Cooroora Connect June 2020

Cooroora Connect June 2020

An Initiative of Pomona & District Community House

We will be HQ for mountain bike tourism An upgraded Noosa Trail Network will cater to mountain bike enthusiasts.

Tourism Noosa has begun marshalling support and possible infrastructure funding identified as needed to implement the Noosa Trail Network Master Plan that will see parts of the network enhanced and upgraded for use by mountain bike enthusiasts while also catering to the needs of hikers and horse riders.

Noosa Council representatives, including Mayor Clare Stewart and Crs Wilkie, Stockwell, Finzel and Lorentson, as well as the Member for Noosa, Sandy Bolton MP, have been briefed on the plan’s contents ahead of its official launch in mid to late June.

to a changeover of consultants preparing it and also to allow it to be rewritten to take account of the views of its other proponents – Noosa and District Landcare and the Economic Development Unit of Noosa Council. It was funded using a $20,000 Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation grant.

A start on redevelopment of the trail network could occur as early as later this year, using council funds initially for an audit of what’s required. As the centre of the trail network, Pomona can expect economic spin-offs, such as a bike shop for the hire and repair of bikes and greater visitation to eateries and attractions such as The Preparation of the master plan has been delayed considerably, firstly due Majestic Theatre.

The master plan aims to enhance the Noosa Trail Network experience for local and visiting bushwalkers, mountain bikers, horse riders and other users and is based on the Noosa Biosphere’s objectives of conservation, sustainable development and learning.

A key outcome is a detailed action and implementation plan that addresses trail enhancement, case studies, funding models/costs, infrastructure requirements, economics and sustainable jobs, as well as environmental issues, such as erosion, revegetation and weeds, water, a risk management plan, marking and education information.

Continued page 2

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Master Plan to guide trail network development From page 1 The final plan was prepared by TRC Tourism – an award-winning international recreation, tourism and planning consultancy based in Australia and New Zealand – whose mission is to inspire solutions for people and places. In Australia, TRC is a frontrunner in planning visitor experiences in regions with exceptional natural and cultural attractions.

Although it has been printed, the launch of the Noosa Trail Network Master Plan has been delayed due to restrictions on public gatherings during the Coronavirus pandemic.

The Head of Tourism Sustainability at Tourism Noosa, Juanita Terry-Bloomfield, said she was excited by the prospect of the master plan strengthening the local tourism offering while showcasing the local environment. It complemented the Noosa Country Drive initiative perfectly, she said.

Juanita Terry-Bloomfield, Head of Tourism Sustainability at Tourism Noosa.

Tourism Noosa drops membership fee as operators recover from lockdown

by Melanie Anderson, Tourism Noosa CEO

The term ‘business as usual’ is certainly something we are dreaming of at the moment. For now, it’s business as unusual as we all navigate through COVID times.

other businesses to become part of our membership and access the various marketing and industry development opportunities on offer.

It was lovely to see more of our restaurants, cafes and retailers open up for business with the easing of restrictions. As locals, let’s try and get out and about and support these businesses as they need our support now more than ever.

If you know of a business that is not a member of Tourism Noosa, please share this news with them and encourage them to become a member.

The Tourism Noosa Board has resolved that the base membership fee will be waived for Tourism Noosa members until the end of the 2020-2021 financial year.

We recognise that our members are doing it tough and this financial saving, hopefully, will provide some additional support. It also provides an opportunity for

Hairdressing In the comfort of your own home Call or text Micheala 0449 047 746 For prices and appointments Trained in London 36 years experience

Melanie Anderson Recently, Tourism Noosa partnered with Lonely Planet (the travel guide company) to be the only Queensland destination featured on their Lonely Planet TV channel. We shared some Noosa inspiration, showcasing the Noosa Everglades, with 44 million viewers.

NEW TOURISM PLAN Tourism Noosa says it current business model aimed at high spending interstate and overseas visitors will need to be ditched and a new plan implemented for attracting visits and stays from within Queensland and over the border once it is opened.

“The Tourism Noosa Board and our team are developing a new strategic vision for the future leadership and management of the tourism industry in our community, with a focus on the next two years as we rebuild post COVID-19,” said CEO Melanie Anderson. A round of consultation with members has begun.

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Beckmans Road and Six Mile Ck bridge green light After three years of relentless campaigning, Noosa MP Sandy Bolton, has confirmed that she has secured more than $27 million in the 2020-21 financial year to address the traffic hot spots of Beckmans/ Cooroy-Noosa Road intersection and Six Mile Creek Bridge, Pinbarren.

completed within the next two years, providing much-needed vital infrastructure for our community, improving safety as well access, especially during Six Mile Creek flood events.”

“There is the added bonus of jobs during the construction phase, and increased opportunities for developing the local hinterland economy via the Noosa Country Drive,” she said.

“It has been a long journey to get to this point, and I would like to thank the Minister, Mark Bailey, and the Department of Transport and Main Roads team for responding to the relentless pursuit, and to Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, for this welcome news through the Queensland Economic Recovery Strategy,” Ms Bolton said.

“I am thrilled to announce that what I set out to deliver to the Noosa electorate, will be,” Ms Bolton said.

“At Christmas, pre-construction, and pre-works funding of $2.8 million was announced to ensure these sites were ‘shovel ready’, and Noosa MP, Sandy Bolton, discusses the “As soon as I have further details, I we now have the ‘shovel’.”

Beckmans Road project with Transport and will post them up. Until then, I look “Firstly, $9.5 million goes to Stage 1 Main Roads Minister, Mark Bailey. forward to turning that first ‘sod’ of the Tewantin Bypass roundabout on a brand new two-lane, floodand celebrating with our at the Beckmans/Cooroy-Noosa community when I get back from resilient bridge to replace the Road intersection.

Parliament. Congratulations Noosa, dangerous one-lane Six Mile Creek we did it!”

Bridge No.7,” Ms Bolton said.

“Secondly, $18 million will be spent “Both projects are expected to be

State and federal governments work to protect more koalas The federal and state governments will meet the $1 million cost of additional fencing along the Bruce Highway between the Cooroy southern interchange at Sankeys Road at Federal to reduce the risk of wildlife wandering onto the road.

“Fencing will direct wildlife away from high-speed traffic and encourage it to safely return to nearby bushland,” said Deputy Prime Minister, Michael McCormack.

Ford Brothers Fencing has been awarded the contract, creating temporary work

for 10 people.

Meanwhile, the Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Mark Bailey, has announced that 12 sites between Federal and Coles Creek would be revegetated with koala food trees.

“More than 98,000 native tube stocks have already been planted as part of this initiative. Importantly, these koala habitat sites have been classed as highnature conservation value and are protected from future clearing under environmental legislation,” Mr Bailey said.

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Local representation at Noosa business support roundtable The businesses of the Northern Hinterland area have boosted direct representation on Noosa Council’s Business Roundtable for the first time following the appointment of Mr Les Sloots, avuncular newsagent at Pomona, to the body.

sought the additional representation from the Northern Hinterland, covering Pomona, Cooran and Kin Kin. Mr Sloots becomes the conduit for providing input to the roundtable deliberations, as well as disseminating information from the body to the local community.

Noosa Shire Director of Environment and Sustainable Development, Kim Mr Sloots Rawlings, said the business roundtable attended his had assumed greater importance as the first meeting shire sought to respond to the evolving last month, COVID-19 crisis, via direct links with joining rep- the state and federal governments. resentatives “Our Economic development team has of formal produced a suite of business continuity business tools and resources to help local Les Sloots – representing groups, businesses,” Ms Rawlings said. local business. including the “Council’s dedicated Business Support Cooroy and Noosa chamber of portal is constantly updated and commerce and the Noosa Business provides a single point of information, Mentors Network. resources and tools for business and The Member for Noosa, Sandy Bolton, individuals impacted economically.” and Noosa Councillor, Cr Karen Finzel,

Councillors to share new role Details of Mayor Clare Stewart’s election commitment to appoint a ‘liaison officer’ to establish a better dialogue between Noosa Council and hinterland communities about their specific issues and needs have been revealed.

Last month, when asked about implementation of her policy, Cr Stewart said: "We are currently in discussions regarding this matter and it appears likely a councillor will fill this role with the support of a council staff member. Due to COVID-19, it is my belief it would not be fiscally responsible to fund an additional position in council."

Now, Cr Amelia Lorentson, says ‘all councillors’ will be liaising with residents and getting to know the area. “We will be working on a rotational basis. It will be (for) a six-month trial period,” she said.

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Grants fund major kitchen upgrade for Meals on Wheels The dark clouds of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions carried an unexpected silver lining for the important work and services that Pomona and District Meals on Wheels (MOW) provides.

MOW has applied for, and received, a $31,995 grant from the Gambling Community Benefit Fund to replace old and worn machinery that was becoming less than efficient. The money has been used to meet the costs of replacing the kitchen exhaust hood at the MOW premises within the Pomona Community Hall, as well as installation of a new commercial gas oven.

Sufficient grant funds remained to upgrade computers and a laptop.

In addition, MOW secured a further $20,000 grant under a COVID-19 stimulus package, allowing for the purchase of a bigger and more modern blast chiller, together with an upgrade of 3-phase power to the kitchen.

The new chiller capacity came in handy when meeting an SOS call from MOW Nambour to assist that community with the task of meeting the delivered meals needs of that community.

The Monday crew at Pomona Meals on Wheels. supervisors, along with our wonderful volunteers and delivery personel, have worked above and beyond what is expected of them to continue to deliver healthy meals to our clients, many of whom are in the vulnerable category,” a spokesperson said.

“Obviously all protocols and social distancing is carried out and it feels a little strange conversing through fly screens or from a few metre distance.

But our clients appreciate the During the COVID-19 restrictions, tremendous service that Meals on Pomona MOW has been delivering Wheels provides because it’s more the food clients require as frozen than just a meal.” All work was meals only, one day a week. The Exterior view of the new exhaust fan inadditional facilities, installed during completed by 15 May. stalled at the Pomona Meals On Wheels. a time of minimal disruption due to a If you want a healthy, nutritious lack of organised activities in the meal delivered to memorial hall, helped meet demand your door by from an extra 12 new clients, in Meals on Wheels, addition to the existing regular contact them on  Registered Physiotherapists clientele.

5485 1777.  Registered Massage Therapist “The hard working kitchen – Contributed  Sports Injuries  PTSD Management Mob: 0415 734 180 RECOVERY GRANTS AVAILABLE  Women’s Health Hinterland businesses recovering from the economic  Cranial & TMJ Release Fax: 5485 1168 impacts of the Coronavirus lockdown are eligible for a  Yoga Therapy / Acupuncture grant of up to $1o,ooo from the Small Business Adapta Chronic Injury / Pain Management tion Grant Program. Go to: www.business.qld.gov.au/  Post Graduate Specialisation in Manual Adjustment Therapy starting-business/advice-support/grants/adaption.

BAREFOOT PHYSIO

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Slow progress on cabins, jobs Restrictions associated with the management of the Coronavirus pandemic have slowed plans by CABN, Australian – experts in eco-friendly, off -grid and nature-based accommodation – to provide new tourism infrastructure for the Cooloola Great Walk. This is the first ecotourism trail ever to be delivered by the Queensland Government.

Shane Laidlaw, a spokesperson for the company, said CABN and the Queensland Government were still in the early stages of planning a string of accommodation ‘pods’ to be positioned along the walk in a deal that also involves local indigenous custodians, the Kabi Kabi. Under the model, job opportunities would emerge for service staff, chefs and ranger guides.

premature at this stage,” Mr Laidlaw said.

“Our intention is to manufacture on the Sunshine Coast and source as many local materials as possible.

However, any decisions surrounding this will be made once we are through the planning and approval process phase.”

It is understood that CABN is looking to manufacture from a site at the Coolum Industrial Estate.

Meanwhile, a Queensland Ecotourism Trails Project spokesperson said that group was working with the Kabi Kabi people on development of a business model that “We are going through an extensive would allow them to build capacity approval process with local, state and and capability, ready for opportunities federal governments and stakeholders, that arose from the Cooloola Great so any decisions on manufacturing are Walk project.

Shane Laidlaw

Prime space for lease FLEXIBLE TERMS, ATTRACTIVE RENT

Extension to railway path starts soon Expect to see rapid progress this month on extension of the cross-town path over the railway tracks to Factory Street.

A prime multi-purpose space has become available in the centre of Pomona with ample parking adjacent. This high profile location is the ground floor area beneath Pomona Community House. The premises are suitable for a shop or professional offices and include main office/reception/display area, three separate offices, kitchenette and toilet facilities.

For more information contact Heather on 5485 2427 or 0411 114 077

Construction of the latest path segment and a permanent bus stop in Factory Street is included in a package of works for which a contract has been awarded, Noosa Council’s Director of Infrastructure, Carl Billingham, advises.

The project is due to be completed by the end of June.

Cost of funding bids for council seats revealed For every one dollar Tony Wellington spent in his failed attempt to retain the Noosa mayoralty, his opponent and eventual winner, Clare Stewart, spent nine dollars.

The election budget of each Noosa councillor during the recent local government poll has been revealed by the Organisation of Sunshine Coast Associations of Residents (OSCAR) using data supplied to Electoral Commission Queensland by the candidates themselves.

The new Noosa mayor, Cr Clare Stewart, spent $71,420 on her campaign, compared with Tony Wellington’s $7752. She had to overcome Mr Wellington’s very high profile.

Cr Joe Jurisevic spent the least on his campaign, just $1270. Cr Tom Wegener got bang for his $2198 bucks – the smallest election spend by any of the successful candidates. Cr Karen Finzel arguably spent the most of the individual councillors. She stood with two other candidates under the Future Noosa banner.

Collectively that group allocated $30,507 to the campaign, or $10,169 each when averaged out.

Cr Amelia Lorentson’s campaign spend was $7532, while Cr Brian Stockwell’s council bid cost $7832. Deputy Mayor, Frank Wilkie, spent $4313.

AMBULANCE STREET SEALING Work will start soon on upgrading Ambulance Street, Pomona, involving the laying bitumen on the unsealed section off Mill Street. The estimated cost is $94,115.

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STAN TOPPER PARK IMPROVEMENTS

NEWS BRIEFS

Council lifts wraps on new barbecue As the shire eases cautiously into the Coronavirus recovery phase, Noosa Council workers have begun removing hazard tape from playground and park equipment, as well as 67 public barbecues, but at Pomona they have gone further and taken the wraps off a state-of-the art electric barbeque in Stan Topper Park. A proud crew installed the stainless steel sizzle takes charge of the cooker mid last month. (See hotplate on market days. picture.)

Mayor Clare Stewart said The Stan Topper Park Noosa Council had sought picnic shelter is always clarity and guidance from popular with visitors, who the state government on have begun slowly the protocols required for returning to the town, but cleaning equipment and the new barbecue will get how to monitor social its first real workout when distancing requirements at one of the charities rostered re-opened facilities. to fry up a Saturday sausage

While voter focus has been on the Noosa Council election, we are less than six months away from a state election where independent Sandy Bolton will be challenged for her seat by candidates from the ALP and the LNP.

“I understand that the community expects a quick response. However it’s important to adopt a considered, measured approach to the re-opening of public facilities.” Cr Stewart said.

The re-opening of parks and playgrounds remained a high priority.

Park toilets finally get the heave-ho You would be forgiven for thinking there is only one block of toilets in Stan Topper Park. The facilities close to the Reserve Street roundabout are well-used, but when big community events such as the King of the Mountain Festival are held, loos at the top of the park have been brought into operation. However, the facilities have been closed permanently for at least the past two years, due to their poor condition, while the state government and Noosa Council debated costs and responsibilities.

Finally, a deal was brokered whereby the state government will build a toilet in the SES building.

Previously, emergency services personnel had to use the old toilets.

Labor candidate

reported to be $60,000. (See picture.)

The original toilets were constructed by the CooroyPomona Lions Club.

With the park toilets project finished, the Demolition, now underway, Pomona Memorial Hall was complicated due to the Committee has fingers presence of asbestos. It has crossed that Noosa Council fallen to Noosa Council to will upgrade the hall toilets undertake the job at a cost in financial year 2020-21.

The Labor Party has announced its man as Mark Denham, 58, a paramedic, who contested the seat of Noosa in 2017, when Ms Bolton defeated Mr Glen Elmes, then an LNP member. Accountant James Blevin is standing for the LNP.

Better services In response to calls for five return shuttle trains to operate between Gympie North and Nambour railway stations on weekdays, Transport and Main Roads Minister, Mark Bailey, has replied: “I am advised that Queensland Rail has undertaken an initial investigation into this approach.

However, further feasibility work would be required to understand the viability of this suggestion.”

In any changes to the rail and bus timetables for the region, the minister said better coordination of the No.632 bus with the Cooroy–Noosa Junction bus (No.631) and North Coast trains would be considered.

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8 CLUB LAND SOLD: A block of land that Club Pomona has had on the market for several months is under contract for sale. Although the sale price is unknown, proceeds will be used to refurbish the club interior.

Monday to Friday

8am to 5pm Saturday 9am to 12pm

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE Immunisations & Skin Checks Medical & Health Assessments

** FLU VACCINATIONS **

BULK BILLING AVAILABLE ** for selected patients**

Appointments Available Now Dr Anthony Kirk Dr Raja Sengupta Dr Robin Gregory Dr Alison Colville

Ph: 5485 1177 5 Factory Street Pomona

Call to dedicate Noosa’s National Parks under Queen’s Canopy concept Former Noosa councillor candidate and Pomona local, Nathanael Ford, is calling on the Noosa Council and Queensland Government to have five national parks in the Noosa Shire recognised under the Queen’s Canopy Initiative.

The Queen’s Canopy Initiative recognises parcels of land that have been protected for future generations in the name of the Queen. The program recognises the efforts formally throughout the Commonwealth of Nations by governments and communities at all levels.

Australia is a member of this program and has been since 2015.

To date only two national parks in Australia have been recognised, both in Queensland and both within driving distance of the Noosa Shire. Bulburin National Park, located just south of Gladstone, and K’gari (Fraser Island) were both recognised in 2018.

Nathanael Ford – Pinbarren

the Noosa National Park, Tewantin National Park, Tuchekoi National Park, Mount Pinbarren National Park and Woondum National Park. “These parks are world class and one is used to host Pomona’s King of the Mountain,” Mr Ford said.

“As part of the recognition, Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales, would come to Australia and officially recognise them. Post COVID-19, this would be a boon for Noosa Shire and Noosa Hinterland.”

Mr Ford said: “This program is vitally The national Twenty Million Trees Program was important for recognising valuable forests, reserves also recognised. The five and national parks national parks Mr Ford wants recognised under the throughout the Commonwealth banner are Commonwealth.”

CLICK AND COLLECT LIBRARY ITEMS Noosa residents are able to borrow and return items from libraries at Noosaville and Cooroy, but just not in the usual manner. A ‘click and collect’ system offered by Noosa Libraries allows borrowers to reserve an item on line, then wait to receive a notification that it is ready to collect. Collection points are located at each of the libraries. Items may be returned by placing them in the return shute.

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There will be no Noosa Show held in 2020 From the Noosa Show Society In September this year we were due to hold the 111th Noosa Country Show, but after a great deal of discussion, and the best interests of the community during the COVID-19 pandemic, we have decided to postpone the 2020 Show.

Uni campus closure revives memories of Pomona links The decision by Central Queensland University to close its local campus by the end of the year has revived memories of its establishment in the shire, with Pomona as Noosa’s first ‘university town’.

In the formative years of CQU in Noosa, Pomona It is worth noting that this was the centre for a year the Sunshine Coast, Bachelor of Learning Fraser Coast, Gympie Show The people of Noosa Shire will not experience the fun of the fair at Management Program (as well as most Queensland Noosa Country Show following a decision to cancel the 2020 event, (and the associated which would have been the 111th show. shows) and, most recently, Master of Learning the Gympie Muster have all interests of our community reschedule. So when the Management Program) been cancelled. Importantly, to delay, not cancel situation resolves, our aim is through what became as the Ekka too has been altogether, our plans. to hold a scaled-down oneknown as the ‘Noosa cancelled, the sub-chamber day show towards the end of Since the first Agricultural Model of Teacher and state level points the year. We envisage this to Show was held in Tasmania Education’. scoring competitions like be a donation-on-entry in 1822, they have become stud cattle, dairy, and event, a coming together for A steering committee equestrian - events that are an important part of country the community after was formed, headed by life in Australia. Regardless an important part of the David Turner, then navigating this difficult Noosa Country Show - have of whether they are large principal of the time.

We will make further city shows like Brisbane’s also been cancelled.

Kenilworth State School, announcements about our Ekka or smaller community and including Lee new Community Show in A great deal of organisation events like our own Noosa Goosens, former coming months. and planning goes into Country Show, they are principal of what was running our Show, and in events that bring The Noosa Show Day is a then known as the the current challenging communities together. gazetted public holiday, and Cooroora Secondary economic climate, growing we confirm that Friday, 11 Unlike many other show College. The Summit unemployment, and social September 2020 will still be societies, we own our Road campus became a distancing as a result of a public holiday in the Showgrounds, and this gives centre for student COVID-19, we determined Noosa Shire. us the flexibility to teacher education. that it was in the best At the time, CQU coexisted at the Cooroora Secondary College campus, which was said Thirty jobs will be lost when James Hardie workers. to engender and Systems Pty Ltd closes its Cooroy factory In an official statement, Hardie Industries environment ‘optimal to mid-year. It is one of three factories the CEO, Dr Jack Truong, said: “Our leadership the BLM concept. The company has decided to shut permanently team took this action with considerable school campus as it adjusts its future business model to the thoughtfulness, with the strategic objective benefitted from a economic effects of the Coronavirus of preserving and enhancing the global $400,000 investment in lockdown. organisation’s competitiveness over the a purpose-built centre long term.”

One of the plants earmarked for closure, for the use of university the fibre cement production facility at In its heyday, when the Cooroy factory was students. The program Penrose NZ, will transfer operations to operated by Ritek, there were 120 jobs on ended around 2010, with Carole Park, on Brisbane’s outskirts, where site. Hardies bought the business in March the development of the there may be jobs for the sacked Cooroy 2017.

CQU Noosa campus in Goodchap Street.

Thirty jobs will go when Cooroy factory closes

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Virus lockdown leads to push for bicycle paths As we exercise during the Coronavirus crackdown while maintaining social distancing, Noosans have rediscovered their love for cycling and walking, leaving Noosa Council scrambling to respond to a new federal government initiative to provide more money to local government for construction of foot and bicycle paths nationally.

Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications had recognised some councils ‘may not have been in a position to respond due to disruptions caused by COVID-19, as well as drought and bushfire recovery efforts.’

“At this stage we are only seeking to obtain an early indication of potential The council is in the projects that could be fastprocess of preparing a shire tracked within the next six -wide foot and bicycle path months,” Mr McCormack connectivity strategy, wrote. which is not yet ready, Councils have been advised precisely as the federal that projects could include government has called on new or existing projects councils throughout that are planned to begin Australia to submit for within three to six months funding under a COVID-19 and be eligible for funding economic stimulus package under the details of ‘shovel ready’ Commonwealth’s bike path projects that can Infrastructure Investment begin almost immediately. Program, which assists The program aims to pump funding into local government over the next six months to keep employment alive.

local governments to upgrade local roads, bridges and intersections.

The news of the unexpected federal funding Deputy Prime Minister and injection for an Infrastructure Minister, acceleration of bicycle path Michael McCormack, construction is cold wanted ‘concrete comfort for those who submissions’ with his want Noosa Council to department, for evaluation, examine the feasibility of a by 6 March. However, in a Cooran–Pomona bicycle letter dated 1 April sent to path. The council has said mayors and councillors he that project is unlikely to advised that the meet the criteria for Department of funding from the state

Federal funding available for bicycle paths. government. However, it made the statement not knowing of the unexpected additional federal funding source.

Together with other local government representatives throughout Queensland, Noosa councillors have been lobbied by a new group, Queensland Walking Alliance, to build more footpaths and cycleways. A letter to each councillor from the group states: “During COVID-19, more people are choosing to be active every day in local neighbourhoods. The provision of footpaths and safe (road) crossings, open space and access to roads are even more important.”

Under the banner ‘queenslandwalks’, the group aims to improve the conditions and profile of

walking in Queensland while supporting and encouraging government, organisations and agencies to improve policy and funding priorities to enhance walking.

It has called on councils to prepare more ‘shovel ready’ path projects and to commit to a local walking and cycling strategy (also known as ‘active’ transport), preferably integrated into an overall active transport and recreation strategy.

Contributed

FACT FILE Every dollar invested in ‘walking interventions’ returns almost $13 in benefits, derived from less traffic congestion, better public health outcomes and environmental improvements due to lower fuel consumption.

Source: Queensland Walks

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Hello Prime Minister, its Cooran seeking action on climate change From lively Cooran comes another environmental conservation initiative that hopes to inspire the younger generation of Australians to convey a climate change message all the way to the top – Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

Locals Jim Bird and Helen Moffitt, have created the www.ourfutureshowbag.org website and begun a go-fund-me page to raise $34,000 to produce thousands of environmental crusader showbags which they hope to distribute nation -wide. Each contains an activity book, puzzles and other material, including a form letter that each recipient is invited to sign and send to the Prime Minister.

“We believe that a showbag is a great way to connect with young people,” the couple said on their website page. “Our goal is to reach out to young people and offer them a ‘voice’ for action; to provide those who are not yet of voting age the opportunity of expressing their concerns over man-made climate change – that is driving global warming – directly to the Australian Prime Minister. The ourfutureshowbag logo emphasizes the urgency of the situation – a depiction of the World superimposed with a clock face showing ten minutes to 12.

the Coronavirus should become the model for how community effort could be harnessed to make changes in our lives that are kinder to the planet.

and not on an increase in the use of fossil fuels.”

The showbag idea has been fermenting for a while, until Jim, a retired manufacturing engineer and The website says: “The sacrifices we Helen, a retired nurse with a have made in tackling the creative bent, decided to produce a Coronavirus have shown that we can prototype and test it with a sample achieve what we put our minds to. audience of friends. The results have When the Coronavirus pandemic is been encouraging. over, we would like to rebuild the “Kids are actually very astute and Australian economy on the basis of they know what they want. What we have done is a logical step to give them a say in their future. We would like to see hundreds getting on board and sending a letter to the PM,” said Jim Moffitt.

“In the same way as the government has been open and engaging with the community about managing the Coronavirus pandemic, we would like to see the same techniques used to engage constructively with people to tackle climate change. We need to know the government policy and act upon it as individuals and communities,” he said.

The ‘Our Future’ showbag contains puzzles, information on how to make a difference to save the environment and a letter that can be signed and sent to the Prime Minister, calling for greater action on climate change.

Jim and Helen believe the national action taken to combat the spread of development of sustainable energy –

Helen and Jim believe that delivering a message through the means of a showbag is a simple idea that will prove to be effective. See the website for full details and support the project if you can. Sunshine Coast Environment Council is proud to support this initiative and wish the Our Future team every success.

Pomona Tai Chi group expands and changes training location The Pomona Tai Chi group recommenced its popular exercise sessions on Friday 22 May and marked the occasion with a change of venue.

The group is trialling a new location in Cooroora Creek Park, which offers more space for additional participants practicing social distancing rules. Until now, the Tai Chi classes has been held in Stan Topper Park.

Organise Valerie Willy, said that with the popularity of the exercise discipline growing the group would probably split into two teams of fewer of ten people, each with their own leader.

Tai Chi is an art embracing the mind, body and spirit – originating in ancient China, Tai Chi is one of the most effective exercises for health of mind and body. Although an art with great depth of knowledge and skill, it can be easy to learn and soon delivers its health benefits. For many, it continues as a lifetime journey.

A sign will be placed each Friday in the Cooroora Creek Park care park indicating where the groups will meet and exercise. Sessions will start For those enquiring further promptly at 8.30am. information phone Valerie 5485 2219.

A donation of $2 maybe given.

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MENS HEALTH WEEK: 15 -- 21 June 2020

WHY ALL THIS WORRY ABOUT MEN’S HEALTH? Good question!

Because the health status of males in most countries, including Australia, is generally poorer than that of females.

More males die at every stages through the life course, more males have accidents, more males take their own lives and more males suffer from lifestyle-related health conditions than females at the same age. Men are also, less frequent visitors to their doctors.

Men’s Health Week aims to heighten awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys.

In this edition of Cooroora Connect we are asking some of our local men what is important to them and how they stay happy and healthy.

Frank Wilkie, age 57 Deputy Mayor Noosa Shire, former journalist and high school teacher.

better than pushing so hard you’re hobbling the next day. Take it gradually and you can build to distances you may have never thought possible.

Brian O’Connor, age 65+ Pomona local and community advocate.

scale of towns when viewed from eye -height. My favourite walk takes me from the centre of town through Cooroora Creek Park – Pomona’s Great Central Park, if you like.

your time is up. I also aim work in good faith with everyone.

If you truly value the relationship, it will survive almost any disagreement.

Frank says: That said, it’s also important to know Last year was my first 50km.

I think if when a relationship is not healthy Staying healthy means firstly, valuing you have a physical outlet, you tend and you have to let it go. your health, making it a priority. not to over-indulge on junk because Interests are important too. For me, I I’ve been lucky and have loved you don’t feel so good. distance running since I was 13 and was lucky to discover acting and run almost every day of my life.

Health also means valuing healthy playwriting at Noosa Arts theatre The run seems to stimulate a creative relationships, I’m lucky to have had a which is fantastic therapy, a great perspective and, if done at a father who always told us he loved creative outlet. Working with likecomfortable pace, makes you feel us, so I do the same to my wife and minded volunteers on the committee great. daughter. I tell them I love them there is also rewarding because every day, as you never know when theatre gives delight to others.

Easy does it. A little bit each day is

Brian says: I think walking is one of the best things for all-round health.

All the senses are stimulated, even down to smelling what people are The Heart Foundation estimates that preparing for their evening meal. walking for an average of 30 minutes And I give the dogs something to or more a day can lower the risk of bark at. heart disease and stroke by 35 per cent and assist in managing weight, The park contains exercise equipblood pressure and cholesterol levels. ment, which I can use, and I look Contentment is another by-product. forward to the council augmenting the exercise stations there.

We recognise our insignificance in nature when we stroll its trails and understand best the workings and

Walking also has a social context.

I enjoy the incidental interaction with people as we stroll paste each other.

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13 MensLine Australia professional counsellors are here to provide information and support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. CALL 1300 78 99 78 www.mensline.org.au Ben Byrne, age 32, P.E. teacher Pomona State School

but if I feel like a packet of chips or a few beers I let myself have it and I know that I’ve earned it. I find this is a good system for me personally but it’s not for everyone. My wife does pretty much the same thing so this helps me to stay on track and we keep each other accountable.

Ben says: “For me, the most important things are daily exercise, time with mates at least once every couple of weeks and, of course, a well-balanced diet.

Cutting back on alcohol where possible is also something a lot of blokes could benefit from and time with kids/family is another one I feel assists with mental health.

As a PE teacher I’m fairly active all day from Monday – Friday. I have my fitness tracker watch that counts steps and I generally go home from school with between 15000 and 20000 steps in a day.

Each morning before school I’m at the gym doing weight training. This is a big one for me in regards to both physical and mental health. As we age, we begin to lose bone density and muscle mass so weight training is a way of combating that for all of us over 30 years of age.

also things that are important for both physical and mental health. I believe the more flexible we can get as well as still being strong, the less injuries we should have and less general aches and pains that can add to our daily stresses and make things seem worse than they may be. So, becoming more flexible and mobile is on the to do list for me!

As for mental health, I think weight training each morning and starting the day with exercise sets me up to be in a good mood straight away. I really enjoy my job which is a bonus and spending time with my kids and wife after school and on weekends is a big one for me. Having said that I also think men need time with just their mates, away from the wife and kids once every couple of weeks.

Whether it be sitting around having a drink and a bet at the pub or being involved in a team sport. The comradery guys get when they are just with their mates is huge for positive mental health.

I have been very lucky not to have any major health scares thus far in my 32 years of life. Working in the I also definitely feel more energetic at work after I have weight trained in I try and eat really well from Monday sun I get my skin checked every 12 months and also get my cholesterol the morning. If I ever miss a session through till Friday afternoon. This before school, I often find I have less means no take-away, alcohol, sweets checked regularly as heart disease runs in my dad’s side of the family. It patience and am not in as good of a etc. I stick to lean meats, fruit, veg can feel like a drag sometimes doing mood as I normally would be. and wholegrain carbs where possible. these things but at the end of the day As far as exercise goes, I like running, Nothing really processed or with I think knowing you have a clean bill swimming etc. I definitely struggle heaps of sugar. From Friday arvo of health after these check-ups really for motivation and don’t do as much through the weekend I allow myself puts you in a good frame of mind of it as I should. Same goes for to pretty much whatever I feel like. I and this in turn assists with mental flexibility and mobility but these are still eat pretty well over the weekend health.

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14

MENS HEALTH WEEK Dan McNamara, 50+ Pomona Police Sergeant.

Dan says: Well, it’s better to wear out than to rust out! I think blokes my age (50+) need to put aside time every other day for exercise that makes you happy enough to want to keep doing it and that hopefully has the added bonus of including some mates or family to add a social element and impetus to continue.

walking are great examples of this.

The catch up at the end over coffee or a few beers is probably just as important and you can hash out your weekly wins and losses to a non judgmental audience. I get pretty slack so having good mates to train with forces you to disengage from Netflix and the groove in the couch which is so seductive after a stressful day at work.

I do try and lock in those recommended medical health checks every For me, that’s mainly cycling, six months or as required. We all pushbikes and the motorised dirt hear of near misses when undetected bike kind and bush walking, all of symptom-less problems get picked which I’ve done on and off since I up during scans and blood tests etc. was a kid.

Bottom line is, we’re blessed with so The downside to an active life can be many options for exercise on the Sunny Coast, get out there if you’re injuries, I’ve broken my right leg able! twice, blown my lower back disc at L4/5, torn my shoulder tendons all Hobbies! At 50+ and working for the requiring lengthy furlongs to recover. past 35 years at a job that is a Regular exercise is so clearly linked frontline seat on life, good and bad, to improved mental health, whether getting separation from the policing from a dopamine rush at the top of lifestyle is very important to me.

Mt Cooroora, a surf, or a relaxed Engaging with family and friends bush walk in one of our myriad great outside the job gives you a mental tracks or beaches, golf, bowls, holiday and an outside perspective. whatever works.

But I reckon a few hobbies that involve “me time” are also vital to I also like to combine exercise with unwinding the big internal spring. nature, so you get the combined payoff of a great view and some Apart from exercise, I like to travel, sweat, Hells Gates in Noosa NP and locally and interstate (pre Covid of the Noosa trail network for cycling, course), reading anything non police David Buttenshaw, 65, Pomona resident and lover of life

Walking is like an addiction for me – it sets up the day ahead for me.

I eat well – my wife is into nutrition.

David says: We’re not on a diet, but we’re careful “For me health is everything – about what we eat. There are some without your heath you have a whole meats I won’t eat and we have meat pile of restrictions that stop you from maybe once a week. Vegies are an doing what you want to do and you important part of every meal and I can get stuck into limbo asking eat fruit during the day. I believe you yourself what life’s about. are what you eat and that has a lot of bearing on your well-being.

I have a regime in the morning that starts with a coffee – the most I don’t take anything for granted, not beautiful coffee of the day - and then my health nor my emotional I walk for about hour and a half happiness. I stay connected with sometimes more. I like to walk family and look after grandchildren quickly; I think about what I want to once a week. I love listening to music do during the day and it helps me – it makes me really happy. I don’t turn things over in my mind.

related, particularly history, on real paper which seems to be more relaxing than kindle or lit screens, guitar playing and archery when I can.

I do a sedentary job and diet is hit and miss so, combined with middle age, it’s probably lucky my belt still fits. Seeing so many examples of stress and mental health related issues in the jobs we attend, I’ve come to recognise when my bottle is filling up and luckily, we don’t have to travel far to have a great break.

Male police are probably the worst when it comes to recognising and getting help for their own issues and dealing with stress, as far as the job has come in supporting us, and there’s still a mix of expectation to carry on at all costs and personal pride not to show weakness, that stops many of us from reaching out.

This has seen tragedies and loss of life in this job and the service is striving to provide as much support as possible in and outside the workplace.

I’m currently reading a good book on mindfulness and living in the moment, which sounds simple but is contrary to a modern lifestyle in many ways but may hold the key to achieving that much desired balance and peace of mind. spend a lot of time watching tv – I rather read a book.

I believe that the most important thing is your attitude to life.

Everything comes back to attitude – respect for yourself (you’ve got to love yourself first) and respect and empathy for other people – treat others how you would like to be treated and make the most of what you’ve got around you!

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15

MENS HEALTH WEEK Geoff Bailue, age 65, Lions Club and Probus Club volunteer.

As far as mental/emotional health goes, I love to read non fiction which keeps my brain active and alert and I love to keep learning new things.

Volunteering keeps me connected with others and helps me stay tuned to the needs of others. I also love the fun, friendship and fellowship of being involved with the Probus Club.

Geoff says he loves his busy retirement which includes being a member of the Cooroy/Pomona Lions and Probus. He also loves being a part of the Pomona community and having time to hang out with his family and grandchildren.

Playing with my grandchildren, whether it’s climbing trees or getting down and playing Lego keeps me young at heart.

Geoff says: “For me, health and physical wellbeing equals emotional well-being and happiness. I am careful with my diet which includes low-fat, gluten free, sugar reduced products, plenty of fruit and vegies and no processed meats.

One thing that’s really important to me is ‘purpose’. I try and set some daily goals which I mix up with leisure activities. Accomplishing physically fit but helps me work off stress and work through any tough or those goals gives me a sense of achievement no matter how small uneasy emotions. It is sometimes Exercise is really important to me. the goal. hard to ‘maintain the drive’ as I do I’ve been cycling regularly since the experience back pain but I think it’s I guess I could sum up my attitude to mid-80s and I’d be lost without being important to find a balance between health by saying EXERCISE, GOOD able to jump on my bike. I also love pushing yourself while not doing DIET, FAMILY = PURPOSE = to walk, garden, hike and surf. your body any further damage.

HEALTH and HAPPINESS. Exercise doesn’t just keep me Rod Mulder, (pictured left) over 70, Deputy Treasurer, and Colin Thompson, (pictured right) over 70, President Men’s Shed Pomona In their words: The purpose of the Men’s Shed in Pomona is we support the health and well-being of men in Pomona and the surrounding area by providing a venue for men to gather in a safe and friendly meeting place. While we have all kind of activities on offer, such as woodworking, metalwork, a plant nursery and a pottery shed, (when we are allowed to get together again!), we find that it is the friendship and camaraderie that our members appreciate the most.

At the Men’s Shed, men can either leave their troubles at home and engage in friendly banter and find some distraction in the activities.

knowing they are understood without fear of reprisal and that what they say is said in confidence. We feel that this is of immense importance in supporting men’s mental and emotional health.

Alternatively, we offer a space where genuine and authentic conversations can happen; conversations that can help men work out difficulties and concerns they might be experiencing,

Even while we have been in ‘lockdown,’ our members have rallied around to support each other. We have set up Zoom sessions and emails to communicate with each

other and to stay in touch which keeps us connected. The selfisolation ‘cocoon’ is creating a bit of cabin fever which is beginning to get the better of us – everyone wants to be back at the Shed as it’s become such an important part of our lives.

To contact the Men’s Shed Pomona, call Colin Thompson on 0438 639 686.

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16

MENS HEALTH WEEK Andrew Flanagan, 56, long time Cooran resident, lover of adventure and the outdoors Andrew says: I have always been a really active person and I love outdoor activity so staying fit and healthy is really important to me. The following are some of the things I do and that I believe can help us stay fit.

Have an annual check-up with a GP and be honest with him or her about any health worries.

and I end up in the pit fairly regularly. Sometimes the pit can be a very deep, dark hole and it can take days to get out of. Making a list before bed for things to be done the next day helps. If things are bad, I might only get one thing on the list completed but it will help.

Sometimes it can take two or three days before the gloom starts to subside and a week before it’s forgotten.

Probably the most important is keeping a good connection with my Get exercise - preferably with a group a mountain leaves no room for any of wife. After 30 years it can be difficult of likeminded people at least twice, life’s worries, it puts me in the now, a to keep things exciting and new but preferably three or four times a week. kind of meditation I guess. it’s important to try. We adventure Make the exercise something you race as a team and find that the Learning new skills for work and enjoy and that takes a lot of focus. challenges and adversity that this pleasure and challenge. Taking up sport throws at us is a great equalizer Doing something that takes a lot of unicycling at 47 was one of the many for our skills and stamina. focus is relaxing for me even though pursuits I have endeavoured to be it is kind of stressful. Mountain Don’t eat too much bad food. I try good at over the years. My latest is biking, unicycling and trail running but I’m not good at this one so offset learning to operate an excavator. do this for me. Heading down a trail Climbing out of the pit. Yes, even it with eating enough good food! on a bike at full tilt or running down with all the above, s@#t still happens Stephen Hilditch, 65+ retired Pomona Businessman and community volunteer extraordinaire.

Stephen says: “There was a time, like most males, that I thought that I was invincible. I was reasonably fit and didn’t eat too much junk food, had an active social life and was involved in my community.

Then I got older and old war wounds from sport, football, karate etc quickly reminded me of that. I realised that if I was to keep up with the grand kids both mentally and physically then I should have a plan I walk with a few other men and dogs as I had seen many men of my age so there is a social aspect as well simply stop and vegetate. which to me is important. I prefer to walk up steps rather than use ramps, So, I believe it is important to keep moving both mentally and physically, I like to do my own home maintenance, I know my limitations.

I do this by walking every morning where I do a few laps of the big park It is important to keep mentally alert with Hercules the wonder dog (he so I read, mostly recipes and does about twenty laps). newspapers, currently I am addicted to “Code Breaker” a word game. I do

the grocery shopping and all the cooking (this allows me to pour a glass of red while prepping). I am also a volunteer in the community mostly with Meals on Wheels which I enjoy immensely. Adult onset Asthma, enlarged prostate, sinus issues and titanium rod in my tibia keep me reminded about my vincibility. But activity, no matter how small, and social/mental stimulation is working for me.

Thank You Pomona & District Community House would like to say a big thankyou to all our wonderful contributors for Men's Health Week.

Please check out our facebook page and website during men's health week for more stories and videos.

15 - 21 June 2020

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17

MENS HEALTH WEEK Michael Robinson, 48, Pomona resident, Real Estate Agent Michael says: So, here’s my thoughts on men’s mental health. I remember when we were having kids of our own reading a book, I think it was called “talking to boys” or something like that. I remember them saying that if you’re doing something with them to start a conversation with boys is easier. So back then it would be walking, fishing or kicking the footy and nowadays it’s probably working on cars. I don’t think there’s much difference when talking to blokes, men are really just boys in an older what I’ve done. You know whether body and better conversations start it’s a project car, even spraying the in a relaxed atmosphere. fence line or mowing the yard, to I also think physical health has a lot look back and see what you’ve to do with my mental health, I know actually accomplished, I think that if I exercise, even just walking in the helps a lot. We run around thinking morning, I feel a lot better during the that we are just doing a lot of stuff without actually finishing something day and the more I do the better I we enjoy. I also find getting back to feel and the more energy I have. nature helps me, walking along the My family has a long history and not creeks at Amamoor or 4Wheel the best history, with prostate driving through the rainforest to the cancer, especially on my father’s side. rock pools....it all helps, but camping He has eight brothers and seven out up the beach at Teewah is my happy of the eight have been diagnosed place. with prostate cancer and they’re all still alive. So that’s important to me Life has become so busy that we don’t take the time to catch up with and for my family to get that mates - having a game of golf or a checked regularly. Men should beer at the pub - so that connection always get checked out and I guess with other blokes to see we are all the fear of not knowing or she’ll be going through stuff has broken right, probably is not the best down. attitude to run with.

Last year my brother-in-law and I I think I know in myself and I feel a lot better when I’ve actually finished started I group we called “Relate to a something or I can look back and see mate” which, at this stage, has just

Pomona & District Community House acknowledges funding from Qld Government Department of Communities and Noosa Council.

been a weekend away up the beach.

We’ve had a few, probably two or three now, and it’s really just one or two nights - whatever people can do.

You know when we are up there, guys will fish, go for walk on the beach or blokes that haven’t driven a four-wheel-drive on the beach will jump in a mate’s car, we even tie in a beach clean-up, which is good for the soul and the turtles.

It’s been interesting, it’s never the same crowd and every time amazingly we’ve seen two people who have never met before talking about serious issues that they both have in common and it’s just seems to come out of nowhere.

Standing around a campfire talking about sh*#t that has no interest to our partners is good for us and we really need to accept that it’s okay to be a bloke. We all love our families, but I guess we need to look after us too.

Pomona & District Community House Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm 1 Memorial Ave, Pomona

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18

English woman seeks information about Pomona grandfather Here is another quest for family history buffs, this story from the ABC Sunshine Coast Facebook page.

English woman Lauren Nicholls has a massive gap in her family tree and wants your help to fill it in.

The 22-year-old lives in Cornwall, in the UK, and since the lockdown has been on the hunt for details of her grandfather.

After weeks of searching family history websites, Lauren thinks she has found him. His name is Joseph Henry Smale and he used to call Pomona home.

He died in 2003.

Now Lauren is trying to piece together a picture of the man who she thinks is her grandfather and she is hoping Sunshine Coast residents can help. Joseph used to live with her grandmother’s parents on their farm in Cornwall.

“And then he met my grandmother and they must have had a relationship,” Lauren says.

“I don’t know how brief it was, but she fell pregnant very quickly. He said he didn’t want to start a family and they broke off the relationship.”

Joseph emigrated to Australia in the late 1960s or early 1970s before settling in Pomona.

Lauren spent weeks hunting down the details of her grandfather. She

Can anyone help with information about Joseph Smale?

QUIRKY QUESTIONS How high is Mt Cooran?

Lauren Nicholls, of Cornwall.

only had his surname and a rough date of birth. She eventually found a photograph of a headstone in the Pomona Cemetery.

She has already reached out to the community on Facebook and says the people of Pomona have been supportive of her search. “People have told me they served him in the stores, in the cafes and so that’s been really nice to know,” she says. “I just want to know what he was like.”

Lauren says there were never any hard feelings on her grandmother’s part, or from her family. Her grandmother, now 75, is keen to know more. “She is very interested to find out what he did with the rest of his life,” Lauren says. If you have any stories for Lauren, contact her, laurennicholls30.12.13@hot mail.com.

Mt Cooran is the smallest of the three peaks seen in the Northern Noosa Hinterland. After Mt Cooroora, Mt Pinbarren is the next tallest, at 322m. Mt Cooran is 246m high. There are records in the Noosa Shire Museum of ‘picnic trains’ running from Gympie to Cooran and of school children ‘pushing’ nuns dressed in full habit to the top.

Is there an Indigenous meaning for the word ‘Cootharaba’?

Yes. Lake Cootharaba is the largest lake in the Noosa River System. The name is believed to be a derivation from the original ‘Coong-winwar’, meaning ‘big water’.

Fairy magic Left: They have started appearing in trees across the hinterland Small fairy sized doors at the base of trees and in the branches.

The fairy craft people have yet to be spotted.

What do you love about Pomona?

Alexia Purcell says: “I think what I love most about Pomona is not the wide collection of boutique shops, cafes and restaurants, or its tree-lined streets, rolling green parkland or views of Mt Cooroora or even its Majestic Theatre, King of the Mountain race and historic buildings and events but the stories about Pomona’s history and how the town has come to be and every day I think how lucky I am to be a part of it.”

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19 ‘Quirky Corner’ is a new feature introduced to Cooroora Connect.

If you spot something that interests you, take a photo and send it to us for publication. Or, if you have a question you would like answered, submit that too and we will endeavour to find someone who can provide the answer.

Do we dig up the time capsule?

The suggestion has been made that the time capsule buried in the grounds of the former Pomona State School, now the Pomona and District Kindergarten, be dug up, its contents examined and the cylinder repackaged with new memorabilia of the Coronavirus era.

King Of The Mountain organising committee. It sits a the location where the original school flag pole once stood.

QUIRKY CORNER heather@pomonacommunityhouse.com.au

What do people think of the idea to dig it up and what additions should be made to the contents?

Some suggestions have included recent copies of Cooroora The capsule was buried in 1988 Connect and messages from a under a Australian Bi-Centennial current younger generation to initiative driven locally by the their future selves.

Cooroora Historical Society and

DID YOU KNOW:

Soldiers, war and Pomona’s link to Sunshine Coast Daily Our Anzac Day coverage last month sparked interest in the ‘soldier editor’ who founded the tradition of newspaper publishing in Noosa Shire.

was given a bag of sovereigns as a gratuity. McKinnon survived the war.

Ownership of the Noosa Advocate passed to Mr B. J. Stark, at one time The Noosa district’s first newspaper, with the Brisbane Newspaper Company, who then disposed of it to the Noosa Advocate, began Mr. John Hay Braddock, of Cooroy. publication in mid-March 1910, produced from a printery believed to Mr Braddock died at Brisbane in January 1958. be situated somewhere near the Pomona Post Office and the former ANZ Bank. Mr Norman James McKinnon was owner and editor.

Braddock owned and operated the Cooroy Advertiser, which occupied premises in Maple Street, opposite the Cooroy Memorial Hall. After McKinnon had been an apprentice printer, aged 16 in 1888, on the then buying out the competition, Mr Tweed and Brunswick Advocate. Later Braddock merged the two papers, he travelled to South Africa where he which appeared subsequently as the worked for Johannesburg’s Transvaal Noosa Advocate and Cooroora Leader, returning in 1908 to take up Advertiser. Later Braddock sold his newspaper interests to Mr C. the editorship of the Mullumbimby Kingston, of Blackall. On 30 October Star newspaper.

1931, Messrs. A. McFadden and Sons McKinnon Drive at Tewantin is of Nambour, publishers of The named in his honour.

Chronicle newspaper, took over.

N.J. McKinnon was a founding The Noosa Advocate and Cooroora member of the Noosa Show Society Advertiser ceased publication on 30 and served two years as its president.

January 1934, with The Chronicle and He enlisted in the Australian Army in North Coast Advertiser and the 1917 and was farewelled by Pomona Gympie Times newspapers then townsfolk at a ceremony where he covering the news of the area. The

last (Nambour) Chronicle appeared in 1983.

The Dunn family (owners of the Toowoomba Chronicle, Maryborough Chronicle and Rockhampton’s Morning Bulletin) acquired The Chronicle, Nambour, on 1 July 1964, and so that paper became part of Provincial Newspapers (Qld) Ltd (PNQ Group) when the Dunn, Manning and Irwin families and three Ipswich families merged their newspaper interests on 1 April 1968.

PNQ bought other Sunshine Coast newspapers, including the independent Noosa News for $100,000, before launching the Sunshine Coast Daily on 7 July 1980.

The company became Australian Provincial Newspapers. News Corp.

Australia is the current owner. The Noosa News first published in 1968. *News Corp. reportedly is in talks with Australian Community Media (ACM) about the sale to ACM of its suburban and non-metropolitan newspaper titles.

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20

Noosa Council News

Entries sought for McCrea memorial drawing prize

Councillors take up positions with groups and boards Cr Karen Finzel’s links to the hinterland arts community has earned her a position on the Noosa Council assessment panel that considers local applications for grants from the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) – a joint state and local government initiative.

undertake an options analysis and concept design to identify on and off road cycling routes for two priority corridors in Noosa Shire.

Another hinterland council representative, Cr Tom Wegener, has been appointed to reference groups with a strong environmental She is also likely to be the busiest of significance. He will be on the Case councillors following the appointment Management Working Group, on the of council representatives to various Board of the Noosa Biosphere Reserve working groups and committees Foundation, and will help oversee the through which the council maintains Climate Change Adaptation Plan links with the community. The Project Control Group. Cr Brian representation decisions were made at Stockwell is the council nominated the May round of council meetings. member of the Mary River Catchment The groups are a two-way avenue for Coordinating Committee, with Cr disseminating and receiving Wegener as his proxy. information across the shire.

The Transport Strategy Steering Group includes the mayor, Cr Clare Stewart, Cr Finzel, of Pomona, has been Cr Frank Wilkie and Cr Joe Jurisevic. In appointed to six liaison positions. In the big spending area of capital works, addition to her RADF role, she will the mayor, Cr Wilkie and Cr Jurisevic represent the council on the Heritage Reference Group (which she will chair), will be the elected representatives. the Walking and Cycling Strategy and Cr Jurisevic will represent Noosa Highest Priority Cycling Corridors Council on the Northern SEQ Regional Group, the Cooroy Futures Group Roads and Transport Group, which (Butter Factory), and the Hinterland includes Transport and Main Roads Playground Reference Group (Cooroy). representation also.

The Noosa Heritage Reference Group was established in 2016 to provide input and advice to the council on heritage related matters, including the Noosa Shire Museum. The reference group provides input and suggestions regarding heritage priorities and potential heritage projects in the Noosa Shire and also assists in identifying partnership opportunities.

The Noosa Cycling and Walking Strategy and Implementation Plan (including the Recreational Strategy) will re-establish a vision for cycling and walking in Noosa for the next 20 years (2020-2040), while the Noosa High Priority Route Options Analysis – Cycling Corridor Planning Study will

Cr Stewart is the council’s representative to the State Government Peer to Peer Economy and Short-Term Letting Industry Reference Group, while Cr Wilkie joins the Sunshine Coast Airport Community and Aviation Forum.

The council noted that the Sustainable Tourism Stakeholder Reference Group will be put on hold at this stage ‘as a result of COVID-19’.

It is quite likely that the council will establish other working groups or committees during this coming term.

Their membership and purpose will be dealt with at the time of establishment.

Contributed

Noosa Regional Gallery is inviting entries in this year’s Lyn McCrea Memorial Drawing Prize, which has been held annually since 2016, attracting entries from emerging and established artists Australia-wide.

The gallery established the $5000 prize with John McCrea, in memory of Sunshine Coast art educator and art collector, Lyn McCrea. Its purpose is to promote excellence in drawing.

With the COVID-19 closure of the gallery, however, the prize shifts exclusively online this year in an effort to continue to provide opportunities to artists.

To support the work of artisis during hard times brought about by the Coronavirus restrictions, gallery director, Michael Brennan, said there would be no cost to enter this year.

Leading Australian artist, Michael Zavros, whose work has been exhibited in major museums throughout Australia, New Zealand, Asia and Europe, will judge the finalists’ work.

Entries in the Lyn McCrea Memorial Drawing Prize opened on 11 May and will close on 19 July.

Visit: www.noosaregionalgallery.co m.au for more information.

The winner receives $5000 prize money.

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21

It’s Pomona – just not as residents know it

Images: How the Noosa Shire Museum might look, in the eyes of a QUT architectural student. The concept includes an extension to the existing building and incorporation of the Uniting Church via a covered plaza.

Will Pomona get a Centre for Permaculture one day, or a ‘people’s space’ where members of various generations can interact with each other – oldies to teach a younger generation how to knit or play the piano, or 20somethings showing an older person how to download an app to their mobile phone?

In all likelihood, no. However, it doesn’t stop us from dreaming about what might be. Or rather, it doesn’t stop more than 120 architecture students from dreaming and designing buildings and spaces where people can interact in the special environment the town nurtures.

Next month, the third-year architectural students from the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) will present their designs for re-imagined buildings in town – this year, the old Forestry Building in School Street, the Pomona Memorial Hall and the pavilion at the Pomona Showgrounds. The Noosa Shire Museum and The Majestic Theatre have been the subject of past ‘revitalisations’.

As part of their coursework, the students visited Pomona in March to measure-up the three buildings and gain an understanding of the town’s character and architectural vernacular style. They have worked with tutors since to develop their concepts into small models, including an explanation of their reasoning to arrive at the final result.

It is the sixth year the students have made their annual pilgrimage to Pomona. Their interaction with townsfolk about what we envisage for the town is designed to replicate an important aspect of an architect’s work – receiving a briefing from a client.

LOCAL ECONOMIC PLAN REVIEW Noosa Council has begun a review of its Local Economic Plan and its associated 68 actions. The Economic Development Unit continues to assess the opportunity for a Future Skills Learning Hub and roll-out of ‘Noosa as an education destination’.

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Cooroora Connect Advertising/Editorial deadline for the next issue 19 June 2020 heather@pomonacommunityhouse.com.au

Cooroora Connect Cooroora Connect is an initiative of the Pomona & District Community House Inc. The material published in Cooroora Connect may be reproduced only with appropriate authorisation and acknowledgment.

The views expressed in Cooroora Connect are not necessarily the views of the editor, publisher or Pomona & District Community House. Inc. Claims in advertisements are those of the advertisers and not the publisher.

Our aim is to produce and distribute Cooroora Connect in a timely manner to ensure we meet all deadlines. However, due to unforeseen circumstances that are beyond our control, we take all care but no responsibility if circumstances arise.

Free Legal Advice & Referral Phone Appointments Ph: 5443 7827

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NEWS IN BRIEF COUNCIL ‘NO’ TO NBN TOWER At its ordinary general meeting of 5 May, Noosa Council re-affirmed its decision to deny a material change of use application that would have allowed an NBN communications tower to be erected at 244 Tablelands Road, two kilometres north-east of Cooran. Councillors agreed to defend the matter before the Planning and Environment Court.

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Cooroora Connect heather@pomonacommunityhouse.com.au

The council received 458 public submissions, overwhelmingly against the tower on grounds of visual intrusion in the local landscape. Councillors Finzel and Stockwell declared a conflict of interest and did not take part in the vote, which was moved by Cr Joe Jurisevic.

MAJESTIC MEMBERSHIP DUE For those who love The Majestic Theatre or who would like to contribute to this wonderful institution, a reminder that it’s time to renew the $20 annual membership to Pomona Arts Inc. Go to www.themajestictheatre.com.au, download the membership form and follow the instructions. While the theatre is closed for the time being, much repair work and cleaning is taking place ahead of its reopening post Coronavirus.

LET THERE BE LIGHT AT SHOWGROUNDS The Noosa Show Society will use a $85,675 Federal Government grant to meet the cost of four new halogen lights that will be used to illuminate the Pomona Showgrounds show ring.

COOROORA SCREENS & BLINDS 19a Factory Street, Pomona P: 5485 1287 / M: 0419 655 901 * Screens & Security Doors * * Shutters * Awnings * * Verticals * Venetians * * Roller & Roman Blinds *

Pomona Barber

The additional infrastructure will allow the show rodeo to be held in the main arena and to run late. Some extra equestrian events may be conducted also.

No Appointment Necessary

Rain sprouts green thumbs

Located behind The Caltex Garage Factory Street, Pomona

Open Tuesday to Friday

PH: 0477 043 071 POMONA True Value Hardware PH: 5485 1351 10 Reserve St Pomona Noosa and District Landcare nurseries are promoting the sale of native plant species noted for attracting bees. Landcare trainees are pictured showing some of the plants on offer. For more information: https://noosalandcare.org/plant/sales-sales/.

HARDWARE, TIMBER, GARDEN, PAINT, LP GAS, RURAL & PRODUCE NEEDS

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Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community