QUEENSLAND'S SUNSHINE PANTRY

The Sunshine Coast’s rich soils, fresh local produce, restaurants, farm stays and agritourism experiences are at the heart of a new brand and campaign called Queensland’s Sunshine Pantry (QSP) developed by the Food and Agribusiness Network (FAN) and Visit Sunshine Coast (VSC).

Launched on 8 November QSP brings together industry, local government and destination management agencies to drive food and agritourism initiatives that support local industry growth and regional economic resilience. It showcases the breadth of the region’s quality of produce and experiences through a distinct, unified brand. The program will provide benefits to both producers and the region’s tourism industry.

There are more than 900 food and agritourism businesses in the wider Sunshine Coast region and 10 local hero businesses feature in the campaign:

• Alba by Kuruvita Cooking School, Noosa

• Eastwell Farms, Kin Kin

• Kandanga Farm Store, Mary Valley

• Mapleton Public House & The Falls Farm, Mapleton

• Mayan Luxe Villas, Kin Kin

• Montville Coffee, Baringa

• QCamel, Bells Creek

• Saltwater Eco Tours, Mooloolaba

• Sunshine & Sons, Woombye

• Warrior Restaurant & Bar, Australia Zoo

The term ‘pantry’ is a metaphor for the abundance of local fresh produce and agritourism experiences. Through our rich volcanic soils and thriving coastline we have an abundance of fresh local produce crafted by producers dedicated to innovation and sustainability. QSP unifies produce growers and makers and culinary and agritourism experience businesses to attract new visitors and diversify agri-business revenue streams.

Agritourism experiences are a great way to explore and understand a region – it’s considered a different, fun and exciting type of holiday –and research shows food is a major motivator for travellers.

The campaign was funded by the Qld Government through the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and developed as part of the wider Project CRAFTED initiative in partnership with FAN and VSC. Regional partners include Sunshine Coast Council, Noosa Council, Moreton Bay Regional Council, Gympie Council, Tourism Noosa and Moreton Bay Region Industry and Tourism. Visit: visitsunshinecoast. com/qld-sunshine-pantry. Relle Schuh

Blues Arcadia

Brisbane based band Blues Arcadia returns to The Bunker at The Imperial Hotel in Eumundi from 7.30pm on 9 December. The three-time Australian Blues Music Award winner recently released their second album Now or Never with forays into funk and jazz. Tickets at Oztix.

Art on Yabba

Art on Yabba gallery's exhibition From Number 9 by local artist Pat Cale is a collection of paintings, drawings and collages inspired by the locality of Imbil and is on display until the end of November. Art on Yabba is at 116 Yabba Rd, Imbil and open from 9am-2pm Thursday to Sunday. Visit: maryvalleyartslink.com.au.

Bush dance Pomona

A bush dance will be held at Pomona Memorial Hall from 7-10pm on 2 December as a fundraiser for the Noosa and Sunshine Coast Region Koala Rescue Team. Dance the night away to the tunes of Celtic rock band Ishka. Cash entry on the night. Text Michelle on 0437 549 252 for catering purposes.

The Majestic Theatre

The Majestic Theatre in Pomona has a rolling program of silent films and live acts. Two upcoming performances will bring the theatre to life, with Amber Joy Poulton’s Coal Miner’s Daughter on 24 November and Lloyd Spiegel’s Bakehouse Dozen on 26 November.

Amber Joy Poulton is well known on the country and western circuit and will showcase songs from Loretta Lyn including I Fall to Pieces. Coal Miner's Daughter includes 'friends' Lizzie Moore as Patsy Cline and Denis Surmon as Conway Twitty accompanied by The Holy Men. The show starts at 7.30pm.

Lloyd Spiegel is a 14-time Australian Blues Award winner. Bakehouse Dozen is his recent album recorded live at Melbourne’s Bakehouse Studios. The show starts at 2pm. Tickets: themajestictheatre.com.au.

Little Seed summer holiday programs

Is your child interested in acting, singing and dancing? Little Seed Theatre Company has announced its junior summer holiday program over December and January for children from Prep to Yr 6 with enrolments now open and filling fast.

The program includes A Christmas Cinderella from 9am-3pm, 11 to 15 December at Sunshine Beach Primary School. A Christmas Carol is scheduled from 9am-3pm, 18 to 21 December at Good Shepherd Lutheran College. The Grinch will run from 18 to 21 December at Sunshine Beach Primary School and January programs are also available. The summer holiday program for children in Yrs 7-12 will be available shortly. Visit: little-seed.com.au.