Cooroora connect april 2018

The Cooroora Connect April 2018

An Initiative of Pomona & District Community House

Pomona Community House commissions survey

Community conversation will identify our needs Today Pomona and District Community House (PCH) launches a community conversation around gaps in children and family-related services across the hinterland, with the results to be used to devise targeted early intervention programs to meet perceived needs.

To conduct the Community Survey, PCH has commissioned Mark Wischnat, a man with more than 20 years experience working and volunteering in human services in a variety of large and small organisations, peak and government agencies.

in the community,” said PCH Coordinator, Kathryn Shewring.

She said Mark Wischnat would convene a number of community meetings at Pomona, Cooran, Federal and Kin Kin during the months of April and May, interview community representatives and conduct an on-line survey that anyone can complete.

“We are keen for Mark to listen and learn of the ideas, aspirations and issues that locals wish to bring forward. The purpose of the conversations and survey is to develop a better understanding of any service gaps that locals His most recent role was as may identify,” she said. coordinator of the Mark’s introduction to Nambour Community Pomona was about 15 years Centre, where he has ago, when he played worked for the past 10 football against the years.

Demons. He recalls being “From these experiences, Mark has learned that respectful, purposeful relationships are the key factor in getting work done

pummelled on the field and on the scoreboard.

Since then, he has returned for more footy (even enjoying a few wins) and

Stephen Hilditch and Mark Wischnat experiencing the hospitality and beauty of the region.

versation," said Mark.

community organisation like Pomona District Community House is holding this con-

https:// www.surveymonkey.c om/r/M5WPKHH.

If you wish to share your thoughts with him, or "I'm really looking forward attend the organised town to the chance to talk and meetings, contact Mark hear from lots of locals, through PCH on 5485 hoping to get a wide 2427, or email diversity of views put forth. pdcommunityhouse@gmail.

The richer the discussions com. the greater the chance that Alternatively the online we will come up with some survey is now live, so wonderful new oppyou’re invited to share your ortunities to explore. thoughts by going to the following link – It’s fantastic that a local

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Supporting new mums - before and after care Alecia Staines is Director of national in turn effects our whole advocacy organisation Maternity community. Despite high quality Consumer Network. evidence and demand, only 10% of women can access a known midwife.

The organisation is keen to see In NZ, this is around 95%. improved outcomes for mothers through the care they receive antenatally, at birth and postnatally.

Currently, up to one in three mothers experience birth trauma, 1 in 6 perinatal depression and 1 in 10 PTSD. We know the rising intervention rates in birth are contributing to worse emotional outcomes for our mothers, and this

Our recent meeting with Federal Health Minister, Greg Hunt saw us request more transparency in outcomes in the maternity sector, restructuring the funding mechanisms and for the Commonwealth to take over the national maternity plan. These have been big asks, but we need to look to other parts of the world to where

Alecia Staines there are good outcomes for our mothers and they're in stark contrast to Australia's very medically dominated model.

Locally, we definitely need to ensure mothers can birth close to home, as this has the best outcomes. We know community based clinics have dissipated and there is an increasing move towards relocating maternity care to metropolitan areas, contrary to high quality evidence and recommendations by state and federal reviews.

With support from Nicklin MP, Marty Hunt, I've managed to get a parliamentary e-petition to ask the Health Minister to re-open Nambour for birthing. Ideally, this should include continuity of midwifery care, to ensure the best outcomes for mothers and babies.

Supporting mothers through such an important time can really shape their experience of motherhood and we know well-supported mothers means better outcomes for them, and the whole community.

Information morning teas are open to anyone in the community who have a passionate about health and wellbeing. Other interests and ideas are open for discussion.

Contact Kathryn on 5485 2427.

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Spark for life motivates retiring fire captain The ‘I’ll mow your grass, you sit on you’re a#se’ business slogan adorning his work ute is as familiar about town as the man behind the wheel, but now it is time for Sam Spink, Pomona’s Auxiliary Fire Captain for the past 38 years, to sit a bit and join the rest of us watching a fire engine go by rather than ride up front in the cab, sirens blaring.

Originally from Cooran, but a Pomona resident most of his life, Sam (64) will retire as a firie on 22 April and plans to scale back his business to three days a week from next year to spend more time travelling overseas with wife Carolyn and restoring old Holden vehicles.

His 39 years service in uniform is pipped locally only by Dennis Bonnell, the former Cooroy Captain who clocked 41 years service.

The local auxiliary crew of 10 that he leads is on standby 24 hours a day to respond at a moment’s notice and drive to the Pomona Fire Station for an emergency call-out.

“It’s been a privilege serving as Captain and I sincerely thank the people of Pomona and district for the support they have given.

It is the only reason I have kept going this long,” he said this week.

He said his job had been made easier by the professionalism and skill of Retiring Pomona Auxiliary Fire Brigade Captain, Sam Spink the team he led until with the portrait presented to him through the generosity of local recently. artist Leigh Hooker and the Pomona Community in honour of his “The bonds are strong. You service. have got to have mateship and trust in your buddies because there are a lot of times when we are in dangerous situations and you need to know what the guy beside you is thinking.”

Sam said his most memorable fire was the Majestic Café blaze of 2001 – remembered for the ferocity of the flames and the built history they were consuming.

“I thought we had a good save, but the building had to be bulldozed in the end.”

He has much happier memories of the quest to get a new fire station for Pomona.

Sam’s customary grin extends from ear to ear when his fellow firies express their envy. Today, the Pomona Fire Station is used as a training facility mid-week. Frequently, fire crew on training days can be seen in town.

Sam says he would like to see the rear garden area developed further as a training facility, but is uncertain whether that will happen.

Hr looks forward to a quieter life, away from circumstances where it is not unusual to receive 25 telephone calls before 11.30am most days.

Mandy and granddaughters Rachael and Tanisha.

Apart from immediate plans to restore a Holden HR panelvan and do things neglected about his home, Sam is anticipating a trip to China in August, to be followed by Japan next year.

As for that slogan on his lawn mowing and property maintenance vehicle? “I would like 10 cents for every person who has stopped me and asked to photograph me beside the back of my truck,” he said.

The name Spink won’t disappear from active fire“I will have more ‘me’ time. fighting circles entirely.

Over the years, Sam has Over the years, I robbed Sam’s son Jason, a fire crew been the authority at an The community backed my family of time with me. member for 23 years, is emergency scene and has Sam to the hilt, resulting in Captain of the Coolum witnessed the confacilities superior to that of This job (fireman) bites Auxiliary Brigade. sequences of calamities a town Pomona’s size and into your social and family that have claimed lives; not described as ‘world class’ life, but that is the A search is on for a that Sam will talk about commitment you make. suitable person to take

by Queensland Fire and that aspect, or the number Emergency Service I will miss it, but I will get over Sam’s duties at of lives he and the auxiliary Commissioner, Katrina Pomona, with the over that,” he said. He brigade members have successful candidate likely Carroll, at the opening thanked his wife for her saved. Not talking is his ceremony in April 2015. support, and also daughter to be known mid-year. way of coping.

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Architectural students re-imagine Pomona It is that time of the year again when the people of Pomona have an opportunity to imagine new buildings for the town and how existing structures might be altered or made more functional.

Year 3 students from the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) School of Design will visit Pomona over two weeks from 30 March to quiz residents about Pomona’s character, what they would like to happen in the village and to investigate the architectural characteristics of Noosa’s Living Heritage Town.

An example of QUT student James Cameron’s plan for The Majestic Theatre ‘revisioned’ at Pomona.

QUT School of Design, said the university sent its architectural students to Pomona rather than another location because it was The exercise is designed to create easier for the state’s future builders the interaction that occurs when a and planners to easily grasp the client briefs an architect about the town’s vibe and character and project they wish built. reflect that back in their design The Majestic Theatre and the Noosa projects.

Shire Museum are popular subjects “The consistent feedback from for the students’ work, but they also students has been that they have imagined a motel on top of the appreciate being able to work with a Pomona Railway Station and a town that gives them the sense of centre for young-old generational dealing with the real people, who interaction on vacant land adjacent are potential users and inhabitants to the former Cooroora Masonic of their proposed built entities,” Mr Lodge.

Santo said.

Last year’s special focus was an “In past years, many students ‘Institute of Permaculture’ for engaged with Pomona’s locals and Pomona, while this year’s challenge they have always been impressed will be a ‘Noosa Centre for with how friendly and open-minded Indigenous Culture’. most of them were. It has really The objective remains the same – to affected their motivation and design a community or cultural hub. willingness to produce good work, Yasu Santo, a Senior Lecturer at the knowing that the town and its

people impart to them a sense of responsibility.

“The students often mention that they didn’t think Pomona would have so much to offer. They agree unanimously that the town has unique characteristics that they fully appreciate only after staying for half a day, or longer,” he said.

“By working with the town, mainly through the eyes of students for the past five years, I have discovered a lot about Pomona and its potential.

Every country town has its own character and something unique to offer. Pomona isn’t different, but it offers more historical and cultural layers than many other communities of a similar size,” he said.

It is hoped to present a public display of the students’ work later this year, after they have completed their assignments in June.

All Earthworks 

Shed / Houses Sites

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Trees / Stumps Cleared

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Lantana / Scrub Cleared

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12 Tonne Machine

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4 In 1 Bucket / Ripper



On Board Laser



Steep Slopes

Phone John 0477 123 080 Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community

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Women tool up to gain hands-on work skills “It was fantastic,” “Thank you so much,” “I feel so much more confident” and “Are there other workshops that my friends can do?”

These were a few comments from the overwhelmingly positive response to the SkillWomen Workshops held on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th March.

Fifty women filled the booked-out workshops which teach women how to use hand tools and small power tools in the construction of a cutlery

caddy.

The workshops were conducted by SALT, (Supporting and Linking Tradeswomen), a volunteer organisation from NSW that works with the assistance of a mobile workshop which houses tools and materials.

“We absolutely love what we do,” says SALT President, Fi Shewring.

“We meet so many amazing people and it’s great when someone challenges themselves to take on new skills.”

Above: Participant, Sarah Bartell and Charmain Leehan having a great time during the SkillWomen Workshop.

Left: Participant, Louise Mears and Sonia Morgenweck from SALT show off the cutlery caddy that Louise has made.

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Petition calls for upgrade of Six-Mile Creek Bridge

BIG SHIFT IN QUEENSLAND RAIL’S THINKING

by Robert Herron

“Queensland Rail is proposing to close a number of Open Level Crossings identified as either noncompliant with nationally recognized safety standards, or as compliant but with low usage.

This includes the mid-town pedestrian crossing at the Pomona Station Yard.”

After over 50 years the existing onelane bridge on Pomona-Kin Kin, SixMile Creek, Crossing No. 7 remains a dangerous disgrace to all road users.

The deck and other parts of the structure have been regularly rebuilt at great expense. Over the past 20 years both LNP and Labor have have told local people this bridge will be upgraded, only to be forgotten once any election is over.

Transport and Main Roads now requires that this bridge be “inspected” by an “engineer” and reopened only after water levels have Call or email the following people if you want action.

Hon Anna Palaszczuk, Premier Ph 07 3737 2100 inala@parliament.qld.gov.au Hon. Mark Bailey, Minister for Transport & Main Roads Ph 07 3414 2120 miller@parliament.qld.gov.au Neil Scales, Director General, Department of

fallen 2.3 meters below the bridge surface! Rains on October and January this summer resulted in this bridge being closed for over 30 hours each time even though the water level dropped and stayed below the bridge deck level within a few hours after it peaked.

If the Six-Mile Bridge is so dangerous that it now needs inspection after flooding, how is it that large 30+ tonne double carrier gravel trucks are permitted to use this bridge as often as every 10 minutes apart every work day all year round? And what happens if the bridge is one day declared "unsafe"?

Transport and Main Roads GPO Box 1412, Brisbane 4001, Qld Ph 132380 Steven Minikin, Shadow Minister for Department of Transport & Main Roads Ph 07 3913 9100 chatsworth@parliament.qld.gov.au Sandy Bolton, Independent member for Noosa noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au Ph 07 5319 3100

POMONA BOWLS CLUB Jag The Joker every Thursday 5pm - 7pm (increases by $100 if not won)

Friday Nights Membership draws and raffles

Nick Easy, May 2017 “We understand that the local community feels passionately about the future of the crossing, its historical significance to the town and its role in promoting walkability. We are committed to working with the community to deliver a solution that balances engineering considerations and our safety obligations with the town’s requirements, now and into the future.”

Nick Easy, March 2018

BELLYDANCING FOR FUN Here is an opportunity to learn a new skill, get fit and have fun through learning basic Bellydancing with instructor Belle Arnold.

Belle has been dancing and teaching for well over ten years. Come along for a wiggle and a giggle. Classes are weekly on Sunday at the Lawson Shed.

Texas Hold’em Poker every Sunday Registration - 12pm start 1pm

CRACK a JACKS BISTRO DINNER - Thursday and Friday from 5.30

LUNCH – 12 – 2.30 Every 2nd Sunday Live entertainment - March Dates 4th and 18th Open for Lunch 11 – 2pm Courtesy Bus available Thursday & Friday Nights

Ph 54 851 202 Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community

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Planning underway for new station

An over whelming response to Queensland Rail, seeking retention of the cross town path at Pomona has resulted in QR backing away from its plans and agreeing to work with the community on a safer crossing and new railway station.

Planning for an upgraded pedestrian crossing over the railway track at Pomona and a new railway station for the town will proceed following victory in a residents’ battle to retain the path that has allowed them to walk and cycle from one side of town to the other for more than 100 years.

at these things when they installed the activated gated pedestrian crossing at the Reserve St level crossing in 2015.”

After advising in May 2017 that QR intended to close the cross-town path via the railway station, CEO Nick Easy has advised protest The works, which are likely to start organisers that ‘we are committed to in the next 12-18 months, will working with the community to transform the heart of Pomona while deliver a solution that balances providing a much improved link engineering considerations and our among Pomona’s cultural safety obligations with the town’s institutions and the Noosa Trail requirements, now and into the Network beyond. future’.

Organisers of the Don’t Divide Pomona movement said they would now ask Queensland Rail to consult fully with Pomona people on the final design of the path and station, and commit to a firm construction timetable.

“This episode has created a lot of uncertainty, which is behind us thankfully,” said spokesperson Brian O’Connor. “A huge thank-you is owed to the people of Pomona for their tenacity, determined dignity and passion during the past 10 months,” he said.

More than 1700 people signed a petition against the closure and 148 people attended the formal consultation day event.

“The overwhelming feedback has played an important role in informing the QR decision-making process and will be used to assist design investigations for the crossing,” Mr Easy said.

“In relation to the replacement of the temporary platform and station works at Pomona, I can advise that QR currently is planning replacement of temporary platforms at Pomona, Cooran and Eumundi stations.

“Hopefully we can build upon this and examine the linkages between the upgraded path and the rest of the “QR also continues to investigate the walkway network throughout the additional station works requested town in a way that QR did not look during the community consultation.”

In his statement announcing the good news for Pomona, Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey, said the QR and the government had the message to retain the cross-rail pedestrian access ‘loud and clear’ .

“Safety is always our number one priority, and as the crossing is situated on a curved section of railway, a number of possible safety upgrades will need to be completed.

One of the safety concerns is there is inadequate sight distance for approaching trains, and while I appreciate there have been no serious incidents to date, QR needs to put plans in place to safeguard the community and ensure this remains the case.

“While design work is yet to be undertaken, the upgrade may include the installation of audible and visual alarms, footpaths and signage,” the Minister said.

Mr Easy said QR had been ‘overwhelmed’ with the community’s feedback regarding the pedestrian crossing – 100 per cent of which called for the crossing to be retained and upgraded.

“QR will keep the Pomona community informed regarding the progress and timing of the design investigations,” he said.

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Saturday 7 April

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New start and new beginnings for Majestic Theatre The AGM for the PAI Pomona Arts Inc and the Majestic Theatre was held on Sunday 25th March with a very good turn out of 60 members attending.

With Frank Wilkie facilitating, they were all keen to hear about the successful rise out of the ashes of the Majestic Theatre, the newly elected committee saw some old faces and also some new.

Cherry Bright the President and Rose Berry the Treasurer were resoundingly reinstated as they have done a fabulous job of bringing top events to the Majestic to raise funds to help the dire situation they had inherited.

The figures are starting to look much more healthy. It was pointed out that the best way for people to show their

see. It is in the heart of the hinterland being 29 minutes from Gympie; Noosa and Nambour. " The new committee pictured left, top left Councillor Frank Wilki (facilitator for the day); Member - Rob Dayman; Member - Joy Ringrose; Community Liason - Carol Phillpp; Organ genius Don Clark; Volunteers Coordinator - Tash Riley; New member - Leigh Rostron; Front from left support is to buy a ticket The committee is looking Treasurer - Rose Berry; to one of the shows. forward to nurturing ties President - Cherry Bright; between the three arms of Ron West; Secretary This is where the much the PAI (Pomona Arts Inc) Alison Hadfield. needed funding comes the Markets, the Art from to pay the bills, Come to the see a silent Gallery and the Majestic mortgage and ongoing film - every market day on Theatre. The museum is maintenance of the old also keen to develop closer 2nd and 4th Saturdays at treasure.

12noon. ties with the PAI. Ms So, please choose from any Bright commented "If we Volunteers to do general of the wonderful shows can all work together we assistance and also behind coming up and show your can let the tourists know the scenes work are always support. that Pomona is a fabulous welcomed - phone place to visit with lots to 54852330.

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Dragon boat festival planned for Lake MacDonald Lake MacDonald will become the land of the dragon next month when crews will compete in the Cooroy Dragon Boat Racing Festival.

Organised by Cooroy Rotary Club the inaugural event is supporting local charities, with the main beneficiary being Sunshine Butterflies.

Heats and finals will be held throughout the day from 7.30am to 4pm, based around Lake MacDonald boat ramp.

Participants must be aged 12 and up. There is a cost for entry - $1000 for a corporate crew, $500 for a club or organisation and $200 for a school crew.

Businesses, clubs and community groups are invited to form a twentyperson crew of men and women.

Food, ice-cream and drinks will be available.

Register online at cooroyrotary.org.au/ index.php/dragonboatrace.

No experience is necessary and training days will be held in the lead-up to the main event.

For further information, phone Carol on 0407 194 120 or Andrew on 0421 407 097

Dragon boat racing will come to Lake MacDonald next month.

NEXT ACOUSTIC NIGHT The next Cooran Acoustic Night will be held at the Cooran Hall on Sunday 6 May. The evening is a showcase of local talent, and represents an opportunity for

Trail Network on horseback Kin Kin is gearing up for its annual horse ride event that will see an expected 100 horses and their riders attracted to the town in August for a 25km walk along parts of the Noosa Train Network and back roads around the town.

The event evolved after the Kin Kin Race was stopped for safety reasons, according to one of the organisers, Katie Wall. “We wanted to keep people coming back to Kin Kin every year so we can showcase what the area has to offer,� she said.

The ride will take place on Saturday 11 August, starting at 8am from behind the Country Life Hotel and will follow part of the No.4 Trail, as well as Western Branch Road. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is available, culminating in an evening bonfire and a performance by the band Genexis.

A $10 donation is requested of each participant to defray costs. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

For more information, contact Katie Wall on 0477 249 542 or email kinkinhorseride@gmail.com Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community

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Entries sought for Ridgewood photo fair The Ridgewood Hall is very pleased to announce that the world famous photographer, Colin Beard, will be the judge for the upcoming Ridgewood Photo Fair to be held in May.

The University of Technology, Sydney, introducing many new courses in Photography. At UTS he was instrumental in the development of the digital photography studios and in the At 26, Colin Beard gave up his desk conversion of the design programme to digital technology. job as an engineer to follow the Alongside his academic activities, sixties rock 'n' roll revolution from behind the lens of a camera. In 1966 Colin is a highly regarded Photojournalist, and was the first with two other mates, Colin launched Australia's first iconic pop photographer to be commissioned for Australian Geographic magazine. music magazine called Go-Set and became its founding photographer. He was selected as one of the 100 international photographers Colin Beard’s photo of Jimi Hendrix.

What ensued were three representing Australia in the book, extraordinary years travelling the “A Day in the Life of Australia”. world photographing all the major rock 'n' rollers of the time including Colin’s photographs have been exhibited widely, including solo The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Cher, The exhibitions in all the major cities of Australia, and in Beijing, Italy and Who, Cat Stevens, The Kinks and London. Colin has semi-retired to many more. the beautiful Mary Valley and From photographing rock n roll conducts photography workshops stars, he became one of Australia’s on the Sunshine Coast. most accomplished fashion The Ridgewood Photo Fair receives photographers, producing 200 photographic entries annually, numerous covers and fashion with the 2017 overall winner being spreads for Vogue, Cleo, Dolly 11 year old Lilly Kennedy from Noosa magazines. His professional work Colin Beard world famous photographer. has won several awards including a Christian College.

Gold Medal at the New York “One This year, entries will be accepted details of the Fair, including the Show”. from 7th May to 14th May, with the categories for Open and Junior, and results and prize presentations He began teaching in 1977 as a where to lodge entries, is available being announced at an exhibitors founding member of The Sydney th from www.roundtheridges.com/ College of the Arts, and later joined function on Friday evening 18 May. events.

The Entry Form which provides all the staff of the Design Faculty of

Pilates with Amy @ Lawson Shed 1 Memorial Ave, Pomona 9am Tuesdays 4.30pm Thursdays Cost $15 per session or $130 x Block 10 All you need is commitment to start, mat (or one can be supplied). Comfortable clothing & water bottle

Phone: 0409 766634 Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community

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Tall Trees Exhibition seeks submissions from local artists

by Jacqueline Bazzo Well known for its diverse creative offerings, the 2018 Tall Trees Art Exhibition is again inviting local artists to be a part of the community led experience in the Noosa Hinterland.

Get your creative juices flowing Thursday of the month, from 6pm to 9pm.

Participants are asked to bring an apron and wear casual clothes. Easels, palette, water containers and cleaning tools will be provided.

If your last experience of creative art-making was at kindergarten or school or you are better at painting a house than a canvas, the Noosa Arts and Crafts Association has a proposition that allow you to explore your creative instincts after dark.

Tricia Bradford of Noosa Arts and Crafts explained that the classes are designed to be friendly and casual, with a complimentary glass of wine and food nibbles provided while people have a crack at painting a masterpiece.

The association is offering a step-by-step instruction to anyone wanting to create their own interpretation of a selected painting. The result will be a personal masterpiece for you to take home – either to hang above the mantelpiece or in the shed.

“I think people will be amazed at what they can create in a supportive atmosphere. All that’s required is enthusiasm and a willingness to have fun,” she said.

Classes cost $60 and are held at Wallace House, Noosaville on the last

Noosa Arts and Crafts is a not-for-profit organization that raises its own funds for the upkeep of Wallace House. For more information, Noosa Arts and Crafts webpage, artsandcrafts.org.au.

Pomona Community House Volunteers Week Celebration - Tuesday 22 May with MP for Noosa, Sandy Bolton.

Held in the picturesque township of Cooran, the exhibition aims to promote and bring together local artistic talent and provide a unique opportunity for artists to share their work in a public space and offer them for sale over the busy weekend to patrons from near and afar.

Exhibition organiser Mia Hacker says the high quality of work produced by local artists in the hinterland is exciting and a wide variety of artistic mediums is again expected to attract the attention of an artistically supportive community and event patrons.

‘It is a real pleasure for us to share in the enthusiasm for creative pursuits in this community and to offer local artists the opportunity to exhibit their work and we really enjoy curating the pieces through a subjective and sensitive process of deliberation as we seek to identify the artist’s inspiration’, she said.

‘We are also excited to confirm that owing to the success of last year’s inaugural street format, this year’s exhibition will again take place along King Street in a collaboration between local businesses and the community’, said Mia. The exhibition’s Bendigo Bank Meet the Artists Opening Night will occur on Friday 29 June from 6pm at popular local venue Hinterland Restaurant. The exhibition will continue in multiple venues along King Street until 5pm on Sunday 1st July.

Residents of Cooran and surrounding hinterland areas are encouraged to contribute and to share their creative pursuits as experiential, emerging, part-time or experienced artists.

The closing date for Expressions of Interest is 1 May and artists of all creative mediums are encouraged to apply. Please register your interest via email to talltreesart@gmail.com with your contact info and if possible, a sample photo of your artwork.

Alternatively, you can contact Mia Hacker on 0437 721 966. Visit Tall Trees Art Exhibition on Facebook or talltreesart.com for more details.

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Plan to support ageing population and reveal opportunities for health sector Amid calls for the new Noosa Plan to allow greater flexibility in housing choice for an ageing population at Pomona and in the hinterland and to address recreational tourism and wellness resorts, Noosa Council will soon embark on a new Health and Wellbeing Plan. It will formalise Noosa Council’s role in delivery of local health strategies, spell out services where Noosa is falling short and reveal opportunities for Noosa’s health and wellbeing industry.

The health and well-being sector is one of Noosa’s fastest growing, increasing local employment by 23 per cent between 2011 and 2016.

“The plan will strengthen our case for more support from state and federal governments and highlight where opportunities exist to meet

our current and future health needs,” said Cr Ingrid Jackson.

A reference group, to be chaired by Cr Jackson and made up of state health department and agency representatives plus council staff, academics and community groups, will draft the plan.

The council hopes to establish the reference group next month and present a draft Health and Wellbeing Plan to the community for feedback in September.

“The reference group will assess how current national and state health strategies are meeting Noosa’s needs and how we might either influence those strategies or plug any gaps,” Cr Jackson said.

“With a median age 10 years older than the state’s, Noosa’s health needs may differ considerably from

those of other parts of Queensland.

That’s why it’s vital we develop the Health and Wellbeing Plan to determine priorities and make sure the needs of over-45s are met locally.” She said the plan would also identify where Council could take a more active role in Noosa’s health and wellbeing.

“We have a general public health responsibility that includes licensing and inspecting food premises and managing diseasecarrying pests such as mosquitoes, but there may be more we can do to support other health and well-being efforts,” Cr Jackson said.

COUNCIL’S POMONA MEET Noosa Council has voted that its November 2018 ordinary meeting be held at the Noosa Show Grounds Pavilion.

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Noosa Landcare’s biggest ever project

by Steve Husband, Projects Manager, Noosa & District Landcare Noosa Landcare’s largest planting project to date – the 30ha, 300,000 tree revegetation planting at Elanda Plains – reached a major milestone during March when the last remaining unplanted area was planted out by four trainees from a Skilling Queenslanders for Work team. This was their first day planting and the conditions were challenging.

Landcare Program. Noosa Landcare as a staging area for the tens of began planting on the site back in thousands of trees deployed into the Splashing through mud, drenched February 2017 in drought conditions. field. by showers, accompanied by fish Noosa Landcare Contract Crew swimming in drains and millions of Along the way there came exsupervisors and casual staff worked cane toadlets, the crew planted the Cyclone Debbie and other high very hard over many days to get very last tree into unplanted ground rainfall events which made the site trees into the ground. just before lunch. Richard Winter of inaccessible for weeks at a time.

Noosa Landcare Nursery propagated Queensland Parks and Wildlife Browsing damage from feral red the majority of the planting stock.

Service (QPWS) was there all day to deer and grey kangaroos saw the help transport planters, plants, deployment of an 800 metre solarDispose of Your E-waste For Free spades, raincoats and gear in a powered electric fence to protect robust 4WD buggy.

E-waste is electronic waste or anyplanted eucalypts in vulnerable Project Manager CO2 Australia worked closely with Noosa and District Landcare Group and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service to prepare and plant the project site at Elanda Plains near Lake Cootharaba. Funding for the project came from the Australian Government under the 20 Million Trees initiative of the National

thing that has a battery or a plug.

Do you know it can be recycled for The entire project site was prepared free at Council's three transfer staby QPWS in three phases – initial tions? prescribed burning to remove the All data will be destroyed and over weed grass Setaria sphacelata, 90% of materials recovered, saving cultivation of the site using a disc cultivator, and finally rotary hoeing them from landfill. to break up clods and improve For more information planting tilth. QPWS also made www.noosa.qld.gov.au/wastetheir Elanda Plains nursery available recycling parts of the site.

POMONA COUNTRY MARKETS We are looking for Not-for-Profit Organisations who would like to have a FREE stall at our markets to promote their group or as a fundraiser.

New stallholders are always welcome.

Market Days 2nd & 4th Saturday each month Contact: Ann - Market Convenor Ph: 0477 282 310 pomonamarketsqld@gmail.com

Tewantin Noosa RSL Morning Melodies Lunch Wednesday 11 April 11am - 1pm Please book on 5447 1766

Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community

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Tiny House movement comes to hinterland Noosa Institute for SocioEconomic and Environmental Research (NISER) is building a Tiny House at the Community Enterprise Centre in School St, Pomona. The house, measuring 8.2m x 2.4m, is nearing completion and will be for sale for $23,998 as an affordable housing option for a member of the community.

This is a NISER community project. The construction is being led by the NISER Indigenous Project Officer and local personality, Rodney ‘Rocky’ Nielsen.

The project team also includes local volunteers and participants of NISER’s community programs.

NISER CEO Charles Shewring said: “If this initial project is successful we will do more and help local housing affordability, create local jobs and help people in the community to prosper”.

multiple power point including a USB charge port, external lights and power points for pumps. It also has a switchboard with safety switch, plus a wired-in smoke alarm, a gas detector, high cupboards for storage and triple fan lights for lighting and climate control.

The exterior is corrugated Colourbond with Cliplock Roofing. It has two entrance doorways and five windows.

The structure is made with hardened steel and utilises recycled building materials.

Charles said it was setup as an affordable housing option for people who needed accommodation or want a Tiny House to reduce their carbon footprint.

It is worth noting that now, both Noosa and Sunshine Coast councils have better planning allowances for secondary dwellings especially in rural and rural residential zonings.

The tiny house is fully insulated (triple skin), The NISER tiny House moveable (on skids) and would also make a great transportable via Tilt Tray. Granny Flat, teenagers It has a bathroom with retreat or even office. shower, bedroom & It’s worth a look to see for kitchen and lounge areas. yourself. So if interested In addition, there are call Charles 0417 792 944 completely new full and arrange. electrics (15amp) inlet and

Pomona Railway Station Art Gallery PH: 5485 2950 Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community

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Gallery information room is closed for renovations A much needed renovation of the Old Railway Station Gallery information room is taking place.

With the support of volunteers and a generous cash donation from Tourism Noosa, work is well underway.

Meanwhile, the Gallery is seeking people with spare time on their hands and wishing to donate their services.

Do you love talking with people and want to work in a creative environment?

The information room is out of action for a little while.

If so, then please contact the gallery on 5485 2950.

Once it is back up and running, everyone will be informed.

Volunteers are sort especially for fill in and weekend shifts.

Pedestrian safety improvements for Pomona school Improvements to pedestrian safety and traffic management around Pomona State School continue as Noosa Council starts work on a new bus turnaround facility and formalised parking spaces.

Stage two of the Pomona pedestrian and safety improvements project will deliver a new bus turnaround on Station Street, adjacent to the Pomona swimming pool entrance.

The project will see the direction of the one-way traffic through the existing car park reversed, plus new formalised parking spaces created on Station Street between Pine Street and the pool access road.

Noosa Council’s Project Officer Jaro Bauleka said: “Creating a designated bus turnaround will remove the need for the buses to drive through the existing car park to turn around.

This will make it safer for children and much easier for the school bus to access the school. The addition of formalised parking spaces around the school will provide a safer drop-off and pick-up zone for parents and their children.”

Prior to Council work starting, contractors will be on site to relocate Unitywater infrastructure. This work is scheduled for mid-March, with Council crews to start work, once the pipework relocation is complete, in mid-May. The council hopes to complete the new bus turnaround and car park changes in mid-July, weather permitting.

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Community benefits from Prizes and donations Right: This photo is of Ismay Selby the lucky winner of the hand painted ukulele. A local artist Lin Nolan donated her skills to paint the raffle prize for the Pomona Music Muster. Ismay is absolutely delighted with her prize.

Another bright green ukulele was donated to the Pomona Primary School from Noosa Music. The school participated in a poster competition and several winners won a family pass to the muster.

One of the winners was Morgan Lough who attended the whole weekend with her mother and sang and played a ukulele song in one of the workshops. She really enjoyed the music weekend.

Right: Wes Meyer from LiveLife Pharmacy is only too pleased that their business continues to support community organisations with a helping hand each month.

LiveLife Pharmacy Community Support Program kindly donated $250 to Pomona and District Community House.

Stan Topper Park - Pomona 8am to 9am each Friday Cost $2.00 per Class

The donation received will help Community House with on-going community projects.

100Hp

1.5m wide

BOOMERANG BAGS POMONA

Sash and Tanya 0412 020 789

Come & Sew A Bag, share conversation, friendship and “real� coffee Feel good about helping to replace plastic oneuse shopping bags with reusable bags made from donated, recycled fabrics. All materials supplied.

Monday 9.30pm to 3.30pm Lawson Shed, 1 Memorial Ave, Pomona

Phone Anya 0457 042 782 or Lesley 5485 1493

Selena Pryde Property Consultant Noosa Hinterland M: 0421 208 404 To sell what you love, talk to someone who loves where you live!

Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community

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Fun, friendship and fitness with walking group From time to time, the activities of the Pomona Pacers go beyond just walking.

Celebrating International Women’s Day was a group of six ladies from Pomona Pacers, heading out to Noosa for dinner followed by variety show “Let’s Hear It For The Girls” at The J, for a programme of inspiring speakers and wonderful music.

With the wet weather there were fewer than usual walks into the forestry tracks, and even walking the town routes was slushy in places.

Cyclone Linda threatened to spoil our excursion walk, but instead brought about a clearing of the clouds.

Coolum Beach was beautifully sunny, and while the beach itself was still churning a bit, the boardwalk and paths were perfect for a morning walk.

Following the walk was brunch at Freddy Fuddpukka’s Café.

Pomona Pacers pause for a photo at Point Perry at Coolum.

Pomona Pacers is a friendly group who come together to walk in company.

We meet outside the Pomona Community House at 1 Memorial Avenue every weekday (except public holidays), at 7:00 am from 1 April.

We walk for around 60 minutes at a medium-brisk pace on a variety of town routes and bush tracks, with regular coffee mornings, excursions, Ring Leonie on 0409 628 646 for more information. and “moon walks”.

Ph: 5485 1177 Monday to Fridays

8am to 5pm

Welcomes Dr Dara Donnelly OUR SERVICES INCLUDE

Immunisations & Skin Checks Medical & Health Assessments ** FLU VACCINATIONS ** BULK BILLING AVAILABLE

** for selected patients** Appointments Available Now Dr Maura Harvey Dr Anthony Kirk

Dr Richard Hayter Dr Ruth Nash

Dr Dara Donnelly

5 Factory Street Pomona Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community

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Cooroora United - a club of good looking wombats The 2018 season is underway at Cooroora United Football Club, and every team is looking sharp thanks to the arrival of a new strip.

great club,” Tony said.

Cooroy and Pomona Community Bank branch manager, Geoff Edwards said Bendigo Bank is delighted to be supporting the club for another Club president, Tony season.

McCarthy was on-hand “We’ve been proud with some of the U17 and sponsors for many years senior players to celebrate from club strips like these the sharp new look every to the Cooroora United competitive team will be app that anyone can carrying onto the fields download for free. The across the coast this club is filled with so many winter. great locals and you can Geoff Edwards and Tony McCarthy with the U17 men's team.

“We’re excited about the feel the family atmosphere club’s new look and know through to our men’s and He shared the club had every time you come here. all our teams will proudly women’s senior teams. worked hard to field some On behalf of all the represent the hinterland strong teams at all age sponsors, we wish all the “One of those long-time each round,” Tony said. levels in 2018 however said teams a great season supporters is the Bendigo the most rewarding aspect ahead. Go the Wombats!”

“We all know that Bank and their of the hard working Geoff said. sponsorship plays a key Community Bank committee’s efforts was to Anyone still looking to role in supporting a team branches in Cooroy and and we have many local Pomona. They continue to see so many teams out become involved with there enjoying their businesses and individuals be a great fit for our club Cooroora United can do so football on so many levels. by contacting the club who generously give their and we’re proud to time and talents to support the community “It’s fantastic and is a through any of the support the Wombats banks that in turn support credit to all the volunteers numbers on its from our U6’s, right us,” Tony added. who put so much into this website: cufc.org.au.

Cooran Acoustic Night Sunday 6 May Cooran Acoustic Night at the Cooran Memorial Hall, King Street, Cooran

Doors open 6.30pm.

Show starts at 7pm Entry $4 / Kids free Alcohol free event.

Like Cooran Acoustic Night on

The Flower Room Now located next to IGA 7a Reserve Street, Pomona

Ph: 5485 2211 Exquisite Flower for all Occasions  Weddings &

Functions

 Birthdays  Anniversaries

Local & Interstate Deliveries Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community

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Old Smokie Question: What cuts grass, emits clouds of smoke and is attached to big red vehicles? Answer: Sam SPINK.

PLOD’S PAGE

Over the past few years we’ve often heard Pomona fire Chief Sam SPINK mention that he was thinking of retiring, was sick of call outs and just how great his last overseas trip was.

Sounds a bit like a statement from

by Sgt Dan McNamara OIC Pomona King of the Mountain boss Barry STEWART come to think of it! Pomona Police Station So, we took it with a grain of salt and Ph: 54852586 expected to see Sam regularly attending with his Pomona crew of goes without saying that he’ll be firies at traffic crashes, house and car missed. Sam will probably continue fires, floods and various rescues. to cut other blokes grass…err I mean mow lawns around Pomona in his I believe Sam has been in the semi retirement. Sam’s send off will Pomona urban QFRS for an impressive 39 years and although he be in Pomona later in April, hope to says he’s had enough, I suspect that if see you there. And Sam… lose the ciggies mate!! he didn’t have to retire now at age 64, he would still be answering the Jalopies call. Sam has been unfailingly committed to serving the public and, There’s a current trend to I submit, has had a front seat on life professionally age certain collectable at Pomona, particularly during the vehicles, often VW Combi vans, with years when the Old Bruce Highway rust stickers and faux dodgy paint was the scene of so many fatalities. work and they call them “Rattys”.

enthusiasts, unlike a small number of jalopies currently driving around Pomona. There are presently a number of vehicles on our roads with overly loud exhausts, one headlight working, bald tyres etc, often seen hooning around after the roads are slick with rain.

The overly loud exhaust is actually quite useful in helping Police locate these amateur Stigs, but that’s about it. Fair warning, we are targeting hooning and loud, unroadworthy vehicles generally. We can issue defect notices that require the owner to present the vehicle with defects fixed, and also issue fines if the diver doesn’t quite get the message. Get caught hooning and you could lose your license and wheels.

Funny that A man was stopped by Police at 2am and the officer asked him where he was going that time of night. The man replied “I’m on my way to a lecture about alcohol abuse and the effects it has on the human body as well as smoking and staying out late” The officer then says “Really? Who’s giving that lecture at this time of night?” The driver replied, “That would be my wife!”

Sam has been great to work with in However, these Ratrods are the Emergency Services, has assisted mechanically sound, well maintained Until next time, stay safe and be good Police with his local experience and it roadworthy vehicles driven by to each other.

Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community

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Lions Recycling Project

Cooroora Connect

Pomona Community House is now officially a collection centre for used spectacles without cases.

Cooroora Connect is an initiative of the Pomona & District Community House Inc. The material published in Cooroora Connect may be reproduced only with appropriate authorisation and acknowledgment.

Lions Recycle for Sight Australia is part of the Lions Clubs International Worldwide Eyeglass Recycling Program which collects used spectacles and sunglasses. The program cleans, grades and re-labels 450,000 pairs annually of used spectacles and sunglasses at our three centres in Queensland. The re-labelled end product is packed into boxes of 200 pairs, half of one prescription and 100 of the next higher prescription, under strict quality control rules.

The views expressed in Cooroora Connect are not necessarily the views of the editor, publisher or Pomona & District Community House. Inc. Claims in advertisements are those of the advertisers and not the publisher.

Our aim is to produce and distribute Cooroora Connect in a timely manner to ensure we meet all deadlines. However due to unforeseen circumstances, that are beyond our control, we take all care but no responsibility if circumstances arise.

Cooroora Connect Advertising/Editorial deadline for the next issue 13 April 2018 heather@pomonacommunityhouse.com.au

COMPUTER LESSON one-on-one tutoring TUESDAY MORNINGS

@

Pomona Community House

PH: 5485 2427

Social Indoor Bowls

Pomona Tennis Club

Pomona Table Tennis

Harmony Dance Club

Pomona Memorial Hall

Pomona Showground

Social Ball Room Dancing

Wednesday 9am - 11.30am Arrive 8.30am for a 9am start

Tues Social Tennis 9am - 12pm - $2.50

Pomona Hall Lower Room

Fri Social Tennis 7pm $4.50

Casual Dress & Flat sole shoes

Thurs Juniors /Beginners 3.15pm-4.15pm

Contact Shirley Ph: 54852159

Contact Roger Ph: 5485 1749

Next to Red Cross Op shop

Wed/Fri 9am-11am Contact Peter 5485 0259 Pomona State School Mon/Wed - 5pm Contact Bernard Ph: 5485 0888

New Vogue & Old Time Dancing Pomona Hall Tuesday 7pm - 9.30pm Cost $4 includes supper Contact Pat & Norm Young Ph: 5485 2007

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Pomona Community House Groups & Services 1 Memorial Ave, Pomona PH: 5485 2427 FAX: 5485 1702 Pomona & District Community House acknowledges funding from Qld Government Department of Communities and Noosa Council.

Making Music at A432

Tuesday - by appointment Donation $3 per visit

Wednesday Mornings $5 per 1/2hour

Pomona Astronomy Club 4th Wednesday of the month

Pomona Creative Writing Lawson Shed Tuesday 9.30am - 12pm Cost $3 per person includes tea & coffee Contact: Noel Bird Ph: 0403 173 851

 SCANNING / EMAILS  LAMINATING / FAXING  TYPING

Venue Hire & Room Hire Workshops Functions Meetings

Contact Cliff on 0474 025 215.

PH: 5485 2427

Trash to Treasure Craft Group

Centrelink / Medicare Access Point

9am to 4pm

Thursday 12.30 - 3.30pm Lawson Shed Cost $5 per session Ph: 5485 2427

MAHJONG & RUMMYIKUB WEDNESDAY

POMONA COMMUNITY CHOIR

Pomona Community House 1pm - 3.30pm

LAWSON SHED 1 MEMORIAL AVE, POMONA (next to Pomona Community House

Donation $3 includes tea & coffee

 PHOTOCOPYING  COLOUR PRINTING

7.00pm Cost $3 per person Lawson Shed

Booking Essential Phone: 5485 2427

Office Services 9am to 4pm

Teaching Piano & Things With Strings

PH: 5485 2427

One on One Computer Lessons

REFERRAL & INFORMATION

Self Service Access Point  Computer/Printer/Fax  

TUESDAY 6.30PM - 8.30PM

COST $10 (1ST NIGHT FREE) Contact Jo Ph: 0403 841 856

Free Legal Advice & Referral Family & General Law Pomona Community House 1 Memorial Ave, Pomona Tuesday evenings Fortnightly 6.pm – 7.30pm Ph: 54437827

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For all your local Advertising

The Cooroora Connect heather@pomonacommunityhouse.com.au POMONA True Value Hardware PH: 5485 1351 10 Reserve St Pomona HARDWARE, TIMBER, GARDEN, PAINT, LP GAS, RURAL & PRODUCE NEEDS

COOROORA

HANDI-PLUMB

SCREENS & BLINDS 19a Factory Street, Pomona

OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE

P: 5485 1287 / M: 0419 655 901

Old-fashion service and quality guaranteed

* Screens & Security Doors * * Shutters * Awnings * * Verticals * Venetians * * Roller & Roman Blinds *

Stephen Burton Licensed Plumber/Drainer & Handyman

0411 475 190

Pomona Barber No Appointment Necessary

Open Tuesday to Friday Located behind The Caltex Garage Factory Street, Pomona

PH: 0477 043 071

Mob:0415 734 180 / Fax: 5485 1168

Ames Frames Pomona’s Custom

*framing *canvas stretching *mirrors quality work at reasonable prices

by appointment 0481 238 722

         

Registered Physiotherapist’s Post Graduate Specialisation in Manual Adjustment Therapy Chiropractic Sports Injuries Chronic Injury / Pain Management PTSD Management Women’s Health Yoga Therapy / Acupuncture Psychotherapist / Family Therapist Cranial & TMJ Release

Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community

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Pomona & District Community House - Keeping You In Touch With Your Community