An other world opportunity

DO YOU ever look up into the dark night and wished to share your love for the stars with others?

In a rare and exciting opportunity, the potential to establish the hinterland’s newest tourism attraction is only a phone call away.

Queensland’s largest, self-funded and privately owned ASTRO Tourism Centre, Kingaroy Observatory, is up for sale, with the opportunity to relocate the wellestablished and successful business in the beautiful Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Originally established in 2004 by professional astronomer James Barclay reins to the next stargazer and welcome interested parties with commercially zoned land throughout the hinterland to get in touch.

Having successfully run the business for the past 18 years, James shared he’d love to see his dedication and love of the business transfer to someone with an interest in astronomy and an interest in tourism, with the spark to grow a unique business opportunity within south east Queensland. To aid in this, the sale of the business comes with set up assistance and marketing to ensure continued viability of the business for the next owners. “While it’s been a roller-coaster ride since 2004, there comes time in one’s life journey to get out of that ride so to allow another to hop on and continue that fascinating and enjoyable ride, allowing visitors to eyeball the Universe up close in one of three, 14-inch professional telescopes,” James said.

“Having this Astro tourism business close to the population strip of the Sunshine Coast with its vast array of schools, accommodation and hospitality, with good marketing, and presentation, the initial cost to relocate and set up, would soon pay for itself whilst bring in an additional income.”

From an exciting business opportunity making the most of dark skies, to hearing the ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ of visitors seeing a new perspective of our universe, contact James to find out more about this exciting business prospect. See page 10.

Vote now for the Glassies

THE annual Glassies Small Business Awards is now open for nominations. Brought forward from its August timeslot to coincide with Small Business Month in May, locals are urged to nominate their favourite business and staff members. Nominations are open from March 13 to 27.

The full list of finalists will be available from May 1.

There will be four regions – Montville region, Maleny Region, Glasshouse region and the Moreton Bay region - with the awards night locked in for May 16 at Hideaway Weddings in Beerwah.

More details P13

Callout to help flood victims

RECORD rains have saturated remote communities in the Gulf of Carpentaria.

Queensland Country Women’s Association (QCWA) Gregory Branch President Mrs Kylie Camp reported: “We have had 55 people evacuated to Burketown. We are in dire need of assistance.”

QCWA state president Mrs Sheila Campbell has asked Queenslanders to dig deep and support these remote communities.

All funds go directly to the local community, supporting local businesses with vouchers. QCWA State Disaster Fund

BSB 064000 ACC NO: 14604131