of depth, vibrancy, and enduring beauty.
In the spacious Butterbox Gallery, Andrew Hillhouse makes full use of light and scale with his large, textured acrylic abstracts. His exhibition, On the Nature of Daylight, draws inspiration from the shifting forms and elusive beauty of the natural environment.
Finally, following the success of the first two Members Gallery exhibitions, the third instalment brings another fresh body
of work, spanning paintings, drawings, sculpture, ceramics, and mixed media.
While these exhibitions are running, the first weekend of July offers art lovers a special opportunity to experience art in nature and hear inspiring talks in Kin Kin’s community hall. From 10am to 4pm on July 5 and 6 at Greenfields Gallery and Sculpture Park, 945 Neusavale Rd, Kin Kin visitors can explore works by 17 Australian and international artists. On Saturday, July 5, the program also includes talks on Floating Land — a unique public art project in rural Western Australia — as well as insights into Australian Walking Artists and Regional Arts Australia.
In the lead-up, on July 3 and 4, Simon Spain will host a hands-on sculpture workshop in the Kin Kin Hall suitable for all ages — a workshop he has delivered around the world, including at the Tate Gallery. Robyn Glade-Wright will also run a jewellery workshop for participants aged 8–18, using materials washed up on local beaches. Full program details are available on the CBFAC website.
Following the weekend, CBFAC hosts a sold-out ceramics masterclass with Korean artist Moon Do Bang, July 14–16. Term 3 pottery classes start July 22 and are filling fast—book now!
David Thorogood’s Carnival paintings explore curious internal bodily sensations
OUTREACH CHILD HEALTH CLINIC –COOROY LIBRARY
THE Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service offers outreach appointments with a Child Health Nurse every Thursday between 9am-1pm. Appointments cover:
• Services for families with children 0-5 years
• Breastfeeding and infant feeding Support
• Understanding your child’s routines and behavioural changes
• Support for healthy growth and development
• Parenting support
The service also runs a Parenting Young Babies Group 4 x per year. For more information and to book, please phone: Child Health Access on 1300 591 494. Free. Bookings Essential.
Eden Private Hospital
SUPPORTING THE SUNSHINE COAST’S WELLNESS JOURNEY
EDEN Private Hospital plays a vital role in supporting the wellness journey of individuals across the Sunshine Coast and surrounding regions. Located in Cooroy, Eden offers a wide range of rehabilitation services designed to help patients regain independence and improve their quality of life.
With 48 beds dedicated to rehabilitation and general medical care, Eden provides tailored inpatient and outpatient programs for orthopaedic, neurological, cardiac, pulmonary, and oncology recovery. The hospital’s use of advanced technologies, including robotic-assisted therapy, enhances outcomes for patients with complex rehabilitation needs.
Eden’s multidisciplinary team delivers holistic care through day rehabilitation, outpatient clinics, and specialised programs such as pain management, falls prevention, and support for Parkinson’s disease.
Their services are accessible to a broad community, including veterans, NDIS participants, and WorkCover clients.
As the Sunshine Coast continues to grow, so does the need for high-quality, patient-centred rehabilitation. Eden Private
Hospital meets this need by offering compassionate, expert care that empowers individuals on their path to recovery and long-term wellness.
Eden Private Hospital is located at 50 Maple Street, Cooroy.
SUPPORTING THE SUNSHINE COAST’S WELLNESS JOURNEY
Eden Private Hospital is committed to delivering outstanding care to our community. We provide:
Inpatient Rehabilitation Care: Comprehensive support for your recovery journey.
Rehabilitation Day Programs: Tailored programs to meet your rehabilitation needs.
Outpatient Services: Including speech therapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and exercise physiology.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact our team at (07) 5472 6472 or email edenprivate.admissions@aurorahealth.com.au.
GPs can also submit a referral via our QR Code below.
Susan Andrusiow General Manager
Bulging Discs Explained
Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
THE human spine is a complex structure composed of multiple segments, each consisting of vertebrae (bones), intervertebral joints, spinal nerves, ligaments, muscles, and intervertebral discs. These discs serve as vital shock absorbers between the vertebrae, allowing for flexibility and cushioning the spine during movement. Each disc contains a soft, gel-like center (nucleus pulposus) surrounded by a tougher outer layer (annulus fibrosus). Over time, intervertebral discs can undergo natural degenerative changes associated with ageing. Additionally, trauma or repetitive strain—such as from high-impact sports, improper lifting techniques, or heavy manual labour—can lead to injury of the disc. In such cases, the inner gel may bulge or herniate through the outer layer, a condition commonly referred to as a disc bulge or herniated disc. This can place pressure on adjacent spinal nerves, resulting in symptoms such as localised back or neck pain, numbness, tingling, burning sensations, or radiating pain down the arms or legs.
In many cases, disc-related symptoms improve within 4 to 6 weeks with conservative measures. These include rest, physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and, when appropriate, image-guided spinal injections to reduce nerve inflammation. However, if symptoms persist beyond this period and begin to significantly impair daily function or quality of life, further assessment by a specialist may be warranted. A consultation with a neurosurgeon can provide a comprehensive evaluation and access to a range of treatment options, including minimally invasive surgical interventions. Referrals can be arranged through your general practitioner. Dr Byrne and his team consult in Birtinya and Noosa.
DR STEPHEN BYRNE
Sunshine Coast Neurosurgery
Vitality Village, 5 Discovery Court, Birtinya 5437 7256 | www.scneurosurgery.com.au
NUTRITION
“There is nothing to eat!”
HOW often do parents hear that? Sometimes I think our children use this phrase as a form of torture. Or maybe they really are hungry.
Whatever the case may be it gets even more annoying when you have heard it constantly throughout the day. It gets even more frustrating when you have just done the shopping.
What is it with kids and food these days?
The question is, is it just kids?
Absolutely not. Monkey see, monkey do.
We live in a world of convenience. The less time something takes to prepare the better it is for us, because it is saving us time. We all know that time is our most valuable asset. Right?
We see influencer’s, the rich and the famous getting their private jets to go and pick up their favourite takeaway foods from other countries, and we watch on, wishing we could do the same. Well, some of us do!
Making a change towards healthier eating habits and food preparation must start at the top of the list. If your child sees that you are willing to put some time and effort into healthier choices for yourself and the family, then they are more likely to follow suit. Remember all food emits a dopamine response. Sugar, however, exudes an even greater dopamine response and his highly addictive.
Sadly, none of us are immune to this attraction to food. But for our kids who have not grown up with grandma’s garden or parents that prepare home cooked meals, the struggle will often be one for life.
Next time you hear the above comment, instead of encouraging them to open their eyes, take a little break from whatever you are doing and walk them through what is available. After all isn’t teaching our kids the power of choices what life is all about?
GATHER & GROW CONNECTING COMMUNITY THROUGH FOOD & GARDEN
EXCITING news! Pomona & District Community House (PCH) has a new offering from their Community Garden.
Thanks to funding from Neighbourhood Centres Qld, the new project aims to provide a manageable entry into food security, health and well-being through small space gardening. Small space gardening allows simple ways to add nutrition to meals, build confidence in 'non-gardeners' and allow easy garden movement. The project provides education on a range of nutrition adding plants covering six components: See it. Learn it. Pick it. Cook it. Grow it. Share it.
Gather & Grow sees PCH propagating for the community from the garden, sharing knowledge through mini-zines, and most importantly building on and strengthening connections and local knowledge across all the community gardens. Sharing and learning from each other is what it's about.
PCH’s Community Garden Project Officer Tracie Sheehan has long dreamed of connecting local community gardens. After years of running engaging ‘In the Garden’ sessions, she’s now making it happen. On Thursday, July 24, join Tracie for a bus trip visiting hinterland community gardens—a great opportunity to share stories, ideas, and local food knowledge. Sharing knowledge is at the heart of Gather & Grow Tracie recently visited PCH’s Social 12–17 group, teaching skills like turmeric harvesting, strawberry propagation, and easy flavour boosts for pantry staples. Keep an eye out for her next pop-up—and yes, everyone gets a plant!
We always need helping hands! Drop by Fridays 1–3pm to help propagate for the community pantry. Visit pomonacommunityhouse.org.au for details.
Hear With Intent: The World’s First 4D Sensor Hearing Aid That Adapts to You
Discover a New Era in Hearing –with Oticon Intent™.
Struggling to follow conversations? You’re not alone.
Many traditional hearing aids offer generic solutions that often don’t address the real-world challenges of hearing loss.
Introducing Oticon Intent™ – a revolutionary hearing aid that’s transforming how we experience sound.
This isn’t just an upgrade — it’s a complete breakthrough in hearing technology.
At the heart of Oticon Intent™ is cutting-edge 4D sensor-driven tech-
nology.
This innovation goes beyond sound amplification, using input from your head and body movements, conversation cues, and surrounding sounds to adapt in real-time — helping you better focus on what truly matters.
Whether you’re catching up with friends, participating in group discussions, or simply moving through your day, Oticon Intent™ helps you stay better connected and more confident. It delivers clearer speech understanding in a wide range of listening environments. No more missing out on many of
life’s important moments. With Oticon Intent™, you can enjoy conversations with enhanced clarity like never before. Call 5443 6633 today to book your free initial appointment and experience the difference.
QUEENSLAND GARDEN SHOW RETURNS IN FULL BLOOM
GET ready for lush landscapes, expert advice, and foodie delights as the Queensland Garden Show returns to the Nambour Showgrounds July 11–13. Now in its 40th year, this vibrant festival of flora, food, and fun is proudly presented by Nursery & Garden Industry Queensland. With six stages hosting over 100 free talks and demonstrations, the event caters to all— from seasoned green thumbs to first-time growers. ABC Gardening Australia favourites Costa Georgiadis, Jerry Coleby-Williams, Sophie Thomson and Millie Ross will share
tips on everything from native plants to vertical gardens and sustainable living.
“With dozens of nurseries, hundreds of exhibitors, and a vibrant community atmosphere, the Queensland Garden Show is a celebration of everything that makes gardening great,” Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said.
Festival Director Marion Beazley said the show is “a celebration of everything that makes gardening great”. New this year is The Cook’s Garden Stage, presented in collaboration with The Curated Plate
festival. Chefs Peter Kuruvita, Sophie Phipps, Tom Hitchcock and Cameron Matthews will whip up garden-to-table creations inspired by local produce.
Families can explore The Giant Kitchen Garden—a fully planted sustainable showcase—and visit the Living Backyard to learn how to attract frogs, bees, butterflies and birds. Kids can also get their hands dirty with interactive, educational activities designed to spark curiosity and a love for gardening.
Sunshine Coast Councillor David Law encouraged locals to stop by Council’s
Biosecurity stall. “Our team can help identify weeds, provide practical advice and share resources on how to protect your patch,” he said. Visitors can also learn about local programs like BushCare Sunshine Coast, Land for Wildlife, and protecting flying-foxes and shorebirds.
Nambour Showgrounds, Coronation Avenue. July 11–13. Tickets at qldgardenshow.com.au.
Supported by Sunshine Coast Council’s Major Events Sponsorship Program, the Queensland Garden Show delivers major economic benefits while cultivating a greener future.
Main construction has begun on the Lake Macdonald dam upgrade , marking a vital step for safety and water security. Expect increased traffic and temporary changes, with controls in place. The 5-year project includes ongoing community updates to address concerns. More info at sandybolton.com and seqwater.com.au.
WALKING IN A WINTER WONDERLAND
Noosa Botanic Gardens remains lush and vibrant this season, blending late-autumn hues with winter blooms.
The partially drained Lake Macdonald adds dramatic views throughout the gardens. Join a Guided Winter Walk on Sunday, July 6, from 10–11am, led by the Friends of Noosa Botanic Gardens volunteers. Explore meandering paths where wildness meets curated beauty, and enjoy expert insights along the way.
Meet at the large shelter near the entrance off Lake Macdonald Drive, 4km from Cooroy CBD. Bring insect repellent, sunscreen, closed shoes, water, and leash your dog if joining.
Facebook/Noosa Botanic Gardens Friends or www.noosabotanicgardensfriends.com
$2.3 MILLION BOOST FOR NINDERRY PATHWAY PROJECT
THE Crisafulli Government has announced $2.3M in funding to build a much needed shared pedestrian and cycle path in the Ninderry Electorate, ending seven years of community calls for safer and better connectivity.
Member for Ninderry Dan Purdie MP, said the funding comes as part of the state’s $19.1M grants program to help 25 local governments deliver walking and cycling projects over the next two years.
“My electorate has secured $2.318M in funding to better connect locals by foot or bike. Quality walking and cycling infrastructure supports healthier, safer, and more sustainable travel options for all ages,” Mr Purdie said.
Sunshine Coast Council Division 9 Councillor Maria Suarez welcomed a CNLGG grant of $2.3M for a new 900m shared pathway, to bridge a vital gap between Peregian Breeze estate and surrounding suburbs.
“This is a really exciting outcome as currently there is no direct route for pedestrians and cyclists and this project changes that with a 3m wide shared pathway along the northern side of Emu Mountain Road,” Cr Suarez said.
“The new path for pedestrians and bike riders will link Old Emu Mountain Road to the David Low Way roundabout with a new crossing provided to connect to
the Sunshine Coast and Noosa Coastal Pathway network”
Mr Purdie said that residents of Peregian Breeze in particular had raised concerns about connectivity. “This path will connect these residents with Peregian Beach and Coolum and provide Coolum students with a safer crossing on David Low Way.
“The Sunshine Coast Council have also been granted $18,000 to develop a walking network plan, as part of the Walking Local Government Grants Program,” Mr Purdie said.
Cr Suarez said that this will assist Council to prepare a plan for Coolum which will identify actions and a pipeline of infrastructure improvements to ensure accessible, safe, comfortable, attractive and direct walking routes for our community.
NBG Friend and volunteer, experienced guide leader
Julie Hughson
Member for Ninderry Dan Purdie MP with SCC Division 9 Councillor Maria Suarez
TAKE A HIKE IN THE HINTERLAND
with Andrea Taylor
MT COOCHIN Twin Peaks
IF YOU’RE up for a moderate challenge but don’t feel like taking on the bigger mountains you are going to love this one. Mt Coochin Twin Peaks, located in the beautiful Glasshouse Mountain National Park offers a fantastic adventure for all ages. Just pop 2672 Old Gympie Road into your GPS- it looks like someone’s driveway but there is a small off road car park at the entrance to the park. This 2km loop might be short but it offers breathtaking views over the Glass House Mountains making it a worthwhile adventure.
When you enter the park head left along the fire trail. After about 100m, look out for the trail heading up the hill on your right. You will have to keep a keen eye out as it is not signed. Walking the trail anticlockwise is recommended as it the easiest way to enjoy the track. If you prefer to do it clockwise you will need to head down the trail a little longer (around 700m) and lookout for the unsigned trail on the right.
Both ways of the trail can be tricky to navigate so I recommend using the All Trails App to stay on course. But once you’re on your way, you’ll be fine. The climb between the peaks is the most challenging part - but its heaps of fun with a bit of rock scrambling that adds to the adventure!
This is a fantastic family outing. All you need is a good level of fitness and a passion for the outdoors. I’ve done the trail a couple of times, and it has been very peaceful experience with not too many people around. It’s the ideal location to unwind and take in breathtaking views while enjoying some light refreshments.
There is also plenty of wildlife to spot; we were lucky enough to watch an eagle gliding gracefully between the two peaks. The trees are absolutely beautiful especially The Glasshouse Teatrees, and so much more fauna and flora to enjoy.
If you’ve got time (and the energy!) you could also add on nearby Mount Ngungun or the Tibrogargan circuit to make it a fun action packed day in this incredible part of the world.
When entering any National Parks please check QPWS for any Park Alerts or closures.
And as always remember your Hat, Sunscreen and Water. Happy hiking, Andrea
we are in the winter months again. It may be cold but our 24/7 WILVOS 5441 6200 Hotline is still running hot!
As always at this time of year, if driving at dawn and dusk especially, it is a time to be alert. Phone calls about kangaroo and wallaby car strikes are increasing at an alarming rate. WILVOS receive calls from all over Australia in these cases and we are grateful to the rescuers and the internet with the information it can provide.
This week a call came in from a lady who was driving out to Biggenden in a mobile kindergarten van. Almost at Gayndah, Kylie, seeing a dead wallaby on the side of the road, turned the van around to check the pouch. Though furless, the joey was off the teat. At this stage they are often still firmly attached to the teat and a young one has to be removed very slowly and carefully. Often the dead mother and very young are brought to us so we can remove the joey with no permanent damage done to the little one through incorrect removal.
This young swamp wallaby joey could have been dislodged on impact, or maybe, cold and hungry, it was just old enough to optimistically go looking elsewhere in the pouch for a drink.
Fortunately, while I googled for wildlife carers in the Biggenden area, Kylie had placed the joey in a warm polar fleece and ‘Bernie’’ was warmed up under her
jumpers. She then took the joey to a wildlife carer in Gayndah. Ian was happy to take the joey and give him the love and specialized care needed, as ‘Bernie’ sets off on a new life, all warm and cosy.
Donna Brennan Wildlife Volunteers Assoc Inc (WILVOS) PO Box 4805 SCMC Q 4560 5441 6200 www.wilvos.org.au
SOCIAL permaculture offers a transformative approach to addressing housing insecurity while fostering resilience and self-sufficiency. Noosa Council has the opportunity to adopt innovative housing policies that could usher in a new era of sustainable living. By easing restrictions and encouraging the development of tiny homes on permaculture properties, the council could address both homelessness and environmental concerns.
These compact, eco-friendly dwellings, placed on permaculture properties can provide affordable, practical housing for individuals and families doing it tough. When paired with permaculture principles - earth care, people care, and fair share, they create spaces where residents can grow their own food, learn sustainable practices, and re-establish a sense of community.
Noosa Council could catalyse this change by revising zoning laws and streamlining approvals, enabling landowners to open their properties for these initiatives. These spaces could also
function as educational hubs, where individuals learn vital skills like food production, rainwater harvesting, and soil health management.
The benefits of this approach extend beyond individuals. With fewer people reliant on social services and more community members contributing to local food systems, Noosa Council could enhance the region’s overall resilience.
Empowering people through tiny homes and permaculture is not just a solution—it’s a movement that Noosa Council can lead, setting a precedent for other communities across Australia to follow.
Geoff Powell - President
Swamp
Wallaby joey with DONNA BRENNAN
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES with Andy Flanagan
REMEMBERING POMONA’S KING OF THE MOUNTAIN
JULY has come around again, which for many of us would have signalled four weeks left of training for the big race, The Pomona King of The Mountain. For some of us an annual family tradition, for others a once off bucket list challenge and for many of us locals an annual event that challenged us to train hard, lose those extra pounds and stay young.
Unfortunately, last year this iconic, cultural & historic event disappeared into the annals of history. Cancelled after 44 years of successfully bringing all walks of life and fitness levels to Pomona. On the fourth Sunday of July at 2:30, 100 of us would line up at the Post office, ready to run/walk/stagger up Mt Cooroora as fast as we could. Our hearts would be pounding with anticipation, knowing it was going to hurt like hell, but it would all be over inside an hour and for some inside half an hour! The crowd would yell the countdown 10,9,8…..3,2,1 and BANG! Off we would run with the cheering of thousands ringing our ears.
With the ever increasing demands and
restrictions of Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, the organising association decided that the event could not be run successfully within these new rules. Why the constant moving of the goal posts is beyond reason, considering there was just one significant accident over the event’s 44 year history. You would think the organisers would be praised for doing everything right, but apparently not, as the final straw was the insistence by QPWS that the race be run in two or three heats. This might sound reasonable at first until you consider the large number of volunteers that are required to make this event run as slick as it does and the fact that they would have to be out on the course for many more hours. Not to mention the spectator aspect and the atmosphere that would be totally lost if done in heats.
I’m well into my 60s now and last year would have been my 25th KOM. So just for kicks I lined up at the Post office at 2:30 and ran the course with about 20 others. I did my worst time ever, but that’s understandable without the atmosphere
FLANNELETTE SHIRTS NOW AVAILABLE
of thousands of spectators cheering us on to greatness. I’ve started training again, albeit a little half-heartedly. I will be on that start line again, near the post office, on the fourth Sunday of July at 2:30 for my 26th KOM. I will likely be joined by my wife and two sons and maybe even some of our grandkids. No doubt I will be even slower, but I will carry on the tradition of this amazing race that was conceived and first run from Pomona pub back in the 50s. Hope to see you on the 27th.
Google data:
Key Events in Pomona King of the Mountain’s History:
• 1958: Bruce Samuels’ run and initial wager, sparking the idea for the race.
• 1959: The first formal King of the Mountain race was held.
• 1979: The Cooroy Pomona Lions Club took over the race organisation and renamed it ‘Pomona King of the Mountain Race’.
• 1980s: The event grew into a full festival with various novelty games.
• 1985: Rosalie Hyland from New Zealand
participated and won, setting the stage for a trans-Tasman challenge.
• 1986: Pomona and Kawerau began exchanging teams for the trans-Tasman challenge.
• 2021: Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) closed the track from the base of the mountain up to Checkpoint A, and in 2024, the race was cancelled after new conditions imposed by QPWS were rejected by the Lions Club.
• Legacy and Impact:
• The race became a symbol of Pomona’s community spirit and the town’s connection to Mt Cooroora.
• It was immortalised in the Midnight Oil’s song ‘King of the Mountain’
• The event promoted Pomona and the surrounding area, attracting tourists and boosting local businesses.
• The cancellation in 2024 marked the end of an era for a beloved community tradition.
All the best, Andy Flanagan www.SaveOurSummits.org
Start line of the Cancelled 2024 KOM
The Flanagans 2014
Wendy Flanagan Winner Women’s Master Last Official KOM 2023
Some of the Flanagan family haul from KOM
NOOSA YACHT AND ROWING CLUB GAFF RIG REGATTA
THE Noosa Yacht and Rowing Club conducted their 6th annual Gaff Rig Regatta over the first weekend in June 2025.
A Gaff Rigged yacht as defined by the Club as ‘a sailing boat which carries a four cornered mainsail’. The boats can be made of any material and be of any age or design.
Entries for the Regatta came from Eastern Australian yacht clubs.
In Victoria and New South Wales, the weekend was the Kings Birthday Holiday which made it possible for yachts in these states to travel to Noosa for the regatta.
The yachts were made up of boats over 70 years old, made of wood, fiberglass, modern composites and sailed by a range of sailors from 10 years old to those older than the oldest yacht.
Many of the yachts were sailed by family combinations, husbands/wives, fathers/ daughters/sons etc.
To keep the racing exciting and competitive the Noosa Yacht handicapper calculated handicaps with “results being based on performance handicap on the day”.
Early on Saturday afternoon there was a briefing to all skippers and crew where they were advised subject to weather conditions there would be three races Saturday and Sunday.
The two Saturday races (due to light
winds and time available) were conducted in light breezes less than 10 knots with a strong outgoing tide which made tactics and sailing challenging.
Sunday morning’s race started with a promising forecast of 15 to 20 knots but again in the morning the breeze was around 10 knots. As the day progressed the breeze built to around 14 knots with the occasional stronger breeze.
At the conclusion of the Regatta on Sunday there was a presentation to the trophy winners.
The Regatta Trophies and Raffle prizes were provided by our very generous sponsors: Bundaberg Rum (Bottles of Rum and Rum Casks); Ronstan yacht fittings; (sailing watches and sailing attire); Jules Magic Photography; Noosa Boatman; Noosa Tourism; Noosa Deep Sea Fishing Charters; AND Noosa Yacht and Rowing Club.
Our thanks for making the regatta a success goes to our club volunteers, the fantastic sponsors and most importantly the friendly atmosphere created by the competitors.
All funds raised from the regatta entries, sponsors and raffles go directly to the Noosa Sailability.
Photos: Neale Bertram
TEAM IMPACT HITS THE ROAD AGAIN - CAIRNS CUP SUCCESS!
TEAM Impact has been on the road again, travelling north to Cairns to compete in the prestigious Cairns Cup.
Headlining the event was Luke Austin, who faced off against local standout Mitch Coomer, a veteran with over 80 fights to his name. This was Luke’s 18th bout — and arguably one of his biggest tests yet. In a fast-paced, highly competitive contest, Luke showcased skill, composure, and relentless determination, taking every round on the judges’ scorecards to be crowned Cairns Cup Champion 2025. A massive achievement!
Also representing Team Impact was rising star Jack Davey, better known as ‘The Jack Hammer’. At just 11 years old, Jackson boasts a perfect record of 4 wins, 0 losses, and competes in the 36kg division. With two years of training already under his belt, he’s showing maturity and discipline well beyond his years — proving he’s not just keeping up with the big names, but becoming one himself. We’re incredibly excited to see where his journey takes him next.
Luke’s win in Cairns also marks his sixth consecutive victory, extending his streak, and his record of 18 fights in total is a huge milestone in his development.
But there’s no slowing down for Team Impact. Over the next few weekends, we’ll be travelling across Queensland to support regional boxing and keep gaining valuable experience: Ipswich for the Ipswich Regional Titles (with six boxers competing), Followed by Emerald, then on to Bundaberg.
We’re proud to test ourselves in our opponents’ hometowns — always stepping out of our comfort zones to grow stronger, smarter, and more resilient. At the moment every fight for the team is in preparation for the big one: the Open International Golden Gloves, held over five days July 14–19 in Brisbane - featuring some of the best talent in Australia and abroad.
Thank you to everyone for your continued support. The journey continues, and “the best is yet to come,” said Coach Mark Evans Yours in Sports, Mark Evans
RAILWAY HOTEL
Coach Mark Evans, Luke Austin and Andrew Davey Jackson Davey and Kylie Evans
LLEW O’BRIEN Federal Member for Wide Bay
MANY hinterland residents have been waiting for a decision on the application that was made under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC) for the clearing of a further eight hectares of remnant vegetation at the Kin Kin Quarry.
Cordwell Resources as the quarry operators made the application to Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water in 2023, and in 2024 the Department requested further information to allow the Minister to make an informed decision on the project.
The EPBC Act Public Portal project status has changed to “Considering Variation to Proposal”, which means that the applicant Cordwell Resources has made changes to the scope of their initial application.
The Minister must decide whether or not to accept the varied proposal within 20 business days after receiving the request and the EPBC Act gives the Minister the capacity to extend the timeline by requesting further information from the applicant.
I wrote to the then Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek in 2023 to express my concerns about the environmental impact of the proposed
clearing and the importance of maintaining the remnant vegetation which has been identified as core critical habitat for koalas, grey-headed flying foxes, and greater gliders.
Following the recent Federal election there have been changes to the Ministry and Senator Murray Watt has replaced Tanya Plibersek as Minister for the Environment and Water.
I have written to Senator Watt in relation to the Kin Kin Quarry proposal to ensure that he is aware of the importance of preserving this piece of critical local habitat, and I encourage concerned locals to also contact Senator Watt to express their objections to the land clearing proposal.
You can read the details of the quarry’s EPBC application at https:// epbcpublicportal.environment.gov.au and Senator Watt can be contacted at minister. watt@dcceew.gov.au.
My office is always here to help in any matter controlled by the Australian Government. If you need assistance please contact me on telephone 4121 2936, email llew.obrien.mp@aph.gov.au, my website www.llewobrien.com.au or on Facebook www.facebook.com/llewobrienlnp.
TED O’BRIEN Federal Member for Fairfax
THANK YOU, FAIRFAX – 20 JUNE 2025
I want to begin by saying thank you. Thank you for entrusting me to continue to serve our community.
It’s the greatest honour of my professional life to be re-elected as your Federal Member for Fairfax and I’m grateful and humbled to again have your trust.
The first order of business was to get back into the community for my seasonal road trip, which I’ve been doing since I was first elected in 2016.
Popping up a mobile office in the suburbs provides additional access for community members who’d prefer to meet in their neighbourhood rather than in my office.
Each road trip has a primary purpose beyond assisting residents with their issues, and road trips are an opportunity to reflect on the election results and receive feedback from locals.
It is really important in light of the Federal election where support for the LNP went backwards. I know our party must do better, and that starts with listening.
From Nambour to Coolum,
Brightwater to Maroochydore, I will be having honest conversations with locals about the issues that matter most - from cost-of-living pressures to infrastructure, services and the future of our region. Some people share frustrations. Others offer ideas. Every conversation helps me understand how I can serve you betterand how our party can reconnect.
Thank you again for your trust. I’ll never take it for granted. I’ll be back on the road again soon – ready to listen. Visit my website or facebook page for details of my upcoming Road Trips.
And if I can be of help, please reach out: (07) 5479 2800 or ted.obrien.mp@aph.gov.au.
SANDY
BOLTON State Member for Noosa
Laughter, cheers, and moving tears filled the J as Noosans celebrated 60 phenomenal volunteers for the Queensland Day Awards. Their tireless contributions shape our community, with combined over 600 years of unpaid time, care and expertise to deliver selfless service and acts of kindness to our community. Thank you to the St Teresa’s Band, MC Phil Moran, sponsors Noosa Today and Cooroy RSL, The J Noosa team, photographers, and staff for making this night possible. As your MP, I am immensely proud to honour such dedicated, humble, and inspiring residents who demonstrate the true power of community. Now to some updates!
The government’s announcement to increase shark nets, including for Peregian Beach contradicts recommendations from the just-released independent review of the current shark control program, which included the need to reduce environmental impacts and trial net removals during the winter whale migration. We have written to the minister for the rationale around the increase and Peregian’s inclusion and we will provide an update when a response is received. We ask everyone to share their views with the minister via primaryindustries@ministerial.qld.gov.au and cc our office via noosa@parliament. qld.gov.au.
With the release of Destination 2045, the ‘blueprint’ for increasing tourism in Queensland, there are some wonderful aspirations, however, little mention found
so far of how the impacts from potentially millions of extra visitors will be managed. Submissions from our community, including Tourism Noosa reiterated how we could retain our unique selling points and environmental assets by moving into the internationally trending regenerative tourism space. To inform our advocacy, it is vital that you send your views on Destination 2045 to my office via noosa@ parliament.qld.gov.au.
In response to my Question without Notice, the Minister for Housing confirmed that the Doonella Street social and affordable housing project of 32 units is progressing with completion forecasted for mid-2027. With government announcing downsizing incentives, we ask solo residents in family-sized government tenancies to assist with the housing crisis by making available these homes to Noosa families by contacting the Department of Housing via 5352 7333.
With so much to share and limited space, stay ‘in the loop’ by heading to Noosa 360 where you can type in your topic of interest, and under the ‘Connect’ tab subscribe to our monthly newsletter, which ensures you are notified of any Noosa-specific surveys or polls. In addition, follow ‘Sandy Bolton MP’ on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn! For any questions or assistance on state-related matters, please call my office on 5319 3100, or email noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au.
Until next month, enjoy the sunshine amongst the winter ‘chill’! Sandy
DAN PURDIE State Member for Ninderry
TOURISM PLAN
I am excited for local businesses to reap the rewards from legacy investment in the lead up to the 2032 Olympics and visionary 20-year tourism plan called Destination 2045. The Crisafulli Government’s plan includes: investment in Dark Sky accreditation in suitable locations to safeguard our night skies; attracting new international flights with better intrastate connections; upgrading Noosa River jetties to support commercial tour operations,; installing public moorings around Mudjimba Island to protect the reef from coral damage caused by boat anchoring; and growing agritourism experiences like farm stays and paddock-to-plate offerings, helping local farmers improve profitability.
NEW PLAY ON! VOUCHERS
I grew up playing sport - and we want every kid in Queensland to have the same opportunity, all year round. The first round of the expanded program opens at 9am on 4 August 2025. The $200 Play On! Sport Vouchers help parents with children aged between five and 17 years participate in sport. Pre-register at www.qld.gov.au/ playon to avoid missing out.
GOOD NEWS FOR FIRST HOME BUYERS
Grants of $30,000 for first home buyer
new builds has been extended until June 30, 2026. This commitment follows the government’s abolition of stamp duty for eligible first home buyers who purchase or build a new home in Queensland, saving tens of thousands of dollars in fees.
SUPER $$$ GRANTS
Round 124 of the Gambling Community Benefit Fund is now open. Grants of up to $100,000 are up for grabs to assist not for profits deliver services and assist natural disaster recovery efforts. Grants close July 18, 2025.
POLICE AND CRIME.
We have added 283 police officers to the frontline in just six months, and I congratulated another 130 new graduates just last week. According to the latest QPS data stolen cars are down 16 per cent and break and enters are down 13 per cent. Jack ‘s Law has been expanded and made permanent and has resulted in 3,000 arrests, 1,100 weapons removed and 115,000 wanding scans conducted. More police and stronger laws are crucial for a safer community.
Please do not hesitate to contact my Electorate Office on 5406 7900 or at ninderry@parliament.qld.gov.au, if you need assistance on any state related matters. Be sure to follow my socials to keep up to date.
SOPHISTICATED RURAL LIVING AWAITS
ESCAPE to elegance, space, and serenity at 84 Middle Creek Road, a fully renovated lifestyle sanctuary where high-end design meets premium country living. Set on a beautifully landscaped parcel in the heart of Federal, this exceptional property delivers luxury without compromise — perfect for families, entertainers, creatives, or tradies dreaming big.
Inside, 4 generous bedrooms promise comfort and style, including a breathtaking master retreat with a resort-style double ensuite. The home is a showcase of thoughtful craftsmanship, featuring a designer kitchen with
DaVinci Blanco Smartstone benchtops, Westinghouse 5-burner oven, and bespoke cabinetry by Kitchens of Noosa. Luxe finishes, plantation shutters, sensor lighting, and energy-efficient upgrades complete the picture.
Step outdoors to your own private oasis - an 11m x 8m pool with swim-up bar, fire pit zone framed by Akoya timber, a motorbike track by RIDE MORE, and lush gardens filled with tropical birch and mature jacarandas. Entertain or unwind in absolute style.
Tradies and home business owners will love the monumental 4-bay Colorbond shed with electric roller doors, hobbie
Cooroy Food
bay, and caravan-height clearance. With over 80,000L of water storage, full irrigation, 3-phase power, and extensive stormwater systems and bore, this property is as practical as it is stunning. Just minutes from the Bruce Highway and under 40 minutes to Noosa’s worldclass beaches, this is the dream lifestyle – ready now and optionally furnished. Don’t miss this rare opportunity. Luxury rural living starts here. Book your inspection today.
ESCAPE the busy-ness of city life and immerse yourself in the peace and calm of this beautiful property. It offers an amazing opportunity to acquire 48 lush acres in the heart of the Noosa Hinterland. Space, infrastructure and the beauty and richness of the land make this property ideal for those who want to live close to nature without sacrificing access to town. Conveniently 10 minutes to Cooroy, 30 minutes to Noosa, and 1.5 hours to Brisbane.
The main residence is a spacious and
modern four-bedroom home featuring an additional self-contained studio under the same roofline—perfect for guests or extended family. The openplan design invites in natural light and panoramic views through large, panelled windows and glass sliding doors, while the contemporary kitchen with a walk-in pantry flows seamlessly into generous indoor and outdoor entertaining areas. The home boasts a solar-heated magnesium pool, air conditioning, ceiling fans, and a Solarhart hot water system for sustainable living. Outside, the property
A QUEENSLANDER MADE FOR MEMORIES
STEP into a home where timeless charm meets relaxed living—an elevated Queenslander on a generous 1,510sqm block just a short walk from the heart of Cooroy.
From the moment you ascend the front stairs, you’ll feel the warmth and welcome of this character-filled home. The classic front verandah, drenched in morning sun, invites quiet moments with a coffee. A stained-glass door hints at the craftsmanship within, where high ceilings, polished timber floors and ornate archways bring old-world elegance to everyday life.
Inside, a light-filled lounge flows into a generous dining room, leading seamlessly to a breathtaking rear deck. Designed for entertaining, this expansive covered space features chandeliers, plenty of room for long lunches, BBQs and quiet drinks under the stars
is fully equipped for both lifestyle and productivity, with an electric gated entrance, sealed driveway, multiple powered sheds, and dual living potential. Infrastructure includes 7 dams (one with a pump), 5 paddocks, 2 stock yards, an orchard and vegetable garden, plus 2 chook yards. Water is abundant with 10 x 5000-gallon tanks, a running creek, and advanced filtration systems. Energy needs are met with a solar system and dual 8kW batteries. This is a rare opportunity to secure a private, versatile estate with space, infrastructure, and charm in equal measure. Don’t miss the chance to experience this incredible property—contact Bodie Weir on 0434 718 052 to arrange your private inspection today.
Price: Offers Invited
7 6 9
Address: 501 Black Mountain Road, Black Mountain Agent: Bodie Weir
Weir & Co. Real Estate Phone: 0434 718 052
STYLISH DESIGN, MODERN LIVING ABODE
Three spacious bedrooms include a master suite with ensuite, while two open onto the front verandah. A separate home office offers a peaceful space to work or create. The kitchen blends beauty and function with a stone island, modern appliances and ample storage.
Under the house you’ll find a third toilet, laundry, workshop, studio, storage and secure parking. A side carport and fully fenced yard add to the practicality. Lush gardens, raised veggie beds, and a firepit create an inviting outdoor sanctuary. With solar hot water, NBN, a rainwater tank, and town services, modern comfort meets timeless style. This is a home filled with heart, where every detail invites you to slow down, connect, and stay a while. A true Cooroy gem.
Price: Offers Considered
3 2 2
Address: 10 Cedar Street, Cooroy Agent: Alisa Wythes Hinternoosa
Phone: 0415 111 370
SET on a 604sqm block, this contemporary residence makes a bold first impression with its striking skillion roofline and timber front door—an unmistakable statement of quality and style.
Inside, the cleverly designed layout offers spacious, light-filled living and dining areas that flow effortlessly, making entertaining and everyday life a breeze. At the centre of the home, the sleek kitchen is both functional and stylish, featuring a 900mm gas/electric cooker, walk-in pantry, ample storage, and a generous island bench—ideal for casual meals or gathering with friends. Four well-sized bedrooms offer flexibility for families or those working from home. The main suite is a peaceful retreat with walk-in robe and contemporary ensuite. A stylish main bathroom with a freestanding bath
and oversized shower completes the picture.
Glass sliders open to a covered timber deck that looks out to distant bushland—an ideal spot for morning coffee or a quiet evening drink, surrounded by nature.
With clean architectural lines and a clutter-free design, this home combines modern elegance with lowmaintenance living. The gently sloping, fully fenced yard includes easy-care gardens and room to add a pool or extend.
Ideally located on the eastern side of Cooroy in a family-friendly neighbourhood, it’s within walking distance to schools, shops, transport, library and cafés.
Contact us to register your interest and receive the information booklet.
THIS well-maintained low-set brick home offers the perfect setting for family living, just minutes from Cooroy. Featuring four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and multiple living areas, there’s ample space for everyone - both inside and out.
The home boasts both formal and informal living spaces, along with a newly renovated kitchen equipped with gas and electric cooking appliances and generous storage on either side of the large central bench. Step outside to a spacious new outdoor entertaining area, complete with a flyover roof - ideal for year -round relaxation and gatherings. A brand new 6.6kw solar system with 15 panels has also been installed on the house.
The air-conditioned master bedroom includes a walk-through robe, ensuite, and an additional built-in wardrobe. Three more well-sized bedrooms, all with built-in robes, are conveniently located near the main bathroom and internal laundry, which provides direct access to the double lock-up garage.
A standout feature is the 10x6m Colourbond shed, which includes a separate rodent-proof office and its own concrete driveway-perfect for boats, caravans, or a home workshop. Additional features include 30,000 gallons of rainwater storage, beautifully landscaped gardens, and dual driveways with side access.
Situated on a level, ¾ acre flood-free block with plenty of room for a pool, this property offers an exceptional lifestyle close to bushwalking trails, parks, schools and shops. Located just 6 minutes from Cooroy and approximately 20 minutes to Noosa, it combines the best of peaceful rural living with convenient coastal access.
50. Grew old
52. Slights
54. School market
55. Long tales
56. Desires greatly
57. Dress ribbon
60. Periods
62. Open wounds
65. Birthright
67. Unprincipled person
69. More senior
70. Prevents, ... from
72. Mobile phone chip, ... card
73. Unrefined
75. Other way round, vice ...
77. Bloodshot (eyes)
79. Snap (fingers)
81. Owing
82. Brown in pan
84. Trifled
85. Part with cash
86. Is compelled
87. Manage 88. Holler
1. Solid 2. Mimicking 3. Post-babyboomers, ... X
4. Invitation
footnote (1,1,1,1)
5. Buildings defacer
6. Understated 7. Information 8. Trivial lie 9. Make reparation 10. Jug
With over 18 years in real estate and five generations of local knowledge behind him, Bodie Weir is a trusted authority in rural property. Born and raised in the region, Bodie brings more than just industry expertise—he brings a deep understanding of the land, the lifestyle, and the people who call it home.
At Weir & Co, we specialise in rural and lifestyle properties, delivering tailored strategies and exceptional results for every client. Our reputation is built on local insight, integrity, and a consistent track record of success.
We endeavour to create an honest and transparent real estate experience with a promise to the community to always follow through on our word and be the voice you can trust.
If you value professionalism, reliability, indepth knowledge, and results that speak for themselves, there’s only one name to call.
