Singer’s dream comes true

By Kirra Livingstone

SUNSHINE Coast musician, Cora Ledwith, has teamed up with Maleny music Producer, Nyssa Ray, to create Ledwith’s first single as a solo artist at just 16-years-old.

Ledwith says her single ‘Romeo and Juliet’, which comes out on all music platforms on February 24, is an energetic pop ballad about a complicated love story.

“It’s about wanting a perfect love story and relationship, but it’s also about realising that the person you think you want that with, you can’t have it with them,” she said.

“The song is a mix of emotions… and it’s kind of contradicting throughout the song.”

The singer/songwriter says the production process with Nyssa only took five weeks, and that it was a great experience working alongside the local producer.

“She did the bass, guitar, and drums and everything… it was really fun working with Nyssa, it was a long process I had about five sessions with her because I’m a perfectionist,” Cora said.

“…So, we laid down all the basics of the song and discussed her ideas and my ideas and combined them to make better ideas.”

Cora has been singing her whole life, gigging all around the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane, and says she loves performing and seeing people’s reactions to her music.

“I think I just love the thrill of how I can express myself because I’m usually quite socially introverted and I just feel like I can really express myself and be who I am when I’m performing,” she said. Most local radio stations will be playing her debut song on its release day, so be sure to keep an ear out to catch it.

Writers keep it in the family

By Kirra Livintgstone

A MOTHER and daughter have collaborated to create a gorgeously written nd illustrated children’s book aimed at educating kids on the beauty of the Blackall Range.

Fiona Lawley is a mother, grandmother and former teacher who, alongside her daughter Kerryn, has just released ‘A Walk in Nana’s Garden’, which explores the backyard adventures of Fiona and her granddaughter.

The children’s book is focused on educating kids on the local flora and fauna through the character’s relationship, all in a light-hearted and entertaining way.

Although her writing was inspired by an array of children’s authors she had been exposed to during her childhood, Fiona said Kerryn brought the story to life through her illustrations.

“We work together quite well,” she said.

“It has been something that we had been talking about and when I really wanted to get going, I discussed it with Kerryn and of course she was a little hesitant… but I knew she had the talent.

“Because it’s focused on her daughter, it’s a bit of a three-generational process.

“It was something that I thought we could do together and then later in life Tilly will be able to look back at it when ‘mum and nana did the book for me’.”

Fiona’s goal while writing her book was to inspire younger generations to become more curious about nature and to get them playing outside more often.

“I hope that through the interaction of reading it and exploring the illustrations, the parents will be encouraged to actually spend more time outdoors,” she said.

“Hopefully it will make kids have a look in their own garden, and go to nature reserves like Mary Cairncross and … interact with nature and appreciate the enjoyment it can provide…

“And it’s free, of course, it doesn’t cost anything.”

‘A Walk in Nana’s Garden’ was published late last year and is available for purchase at Rosetta Books in Maleny, and can be found on most online bookstores such as Amazon and Booktopia.

Fiona will be doing a book signing at Maleny’s Rosetta Books on February 11 from 11am-2pm.

Get into gardening

Looking for some encourage-mint to get into gardening? Sunshine Coast Libraries' new Seed Library is blossoming now at Maleny and Kawana Libraries. New and existing library members can collect free seed packets and plant, grow and harvest their crops - then donate seed varieties back to the library. The Seed Library is free to access. Visit Council’s library website for more information.

BushCare is looking for volunteers

What’s BushCare? It’s a group of like-minded people who care for the bushland near them, like to enjoy the outdoors, keep active and connect with nature and have the flexibility to volunteer when it suits them. Morning tea, equipment, gloves and guidance are all provided. Search “bushcare” on Council’s website and join your next local BushCare working bee.

Share your stories

Do you have local stories about the development of local farming practices and markets, or the community’s involvement with the war effort? Council’s Historians in Residence want to hear from you. They’re working to fill some gaps in our Sunshine Coast's history and you can help. Book into a community day on 15 or 23 February at Bankfoot House, Glass House Mountains, Nambour Heritage Library or Landsborough Museum and share your story. Bookings essential at heritage.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.

CUSTOMER CONTACT sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/Council/Contact-Council

Chance to win $1000 off your rates

Rate notices have been issued and are due by 24 February. Register through MyCouncil via Council's website to receive future rate notices by email and you’ll go in the running to win up to $1000 off your next rate bill!

Apply now for major grants

Does your community group need funding to help make something great happen? Council's Major Grants are open until 13 March. Attend a free Grant Writing Workshop to help with planning. Visit Council's website to apply or for more information.

BatPod: are you up for the challenge?

Flying foxes are living closer to humans because of habitat loss across Australia. These animals are vital to the environment, however they can be noisy, smelly and sometimes messy neighbours. So join the team at Council to help problem solve ways to live alongside them peacefully. The best part - you get to call the shots! This is a fully immersive, choose your own adventure podcast series. It’s called BatPod. Are you up for the challenge? Listen in now, wherever you get your podcasts.

How to cut business costs and reduce your footprint

Registrations are open for the Business Sustainability Workshop series to help businesses understand how they can cut costs and reduce their environmental footprint by developing a Sustainability Action Plan. Workshops will be delivered with Cleantech Industries Sunshine Coast at The Old Ambulance Station, Nambour on 14 February, Venue 114, Bokarina on 23 February and Sunfair, Marcoola on 2 March. All workshops run from 4-6.30pm and cost $25 per person. To book or for more details, visit events.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.

Creating a plastic-free lunchbox

As we return to back-to-school mode, now is a great time to consider how we put our children’s lunchboxes together to reduce waste and plastics for the benefit of future generations. As parents, grandparents and caregivers, the changes we make today also help family members form natural habits to one day live plastic-free lives. From investing in the right non-toxic lunchbox, prioritising produce and plastic-free products and buying in bulk, visit oursc.com.au for all the details.

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