Cooroora connect colour feb 2014

February 2014

An Initiative of Pomona & District Community House Inc.

Pomona skate park extension a winner

Pomona’s new skate park extension has been receiving a workout and rave reviews from users since it was completed before Christmas using the last of the discretionary funding available to Cr Tony Wellington as Sunshine Coast Council’s Division 12 councillor.

cil’s newly-appointed Project Officer, was on hand for the official opening, which was attended by about 60 participants and on-lookers.

“The job went to plan, but it was difficult to get it done in time,” Dallas said.

A Ballina-based company, Oasis Skate Parks, completed the design to the council brief. Landcon was the successful contractor.

Now a Noosa Council elected representative, Cr Wellington was on hand for the official opening of the skate park last month when a Trinity Skate Parks team put young ‘grommets’ through their paces on the park’s curves, ramps and chicanes. Pomona and District Community House He thanked Pomona youth who had insought Cr Wellington’s put into the design and said the park was help to bring skaters’ attracting serious skateboard enthusiasts plans to fruition after from as far away as Sunshine Beach. Cer- they approached Comtainly, the new facility is attracting much munity House for guidlarger numbers across all age groups. ance and assistance toThe new skate park configuration, which wards having a more cost $60,000, has received the thumbs-up challenging skate park from users. experience.

A beaming Dallas Brickley, Noosa Coun-

Above Left : Young boys eager to learn skateboarding and (above) an older exponent of the sport.

Below: Winners of the competitions on opening day.

Back to school in pictures – See page 8 Pomona Community House - Keeping You in Touch With Your Community

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Pomona & District Community House invites you to an

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY MORNING TEA

Blooming success

Come and be inspired by three wonderful local women. Hear what ‘Healthy, Wealthy & Wise’ means to them and stories that have led them to where they are now.

Sandy Bolton Councillor, Noosa Shire

Ellen Leape Former Matron, Cooroy Hospital

Andrea Kirwin Local singer/songwriter Date: Saturday 8th March 2014 Time: 10.00am - Midday Venue: Pomona Memorial Hall, Reserve St. Cost: $15.00 - includes Morning Tea

ENTERTAINMENT BY ANDREA KIRWIN BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL Ph: 5485 2427 Wayne Voss and Shaylene Brock with their winning trophy

Pomona Anglican Church Located @ Old Masonic Lodge 9 Station Street, Pomona

0412 909 156 CHURCH IS FOR EVERYONE

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Sunday 7:30am Communion Service

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YOU WILL BE MOST WELCOME

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Pomona Anglican Church Cnr Memorial Ave & Rectory St, Pomona Parish office: 5485 1218

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Rev Gillian Moses 2

Cooroora Connect

Meditation & Sound Healing Tuesday’s 10 am & 6.30 pm Yoga Wednesday 6pm - 7.30 pm Sound & Crystal Healing Intuitive Massage (23 years experience) Energy Work (Reiki, Holistic Pulsing etc.)

Sound Baths for full moon - families welcome Come & Receive sacred sound.

School garden judged the best in Australia Pomona State School students have generated national recognition for our community through their enthusiasm for a special sensory garden learning hub that has been judged Gardening Australia magazine’s community garden of the year for 2013.

The garden, an outdoor learning area, uses tactile experiences to shape emotional and social development among students as part of a wider ‘kids matter’ strategy.

experiential thinking and for the quiet space of reflection. All age groups of students enjoy the garden. Students are supervised and respect the garden as a significant place for learning, and experience of nature.

It supports the school ‘expectations statement’ – care for self, others, learning and the environment.

At lunchtime, garden club volunteers water, plant and mulch under the supervision of a teacher assistant. Among the volunteers are some students who are less able to settle in class and who may experience difficulties with interactions.

It is a marvellous addition to the school.

The garden and the philosophy behind its creation is featured in the January issue of the popular ABC magazine. The Cooroora Connect featured the garden in its September 2013 issue.

THANKS: Brian Doyle, of the Pomona Hotel, who used his professional filming skills to produce a DVD of the Pomona in the Park presentation by local schoolchildren. Copies are available at the school.

Confirmation of the ABC award and its associated $4000 cash prize is especially satisfying for the garden’s instigators, Shaylene Brock, and her partner, Wayne Voss, the school’s facilities officer. With the strong support of the wider school community, local businesses and volunteers, the garden cost just $3000.

The Sunshine Coast Council contributed resources and some parents donated money.

Whereas the mobile library used to visit Pomona every Thursday and Saturday, from 27 January the new operating schedule requires the library to call on a Saturday only, from 8.30am to 2pm.

Mobile operating hours change for other villages also, the council website reveals.

Boreen Point’s mobile library day switches from Saturday afternoon to Thursday afternoon (1.30pm to 4pm).

The mobile library will continue to park outside the Cooran general store every Wednesday, from 9.15am to 11.30am.

Australia’s Community Garden for 2013 is located in the grounds of Pomona State School.

Hairolicious 25 Factory Street, Pomona Phone 5485 0120

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Changes to the Noosa Council library service for hinterland communities mean that the mobile library visitations to Pomona will reduce from two to one day a week, although opening hours will be extended.

At Kin Kin, the mobile library will continue to visit every Thursday. The separate adult and children’s library hours have gone, replaced by all-in access between 9.30am and noon. A one-hour reduced service (10.30am to 11.30am) applies during school holidays.

The prize money ‘profit’ would be used to expand the produce garden, Shaylene said. She thanked supporters of the garden for helping to realise a dream seven years in the making.

Teachers observe students taking on new challenges in the garden. They can play with a large chess set; there are opportunities for cognitive and

Mobile library change cuts visiting days

Federal’s mobile library day and hours remain the same – Wednesdays between 1.30pm and 3.30pm.

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2/3 Station St, Pomona Ph: 5485 2128 3

Editorial

A year for optimism The seasonal tradition is to wish friends and those we meet a happy and prosperous New Year. For Pomona and surrounding Noosa Hinterland towns, there are strong reasons for assuming the wish will become reality in 2014.

Real estate agents are reporting stronger interest in the local property market, the town centre will be enhanced with a start on the new Pomona fire station in March, while Pomona Community House is to become an access point for Centrelink services in a move that is likely to attract more people to the town to shop and do business. A younger generation is enjoying an extended skate park, courtesy of Cr Tony Wellington, while planning is underway for a community garden in Station Street.

Progress can be expected on a men’s shed, hopefully in the old fire station. At least three new businesses have established themselves in the past two months.

The best news – and the development that will have lasting benefit for the hinterland – is the reinstatement of our own Noosa Council after a determined campaign to have control over our local government affairs. A council operating independently of the Sunshine Coast Council will ensure our Noosa lifestyle and way of doing things is preserved and strengthened. Congratulations to our new mayor and councillors.

Within days of the new council meeting for the first time on 2nd January, its undertaking to improve the level of service to ratepayers was evident as work crews mowed and preened the roadside verges and parks. More complex is deciding what remediation works are required to reduce the effects of flooding on Pomona. The once-in-a-generation flood that hit the town in 2012 had a physical and psychological impact from which we are only just recovering.

Throughout 2014, we can look forward to the economic spinoffs of the spending power of people working on the Bruce Highway upgrade – the biggest infrastructure project for our region. The prospect of Pomona being linked to the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane by a continuous freeway standard road is another reason for optimism.

Following the successful Night of Lights event late last year, a new round of community celebrations and activities is set to roll out, including the King of the Mountain weekend in July and what, most likely, will be a much bigger Great Noosa Trail Walk.

On an historic note, 2014 marks 125 years since railway workers completed the task of building the North Coast railway line between Brisbane and Gympie. The joining of the tracks occurred at Cooran – no doubt a cause for celebration in that community.

All in all, it is shaping up as a good 2014.

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Centrelink to In a major boost to services available to the community, Pomona and District Community House (PCH) will become an access point for Centrelink services provided by the federal Department of Human Services.

PCH and the department are finalising a partnership agreement that will make it easier for people living in the Noosa Hinterland to complete basic Centrelink and Medicare transactions without having to travel to larger towns.

PCH office manager, Brian Lawson, said the Department of Human Services had agreed to pay $4000 so that Community House could provide the facilities for Centrelink clients to contact the department about benefits and services.

“These transactions will be facilitated by Community House staff and volunteers but will not be undertaken by them.”

“Some building modifications are required for services to be provided for departmental clients,” Brian said.

“We first suggested this type of service be provided from PCH in 2004.

These new arrangements strengthen our long association with the department, which has included providing placements for the Work for the Dole Scheme, the Green Army and the Community Jobs Plan.

Many of those involved have gained confidence and used the skills obtained to undertake fulltime jobs,” Brian said.

Once the service becomes fully operational, Department of Human Services clients and the general public will be able to visit Community House for the following services: 

Centrelink/Medicare forms and brochures;

New Lions Club members inducted

Above: New members inducted into the Cooroy-Pomona Lions Club are (left to right) Russell Fingleton (sponsored by Con Bleyerveld), Allira Shephard (sponsored by David Hateley-James) Bill Kelleher, Kathy Kelleher and Joanne Hull.

Currently the club has 20 hardworking and dedicated members assisting the community and raising funds for worthwhile causes. Meetings are held on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 7pm at the clubhouse, while dinner meetings are conducted on the fourth Wednesday of each month, starting at 7pm. For further information phone, David Hateley-James on 0414833509.

Cooroora Connect

open Pomona outlet  a dedicated free telephone link to the Centrelink call network;  facsimile and photocopy facilities so that customers can forward material to Centrelink, or use for other related uses (such as fax a job resume);  Medicare phone claims and reply-paid envelopes for customers to forward receipts in support of claims.

Community House staff and volunteers can sight and photocopy proof of identity documents for Centrelink customers so that they do not have to send original documents in the mail to support

claims.

This activity complements a Justice of the Peace access service al-

ready provided at PCH Monday am and Friday pm.

PCH president, Dawn Gwynne said the new arrangements with the Department of Human Services, once implemented, would enhance the Community House charter of providing a wide range of services that strengthen the hinterland community.

Dawn thanked the department for displaying its faith in PCH’s ability to service Commonwealth clients.

She asked that people using this service remember the staff and volunteers at PCH are not employed by Centrelink and will only be able to assist with Centrelink equipment. They will be unable to answer questions regarding Centrelink requirements or procedures.

Dawn said confidentiality for all clients is assured.

The services will be available Monday to Friday during the hours of 9am to 4pm.

Financial boost for Noosa Show Society An essential Queensland rural tradition – the annual country show – is being kept alive through Queensland Government supporting grants, the state Member for Noosa, Glen Elmes, says.

Mr Elmes has confirmed that the Eumundi Park Recreational and Showgrounds Association and the Pomonabased Noosa Agricultural, Horticultural and Industrial Society will share almost $20,000 in grants during 2014.

“The money has been allocated through a program designed to ensure that communities throughout Queensland continue to host their local signature events. Each local show lets us showcase what we can do, as well as provide entertainment for all the family,” Mr Elmes said.

Every year, more than 130 agricultural shows are staged throughout Queensland. More than half are held in areas savaged during last year’s floods.

POMONA MEDICAL CENTRE 5 Factory St, Pomona PHONE (07) 5485 1177 FAX (07) 5485 2047 Allied Health Services include:    

Opening hours are: Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm Saturday 8am to 12pm Early Blood Collection available from 7.30am to 8am on Mon/Tues/Thur/Fri

Current After Hours is provided through 0408 713 395

Physiotherapist Dietitian Exercise Physiologist Podiatry

Nursing services include:  Diabetic care,  Retinography,  Medical health checks

Doctors are: Dr Maura Harvey, Dr Belinda Hanley, Dr Kara James Dr Erin Baynes, Dr Yoko Yamauchi

Pomona Community House - Keeping You in Touch With Your Community

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Cooroora Connect

New committee will steer Pomona Arts Inc. Pomona Arts Inc., which manages three cherished institutions – the Majestic Theatre, the Pomona Railway Station Art Gallery and the popular Pomona markets – has a new committee and a busy agenda following its annual general meeting last month. the Majestic Theatre’s audio Robyn Jones, an office bearer visual requirements. of the association since 1996, with only a four-year break from 2007 to 2011, is the new president, replacing Shaun Walsh, whose stringent career demands meant he needed to relinquish the post.

Shaun will remain a Pomona Arts Inc. member and will act as a consultant to the incoming committee.

The new committee members are Margaret Scott, Linley Falloon (formerly Midgely) and Rebecca van Straaten.

Margaret, who has spent most of her working life in cinemas in various roles, is the new secretary. Linley was a Noosa councillor who gave Pomona Arts Inc. considerable assistance with its first building project, the art gallery in the former Pomona railway station building.

is well under way, but with 700 pipes to be installed and tuned, a lot of work remains.

“The end result for the Majestic will be the addition of a magnificent 1937 original Compton Organ, one of only three theatre pipe organs in Queensland.” The organ beThe art gallery has been ing installed at the theatre painted and essential mainte- belonged to the late Blair LinLong-term gallery artist and nance carried out under the nett and was kindly donated volunteer, Alan Falls, contin- direction of Wendy Catlin. by the Linnett family -- Mark, ues in the role of treasurer, as Wendy and her large team of Ella and Graeme. well as being president of the enthusiastic volunteers and “Malcolm Prenderville, who artists are doing a fantastic Hinterland Art Group Inc., runs a professional sound and which is based at the Pomona job,” Robyn said. audio business, has begun an gallery. Also on the commit- Duncan and Lesley Matthews upgrade of backstage, techtee are Renae Suttie, talented continue to manage the Ponical items and the green jazz singer and show manag- mona Country Markets, room, starting with the green which regularly attracts 80 er, and Tricia Ashton, the room being painted green! managing director of a Singa- stallholders.

He is doing this voluntarily Robyn said Valentino’s Resporean company and music and we are most grateful,” taurant and chef Brad had lover.

Robyn said. become an integral part of President Robyn Jones said Within the theatre grounds, theatre operation. “Catering she appreciated the support has been very successful and mature trees donated by Linof a revitalized committee the food is wonderful and of ley and Brian Falloon will be and loved the forward direc- high quality. Brad and his planted, following a landtion of the Majestic Theatre . staff are a pleasure to work scape plan drawn by Architect Tim Ditchfield. with.”

“Community members have The immediate challenge for come forward, offering a very “The garden will add a whole the theatre, and the most diverse range of skills, sernew dimension and potential vices and practical help. This exciting, is the installation of to the theatre.” the Linnett Compton Organ will open new doors for the Majestic and will increase its and organ chamber under the professionalism and produc- watchful eyes of John Brooks tivity significantly,” she said. and Don Clark. “Installation The theatre has a new on-line booking system, trybooking, recommended by Shaun Walsh and installed by

Those who have noticed a dramatic improvement in the Pomona Arts Inc. promotional material and website should recognise the work of Rebecca van Straaten of Design Divaz. Her son, Sam, has Rebecca van Straaten. been extremely helpful with

EXHIBITION WITH A DIFFERENCE An eclectic mix of artwork by different artists displaying a variety of styles and technique is attracting compliments and numbers at the Pomona Gallery Railway Station carriage room.

The exhibition, by the Monarch Road Artists group, features the creativity of current and past students of John Lodge. Members of the group meet at least once a week at John’s home and studio to practise the skills and technique of oil painting.

Their exhibition opened last month and will be on display until 13 February 2014. More information, 5485 2950.

Pomona Community House - Keeping You in Touch With Your Community

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It’s back to school for many, first day for others In anticipation and with perhaps a touch of trepidation, new starters began at schools across the region late last month.

There were few tears as most students quickly made new friends and explored the surroundings of their classrooms and playground.

Shown here the faces of year one students at the Pomona State School.

Card Making & Papercraft Classes Demonstrator - Michelle

A creative morning. Create 3 cards using the latest exciting products from Stampin’ Up!.

Cost $20.00 for 3 cards

Pomona Community House has formed the

(Free catalogue for new attendees)

Contact Michelle 0407934852 or

‘Community crop ‘n’ colour crew ’ team for

The World’s Greatest Shave (or colour!)

You can support us:  Join the team for a $20 donation  Help us raise our goal of $2000 via donations  Donate $500 and Brian Lawson will shave off his 40 yr old moustache!

email shellmarked@bigpond.com

Hear guest speakers & be part of the fun Community Connect Morning Tea, 10am Wednesday 12th March, Lawson Shed

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Cooroora Connect

Saturday 1 March Time: 1pm - 3pm Where: Lawson Shed Pomona Community House 1 Memorial Ave, Pomona

Big plans for Pomona Secondary Campus in 2015 As Queensland schools transition Year 7 students to high schools in 2015, plans have been revealed for an expansion of the Noosa District High School’s Pomona Campus to accommodate around 400 pupils in years 7 and 8.

All year 9 students will enrol at the Cooroy campus from next year, allowing the Pomona campus to become a dedicated junior secondary school.

New buildings and facilities will be developed to cater to the larger numbers and their special educational needs.

Noosa District State High School principal, Chris Roff, said the school’s current management and leadership structures would be adapted this year to allow implementation of the new arrangements in 2015.

While big changes are planned for the Noosa District High School Pomona Campus next year it’s the case of hard study for these students, Fraser, Ryan, Bodie, Alex and Wilson.

“Junior secondary students will be encouraged and supported to develop their own group identity within the wider high school. This will involve dedicat“Dedicated teachers experienced in teaching young adolescents will lead the ed school areas and events,” Chris said.

Junior Secondary (department), sup“We will meet the social and emotional ported by the principal and administra- needs of junior secondary students, with tion team,” Chris said. a strong focus on pastoral care. This will “Some will be current primary teachers include fewer teachers covering the curinterested in switching to the secondary riculum so that stronger teacherstudent relationships can be nurtured. sector and who will undertake profesWe will be encouraging high-level parsional development activities in 2014. ent partnerships in developing processes

and procedures around the new model,” he said.

The transitional arrangements have been refined following a series of meetings with parents of students in years four to six at feeder primary schools across the hinterland. It culminated in an open day in November at Pomona, where the proposed new changes were explained.

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Pomona Community House - Keeping You in Touch With Your Community

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Cooroora Connect

Get ready for return of the annual kerbside bulk rubbish collection

Free holiday bus travel for Noosa residents and visitors continues

Start sorting those bulky items that you want to discard, Noosa’s popular annual kerbside clean-up is set to return later this year.

Last month, Noosa Council decided that the popular bulk rubbish collection, stopped when the Sunshine Coast Regional Council subsumed Noosa, be reinstated.

As the effects of a return to local council control continue, the committee has also referred a full report to council recommending a further eight days of free public bus travel for Noosa residents and visitors during what is likely to be a bumper Easter holiday season, from Monday 14 April to Easter Monday, 21 April.

during peak holiday periods.

Previously, buses were free over the four days of Easter, but this will be extended to eight days in 2014.

The hinterland’s Route 632 – between Noosa Junction and Cooran via Cooroy and Pomona – is among the services that will be free, during that period.

In 2010, 16,500 people travelled for free on the five Noosa bus routes and additional shuttle services to car parks during the Easter period.

Across the hinterland, the collections will occur progressively during May and June, the council’s Infrastructure and Services Committee has resolved.

recycling services will be covered, the maximum allowable volume of waste shall be three cubic metres and dangerous items such as certain chemicals, oil, tyres, gas bottles, asbestos and sheet glass will not be collected. All loose rubbish must be boxed for ease of handling.

The choice of dates for the special collection fall outside the storm and cyclone seasons, as well as scheduled holidays where the visitor experience The bulk rubbish collection serwould be impacted by the vice stopped in 2008, resulting in sight of rubbish piled on footan increase in the incidence of paths, awaiting pick-up. illegal dumping across the Noosa region, according to a report On Friday 6 May it’s the turn considered by committee mem- of Boreen Point, Cootharaba, bers.

Louis Bazzo Drive and Strat-

The free holiday public transport concept was conceived by the original Noosa Council as a traffic congestion reduction measure

Travel on buses in the Sunshine Coast Council area will continue to be paid for. Free buses will operate on Routes 626, 627, 628, 629 and 632 (Noosa Junction-Cooran).

Costs will be met from the transport levy included in council rates.

The reinstatement of the service ford Park.. will be on the same basis as beSaturday 7 June is the schedule fore 2008. bulk rubbish collection day for Black Mountain, Cudgerie Only domestic premises with Estate, Cooroy West, Pomona, Cooran and Kin Kin.

Exceptional service award

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**Open Sunday **

The contribution volunteers make to our various community organisations is worthy of recognition.

None is more worthy than Jim Austin, the immediate past president of the Cooroy Pomona Lions Club. For years, Jim has been a club

stalwart and chair of The Pomona King Of The Mountain Committee.

Above: Lions District Governor, Delwyn Hallett (right), presents Jim Austin with the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award for outstanding service to the community.

Opening Hours:Sun to Wed10am-4pm Thurs to Sat 9am-4pm Closed Tuesday Shop 2/14 Reserve St, Pomona

Pomona Community House - Keeping You in Touch With Your Community

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Council signals revamp for Noosa Biosphere The Noosa Council has resolved to reshape the Noosa Biosphere Reserve management arrangements in order to maximise the potential for community involvement in its projects, activities and initiatives.

A Noosa Biosphere Reserve working group comprising the mayor, Noel Playford, and councillors Bob Abbot, Frank Pardon and Tony Wellington has been formed to conduct the review and to consult the community about structure, objectives and outcomes, as well as the values that will underpin the Noosa Biosphere management structure.

Mayor Playford said the council’s aim was to maximise the levels of commu-

nity participation and the effectiveness of the Biosphere Reserve outcomes for the community of Noosa. “The new council has been elected on a platform of community participation in decision making and the Biosphere Reserve management is seen to be a crucial vehicle to achieving that outcome,” he said.

Noosa Biosphere Limited is a councilowned company. Its current administrative model, involving committees and boards responsible for different aspects of environment, economy, tourism and culture was put in place more than five years ago, immediately before establishment of the Sunshine Coast super council.

Cr Playford said the re-establishment of the Noosa Council meant that a review of the biosphere management structure and corporate objectives was timely.

“The process we have established will help to define and clarify the vision, objectives and preferred outcomes for the Biosphere Reserve and will also broaden the level of community involvement towards an enhanced focus on the community’s aspirations for a sustainable future.

“The working group will undertake community consultation with key stakeholders including, but not limited to, the current Noosa Biosphere Limited board members and members of the Community Sector Boards, Cr Playford said.

POMONA PACERS STRIDE OUT IN STYLE

By Assunta Easton Congratulations to the pixies of Pomona who have made our town look so cheerful and colourful with their yarn bombing. I was particularly impressed with the trees in front of the Community House. We had a photo taken in front of them (see right).

Hopefully, everyone has survived the Christmas break with the addition of just a kilo or two to try to get rid of. One way to do this is by joining a Heart Foundation Walking Group.

Our daily walks start at 6.30am in front of the Pomona Community House on weekdays. We look for shady areas to walk while it is so hot.

Our next Moon Walk will be on Wednesday, February 19 and 19 March. Meet in front of the Pomona Community House at 5.45 pm to travel together for a meal at Tewantin, followed by a walk along the Noosa River. Contact Assunta on 5485 2935.

Partners In Recovery Partners in Recovery (PIR) aims to support people with severe and persistent mental illness and their carers/families to:   

 

Make informed choices about the services and supports they need on their recovery journey Access the services and supports they need Support the services/organisations involved to cut through the red tape and barriers that prevent people having their needs met Identify any barriers to accessing services and work with the community to address these Work with the community to identify practical solutions where a need cannot be met

Contact us on 1300 747 724 Check out our website for more information:

www.partnersinrecovery.scg.org.au Partners In Recovery is an Australian Government initiative 12

Cooroora Connect

Time to celebrate International Women’s Day International Women’s Day will be celebrated in Pomona with a morning tea where three inspirational women will give their personal perspective on ‘Healthy, Wealthy and Wise’.

Guest speakers are Councillor Sandy Bolton; former matron at the Noosa Hospital, Cooroy, and local JP, Ellen Leape; and well-known local singersongwriter, Andrea Kirwin.

Help for people with mental health issues

Across the world, International Women’s Day celebrates the achievements of women while promoting continued positive change.

The venue in Pomona is the Pomona Memorial Hall. The event will start at 10am on Saturday 8 March. The cost is $15 per person and bookings are essential for catering purposes (phone 5485 2427).

Community Engagement Coordinator, Kathryn Shewring said that the morning tea is an opportunity to hear the stories of these strong women and find out more about their passions and motivations.

Andrea Kirwin will also entertain with songs and music.

See page 2 for further details.

AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY COMING TO COOROY

Those suffering from mental illness, or who are carers of someone with mental health disorders, can turn to a locally-based service for guidance and help.

Partners In Recovery offers support and services tailored to an individual’s own circumstances – one size does not fit all.

A great chance for local businesses to get a bird’s eye look at their property!

Mental illness is something that affects us all, directly or indirectly. According to a recent Bureau of Statistics survey, 20 per cent of the Australian population aged between 16 and 80 experienced a mental disorder in the 12 months prior to the survey being conducted.

Hypervision Television productions are coming to the area filming “low altitude” Aerial photographs and video footage in and around town over the next 4 months.

Hypervision have been supplying cost effective media and publicity resources to hundreds of national clients for over 30 years.

This presents a great opportunity for local businesses, councils or property owners in the nearby area to jump on the band wagon (or Helicopter) and get some amazing images (or video) at a fraction of the normal cost.

Co-operative aerial production is a great way to make expensive visual resources much more affordable. This is a great opportunity!

Partners In Recovery can help people discover how their mental health needs can be met, then offers support while working at a pace that suits those involved. The good news is that the service is provided locally across the Sunshine Coast and up to Gympie.

The current schedule will see them filming locally between December and April.

Anyone can refer to Partners In Recovery. People can refer themselves or with someone’s consent, you can refer someone on their behalf.

Partners In Recovery can be contacted on a toll-free phone number, 1300 747 724.

Normally it might cost over $1000 to order a single aerial shot, but while in town, an image can be down around $60 each.

If you would like to be involved in the filming, or would just like some more information, register your interest via the web site or contact the producer, David Hancock direct on 0411 711 770.

Web: www.hypervision.com.au Email: images@hypervision.com.au

AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY

Tourism Real Estate Weddings

Councils Farms Residential

Companies Houseboats Livestock

Real estate agent enquiries welcome

Pomona Community House - Keeping You in Touch With Your Community

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opened on Thursday, November 29, and is being conducted by local market research firm Boardroom Business. Responses will be processed in a way that honours the privacy of participants and protects the information provided.

“We are eager to get an understanding of the scale, challenges and opportunities facing home-based businesses,” said CCIQ Noosa past president, Carl Beck, in one of his last official duties before standing down in December.

“The survey is open to any home-based business on the They have combined to develop a home-based business Sunshine Coast. However, there is a particular focus on survey that, hopefully, will strengthen community sup- the Noosa and hinterland regions,” he said. port and understanding of this specialised business sec- To find out more: tor. www.noosachamber.com The anonymous survey

hand

furniture, bric-a-brac, kitchenware, etc for The Community Op Shop Free pickup available 1 Memorial Ave Pomona

Home-based businesses are an essential and welcoming part of the Noosa economy, but little is known about the sector or what issues are important to participants, many of whom operate in isolation.

That is about to change, thanks to an initiative of the Chamber of Commerce & Industry Qld, Noosa and the Noosa Boardroom, which believes the home-based business community will benefit from tailored economic development programs and strategies that will support business growth in the region.

DONATIONS WANTED nd

Home-based business survey will determine targeted help strategy

Ph: 5485 0206

CLOSURE MEANS BOOST FOR POMONA CLUB

A Touch of the Past Antiques

*Antiques* *Gifts* *Flowers* *Jewellery* 5 Reserve Street, Pomo- *Teddy Heaven* na Ph: 5485 1883 Homemade Cakes Lunches

Coffee Shop

The closure of the Cooroy Bowls Club restaurant and the pending sale of its clubhouse and green could result in a boost in membership for the Pomona Bowls Club. “While we are not actively chasing their members, we would welcome them with open arms,” said chair of the Pomona club, Patrick Gray-Spence.

He said the Pomona club was financially viable and was looking at ways to increase the number of tournaments and games. “We are not the Rockerfellers here, but we are not in debt either,” Patrick said.

Currently the Pomona Bowls Club has 55 male bowlers, 38 women players and a substantial social membership of more than 500. Noosa Heads Bowls Club is also closing down, with many of its members likely to go to the NoosaTewantin club.

Morning Melodies Luncheon Open 7 Days 7am to 5pm

Group Bookings Available

11am - 1pm Tewantin 26 February Noosa “Old Time Rock N Roll” RSL Bus for Hinterland Residents

26 March Easter Show

PH: 5447 1766 14

Cooroora Connect

Grey nomads discover Pomona’s little secret If you thought there were more caravans, recreation vehicles and visitors passing through Pomona over the Christmas holidays, you would be right.

The number of people staying at the Pomona Caravan Park and showground has doubled in the past 18 months, according to manager Keith Haining.

The trend is likely to continue, as word of mouth and internet chat rooms get the message out about the Pomona park’s location, facilities and friendly atmosphere.

More and more ‘grey nomads’ are visit-

ing Pomona, but backpackers are a growing market for the town, given its position, equidistant from Gympie, Nambour and Noosa Heads.

mona is off the highway, they like our proximity to town and our wonderful outlook to the mountain. Winter is exceptionally busy for us, as people tend “Our patronage is growing as more peo- to stay for up to six weeks.” ple are caravanning and word gets out Keith said backpackers, either camping about our clean park and facilities,” in tents or travelling through in camperKeith said. vans, represented between 10 and 20 per cent of visitor numbers to the Pomona “It is not unusual for someone to come Caravan Park. in here, having heard about Pomona from someone they spoke to in Cairns or somewhere else,” he said.

“The grey nomads like the fact that Po-

A powered caravan site at the park rents for $22 a night, per double, or $140 for a week.

STAR GAZING CAN BE A LOT OF FUN Want to expand your horizons?

Become a member of the Pomona Astronomy Club and the possibilities extend to infinity.

The club meets at the Lawson Shed on the fourth Wednesday of the month, starting at 7.30pm.

Meetings last approximately an hour. You don’t have to have a background in astronomy, or even own a telescope – that is what membership is all about.

You will soon gain a different perspective on the heavens and the night sky. In 2014, several field trips are planned.

To become a member, or to see whether a night among stargazers is for you, phone Jackie Watson on 5485 1767.

PACIFIC CHAMBER PLAYERS CONCERT Sunday 23 February 2PM Cooran Memorial Hall $25, $20 (conc) $15 ea for group of 8 persons, $5 students 15 yrs under

Ph: 5446 8128 website: pacificchamberplayers Pomona Community House - Keeping You in Touch With Your Community

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New council forms committees open to all The new Noosa Council has reverted to the old council’s practice of holding its monthly meetings on a Thursday night to maximise the opportunity for members of the public to attend and witness proceedings. The council chamber has been reconfigured in anticipation, with councillors for a final determination. more public seating installed.

The Infrastructure and Services ComThe council’s ordinary meetings for the mittee members are mayor Noel Playfirst few months of 2014 are planned for ford and councillors Bob Abbot, Sandy 6 February, 6 March, 3 April and 1 May. Bolton and Frank Pardon. The Planning Unless otherwise determined, the and Organisation Committee comprises meetings will be held at the Tewantin councillors Noel Playford, Tony Welchambers, in Pelican Street. lington, Frank Wilkie and Joe Jurisevic.

Three council committees have been In addition, a general committee of the formed to consider business that will go whole council will precede the formal forward to the monthly meeting of all meeting. It will meet next on Monday

31 March, 28 April and 26 May, starting at 10am.

All meetings are open to the public. For a full calendar of council committee and ordinary meetings dates, consult the council website: http://www.noosa.qld.gov.au/ documents/40217326/40227860/2014% 20Meeting%20Calendar.pdf Former mayor of Noosa and the Sunshine Coast, Bob Abbot was elected deputy mayor of the reconstituted council at its first meeting on 2 January 2014.

Get in quick to qualify for 5% rates discount

NOOSA COUNCIL’S NEW WEBSITE

So delighted are ratepayers to have their Noosa Council back that we are inundating its call centre with all manner of queries as we engage staff dedicated to answering all inquiries.

Pay your Noosa Council rates The council has had to employ more call centre staff.

by Friday 14 February to take To avoid delays, mayor Noel Playford suggests that residents advantage of the five per go to the council website first, before picking up the phone. cent discount.

Noosa Council’s website is www.noosa.qld.gov.au. If you Following de-amalgamation must phone, the general inquiries number is 5329 6500. from the Sunshine Coast Council, Noosa Council has decided not to increase rates for the first six months of Conventional Phone: 2014. The council offers sev& Organic 5485 1922 eral ways to pay. Credit card payments may be made over Produce the phone by ringing 131 816.

notice payment slip. The council advises that B-Pay reference numbers will be different to your last rates payment and will need to be changed to ensure rates monies are paid to Noosa Council and not the Sunshine Coast Council.

Alternatively, direct debit facilities are available by contacting the council. For those who set up a direct For those choosing to pay via debit payment with SunB-Pay, call or log on to your shine Coast Council, these participating financial insti- payments have transferred tution and make a payment automatically to Noosa from your nominated savings Council and you do not need to do anything. account or credit card account. Quote the B-Pay details shown on your rates

4 Memorial Avenue, Pomona

SoulVerse Spiritual Centre Meets 1st & 3rd Sunday of Month Pomona Memorial Hall Reserve Street, Pomona 2 - 4 pm Meet & Connect, Free Hugs, Laughter, Meditation Guest Speakers & Guest Singers Fridays @ 10am at Cooran Reverend Ishjana 16

0413038515

   

Mowing Slashing Water Deliveries All Excavation

20 Years Experience

COMPLETE PROPERTY SERVICES

Ph/Fax: 5442 8122 Cooroora Connect

Mobile: Paul 0409 470 399

Get involved through Community House POMONA COMMUNITY HOUSE GROUPS & SERVICES PH: 54852427 COLOUR & BLACKWHITE PRINTING/ COPYING SCANNING INTERNET LAMINATING & FAXING RESUME SERVICE REFERRAL & INFORMATION

CHILD HEALTH CLINIC MONDAY 9.30AM - 12.30PM PH: 5449 5944 MAHJONG WEDNESDAY 1PM - 3.30PM CREATIVE WRITING TUESDAY 9.30AM - 11.30 AM Lawson Shed

ROOM HIRE Pomona Community House & Lawson Shed Contact Heather 5485 2427 Pomona Tennis Club Pomona Showground

Tuesday Social Tennis 9am - 12pm - $2.50 Friday Social Tennis 7pm - $4.50 Thursday Juniors & Beginners 3.15pm-4.15pm Contact Roger 5485 1749

COMPUTER LESSONS Monday

Pomona Astronomy Club (4th Wed Month)

Donation $2 per visit Bookings Essential PH: 5485 2427 Pomona Pixel People @ Lawson Shed 1st/2nd/4th Monday at 7pm-9pm Cost $4 per person Helpful hints on how to use your camera ADVERTISE WITH COOROORA CONNECT

7.30pm to 8.30pm Cost $2 Venue: Lawson Shed Join local enthusiasts.

Contact Cliff - PH 5485 1767 after 7pm

FREE LEGAL ADVICE Fortnightly TUESDAY - 6PM - 7.30PM

PH: 54437827

Ph: 5485 2427 heather@pomonacommunityhouse.com.au

Community Connect On the second Wednesday of every month, starting on Wednesday 12 th March, the Community House will be hosting a “Community Connect” morning tea from 9.30am – 11.00am at the Lawson Shed, Pomona.

“Community Connect” aims to bring people together to meet new people, share times with old friends and to be introduced to some of the amazing and talented people who live in our local community.

We will be inviting speakers (two per event) to come and share with the group … so…we invite you to come out of hiding and share your talents and interests with our community. You may have a passion and interest that you’d like to share, have an enduring hobby, travelled widely and have some slides you’d like to show or run a small business that you’d like to promote.

If you are interested in doing a short presentation to the group (10 – 15mins with questions afterwards), please contact Kathryn Shewring on 5485 2427.

2nd Wednesday of every month.

Light Morning Tea (Coffee, tea, biscuits & cake) Gold coin donation

See page 8 for more details on Shave For A Cure Morning Tea - Wednesday 12 March

Pomona Community House - Keeping You in Touch With Your Community

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Tessa wins gold at Asia-Pacific Special Olympics

Sport

by Virginia Howie

The Special Olympics Asia-Pacific Games was held in Newcastle in December 2013 and was attended by As the Special Olympics Asia Pacific 2,500 athletes from 32 countries Games came to a close, the Special with 400 athletes representing AusOlympics community was saddened tralia across 9 events. to hear of the passing of Nelson The Australian team performed ex- Mandela, the late South African ceptionally well, and they did so in President and international icon for good spirit and with great sportsinclusion, equality and freedom. manship. Tessa Howie, from PomoMandela and his children's foundana, was one of eight athletes selecttion worked with Special Olympics ed from the Sunshine Coast to atfounder Eunice Kennedy Shriver tend the games representing Ausand her organisation to reach out to tralia in the Aquatics event. peo0ple with intellectual disabilities Tessa returned with a gold medal in and their families. the 50m freestyle with a PB, taking In Mandela's words: “Special Olym2.07 seconds off her previous time. pics gives testimony to the indeShe also took the bronze medal in structibility of the human spirit and the 50m backstroke with another PB of our capacity to overcome our and a bronze medal in the 50m relay hardships and our obstacles. event.

“When you attend a Special OlymTessa made many new friends and pics games and watch the sheer joy was treated to some special occaand faces - not just of the athletes, sions such as watching ‘Human Nabut more overwhelmingly among ture’ perform at the opening cerespectators - you begin to realise mony and a wonderful fireworks there is much more at work than display at the street parade and simply athletic competition. open-air closing ceremony on NewIt is a profound statement of inclucastle foreshore. sion - that everybody matters, eveTessa and her family thanks the Porybody counts, every life has value mona Community for supporting and every person has worth.” her in the lead-up to the games.

All Cuts Mowing & Dog Clipping Service

Tess Howie is all smiles after winning a gold medal in 50 metre freestyle event at the Special Olympics Asia Pacific Games held in Newcastle.

RARE COD GASP FOR AIR An unconfirmed report has been made about six large breeding size Mary River cod swimming in the top water layer of Six Mile Creek as they seek oxygen downstream of the Lake Macdonald dam.

Speculation is that a reduced flow of aerated water over the rock dam wall is causing the fish distress.

Hinterland Christian Centre Assemblies of God Church 113 Marara Street Cooroy 4563

CHRISTIAN CENTRE

9.30am Sunday Family Service Contemporary worship & teaching Incredible Children's Program toddlers to primary school age

Bringing God & People Together

Matt Fulton PH: 040 4808 449 E: allcutsmowing@gmail.com

Refreshments after the service People of all ages welcome -

HEALING MEETINGS - 1st SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH

Great Rates & Prompt Service

Ph: 07 5447 7797

POMONA & DISTRICT COMMUNITY HOUSE INC

www.hinterland.org.au

1 Memorial Ave, Pomona 4568

PHONE: 5485 2427 | FAX: 5485 1702 | ABN: 86 583 189 320 President - Dawn Gwynne

Vice President - Joy Cross

Manager - Brian Lawson

Treasurer - Jan Wise

Secretary - Gail Chapple

Coordinator - Heather Manders

Cooroora Connect is published by Pomona & District Community House Inc. The material published in Cooroora Connect may be reproduced only with appropriate authorisation & acknowledgment.

The views expressed in Cooroora Connect are not necessarily the views of the editor, publisher or Pomona & District Community House.

EMAIL: heather@pomonacommunityhouse.com.au

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WEBSITE: WWW.pomonacommunityhouse.com

Cooroora Connect

The Boutique Room 18 Reserve Street, Pomona Ph: 0409 948 630 Size 8 to plus sizes Designer Labels Fashion & Accessories Giftware

POMONA True Value Hardware Is a Rainbow of Flavours that soothes the Mind, Body & Spirit

** Local Art Gallery ** Massage / Counselling Astrology Francoise 0409 069 782 The Spa Touch Beauty Salon Laurence 0410 880 499 Physiotherapy 9b Factory St, Pomona (Near The Majestic Theatre)

PH: 5485 1351 10 Reserve St Pomona FOR ALL YOUR HARDWARE, TIMBER, GARDEN, PAINT, GAS, RURAL & PRODUCE NEEDS

Pomona Barber Located @ Cooroora Screens & Blinds 17 Factory Street, Pomona No Appointment Necessary

SUNDAY SERVICES Pomona Community Hall Reserve Street, Pomona 9.30 - 11am Family Service * Contemporary Music * * Teaching * * Kids Church * Refreshment after the service

Options 4 U Op Shop 1 Memorial Av Pomona

(ground floor of Community House)

Ph: 5485 0206 or 0412 972744

Enquiries: Snr Pastor Joy & Alan Cross Ph: 0412 972744 joystarrcross@bigpond.com

Open Tuesday to Saturday

PH: 0477 043 071

G J Landcare Pty Ltd Pomona Based *Slashing *Mowing *Bobcat *Tipper Hire No job too big or small!!

Free Call 1300 653 931

Pomona Community House - Keeping You in Touch With Your Community

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Cooroora Connect