Cooroy Rag 1 March 2023 edition

Lake Macdonald water for thought

BY ALEX PURCELL

COOROY’S Lake Macdon-

ald Dam is one of 12 dams that supply drinking water to South East Queensland.

The dam, officially known as Six Mile Creek Dam, is part of the SEQ Water Grid – a connected network of source water assets, bulk water pipelines and water treatment plants.

A Seqwater spokesperson said the grid allows them to move treated drinking water around the region. “The SEQ Water Grid connects 12 dams: Wivenhoe, Somerset, North Pine, Hinze, Baroon Pocket, Leslie Harrison, Ewen Maddock, Cooloolabin, Sideling Creek, Lake

Macdonald, Little Nerang and Wappa; 32 conventional water treatment plants; three advanced water treatment plants; one desalination plant; 28 bulk water reservoirs; 22 pump stations; and bulk supply pipelines that stretch more than 600 kilometres.

“It enables us to move treated drinking water around the region in either direction when needed, from the Sunshine Coast to Greater Brisbane, to Redlands and south to the Gold Coast.”

The Seqwater spokesperson said this is especially important when patchy rainfall leaves some areas with full dams and other parts of

the region with lower dam levels.

“This provides Seqwater with some flexibility to help manage water supply challenges arising from variable rainfall patterns, drought, climate change and population growth.

“While we always encourage everyone to do their part to use water wisely, urban water restrictions are not considered until the combined capacity of the 12 water grid dams falls below 50 per cent.

“As at 21 February 2023, the SEQ Water Grid storage capacity is 79 per cent and the capacity of Lake Macdonald is at 87 per cent.”

In the past five years, the

SEQ Water Grid storage capacity has only dropped as low as 54 per cent and Lake Macdonald Dam as low as 74 per cent.

“Water supply is constantly monitored through a combination of manual checks and gauge readings and automatic gauge instrumentation, and where needed, we adapt our operation of the water grid accounting for storage levels, consumption and other factors.”

Seqwater also monitors and manages topped-up dams, offering dam release notifications to those living or staying near dams like Lake Macdonald.

When Lake Macdonald, an

ungated dam, reaches 100 per cent capacity as it did in February 2022, water flows over the spillway and safely out of the dam.

“The dam release notification service, combined with alerts from the Bureau of Meteorology and council-led local disaster management groups, are important resources for people living, working or holidaying near or downstream of a dam.

“Our public safety app provides up-to-date safety alerts, information on water supply levels and recreation notices for the authority’s 26 dams.

“Subscribers can receive notifications for their chosen

dams and opt-in for updates by email, text message or recorded message to landline telephone about when Seqwater dam releases are occurring and when ungated dams are spilling or have stopped spilling.”

Lake Macdonald was built in 1965 and the dam was raised in 1980 to increase its storage capacity. A project to further upgrade the dam was scheduled to begin in 2021 but was put on hold to be reassessed after information emerged during the procurement stage that project costs would be significantly higher than the approved $127 million budget.

Credit: Seqwater

From the desk of your roaming editor

Alex Purcell, Cooroy Rag Roaming Editor

IF my grandmother were still alive, she would have turned 101 this year. Sadly, she passed away six months shy of her 100th birthday.

She was a remarkable woman. Not only was she the first woman in Australia to survive having a brain tumour removed but she also endured having her left eye sewn up at the age of 40 after they severed the optic nerve during surgery.

She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother.

And for over 30 years, she lived alone.

Every opportunity we had, we would visit her in Toowoomba – buying her groceries, cooking her dinner and fixing her latest technological issue.

I would call her often: for advice, to discuss the latest state of the world, or just to chat.

And I know so did her four daughters, eight grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was alone but she wasn’t lonely.

Sconetime connects seniors with family, friends, local businesses and community groups over a cuppa and a freshly baked scone every month.

Bouquets & Brickbats

BOUQUETS to Namastay Indian for amazing delicious food and super service.

BOUQUETS to those who volunteer at sports events and at reading at primary schools. Your time and contributions are greatly valued.

BRICKBATS to the lady who walks past my house daily at 6:15 am talking loudly on Facetime – I don’t want to hear your conversation.

BRICKBATS to dirt bikes consistently riding through the Noosa Trail Network track 5 – sadly this puts us off taking kids and horses out.

BRICKBATS to the dog owners who do not pick up their dog’s business. I took my groodle down to the park where the skatepark is and we usually go for a bit of a walk down there. To my disgust, there was dog poo everywhere. I could not believe how many dog owners are so lazy that they do not pick up their dog’s business, if I catch anyone doing that I will shame them.

LINDA Sivyer came across this little piece of Cooroy history – a book cover given to school children of the Cooroy District.

Linda said her mother, Betty Sivyer, who was born in Cooroy in 1927, told her that it would be from

the early 1930s. Jarman Newsagency is where Belvedere Newsagency is today on Diamond Street, Cooroy.

Read Linda’s farewell to her mother, Betty Sivyer (nee Lettman) on page 8.

No secret to Sconetime

And apart from a few months during Covid, Sconetime has run every month since with the help of generous sponsors and selfless volunteers.

“Sirah Robb from Wythes Real Estate has been on board from the start. She’s amazing. She’s been sponsoring the hall since day dot.

“Vanessa from Rambling Rose Flowers Cooroy has been doing the flowers for Sconetime ever since the start. She scattered rose petals all over the tables for Valentine’s Day.

the Cooroy RSL for lunch every month after every Sconetime to decompress, debrief and also create a friendship with everyone.

“Volunteer Helen Duncan donated her mum’s Royal Albert tea set at the start and then she started volunteering.

“She’s incredible; she’s at every Sconetime in her gorgeous outfit. I call her our mascot because everyone bails her up on the street to ask about Sconetime.”

Martin said he looks forward to Cooroy Sconetime every month.

THERE is a secret to a good scone – but there is no secret to why Cooroy’s favourite senior event is so successful.

Sconetime at Cooroy Memorial Hall is a celebrated monthly event with more than 150 attending the most recent, and first, Sconetime for 2023.

Host Martin Duncan aka Sunshine Coast Foodie said he was blown away by the attendance at the Valentine’s Day Sconetime.

“It was amazing. We had so many beautiful seniors

come and I met them all at the door to give them a chocolate, and my favourite regulars got a cuddle.”

Martin is the man in the apron behind Sconetime which started in Cooroy and has now spread, with quarterly events in Buderim and Beerwah, and monthly in Caloundra.

With a long career in desserts, Martin said he started Sconetime after he saw a video that gave him the idea.

“I had dessert cafes in Brisbane for 18 years and then a luxury accommoda-

tion and cooking school on the Sunshine Coast for eight years.

“I used to make scones in my dessert cafes and host networking mornings to connect traders.

“But it was a video that popped up on Facebook one day about a woman in Scotland who had no family and was lonely and through tea parties she brought other elderly folk together, which gave me the idea for Sconetime.

“Loneliness and disconnect are so huge in our commu-

nity and that’s what Sconetime is all about – it is about connecting people.

“But it’s more than that. At Sconetime we do scones with the community, businesses and community groups and it is that mix that makes it so special.

“Sconetime is not about ego; it is about doing something for the community.”

Martin held the first Sconetime in June 2018 to coincide with the first event held in the Cooroy Memorial Hall after it had undergone renovations.

“Traecy from Noosa Black Coffee supplies her coffee grown on her phenomenal property at Kin Kin.

“And Peter Wolfe from Cedar Creek Farm Bushfoods makes jam. We buy strawberries from local producers and he makes batches every month for Sconetime.

“It’s also about showcasing local producers doing something fabulous.”

And Sconetime wouldn’t be Sconetime without Martin’s team of volunteers.

“All our volunteers are amazing. I take them out to

“Cooroy just has this gorgeous energy. It has a real soul, which I love.

“We have the most beautiful seniors. I love their stories. We have Elsie who is now 101 and Joyce who is 96 and comes to every Sconetime – she has only ever missed one.”

The next Sconetime is on Tuesday 14 March at Cooroy Memorial Hall from 10 am.

And in case you were wondering … egg and yoghurt is the secret to a moist and nutritious scone,” Martin said.

Helen, Traecy, Martin and Sirah and the crowd at the biggest and most recent Cooroy Sconetime on Valentine’s Day.

Consign Your Motorcycle Today

Upgrades for kid’s play areas

TWO children’s play areas in Cooroy are getting an upgrade.

Work has begun on the water play area within the Hinterland Adventure Playground and in the Cooroy Library children’s outdoor area.

Noosa Council is installing two new cantilevered shade structures and new synthetic turf over the library’s outdoor area to improve sun protection and greater useability of the space.

Noosa Council’s Director of Infrastructure Services Larry Sengstock said the landscaping works around the water play area in the playground aim to further improve the safety and amenity of this well-used facility.

“We are removing some of

the loose rock and installing flagstone pavers, steps, and some additional mulching and planting.

“This follow-up work was always scheduled for this popular facility at the time of opening in April 2022 and is being funded through remaining construction budget left over from last year,” he said.

Council is also investigating shading options for the playground’s central play area, including the steel slide.

Mr Sengstock said the steel slide, manufactured locally in Cooroy, was adopted due to its low maintenance cost and to reflect one of the key driving design aesthetics – that of “industry taken over by nature”.

“On very hot days we do advise caution in the use of the slide and are reviewing processes to help manage this proactively in the future.

“We are also investigating further shading and cooling options at the central play area, including the slide, for possible future installation,” he said.

Both the Cooroy Library outdoor area and the water play area in the playground are currently closed while the works are carried out.

They are expected to take five weeks and three weeks respectively, weather depending.

Cooroy Library and the rest of the playground and its facilities are open as normal.

Flood recovery works continue

IT is one year since Cooroy experienced a significant landslip as a result of an extreme weather event experienced across the Noosa Shire.

Due to the landslide, a section of Black Mountain Road has been completely closed, with a diversion in place to access homes and businesses using Andersons Road via Middle Creek Road.

To accommodate the increased traffic and improve safety on the detour route, widening and surfacing works have been carried out on Black Mountain Road and Anderson Road, and works are now being done on Middle Creek Road, Federal.

Noosa Council said the works include widening and sealing of road shoulders to six metres, lime stabilisation of subgrade, regrading of table drains, and line marking and signage improvements.

Middle Creek Road is open and traffic control is in place where required.

Noosa Council said it and its contractors are continuing to work with Black Mountain residents during the flood recovery works.

Director of Infrastructure Services Larry Sengstock said mechanisms are in place to respond to requests from residents.

“Our Flood Recovery

Resilience Officer is on the ground and meets with residents regularly.

“They can also raise issues or ask questions by going directly to the Your Say Noosa website where there is a dedicated section for Black Mountain residents.

“Residents can also email our team directly to disasterrecovery@noosa.qld.gov.au, which allows us to respond in a timely manner and log the request,” he said.

At 150 m wide, the landslide on Black Mountain Road is so extensive it is expected to cost in excess of $25 million to repair and to take until mid-2024 to complete.

The water play area within the Hinterland Adventure Playground.

A SPOTLIGHT has been shone on the Noosa hinterland with a segment on Channel 7’s travel television show Weekender

The segment, Explore Noosa Hinterland, follows local tour company Joel’s Journeys’ tour of the Noosa hinterland visiting Lake Cootharaba, Kin Kin Depot, Amarita Meadery, Dingo Creek Vineyard and Pomona Village Kitchen.

Pomona Village Kitchen

owner Zenita Enslin said she was delighted when Joel, from Joel’s Journeys, “rocked up” with the crew from Weekender.

“We had a few giggles, especially when they asked me to keep on my cowgirl hat for filming.

“Being chosen to feature as one of Noosa's tourist destinations was a pretty special moment for us at Pomona Village Kitchen.

“We have put our hearts and soul into creating a space for our local community and now to be recognised as a destination for visitors to Noosa and the hinterland has made me so proud to be in Pomona.”

Zenita said Joel has really helped put Pomona

and the Noosa hinterland on the map.

“He has a passion for good food and beautiful destinations. His tours support all the local businesses and especially those that are part of the slow food movement, which means we source as much as possible locally and are really just small businesses supporting small businesses.”

Joel, a local tour guide, said he started Joel's Journeys because he loves tour guiding.

“I've been a tour guide for over 10 years. I love creating memorable experiences for people in new and unique locations and enjoy teaching them about the places we visit, particularly in the natural world – and we have plenty of nature here in the Noosa region."

“I chose Pomona Village Kitchen to be on my Noosa Hinterland Tour because they have a good spread of options between plantbased and non-plant-based food.

“They also have a sustainable model, being a Slow Food Noosa member. Being a member shows they're genuine: their food is

good, clean and fair, locally sourced and doesn't have a huge carbon footprint.

“Plus it’s a great restaurant. It has a charming vibe and Zenita is such a positive person, it rubs off on all the staff and customers.

“They’re a local business and I am all about supporting local businesses.”

Zenita said she wakes up grateful every day to live life in such a beautiful place.

“Pomona has so many attractions: from Noosa & District Landcare’s HinterHub to the Little Pantry with the most amazing local ranges of health foods and teas; to Mitch and Les at the Pomona Newsagency with the most beautiful Australian giftware, to Mount Cooroora if you are up for a great climb with the best view at the top; to This Bird gallery and florist, a local artist whose mural is painted on the IGA, to the Pomona Distillery; Gitsham Prime Foods, an amazing butcher with award-winning sausages – and not to mention, silent movies at the historic Majestic Theatre,” Zenita said. The segment can be viewed at: 7weekender.com/ explore-noosas-hinterland

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Couple celebrate 65 years

LONG-TIME Cooroy couple Jim and Ruth Grant have celebrated their blue sapphire wedding anniversary.

The couple, who married on 25 February 1958, celebrated the milestone with family and friends at Cooroy RSL, exactly 65 years to the day.

Congratulations, Jim and Ruth.

Mates rally for silent killer

Eumundi resident Graeme Meade and Cooroy resident Bruce Chamberlain have formed team ‘Sunshine Blokes Kar 97’, devoting themselves to supporting the efforts of Kidney Health Australia to assist young children and youth suffering from kidney disease.

In August, the pair will drive thousands of kilometres across the Australian countryside for the 2023 Kidney Kar Rally.

Graeme said they have started their fundraising campaign with the task of raising $3000 or more, ahead of the rally.

“Through donations and sponsorship, we are already halfway there. Tyrepower Cooroy has just come on as a silver sponsor which is wonderful.

“But we need more. Every dollar we raise goes directly to Kidney Health Australia to support children and young

people affected by kidney disease.

“Bruce and I cover all costs of participating in the rally including fuel, accommodation, food and car maintenance.”

Graeme, who has participated in other charity rallies before, said he does it to give back to those less fortunate.

“I’ve already completed two rallies for Cancer Council since I retired and this year I decided to do a different rally with a different car for a different worthwhile charity.

“Unfortunately, kidney disease (CKD) is on the increase and there's no known cure. That’s why it's named 'the secret killer'.

“The strain on families with children suffering with kidney disease is terrible.

“Kidney Health Australia help improve the quality of life with vital resources, education programs, support services and research funding. I want to help them

do that. That's what it is all about.”

Bruce said he had also been wanting to do something to give back to others when Graeme called and told him about the Kidney Kar Rally.

The duo, in their Mitsubishi Lancer rally car, will travel across-country from Mudgee via Bateman's Bay to Narrandera.

“It’s a national rally. People travel far and wide to participate. It puts us and the cars and the whole need for kidney awareness in the faces of people in the country.

“Hopefully in our part of the world, we can raise awareness of kidney disease and how it is making the lives of kids suffering from it miserable.

“Let’s leave kidney disease in the dust,” Graeme said. Anyone who would like to make a donation or sponsor Sunshine Blokes Kar 97 can do so here: fundraise. kidney.org.au/fundraisers/ SunshineBlokesKar97

TWO old friends are raising money and awareness for a silent killer.

Jim and Ruth on their wedding day in 1958.

Bruce and Graeme with their 2023 Kidney Kar Rally car.

End of an era

FOR 12 years, Cooroy’s Greg Holmes has been the membership officer at the Cooroy-Pomona RSL Sub Branch.

And while he has stepped down from this position, he hasn’t stepped back by any means. Greg said he still has roles at the sub branch that keep him busy.

“I am still one of the committee and I’m on the Garden of Remembrance at the Cooroy Cemetery; I am in charge of the roses.

“I am also assisting the new membership officer with the takeover, which will take a couple of months and then I will be on hand to help him when needed.”

Greg first started as the membership officer in 2011 after joining the RLS Sub Branch some six years earlier.

“I am a national serviceman. I was at Longreach in 1956 when I got the letter to report for national service. I did, and then I did three years with the CMF with the Queensland University

regiment and 10 years on the reserve.

“I didn’t go overseas, so when I moved to Cooroy in 1994 and met Arthur Morris who had been a prisoner of war with the Japanese and had worked the Burma railway, and he asked me to join the sub branch, I didn’t feel I was worthy.

“When the conversation came up again with another sub branch member, he asked if I’d ever had family involved in wars and I’ve had 14; two of them didn’t make it back and the others were never the same again.

“He said to join the sub branch as a payback to them. So I did.”

Greg said, as the membership officer, his objective was to look after members, as well as increase and retain membership – something he has done and is incredibly proud of.

“Looking after members is the most important thing. That’s why every Wednesday from 1 pm to 6 pm we are there for members to

come in and say hello and have a chat. We now have record numbers and nearly every member renews their membership.”

Greg also started meet-amember, an initiative to bring sub branch members together and a special session for veterans of more recent conflicts and peacekeeping operations.

“We have a day for everyone except those who served in Iraq, Afghanistan and East Timor and peacekeeping because that’s where all our PTSD is coming from.

“So with the help of retired Major General John Cantwell, last year we organised a special afternoon tea event for these younger members.”

Greg said he largely attributes his achievements to five Cooroy RSL staff members: Helen, Leanne, Shaleisa, Shanae and Shay.

“They are worth their weight in gold. Without them, I would not have been anywhere near as successful as I was.”

Majestic location for milestone

RON West has celebrated his 90th birthday.

A legend at the Majestic Theatre Pomona, the former owner and long-time organist celebrated the milestone with over 60 family and friends at the only fitting place – the theatre.

Ron said it was a terrific day. It was really great to have all my family together. It was very fitting to have it at the Majestic.”

Ron has been with the theatre since 1973. After he had owned it for 33 years, the theatre was sold to Pomona Arts Inc., a not-forprofit community group of volunteers.

Many of the volunteers involved in running the theatre were at the celebration.

Also at the event was the Noosa Jazz Club, which has found a home at the Majestic, and four of its musicians

played traditional jazz numbers while Pomona Village Kitchen supplied finger food. The Majestic Theatre celebrated its centenary in 2021. It is the world’s oldest continuously running picture theatre, still showing silent films every Saturday at noon with Ron accompanying them on the Majestic’s vintage ‘37 Compton theatre organ.

Happy birthday, Ron.

Ron West and family at his 90th birthday celebration at the Majestic Theatre.

Outgoing Cooroy-Pomona RSL Sub Branch membership officer, Greg Holmes with Cooroy RSL staff.

Multi Award Winning

Vale Betty Sivyer (nee Lettman)

BY LINDA SIVYER

BETTY (Elizabeth Helen)

Lettman, the only daughter of Sid and Ethel (Ettie) Lettman, was born on 10 August 1927 at the Cooroy Nursing Home on Tewantin Road. The midwife who delivered Betty was in fact her great aunt/grandmother, Ellen Brittain. Sid’s mother died when he was 11 days old and Ellen and Bill Brittain raised him as their own. Ellen was Sid’s mother’s sister.

Betty grew up until eight years of age in the Brittain home, which was also the Cooroy Nursing Home, until Sid and Ethel moved to their home in Cedar Street, Cooroy, which today is situated on the corner of Elm and Pearl Streets.

Ellen and Bill Brittain purchased the Coronation Hall and on the sale of the hall, the Lettman house was built with the timber from the hall. This house is still standing today, some 88 years later.

Betty, as she was always known from a baby, went to Cooroy State School until a scholarship in Year 8. During

her time at Cooroy State School she travelled by train, with other classmates, to Pomona Rural School for home science studies.

On completion of her primary schooling, Betty travelled each week from Cooroy to Nambour where she attended Nambour State High School and completed her junior certificate.

Betty and her long-time friend Edna Crees (now Smith) caught the train on a Monday morning and returned to Cooroy on Friday afternoon’s train.

Betty and Edna boarded together in a private home in Nambour for these two years.

Following her secondary education, Betty obtained a position as a telephonist in the Postmaster-General’s Department at the Cooroy Post Office, but had to resign on her marriage to Ron Sivyer on 8 February 1947.

Betty and Ron lived in Lismore and Brisbane for the first year or so of their married life but returned to Cooroy for a short time

and eventually moved to Brisbane to live in February 1950 when I, their daughter, was two years of age.

Betty and Ron had three children: myself, Neil and Gary, and lived at Kedron from 1950 to 1980 when they moved to Alderley until 2016.

They then moved to Manly West where they lived together until Ron’s passing in July 2018. Betty stayed on in the house with me until her passing on 24 November 2022.

Betty’s mother was Ethel McLean who came to Cooroy as a six-month-old baby with her parents Alec and Elizabeth (nee Fenwick) McLean in December 1907. Betty’s great-grandparents, Robert and Hellen Fenwick, were already living at Tinbeerwah when Alec and Elizabeth arrived in Cooroy with their three daughters: Jean, Doris and baby Ethel. Betty’s clarity of mind and her knowledge of Cooroy history from a small child was impeccable right up until her death.

Betty as a child standing beside her deck chair at the house where she lived on Tewantin Road and Betty and Edna Smith (nee Crees) taken at the RSL aged 90 and 89 years respectively.

Spring into the new year with pilates

New manager for Bendigo

LOCAL business owner and Pomona’s resident muralist is bringing local wildlife to life – again.

This Bird Florist & Creative Studio owner and artist Tia Carrigan is currently installing one of her creative murals at Pomona State School.

DOING more physical activity or exercise was the most popular New Year’s resolution for 2023, a new survey has found.

With that in mind, Studio Pilates Noosa owner Timea Pocze-Graf said now is the time to shake up the way people get their strength up.

“Our low-impact, high-intensity classes have been developed by a team of physiotherapists, making them suitable for everybody, no matter age or fitness ability. They are effective, addictive and totally transformative and will leave anyone looking and feeling fitter and stronger both inside and out after just six classes.”

Timea said their team are committed to helping clients achieve their goals, whatever they might look like.

“Whether they want to strengthen their core,

improve their posture, incorporate some strength and resistance training into their workouts or simply try something new, our 40-minute classes tick all the boxes.

“Our highly skilled instructors are among the best in the biz and they’ll guide and support them through every workout while providing one-on-one guidance and support so they feel accomplished after every single class.”

Timea said they host different class times to fit with any schedule and lifestyle.

“But don’t take our word for it – experience the Studio Pilates difference with our exclusive introductory offer and get six classes for just $60.”

To redeem this offer or learn more, email noosa@ studiopilates.com or call 0413 927 880.

COOROY Community Bank has welcomed a new branch manager.

Steve Clarke, with a long career in banking spanning 20 years and four banking brands, recently joined the team at Bendigo Bank’s Cooroy branch.

Bringing an attitude of positivity and approaching his work days as play, Steve said that he is enjoying the culture within the Bendigo Bank community.

“My passion is to help community groups to achieve their goals and impacts and also to help improve the financial well-being of our community customers.”

With a large family of grown-up children and grandchildren, Steve said his highest priority is spending quality time with his village. Steve can be contacted at the Cooroy Bendigo Bank branch 07 5447 7131.

Tia said she is painting the mural on classroom walls for World Wildlife Day, an international day to celebrate all the world’s wild animals and plants and the contribution that they make to lives and the health of the planet.

“I am spending a week painting to bring to life the local flora and fauna just in time for World Wildlife Day on Friday 3 March.”

Through the art project, The Bees, The Birds and the Garden They Live In, Tia has also been mentoring young emerging artist and environmental lover Madeleine Cleland.

“Madeleine has worked with me on producing artwork and content for an educational resource booklet related to the mural subject matter.

“The booklet is a way to nurture a love for art and our natural world, both of which I am very passionate about. It will be available to the com-

to provide it as a resource for all the local schools.”

Tia is also talking with the students, who are dropping by in their classes, while she paints the mural.

“Art has been so beneficial for me both as I was growing up and now. I’m hoping to be a role model for those artistically minded students, to show them that pursuing art is a great life skill to have and a viable career path.”

She will also be giving a talk about using art to educate at the Pomona & District Community House’s (PDCH) World Wildlife Day event. It’s going to be cool to be able to show what I’ve been doing to the broader community.”

Painting the mural be-

Tia said it is all thanks to a Regional Arts Development Fund grant – a partnership between the Queensland Government and Noosa Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland – that she gets to paint on the school walls.

“The project is a collaborative community project with involvement from the PDCH, the school, and local creatives.”

Tia’s other murals include the wall of Pomona IGA and This Bird building, both on Reserve Street.

Tia’s talk for PDCH’s Wildlife Day event on Saturday 4 March between 9:30 am and 12:30 pm will be held at The Lawson Shed, 1 Memorial

New branch manager, Steve Clarke.

This Bird owner and artist, Tia Carrigan.

New owners for popular cafe

Pomona business turns 104

FROM little things, big things grow.

That has certainly been the case for Pomona’s SpillDEBeans.

From its humble beginnings as a pop-up coffee shop in the Pomona Newsagency, owner Deb Vassallo has grown the business into the thriving cafe it is today.

And now, 11 years later, long-time local Deb said it is time to pass the baton.

“It’s time to move on and let someone else take the reins.

“It has been a wonderful

journey and it's been so nice to have the following I’ve had.

“Some people have followed me from space to space ever since the beginning.

“The cafe has always been about families: we are a family, we have families come in, and now we have a lovely new family taking over.”

Local family Leila and Jason Pinnell are the new owners of SpillDEBeans.

The couple, who grew up in Pomona and Cooroy respectively, said they bought

the cafe because there is something wonderful about giving people good coffee and food.

“When you cook a great meal for someone and they love it, you give them comfort.

“Jason has a background in pastries and baking and will be cooking in the kitchen, I’ll be front of house, and all the current staff will be staying on.”

Drop into SpillDEBeans at 12 Memorial Ave, Pomona and say hello to Leila and Jason and goodbye to Deb.

POMONA’S longest-running business has celebrated a new milestone.

Furniture manufacturing company Page Furnishers celebrated its 104th birth-

day on 21 February.

What started as a small cabinetry business in 1919 by Herbert Page has, over the past century, grown into a multimillion-dollar

manufacturing plant. Today, the company on Factory Street continues to be one of the largest employers in the Noosa hinterland.

Leila, Deb and Jason at SpillDEBeans.

THE closure of general practice medical clinics at Pomona and Imbil by a Brisbane-based corporation worryingly leaves these communities without local access to general practitioners.

The Wide Bay electorate has an ageing demographic, many of whom are pensioners and suffer from chronic health conditions which require regular visits to their GP.

In December last year, I wrote to the Minister for Health and Aged Care alerting him to the pressures faced by general practices and seeking additional support for them. I also raised these closures in a speech to Parliament in February.

In particular, changes the federal government has recently made to Distribution Priority Area classification have made it easier to recruit doctors to metropolitan areas. As the pool of doctors is limited, this change makes it much harder to attract them to

Llew O’Brien

Federal Member for Wide Bay

regional communities like Wide Bay.

Disappointingly, the reply I received from the Minister’s chief of staff indicated no intention to change this policy.

I continue working with the Central Queensland, Wide Bay, and Sunshine Coast Primary Health Network (PHN) to facilitate ongoing access to primary health care for the Pomona and Imbil communities. The PHN is an independent organisation funded by the federal government which works to streamline health services, increase access, and address gaps in primary care.

Initially, the PHN has advised that it will engage with the community to develop long-term solutions to meet local needs.

The PHN is currently investigating the options available to facilitate ongoing access to primary health care for affected residents, including commissioning a short-term

primary care hotline for the residents of Imbil and Pomona, to enable the availability of GP telehealth consults for residents without leaving their community. The aim is to provide a multidisciplinary model of care that works with other healthcare businesses in the area such as pharmacies and pathology providers, and may include other healthcare professionals such as nursing, pharmacy, and allied health, to support residents to access care alone, and those who need assistance with accessing a technology solution. However, these measures aren’t a substitute for having local access to general practitioner services where and when people need them, and I will continue to work with the PHN and encourage the government to implement solutions for our communities in Wide Bay that have been left without local primary health care providers.

Llew

IN exciting news for our community, construction of a new multipurpose facility at Noosa District Sports Complex on McKinnon Drive, Tewantin, has started. Completion is due late June 2023, weather permitting. The new multipurpose facility will provide additional facilities to support several sports clubs based at the complex, including cricket, netball, pickleball and car clubs. Specifically, the facility will include four-player change rooms including toilets, a kitchen, six spectator unisex toilets (two disability compliant), storage space, first aid and umpire rooms and a large multipurpose area along with solar panels. This $1.8 million investment is funded jointly by the Australian and Queensland governments in association with Noosa Council and the Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund.

The current lack of available and affordable accommodation in Noosa is well known and because of this, a few weeks ago, on behalf of Noosa Council, I wrote

to hundreds of non-resident ratepayers, urging them to put their short stay property or vacant holiday homes onto the permanent rental market. It’s among the many avenues that council is pursuing to help boost the availability of affordable rental properties in Noosa to help ease the shire’s housing crisis. Clearly, the choice is up to the owner of the property but all councillors remain committed to trying to do as much as we can to help ease the many challenges around housing availability and affordability.

As we move out of the holiday season, please continue to make the most of Noosa Council’s free weekend bus trial. The trial includes existing Translink services 626, 627, 628, 629 and 632 covering Tewantin, Sunshine Beach, Sunrise Beach, Noosa Heads, Parklands, Noosa Junction, Noosaville, Cooran, Cooroy, and Pomona. The program’s success will depend on the uptake and patronage of the weekend buses so we’re encouraging everyone to get out of their

cars and on the free buses and take full advantage of the initiative.Noosa Council’s successful Living Well Noosa program now caters for workers, with special lunchtime classes. Take a break from your desk and join the team every Wednesday for free yoga at Zenko Yoga Studio in Noosaville. For more information or to book a session, please email love@zenkoyoga.com.au Speaking of connection, members of council’s Community Development team will be on hand each week to help link local residents and community groups with key community and social services. Please feel free to visit the Cooroy Library every Tuesday from 9 am to 2 pm to have a chat and coffee. With an aim to make spaces at the library more useable and offer better sun protection, works have begun on two new cantilevered shade structures and new synthetic turf. The work is happening in the children’s outdoor area and will take about five weeks to complete, depending on weather. The area will be closed during construction but other outdoor courtyard spaces are available. We thank you for your patience while we carry out these improvements. Clare

Frank Wilkie Deputy Mayor for

DEVELOPMENT and progress are fine but what about character, environment and history? How different would the hinterland towns appear if heritage buildings and iconic design features were not recognised and valued over time? What landmarks, views, trees, parks and architecture contribute to your village’s unique identities and need to be preserved?

That’s what the upcoming Local Heritage Register Review is all about. There will be community sessions at Cooroy, Pomona, Kin Kin, Boreen Point and Cooran, plus an online survey in early March. Taking stronger collective and personal responsibility for waste and finding innovative ways to transform it is the focus of the new Waste (resource recovery) Strategy. Help reduce your future waste charges by guiding council towards the innovative resource recovery, waste-to-energy projects you would support in Noosa Shire. Noosa’s landfill is finite. The state government has set more ambitious

Noosa

recycling targets. Domestic property owners will likely be joining commercial ratepayers in sharing the cost of each tonne going to landfill. Help guide the future by completing the online survey or meet experts at one of the community information sessions being held in March: yoursay.noosa.qld.gov.au/ noosa-waste-strategy

Ron West, the man forever associated with the world’s longest-running silent film theatre The Majestic at Pomona, celebrated his 90th recently. For decades, Ron has entertained tens of thousands by matching theatre organ music to the actions of silent films featuring icons like Buster Keaton and Rudolph Valentino. Pomona Arts Inc, the community group that reinvigorated and now manage the Majestic Theatre, hosted Ron’s milestone event. The Majestic was Noosa Shire’s only picture theatre until 1984.

If you’d like to discuss council matters, please contact Frank.wilkie@noosa.qld.gov. au or 0413 530 587. Frank

YOUTH repeat offenders, their crimes and behaviours across Queensland understandably have brought forward calls for greater punishments as part of further deterrence and consequences for their actions, with 75.9 per cent saying that youth crime was their greatest concern in our latest Noosa MP Annual Survey. This is not surprising, with visiting teenagers stealing cars and demonstrating appalling behaviour on New Year’s Eve at Noosa Heads. As I recently shared on a Noosa 360 update, the solutions are not as simple as we would like to think; however they are there. The update includes insights from public hearings relating to youth recidivism in areas such as Mt Isa, Townsville and the Gold Coast in 2021. Whilst you read this, we will have been debating in Parliament a bill on greater deterrence. All of my speeches are available at SandyBolton. com/Parliament/Speeches. The survey also brought

Sandy Boulten Independent State Member for Noosa

forward some changes in ‘community think’, with the decriminalisation of cannabis and the reduction of commercial fishing licences seeing a decline in percentages, with a consistent majority of nearly 80 per cent seeking an end to political parties and MP’s data harvesting from postal vote applications and utilising constituent details to campaign via text, email and ‘robo calls’. The full results and analysis have now been published at SandyBolton.com under the ‘Connect Tab’. Thank you to all Noosans who took part as we have had the highest response rate ever which is vital in working towards the future you seek.

Congratulations to Kin Kin volunteers, businesses, stall holders and attendees who created an awesome vibe and welcoming atmosphere for our mobile office aka ‘Moby’ last week. There were much-appreciated hugs, diverse conversations and many laughs including with Matt Golinski and his

gorgeous Tillie who is now one year old! Thank you to all including our youngest store owner Chloe, who painted my face beautifully. The next ‘Moby’ will be in Cooroy on March 2.

Speed reductions are never popular unless you are someone who has been directly impacted by higher speeds. As our traffic volumes increase and a greater emphasis is placed on the safe use of our roads, speed limit reviews are conducted to ensure the needs of all are being considered, including those who may have had driveways installed along these routes before traffic volumes reached today’s levels. In response to a recent review by the Department of Transport and Main Roads and considered by the Speed Management Committee which includes local Police and Noosa Council, Louis Bazzo Drive has been reduced to 80 kph. Further information on the review process is available at SandyBolton.com/Noosa360.

With so much time between columns and so much to share, please stay ‘in the loop’ via Noosa 360 with updates on a range of important issues including heavy haulage and other matters such as Lake Macdonald which I should have information on shortly. In addition, follow ‘Sandy Bolton MP’ on Facebook to receive information as soon as available including the Friday ‘Wrap’ with news and grant information, and don’t forget to subscribe to our e-newsletter at SandyBolton.com/Newsletters. Always, if you have any questions or require assistance regarding state-related matters, please do not hesitate to contact my office at 5319 3100 or email noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au. Even though at the time of writing we have had a bit of rain to add some moisture to our scorched plants, we need more. I cannot believe I am saying this given February last year I was praying for the flood waters to recede, in hopes of stopping our plants from drowning! Yes, we live in great extremes, in paradise. I look forward to seeing everyone at the next Sconetime!

Sandy

Happy Birthday

Sirah, John and big brother Jack are proud to announce the safe arrival of beautiful baby Ruby Joy. Congratulations to you all!

Happy Birthday Judy, we love you!

Happy 8th Birthday beautiful Miss Willow!

Happy Birthday Amanda!

Double birthday celebrations Happy Birthday Macey and Kerry.

Congratulations Col and Kath Hempsall. The couple celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on 16 February. They were married in 1963 at what was then the Pomona Methodist Church.

Landscape artist exhibits

LOCAL artist Jo Gabe is exhibiting her paintings at Bendigo Bank’s Cooroy branch.

Jo, a member of Tinbeerwah, Pomona and Noosa Arts and Crafts groups, has exhibited her art in Sydney, Melbourne, Queensland and the UK, and has achieved sales in London, France, Russia, Singapore and Australia.

Jo said after painting for many years, she likes to use acrylic, oil and pastel.

“I am leaning more towards bright colours lately

as I find them enjoyable to create my designs with and it gives happiness through the process.

“Using gold, bronze and silver leaf is a favourite of mine. I love the effect and the way the light plays on the painting, giving a magnetic feel to it. I am inspired by Kandinsky. I tend to paint landscapes of places I have visited and photographed, but I love to do anything with a narrative. I enjoy portraiture and challenging subjects.”

Jo has also recently been

What’s on list

Drawing workshop

SO you think you can’t draw? Come and be surprised on Sunday 5 March from 10 am to 4 pm at Frame Tree Custom Framing, Cooroy. Guided by local artist Halina Paterson, learn solid foundational drawing techniques, develop observational skills with fun exercises, learn to depict shapes using tonal qualities, take home a study of a flower or subject of your choice and have fun in a safe, friendly environment, beginners welcome. Light lunch supplied. Limited spaces, phone 5400 8735 to book.

International Women’s Day Breakfast

ZONTA Club of Noosa is holding an International Women’s Day Breakfast at the Noosa Springs Resort on Wednesday 8 March starting at 7:00 am. The guest speaker is The Honourable Margaret McMurdo AC, former president of the Queensland Court of Appeal. Tickets are $45. Book: trybooking.com/CFOSQ.

Johnny Cash tribute show

JOHNNY Cash tribute show Cash Only will be performing at the Federal Hall on Friday 10 March at 5:30 pm. The band delivers a toe-tap-

chosen to paint the scenery for Noosa Arts Theatre.

“It is a great challenge and very enjoyable painting backdrops. It also has helped me to be looser in my artwork.”

What’s On

What: Jo Gabe exhibit

When: Until 31 March

Where: Bendigo Bank, 36 Maple Street, Cooroy

pin’ foot-stompin’ retrospective of one of America’s greatest artists. Come celebrate the life and music of Johnny Cash at this free event. All proceeds from food and drinks go towards Federal Hall. For more info, visit: facebook.com/ events/876066473672000.

Sconetime

JOIN Sunshine Coast

Foodie Martin Duncan and Noosa Black Coffee for Sconetime on Tuesday 14 March at 10 am in Cooroy Memorial Hall. Tickets: trybooking.com/CGBXM. Proudly supported by Wythes Real Estate, Rambling Rose Flowers, Bassett Barks and Cooroy Rag Community Newspaper.

One of Jo’s paintings.

Chilled Sunday at gardens

CABARET trio Babushka is coming to the Majestic Theatre to tell a very grown-up bedtime story.

Turning the bestloved children’s stories inside out, Babushka gives Rapunzel a sharp new haircut and a whole new meaning to Puss in Boots.

This hilarious cabaret, for 15 years and over, features the raucous music of Kurt Weill and modern mus-

What’s On

What: Babushka in Happily Ever After

When: Friday 17 March. Doors and bar open 6 pm, show starts at 7 pm

Where: The Majestic Theatre, 3 Factory Street, Pomona

WALK, sip, listen and relax in the Noosa Botanic Gardens on Sunday 5 March.

At 8:30 am, enjoy a guided walk through the gardens with Friends of Noosa Botanic Gardens who will highlight interesting aspects during the easy stroll through the eight hectares.

End the walk with a visit to the shade garden where volunteers will be on hand to help identify some of the more exotic garden

species. Then grab a drink from the coffee van, a chair or a blanket and sit under the poincianas to relax for the next couple of hours and listen to live music.

The first Sunday of every month event is supported by the Noosa Botanic Gardens Friends volunteer group, which assists Noosa Council to look after the gardens year-round.

The next plant sale will be held on Saturday 25 March from 7 am to noon.

What’s On

What: First Sunday of the month

When: Sunday 5 March from 8:30 am

Where: Noosa Botanic Gardens, Lake Macdonald Drive, Lake Macdonald

Info: noosabotanicgardensfriends.com

es from Rihanna to Tom Waits. These three unlikely princesses didn’t make the Disney cut but demand to live happily ever after.

Tickets: trybooking. com/events/landing?eid=1009676&

Cabaret trio Babushka.

Listen to live music at Noosa Botanic Gardens.

TRAIL UPGRADE A HIT

The finishing touches are being applied to Noosa Trail Network’s Trail 5 upgrade, between Pomona and Cooran, with the bulk of the work now compete.

ROCKETSHIP LANDS IN COOROY

The centrepiece of the Hinterland Playground in Cooroy has arrived. The rocketship, which is almost seven metres tall and weighs around two tonnes was craned into position following its short journey from Studio Steel in Cooroy.

Project Manager, Aiden Flannery, said Council had received lots of positive feedback so far.

“There has been a lot of encouraging chatter online and we’ve received various emails and comments in support of the work carried out,” he said.

The $1.68 million project has delivered various improvements including creek crossing upgrades and trail widening, plus improved drainage.

Project Manager Paul Brennan said the stainless steel rocketship has been constructed using an old cooling tower that used to be part of the original mill works.

Upgrades to the trailhead facilities are ongoing, delivering a concrete carpark at Cooran, while the gravel carpark at Cooroora Mountain Park has been sealed and a new shelter and table and chairs built, and bike racks added.

“The stainless steel cooling tower along with old fire pits, large steel rings and recycled bridge timbers have been recycled and repurposed as play equipment for this unique playground,” Paul said.

Council recently finished work on the Cooran Horse Yards upgrade, delivering two large holding yards plus seven individually gated stalls.

“It’s been an important aspect to the creation of this space to maintain a connection to the history of the site and the rocketship is a great example of this.”

“The new and improved yards make it easier for riders to dismount and explore the Cooran township while they stop and rest,” Mr Flannery said.

Construction will be completed in coming weeks and this unique nature-based, all-abilities playground is scheduled to open to the public in March 2022.

New interpretive signage will be finalised shortly, and work is about start on designs for the upgrade of the Noosa Trail Network’s Trail 7, linking Pomona and Lake Macdonald.

The project is proudly funded by the Queensland Government’s Local Government Grants and Subsidies program in association with Noosa Council.

The $1.68 million Trail 5 upgrade project has been made possible via funding from the Australian and Queensland Governments’ Local Economic Recovery Program through Category D of the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, which supports projects that improve the community’s resilience and economic recovery.

KIN KIN RECREATIONAL HALL WORK UNDERWAY

COOROY LIBRARY SET FOR AN UPGRADE

Local community looking forward to works being completed in coming months

Council improves sun protection for children’s outdoor learning

Work

to clean and disinfect

From its official opening in 2010, the Cooroy Library has consistently delivered a wide range of services to the Noosa community.

the Kin Kin Recreational Hall in preparation for remediation building work has been completed.

The cleaning and disinfecting work was required due to long term damage by Microbat Guano which can be dangerous to humans. The good news is that the Guano is all gone, and

This month the children’s outdoor area is undergoing a $120,000 upgrade, with the installation of two new shade structures providing an important useable space with

added protection from the sun.  Noosa Council spokesperson, Craig Eldridge said the cantilevered shade structures will blend aesthetically with the library and feature timber panels and insulated roofing.  “The structures will be offset to provide the greatest amount of shade for use during

the damage was not as bad as expected, so the external weatherboard cladding and major structural elements of the building can be retained, keeping the heritage look and feel of the hall.

According to Kin Kin Community President, Jann Bonsall, the community is very much looking forward to the

works being competed.

the day and incorporate varying angles to deliver a point of interest in keeping with the buildings award-winning design.

“As part of the construction, the existing synthetic turf will also be renewed to improve heat resistance and offer greater relief to families on hot days,” he said.

“Once the work is finished, we hope to welcome many different community groups back to the facility from babies and toddlers play groups to craft, reading and social clubs,” Ms Bonsall said. Work will now start to refit the existing community kitchen,

With the addition of shade and new synthetic turf, library staff are excited to plan activities to further activate the use of the outdoor space, particularly with youth groups and younger visitors.

The new area is due to open in late March.

restore the internal VJ cladding and flooring within the building’s upper level as well as electrical and lighting work. This project is proudly funded by the Queensland Government’s South East Queensland Community Stimulus Package in association with Noosa Council.

The rocketship is the centrepiece of the new Cooroy playground and is almost seven metres tall and weighs around two tonnes

Horse riders exploring the trails. Photo courtesy of Tourism Noosa. Inset: Green shelter structure at Cooroora Mountain Park and upgraded section of Trail 5.

BRIDGE UPGRADES IN FULL SWING

HIDDEN GEM ON NOOSA RIVER

Work to replace the existing Wahpunga Lane Bridge in Kin Kin is underway and, weather and construction conditions permitting, will be completed in approximately four months.

What better way could there be to take in some art and culture than to enjoy a relaxed stroll along the sweeping Noosa River, duck indoors to wander amongst the ambitiously scaled ‘More than the sum of its parts’ exhibition and Trevor Purvis’ ‘Australian Sienna’ at the leading public gallery on the Sunshine Coast.

The bridge is a key connector between Sister Tree Creek Road and Gympie-Kin Kin Road. The single-lane bridge provides access to Kin Kin and users of the Noosa Trail Network.

Perched on the banks of the picturesque Noosa River in Tewantin, and just a stone’s throw from Noosa Marina’s restaurants and cafes, Noosa Regional Gallery boasts an ever-changing program of contemporary art exhibitions featuring local, national and international artists.

The timber bridge was identified as a high priority for replacement based on a condition assessment. Reusable timber parts of the existing timber bridge will be salvaged and used in other council projects.

IN BRIEF

IN BRIEF

Workouts for seniors

Help Get Waste sorted

bridge,” Dennis said.

renowned for.

According to Project Manager, Dennis Luinstra, the current single-lane timber bridge will be demolished and a wider concrete single-lane bridge built in the same location.

“The new bridge will have a design life of 100 years, comply with all current bridge standards and will require less maintenance than the existing

Matched with a suite of public programs including artist talks, masterclasses and workshops for all ages, there’s something for everyone – not to mention an artisan gallery store, coveted by locals for its eclectic range of gifts, and loved by visitors for its assortment of jewellery, ceramics and souvenirs made by local Noosa creatives. But it’s not just indoor artworks that Noosa Regional Gallery is

“The construction of the new bridge will use a Modular Bridge System which means that most components can be pre-fabricated, delivering a quicker build time and reducing workplace health and safety risks associated with traditional bridge building methods,” he said.

users of the Noosa Trail Network, and visitors to the lookout.

Every two years the Gallery team turns its attention to the region’s stunning natural environment, temporarily situating thought-provoking sculptures and installations across unexpected public places.

These bridges are part of a comprehensive bridge refurbishment program jointly funded by the Australian Government and council.

innovative artworks by some of the country’s leading artists to Noosa for audiences to enjoy,” says Gallery Director, Michael Brennan. “And equally important is our opportunity to program exciting artists from our region alongside these nationally celebrated names.”

254 buses! That’s the equivalent weight in bus numbers as to what has been recycled and prevented from ending up in landfill in 2021-22.

The Ageing Well Noosa program for seniors is offering fun-filled and interactive Zoom workout sessions. The self-paced classes are designed to improve different areas of health and wellbeing and still stay connected while at home.

Batteries,

FREE classes are available until 1st April 2022 - $5 cost thereafter. Please contact Michaela to register with the ‘Ageing Well Noosa’ Program and to participate in Zoom Classes - 0449 047 746.

electronics, cardboard and metal have all been recovered and repurposed and we need residents to help improve those figures moving forward.

To find out what new activities or workshops are coming, subscribe to the Ageing Well Noosa e-newsletter on council’s website.

Free weekend buses

Floating Land returns to Noosa this year, with an exciting line-up of artists about to be announced.

This renewal follows the recent complete replacement of Tablelands Bridge B in Cooran which provides vital access to residents, accommodation,

“We’re really passionate about bringing new, ambitious and

HINTERLAND ROADS RESEALED

The current exhibitions run until 5 April. For more information visit noosaregionalgallery.com.au and floatingland.org.au

Other bridge work being delivered under this program includes the Cooroy Belli Creek Road Bridge, Lawnville Road Bridge, Garth Prowd Bridge and Lake Doonella Bridge.

COMMUNITY GRANTS APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN

Continuing to deliver road improvements across the shire

Funding supports environment, sporting, arts and cultural projects

Council is preparing a Waste Management Strategy 2023-2028 and wants to know what’s important to local residents and business operators in how to manage waste in the future.

Free weekend buses are now a reality in Noosa as council kicks off a 12-month trial that sees free weekend travel.

Staff will be at the Pomona Country Markets on March 18 to answer questions or complete a survey at yoursay.noosa.qld.gov.au before March 26.

Did you know?

It’s been a busy month for hinterland road reseals, with resurfacing of the Cudgerie Drive/Blueberry Drive roundabout and Rosewood Lane at Black Mountain, plus Carriage Way at Cooroibah.

Applications for the latest round of council grants are now open, in the categories of Community, Environment and Climate Change, and Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF).

panels or energy-efficient

lighting etc.

All existing Translink services that operate within Noosa are now free every weekend. Building on the success of the free holiday buses at Christmas and Easter, the aim is to change the longterm behaviour of travellers, making it second nature to get on a bus to get around.

Council maintains 225 parks/reserves and 76 playgrounds across the shire.

Grants will be awarded to eligible not-for-profit organisations, local individuals, businesses and environment organisations, providing the opportunity to improve facilities, purchase equipment, host several new events and programs, and to achieve the aim of net-zero emissions by 2026.

Funded through the Shire’s Reseal and Reconstruction Program, these works highlight Council’s commitment to repairing road surfaces and enhancing traffic connections for local motorists.

Director of Infrastructure Services Larry Sengstock said Council undertakes periodic bitumen resealing work on our sealed road network, extending the life of roads and streets.

The Climate Change Response grants will also consider applications from community groups to install sustainable infrastructure such as solar

“Staff and contractors have resurfaced more than 4.5km of hinterland roads to date and

In 2021, not-for-profit group Eco Trio, namely artists Rosie Lloyd-Giblett, Helena Jackson Lloyd and Yanni Van Zijl, secured a RADF grant to undertake the project: A River’s Tale.

The trio worked with environmental groups to provide a visual documentary raising awareness about the importance of the Noosa River ecosystem.

will complete over 6km by the end of this financial year.

“Through pavement repairs, asphalt overlays, spray sealing and renewed line marking, the works will improve skid resistance and reduce the occurrence of potholes and cracks forming,” he said.

“We were delighted to receive the support from RADF. These grants improve the lives of our communities,” said Ms Van Zijl.

Visit council’s website for more information and help,

Improvements to our hinterland roads is an

important part of Noosa Council’s ongoing maintenance program, resulting in a smoother and safer ride for both drivers and cyclists.

including tips on grant writing and eligibility www.noosa.qld. gov.au/community/grants/ council-grants

“Our crews are continually prioritising work to ensure the shire has safe and high-quality local roads,” Mr Sengstock said.

Applications close at 12 noon on 30 March 2022.

Park spotlight:

The trial includes services 626, 627, 628, 629 and 632. The success of the trial will depend on the uptake and patronage of weekend services.

Find out more at council’s website.

Stay connected

Our fortnightly eNews is yet another way to stay in touch with what’s happening.

Get Your Noosa eNews delivered directly to your inbox every second Friday. Subscribe today at noosa.qld.gov. au or check council’s Facebook page for the latest issue.

Joe Bazzo Park in Reserve Street, Pomona has a cute little rotunda which is perfect for wedding ceremonies or birthday parties. The rotunda is situated next to a playground that is perfect for the littlies. The playground features climbing walls, chain bridge, balance beam, slide, swing and a carousel. For the bigger kids and the young at heart, there is a concrete skate park. For information about Council parks and facilities visit our website.

Michael Brennan amongst Fiona’s Foley’s exhibition FIONA FOLEY : NGUTHURU-NUR.

Wahpunga Lane Bridge under construction: Photo courtesy of Lachlan Davis

Not-for-profit group Eco Trio, including Rosie Lloyd-Giblett, Helena Jackson Lloyd and Yanni Van Zijl

Asphalt being fed into the paver at Carriage Way, Cooroibah.

High Quality

Work at very Affordable Prices

Ready made frames always available reddogframes@gmail.com

Help clean up Noosa Learn to play bridge

CLEAN-UP Australia Day (CUAD) is on Sunday 5 March and the Noosa community is being encouraged to help remove any litter and rubbish from parks and streets, waterways, wetlands and along the foreshores and beaches.

The annual CUAD event is coordinated locally by community group Noosa Integrated Catchment Association (NICA), and this year NICA volunteer Joe Jurisevic has organised 18 registration and collection sites across the Noosa region, including six in the hinterland, three along the eastern beaches, and nine around the lower Noosa River and lakes.

Residents and visitors are invited to register at one of the sites between 8 am and 11 am, search for and collect rubbish in the vicinity, and return it to the sign-on point for proper disposal. Gloves and collecting sacks are provided.

All who register for CUAD go into the draw for prizes from major sponsors – Sofitel Hotels and Resorts, and Peppers Resort and Villas. A free postclean-up barbecue hosted by Noosa Lions Club will be held at the Noosaville Lions Park. Cleanaway and Allcott Hire will assist with the removal of all rubbish collected.

Help clean up Noosa on 5 March between 8 am and 11 am. Register at: Boreen Point – Apollonian; Cooroy – car park opposite Butter Factory; Cooran – Rec Club grounds; Federal – Federal State School; Kin Kin – Community Hall; Noosaville – Lake Weyba Drive boat ramp; Noosaville – Thomas Street boat ramp; Noosa

Heads – Woods Bay; Noosa National Park – Info hut; Noosa Ferry - Moorindil Street; Noosa North Shore – Frying Pan; Noosa North Shore – Rural Fire Service shed; Peregian Beach – Surf Club market stall; Pomona – Memorial Hall; Sunshine Beach – Surf Club car park; Tewantin – Doonella Street boat ramp; Tinbeerwah – Tinbeerwah Hall; Weyba Downs foreshore – South car park. Volunteers should wear enclosed shoes, a hat, gloves and sunscreen. For more info contact NICA on 5449 9650 or admin@noosariver.com.au or see a full list of sites here: noosariver.com.au/clean-upaustralia-day-in-noosa.

NOOSA Bridge Club are holding their next course of bridge lessons.

Noosa Bridge Club member

Julie Scott said playing bridge is a fun activity that can be enjoyed with friends and family of any age, anywhere in the world.

“All you need is a pack of cards, a table and some like-minded people.”

The Noosa Bridge Club is a friendly, dynamic club with lots of events and regular sessions including a Saturday session for weekday workers.

“We have a large number of members in their eighties and many in their nineties who play regularly and enjoy their bridge. Once the basic skills have been mastered, we

have a number of competitions available where players of the same ability compete in a comfortable environment.” Noosa Bridge Club run a course of eight weekly lessons, twice a year. The cost is $80 and includes a copy of Paul Marston’s Introduction to Bridge. This beginner’s course covers the basic concepts and includes sessions of supervised play where your teacher will be available to help.

The next course starts 20 March at the Noosa Bridge Club clubrooms at 3 Wallace Street Noosaville. For more information or to register phone 5447 1341 or email info@noosabridge.com or visit noosabridge.com.

Rotary award nominations open

LOCALS who give that special extra in their job are being honoured by the Rotary Club of Cooroy.

Nominations are now open for the Pride of Workmanship and Service Award. Rotary Club of Cooroy president Andrew Aves said the award is designed to acknowledge employees or business operators who, in the eyes of their employer or their customers, display outstanding qualities in terms of approach, attitude, dedication and commitment to their job.

“This is one of the highlights of our Rotary year when we take the opportunity to recognise individuals who instinctively produce good

service to their customers and contribute to the quality of life we enjoy in this community.”

The award is intended to cover all aspects of work performance and ethics, inclusive of quality and quantity of output, customer service, safety, initiative and sense of responsibility.

“The Pride of Workmanship and Service Award is not a competition and there are no winners or losers.

“It is recognition by Rotary, based on a recommendation by an employer or customer, of an individual’s achievement, commitment and ability to inspire his/her fellow employees or customers.”

“The award objective is to

encourage pride in all jobs and vocations.

“It provides employers and customers with the opportunity to recognise employees who display the qualities worthy of an award and to encourage a sense of community pride in individual achievement.”

To nominate someone for the award, please contact Chris Durie on 0409 875 507 or go to http://bit.ly/3loSVwm to access the nomination form.

Nominations close on 28 March 2023, with awards to be presented at a Rotary Club of Cooroy hosted dinner at Cooroy RSL on 17 April 2023.

Margot McKellar, Beulah O’Shea, Julia Caldwell and Margo Miranda playing bridge.

It is a community effort

SINCE 1989, Pomona District

Meals on Wheels has been providing nourishment for clients in the Noosa hinterland.

Volunteers Betty Maher and Brenda Goody began serving $1 meals to elderly residents in need. From its humble beginnings, volunteers were soon preparing up to 170 meals per week.

Initial funding and assistance came from the Cooroy Pomona Lions Club, fundraisers, local businesses, family and friends.

Today, the goodwill of volunteers is still the lifeblood of the organisation which services clients in the local area.

The organisation would like to thank all those who donate financial support and produce, especially Alanah and Makayla who donate canned goods annually with funds from their own pockets.

The organisation has steadily increased its client base, and over 1,100 meals were supplied to clients during January.

Meals consist of three courses: a main meal, soup and dessert, with many of the clients finding this is enough to cover two meals each day.

All meals are cooked in the kitchen located at the back of

the Pomona School of Arts hall on Reserve Street, Pomona. In 2022, a grant from the Gambling Community Benefit Fund allowed the organisation to refurbish the kitchen, replacing the stainless-steel benches. The next phase is to build a dry store/pantry to free up limited storage. It is hoped this will

be achieved by taking a small area of the hall, of which the hall committee is supportive. The production and delivery of meals would not be possible without the generous support of our wonderful volunteers in all areas: kitchen, delivery and office. The organisation is always in need of

volunteers. Anyone who would like to join the team for a few hours a week, fortnight or month – or anyone in need of the service – can contact 07 5485 1777 or email admin@ mowp.org.au.

Hours of operation are Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 7 am to 12 noon.

Win $2000 and support local radio

LOCAL community radio station, Noosa FM 101.3, is running their weekly draw again in 2023.

The fundraising raffle with weekly prize draws of $2,000, has been an integral part of their fundraising.

The station is asking supporters to help support this vital community-based resource by buying a $2 ticket with a chance to win $2,000 every week.

Each ticket will help Noosa

Community Diary

Join a cappella choir

GOOD Vibrations, a cappella choir, sing on Monday evenings in Cooroy at 7:00 pm.

If you are a singer and would like to sing in this choir, please email andrewjemmet@gmail. com. You would probably have had some experience singing in a choir. Now is the time to join, as we start learning new songs for 2023.

Free folk dancing

NOOSA Folk Dancers are a unique and welcoming group providing physical and social well-being through world dance. We have been dancing together for fun and fitness in the local area for close to 30 years. Free come-and-try sessions are held every Friday from 10 am to 11:45 am at Catholic Parish Hall, Moorind-

il Street, Tewantin, through February and March 2023. Experience traditional and modern, easy and moderate dances from countries around the world. Please register with Philippa on 0417 780 016 or just come along. Wear comfortable shoes and join in the fun.

Weekly writers’ groupSHAPE your story: fiction, non-fiction, poetry, YA (young adult), or any genre, and meet with other writers to share your written words to talk through them. Each Wednesday at 10:30 am at the Yandina School of Arts, 11 Farrell Street. There is magic in creative writing. For more info contact Carol: caracarol@ hotmail.com.

Cardmaking classes at Cooroy RSL

LAST Saturday of each month

at 10:30 am, come and create four sweet cards for $20. Please bring a basic tool kit and adhesives. Bookings essential. Phone Jill 0437 339 961.

Muso jams at the Apollonian Hotel

JOIN Trev at the Apollonian Hotel, Boreen Point for a muso jam every second Wednesday from 12 noon, and every second Friday from 5:30 pm. PA, drum kit and base amp supplied, all other instruments are BYO. For more info call Trev on 0411 834 713.

Social ballroom dancing at Pomona

FM continue to promote local events, charities and community groups through the power of community radio.

For more information go to the Noosa FM website: noosafm. org.au and choose a $2, $5 or $10 entry – the more tickets the more chances to win.

Noosa FM 101.3 is a not-forprofit radio station, manned fully by volunteers, broadcasting great music for a great community from Cooroy to Caloundra.

a spectator and see if you will enjoy it. Everyone is welcome. Phone 0407 456 939 for more information.

Tewantin Noosa Probus Club

EVERY Tuesday evening from 7 pm to 9:30 pm Pat and Norm Young organise a social evening at the Pomona Memorial School of Arts hall. The cost is $4 and it is a very enjoyable evening as Pat and Norm provide New Vogue as well as Old Time dancing. Come and be

ARE you a retiree seeking new interests? New challenges? New friends? We offer all three and more at the Tewantin Noosa Probus Club. We meet at the Tewantin RSL on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 10 am for morning tea ($6). Meetings start at 10:30 with an interesting guest speaker. Following meetings, we have a game of trivia and most members stay on for lunch. During the month, we have walks by the river, BBQs, lunches, outings to places of interest, movie mornings and book club. We play mah-jong and Rummikub; lessons are free. We invite you to join us. Phone Christine 5442 7397 or visit probustewantinnoosa.au

AVAILABLE

Meet your Noosa JP and Cdec colleagues in 2023. The JPs in the Community program is a valuable voluntary community service actively operating here in Noosa Shire. If you are a Justice of the Peace or Commissioner for Declarations and would like to volunteer your services a few hours a month at our JP signing centers, or to just learn about the JPs in the Community program, branch forums, workshops and social activities, please email Deb Davis at deborah.davis007@gmail. com for more information and to register your interest to receive our updates.

Cooroy Pomona Lions Club Bookshop, cnr School and Mountain Streets, Pomona, open every Friday and Saturday, 8 am to 12 noon. All books $2.00 or 10 for $15 (children’s books 50 cents). New books each week. Donations of books welcome. Cooroy Horse and Pony Club hold musters on 1st and 3rd Sundays of every month at the grounds on Mary River Road. Contact us on Facebook or email cooroypc@outlook.com to find out more.

CLASSES

Junior Badminton Sessions at Cooroy Badminton Club: Wednesdays 3:45 pm to 5:30 pm with Chris Wise – $2 per child. Fridays 4 pm to 5:30 pm with ex-Olympic coach Andi Dako – $15 per child. Please SMS Andi 0431 909 712 to confirm your child’s place. Further details on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ Cooroy BadmintonClub.

Cooroy Hookers meet Thursdays 9am to 12 noon, CWA Hall Cooroy. No experience necessary, just a sense of humor! $6 includes morning tea and knitting and crochet. Jan 0408 477 242

Creative Writing: fiction, non-fiction –shape your story, any genre. Wednesdays

10:30 am Yandina School of Arts. Carol: caracarol@hotmail.com

Indoor Bowls Pomona at Memorial Hall Pomona, Wednesdays 9 am to 11:30 am approx. Morning tea provided. $2 to play and $2 membership for the year. New players welcome. Alan 0409 895 476 500 Cards and Cribb at Cooroy Coastal Car Club (Mary River Road) Tuesdays 1 pm to 4 pm. $2 to play; tea and biscuits provided. New learners welcome: we can teach you. Alan 0409 895 476

Tewantin Noosa Probus Club: Are you a retiree seeking new interests/challenges/ friends? We offer all three and more. Location: Tewantin Noosa RSL on 4th Tuesday of the month at 10 am for morning tea ($6). Details: Christine 5442 7397 or www. probustewantinnoosa.au

Noosa Bridge Club is starting an eightweek course of bridge lessons on Monday 20 March. The cost is $80 and the lessons will cover all the basic concepts of the game and you will play in each session as you learn. Once completed you will be able to play in supervised sessions where your teacher is there to help. To register, or for more information, call 54471341 or visit www.noosabridge.com

BIRTHDAYS

Happy Birthday Amanda Close! We hope your day is special. Love Connie & Damon Happy Birthday

Col Oats: Genius at fixing things and keeping them out of landfill … Oh, and also doing a bit for SES in spare time.

Happy 18th birthday Lilly Moore, Brisbane (daughter of ex-Cooroy boy Darren Moore). Love from Grandma Lorraine.

FOR RENT

Wythes Real Estate Cooroy – contact Henry 5472 0033

• 42 Wattle Street, Cooroy: 3 bed, 1 bath, 1 car. $675 per week. Available now

• 20 Amaroo Place, Cooroibah: 4 bed, 2 bath, 2 car. $950 per week. Available now

• 3 Prospect Place, Cooroy: 4 bed, 2 bath, 2 car. $700 per week. Available now Hinternoosa Real Estate Cooroy – contact Jade Maddison 0499 440 802 rentals2@ hinternoosa.com.au

• 31 Topaz St, Cooroy: 4 bed, 3 bath, 2 car

• 13-15 Panorama Drive, Doonan: 3 bed, 2 bath, 1 car

Raine & Horne Noosa Hinterland – contact Jessica Jensen 5444 6002

• 14 Settlers Rise, Pomona: 4 bed, 2 bath, 3 car. $740 per week. Available now

• 596 Traveston Rd, Traveston: 2 bed, 1 study, 1 bath. $450 per week. Available now Coles Creek Rd, Cooran: 3 bed, 1 bath, 2 car.

• Commercial leasing opportunity: 7 Reserve Street, Pomona next to the IGA. Consisting of three available dwellings, as a whole or separate, and EOI at this stage. Available now.

Countryside Noosa – contact Lara Brody 0477 707 815 rentals@countrysidecnoosa. com.au

• 395 Lake Macdonald Drive, Cooroy: 4 bed, 3 bath, 2 car. Self-contained studio. Semi furnished. $1,200 per week

• 48 Cedar Creek Road, Belli Park: 3 bed, 1 bath, 2 car. 30 acres. Fenced paddock. $750 per week

FOR SALE

Silky oak wardrobe: Original dark varnish, hanging space, mirror, large drawer and shelves. $120. Silky oak dressing table: No mirror just 2 drawers, original dark varnish. $50. Bar stools: 4 solid pine. $50 for the lot. Drawing board: Adjustable level 760mm x 1050mm, no drafting machine. $25

All items located Pomona 0497 246 596 Roma 100% merino sheepskin half pad size small. Only used twice on Galloway-size horse. Would be fine for pony too. $50. Located Pomona 0438 794 243 Steel mesh vehicle roof-top basket: 1070mm wide x 1300mm long, with attachment fittings and shovel holder. GC $90. Located Cooroy. Bill 0457 913 182 Futon lounge/bed: Converts easily to a bed. Black steel frame with mattress/ cushion in very good/as new condition. No marks or scratches. $80 ono. Cooroy 0409 895 476

Ride-on mower –Greenfield Evolution

3 Mk2, 13HP, 32” cut. Full-service history. Recently replaced drive chain, handbrake pads, new blades, oil, spark plug, ignition coil, fuel filter. Only 326 hrs. Ready to start and go. Tank of fuel and manual included. $1,400.

Col 0416 984 283

MEETINGS

Cooroy AA meets every Wednesday 7:30 pm, Freemasons Hall, 58 Elm Street, Cooroy

NOTICES

Col and Kath Hempsall celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary on 16 February. They were married on 16 February 1963 at what was then the Pomona Methodist Church.

POSITIONS VACANT

Pomona Early Childhood Centre is looking for a keen and enthusiastic person

to join our team! Applicants should be qualified or studying Certificate III or Diploma of Children’s Services. The position is for 5 days a week, with a total of 37 hours a week. Please send your resume and cover letter to manager@pomona.net.au

Cooroy RSL: Qualified chef/cook – calm temperament and ability to work at speed. Good hours over 7-day roster, all penalties and award rate paid. Email chef@ cooroyrsl.com.au or drop into 25 Maple St, Cooroy.

Wattle Street Dental: Dental assistants required. Will provide Cert 3 traineeship for the right candidate. Must love working with people and the health industry. Email resume to manager@wattlestdental.com.au

Pomona Village Kitchen: Part-time chef wanted. Great venue, friendly staff, some Saturday work required. Drop your resume to Zenita at 2 Memorial Av, Pomona. Wanted

Room rental needed in share house: Female, 51, requires room, self-contained or unfurnished, to rent in Cooroy or surrounding suburbs. No pets or children. Shiftworker, non-smoker, respectful, clean and tidy. Budget $200 p/w. Bond and 2 weeks’ rent available. Kelly 0487 893 847 (leave a msg – all calls will be returned) or email kellyghanson@outlook.com

ARE YOU THINKING OF SELLING IN 2023, BUT UNSURE WHERE TO START?

Selling can be the most stressful thing for families. We take the time to understand your plans, what you are trying to achieve, and where you are in your property journey.

So whether you’re ready to sell, want to discuss how the market is performing, or simply crave a chat about possibilities, pick up the phone today.

PROPERTY STYLING

To ensure your property is marketed in the best light.

UP-TO-DATE PROPERTY APPRAISAL

With a current market home value estimate.

MARKET REPORT

Detailing comparable sales, suburb performance, and more.

Visit the our school website or Campus Offices to collect your 2023 enrolment pack and secure your place at a 2023 enrolment session. NDSHS 2023 2023 Enrolment Packs available from our Campus Offices: P: (07) 5472 2222 E: office@noosadistrictshs.eq.edu.au P: (07) 5480 8111 E: pomona.office@noosadistrictshs.eq.edu.au W: https://noosadistrictshs.eq.edu.au/ schools

Final steps for aspiring doctor, Jasmine

A FORMER Noosa District SHS student is well on her way to becoming a doctor.

Jasmin Smith, who graduated from Noosa High in 2019, has completed her Bachelor of Medical Science at the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) and received direct entry into the Doctor of Medicine program at Griffith University (GU) located at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital (SCUH).

Jasmin is the first Noosa District SHS student to enter the Bachelor of Medical

Last sibling for Cooroy Kindy

IT is almost the end of an era for the Lawrie family.

After eight years, the last of the Lawrie family is attending Cooroy Community Kindergarten.

Mum Loz Lawrie said their children have been at the kindy every year since 2016.

They have done two years each and this year is our

CLEAN

Come

Science degree at UniSC, a highly competitive program requiring an ATAR of 99.80, with provisional direct entry to the Doctor of Medicine program at GU.

The Doctor of Medicine, a four-year program, is the final step of study for aspiring doctors and part of a collaborative Sunshine Coast Health Institute vision to create home-grown doctors to work in the region.

This marks the final step of study for aspiring doctor Jasmin. Noosa District SHS

said it could not be prouder. “We are so proud of all the hard work and dedication Jasmin has already put in completing her first degree at UniSc and we would like to wish Jasmin all the best with her future studies.”

Long-time Cooroy Community Kindergarten teacher Diana with the Lawrie children: Jack, Steph, Robert and Zara.

youngest, Zara’s, last year before she goes to prep next year. “Diana is a wonderful

teacher and our kids still say Cooroy Kindy was the best place ever.”

Volunteers needed to help Clean up Noosa, you can help by registering at one of these sites from 8am to 11am on Sunday 5th March.

• Boreen Point, Apollonian Hotel

• Cooroy, Car Park opposite Butter Factory

• Cooran, Rec Club grounds

• Federal, Federal State School

• Kin Kin, Community Hall

• Noosaville, Lake Weyba Drive boat ramp

• Noosaville, Thomas Street boat ramp

• Noosa Heads, Woods Bay

• Noosa National Park, Info hut

• Noosa North Shore, Frying Pan

• Noosa North Shore, Rural Fire Serice Shed

• Peregian Beach, Surf Club market stall

• Pomona, Memorial Hall

• Sunshine Beach, Surf Club car park

• Tewantin, Doonella Street boat ramp

• Tinbeerwah, Tinbeerwah Hall

For more info contact NICA on 5449 9650 or admin@noosariver.com.au

SPONSORED IN NOOSA BY:

The 51 new Griffith University Doctor of Medicine students at the Sunshine Coast Health Institute, and inset, Jasmine Smith.

Balls roll for Cooroy Bowls Club

Jumping back into the pony club year

COOROY Horse and Pony Club (CHPC) have kicked off the pony club year with their first muster for 2023.

Club secretary Nikita Pallett said it was wonderful to catch up with all their returning members as well as see a few new faces.

By Peter Holt

THE Cooroy Bowls Club is excited to start the 2023 year with a new landlord. Locals will be aware that the Saw & Mill recently changed ownership and is now operating under a new name.

The friendly Cooroy Bowls Club is always keen to welcome new members. It is an urban myth that lawn bowls are for old people. Australia’s champion bowlers are in their twenties and thirties.

Membership of Cooroy is just $1 per year. An entry fee is paid each time you play in an organized event. The club owns a number of sets of bowls that are free to use.

Mixed teams play at 12:30 pm every Tuesday. The games are sociable and teams are chosen at random on the day. This year Cooroy has entered men’s and women’s teams in the Hinterland Challenge. These games are played on a Saturday and can take on a bit more

serious note. The games are still friendly and enjoyable without being cutthroat. Players get to meet like-minded people from nearby clubs.

The Hinterland Challenge comprises teams from Nambour, Nambour Heights, Yandina, Pomona, Woombye, Mapleton, Kenilworth, Palmwoods and Cooroy.

The aim is to make Cooroy proud of their bowlers, but sadly it was a bit of an inglorious start going down to Nambour Heights seven games to nil. The last game decided on the day though was a close tussle. Our girls, Kathy, Eileen and Denise, were even going to the last end but sadly they lost.

The next Hinterland Challenge is against Nambour and everyone is hoping for a better result.

Wednesday nights’ Business Bowls (pictured) has now started. This is an intra-club competition comprising sixteen teams

of three. Games are played under lights from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Dress is casual and the emphasis is on having a good time. You can also have a meal or snack from the bar after the game. The winners in round one were Cops & Robbers, Jacobsens Mutineers, Raine & Horne, Cooroy Earthworks, Pages, Bonnells & Wimmers.

Thursday nights’ High Rollers starts on 16 February. It is a similar format to Business Bowls but with fewer teams. The emphasis is still on having an enjoyable time. Players of all ages and abilities play in the nighttime events. In the near future, a Friday night or Sunday afternoon barefoot bowls night/ day will be organised in conjunction with the BowlsPub. Keep an eye on social media for updates and join in the fun. Please contact the club secretary for further information by emailing breece@ bigpond.net.au.

“We are looking forward to a wonderful year of fun and learning as well as a few new projects in the works such as an arena update and improvements to our grounds. Our musters are generally held every first and third Sunday of the month with the option for an

extra muster in months that include a fifth Sunday.

“We also hold an annual gymkhana, a competition against other pony club riders, on 20 August. This event is our major fundraiser for the year and we can always use support in seeking sponsorship, prize donations, planning and organisation.”

“These events are held at our beautiful grounds on 17 Mary River Road, Cooroy.”

CHPC is a not-for-profit organisation run by a team of volunteers and has been in the Cooroy community since 1966.

CHPC member jumping at the first muster.

“We aim to encourage and provide the highest of ideals of sportsmanship, citizenship, knowledge and care of horses and riding, in a safe and family-friendly environment. So if you want to see some horses, feel free to pop on down.”

Majestic new road nearly complete

For Sale

Address: Majestic Drive, Pomona

PRICE: From $499,000

DETAILS: 1000 m2

AGENT: Kate Mayne 0408 604 802 & Sandy Roulston 0438 506 970

AGENCY: Noosa Hinterland Real Estate

LOOK at the progress of Majestic Drive – Pomona’s newest street in the Moun-

tain View Estate! The curb and channel is now going down with the road almost complete, the topsoil is being spread, and services are going in.

Landscaping is due to start soon. It’s exciting to watch it all come together. Weather dependent, we are looking forward to registration around Easter and titles in April/May.

With six lots sold, there are

Noosa Hinterland Hideaway

polished timber floors, and high-raked ceilings that provide a comfortable and inviting indoor/outdoor living experience.

For Sale

Address: 63 Stratford Park Dr, Pomona

Price: Offers over $1,049,000

Details: 3 bed, 2 bath, 2 car

Agent: Michael Robinson 0431 865 616

a couple left to choose from, starting from $499,000 for 1000 m2 blocks with wonderful mountain views.

You could start building your dream home sooner than you think.

Don’t say you could have, should have, would have, and miss out.

Now is the time to buy. Contact us to obtain an information pack and book a private inspection.

Agency: Raine & Horne Noosa Hinterland

THIS property is a modern colonial home situated on a 6,006 m2 block in the Noosa hinterland. The house has three bedrooms and two bathrooms, and features wide-opening timber French doors,

The house has an openplan living area, ducted air-conditioning, and wide-covered entertaining verandahs on three sides, making it an ideal place for any family to enjoy.

Additionally, the house includes a spa/pool for relaxation and enjoyment while being surrounded by native-bird-attracting bushland to the rear of the property. A two-bay shed is located near the house and a 13 kW solar system is included to eliminate power bills.

The designer kitchen is light and bright, with quality stainless-steel appliances, plenty of cupboard space, and a wide breakfast bar for relaxed living.

This property is located just 7 minutes from Pomona township, within a 20-minute drive to Noosa, and amongst other quality homes. It offers peace and quiet and is a must-see for those seeking a beautiful Noosa hinterland property.

Sudoku is an 81 square number grid with nine blocks each containing nine cells. To solve the puzzle, all the blank cells must be filled in using numbers from 1 to 9. Each number can only appear once in each row, column and in the nine 3x3 blocks.

Impressive pole home with views

THIS architecturally designed four-bedroom, two-bathroom home will capture your attention the moment you set eyes on it. Situated on 6,973 m2, this home is truly impressive and one not to miss.

For Sale

Address: 31 Kyeema

Road, The Palms 4570

Price: $1,050,000

Ddetails: 4 bed, 2 bath, 6,973 m2

Agents: Kate Mayne 0408 604 802 & Sandy Roulston 0438 506 970

Agency: Noosa Hinterland Real Estate

Elegant Queenslander, leafy five acres

For Sale

Address: 20 Butcherbird Lane, Ridgewood

Price: $1,225,000

Details: 3 bed, 2 bath, 4 car

Agent: Kimberlea & Eliot

Krause 0409 920 861

TUCKED away in a whisper-quiet country lane is this custom-built Queenslander, circa 2000, on five leafy acres, framed by rainforest and showcasing glorious, elevated views across the Noosa hinterland, offering absolute privacy and serenity, with the silence only interrupted by sweet bird song.

The home is a typical Queensland design, only (due to its modern vintage) more practical than its earlier forebears, and comprises three bedrooms plus an office, two bathrooms, openplan living with wood-burning stove, country-style kitchen with servery to deck, front verandah, expansive rear covered deck, and separate laundry.

High ceilings, stunning polished timber floors, deco-

rative fretwork and cornices, ceiling rose in the lounge, split system air-conditioning in the master bedroom, spa bath in ensuite, timber framed sash windows, a rustic corrugated bar in the lounge, French doors, direct deck access from the master bedroom, café-style rolldown blinds on deck, and 5 kW solar power are some of the home’s many features, and original owners have kept it pristine. Infrastructure on the property includes a circular driveway, an American-style barn with a mezzanine floor and workshop, an outdoor ‘smokehouse’ with pot belly burner and firepit area, a chook pen, a garden pavilion and three water tanks with total capacity of 15,000 gallons. The gardens around the house are landscaped and

Agency: Countryside Realty Noosa

generally flat, sloping away to lush rainforest at the bottom of the valley. There are 30-40 established fruit trees including native cherry, custard apple, pineapple, bananas, kaffir lime, mango, lemonade, and macadamia that provide fresh produce from garden to table … and the chooks will supply you with genuine free-range eggs. This idyllic setting is truly enchanting. The outlook is captivating and the ambience is calming and warm. You can retreat from the hustle and bustle of suburbia and be cocooned in your own verdant sanctuary where you can embrace gentle, dignified, semi-rural living in comfort and style.

The home is a solid double-brick structure with wide timbered verandahs that capture grandeur views over the country backdrop in the sought after location of The Dawn. Meticulous attention has been paid to

the detail of the construction of this home: from the large timber poles to the amazing high ceilings displaying the craftsmanship of the builder, and the polished timber staircase along with artistic wrought iron features strategically placed throughout the home including beautiful timber inlay showcasing the ceilings and allowing crossflow ventilation throughout. This is just the beginning of what this property has to offer. There is a triple-bay

shed, high-pitch carport, single carport, workshop, three-phase power and a 10 m in-ground tropical pool. The relatively flat, fully fenced yard is easy to maintain and has security and electric gates. If you are looking to find that ‘forever home’, then put this one on your list. Watch the historic train, The Mary Valley Rattler, as it passes right in front of your eyes, evoking the nostalgia of yesteryear.

Well-presented home on good block

For Sale

Address: 19 Blue Wren Place, Cooroy

Price: Contact agent

Details: 3 bed, 2 bath, 2 car

Agent: Warren Berry 0407 730 987

Agency: Wythes Real Estate

HERE is your chance to own this well-presented, three-bedroom home with a study and two bathrooms. The home is rendered, low set, and positioned on a good size 829 m2 allotment of land with all amenities in Cooroy in the Noosa

hinterland on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.

The home’s entry is by formal entry and porch area then through to informal and formal living areas with high ceilings, tiled floors, and ducted air-conditioning throughout.

The well-appointed kitchen has modern cooking appliances and a double-drawer dishwasher.

There are two undercover entertainment areas that flow into the dining and living areas – great for entertaining.

The main bedroom features a walk-in wardrobe and ensuite plus access to the outdoor living area. There are also two more good size bedrooms with built-in wardrobes close to the main bathroom and laundry.

The double garage offers internal access. All this is set on a great size 829 m2 block of land with great lawn areas and landscaped gardens with all amenities handy, including schools, parks, shops and all that Cooroy has to offer.

Five acres with home, cottage, pool

THIS is the complete acreage package with every box ticked. A meandering driveway leads you through five magical acres taking you past sprawling green paddocks up to the top of the property where a gorgeous country-style home is perfectly positioned, taking in rolling green hill views from every aspect.

Warren Berry

Licensed Real Estate Agent m: 0407 730 987 p: 5472 0033 warren@wythes.com.au www.wythes.com.au

The land is just divine; it is completely usable with a large dam, and is ideal for horses or any form of hobby farming.

The main residence exudes character, with soaring high-vaulted ceilings, open-plan living and dining, a designer kitchen with stone benches and a beautiful feature window bringing the outside in

Monthly market wrap up

and an abundance of natural light throughout.

There are three spacious bedrooms and two fully renovated bathrooms with on-trend décor. There is a covered verandah on three sides where you can entertain or relax overlooking the stunning inground concrete pool and rolling green hills.

RIC Deverell, Chief Economist at Macquarie Group, recently commented that 2023 is set to be another big year, with the economy facing some important turning points when it comes to the cost of living, interest rates and the property market. What we have seen in the hinterland so far this year would tend to support this.

2021 Sales Agent of the Year in the Rate My Agent Awards for Cooroy and Black Mountain.

Call Warren for all your property needs.

Mr Deverell forecasts that although inflation will take time to reduce to historic averages in Australia, the headline rate is projected to begin falling in 2023. Falling inflation would in turn take pressure off the RBA to keep hiking interest rates, meaning the number and pace of rate rises are set to slow.

National home values fell 5.3 per cent in 2022 according to CoreLogic. While property prices

There is also a massive carport for four cars with high clearance, and an outdoor enclosed office ideal for anyone working from home. Another huge feature of this property is a separate cottage complete with a kitchenette and bathroom. This is the perfect five acres with a stunning home, cottage and pool. Be quick – this won’t last long.

are expected to fall further in various locations around the country this year, the market is expected to stabilise towards the second half of 2023 and possibly begin another cycle in 2024.

Anecdotally we have had a strong start to the year at Wythes Real Estate. Agents Alisa Wythes and Caroline Johnston set a new benchmark in Boreen Point with their $3m sale of 1 Urunga Pl, far surpassing the previous suburb record.

Our strategic sales campaigns, large buyer list and strong buyer follow-up continue to result in shorter days on market for our sellers. 12 Carruthers Ct, Cooroy was under contract in just 12 days with agent Warren Berry; 41 Princess St, Cooran sold by Alisa and Warren in 9 days; 5 Pinbarren Court, Cooroy was

For Sale

Address: 888 Eumundi Kenilworth Road, Belli Park

Price: Offers over $1,395,000

Details: 4 bed, 3 bath, 4 car

Agents: Alisa Wythes 0415 111 370, Caroline Johnston 0409 953 311

Agency: Wythes Real Estate

under contract in 12 days with Alisa.

The average sale price our agents are achieving for our clients has increased by 27 per cent year on year.

Huge congratulations to our team on being named Cooroy’s Agency of the Year for the fifth year in a row. Both our sales and rental achievements were acknowledged at the recent Rate My Agent awards.

At an individual level, Alisa won the 2023 Cooroy Agent of the Year, the third time she has taken out this award. Warren won a Trusted Agent Award for performance and transparency. These awards are based on client satisfaction and reviews so is a real testament to the dedication and commitment of our entire team.

With Sirah Robb –Director and Principal of Wythes Real Estate

This property has it all

For Sale

Address: 24 Kauri St, Cooroy

Price: Offers over $1,049,000

Details: 4 bed, 3 bath, 2 car

Agent: Michele Bell 0419 090 049

Agency: Raine & Horne Noosa Hinterland

LOOKING for a spacious family home in Cooroy that’s perfect for entertaining?

Look no further than 24

Kauri Street. This beautiful property features a spacious and comfortable family home complete with all the modern amenities you need to live in comfort and style. With ample living space, three large bedrooms, and plenty of natural light throughout, this home is the perfect place to create lasting memories with your loved ones.

When it’s time to unwind, step outside and enjoy the beautiful pool and entertainment area. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, lounging in the sun, or taking a refreshing dip in the water, this area is the ultimate spot for relaxation and fun. Don’t forget about the bonus studio. Whether you need a home office, a guest

Own your own village

FOR over 15 years, Noosa Avalon Farm Cottages has evolved into a unique offering that has provided reliable income for the owners. Five individual self-contained cottages are strategically located to offer a sense of privacy and a different experience for the guests. Set amongst natural vegetation, the popular treechange & farm stay theme has been a favourite with the guests who return year after year. Each cottage has underground mains power connected and individual

rainwater tank. Whether you are looking to create eco-tourism income through short-term rentals or provide beautiful places for your family to live independently on the same parcel of land, the options here really make this property stand out as a very rare offering. To recreate a similar multi-dwelling property would be incredibly difficult to near impossible under the current Noosa Council planning requirements. Some applications that could thrive here include health retreat,

For Sale

Address: 292 Pomona Kin Kin Road, Pinbarren

Price: $3,300,000

Details: 2 bed, 7 bath, 5 car

View: By appointment

Agent: Paul Bielby 0437 346 256

Agency: Hinternoosa Realty

wedding and functions venue, rehabilitation resort or even a live-on-site training facility. Bring your ideas to life in the flourishing Noosa hinterland, surrounded by nature and with easy access to everyday facilities and shopping.

Inspection is a must and by appointment only. Please call to make arrangements and we will endeavour to secure time slots when all or most cottages are vacant.

Dedicated to delivering outstanding service to Noosa

room or teenage retreat, this flexible space is the perfect addition to this already incredible property.

The kitchen is spacious and modern with plenty of storage and bench space, open-plan living, and the dining area is light-filled and perfect for family gatherings.

The master bedroom has

a large walk-in robe and access to the rear patio.

A covered outdoor entertaining area overlooks the sparkling pool and landscaped gardens. There is a separate studio with separate access, making it perfect for guests, a home office, or a teenager’s retreat; double lock-up garage, ducted air-condition-

Sensational vacant land

WITH vacant land being rare in the Noosa region, here is a unique opportunity to purchase 10.94 pristine acres with spectacular Cooroy Mountain views. The privately positioned, mostly treed block would make the perfect base for nature lovers, with walking trails, fresh air and abundant wildlife.

A level house site with easy access is in place in an elevated position with 862 m2 of a building envelope. That detail not only affords new owners the ability to build their preferred dream home but also to enjoy the stunning views through the rainforest directly to glorious Mt Cooroy. The approximately 2,000 m2 cleared area that accommodates the building envelope is the

only area to maintain, as the remaining four hectares comprises self-sustaining rainforest with various walking and vehicle trails too. This is one of the last remaining patches of pure rainforest in the area and attracts amazing wildlife and stunning flora.

The rear of the block has direct access to Tallowwood Drive so there’s even the possibility of perhaps a further subdivision (STCA) in the future. However, the current lot on offer already has its Development Approval from the local Noosa Shire Council.

A seasonal creek runs through the gully section which also boasts a pretty lily-covered dam. Though absolutely private, peaceful,

ing and solar power system. All of these features make 24 Kauri Street, Cooroy the perfect family home with plenty of space for everyone and the added bonus of a separate studio for extra flexibility.

So why wait? Contact us today to schedule a viewing of this amazing Cooroy property.

For Sale

Address: DA Approved, 96 Black Mountain Range Road, Black Mountain

Price: $795,000

View: By appointment

Agent: Sheridan Hodgetts 0419 491 448, Jeanette Catalano 0422 923 851

Agency: Hinternoosa Realty

and surrounded by nature, the property is very convenient to amenities and the coast and provides a low bushfire risk. The thriving township of Cooroy is just a seven-minute drive, or Pomona six minutes, giving the buyer a range of options for local schools, shops, cafes, and even public transport. With its great location, tranquillity, breathtaking views, natural delights and versatility, this property will capture the attention of a wide range of buyers seeking the ideal blank canvas to build.

For further information or to arrange your inspection, please contact us today.

Two homes on 8,000 m2 block

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POSITIONED on 8,000 m2 in one of the most beautiful and sought-after locations in the Noosa hinterland is not just another dual-living property – the current owners have transformed this property into a multi-generational property with two council-approved homes with spectacular north-facing Mt Pinbarren views from both homes.

The main house has

For Sale

Address: 13 Mountain View Road, Pinbarren

Price: Offers over $1,550,000

Details: 6 bed, 3 bath, 6 car, pool, 8,000m2/1.97 acres

Agent: Sam Hargrave 0425 777 121

Agency: Ray White Pomona Hinterland

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four-bedrooms, two-bathrooms, two living areas, air-conditioning and ceiling fans.

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main house. There are copious parking spaces off the street for a bus, truck, tiny home, boat, caravan and/or horse float.

• 900mm gas cooktop, stone tops & Butler’s pantry

• High ceilings and ceiling fans throughout

• Daikin Zoned ducted Air conditioning

• 7.05m X 3.3m Pool + Jet spa setting + Led lights

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There are security screens on all doors and windows, and a full-length verandah across the front and the back.

The second house is a contemporary-style two-bedroom, one-bathroom, with raked ceilings and clerestory windows in the living area, plus air-conditioning and ceiling fans. There is a wraparound alfresco terrace alongside the curved sandstone garden wall.

The homes share the mains and solar power; three rainwater tanks that hold more than 100,000 litres of rainwater storage; and the inground saltwater pool.

There is not only undercover and lock-up parking for six vehicles in the twobay shed, which accommodates four cars, but there is also a double carport at the

The land lends itself to, and is ideal for, permaculture principles, with a gentle north-facing slope, great soil and rainfall.

The land is all useable with extensive raised vegetable garden beds, swale drains and fruit trees including oranges, mangoes, dwarf bananas, lemon, lime, mandarin, fig, jaboticaba, pomegranate, kumquat, pineapple, mulberry, native raspberry, and elderberry. So much potential for even more abundance!

If you have been dreaming of or searching for the space to have your family together with all the comfort and independence of two separate homes on just under two glorious acres in the Noosa hinterland, then this property is a must-see.

• 6.6Kw Solar system & WIFI security system

Home, sheds, water on 4.6+ acres

Direct mountain views For Sale

Address: 90 Christies

Road, Federal

Price: Offers over $995,000

Details: 3 bed, 2 bath, 4 car

For Sale

Address: 670 Kandanga Imbil Road, Imbil

Price: Offers over $799,000

Details: 3 bed, 1 bath, 3 car

Agents: Cherie Carlson 0428 834 708, Marg Cochrane 0439 989 982

Agency: Marg Cochrane Real Estate

SMALL acreage of this quality is rarely available, and the combination of being an elevated block with views and water makes this property one you’ll need to inspect.

Located only minutes from the township of Imbil which offers an array of amenities, proudly sits 670 Kandanga Imbil Road.

The three-bedroom home located privately back from the road boasts high ceilings and recently installed timber plank flooring throughout.

Entry to the home is via the generous living and dining area which includes ceiling

fans and fireplace, and multiple sliding doors provide access to the wide wraparound verandahs, allowing you to enjoy the natural breeze.

Conveniently located off the dining area is the fully equipped kitchen featuring overhead cupboards for additional storage, as well as a built-in wall oven, gas cooktop and stainless-steel dishwasher. The windows in the kitchen allow you to take in the wonderful outlook. All three bedrooms have ceiling fans and built-in robes. The main bedroom also offers access to the twoway modern main bathroom featuring a shower, vanity, and toilet. There is also a second separate toilet for

added convenience.

Separate from the home, the property also includes two sheds, both with concrete slab flooring. One of the sheds is fully powered and contains an enclosed studio as well as a lean-to. Rainwater for use on the property is collected and stored in two 5,000-gallon tanks (one on the home and one off the shed), while the dam water is easily accessible via underground mains and an electric pump installed at the dam. There are established gardens and veggie boxes as well as trees including plum, macadamia and mango. Power to the property is also subsidised via the 5 kW solar system.

LOCATED on a parcel of 16.26 acres (6.58 hectares), 90 Christies Road offers usable acreage with water and incredible views of Mount Cooroora, and an original high-set Queenslander constructed in 1910 and moved to the property approximately 30 years ago.

While the home is perfectly liveable, this is the perfect opportunity to either restore the home to its original glory or build your dream home in the ever-popular Noosa hinterland.

Upstairs, the homestead provides two bedrooms with ceiling fans, a sleepout and an air-conditioned lounge room and kitchen with polished timber floors throughout.

Wrap-around verandahs ensure a perfect place for

relaxing or entertaining any time of day and in any weather. Downstairs is a third bedroom, second shower and laundry, as well as an abundance of storage space.

Separate from the home is a powered four-bay shed for car accommodation and additional storage.

Water for use on the property is collected and stored by two 5,000-gallon tanks on the house, and an additional two 6,500-gallon tanks con-

Agents: Cherie Carlson 0428 834 708, Marg Cochrane 0439 989 982

Agency: Marg Cochrane Real Estate

nected to the shed. The property also has three dams providing ample water to maintain the established orchard which includes mango, dragon fruit, lemon, orange, grapefruit, pear, lychee, mandarine, guava and mini macadamia trees. Usable, flood-free lifestyle acreage in the Noosa hinterland is in constant demand. Contact our office today to confirm your attendance at the next available inspection.

For Sale

SET on a generous block just a short distance from Cooroy town centre, this cute Queenslander cot-

tage has been tastefully renovated and is ready to embrace new owners. The cottage is set at the front of a 3,592 m2 parcel of gently undulating land with the potential to be subdivided. Subdivision potential could see the block divided into blocks at the rear of the existing home. This is a great investment oppor-

tunity as there are very few large vacant blocks available. This may even be of interest to a family who would like dual occupancy. The home’s feature entry with a gable-roofed verandah and stained-glass door leads through to the living space with original timber floors. There are two generous-sized bedrooms off

to the left, and a separate sleepout/office on the right. The main bedroom has fulllength built-ins and a beautifully renovated ensuite. At the rear of the home are the dining room and a quaint kitchen with casement window views of the backyard.

The kitchen includes an electric stovetop and oven,

a dishwasher and plenty of cupboard space. The main bathroom is freshly renovated and full of natural light.

Families and entertainers will appreciate the huge backyard, which incorporates lush grassy lawns, several sheds and a brick fireplace/bbq area for entertaining. The yard is

partly fenced and contains a few feature trees and shrubs. There is easy access to this property with a service road, and privacy from the main road with elevated banks and established trees.

All just a short distance to Cooroy’s schools, cafes, shops, public transport, and the Bruce Highway.