My Weekly Preview Issue 846. January 13, 2025

last land relea

From the editor

Anyone who has watched the gripping crime drama Black Snow on Stan will have spotted a very recognisable backdrop in the second series.

Shot predominantly around the Glass House Mountains, the show is testament to the spotlight increasingly turning to Queensland, and the Sunshine Coast as a hub for creative talent and production.

Among the rising stars from this growing industry is local actress, writer, director and producer Jane Larkin. She has already been making waves in her previous roles, including awardwinning drama series Boy Swallows Universe, shot in Brisbane, and her career is about to take off to a new level when she releases her own film later this year.

In addition to the stars on screen, Queensland is also fostering incredible behind-the-scenes talent, such as Lucy Laliberte. The UniSC graduate has earned her dream job as a production manager with Pixar. What a gig!

You can read all about Jane and Lucy in this week’s feature story on page 12.

Don’t miss our Local Eats pages, too, packed with great ideas on where to eat, dine and play.

Until next week, enjoy the read.

Ingrid Nelson inelson@myweeklypreview.com.au

On the cover: Thrifty ideas to treat your special someone this Valentine’s

FREE LOCAL NEWS

Local stories you may have missed this week. To read these, and for more free news from around the region, scan the QR code or visit sunshinecoastnews.com.au.

Hospital reopens with enhanced services after $10m revamp – The Caloundra Private Day Hospital has reopened after a $10 million transformation. The hospital now boasts three state-of-the-art operating theatres and new patient support areas.

New ‘fast and scenic’ parkrun sets the pace –The new Birtinya Island parkrun is fast becoming a favourite. The event attracted more than 460 runners on its first Saturday and continues to lure droves of people.

Planning well underway to address junction as petition launched – The state government says it has almost finished priority planning to address the roundabout of Caloundra Road, Bells Creek Arterial Road and Kawana Way Link Road at Little Mountain.

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Photo of the week

Our community A magpie was relaxing on a post when Maureen Brooks snapped this photo.

Do you have a story to share? Let journalist Caitlin Zerafa know about it. Email your story to localnews@myweekly preview.com.au

FIRING UP ADVANCEMENTS IN DISASTER FORECASTS

Sunshine Coast data has been used in testing an AI research tool that aims to more accurately predict bushfires.

Forget unrealistic photos and awkward grammar: artificial intelligence could be used to forecast major bushfires more than a week before they happen.

Researchers from Australia and New Zealand have issued the prediction in a research paper after testing an AI prototype using bushfire data from the Sunshine Coast.

By analysing a series of weather factors, they say the AI tool could produce more accurate bushfire warnings up to 10 days in advance.

The findings published in the International Journal of Wildland Fire

come after a damaging bushfire season in Australia and worldwide, with residents evacuated from parts of western Victoria recently and a major fire in the state’s Grampians National Park.

Researchers from five organisations, including Western Sydney University and the New Zealand Forest Research Institute, tested the machine-learning model to determine whether it could produce more accurate short-term fire forecasts. The prototype analysed 15 years of weather data recorded at Sunshine Coast Airport, University of Canterbury research engineer Dr Alberto

Ardid says, to determine whether it could predict major fires.

It considered weather data collected every 30 minutes, including details of air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, vapour pressure and dew point. The model correctly predicted 11 of the 15 major bushfires during that period, representing an improved accuracy of 47 per cent over current methods.

“It’s a simple tool that uses machine learning to understand if meteorological conditions that we are observing are similar to the ones we observed before a fire in the past,” Dr Ardid says.

“The preliminary results we got from the Sunshine Coast are quite promising and the next step of our research is to implement it in different regions throughout Australia to see how consistent the model is in different climates and conditions.”

The machine-learning model used “a small server”, Dr Ardid says, and would be inexpensive to install in locations that already collected weather information.

Advance warnings could give firefighters and communities significantly more time to put in place fire-mitigation strategies and prepare residents, Covey Associates bushfire consultant Anthony Power says.

“This AI-powered system has great potential for Australia, where wildfires are a constant threat,” he says.

“The ability to predict wildfire danger in real time opens up exciting possibilities for protecting our communities and landscapes.”

Fire agencies currently use the Australian Fire Danger Rating System introduced in 2022, which uses data from the Bureau of Meteorology and categorises fire risk from moderate to catastrophic. – AAP.

RECORD-BREAKING HEAT

A run of record-breaking global temperatures continued last month, even with a La Nina weather pattern cooling the tropical Pacific.

The Copernicus Climate Change Service declared last month the warmest January on record, with surface air temperatures 1.75C above pre-industrial levels.

January marked the 18th month of the last 19 to record global-average surface temperatures above the 1.5Cs preindustrial level.

Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology has confirmed the nation’s second-warmest year since national records began in 1910 in its annual climate statement.

Australia’s warmest year on record was 2019. In 2024, the national annual average temperature was found to be 1.46C warmer than the long-term average, with high temperatures consistently logged over the course of the year.

Australia has been battered by a range of extreme weather events over the past few weeks, including severe flooding in North Queensland, bushfires in regional Victoria and heatwaves across parts of the country. – AAP.

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In 1942, the US town of Pascagoula, Mississippi, was gripped by fear when a mysterious intruder began sneaking into homes at night – not to steal, but to cut locks of hair from sleeping victims. Children and adults woke to find their hair mysteriously snipped, though no one was seriously harmed. Police eventually arrested a suspect, but doubts remained about his guilt. With no clear motive or definitive answers, the identity of the ‘Phantom Barber’ remains an eerie, unsolved mystery.

Quote of the week

“Never

bend your head. Always hold it high. Look the world straight in the eye”

– Helen Keller, American author and disability advocate.

In the Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on Earth, some plants survive by pulling moisture directly from the air through specialised leaves. These extreme conditions mimic those on Mars, making the region a testing ground for astrobiology research. Scientists study its resilient microbes to understand how life could persist in extraterrestrial environments.

The tuatara, a reptile native to New Zealand, can take up to eight years to reach full maturity. 8

30 million

A single gram of soil can contain up to 30 million bacterial cells.

70 sextillion

There are an estimated 70 sextillion (7 followed by 22 zeros) stars in the observable universe.

Historic highlights

In 1962, a small joke at a Tanzanian boarding school sparked an outbreak of uncontrollable laughter that spread like wildfire. What started with a few students soon affected hundreds, forcing the school to close. The laughter spread to nearby villages, with episodes lasting hours or even days. Though no clear cause was found, psychologists believe it was a case of mass hysteria triggered by stress. The epidemic lasted months before finally fading, leaving behind one of history’s strangest psychological mysteries.

Today in history – February 13

1945 – The German city of Dresden is destroyed in bombing raids. Up to 25,000 people were killed in the raids that lasted three days.

2000 – The last Peanuts comic strip is published. The 17,897th and final instalment was published in newspapers around the world on the day following the death of its creator Charles M Schulz.

2004 – The universe’s largest known diamond is discovered. BPM 37093 is a white dwarf star about 50 light-years from Earth and was nicknamed ‘Lucy’ after The Beatles’ song Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds

2008 – Prime minister Kevin Rudd apologises to Indigenous Australians for the Stolen Generations. Between 10 and 30 per cent of Aboriginal and Torres Islander children were removed from their families until the 1960s.

Word of the day

Presage

To presage something is to give or be a sign that it will happen in the future.

BOOK A CONSULTATION

AIR CONDITIONING

From producing wide-ranging talent behind the scenes and in front of the cameras, to landmarks adding character to TV series and the big screen, the Sunshine Coast is seeing plenty of action and getting its name in lights. WORDS: Caitlin Zerafa.

Our starring role in screen industry

The Sunshine Coast is bursting into the spotlight, with its recent starring role in an Australian crime drama cementing its place in the booming local film scene.

The Australian screen industry contributes billions of dollars to the economy each year and is the largest creative contributor to the country.

In 2021-22, the screen industry employed around 55,000 people and contributed more than $6 billion into the Australian economy.

The Gold Coast is often referred to as the ‘Hollywood of the south’ with movies such as Thor: Ragnarok, Elvis, Aquaman, Sanctum, Unbroken, San Andreas and Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales filmed on location there.

Other parts of Queensland such as the Great Barrier Reef have also become a filmmaker’s playground, showcased in the 2022 movie Ticket to Paradise, starring Julia Roberts and George Clooney.

Brisbane last year set the scene for the award-winning Boy Swallows Universe television series, based on Trent Dalton’s book of the same name.

Now, the Glass House Mountains have taken centre stage, captivating audiences around the globe as the dramatic backdrop for a thrilling murder mystery.

Acclaimed detective drama Black Snow – in the second season of the smashhit Stan original series – delivers a gripping tale and visual feast that highlights the region’s hinterland.

More than 90 cast and crew members were involved in Black Snow 2 across 11 properties in the Glass House Mountains, Maleny and Caloundra.

Key scenes were shot at various locations including a private property on Mt Beerwah Road, Johnston Road, Roys Road, Marshs Road, Coonowrin Road, Wild Horse Mountain Scenic Lookout and Glass House Mountains Cultural Heritage Centre.

The first season, set in North Queensland, received a Logie nomination for most outstanding drama series and earned Fimmel two AACTA Award nominations.

Travis Fimmel, known for his roles in Boy Swallows Universe and Vikings, stars as Detective James Cormack in this new six-part series, which delves into the mysterious disappearance of a young woman from her 21st birthday party in 2003.

As Detective Cormack investigates, he also searches for his younger brother, who vanished when they were children.

Fimmel stars alongside cast members Kat Stewart (Offspring), Jana McKinnon (Bad Behaviour), Megan Smart (Class of ’07), Alana Mansour (Erotic Stories), Dan Spielman (Bad Behaviour, The Newsreader) and Victoria Haralabidou (The Tourist).

Producer Rosemary Blight says filming at the Glass House Mountains was an incredible experience.

“Once we discovered the Glass House

Jana McKinnon (Zoe Jacobs) and Vinnie Bennett (Joseph Lim) on location for Black Snow 2.

Inset: Travis Fimmel

Mountains, we knew we had discovered the heart of the story of Black Snow 2,” Blight says.

“The mountains’ commanding presence provided a powerful and cinematic backdrop for Season 2’s compelling story and it was an incredible experience to film there.”

Somewhat of a pioneer in the local film industry, Jane Larkin is emerging as a talented actor, writer, director and producer.

Growing up on the Coast and still calling the region home, she has landed roles in Boy Swallows Universe and Ron Howard’s Thirteen Lives and worked as a

She is also preparing to release her own film, The Edge, this year after signing with a streaming service.

She says she was on location for every Sunshine Coast day of filming for Black Snow 2, working behind the scenes as a crew member.

“I worked in the grips department for the Sunshine Coast shooting days

grip (crew member) on the 2024 film Eden, starring Jude Law, and on Black Snow 2

Jane Larkin

and got to work in the Glass House Mountains hinterland.

“Black Snow has terrific representation and it was a pleasure to be a part of a series like it.

“The local Aussie film industry is still booming and with both Hollywood/ international films and amazing domestic content, it’s no wonder.

“I have always said I wanted to learn the film industry holistically, in order to be proficient both in front and behind the camera.”

Larkin says to be able to work in the film industry in her own backyard is a proud moment.

“You’re driving up (to the Glass House Mountains) and you are there before the sunrise,” she says.

“Everyone’s busy and everyone’s tired and you’re sipping your coffee, and slowly as you’re setting equipment up and looking out, it makes you stop because you forget how beautiful it is where you live. Everyone was absolutely floored by the scenery – even people who have been there before – and I had to keep reminding myself that it was my backyard, and I was really proud of that.”

Larkin says the region has so much to offer the screen industry, but funding is crucial to allow the momentum to continue to grow.

“We have all the infrastructure. We have talent here,” she says.

“Something that I think we are still lacking, unfortunately, and something we have lacked in the past, is financial

With movies such as Toy Story, Inside Out and Monsters, Inc., Pixar has become a global powerhouse, celebrated for its award-winning animation, compelling storytelling and box-office success.

And behind some of its smash-hit films is University of the Sunshine Coast arts graduate Lucy Laliberte.

Since graduating in 2000, Laliberte has risen through the ranks of the competitive Californian film industry

and is now a feature film production manager at the Disney-owned studio. Believe it or not, she still gets starstruck – and she has a wealth of advice for others seeking film industry jobs.

What was it like working your way up in production in the film industry? Making movies is hard work and we’re constantly juggling a lot of priorities with aggressive deadlines. But the planning and strategy of how to get things done is the fun part for me. And we get to make a product that

backing. There is a lot of incentives for the Gold Coast to shoot there.

“We are moving in the right direction.

“Obviously, these changes don’t happen overnight.

“Showcasing the landscape and showcasing what the Sunshine Coast has to offer in some of these big series, and with The Edge coming out, shows that we have everything here.

“We just also need to make sure that we get the finances to continue to build upon those blocks.”

Speaking on the upcoming release of The Edge, Larkin, who is also an elite Australian sprinter and Youth Olympic silver medallist, is likening her journey to “a marathon” but is excited to show it to the world.

people love, so that’s been really fulfilling.

What are a few other things about working at Pixar that outsiders would be surprised at? One thing that always surprises people is how long our films take to make. It’s a process that takes anywhere from four years up to six years sometimes. From the beginning stages of writing a script to the final frames being rendered, it’s a slow but also very busy process where we are crunching from the very beginning to the end.

Can you give us some behind-thescenes goss – brushes with fame? We’re not making our movies in the heart of Hollywood and are a little secluded from the celebrity that surrounds the industry. So, I do get starstruck when we have actors visit or I see them at our premieres. For the most part, though, I consider my brushes with fame to be with the people I work with every day. That, and one day almost knocking Sigourney Weaver over by coming around a corner too fast!

What are a couple of the most successful movies you’ve worked on? I started at Pixar working on Toy Story 3 and have worked on 10 feature films in total. Some notable movies are Inside Out, Coco

“I feel like a sprinter who has had to turn into a marathon runner,” she says.

“It’s been a journey and an endurance test. There is a lot of relief, a lot of excitement, and I can’t wait for everyone else to see what I’m hoping will be a very inspiring story.”

The fictional film is based on three female athletes pushing the boundaries of social norms and will place importance on Indigenous and para athletes. It was filmed on location at the Glass House Mountains, as well as sports facilities at the University of the Sunshine Coast.

Larkin is holding an ‘Edge’ launch and deadlift party at Fitness Cartel, Maroochydore, on March 8 at 10am to announce the release date for the film.

and Turning Red, and the short film Bao

Mostly, my responsibilities have been to manage teams of people on the films and shepherd their workload from start to finish over the course of the film. What’s next for you? The movie I’m working on, Hoppers, is due for release in the US spring of 2026, which will be autumn for Aussies. It’s about animals –and that’s almost all I can say about it at the moment. I’ll be working on getting the movie finished up until then. After that, I hope to be working on another fun project here.

Can you offer any insights about US and Australian film industry jobs?

The film industry can be a hard one to break into. For people starting out, I always suggest that you just get your hands dirty with any work you can. That might mean teaming up with other students or colleagues to make your own short films, taking film classes or applying for internships to gain experience. It all counts.

Australia has such a great film and TV industry, it would be a dream to work on an Australian production one day.

Lucy Laliberte with the characters from Monsters, Inc.

IMAGE

DEBORAH COLEMAN, PIXAR

COAST GRADUATE OFFERS INSIGHT INTO HER ANIMATED LIFE

BMW SUNSHINE COAST CUP DAY

Under warm conditions and sunny skies, thousands gathered for an exhilarating day trackside at the annual Coastline BMW Sunshine Coast Cup Day recently. Richard and Will Freedman’s Elettrica proved a valuable acquisition for her owners, winning the 2025 Listed Coastline BMW Sunshine Coast Cup.

Images: Matt Taylor @matttaylorphotos

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LOVE IS IN THE AIR

Here’s some tips to celebrating Valentine’s Day, together or flying solo, without breaking the bank on buying gifts to show you care.

Valentine’s Day is almost upon us. And while some are counting down the days to romantic getaways and thoughtful gifts, others are bracing themselves for the pressures that come with the international day of romance.

And for those flying solo or celebrating

with friends, Galentine’s Day – a fun, friendship-filled celebration has become a popular tradition, offering a chance to toast to the special bonds we share with our closest friends.

A recent survey by Finder reveals Australians are expected to spend an eye-watering $1.53 billion on Valentine’s

Day this year – a 50 per cent increase on 2024.

However, Sarah Megginson, a personal finance expert at Finder, says while the impulse to splurge is strong, the cost of living has forced many Aussies to reconsider how they celebrate.

“It’s surprising that Aussies are set to spend 50 per cent more on Valentine’s Day this year, even as many households feel the squeeze of rising living costs,” she says.

“For some, it highlights just how much pressure there is to go all out for love, even when budgets are tight.”

Despite this rising cost, Ms Megginson suggests that romance doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.

“If you don’t get a dozen long-stem roses on Monday, you won’t be alone,” she says.

“A homemade dinner is one of the most heartfelt ways to say ‘I love you’ and it doesn’t have to break the bank.”

The key, she says, is to focus on thoughtful and meaningful gestures rather than trying to impress with expensive gifts.

Finder’s recent survey of 1012 Australians reveals that only 24 per cent plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year, meaning 76 per cent of the population either don’t have a partner or simply don’t

observe the holiday. Among those who do celebrate, the average spend per person has increased dramatically, jumping from $201 in 2024 to $303 this year.

A large portion of the spending will be on dining out, which accounts for $679 million, while $374 million will be directed toward gifts.

For couples looking to keep things affordable, here are some low-cost ideas to create memorable moments this Valentine’s Day.

Have a park or beach date: personalise it by heading somewhere special to the two of you or pick somewhere your Valentine has always wanted to go.

Recreate a moment: from your first date to the first time you met, turn back the time – recreate a memory and yes, take a snap of it.

Snuggle in for a movie night at home: if you aren’t up for going out, Netflix is your best friend (with caramel popcorn).

Watch the sun set: mark a spot on the beach, cliffside, mountainside or water and catch the golden hour with the sun setting over the horizon.

Whip up dinner together: stay in and work together to cook up a storm.

Unleash the board games: spend the night in with the best two-player games you can find.

CHANGES MADE TO LIFEGUARD SERVICES

Recent aquatic risk assessments will see one Caloundra beach ramp up its patrol hours, while another is downgraded.

Alifeguard service has been extended at a popular beach in an effort to increase safety for water-goers.

The daily lifeguard services at Happy Valley Beach, Caloundra, will continue until May 2025, thanks to Sunshine Coast Council and Surf Life Saving Queensland

(SLSQ). The change comes due to an increased risk level following changes in the Australian Beach Safety and Management Program (ABSAMP) Rating.

An aquatic risk assessment for Bulcock Beach and Happy Valley Beach was recently conducted in accordance with the ABSAMP Rating.

Based on the assessment, Happy Valley Beach moves from Tier 4 to Tier 2.

Tier 4 beaches are patrolled on weekends, plus school and public holidays, from September to May.

Meanwhile, Tier 2 beaches are patrolled seven days a week from the September school holidays to the first Monday in May, plus weekends, school and public holidays during the winter months.

The changes at Happy Valley were trialled over the Christmas-New Year holiday period and SLSQ received no negative comments from the public.

These changes will now continue with professional lifeguards to patrol the popular swimming area daily and put up the red and yellow flags when the tide allows vehicle access.

The seven-day service will then reduce to weekends, public and school holiday coverage from May to September.

Location signage will be updated to reflect the new arrangements.

Meanwhile, Bulcock Beach will move from Tier 2 to Tier 4 following the risk assessment.

Surf Life Saving Queensland state regional operations manager Aaron Purchase says the service change is a proactive step by the council and SLSQ.

“The use of the patrol flags will make

it easier for the public to identify the best place to swim in the area and will, in turn, make it easier for lifeguards to manage the area,” Mr Purchase says.

Sunshine Coast Division 2 Councillor Terry Landsberg says it was a busy holiday season and, with the foreshore generally protected from large surf and the large sandbars exposed at low tide, Happy Valley continues to draw an increasing number of bathers.

“In previous years, a Tier 4 service level was provided, only covering weekends, school and public holidays,” Cr Landsberg says.

“With the changes to the landscape, increased visitation and growing number of incidents over the last few months, we decided to maintain a higher service in this location.”

Council-funded lifeguard services for the region are guided by the Surf Life Saving Queensland – Sunshine Coast Council Lifeguard Service Plan 2023-2028 This plan was adopted at the August 2023 Ordinary Meeting.

Year-round services are provided by SLSQ with provisions to adjust services able to occur based on changes in the ABSAMP Rating.

For more information on patrolled beach locations, times and conditions, visit beachsafe.org.au.

LOCAL LINE OF DEFENCE AGAINST CYBER ATTACKS

A high-tech network helping to protect Australia’s healthcare providers will be set up on the Coast following a major government investment.

In a major development for the Sunshine Coast region, a local not-for-profit organisation has been awarded $6.4 million from the federal government to help safeguard Australia’s health sector from growing cyber threats.

Based in Maroochydore, the Critical Infrastructure Information Sharing and Analysis Centre (CI-ISAC) was established in February 2023.

It now provides cyber threat intelligence to organisations across Australia’s 11 critical infrastructure sectors, including healthcare.

This funding will support the creation of the Health Cyber Sharing Network, helping healthcare providers share intelligence and strengthen their defences against cyber-attacks.

Sunshine Coast Council’s Invest Sunshine Coast services promotes the region for business investment to organisations such as CI-ISAC, via the Investment & Growth Toolkit. This has resulted in more than $4.5 billion in new economic impact since 2013 and making investors including Youi, Country Chef and Genpact become household names.

Mayor Rosanna Natoli has congratulated CI-ISAC and acknowledged the centre’s contribution to the region.

“CI-ISAC’s decision to base itself on the Sunshine Coast while delivering national services shows the strength of our digital economy,” she says.

“With the fastest east coast fibre connection to the US, a fibre-enabled city centre and another international cable on

the way, the Sunshine Coast is built for high-tech industries.

“Organisations like CI-ISAC strengthen our national security, create local jobs and attract leading tech talent to the region.

“We are immensely proud that a nation-leading organisation like CI-ISAC has chosen to operate here, and we wish them great success in their critical work for our country.”

CI-ISAC effectively provides a cyber ‘neighbourhood watch’ for Australian health providers to share relevant information on cyber threats, while also benefiting from insights gained from other critical infrastructure sectors.

CI-ISAC CEO David Sandell says the new Health Cyber Sharing Network will significantly strengthen the cyber resilience of Australia’s health and medical sector.

“The health and medical sector holds a large amount of incredibly private and personal medical and financial information,” he says.

“The new network can help members reduce their cyber risks and prevent disruptions to essential health services, ensuring the wellbeing of patients.”

Sunshine Coast Tech Industry Alliance chair Jason Garland says he and the broader tech industry are very pleased for CI-ISAC.

“As a valued member of the Sunshine Coast business community, the national visibility that CI-ISAC is creating for our region’s achievements and capabilities is outstanding,” Mr Garland says.

“Senior members of Australia’s corporate sector and government at all levels are now learning where CI-ISAC is operating from and why this location has been chosen. That has enormous benefit for our wider tech community through increased visibility of what we can do and deliver from the Sunshine Coast.”

ADDRESSING YOUTH CRIME

Regional stakeholder sessions have begun across the state, including on the Sunshine Coast, to shape two new youth crime programs directed at early intervention and rehabilitation.

The Queensland government’s Regional Reset and Staying on Track programs aim to play a crucial role in addressing youth crime.

The Regional Reset initiative will offer short-term residential programs of one to three weeks for young people exhibiting high-risk behaviours, such as substance abuse, aggression or truancy.

Meanwhile, Staying on Track will provide a structured 12-month rehabilitation program post-detention, including six months of intensive support to help reintegrate youth into the community.

Premier David Crisafulli says the programs aim to reduce the state’s 91 per cent youth recidivism rate.

“These new programs are about pushing the reset button on young lives and providing them with the life skills, education and support to turn towards a brighter future,” he says.

“Early intervention isn’t a one-size-fitsall approach, but Regional Reset will give troubled kids a real chance to change their path. And while breaking the cycle of crime takes time, Staying on Track will help young people reintegrate and avoid falling back into old habits.

“After 10 years of decline there is no overnight silver bullet but we won’t stop until there are fewer victims in Queensland.

“With early intervention and rehabilitation, we can start to turn the tide on youth crime and start to make our community safer.”

Stakeholder feedback will inform the next stage of the tender process.

CI-ISAC analyst Jason Elie, industry engagement lead Robin Barbieri, CEO David Sandell, chair Stephen Beaumont AM and co-founder Dr Scott Flower

SHIP-TO-SHORE ADVENTURES

Passengers on five ‘floating hotels’ will discover the region’s charms and help keep our economy afloat in traditionally quieter months.

Mooloolaba is set to welcome a series of cruise ships over the next two months, bringing a significant boost to local businesses and tourism.

With February and March typically quieter periods, the ships are expected to create a vibrant atmosphere and provide a substantial economic uplift to the region. Viking Sky kicked off the season on

February 8 with 930 passengers on board.

The MS Azamara Pursuit will dock on February 22, carrying 777 passengers, and Viking Venus will bring 930 passengers to the region on February 23.

The cruise ship Amadea is scheduled to arrive on February 28, bringing 600 passengers, and the Seven Seas Mariner will conclude this wave of arrivals on March 30 with 769 passengers.

Visit Sunshine Coast staff, Visitor Information Centre volunteers and tourism operators will be at The Wharf Mooloolaba to greet passengers as they disembark.

Visit Sunshine Coast CEO Matt Stoeckel says volunteer ambassadors help passengers make the most of their shore excursions as they explore the region.

“These visits are worth around $1million a year,” Mr Stoeckel says.

“The economic boost to Mooloolaba, and the Sunshine Coast, is extremely valuable to businesses, especially during these quieter trading periods.”

Sunshine Coast Council Economy Portfolio and Divisional Councillor Joe Natoli says this cruise ship season will be of real value for tourism, retail, hospitality and other local enterprises.

“Tourism and Events Queensland research shows cruise ship guests to the Sunshine Coast spend an average of $450 each per day while on shore,” Cr Natoli says.

“This is a great opportunity to showcase the best of what our region has to offer, ensuring a memorable experience for all cruise passengers. Passengers who have a great time here during a stopover tell their friends and family and frequently return to the Sunshine Coast. So, it provides long-term benefits.”

POPULAR BOUTIQUES CLOSE

Stores around the Sunshine Coast are closing their doors after the fall of a major fashion group.

Local outlets of Millers, Noni B, Katies, Rivers, Rockmans, Autograph, Crossroads, W.Lane and BeMe have either shut down or are about to.

Their closures were essentially caused by the collapse of parent company Mosaic Brands late last year.

The outgoing manager of Rockmans at Nambour, Nicole James, says she has relished her time at the shop.

“I’ve had the absolute pleasure of working at the store for 8.5 years and managing it for the last four years,” she posted on social media.

“I’ve met some amazing people who I proudly call my friends. I loved my job with a passion and loved seeing and serving you.

“I wish to the thank the community for all your support over the years.

“We have shared many laughs and tears together.”

There could be more than 20 Coast outlets under the Mosaic umbrella affected. They include prominent shops at Sunshine Plaza and the conspicuous Rivers store across the road in Plaza Parade.

WORDS: Steele Taylor.

Hello everyone,

FROM THE MAYOR

Did you know that our region is home to more than 54,000 registered dogs?

Our furry friends are such a big part of our lives, bringing so much joy, vitality and companionship.

Pets, like their owners, love the wonderful outdoor environment we enjoy here on the Sunshine Coast.

I also know that since becoming Mayor, this has been an important topic for our community and I’m often asked questions when out and about meeting residents.

That’s why we need to carefully plan for the future of our parks, open spaces and beaches, while also considering our environment, community connections and safety.

Council has released a draft Dog Exercise Area Plan and Network Blueprint – now open for consultation.

This 20-year plan is not just about creating more spaces for dogs. It is about striking a balance.

Please take the time to provide your feedback on Council’s Have Your Say website or attend one of several pop-up sessions being held across the region. Together, we can shape a future that supports an active, inclusive and balanced community.

Bye, for now!

Rosanna Natoli, Mayor, Sunshine Coast Council.

Hinterland

Shaven will help protect threatened species into the future

Purchase of biodiversity corridor highlights the Environment Levy in action.

unshine Coast Council has secured 108 hectares of land, abundant with vine and eucalypt forest, to fortify a key hinterland biodiversity corridor.

The former native timber-harvesting site in Wootha, purchased for $2 million with funds from the Environment Levy, is home to threatened species – to at least eight plants and seven animals and birds, including the koala and glossy black cockatoo.

The purchase expands the neighbouring Annie Heir Environment Reserve, creating a protected corridor that connects with Glass House

Mountains National Park and forming a total protected habitat of more than 537 hectares.

Environment and Liveability Portfolio Councillor Tim Burns says our region’s biodiversity corridors are mapped in Council’s Environment and Liveability Strategy.

“Biodiversity corridors are places where it’s possible to connect the natural landscape in a network across our Sunshine Coast Biosphere,” Cr Burns says.

“In connected corridors, feeding, migrating and reproducing is easier for all species: flora, fauna or fungi.

“Working towards connected

corridors, fortified through conservation, is critical for healthy ecosystems and the bigger picture of our region’s biodiversity.”

The $82 Environment Levy, paid by property owners, funds environmental programs and projects.

Since the early 1990s, the levy has helped purchase more than 4200 hectares for conservation.

Scan the QR code to explore all land for conservation purchased through the levy.

Located in the Maroochydore City Centre, Community CoLab can host up to 20 people comfortably, providing an excellent venue for a variety of small events.

Enquire or book now, contact communitycolab@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

Awards highlight those who make our region a better place

Community heroes don’t always wear capes, so nominate those who go over and above to acknowledge their efforts.

He’s had more than 100 solo exhibitions, is a Wynne Prize winner and his works are held by the National Gallery of Australia and major public galleries.

Thanks to a generous gift, 70 of David Rankin’s works have entered the Sunshine Coast Art Collection to be enjoyed now and by future generations.

Some of those works will be on show in the Latest & Greatest III exhibition at Caloundra Regional Gallery, from February 7 to April 6.

Sunshine Coast Council Strong Portfolio Councillor David Law says the exhibition showcases works acquired into the region’s impressive art collection over the past two years.

“Our Sunshine Coast Art Collection is an important and valuable public collection that makes art more accessible to our local and visiting communities, helping to keep our region’s cultural story alive,” Cr Law says.

The exhibition features artworks across diverse genres and is a unique opportunity to engage with the collection.

The gallery is located at 22 Omrah Avenue, Caloundra and entry is free. Visit gallery.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au for details.

The search is on for the next group of community heroes for 2025. Who will you nominate? What makes a community hero?

Chances are, you thought of someone who is generous with their time, goes over and above to help others or makes our region a better place for everyone.

Now is your chance to thank them for their efforts by nominating them for the Sunshine Coast Biosphere Community Awards.

The annual awards bring our most inspirational people together to

community, support innovation and honour their time and participation.

By nominating an individual, community group or business, you are also inspiring others to make a difference in our community.

Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli says that having witnessed the pride our 2024 nominees felt at being recognised by their community, this is one of the best ways to say thank you and acknowledge their efforts.

“If you know of a person, community organisation or business making a difference in our Sunshine Coast community, I encourage you to celebrate

Your Sunshine Coast Council rates notices have been issued and are due for payment by February 21.

There is a range of convenient online payment methods available to pay your rates, including BPAY and direct debit.

Check your rates notice to see all the ways you can pay and mark your calendar to pay on time to avoid interest. You can open a ‘MyCouncil’

their efforts by nominating them today,” Mayor Natoli says.

Nominations close on April 30. Award categories are:

• Citizen of the Year

• Young Citizen of the Year

• Senior Citizen of the Year

• Community – group or organisation

• Creative Arts Award

• Healthy People Award (sport, recreation, health and wellbeing)

• Healthy Planet Award (environmental stewardship)

• Biosphere Business of the Year. Submit a nomination through the online form on Council’s website: sunshinecoast. qld.gov.au/communityawards

account or login to pay at mycouncil. sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.

For those who need a little more flexibility, Council offers the ability to set up an arrangement to pay your rates notice by instalments.

Setting up a payment arrangement must be done by February 21.

For more information, visit sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au and search for ‘pay your rates by instalments’.

David Rankin, Crossings Pink 2005, acrylic charcoal on paper, 56 x 76cm. Image: Vivid Photo

The 2024 award recipients

COMMUNITY NOTES

Help home Captain and Willow

The Sunshine Coast’s 4 Paws Animal Rescue provides refuge for homeless cats and dogs. Currently, the organisation is seeking a permanent home for Captain and Willow (pictured): a six-year-old pair of pedigree Persians. They arrived at 4 Paws after their owner moved into residential care. They are friendly, enjoy company and must be adopted together. To find out more, visit the website: 4pawsanimalrescue.org.au.

Yandina Country Music

Yandina welcomes guest artist John Abbott to the Australian Country Music Association concert on February 16. Singing songs that you know and love, Abbott’s on-stage energy and professionalism bring them alive. Enjoy other crowd-pleasing favourites from local artists, backed by a great house band. Head to the Hall of Fame at 24 Steggalls Road, Yandina, for a noon start. There will be raffle and door prizes.

Bring your own lunch. Free tea and coffee are available. Entry is $10, with proceeds to go towards the upkeep of the hall. For inquiries, call 0437 191 004.

Genealogy Sunshine Coast

Genealogy Sunshine Coast’s first general meeting of 2025 will be on February 15 at 9.30am. Guest speaker Clive Waring will talk on restoring and editing photos. The club is located opposite the Nambour Aquatic Centre on Petrie Park Road and is open every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 9am4.30pm. Email genealogysc@gmail.com for more information.

Information centre volunteers

Caloundra Information Centre is seeking volunteers to help provide invaluable assistance offering tourist information, directions and details about local events. This is an opportunity to expand your knowledge of the region and become an expert in Caloundra’s hidden gems and popular tourist destinations. The centre is located at 77 Bulcock Street. Visit caloundra.com.au for more information.

Hearing loss support

CICADA Queensland is a support group for anyone with hearing loss. Meetings are now held at the Maroochy RSL on the third Tuesday of the month from 10am.

The next meeting is on February 18. Head along and chat to those who understand hearing loss and how it can impact your life. Contact Penny at secretary@cicadaqld.org or message 0421 328 909 for more information.

Bicycle Touring Club

Sunshine Coast Bicycle Touring Club welcomes cyclists with a wide range of skill, fitness and experience. Rides are social, non-competitive and cater for most levels of proficiency. Riders also enjoy weekends away exploring the region. Members are aged from 50 to 85 and use road and mountain bikes and e-bikes. Visit scbtc.net for the full ride calendar.

Alexandra Headland Mixed Probus

Probus clubs are great for making new friends. Alexandra Headland Mixed Probus Club holds meetings every third Monday of the month at 9.30am at Maroochy RSL. The next meeting is on February 17. All retirees are welcome. For more information, contact alexprobus@outlook.com.

Do you have a community notice? Email it to localnews@ myweeklypreview.com.au.

Cr Christian Dickson Division 6

New shed for cricket club

The Maroochydore Cricket Club now has a new shed, thanks to Division 6 funds.

The upgrade was sorely needed, with the previous shed leaking and frequently broken into.

With this new shed, the club can continue to serve as a place for everyone to stay active and social.

I made this commitment last year to help the club and would like to thank Sunshine Coast Council’s property team, which worked to make it happen.

Dixon Road footpath renewal

It has been exciting to see the footpath renewal come to life along Dixon Road in Buderim, from Nyes Crescent to opposite Lauren Drive.

Locals will remember the old bitumen surface was cracked and in poor condition.

Quality footpaths are important to our connected and active community, and we can now all enjoy a much safer

Community grants now open

Calling all local community groups –how could extra funds help you make a difference in our vibrant community?

The combined Major and Minor Grant round is now open for community organisations to apply for funding to deliver one-off projects, events and activities.

Community groups can apply for major grants up to $15,000 for projects, activities and events, as well as up to $30,000 for infrastructure projects or minor grants up to $2000.

Grant applications close on March 10. Visit sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au and search for ‘major grants’ to apply.

Remember, you can always email me at Christian.Dickson@sunshinecoast.qld. gov.au and follow my Facebook page for

EMERGENCY

MESSAGE

Queenslanders are being urged to update their phone settings by adding the emergency alert phone number to their ‘favourites’ list, to stay informed during a disaster.

Emergency Alert is the national telephone-based warning system used to send voice messages to landlines and text messages to mobile phones to warn people of emergencies. This includes dangerous weather with potentially severe impacts.

A Queensland Police Service statement says an emergency alert is one way for authorities to warn communities of a dangerous situation in the area, and is only issued when necessary.

“They are not issued for every circumstance but the message will include important, potentially lifesaving directions which require you to take action to stay safe,” the statement reads.

“You do not need to register to receive an emergency alert from the system, which is sent from caller ID number: +61 444 444 444.

“Messages from +61 444 444 444 are not a scam. They are official phone warnings as part of a national geo-

targeting emergency alert system.

“Residents are being asked to check the number is not blocked on their device and to add it to their ‘favourites’, so they don’t miss the alerts.

“If you follow these steps, even if your phone is set to ‘do not disturb’, you will still receive the alert, no matter what time of the day or night it is issued.”

Visit disaster.qld.gov.au for the latest emergency alert details and for area information on Local Government disaster dashboards.

Maroochydore Cricket Club’s new shed

MTHE WHO, WHAT AND WHEN SHOW

Ashley Robinson and his wife often find themselves playing the name game and don’t always get the answers right – but it’s a lot of fun.

y dear wife, better known as Old Mate, can at times become confused and, just a few weeks ago, probably had a gold medal performance at getting people mixed up.

But firstly, I will give you a previous example – one from the late ’80s (yep that’s right: it has been going on a while).

We had been talking about the actor who took over the role of James Bond –Timothy Dalton, who did two movies in the franchise in ’87 and ’89. Somewhere in between the two hitting the screen, Old Mate says to me how talented he was, and asks how he could become such a good actor while still playing in one of the world’s biggest bands.

Slightly bewildered, I asked her what she was on about and she said, “The Who, you idiot. He is lead singer of The Who.” I replied with who the idiot was: The Who singer was Roger Daltrey not Timothy Dalton. This ended in much laughter.

There have been a few gaffes in between but her podium effort the other week is a stand-out.

Old Mate watches TV in one room with

headphones on and me in the other: a perfect arrangement. She pipes up while watching Nine News and says, “How good is it that Effie from TV series Acropolis Now is doing the finance section after all those years of being a comedian?”

Now, I couldn’t hear the TV but I had a look and asked if she was sure – she said yes. That was three weeks ago. So, for that time, I believed that’s who it was: a comedian from the late ’80s, now a finance expert. A few days ago, I walked past and mentioned that Effie was pretty good for her age, as she had to be about 60 considering when that show was on TV.

I went out to get my phone to Google it but heard hysterical laughter from the lounge room. Old Mate was crying with laughter, telling me: “Her name is Effie Zahos and I got her confused with Mary Coustas who played Effie in the TV show – she is 60.”

The sad part is, I had convinced myself it was a really tidy looking 60-year-old comedian up there on the screen giving financial advice. Gold medal to Old Mate for sure, but it sort of clarifies where we are both heading. Bloody hell!

ALIFTING THE LID ON LIFE IN JAPAN

Sami Muirhead is sold on some of the indulgent pleasures she found in the Land of the Rising Sun after a recent family holiday.

warm toilet seat is just about as good as life gets, in my opinion. We just had our first trip to Japan and the loos warmed my heart.

And my bottom. Literally. I have a list of things that surprised and delighted me about Tokyo after our family of five soaked up the Land of the Rising Sun.

No.1 on my list are the heated toilet seats. The public loos are all spotlessly clean and your seat is toasty warm which is just about the ultimate luxury in life, I have decided.

Not much else compares to a warm welcome when you sit down. Many public loos also offer little sound machines next to the toilet that play tranquil tunes while you tinkle. Thoughtful and practical.

No.2 on the list is the 7-Eleven. Different to our version, the convenience store chain has many surprise things for sale. The cold egg sandwiches are to die for! Fresh, soft, crustless white bread with a special egg-and-mayo mixture got me hooked. I had one every day.

The other crazy sandwich filling was strawberries and cream. My daughter got

For more from Sami, tune into Mix

hooked on them. Our family order also consisted of triangular-shaped sushi, packet pancakes smothered with butter and maple syrup jam and a crunchy chicken schnitzel breast – all before 8am.

No.3 on the list are the pet-cuddling cafes splattered throughout Tokyo. We opted for a micro pig-cuddling café that gave us maximum happiness.

I was a little cynical about the whole thing but sitting on the ground while warm little snouts eagerly press into your belly is just about the cutest and happiest thing you can do. Trust me.

And lastly, at No.4, is The One Hundred Yen Shop. One hundred yen is roughly one Australian dollar. And you can bet your (warm) bottom dollar that everything really is just one buck.

Oh, the stuff we bought! Chopstick holders with tiny cats on them. Socks for our dogs. A potato peeler dressed in a kimono. The list goes on (my poor husband!). We were delirious from bagging obscure bargains and had the time of our thrifty lives.

Thank you, Japan. I will miss you, as will my pampered tush.

The opinions expressed are those of the authors. These are not the views of My Weekly Preview publishers.

Ashley Robinson is chairman of Sunshine Coast Falcons and Sunshine Coast Thunder Netball and a lifetime Sunshine Coast resident.

Sami Muirhead is a radio announcer, blogger and commentator.

FM.

Troy Derwin, Ord Minnett Buderim

DID SOMEBODY SAY INTEREST RATE CUT?

The December quarter inflation figure was released in late January and showed some long-awaited progress towards target.

This has buoyed market expectations for an interest rate cut at the Reserve Bank’s (RBA) February meeting.

Underlying inflation in the December quarter rose 3.1 per cent year-on-year, which was held down by subsidies for electricity, childcare and rent.

The RBA’s preferred measure of inflation is called the trimmed mean, which strips out the items with the largest price changes. This measure came in at 0.5 per cent for the quarter, below economists’ 0.6 per cent consensus forecast, taking the annual rate to 3.2 per cent. This was comfortably below the RBA’s own forecast for 3.4 per cent.

Despite the overall good news on inflation, we do note that goods inflation is the key driver, and is now annualising at under 1 per cent p.a.

That is in stark contrast to services inflation, which has remained stubbornly high above 4 per cent for more than 12 months.

While the overall inflation news is encouraging, we believe the RBA needs to balance that against expected improvements in economic growth and

a strong and tightening jobs market.

Consumer spending is robust, helped by easing inflationary pressures and tax cuts. Government spending is also high and unlikely to reduce much ahead of the next Federal election, expected in mid-April. Improvements in consumer spending and continued government spend will underpin economic growth.

The labour market remains stretched and has tightened over recent months, as government spending in healthcare, aged care and education has driven further employment gains. The underemployment rate is near a cycle low, which could suggest a February rate cut could be premature from a labour market perspective.

There is minimal economic data between now and the February decision, except for retail sales, which should provide some insight as to how the consumer is faring and provide some clues as to whether the tax cuts are being saved or spent.

Looking at interest rate markets, a 25 basis point rate cut is now 95 per cent priced in for February – basically a done deal in the eyes of the market.

While we concur that the recent inflation date adds to the case for a February rate cut, we do think that the rate-cutting cycle will be shallower than the market’s current expectations of three cuts in 2025.

As a result, we remain cautiously positioned in terms of Australian shares.

Troy Derwin is an authorised representative (No. 435773) of Ord Minnett Ltd, AFS licence 237121. This article contains general financial advice only. Obtain personal advice from your professional adviser to assess the suitability of this stock for you. Troy can be reached on 5430 4444 or tderwin@ ords.com.au.

15

FEBRUARY

AGED & DISABILITY EXPO

The Aged & Disability Expo Sunshine Coast is a must-attend event, offering an array of products and services for seniors and individuals with disabilities. Taking place at Caloundra Indoor Stadium, this free event showcases the latest solutions designed to empower and improve lives. This year’s superhero-themed expo celebrates the everyday heroes within the aged care and disability sectors. Visitors can explore a diverse range of resources, meet exhibitors and discover tailored support networks to enhance their wellbeing.

When: Saturday, February 15, 9am-3pm. Where: Caloundra Indoor Stadium, North Street Golden Beach.

Tickets: Free event. Register via eventbrite.com.au and search for ‘Aged & Disability Expo Sunshine Coast’.

on WHAT’S

There’s loads to explore and plenty to do on the Coast. Pop these fun events into your diary so you don’t miss out.

22

FEBRUARY

KARISE EDEN

With a voice often compared to Adele and Amy Winehouse, Karise Eden has become one of Australia’s most distinctive talents. Rising to fame with a viral audition that captured millions, she’s earned ARIA Awards, gold and platinum records, and chart-topping hits. Her indie release Into The Black featured a No.1 single, showcasing her versatility across genres such as blues, soul and Americana. When: Saturday, February 22, 6pm. Where: Norton Music Factory, 13 Bronwyn Street, Caloundra West. Tickets: $38.25, via oztix.com.au and search for ‘Karise Eden’.

14

FEBRUARY

VALENTINE’S DAY AT AUSTRALIA ZOO It’s as wild as Valentine’s Day gets. Head to Australia Zoo for a date with your loved one or to celebrate your love of wildlife. On the Affectionate Animal Trail, you can meet some of the wonderfully loved-up animals. Take part in the Animal Magnetism Competition where your magnetic touch could win you romantic prizes. Or try a romantic, threecourse lunch at Warrior Restaurant & Bar. With plenty of fun activities to do with your special loved ones, family or friends, you will fall head over heels for Valentine’s Day.

When: Friday, February 14, 9am-5pm.

Where: Australia Zoo, 1638 Steve Irwin Way, Beerwah.

Tickets: Various tickets available via australiazoo.com.au/event/ valentines-day/

21-23 FEBRUARY

TRAVELLING FILM FESTIVAL

Travelling Film Festival, the regional tour of Sydney Film Festival, comes to the Sunshine Coast for the first time in its 50-year history. It showcases seven acclaimed films, including Venice Golden Lion winner The Room Next Door, starring Tilda Swinton and Julianne Moore, and Oscar favourite The Brutalist, starring Adrien Brody.

When: Friday, February 21, to Sunday, February 23. Various times as selected. Where: BCC Cinemas, Sunshine Plaza, 154-164 Horton Parade, Maroochydore. Tickets: From $18, via sff.org.au/tff/ tickets/maroochydore/

21

FEBRUARY

JOHNNY CASH AND THE OUTLAWS

Be part of a night that pays homage to the legends of outlaw country music when Leaving Jackson presents Johnny Cash and The Outlaws. The stellar line-up includes David Thompson, Jeff Carter Jr, Michael Martin and Narelle Ryan with a world-class live band.

When: Friday, February 21, 7.30-9.40pm. Where: The Events Centre, 20 Minchinton Street, Caloundra. Tickets: $69, via theeventscentre.com. au/event/johnny-cash-and-the-outlaws/

22 FEBRUARY

THE MUSIC OF JAMES BOND

The Music of James Bond is an all-new production of the memorable musical gems that harmonised alongside the on-screen intrigue, adventures and philandering of the charismatic British agent. Songs include The World Is Not Enough, You Only Live Twice, Goldfinger, A View to a Kill, Live and Let Die, and Tomorrow Never Dies, as well as two Best Song Academy Award winners Skyfall and Writing’s on the Wall. Renae Suttie and Rhydian Lewis will be accompanied by a powerhouse seven-piece band, backing vocalists and dancers.

When: Saturday, February 22, 7.30-9.50pm.

Where: The Events Centre, 20 Minchinton Street, Caloundra.

Tickets: $69.90, via theeventscentre.com.au/event/the-music-of-james-bond/

25

FEBRUARY

MASTER XERO – HANDS-ON TRAINING

Small business owners looking to master Xero can gain essential financial management skills in this hands-on training session. Designed for beginners and those seeking to refine their expertise, this interactive workshop covers invoicing, bank reconciliation, expense management and financial reporting. A laptop and Xero access are required, with a free trial available for newcomers.

When: Tuesday, February 25, 8.30am-noon. Where: 4A/74 Bulcock Street, Caloundra. Tickets: $99, via eventbrite.com.au and search for ‘Master Xero: A hands-on training session’.

28

FEBRUARY

EXPLORING CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY

Whether you have a full DSLR, compact digital camera or camera phone, awardwinning photographer and visual artist Robyn Hills will guide you through ways to expand and elevate your approach to capturing images. You will examine a range of subjects and approaches to using light, composition and subject matter. When: Friday, February 28, 10am-3pm. Where: Caloundra Regional Gallery, Omrah Avenue, Caloundra.

Tickets: $67.45, via events.humanitix. com/exploring-creative-photographywith-master-photographer-robyn-hills

3

MARCH

AMY SHARK

Fresh off The Sadness arena tour, eight-time ARIA award winner and alt-pop singer-songwriter Amy Shark is hitting the road for a mammoth 20-date, solo acoustic Songs and Stories regional tour of Australia. For the first time ever, Shark will perform the entire set acoustically, while diving into stories and emotions of how each song came to life.

When: Monday, March 3, at 7pm.

Where: The Events Centre, 20 Minchinton Street, Caloundra.

Tickets: From $88.05, via theeventscentre.com.au/event/ amy-shark/

Gig guide

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14

Tori Drake & Brad Butcher, Kings Beach Tavern, 7.30pm

Jam & Scones, The Presynct, Nambour, 7pm

KT Maree, Maroochy RSL, 5.30pm

DJ Querol, Alex Surf Club, 4pm

DJ Motosas, Beerwah Hotel, 8.30pm

Dramaqueen, Palmwoods Hotel, 8.30pm

Badlands, Cooroy RSL, 6pm.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15

Chase The Sun, Norton Music Factory, Caloundra West, 6pm

Loose Goose, Solbar, 7pm

Jazz in the Forest, Spicers Tamarind Retreat, Maleny, noon

Australian Youth Orchestra, The Events Centre, 3pm

Steve Graham, Maroochy RSL, 5.30pm

Something Blue, Alex Surf Club, 4.30pm

By Request, Beerwah Hotel, 8.30pm

Banned FTC, Palmwoods Hotel, 8.30pm.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16

Lachy Doley Group, Kings Beach Tavern, 3pm

Janice Smithers, Maroochy RSL, 5.30pm

Travis Hair, Alex Surf Club, 1pm Alexis, Mooloolaba Surf Club, 2pm.

* All events were correct at time of printing.

This Valentine’s, Fall in Love with Lower Mortgage Payments!

Interest rates are dropping so now is the perfect time to explore better mortgage deals in the marketplace! This Valentine’s, give yourself the gift of savings—more money in your pocket for the things (and people) you love.

TSC Mortgage Brokers provides fast and fl exible funding solutions for property investors; home owners and fi rst home purchasers.

Don’t wait—secure your sweetheart deal today!

Local eats

dish.Signature

Beach Bar Satay Chicken

INGREDIENTS:

Dressing

• 6 skin-on chicken breasts

• 10g sea salt

• 5g smoked paprika

• 5g curry powder

• 5g turmeric

• 100ml canola oil.

Serves 6

Satay sauce

• 25g red curry paste

• 2 kaffir lime leaves

• 85g brown sugar

• 250ml water

• 15ml apple cider vinegar

• 160g peanut butter

• 30ml soy sauce

• 15ml fish sauce

• 100ml coconut milk.

METHOD:

Marinate the chicken breasts for at least six hours by combining the dry spices and oil and massaging into the meat. In a medium saucepan, fry off the red curry paste and kaffir lime until fragrant. Add the brown sugar and let it caramelise slightly, followed by the water, apple cider vinegar and peanut butter. Bring to a boil and add the soy sauce, fish sauce and coconut milk. Reduce the heat and simmer for five minutes. Heat a large frypan and seal the chicken, skin side down, until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Bake in the oven at 170°C until cooked through. Serve with the satay sauce, coconut rice and roti. Garnish with your favorite fresh herbs and a drizzle of fresh coconut milk.

Chef’s tip

Making your own red curry paste is super easy, can be made in bulk and will really elevate this dish. The same applies to the roti, but a store-bought version of both is still delicious if you don’t have the time. Remember to rest your breast and if you have a gas cooktop or barbecue, cooking the roti over an open flame makes you look cool and also tastes better. Recipe supplied by The Beach Bars.

For the Summer Locals’ Lunch, select one of the menu items below, plus a glass of house wine, beer or soft drink, for only $29:

• Moya Valley chicken and herb schnitzel, garden salad, fries and lemon

• Grilled halloumi, local mango, baby spinach, chilli macadamia and honey-mustard dressing

• Mooloolaba king prawns, green papaya, carrot, cherry tomato and bean sprout salad, peanuts, herbs and Thai dressing.

Park & Cove Noosa, 33a Viewland Drive, Noosa Heads, 5455 2209, parkandcovenoosa.com.au

Café Rubia’s all-new menu recently dropped in Sippy Downs. Early bird or brunch lover, there’s something for everyone’s schedule. Delight in hearty breakfasts, fresh all-day dining classics and irresistible dinner specials, available for dine-in or takeaway. Experience happiness on a plate. Open seven days from 7.30am:

• breakfast 7.30-11am

• lunch and dinner 11-9pm

• takeaway from 7.30am-8.30pm.

Café Rubia, 10 Courage Street, Sippy Downs, 5450 4288, thebowertree.com.au

At The Beach Bars, we’re all about riding the wave of cheeky good times. From fresh-as-it-gets eats to cocktails that hit just right, we’re serving up laid-back vibes with a side of waterfront breezes. Gluten-free legends, we’ve got you covered: most of our menu already is. And if it’s not, we’ll switch it up for you – no extra hassle, no extra charge. So wax your sense of humour, grab the crew, and cruise on in. Life’s too short not to!

Kings Beach Bar, 1/8 Levuka Avenue, Kings Beach, 5341 8475. Cotton Tree, Shop 2, 13-15 The Esplanade, Cotton Tree, 3132 8484. Or book online via thebeachbars.com.au

Whether you’re after a quick bite or a leisurely brunch, The Events Centre Café is the ideal place to relax, unwind and enjoy great company. Kick-start your day with a perfectly brewed coffee or catch up with friends over a delicious meal. Open 8am-2pm weekdays.

The Events Centre Cafe 20 Minchinton Street, Caloundra, 5491 4240 theeventscentre.com.au

Nestled in the heart of Alexandra Headland, Funky Wok is where authentic pan-Asian flavours meet modern Thai fusion in a vibrant, inviting setting. Whether you’re looking for a casual bite, a fine dining experience, or a place to gather with friends and family, we offer a fresh twist on traditional dishes with an aromatic, vivid flair.

Shop 1/180 Alexandra Parade, Alexandra Headland, 5478 1478 funkywok.com.au

Fairhill Courtyard (formerly Catbird) is the Sunshine Coast’s only farm-to-table, paddock-to-plate eatery. Led by award-winning chef Fraser Willmott (a WA Chef of the Year), the kitchen recently won the Diners’ Choice Award for beautiful food celebrating native ingredients and fine seasonal produce from the gardens and home farm. Open Thursdays-Mondays from 8am (last food orders at 2pm). Private functions are also catered for.

114 Fairhill Road, Ninderry, 5343 7906, fairhill.com.au/menu

Local Flow Mediterranean Eatery in Cotton Tree blends fresh, locally sourced ingredients with vibrant flavours in a chic, boutique setting. A celebration of seasonal produce, the menu focuses on fresh local seafoods and the region’s rich culinary heritage. Contemporary decor and a warm ambience elevate the dining experience, offering an intimate atmosphere.

3/27 Cotton Tree Parade, Maroochydore, 5479 1000, localfloweatery.com.au

Chef’s talk

Q: Describe your cooking style or the cuisine you specialise in.

A: Specialising in modern Australian cuisine. I love working with fresh, local and seasonal produce to create classic favourites and unique, inventive dishes. I love to cook with anything and everything under the sun, but I'm especially passionate about using fresh, local seafood.

Q: What is your favourite dish on the menu right now?

A: My current top pick is our warm Grilled Pumpkin Salad. It’s a tasty mix of whipped feta, baby carrots, beetroot, tomato and sticky pomegranate, finished with a really nice, creamy yoghurt and feta dressing with an option to add chicken for extra zest. It's a refreshing twist on the ordinary salad. It leaves you feeling both nourished and satisfied. Highly recommended!

Q: Do you have a favourite local ingredient to work with?

A: Using local Mooloolaba prawns, swordfish and tuna are my favourite ingredients. These ingredients are among the best in Australia and always add a vibrant, fresh quality to my dishes.

Q: What do you love most about your role?

A: The creative freedom to develop new meals and specials that take our guests on a culinary journey is the best part of my position here at The Bower Tree. Bringing joy through innovative flavours and helping our people discover their new favourite dishes is what makes me happy. I’m also deeply passionate about mentoring budding chefs, sparking their creativity and guiding them towards innovation to enrich their learning experiences and, therefore, ensuring they develop a profound love for cooking. It’s really quite heartwarming seeing them grow and become quite savvy in their field.

Q: What do you love to cook at home?

A: At home, I’m all about pasta, especially when I can incorporate fresh vegies from our garden. I also enjoy whipping up seafood dishes. My kids are huge fans. I recently slow-cooked a prawn, fish and turmeric curry with tomatoes and even my son who usually doesn’t give too much away about my meals couldn’t help but rave about it and that was definitely the cherry on top for me to hear that.

Toro Bar & Kitchen, where we bring the Sunshine Coast a fresh and exciting approach to dining and drinking

Toro draws its inspiration from the vibrant Spanish culture; all about sharing unforgettable moments, great food, amazing drinks, and casual yet attentive customer service.

Seared scallops with salsa romesco & spiced almond crumb

THE GREAT WILDEBEEST MIGRATION

Tanzania is a land of breathtaking wildlife and geological wonders, making it one of the world’s most remarkable destinations for wildlife safaris.

The great wildebeest migration in the Serengeti is one of the most spectacular wildlife events on Earth.

Every year, more than 1.5 million wildebeests, accompanied by hundredsof-thousands of zebras and gazelles and followed closely by predators, embark on a circular journey across the Serengeti-

Coolabine Retreat

Nestled amongst the rolling hills of the Mary Valley – just 2 hours drive from Brisbane, and 10 minutes from Kenilworth – you will find peace and harmony at Coolabine Retreat Farm Stay. Features:

•

Tanzania. There, vast herds congregate and give birth to thousands of calves. As the dry season approaches, the herds disperse and start marching northward, crossing the crocodile-infested Grumeti and Mara rivers before congregating in the grasslands of the Maasai Mara. Later in the year, as the short rains fall, the herds commence their long journey back to the calving grounds of the southern Serengeti. And so, the cycle is complete.

Mara ecosystem in search of fresh grazing lands and water. Driven by seasonal rainfall patterns, the migration follows a predictable route spanning Tanzania and Kenya.

The migration begins early in the year in the southern Serengeti in

Want to know more about African travel? Join The Infinite Horizon –African Travel Specialists for an African travel information morning on March 6 at 10am at Buderim Tavern. Call Teena Chumbley on 0457 249 998 or email at teena@theinfinitehorizon.net.

EXPERIENCE A CANADIAN WINTER WONDERLAND BY RAILLOSE YOURSELF IN THE SERENITY OF HINTERLAND RETREAT

I recently lived out my winter wonderland dream, travelling through the majestic Canadian Rockies with Adventure World.

This tour captured the essence of a Canadian winter, offering a blend of adventure, relaxation and unforgettable natural wonders.

There’s something really special about following the historic rail route that made Canada what it is today. My time onboard VIA Rails’ The Canadian had me stepping back in time to the 1950s era of classic rail travel. Every mile of the journey is filled with beauty to enjoy – from the train’s private cabins, semi-private berths or domed-glass sightseer lounges.

Engaging onboard entertainment, committed attendants, delicious freshly prepared meals and uninhibited views of the spectacular Canadian Rockies at every turn make the journey just as impressive as

the destination. A winter wonderland offers the ideal setting for a variety of winter activities. If downhill skiing is not your thing, there are plenty of other pursuits for thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts.

Ice skating, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, e-biking, dog-sledding, embarking on wildlife/scenic tours and frozen canyon walks are fantastic ways to soak in the winter splendour. For a tamer way to explore, sleigh rides are lovely and nostalgic. Hit the slopes, enjoy other winter activities, or explore charming resort towns in Banff and Jasper national parks.

Taking a winter trip through the Canadian Rockies allows you to experience the ambiance of this world-class destination without the crowds.

WORDS: Hannah Thompson, Travel Associates Mountain Creek Visit travelassociates.com.

Hidden in a picturesque valley, 10 minutes east of Kenilworth in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, you will find Coolabine Retreat.

The newly built and opened retreat has two studio cabins and views to die for.

The cabins are well equipped with everything you could ask for: a king-size bed, kitchenette, sofa bed, wood fire, barbecue and the best view you could ever ask for from the bath.

Yep, the view from patio is the same as the one from the modern bath.

Guests have been blow away with what the cabins provide, including a breakfast basket and a complimentary cheese platter with items from Kenilworth Dairy.

If you want to celebrate a birthday or anniversary, or propose to your loved

one, owners Suzanne and James Read will compile a beautiful experience for that special person, to make your stay even more memorable.

The thing you will love the most at Coolabine Retreat is the peace and serenity.

Coolabine Retreat allows you to enjoy the slower pace of life, soak up the pristine environment, and explore local trails that wind through towering trees and scenic countryside.

The night skies on a clear night are captivating, and the gentle breeze in the afternoon will make you feel like you will never want to leave.

Check out Coolabine Retreat for your next weekend or mid-week getaway .

Bookings can be made at coolabineretreat.com.au or call Suzanne and James on 0480 698 824.

AFRICAN ADVENTURE

24 DAYS – 30TH MAY - 22ND JUNE 2026 – FROM $21,995*

• Visit the magnificent Victoria Falls, including the “Flight of the Angels” helicopter tour

•Search for the Big 5 in Etosha, Kruger and Chobe National Parks

•Experience a Luxury Private Game Reserve near Kruger National Park

• Enjoy Table Mountain and the stunning scenery of the Cape of Good Hope

•Indulge in the food and wine of the Western Cape Wine Region

• Return economy class airfares from Brisbane to Cape Town and Johannesburg to Brisbane

• 21 nights hotel/lodge/safari camp accommodation with private bathrooms

• Services of an experienced Tour Host

Brisbane

OUT WITH THE OLD

Now that we’re well into February, it’s the perfect time to reassess our interiors and bid farewell to outdated trends that no longer serve our homes. Here, Justine Wilson, celebrated Australian stylist and founder of Vault Interiors, reveals the top five styling trends to leave behind in 2025.

All white

While the minimalist, all-white aesthetic has dominated for years, 2025 is bidding farewell to this overly sterile look. “Homes should feel warm, inviting and reflective of personality,” Justine says. “Instead of stark whites, embrace warmer neutral tones, earthy hues, and textured materials to add depth and character.”

Open shelving in the kitchen

Open shelving might look great on Pinterest, but in reality, it often leads to clutter and maintenance challenges. “In 2025, we’re moving toward concealed storage options,” Justine explains. “Closed cabinetry with innovative storage solutions will give kitchens a sleeker and more polished appearance.”

Fast furniture

The era of cheap, disposable furniture is coming to an end. Consumers are now prioritising sustainability and quality over quantity. “People are increasingly investing in timeless, durable pieces,” the stylist says. “Opt for furniture crafted from sustainable materials that will stand the test of time, both in style and durability.”

Over-styled spaces

Overly curated and staged spaces that feel more like showrooms than homes are on their way out. “In 2025, it’s all about creating authentic spaces that feel lived-in,” Justine says. “Layer your home with personal touches, vintage finds and unique accents that tell a story.”

Unique furniture – When it comes to sourcing furniture for your home, consider not only durability but timeless appeal. The ‘Z’ console from Coastal Drift Home, Caloundra, is the ideal blend of unique style and craftmanship: coastaldrifthome.com.au.

Eart to br home tassels websit

textures – Embrace earthy textures and natural materials bring warmth, depth and a connection to nature into your We love the Anya cushion from KAS. Delicate cording and frame the cushion, enhancing its tactile appeal. Visit the for local stockists.

Sustainable flooring – Combining eco-friendly materials with timeless style creates a healthier, more responsible living space. We like the Plantino Native Memento product from Choices Flooring. Offering the warmth and style of Australian timber but with an ultra-sustainable edge, this natural-fibre flooring option is hard wearing and durable: choicesflooring.com.au.

Top tip!

Pre-loved, vintage and authentic pieces are proving popular with interior designers. The Sunshine Coast is home to a number of op shops and vintage stores. One of our favourite places to browse (and shop!) is The Shed at Palmwoods. It features a curated selection of antiques and vintage items, as well as modern homewares and soft furnishings: theshedsca.com.au.

Deal direct with the skilled patio builders who will guide you through the process of designing and engineering your new flyover patio.

We can supply Insulated Roofing with a full range of Colorbond colours to choose from.

We also supply and fit high quality Outdoor Blinds and Screens.

NDIS COMMUNITY SERVICES ENHANCE CLIENTS’ LIVES

STEPS is making a significant impact on the Sunshine Coast with its comprehensive NDIS Community Support Services. Offering a range of support options – from Supported Independent Living, Behaviour Support and Employment Support to Community Participation and Recreational Activities, STEPS is dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals living with disabilities.

General manager of NDIS Services Rebecca Bowtell says STEPS recognises that everyone’s journey is unique, which is why it focuses on creating personalised support plans tailored to each individual’s needs and goals.

“Our focus is on inclusivity, enrichment and selfempowerment,” Ms Bowtell says.

“We want our services to help our clients build their confidence and become active members of their community. They have the opportunity to create unique friendships with the people around them and take part in services that can be life changing.”

Joining the STEPS community means gaining access to genuine care, support and connections. The services that STEPS provides not only foster fun and friendship but also pave the way for clients to achieve their dreams.

“I know I speak for the entire STEPS NDIS Services team when I say that this job is incredibly fulfilling,” Ms Bowtell says.

“We love seeing our clients discover their passions and work towards their goals. I’ve seen individuals transform and are proud of their progress every step of the way.”

The organisation’s flexible, individualised support includes day-to-day assistance, engaging recreational activities, community access to promote wellbeing and independence, and employment support to help clients prepare for and find job opportunities.

STEPS’ services are accessible through NDIS funding, with additional fee-for-service options available.

Call 1800 312 742, email customercare@stepsgroup. com.au, or visit stepsgroup.com.au.

The NDIS offers School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES). These are ideal if you (or someone in your family) are leaving school and looking to transition into work, SLES are for young people with disability leaving school (generally in their final year or the equivalent) who want to explore or transition into work. It can include: Work experience: opportunities to try different jobs and see what suits you best.

Skill-building workshops: learning workplace communication, interview techniques or budgeting. Travel training: learning to travel independently to and from work.

Workplace mentoring: getting the right guidance and support on the job.

If you’re thinking about or already using SLES, here are some tips to make the most of them:

Set clear goals: know what you want to achieve (such as a certain type of job or learning a specific skill). SLES works best when you have a clear direction.

Talk to your SLES provider: explain your interests and ambitions.

Build on your plan: if you’ve already got goals around further education or work in your NDIS Plan, see how SLES could help you achieve them.

For more information, go to leapin.com.au.

SUPPORTS HELP TRANSITION INTO WORK

Across

6 Cots (7)

7 Sets (7)

9 Flower parts (5)

10 Designated amount (9)

11 Cuts out (7)

13 Need (6)

15 Patriotic (13)

19 Climbed (6)

20 Cloth worn round the neck (7)

23 Mysteries (9)

24 Wound covers (5)

26 Attics (7)

27 Intensifies (7)

Down

1 Movie pig (4)

2 Shoots (6)

3 Hired killers (9)

4 Siblings (8)

5 Someone who studies inherited characteristics (10)

6 Redeemed a cheque (6)

7 Healthy (4)

8 Crossword compiler (6)

12 Roles (10)

14 Next to (9)

16 Inventoried (8)

17 Requesting (6)

18 Against (6)

21 More snug (6)

22 Flowers parts (4)

25 Highest point; peak (4)

HOROSCOPES

ARIES (MAR 21 - APR 19)

Rams love to rush full speed ahead, but this week’s frustrating stars don’t encourage haste. Your patron planet Mars is still retrograde (until February 24). So, if a relationship hits a brick wall, then use it as an opportunity to regroup.

LEO (JULY 23 - AUG 22)

Saturn is transiting through one of your money zones, so look for ways to consolidate your finances and build firm fiscal foundations for the future. Getting sound professional advice is best policy, as you work on manifesting abundance.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV 22 - DEC 21)

Speedy, spontaneous Sagittarius – it’s time to slow down and tread gingerly. Mars is still in retrograde mode until February 24, so avoid being too blasé about a complicated issue (especially involving, taxes, income, property, possessions or joint finances).

QUIZ

1. In what year will NASA retire the International Space Station?

2. If a meal is described as unctuous, is it highly sour, sweet or rich?

TAURUS (APR 20 - MAY 20)

It’s time to review and renew your peer group as the sun, Mercury, Saturn and Neptune fire up your friendship and networking zones. When it comes to neighbours and local community connections, don’t rush. Meditation, rumination and relaxation are favoured.

VIRGO (AUG 23 - SEP 22)

Partnerships – of the romantic, platonic and business variety – are highlighted, as the planets activate your relationship zone. Jupiter is visiting your career and life direction zones, so self-belief is the key to success and satisfaction.

CAPRICORN (DEC 22 - JAN 19)

Mighty Mars is still reversing through your relationship zone until Monday, February 24, so be extra patient with loved ones. Jupiter blesses professional projects with one proviso your heart must be in what you are doing.

GEMINI (MAY 21 - JUNE 20)

This week Jupiter squares your ruling planet, Mercury. So, if you spread gossip or jump to hasty conclusions, you could end up in hot water. And avoid the tendency to take shortcuts. A slap-dash attitude will only mean you have to do everything twice.

LIBRA (SEP 23 - OCT 22)

It’s not a good week to initiate ambitious professional projects that require plenty of energy, enthusiasm and motivation.

Dynamic Mars is reversing through your career zone (until next Monday, February 24) so you may feel like a lacklustre Libran.

AQUARIUS (JAN 20 - FEB 18)

Four planets are activating your cash zone. Letting finances take their own course seems tempting but you really do need to keep up to speed with money matters. If you increase your financial literacy then it will pay off handsomely further down the track.

CANCER (JUNE 21 - JULY 22)

It’s not a good week to initiate ambitious projects that require heaps of energy and buckets of enthusiasm. Mars is reversing through your sign (until next Monday, February 24) so you may feel like a sluggish, unmotivated, cranky Crab.

SCORPIO (OCT 23 - NOV 21)

On Tuesday the sun transits into fellow water-sign Pisces, which boosts your creativity, compassion and sensitivity. However, this week much of your time could be consumed by a frustrating problem involving a child, teenager or friend.

PISCES (FEB 19 - MAR 20)

Courtesy of retro Mars, be extra patient with a child, teenager or friend. On Tuesday, the sun joins Mercury, Saturn and Neptune in Pisces. So you’ll feel like daydreaming and creating even more than usual as you perform, paint, draw, dance or write.

B LOWN WORD STEP

Complete the list by changing one letter at a time to create a new word at each step. There may be more than one answer.

DRAGS

3. In Suzanne Collins’ series, how are people chosen to compete in the Hunger Games?

4. What colour is the horizontal line on the London Underground logo?

5. How many times has Rome hosted the Olympic Games?

6. ‘A bottle of white, a bottle of red’ is the opening line of which Billy Joel song?

7. Gram for gram, which has more protein: egg whites or egg yolks?

8. Brian Thompson was the CEO of which US health insurance company prior to his murder in December 2024?

9. The 2023 musical Illinoise is inspired by Illinois, a 2005 album by which US singer-songwriter?

10. For which 2017 romantic fantasy film did Guillermo del Toro (pictured) win a Best Director Academy Award?

POTENTIAL GROWTH IS A BALANCING ACT

Experts believe local factors may counteract some benefits from interest rate cuts in the immediate future.

WORDS: Ingrid Nelson.

As Australia’s economic outlook improves, with interest rate cuts strongly predicted this year (possibly this month), the Sunshine Coast housing market is poised for further growth.

However, local factors such as price points, location and investor interest will play key roles in determining the level of response to the rate cuts.

The Coast has already experienced significant growth in recent years, surging ahead as Australia’s most coveted region for internal migration.

CoreLogic reports that Sunshine Coast home values surged by 6.6 per cent over the past 12 months, and since interest rates started climbing in 2022, the region has seen a 3.2 per cent overall increase.

House prices rose a staggering 65.1 per cent since the onset of the pandemic in March 2020, with the median dwelling value in the area surpassing $1 million last year, currently sitting at $1,052,000.

Despite the ongoing growth, CoreLogic’s economist Eliza Owen suggests that the region may have already priced in some of the benefits of rate cuts, limiting the market’s potential to see a huge boost.

“The Sunshine Coast has already been resilient to the rising rate environment, with some risk that rate cuts have already been factored into buyer expectations,” she says.

Ms Own suggests the disconnect between interest rate movements and home values across the Coast may stem from other driving factors of this market, outweighing the impact of changes in interest rates.

“For example, the lifestyle appeal of the Sunshine Coast may attract high-wealth or downsizer buyers that have less sensitivity to interest rates,” she says.

REA Group chief economist Paul Young also pointed to the potential benefits for first-time buyers, who are typically the most “credit-constrained” group.

“Lower interest rates will make it easier for first-time buyers to enter the market, and that could give them a much-needed advantage,” he says.

Mr Young says that in addition to first-time buyers, the market is expected to see an uptick in investor activity.

With the rental market remaining tight and rental prices continuing to grow –albeit at a slower pace than the previous year – investors are likely to be drawn to the

Sunshine Coast for stable returns.

“The rental market is still very challenged, and with rents continuing to rise, investors are seeing strong returns,” he says.

Mr Young says a rise in investor activity could also contribute to an increase in new housing developments, which have already been on the rise in recent months.

Housing approvals have shown an upward trend, and the lower interest rates could further stimulate construction activity to meet growing demand.

With the rapid pace of rate increases now behind us, Mr Young says people are entering the market with “eyes wide open”, following the lessons learned from 2021, when there were perceived guarantees about the direction of interest rates.

However, he says the proposed rate cuts, may ease the financial burden on buyers and create new opportunities in the housing market.

While rate cuts are expected to provide a boost, especially for first-time buyers and investors, the region’s appeal as a lifestyle destination will remain a strong driving force in shaping the future of its real estate market. Watch this space.

39/16 Okinja Road, Alexandra Headland

Elevated

MUST BE SOLD THIS WEEKEND!

• Coveted waterfront location, 826m2 allotment

• Deepwater ocean access + 10m pontoon

• Beautiful contemporary residence, quiet cul-de-sac position

• Multiple living spaces, excellent separation of living

• Glistening heated in-ground pool, exceptional coastal lifestyle

Auction: Saturday 15th February @ 10am

Open: Sat 15th February @ 9.30-10am

• 15kw solar, 25kw battery + Tesla charging points & parking for 6 vehicles

• Close to Kawana Shopping Centre, beaches + surrounding facilities

AUCTIONS

Thurs, 13 Feb, 5pm

Open from 4:30pm

32 Oxleigh Crescent, Nambour

Toby Morrin 0401 623 801

Kayla Govan 0437 458 936

Sat, 15 Feb, 9am

23 Camden Way, Maroochydore

Hayden Kehoe 0478 555 873

Sat, 15 Feb, 10am

Open from 9:30am

17 Lurnea Crescent, Mountain Creek

Michael Picoto 0432 931 387

Open from 9:30am

111 Mons School Road, Mons

Jake Loiero 0448 000 933

Emily Robertson 0456 150 349

Open from 9:30am

21/123 Brisbane Road, Mooloolaba

Greg Turnbull 0499 455 574

Grace Voller 0432 628 037

Sat, 15 Feb, 11am

Sold prior to auction 11/45 Bradman Avenue

Maroochydore

Pam Thomas 0438 272 096

Lo e Gunter 0426 166 791

Sat, 15 Feb, 12pm

Open from 11:30am 10 Tanawha Road, Tanawha

Jake Loiero 0448 000 933

Sat, 15 Feb, 4pm

Open from 3:30pm

13 Honeysuckle Court, Buderim

Gregory Ward 0497 659 029

Zoe Byrne 0409 333 881

Wed, 19 Feb, 5pm

Open from 4:30pm

35/62-66 Sixth Avenue, Maroochydore

Gregory Ward 0497 659 029

Zoe Byrne 0409 333 881

Wed, 19 Feb, 5:30pm

Open from 5pm

21/14 Coral Sea Drive, Pelican Waters

Greg Turnbull 0499 455 574

Grace Voller 0432 628 037

Thurs, 20 Feb, 5pm

Open from 4:30pm

26 Dorson Drive, Mooloolah Valley

Ma O’Grady 0414 317 375

Alisha Broadstock 0400 298 611

OPEN HOMES & PRIVATE INSPECTIONS

You are welcome to a end our open homes or please call the agent to arrange your private inspec on or virtual tour.

ALEXANDRA HEADLAND

18/136-138 Alexandra Parade1 bed 1 bath 1 car Sat 12-12:30pm BIRTINYA

49/2 Mantra Esplanade2 bed 2 bath 1 car Steve Turner 0412679488 BLI BLI

15 McCall Place 3 bed 2 bath 2 carCameron Hackenberg 0421504479

4 Shale Court 4 bed 2 bath 3 carCameron Hackenberg 0421504479

35 Ginger Bell Avenue 4 bed 2 bath 2 carRachel Meyers 0411699619

39 Ginger Bell Avenue 4 bed 2 bath 2 carRachel Meyers 0411699619

19 Willis Road 3 bed 2 bath Rachel Meyers 0411699619

76a Willis Road land Cameron Hackenberg 0421504479 Address available on request10 bed 5 bath 19 Car Cameron Hackenberg 0421504479

3 Darter Terrace 4 bed 2 bath 2 carCameron Hackenberg 0421504479

5 Hamia Court 4 bed 3 bath 3 carCameron Hackenberg 0421504479

5 Hawkesbury Court 5 bed 2 bath 3 carCameron Hackenberg 0421504479

1/1 Shale Court 3 bed 2 bath 2 carAlex Dale 0414 516 003

16 Ariel Place 4 bed 2 bath 2 carRachel Meyers 0411 699 619

13

52 Deloraine Drive 5 bed

MARCOOLA

111 Mons School Road, Mons

Your Ideal Family Retreat Awaits! Immerse yourself in this stunning family haven that effortlessly combines contemporary design, meless elegance, and a tranquil lifestyle se ng.

• Kitchen with stone benches, premium appliances, and garden views

• Open-plan layout seamlessly connec ng indoor and outdoor living

• Four large bedrooms, including two with private ensuites

• Fully air-condi oned bedrooms and living spaces for year-round comfort

• Two versa le living rooms

5 5 4 1 1

10 Tanawha Road, Tanawha

An Inspired Semi-Rural Lifestyle. ‘Bassingbourn’ is a breathtaking family retreat that redefines coastal acreage living.

• Spacious modern Queenslander on a 3,998m2 landscaped block

• Enveloped amongst lush tropical gardens in a premium lifestyle loca on

• Five well-appointed bedrooms with robes + five bathrooms (3 ensuites)

• Modern interiors with high ceilings, skylights, European Oak flooring

• Minutes to pres gious private schools, university, shops, & medical Auc on On site Sat, 15 Feb, 12pm View Sat 11:30am-12pm

40 Seaview Terrace, Moffat Beach

Discover the epitome of coastal living in this stunning beachside execu ve residence, built to the highest standards and blessed with magical ocean views in Caloundra’s most sought-a er address.

• The open-plan living area is served by a chef’s kitchen with its ‘sea’ of stone benchtops

• Indoor living area merges with the outdoors spilling onto the large, covered deck

• Flexibility to lock off from the main residence making a separate one or two-bedroom flat with its own entrance and off-street parking

Auc on In Rooms, Sunshine Coast Func on Centre 19 West Terrace, Caloundra Thurs, 27 Feb at 11am

View Fri & Sat 12-12:30pm

3 Coochin Street, Dicky Beach

Act quickly to inspect this beau ful lowset beachside home located in a highly sought a er pocket in Dicky Beach only metres from the patrolled beach and Surf Club, a short stroll to the Ann Street surf break and dog friendly Ballinger Beach.

• Beau fully renovated lowset beach home situated on a level 660m2* allotment just 120m from Dicky Beach Surf Club

• The perfect family home or lock and leave beach house

• Large tandem garage with abundant storage for surf boards and beach toys

WHY WAIT?

Ray White Caloundra | 07 5491 5055

11B Queen Street, Moffat Beach

Auc on In Rooms, Sunshine Coast Func on Centre, 19 West Terrace, Caloundra Thurs, 27 Feb at 11am View Fri & Sat 1-1:30pm

The home is designed to take advantage of the property’s perfect north-easterly aspect and stunning outlook capturing ocean views to north over Moffat Beach, with views to the east and south, the home offers water views from almost every room.

• Beau fully refreshed four-bedroom family home situated on an elevated 574m2* allotment

• Open plan main living area with large north-facing deck with stunning ocean views

• Do not let this rare opportunity pass you by – to be sold at auc on

Ray

Auc on In Rooms, Sunshine Coast Fun on Centre 19 West Terrace, Caloundra Thurs, 27 Feb at 11am

View Fri & Sat 2-2:30pm

Lancelin Place, Maroochydore

• Welcome to a celebra on of luxurious coastal living

• Architecturally designed to combine elegance, comfort and func onality

• Featuring sleek lines, polished concrete floors & stylish mber accents

• Selling fully furnished with stunning contemporary décor

• Inground pool, gourmet kitchen, addi onal living area with mini bar

• Waterfront living at its very finest

Ray White Buderim | 07 5445 6088

5/1 South Sea Islander Way, Maroochydore

on On site Sat, 22 Feb, 3pm

Thurs, 13 Feb, 5-5:30pm Sat, 15 Feb, 9-9:30am & 12-12:30pm

Nestled in the heart of the dynamic new Maroochydore CBD, this excep onal three-storey terrace home is one of only six in the coveted Market Lane Apartment Complex. Combining modern luxury with versa lity, the ground floor offers great poten al for commercial space, with direct street frontage, excellent branding exposure, and independent access. This is a rare opportunity to live, work, and thrive in one of the Sunshine Coast’s most exci ng urban developments.

Ray White Kawana Waters | 07 5354 6012

21/14 Coral Sea Drive, Pelican Waters

Located in the sought-a er suburb of Pelican Waters, this stylish 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom townhouse in Carlyle Terraces offers modern comfort and coastal charm. The open-plan living and dining area flows seamlessly to a private outdoor entertaining space with a low-maintenance garden. The kitchen features quality appliances and a butler’s pantry for added convenience. The master suite includes a private ensuite and walk-in robe, while the other bedrooms have built-in wardrobes and ducted air condi oning throughout. The complex offers a swimming pool, BBQ area, and beau fully landscaped gardens, all in a peaceful, well-maintained, gated community.

WHY WAIT?

Ray White Maroochydore | 07 5443 2000

21/123 Brisbane Road, Mooloolaba

This top-floor apartment in a ghtly held riverfront complex offers expansive deep water canal views looking to Parkyn Parade and The Wharf Dining Precinct, making it an ideal property for both homeowners and investors. Located just a short stroll from Mooloolaba Beach, vibrant cafés, and bou que shops, it combines modern comforts with ul mate convenience. The apartment features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a lock-up garage, with high ceilings and balconies off each room. The spacious open-plan living area connects to a large private balcony, perfect for entertaining or enjoying coastal breezes. Ameni es include a pool and BBQ area.

WHY WAIT?

Ray White Maroochydore | 07 5443 2000

Auc on On site Sat, 15 Feb, 10am

View Thurs, 13th, 12pm & Sat, 15th, 9:30am

Ray White Mooloolaba

LOCATION MEETS LIFESTYLE IN RARE GEM

AUCTION RESULTS

The easiest way to check out Sunshine Coast auction results.

1/15 MAYES AVENUE, CALOUNDRA

SOLD UNDER THE HAMMER FOR $885,000

3 bed, 2 bath, 2 car,

Ray White, Andrew Garland, 0403 851 777

41 GRIGOR STREET, MOFFAT BEACH

SOLD UNDER THE HAMMER FOR $1,850,000

3 bed, 3 bath, 2 car

Ray White, Andrew Garland and Marcus Lane, 0403 851 777 / 0412 515 545

24 ELIZABETH STREET, DICKY BEACH

Passed in – on the market for $2.5million

5 bed, 2 bath, 2 car

Ray White, Andrew Garland and Marcus Lane, 0403 851 777 / 0412 515 545

903/95 ESPLANADE, GOLDEN BEACH

SOLD UNDER THE HAMMER FOR $2,770,000

3 bed, 2 bath, 3 car

Ray White, Ray Daniels, 0408 819 276

8/7A ESPLANADE BULCOCK BEACH, CALOUNDRA

SOLD UNDER THE HAMMER FOR $820,000

2 bed, 2 bath, 1 car

Ray White, Natasha Drexel-Munro and Carola Drexel, 0410 081 970 / 0417 608 466

UNIT 904/78 LANDSBOROUGH ROAD, GOLDEN BEACH

SOLD UNDER THE HAMMER FOR $1,400,000

2 bed, 2 bath, 2 car

Ray Daniels 0408 819 276 and Lachlan Hunt 0490 703 683

116 WRIGLEY STREET, MAROOCHYDORE

Passed in at $1,300,000 – contact agent

4 bed, 2 bath, 2 car

Ray White, Jake Loiero and Emily Robertson, 0448 000 933 / 0456 150 349

21 BARBUDA CIRCUIT, KAWANA ISLAND

Passed in at $1,200,000 – on the market for $1,275,000

4 bed, 2 bath, 2 car, pool

Ray White, Niall Molloy and Ari Whisson, 0448 954 272 / 0449 690 995

11 ENDURANCE PLACE, BIRTINYA

SOLD UNDER THE HAMMER FOR $903,000

3 bed, 2 bath, 2 car

Ray White, Will Van den Dungen, 0438 130 188

16/29-31 TARCOOLA AVENUE, MOOLOOLABA

SOLD UNDER THE HAMMER FOR $915,000

3 bed, 2 bath, 2 car

Ray White, Brent Higgins, 0414 775 133

8/3 KIRSTEN COURT, MAROOCHYDORE

SOLD UNDER THE HAMMER FOR $606,000

2 bed, 1 bath, 1 car, Ray White, Ari Whisson and Niall Molloy, 0449 690 995 / 0448 954 272

1/12

MAYFIELD STREET, BUDERIM

SOLD UNDER THE HAMMER FOR $1,390,000

3 bed, 2 bath, 2 car, Ray White, Gregory Ward and Zoe Byrne, 0497 659 029 / 0409 333 881.

For more auction results and property stories, visit sunshinecoastnews.com.au.

*As supplied by contributing real estate agencies.

Discover the epitome of coastal living in this stunning beachside executive residence, built to the highest standards and blessed with magical ocean views in Caloundra’s most sought-after address. With first-class fixtures and fittings across three levels, the home takes advantage of the property’s northeast aspect and stunning northerly outlook, capturing breathtaking ocean views over Moffat Beach and along Dicky Beach to Point Cartwright and beyond. For location and lifestyle, this is a rare blue-chip opportunity.

40 SEAVIEW TERRACE, MOFFAT BEACH

3 bed, 3 bath, 2 car

Auction in rooms, Sunshine Coast Function Centre, 19 West Terrace, Caloundra Thursday, February 27, at 11am

Ray White Caloundra 5491 5055

Andrew Garland 0403 851 777

Marcus Lane 0412 515 545

BEACH LOVER’S DELIGHT

Act quickly to inspect this beautiful low-set, beachside home in a highly sought-after pocket in Dicky Beach. The property is only metres from the patrolled beach, a short stroll to the Ann Street surf break and dog-friendly Ballinger Beach to the north, or brief beach walk to Moffat Beach to the south. The home has been beautifully renovated and offers versatility, making it ideal for a family. The layout comprises four bedrooms (the main with ensuite), generous indoor and outdoor living areas, sunroom and study area. The home captures cooling breezes from the north in summer making for year-round temperature comfort.

3 COOCHIN STREET, DICKY BEACH

4 bed, 2 bath, 2 car

Auction in rooms at the Sunshine Coast Function Centre, 19 West Terrace, Caloundra, on Thursday, February 27, at 11am

Ray White Caloundra 5491 5055

Andrew Garland 0403 851 777

Marcus Lane 0412 515 545

ABC TV (CH2) SEVEN (CH7) NINE (CH8) TEN (CH5) SBS (CH3)

6.30pm Hard Quiz. (PG)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Monty Don’s Spanish Gardens. Monty Don heads to the south of Spain.

8.30 Silent Witness. (M) A man’s body is found on a beach.

10.15 Optics. (M) 10.45 Hard Quiz. (PG) 6pm Seven Local News. 6.30 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. 8.30 MOVIE Pretty Woman. (1990) (M) Richard Gere, Julia Roberts. A businessman hires a sex worker.

6.30pm Back Roads: Outback Way, NT Pt 2. (PG)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Death In Paradise. (M) Selwyn is shot at the yacht club.

8.30 Vera. (M) A body is discovered lashed to a sailboat.

10.00 The Newsreader. (M)

10.55 Unforgotten. (M)

6pm Antiques Roadshow.

7.00 News.

7.30 Muster Dogs: Collies And Kelpies. (PG)

8.30 The Newsreader. (M) Dale hosts a lavish birthday party.

9.25 Love Me. (M)

10.20 MOVIE Love And Other Catastrophes. (1996) (M)

6.30pm Hard Quiz. (PG)

7.00 News.

7.30 7.30.

8.00 Australian Story.

8.30 Four Corners. Investigative journalism program.

9.15 Media Watch. (PG)

9.35 Mozart: Rise Of A Genius. (PG)

6.30pm Hard Quiz. (PG)

7.00 News.

7.30 7.30.

8.00 Foreign Correspondent.

8.30 The Role Of A Lifetime. (PG) A look at how to parent in the rapidly changing world.

9.20 Queerstralia: The Law. (M)

10.20 The ABC Of. (PG)

7pm News.

7.30 7.30.

8.00 Hard Quiz. (PG)

8.30 Optics. (M) A Hollywood star challenges the team.

9.05 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee (NZ) (PG)

9.50 Planet America.

10.20 Spicks And Specks. (PG)

6.30pm Hard Quiz. (PG)

7.00 News.

7.30 7.30.

8.00 Back Roads. (PG)

8.30 Sue Perkins’ Big Adventure: Paris To Istanbul. (PG) Sue Perkins visits Strasbourg and Munich.

9.20 Grand Designs: Sydenham Hill.

10.10 The Role Of A Lifetime. (PG)

GetOn Extra. 11.35 TBA.

6pm Seven News. 7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG) 7.30 MOVIE The Bourne Supremacy. (2004) (M) Matt Damon. 9.45 MOVIE Taken 2. (2012) (M) Liam Neeson. A retired spy and his wife are abducted.

6pm Seven News.

7.00 Australian Idol. (PG) Hosted by Ricki-Lee and Scott Tweedie.

9.00 An Evening With Dua Lipa. A concert special.

10.30 Live At The Chapel: Amy Shark. 11.30 Autopsy USA. (M)

6pm Seven Local News.

6.30 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) 7.30 Australian Idol. (PG) 9.10 St. Denis Medical. (PG) Ron and Bruce butt heads over a candy bar. 9.40 St. Denis Medical. (M) It is the holiday season at St

6pm Seven Local News.

6.30 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PG) Harper feels lonely.

7.30 Australian Idol. (PG) Hosted by Ricki-Lee and Scott Tweedie.

9.20 The Hunting Party. (M) The team heads to rural Montana.

10.20 The Irrational. (M)

6pm Seven Local News.

6.30 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PG)

7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PG)

8.30 Ludwig. (M) A body falls from a construction site.

9.45 Breathtaking. (M)

10.50 The Suspects: True Australian Thrillers. (M)

6pm Seven Local News.

6.30 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PG)

8.30 MOVIE Mamma Mia! (2008) (PG) Amanda Seyfried, Meryl Streep. A young woman prepares for her wedding. 10.50 To Be Advised.

6pm 9News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 David Attenborough’s Mammals. (PG) 8.40 MOVIE Valentine’s Day. (2010) and lose love in its many forms. 11.10 MOVIE The Sun Is Also A Star. (2019) (M) 6pm Deal Or No Deal. 6.30 The Project. 7.30 Wheel Of Fortune UK. Game show. 8.30 The Graham Norton Show. (M) Guests include Sarah Snook. 10.50 10’s Late News. 11.15 The Project.

6pm 9News Saturday.

7.00 Rugby League.

9.00 NRL: Indigenous All Stars V Maori All Stars Post-Match.

9.30 MOVIE Air. (2023) (M)

11.40 My Life As A Rolling Stone. (MA15+)

6pm 9News Sunday.

7.00 Married At First Sight. (PG)

8.30 60 Minutes. Current affairs program.

9.30 9News Late.

10.00 See No Evil: Too Much Video. (MA15+)

11.00 The First 48. (M)

11.50 Iconic Australia. (PG)

6.30pm The Dog House Australia. (PG)

7.30 Love It Or List It Australia.

8.30 The Dog House Australia. (PG) Narrated by Mark Coles Smith.

9.45 Ambulance Australia. (M) Paramedics respond to a dog bite.

10.45 Ambulance UK. (M)

6pm The Sunday Project.

7.00 I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! (PG) Hosted by Julia Morris and Robert Irwin.

8.10 Matlock. (PG) Matty helps Olympia. 9.10 FBI. are shot dead.

11.10 The Sunday Project.

6.30pm News. 7.35 Costa Concordia: Why She Sank. (M)

8.30 Tony Robinson’s Marvellous Machines: Unsung Heroes. (PG) A look at amazing machines.

9.25 Mysteries Of The Ancient Dead: Egypt, Rome, Nepal. 10.20 SBS News.

6.30pm News.

7.30 Sandi Toksvig’s Woodland Restoration. (M)

8.25 Scotland The New Wild: Islands. (PG) A look at Scotland’s islands.

9.25 Great Australian Walks With Julia Zemiro: Cape Byron.

6.30pm SBS World News.

7.30 Mysteries Of Sink Holes: Ticking Time Bombs. (PG) Delves into the origins of sinkholes.

9.20 Legends Of The Pharaohs: Amenhotep III, The Great Builder. (PG) Takes a look at Amenhotep III.

10.20 Great British Landmark Fixers: Royal Albert Hall.

6pm 9News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Married At First Sight. (M) Two new couples enter the experiment.

9.00 Madam. (MA15+) A newspaper article causes chaos for Mack.

10.20 9News Late.

10.50 My Feet Are Killing Me. (M)

11.40 The Equalizer. (M)

6pm 9News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Married At First Sight. (M)

9.00 Big Miracles. (M) Angie Kent undergoes egg collection surgery.

10.00 9News Late.

10.30 Casualty 24/7. (M)

11.30 The Equalizer. (MA15+)

6pm 9News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 RBT. (PG)

8.30 Emergency. (M) Dr David Sparkhall treats a handyman.

9.30 A+E After Dark. (M)

10.30 9News Late.

11.00 Resident Alien. (M)

11.50 Tipping Point. (PG)

6pm Deal Or No Deal.

6.30 The Project.

7.30 Australian Survivor. (PG) Nash must uncover a traitor.

9.00 NCIS. (M) A tell-all threatens to ruin Christmas. 10.00 FBI: Most Wanted. (M) 11.00 10’s Late News. 11.25 The Project.

6pm Deal Or No Deal.

6.30 The Project.

7.30 Australian Survivor. (PG) Presented by Jonathan LaPaglia. 9.00 Elsbeth. (M) Elsbeth and Kaya investigate a rising tennis star.

10.00 NCIS: Hawai’i. (M)

10.55 10’s Late News.

11.20 The Project.

6pm Deal Or No Deal.

6.30 The Project.

7.30 Gogglebox Australia.

8.30 The Graham Norton Show. Guests include Renée Zellweger.

9.40 Law & Order: SVU. (MA15+)

10.40 News.

11.05 The Project.

6pm Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Who Do You Think You Are? Stephen Curry. (PG)

8.35 Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields.

9.50 The Artist’s View: Guns ‘N’ Roses. (M)

10.20 SBS World News Late.

6pm Mastermind Aust. (PG)

6.30 News.

7.35 Lord Lucan. (M)

8.30 Wonders Of

Dara

9.25 Miniseries:

Nice. (M) 10.25 SBS News.

6pm Mastermind Aust.

6.30 News.

7.30 Finding Your Roots. (PG)

8.30 Scotland’s Poshest Train: Alan Cumming. (PG) Alan Cumming’s trip continues.

9.30 MOVIE Boiling Point. (2021) (MA15+) Stephen Graham.

The Sun With

Ó Briain. (PG) Dara Ó Briain learns about the Sun.

Playing

DIGITAL CHOICE

ABC PLUS (CH22) 7TWO (CH72) 7MATE (CH74) 9GO! (CH82) 9GEM (CH81) BOLD (CH53) PEACH (CH52)

7.35pm Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 8.00 Scooby-Doo And Guess Who? 8.30 Mythbusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 8.55 Robot Wars. 9.55 Children’s Programs.

7.30pm Kids BBQ Championship. 8.15 Chopped Jnr. 9.00 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.40 Speechless. 10.05 Amazing. 10.30 Children’s Programs.

7.35pm Moominvalley.

8.00 Horrible Histories. (PG) 8.30 Fresh Off The Boat. (PG) 9.10 Speechless. (PG) 9.55 Merlin. (PG) 10.40 Mythbusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 11.05 Children’s Programs.

7.30pm Children’s Programs. 7.50 The Inbestigators. 8.05 Dr Karl’s How Things Work. 8.40 The Crystal Maze. 9.25 Street Science. 9.50 Children’s Programs.

7.35pm Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Inbestigators. 8.05 Operation Ouch! 8.40 Deadly 60. 9.10 Badgers: Their Secret World. 9.55 Children’s Programs.

7.35pm Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 Little Lunch. 8.05 Operation Ouch! 8.40 Doctor Who. (PG) 10.05 Merlin. 10.50 Children’s Programs.

7.35pm Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 8.00 Operation Ouch! 8.35 Secrets Of The Zoo. (PG) 9.20 Chopped Jnr. (PG) 10.10 Merlin. 10.55 Children’s Programs.

6pm Heathrow. (PG) 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 The Yorkshire Vet. (PG) 8.30 Escape To The Country. 11.30 Bargain Hunt.

6pm Cricket. One Day International Series. Sri Lanka v Aust. Game2. Second Innings. From R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, Sri Lanka. 10.00 MOVIE True Lies. (1994) Arnold Schwarzenegger.

6pm The Golden Girls. (PG) 6.30 The Nanny. (PG) 7.30 MOVIE Raiders Of The Lost Ark. (1981) (M) Harrison Ford, Karen Allen, John Rhys-Davies. 9.50 MOVIE Pitch Black. (2000) (M) Vin Diesel.

6pm Rugby Union. Round1. NSW Waratahs v Highlanders. 8.30pm Post-Match. 8.45 MOVIE Man On A Ledge. (2012) (M)

6.30pm JAG. (PG) 7.30 NCIS. (M) 10.20 FBI. (M) 6pm Frasier. (PG) 6.30 Ghosts. (PG) 7.00 Friends. (PG) 8.00 Big Bang. (PG) 9.00 Big Bang. (M) 9.30 Frasier. (PG) 10.30 The Neighborhood. (PG) 11.00 Becker. 11.30 King Of Queens.

6pm Dog Patrol. (PG) 6.30 Bondi Vet. (PG) 7.30 The Yorkshire Vet. (PG) 8.30 Escape To The Country. 10.30 I Escaped To The Country. (PG) 11.30 The Yorkshire Vet. (PG)

6.30pm Escape To The Country. 7.30 Rosemary & Thyme. (PG) 8.30 Vera. (M) 10.30 Chris Tarrant’s Extreme Railways. (PG) 11.30 Steam Train Journeys. (PG)

6.30pm Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Doc Martin. (PG) 8.30 Inspector Morse. (M) 10.50 Bargain Hunt. 11.50 Doc Martin. (PG)

6.30pm Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Call The Midwife. (M) 8.45 Inspector George Gently. (M) 10.45 Air Crash Investigations. (PG) 11.45 Bargain Hunt.

6.30pm Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Heartbeat. (PG) 8.45 The Inspector Lynley Mysteries. (M) 10.45 Law & Order: UK. (M) 11.45 Bargain Hunt.

6.30pm Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Father Brown. (M) 8.30 Murdoch Mysteries. (M) 11.30 Father Brown. (M)

6pm Pawn Stars. 7.00 Storage Wars. 7.30 Aussie Salvage Squad. 8.30 Heavy Tow Truckers Down Under. (PG) 9.30 Air Crash Inv: Accident Files. (PG) 10.30 Deep Water Salvage.

6pm Border Security: Int. (PG) 7.00 Border Security. (PG) 8.30 MOVIE Die Hard. (1988) (M) Bruce Willis, Bonnie Bedelia, Alan Rickman. 11.15 MOVIE Striking Distance. (1993) (M)

6.30pm Pawn Stars. 7.30 Outback Opal Hunters. (PG) 8.30 Adventure Gold Diggers. (PG) 9.30 Tougher In Alaska. (PG) 10.30 Frozen Gold. 11.30 Ax Men.

6.30pm Pawn Stars. (PG) 7.30 Outback Truckers. (PG) 9.30 Outback Truckers: Best Of. (PG) 10.30 Ice Road Truckers. (M) 12.30am Storage Wars. (PG)

6.30pm Pawn Stars. 7.30 Highway Patrol. (PG) 8.30 The Force: BTL. (PG) 9.30 World’s Wildest Police Videos. (M) 10.30 World’s Scariest Police Chases. 11.30 Kings Of Pain.

6.30pm Pawn Stars. (PG) 7.30 Pawn Stars Do America. (PG) 8.30 MOVIE Bad Boys II. (2003) (MA15+) Will Smith. 11.30 Pawn Stars Do America. (PG) 12.30am Storage Wars.

7.30pm MOVIE Deep Blue Sea. (1999) (M) Thomas Jane, LL Cool J, Samuel L Jackson. 9.40 MOVIE 21 Jump Street. (2012) (MA15+) Channing Tatum, Jonah Hill. 11.50 Young Sheldon. (PG)

7.30pm MOVIE Sherlock Holmes 2: A Game Of Shadows. (2011) (M) Robert Downey Jr, Jude Law, Jared Harris. 10.10 MOVIE 2 Fast 2 Furious. (2003) (M) Paul Walker, Tyrese Gibson.

6pm The Golden Girls. (PG) 6.30 The Nanny. (PG) 7.30 Seinfeld. (PG) 8.30 MOVIE Godzilla. (2014) (M) Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Bryan Cranston, Elizabeth Olsen. 11.00 Seinfeld. (PG)

6pm The Golden Girls. (PG) 6.30 The Nanny. (PG) 7.30 Seinfeld. (PG) 8.30 MOVIE Mad Max. (1979) (MA15+) Mel Gibson, Hugh Keays-Byrne. 10.30 Seinfeld. (PG) 11.30 The O.C. (M)

6pm The Golden Girls. (PG) 6.30 The Nanny. (PG) 7.30 Seinfeld. (PG) 8.30 MOVIE RoboCop 2. (1990) (MA15+) Peter Weller, Nancy Allen. 10.45 Seinfeld. (PG) 11.45 The O.C. (M)

6pm The Golden Girls. (PG) 6.30 The Nanny. (PG) 7.30 Seinfeld. (PG) 8.30 MOVIE The Meg. (2018) (M) Jason Statham, Li Bingbing, Rainn Wilson. 10.40 Seinfeld. (PG) 11.40 The O.C. (M)

7.30pm MOVIE

Bridget Jones’s Baby. (2016) (M) 9.55 MOVIE I Don’t Know How She Does It. (2011) (PG) 11.45 MOVIE Dr Jekyll And Sister Hyde. (1972) (M)

4.30pm MOVIE Support Your Local

6.30pm M*A*S*H. (PG) 8.30 MOVIE Rambo: First Blood Part II. (1985) (M) 10.30 The Closer. (M) 11.30 Chicago Med.

5.30pm Our Yorkshire Farm.

6.30pm Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 Death In Paradise. (M) 8.40 Good Karma Hospital. (M) 9.40 The Madame Blanc Mysteries. (M) 10.40 The Closer.

5.30pm Our Yorkshire Farm.

6.30pm Antiques Roadshow 7.30 New Tricks. (PG) 8.40 Shakespeare And Hathaway. (M) 9.40 Agatha Christie’s Marple. (PG)

5.30pm Our Yorkshire Farm.

6.30pm Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 To The Manor Born. 8.30 Midsomer Murders. (MA15+) 10.30 The Closer.

5.30pm Our Yorkshire Farm. (PG) 6.30pm Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 Keeping Up Appearances. (PG) 8.40 Poirot. (PG) 10.40 Dalgliesh. 11.40 Only Fools And Horses.

6pm Football Tonight. 6.25 Soccer. A-League Men. Round19. Adelaide United v Newcastle Jets. From Coopers Stadium, Adelaide. 9.00 NCIS. (M) 11.45 Bull. (M)

6pm Frasier. (PG) 6.30 The Big Bang Theory. (PG) 8.30 The Big Bang Theory. (M) 9.30 The Big Bang Theory. (PG) 10.30 Frasier. (PG) 11.30 Ridiculousness. (PG)

6.30pm JAG. (PG) 7.30 NCIS. (M) 10.20 Bull. (M) 6pm Frasier. (PG) 6.30 Big Bang. (PG) 7.30 The Big Bang Theory. (M) 8.30 The Big Bang Theory. (PG) 9.30 The Big Bang Theory. (M) 10.00 Frasier. (PG) 11.00 Ridiculousness. (PG)

6.30pm JAG. (PG) 7.30 NCIS. (M) 10.20 FBI. (M) 11.15 Bull. (M)

6pm Frasier. (PG) 6.30 Neighbours. (PG) 7.00 Friends. (PG) 8.00 Big Bang. (M) 8.30 The Big Bang Theory. (PG) 9.30 Two And A Half Men. (M) 10.30 The Neighborhood. (PG) 11.00 Frasier. (PG)

6.30pm JAG. (PG) 7.30 NCIS. 8.30 Bull. (M) 11.15 Bull. (PG)

6.30pm JAG. (PG) 7.30 Elsbeth. (M) 8.30 NCIS. (M) 10.30 The Weekly Kick-Off. 11.00 FBI. (M) 11.55 Bull. (M)

6pm Frasier. (PG) 6.30 Neighbours. (PG) 7.00 Friends. (PG) 8.00 Big Bang. (PG) 9.00 Big Bang. (M) 9.30 Two And A Half Men. (M) 10.30 The Neighborhood. (PG) 11.00 Frasier. (PG)

6pm Frasier. 6.30 Neighbours. 7.00 Friends. 8.00 Big Bang. (M) 8.30 Big Bang. (PG) 9.00 Big Bang. (M) 9.30 Frasier. (PG) 10.30 The Neighborhood. 11.00 Becker.

6.30pm JAG. (PG) 7.30 NCIS. (M) 10.20 FBI. (M) 11.15 Bull. (PG)

6pm Frasier. (PG) 6.30 Neighbours. (PG) 7.00 Friends. (PG) 8.00 Big Bang. (PG) 9.30 Frasier. (PG) 10.30 The Neighborhood. (PG) 11.00 Becker. (PG) 11.30 King Of Queens. (PG) 1402

Well, by the time you read this, I will have completed the snowboard tradition I started 20 years ago in Canada.

What was I thinking?

I swim in the local frozen lake before I start on the mountain.

The downside to looking at weather forecasts is that it appears it is going to be -20C for the swim.

Upside? The water will be warmer than the outside temperature.

Always look at the positives.

Last time it was this cold, I felt two lumps in my throat.

Not much surf by the looks of it.

So, maybe consider booking a ticket to Japan or North America.

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