Construction of the long awaited $3.1M Eumundi streetscape upgrade is set to commence in August this year. Locals, business owners and community representatives met at The Imperial Hotel Eumundi on 12 June with SCC project team members who presented the construction plans. The project team outlined the three focus areas of construction, planned timing of each stage, and how local residents and business owners may be impacted.
Stage 1 of the project has been split into two zones – Zone A (Etheridge St) and Zone B
(Memorial Dr at Bank Arcade). Construction of Stage 1 will run from August 2024 until February 2025. The project team is currently considering the sequence of works for Stage 1 based on feedback received at the construction information evening. Updates will be shared over the coming weeks after liaison with adjacent businesses, community groups and residents.
Stage 2 located at Lonergan Lane is subject to further investigation and funding. Construction timing has not been finalised but is expected to commence in early 2025. Cont. p3
Celebrating
Hinternoosa Celebrates 35 Years!
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Here is to everyone who paved the way before us. Here is to the positive impact our current team is making, the professional service network that supports us so well, and to our clients who ultimately allow us to shine by choosing us.
Thank you for being a part of our journey.
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Cont. from p1 Most of the construction is expected to take place during the day from Monday to Friday 6am-6pm. However, some night works may also occur which are expected to take place Sunday and Thursday nights 6pm6am. The project team will advise of night works in advance.
The Memorial Drive Streetscape project has been in the spotlight since community engagement began in 2020. The contentious issues of the plan have been the proposed crossings/street narrowing, loss of car parking, the ‘generic look’ of the original plans, heritage concerns around the ‘old dray turning circle’ and the lack of footpath refurbishment.
Following community consultation council has addressed some of these concerns. The plans have been upgraded to incorporate the ‘old dray turning circle’ into the design and pavement treatment will feature the different species of trees used in the Eumundi sawmill with reference to their original Kabi Kabi names. The area will also contain a seating area with customdesigned furniture unique to this project. Plans were also modified to include footpath refurbishment throughout the proposed works.
The presentation was followed by a robust question and answer session with the project team. Concerns raised were primarily from business and stall owners, about loss of carparking during construction, possible road closures or diversions, the timing of the staged works, the impact to businesses over the busy Christmas period and the impact of the Lonergan Lane pedestrian link to stall holders.
The project team stressed that council priorities are to ensure continuous engagement between stakeholders and the construction team. Ryan Butler, Manager of Civil Projects for SCC said, “The staging of works is to ensure that there will be minimal noise and dust, that traffic flow will be maintained and that businesses will remain accessible and open for trade.
“We are willing to work with businesses and locals to understand the challenges that are unique to Eumundi.”
Council representatives indicated they are
currently investigating the feasibility of the council carpark being accessed on non-market days to improve parking options for business owners and customers. Council workers will have their own temporary fenced area away from Memorial Dr for contractor parking to minimise on-street parking during construction. Traffic flow along Memorial Dr will be maintained throughout construction with Etheridge St becoming left-turn only during construction. SCC will continue to support Eumundi businesses with campaigns such as the Buy Local initiative that encourage consumers to support local businesses.
Businesses with an existing footpath trading permit that will be impacted during construction will be provided with assistance to relocate to allow trade to continue. If no alternative is available rental fees will not be charged during the period of impact.
It is vital that everyone continues to support our local Eumundi businesses during the construction phase of the streetscape upgrade.
For further information about the previous community engagement process visit: t.ly/4kvA3.
To receive updates visit: t.ly/U9P8u or if you have a question for the project team email: eumundistreetscape@sunshinecoast.qld.gov. au.
WHAT’S ON?
The Lost Sistrum
The sistrum is a musical instrument of the percussion family that was used by ancient Egyptians. Eumundi’s belly dancing group Embellyment brings its show The Lost Sistrum to the Eumundi School of Arts Hall on 13 July. There will be plenty of colour, belly dancing, Middle Eastern drumming, storytelling and song.
This is a family-friendly event. Tickets are $35 or $30 for a group of six or more and $10 for children under 13yo. Visit: events.humanitix. com/the-lost-sistrum.
Bendigo Bank art works
The Bendigo Bank branches in Cooroy and Tewantin regularly show art works by local artists.
To coincide with NAIDOC Week, both banks will host works by First Nations artists in July. Nikita Fitzpatrick’s New Dreaming Art will be on show at the Cooroy branch from 4-30 July, while Tewantin branch will show works by Mu’raay Mulcahy from 5 July to 2 August.
You don’t need to be a bank customer to see the exhibitions.
German Film Festival
The French Film Festival is over and it’s time for the German Film Festival. Tickets are now on sale for five films screening from 9 July to 11 August.
The first cab off the rank is From Hilde with Love, based on a true story of Hilde Coppi, a shy young woman who was involved with an anti-
Nazi group whose members were subsequently arrested. The film covers events before and after Hilde’s arrest, including when she and fellow group member Hans fell in love. Their son, now 81, was at the film’s premiere in Berlin and said it was like seeing his parents for the first time. Other films include Not a Word, Alma and Oskar, One for the Road and Blind at Heart.
Films are screened at The Events Cinema in Noosa Junction or Caloundra. Visit: scfilmfestival. com.
Noosa Concours d’Elegance
Noosa will host the second Noosa Concours d’Elegance on 13 July. Fifty prestige cars will line Hastings St from 10.30am to 4.45pm. Following its inaugural showing last year, Noosa Concours d’Elegance was recognised in late 2023 as the winner of the Rising Star Award at the prestigious Historic Motoring Awards in London.
Showcasing a curated selection of renowned brands – including Aston Martin, Bentley, BMW, Lamborghini, Maserati, McLaren, Mercedes Benz and Porsche Australia from private collections –each car has a story to tell. Stroll along Hastings St and listen to various musicians or take a rest at one of the restaurants offering food and beverages during the event.
Hastings St will be closed to traffic from 9.30am to 5.30pm. Complimentary Concours shuttle buses will run from the Noosa AFL grounds to Hastings St or catch a Noosa Ferry, with halfprice tickets on the dedicated Noosa Concours d’Elegance timetable.
Entry to the Concours is free. Visit: noosaconcours. com.au.
WHAT’S ON OVER THE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS?
Animation Film Festival
Interested in animation? Get along to the Tiny Mountains Animation Film Festival at Cooran Memorial School of Arts on 29 June.
There will be two sessions of hand-picked short animation films from around the world. The first session starts at 4.30pm and is suitable for all ages. The second starts at 6.30pm and has more mature content. Neither session contains swearing, sex scenes or violence.
Tickets: eventbrite.com.au or visit: tinymountains.me.
Are you an Ultimate Ninja?
If you’re looking for something for the kids during the school holidays, head to Noosa Civic for the Ultimate Ninja Kids Obstacle Course from 10am-1pm daily from 26 June to 2 July.
Team up with some friends or join others on site. For the safety of all fellow Ninjas, participants must be over 90cm tall and over 5yo. Younger children can participate but they must be accompanied by an adult. All participants receive a completion certificate and go in the draw to win a $100 Noosa Civic Gift Card. Visit: noosacivicshopping.com.au.
SpongeBob SquarePants
Every summer and winter school holidays, Sunshine Coast Youth Theatre (SCYT) runs musical camps for budding actors aged from Prep to 18yo. The camps give young performers training and the experience of working on a show.
Following this year’s winter camp, SCYT is performing SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical at The J on 29 June at 2pm and 7pm and at The Events Centre, Caloundra on 30 June.
A cast of 55 talented performers – many from
the Noosa, Cooroy and Eumundi regions – will bring this cartoon classic story to life. Visit: scyt. com.au.
Mary Poppins Festival
Maryborough comes alive with the Mary Poppins Festival on 30 June. It’s a free event celebrating storytelling and that the author Pamela Lyndon Travers was born in Maryborough in 1899.
Festival favourites include chimney sweeping, nanny races and the grand parade plus street food vendors, market stalls, rides, pavement art and live entertainment. Come dressed in your Mary Poppins finery as Maryborough competes for the top spot in the Australian Book of Records for the largest gathering of people dressed as Mary Poppins-themed characters.
Located at Maryborough’s Portside Precinct and Queens Park, the opening ceremony starts at 9.45am and the Grand Parade at 1.45pm. Visit: marypoppinsfestival.com.au.
Sunshine Daydream
Until 7 July, step into the magical world of Sunshine Daydream created by Australian artists Pip and Pop at the Noosa Regional Gallery in Tewantin. This is a biennial exhibition event for children.
Pip & Pop – Australian artist Tanya Schultz and her team – create colour-saturated installations from materials including sugar, candy, pigments, modelling clay, artificial flora, crystals, beads, rhinestones and everyday craft materials. They also create wall-works, videos and 2D works.
Dance and become part of When Flowers Dream – a Pip & Pop interactive video or get ready to roll at the Poppin Pins Bowling Alley. Make a flower for display, create 3D paper sculptures, and construct colourful puppets.
Entry is free but bookings are required. Visit: noosaregionalgallery.com.au.
WHAT’S ON?
Titanic. The Human Story
Not that we are Titanic tragics at Eumundi Voice but having run two stories in recent editions on Dogs of the Titanic (Issue 93) and Titanic’s feline survivor (Issue 94), we bring your attention to an exhibition opening in Brisbane in late July –Titanic. The Human Story.
Travel back to 1912 through photos, letters, keepsakes and other personal belongings. Listen to survivor testimonies on an audio guide and see a recreation of the ship’s interior that highlights the stark contrast between first-class suites and third-class cabins. Allow 90 minutes minimum.
The exhibition runs until 25 August. Tickets: feverup.com.
Golden Evenings
The Heart of Gold International Short Film Festival will bring its Golden Evenings regional tour of short films to Kandanga on 6 July and Pomona on 12 July, each starting at 6pm.
The Kandanga evening will feature live music from singer-songwriter duo Slowgrass featuring multi-instrumentalist Brendon Beltrame and vocalist Beth Heather. The Pomona evening will feature singer songwriter and Gympie local Zac Gunthorpe, who recently supported The Whitlam’s Black Stump performance in Eumundi.
Heart of Gold will return to Gympie on 28-29 September with hundreds of short films. Golden Evenings is a taster. Tickets: heartofgold.com.au.
Woodford’s luminescence
A bonus at this year’s Woodford Folk Festival will be night-time walks to find the bioluminescent tree and rock lichen on the property. Discovered only late last year, it’s a light show worth seeing. Lichen that looks dull and grey during the day, becomes a world of vivid blues, yellows and oranges under a long-wave UV light.
Tickets are on sale now for the festival, which runs from 27 December 2024 to 1 January 2025. Payment plans are available for those who wish to pay in instalments. Visit: woodfordfolkfestival. com.
Sunday music with bush tucker
The next Sunday in the Gardens event at Noosa Botanic Gardens on 7 July will feature something extra and a bit special. A guided bush tucker walk has been organised – led by Gubbi Gubbi elder Lisa Powell – who will take participants to all corners of the gardens on a journey of discovery to identify bush tucker plants and divulge their secrets. The walk is to help celebrate NAIDOC Week.
The walk starts at 8.30am and is 1hr long. Make sure you wear good walking shoes. Bookings are essential at: trybooking.com/CSFMK. The cost is $15 for non-members and $10 for members of Friends of Noosa Botanic Gardens.
Once you have completed the walk, grab a coffee down by the poincianas or take a walk through the Shade Garden to explore some botanic exoticism. The regular music component of the day starts from 10am, featuring Jay Bishoff and musical friends.
Check the Noosa Botanic Gardens Friends FB page if the weather is inclement for cancellations. Noosa Botanic Gardens are located on Lake Macdonald Dr, about 4km from Cooroy’s CBD.
Lisa Powell
Dr Paul Baker BMBS, PhD, BSc (Hons), DipAppSci
WELCOMING NEW PATIENTS
Dr Carl Faldt MBBS
WELCOMING NEW PATIENTS
Dr Hoda Morris
MBChB, MRCGP, FRACGP, DFSRH
Dr Gillian Cairney MBChB, MRCGP
WELCOMING NEW PATIENTS
Dr Simon Menelaws MA (Master of Arts), MBChB WELCOMING NEW PATIENTS
Dr David Heppell
MBChB, MRCGP, FRACGP
Dr Karen MacMillan
MBChB, MRCGP, DRCOG, FRACGP
Ochre Medical Centre Eumundi Suite 6 / 2-6 Etheridge St, EUMUNDI
WHAT'S ON?
Dark Beer Mini-Fest
Noosa Hinterland Brewing Co. in Cooran is hosting its annual Noosa Winterland Dark Beer Mini-Fest on 6 and 7 July from noon to 10pm.
This year their headline beer is the Belgian Dark Strong along with a barrel-aged version. Several other brewers from the coast will add their own brews and local musicians will perform from 3-6pm. Dark Beer Explorer Sessions will take place each day from 1.30-2.30pm and include a guided tasting, a history of each brew and a beer paddle. Tickets are $20.
At the recent Royal Qld Beer Awards, Noosa Hinterland Brewing won a gold medal for its Six Mile Session Ale and a bronze medal for its Cooran Crusher.
The Brewery is in a heritage-listed timber structure that was previously a joinery and makes a great destination for a weekend drive in the Hinterland. Visit: noosahinterlandbrewing. com.au.
Imbil Bull Bronc Barrels
Round 2 of Imbil Bull Bronc Barrels takes place on 6 July at the Mary Valley College Ovals, George St, Imbil from 3pm onwards. The first round was held on 10 February and the final will take place on 28 September.
The event features bull rides, saddle rides, bareback and a mini bull ride, as well as a barrel race for novices. The band Junction Road will provide the music and there will be fireworks and a free kids zone. Food and bar service will be available, with strictly no BYO or eskies through the gate.
Funds raised go towards the community swimming program at Imbil Swimming Pool. Grab your tickets: t.ly/nHMIA.
Gympie Muster tickets
The Gympie Muster doesn’t open until 22 August, but single day passes are selling fast. Tickets will not be available at the gate over the days of the Muster from 22 to 25 August and must be purchased online in advance. There are also four-day festival passes available. Check out the program and get your tickets now: muster. com.au.
Sustainable Living Expo
The Noosa and Sunshine Coast Sustainable Living Expo takes place from 4-7 July at Peregian Beach.
The expo will open on 4 July with a slow food and fashion event along with a ‘swap and sip’ pre-loved clothing swap on 5 July.
An Eco Village on 6 July will include a host of stalls focused on sustainable living. The expo concludes on 7 July with the Peregian Beach Markets holding special celebrations for their 35th anniversary. Tickets: events.humanitix.com.
COMMUNITY
Tall Trees Art Exhibition
Entries are now open for artists to exhibit their work at the Tall Trees Art Exhibition in Cooran, held over the weekend of 21 and 22 September. Artists can enter up to 3 artworks which will be displayed in 12 venues in the main street. The centrepiece will be the Historic Memorial Hall which will be turned into an art gallery for the weekend.
All entrants must be current members of Tall Trees Art Inc. For details visit: talltreesart.com.
Yandina Community Garden workshop
Yandina Community Garden will be holding a workshop on 29 June from 9-11am at the Yandina Community Gardens Blue House, 44 Farrell St, Yandina.
Linda Mahony will demonstrate how to cook the easy-to-grow Madagascar beans – as a starter, main and dessert! You will be amazed by the tastes created with these beans that thrive in our sub-tropical climate.
For bookings visit: yandinacommunitygardens. com.au/workshops.
Sunshine Coast Record Fair
If you are looking to expand your vinyl collection, Wax Espresso is presenting the next Sunshine Coast Record Fair on 7 July from 10am-3pm, at
Brouhaha Baringa at 1 Edison Cres, Baringa.
There will be about 30 tables of music for sale with approximately 20,000 records, CDs and cassettes from as little as $1 each including everything from ABBA to ZZ Top across all genres.
Wear your winter woollies as it can get a little chilly. There will be food trucks, live music, a vinyl DJ and drinks. Brouhaha is pet-friendly and an all-inclusive accessible venue. Entrance will be a gold coin donation to the organisation Support Act.
Huge community donation
There was a large gathering of community members at Cooroy RSL on 17 June for the club’s bi-annual donations. The club donated over $44,000 to 30 great local causes.
This was one of the largest rounds of the donation program and Cooroy RSL are proud to be able to help support some of the fantastic organisations in the area. Through their hard work and volunteer efforts these organisations are doing positive things for their communities.
The QCWA Eumundi Branch was particularly grateful for a $1,000 donation for new ceiling fans. A second round of donations is planned for later in the year. Visit: cooroyrsl.com.au/ community.
L-R Barrie Adams (Chair of RSL Cooroy directors), Rosilyn Kinnersley (QCWA President), Helen Hollingworth (Manager Cooroy RSL)
COMMUNITY
New principal for ESS
Anthony Swan, Acting Principal at Eumundi State School (ESS), has accepted a position next term as the permanent Principal of Sunshine Beach State High School. He will be replaced by Kelly Jeppesen who will lead the school at the commencement of next term.
Kelly is an experienced principal who has worked across a wide variety of regions throughout Qld. As an educator, she is passionate about inclusive education for all students and their families. “Diversity is a strength of a school and its community. I strongly believe that student and staff wellbeing is a priority as we learn, work and play in an ever-complex world,” said Kelly in a letter to parents.
Anthony said that it had been an absolute pleasure to lead a magnificent school in such a wonderful community. “Over the past two years it has been my privilege and honour to lead ESS as Acting Principal. This career opportunity is one that I desire and am excited to undertake.”
The students, teaching staff and community members have expressed their gratitude to Anthony for his contribution to the school and the wider community.
We look forward to welcoming Kelly Jeppesen to Eumundi at the start of the next school term.
Winning hotels
Two Sunshine Coast hotels took out top awards at the Qld Hotels Association Awards for Excellence night in early June in Brisbane.
The Doonan won the Best Family Dining Award and the recently revamped Bli Bli Hotel won awards for Overall Hotel of the Year: Metropolitan, Best Bistro: Metropolitan and Best
TAB Licensed Venue. Both hotels now go into the competition for the Australia-wide Hotels Association Awards for Excellence.
Eumundi pool closes temporarily
The Eumundi Aquatic Centre will undertake maintenance works in July and its two pools will close temporarily.
The 25m pool will be closed from 1-14 July inclusive. All Learn-to-Swim classes will be moved into the smaller indoor pool and continue as per the normal schedule. Aqua Aerobics will be cancelled for two weeks. The Monday 9am council-funded aqua class will be cancelled for three weeks from 1-21 July before resuming on 22 July.
The indoor pool will be closed from 15-20 July. All Learn-to-Swim classes will be moved to the 25m pool and continue as per their existing schedule. The temperature of the larger pool will be increased.
Squad training will take place at the Coolum Aquatic Centre.
Facility manager Adrian Williams apologised for any inconvenience and said, “As a token of appreciation for everyone’s patience, all aquatic memberships will be extended by 21 days to cover the period.” Visit passes can still be used at any of the other Sunshine Coast pools.
There is no impact on the use of the gym which will remain open.
LOCAL BUSINESS
The future of swimming pool maintenance
Swimming pools can provide fertile breeding grounds for algae, bacteria, viruses, fungi and other pathogens if the water is left untreated. Microbial contamination can create a variety of problems, ranging from aesthetic unpleasantries, such as slimy green water to serious health risks such as fugal, bacterial or viral infections. Their growth if unchecked can result in a sufficiently dense masses of organic material to clog and foul waterlines and valves, contributing to rot or corrosion.
Swimming pools usually require continuous chemical treatment, which involves the addition of chlorine and other halogen material on a continuous basis to establish a desired level of free available halogen (FAH). It is known that hypochlorous and hypobromous acid when added to water has an oxidizing effect which results in the removal of nutrients from the water and can prevent microbial infestation as well as algae infestation.
In view of the above it is desirable to provide an algal suppression method that addresses some of these shortcomings particularly the burden of regularly topping up the pool chemicals whilst still providing a pool which is suitable for use.
The Pulzball (patent pending) contains mineral beads for inhibiting algal growth in a water body.
The mineral beads in Pulzball when placed in the skimmer box, allow the swimming pool water to flow through the ball. Reducing or taking away the need for adding chemical additives for maintaining the pH of the pool and preventing or at least suppressing the growth of algae in the 60,000 litre swimming pool for up to three years. In pools smaller than 30,000 litres the ball is expected to last up to five years. The standard ball is used in pools up to 75,000 litres, the large Pulzball is for pools up to 150,000 litres and the deluxe is for pools up to 200,000 litres of water. For larger pools the balls are custom made for each pool.
The Pulzball is available online: pulzball.com or from David Cooper at Eumundi Square on Wednesday or Saturday.
David Cooper
TOP THINGS TO DO THIS WINTER
Mt Tinbeerwah
Alas, no coldie at the top of this climb, even though the name may get you thinking how you deserve one after getting to the top of Mt Tin-beer-wah. Taken slowly, it’s not a hard climb, and going slow will let you appreciate the views of Noosa – which are awesome!
There is good parking at the base. Turn off the Cooroy-Noosa Rd, opposite Sunrise Rd, onto Mt Tinbeerwah Rd. Be careful if it’s wet as some rocky parts are slippery, and make sure to take sun protection and water. If you are lucky, you might catch the abseilers preparing for a descent. Even going up a third of the way gives great views.
Explore the Noosa River
The Noosa River snakes its way to the ocean all the way from the magnificent Noosa Everglades. It is best viewed from the water with many options available depending on your ability and budget.
If you are into self-propulsion, you can hire anything from a kayak to a water bike, or even a stand-up-paddle board. For those who enjoy a more relaxing option a variety of DIY pontoon boat hire options are available, allowing you to cruise the river and enjoy your lunch wherever you choose to pull up. Some boats are wheelchair accessible, have bbqs, pizza ovens and enclosed toilets. You can even bring your furry friends!
If you wish to get your thrills, you can book a high-adrenaline jet boat tour up the river and across the Noosa Bar. Alternatively, you could saddle up for an ocean or jet-ski tour from the Noosa Marina or even a hydrofoiling lesson on a Fliteboard.
There is also a range of cruises where you can ogle the local real estate while sipping sundowners onboard. Choose your own river
Ginger up some fun
The Ginger Factory in Yandina is popular with locals and tourists. School holidays mean special activities such as video screenings, book readings, games, arts and crafts, the Knight School and following the trail to Zog the Dragon and meeting the Gruffalo.
Moreton the cane train and the Ginger Growing and Harvest tour are always popular all year, as is wandering under the ‘Rainbrellas’.
The playground keeps little ones occupied while adults can enjoy the delicious café menu. The colourful entrance displays Australiana including beautiful china and tableware.
Open 9am-5pm daily (except Christmas Day). Entry is free.
COMMUNITY
Rickety bridge replacement
The ‘rickety bridge’ playground structure located at Dick Caplick Park in Eumundi has been removed as the structure was deemed unsafe due to significant timber rot.
The SCC design team is seeking input from local park goers on a suitable replacement structure that will create a fun and engaging play experience for visitors to the park. The aim is to design a unique play feature that uses strong, durable, sustainable and low-maintenance materials while meeting safety standards and complementing the park’s existing character.
Visit: t.ly/h73TMto participate in the survey and register for project updates. Survey responses will be reviewed to assist with development of the design. Feedback should be provided prior to 8 July.
The new structure will be built in late 2024 or early 2025, to align with the Eumundi streetscape construction works.
ACCOMMODATION WANTED
Professional older couple looking for long term rental in Eumundi/Cooroy area.
Good references, non-smokers, no pets.
Good gardeners and enjoy privacy. Will care for your property.
Creating new trails for Mt Ninderry
A new plan developed by Sunshine Coast Council (SCC) is offering an opportunity to explore previously inaccessible areas of Mt Ninderry.
SCC has developed a draft landscape plan to share more of Mt Ninderry with people of all abilities, in a way that conserves its ecological and cultural values. It has been prepared in partnership with the Kabi Kabi First Nations people and through targeted workshops with councillors, reserve neighbours, key stakeholders and community groups.
The new proposed walking trails aim to allow people of all abilities to enjoy and appreciate the beauty and views of Mt Ninderry. To honour the Kabi Kabi connection to the land and create opportunities for all abilities access, a new cultural and education node area is proposed in a stunning location, to the east of the peak.
The intention will be to share the Kabi Kabi people’s story of Mt Ninderry, environmental facts, trail information and artwork.
Kabi Kabi man Kerry Jones said Mt Ninderry was very important to people: “It’s a part of our story line, our legend that is connected to all these significant mountains and rivers around here.”
A new workshop shed is proposed as a base for Kabi Kabi training and Landcare volunteers. This shed will provide room for tools, workshops and training activities, supporting community efforts to care for the land.
Cr David Law said, “Across the years, council has been able to expand the original environment reserve which is now 199 hectares. There is so much more to Mt Ninderry than a hike to the top of the mountain.”
To share your story of Mt Ninderry, visit: haveyoursay.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au before 15 July or drop in and speak to an officer at the Mt Ninderry trail head between 9am-noon on 27 June and 7 July at Ninderry Rd, Ninderry.
TASTE OF THE HINTERLAND
Maggie Mays’ Kitchen and Bar
Looking for somewhere different to try for breakfast or lunch? Or maybe just a great spot for coffee and cake?
We discovered Maggie Mays’ Kitchen and Bar on a drive along the back way from Nambour to Maroochydore. We stopped for a coffee and have been back several times. The food is very good, the staff are terrific, and it has a lovely ambience.
On the side of Petrie Creek Rd, Maggie Mays’ is set on a couple of acres with a duck pond that has some small, outdoor settings. They serve eggs of all kinds for breakfast, and lunch is equally as good, with dishes like calamari, fish and chips, burgers and steak sandwiches. If you’re not too hungry, they also have a range of tasty, toasted sandwiches. The café is licensed, so you can have a cold beer, wine or a cocktail if you so desire. To get there from Eumundi, go into Nambour and turn left into Howard St (the main intersection).
Howard St then becomes Petrie Creek Rd as it winds under the Bruce Highway and heads towards Maroochydore.
On the way you might want to stop at Rosemount Nursery and look at their wonderful array of plants. Maggie Mays’ is a short distance past the nursery on the right-hand side. There is plenty of parking either in front of the café or across the other side of the pond.
The meals we have had there are top quality and reasonably priced. After your meal you could always go a little further and visit Erbacher’s Fruit and Vegetable Store. They always have fresh fruit and vegetables, a lot of which they have grown themselves.
All in all, well worth a little drive in the countryside for the experience.
Greg
Ison
WORLD OUTLOOK
How Australians see the world
On 5 June 2024, the Lowy Institute released its annual survey of how Australians see the world, based on the views of over 2000 randomly selected participants. Now in its 20th year, the poll shows how attitudes have changed over time on a number of issues, including threats facing Australia, the risk of conflict in the region, the economy, immigration, global warming and democracy itself.
The Lowy Institute was founded by Sir Frank
Lowy in 2003 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of his arrival in Australia from wartorn Europe. Always a keen student of history and international affairs, he wanted to deepen the Australian debate about the world. Today the Lowy Institute is Australia’s leading foreign policy think tank.
The 2024 Lowy Poll found that public sentiment towards China is very low with only 17% of Australians trusting China “somewhat” to act responsibly in the world, down from 52% six years ago. Only Russia elicited less trust. A strong majority of Australians (71%) continue to think it “somewhat likely” or “very likely” that China will become a military threat to Australia in the next 20 years.
Up until 2020, most Australians thought that China was more of an economic partner than a military or security threat to Australia. That flipped in 2021 at the nadir of the political relationship and when Beijing’s trade restrictions were in full force. At that time, a clear majority (63%) saw China more as a security threat while only 34% saw China as more of an economic partner. In 2023 and 2024, as the relationship thawed, public opinion moved back towards a more even split between the two views.
Japan is the country most trusted by Australians at 87%, followed by France at 81% and the UK at 80%. In the lead up to the US Presidential elections, trust in the US dropped to 56%. Most Australians (68%) want Biden re-elected while 29% would prefer Trump.
Australians broad support of the Australia-US
Music by Lyrics by Book by Alan Menken Howard Ashman & Glenn Slater Doug Wright
alliance has been consistent over two decades of Lowy Institute polling. Nevertheless, Australians placed more importance on the alliance during the terms of Presidents Obama and Biden than they did during the terms of Presidents Bush and Trump.
On the ‘feelings thermometer’, Australians continued to feel best about NZ at 84 degrees. Feelings towards the US fell 4 degrees to 59 degrees – its lowest reading ever – and down from an all-time high of 73 degrees in 2015. Countries in SE Asia and the Pacific ranked in the 60 degree range. Australians reserved their coldest feelings for North Korea at an icy 15 degrees.
An interesting finding over the years has been the change in attitudes towards democracy as a form of government. Australians aged 18-44yo were less likely than Australians over 45yo to say democracy is preferable to any other kind of government, at 65% and 79% respectively. That gap has widened by five points since 2022.
On immigration, 44% of the population said the migrant intake is too high while 50% thought it about right or too low. Those results remained steady since 2019.
On the economy, a majority of Australians (58%) say they are either “optimistic” (54%) or “very optimistic” (4%) about Australia’s economic performance in the next five years. However, this represents a four-point drop in overall economic optimism to the second-lowest level in the past two decades. This moderate change masks a more significant generational divide in economic outlook. Overall economic optimism fell by 11 points on last year to 44% in the 18–
29yo age group, while optimism levels held steady among those aged over 45.
While a majority of Australians say global warming is a serious and pressing problem, there remains a significant gap between younger and older Australians on this issue. Almost three-quarters (73%) of Australians aged 18-29 say global warming is a serious and pressing problem, compared with 51% of those aged over 60.
For the full results of the Lowy Institute Poll, visit: poll.lowyinstitute.org. Rhonda Piggott
FREE ENTRY
MUSIC
Instant Soup wins busking award
Instant Soup wowed the crowds at the Noosa Come Together Festival held over the weekend of 8 and 9 June.
The band competed in the Australian Busking Championships on 8 June, taking out the Best Band prize, 2nd place in the People’s Choice Award and overall 2nd place in the Open category. This is the first competition the band
has ever competed in and they were incredibly excited with the results.
On Sunday 9 June, they performed on the main stage. Frontman, Marshall Hamburger said, “It was our favourite live performance that we have done to date.”
Instant Soup is comprised of young talented musicians and vocalists, many of whom are still at high school. They perform as anything from a duo, right up to a full 12-piece band. The band is high-energy, with energetic horns, explosive vocals and tight instrumentalists.
This diverse band is fronted by the charismatic Marshall Hamburger on vocals and keys, along with female vocalists Tatum Furniss and Abbey Rowe. Guitar and backing vocals are performed by the talented Gracie Hargreaves and Oscar Jackson on the bass. Keeping it all together is Luke Duregger on drums. Then add to the mix the ‘Hurricane Horn’ section led by Gavin Hamburger with Ryan Griffis, Tom Haddrill and Ava Hadrill. For the full flavour of Instant Soup, add Ruby Rowe who brings out smooth harmonies and Jake Parkes for some electric
The members of Instant Soup thanked the organiser of Noosa Come Together, Oz Bayldon for trusting a new young band on the main stage. Marshall said, “Looking into the audience we were truly gifted with the sight of Noosa coming together.”
The band are currently in the ‘Soup Kitchen’ recording their debut album. These players are ones to watch! Tania Watson
OUT AND ABOUT
The history of Eumundi is flexible, depending on who you ask or what book you read.
Family tales become embellished, changed to cover misdeeds, rephrased to get a laugh or simply to cover what is forgotten. History becomes ‘mythtory.’ Cont. p24
Australian Busking Championships 2024
Joe Hextall and Rebekah Butler
However, the truth behind passed-on legends, confusion over who did what or when to whom has now been made clearer, and behind it all is Eumundi Museum Director Joe Hextall.
Since the renovation and reopening of the Museum in May 2022, Joe and his team have lovingly collated thousands of photographs and researched the accuracy of documented and recorded stories about the town’s past –especially its pioneering families.
Aided by Trove – Australia’s free online research site – Joe accessed digitalised copies of newspapers, maps, photographs, diaries, letters and other factual memorabilia, enabling him to sort the facts behind the family stories and sometimes sensationalised reports.
Finally, the true location of Main Camp, the first school and store are known.
Joe decided a book of the findings would provide readers with Eumundi’s history at their fingertips. It soon became clear that the mammoth task should begin with A History of Eumundi: Volume 1 1873-1919. The launch on 13 June saw the museum filled
with descendants of pioneers, long-time residents, recent arrivals and history ‘buffs’ queuing to purchase their own copy.
Rebekah Butler, Executive Director of Museums and Galleries Queensland, praised Joe and his team and past and current members of Eumundi & District Historical Assn (EHA) for their commitment to the museum and making this book possible. EHA President Donata Page personally ensured guests were welcomed warmly.
Copies of photos in the huge collection are available and Joe would love to add more. After all, Volume 2 is eagerly anticipated!
A History of Eumundi: Volume 1 1873-1919 is on sale for $30 at the museum, Berkelouw Books, Eumundi & Co., and Annie’s Books on Peregian. Eileen Walder
Noosa EV Expo
Noosa’s EV and Electrify Everything Expo attracted a lot of interest on 16 June. It had everything from cars to scooters, bikes, a bus and a boat, not to mention ways to electrify your home with hot water heat pumps and batteries.
Attendees Sacha Laing and Bob Ward
Australia’s first 4X4 EV ute was on display – the Ford F-150 Lightning – looking more like a truck than a car.
Sandy Bolton and Mayor Frank Wilkie opened the expo which continues to go from strength to strength.
Rotary visits Sunshine Butterflies
The Eumundi Rotary Club had an insightful visit to Sunshine Butterflies at McKinnon Dr, Cooroibah where participants were provided with a delicious morning tea, followed by an inspection of the various opportunities available.
The members of Sunshine Butterflies come daily to enjoy the unique range of programs, activities and services that positively impact the lives of many individuals with a disability and their families.
From humble beginnings in 2010, Sunshine Butterflies has grown from being a volunteer-run organisation with a handful of members, to one of the region’s largest employers, supporting hundreds of people with disability.
Leanne Walsh the founder and CEO, has been recognised as a Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow and has made it her mission to reduce the stigma of disability within her community. She leads a passionate team of over 90 staff and 30 volunteers.
With the help of sponsors, contributors, grants and donations they have created much-needed programs and services that are life-changing to those with disability.
Throughout the challenges and changes Sunshine Butterflies has experienced over the past 10 years, they continue to put members and their families at the core of all of the organisation’s activities. Visit: sunshinebutterflies.com.au.
BUDGET
Supporting our community
We are putting our community first by:
• enhancing our public spaces, parks and infrastructure
• increasing pensioner concessions
• creating jobs through our capital works program
• encouraging people to shop local, study here and enjoy events to help businesses thrive
• protecting our natural habitats, rejuvenating ecosystems and restoring coastal areas
• delivering high service standards. Everyone from the north to the south, east to west and everywhere in between will benefit.
Sunshine Coast Council’s Budget includes:
$391 million to develop a strong community
$289 million to maintain and enhance our environment and liveability
$37 million to build our resilient economy
$140 million to deliver service excellence
FIND OUT WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR AREA
ON THIS DAY
Cherry Ripe turns 100
The much-loved Cherry Ripe turns 100 in 2024, making it Australia’s oldest chocolate bar. The distinctive bar is a combination of ripe, juicy cherries and moist coconut all covered in rich Old Gold dark chocolate. Yummm!
The Cherry Ripe was manufactured by Australian confectioner MacRobertson’s until 1967 when it was acquired by British company Cadbury. The move gave Cadbury a major manufacturing base at Ringwood, Victoria and a range of unique brands, including not only the Cherry Ripe but another household favourite, the Freddo Frog. Cadbury planted a cherry tree at the factory in honour of the popular Cherry Ripe. While the original factory no longer stands, that cherry tree still exists, now in a courtyard of converted apartments.
The Cherry Ripe’s recipe and distinctive wrapper remained unchanged over the years, and it continued to be co-branded with Cadbury until 2002 when it finally adopted the Cadbury Master brand. Cadbury is now owned by American company Mondelez International.
Roy Morgan research in the 12 months to March 2013 found the Cherry Ripe was Australia’s favourite chocolate bar, followed closely by Cadbury’s Dairy Milk blocks and then Mars Bars. Those aged over 35 showed a clear preference for Cherry Ripe and those under 35 more likely to consume other chocolate bars. Today, around 40 million Cherry Ripes are produced annually.
MEET A LOCAL
Amy’s Orchids
Amy Gibson has a passion for flowers and colour – especially orchids. At the recent Mother’s Day Show of the Noosa District Orchid & Foliage Society in Cooroy, Amy was thrilled to win two 1st prizes, two 2nd prizes and three 3rd prizes, along with taking out the Grand Champion Foliage.
The smile on Amy’s face when she talks about her plants is infectious. “My plants help me de-
stress from work, and I just love working with all of them,” said Amy.
Amy sometimes takes a flowering orchid to work to show the residents at Kabara Aged Care in Cooroy. She loves seeing their faces light up at the variety of colours and shapes of orchids. She has lost count of how many plants she has but says it’s definitely over 500. Amy said, “I find it so hard to sell any of them to make room for more.”
Amy and her husband came to Tewantin 9 years ago from Broome without a single orchid or plant. She grew up with plants and soon started collecting. Amy said her husband is very supportive. “He built several pergolas with shelving and a 12.5m greenhouse for my plants, but he is not a gardener himself,” said Amy. She does the growing and caring of the plants, moving them lovingly around the garden over different seasons to ensure balance in the plants’ growth.
For those wanting to know more about plants –not just orchids – Amy recommends using apps such as World Flora or Pl@ntNet. Rhonda Piggott
MATSO’S SUNSHINE COAST PRESENTS BREWERY TO PLATE
HISTORY
The history of Cooloolabin Hall
Cooloolabin lies just behind Yandina, and from Point Glorious views extend to the Pacific Ocean across Double Island Point to the Glasshouse Mountains. On a hot day the air is always cooler than on the coast with visitors impressed by the heavily timbered forest now known as Mapleton National Park and the dam.
Cooloolabin is from Aboriginal words meaning 'place of native bears' and there is evidence of use by First Nations people.
The centrepiece of this locality is Cooloolabin Hall which was once known as the School of Arts and officially opened in January 1917. It is run by Cooloolabin Hall Association Incorporated (CHAI) and is 107 years young this year.
The Fraser family were the first settlers and gave land for the hall and a tennis court. Other early settlers who worked to establish the hall included the Ivins, Grigor, Kennison, Humphreys, Hillier, Love, Smith, McBaron, Drummond, Morrison and Allendorf families. Subscriptions funded a lending library and a piano and accordion for dances and social occasions.
Some of the first groups to use the hall were church groups. Baptists, Presbyterians, Methodists and the Salvation Army took one Sunday each month, generally arriving by horse. A rifle club and farmers’ groups met there. Timber getting, dairying and the growing of bananas and citrus were early industries.
The Cooloolabin State School functioned as a one-teacher school from 1915-1962 after which the children were taken by bus to nearby schools. By 1919 a Lawn Tennis Club was established in an idyllic setting where families gathered to play tennis on Saturday afternoon followed by a basket tea and a dance ‘till all hours’ in the hall. By the 1920s ‘picture man’ Mr Moskyn travelled to the hall once a month to show silent films using his own portable projector.
In February 1954 one of the worst cyclones to strike the Sunshine Coast demolished the hall. Community working bees and donations rebuilt the hall using salvaged timbers. It re-opened at a Grand Ball on 13 August 1955. In the 50s and 60s catering for social functions meant hearty suppers of sandwiches and cakes. The hall had a reputation for good dances on an excellent floor.
The Image Flat-Cooloolabin Fire Brigade and the community have supported modernisation of the hall and it continues to provide a gathering place. Renovated over the last few years the hall offers a modern kitchen, indoor shower and toilet and large water tanks. There is a strong hall committee from a very supportive community.
Excerpt from the recently released book Cooloolabin, Gem of the Hinterland by Audienne Blyth and Elaine Ogilvie for sale at $25 per copy, phone 0409 493 305.
ART ABOUT
One Act Play Festival returns
Now in its 47th year the international One Act Playwriting Festival returns from 4 to 14 July at the Noosa Arts Theatre.
Founded by the late Val Warren to encourage local writers and new actors to join the fledgling theatre, it has grown into one of the best playwriting competitions in Australia with almost 100 original entries from around the country and overseas.
Many nervous newcomers began their theatrical careers in one of the finalist plays. A panel reads entries anonymously to reach a shortlist of ten. These are then read by three theatre professionals who select the three best-written scripts. Noosa Arts then appoints directors and auditions are held to find the best possible cast to perform the plays on stage.
Audiences vote for their favourite play to win the Nancy Cato Award. Nancy won the first playwriting competition for Travellers in the
Night. She then went on to international acclaim for her novels and the long running TV serial All the Rivers Run.
Nancy felt that while the plays were judged on script alone, audiences often had different opinions after seeing them brought to life by director and actors. Her award continues –sponsored by daughter Bron Norman – herself a previous winner. After the final performance, awards also go to Best Director, Best Actor and Best Ensemble. The winning script order is also a secret until then.
This year’s three finalists include Magpies by Michael Olsen and directed by Maria Karambelas. Rosa and Carmela descend on their uncle’s house after his funeral. Left out of his will and aided by their husbands they search for his hidden stash of cash.
Last year a play called The Magpies was staged. This is not the same play.
In Party Conversations, written by Sheree Anne Veysey and directed by Sue Clapham, Abbie meets a young woman crying in the bathroom while at a friend's engagement party. The conversation has results neither they nor the audience will anticipate.
Written by Rob Selzer and directed by Liza Park, The Tiniest of Things concerns Bill Markus – a professor with Nobel Prize aspirations. An offensive remark puts his chances at risk when Jess Green, a law student and staunch protector of human rights intervenes.
Tickets: noosaartstheatre.org.au or phone 07 5449 9343, Tuesday to Friday between 10am and 2pm. Eileen Walder
Rob Selzer
Party Conversations by Sheree Anne Veysey
The Tiniest of Things by Rob Selzer Magpies by Michael Olsen
Until Ultimate Ninja Kids Obstacle Course, 2 July Noosa Civic, globe
GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Heidi Jenkins - The Creative Frog
PRINTER: SunPrint
For more info and to book, please scan the QR code.
DISTRIBUTION: Rotary volunteers and supporters deliver up to 4500 complimentary copies fortnightly to mail boxes and outlets in Eumundi, Doonan, Verrierdale, Belli Park, North Arm, Cooroy, Pomona and Noosa Information Centre.
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