Coolum News August 2020 by InFocus News

Coolum News Inform know grow Volume 1. Issue 1

August 2020

INSIDE..

Keeping it safe on the footpaths - p3

Hoping for the best NERVOUS, but optimistic, were among the key words Coolum Business and Tourism’s secretary Andrew Gorman suggested would describe the sentiment of his members at the beginning of August. Speaking to Coolum News just after it was announced the borders would be closed to greater Sydney residents, Mr Gorman said the likely lack of traffic to the airport off the back of the changes would be a blow to the momentum of local retail and tourism businesses. Mr Gorman said Coolum

had fared “reasonably” on the tourism front during the recent school holidays, helped greatly by the fact that Brisbane residents were allowed to drive north for a break within Queensland. Social distancing restrictions though had made it particularly challenging for hospitality businesses faced with limiting their capacity to host diners in-house. Mr Gorman said he was hopeful Queenslanders would continue to be able to travel here which would help to keep Coolum trade ticking over. Coolum News, August 2020

Roadshow rolls into town - p16

Setting new norms with words - p18

From the Ed’s desk: Welcome to the very first edition of Coolum News, a monthly news and lifestyle magazine designed to celebrate all things great about the area, the people, the stories and the local businesses who support it. As a journalist, a publisher and a long term resident of this patch of the Sunshine Coast, having spent the last 12 years living between Noosaville, Peregian Beach and Peregian Springs, I believe each of our “villages” deserve a focus of their own. In Peregian Springs, my wife, Rebecca, started a similar magazine nearly five years ago. It has been successful in bringing attention to the needs of the area, building community and encouraging local, state and federal governments to recognise the challenges it faces from time to time. For Coolum readers, the recent

closure of major daily and weekly newspapers in the area has left a hole for those who like to read in print. It’s also limited the opportunities for local residents and businesses to see their stories in ink or share their products and services with those most likely to use them. With a focus on the hyperlocal, Coolum News aims to provide a monthly read that is for and about Coolum and its people, as simple as that. Hot topics we will follow in coming months include Coolum roundabout congestion and Development Watch’s appeal of the Land and Environment Court’s decision on Sekisui House lodged on July 24 in the Supreme Court. I would love to hear from you with other stories you’d like us to share. I hope you enjoy the first edition. Geoff Crockett

Coolum News, August 2020

0413 988 333

Local News

Footpath art all about sharing USERS of our local coastal footpaths may have noticed some flash graffiti under foot or wheel in recent weeks. The #sharewithcare campaign is a joint initiative of Sunshine Coast Council and the Queensland Government’s Community Road Safety Grants designed to remind pedestrians to share their space safely. Key rules to remember, be sure to keep to the left, and pass on the right, keep animals on a short leash, slow down and let people know when you’re approaching and give way with a smile when you’re sharing the path. The artwork has been rolled out on Coastal paths from Caloundra to Coolum.

Coolum News, August 2020

Local News

Have your say on pet strategy SUNSHINE Coast Council is calling on all interested residents, pet owners or otherwise, to have their say on the next update to the Domestic Animal Management Strategy which will provide guidance for future Council planning up until 2030. Council has developed three themes to guide their thinking on the updated strategy - with a goal of creating harmonious co-existence between people, pets and place. The themes are Educated Informed People, Happy Healthy Pets and Safe and Inclusive Places. Service Excellence Portfolio Councillor Winston Johnston said all feedback was valuable. “As our community continues to grow and evolve, so does the diversity of lifestyles and the ways in which pets share in our daily lives,” Cr Johnston said. “We want to know what people think about responsible pet ownership – what does it mean to you and how can council help? “The feedback we receive will help to shape the new strategy and the action plan that will help us to achieve the goal of creating harmonious coexistence between people, pets and places.”

The updated strategy will also be guided by the Queensland Government Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 and Sunshine Coast Council Local Law and Subordinate Local Law No. 2 and will incorporate council’s activities in relation to lost and roaming pets, surrendered pets, the animal pound, rehoming pets and animal welfare. Upon reviewing these survey results, a draft strategy will be prepared and presented to council later in 2020. The draft strategy will then be made available for public consultation before the final strategy is presented to council for consideration and adoption. To have your say, go to Sunshine Coast Council’s website and search on Have Your Say, or directly to https:// haveyoursay.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

Conquering anxiety workshop spots going quickly IN a bid to help parents, students and their local community, Coolum Beach Christian College is hosting a free event on August 20 covering the topic, Conquering Anxiety - an Essential Workshop. Local psychologist Gretchen Mitchell will present the workshop from 4

6.30pm to 7.45pm. Due to COVID restrictions, only 50 seats are available and reservations are essential.. To find out more and reserve a spot, email admin@cbcc.qld.gov.au or phone the team at the school office on 5446 4780.

Coolum News, August 2020

Local News

Car fans turn out for coffee THE sun was shining and the motors were purring on August 1 when Cars & Coffee Sunshine Coast held a COVID Safe catch up at the German Bakehouse at 54 Junction Drive, Coolum Beach. Starting at 7am and going through until 10am, the morning meeting is an opportunity for car enthusiasts to bring along their ride, catch up for coffee with friends, and check out the Sir Henry Royce Foundation and the impressive private car collection of local solicitor Frank Carroll. From classic Rolls Royces, to early Austins, MGs, Bentleys, hot rods, custom trucks and more - the morning promises to have something for most car lovers. A German Bakehouse spokeswoman said they had been kept busy all morning, almost selling out of all of the food by 10.30am on the day - and they were really looking forward to doing it again in September. Cars and Coffee Sunshine Coastâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s next event at the German Bakehouse will be held, Sat, Sept 5, from 7am. Facebook: carsandcoffeesunshinecoast 6

Coolum News, August 2020

Local News

Parishioners Zoom in for 50th COOLUM’s local Church on the hill celebrates its 50th Anniversary this year and the Anglican Archbishop “zoomed” in recently to acknowledge the milestone. With COVID stopping physical church gathering at the Anglican Church of the Holy Spirit in March, the Parish Priest The Rev Dr Cathy Laufer quickly saw “Zoom Church” as a way for people not just in Coolum, but interstate and overseas to come together and worship in person each Sunday using “Zoom”. The innovative technology allowed Archbishop Philip Aspinall to “Zoom” into the homes of those who had also “zoomed in” to Church on Sunday 14 June, and offer an encouraging and timely message about performing the seemingly impossible. With the impossible, keeping people together while not being able to attend physical services, seemingly done, gathering at the Church building is even more poignant in its 50th year of 8

construction with COVID Safe services resuming in July at the Church on the corner of Beach Rd and Perry St. Services originally began at the Church in 1970. In the beginning it was a branch of the Nambour Parish but in 1992 it received it’s own resident Priest. In 1997 it was declared a Parish in its own right. Current Parish Priest Rev Dr Cathy Laufer arrived in 2010 and has presided through some changing times including the latest COVID 19 pandemic. For now, the Church will continue with Zoom services, as well as two Sunday gathering services at the Church itself, one at 8am and one at 9.30am. For a Zoom Church invitation password or more information, please email the church administration at ang.coolum@gmail.com or phone the Church on 0447 002 573 or go to www.anglicanchurchcoolum.com

Coolum News, August 2020

Local News

High rise still in reach for thieves RESIDENTS living in high rise apartment blocks have been reminded to be careful with security to avoid break-ins. Writing for the Queensland Police Media blog, Senior Sergeant Brad Grant said the majority of break-ins are opportunistic, especially when there is evidence of quick and easy entry and unsecured valuables inside. “In a multi-residential complex, a lapse in security of communal areas, including garages, compromises the security of the whole building,” Snr Sgt Grant wrote. “May high-rise break-ins occur through open or unlocked balcony doors - living several floors up doesn’t offer security from intruders. “Poor security habits can allow an intruder easy access to your home. External doors and screens to balconies should be locked when the unit is unmonitored.” Snr Sgt Grant said another simple way of staying safe was to get to know your neighbours so you were each aware of your general habits and would notice anything out of the ordinary and be able to alert police. Other tips included: • Identifying management’s role and function in your building

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and having relevant phone numbers saved on your phone. Close any communal doors that are open and unattended. Always keep your balcony screen doors locked, even when you are home and it’s night time. Avoid storing excess belongings and valuables in garage areas and lock-up garages. Secure bicycles and motorcycles if possible, to something solid in the absence of a locked storage area. Use additional security measures for motorcycles. Remove all valuables (including garage remotes) and personal items when leaving your car unattended or ensure they are out of sight.

Ninderry a battle of two so far WITH Queensland’s next State Election scheduled for October 31 this year, the major parties are busy announcing their candidates. So far for Ninderry, we have incumbent Dan Purdie from the LNP and, as of August 3, Melinda Dodd for the Labor Party. We will update the list for September edition. 10

Coolum News, August 2020

Melinda Dodd, Labor

Dan Purdie, LNP

Coolum News, August 2020

Ninderry update:

State Member Dan Purdie

Busting congestion – the important first step Most Coolum residents have, at some point, been stuck in traffic at the Yandina Coolum roundabout, particularly during peak periods. This intersection has been flagged by motorists for some time, and earlier this year, I asked residents for their feedback on ways to improve it. Overwhelmingly, locals told me the first step to fix the problem is to address the lack of parking and the traffic issues at Coolum State School during the morning and afternoon drop off. Recently, I met with the new school principal, along with the school P & C, the Divisional Councillor and representatives from Council and TMR to discuss possible solutions. Of course, any option will require funding, so while this project forms the important first step in our multi-million dollar plan to bust congestion, we are calling on your support. As most people are aware, the State Government will not be producing a Budget this year, so we need to show enough community demand in order for the Government to fund these important safety improvements. By signing our petition, you will help 14

us demonstrate the urgency of these upgrades. If you did not receive a copy of our petition in your letterbox recently, please contact me and I will arrange to send it to you. Next month, I hope to table the petition in Parliament, and call on the Education Minister to fund these upgrades. Thank you for your support! COVID-19 update As we brace for what now appears likely to be a second wave of COVID19, just a reminder to remember to practice good hygiene, socially distance, and stay at home if you feel unwell or have any symptoms. We’ve proven before we can beat this, and now is definitely not the time to become complacent. For all your COVID-related inquiries and the latest information, please don’t hesitate to contact me. KEEP IN TOUCH To talk to myself and the team phone 5406 7900 or drop by the office at 11 Heathfield Rd, Coolum Beach. Email ninderry@parliament.gov.au

Coolum News, August 2020

FAIRFAX update: Federal Member Ted Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien BEFORE I provide an update from the Federal Government, I just wanted to congratulate Rebecca and Geoff Crockett for building on the success of Peregian Springs News and launching new magazines for both the Coolum and Eastern Beaches communities. We are still in the grip of a global pandemic and unemployment is rising but entrepreneurial ventures like these will help to revive our Ted with locals at his road trip to Coolum on July 15. economy. JOBKEEPER The JobKeeper Payment will be extended beyond the end of September under a refined, two-tiered payment system. From 28 September through to 3 January next year, the rate for eligible employees will reduce to $1,200 a fortnight, while a lower payment of $750 will apply for employees who worked less than 20 hours a week (in the month of February, pre-COVID). The following quarter those payments will be $1000 and $650 respectively. You can find links to more information and facts sheets on my website in the News section. CORONAVIRUS SUPPLEMENT The temporary Coronavirus Supplement for those on income support, including JobSeeker, will be extended until 31 December 2020. The $550 per fortnight supplement continues until 24 September and from 25 September until 31 December, the Supplement will be $250 per fortnight. 16

ECONOMIC OUTLOOK Late last month Treasurer Josh Frydenberg updated the Economic and Fiscal Outlook and while the figures were sobering they were not unexpected. For the 2019/20 financial year we have seen a budget deficit of $86 billion with the budget deficit for the current financial year estimated at $185 billion. The official unemployment rate is also expected to rise above 9 percent by Christmas. Nonetheless, the figures also proved that Australia is in a much better position than other comparable nations across the world. The targeted, scalable, measured response of the Morrison Government is working. As always, please donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.

Coolum News, August 2020

Local Profile

Author has children at heart COMBINING a love of writing, a love for her children and the experience gained from more than a decade of teaching primary, early childhood and TAFE, local resident Renee Irving Lee has found a new career writing children’s books, blogging and writing educational content. The fledgling author, whose first book, The Strongest Boy, was released in 2019, has already tasted success, making the finals of the International Book Excellence Awards organised by Literary Excellence Incorporated in America in the PreSchool category. Books are judged on the quality of the writing, their design, and their market appeal. More recently, Renee was nominated by a reader of The Strongest Boy for the Ausmumpreneur Awards in the author category. As the mother of three children age 4, 6.5 and 14, juggling book writing and promotion alongside family life, she certainly fits the bill. Judging for the Awards is to happen in the first week of August, with an online Awards ceremony now being planned for September. For Renee, the inspiration for her first book came from her six year old son. “My son is a very shy, sensitive and caring boy,” she said. “I was really worried that he was growing up in a world that wasn’t placing any value on those traits as a man. It seemed that society, media and the entertainment industry were placing more value on being socially dominant, aggressive and the alpha male instead. “I would never try and change my son, so I thought I would try to change 18

society’s view on what it is to be a strong male instead.” To help Renee with her mission, she created a character called Max and his friendly parrot Bruce. Together they go on a journey of understanding as to why simply being a physically strong and dominant boy was not really going to help him make friends… when everyone gets mad at him and his behaviour at a party, he learns there is another way. With one book out, Renee has been busy working on a second, Rosie Leads the Way. This one challenges the norms of what makes a “pretty” girl, encouraging young girls to be “smart, strong and kind”. The book was to be launched with a tour this month, unfortunately COVID19 has got in the way, and it will now be launched online. “COVID has definitely affected the launch of Rosie, printing was also held up too! “I am actually still undecided about the office book launch itself due to recent coronavirus cases in Queensland. It looks like it will most likely be an online reading. “This is disappointing for me as my favourite part of the job is reading to children. I really love their energy during a story and this is so hard to match during a live online reading.” For Renee the books are an extension of her belief that norms can be changed if we start early enough. “I honestly believe it starts with the language children are exposed to when they are young and how adults speak to them. This language then becomes they way in which they

Coolum News, August 2020

Renee Irving Lee

Local author Renee Irving Lee’s picture books offer great messages for children. speak to themselves and others. “Children who are exposed to positive language become positive people with positive mindsets.” While the Rosie book launch will keep Renee busy for the next few months, she is already at work on her

next project, a series of six picture books called the BODYSMART series which she says will encourage children to listen to their bodies, help make the connections between emotions and physical well-being and provides positive language for them to use when their emotions or temperament are seen by others as negative. “It has just been read by a dozen beta readers who work as child psychologists, counsellors or educators. I’m hoping that the feedback from these beta readers will ensure that it will be able to help children in the best possible way. Renee was also a recent recipient of a creative arts alliance grant. See (caa.creativealliance.org.au). For more information or to buy a book, see www.reneeirvinglee.com.

Inform know grow

Coolum News

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 Booking & Copy deadline September: August 24 October: September 28

Distributed from date Friday, September 4 Friday, October 9

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 postcode area.

Coolum News - independently produced and published by Geoffrey Crockett T/As Coolum News (ABN 79788104714). 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 judgments.

Coolum News, August 2020

Local Heart LOCAL CHURCH CONTACTS (limits to onsite services during COVID. Contact Churches directly for information on resuming “in person” services) 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

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

Coolum Christian Family Church 2 Arcoona Rd (Coolum Beach Christian College) http://ccfchurch.org.au or call 5446 1295.

Alcohol & Drug Information Service 1800 177 833

Coolum Uniting Church, Cnr Elizabeth St & Heathfield Rd ,Coolum www.maryburnettpres.org.au or 5446 1815

Crime Stoppers - 1800 333 000

Beyond Blue - 1300 224 636

DVConnect Womensline - 1800 811 811 DVConnect Mensline - 1800 600 636

Salvation Army, Meeting Rooms 127, Greenoaks Drive Coolum. Call Warren or Denise 0400 797 480 / 0418 214 723.

Eheadspace (12-25 years) - 1800 650 890 Kids Helpline - 1800 551 800

GOVERNMENT REP CONTACTS Lifeline - 131 114 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

* If you’d like to add your upcoming community club events here, email peregianspringsnews@gmail.com 20

MensLine Australia - 1300 789 978 Narcotics Anonymous Australia - 1300 652 820 Policelink - 131 444 Qld Govt Alcohol & Drug Support Programs - 13 74 68 Smart Recovery Australia - 02 9373 5100

Coolum News, August 2020

Puzzles

FOR THE ANSWERS, TURN TO PAGE 22 Coolum News, August 2020

Chappy’s Corner with Mark Horsfall

A few ideas on how to get beat COVID blues MOST of us will be watching the concerning increase of Covid-19 cases. I personally take encouragement knowing that, as a Nation, we got on top of it once so we can do it again. However I know some are feeling apprehensive and fearful (rightfully so) of what could happen in the coming months. Here are some tips that could help manage fear you may be feeling. Understand your fear. Fear is designed to keep you safe and help you recognise danger and act accordingly. Embrace the fear as instruction and let it inform your actions and decisions, but not control your life. Acknowledge what you are fearing as it can help give you strength and focus to overcome it. Think long term. If I look at my shares with a short term mindset I would become quiet depressed. However keeping a long term mindset reminds me that the share market is an investment over many years. We could easily get caught up in the short term trouble of this pandemic. Most of us though, have the resilience and strength to bounce back in the long term as this will pass. Thinking about the long term won’t fix the short term problem but will help you look at it objectively and provide you with a different perspective.

Support each other. Share your fears with each other, encourage each other and pick each other up when we’re down. These are some great benefits of having supporting relationships in your life. If we become insular and withdraw our fears can weigh us down. We are in it together so draw on the community that’s around you. Ensure you maintain your social connections during these challenging times. Keep your social media balanced. It is important to stay informed and updated but too much time on social media can create fear, panic and hysteria. Should you feel your fear rising, turn social media off for a couple of hours or a day. There is a lot of misinformation so make sure you are acquiring information from reliable sources. Finally, focus on what you can control. With this pandemic, there are so many things outside out of our control but worrying about them won’t change anything. Focus on what you can do personally to keep yourself and your surrounding community safe. We will get through this together!!

MULTI PUZZLE ANSWERS August 2020 FALL BY THE WAYSIDE 22

Coolum News, August 2020

Mark Horsfall - Chaplain Coolum State High School

Local Connect

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Coolum News, August 2020