Hello Sunshine | Summer 2020 | HS01

LAUNCH

#1 EDITION

CONTRIBUTORS

Editor’s Note

HELLO SUNSHINE!!

It’s so good to be here! If there’s one thing 2020 has taught us, it is the power of community. We see this as a key role of this magazine: to connect community through storytelling and shine a light on the Savvy, Surprising and Spirited people of the Sunshine Coast.

This magazine has been a twinkle in our eye for some time and we decided in 2019 to deliver this baby in 2020. A few ‘hiccups’ along the way but we’re here and we’re grateful. Our launch edition features stories of hope; profiles on inspiring people and businesses; the latest food and drink news; wellness tips to help you enter 2021 reinvigorated; and fashion, homewares and art to inspire!

We know we have only just scratched the surface of this great region but everyone needs to start somewhere right? We want this to be your magazine so please get in touch, send us your story ideas, tell us what is happening and help us to capture and celebrate the spirit of what makes the Sunshine Coast great.

We are more than a magazine! Let’s get to know each other better - like and follow us on social media, sign up for our free e-newsletter, listen to our Everyone has a Story podcast; and keep your eye out for our special events. From our family to yours, have a safe and enjoyable festive season and we look forward to saying “Hello Sunshine” in 2021!

Deb Caruso Editor-In-Chief

Keep in touch with our e-newsletter: www.hellosunshinemag.com.au

FEBRUARY 2021 DEADLINES

Bookings close: 1 February 2021

Art Deadline: 8 February 2021

hello@inpublishing.com.au www.hellosunshinemag.com.au

MATT GOLINSKI FOOD

Matt Golinski is a highly regarded chef with a passion for simple, produce-driven cuisine based on seasonal, fresh local ingredients. He is an active member of the Slow Food movement, a champion of artisan producers and a generous mentor to keen young chefs. When he's not cooking up stories for IN Publishing you’ll find him at View by Matt Golinski at Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas.

TONY COX DRINKS

After 25 years of sniffing, swirling, spitting and slurping various vinous temptations our drinks writer has decided that his future lies firmly planted on the consumption and storytelling side. Tony not only still enjoys consulting about wine and other beverages but is now part of the successful Kate Cox Real Estate Team at Reed & Co. Estate Agents.

CARLIE WACKER FASHION & LIFESTYLE

Carlie Wacker is a presenter, emcee, freelance fashion writer and stylist. She is also the co-founder and curator of Runway Fashion Australia (still to come!) and our Fashion Editor for Hello Sunshine Magazine Carlie recently launched her own range of World of Wacker handmade polymer clay earrings and she keeps busy managing our social media pages, not to mention churning out stories regularly.

HELEN FLANAGAN TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE

The Coast’s sophisticated charm, vibrant food culture and the magnetism of a subtropical paradise surrounded by national parks, inveigled Helen’s manic world and flipped it on its side. She pursues the good life with gusto, instinctively understanding the joys of travel, the art of story-telling, a candid review and surviving another reno whilst thriving on the motto: Live Laugh Love!

NINA SHADFORTH ARTS

Nina Shadforth is Curator for the Sunshine Coast Art Collection (Caloundra Regional Gallery) and co-curator of Wild/flower Women exhibitions. She has worked professionally in the arts sector for more than 20 years, having held appointments in regional Qld galleries as Curator/Director at Caloundra and Noosa Regional Galleries as well as the Butter Factory Arts Centre, Cooroy.

JENNIFER SWAINE WRITER

A born storyteller and connector of people, Jennifer works with a number of SMEs looking after their branding, marketing strategy, communications, PR and events. As Chair of the Sunshine Coast Business Awards, Vice President of the Sunshine Coast Chamber Alliance and a Non-Executive Director of Visit Sunshine Coast, Jennifer proactively engages with local businesses.

TRICIA WELSH JOURNALIST

Tricia Welsh began her career as a cadet reporter on the Nambour Chronicle and has since visited all seven continents. Having specialised in food and travel for nearly 40 years writing for top national and international magazines such as Vogue, Conde Nast Traveller and Australian Gourmet Traveller where she was Melbourne editor, she felt she had ‘come back home’ when she recently relocated to Cotton Tree.

MARTIN DUNCAN SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Martin Duncan aka ‘Sunshine Coast Foodie’ is an avid promoter of the region and connector of people. His passion for social media and creating and hosting events provides a platform for promoting others. Martin is an Ambassador for the Food & Agribusiness Network (FAN)and an active ambassador for foodies and the global Slow Food movement. He is at all the fun events, capturing the action and making meaningful connections.

Kim Morrison is a health and wellness educator, author, speaker, entrepreneur and mentor. She is qualified in clinical aromatherapy, homeobotanical therapy, personal training, NLP and the Four Temperament Personalities. She is a five times, award-winning author; mentor in Self-Love and Wellness; runs online programs on essential oils and chemical-free living; and is the founder of organic aromatherapy and skincare company, Twenty8.

KIM MORRISON HEALTH AND WELLNESS

THE TEAM

DEB CARUSO / PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Deb has almost 30 years’ experience providing strategic communications and brand reputation advice to clients in the government, business and not-for-profit sectors. She started IN Publishing to connect the community through storytelling and is passionate about working with small businesses in the region. She loves hanging out with her boys John and Maximus.

PAUL BIRD / PUBLISHER

Paul is the Publisher and Director of IN Publishing. Enjoying a successful career spanning almost 40 years working in media and corporate communications industries and more recently in the profit-for-purpose charity and business sector as an Independent Director and Corporate Advisor.

JOHN CARUSO / WRITER, PODCASTER, MC

After 30 years in radio, John now runs the Everyone Has a Story podcast and in between being our writer, sanity checker, accounts manager, event MC, and delivery boy; he spends time with his first love, recording a daily Drive program for regional radio; raising his son Maximus; and restocking the IN Noosa Magazine and Hello Sunshine Magazine stands on a daily basis.

INGRID NELSON / EDITOR

A journalist for more than 20 years, Ingrid has worked across all mediums, eventually finding her niche as a feature writer. Cutting her teeth as young television reporter, she quickly moved through the ranks before joining a high-profile Brisbane magazine. She moved to the Sunshine Coast with her husband and three children in 2007 and has spent the last eight years working in publishing. She is thrilled to join the clever and creative team at IN Publishing

ALI SMITH / DESIGN

Ali spends her days clicking away and creating print and digital designs for a variety of coast businesses and brings more than 15 years of print publishing experience. When she’s not at her computer, you can find her outdoors with her husband and three kids.

CARLY WADE / PROJECT MANAGER

A highly-experienced events management specialist and wedding planner, Carly owns CL Weddings and Events and was the acting General Manager of Makepeace Island. She makes things happen with her ability to handle pressure and take control of any situation with authority and ease.

SHONA SMITH / DESIGN, CLIENT RELATIONS

From her early days working in the art room of major publications back in the 1980s, Shona has enjoyed a long career in media. When she’s not creating the stunning pages and supporting clients of IN Noosa Magazine and Hello Sunshine Magazine, you’ll find Shona relaxing with her family at the beach.

HENNY DARVALL / CLIENT RELATIONS

Henny has more than 20 years’ experience in media, marketing, and operations, working as both a founder and an executive in startups and large corporations. Having recently relocated from Sydney she is loving the opportunity to meet and work with the diverse people and businesses that make the Sunshine Coast such a great place to live.

EDWINA CATTANACH / CLIENT RELATIONS

Edwina has more than 20 years’ experience working in media, marketing, communications, event management and stakeholder engagement. She loves working with local businesses and looking for collaborative ideas that will help them to achieve even greater things.

TRAVEL

Step inside the old Queensland Government Savings Bank to discover a mix of modernity and antiquity! Plus, your chance to WIN a two night stay.

Download the Everyone Has a Story podcast on all podcast platforms. More than 90 interviews with fresh content regularly!

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/PUBLISHER:

Deb Caruso, 0428 853 224 deb@inpublishing.com.au

PUBLISHER: Paul Bird

ADVERTISING: advertising@inpublishing.com.au

SUBSCRIPTIONS, EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS & DISTRIBUTION

ENQUIRIES: hello@inpublishing.com.au

Suite 1b/36 Sunshine Beach Road PO Box 542, Noosa Heads Q 4567 www.hellosunshinemag.com.au

DISTRIBUTION: 20,000 printed copies available throughout the Sunshine Coast: Coolum to Caloundra and the hinterland, in locally-designed and handcrafted magazine stands. Hello Sunshine Magazine is also supplied to local businesses and visitors through its tailored distribution process, including placement in key resorts. Hello Sunshine Magazine is a free publication (subscriptions available) published six times per year by IN Publishing, a business of IN Noosa Magazine Pty Ltd (The Publisher). All rights are reserved and the contents are copyright and may not be reprinted without the express permission of The Publisher. IN Noosa Magazine Pty Ltd ATF Hello Sunshine Magazine, their related companies and officers hereby disclaim, to the full extent permitted by law, all liability, damages, costs and expenses whatsoever arising from or in connection with copy information or other material in this magazine, any negligence of The Publisher, or any persons actions in reliance thereon. Any dispute or complaint regarding placed advertisements must be made within seven days of publication. Inclusion of any copy must not be taken as any endorsement by The Publisher. Views expressed by contributions are personal views and they are not necessarily endorsed by The Publisher.

4556 FUN!

Event: 4556 Chamber AGM and Networking

Venue: Buderim Tavern

A fantastic evening was had by all at this wonderful dinner event. Emceed by Jennifer Swaine, with guest speaker Jeanette AllomHill who shared her own remarkable story as well as some great tips for success. It was a great opportunity for local business owners to connect and collaborate. www.4556chamber.com.au

ALL SMILES

Event: No More Fake Smiles

1st Birthday Gala Dinner

Venue: The Lakehouse Sunshine Coast Special guests gathered to celebrate the first birthday of No More Fake Smiles and raise more than $30,000 to continue to support vicitims of childhood sexual abuse. Comedian Christian Lutz kept the evening balanced with inspiring stories from brave women and families about personal experiences of child sexual abuse.

Find out more on page 12-13. www.nomorefakesmiles.com.au

FAST ARTS

Event: Sunshine Coast Art Prize 2020

Venue: Coastline BMW

Fast cars, fabulous art, food, wine and music by Andrea Kirwin provided the perfect backdrop to announce the winners of the Sunshine Coast Art Prize 2020. The Major Prize going to Natalya Hughes for her work Gestural Body Painting (2020) (pictured). Congratulations to the winners and all the finalists in this year's prize.

www.gallery.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

PHOTOS:

Tag yourself and your friends at our events #hellosunshine @hellosunshinemag /hellosunshinemag @hellosunshinemag

PHOTOS: YOUR BRAND CREW + SUNSHINE COAST FOODIE

SUNSHINE COAST FOODIE

PHOTOS: MEGAN GILL PHOTOGRAPHY

HAT'S OFF

Event: Launch of The Hatted Chef Venue: The Dock, Mooloolaba Guests were treated to the first taste of a new range of heat-and-eat dishes from The Hatted Chef, a venture that will also support the homeless community on the Sunshine Coast through the charity Sunny Street. Prepared by a hatted chef, using local produce that can be heated in five minutes at home and supporting the community- it's a 'yes' from us!

See Page 34-35 for more information www.thehattedchef.com.au

PHOTOS: WARREN LYNAM

LIFE'S A BEACH

Event: Caloundra Chamber Networking

Venue: Bulcock Beach, Caloundra

Caloundra's savvy business people turned up for stunning sunsets and nautical networking on beautiful Bulcock Beach. Marlene Manning and students of Caloundra State High School's year 10 Certificate One in Hospitality did a fantastic job of catering and the Twilight Markets added an extra dimension to the celebrations of all things local!

www.caloundrachamber.com.au

PHOTOS: SUNSHINE COAST FOODIE

FOR REAL!

Event: Visit Sunshine Coast End of Year Networking Event

Venue: NightQuarter, Birtinya

More than 250 of the region's top tourism businesses celebrated the end of year (and what a year!) at the newly-opened NightQuarter. The urban playground was the perfect spot to come together and celebrate our wonderful region - for real!

www.visitsunshinecoast.com

event to hello@inpublishing.com.au

PHOTOS: SUNSHINE COAST FOODIE

Say HELLO to print as it is not dead –it is flourishing on the Sunshine Coast with the emergence of our SAVVY, SPIRITED and SURPRISING magazine, HELLO SUNSHINE! Our big sister IN Noosa Magazine has been the role model to shape our pages and we are in good hands. Since launching in Spring 2014, we have shared more than 2,620 pages and 350,000 printed copies and are still INforming, INdulging and INspiring readers through stories that matter.

“Our free lifestyle publication, with about 57,000 copies printed per year and 780 pages in the past twelve months is not only surviving but thriving,” says IN Publishing Editor-in-Chief, Deb Caruso. “We are proud to expand our IN Publishing business and create new employment opportunities, particularly during these challenging times and to do so without having received any external funding or support but from running a smart and accountable business,” she said. “While Hello Sunshine Magazine has been a twinkle in our eye for some time, we have been waiting for the right time – and the right team! We believe a little sunshine is needed now, more than ever, to connect the community through storytelling.”

Deb has lived and worked on the Sunshine Coast for the past twenty years in

HELLO Sunshine

Scaling up a business in 2020 seems a little quirky but when the product is one that connects a community with authentic and engaged storytelling, the timing might just be perfect. Carlie Wacker shares the story of a publication bringing sunshine to our lives.

various marketing communications roles including Maroochy Shire Council, Reed Property Group, Unitywater and most recently on the destination marketing for the Ocean Street precinct.

“Our team are looking forward to spending more time on the Sunshine Coast and rediscovering the special attributes that make it unique,” she said. “Most of us call the Sunshine Coast home. It’s a massive area and we have done our best to capture some of the savvy, surprising and spirited businesses and people for our first edition. We know there is so much more to discover and we call on you to get in touch and share your story, let us know what you want to read about, podcast ideas, events we can support – we can’t wait!”

Our proven IN Publishing model brings together a proud and passionate team of locals that work with the community to help build up local businesses, support local events and initiatives and create community connections. Hello Sunshine is a dedicated lifestyle magazine that is SAVVY, SURPRISING and SPIRITED. Complementing our beautiful, printed magazines are strong digital channels such as a digital magazine, social media channels, regular e-newsletter and Everyone Has a Story – from the Sunshine Coast and Noosa podcast to ensure our continued

presence in the community all year round.

“We actually care about our readers and know who they are and what they seek by way of informative and engaging editorial,” says Deb. “They love the Sunshine Coast, whether they live, work or play here, and we want them to look to us as a trusted resource and authentic guide to what’s happening, where to eat, what to do and how to support local businesses.”

It is this ethos and different approach to publishing that saw IN Noosa Magazine awarded the Sunshine Coast Business Awards winner for Creative Industries in 2019.

“Winning the business award in the Creative Industries category meant a lot to us as one of the key reasons we started the magazine was to showcase the local artists in our community,” Deb said. “We use local photographers, designers and regularly feature local artists on our front covers and inside the magazine.

“We also work creatively with clients to provide solutions that help them with their business needs – from bespoke events to activating our digital channels and subscriber database or connecting them with like-minded businesses for collaborations, it’s all about how we can work to best support our clients – not just

when it’s time to pay the bills, but throughout the year.”

That support of local business has been highlighted in 2020. IN Publishing have continued to be thoroughly engaged in the community and are proud to be the only Sunshine Coast publication to deliver a magazine during the COVID-19 recovery period.

“We took less than three weeks to pull together The IN Noosa Guide in what would normally take us 10 weeks,” says Deb. “The key driver was to promote our region and to inform and inspire our readers to support the local businesses through those challenging times. It was a big ask but we had an overwhelming response from local businesses wanting to promote that they were open for business and from readers

who were seeking information on where to go and what to do. The support from readers and clients for the special edition was overwhelming.”

IN Publishing has always led with sustainability in mind, not just ensuring that the business model was about building long-term relationships but also in its approach. From our uncoated paperstock to our unique distribution channels, which includes handcrafted stands in key locations.

IN Publishing is not only scaling up internally but helping others to shine bright. This year we also produced the much-anticipated VanillaFood Cookbook for Nilla Tomkins. The owner and chef of VanillaFood cafes, Nilla has been dreaming of sharing her extraordinary passion for

fresh, organic and wholesome food that has made her eating establishment a muchloved Sunshine Coast icon for years. The carefully curated collection of more than 70 delicious recipes, sauces, tips and tricks interwoven with stunning photography and stories from Nilla’s Danish heritage is available now.

So friends, print is not dead, it’s just got to tug at the heartstrings through authentic, engaging storytelling and we are beyond proud to present to you a little ray of SUNSHINE!

Say Hello Sunshine today and sign up for our free e-newsletter, follow us on social media and send your story ideas through to hello@inpublishing.com.au

THE MAGIC OF Books

Books have the power to open our minds, to take us on the wildest journey of discovery or allow our imagination to run free! Ingrid Nelson chats with owner of the oldest second hand bookstore in Maleny to unearth some of the magic they hold.

As soon as you step inside Maleny Bookshop, you can feel the history and knowledge that lies within the 14,000-odd books lining the shelves that are starting to strain under their weight.

The smell of the paper, the feel of the pages inside the classics, the character and charm of the old store, there is a real sense of nostalgia and comfort in this beautiful book store that has been part of Maleny’s history for more than 30 years.

It’s exactly what owners Ian and Harper Bailey had envisaged when they bought the store earlier this year. However, it was quite a serendipitous chain of events that brought them to the Sunshine Coast.

“It was always my wife’s dream to own a book store, particularly in Maleny,” Ian said. “We were living in the Lockyer Valley and she had been camping with a friend in Maleny and fell in love with it.

“We were just about to move into the

Sky Tower in Brisbane when I saw a newspaper ad about a book shop for sale in Maleny, and I knew I had to buy it.”

Unfortunately, their plans were put on hold due to Covid, but the adventurous couple were determined to follow their dreams, no matter what.

“Covid put the brakes on our plans for a while, but I had committed to buying the business. Even though we could have pulled out and some people told us we shouldn’t buy a business during a pandemic, we knew it was the right decision,” says Ian.

Although Ian loved the history of the bookstore and has kept the layout and décor much the same as the previous owners, he knew he needed to bring the business into the modern age by cataloguing all of the books, which has transformed the way they operate.

“The store hadn’t been catalogued in 20-odd years, so if someone wanted a

book, it could be anywhere. It took a couple of months just to get the hardware and software working and then five weeks working 14 hours a day to get it done,” says Ian.

“It was such a satisfying feeling getting to the end and then I realised I still had 3,000 more books at home to do,” laughs Ian.

But the hard work has certainly paid off, with Ian now able to find a book within seconds of a customer enquiry, saving both he and the customer hours of searching for a title.

“Before, I would take their name and number, wait until we closed and then spend hours looking for books that might have been sold during the day,” says Ian.

“Now, people can jump online and buy it, click and collect or call the store and I can find it in seconds.”

Passionate about giving back to the community, Ian also offers a 10 per cent

PHOTOS: BLISS PHOTOGRAPHY

discount to those who work or live in Maleny plus reward points they can covert to a gift voucher.

Primarily focused on non-fiction, Maleny Bookshop is a treasure trove of titles, including some rare books written more than 150 years ago. In fact, the oldest book in the store is a six-volume Bible from 1812!

“Out of the 50 book shelves, only seven are fictional and we have a rare shelf as well,” says Ian. “The Tom Sawyer book from 1896 is one of my favourites, although I will never sell it because I will probably never find another one. We had a first edition of Horton Hears a Who by Dr Seuss, when that sold I was so gutted.”

There is excitement in Ian’s voice as he talks about the magic of books and his passion to inspire others to read.

“Books open up our imaginations. George Martin who wrote Game of Thrones – once famously said ‘A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The person who never reads lives only one’. I think that is so true,” he said.

As an avid reader and researcher himself, Ian loves nothing more than educating people about different authors, often challenging their beliefs about books and opening their minds to consider reading something they may have otherwise ignored.

“I like challenging people’s attitudes. Steven King for example is often pigeonholed as a horror writer but he has written so much more,” says Ian. “Did

you know he wrote Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile, and Stand by Me? He has a huge volume of fantasy novels.”

When it comes to Ian’s favourite books, he can’t pinpoint only one title. However, he admits to having a soft spot for the more unusual reads that grab his and his customers’ attention.

“There are too many books to have a favourite. Books like How to Mow the

Lawn or The Encyclopaedia of Candle Lighting are favourites. They are so wacky and people get a laugh from them.”

In a world where we are mostly glued to our screens, the Maleny Bookshop is proof that print is certainly not dead. In fact, the luxury of reading a book or magazine is valued even more these days.

And what better way to immerse yourself in the magic of books than one steeped in history?

“I love the idea of the history behind a second-hand book,” Ian said. “I often think, who has read it before me? Has it gone through the hands of some nefarious person? I get a little excited about it.”

Ian believes it was fate that led he and Harper to this charming old bookstore and I have no doubt the magic of these books will be preserved and enjoyed for many years to come.

‘A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The person who never reads lives only one’ – George Martin

OUT OF THE Shadows

Ingrid Nelson shares the story of Annie and Tracey and how they are helping other children and families deal with child sexual abuse.

PROLOGUE

You won’t read many stories like the one we are about to share. For most people, and for the mainstream media, it is too much. For people who have been affected, it can trigger horrible experiences. For those fortunate enough to not have been affected, they don’t want to imagine that a world exists where terrible crimes go unchallenged, where terrible people do terrible things to innocent children. For the mainstream media who have a role and responsibility to shine a light into the darkest corners of the community, it’s too confronting; it doesn’t sell advertising and it doesn’t make people feel good. Well, we’re not afraid of sharing the stories that need to be told and neither are two brave woman who refuse to be silenced and who refuse to put on a fake smile and pretend everything is ok.

We are talking about sexual assault against children and we are sharing the uplifting and inspiring story of an innocent girl and her mother who not only believed her daughter but who continues to stand by her and countless others who have fallen victim to people they should have been able to trust the most.

If the #metoo movement has taught us one thing, it’s the power of speaking up and speaking out to say ‘it’s not ok’. In doing so, the victims of these terrible crimes take away the power that perpetrators have stolen from them through heinous acts.

Deb Caruso, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief

It’s one thing to read about the alarming statistics on child sexual abuse, but it’s another to meet the real faces behind the figures, those whose innocence has been ripped away from them, and those supporting them, who are left to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives.

It’s the reason child sexual abuse survivor Annie Jones and her mother Tracey Morris made the very brave decision to speak out against these predators, to raise awareness about this heinous crime and encourage other young survivors to come forward out of the shadows and get the help and support they desperately need through their charity No More Fake Smiles.

Annie, now 20, was sexually abused by her stepfather from the age of 13 to 15. A former RAAF squadron leader and highly regarded in the community, he was someone she trusted and looked up to, who manipulated her into thinking his behaviour was normal.

“I didn’t actually know I was being abused, because he was someone I trusted. He was basically my dad and he never said anything to me. It was this new experience and because I was still growing up, how the hell do I navigate through that,” says Annie, her piercing blue eyes filled with emotion as she recalls the memory.

“The emotional hold they have over you and the isolation they put between you and other people is actually what does more damage. To me, that was worse than what

he did to my body. I felt so alone.”

In fact, it wasn’t until some two years later at the end of grade nine, when Annie finally decided there would be no more fake smiles and somehow found the courage to confront her step father about the sexual abuse in front of her mum.

“I snuck out to a festival and came home with a hickie on my neck, which was very out of character for me but I just didn’t care anymore. I had given up. The abuse had got so extreme. I was just on autopilot,” says Annie.

“He grounded me and called me ‘a slut’, that is when it just came out of my mouth. I didn’t want to say it because I knew it would hurt my mum, but I looked straight at him and said, ‘It’s nothing more than you have done to me dad’.”

At that moment Tracey’s world as she knew it changed forever and in an instant she became a single mum trying to navigate a rollercoaster ride of emotions and come to terms with what had happened to her precious daughter while fighting for justice against the man she once believed was the rock of their family.

“I know the question on everyone’s lips, even though they may not say it, is ‘how could you not know this was happening?’, but it’s all hindsight,” says Tracey.

“It took me years of psychology to learn not to beat myself up about hindsight. My children are what have got me through this. When Annie was in her darkest moments, I would drop the kids to school

PHOTO: MEGAN GILL

and sit on the lounge and cry all day until I had to pick them up again.”

The next few years were not easy for Annie or her family. Dealing with the devastating effects of the sexual abuse as well as navigating a court case against her stepfather naturally took its toll and she found herself suicidal and was admitted to the hospital’s mental health unit.

“I had hit rock bottom, I just didn’t want to be here anymore,” says Annie.

But there is a silver lining to this story and it was at this lowest point in her life that this incredibly brave young woman decided not to let this terrible experience define her. In fact, she was determined to not only heal herself but to help others who had suffered child sexual abuse.

“I knew I wasn’t healed yet myself but it was like a calling. I just had to do it. I got an overwhelming feeling in my chest. I started talking to myself and saying ‘you are strong, you are brave, you are beautiful’ and just started writing it all down,” says Annie.

“I just knew this issue was so much bigger than me and I knew I had the strength in me to talk to others about it.”

She didn’t know it at the time but this pivotal moment would lead to the beginning of a charity she and her mum would start and aptly name No More Fake Smiles (NMFS).

“NMFS is something I wish I had when I was being abused,” says Annie. “It is somewhere safe to go, someone to talk to, someone to relate to.”

“We recognise from first-hand experience that it is not only the abused child that is the victim in these

circumstances, we understand the trauma caused has a far wider reach and we are here to support the whole family,” says Tracey.

Launching the charity last year, both Annie and Tracey have been overwhelmed by the number of people who have reached out for help.

“When Annie did her first Facebook post for NMFS, 380 people came forward with their story of abuse and the majority had not been believed or didn’t have any support. That has been a huge eye opener,” says Tracey.

“It’s a learning process, but through helping other people I heal too,” says

room and I slid down the wall, thinking ‘oh my God, we have done it’, it was pure relief,” says Tracey.

“My evidence was so clear and I felt empowered by how strong I was,” adds Annie. “I was able tell them every single detail and that’s why it didn’t go to trial, our case was so strong.”

Despite grade 12 being one of the toughest years of her life, Annie managed to graduate and earn herself a place at university studying psychology and criminology with the aim of helping others.

“I would like to have a retreat for victims of child sexual abuse. I want to empower others. I don’t want to sit in the past, I want to create that space where people can come and start to love themselves again,” she said.

Celebrating their first birthday at a gala dinner last month, NMFS raised $30,000 to help young survivors of sexual abuse, and according to Tracey and Annie, it’s only just the beginning.

Annie. “I love having the community involved and I love seeing so many women empower each other.”

Annie’s stepfather originally pled not guilty to the abuse. However, after three years navigating the court process he pled guilty before trial and was sentenced to 17 years imprisonment with a non-parole period of 11.5 years for 20 counts of sexual abuse against his stepdaughter. A result which has helped Annie, Tracey and their family find some closure.

“I remember walking out of the court

That money will go towards the organisation’s mental health program, which aims to provide care for child sex abuse victims through specialist psychologists as well as alternative services such as art therapy, yoga and boxing.

They also want the charity to provide support for families seeking justice against abusers in the courts, a process they know first-hand can be incredibly gruelling.

“No more sweeping it under the carpet. There is life afterwards, and they will smile again,” says Tracey.

www.nomorefakesmiles.com.au

I just knew this issue was so much bigger than me…

Having dedicated almost her entire life to providing opportunities for people with a disability, Carmel has been able to turn the focus from ‘disability’ to ‘ability’, and she has no intention of retiring.

As Managing Director of STEPS – an organisation she has been involved for more than 32 years “to help the vulnerable”, she still works some 70 hours a week.

“I’ll probably die with my boots on,” said the self-confessed workaholic, as she tells me about the STEPS organisation that has grown to now teach Indigenous and Torres Strait Islanders, as well as migrants and refugees in regional and remote communities.

When Carmel adopted a son with disabilities all those years ago, little did she realise what far-reaching opportunities she would go on to help create not only for son Matthew, who at 47 still lives at home with her, but hundreds of other children with disabilities too.

With two other children in the family as well, she quickly realised that the training and employment opportunities available to them were not readily available to Matthew.

With a small group of Sunshine Coast parents, all of whom had a child with disability, she took a leading role setting up STEPS, with the express aim to provide opportunities for children with disabilities or autism to achieve selfactualisation and independence.

LITTLE STEPS

BECOME

Big Steps

Carmel Crouch would like to remove two words from the dictionary: ‘disability’ and ‘retire’. Tricia Welsh meets this energetic businesswoman to find out why.

From its embryonic stage in 1989, STEPS is now a national operation based in Caloundra with 26 locations across Australia employing more than 350 staff nationally, 226 of those on the Sunshine Coast, with an enthusiastic team of 160 volunteers. It has branched out into education and training programs, mental health and disability support, social enterprises, as well as disability employment services and National Disability Insurance Scheme support.

In a purely voluntary capacity, Carmel drove the not-for-profit organisation as Chair and President of its board for 19 years, the past 14 as Managing Director – all this while running her own successful local businesses.

“I guess one of the things I’ve always been really good at is crisis management,” she said. “And I’m a very solutions-orientated person.”

One of her proudest achievements was the realisation in 2017 of STEPS Pathways College, a revolutionary model giving young adults with a disability the opportunity to gain unprecedented levels of independence through holistic life skills education. The first of its kind in Australia, the college attracts students from all over the country to take part in its boarding program, and newly developed day and online programs.

The college offers accommodation for 14 students in modern, self-contained units designed for independent living. There is also 24-hour onsite support for students plus external CCTV for security.

The recent acquisition of more units means that during 2021 they will have the capacity to accommodate a total of 26 students.

Students reside at the college for two years learning the skills needed to make a seamless transition into independent living.

“One thing that is very important to us is that we never set somebody up to fail,” Carmel stresses. “We are very careful to be sure that not only the young person is wanting to learn to live independently, but their parents are happy for them to live independently, too.

Specific modules have been written around everything these students need to learn.

“We recreate as near-real life living as we can possibly get,” said Carmel.

“Socialisation is really important. Some days they learn in a classroom environment, the rest of the week is practical – learning ordinary tasks of living life.”

Before leaving college, they are taught how to prepare for work, how to walk into a potential employer with confidence

...the greatest joy and pleasure is giving parents their own independence.

and be able to do the job. “We have a fantastic success rate from our training courses,” Carmel added.

The cost of running STEPS Pathway College is funded through their charity.

An enduring inspiration for all, this astute businesswoman and true community leader was awarded an Australia Day Ambassadorship in 2019 and was one of four nominees for themost recent Queensland Senior Australian of the Year Awards.

But, she confided, the thing that gives

her the greatest joy and pleasure is giving parents their own independence. “It’s about giving the parents the independence they were never likely to have,” said Carmel. “That’s the bit that gives me goosebumps. The kids are always going to be great. Once they come in, I know they are going to go out with the most amount of independence they are going to have in their lives. It’s a beautiful program. I’m so proud of it and I’m so proud of the people who work in it. www.stepsgroup.com.au

SUPPORT STEPS TODAY

STEPS operate a number of community projects and social ventures aimed at improving well-being, building skills, and developing pathways toward independence. Support these initiatives today:

STEPS NURSERY

Buy quality plants and gardening supplies and experience the joy and benefits of gardening.

9 George Street, Caloundra (enter via Ulm Street)

Mon-Fri, 8.30-4.30pM, Sat: 9am-4pm, Sun 9am-2pm. Phone 5436 6023

STEPS CAR CLEANING

Professional car cleaning and detailing service that comes to your workplace using the best cleaning products and materials. From $55 per car (minimum three cars) Phone 5448 3000

STEPS COMMERCIAL CLEANING

An experienced and reliable cleaning service offering customised solutions to suit any business or budget. Perfect for Medical Centres, Resort Complexes, Child Care Centres, office premises. Call 5458 3000 for a free quote.

Study face-to-face, online or as a boarding student

Training that combines classroom learning with hands-on application

Students learn skills for independence

Carmel with some of the graduating STEPS students

STAYING Connected SAVES LIVES

Most of us have an old mobile phone or two floating around in a bottom drawer at home. But did you know those mobile phones could help save a life? Ingrid Nelson discovers more.

When Sunshine Coast/Noosa businessman Ashton Wood decided to spring clean his home during COVID lock-down earlier this year, little did he know it would be the start of something that would make such a big difference to the lives of so many.

“I run a social media, marketing and reputation management business and a lot of my clients are interstate,” he said. “When COVID stopped me from travelling, I had a bit of time on my hands so we decided to do a big clean up and fill the car with unwanted goods to donate to charity. However, that very evening, in early April, everything was shut down due to COVID and I had nowhere to take it,” says Ashton.

After contacting friend and ex policewoman Janine Lee, who now helps others through her business, Domestic Violence Business Solutions, Ashton was shocked to discover the huge need for working mobile phones among those experiencing domestic abuse.

“Janine explained that a mobile phone was one of the first things to get smashed or stolen in a domestic violence situation and it leaves the victims with nowhere to go for help,” says Ashton.

Given his background in the media industry, Ashton was so affected by the discovery, he offered to run a social media campaign to collect as many phones as possible and DV Safe Phone was born.

“I had a couple of phones lying in my drawer, which I offered straight away and when Janine said ‘Ashton those phones may actually save a life’, I knew I had to do more,” says Ashton.

“DV Safe Phone was something I had no intention of creating this year or any year

for that matter, but then I had no idea mobile phones were in such demand and what a lifeline they can offer victims of domestic abuse. I knew I could make a difference I just needed to make it work.”

Ashton didn’t want people dropping the phones off at his house so he called on friend Patrick King, owner of mobile phone repair franchise King IT, who agreed to offer his stores as drop off points for old mobile phones.

“Patrick said, ‘not only will I accept them but I will test them for you and recycle any phones that work for free’,” says Ashton.

“I then rang a PR company who wrote a great press release and before we knew it we were standing out the front of King IT with all the major TV stations launching DV Safe Phone.”

Initially aiming to collect 300 phones, which they did within six weeks, DV Safe Phone have since collected more than 985 phones and protected 452 victims with tested, working mobile phones, through Red Rose Foundation.

“Our campaign is aimed at collecting working phones, testing them for functionality, ensuring that all user data has been erased and redistributing working mobile phones to victims of domestic violence, through registered not-for-profit charity Red Rose Foundation, who have existing relationships with domestic violence agencies, safe houses, crisis centres and volunteers Australia-wide,” says Ashton.

Since then, there have been other organisations coming onboard to help how they can, including Jeep Australia who have

Ashton Wood from DV phones

offered all 69 dealerships Australia-wide as phone drop-off locations and are covering the costs of getting the phones to DV Safe Phone for testing.

And it looks like it’s only just the beginning for this wonderful initiative.

“My goal is to collect one million phones,” says Ashton.

If DV Safe Phone’s recent success is anything to go by I have no doubt they will reach the magic number.

Hello Sunshine Magazine is proud to be a

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

· Simply drop off your old working mobile phone to our Hello Sunshine Magazine office, any King IT store or JEEP dealership Australia-wide to help thousands of victims of domestic abuse Australia-wide. You can also post it to Ashton Wood, PO Box 1440 Mooloolaba QLD 4557

· DV Safe Phone will handle the security requirements around the disposal of old mobile devices. They individually factory reset and test every phone and remove and destroy any removable SD cards that are still in the phones.

· DV Safe Phone meet the environmental requirements around disposal of old mobile devices. If they can’t use the phone due to age/damage, they will ensure its recycled through an official mobile phone recycling centre.

PHOTOS: DAVE GLEESON

NEW FIRE technology

WILL HELP SAVE LIVES

September 9, 2019 started like any other day. It was hot and dry and the grass, bereft of life, crunched underfoot. Much like the rest of Australia, the Sunshine Coast had not seen good rainfall in months and the conditions were now perfect for what was to unfold later that day.

That hot September day it was also windy, and when a fire erupted, allegedly at the hands of two teenagers, they had no hope of being able to control it if they wanted to.

When most of us see smoke, we often mistakenly believe someone is burning off, it’s a controlled burn or that someone has already reported it. As a population we also don’t like to bother the authorities in case we are wrong about the situation and fear embarrassment of reacting too quickly.

A combination of these factors means it can take anywhere between 20 to 90 minutes, sometimes even longer, for a fire to be reported to emergency services.

What happens next can mean the difference between life and death.

Once notified, the authorities set about confirming the report, which only serves to add precious minutes when minutes cannot be spared. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

Based on Nobel Prize winning research by Professor Carl Pennypacker, the team at Fireball International led by Professor Tim Ball, Christopher Tylor and Gabrielle Tylor have created a wildfire detection, mapping, and intelligence system that can detect fires using artificial intelligence and notify the emergency services within one to three minutes of the fire starting.

According to Managing Director, Christopher Tylor, the technology is available in Australia right now and it will change the way we monitor and respond to fires.

Fighting fires himself for more than 50 years, Tim Ball said the early detection of fires was critical to saving lives.

“Sometimes, it is not possible to save property but if we can provide emergency services with accurate information in real-time, they are better equipped to

make decisions that are also likely to be accurate,” said Tim.

“Using satellite and camera surveillance we can literally give them a real-time “birds-eye” view of what is happening on the ground that they have no other way of detecting and it can help to save lives.”

A new wildfire detection system using artificial intelligence is revolutionising the way we detect and report fires, saving critical time and lives. Jennifer Swaine discovers more.

Using satellite and camera surveillance we can literally give them a real-time

“birds-eye” view of what is happening on the ground that they have no other way of detecting and it can help to save lives

Tim knows this only too well. On 23 October 2019, in similar conditions to what we were experiencing on the Sunshine Coast late last year, Kincade in California was experiencing its own version of hell.

A 230,000-volt transmission line from a power company failed in extreme winds. The ensuing fire that erupted lasted for two weeks and burned 77,758 acres. While four people were injured, no lives were lost thanks in part to the real-time data being streamed live via the satellite used by Fireball International to the emergency services on the ground.

The explosion occurred at 9.24pm and the fire was detected by the satellite used by Fireball International within 66 seconds. Within three minutes the authorities were notified of the eruption. Emergency Services continued to be fed real-time image updates by the ALERTWildfire network after that.

Perhaps what is most remarkable about this story is that no lives were lost. Christopher explained that due to the high winds and the remote location there was little hope of bringing this fire under control quickly.

“The system provided real time data to the Command Centre and they were able to track the direction and speed of the fire which meant they were able to safely evacuate people when they needed to. Cal Fire saw immediately that they had a problem on their hands. The evacuation order of Healdsburg was issued within 10 minutes after the fire started,” he said.

According to the Australian National University , the cost of fires on our economy over the next 30 years is estimated to be around $2.2 billion per year. The same report estimates the implementation of early fire detection solutions will “reduce the probability

of large fires” and provide an economic benefit of around $14.4 billion.

But it’s not just the cost on our economy that needs to be considered. The report notes that the human and wildlife cost, as we are only too aware, was significant.

The 2019/20 fires in Australia claimed 34 lives, impacted 78.6 per cent of Australians, either directly, through their family/friends, or through the physical effects of smoke and around 2.9 million adult Australians had their property damaged, threatened, or had to be evacuated.

Already in talks with all levels of Government and other key stakeholders, the team at Fireball International has satellites in place to detect fires and to notify the emergency services. Fireball is also working towards launching an Australian-built fire spotting satellite with an Australian rocket from a Queensland space port by March 2022.

“The technology is available in Australia right now and we are ready

to activate it just as we have done across the USA,” said Christopher.

Given that we are now in Summer, and the grass underfoot is once again crunchy – let’s hope the Government gives the green light on this initiative so that we can start to monitor and detect bush fires in order to prevent a repeat of the events of 2019/20.

PREPARE. ACT. SURVIVE.

Bushfires could be closer than you think. Prepare your home, property and family now and have your Bushfire Survival Plan in place before bushfire strikes.

The Rural Fire Service website has advice and resources on how you can be best prepared for bushfire season, including a step-by-step guide to create your own Bushfire Survival Plan. They encourage you to plan to...

∙ Keep you and your family safe

∙ Make your property resilient

∙ Protect irreplaceable valuables and important documents

∙ Have adequate insurance to minimise losses. For more information visit www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au

Christopher Tylor and Gabrielle Tylor

SummerSCENT OF

Locals and visitors have long appreciated and bathed in the sensory delight that is Noosa. The smell of saltwater lapping the pristine white sand. Fragrant botanicals taking us on a journey through the National Park. Imagine capturing those scents in a bottle for the rest of the world to enjoy!

No longer a dream, local businesswoman and well-known photographer, Katja Anton, has captured the essence of the stunning coastal qualities of the iconic Queensland destination.

Acqua Noosa is a luxe unisex eau de parfum created using Australian native botanicals and marine elements.

“The sensual and saline marine notes of the fragrance can instantly transport

you back to a moment and place no matter where you are, so everyone is able to take a special experience of this magnificent coastline into their hearts and homes giving themselves and others the gift of Noosa,” says Katja.

“Now, in these unparalleled Covid-19 times where travel has become a luxury, lovers of Noosa across Australia and overseas can do just that. So even in lockdown you can close your eyes and return to the coastal paradise whenever you wish.”

Katja is a professional photographer who made the region her home 14 years ago after leaving Europe with her young family. Her love for Australia’s natural beauty led to creating an aromatic version of the area’s best features.

A scent can bring memories to life. It’s like breathing in precious moments and being transported to a special place. Carlie Wacker sniffs out the story behind a new summer scent.

“Many destinations worldwide have created their own scent and I was surprised that Noosa and other Australian locations do not have that, so it was my dream to capture and compose Acqua Noosa. People commonly say they wish they could bottle it – and I have!” she says.

The fragrance boasts light, fresh, marine and citrus herbal top notes, which open into sensual amber and musk base notes, balanced with Australian natural botanicals of sandalwood, lavender, and bush lemon. It is a fresh and playful fragrance.

Acqua Noosa is blended and bottled entirely in Australia by experienced perfumers and is vegan, plant-based, organic sugar-cane ethanol and cruelty free, without any harsh chemicals or heavy

ACQUA NOOSA PARFUM

metals. Another signature facet is that the glass is imported from France for its superior quality.

“In keeping with my aim to bring the world together, the name reflects my Italian heritage, the bottles are European, and the perfume is entirely Australian!” says Katja.

Acqua Noosa has been described as a holiday in a bottle. It’s the perfect gift for lovers of Noosa or lovers that like to share a fragrance. I have sent numerous bottles as Christmas gifts to my family in Melbourne who have missed their annual holiday. For local stockists or to buy online: www.acquanoosa.com.au

Acqua Noosa is a beautiful fresh scent capturing the natural essence of the coast’s pristine ocean, made with the highest quality Australian native botanicals.

Sign up to Hello Sunshine Magazine’s free e-newsletter to find out how to WIN your very own bottle!

www.hellosunshinemag.com.au

The sensual and saline marine notes of the fragrance

instantly transport you...

ESCAPE FROM Reality

Ingrid Nelson unleashed her inner Sherlock Holmes at Red Lock Escape Room’s brand new experience at Maroochydore, where you have one hour to escape an abandoned old asylum and seek revenge on evil Aunt Annie. Did she escape in time?

If you’re looking for a fun activity to do with the kids or friends over the holiday period, then don’t miss the Red Lock Escape Rooms newly-opened venue at the Sunshine Plaza.

It’s an ideal way to get the kids off the sofa and away from their devices and into an immersive world where they fight the clock to unravel clues, riddles and puzzles in order to escape on time.

Now I’m the first one to admit that my previous escape room experiences saw me fail miserably, so this time I brought in the young guns (my two daughters and a friend) for backup.

Before we enter the room, we are given the brief on our challenge, and right from the get-go, it sounds intriguing.

Aunt Annie’s Asylum was abandoned many years ago following rumours and tales of horrific treatment of its patients. To this day, the horrors that took place there have been covered up and justice has not been served. Our job as investigative journalists is to find the hidden confession left behind by evil Aunt Annie to finally seek revenge.

From the moment you enter the escape room, you are instantly transported to the old asylum. Clever use of dim lighting and props, combined with an old TV monitor showing patients locked inside their rooms, really sets the heart racing!

Without giving too much away, the clever clues and riddles are very well

and most importantly had an hour of interactive fun.

designed and it takes us almost a full hour to finally find the final piece of the puzzle. But not before we have jumped, screamed, squirmed, laughed and most importantly had an hour of interactive fun.

Red Lock Escape rooms is the brainchild of husband and wife team Michaela and Paul Harlin.

Initially launching the company as a mobile escape room, the business proved so popular they opened a popup store at the Sunshine Plaza, followed

But not before we have jumped, screamed, squirmed, laughed

by a permanent venue at Noosa.

“We took the furniture and props to businesses and schools and ran the escape rooms for a week at a time,” says Paul. “We even drove to Cairns and did one for Microsoft.”

After running the pop-up store in the Sunshine Plaza for the past 18 months, the couple have recently opened their permanent new venue just in time for the Christmas holidays.

“It’s actually a great opportunity to come together as a family or with friends,” says Paul. “You get immersed into the atmosphere of the game and you work together as a team. It gets people off their phones. You feel like you are in the real environment.”

If horror is not your thing, or if you are looking for something to entertain the younger kids, there are lots of options available, including a brand new Christmas-themed room, perfect for a family to enjoy together.

Well suited for team bonding or

corporate events, as well as birthday parties, Michaela says the new venue has plenty of room to accommodate small groups.

Red Lock Escape Rooms got the big thumbs up from my crew and I can highly recommend it as a fun adventure.

We made it out just in the nick of time and with my problem-solving confidence restored, I’m keen to experience the other Escape Rooms at this great new venue. Definitely one to add to summer holiday to-do list.

OTHER ESCAPE ROOM ADVENTURES INCLUDE:

STEAMPUNK TIME LAB ESCAPE ROOM:

The time travel machine is broken and you can’t get back. Your mission is to find the final piece of the time machine and deliver it back in time within 60 minutes.

AREA 51 ALIEN ESCAPE:

You have infiltrated the Area 51 Base Camp, only to find it deserted. All signs point to an imminent alien invasion! Trust us, you do not want to find out what they want... escape the room within 40 or 60 minutes before it’s too late!

THE CHRISTMAS MYSTERY ESCAPE ROOM: Oh no! One of the elves has stolen Santa’s naughty and nice lists! Your job is to find the Naughty and Nice lists and figure out which elf is the one who stole it within 40 minutes!

Nestled on the hillside of Buderim are two stunning properties with high hopes.

Aquila Retreat and Malumba Estate are the creations of Heidi Meyer, a selfconfessed ‘connector’ who loves to bring likeminded people together to make magic. Tick and tick – the Pyjama Summit brought together 25 likeminded and leading women (and one man – Martin Duncan) for a weekend of connection, collaboration and lots of laughs.

Heidi said she wanted to share her beautiful space with people she considered some of the most responsible and successful female leaders and fabulous men that she admired to come together, connect with one another, socialise safely, while participating in a conversation about a new shared vulnerability - COVID-19.

“We all see each other at plenty of networking events in and around town, but it occurred to me that I’d like to know these great people better and I thought many of them would also like to know one another better too,” she said. “The idea behind calling it a Pyjama Summit was to set a relaxed tone - there’s nothing like seeing one another in your pjs to fast track ‘knowing one another better’,” she said.

The guest list read like a who’s who of the Sunshine Coast and those who could make it, reaped the rewards.

Amongst us were authors and writers; keynote speakers, consultants, ballerinas, artists, chocolate-makers, photographers and more. What was special was that our level of success or career (and most of us had had many different versions of careers) didn’t define us. One thing we all had in common was a passion for people and community; the ability to overcome

TREAT Retreat

obstacles and deliver projects with passion.

Heidi said a lot of the attendees were involved in leadership or wellness and had been considering hiring Aquila Retreat for their own events so the chance was there to showcase the properties.

With no strict agenda, the Pyjama Summit allowed for free-flowing conversation, sharing of challenges and success; and to better understand and support each other. The scene was set from the first night with welcome drinks, and live music by sassyjazz.com.au overlooking the twinkling lights of the coastline. After a three-course feast using local ingredients expertly prepared by Henry Derclaye from Yandina’s revered Bar Deco and Deco Events, it was time to slip into our pjs and get to know each other better. Starting with our host Heidi whose fascinating journey from owning her own business at the age of 15 to working in international media and eventually running the Number One Luxury Retreat company in the world; Yohm.

Showing her award-winning design skills, Heidi gutted and redecorated both Aquila and Malumba according to the energy of the spaces. Aquila Retreat’s Moroccan-influenced Boho-luxe is literally world’s apart from Malumba Estate’s Hamptons heaven! Both superbly styled with attention to detail and a perfect balance that offered surprises, yet were not contrived. It’s no wonder Heidi’s

design work has been featured in magazines worldwide.

Key elements of any workshop or retreat is the need to keep participants ‘fed and watered’ as we used to say in the corporate world. Henry’s love of artisanal and local produce paired perfectly with Heidi’s passion and commitment for championing all things local.

The food was sensational, with up to 60 local producers featured over the weekend from breakfast to brunch, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner; and including the locally-distilled gin and craft beers. We devoured it all heartily – the stunning surrounds, sublime food and fascinating conversation; as much as we devoured the chance to connect and have meaningful conversations with likeminded leaders from a wide range of backgrounds.

And what’s a party without chocolate?

Fellow Sunshine Coast Business Award Winner Brigid Woolnough of Kokopod Chocolate ensured there was enough of her sustainably-sourced and awardwinning, handcrafted creations to keep us blissed out.

The super-relaxed weekend was designed to fill our cups with soulful association, herbal tea or simply good red wine as we got to know each other better and share our thinking on the global/local

Deb Caruso joined 25 other leaders on the Sunshine Coast for a weekend of connection, collaboration and chocolate – and all she had to do was wear her pyjamas.

economy, leadership, managing change, innovation, disruption and resilience.

Supporting us on our way was morning chi gong and yin yoga with Sue Pope from Yoga Soul Sisters; and an immersive mediation and acupuncture treatment by Trent Banyan from High on Chi paired with the ethereal sounds of Dubarray.

Guest speakers included renowned Body language expert and author Barbara Pease; Telstra Business Woman of the Year Jeanette Allom Hill and our host, Heidi Meyer.

Her vision to deliver Badderam Eco Luxe Resort & Spa on the site on which we gathered was outlined and her passion and drive to create a world-class resort where luxury and ecology sits sustainably side-by-side was evident not just in her words but in what she had already delivered.

Together with her husband Kim Carroll, Heidi hopes to return Buderim to the Tourism Destination it once was revered as. The vision for Badderam is big and could be a game changer, not only for the region but for how luxury hotels and environmental ethos are viewed worldwide. Spanning the current Malumba Estate, Badderam embraces four hectares of land set in elevated rainforest bushland with stunning views of the coastline across valley rainforest. With a Development Approval already in place for 94 dual key apartments, world-class exhibition and

conference facilities, restaurants, wellness spa, gym, sauna, heated mineralised pools plus much more; Heidi and Kim are actively seeking investors to bring the vision to life. A vision that is needed perhaps now, more than ever.

Since the Summit at the end of July, we have joined together to paint unicorns and puppies (that’s a whole other story); have dinner; and the Facebook Group Chat still pings regularly as we cheer, celebrate and entertain each other on a daily, almost hourly basis. The nourishment of new friendships, connection and collaboration has filled our cup till it over-floweth!

If Aquila Retreat and Malumba Estate are any indication of the ability of Heidi and Kim to deliver an outstanding experience, the future looks bright for a savvy investor.

www.badderam.com.au

DON'T MISS

Pyjama Summit II

12-15 January 2021

Creating intentions & connections to thrive in 2021.

Just 30 places available. Contact jayneschulze5@gmail.com or visit Aquila Retreat on facebook.

A boho-luxe eco mansion located just 8 mins from Mooloolaba Beach & 11 mins from the Sunshine Coast airport. Aquila Retreat is set within 9.5 acres of rainforest on top of Buderim, with stunning views to Moreton Island & the Glasshouse Mountains. We’ve created an enviable destination experience for hire.

ULTIMATE LUXURY GROUP ACCOMMODATION

It’s no secret that Queensland enjoys a relaxed, laid-back lifestyle that is the envy of many.

With travel plans disrupted, locals are appreciating what is on their doorstep to enjoy a ‘staycation’ – a holiday you have while staying home or nearby.

The Sunshine Coast is dotted with resort towns along its 60km stretch of beaches from Caloundra through to Noosa with a stunning hinterland backdrop features rolling fertile farmlands, historic villages with strong arts and crafts

communities.

For one young Yandina couple, a recent two-day break at the newly refurbished Loea Boutique Hotel on the Maroochy River proved the perfect escape for a well-earned beak from their four active children. With a secluded magnesium swimming pool and a vintage food truck serving coffee and cocktails, they had little reason – apart from romantic dinners, to leave the tranquil haven. The former motel has morphed into a ‘calm, light and luxurious’ hotel offering coastal chic

accommodation for families and couples and was the stylish location for our first fashion shoot for Hello Sunshine!

Nearby, in Maroochydore, an older couple wanted to ‘air’ their long-unused campervan so booked into the Cotton Tree Caravan Park for a week. In its ideal location on a sandy spit with Maroochydore surf beach on one side and the quiet waters of Cotton Tree family beach on the other, they especially loved having their grandchildren come stay – ‘easy meals, early nights and no sand in the house!’

COASTAL ESCAPE

The clear, pristine waters produce an abundance of fresh seafood, much of which is snapped up by local restaurants before going interstate and overseas. Look for Mooloolaba prawns, Fraser Island spanner crabs, Moreton Bay bugs, local lobsters, sashimi-grade tuna and fabulous reef fish. For fresh or cooked seafood, head for the Mooloolaba Fish Market at The Spit, where trawlers pull up with the night’s catch. Nearby, The Wharf houses fun eateries such as Rice Boi, The Dock, See Restaurant and Speros. Consider a sunset cruise along the Mooloolah River or watch the boats while enjoying a cocktail at Pier 33. Sea Life at The Wharf with its 11 themed zones gives an insight into our amazing underwater world – the latest exhibit being a colony of Little Blue Penguins, while internationally-known Australia Zoo, about half an hour away by car, is popular for its displays of indigenous animals and general wildlife.

Close proximity to the beach and ocean views seem to be the prerequisites for a seaside holiday in Caloundra, according to Sarah Wilson who has been property manager with Caloundra Holiday Service for seven years. With one of the largest portfolios of holiday accommodation in Caloundra, options range from affordable family houses to modern penthouse units with rooftop spas.

Visitors to Caloundra are spoilt for choice with seven beaches to choose from. Stand Up Paddle boarding is popular at Happy Valley (between Kings and Bulcock Beaches) and at Currimundi Lake where you can hire them. Surfers head to popular Moffatt Beach while families opt for Currimundi Lake.

Anglers know there are usually good

catches of flathead, whiting and bream to be had in the deep waters of Pumicestone Passage between Bribie Island and the mainland. Public facilities are provided so fishermen can clean, fillet and prepare their catch. Other popular fishing spots include Golden Beach jetty and Currimundi Lake.

Pack your own drinks and nibbles for a daytime or sunset cruise along picturesque Pumicestone Passage with Caloundra Cruises; and browse myriad market stalls and buy great casual food as you enjoy the local holiday vibe at the Twilight Markets on Bulcock Beach waterfront on balmy summer evenings.

Conveniently located between the two coastal hubs at Birtinya is the enormously popular new weekend entertainment venue, the NightQuarter Markets with local artists, performers and musicians, great street food and market stalls. Almost immediately behind Caloundra stand the imposing landmark Glasshouse Mountains, named by English explorer Captain James Cook in 1770 while navigating the eastern coast of Australia. Today, the 13 freestanding volcanic mountainous rocky outcrops are surrounded by pineapple, avocado and small crop farms - many with roadside stalls. The Glasshouse Mountains are home to the region’s only camel farm that produces premium certified organic camel milk, QCamel. Take a Camel Cuddles tour and sample camel milk products such as tangy feta and decadent chocolates.

If you can tear yourself away from the relaxed beach culture along the coast, take a drive through undulating hills to the hinterland via Dulong and Mapleton, browse appealing boutiques in Montville

before continuing on to Maleny with spectacular views through to the coast and the Glasshouse Mountains. Pick up the makings for a picnic from the town’s gourmet shops, sample award-winning local cheese on a tour of Maleny Dairies, stroll through lush rainforests and tropical gardens and consider staying overnight in one of the area’s welcoming cosy B&Bs with open fires in winter.

The fertile soil along the coast produces a cornucopia of tropical fruits and vegetables from mangoes, passionfruit and custard apples to chokoes and micro-herbs. Look for locally grown produce, artisanal breads, fabulous local cheese, locally-made smallgoods, fresh juices and more at markets such as the ever-evolving Eumundi Market with more than 200 artisan stalls selling hand-made toys and furniture, funky fashion and jewellery with ethnic and regional food stalls to satisfy the munchies.

The Sunshine Coast is well-known for its championship golf courses such as Twin Waters, Coolum and Peregian Springs, the Greg Norman-designed course at Pelican Waters ranked #25 of the top 100 public access courses in Australia, and the scenic links-style Maleny Golf Course occasionally graced by local coastal resident Adam Scott, the world’s number six-ranked golfer and 2013’s Master’s Champion.

Elsewhere, join a cooking class at the celebrated Spirit House Cooking School in Yandina, indulge in a craft beer trail sampling top local tipples, take a regional food tour or simply head back to the beach, relax and chill out. For more inspiration: www.visitsunshinecoast.com

SerenityFROM HERE TO

WITH LA GRANDE DAME ADINA

You can bank on the best night’s sleep in a heritage-listed, neo-classical building that is now a ravishing apartment hotel, says Helen Flanagan with a sigh.

Defining the harmony between modernity and antiquity, the sandstone-clad former Queensland Government Savings Bank - and home of the first high rise government office in Brisbane - has morphed into a stunning upscale hotel where you can bank on more than a good night’s sleep.

Emerging in all its 1920s glamazon armour, the immense banking chamber on the ground floor - with massive ionic columns; ornate plaster ceiling; detailed cornices; and grand marble checkerboard floors - dishes out a warm welcome as the lavish lobby for guests of Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane.

Much has been restored including the staircase on Elizabeth Street with ornamental wrought iron balustrading, cedar handrail, green tiled dado, concrete treads and landings with original detailing on all floors, as per the original drawings from 1910.

The addition of five extra levels to

complement the historic building plays host to apartment-style rooms and suites, most with stunning views over the Brisbane River, Anzac Square, and similar heritage buildings such as The Treasury.

Generous interiors with a chic grey and white palette, are kitted out with classy accoutrements from a king bed,

televisions (yes two big ones), a comfortable sofa, to a kitchen designed for those with a penchant for creating dinner for two or drinks with friends before heading downstairs to Donna Chang restaurant.

Calm down Seinfeld fans, this is a different Donna Chang. With a gentle

Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane

tongue-in-cheek tribute to the famous 1994 episode The Chinese Woman, this gastro-dome with brass, marble and timber panelling and sweeping half-moon booths in pastel pinks and blues, has an overtone of Victorian pomp. Looks only!

Admire the buzzing ‘stage’, the open kitchen, tanks of live lobster and fish, lines of shiny roast ducks and a menu which draws inspiration from Sichuan and Cantonese cultures. Myriad dim sum, crunchy sweet acidic and fragrant Sichuan

pickled vegetables, every dish, every morsel delivered with first class produce and a creative masterstroke.

Oh, and let us not forget excellent service especially the young gun who remembered all the dishes, drinks and the names of our four delighted diners.

Adina Brisbane’s perfect location on the corner of George and Elizabeth Streets means it’s within easy walking distance to the Queensland Performing Arts Centre cultural hub; Queen Street Mall for high-end shopping; the Brisbane Riverwalk; and one of 24 hop-on, hop-off terminals for the most cruisy way to glide, twist and turn along the Brisbane River using the CityCat.

From the magnificent University of Queensland to redeveloped industrial sites, riverside mansions, bridges, parklands, landmarks such as Kangaroo Point Cliffs, and the multi-million dollar renovation of the heritage-listed Howard

Smith Wharves beneath the Story Bridge with its plethora of floating riverside bars, boardwalk restaurants and a CBD craft brewery.

Understandably with almost 300 days of sunshine per year and long, warm summers, a thirst needs to be quenched so why not hot foot it back to Adina Brisbane and the Boom Boom Room Izakaya in the basement for shakin’ cocktails where the building’s bank vaults used to be. The original vault doors of heavily reinforced concrete, approximately 800mm thick, have been retained and mix well with the moody décor and sassy vibe.

Mission accomplished. Boom Boom!

IF YOU GO

Adina Apartment Hotel on the corner of George and Elizabeth Streets, Brisbane has over-generous rooms and is self-contained. It is in the heart of the Brisbane CBD, a stone’s throw from Queen Street Mall and Queen’s Wharf, or a brief stroll will find you amongst Southbank’s cool bars, restaurants and parklands.

To book: www.adinahotels.com/en/ apartments/brisbane/ Donna Chang and Boom Boom Room Izakaya

171 George Street, Brisbane, 3243 4888 www.donnachang.com.au

… bank on more than a good night’s sleep.

Boom Boom Room Izakaya

Donna Chang restaurant

Pool sculptures pay homage to the building’s heritage

By Matt Golinski

A SILVER lining

When I’ve bumped into old friends in the street over the past six months or so, the first question they generally ask is “How has the pandemic affected you, being in the hospitality industry?”

They already know the answer, and I’m sure most would expect me launch into a monologue of negativity and bitterness, but the first thing I always tell them is “It could have been so much worse.”

All food businesses have struggled this year, and in turn their staff have suffered, producers and suppliers have taken a hit, in fact everyone in the chain has had a tough time.

But I think if you asked almost anyone in the region who has a restaurant, café, bar or catering business, they’d all agree we were much better off here than almost anywhere else in the world, and we have to be grateful for that.

And most would say that the sudden need to adapt quickly in order to survive actually benefitted their business in the long term.

A takeaway boom helped anyone who could make a boxed version of their specialty get through the first of the lockdown, and by the time restrictions were loosening up everyone was ready to follow and abide by any rules necessary to keep the community safe and start trading again.

Thankfully, and surprisingly, there have been very few restaurants who have closed their doors permanently in the past nine months, and while some may certainly still be trading on a knife’s edge, a welcome barrage of Queenslanders holidaying in their own state over the past few months has taken the pressure off.

Events are slowly starting to come back - and selling out quick.

Hospitality stalwarts such as Tony Kelly and his crew are charging into 2021 with not one new venue but three, and another three in the works for the early part of next year. This also follows the re-opening of Saltwater Fish & Chippery at The Wharf Mooloolaba.

Ryan and Rashi from The Ohana Group are preparing to open an exciting food hub in Coolum; and even Weddings at Tiffanys in beautiful Maleny are seeing the benefits of introducing exciting new opportunities to expand their service offering.

Brigid Woolnough of Kokopod Chocolate was recently named one of the State’s Top 20 Entrepreneurs under 40 and I loved revisting what makes Brouhaha Brewery a local legend.

Our drinks writer Tony Cox sampled, sipped and shopped at Sunshine & Sons Distillery (apparently someone has to do it!) and we meet several local businesses who are committed to giving back to the community.

These are just some of the stories we’ve enjoyed unearthing to share with

A takeaway boom helped anyone who could make a boxed version of their speciality get through the first of the lockdown

you and we’re looking forward to discovering more in the future.

Our team at the newly-named IN Publishing (to represent the growth of the business into a publishing empire) has been busy helping local chef Nilla Tomkins of VanillaFood realise her dream of publishing her first cookbook.

Having read and tested more than 70 of Nilla’s recipes I can tell you that there is

plenty in there for everyone, particularly vegetarians and those with dietary needs. VanillaFood the Cookbook is now on sale and sure to sell like the proverbial hot cakes… or gluten-free Buckwheat and Cardamom Waffles!

At the beginning of the outbreak, as toilet paper wars erupted in supermarkets and shoppers stocked up on baked beans and two-minute noodles, an interesting change happened in the food world.

As panic set in, people started to worry about food security, and as every vegetable seedling vanished from every shelf in every nursery in Australia, people were forced to ask themselves ‘where does my food come from and who grows it?’

And about two weeks after planting their bean and tomato plants I’m sure most would have asked ‘how long is this going to take?’

The public’s interest in the provenance of the food they eat has taken such a huge leap over the past nine months, with more consumers wanting to buy direct from producers and have a connection with their farming community.

So while we might not necessarily look back fondly on 2020, it may have been just the reminder we needed to value just how lucky we are to live in such a special part of the world, surrounded by talented, passionate producers and food vendors, and to never again take for granted the simple pleasure of sharing a meal out with friends and family.

But bring on 2021!

THE KELLY Gang

If you’re my about my age or older, you’ll remember the good old days of the local bistro, where the owner greeted you by name, led you to your favourite table, and popped the cork on that special bottle of wine you bought to enjoy with dinner.

Sadly, the cost of running a restaurant over the past 30 years has increased on a gradient not dissimilar to a bottle of Penfolds Grange, and the only way for most to survive is to make money from both food and booze. Sad, but as The Rolling Stones once said, ‘you can’t always get what you want’

Tony Kelly’s The Kelly Group seem to have a knack for working out what diners want, and then very successfully setting about delivering an experience so popular, people are prepared to line up from the moment the doors open until the bar calls last drinks every night.

Whether it’s knocking back duck bao and cocktails with friends on a balmy afternoon at Rice Boi, or sharing plateafter-plate of moreish Greek snacks with pints of Yamas at Spero; the winning formula is the same: use good quality ingredients, carefully prepared, but make each dish at a price point that you can afford to share lots of different plates, so as each one hits the table it’s an exciting new adventure.

No pretty flowers placed strategically onto plates with tweezers, just honest food with a nod to its heritage and with a modern twist, designed to be delivered to diners quickly and consistently.

‘Resilience’ is a word that’s been thrown around almost as much as ‘lockdown’ in 2020, and no-one understands exactly what it means better than the hospitality industry; most are still trying to survive,

but not Tony.

He’s decided to double down and give the public something else they want. A friendly neighbourhood bistro and wine store right in the middle of the new Maroochy CBD.

Market Bistro offers you the chance to step into Market Wine Store, their wine cellar next door, choose a bottle, pay a modest corkage, then settle in for a gastronomic tour of Italy and France at what will become over time, your favourite table.

If the team in charge of this new project were a rock band, they’d be a Super Group.

Peter Marchant, whose many food and wine credentials include the role of group sommelier for Spicers Retreats for many years, and more recently the general manager of Spicers Long Apron Restaurant in Montville, brings his vast knowledge of all things vinous to Market Wine Store, which will focus predominantly on Australian and New Zealand wines as a way of supporting another industry that’s had a tough year. Small scale boutique winemakers will be the stars on the shelves, and Peter will be there to tell you their stories and guide you towards making the right choice.

Luke Stringer began his career on the coast, and after many years managing the front of house for stellar venues in other cities, we’re lucky enough to have him back to take on the captain’s role at Market Bistro. This is a man who lives and breathes hospitality in the true sense of the word.

Chef Harry Lilai led the famous ‘2 hatted’ Cecconis in Melbourne for 10 years before recently opening Greca at Howard Smith Wharves in Brisbane.

He brings with him a passion for proper, homemade, traditional European food with a freshness and generosity that matches that style of cooking.

And in the background, (on the drums, if you like) is Tony Kelly, the driving beat that brings the band together.

Tony’s foresight, great business sense, and an ability to bring the right people together to make a restaurant a success has earned him the love and respect of his peers and the public alike.

He seems to have an uncanny way of knowing what we all want even before we know it.

And I, like most of the Sunshine Coast, can’t wait to find out what we want next.

Matt Golinski meets a hospitality powerhouse of supergroup status.

Maroochydore Crew: Harry Lilai, Luke Stringer, Peter Marchant and Tony Kelly

Mooloolaba Crew: Nick Blake, Mitch Smith, Tony Kelly, Elyza Molloy and Ash Pryor

FOR THOUGHTFood

Local businesses have teamed up with a Sunshine Coast charity in a bid to help our most vulnerable, Ingrid Nelson discovers more.

Food starts a conversation. That’s the message behind The Hatted Chef, a delicious new range of heat-and-eat meals that is supporting the Sunshine Coast’s most vulnerable.

Curated by hatted chef Chris Sell of The Dock Mooloolaba and available through all White’s IGA stores, every fifth meal sold will go to Sunny Street, a charity organisation created to help the homeless and at-risk community.

The idea was brewing in The Dock kitchens for some time, however the onset of COVID was the catalyst for the team to bring the idea to life.

“When the restaurant was closed for dining in because of COVID-19, we wanted to create options for our customers beyond just takeaway and also provide work for our staff,” says Chris.

Using the same ethos as at the restaurant, The Hatted Chef uses the highest quality ingredients, sourced

locally wherever possible, with the meals lovingly prepared by chefs under the watchful eye of Chris, who was awarded a coveted Good Food Guide Chef Hat in 2016.

“We wanted to offer great food with the highest quality ingredients, sourced as locally as possible, but we also wanted to give back to the community beyond just creating jobs, and supporting producers – and that’s when we decided to use the products to support homelessness in our local area,” says Chris.

“That led us to the incredible work being done by Dr Nova Evans and nurse Sonia Goodwin at Sunny Street, which provides medical care and support for homeless people on the Sunshine Coast.

“For every four packs sold, one meal or the equivalent value will be provided to Sunny Street, which is 20% of everything sold.”

Both previously in managerial positions with Queensland Health, Nova and Sonia were charged with getting patients home after their stay in hospital. However, the dynamic duo saw a real need to fill a gap for those who had no home to go to.

“Everyone wants to be home, it’s where they feel their best, but unfortunately we saw a lot of people who were re-presenting through the emergency department with drug use issues and mental health issues who had nowhere to sleep,” says Nova.

“We realised there was a gap in the service. We knew we, and our colleagues, were doing a great job when they came through the hospital doors but what about those who didn’t make it through those doors? It got us thinking about how we could help,” adds Sonia.

Parents to eight children and three grandchildren between them, the brave

Dr Nova Evans, Roz White, Sonia Goodwin and Chris Sell

duo, who were both the sole income earners for their families at the time, decided to resign from their secure, permanent jobs and follow their passion to help our most vulnerable.

“To be honest we got tired of asking permission. We hit an innovation ceiling in our workplace. We did as much as we could in the system and so we realised we had to work outside it,” says Nova.

“Essentially, we have created a health care system for vulnerable Australians ourselves to help people in that gap who

says often is the simplest of conditions they need help with.

“Simple things when you are sleeping rough become really serious, getting covered in mozzie bites for example,” she said. “One gent we treated was covered in abscesses.

“A lot of people have had traumatic lives, so to walk through the doors and ask for help is incredibly confronting for them. Even a lack of health literacy and anxiety plays a massive part.”

Both Nova and Sonia are delighted to be partnering with The Hatted Chef, which will mean nutritionallyintentional food rather than opportunistic eating that happens when you don’t know where your next meal is coming from.

The biggest thing is that food starts a conversation,” says Nova.

“Healthcare has to be in collaboration with other stakeholders like the Hatted Chef who are community-centered. We are all in this together to look after our community. If we don’t we are all on our own.”

Well known for her community spirit and helping others to reach their dreams, award-winning business woman Roz White says she was delighted to be able to support the Hatted Chef through selling the meals through White’s IGA Stores.

are not accessing appropriate healthcare. It was a massive jump, we call it our Geronimo moment!”

The duo began running two clinics per week for the first six months, and now run nine per week across South East Queensland including Gympie, Tewantin, Nambour and Maroochydore.

“The majority are men aged between 35-55, as they seem to be the last on the list to get housing, it’s really quite sad. We had one gent say to us ‘I’ve been on the streets too long’. There is a sorrow that embeds them, you can feel it when you meet them,” says Sonia.

“The second biggest group are females aged 8 to 25 and the fasting growing is women over 55 who have perhaps spent their life looking after family and have little superannuation.”

Citing embarrassment, self-shame and self-stigma as some of the main reasons those who are homeless are reluctant to present to a hospital, Nova

“It’s a great range that is of a very high-quality, it’s convenient and the servings are generous, with each pack serving two people, and its local which we love,” she said. “Plus, it’s helping those in our community who need it most.”

Restaurant-quality meals that are ready in minutes and made from locally-sourced ingredients with a generous side serving of helping your community - Order up!

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

The Hatted Chef range includes four different dishes and each pack includes two generous serves:

∙ Wild Mushroom Risotto

(vegetarian): RRP $12.99

∙ Smoked Peppered Beef Brisket: RRP $19.99

∙ Smoked Wagyu Beef Brisket: RRP $19.99

∙ Smoked Pulled Pork: RRP $19.99

For stockists or to become a distributor visit www.thehattedchef.com.au

…we call it our Geronimo moment!

When my three-year-old was two, she’d sit on the kitchen bench as I made dinner and ‘help’ me by stealing pieces of raw pumpkin and zucchini and munching them down gleefully.

What a proud and deluded dad I was.

Somewhere in the transition to becoming a threenager, the word ‘disgusting’ entered her vocabulary, and she now uses it to describe the majority of vegetables, raw or cooked. Even the threat of ice cream bans and chocolate rationing is often not enough to get her to force them down.

I know I’m not alone, and I know it’s not a new problem; I’m sure kids have been slipping their brussels sprouts to the family dog when

mum wasn’t looking for generations.

The difference is that when grandma and grandpa didn’t eat their dinner, they just went hungry.

As a guilt-ridden, time-poor, modern day parent myself, I often give in to the dietary ‘preferences’ of my child, just to avoid tantrums (from her, not me) and to know she’s at least eating something.

Now before you go calling social services on me, I can assure you that my daughter is perfectly well nourished and most of the time has a very healthy diet.

It’s taken a bit of trial and error, but I’ve discovered the greatest successes come from looking at the foods she does like, then working in healthy elements so there’s a good balance of nutrients and sanity.

Spaghetti Bolognaise is a great example; a sauce that could be just onions, mince and tomatoes is the perfect place to hide grated zucchini, carrots and celery.

Fried rice is another good way to get a whole lot of different vegetables into one meal, and by simply dicing them all nice and small, it would seem they no longer display any of the characteristics of their former disgusting selves.

The statistics clearly show that Australians’ love of processed foods, refined sugars and unhealthy fats, and a deficit in fruit, vegetables and whole grains in their diet is leading to an epidemic in obesity and diabetes, which in turn creates all sorts of other medical issues.

But a much greater problem this

country is facing is a population that is plagued with mental health issues like anxiety and depression, and it’s a problem that’s affecting us at an increasingly younger age.

You could blame that on the pressures kids face in the school yard, on social media, or on the ever-looping 24-hour news cycle filling their heads with stories of tragedy, but there’s a distinct and proven correlation between how we fuel our children’s bodies and minds and their ability to cope with everything life throws at them.

I don’t believe bringing up a healthy family requires a degree in nutrition, or ruling the kitchen with an iron fist; but it does take a commitment to moderation, an awareness that we are surrounded by processed convenience

Matt’s Very Special Fried Rice recipe is packed full of vegetables including peas, carrot, corn, zucchini, broccoli, capsicum and mushroom, but can be adjusted to suit whatever vegetables your child enjoys. You can find his kid-friendly recipes on the following pages.

foods and having the fortitude to resist them, and a basic understanding of the types of food required to make up a balanced diet.

School kitchen gardens have become an important way to educate young people about the realities of growing food and will hopefully play a part in bringing up a generation with a greater respect for the food they consume.

They might even teach their parents a thing or two.

I have no doubt that when Miss three turns to four I’ll be faced with a swathe of new parenting challenges, but for now if all I have to do is think of creative ways to make broccoli disappear to keep those beautiful little eyes sparkling then I’ll just keep up the magic show!

Somewhere in the transition to becoming a threenager, the word ‘disgusting’ entered her vocabulary, and she now uses it to describe the majority of vegetables, raw or cooked.

‘BRAIN FOOD’ GRANOLA, COCONUT YOGHURT, BLUEBERRIES AND NECTARINES

Pumpkin seeds, nuts, dark chocolate and green tea all register highly on the list of foods which are good for brain function, so I’ve come up with a granola recipe that incorporates all four into one delicious crunchy brekky treat. Coconut yoghurt (or any yoghurt for that matter) is great for gut health and blueberries are a fantastic antioxidant.

Without the yoghurt and fruit, the granola makes an easy lunchbox snack, and is a good alternative to overpackaged, high sugar muesli bars.

For a gluten free version, just replace the oats with extra rice puffs.

Kid

INSPIRED

In an effort to encourage kids to make healthier food choices Matt Golinski has created three dishes that look and taste great while also ticking the 'good for you' box.

VERY SPECIAL FRIED RICE

SERVES 4

Ingredients:

1 cup basmati rice

4 eggs, whisked lightly with

2 tbs cold water

50 ml vegetable oil

1 clove garlic, finely sliced

1 tbs ginger, finely grated

½ cup peas, fresh or frozen

1 medium carrot, finely diced

1 cob corn, kernels removed or ½ cup frozen corn

Method:

1 medium zucchini, finely diced or grated

½ cup broccoli, broken into small florets

½ cup red capsicum, finely diced

100 grams mushrooms, diced

50 ml light soy sauce

• Place the basmati rice in a small saucepan with 1.5 cups of cold water.

• Bring to the boil, give it a stir, and turn down as low as possible. Cover with a lid and cook for 12 – 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to sit covered for 10 minutes.

Basmati rice has the lowest GI level of any rice, including brown rice, and it’s quick and relatively bulletproof to cook. The addition of shredded omelette provides good quality protein, and lots of different coloured vegetables each bring their own vitamins and minerals.

This is another good lunchbox meal; leftovers are just as good cold as they are hot.

• Heat a wok or large non-stick pan, rub with oil and cook half of the egg mixture until just set, then turn out onto a chopping board to cool. Repeat with the other half of the mixture. Once both omelettes are cool, roll up together and cut into 5mm strips. Set aside.

• Heat the oil in the wok and quickly fry the garlic and ginger, then add all of the vegetables and stir fry for 3 – 4 minutes.

• Add the rice and stir over the heat for another couple of minutes until everything is well combined. Add the omelette strips and soy sauce and mix through.

• Serve with extra soy sauce to sprinkle on if needed.

PHOTOS: DAVE GLEESON

Ingredients:

100 grams rolled oats

50 grams pumpkin seeds

50 grams macadamia chips

50 grams cocoa nibs

50 grams rice puffs

75 grams coconut oil

100 grams honey

1 tsp matcha powder

50 grams currants

500 grams coconut yoghurt

1 punnet fresh blueberries

2 nectarines, cut into wedges

Fresh mint to garnish

Method:

• Preheat oven to 170°C.

• In a large bowl, mix together all of the dry ingredients.

• In a small saucepan, or a bowl in the microwave, warm the honey, coconut oil and matcha powder until the coconut has completely melted and the mixture is quite runny.

• Pour over the dry ingredients and mix well with a wooden spoon until all the dry ingredients are coated.

• Spread out in an even layer on a baking tray lined with baking paper and bake for 8 minutes.

• Remove from the oven, mix all the ingredients around on the tray and

GREEK STYLE POTATOES WITH TZATZIKI AND ROAST TOMATO KETCHUP

There aren’t too many kids who don’t like chips with tomato sauce. This is a good alternative to deep frying the potatoes and serving them with a sauce that’s full of sugar and preservatives. The tzatziki is a good way of sneaking in yoghurt and cucumber instead of the sour cream that normally accompanies a bowl of wedges.

Ingredients:

250 grams Greek yoghurt

½ continental cucumber or 1 Lebanese cucumber, grated

½ cup mint, roughly chopped

Salt and pepper

500 grams Roma tomatoes, halved

2 tbs olive oil

30ml apple cider vinegar

30 grams brown sugar

1 tbs tomato paste

Salt and pepper

2 kg unwashed potatoes

2 sprigs rosemary, stripped

8 cloves garlic

100 ml olive oil

100 ml lemon juice

100 ml water

Salt and pepper

SERVES 6

bake for another 5 minutes. Mix again then bake for another 3 minutes.

• Remove from the oven and cool completely. (At first the mix will seem a bit soggy, but as it cools it will set hard)

• Break up the granola and store in an airtight container. (This recipe will make more than four serves, but the excess won’t last long!)

• Divide the yoghurt between four serving bowls or glasses and top with a generous amount of the granola.

• Mix together the blueberries, nectarine wedges and mint and divide between the four bowls.

Method:

• Mix together the yoghurt, cucumber and mint and season with salt and pepper. (For a thicker tzatziki, scrape the mixture into a sieve lined with a clean dish cloth and sit over a bowl in the refrigerator for a couple of hours.)

• Cut the tomatoes in half lengthwise and place cut side up on a baking tray lined with baking paper. Drizzle with olive oil and roast for 30 minutes at 180°C.

Cool slightly, then puree in a food processor with the vinegar, sugar, tomato paste and salt and pepper. For a fine ketchup, pass through a sieve with the back of a spoon. Ketchup will keep in the fridge for up to two weeks.

• Scrub the potatoes and cut off any bad spots or blemishes (don’t peel them, the skins are where all the minerals are) and cut lengthwise into wedges.

• Mix in a bowl with the olive oil, lemon juice, water, garlic, rosemary and salt and pepper.

• Lay out in a single layer on baking trays lined with baking paper and pour over any excess liquids.

• Bake for around 45 minutes at 190°C, turning the wedges about half-way through cooking so they crisp evenly.

• Serve the potatoes hot with separate bowls of tzatziki and ketchup for dipping.

SOME LIKE IT Hot!

Name

Matt Holt

Age 52 Position Head Chef

Restaurant

How and why did you decide to be a chef?

Surf in the morning, work at night, eat at work, fraternise with the opposite sex…seemed like a smart idea at 17!

What are some of your career highlights?

Doing my apprenticeship at Sheraton Perth during The America’s Cup in the 80s was where it all began. Being a young chef at Vasse Felix & having a dish featured in Gourmet Traveller was a highlight as was driving one of Janet Holmes à Court’s vintage Jaguars and never running out of good wine! Naturally, meeting my gorgeous wife during my 10 years working at Café Le Monde is up there too.

What do you love most about being a chef?

Peregian Beach Hotel suppliers.

The crazy atmosphere and the constant flow of creativity necessary to survive each and every shift. The bonds you build with your colleagues in such a pressured environment.

How would you describe your food?

No fuss, honest, coastal and Asianinspired. Surfer food!

Who is your favourite local supplier?

We love supporting local and currently Peregian Beach local Dragan Farm honey is featured on a few of our woodfired dishes. During this tricky year with COVID we have really appreciated the support from all of our local fresh food

Do you think it is important to use local produce and why?

Definitely. Reducing our carbon footprint; and we have the best quality produce available locally.

What has been the most rewarding moment of your career so far?

Being a part of such an awesome team putting Peregian Beach Hotel on the food map!

Who is your inspiration when it comes to culinary creations?

Our Asian neighbours.

Do you cook at home and if so, what do you like to cook?

Love cooking for family & friends!!

If not BBQ, then curry.

Who would you love to cook for?

If she was still with us, my Mum. Otherwise Scarlett Johansson.

What are the highlights of your latest menu?

The stand out dish for Summer is our Queensland wok fried whole fish with sticky lime, ginger, lemongrass & soy Asian vegetables. Treat yourself, order the whole thing for yourself!

What is your favourite kitchen tool?

Mortar & pestle

What is your favourite ingredient?

Chilli! And let’s be honest I love my kaffir lime leaves & lemongrass too.

OF THE PACKLeaders

The year 2020 has been the year of change and the leaders of the future are those that have accepted a new way in readiness for an exciting new future, as Carlie Wacker discovers.

Leading the way in hospitality is much-loved local business The Ohana Group. With fresh ideas and an epic new location, directors Ryan Fitzpatrick and Rashi Devendra are ready to power ahead with an exciting relocation to the industrial area in Coolum.

“Like most businesses, this year has been super tough and for us it was a time to look at what we could do to consolidate our expenses and streamline our services,” says Ryan “With this move we will have a larger commercial kitchen, storage facility for our equipment for events, a meeting space for individuals and businesses and most excitingly, an intimate chef’s table room with capacity for 12 people.”

This move by The Ohana Group gives them the opportunity to showcase every aspect of their business under one roof, providing clients with a clearer idea of what is on offer.

For those who haven’t yet experienced The Ohana Group, you will be impressed to know that they cater for all occasions including private dining. Their wedding and events team led by Rashi can provide end-to-end or individual services for your special day or put on a memorable corporate event for any budget. They have a Tiki’s Shack food truck and a fully licensed pop-up bar. Not to mention the stunning styling services of Rashi.

Plus, with this new location comes an innovation named Table O. Executive Chef Ryan says “Table O (Chef’s Table) gives the team and I a platform to showcase what we do in a private discrete place that is our own. As we cater for a

certain clientele, usually in their properties or lettings, we are limited with what we can use equipment-wise and are conscious of our surroundings for example charcoal grill, smoking guns etc. The menus will vary between 9-15 courses with wine and beverage pairing and we will have in-house dedicated bartenders and sommelier. We are looking forward to opening a few dates to limited numbers next year, we are also in talks with a few guest chefs to host special dinners – it’s exciting.”

The new home base also provides room for a retail shopfront for The Crate Collective, which was a hug hit during COVID lockdown. Originally created to bring together local food artisans with consumers, it’s been a phenomenal success and will also restart in early 2021.

The Sunshine Coast-based initiative is all about supporting local products and businesses in the region. It is a collection of premium products you would normally only experience when eating out.

“These crates helped keep our producers and families going during this tough year and the public were great

supporters of the program,” said Ryan.

“During the last few months, we have sent more than 350 custom crates for firms in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. Each crate includes sustainable and ethically-produced, gluten-free goodies. We are excited to have a retail outlet for it, but we can also continue to send a taste of the Sunshine Coast interstate,” says Ryan.

Its not just a rough year for the hospitality group that has inspired The Ohana Group to pivot and plot for world domination – they are always evolving and leading in transitions.

“It sounds simple but we just look at what we have and try to better it every time,” says Ryan.

The Ohana Group are ready and excited for the new year – Tiki’s Shack truck will be back on the road at RNA showgrounds, Byron Blues Festival and many more locations. The pumping new premises will open in early 2021 and if the past is any indication, they will be launching new ventures well into the future. Hold onto your hats people – The Ohana Group are full steam ahead.

BooksCOOKING THE

How many cookbooks do you have on the shelf in the kitchen? And when was the last time you actually opened one? Surely if you want to know how to make hummus these days you’ll jump on your phone and choose one of the 347,000 options at your fingertips (and that’s only one way to spell it!).

The truth is we buy cookbooks for the same reason we watch cooking showsto be inspired; to plant little seeds in our minds of things we may try somewhere along our food journey.

But in order to be inspired, the content must have a point of difference. A story that stays with you, or a different way of looking at ingredients. It needs to be simple and achievable without being condescending; and challenging enough to be impressive. It should be timeless but offer a new approach.

My colleague and self-confessed curator of crazy ideas, Deb Caruso strongly believes in the power of print and is particularly passionate about magazines and cookbooks.

“For me print provides an emotional connection that you just don’t get from digital,” she said. “Food also creates an emotional connection so when you bring the two together, it’s a match made in heaven!”

Turns out she’s right, cookbooks sell like hotcakes.

At some point Nilla Tomkins, the owner-operator and chef of VanillaFood, mentioned her dream of making a cookbook so she could share her recipes with fans of her two cafés, and anyone who was interested in learning more about cooking fresh, healthy, nutrient-rich food.

At IN Noosa Magazine, we love a challenge, so Deb embarked on a mission to turn Nilla’s dream into a reality. And given that this conversation happened in mid-August, an ever-optimistic Deb also thought that it should be out by Christmas.

Taking her knowledge of print and ability to convince me to go along with her crazy schemes, we set about compiling Nilla’s recipes, stories and pictures, and

sent it off to the printers just in time to be back by early December.

My job was to edit the recipes as details inevitably get lost in translation from a commercial kitchen to the kitchen bench at home. I had a fair idea about who Nilla was as a person and a cook, and what her philosophy was when it came to food and running her two cafés.

What I didn’t know was how much I would learn as I worked my way through the 70 or so recipes.

I couldn’t resist road-testing a few of them and I can tell you that you are in for a treat. The dishes are relatively easy to make but full of flavour without being overly-rich or heavy. Nilla’s simple no-fuss approach delivers outstanding dishes that taste as good as they look.

All the dishes in the VanillaFood Cookbook are vegetarian; with most of them also gluten and dairy free and plenty of vegan options thrown in for good measure. That is the magic of Nilla’s style. She isn’t led by fads but by a desire to create and deliver wholesome and flavoursome food that is good for our bodies and the planet.

Deb spent the best part of a week with Nilla and Amy from Lumea Photography to capture the dishes and can vouch for the authenticity of what is represented in the book.

“The pops of brightly-coloured berries, edible flowers and herbs is pure Nilla,” she said. “Anyone who has had the pleasure of eating one of her lovingly-prepared dishes at one of the VanillaFood cafés will know that this is the essence of how Nilla approaches food -no fuss, just pure organic ingredients made and presented with love.”

So here we are less than four months later and VanillaFood the Cookbook has arrived, all 230-odd pages of recipes, stories and tips and tricks. This is a book that will be much-loved and well-used.

Thanks to Nilla’s knowledge, passion and patience and despite the tight timeframes, this project was an absolute pleasure to deliver.

In fact, I might just be mad enough to let Deb do one for me. Watch this space…

To get your hands on VanillaFood the Cookbook, visit www.vanillafood.com.au

Matt Golinski shares why the VanillaFood Cookbook is set to become a kitchen favourite.

FROM CROP to Cup

Ingrid Nelson caught up with Solid Ground Coffee Roasters to discover the secrets behind the popular blend and how they are using coffee to help build solid foundations on the Sunshine Coast.

Having been in the coffee business for 15 years, husband and wife team John and Maree Ratcliffe know a thing or two about the perfect cup of liquid gold.

Starting out with a franchise chain for the first eight years, before opening their own line of cafés, which they still have an interest in, the savvy couple are passionate about delivering the perfect blend through their latest venture – Solid Ground Roasters, based right here on the Sunshine Coast.

“Over a seven-year period we developed a blend that was really popular with our customers, so we have a lot of confidence in it,” says John.

“I heard someone the other day describe it as ‘the crowd pleaser’, it’s a coffee that sits well in the middle.”

Ethically-sourced and made from top quality beans from Columbia, Brazil and Nicaragua, Solid Ground coffee is made with passion and attention to detail and you can taste the love in every cup.

“Watching the roasters work the controls looks like flying a plane,” John said. “They roast throughout the entire day, once they start they don’t stop and that’s because they want to achieve a consistent high-quality coffee, which is why it’s so popular.”

Smooth, creamy and without a hint of bitterness, it really hits the spot.

The beans we use, you can’t purchase anywhere else,” says John. “A lot of blends have a cheaper bean in them that are purchased through channels that you can’t trace, so you don’t know where it has come from or how it has been farmed. For us, we are more concerned about where our coffee comes from than how it scores when it is cupped.

“Our Hero blend is fully traceable, directly traded and you have that exclusivity in that you can’t buy those beans anywhere else.”

Cautious about oversupplying multiple cafes in the same region with their Hero blend, John says they will supply to one café or outlet per geographical area.

“We are supplying an exclusive coffee, so if we take on a client in say, Mooloolaba, we want to provide them with exclusive service and support in that location,” says John.

While coffee is their speciality, philanthropy is also something that is close to their hearts. A love of community and a desire to give back is a key driver.

“We want to build a business where we can increase the level of support we give back, which has always been a key

priority for us in our journey as business owners,” says John.

I’m not surprised to discover the duo have been supporting charities from when they first began in the industry 15 years ago and are now committed to donating $1 to SunnyKids from every kilogram of coffee roasted.

These funds will provide ongoing support to a minimum of 20 at-risk kids each year.

And, if you subscribe to Solid Ground Roasters and have the Hero blend delivered as regularly as needed,

I heard someone the other day describe it as ‘the crowd pleaser’

We donate $1 from every kilo sold to SunnyKids

WHOLESALE 1300 076 543

FEELGOODCOFFEE.COM.AU

$5 from every kilo will be donated to SunnyKids for the life of the subscription.

Both hailing from strong and supportive backgrounds, Maree and John were unanimous in their choice of name for their new venture and it couldn’t be more fitting.

“I guess the whole idea is about a solid foundation, both of us are very fortunate to be brought up in stable

family environments,” says Maree.

“My dad always said you have to build on strong foundations, you can’t take short cuts so when we were looking at the name it needed to signify the stability of where we are.”

I have no doubt those solid foundations will only lead to continued success.

For further information on SunnyKids visit www.sunnykids.org.au

Maree and John Ratcliffe with Sarah from SunnyKids (middle)

HIGH TEA WITH a view

Fancy High Tea with a fabulous view to match? Tricia Welsh discovers a mountain-top treasure not previously open to the public –unless you were getting married.

Perched high on the southern side of aptly named Mountain View Road, near Mary Cairncross Park in Maleny, Weddings at Tiffany’s enjoys one of the most spectacular views on the Sunshine Coast hinterland overlooking 500 acres of prime verdant farmland and rainforest to south-east Queensland’s iconic Glasshouse Mountains.

On a clear day, visibility stretches south to the sand dunes of Moreton Island and the Brisbane skyline; on a grey day, the rocky monoliths are moodily shrouded in a gentle mist.

Until recently, the venue has only been available for weddings and special events. However, when the venue had to close due to the COVID-19 pandemicresulting in no weddings for 127 days, co-owner and director Kelly Tilse came up with the idea to open the spacious reception area and gardens for High Tea. While creating another arm of the family-run business that would not impact on weddings once they were able to operate normally again, it would keep her permanent staff of 30 employed as well as fill the venue with fun and laughter.

“It was quite an eerie feeling of silence, just not having the love, the laughter and the happiness that is always here, week in and week out for nearly ten years now,” Kelly said. “People come to Tiffany’s to celebrate. It’s all about the celebration and being together and that wasn’t here anymore. It made me sad.”

Not one to rest on her laurels, Kelly’s savvy idea saw the team work around the clock to get everything up and running in a matter of weeks, including ordering 24ct gold embellished Cristina Re Designs tea ware and beautiful tableware from Victoria.

“Paying some invoices from Victoria made us feel good too,” adds Kelly.

With two UK-born chefs in the kitchen, getting the right offerings for this most English of traditions was crucial. For executive chef Lee Montague, it was all about memories: “What we had as a kid – to bring back those flavours.”

Sourced from locally-grown and 100 per cent accredited free-range produce, the menus include Coronation chicken; smoked salmon with dill and cream cheese; free-range egg and mustard cress; and what high tea is complete without cucumber ribbon sandwiches?! Sweet sensations include house-made scones with clotted Maleny Dairy cream; lemon meringue tartlets; macarons; eclairs; and a delightful passionfruit cheesecake.

Tiffany’s High Tea is creative yet traditional with diet-specific menus for vegetarians, vegans, gluten and dairyfree, as well as the very popular classic Tiffany’s High Tea served with Champagne, sparkling wine or an espresso martini; a Tiffany’s High Beer menu including two boutique beers; while Tiffany’s High Cheese makes the most of

Maleny’s celebrated cheeses and is served with a selection of ports. The children’s menu is served with endless hot chocolate, milkshakes or raspberry lemonade. For those seeking a smaller indulgence, there is also Tiffany’s Devonshire Tea.

All High Teas include bottomless pots of Tielka organic handcrafted loose-leaf tea.

With around 15,000 guests through the venue each year, plus 120 guests each weekend for High Tea, Tiffany’s has become so busy they are about to employ a local apprentice chef and are now hiring in four different departments to assist with the increase in workload. Well done to the Tiffany’s team for creating something beautiful out of challenging times, helping local businesses and increasing employment at the same time.

The two-hour High Teas are served on Saturdays and Sundays between 10am and 2pm.

For bookings, phone 5494 2448 or go to www.functionsattiffanys.com.au

Tiffany’s is closed from December 21 till January 5 for annual holidays.

CHOCOL art

It’s more than a sweet, silky-smooth two-step on your tastebuds, Kokopod chocolate is the whole show! as Carlie Wacker discovered.

As a chocolate lover, I was delighted to find KOKOPOD Chocolate – it’s local, pretty (oh so very aesthetically pleasing) and unique in flavour, presentation and style. My exploration into this local business required some serious research so I stepped up to the chocolate plate of course. The combination I tried first included traditional Turkish delight. Dried rose petals, and toasted almonds – Delightfully Turkish had me at hello! When you have been introduced to this type of quality you simply cannot go back and that is where the story began for founder (and our fashion model in the debut issue of Hello Sunshine Magazine) Brigid Woolnough.

Brigid travelled to Europe in her teens and discovered the art of chocolate making is a craft steeped in tradition and skill.

“I discovered chocolate that hadn’t existed in my world before. It was rich, smooth and not so sweet. I worked out the metrics for what made chocolate taste like that, one being the rich European dairy available in the green hills and I was able to experience many variations to work out exactly what I wanted to share with my first group of consumers; my own family - 16kg of taste tests to be exact,” says Brigid.

KOKOPOD was birthed while Brigid was on maternity leave as a primary school teacher. She would spend her days studying the science of chocolate and playing with recipes.

“It began as a hobby making wedding cakes for friends, and in the ‘off peak’ wedding season, I’d sell chocolate at the markets. At some point the demand became so strong, that I couldn’t do both careers,” she shares.

“Having two children and a FIFO husband, I chose chocolate because I could create it in our registered, home-based

kitchen when the children were asleep, so it worked. After studying chocolate in Australia and abroad, I was able to combine my two loves and teach Entrepreneurial programs in schools as well as host children’s chocolate-making sessions...so I’ve created a path that combines both!”

The art of chocolate is one that blends skill with science and anyone who has tried to temper a bowl of chocolate at home after watching cooking shows will relate.

“TV makes it look easy,” says Brigid. “What’s not able to be measured through TV or a book are environmental conditions that have a direct effect, and the blend of chocolate being worked with.”

The innovative business and its growth were both recognised at the Sunshine Coast Business Awards in 2019 - Small Business Award for Food & Agribusiness on the Sunshine Coast. And just recently, Brigid was named one of the State’s Most Exciting Entrepreneurs under 40 years of age.

“The point is to create your own path and pave the way for new ideas to flourish,” says Brigid.

And the Grazing Chocolate for Cheese is a key example of innovation.

“When done correctly, chocolate can be paired with many different ingredients and cheese is just one of them,” says Brigid.

“Our plant-based brand created

in 2019 NOMU NOMS is also a game changer...blending vegan chocolates and macadamias into a snack served in compostable packaging.”

When it comes to the art of any successful business, Brigid shares this great advice – “You have to be 100% sold out for your cause... because at the end of the day, through all the obstacles ahead, you have to find energy within to keep moving forward.

“Find someone who believes in you because there will be days where you need a reminder of how you got where you are and where you are going.”

Well, I’m sold and currently waltzing my way through a Leatherwood Honeycomb block closely followed by Crème Brulee and Caramelised Coconut - Yum!

Order yours at www.kokopod.com.au as I will not be sharing mine.

Fans

The Food and Agribusiness Network (FAN) recently celebrated its 5th birthday at The Ginger Factory, recording another successful year, despite the impacts of COVID.

Sunshine Coast producers and suppliers joined together to celebrate the provenance and innovation of the region and a commitment to work together to create a prosperous and resilient food and agribusiness industry.

FAN announced the move towards a hub and spoke model for 2021 with regional hubs in Gympie, Noosa, Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay. Each area will have its own coordinator to achieve deeper engagement with members and stakeholders, further building a supportive food ecosystem that delivers more growth and collaborative opportunities. Photos: Sunshine Coast Foodie

SCINTILLATING Summer

FUN

Spirits are high at the Ginger Factory as the summer fun heats up. Carlie Wacker takes a look at what’s cooking at this iconic Sunshine Coast entertainment precinct.

The sub-tropical gardens are buzzing with anticipation (and the sweet sounds of nature) as I enter one of the Sunshine Coast’s favourite places for fun. Summer 2020 is set to be bigger than ever at The Ginger Factory.

It really is a delight to walk through the gates, across the train line past the Gingerbread man and into a world of ginger goodness. The shop is a foodie heaven with an extensive range of local produce and has the world’s largest curation of Buderim ginger products.

It is also home to the award-winning Kokopod Chocolate with an onsite Chocolate Factory! Everyone will leave with something to suit their tastebuds.

There is also an action-packed school holiday program, including Summer Saturdays. Smoken Dog BBQ will be firing up the grill every Saturday from 4pm to 8pm. The whole family will dig this BBQ style cook up with smoked ribs, brisket

burgers, chicken wings and much more on the menu.

Santa’s workshop is bustling until Christmas Eve daily between 9:30am and 1:30pm. You can get your Christmas photos taken with the big guy and pick up some stocking fillers from the shop while you are there – it’s multitasking at its finest!

As we head into the new year, there is something for the green thumbs to discover – a world of ginger plants and heliconia’s on display for the Ginger, Flower and Plant Emporium from 8 to 26 January.

So, gather the troops and play, taste, discover The Ginger Factory.

Entry is free and its open 7 days.

Rides, retail therapy, tours, timeout in the tropical gardens, and total family satisfaction guaranteed.

Ginger Buttercream

Frosting

Liven up your favourite cake (perfect for Christmas cakes!) with this delicious, velvety icing that’s incredibly easy from Kim McCosker of 4 Ingredients

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter

1.5 cups icing sugar

1/4 cup Buderim Ginger Sauce

Method

In a large bowl, beat the butter until nice and soft.

Add the icing sugar and ginger sauce and beat well to combine, 3 minutes or until light and fluffy. Enjoy!

WHY ALL THE Brouhaha?

When I was 8 years old, I grew a couple of rows of long white radishes, and when they were old enough to harvest, and I realised I didn’t actually like long white radishes, I bundled them up into two neat bunches, and mum and dad drove me to the coop in Maleny where they were put on the shelf and someone (probably my mum and dad) bought them for 80 cents.

I still have the sale docket somewhere.

In those days, Maleny was a small farming town. Mostly dairy with a spattering of hippies, and a few twee little tea houses selling scones and jam, but very

much a tight community.

Some 40 years later, you still get that sense of community when you drive into town. Despite it being a busy tourist destination now, it’s clear that locals and businesses are working hard to ensure it retains the social cohesion which makes the village such a special place.

When Brouhaha Brewery was conceived in 2016, the intention was to make more than great craft beer and delicious food to match, they wanted a space where everyone felt comfortable to come and relax. They also wanted to give their customers a truly local experience by carefully choosing and

supporting local producers in the region. Calling the brewery Brouhaha was just asking for trouble.

‘A noisy and unexpected response to something’ is exactly what they got when they first flung open the doors to the public four years ago.

This unassuming shopfront beside a medical centre in the backstreets of Maleny has been drawing hordes of beer enthusiasts, locavores and probably more than a handful of Devonshire Tea refugees ever since they poured their first ale.

Temptingly, 10 shiny taps line the back wall of the bar, and you’re welcome to take

Matt Golinski unearths what all the brouhaha is about a craft brewery and restaurant that is the epitome of ‘local’.

a pint from one, or a tasting flight from all 10. Pale ales and IPAS, Saisons and Sours, Lagers and Stouts are all fermenting away in huge vats along the wall to your right, constantly battling to keep those taps flowing.

The scent of Maleny Wagyu Beef and Belvedere Pork on the grill waft from the kitchen from 11am till 5pm every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, matched with produce from Hum Honey, Little White Goat’s Cheese, Falls Farm and Ten Acres just to name a few.

The chefs take a keen interest in understanding how their ingredients are

produced and getting to know the people who produce them.

There are lovely synergies between kitchen, brewery and farmer like the spent grain from the brewing process going to Ken at Maleny Wagyu to feed his cows, and in turn that beef being served on the menu

And in full community spirit, there are tasty options to cover all dietary preferences, including vegan and vegetarian.

A selection of Brouhaha brews are available to take home in cans, in fact they’re popping up in bottle shops all over Australia now in limited amounts. The

recently released Hinterland Pale Ale is a relaunch of their popular New Zealand Pale Ale. Still with all the aromas of some punchy NZ hops, but without the confusion about its provenance.

Boutique and independent breweries seem to be popping up everywhere on the coast, and although there would appear to plenty of beer lovers to go around, each one is looking for their point of difference to build a brand that sticks in people’s minds.

Brouhaha’s point of difference is that they truly, genuinely, belong.

PHOTOS: BLISS PHOTOGRAPHY BY LEAH

RAY OF sunshine

in the distillery; the caramel colour coming from having spent time in barrels seasoned with sherry. In fact, organic certification is actively being investigated. Palate-wise sherry notes are evident combined with peppery nuances and the viscosity and texture which comes with neutral grape spirit. I bought a bottle on the spot to sip over ice in summer.

Let’s get down to gin and the first tried was the Original Gin. Firstly, each gin has its own botanicals and the key botanicals that sets Sunshine & Sons apart is the high florals, derived from pink rose petals, lavender, Tasmanian pepper berry and pomegranate. To highlight these aromatics and flavours better, no garnish is needed as a wedge of citrus changes the chemical balance of

When it comes to producing quality spirits, Tony Cox discovers it needs passionate and knowledgeable people, top-quality ingredients and a few rocks thrown in for good measure.

When four friends got together to establish Sunshine & Sons at Woombye they combined many years of experience in the food and beverage industries.

As you would expect from those with a passion for quality, each step is carefully considered, one of the most critical being the spirit base. Much research was done before settling on Barossa Valley grape spirit as the base spirit for their gin and vodka.

The key reasons being the rounded, soft, viscosity you experience on the palate when consuming neutral grape spirit compared to other sources, especially grain-based neutral spirits.

The second reason is the exceptional quality of the spirit source. In fact, I do recall a conversation with a Barossabased winemaker a few years’ ago who told me there were some heavy hitters from Portugal scouring the Barossa. They

were from Oporto and ran port houses but realised that the quality of the spirit being used in fortified production in the Barossa was far superior to what they were using back home. Such is the quality of the base spirit being used here. Back to Woombye. The Original Vodka combines two ingredients only, the forementioned Barossa grape spirit and local Woombye water. The dilution is a very crucial part of the process. The water is added very slowly to preserve clarity and to achieve a true cohesion between the water and the alcohol so there is no splitting and the texture is consistent. The water source is also constant and filtration is undertaken through volcanic rocks – the only distillery presently to do so in Australia – with the rocks taken from headlands on the Sunshine Coast.

The limited edition Barrel Aged Vodka is pale, with no artificial colouring used

the botanicals. Similarly, at Cellar Door the team insists on Schweppes Tonic as they feel that most visitors will experience their gin with that mixer at home and they wish to replicate that experience. The florals really come through on the palate and was exceptional drinking. Again, I voted with my wallet and bought a bottle.

A little more fun for the team is the Parfait Gin, an homage to the Big Pineapple location. Coriander and juniper-forward, the addition of tropical ingredients such as pineapple, coconut, passionfruit and vanilla created a fleshy, rounded palate. When tonic was added there was a dramatic change to aroma and flavour turning it into fruit salad in a glass, fresh and exciting rather than sweet and sickly.

Similar to the limited edition Barrel Aged Vodka, the Barrel Aged Gin sees time in French Oak barrels, seasoned with sherry. With peppery notes to the fore it also has the trademark texture and viscosity from the base grape spirit.

Sunshine & Sons team Matt and Michael with Tony.

The team is also playing around with molasses spirit to produce rums, but these are in the evolutionary phase at present. The molasses spirit with cold pressed coffee and double roasted macadamia was utterly delicious with the intensity of the coffee matching the intensity of the molasses. They already have several rows of rum in barrels serving out the mandatory two year ageing period before it can officially be called rum. The countdown is on, ready for the big reveal on 22 February 2022 at 2.22pm, an auspicious date for sure. If the gin and vodka are anything to go by, the rums will also be a cracking product.

The team at Sunshine & Sons are producing some fantastic spirits adhering firmly to a quality-first ethos. Whilst the Original Gin and Original Vodka are the standard bearers, the limited edition products that are showcased at Cellar Door will ensure a constant stream of visitors just to keep up with what the guys are doing.

Do yourself a favour, jump in your car after first deciding on a designated driver, and visit the cellar door. It’s a sensational spot overlooking the lush green hills of Woombye and with adequate seating to make and afternoon of it. The guys are unpretentious and the energy from the passion they all share is evident. More importantly they are great drinks that are locallydistilled by people who know what they are doing.

OUR HEALTH IS our wealth

If ever there was a year to truly challenge every facet of our being, every part of our lives on a global scale, then 2020 would win hands down. Kim Morrison explains why health is our greatest asset.

There is no doubt that 2020 has humbled us all and maybe for the first time as a community it has created space for honest reflection, a chance to look in the mirror and see what we can do better and how we can support one another to be more happy and healthy.

Some would say this has been the worst year of their lives, and you don’t have to go far to hear some of the hideous challenges so many have endured.

Many say they let good routines change to their health’s detriment, they gained weight and let their health priorities go.

Others would say it has been a remarkable year, a chance to reset, regroup and rethink what truly matters.

They got focused, created a home gym, lost weight even found a new love of cooking.

Whatever side of the fence, no matter how you choose to view it, life has changed for everyone this year, and it will continue to challenge us on all levels until our ‘new normal’ resides.

According to the Black Dog Institute, many Australians have been impacted by fear, anxiety and panic about coronavirus (COVID-19). Common consequences include depression, anger, confusion and uncertainty, and financial stress, with estimates of between 25% to 33% of the

community experiencing high levels of worry and anxiety.

It’s understandable. No one really knows our immediate future.

But what we do know is continued worry and anxiety, bad habits and not focusing on our health is not sustainable. At some point, our mind and body will say enough, and it is well documented that what we think and do can indeed affect the way we all live our lives.

So, what’s the answer? How do we rise through such uncertainty? What can we do individually and as a community?

I don’t have the answers but when I think logically and with common sense there seems to be a number of simple things we can do that can make a difference in our homes and therefore create a positive ripple effect into our community.

Perhaps we now have a once-in-ageneration opportunity that we can be greater than the sum of our parts.

And it starts with our health.

Our energy, mental clarity and ability to get through all challenges are deeply rooted in our daily healthy habits and rituals. Here are some things you can do:

SHIFT YOUR PERCEPTION

We may not feel it or indeed want to acknowledge it but here is an opportunity to look for the gifts. Every time you feel

challenged, look for a new perspective and ask yourself, ‘What is a more useful thought or action I could take?’ It could be as simple as switching off the news and reading something uplifting or getting outdoors and focusing on one of the beautiful things you see, smell, hear or feel. Be grateful for what is, not what isn’t.

MICRO-MOMENTS OF MINDFULNESS

The powerful effects of meditation are renowned, but for many, making time to sit and meditate for hours on end is impossible. Instead, get really present and mindful of the moment you are in. If chopping up vegetables for dinner, be mindful of the farmer who grew them and the nourishment they provide. Many daily micro-moments are as effective as a longer meditation session.

Our energy, mental clarity and ability to get through all challenges are deeply rooted in our daily healthy habits and rituals.

THE POWER OF BREATH

Life is busy, there are many distractions to steer us away from focusing on our health and push us into fight or flight (stress) mode. Taking long deep breaths regularly, stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system and enhances your ability to rest and digest (relax).

Add the potent healing qualities of essential oils and you enhance the power of breath tenfold.

MOVE YOUR BODY

Let’s be honest where we live is one of the most magical places on the planet. Swim, jog, dance, gym, yoga, pilates, whatever you choose, just do it. No more excuses. If the only thing you commit to is to walk for 10-30 minutes a day and drink in your amazing surroundings, then you are a master mover.

TAKE INVENTORY

What you place into and onto your body effects your health. Choose real whole foods as close to nature as possible and drop packaged foods. Buy from your local farmers’ markets. Place natural products on your skin, there are so many amazing local natural brands. Notice what you are purchasing and avoid foods and skincare with questionable ingredients and additives.

BUY LOCAL

You’ve heard it already but every time you buy from a local business, that owner is doing the biggest happy dance. Buying

products that serve your health is the greatest gift. And it is a beautiful way to boost the state of health for business owners who have done everything that they can to ride out 2020.

BE GENTLE

We may not be able to change what is happening on this planet right now, or do anything about the decisions that governments make, but we can do the best we possibly can. You do not have to do everything all at once to be the healthiest version of you, do what you can, improve each day and be gentle on yourself.

BE KIND

And finally, if you are still not sure what to do to get through this challenging year, if you do not know who to be or what you can offer, then focus on being the healthiest, happiest version of you. Serve others. Offer a helping hand where you can. And most of all, be kind.

WIN!

To go in the draw to win Kim’s The Art of Self Love book and a Celebrate Love pack with two beautiful uplifting 10ml synergy blends of Celebrate & Uplift and Love Me Synergy blend oil plus 50ml Aroma Mists, valued at more than $130; visit our @ hellosunshinemag facebook page. For more information and terms and conditions go to: www.hellosunshinemag.com.au

THE ZEN life

If 2020 has taught us anything it’s the importance of connectedness and good mental health. Ingrid Nelson caught up with Zenko Yoga founder, Lauren Verona, to discover how practicing yoga and mindfulness can help us find our inner peace.

When was the last time you took time out of your day to just sit and relax?

To really slow down and connect with your breath? It sounds so simple and it is, we just forget to stop and take a break from the business of everyday life, which can have a debilitating effect on our mental health and wellbeing.

Someone who knows all about mindfulness and its benefits is Yogi and owner of Zenko Yoga, Lauren Verona. Not only does Lauren practice what she preaches, she lives and (literally) breathes it every day and says it is something everyone can incorporate into their daily lives.

“Mindfulness and yoga is accessible to everyone,” says Lauren. “All of our minds are operating units, we can train ourselves to sit, to listen, to observe, to trust and steer our thoughts. Some people think once they are on the hamster wheel they can’t get off. They can.”

Having moved from a stressful corporate job in Melbourne to chase a more relaxed lifestyle on the Sunshine Coast for her young family, Lauren opened her first yoga studio in Buddina to connect with the community and has never looked back.

“I was stressed, running a business in Melbourne and I thought I would give yoga a try,” Lauren said. “Straight away I noticed I wasn’t as stressed and I was sleeping better. We have so many limitations as humans, I did too, but I kept going because it felt good. I didn’t know where it would take me.

“I opened Zenko Yoga because I didn’t have any family here so I wanted to create my own and that is exactly what we are. People want to feel connected and they get that at Zenko. It’s a

friendly, safe environment, it’s chatty and you get to meet people. That has been a really big thing for us, we create a hub for people to connect.”

Having recently opened the doors to her newest studio and mindfulness hub in Maroochydore, Lauren says she is constantly in awe of what a difference she notices in her fellow yogis, sometimes after just one session.

From sleeping better, to being able to handle stressful situations and gaining clarity to make big life decisions, Lauren says it’s this feedback from her clients she finds most rewarding.

“We have members every day saying their lives have changed. You wouldn’t recognise some people; they have come so far. It’s not easy, but anything great isn’t achieved through comfort zones,” says Lauren. “I am still flabbergasted by how many people change within an hour, myself included. There is something magic through being in the practice, there is a real shift, you become aligned physically and mentally.”

And according to Lauren, it’s not only in the studio we start to see changes in our behaviour, it’s translated into

everyday situations that would otherwise have us feeling stressed and anxious.

“We can switch off the mind, we are capable of anything. It’s making it accessible, and it infiltrates into our life, so next time we are stuck in traffic and running late, we can stop, breathe and trust …. it’s life changing.”

How often do we find ourselves saying we don’t have time or we feel guilty about taking some time out for ourselves? Yet we still find time to scroll through our social media or work longer hours. Sound familiar? But according to Lauren, taking time to breathe is one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves.

“People do have guilt around taking time out of their busy lives. But what about the relationships in your life, your children? Coming home with recharged batteries, in a good headspace, you can’t put a price on that.”

Lauren’s right hand and fellow yogi convert, Kelly Alexander, couldn’t agree more. Having also relocated from Melbourne for a more peaceful lifestyle, Kelly says her first yoga class felt like

“coming home”.

“You feel the benefit when you walk out of a restorative or a yin class, it’s like you are floating on air – you realise the ability to do this is within me, I can do this any time, I just need to make the time to do it,” says Kelly.

“No matter where I have been in life or around the world, I always have my mat and if I have my mat, I have that island of serenity that I can jump on to at any time. I have practiced in random

places like airport lounges. It’s kind of like having something that is always there to support you.”

It’s not just women who benefit from Yoga, in fact, Zenko Yoga have a large number of male members. Lauren and her team are passionate about promoting and supporting men’s mental health.

“We love welcoming men to all of our classes and we know how beneficial it is for body and mind,” says Lauren.

“For the last seven years, we have been supporting Movember. With the rates of mental health and suicide at such alarmingly high rates for men, more than ever we need to support our men and our community- and what better way to do that than with yoga.”

Awareness is another key word Lauren uses frequently when it comes to the benefits of Yoga.

“The biggest clencher of yoga is you wake up! And you do that through self-observation,” says Lauren.

“We can’t change anything in our life until we become aware of it. How do we become aware? We observe.”

Perhaps the message that resonated most with me during my chat with these inspiring ladies was the ability to look within ourselves for the answers, something I think we can all relate to.

“We are always looking outside for the answers, and actually all the answers are inside of us when we stop and listen,” adds Kelly.

Namaste!

...it’s like you are floating on air – you realise the ability to do this is within me...

OF THE MIND Magic

The mind is fascinating and powerful. Carlie Wacker had a hypnotherapy session with Paulina Nowak that was magic!

As a child growing up in Poland, Paulina Nowak had no idea that her highly unusual dreams would later be the very thing that would be her calling and complete a journey of self-discovery.

Paulina dealt with some heavy emotional experiences early on including the suicide of her father when she was only 13 years old; witnessing the death of her brother-in-law in a car accident; then her mum’s passing.

At 18 years of age she was carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders, but it was many years later after suppressing feelings and channelling her strength into corporate business that she really identified that her true skill was in the art of hypnotherapy. It turns out those odd dreams were in fact her unique ability to tap into the subconscious mind and bring about emotional wellbeing.

Today Paulina knows all about brain waves, dream stages, hypnosis, and the power of a single thought. After gaining her qualifications as a certified hypnotherapist she was finally able to share her magic officially (and I call it magic because that is my experience with her – magic)!

Here is my story: a Noosa girl with a few roadblocks, an open mind but a fear of traumatising the hypnotherapist more than myself in a session.

I have never been hypnotised in a treatment scenario before (I did once

audition for a reality television show that required me to be hypnotised and perform silly acts like the chicken dance but that’s another story).

As I entered the inconspicuous treatment room in Noosa Junction I felt at ease. Paulina has a very calming, soft energy and a lovely voice – it was comforting. I explained to her that I’m not sure what could come up in my session, but she reassured me that the space is safe and what happens in the Hypnotherapist Noosa office stays there (forever locked away)!

Truthfully, I knew that my roadblocks could stir up some emotions and I was expecting to cry and let go of what needed to go. I wasn’t expecting what happened during the session, but it changed me in the best way possible.

It was quite easy for me to enter into a hypnotised state – I was aware and remember what I talked about the whole time which surprised me. I thought I would be in a deep sleep and not be aware of what I was saying.

Paulina asked me to go back to certain times and picture experiences from those times and the things I visualised were memories I did not even know I had.

Simple life things like swimming in my childhood pool and laughing. Those memories seemed insignificant to me but with Paulina’s skills at extracting emotions connected to these moments I was truly able to let go of some negative

unwanted feelings that had lodged into my subconscious and stopped me being the best version of myself.

We journeyed to some life experiences that made me sad, at one point I remember crying so hard that I was having trouble breathing – that big heaving cry was obviously what I needed because I haven’t cried since.

It let something go. At other times during my 2-hour session I laughed hysterically like it was the happiest and funniest thing in the history of the world. I was so exhausted and puffy eyed after the session that I had to go home and have a little lie down.

I was not expecting to feel much different after my session, but I did. I felt lighter and I now feel like I know myself much better. I have identified what triggers my negative thoughts and can direct my thinking away from it. I cannot believe that such little, insignificant life

Hypnotherapy is the key to evaporating unwanted behaviours or feelings.

experiences as a kid can impact the mind so powerfully.

The mind is fascinating – it is capable of anything. I am now super keen to explore hypnotherapy to address other issues like lack of energy. I want more Paulina magic!

Hypnotherapy is the key to evaporating unwanted behaviours or feelings.

It can be used to kick addictions like smoking and drinking. It can help tackle phobias or feelings of anger, guilt or depression.

Paulina made my experience enjoyable when I thought it might be traumatic. She provides a safe place to let go of the past. I would totally recommend hypnotherapy to anyone that is ready to live their best life.

Hypnotherapist Noosa - Paulina Nowak offers traditional hypnotherapy, Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT) which combines principles of hypnotherapy, psychotherapy, NLP, CBT and neuroscience plus retreats and self-hypnosis recordings.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Hypnosis has been around circa 1770

• Hypnosis has a huge range of applications, including as an anaesthetic and for weight loss

• During hypnosis you stay awake and it feels different for everyone

• The average person experiences hypnosis at least twice a day (zoning out?!)

• Clinical hypnosis is very different to Stage hypnosis

• During hypnosis the brain works differently

• You can hypnotise yourself

Brigid wears Pleated Frill Tie Dress by Isabella Longinnou @ilonginnou, Diamond Eyes cuff and earrings by Adrienne Reid @adriennereidofficial

HELLO SUNSHINE

Iam so excited to bring you a world of fashion in our brand spanking new publication. The Sunshine Coast is a hub of sustainable, established and emerging fashion designers and businesses. My goal is to bring them to you on the pages of Hello Sunshine Magazine

I have long supported the local fashion industry and this platform gives me the chance to share with you the brands, models, hair and make-up artists and photographers that make fashion happen.

Join me on this journey as we shine a light on the HUB of sustainable fashion in Australia.

This summer there is a little something for everybody and every mood on the Sunshine Coast.

It’s festive florals, pretty pinks, statement whites, texture, tactility and a whole lot of WOW.

Style yourself to stand out in the world.

Shine bright!

CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Carlie Wacker @worldofwacker

PHOTOGRAPHER: Megan Gill Portrait @megangillportrait

HAIR AND MAKEUP: Fran Catford @francatfordmuahs

MODELS: Brigid Woolnough @kokopod_chocolate

Paul Vercoe @ paulvercoeweddings

LOCATION: Loea Boutique Hotel @loea_boutiquehotel

HIP HIP HOORAY!

Our fabulous friends at Hammond Optometry are turning 21! A part of the Sunshine Coast hinterland community for over two decades, the family run business have become a trusted name in the industry.

Owners Steven and Deborah Hammond are passionate about offering personalised service to their customers. With a range of stunning frames to suit all tastes and ages, they really take the time to make sure you get the perfect fit.

Happy birthday Hammond Optometry! Here’s to another 21 years!

FESTIVE FLORALS

Brigid wears Charm Wrap Dress Wildflower White by Ella and Sunday 5455 5656, St Agni Mae Knit Loafer from Alterior Motif 5443 3406, Frayed edge straw hat from JOJO 0433 988 842

Thelma Tank Wildflower black , Ella and Sunday, 5455 5656

South Sea Pearl and diamond earring, To Hold and to Have, 5477 0561

Turquiose leather clutch, JOJO, 0433 988 842

Teva Midform multicolored, Alterior Motif, 5443 3406

Frayed edge straw hat, JOJO, 0433 988 842

Multicoloured beads, JOJO, 0433 988 842

9ct yellow gold pendant with London Blue Topaz , Maleny Jewellers, 5493 3477

Garnet and Diamond yellow gold earrings , Maleny Jewellers, 5493 3477

TEXTURE & TACTILITY

Lafont Girl eyewear, Hammond Optometry, 5476 2333

Vinatge style leather clutch, JOJO, 0433 988 842

Pure Sands Ring, JOJO, 0433 988 842

St Agni Bindi Slide in Antique Tan, Alterior Motif, 5443 3406

Brigid wears Acorn plaid pinafore and Isla off the shoulder cotton crop, Sabali The Label @sabali_thelabel, Peacock leather bag and gold turquoise bracelet, JOJO, 0433 988 842, St Agni Bindi Slide in Antique Tan, Alterior Motif, 5443 3406, Face A Face Song glasses Hammond Optometry, 5476 2333

Paul

Hendrik Clothing Company is a small studio by the sea creating handmade linen pieces for tweens and teens.

With our focus on ethical and sustainable production, we make all our dresses, skirts and more with love.

Leather bracelet, Cottonworx by Mensroom, 0497 873 167

Leather cross body bag dark tan, Cottonworx by Mensroom, 0497 873 167

SIR Ambroise high waist bikini brief, Alterior Motif, 5443 3406

Sir The Label fringed towel burnt orange, Alterior Motif, 5443 3406

SIR Ambroise coin purse , Alterior Motif, 5443 3406

Brigid wears Summer linen slip in sand, Sabali @sabali_thelabel, St Agni Bindi Slide in Antique Tan, Alterior Motif 5443 3406, Striped feather necklace, JOJO, 0433 988 842, Sunstone Cuff by Adrienne Reid, @adriennereidofficial

wears white long sleeve 3 button crew neck shirt, mustard leaf shorts and leather slides, Cottonworx by Mensroom, 0497 873 167

TWEEN SCENE

Saige wears Easy Like Sunday Morning shirt in rose, CJ wears the Swing dress, Hendrik Clothing Co @hendrikclothingcompany

Charlotte Silver shoes, Aneara, 0405 498 300, @aneara_au

CJ wears I Wanna Dance dress in rust, Saige wears Fly Away With Me dress in seaweed, Hendrik Clothing Co @hendrikclothingcompany

Elizabeth Pink shoes, Aneara 0405 498 300, @aneara_au

+ Natural fibre clothing made on the Sunshine Coast

+ Unique Moroccan textiles

www.sabali.com.au

@sabali_thelabel

@sabalithelabel

COASTAL COOL

Paul wears black long sleeve shirt, Cottonworx by Mensroom, 0497 873 167.

Brigid wears Vetali hand embroidered tunic dress, Tsonga Thushana shoes, JOJO, 0433 988 842, Top Shelf Mint earrings, Adrienne Reid @adriennereidofficial, Rattan bag, BAE @beforeanyoneelse

Caroline Abram Wave glasses, Hammond Optometry, 5476 2333

Turquiose beads, JOJO, 0433 988 842

Turquiose ring, JOJO, 0433 988 842

White leather fringed bag, JOJO, 0433 988 842

White gold and diamond ring, Maleny Jewellers, 5493 3477

Top Shelf Earrings Mint, Adrienne Reid, @adriennereidofficial

Giselle top Pussy Galore, Ella and Sunday, 5455 5656

Custom made cross-body bag, Eco Luxe Australia, @ecoluxeaus

service

environment

PRETTY IN PINK

Maleny Jewellers is a family business celebrating 20 years.

We pride ourselves on exceptional service in a relaxed environment.

Specialising in diamonds and coloured gemstones. Also stocking hand selected jewellery, watches, clocks, and giftware.

Call to arrange a personal consultation with our jeweller for redesign or handmade pieces.

JEWELLERY, REPAIRS, ENGRAVING & VALUATIONS

07 5494 3477

MALENYJEWELLERS.COM.AU

SHOP 4, RIVERSIDE CENTRE MAPLE STREET MALENY 4552

Brigid wears Barry Made dress, Belle Collective and Co, 0407 762 436, Pink feathered necklace, JOJO, 0433 988 842, Skylark Magenta cuff and earrings, Adrienne Reid, @adriennereidofficial

3/40 Gateway Drive, Noosaville Monday - Friday 9am - 4pm Phone: 5455 5656 ellaandsunday.com.au

Natural Fibres. Timeless Styling. Sustainable Quality.

Skylark Magenta cuff and earrings, Adrienne Reid, @adriennereidofficial

Versace sunglasses, Hammond Optometry, 5476 2333

Pink beads, JOJO, 0433 988 842

Tsonga Mekleza shoes in pink , JOJO, 0433 988 842

Zulu and Zephyr Cove shorts in Powder Pink, Alterior Motif, 5443 3406

Layla Linen dress, JOJO, 0433 988 84, Diamond Eyes cuff and earrings, Watch Me Soar Adornment neck piece, Adrienne Reid, @adriennereidofficial

Pink Lounehide bag, Belle Collective and Co, 0407 762 436

HELLO YELLOW

Paul wears long sleeve black shirt, mustard leaf shorts, leather slides and leather cross body bag, Cottonworx by Mensroom 0497 873 167. Brigid wears Yellow Prisha to, JOJO, 0433 988 842, Ava linen skirt in sand, Sabali, @sabali_thelabel, white fringed leather bag, white Tsonga Evele shoes, JOJO, 0433 988 842

Diamond Eyes earrings, Adrienne Reid, @adriennereidofficial

Yellow Rockstar earrings, World of Wacker, @worldofwackerearrings

Pearl and citrine pendant, To Hold and to Have, 5477 0561

Yellow gold huggie earrings, Maleny Jewellers, 5493 3477

Isobel Badin Flower Power tie dye long sleeve t-shirt in Sunshine, Alterior Motif, 5443 3406

Sunstone cuff, Adrienne Reid,

Yellow sapphire and diamond ring, To

Sunshine yellow beads, JOJO,

Brigid wears St Agni Knit Lounge Pant in Almond, Copain Tee, St Agni Bindi Slide in Antique Tan, Alterior Motif, 5443 3406, Cupio Cuff Rose, Diamond Eyes earrings, Adrienne Reid, @adriennereidofficial

Peony Holiday Balconette and pant in Mandarin , Alterior Motif, 5443 3406

STYLE Queen

Name

Penny Lane

Business Alterior Motif

How was Alterior Motif born?

Alterior Motif was born in 2012, conceptualised by my best friend. I took over the business in 2014 and introduced a swag of upcoming Australian fashion brands that were trending in the cities. I crossed my fingers that we could get Sunshine Coaster’s on board for the ride, and 16 years on, we are still here!

What has contributed to the longevity of Alterior Motif?

I believe it has been our ability to evolve with the fashion industry’s ever-changing landscape, our connection to the community and good oldfashioned customer service.

We have also put everything we have gained back into the business. We have not over-capitalised or had expectations of what this business can do for us, more what we could do for it.

Your retail concept is iconic amongst the Sunshine Coast fashion set – how do you explain the cult following?

We are so fortunate to work with iconic brands and be able to represent them in our own creative way. The curation of brands that we have is unique and people really resonate with that. We also absolutely love what we do, and we love our customers, so that creates a beautiful environment in which to exist. People sense that and they feel a sense of belonging to our business because of it. We have always run events that brings

the community together and we have always supported local brands, which strengthens that connection also.

How do you describe an Alterior Motif client/ customer?

The AM woman is as diverse as the labels that we represent. We are an inclusive boutique that is welcoming to all women from different walks of life that enjoy fashion and have an interest in supporting sustainable and local brands. Our buying selections have always been a thoughtfully-curated edit of styles. We have had women who have been shopping with us since their teens who now are in the next stage of their lives, so we understand the importance of not inhibiting the business to a specific age

demographic.

What labels/ brands are you drawn to?

Bassike is my absolute go-to. I can’t get enough of it on so many levels. I love their philosophy, style, quality, ethos. I also love the simplicity and style of SIR if I am after more occasion pieces that are versatile, and I also love Cloth and Hide for amazing coastal vibe pieces.

What is your buying philosophy?

Buy what you LOVE and take notes on what your regulars love. We always have certain customers in mind when we do a buy with certain brands. We also strategise our categories and know what gaps we need to fill based on reporting on historical data, so that all comes into play.

What do you love most about the Sunshine Coast?

It is the best place in the world for family, work and play. I grew up here... so it doesn’t just feel like home, it is home. I love it so much.

What do you love most about Alterior Motif?

My staff (hugely), my customers and the brands we work with.

Also the creativity involved in the

process of running this business makes my life here super interesting and fun!

What advice can you share with fashion start ups/ designers / retailers?

You get what you give. Expect it to be a lot of hard, hard work for little financial return and an ongoing, perpetuation of learning curves. You will soon find out whether you love it, or not.

What can we expect to see in store over Summer?

Colour! Bright colour pops in swim, accessories, and apparel. Knit sets are key, as are silk top and trouser sets in a mix of bright and muted tones.

Also, versatile day-to-night slip dresses with a 90s vibe and we are bringing back the head scarf.

What fashion item can you NOT live without? My platform Teva sandals. I live in them!

If you are new to the Sunshine Coast, welcome! There is honestly so much depth of beauty in our coast and so many exciting places to be discovered. Enjoy.

MAKING A HOUSE A Home

As the owners of Green Earth Homes, Grace and Nathan personally deal with their clients from the moment they come into their Buderim office to discuss possible designs to the final hand-over of their home.

“It’s such an exciting journey,” Grace enthuses. “When I think about our clients and how excited they are when we hand over their keys - it’s so satisfying that we have all put the love, energy and thought into it. It’s a building journey that we make fun and easy for you.”

Grace, a former five-star hotel and resort manager, along with her husband and builder, Nathan, own and run this innovative Sunshine Coast custom design building company.

They have a huge wealth of knowledge. Nathan has more than 25 years’ experience of building homes along the coast, they insist it’s all about designing the best home for your block.

Since the region has a vast range of varying terrains from coastal seaside flats to the undulating hills of the hinterland, they believe every area on the coast - even every site, has its own micro-environment whether it be in Buderim, Eumundi or Pelican Waters.

“When it rains in the Hinterland, it may not be raining elsewhere, so the way you’d build there would be slightly different to the coastal fringe,” says Grace. “It’s the local knowledge that is so important.”

To take advantage of the unique

aspects of any block, the sun, prevailing winds and land contours are all considered to suit their client’s lifestyle and home design. Hence, an abundance of natural light and a great airflow throughout every home have become hallmarks of Green Earth Homes.

The company also prides itself on designing unique creative spaces to suit their client’s needs. “Functionallydesigned kitchen and living areas to suit

...Changing lives by creating dreams.

your family, means you will enjoy and use every area, every day,” adds Grace. “It makes a house a home.”

The placement of windows in a home is also key, not only for cross-ventilation, but also to make the most of any particular surrounding feature or aspect, Grace explains. “We are always looking for unique elements – a beautiful jacaranda or poinciana tree. We’ll design in a picture window to bring that element into your home. Let’s capture that view, the windows become the frame.”

Nathan individually tailors and manages each project to meet their customer’s expectations.

Being a true custom builder, clients are naturally able to choose exactly what they want. “We care for our clients and are honest with them. We give them opinions, knowledge, pros and cons and with that information they can make a completely autonomous and informed decision. It is their journey and we guide them each step of the way.

“Building is about trust. This is as essentials as the foundations. With us, you are working with the owners of the company – not with a salesperson or a site supervisor and it is this that makes all the difference.”

As well as a qualified carpenter, Nathan is also an accredited HIA GreenSmart builder.

Being a full custom builder, they go the extra mile by making simple material choices, including efficient insulation options and low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) paint meaning there are no ‘new paint’ fumes.

There are those who claim to be sustainable and there are those who have sustainability as part of their core DNA. Green Earth Homes are the latter.

“You could move into your home the day it was painted,” Grace says. “You end up with a home that is healthier for you and your family.

“When we talk about being sustainable, it’s not just environmental, but financial too. Don’t you want a home that costs less - year in, year out?”

The journey of designing and creating your new home is akin to having a child or getting married, Grace Staal tells Tricia Welsh.

Think Blink

Every home has a personality and now with stylish advice from designers and a shiny new retail showroom – your house is set for stardom with Blink Living! Carlie Wacker finds out more.

In 2008, interior styling was in its infancy on the Sunshine Coast and Interior Designer Dianne Conley and Photographer Peter Lillies had a vision. They could see the potential and the opportunity for a styling business and Blink Living was born.

“I had previously worked as an interior designer refurbishing and furnishing holiday apartments and was looking for a change,” says Dianne. “As the business progressed, more and more vendors and real-estate agents could see the benefits of styling properties to take to market. Once they experience the success styling creates, they are converted.”

Now, styling a home for sale is recognised as the best way to increase sale price and reduce time on the market. The team at Blink Living have led the charge and since inception have expanded operations to include Brisbane and Geelong as well as Victoria’s surf coast.

With more than 3000 homes decorated by Blink Living, it is not hard to understand why they are so highly regarded and recommended.

“We are experts in curating fabulous, stylish and practical furniture packages to suit any holiday home, hotel or resort. Delivered on time and on budget by our

experienced team, our turnkey service for new or existing properties will help to create spaces visitors will fall in love with,” says Dianne.

Blink Living help to create spaces visitors fall in love with

GlobeWest Weaver Occasional Chair

“We have an eclectic approach to styling. Each home has its own personality and we tap into that to carefully curate interiors that reflect the best features of the property and, if necessary, play down any shortcomings.”

For instance, imperfect floors are enhanced by using beautiful rugs; an awkward living space is made to work using pieces that fit the space perfectly; and for fabulous bedrooms, luxuriouslyappointed beds and linen make a very ordinary bedroom look fit for a queen!

Of course, all this beautiful furniture and décor needs a big warehouse and that is exactly what their team of designers need to map out and select the right products for each project. This gift of space is also the catalyst for the next exciting chapter in the Blink Living story.

Introducing Blink Living Retail located at Noosa HQ – the retail option allowing designers the opportunity to guide homeowners in selecting and buying beautiful furniture to create their own dream interiors. The new showroom in Noosaville is open from 10 December to allow enthusiastic home decorators to shop for furniture, art, and accessories

with qualified interior stylists to assist with creating the perfect home environment.

In addition, Blink Living are also excited to announce they are the proud stockist of major Australian brand GlobeWest who have a wide range of distinctive, super stylish and beautifullymade furniture. From eclectic to modern and contemporary styles and trends, there is something to suit every interior. GlobeWest furniture is coveted by both

industry professionals and fashion forward home stylists.

Go global with Blink Living for interior styling to help get top dollar when selling your house or redecorating your existing home – it’s time for your house to shine!

2021 TRENDS

Interior trends for 2021 include monochromes, the relaxed comfort of soft coastal styling, pared back modern interiors and texture

Stockist for distinctive furniture brand GlobeWest, offering beautiful contemporary furniture now available to view and purchase on the Sunshine Coast.

blink

retail opening december 2020

3/100 Rene Street, Noosaville phone 5455 5015 blinkliving.com.au

1. Leopold Round Mirror - Natural Oak, Blink Living, 5455 5015. 2. Antique daybed, Antiques and Possibilities, 5372 8838. 3. Natadora Starling Occasional Chair, Blink Living, 5455 5015. 4. Tile theme, Sunshine Living Tile and Stone, 0433 121 206. 5. Antique arm chair, Antiques and Possibilities, 5372 8838. 6. Feather tile, Sunshine Living Tile and Stone, 0433 121 206. 7. Antique plate, Antiques and Possibilities, 5372 8838. 8. Otto Round Dining Chair, Blink Living, 5455 5015. 9. Acre Oval Dining Table, Blink Living, 5455 5015.

Name

Crystal Bylett

Business

Sunshine Living Tile & Stone

How would you describe your personal style and how it translates to your business?

I’m a natural girl through-andthrough so my style usually gravitates towards earthy and rustic, always with a natural element.

I’m not into anything that has a ‘fakey’ artificial look so all our products need to be quality, interesting and authentic looking.

I’m always on the hunt for tiles that get overlooked by mainstream stores so our shelves are filled with something a bit different to what is usually on offer.

What is your most popular product?

I couldn’t say we have any “popular” tiles or products as we really don’t like following the trends.

Our main focus is to find what lights people up and find a design and concept that suits the space, purpose and their personality.

STONE & Substance

What are some of the elements that set your business apart?

We are not a ‘sausage factory’ store… we have heart, soul and take care in everything we do.

We are not an everyday tile store that is filled with an overwhelming range. I keep the range short, sharp and everchanging.

Our service and care for each person who walks through the door is very genuine and we pride ourselves on looking after our customers more like friends, well they usually do turn into friends!

Our specialty are full house concepts as we have myself and Kate McLean our inhouse designer for the inside and Ben (pictured) who can take the exterior of the house to the next level too! He focuses on installing and sourcing unique stone cladding for the Sunshine Coast. He has a great team and is very proud of every job he does from letter boxes, entry doorways, pool walls and fireplaces!

What are people loving right now?

Gone are the days when the trend was trying to stay ‘safe’ with neutral grey tones. We are seeing people want to take risks and show a bit of colour and inject their own personality in their projects.

Anything from deep rich greens with brass, unique patterned porcelains, soft handmade edged tiles and anything with texture.

In terms of planning and design trends, people are adding alfresco and bar areas into their designs which is awesome to see!

So we work on concepts that tie everything together from the inside to the outside, then around the pool and bar areas too! It’s always a bit of fun!

What about colours and textures?

Anything that is warm and earthy looking. Soft terracottas and peachy tones are definitely in right now.

This style creates warmth and softness to a design, which is nice to see after a long run in grey designs.

What is the process in designing a concept for a new home or renovation?

We always want to know our client’s vision and gather as much information from them as possible.

First we would find the tiles that run throughout the house as this sets the scene or foundation for the rest of the concept. This is usually large format tiles in either a soft stone look, natural timber-look tiles or stunning stone that can also flow to the exterior to create the illusion of space and have that outside-inside vibe happening.

Then we like to find what colour or style reflects their personality and incorporate this element to create a space that feels like home for them.

Ben is sometimes in the shop too and loves helping with any external design concepts - he has many years of experience.

What are your top tips when it comes to selecting tiles?

Tiles are permanent so everything needs to be considered but the most important part is you have to love them.

Whether they are bold, beautiful and bright or soft, simple and stunning, they have to light you up and make you feel happy.

How have tiles and how we use them in the home changed over the years?

It’s all about the little things and attention to detail.

People are definitely finding those usually forgotten spaces to add interest with pattern, colour and texture in tiles and stone.

We are seeing lots of areas like stair risers, pool waterlines, front entries, fireplaces and entertaining areas as extra features in a home design to stand

out from the crowd.

What future trends do you see happening in the tile industry?

Stone, stone, stone and more stoneon floors and walls!

Travertine and anything that has a soft, warm and earthy vibe.

Limestone and quartz claddings in soft whites and soft desert colours.

What do you love most about your business?

It’s honestly my happy place. It’s filled with beautiful products and awesome people that walk through the door everyday.

I love being at the forefront of the design industry and being the first to see the new products.

Oh, and having the beach only 50 metres away always makes it a great place to spend my days!

Nina Shadforth explores how art imitating life can provide a thought-provoking and inspiring way to immerse yourself in your surroundings.

The eye and the hand of an artist can take the ordinary to the extra-ordinary, as is the case with Caloundra Regional Gallery’s incoming exhibition, Constructing Landscape: Urban Visions.

A handful of Queensland-based artists have taken up the challenge put forward by the curator of the exhibition, Jo Duke, to re-imagine and re-purpose the humble traffic cone into artistic statements reflecting on each artist’s individual experiences and perceptions about urban constructs and the broader exploration of ‘landscape’ in contemporary Australia.

Complementary to these works and plugging in to the theme of the ‘urban landscape’ are works by street artists,

ART Urban

muralists and contemporary artists, some drawn from the Sunshine Coast Art Collection and others are newly-commissioned works, thus creating a somewhat gritty bent on the Coast’s urban development activities.

Over the decades we have become appreciative of the beauty of bursts of colour, energy and rapid application of spray paint that we see now as enhancing exterior walls - no longer looked upon as vandalism - street art has crossed over as a legitimate artform.

Some examples of street art will be showcased in the gallery (aka. the white cube), but in a literal sense, street art is what it is; ‘art on the street’ and expanding beyond the gallery walls, the exhibition also acknowledges the creations on walls in the laneways and small streets of Caloundra, and includes some of the artists within the show.

To find these murals, one can either wander and discover, or head to the Public Art page on Council’s website where there is a series of Public Art Trail maps available for download - worth a wander after you have visited the Gallery!

The activity of the Sunshine Coast’s creative community has slowly been bubbling to the fore and with it, has brought a fabulous energy and vibrancy around the region that one can discover in small community-run creative spaces, artist-run galleries, commercial galleries, outdoor sculpture events and art prizes such as the Sunshine Coast Art Prize a national art award in its 15th year.

For purely the local artists, there is the Local Artists : Local Content art prize, established by the Friends of Caloundra Regional Gallery.

The Region’s creative offerings are abundant and diverse, and you can find something within the urban, coastal and hinterland areas of the Coast… if you know where to look!

www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

Alison Mooney - Night Swim Under Lights, 2019, Mixed media on canvas, 150 x 150cm. Courtesy of the Sunshine Coast Art Collection.

Photo: Carl Warner

Emmanuel Moore – Chatswood Leaves, 2020, acrylic and aerosol on wooden panel, 64 x 54cm.

Photo: courtesy of the artist

ARTS RADAR

CALOUNDRA REGIONAL GALLERY

FRIDAY 11 DECEMBER 2020 –SUNDAY 7 FEBRUARY 2021

CONSTRUCTING LANDSCAPE: URBAN VISIONS (VARIOUS ARTISTS)

An exhibition re-imagining the landscape of our now - capturing the streets, the constructs and built environments where most reside, and our relationship with same. A collection of paintings, drawings and sculptures from around the country, the works investigate both the celebratory and condemning aspects of urban sprawl.

Tues-Fri, 10am-4pm; Sat-Sun, 10am-2pm 22 Omrah Avenue, Caloundra

Ph 5420 8299 www.gallery.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

OLD AMBULANCE STATION NAMBOUR

FRIDAY 4 DECEMBER 2020 –SATURDAY 30 JANUARY 2021

TIME DILATOR – SAMUEL TUPOU

A 2020 series of works on paper by Brisbane-based artist, Samuel Tupou that explores our personal and geographical relationship with the physical planes of space and time.

Mon-Sat, 10am-3pm 80 Howard Street, Nambour www.theoldambulancestation.com

SUB TROPIC STUDIO

UNTIL 10 DECEMBER - WARWICK GOW CREATIVE SPACES (IN RESIDENCE) EXHIBITION:

Sunshine Coast local Warwick Gow shares a series of self-portraits shot over the course of a week during social distancing restrictions. These images are meant to reflect Warwick's growing unease at home. Challenging spaces that should feel homely and comforting. With a growing sense of surrealism and horror throughout the home as he broke down a daily routine over a week.

23 Cooma Terrace, Caloundra www.subtropicstudio.com

UNIVERSITY OF THE SUNSHINE COAST ART GALLERY

UNTIL 16 JANUARY 2021

MARIAN TUBBS: WE NEED PRIVACY GUYS HERE TOO

Marian Tubbs works with poor and found materials to question ideas of value and raise economic, social and ecological issues.

Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm; Sat, 10am-1pm USC 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs Ph 5459 4645 www.usc.edu.au/art-gallery

SUNSHINE COAST ART GALLERY TRAIL

Instigated by gallerists, Tony Gill and Jane Caraffi from Art on Cairncross, Maleny, the Sunshine Coast Art Gallery Trail offers the cultural consumer a broad and diverse online directory of public and commercial art galleries, and (private) artist galleries across the Sunshine Coast region. Ph 5429 6404 www.sunshinecoastartgallerytrail.com.au

C.C.S.A. HALL

FRIDAY 18 DECEMBER, 4.00-7.30PM

IT’S A WRAP: ARTISAN MARKET

Presented by Caloundra Regional Gallery and hosted at the Caloundra Committee for Services to the Aged Hall (C.C.S.A.). Gift wrapping by Gallery volunteers for gold coin donation with proceeds donated to local charity. Live music and cash bar.

Celebrating the hand-made by local artisans, head to an artisan market where you can meander through and immerse yourself in a wonderful array of unique arty-gifts and art-wares, be entertained and enjoy a festive atmosphere, all in the one place!

A nice way to support our local creative industries, particularly after the year we have all experienced!

C.C.S.A. Hall, 1 Nutley St, Caloundra www.gallery.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

LOCAL ARTISTS CALL FOR ENTRIES

Invitation to artists to submit 2D or 3D artworks for the LOCAL ARTISTS

LOCAL CONTENT 2021 ART PRIZE

This annual exhibition celebrates Sunshine Coast artists responding to local themes. Artworks should reflect an aspect of living on the Sunshine Coast ENTRIES CLOSE

FRIDAY 15TH JANUARY 2021

The forty finalist artworks will be announced in February 2021, and exhibited at the Caloundra Regional Gallery from 19TH MARCH TO 2ND MAY 2021.

$13,500

IN TOTAL PRIZES

For more information and to enter, visit gallery.sunshinecoast.qld.gov. au/Art-Prizes.

Generously supported by Mary Henzell Investments, Mark and Judy McArdle, Geoff Lyons Solicitors, Friends Regional Gallery Caloundra & Sunshine Coast Council.

22 OMRAH AVENUE, CALOUNDRA gallery@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au gallery.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

07 5420 8299

Jan Roebuck, Glasshouse Mountains, 2019, nerikomi porcelain slab form, 29 x 26cm.

Courtesy of the Sunshine Coast Art Collection.

Photo: Carl Warner

For a little taste of what the Sunshine Coast art scene is like, here’s a handful of suggestions to help quench your arty thirst!