CORNER

Poetry is an arrangement of language, artistic word pictures that attempt to inspire imagination, evoke emotion and provoke humour. Poets are illustrators of words that create beauty and intensity, and the HT is proud to give them a platform. Please note, published poems may be read/recorded for our social pages.

Bury me not too deep on a high sun-swept ridge the soil a soft chocolate brown a slow breeze blending the grasses. Do not fence me in or set a polished stone use your bare hands the backs of which when caught in the light show clearly the swirling rivers of time etched on the skin to make a circular mound round like the top of a skull. When you are done wander below that tomb stone ridge until you find a bunya pinecone left high and dry after a summer of flood roll it back with your foot and set it like a candle in the middle of the mound. Slowly the cone will burn down into the soil and a young tree will break free its roots will push down and find me below wormed and organic.

The molecular stain that shadows the soil will move and migrate like a microscopic river breaking its banks a storm cloud bruise in the flesh of the earth conveying me up through the roots along the branches into the leaves onwards to osmosis. Every spring the hollow boned birds will set and nest the children will come to play under outstretched limbs in a world of silly songs and talk of birthday parties.

Until one day the tree will refuse to live and fall silent while the rain and sun create the magic above of a multi-hued rainbow.

© John Koenig

The Schools Subsidy Scheme assists schools with the cost of projects that aim to enhance learning outcomes for students and the community. These are jobs that often fall outside of the scope of other infrastructure programs offered by the Department of Education.

All Queensland state schools are eligible to seek funding to initiate projects of $50,000$500,000 under the scheme.

“I would encourage all schools and their P&Cs to have a look at the scheme if they have a project in need of funding which isn’t fitting into the niche of existing infrastructure programs,” concluded Mr Powell.

Entry deadline approaching!

The deadline is approaching for our HT Young Writer of the Year Award entries. August 31st is the time to have your entries in to win $500, plus a huge amount of prizes!

The subject is ‘I REALISED I WAS LOST…’

You can use these five words to create a story/scene or recount a real-life experience. The word limit is 600 words. Please add name, age, and contact details when submitting your story to editor@ hinterlandtimes.com.au

The entry age range is 10- 17 years. Due to the differing age ranges, the overriding criteria is how descriptive and evocative a story is – essentially, how a piece made us feel, rather than the grammar and punctuation.

So start writing - your front cover, published story and prizes await!

Joy over playground plans

Member for Glass House Andrew Powell MP has celebrated with the students (and staff) of Montville State School following the announcement that they would be receiving significant funding to upgrade their playground.

The school has been granted $453,757 under the 2023-24 Schools Subsidy Scheme to renovate and improve their playground and outdoor area.

“I recently popped into the school and met grade three students Rosie and Danny to hear their thoughts on the news,” said Mr Powell.

“They were very excited about the possibilities and eagerly shared their dreams for bigger and better play equipment. Fortunately, I know Principal Mr Adam Montgomery is keen to hear from the students and the parents on their ideas for the area.”

“The school has been furiously fundraising and will be chipping in more than $100,000 themselves. Combined, the funds will also allow them to address some longstanding drainage issues on the site of the playground,” continued Mr Powell.

Tiny Home petition

People living in tiny homes on wheels (THOWs) on rural land are allegedly being asked to relocate by Sunshine Coast Council. Steve, a Maleny landowner, claims he has been asked to remove a tiny home on his property after a neighbour complaint.

He wrote to Council asking them to review their decision. “Our THOW is part of the solution, and I encourage Council to prioritise more affordable housing options and solutions for more individuals,” said Steve. Caravans, buses, and tiny homes on wheels (THOWs) are classed as temporary accommodation and managed by a local law. Without a permit, they can only be lived in for four weeks in a 52-week period; with a permit for a maximum of 18 months.

Concerned members of the hinterland community are asking the council to recognise that these forms of housing are permanent choices of housing and need to be in the town plan.

If you would like to help, start a petition today. A petition template is available on the regensunshinecoast.au website, along with up-to-date information on the Tiny Community Living Campaign.

Help shape our future

Protecting our region’s natural assets and managing growth remain among the top priorities for residents, as the community continues to give valuable feedback to help create a healthy environment and liveable Sunshine Coast.

Sunshine Coast Council has released the phase one engagement findings as it works to refresh its Environment and Liveability Strategy, and now the community has another opportunity to learn more about the project and provide input.

Now in its sixth year, the Strategy provides long-term direction for guiding growth and shaping the future of the region to deliver a healthy environment and liveable Sunshine Coast to 2041.

The Grey Medallion

Many of us retire on the Coast dreaming of throwing in a line, relaxing by the pool and kayaking in the calm waterways. Many care for grandchildren over holidays or frail family, or work from home. We all visit the beaches. But accidents can happen. Do we know what to do in an emergency? Do we know how to help someone?

This is where the Royal Life Saving Society award, the Grey Medallion® fits in.

“The Grey Medallion® is not a swimming award, and you don’t have to be able to swim or even be fit to do it,” explained Course Facilitator Patricia Barry.

Are you ready?

It's August - which means Sunshine Coast bushfire season is here. Council is getting ready - are you? Learn how bushfires' behave and what you can do to prepare. Get to know Council’s Disaster Hub website at disaster.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au - so when a disaster happens you know where to go and what to do.

It's time for a little sun, surf and soul

This year’s Caloundra Music Festival serves up six stages of live music over three days from 29 September at Kings Beach. Arrested Development (USA) join award-winning national artists including Kasey Chambers, Illy, Spiderbait, The Black Sorrows, The Temper Trap and Vera Blue. Head to caloundramusicfestival.com for tickets and more information.

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

Major grants now open - don't miss out Council is proud to support not-for-profit groups through its Community Grants Program. Community groups can seek Major Grant funding for projects or events that meet an identified need and provide local community benefit. The current round closes on 28 August. Visit Council's website to apply.

Want to weed out the weeds?

Learn how to manage invasive species on your property, meet a conservation dog, find out the benefits of biodiversity and much more at Council’s Invasive Plants and Animals Workshop event at Obi Obi Hall on Saturday 2 September from 9am - 1pm. The event is free and registration is essential. Visit Council’s website and search “Biosecurity Education Program” to register.

One for the calendar

Watch Council’s next Ordinary Meeting online or at Sunshine Coast City Hall Chambers – 24 August at 9am.

Environment Portfolio

Councillor

Maria Suarez said the second phase of engagement would ask residents for feedback on proposed changes to Strategic Directions in the Strategy that strengthen its position, acknowledge emerging challenges and opportunities and include the latest available information.

“These proposed changes include steps like recognising the urgent action required around climate change, incorporating the UN Sustainable Development Goals and our designation as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and further highlighting the importance of greener neighbourhoods, affordable living, accessibility and active transport.”

Council will run a series of webinars on its Have Your Say website to answer community questions and provide an overview of the Strategy, the refresh project and the proposed changes.

Engagement is open until August 13 at haveyoursay.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/ ELSrefresh

“The two-day course teaches people water wise skills, how to deal with emergency situations, undertake CPR, use a defibrillator, and undertake what we call ‘dry rescues’, where you don’t need to even get into the water. We also include a section on water familiarisation for those who look after littlies.

“The course covers some basic First Aid and how to deal with the marine stings that we can get on the beach here,” continued Patricia.

This course has been sponsored by BreakFree Resort in Caloundra and Accountants United and it’s run by the Life Savers of Ithaca Caloundra City Life Saving Club. In previous years the course has seen many hinterland residents attend, due to their local use of lakes, lagoons and freshwater areas.

The two-day weekend Grey Medallion ® course will be held on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 August between 9am and 4pm, at Grand Pacific BreakFree Resort in Caloundra. It is free, but donations are much appreciated.

To book, fill in the on-line enrolment form at caloundracity.org.au This course has been very popular in previous years, places are limited, and pre-enrolment is essential.

How to stay safe from swooping birds

Some native birds, like magpies, can act defensively to protect their territory, their nests and their young. On the Sunshine Coast, this usually happens between July and November each year. Please be tolerant of these protected and iconic native birds if you walk or ride near nests. Search “defensive birds” on Council’s website for tips on how to protect yourself.

Attention all art lovers and makers

Are you looking for a comprehensive guide to artist opportunities, events and news? Look no further than the Artscoast e-journal. This monthly newsletter has everything you need to stay up-to-date with the vibrant world of arts on the Sunshine Coast. Subscribe now on Council’s website!

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Our quarterly Look Beyond the Label page is all about sharing the experiences and challenges of the very many Sunny Coast locals who are neurodivergent, rather than neurotypical. It’s a space for support, and a space to celebrate those whose brain processes change the way they learn, and/or behave from what is considered "typical”.

We welcome content and suggestions from the neurodivergent community and their families/ friends. Email: editor@hinterlandtimes.com.au