Coolum News Inform know grow Volume 1. Issue 5
December 2020
The countdown to 2021 begins As the clock ticks closer to Christmas day and the end of a tough year the last minute rush to plan holidays, buy presents, or for some people, to figure out a way of avoiding the silly season all together, is on. For Coolum locals things are a little different this year. COVID-19 has put an end to the annual Carols in the Park event which has become so popular over the years, and dates for other holiday standards such as Flicks in the Park are still being confirmed. The good news is that the Lioness Club of Coolum’s Friday night twilight markets are back on at Tickle Park
from 4pm to 8pm on Friday nights in December until the last week of the school holidays in January adding a chance for last minute gifts and a night out after that. When it comes to Christmas Church services, it’s still a work in progress with restricted numbers in venues at the busiest time of the year. Holy Spirit Anglican Church Coolum is hosting Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services at Coolum Civic Centre asking attendees to register their details using www.eventbrite.com.au. St Peter’s is online at www.saintsonwaves.com.au
Coolum News, December 2020
From the Ed’s desk:
What a rush! December has landed in a hurry in our house this year and it’s going to be a race to the finish line to Christmas Day and all that’s ahead of us in 2021! I’d like to say a big thank you to all of our readers for their support for our new publication, and to our advertisers, to our printers (Nick and Paul take a bow!) and our distributors Brad, Jeremy and Vanessa. It’s an honour to be meeting members of our local community, hearing your stories and sharing them for others to enjoy. As Christmas nears it’s definitely different. We’d normally be packing up the family for carols in Coolum at the Park, carols at Peregian Beach on Christmas Eve, and generally hunting out a few Christmas experiences to help our youngsters get into the mood. A lot of that’s not happening this year,
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but there are going to be some streamed carols from Sunshine Coast Council (read about that in Cr Suarez’s column this month). On that note too, I’d like to say a bit thank you to our contributors, to Chappy Mark, Dan Purdie, Ted O’Brien and Maria. For our political friends they have won the honour of representing the good people of Coolum and it’s great to see them taking the time to make sure you have a record of what’s happening each month available in print in this magazine. It does take time to put the words together and that, I know myself, is one thing we can all find ourselves short of. If you’re wanting to help another family in need this Christmas there’s a few ideas here, including dropping by White Tigress at Birtwill St (story p 4). I hope everyone has a great Christmas and look forward to seeing what 2021 brings. Cheers, Geoff
Inform know grow
Coolum News thanks our readers and asks you to please show support for the businesses whose advertising dollars allow us the space to share your stories. ADVERTISING DEADLINES FOR NEXT TWO EDITIONS:
Edition January: February:
Booking & Copy deadline December 7 January 25
Distributed from date Friday, January 8 Friday, February 5
Phone: Geoff on 0413 988 333 or Email: peregianspringsnews@gmail.com. Copies are delivered monthly as a combination of residential letterbox deliveries (to those that do not carry a no junk mail sign) and bulk drop locations in the Coolum area including The Shop, Aussie Coolum, Coolum Bowls Club and the newsagent near Woolworths. * Responsibility for election comment is taken by Geoff Crockett of 117 The Avenue, Peregian Springs, Qld 4573. Coolum News - independently produced and published by Your Community Media Pty Ltd atf G.E. Investment Trust T/As Coolum News (ABN 80 382 001 417). Those making advertising placement and/or supply copy material or editorial submissions to the publication undertake to ensure that all such material does not infringe the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 CTH as amended from time to time or other laws, regulations or statutes. Further to this, these persons agree to indemnify the publisher and/or its agents against any investigations, costs, claims and/or judgements.
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Local News
Christmas fundraisers launch With this year putting more pressure than ever on families, with jobs lost to COVID and incomes slashed, charities throughout the country are digging deep to find new ways of helping those in need. For farming families, the charity Aussie Helpers with the support of Woolworths and Real Pet Food are putting together Christmas hampers to be delivered to farming families all over the country. The hampers are available for $50 and $100 dollars and can be bought at www.aussiehelpers.com.au. Alternatively, other donations can be made via that site. The Smith Family has launched its annual Christmas appeal targeting students who are living in a disadvantaged situation. The Smith Family aims to raise $4.3 million nationally through its annual Christmas appeal which will provide 9086 children with essential learning and mentoring programs to help them stay engaged at school. It will also have its traditional Toy and Book Appeal running. To find out more about donating, go to www.thesmithfamily.com.au/
sharechristmas or phone 1800 024 069. Another local charity helping out this Christmas is Youturn Youth Support. This organisation supports homeless youth and is working to provide them with a Memory Experience Package valued at $250 which will include a Christmas tree, a gift for each family member from a local supplier under the tree, a dining experience at a local restaurant and a day out at a local water or theme park. Normal donations, or smaller gift packs are also available to buy and donate. See www.youturn.org.au.
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Local News
White Tigress backs local kids When COVID forced Christine Lynn, pictured right with black hair, to reassess the next step in her career, it led her to go into business herself and open an Op Shop in support of victims of domestic violence. From a first business meeting with two friends in her garage White Tigress and co was born and Christine decided to apply her 25 years of experience in retail management to building a new business The White Tigress team at their Op Shop near Coles in Coolum. with proceeds going to help support local families in need. Kids work with Life House Resource The team set about collecting Centre when it comes to sourcing any donations from the local area, larger items for families in need, such including drop off points at Coles as furniture, and suggest any big items Peregian Springs and outside The could be donated there – at 44 Golf Pool Café at Peregian Springs – and Links Rd, Buderim – email the search began for a retail space to lifehouse@goodlife.org.au trade from. With Christmas nearing White A space came up two doors up from Tigress and co has set up a tree and Coles at Birtwill St in Coolum, and is collecting presents for children White Tigress and co opened its doors cared for by SunnyKids. on October 26. The store now acts as Christine said they were aiming to a drop off point for Coolum residents gather as many presents as possible too. and anyone who wanted to donate to In terms of donations, White Tigress the cause was invited to drop a and co is able to store and sell all wrapped present under the tree with a good quality clothing, jewellery, label saying whether it was for a boy accessories, bags, toys, books, bric or a girl and an age range so that the and brac, linen, towels, home décor SunnyKids team could match it with and artwork. the right child. White Tigress and co is collaborating White Tigress and co is open from with SunnyKids Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, (www.sunnykids.org.au) to support Saturday, 9am to 3pm and Sunday’s local children and families suffering from 10am to 2pm. See because of domestic violence. Sunny www.whitetigressandco.com.au 4
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Coolum News, December 2020
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Local News Briefs INDY THEATRE FESTIVAL
TURTLE TIME
Summer means turtle nesting season on the Sunshine Coast as Loggerhead and Green Turtles arrive on our beaches to lay their eggs. Coolum and North Shore Coast Care have a number of volunteers ready to help should you spot a nest or a stranded turtle washed up on shore. For help phone Leigh on 0407 397 018, Susan on 0409 807 110, Michele on 0413 597 724, Ben on 0416 299 854 or Luke on 0428 853 188. See www.coolumcoastcare.org.au for more.
MORE TIME TO POST
With the Christmas rush upon us Coolum Beach Post Office will be open extra hours until December 23 to give everyone the best chance possible of getting their cards and presents sent on time. The post office, which is on Birtwill St at Coolum Beach, will be open from 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday and 9am to Noon on Saturday until December 23.
A GINGER CHRISTMAS
Santa’s workshop will be open at The Ginger Factory at Yandina from December 9 to 24 from 9.30am1.30pm. Children will have the chance to meet Santa in his workshop, receive a free gift and, if you bring your own camera, have a photo with the big man too. See www.gingerfactory.com.au for more. 6
The winning show of the Spirit of Fringe Award at the Melbourne Fringe Festival in 2019 is on the playlist for a four day original theatre festival in Nambour this month. Yay for Cane Toads! Will make its Queensland debut at the Fluorescent Festival, to be held at the Old Ambulance Station, 80 Howard St, Nambour from Wednesday, December 9 to Saturday, December 12. Bookings are essential. See www.ladylongdrop.com for details of show times and ticket prices.
CLIMB THE HIGH ROPES
There’s a new attraction on the Coast to try out these holidays with the opening of the Next Level high ropes course over Cornmeal Creek at Sunshine Plaza in Maroochydore. Marketed as Australia’s largest high ropes course the $3 million attraction features four levels of difficulty and 145 aerial obstacles connected by 16 zip lines. It was created by TreeTops Adventure Group. Find out more at www.nextlevelpark.com.au HELP HOT WILDLIFE The Australian Conservation Foundation has released a new guide on how to help heat-stressed wildlife to recover. A spokesperson said most people wanted to help when they came across a heat-stressed possum or bird, or other native wildlife, but many were unsure of what to do. The ACF’s new pocket-sized guide has some answers and is available for free by ordering the How to Be a Wildlife Hero booklet online at www.acf.org.au/ wildlife_care_guide.
STAY UP TO DATE Follow @ Coolum News on Facebook for regular updates on local news.
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Coolum News, December 2020
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Local News
Green shoots lead to learning Taking a rocky, desert-like, corner of the school grounds and turning it into a fertile, produce-creating garden, is a vision Coolum Beach Christian College is working hard to achieve. Federal Member for Fairfax Ted O’Brien was on site last week to tour the garden as a follow up to a grant that had helped make it possible. “This is an amazing project and I was delighted to be able to contribute $10,000 from the Communities Environment Program to help Coolum Beach Christian College restore this rocky outcrop to its former glory as natural bushland,” Mr O’Brien said. “Incorporating edible gardens which bring the students into the natural environment and out of the classroom for real-life learning is a brilliant addition.” Principal Terry Hornby said the garden had been a success, with students enjoying having it there, and not adverse to tasting the fresh produce as soon as it became ripe. He said they had identified the area as being in need of work and had asked the students to come up with design ideas on how it could be improved. “The students had to submit the design for the area, so several classes sat down and walked over the land and did measurements,” Mr Hornby said. “So the first thing they did was learn how landscape design works. “The students did the research into the plants they wanted, they did the composting and all the planting, we’ve got about six garden beds there. “Then the next level up we have started planting native trees to attract birds and insects, especially bees.” 8
Top—Federal MP Ted O’Brien, Coolum Beach Christian College Principal Terry Hornby and 2021 school captains Sarah Vos and Joseph Ovens. Other— CBCC students at work in their gardens.
The garden beds include lettuce, strawberries, tomatoes and herbs, and Mr Hornby said they’d already had one harvest taken up to the school kitchen, washed, and served up for lunch.
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Coolum News, December 2020
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Local Profiles - Alexander and Amelia Rose
Top Tri duo call Coolum home If you’ve spotted a couple of fastmoving lycra-clad streaks flying past you on foot or on bikes in the early hours of the morning around Coolum it may well have been elite triathletes Alexander Polizzi and Amelia Rose Watkinson as they work to keep their bodies at peak condition for their next competition. The dynamic duo has called Coolum home for the past two years and they are loving it. Alexander grew up in Warrandyte in Victoria while Amelia Rose hails from New Zealand. They were both travelling constantly to Asia and Europe for events and went looking for somewhere to settle that would allow them to train all year round, was supported by access to high level physiotherapists, coaches and masseuses and had a welcoming and smaller community that a big city might offer. They said Coolum ticked those boxes and they had enjoyed finding training paths around the area, as well as their favourite coffee shops. As professional athletes, competition results contribute to their income stream with both Alexander and Amelia Rose reflecting that the cancelling of competitions and the challenges of travelling anywhere this year had made life a little harder on the income side. They said their sport’s leading body had supported them as professional athletes and they were still able to compete locally. For Amelia Rose, 29, that local competition included winning the Sunshine Coast Ironman 70.3 event in September, the Ironman 70.3 in 10
Cairns in October and the Hervey Bay 100 in November. Now ranked 19th in the Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO) rankings, Amelia’s next challenge will be at the invitation-only PTO Championship event at Daytona Speedway in Florida in the United States on December 6. In case you’re wondering, the 70.3 refers to the total distance in miles covered in the race – the equivalent of a 1.9km swim, 21.1km run and a 90km bike ride. For Alexander, 2020 has meant taking out 7th position in the Ironman Asia Pacific Championships in Cairns and 7th in the Ironman 70.3 at the Sunshine Coast. Alexander’s road into triathlon came from a swimming background – as a junior he was one of the best butterfly proponents in the country. He took a break from sport to study for a Bachelor of Multi-Media design and then worked in advertising agencies as an art director for five years. He found multisport racing in 2014 which led to long course triathlons and in 2015 he had won the overall Australian age group long course national title in Port Macquarie and gained his professional triathlete’s license. Continued, page 16
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Coolum News, December 2020
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Councillor Maria Suarez—Division 9 FREE TREES We held a Free Tree Day in Tickle Park, Coolum, giving away approximately 130 trees to local residents. It was lovely to say hello to everyone who came to get their plants. Don’t worry if you missed out, we will hold more free tree days in Bli Bli and Peregian Springs in the new year. Bring your rates notice with you and take two native plants home for your garden. Happy planting to those who have already picked up plants! VISITOR INFO CENTRE GOING You may have noticed the Visitor Information Centre in Tickle Park has been removed. While it is sad to see the service that was once provided disappear, the structure itself was in a dilapidated state. We’ve saved the timber panels and are storing them for the Jack Morgan Community Garden group. A garden bed will be extended into where the Visitor Information Centre once stood and the Art Shelter will remain with some structural improvements. SOCCER GRANDSTAND The Coolum Soccer grandstand has also had some structural issues that presented a safety concern and will be dismantled. Please note some parking spaces will be used to allow access for this work. CAMPING COMPLAINTS A number of complaints have come in about the increase in overnight camping at Stumers Creek and unauthorised events. 14
While attendees had great fun, the organisers are relocating instead of applying for a permit to ensure health, safety and cleanliness issues are addressed. Parking in Stumer’s will become regulated with no parking from 10pm to 4am to ease parking pressures for the broader community. FEEDBACK SOUGHT Remember there are a number of topics open for your feedback. The Coastal Hazard Adaptation Strategy and Heritage Plan are still open for comment on Council’s website at haveyoursay.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.a u
COAST CAROLS LIVE STREAM Even though we can’t all get together to celebrate the year coming to a close, council invites you to join in a wonderful night of Christmas Carols from the comfort of your own home. Get the family together at 6.30pm on Saturday, December 19 and tune into the Sunshine Coast Community Carols. You can watch online via council’s YouTube or Facebook. Visit council’s website for details. GET IN TOUCH If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact me on 5475 9810, or via email at maria.suarez@sunshinecoast.qld.gov. au or via my Facebook page @MariaSuarezDivision9
Talk to you in 2021! Cr. Maria Suarez Division 9 – Sunshine Coast Council
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Coolum News, December 2020
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Ninderry Update: State Member Dan Purdie THANK YOU Firstly, I would like to thank the Coolum community for your support at the election. I am proud and honoured to be returned as the Member for Ninderry. I will continue to work hard every single day to fight for our fair share, represent your interests and hold the Government to account. LOCAL COMMITMENTS During the campaign, I welcomed Labor’s commitment to a number of the projects I have been lobbying the State Government for the past three years, and one of my first priorities will be to hold them to account, to ensure they deliver. These election commitments include long-overdue funding for major road infrastructure projects, including the duplication of the Sunshine Motorway, upgrading the Yandina Coolum Road interchange, and the intersection of Yandina Coolum Road and School Road. Locals will know I have been working with Coolum State School, Council and TMR to address the safety and parking issues at the school, so I am delighted to see the Labor Triathlete profile… From page 14… Amelia Rose’s first love was running – road, track and cross country. She was introduced to triathlon as a runner in a team’s event, which sparked an interest in cycling that flourished into wins at numerous national cycling events in New Zealand in TT, road race, hill climb and team TT. Her friends suggested she should join a swim group and try out triathlon and while studying for a Degree in 16
Government finally respond to our calls to upgrade the intersection, even if it is three years overdue. I have asked the Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey, to provide further details about these projects, including how much of the total cost will be included in this year’s State Budget. MERRY CHRISTMAS As we start the countdown to Christmas, I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a happy and safe festive season. It’s been a difficult year for everyone, and as we emerge from the COVID health crisis, I hope the new year brings with it some long overdue confidence and a brighter outlook. GET IN TOUCH If you’d like to get in touch, phone 5406 7900, drop by the office at 11 Heathfield Rd, or send an email to ninderry@parliament.qld.gov.au. Find us online at www.danpurdie.com.au.
Architecture she keep up her fitness with triathlons – racing her first 70.3 event in Taupo in 2012 which qualified her for the World Champs in Spain where she won her age group. One thing led to another and in 2014 Amelia Rose turned professional and she’s been chasing dream ever since. At home at Coolum the duo can be seen regularly at the dog beach with their dog, stocking up with fruit and veg at Matt’s Fruit and Veg Shop or coffee at Compound.
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Coolum News, December 2020
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Fairfax update:
Federal Member Ted O’Brien
STATE MPs Firstly I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate both Dan Purdie on being re-elected as the State Member for Ninderry and Fiona Simpson who has been returned as the State Member for Maroochy. Both Dan and Fiona have been great advocates in Parliament for their local communities. They are always out and about meeting with small businesses and different community groups, visiting schools and fighting for funding. I look forward to continuing to work with them both. SPORTING CHAMPS A big shout out to Coolum’s up and coming young athletes. Tyler Woodward and brother Jack Woodward were both successful in securing funding grants in the latest round of Local Sporting Champions. Tyler contested the Under 14 State Championships in basketball while Jack played for the Sunshine Coast Phoenix at the Australia Under 16 Junior Championships. Coolum High’s Blake Sewell also played for the Phoenix at the Under 14 State Championships. I’d certainly encourage any eligible young sports person to apply for a Local Sporting Champions grant. The program provides grants of between $500 and $750 for competitors aged 12-18 participating in state, national or international championships. You can find more information here www.sportaus.gov.au/lsc.
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COOLUM HIGH I was delighted to be able to support Coolum State High School recently with $1,200 in funding for their NAIDOC Week celebrations. A group of junior boys spent time visiting the Triballink Activity Centre in Mapleton, while students at the junior assembly enjoyed a story telling session and didgeridoo demonstration thanks to Kabi Kabi man Kerry Neill. Kerry also explained the significance of Welcome to Country. Nationally, this year’s theme, Always Was, Always Will Be was about highlighting Australia’s ancient history and celebrating the traditions and cultures that endure today. MERRY CHRISTMAS Finally, I’d like to wish you all a safe and happy Christmas and a wonderful year ahead. GET IN TOUCH As always, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with any Federal issues, concerns or enquiries on 5479 2800; or send them through via email at ted.obrien.mp@aph.gov.au or visit us at 17 Southern Drive, Maroochydore.
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Local Heart GOVERNMENT REP CONTACTS Coolum – Local Sunshine Coast Councillor Maria Suarez, office (Division 9) Tel – 5441 8086 State (Ninderry) - Dan Purdie (Liberal National Party) Tel - 5406 7900 Federal (Fairfax) Ted O’Brien (Liberal member of Liberal National Party) Tel- 5479 2800
FREE WHEELIE BIN SPEED SIGNS If you live in a 50km p/h street and would like a 50km/h sticker for your bin, text 0418 263 863 or email info@coolumcoastalproperty.com.au or call (07) 5231 9831 and they will pop some in your mail box. LOCAL CHURCH CONTACTS Call the Churches or see their websites for service times. Coolum Beach Anglican Church -Cnr Perry St & Beach Rd Coolum Beach 0447 002 573 email ang.coolum@gmail.com Or see www.anglicanchurchcoolum.com Coolum Beach Baptist Church 1912 David Low Way -call 5446 1957 or www.coolumbeachbaptist.com/ St Peter’s Catholic Church 28-32 Elizabeth St, Coolum 5443 3488 www.saintsonwaves.com.au Coolum Christian Family Church 2 Arcoona Rd (Coolum Beach Christian College) http://ccfchurch.org.au or call 5446 1295. Coolum Uniting Church, Cnr Elizabeth St & Heathfield Rd ,Coolum www.maryburnettpres.org.au or 5446 1815 Peregian Anglican Church, St Andrew’s College, 40 Peregian Springs Drive, 9.30am, Sundays. Salvation Army, Meeting Rooms 127, Greenoaks Drive Coolum. Call Warren or Denise 0400 797 480 / 0418 214 723. 20
LOCAL SCHOOL CONTACTS Coolum State High School - Havana Rd East, Coolum Beach - 5471 5333. Coolum State Primary School - School Rd, Coolum Beach - 5471 9300 Coolum Beach Christian College - 2 Arcoona Rd, Yandina Creek - 5446 4780 LOCAL BUSINESS CONTACTS Coolum Business & Tourism - 5440 9870, info@coolumbusinessandtourism.com.au, www.coolumbusinessandtourism.com.au QUICK REFERENCE PHONE NUMBERS Alcoholics Anonymous – 1300 222 222 Beyond Blue - 1300 224 636 Crime Stoppers - 1800 333 000 DVConnect Womensline - 1800 811 811 DVConnect Mensline - 1800 600 636 E-headspace (12-25 years) - 1800 650 890 Kids Helpline - 1800 551 800 Lifeline - 131 114 MensLine Australia - 1300 789 978 Narcotics Anonymous Australia - 1300 652 820 Policelink - 131 444 Smart Recovery Australia - 02 9373 5100 Quota Coolum Beach meet at the Lions Den (next to Fire Station) Russell St Coolum Beach at 2pm on the third Tuesday of the month. We are a community group raising funds for disadvantaged women and children and the hearing impaired. Contact: secretary@quotacoolum.com or Sandra 0427 889 750.
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Puzzles
FOR THE ANSWERS, TURN TO PAGE 22 Coolum News, December 2020
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Chappy’s Corner with Mark Horsfall
It’s time to do the little things Christmas is upon us as we approach the end of what has been an extraordinary year. I am sure that all of us will be remembering 2020 as a year like no other. This time of year is also likely to be a challenging time for many as they deal with the fall out from Covid. Financial challenges, not being able to travel to be with family, a lack of festivities etc have the potential to diminish the joy that normally comes this time of year. With great challenge though, comes great opportunity for us to embrace the real Christmas spirit and express it in our Community. A spirit that prides itself on generosity, kindness and love towards others. I recently read a story of a man who went into a major retail outlet and paid for all of the outstanding laybys in the store. This gentleman paid over $30,000 off what was owed in laybys. Can you imagine going in to pay for your child’s Christmas presents only to find they had been paid for. What an incredible act of generosity and kindness that was shown by this
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person. We may not be able to do something big like that but we can all do something that shows generosity and kindness to people in our community. Mother Teresa wrote, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” I encourage you over this next month to take time to consider what you can do to show the true spirit of Christmas this month. There will be someone you know who is having Christmas on their own, a family that is struggling with their finances, a child who won’t be getting a present for Christmas, a charity that you could donate to that could benefit from a display of Christmas Spirit. I know I am certainly going to be on the look out for how I can bring joy to others this Christmas. All the best for the rest of the year, and I hope you enjoy the Christmas break doing small things with great love for one another! Mark Horsfall - Chaplain Coolum State High School
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Local Connect
Containers for cash at Coolum There’s a new way to cash in your cans and bottles for coins and its coming to Coolum from December 7. Change Exchange co-owner Tim Riches said his business used technology to allow customers the opportunity of having their bottles counted automatically and payments made in cash on the spot. Tim said this was their second Change Exchange operation on the Coast, with the other at Beerwah having been open for some months and proving popular with locals there. “It’s a great opportunity for individuals, but also schools and charities to be able to turn their fundraising efforts into cash in a timely manner,” Mr Riches said. The containers refund point at 53 Lysaght St, Coolum, is part of the Containers for Change scheme (www.containersforchange.com.au or phone 13 42 42) which allows for the recycling of eligible containers for a 10 cent refund per container. If you’re from a charity or school and interested in knowing more, please
phone Jorge on 0447 553 080.
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