HOOFBEATS FACES UNCERTAIN FUTURE
Hoofbeats Sanctuary – a mental health centre operated by local charity Kanyini Connections Ltd – faces an uncertain future after the Sunshine Coast Council (SCC) informed the charity that the 8-acre site located on Fellowship Dr Doonan would be re-purposed for use by the Yandina and District Pony Club. The charity has until 28 February to relocate.
SCC stated that 2021 planning identified the need to relocate the pony club to the Doonan facility as the current facility at Yandina is no longer
suitable for its large membership numbers. Due to the large membership of the club and the privacy needs of Hoofbeats, both organisations advised council they could not share either the Doonan or Yandina facilities.
Hoofbeats Sanctuary CEO Barb Blashki said, “With negotiations exhausted, Hoofbeats has launched a campaign to raise $3M to purchase a new property. The council claims to have offered an alternative site with financial support for infrastructure, but the details Cont. p3
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remain unclear with the site being smaller, flood-prone and only available on a 12-month permit.”
“Whilst we have access to the Fellowship Dr site at no cost, council is requesting $980 in permit fees per year for us to utilise the Yandina Pony Club site on Andersons Rd. They have sent us a request to pay the permit fee before confirmation of improvements has been received. This means that we are being expected to commit to using a site without any guarantee that the site is fit for purpose.”
SCC Deputy Mayor and Div 9 Cr Maria Suarez said, “Hoofbeats has been offered a new location in Yandina. We are providing financial support for improved facilities such as drainage, an undercover night safe area, fencing, solar and battery package, septic and an office/reception. Hoofbeats accepted the relocation offer in November 2024 and council is now working on designs and contractor procurement.
“Hoofbeats has been operating under a sub-user agreement with Eumundi and District Pony Club since April 2020. This agreement ended when the pony club ceased operations in February 2023. Since then, council has offered Hoofbeats a month-by-month tenancy while they sought alternative sites.
“The Doonan facility was designed and built for equestrian sports and is not suitable for Hoofbeats Sanctuary due to zoning codes designating it as a district-level sport and recreation precinct, intended to accommodate increased equestrian activity,” said Cr Suarez.
SCC states that they initially provided Hoofbeats 18 months to find an alternative location and extended this by 6 months in September 2024, acknowledging their preference for a privatelyowned facility and not a council owned or managed site.
“With just 4 weeks until eviction, the charity faces the prospect of being homeless, halting critical mental health programs and laying off staff,” said Barb.
Hoofbeats has reached out to SCC, requesting an extension to stay at the current site until the new site is ready, compliant with building regulations and to waive the permit fee.
Bella 101 Eumundi
OPERATING HOURS (DURING COUNCIL, STREETSCAPE WORKS) AS OF WEDNESDAY 29TH JAN 2025
MONDAY: CLOSED
TUESDAY - SUNDAY: 6AM - 1PM (KITCHEN OPEN 7AM - 12:45PM)
WHAT’S ON?
Community fun day
Eumundi District and Community Assn (EDCA) with the support of the Rotary Club of Eumundi, invites everyone to a day of fun in the park at their Australia Day event to be held on 26 January from 12-4pm at Dick Caplick Park.
There will be live music from The Mason Rack Band, along with kids' games and fun in the park with great prizes to win. Cool down with a drink from the bar on the deck or enjoy a sausage sizzle and damper served by Eumundi Rotary with any donations going towards supporting local projects.
Summer Holidays Grass Party
Book a table or set up on the grass at Terella Brewing’s Summer Holidays Grass Party on 26 January from 10am-6pm. Visit the animal farm, take advantage of the food trucks, listen to live music and enjoy Terella’s brews, all with no public holiday surcharge. Visit: terellabrewing. com.au.
Belli Hall Community Breakfast
Verrierdale Hall
The Verrierdale Hall at 460 Verrierdale Rd is the place to be on Australia Day with a free lunch and entertainment from 11.30am-2pm.
Enjoy free burgers and soft drinks along with prizes for games such as the very Australian thong toss and cane toad racing. BYO alcohol. RSVP by 20 January quoting the number of adults and children attending to assist with catering. Visit: facebook.com/events/579183661700864.
Noosa Australia Day Festival
Tewantin Noosa Lions Club will host the Noosa Australia Day Festival on 26 January from 10am4pm to the Lions Park, Gympie Tce, Noosaville.
There will be delicious food and children’s rides. Entertainment will feature live music from the Dirty Birds, Supersoaker, Ryan Giles Band, Munkey Feet and Jemzel. Avoid parking hassles by using public transport. Visit: zinc96.com.au.
Australia Day Club Run
Belli Park residents and friends are invited to a free Australia Day community breakfast on 26 January from 8am at the Belli Hall at 1170 Kenilworth Rd Belli Park. There will be games for the children. Join the crowd to cheer on the annual cricket match between the hall vs the local Rural Fire Service Brigade. Email: bellihall@gmail.com.
The Sunshine Coast Antique Car Club invites members and visitors to join them at 9am for their annual Australia Day Club Run. The event runs from their club rooms at the Nambour Showgrounds to the Sundale Aged Care Facility in Burnside, before heading to Wappa Falls for a BYO bbq lunch. Dress up and decorate your car. Visit: scacc.org.au/ourevents.
WHAT’S ON?
Matso’s 1st Birthday
Matso’s Sunshine Coast Brewery is celebrating its 1st Birthday with a weekend of events on 1&2 February, including live camels on 2 February from 1-3pm.
Celebrations start on 1 February with farm animals from 2-5pm, Tommy Magic from 3-5pm, face painting from 1-4pm and live music with Zac Threads from 2-5pm. Celebrations continue on 2 February with Urban Reptiles from 2-5pm, face painting 1-4pm, a balloon artist 1-4pm and music by Brenton Kneen from 2-5pm. To book a table visit: matsos.com.au.
John Williamson live
John Williamson will perform live at The Events Centre in Caloundra on 13 February as part of his final tour of Australia, entitled My Travellin’ Days are Done. 2025 marks his 55th year in the music industry and he has decided there will be no more travelling to perform live.
His first hit Old Man Emu is as popular today as when he performed it on Channel 9’s New Faces program in 1970. John has 28 Golden Guitars, 6 ARIA Awards, an Order of Australia and been inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame and the Australian Roll of Renown.
2025 will also see the release of his 53rd album and 5th picture book for children – Koala Koala – based on his song of the same name, to be published by Penguin Books. Tickets: theeventscentre.com.au.
Clean-up for turtle hatchlings
It’s the time of year where loggerhead and green turtle hatchlings leave their nests and make their way to the ocean. To help ensure they make it there safely, join the clean-up for turtle hatchlings morning on 1 February from 6am-7.30am across 17 Sunshine Coast beaches.
Run by both the Sunshine Coast and Noosa councils, with Reef Check Australia and SEA LIFE Trust, this is the 11th annual clean up.
Register to indicate which beach you can help clean up. Volunteers should wear enclosed footwear, bring gloves and will be provided with a bag to gather rubbish on the beach, including microplastics. Participants are invited to a free barbecue after the event at Coopers Lookout Park, south of Kawana Surf Club from 8-10am. Registrations: eventbrite.com.au/e/clean-upfor-the-hatchlings-2025-tickets.
Talking Heads and David Bowie
Soft Treadly pays tribute to the music of Talking Heads and David Bowie at The Imperial Hotel Eumundi on 15 February. Revisit their classics such as Once in a Lifetime, Psycho Killer, Burning Down the House, Heroes, Let’s Dance and Life on Mars. Doors open at 7pm. Tickets: oztix.com.au.
Oriana Choir
The Oriana Choir brings the “piano men” to the stage with their celebration of the songs of Billy Joel and Elton John in two shows at The J on 5 April.
Be transported back with all the favourites, including I’m Still Standing, Uptown Girl and Rocket Man. Conducted by Elisabeth Wallis Gaedtke and accompanied by the Oriana Band, the choir’s rich harmonies will have you nostalgically anticipating the next song. Also performing will be the Sunshine Coast Youth Choir conducted by Annie Wilson. Visit: thej. com.au.
WHAT'S ON?
When the Ordinary was Special
Eumundi Museum has a new temporary exhibition called When the Ordinary was Special. It features objects that were once cutting-edge technology or rare or expensive items that have been superseded or become commonplace.
The new objects include a polyphone – an early music machine with large metal discs – a 1940s transistor radio and an early Mixmaster. Many of the objects in the display highlight that electricity to your home and plastics barely existed a century ago. In fact, Eumundi did not even have electricity 100 years ago!
Entry is free from 10am-3pm Tuesday to Saturday until the end of March. Visit: eumundimuseum.org.
Art Jam
The Cooroy Butter Factory Arts Centre is kicking off 2025 with another Art Jam. This year the exhibition fills the whole gallery with local artists and ceramists setting up their own mini studio to create work, network and chat with art lovers and buyers.
The exhibition will run until 16 February. Visit: butterfactoryartscentre.com.au/upcomingexhibition.
Pottery classes
The Cooroy Butter Factory is running 10 weeks of pottery classes in wheel throwing and hand
building from late January.
Wheel throwing courses start on Tuesday mornings from 28 January, Wednesday mornings from 29 January or Thursday evenings from 30 January. Workshops on hand building techniques start on Tuesday afternoons from 28 January or Thursday mornings from 30 January. Bookings: butterfactoryartscentre.com.au.
Cup Day
The Sunshine Coast Turf Club kicks off the Australia Day long weekend with the Coastline BMW Sunshine Coast Cup Day on 25 January. Enjoy not only the races but food trucks, a family fun zone and live music. Gates open at 10.30am with the first race at 12.13pm and the last at 5.50pm. Free entry for children under 17yrs. Visit: sect.com.au.
Book club with a twist
Have you been looking for something to do for yourself? If you've always wanted to join a book club but never got around to it, this is the perfect opportunity – a book club with a “twist”.
Join a friendly group of adults who enjoy discussing books, authors and characters. There is no required reading – just bring any book you have read or are currently reading. All genres are welcome. If you prefer listening, that's fine too.
The club meets on the second Tuesday of each month at Cooroy Library from 1-2pm. It's completely free! Email: bookclubwithatwist@ hotmail.com.
COMMUNITY
Memorials to our legends and characters
Eumundi is an historical town that values its heritage, and an important part of our history is its memorial benches. We have 5 memorial benches on or adjacent to Memorial Dr. Family members or community groups have purchased these benches as a way of giving back to the community, providing seating in the name of a person who was loved and contributed to their community. It appears as if 2 of these benches may have been affected by SCC’s streetscaping project. The first bench – located outside the Imperial Hotel –was dedicated to Chris Walter who spent many hours at the hotel performing solo gigs and as a member of the band Hardly Bizarre. Chris passed away suddenly in 2009 and the family wanted him remembered with a bench close to where he spent many happy days.
The streetscaping works have meant that the bench may have to be relocated or replaced with
seating in keeping with the streetscape design. Cr David Law has given his assurance that the wishes of the Walter’s family are paramount and nothing will be done without their approval. The same assurances have been provided with regards to the bench dedicated to Bob Loudon, which was funded primarily by Eumundi and District Community Assn. Cr Law has also stated that there will be no metal benches along Memorial Dr. As Eumundi is a historic timber town, the street furniture will reflect that history and will be crafted from timber as promised in the final planning submission.
The bench for Bob was celebrated by friends, family and well-wishers on 16 August 2019. The seat is close to the “Servo” where Bob served the community with a smile and a chat for many years. Bob supported many local community groups and instigated the notice board located beside the service station. His bench may escape intact as it is just outside of the scope of the new streetscaping works.
May we see many more benches and plaques as we acknowledge more of the wonderful legends and characters we have in Eumundi!
Janet Millington
Chris Walter’s plaque
Chris Walter
COMMUNITY
Seeking volunteers
Sunshine Coast Riding for the Disabled (SCRDA) is seeking dependable, compassionate people who would like to give back to their community in a meaningful way in 2025. If you have a few hours to spare each week the SCRDA team would love to hear from you!
An orientation and induction training session will be held on 3 February from 9am-12pm with morning tea provided. Horse experience is not required, although an advantage. All training will be provided. Come along with closed-in footwear, sun-smart clothing and a big smile. No bookings are required.
If horses aren't your forte, there are plenty of
Treasury of Country Australian History
The Treasury of Country Australian History (TOCAH) is a non-profit organisation run by volunteers that collects stories and records from rural Australians with the aim of creating an archive for future generations.
Volunteers capture life stories through personal and group interviews, covering experiences and reminiscences. TOCAH digitises these personal, family, community, business records and photographs and asks for copyright of the recorded interviews and digital records.
The organisation also runs TOCAH Country Cousins, which holds group interviews in cafes and public spaces, fostering connections among country residents.
Historic moment for Cooroy Bowls
Cooroy Community Bowls Club recently signed a 90-year licence agreement with the new owners of the bowls club site Your Mates Brewery. Club President Maureen Bottomley said, “This is an historic moment for our club as we now have control of our own destiny. It is like returning to our spiritual home.”
The Cooroy Bowls Club lost control of the club site upon merging with the Cooroy RSL. The RSL subsequently sold the property which has
since had several owners. Your Mates Brewery leased the property for 2 years and has recently purchased the enterprise, rebranding the club as Crackerjack, with the restaurant incorporating an Asian inspired menu.
The new management have been respectful of the club’s needs, allowing the club to use the green exclusively at set times during the week to conduct competitions and events. There are plans to include a wall with dedicated memorabilia from the club. Your Mates also has a proposal before Noosa Council for improvements and renovations to the green which the Bowls Club endorses and supports.
The Cooroy Community Bowls Club has over 100 members and conducts social competitions on Tuesday afternoon, Wednesday and Thursday evenings, as well as Saturday mornings. The club has fielded men’s and women's teams in the 8-week Hinterland Challenge since the competition’s inauguration 12 years ago. Club members also compete in the monthly men’s fours competition at Tewantin/Noosa Bowls Club and various other tournaments in the district.
FREE COMMUNITY EVENT!
Brett Colautti (Your Mates Brewing Hospitality and Culture chief) & Maureen Bottomley (Cooroy Bowls Club Inc president)
The Creative Frog expands services
The Creative Frog owned and operated by Heidi and Chris Jenkins has recently expanded their services to include web design, web hosting and print management, in addition to their existing graphic design offerings. This expansion allows them to provide a comprehensive suite of services to their clients, enhancing their digital presence and streamlining their print needs. By integrating these new services, The Creative Frog aims to offer a one-stop solution for all their clients' creative and technical requirements. Eumundi Voice magazine is proud to use the services of The Creative Frog for all our graphic design, social media and web support. The company also regularly supports the Rotary Club of Eumundi with its design, print and social media requirements. Heidi and Chris always go above and beyond and have a remarkable quick and efficient turnaround of required works. Visit: thecreativefrog.com.au.
Wildfire Fitness relocates
Wildfire Fitness in Eumundi is set to relocate from The Pavilion Eumundi to the old Tiki Bar site on Memorial Dr by mid to late February.
Known for its diverse offerings, including Pilates, yoga and infrared hot classes, Wildfire Fitness is aiming to create a welcoming space for all. The
move to the new location is expected to enhance the fitness experience for members, providing a larger and more versatile environment. This transition marks an exciting new chapter for Wildfire Fitness and the Eumundi community. Visit: wildfirefitness.com.au.
TECHNOLOGY
Protect yourself from scams
Scams impact all ages but those considered most vulnerable are over 65yo. Increasingly, scammers pose as being from a trusted bank to try to trick you into sharing personal information or codes or transferring money. The types of scams are so varied it’s daunting to recognise them, but you can take steps to protect yourself.
Advice from banks is that you should never give uninvited callers access to your computer or devices. In an Australian first, when you transfer funds online, such as paying a bill, CommBank now has a pop-up message that indicates whether the recipient’s name matches the BSB and account details you’ve entered. This allows you to stop, check and proceed or cancel the transaction.
The following can be signs that whoever is contacting you is not legitimate:
• There is a suspicious link in the email or SMS.
• The message uses strange words, phrases or looks different to other messages from that sender.
• You are asked to transfer money to another account.
• You are asked for personal information or account details.
• There is a sense of urgency or threat, such as “your bank account has been locked.”
Don’t click on any links in messages such as these, or in messages on social media. It is also acceptable to hang up on phone calls you think are scams. Call the organisation or person back on a phone number you have found on the company’s website. If an offer appears too good to be true, it probably is. Use strong passwords for your online accounts. To become more scamaware visit the ACCC’s: scamwatch.gov.au.
Mon to Fri 8.30am - 5.00pm
Closed Weekends & Public Holidays
Suite 6 / 2-6 Etheridge St EUMUNDI QLD 4562
Introducing Psychologist Debbie Lucas
Debbie is a Clinical Psychologist with 20 years of experience in government and private practice. She has worked for Queensland Health in roles such as Clinical Educator and Senior Psychologist, focusing on mental health, pain management, and parenting. For the past 8 years she has practiced privately on the Sunshine Coast specialising in individual and couples therapy. She sees clients 14+ for individual therapy and all ages for couples and family therapy, both in-person and via telehealth. Her primary approach is Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP), supported by training in Schema Therapy, EMDR, ACT, DBT, CBT, IFS, and trauma-focused methods. Her specialties include:
• Anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, grief, and loss
• Relationship issues, attachment trauma, and sexual well-being
• Chronic conditions, persistent pain, women’s health, and LGBTQIA+ care
• Perinatal and infant mental health and parenting transitions.
Mon to Fri 8.30am - 5.00pm Closed Weekends & Public Holidays
Suite 6 / 2-6 Etheridge St EUMUNDI QLD 4562
Dr Hoda Morris MBChB, MRCGP, FRACGP, DFSRH
Dr David Heppell MBChB, MRCGP, FRACGP
Dr Karen MacMillan MBChB, MRCGP, DRCOG, FRACGP
Dr Paul Baker BMBS, PhD, BSc (Hons), DipAppSci
Dr Simon Menelaws MA (Master of Arts), MBChB
Dr Gillian Cairney MBChB, MRCGP
Dr Carl Faldt MBBS
ENVIRONMENT
The Find a Frog in February citizen science program is entering its 9th year and has a large community of over 1,800 people from the Sunshine Coast, Noosa, Gympie and Fraser Coast council regions, who have been looking for frogs and submitting their observations. The program increases awareness of frogs and their needs and lets people know how to go about looking for frogs and how to make sure we give frogs the best chance. Until now, ‘Froggers’ have sent in 23,400 records of 39 species.
The program area is home to over 45 frog species with 10 of these listed as threatened or having disappeared – that’s nearly a quarter of frogs in our area! The Sunshine Coast is home to several threatened frog species, each playing a vital role in the ecosystem. Among these are the wallum sedgefrog, known for its unique habitat in coastal heathlands, and the green-thighed frog, which is often found in wet sclerophyll
forests. The giant barred frog and Fleay's barred frog are also on the list, both requiring pristine streams for survival. Other notable species include the tusked frog, the great barred frog and the southern barred frog. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect these species and their habitats from further decline.
This page is sponsored from funds raised from market car parking to acknowledge and support Eumundi’s
Community Spirit
Finding frogs
Orange-eyed tree frog
Wallum sedgefrog
Frogs are easily affected by changes in the air, water and land. Collecting information on their whereabouts and the habitats they use means we can better manage the environment to protect them into the future. Many are key indicators of a healthy environment. To participate in the program or for more information visit: mrccc. org.au/frog-in-february. Happy frogging!
This page is sponsored from funds raised from market car parking to acknowledge and support Eumundi’s
Community Spirit
Giant barred frog
Litoria peronii by Eva Ford
Frog surveying
Frog surveying
Tusked frog
TRAVEL
Travel to Europe
New travel arrangements are in play in 2025 for Australians travelling to Europe and are designed to improve border security screening amongst travellers who don’t need a visa. From 8 January 2025, Australians still won’t need a visa but will need to hold an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) to enter the UK. The ETA must be processed before travelling to the UK and lasts for 2 years.
Almost all the rest of Europe will implement similar arrangements around mid-2025 at a date yet to be determined, that will be known as the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). Countries include the 29 members of the Schengen area and Cyprus. An ETIAS will remain valid for 3 yrs.
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Both must be applied for online ahead of your trip and should take 1-3 days to process. Fees will apply for each applicant including babies and children – £10 for the ETA and €7 for the ESTIA. Once approved, travellers will receive a notification that the authorisation will be linked to their passport.
For the UK Government’s ETA page visit: gov. uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travelauthorisation-eta or apply via the UK ETA App: gov.uk/guidance/using-the-uk-eta-app.
For details on the ESTIA visit: travel-europe. europa.eu/etias_en.
Airlines and travel agents are likely to take the lead in ensuring passengers know about the new arrangements but keep an eye on the date when ESTIAs will come into force if you’re planning a trip to Europe, beyond the UK.
Rhonda Piggott
Christmas has come and gone and I hope everyone had a safe and happy Christmas with family and friends. Whilst I was fortunate enough to have a few days off over the Christmas and new year period, Blair, Dave and Gary worked right through, including Christmas Day.
December 2024 was a busy period for Eumundi and the Eumundi police. The Eumundi Markets are extremely popular during December and this increases the crowds on non-market days attending local attractions including Terella Brewery, Matso's and the Imperial Hotel.
Throughout December Eumundi Police attended to 168 calls for service, but we were lucky to come through unscathed with no major incidents. During December we also conducted some state funded traffic enforcement, which saw us complete an additional 16 hours of traffic duties in direct response to road safety. This resulted in 388 random breath tests conducted, with 3 drink drivers and 1 drug driver detected and 16 infringement notices issued, mainly for speeding.
Of note, there were a couple of people issued infringement notices for expired licences and registration. Your licence expiry date is easy to check as it is located on your licence. If you are unsure about your car’s registration there is a Qld Transport App called Qld Rego Check, to see if it is current and to set a reminder date.
As mentioned in the last Eumundi Voice article, Michelle has taken over from Gen as our
Administration Officer and is settling in well. To improve services for the public, we have slightly changed the station opening hours. Every Monday and Wednesday will continue as normal, with opening hours between 8am4pm. However, instead of opening every second Friday, the station will be open every Friday afternoon from 12.30pm-4pm. I struggled to keep track of which Friday the station would be open and so the new hours will help.
Despite these opening hours be aware Police are available 24hrs/7days a week either by calling 000 or Policelink on 131 444. If you call the station outside opening hours, calls will be transferred through to Policelink.
My stint as relieving Officer in Charge is continuing with a replacement for Ryan Hanlon yet to be decided, which will hopefully be announced by the end of March.
Stay safe and say hello if you see Blair, Dave, Gary or myself around.
Acting Sgt Nic Van Der Maat – Officer in Charge Eumundi Police Station. Vandermaat.Nicholasj@police.qld.gov.au
COUNCILLOR DIV 9 - CR MARIA SUAREZ
Welcome to 2025! I hope you had a chance to rest and recharge over the festive period.
Find your perfect park match
While the parks around Eumundi are some of the best around, it is nice to head out and visit public areas further afield. The beaches and parks directory is a handy website to help you discover the Sunshine Coast's best parks and playground for every age and interest. This handy website includes an interactive map, an aerial view and will help you locate park facilities. If you are looking for inspiration and ideas to get out and about over summer, try the beaches and parks directory on council's website.
Biosphere Community Awards
Nominations are open for the Sunshine Coast Biosphere Community Awards. This is your opportunity to recognise those individuals,
businesses and organisations striving to make our region the very best it can be. There are 8 categories in which to nominate. It is even easier to say well done and thank you, so head online and nominate a community hero today. Nominations close 30 April.
Have your say in 2025
Have your voice heard on council projects by registering or updating your profile on Have Your Say Sunshine Coast – Sunshine Coast Council’s online engagement platform. There will be a diverse range of projects open for community input this year, so I encourage you to register today at haveyoursay.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au. If you have any other issues or suggestions to discuss, please contact me on 5475 9810 or maria. suarez@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.
Div 9 Cr Maria Suarez, 07 5475 9810
COUNCILLOR DIV 10 - CR DAVID LAW
Safer roads - Ninderry and Eumundi
We are currently completing a range of road reseals in Div 10. Works are underway resurfacing Karnu Dr in Ninderry and are expected to be completed by the end of January, weather permitting. We have also started road reseal works in Eumundi in Alice, Cook and Ward St with this work scheduled to also be completed by the end of the month. Cash Rd in Eumundi is also being resurfaced, with traffic management in place and delays to traffic expected. This work should be finished by 4 February, weather permitting.
These projects form part of Council's $25M Road Reseal and Rehabilitation Program for this financial year. Please refer to our website sunshinecoast.qld. gov.au for the most recent schedule of works.
New picnic table at Dick Caplick Park
If you're looking for somewhere to have your next picnic, how about using the new picnic table at Dick Caplick Park? We've completed the installation
and it makes a great spot for a picnic!
Eumundi
Streetscape
It's wonderful seeing the Eumundi Streetscape vision coming to life, with works underway once again after the Christmas break. The new crossing and kerb areas are progressing well adjacent to the Imperial Hotel and Dick Caplick Park. Did you know more than 1,400 new plants, including 26 street trees will form part of the completed streetscape? I'm pleased council is working with families on their wishes for existing memorial plaques and benches.
Please contact me with any questions or comments at email: david.law@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au and follow my Facebook page for regular updates: @ DavidLawDivision10.
Div 10 Cr David Law, 0437 825 569
OUT AND ABOUT
Passionate about Porsche
“Life’s too short for boring cars,” says Merv Hyde’s shirt. He was among the many passionate Porsche owners who arrived at Fairhill Gardens Nursery on 6 January for camaraderie, a delicious morning tea and to plan further gatherings.
The Noosa Porsche Connection meets on the first Monday each month and chose the Fairhill Gardens Nursery as a perfect location to begin 2025.
Owner Angela Wright said, “I hope the success of this event will encourage other organisations to enjoy displaying their passionate interests to the community in this beautiful setting.”
Attendees Glenn and Sharon of Dunethin Rock, shared memories of being proud Porsche owners even when they were graziers with a 6km gravel and dirt track off the Warrego Hwy. “I did own a grader!” said Glenn.
Their fourth and current model named “Tilly” is one of only 1,250 anniversary models in the world, produced in 2021 to commemorate the Porsche company almost going bankrupt and being saved by the USA’s immediate love for the Boxster.
Thirteen-year-old Rowan spent the morning adding more photographs to his already extensive gallery of classic portraits, after visiting the Porsche Museum in Germany last June. He shared his plans to be an eminent doctor to indulge his passion for Porsches and said his uncle, a plastic surgeon, is his inspiration.
Porsche owner Simon Richardson of Peregian
Springs attended the event with his family who were visiting from Portugal. “The Sunshine Coast is blessed being full of beautiful cars, not just Porsches,” said Simon.
Local foodie and businessman Martin Duncan –famous for his Sconetime events – was among the many admirers of the classic cars and the enticing menu available from the Courtyard Cafe Bar Restaurant where chef Fraser and his team create original dishes from local produce. Visit: fairhill.com.au. Eileen Walder
Eumundi Aqua Aerobics
Christmas fun
The Eumundi Aqua Aerobics group had a lively end to 2024 with a lunch at Matso’s. They enjoyed a morning workout with no rain, forming a Christmas tree with frisbees and noodles. Who said exercise was no fun?
ART ABOUT
Local Contemporary Art Prize
Entries are now open for one of the region’s most coveted art awards – the 2025 Local Contemporary Art Prize.
Artists from across the Sunshine Coast and Noosa are invited to enter their best 2D or 3D work for the opportunity to become one of 40 chosen finalists. Finalist works will be showcased at the Caloundra Regional Gallery from 11 April to 8 June, with winners announced at the official exhibition opening on 10 April. The artist selected for the Best in Show Award will take home $10,000 and accolades as the Best in Show Acquisitive.
Submissions close 9 February. Visit: gallery. sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/art-prizes/localcontemporary-art-prize/entry-form.
Where art meets fashion
The Australian Wearable Art Festival is calling on artists and designers worldwide to push the boundaries between art and fashion at its 2025 event.
Set to take place on the Sunshine Coast on 8&9 August, the festival promises exciting new additions. The event offers more incentives for participation with an expanded prize pool of $15,000, including $5,000 for the Supreme Winner and new categories such as Elements of Nature and Abstract Form.
Renowned artist Rachel Burke – known for dressing celebrities such as Cate Blanchett and Harry Styles – will join the judging panel. The festival will feature an enhanced 27-metre runway with improved lighting options, allowing artists to elevate their creations.
Entries are open until 31 January with final creations due by 3 July. Visit: australianwearableart.com.au.
COMMUNITY
Susan’s legend will live on
Susan Dearnley’s theatrical life began in England as a “Pantomime Babe” (child dancer) in lavish traditional Christmas productions. Susan enjoyed a professional career as singer and dancer performing in theatres across the UK and Europe. She then took on directing and choreography, before moving to Australia, where she offered her multi-talented experience to Noosa Arts Theatre in 2013, directing Trouble in Nursery Rhyme Land, the first of 10 pantomimes. Sadly, on 5 January just 2 days after laughing
2024 Best in Show winner, Susan Schmidt
AWAF24 Supreme Winner STARDUST by Isabelle Cameron
aloud at the Noosa Arts production of Scrooge’s Christmas Carol, the curtain closed for Susan who lost her brave fight with cancer.
Susan’s work ethic and passion for every aspect of Noosa Arts Theatre is legendary. She was the president on innumerable committees, production coordinator and a passionate overseer of the “secret men’s business”, ensuring sets were perfect no matter the challenge. Often bluntly demanding perfection, she won over newcomers who quickly appreciated she was pivotal to the success of so many productions.
Susan's pantomimes are legendary and hugely popular, often featuring whole families in the cast and crew. Young actors introduced to the excitement of performing, loved and respected her for the discipline and experiences she taught them. Many now appear in musicals, dramas and one-act plays.
Emily Potts said, “I’m blessed to have done 5 pantomimes with Susan. Noosa Arts played a massive part of my theatre journey from age 8. I will never forget those memories of working with her and the guidance and support she always gave me.”
Noosa Mayor and former theatre president Frank Wilkie said, “Susan loved, lived and breathed Noosa Arts Theatre and her commitment was beyond measure. She will be dearly missed.”
There will be a celebration of Susan's life at Noosa Arts Theatre on 23 January (Susan's birthday), from 4-6pm. Eileen Walder
Happy New Year, and I trust you have had an enjoyable festive season.
I am proud to be an Australian and I also support Australia Day, a day of unity, to celebrate our democracy, our values of freedom and equality, and ‘our way of life’ which is the envy of the world.
If you live in Fairfax and wish to show your national pride this Australia Day, I am giving away FREE Australia Day bumper stickers to show support for the Australian flag and unity, visit my website to register for a free bumper sticker tedobrien.com.au.
Summer Road Trip
Do you want to speak with me directly about any local or federal matters?
I am on my Summer Road Trip and will be in Yandina, outside the Yandina School of Arts Hall from 4.00pm -5.00pm.
Old fashioned grassroots community-based politics is what I love most, so pop in for a chat on my Summer Road Trip, I look forward to seeing you there.
Stronger Communities Programme
All eligible organisations in the Fairfax electorate are invited to submit an EOI for grants between $2,500 and $20,000 to support projects that improve local community participation and contribute to vibrant viable communities.
EOIs close on Friday 14 February 2025 and projects must be complete before 31 December 2025.
Eligible projects have changed from previous years, for more information and to submit your EOI visit my website or contact my team.
If I or my office can be of assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out on (07) 5479 2800 or at ted.obrien.mp@aph.gov.au.
�� (07) 5479 2800
✉ ted.obrien.mp@aph.gov.au
Susan Dearnley
Community News
Keen to head outdoors and explore more of our beautiful Sunshine Coast?
Maybe you are sick of the same old route or you just need a bit of inspiration. Perhaps the kids are utterly bored and need to burn off that Christmas energy! Adventure Sunshine Coast is the perfect online tool to find more than 250 walking, running, paddling, cycling, mountain-biking and horse-riding trails mapped out across the region. Choose your next adventure today with Adventure Sunshine Coast at adventure.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.
Did Santa bring a portable pool for Christmas?
Remember that any pool deeper than 300mm or with a capacity of more than 2000L must comply with pool safety regulations. This includes installing the correct barriers and permanently removing all climbable objects, like outdoor furniture, away from the surrounding area. Make sure to check the rules to keep your family safe. Visit Council's website for all the details you need about pool safety compliance.
Watch Council’s next Ordinary Meeting
View online on Council's website or at Sunshine Coast City Hall Chambers on 30 Janaury at 9am.
If you're an emerging, mid-career or established visual artist, this prize is for you
Entries are open for the 2025 Local Contemporary Art Prize. Entry costs just $35 and there’s a total prize pool of $17,000. Finalist works will go on show in the exhibition at Caloundra Regional Gallery from 11 April to 8 June. Visit Council's Gallery website to complete the online form. Submissions close 9 February.
Get the latest Council news delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up for the OurSC enewsletter.
07 5475 7272 | sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
HEALTH
Goal setting for long-term success
As an experienced coach, one of the most common challenges I encounter is helping clients maintain consistent motivation. A highly effective tool for overcoming this hurdle is goal setting. Goals provide structure, accountability and a clear path forward. They should be realistic and achievable in the short term but also include long-term aspirations to sustain motivation and encourage lasting lifestyle changes.
Short-term goals are immediate, achievable objectives that you can easily envision and accomplish without feeling overwhelmed. These goals provide quick wins, boost confidence and maintain interest. Setting short-term goals will help to keep you engaged and on track. Examples include dropping a dress size, increasing strength in specific exercises, reaching a target weight or running a set distance.
Medium-term goals are more ambitious but still attainable within a 6-12 month timeframe. These objectives often involve personal growth or skill development and require consistent effort. Examples include completing a fun run or half marathon; achieving significant mental health improvements; gaining confidence to pursue a career change; learning a new sport or swimming a specific distance or building a “beach body.”
Breaking these goals into smaller milestones
will help you remain motivated and gain a sense of accomplishment along the way. Mediumterm goals also help establish new habits and mindsets, paving the way for long-term change.
Long-term goals often represent big dreams and can take years to achieve. They require a series of incremental steps, starting with shortterm and medium-term goals. For example,
training progressively to run a 10km, then a half marathon, and eventually a full marathon. These goals will help to keep you focused on the bigger picture and provide a constant source of inspiration. While weight loss may often accompany these goals, the ultimate reward is achieving something that once seemed unattainable.
Goal setting doesn’t always have to revolve around weight loss. By focusing on what truly inspires and excites you, you can achieve a lifelong aspiration, one step at a time.
Paul Hooper – Paul’s Body Engineering
MEET A LOCAL
Connecting Community
When Stacey McCray swapped Sydney’s fast pace for Noosa’s enviable lifestyle, she stepped into a fresh chapter brimming with fun, wellbeing and meaningful community connection.
The launch of Noosa.Radio was a perfect match for Stacey’s passion for fostering community spirit. Drawing on her experience as a podcast host on SME Radio – where she explored business opportunities between Asia and Australia – Stacey is one of 20 local presenters broadcasting live from the Noosa Surf Museum in Tewantin. Her shows are a dynamic mix of engaging interviews, personal musings and updates on what’s happening in and around Noosa. All of this is set to classic hits from the 60s to today, with a special love for 80s music.
Stacy said, “Being part of Noosa.Radio is about more than music. It’s about creating a platform for community engagement – sharing life’s moments, from laughing together to dancing like nobody’s watching.”
Noosa.Radio’s impact on the community runs deep. As a charity partner for Katie Rose Cottage Hospice, the station supports events such as their Melbourne Cup luncheon, blending celebration with fundraising to support vital end-of-life care. The station also collaborates with local businesses, helping them enhance their marketing strategies and expand their connections throughout the region.
Stacey’s interviews are varied. She has
interviewed the likes of Sam Parker from the Grab Life by the Balls movement, which champions mateship, Dr Espen Wold-Jensen a researcher in neuroscience and quantum physics, and Naomi Oyston from the She Sings for the Sistas, who raises funds for breast cancer.
Stacey is frequently called upon to MC events and moderate panels. Through her Meetup groups, Noosa Social Connections and Noosa Wellbeing Experiences, she creates opportunities to bring people together. “We’re all on this wild journey called life, with its ups and downs. Being part of a community not only provides support but also fosters personal growth, fun and those unforgettable moments that make it all worthwhile,” said Stacey.
To listen to Noosa.Radio download the app. You can also follow Stacey on social media @ staceymccraycoach or join her Meetup groups to stay connected.
Stacey with Dr Espen Wold-Jensen
Stacey on air
Sunshine Coast author Shelley Dark has captured readers’ hearts with her humorous and heartwarming travel memoir, Hydra in Winter: An Island Escape in Search of a Greek Pirate. The book, which recently became a #1 bestseller on Amazon, offers readers a light, breezy escape to the Greek islands – perfect for the holiday season.
When Shelley travelled to Hydra in winter, she wasn’t seeking a typical Greek island holiday. Instead, she was on a mission to uncover the story of her husband’s great-great-grandfather, Ghikas Voulgaris, Australia’s first Greek convict –a pirate who narrowly escaped the gallows and subsequently became a pioneer.
“My goal was to solve a historical mystery, but Hydra had other plans,” said Shelley. “The warmth of the locals, the island’s charm, and the joys of slow travel transformed the trip into something far more memorable.”
The memoir is filled with funny observations, heartwarming moments, and vivid descriptions of Hydra’s stunning architecture, fresh seafood, and hardworking donkeys.
It’s a story that will resonate with Philhellenes, travel lovers, history buffs, and anyone who’s ever dreamed of visiting Greece.
Kyra Geddes – author of The Story Thief – described the book as: “Like drinking a bottomless glass of champagne – bubbly, refreshing and bound to make you laugh.”
Shelley and her husband, former cattle farmers from Qld’s Granite Belt, now live on the Sunshine Coast. While Hydra in Winter is her first travel memoir, Shelley is working on more books inspired by her adventures, including Son of Hydra, a historical novel about Ghikas' life.
Hydra in Winter is available now on Amazon and local bookstores. Visit: shelleydark.com.
Greek Island Memoir
ON THIS DAY
Chinese New Year
The date of Chinese or Lunar New Year changes every year but always falls between 21 January and 20 February. It is a new moon day and this year falls on 29 January.
In China, celebrations usually last for 16 days and conclude with a lantern festival, when lanterns are lit and hung or flown, people watch dragon dances in the streets and children answer lantern riddles.
Chinese Lunar New Year is a major public holiday period that lasts 8 days in China, 7 in Taiwan and 3 in Hong Kong and Macau. Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines usually mark the New Year with 1-3 days of holidays.
2025 is the Year of the Snake and people born in this year are considered to be intuitive, strategic and intelligent. According to the Chinese Horoscope, Snakes act according to their own judgements while remaining private and reticent. They are goal-focussed and hate to fail. Snakes represent the symbol of wisdom. They are good at communication but say little. They are also materialistic and love to possess the best of everything but have no patience for shopping. Famous Snakes include Pablo Picasso, Mao Zedong, Stephen Hawking, John F Kennedy and J K Rowling.
JANUARY 2025
24&25 Jimeoin Pandemonium, The J, Noosa, globe thej.com.au
25 Cinderella, Noosa Botanic Gardens, globe little-seed.com.au
25 Andy Cowan Band, Pomona, globe themajestictheatre.com.au
26 Noosa Australia Day Festival, Gympie Tce, Noosaville, globe noosa.qld.gov.au
26 Summer Holidays Grass Party, North Arm, globe terellabrewing.com.au
26 Australia Day Community Breakfast, Belli Hall, ✉ bellihall@gmail.com
31 Eumundi Chamber Coffee Connect, Bella 101, Eumundi, globe eumundichamber.com.au
FEBRUARY 2025
1 Clean Up for Turtle Hatchlings, Various beaches, globe sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
1 Andrea Kirwin sings Tracy Chapman, The J, Noosa, globe thej.com.au
1 Ash Grunwald, Eumundi, globe imperialhoteleumundi.com.au
1&2 Matso’s First Birthday Weekend, Eumundi, globe matsos.com.au
7 Eumundi Voice, Issue 110
7 Twilight Market, North Arm, globe terellabrewing.com.au
8 Verrierdale Full Moon Dance, Verrierdale Hall, globe t.ly/5kE5T
11 Eumundi Chamber Lunch and Learn: Canva, Eumundi, globe eumundichamber.com.au
ISSUE 110 KEY DATES:
Copy & advert deadline: THURSDAY 30 JANUARY 2025
Available from: THURSDAY 6 FEBRUARY 2025
ISSUE 111 KEY DATES:
Copy & advert deadline: THURSDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2025
Available from: THURSDAY 20 FEBRUARY 2025
TRADES & SERVICES
Voice. ACN 628 234 891 GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Heidi Jenkins - The Creative Frog PRINTER: SunPrint
DISTRIBUTION: Rotary volunteers and supporters deliver up to 4500 complimentary copies fortnightly to mail boxes and outlets in Eumundi, Doonan,
$1,050,000
Move straight in to this beautiful 4 bed 2 bath home and start enjoying the peaceful vibe of Eumundi! The level corner block has a northerly aspect on the garden side (room for a pool) and a leafy nature reserve at the front. An open plan kitchen has stone benchtops, walk in pantry, a new dishwasher plus new Bosch induction cooktop and pyrolytic oven (to be installed prior to settlement). Separate formal and informal areas, tinted glass for privacy and access from side street to cater for your RV or boat. Possibly room for granny flat subject to council approval. EUMUNDI
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EERWAH VALE Adam Kuczynski 0407 596 547
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EERWAH VALE Adam Kuczynski 0407 596 547
sales@noosahinterlandrealty.com.au
