WHAT’S ON?

Aqua fitness instructor training

Would you like to become an aqua fitness instructor? They are in demand on the Sunshine Coast and in short supply. Aqua instructor certificate training is being offered from 1-2 September at the Coolum Aquatic Centre. It is unusual for this training to be made available on the Sunshine Coast as it usually takes place in Brisbane or Sydney.

In addition to the two days of face-to-face training by Claire Barker-Hemmings on behalf of Active Training, the certificate course allows for online mentoring and support. On completion graduates can plan and teach aqua fitness classes. Visit: t.ly/zwxHj.

Kick Ass Festival

The Kick Ass Music and Camping Festival 2023 combining camping and music is at the Kenilworth Showgrounds from 8-10 September. Hosted by Kick Ass – a camping gear company – this year’s festival features James Reyne, Ash Grunwald, Choirboys, The Beautiful Girls, Dragon, Kingswood and more!

Camping at Kenilworth Showgrounds is reserved for VIP and premium ticket holders with a range of courtesy buses operating to the numerous out-of-town sites. It promises to be a great weekend so bring your own van or tent or hire a campervan, motorhome or caravan. Visit: kickassfestival.com.au. Tickets: t.ly/FONbj.

Plein Air Paint Out

Hinterland Health Expo

The Hinterland Health Expo will be held at the Cooroy Memorial Hall from 3-7pm on 31 August. Last year more than 200 people attended the free event and met with over 30 healthcare professionals. The Expo aims to provide access to quality healthcare, showcase healthcare services and facilitate collaboration and innovation within the sector, ultimately contributing to the overall health and wellbeing of our community. If you are a healthcare professional and want to participate in this fabulous local event register at: t.ly/_hyC6.

The Sunshine Coast Plein Air Paint Out will be held around the Sunshine Coast from 13-18 August. Artists are welcome to join the week of painting with an exhibition of work at the Connections Bldg, 29 Low St Yandina on 19 and 20 August. The event is being held in conjunction with the Yandina Street Fair. Entry to the exhibition is free and all work will be for sale. For registration details visit Facebook: Sunshine Coast Plein Air Paint Out.

Noosa Jazz Club

The Noosa Jazz Club Festival is now open for bookings. The festival kicks-off at Pomona’s Majestic Theatre on 27 August with Melbournebased Syncopators. Other events include jazz river cruises and local and interstate artists at The J. The final event is a free concert at Lions River stage opposite the Noosa Yacht Club, Gympie Tce on Fathers’ Day 3 September. Visit: noosajazzclub.com.

Pomona Meals on Wheels

Meals on Wheels (MOW) celebrated their 70th birthday of being in Australia last year. Originating in Britain during WWII the organisation was formed to assist frail older people who wanted to stay in their own homes but needed help to do so. MOW in Australia started in 1952 in South Melbourne. Meals were delivered by a lady on a tricycle at a cost of 2 shillings each.

Pomona Meals on Wheels was formed on 8 April 1989. “After months and months of meetings the committee was wondering where and when we could start. Eventually our Pomona Qld Ambulance Transport Brigade (QTAB) opened up their hearts and their kitchen and our first meals went out to be delivered to eight recipients. They received a three-course meal of soup, roast lamb, vegetables and sweets all served in those awful aluminium containers which we gratefully received from the Nambour Meals on Wheels kitchen.” Pomona Meals on Wheels Inc. booklet.

Going strong some 33 years later Pomona MOW still has a working kitchen and cooks all their meals three days a week. They deliver to around 50 regular clients and there are several clients who pick up meals. The organisation supports Commonwealth Home Support Plans, Home Care Plans and National Disability Insurance Scheme plans. They also offer a referral service to My Aged Care so that new clients can access subsidised meals once their eligibility is assessed. Meals costs are kept down as the organisation mainly comprises volunteers with only two paid employees. They service Black Mountain, Boreen Point, Cooran, Cooroy, Eumundi, Federal, Kin Kin, Pinbarren, Pomona and Traveston. If your suburb is nearby and you would like this service or to volunteer visit: mowp.org.au or phone 07 5485 1777.

BusStop Espresso

The BusStop Espresso roadside coffee stall is located at 201 Mary River Rd in Cooroy. There are plans for a building on the site and community members are expressing a range of opinions.

For some it’s a welcome spot for coffee lovers who enjoy the unique experience of a bus parked on the side of the road, set among the trees and offering cake, local produce and a hot cuppa. For others there is concern over extra traffic and parking issues, road safety, the nearby fire station and noise impact on residents with a commercial facility in their rural hideaway.

Call in for a coffee and view the Proposed Change for Approval concept plan on the signage board. You can make your response to Noosa Council via email: mail@noosa.qld.gov.au with Application Reference MCU21/0194.01 by 15 August. Visit: facebook.com/cooroybusstopespresso.

Eumundi Pavilion pop-ups

Expressions of interest are open for free popup stalls from 8am-2pm every Wednesday and Saturday at Pavilion Eumundi located alongside Market Lane opposite the Original Eumundi Markets. It's a great opportunity to kick-start your business in a relaxed atmosphere. Visit: thepavilioneumundi.com, email: hello@ thepavilioneumundi.com, or phone: 0421 705 137.

Taking initiative

At just 13yo Boe has a fascination with cleanliness and organisation that goes beyond his own