From

from Cooroy Rag May 4 2022

by Cooroy Rag

Exhibition draws on four decades at the easel

We believe in giving - to our community, our clients and our colleagues.

wythes.com.au

FREE I Phone: 5442 6699 I Email: editorial@cooroyrag.com.au I 04 May 2022

Joining forces for flood victims

TEWANTIN Noosa Lions Club and LiveLife Pharmacies across Queensland have joined forces to help those in need.

With a shared desire to help those in the community who find themselves struggling in the wake of the recent local flood devastations the partners have developed care packs of goods for distribution by local services working with families as they recover.

The partnership was celebrated this week at Cooroy when LiveLife Pharmacies CEO Clint Coker met with those instrumental in the project.

Full story, page 2 Cooroy LiveLife Pharmacy owner Jacqueline Meyer with LiveLife Pharmacies CEO Clint Coker, Tewantin-Noosa Lion's Michael Roach and Cooroy Police's Senior Constable Chris Murrill. Picture courtesy of Alison Taylor.

Last bank calls quits on Pomona

BY ALEX PURCELL

BENDIGO Bank customers are “ticked off” after the community bank closed its Pomona branch “without warning”.

The Community Bank Pomona Branch, which used to open three days a week on Station Street, closed permanently in April, leaving customers to travel to Cooroy or Tewantin for face-to-face banking.

Local businessman, Stephen Hilditch, said that no one was advised that Bendigo Bank was going to close the Pomona branch, leaving a void in the community.

“In January they said Covid was making things hard for them, regarding finding staff and so forth. And three months later, they closed the doors without a word.

“We’re all ticked off. They’ve forgotten about community. Community is about passion and involvement. It is not about an elderly lady standing in front of her local bank reading a sign that says ‘We’re closed permanently’ and saying, ‘What am I going to do? I don’t have a car. How am I going to get to Cooroy?’

“Worst still, they’ve closed the ATM. We can’t even get money out.”

A Bendigo Bank spokesperson told the Cooroy Rag that the Community Bank Pomona Branch had been temporarily closed since January, largely due to staffing difficulties, and after a review of the branch, the “difficult decision” was made to close the branch permanently.

“Following a review of the branch, which considered the changing banking habits of our customers, fewer in-branch transactions, a growing preference for mobile lenders and mobile business bankers, and the relative proximity of Community Bank Cooroy Branch, the Board of Sunshine Coast Community Financial Services Limited made the difficult decision to permanently close the Pomona branch and cease operation of the ATM. This decision has been supported by Bendigo and Adelaide Bank.

“Alternative locations for the ATM were explored, but unfortunately, did not progress. Face-to-face banking can be conducted at Community Bank Cooroy or via the Bank@Post service at Australia Post LPO, Pomona. Alternatively, customers can transact as normal at any ATM or Bendigo Bank branch, via internet banking, our mobile app or via phone banking on 1300 236 344.”

For Stephen, it was a personal affront. When ANZ closed their Pomona branch in 2014, Stephen held a meeting between the Pomona Community and Bendigo Bank at the Pomona Bowls Club.

Continued page 2

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INSIDE THIS EDITION

Less Covid restrictions means more road policing..4

Diamond Street shopping plans on track with Council.6

Exhibition draws on four decades at the easel ..........7

Change at the top of hardware store....................5

Know your school parking rules....................................8

Young cricketers eager to bat on .....................................10

Local firm committed to fighting for justice..............11

Award-winning Pelican flies high for local tourism ........12

Dining out on Distribution day....................................14

Director ready to end on a high note.......................... 16

Foursome of artists to showcase their works.......17

Social fun......................... 18

Community notes..............20

Election 2022.............. 22-25

Your Say.......................... 26

Sport................................ 28

Classifieds........................29

Trades & Services ...... 30-31

Puzzle.............................. 32

Real Estate................. 32-39

Responsibility for election comment is taken by Geoff Crockett, 117 The Avenue, Peregian Springs, Qld, 4573. TEWANTIN Noosa Lions Club has partnered with LiveLife Pharmacies across Queensland to distribute personal care packs to those in need.

The personal care packs include items such as toiletries, sanitary items and baby products to support families affected by the recent local flood devastations.

LiveLife Pharmacy Cooroy Owner/Manager, Jacqueline Meyer said that combined, Cooroy and Pomona LifeLife Pharmacies donated close to $5000 worth of goods.

“Toothpaste, shampoo, razors, baby formula, essential nutrients, skincare, rehydration products, dummies, we donated a range of toiletries, sanitary items and baby products for the care packs.”

The care packs will be packed by Lions and distributed through various Lions Clubs, community groups, Councils and with the support of Queensland Police Domestic Violence Officers over the next two months.

Tewantin Noosa Lions Club Coordinator for the project, Michael Roach, said their Club is excited about this partnership with LiveLife Pharmacies.

“From our earlier partnership some years back, our Club received many emotional emails from recipients expressing gratitude for the items received when funds and crisis had impacted daily living for them and their children.”

LiveLife Pharmacies CEO, Clint Coker said, this is LiveLife Pharmacy’s second joint venture with Lions and they are “very happy” to again contribute to those most in need.

“I welcome this partnership with Lions given the fantastic work they do in the many communities they serve throughout Queensland.

“We are very happy to again contribute to their worthy humanitarian assistance program on behalf of not just the communities we serve directly but those most in need.

“It’s a comfort knowing that in turn, if our immediate community was in need, Lions Clubs across Queensland would reciprocate.”

Clint said participating pharmacies throughout Queensland donated over $30,000 worth of product. "We would like to thank our suppliers and participating LiveLife Pharmacy stores. LiveLife Pharmacy is proud to support various community organisations and initiatives as part of its Community Support Program.”

Jacqueline said any local non-for-profit community groups can apply for donations from LifeLife Pharmacy.

“Every month, we conduct our Community Support Program, which gives money to local non-for-profit community groups.

“This program has been running for three or four years now and during that time, LiveLife Pharmacy as a group has donated $500,000 to groups.

“If you are a local non-for profit, drop into LiveLife Pharmacy Cooroy or apply online.”

From page 1

“We thought we’d have 30 maybe 40 people attend. We had 130," he said.

“Then Bendigo Bank Branch Manager, Geoff Edwards, and I walked the streets and got all the businesses to change over to Bendigo.

“Now Bendigo has just upped and left these people and businesses. Businesses now have to find staff to drive to Cooroy to do their face-to-face banking. It might be close but it's still 12 minutes there and back as well as the time to find a park.”

Pomona & District Chamber of Commerce President, Phil Moran, said the bank was a vital component of business life.

“It allowed retailers to bank takings overnight rather than keeping them locked in drawers and safes in backrooms of cafes and shops.”

The Bendigo Bank spokesperson said that the team at Community Bank Cooroy will continue to support customers with all current and future banking, lending and other requirements for financial services.

“Opening hours are Monday to Friday 9:30 am to 5pm. Community Bank Cooroy is located 10 minutes from Pomona at 36a Maple Street Cooroy.”

But Phil said that from a Chamber perspective, they fear that if people travel to places outside Pomona for their banking, “they will shop in those towns and buy petrol there, further eroding a local economy that has fared fairly well during the Covid pandemic”.

Phil said he was surprised when the branch closed.

“Bendigo Bank is a member of the Chamber, so I am surprised that the PDCC did not get a prior warning of Bendigo’s closure decision, nor any formal request to seek more business support.”

“In managing COVID-19, the banks remained open as an essential service because they are. We were just coming out of those times and now we are hit with this.”

The Bendigo Bank spokesperson said that the bank has informed Pomona customers of the

Bendigo shuts doors in Pomona closure and will continue to support the community through sponsorship initiatives. “The Bank has written to Pomona customers informing them of this decision and further communicated this change via SMS and posters at the branch. “The Community Bank network, operated by Sunshine Coast Community Financial Services Limited, will continue to support the Pomona community via their sponsorship program, from our Cooroy location. “The Bendigo Bank 'King of the Mountain' will once again run in July 2022 and funding may also be considered for other initiatives across the district.”

BOUQUETS & BRICKBATS

BOUQUET to Robbo at Mitre 10 for always being on hand and a wonderful help, no matter what it is you need.

BRICKBAT to Noosa Shire Council. Not only do the toilets at Hastings Street Surf Club stink, right in the middle of school holidays they decided to close the outside showers! Surely this work could be done outside the holiday periods.

BRICKBAT to the people who brought their dogs to the new playground in Cooroy. I'm a dog owner but please! Male dogs pee everywhere and female dogs squat everywhere. Surely this should be a place where children can run free without risking a dog dropping?

RAG CONTACTS

OFFICE Phone: 5442 6699 EDITORIAL Alex Purcell editorial@cooroyrag.com.au ADVERTISING Judy Painter advertising@cooroyrag.com.au PRODUCTION Geoff Crockett / Kristina Tindall production@cooroyrag.com.au ADMINISTRATION Jodi Brennan admin@cooroyrag.com.au

Every 3 weeks, 7500 copies of the Cooroy Rag are distrubuted throughout our community to Tewantin, Doonan, Eumundi, Noosaville, Boreen Point, Imbil, Gympie, Cooroy and Pomona

“ We genuinely give a SHED!”

Playground brings business to Cooroy

BY ALEX PURCELL

COOROY’S highly-anticipated multi-million dollar playground opened on April 13, just in time for Easter.

The Hinterland Adventure Playground officially opened one year after construction began and three weeks earlier than planned.

Noosa Mayor Clare Stewart said the new Hinterland Adventure Playground is a great asset for the Shire.

“Council is enormously proud of what has been achieved in Cooroy and the smiles, crowds and hive of activity prove what an awesome playground it is.”

“I think the finished product shows just how important this is to not only the residents and visitors, but to the economy of Cooroy and the Hinterland.

“It’s such an iconic facility that offers plenty of variety to children of all ages and abilities,” Cr Stewart said.

Hundreds of eager children and their families gave the park a test run over Easter and judging by the comments on Council’s Facebook page, the consensus is unanimous - it’s a winner.

“Well done! We loved our visit today. The all-abilities flying fox and the ramp into the water feature were our favourites,” Libby Doherty said.

“It's an awesome park. Well done Noosa Council,” Vicky Hey said.

“Amazing Noosa Council! Thank you for creating such a wonderful space,” Sarah Brown said.

Many local businesses are in agreement, after being “busier than usual”.

Fika Cafe owner Eva said while it was hard to decipher whether it was the playground or the holidays, they had “definitely” been busier.

“It’s probably a combination of all of that, plus interstate travel, but I think we'll be able to tell in the coming weeks.”

Sunshine Mitre 10 Store Manager Robbo McInnes said that the Saturday when the playground opened was one of their “biggest days of trade ever”.

“The customer count and the dollars were huge on that day," Robbo said.

“The playground brought a lot of people into town that weekend and they spent, which is great.”

Cooroy Supa IGA owner Peter Zipf said that there are a lot more people around town since the playground opened.

“Town is going gangbusters," Peter said. "The playground has increased the number of people in town. "There are a lot more vehicles. "The car park behind the IGA is always full.”

The Hinterland Adventure Playground at Marara Street in Cooroy is open from 6am to 6pm every day.

The playground comprises a variety of play zones, from quiet spaces to active adventure play zones.

Facilities include water play, all-inclusive flying fox and swings, natural and rock play areas, sandpit, open green spaces, a quiet retreat area, a sensory garden, tunnels and a mounded viewing area.

Each play space is linked via formal and informal pathways, playful steppers and small trails through the landscape.

Facilities include several picnic and BBQ areas, informal seating, and an accessible amenities block featuring a “Changing Places ” accredited change room with a hoist and adjustable table.

There are also shaded areas, perimeter fencing and disabled car parking bays.

The Hinterland Adventure Playground is for children and adults of all abilities with the following rules applying: • Children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult. • Rubbish must be disposed of thoughtfully or taken home. • For the water play area,

Council asks that all babies or children who ordinarily wear nappies wear aquanappies, that no glass bottles or containers, or smoking are present in the vicinity and that care is taken with surfaces that may be slippery or hot. • Dogs are permitted and must remain on a leash and be kept away from the play equipment • Dog owners are responsible for their dogs and must ensure they do not pose a risk or cause a nuisance to other people or other dogs.

It was smiles all around at the long-awaited opening of the adventure playground at Cooroy. Photo supplied by Sunny Coast Photos.

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