From all of us here at Coolum News - a very Merry Christmas and all the best for the New Year. Thank you to our loyal readers and advertisers for all of the support for the magazine in 2022! We’ll be back again in February.
BIG YEAR FOR PROJECTS
AS 2022 DRAWS TO AN END WE START TO LOOK AHEAD TO THE YEAR 2023 AND WHAT IT’S LIKELY TO BRING FOR OUR SUBURB.
The marquee project everyone will be watching is Barn’s Lane Farm near Coolum State School. Earthwork, filling and excavation plans were lodged with Council this month for approval and the Farm’s Instagram site has its likely opening time as “late-2023”.
The project has garnered plenty of support from locals who are sure to be watching and waiting, keen to check it out the moment
the doors fling open. Another recent addition to the area came in the form of Black Flag Brewing opening in the industrial estate off Yandina Coolum Road. The precinct is certainly one to watch in 2023, not only for new openings, but for the success of its businesses who are taking Coolum to the world.
Speaking of success, congratulations are due to Aussie Tiny Homes, Shipping Container Pools, Cerge and White’s IGA Mount Coolum for their recent wins at the Sunshine Coast Business Awards. Well done!
A LOOK AT WHAT'S ON FOR XMAS
IF YOU'RE AFTER CHRISTMAS EVENT IDEAS, THIS LIST MIGHT HELP...
Noosa Civic Shopping Centre
Nov 12 – Dec 24: Santa photography.
Holidays on Hastings Street
December 1 – January 29
Sunset Buskers: Catch and array of local talent, playing live on the street, for all to enjoy.
Ginger Factory – Santaland
December 1 – December 24, 9.30am – 1.30pm Meet Santa, create your own bauble.
The Carol Cruise – Noosa Ferry
December 9
Free community event featuring Oriana Choir and Sunshine Coast Youth Choir singing Christmas carols whilst cruising down the river.
Follow in your boat or set up picnics along the four stops along Noosa Sound riverbank.
Sunshine Coast Collective Christmas Market December 11 from 8am to Noon Coolum Primary School Oval, Coolum Beach
Tewantin Christmas Carnival 11 December, from 4pm Hosted by Tewantin Noosa RSL at the Memorial Park overlooking the river - featuring Brett Campbell’s Children’s Christmas show, carols by candlelight. Free rides and pony rides and farm animals, food stalls and fireworks.
Santa on The Beach December 13-19, 9am -11am Meet Santa on Noosa Main Beach in his adorable beachside hut. Walk ins or online booking, BYO camera.
Contacts
Editor: Geoff Crockett - 0413 988 333
Email: info@yourcommunitymedia.com.au
Web: www.yourcommunitymedia.com.au
Social: facebook.com/coolumnews
Insta: #yourcommunitymedia
Advertising sizes and rates
Full page: $330 inc gst - 128mm (w) x 186mm (h)
Half page: $220 inc gst - 128mm (w) x 93mm (h)
Qrter pge: $165 inc gst - 128mm (w) x 46.5mm (h)
Coupon: $44 inc gst - 62mm (w) x 40mm (h)
Distribution
3200 copies a month via letterboxes/bulk drops into homes in the Coolum postcode without no junk mail signs. Copies are also distributed to The Shop, The Caf’, White Tigress, and the Coolum Newsagency
Upcoming booking deadlines
February edition: Friday, Jan 20, 2023, 5pm
Coolum News is independently produced and published by Your Community Media Pty Ltd atf G.E.Investment Trust, trading as Coolum News (ABN 80382001417). Those making advertising placement and/or supplying 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.
The J Noosa
December 16-17 – An angelic Christmas by the Noosa Chorale
December 16, 7pm – 8.30pm December 17, 2pm – 3.30pm
COOLUM CAROLS
December 18, 3pm – 8pm Jack Morgan Park. See coolumbusinessandtourism.com.au for updates
Community Giveback event
December 17 from 2.30pm to 6pm
Featuring live music by Tyler Hammel + Wildlife Unleashed for the kids + free sausage sizzle + colouring comp. Event is at The Pool Café, Peregian Springs
Flicks in the Park –
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York December 17, from 6pm Tickle Park, Coolum Beach
Terella Brewery Community Christmas Party 17 December, 10am – 6pm
Skydiving Santa with his helpers, Visit from Fire brigade for kids to enjoy the truck and spraying hoses, facepainting, farmyard, live music, food trucks and Terella’s specialty Christmas brew
Christmas Session with 80s Recall December 18 from 3pm Coolum Beach Hotel, Coolum Beach
2022 Peregian Beach Christmas Carols
December 21 from 3pm to 8.15pm Christmas Carols, kid’s entertainment, jumping castle, food trucks and Santa visit Peregian Beach Park, Peregian Beach
Flicks in the Park – Minions: The Rise of Gru Saturday, January 7 from 6pm Tickle Park, Coolum Beach
** For further information on activities, go to relevant websites.
SFA Specialised Finance Australia
COMMERCIAL FINANCE BROKER
Fund all types of business equipment and assets including IT hardware, software and shop fit outs. Cash flow business loans to assist business operations during the holiday period.
• We have access to over 30 lenders, giving you the best option for your business.
• We find the best loan for your business, so you save money.
• Broad experience funding simple and complex business assets and equipment.
• No deposits required.
• Business start ups accepted.
FOR AN OBLIGATION FREE CHAT
Phone: Paul Ashby 0402 683 202
Email: Paula@sfaust.com.au / www.sfaust.com.au
THE STUMERS CREEK SANDBARS
COOLUM BEACH BASED GEOPHYSICIST DAMIAN KELLY OBSERVED A RANGE OF CHANGES IN STUMERS CREEK THIS YEAR AND CAPTURED THEM FOR OUR READERS...
By Damian KellyThis La Nina year has seen months of unusually heavy rains and flash flooding across the Sunshine Coast, and instances of strong, fast flows at the mouth of Stumers Creek.
At times the flows were so strong that the thalweg - the sinuous, turbulent trace of the fastest-flowing current - could be seen clearly on the surface of the creek (Refer to Picture 1, above).
Now, a short paddle upstream along the again tranquil northern branch of the picturesque tide-dominated creek reveals erosion of its muddy banks, the resultant collapse of trees into the creek, and an
intriguing sand bar “in the middle of nowhere” (Refer to Pictures 2 & 3 above).
The mid-channel sand bar, located a couple of hundred metres from the beach, is emergent above the “normal” high tide level and sits amidst an otherwise low-energy depositional environment of a very sticky mud substrate.
The likely mechanism for its formation is the episodic deposition of sandy sediments, shed and transported from the nearby, restricted catchment area around Emu Mountain, during periods of heavy rainfall, high-energy discharge, and flash flooding over many years.
The bar might first have been “seeded” by an obstacle, such as a submerged log, which created a place where the sediment-laden flow would be locally diverted to allow sand deposition to begin.
Examples of mid-channel sand bar formation may be observed at the mouth of Stumers Creek whilst walking one’s dog!
(Refer to Picture 4 above).
To find out more, please give our experienced brokers a call on 5446 2480, pop into the store at Birtwill Street, Coolum or email coolum@aussie.com.au.
If you’re thinking of a new loan for the New Year, the Aussie Coolum team are here to help. Give us a call on 5446 2480, pop into the store at Birtwill Street, Coolum or email coolum@aussie.com.au
FUNDING WAVE TO FOCUS ON WAYS OF KEEPING BEACHES SAFE
A NEW WAVE OF FUNDING AIMS TO ENSURE BEACHGOERS’ SAFETY AS THE SUMMER PEAK APPROACHES ON
THE SUNSHINE COAST.
Millions of residents and visitors will visit our beaches this summer and a new agreement between Sunshine Coast Council and Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) guarantees that professional lifeguards will continue to patrol popular beaches for at least the next five years.
Mayor Mark Jamieson said Council had signed off on a new five-year regional Lifeguard Service contract with SLSQ.
“This is a substantial arrangement which will see Council inject just under $5.5 million per year into lifeguard services to keep residents and visitors to our region safe at the beach,” Mayor Jamieson said.
“Our world-renowned beaches are one of the most popular drawcards in our region, which reinforces why it is so important for Council to support the services provided by our lifeguards, so everyone can enjoy a safe beach experience.”
Over the past 12 months, more than seven million people visited Sunshine Coast beaches, and lifeguards performed 849 rescues and more than 8000 first-aid actions.
The professional lifeguard service, operated by SLSQ on behalf of Council, manages foreshore and ocean activities at 22 coastal locations year-round across the Coast, including the Maroochy River mouth and Kings Beach Pool.
The new agreement enables SLSQ to employ 16 full-time lifeguards, 16 part-time lifeguards and maintain a casual pool of approximately 50 lifeguards during peak season.
It provides for approximately 93,000 lifeguard patrol hours per year across beaches from Coolum North to Golden Beach, as well
as equipment and vehicle costs.
To check local patrol times, visit beachsafe. org.au and search for your favourite beach.
SLSQ Regional Operations Manager Aaron Purchase said Council’s continued support for lifeguard services would help to ensure more lives were saved.
“We’re very proud to continue our strong and successful partnership with Sunshine Coast Council,” Mr Purchase said.
“We equip, develop, empower and support our staff to deliver vital aquatic rescue and safety services across Queensland, including the Sunshine Coast, with the ultimate goal of zero preventable deaths in Queensland public waters.
“We’re expecting beaches to be absolutely packed this summer, so please help yourself, and us, by swimming only between the red and yellow flags and following the advice of lifeguards and lifesavers.”
Council is also working with surf clubs and the Compass Institute to make local beaches more accessible and inclusive.
Beach matting, wheelchairs and life jackets are available to use at no charge, and to learn more visit sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au and search for “accessible beach program”.
Meet our local team
Say g’day to Ian and Mary-Jo, who are our amazing franchisees from Solomons Flooring Noosa.
Ian and MJ have owned the Noosa store for almost 25 years and have been an integral part of the Noosa community for over 50 years.
Ian was recognised with an Order of Australia Medal in 2016 for services to the Lifesaving community. So if you like to support local, then head in and see Ian and MJ.
GRANTS PROVIDE HEARTFELT BOOST FOR ARTS ON THE COAST
COOLUM HEARTS IS BEATING STRONG AFTER A $30,000 FUNDING INJECTION TO EXPAND ITS ACCESSIBLE ARTS FACILITY.
The organisation has big plans for growth after being among Sunshine Coast Council’s latest Major Grant recipients, with 84 local community organisations receiving a share of $593,562 to deliver great community projects.
Coolum HeARTs plans to use its timely cash windfall to expand its current shed, where it offers low-cost access to the arts for everyone in the community.
Treasurer Vivien Collins said the organisation was thankful to council for being granted funds to help complete the necessary work.
“Our mission is building community through arts and we do this by providing affordable access to music and the arts to all in the community,” Ms Collins said.
“Especially those with significant challenges, as well as offering a safe and calm place for social connection in order to improve health and wellbeing.
“The $30,000 council grant will enable us to extend our current shed and help create a dedicated administration area and provide space for extra storage units for art supplies and musical instruments.”
Ms Collins said Coolum HeARTs was also grateful to the Coolum businesses and local community for their on-going support.
Increasing local participation and accessibility to the arts is a major outcome of this round of council funding
A hearing loop set for installation at Lind Lane Theatre, and event costs support for the 2023 Sunshine Coast Chamber Music Festival, have joined Coolum HeARTS in enjoying a funding boost.
From sporting clubs to cultural heritage
groups and chambers of commerce, many diverse and dedicated not-for-profit groups on the Sunshine Coast are being supported by council’s Community Grants Program.
Community Portfolio Councillor David Law said these grants assisted volunteers to deliver one-off projects, events and activities that provided broad community benefit.
“Community organisations are huge contributors to the Sunshine Coast and make it a wonderful place to live,” Cr Law said.
Grant applications were received in six categories: Community Development, Community Facilities, Creative Development, Cultural Heritage, Economic Development, and Sport and Recreation.
For the full list of recipients, visit sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au and search for “grants”.
CELEBRATING SPORTING STARS
SPORTING AND PARA-SPORTING CHAMPIONS
It was great to meet another crop of local sporting and para-sporting champions in November.
Thirty four (34) young sporting stars were recognised in the latest round of Local Sporting Champions and Local Para Champions grants for 12-18 year olds, from diverse sports such as artistic roller skating, orienteering and sport climbing.
I would particularly like to give a shout out to the following locals:
• Dougal Mcleod of Yaroomba - Australian Schools Rugby championship
• Hudson Jessep of Coolum BeachNational Cross Country
• Henry Smyth of Coolum BeachAustralian Schools Orienteering Championship
• Belle Jackson of Coolum BeachHockey Australia U13 Carnival
• Riley Ellis Coolum Beach - Brisbane Lions (Australian Football) Academy
I look forward to following their journey to the 2032 Games!
Sportspeople aged 12-18 can apply for the next round of local sporting champion and local para champion grants before 31 December at https://www.sportaus.gov.au/.
PLANTING TREES AT COOLUM STATE SCHOOL
It was a pleasure to join student leaders at Coolum State School recently in honour of the late Queen Elizabeth II. I helped secure a $8,600 Federal Government grant for the school to ‘plant trees for the Queen’s Jubilee’ to landscape a garden area and bike trail precinct on the northern edge of the School’s oval. It was a great morning which was enjoyed by everyone.
MERRY CHRISTMAS
As many of us look forward to a busy festive season, let’s not forget that many people are also doing it tough. If each of us can reach out to someone who may be alone – an old friend, a neighbour, a distant relative – it would make the world of difference.
Lastly, it’s with great optimism that I look forward to 2023 as your Federal MP. I pledge to continue my focus on delivering for our local community.
From my family to yours, I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Peter Andrew - Licensed Real Estate Agent 0466 836 276 or peter@parcoolum.com.au Deborah Thomson - Licensed Real Estate Agent 0456 781 923 or deborah@parcoolum.com.au
Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year
Why choose Peter Andrew Real Estate to sell your property?
Peter understands how important the decision to sell your property is. Peter knows that it matters that the best sale price is achieved, good communication is imperative, and the selling experience is memorable. Peter will leverage his 40 years’ experience of living and being in business in Coolum Beach to deliver what matters.
www.peterandrewrealestate.com.au
TAKE A LOOK AT JUSTICE PETITION
JUSTICE FOR ANGUS
Last month in Parliament, I spoke of my support for the Beaumont family’s petition to amend the Youth Justice Act and reinstate tougher laws.
The family started the petition after their 15 year old son Angus was murdered in 2020 by recidivist juvenile offenders, who were out on bail at the time.
As I said in my speech in Parliament, I met the family later that year, and I remain in awe of their strength, courage and resolve.
One question they asked me back then, and the question they continue to ask is, could Angus’s death have been prevented? And sadly, the answer is yes.
At the moment, we have a revolving door youth justice system.
We need to give our police and the courts the laws and powers they need to keep us safe. We need to ensure there are consequences for actions.
On this occasion, the breach of bail offence would have given the police or the courts the power to take action, detain the offenders and bring them to justice before they committed another offence.
To learn more about this, and to sign the Beaumont Family’s petition, check out my Facebook page, or visit www.parliament. qld.gov.au/work-of-the-assembly/petitions/
current-epetitions.
WIN A $200 VOUCHER FOR CHRISTMAS
For your chance to win a $200 Whites IGA voucher in time for Christmas, keep an eye out for my end of year newsletter in your letterbox. On the back page you’ll find a survey - simply complete it and return it by 20 December to go in the draw!
Speaking of Christmas, I’d like to take this opportunity to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a safe, happy and healthy New Year.
During the busy festive season, please take care on our roads, and don’t forget to support our local small businesses, like Black Flag Brewery, who’ve just opened up in Coolum Industrial Estate.
POLICE GOLF DAY HELPS TO FUND LOCAL GROUPS
THE COOLUM POLICE AND PATRONS GOLF DAY HELD AT MT COOLUM GOLF CLUB RAISED MORE THAN $7,000 FOR LOCAL ORGANISATIONS DOING ESSENTIAL WORK SAVING LIVES IN THE COMMUNITY.
The annual event returned for the first time in two years after COVID caused its cancellation, and already the planning has begun for a bigger and better event in 2023.
Senior Sergeant Hardy Wirth, Officer in Charge at Coolum Police, said the event was popular.
“The annual event attracts many teams and the support of local businesses, that put up valuable prizes, makes the event
very attractive to participants. The event is a fun day to help worthwhile causes in the community to help save lives,” Snr Sgt Wirth said.
Snr Sgt Wirth thanked all participants and businesses for their support this year.
The money raised on the day went towards equipment for the Coolum and Marcoola Surf Life Saving Clubs, and Sunny Kids.
MOBILITY MAPS RECOGNISED
The region’s new Mobility Maps initiative is among the 11 category winners in the 2022 National Awards for Local Government.
The project, which aims to make it easier for people to get out and enjoy life on the Coast, is among the winners praised by Federal Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Kristy McBain for “creating stronger, more cohesive communities”.
The Australian Government awards are an annual celebration of the best Australian local government achievements and Ms McBain said the high standard of entries highlighted the hard work being done to ensure positive, quality outcomes for communities nationwide.
Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson said the high-profile awards shone the spotlight on innovative and resourceful projects that made a difference.
Mayor Jamieson said Council recognised that creating an accessible city was a key factor in improving the lives of residents and visitors.
“The maps are making life easier for
Mobility maps are helping our accessibility for all
people of all abilities, from mums and dads with toddlers in tow to the elderly, people using wheelchairs and mobility aids,” he said.
“This project is another significant step in making our region accessible and inclusive for everyone.”
The Mobility Maps project resulted from a trial to test new techniques to assist community members with limited mobility, or people with a short-term injury, to move around the Sunshine Coast by providing access to maps and wayfinding information about accessible routes.
For details, visit the Council website, sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au, and search for “mobility mapping”.
shanahanfamilylaw.com.au | 07 5408 4470
Shanahan Family Law offer people a cost-effective way to resolve family law matters. We focus on out of court resolution. Visit shanahanfamilylaw.com.au, for our 7 tips on how to choose the best family lawyer.
THE SUNSHINE COAST HAS BEEN RECOGNISED AS A NATIONAL LEADER IN MAKING COMMUNITIES MORE ACCESSIBLE FOR PEOPLE OF ALL ABILITIES.
ARE YOU READY TO CARE?
At IFYS Foster Care we know every child deserves to be safe, nurtured, cared for and loved.
We also know that adults are crucial in ensuring children are safe from abuse and harm.
At IFYS we hope of a world where every child lives a life that is free of hurt and trauma and they grow up in a caring and nurturing family knowing they are loved.
Sadly, this is just not the reality for many children who have to enter the child protection system through no fault of their own.
TYPES OF FOSTER CARE
Emergency
Up to a few weeks, with not very much notice.
Short Term
A few weeks, up to a few years.
Long Term
A few years, up to when a child turns 18 and beyond.
Respite
weekend care for a child, or different children, two weekends a month.
Right now we need all types of Foster Carers for children aged birth -18. So if you have ever thought about changing a life, contact us at...
LOCAL CONNECT
CHURCH CONTACTS
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
Salvation Army, Meeting Rooms 127, Greenoaks Drive Coolum. Community drop in space on Mondays 10am to 1pm. Women’s Fellowship on Thursdays at 9.30am. Contact 5442 4218 for further information.
GOVERNMENT REP CONTACTS
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
LOCAL BUSINESS CONTACTS
Coolum Business & Tourism - A group for business owners in the Coolum region offering networking and business support. Phone 5440 9870, send an email to info@coolumbusinessandtourism.com.au, or check out the work they do online at www.coolumbusinessandtourism.com.au
LOCAL COMMUNITY GROUPS
Quota Club of Coolum Beach have a business meeting 2pm at the Lion’s Den, 15 Russell St, Coolum Beach on the second Tuesday of each month. We hold fundraising events to support disadvantaged people in our local community. The club also holds active social activities for members. For more phone Sandra Verrall on 0457 355 734 or email secretary@quotacoolum.com.au
Coolum Beach Senior Citizens Club: This club meets every Monday from 11.30-4pm at Coolum Civic Centre and welcomes everyone aged 50 and over for activities including Bingo, Carpet Bowls, Card and Board games. Entry fee includes afternoon tea and a ticket in the door prize. For more phone Louise on 0420 331 948.
Coolum Beach Combined PROBUS: The club for retired and semi-retired people looking for friendship and fun. Probus meet at 9.15am at The Uniting Church, 22 Elizabeth St, Coolum. Visitors welcome. Phone Keith on 0416 275 590 or Faye on 0419 644 651.
Coolum Beach Baptist Church Playgroup: This group meets Tuesdays and Fridays from 9.30am at the Coolum Baptist Church on David Low Way. All welcome. See Facebook or phone 07 5446 1957.
Friends of Yaroomba
The Friends of Yaroomba Inc. AGM will be held on Sunday, October 30th at 3:00 pm at Birrahl Park, Yaroomba. Ever considered getting involved and giving something back to our wonderful community? We’d love for you to join our friendly community group. Membership is free. All are welcome. See Facebook for further info or email friendsofyaroomba@gmail.com
Jodie Curran
“WE BACKED A WINNER!”
We certainly backed a winner when we elected to work with Jodie Curran. Jodie saw in our property precisely the things that our buyer ended up falling in love with. From the beginning, her realistic valuation of our property was informed by the real-life benefits of the home, floor plan, and location. Never did she worry about what else was on the market, or about the fluctuations in pricing of other listings. Jodie has a deep understanding of her local area and exactly what it is that buyers value. She uses her experience to market her listings to the relevant buyer pool. As a consequence, our home was sold within one week - for a price in excess of $200K beyond what other agents considered optimistic. Thank you, Jodie.
Lisa -Vendor