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Caloundra Live & Local kicked off last Friday in Lamkin Lane with vibrant beats, a retro market and tasty street food. If you missed out, don’t worry there’s more free events coming up on September 22 and October 6. Keep an eye on UncoverCaloundra socials for more details.
Caloundra Music Festival has announced a stellar line-up of local and emerging artists from all over the country offering a great opportunity to enjoy the upcoming long weekend (September 29 to October 1). Find out more at caloundramusicfestival.com.
Some of the hottest contemporary art from leading Australian artists is now on show at the Caloundra Regional Gallery. Gallery visitors have until September 28 to vote for their favourite artwork for a chance to win a $100 gallery store voucher.
While you’re at the Caloundra Regional Gallery, why not join the free Street Art and
Walking Tour for a fun and informative way to enjoy the incredible art on our doorstep. Ask for more details.
As part of a major transport infrastructure investment into Caloundra’s lifestyle and economic development needs, the project footprint for the congestion-busting Caloundra Transport Corridor Upgrade (CTCU) has been confirmed. The 1.6 kilometre corridor upgrade will improve connectivity and travel choice into
works to advocate for the Sunshine Coast community through projects like the Regional Competitiveness Survey.
the Caloundra CBD and encourage active and sustainable transport, including walking, cycling, electric vehicles and public transport.
The design also focuses on improving safety and accessibility for pedestrian and cyclists with new signalised crossings, pedestrian pathways and a dedicated two-way cycle track.
Keep an eye on my Facebook page for the latest Division 2 news and information.
As Queensland’s most welcoming, dynamic and connected business community, the Caloundra Chamber was responsible for $389,440 in community investment in the 22/23 financial year. The chamber was also the driving force behind Caloundra’s recent Top Tourism Town win and
The chamber provides connection, information, inspiration and advocacy to unlock the abundance of opportunity in Caloundra. Exciting opportunities include a circa of $900 million in development earmarked for the region, including the Sunshine Coast Regional Art Gallery and the luxury coastal apartments of BIANCO, which formally commenced construction in July.
The development opportunities come with the release of the draft SEQ Regional Plan 2023. Currently open for feedback, the draft plan is essential to the Sunshine Coast’s future and sets the framework for how to support and
enhance our growing communities. The plan identifies a demand for almost 5000 hectares of additional industrial land across southeast Queensland and a need for almost 80,600 new dwellings for the Sunshine Coast’s 2046 population prediction (545,523).
Around 70 per cent of the Sunshine Coast’s predicted growth over the next 18 years will live south of the Mooloolah River, with Caloundra’s population expected to grow to 187,065 in 2046. During this exciting period of growth, the Caloundra Chamber of Commerce will strive to be the greatest creator of networks in our region and continue to advocate for the community and its businesses. Together we can harness population growth, attract investment and increase our region’s liveability.
The bug-eyed and shaggy emus looking out from the colourful acrylic paintings are as bemused about the world around them as their creator.
But the artist – former Caloundra City councillor Andrew Champion – and his comical flightless characters, have learnt to play the role of silent observer, taking in the big picture with perhaps just a shake of the head before moving on.
With his first paintings for sale in a local art gallery and others gracing walls from Noosa to Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh, Andrew and his signature emus have found their happy place.
And the stress of trying to fix things and deal with egos is now someone else’s job.
The curly-haired Bohemian type who saunters around the easel and partly completed works in the garage art studio in Caloundra bears little resemblance to the suit-and-tie former Kawana representative with a haircut more akin to his Royal Military College Duntroon days.
Back then, he was a boy in a hurry to change the world for the better.
As a 24-year-old, Andrew was the youngest person in Queensland to serve in local government when he was elected to the then Landsborough Shire Council in 1985.
Having established a building consultancy business in 1982, living in the Champion Homes display house on the Nicklin Way at Wurtulla, he had a long list of ideas to bolster business – among them, a police station, high school and hospital, more commercial enterprise to bring jobs to the area … even a golf course (his one unfulfilled project, so far). Maybe it was because he was seen as a mere whippersnapper who needed to know his place and pay his dues before he could garner full support.
Perhaps he was too vocal against the softly-softly approach of “this is how it’s always been done” in favour of asking those at the coalface: “Why not?”. Or he could have been just a little too ahead of his time.
Whatever the reasons, during two stretches of nine and 11 years in the council chambers, Andrew admits he was in a constant “fight or flight” mode.
The former elite athlete and surf lifesaver didn’t realise that to cope with the stress of the
job, his body was producing seriously high levels of adrenalin on a daily basis, eating away at his insides, over those 20 years of service.
While he tried to hide increasing symptoms, his health eventually paid the price – starting with ulcerative colitis and moving on to the more life-threatening perforated bowel and the onset of septicaemia.
Surgeons were forced to remove parts of his large intestine and bowel.
He has now developed Crohn’s disease – a chronic inflammation of the digestive tract.
“Being on the council on the Sunshine Coast, I was a bit like a duck out of water. It wasn’t really me,” the married father of two and grandfather of three confesses.
“I would have been probably better being a councillor down in Albury. But I guess when my brother (David) drowned, we moved up here so everyone wouldn’t feel sorry for us.
“I was 14 and he was 16 [when he drowned]. Our family had a big auto electrical business in Albury.
“Everybody knew the Champions and we had big contracts with the army. We had 10 or 12 auto electricians in the workshop.
“I used to go down there and help stack batteries on trucks when I was a kid after school and weekends and sweep the floor. I had that work ethic from a very young age.”
Art has been Andrew’s lifelong joy, starting with childhood drawings of the family’s pet cat, continuing during breaks from his council work and picking up momentum in more recent times in sketching homes and landscaping in project management.
Now it’s also therapeutic. Andrew has already sold pieces worth hundreds of dollars to friends and associates, and tapped into the Redbubble website that puts artworks on products such as T-shirts and coffee cups.
He even pictures himself as a cartoonist, combining creativity with his political mind.
“There’s so many things I can do as a satirist or cartoonist about [former prime minister Scott] Morrison and [current PM Anthony] Albanese, and I could comment on all the political stuff in Queensland with ‘Paddle Duck’ (Annastacia Palaszczuk).”
Andrew has been able to dedicate himself to his art full-time over the past 12 months.
And those endearing emus keep sticking their necks out to help him – whether holding umbrellas in a wet desert, walking down an endless road after a big weekend at the Birdsville Races or wondering why anyone would want to “own” the rights to the world’s largest monolith instead of simply enjoying its majesty.
Andrew’s art also gives a nod to artist Ken Maynard, whose outback Ettamogah Pub cartoons appeared regularly in Australasian Post from 1958.
Other works reflect his fascination for Ned Kelly, boyhood adventures around his family home, camping holidays and the scouting life in the great outdoors from age seven to the status of Queen’s Scout.
“As an artist we express what we see and what we feel from our heart and our emotions and our history.
“I’m so happy now. It’s stress-free but I’m productive. I can do what I want, whereas before I had to put a round peg in a round hole. I had to comply with all the legal requirements of process.
“With art, I’m not painting with my hands tied together.”
Andrew is the featured artist for the month of September at Talented Friends Gallery located at Shop 4, 8 Ormuz Avenue, Village Walkway, Caloundra. You can view and purchase his work there.
Hope is an all-new concert by three-time Grammy-winning Soweto Gospel Choir; celebrating songs and anthems from the Freedom movement of Nelson Mandela’s South Africa, back to the Civil Rights Movement of Martin Luther King’s 1950s America. Formed to celebrate the unique and inspirational power of African gospel music, the choir draws on the best talent from the many churches in and around Soweto.
When: Friday, September 8, 7.30pm. Where: The Events Centre, 20 Minchinton Street, Caloundra.
Tickets: From $79.90 via, theeventscentre. com.au/event/soweto-gospel-choir-hope/
The Caloundra Music Festival weaves a melodic tapestry, uniting music, community and coastal beauty. Against the breathtaking backdrop of Caloundra’s beaches, it curates an eclectic lineup that transcends genres, resonating with diverse tastes. Beyond the music, it fosters togetherness, uniting the community over music and memories. As the sun sets over the waves, the festival leaves an enduring mark, harmonising rhythm and relaxation.
When: Friday, September 29 – Sunday, October 1.
Where: Kings Beach, Caloundra.
Tickets: Various prices, visit caloundramusicfestival.com/tickets/
ORCHESTRA:
The Sunshine Coast Symphony Orchestra will celebrate down under with an Australian first half of celebratory music and imagery, as well as British favourites in the second. The concert includes other modern Australian pieces by Catherine Likhuta, Elena Kats-Chernin and Paul Stanhope, and Australian classics from Percy Grainger, Colin Brumby, and Peter Allen.
When: Saturday, September 16, 7pm. Where: The Events Centre, 20 Minchinton Street, Caloundra.
Tickets: $49 via, theeventscentre.com.au/ event/a-night-at-the-proms/
A sea of pink will take over the Sunshine Coast Turf Club this September in support of the National Breast Cancer Foundation and the work they do raising funds for vital research. The event aims to raise awareness and funds for the foundation, making a real difference in the lives of those affected by the disease. Coastline MINI Garage & 4 Ingredients will bring you an unforgettable experience of food, friends, fashion and prizes, – all for or a good cause.
When: Sunday, September 17, 11.30am.
Where: Sunshine Coast Turf Club, 170 Pierce Avenue, Caloundra.
Tickets: From $15 via, sctc.com.au/event/ pink-ribbon-raceday/
Dive into sustainable style at the Barely Worn - Pre-Loved Clothing Market, a fashion haven on Minchinton Street, Caloundra. A great initiative that coincides seamlessly with the Caloundra Street Fair, this market redefines shopping. Discover an array of carefully curated pre-loved treasures, each with its own story to tell. Embracing eco-consciousness, it offers a guilt-free shopping experience that’s kind to both your wardrobe and the planet. When: Sunday, September 24, 8am-1pm. Where: Minchinton Street, Caloundra.
Tickets: Stall hire is $50, events.humanitix. com/caloundra-sun-24-september-streetfair-barely-worn-pre-loved-market
As an artist Wendy Matthews has an expressive voice that never fails to move those who hear it. Her music is an unhurried journey of clean melodies, infectious energy and simple grace. With an immense talent and capacity to capture and define a diverse range of styles in her music, Wendy takes songs from every genre and makes them her own; from jazz to blues, from rock to gospel, from soul to pop and beautiful ballads. When: Friday, September 15, 7.30pm. Where: The Events Centre, 20 Minchinton Street, Caloundra.
Tickets: $69.90 via, theeventscentre.com.au/ event/wendy-matthews-live-intimate/
Caloundra has emerged as a dynamic hub for artistic expression and cultural endeavours for the Sunshine Coast. The landscape boasts not only a regional art gallery, Artist Making Spaces, and bespoke artisan studios, but also captivating street art walking tours.
Individuals are invited to partake in the Caloundra Street Art Walking Tour, an opportunity to unearth concealed treasures within this vibrant community. Taking place on the final Thursday of every month, the tour promises an insightful and leisurely experience. It stands as an educational and entertaining pursuit, lending an animated aura to the heart of the Caloundra CBD.
Recent engagement with the tour saw the participation of 50 individuals, hailing from locales such as Ballarat, Bundaberg and Buderim. Their enthusiasm and engagement were palpable, as they found themselves astonished by the veiled artistic marvels thriving in close proximity to Caloundra’s urban core.
The tour is generously offered free of charge, extending an inclusive invitation to all interested parties. The hosts anticipate the opportunity to share this enriching experience with a wider audience, inviting them to engage with the flourishing artistic tapestry that defines Caloundra.
WHEN: Thursday, September 28 TIME: 9am
WHERE: Caloundra Regional Art Gallery
HOST: Kim McCosker, Founder 4 Ingredients
Our playground by the sea has beaten some heavy hitters to be crowned Queensland’s top tourism destination.
After an extensive judging process and public voting campaign, Caloundra was named the 2023 Queensland Top Tourism Town at an awards ceremony in June.
Caloundra’s key attractions including the natural wonders of the Pumicestone Passage and nearby Glass House Mountains, local eateries such as White Picket Fence and action-packed activities including Oceanview Helicopters grabbed the judges’ attention.
Caloundra Chamber CEO Brady Sullivan says the town has been a loved holiday destination for countless generations and he thanks the Sunshine Coast community for getting behind the “playground by the sea”.
“Being named Queensland’s Top Tourism Town is a huge drawcard for Caloundra.
“It gives a boost to the Sunshine Coast tourism industry and helps attract investment to our region.
Whether it’s a family beach day along Caloundra’s sparkling coastline or discovering Caloundra’s hidden gems, enjoy Queensland’s Top Tourism Town with a day trip or staycation. As the team behind Caloundra’s award-winning application, the Caloundra Chamber of Commerce was excited to kick off the Top Tourism Town Tour, hitting the road with the trophy to visit our tourism providers. The community is the face of Caloundra’s award-winning tourism industry and what makes the region special. Find out on your next visit to Caloundra, the ‘playground by the sea’. If you are a tourism provider in Caloundra, contact the chamber to book your photo opportunity with the trophy and market yourself as being in Queensland’s Top Tourism Town.
“The award represents the feeling of the generations that have been coming here for years and showcases all Caloundra has to offer.”
A total of 20,000 votes were received for the seven shortlisted finalists including Bowen, Bundaberg, Redcliffe, Rockhampton, Tamborine Mountain and Townsville.
But with a plethora of attractions, Caloundra took out gold.
Presented by the Queensland Tourism Industry Council, the annual awards recognise outstanding regional destinations, honouring communities that demonstrate a commitment to visitor excellence.
Caloundra will now go on to represent Queensland at the national awards, where the town has the chance to be crowned the best in Australia.
Queensland Tourism Industry Council CEO Brett Fraser says he applauds Caloundra and the other award recipients for their success.
“Congratulations to Caloundra, Airlie Beach and Winton, and to all the finalists in this year’s awards,” he says.
“The Top Tourism Town Awards shine a light on Queensland’s regional gems and reward communities united in delivering
memorable holiday experiences.
“While attractions may drive guests to a destination, it is the warm welcome and meaningful customer service that has visitors leaving with a sense of wonderment.
“Congratulations to the winning communities for their remarkable efforts.”
The Queensland Top Tourism Town and Top Tour Guide Awards are made possible through the sponsorship of Racing Queensland and oOh!media.
Whether you are in a hurry and need a quick bite to eat or feel like hitting the town for a stylish night out, Caloundra has dining options for all. With spectacular ocean views and cosy twilight street settings, sharing a meal with friends and family in Caloundra will become one of your favourite things to do.
Holy Taco in Caloundra is a culinary haven. This Mexican gem blends tradition with innovation, offering tantalising street-style tacos, savoury enchiladas and unforgettable guacamole. Quality ingredients and sustainable practices underscore their commitment. Warm staff elevate the experience, making Holy Taco perfect for foodies, families and friends seeking a vibrant atmosphere. With its authentic flavours and inviting ambience, Holy Taco isn’t just a restaurant – it’s a taste of Mexico’s heart in Caloundra. Holy Taco is at Kiosk 3/50 Bulcock Street, Caloundra.
Nestled within the artistic Lamkin Lane, an espresso oasis awaits: Lamkin Lane Espresso Bar. Step into a haven where the aroma of expertly brewed coffee is the star. Here, every sip is a journey, crafted by passionate baristas. It’s more than a café; it’s a portal to caffeinated bliss, where community converges and stories unfold. Lamkin Lane Espresso Bar is where culture, art, and coffee blend, inviting you to savour the essence of Caloundra’s coffee scene. Lamkin Lane Espresso Bar is at 31 Lamkin Lane, Caloundra.
One Block Back is full of life, energy, great food and surprises. Created as a relaxing venue for guests to reconnect with one another in beautiful surroundings. They craft the hottest seasonally inspired menus, alongside top-notch coffee, quality service and an atmosphere like no other. What was once a tin shed hidden in suburbia, is now one of Sunshine Coast’s most distinctive cafes and your new second home.
One Block Back is at 106 Nothling Street, Moffat Beach.
Discover culinary delight at The Walkway Deli & Cafe in Caloundra. A hidden oasis, it beckons with the subtle notes of aromatic coffee. More than a cafe, their gourmet deli showcases an array of cheeses, small goods, and local artisan treasures. Nestled in charming surroundings, it offers solace for breakfast or lunch. Immerse in warm vibes while indulging in flavours meticulously crafted to elevate the senses. With quality coffee and a dash of local artistry, The Walkway Deli & Cafe invites you to savour life’s little luxuries in every bite and sip. The Walkway Deli & Café is at Shop 5, 8 Ormuz Avenue, Caloundra.
Follow these businesses on Facebook or Instagram to see their latest offers and menu updates!
Elevate your senses at MINT. Espresso Bar, a local treasure nestled in Caloundra’s heart. Behind its unassuming exterior lies a haven of aromatic wonders. Discover handcrafted coffee that’s nothing short of perfection, a testament to the baristas’ dedication. This locally owned gem stands unwavering in its commitment to quality, serving only the finest coffee. The menu boasts healthy, delicious treats that harmonise innovation with classic comforts. Step into a space that’s both cosy and chic. You’ll be relaxing before you know it.
MINT. Espresso Bar is at Shop 10/51 Minchinton Street, Caloundra.
Situated in Golden Beach, Cafe Sisily embodies Italian authenticity. A patisserie haven renowned for its signature cannoli, it serves up Mediterranean-inspired flavours. Enjoy aromatic coffee and delectable pastries amidst a rustic-chic ambience. It’s the perfect meeting place. More than a cafe, it’s a slice of Italy in Caloundra, where culinary traditions come alive with every bite.
Café Sisily is at 40 Landsborough Parade, Golden Beach.
In the heart of Caloundra, The Urban is a culinary haven that defies coffee shop conventions. With each sip, immerse yourself in expertly brewed blends, sourced globally and roasted locally. The cafe radiates contemporary charm, creating an inviting space to unwind. Indulge in an array of fresh and tasty Vietnamese dishes. Beyond a mere cafe, it’s a meeting ground for family and friends – a place where community and culinary delights unite. For an elevated coffee experience coupled with delectable Vietnamese cuisine, The Urban stands as a testament to Caloundra’s growing gastronomic scene.
The Urban Caloundra is at Shop 5 51-55 Bulcock Street, Caloundra.
Kick back at Coffee Cat on Kings Beach, where caffeine meets coastline. This spot isn’t just about coffee – it’s all about good vibes. Savour perfectly brewed blends and teas, and dive into a menu made for beach lovers. From morning bites to afternoon munchies, every dish is a flavour-packed delight. With chill vibes and stunning views, it’s a go-to for both locals and visitors. Coffee Cat isn’t just a cafe; it’s your laid-back hangout, where every sip is a mini vacation and the sound of waves blends with the aroma of your cup.
Coffee Cat on Kings Beach is at 8 Levuka Avenue, Kings Beach.
Inspired by connections to the Australian land, Beachtree Distilling Co. are proud to share their creations. Located only minutes from Caloundra’s stunning beaches, enjoy a cocktail crafted from Beachtree’s world-class spirits, which are made from certified organically grown sugar cane and aromatic native botanicals. For every bottle sold, the Beachtree team plants one tree. Ask
The Walkway Deli & Café is Caloundra’s newest quality food retail offering located in a picturesque laneway setting on The Village Walkway, just off Bulcock Street. It has a delicatessen serving a range of international and Australian cheeses, cured meats and charcuterie, dried goods and artisan products including vinegars, honeys, jams and preserves. The café offers freshly prepared, quality gourmet food and locally roasted coffee. The menu includes breakfast, lunch, gourmet sandwiches, toasties and grazing platters. The platters are also available to take away and enjoy in your home or holiday apartment, on the beach, or alternatively for your business events and morning or afternoon teas.
Explore Caloundra’s iconic main street shopping destination for a collection of leading boutiques, lifestyle stores, health & beauty, and homeware havens.
Shop Caloundra Gift Cards can be used at more than 70 retail stores, cafes, restaurants and selected accommodation providers in the Caloundra CBD.
@shopcaloundra
@uncovercaloundra
Whether it’s enjoying a beer with mates, picking up fresh produce, or having dinner with family, the Caloundra Markets have something for everyone.
Proudly operated by the Caloundra Chamber of Commerce, the markets are a fantastic incubator for successful businesses.
For the past 20 years, the markets have acted as a springboard of growth for small and family businesses.
The markets are also essential for the Caloundra Chamber to fund the resources needed to connect, empower and promote our local business community.
After a winter break, August marked the return of Caloundra’s twilight markets.
As an eco-friendly market, the Currimundi Lake Twilight Market is also a popular local hangout on the third Friday of each month
from 4pm to 8pm.
With picnic blankets at the ready, market-goers enjoy live music, dinner from a variety of food stalls, and drinks thanks to Your Mates Brewing Co. The market also includes numerous artisan stalls.
Just a short walk from the main street, the Caloundra Twilight Market is the perfect place to relax after a long working week.
You can bring the whole family down for a night of fun on the last Friday of each month from 5pm to 9pm.
With more than 120 unique stalls, the Caloundra Street Fair is the perfect weekly market for you and your family.
Bulcock Street is filled with food trucks, artisan stalls and live entertainment every Sunday from 8am to 1pm. Follow each market on social media to stay up to date with market news.
Selig Jewellers is a third-generation family jewellery business located in the heart of Caloundra specialising in diamonds, coloured gemstones, and custom jewellery design. Visit the boutique store and enjoy personalised service from the professional team who will guide you through the extensive range and services for your perfect piece. Create memories in life and in love, with jewellery from Selig Jewellers.
All products available from Selig Jewellers
Spring and summer range of sunglasses and frames have arrived. Beautiful Ana Hickmann, Roberto Cavalli and Furla now available in store.
All products available from Better Vision
from
Visit K. Smith & Son Jewellers and browse through the selection of in-house jewellery that is available for purchase right now. You will find everything from colourful stone rings to engagement rings, wedding bands and watches. The team is happy to answer any questions you may have.
If you are looking for the finest jewellery on the Sunshine Coast, come and visit the professionals at K Smith & Son Jewellers today.
Family owned and operated in Caloundra for over 40 years
40 Bulcock Street Caloundra
Phone 5491 8733
ksmithandson.com.au
jewellery available from
Step into spring with flair at Zilba. Discover the stylish shoes that capture the essence of the season. From comfy sandals to elegant flats, Zilba offers a great range, including the hottest labels. Elevate your look with footwear that blends comfort and style.
BRANDS:
Birkenstock
Crocs
Skechers
Arcopedico
Taos
Josef
Zeta
Tsonga
The BookShop at Caloundra has proudly served readers of the Sunshine Coast since 1980. Because it is an independent bookseller, you will find the difference is clear when you are welcomed into the store. They offer the latest bestselling titles as well as works by local authors.
Proprietors Graeme and Chris Bowden and their dedicated team remain familiar and friendly faces to regulars, annual holidaymakers and newcomers to Caloundra.
The BookShop at Caloundra has an excellent range of new releases covering a wide area of interests, including history, new releases and your favourites. The BookShop regularly gives local and self-published authors the opportunity to sign and sell their books in store, particularly during the markets each Sunday.
VISIT: Shop 1, 18 Bulcock Street, Caloundra.
At Choices Flooring Caloundra, we are the local experts dedicated to offering floor covering and window furnishing solutions to the Caloundra and wider community.
Choices Flooring Caloundra not only provides inspiration and flooring advice, but we also manage the installation of various flooring types such as carpet, laminate, timber, luxury vinyl, hybrid flooring and window furnishings. We service the entire Sunshine Coast and extend to Kilcoy, Beerwah, Landsborough, Caloundra, Maleny, Mooloolah, Kenilworth, and Buddina. Our store is involved in various commercial projects, including kindergartens, schools, libraries, hospitals, and office fit outs.
Our knowledgeable team will assist you in navigating our wide range of domestic floor coverings and window furnishings, ensuring you find the perfect choice to enhance your dream home or refurbishment. Whether you prefer a free measure and quote or simply wish to explore our latest flooring and window furnishing styles, our store welcomes your visit or we are happy to come to you.
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