Coolum News - December 2023

POSITIVE IMPACT

HOW COMMUNITY IS FUNDING GREENER FUTURE

The Sunshine Coast community has in a single year contributed millions of dollars for environmental rehabilitation, innovative education, research and key volunteer groups and partnerships.

Sunshine Coast Council Environment Portfolio Councillor Maria Suarez said the $80 Environment Levy, paid by every Sunshine Coast ratepayer through their annual rates, funded many projects that made strong gains across our local environment in the 2022-23 financial year.

“All our ratepayers contribute to strengthening the health of

our waterways, biodiversity and coastal areas through the Environment Levy, with a total investment in 2022-23 of $7.8 million across the region,” Cr Suarez said.

“This year, it’s clear again to see the value of working with our community, with more than 362,000 volunteer hours for the Levy’s partnership programs showing the strength of people power in our region.

“Meanwhile, innovative programs such as Kids in Action and BatPod are nurturing our young environmental stewards and more than 1300 private landholders have planted 27,900 native trees through the Land for Wildlife program.”

Environment Portfolio

Continued on page 3

BEYOND THE GRAVE ‘SHORT

CELEBRATING THE FESTIVE SEASON

HELLO COMMUNITY,

Where did this year go? It’s crazy I remember someone once telling me that the older you get the faster time goes. I didn’t understand this as a young lad, but well now as we approach Christmas 2023, this revelation is unfolding

As a family man, my children’s faces are already glowing, as our generous community light up their houses, with magical Christmas lights. Thank goodness this makes me feel like a kid again. Christmas carols, street parties, Santa photos, and gifts under the tree, there’s a lot to be jolly about this year!

I would like to express my profound gratitude for the trust, loyalty & support you’ve generously offered our community

magazine. Your stories, events, & shared moments have transformed each issue into a celebration of our unique & thriving community. Your support for local businesses is the lifeblood of this magazine & it’s an absolute privilege to be the custodian of this local platform. Thank you for being the essential threads weaving together our community tapestry.

As we approach the end of 2023, and the festive season, I would like to extend a heartfelt Christmas and New Year wish to each one of you.

Merry Christmas Community!

Warmest Regards,

Darren Van Der Westhuizen

COOLUM

If

850.

Coolum

From page 1

Councillor Peter Cox said work on our coastal dunes, weeds and maintaining Council’s extensive 4050ha conservation estate of Environment Levy-acquired land were some of the biggest ticket items for funding.

“Council manages almost 8000ha of land for conservation across our region, and the Environment Levy has contributed the funds to purchase and manage about half of this estate,” Cr Cox said.

“This year, we invested $900,000 into ecological restoration for our dunes and rocky headlands, important places supporting biodiversity and our region’s coastal lifestyle.

“The weed management pilot program is another major project testing potential weed management tools and strategies including the use of drones and artificial intelligence.

“Being able to undertake projects like these has a clear and extensive positive impact on our environment, now and for future generations.”

In 2022-23, the Levy generated $12.15

million in funding for environment projects, with the unspent funds held for pending land acquisitions that will further expand Council’s conservation estate.

Read the full Environment Levy Annual Report online.

Highlights include:

$967,0000 spent in coastal protection works and dune rehabilitation

$739,000 invested in invasive species research, action and community engagement

$610,000 provided to 19 partnerships with community environmental groups

$325,000 for Landholder Environment Grants to 83 landholders for on-ground projects

$206,000 invested in erosion and sediment control and waterway protection

$166,000 to support flying-fox education and communities living with flying foxes

$130,000 involving young people in the Kids in Action program

$90,000 to support implementation of the Shorebird Conservation Action Plan.

‘TRANSFORMATIONAL ACTION’ SHAPES COAST’S FUTURE

SUNSHINE COAST COUNCIL’S RECAP OF A BILLION-DOLLAR MILESTONE

Delivering the region’s first billion-dollar budget, creating an Olympic Games legacy and providing key services for our community were key achievements outlined in Sunshine Coast Council’s 2022-23 Annual Report.

Mayor Mark Jamieson said Council’s achievements were underpinned by strong financial management and demonstrated an unwavering commitment to supporting the Sunshine Coast in its aspiration to be Australia’s most sustainable region. Healthy. Smart. Creative.

“Council achieved its 15th consecutive year with an unmodified audit opinion from the Queensland Audit Office (QAO),” Mayor Jamieson said.

“This provides our community with the strongest possible assurance that Council’s financial statements are a true indication of our results.”

In June, Council delivered its first $1 billion budget, which included $366 million for projects to develop a strong community; $327 million to maintain and enhance our environment and liveability; $41 million to build our resilient economy; and $156 million to deliver service excellence.

Council delivered 82% ($240 million) of its $293 million Capital Works Program, during

a year that presented some substantial external challenges such as inflationary prices, impacts on supply chains and high demand for contractors.

“In January this year, Council launched its 10+10+ Legacy Vision which outlines the long term benefits our region will seek for our community from Council being a Games Delivery Partner for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“More than 8000 people voiced their opinions on the proposed region-wide planning directions for our new Planning Scheme. This was one of the largest and most successful community engagements every undertaken on the Sunshine Coast.”

Action on housing and homelessness

“During the year Council also started developing the Sunshine Coast Housing and Homelessness Action Plan.

“This will build on our existing commitments to partner, advocate, deliver and facilitate increased housing options and capacity for our region.”

Investing in a greener future

Mayor Jamieson said this year also saw Council release the draft Master Plan for the Sunshine Coast Ecological Park, which aimed to restore a 65-hectare site adjoining Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve.

“In July 2022, Council endorsed the Organisational Zero-Net Emissions Plan, setting the framework toward our transformational action to be a net-zero emissions organisation and low carbon community by 2041.

“Council also took steps this year to move our waste management arrangements into a circular economy approach, progressing

From page 4

construction of the $40 million Materials Recovery Facility at Nambour to sort and separate recyclable materials from yellowlid bins ready for manufacturers to make into new products.”

Building a stronger economy

Mayor Jamieson said throughout the year Council’s efforts in investment attraction and hosting major events achieved an estimated economic impact of $388.86 million and contributed to creating 1897 jobs on the Sunshine Coast, both directly and indirectly.

Serving our community with excellence

In July 2022, a new waste collection contract valued at $146 million over eight years began with Queensland-based company JJ’s Richards Waste & Recycling. The transition to the new contract has continued to be delivered to a very high standard with more than 99 per cent of services collected on schedule.

More than 287,000 customers were assisted through Council’s development and customer contact centres, 1238 parks were managed and more than $8.3 million was allocated for new and upgraded park facilities.

Council also resurfaced and / or rehabilitated 88 kilometres of roads, representing 161 road projects with a total delivery cost of $21.7 million.

A high performing, community-focused organisation

“In addition to delivering our region’s first

$1 billion budget, Council continued to assist ratepayers by offering interest free payment arrangements for those who made an arrangement by the rates payment due date,” Mayor Jaimeson said.

“Eligible pensioners also benefited from a 7% increase in their pensioner rate concession.

“Council also continued to pay all suppliers within seven days, regardless of payment terms, to assist with the economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I’d like to thank my fellow Councillors and the Council team for their commitment to prudent and disciplined management of this organisation’s resources and all Council employees and community volunteers who help make our region the special place it is.”

The annual report was presented to Council at its meeting on Thursday, November 16.

The Annual Report and financial statements are available on Council’s website.

COST-OF-LIVING PRESSURES

INFRASTRUCTURE UPDATES AWAITED

Recently, I was appointed the Shadow Minister for Energy and Cost of Living, and I’ve been hearing more and more stories from locals and communities right across the State about the increasing cost of living pressures they are facing.

And it comes as no surprise, with the latest inflation figures revealing that Queenslanders are facing the steepest cost of living pressures in the nation.

In the past year, Sunshine Coast residents have paid skyrocketing cost rises across housing, health, transport and insurance, after State government decisions sent prices soaring. The latest CPI data shows that rent is up 9.5%; health up 7%; transport costs up 6.4%; vehicle costs, including rego and fuel up 6.4%, and insurance up 15.9%.

The government’s failure to maintain our power plans, failure to deliver critical services and overseeing project cost-blowouts has resulted in escalating cost-of-living for locals.

We’re also now learning of massive cuts to vital infrastructure upgrades, with the Federal government axing important safety upgrades to the Mooloolah River interchange, and shelving the already long overdue Sunshine Coast rail extension. It’s extremely disappointing that the State government did not fight for these projects, which will create even further gridlock and safety hazards on our already congested roads.

It’s clear the government’s priorities are

wrong, and it is costing Queenslanders not only in the hip pocket, but impacting on our way of life here on the Coast.

Given the importance of investing in our local road network, I recently asked the State Transport Minister for an update on the $5m upgrade of the new intersection at School Road, South Coolum Road and Yandina Coolum Road.

Earlier this year, locals had the opportunity to provide feedback on this critical project, which will not only bust congestion, but even more importantly, improve safety for motorists and pedestrians, including hundreds of students during peak times.

The preferred design is a signalised intersection, and the Minister has indicated that the detailed design should be finished by year-end. I anticipate sharing this with the community soon.

In terms of construction timeframes, the Minister has advised that these will also be released following the completion of the detailed design, so watch this space. This significant infrastructure project will be a game-changer, and I will ensure our local community is kept fully informed throughout the process.

With school holidays just around the corner, and the festive season upon us, I’d like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, and a safe, happy, and healthy New Year.

We’re celebrating 10 years and gifting you $1,000 or dinner on us!*

Join Richardson & Wrench Coolum in celebrating our remarkable 10 year journey, proudly serving the Sunshine Coast community. As we reach this significant milestone, we're on a mission to support small businesses, and we want you to be a part of it!

Seller Gift

List your property with our experienced team before Christmas, and we'll gift you $1,000 towards presenting your property for sale.

Use it for landscaping, pressure cleaning, painting, repairs, flooring, styling, general cleaning, skip bin hire, and more. Just provide us with the invoice, and we'll cover up to $1,000 of the service.

It's our way of making your selling journey even more rewarding. Contact our sales team to book an appraisal.

Landlord Gift

For our valued investors, we're offering a special treat. List your property for rent with us, or transfer the management before Christmas, and you'll receive a dinner voucher at a restaurant of your choice valued at $300.

Wherever you live...Sunshine Coast, Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane…dinner is on us!

Talk to our Property Management team to discover just how stress-free and easy it is to have your property managed with Richardson & Wrench Coolum.

NO TIME TO WASTE AS PLAN DRIVES RUBBISH REVOLUTION

Waste will be transformed into a valuable resource thanks to a plan shaped by Sunshine Coast sustainability champions.

The Sunshine Coast Resource Recovery Strategy 2023 has been adopted at Council’s latest meeting (November 16).

It follows input from the region’s sustainability advocates and outlines Council’s plan to manage waste into the future.

The goal is that, by 2041, nothing ends up in landfill.

To do this, the strategy considers rubbish not as something to be buried in the ground, but a resource to be reused again and again.

Helping drive the repurposing revolution will be a new $40m material recovery facility (MRF) soon to be operational at Nambour.

With industry-leading intelligent sorting technology, the Sunshine Coast MRF will be able to recover glass bottles, plastic containers, cardboard, paper and steel and

From page 10

aluminium cans, supplying a range of quality products for re-use across several industries.

Sunshine Coast Environment and Liveability Portfolio Councillor Maria Suarez said the strategy also supported Council’s target to be a zero-net emissions organisation by 2041.

“This plan will see Council adopt and take advantage of opportunities in the rapidly evolving waste industry – and view waste as a resource,” Cr Suarez said.

“It sets a clear path to harness the value of these resources – for example by collecting food waste and converting it into compost and recovered plastics that can be repurposed into clothing or park benches.

“It supports a circular economy to prevent items from becoming waste in the first place and will help our community to avoid and create less waste though education and support.

“Through the plan, Council will advocate

for new and improved product stewardship schemes and collaborate with other SouthEast Queensland Councils for area-wide solutions.

“And we’ll ensure that back at home, we have state-of-the-art resource recovery facilities and waste management infrastructure.

“With this strategy, Council will meet Commonwealth and State waste reduction targets and lead the way to a cleaner, greener, more sustainable future.”

PROPERTIES FOR SALE

9 Opal Place, Yaroomba

43 2

Extraordinary outlooks & exceptional design unite at this prestige hilltop property enjoying panoramic 260-degree views over the Sunshine Coast. From Mount Coolum to Point Cartwright, this bespoke home allows its owners to savour a selection of the coast's most iconic natural features.

58/114 Peregian Springs Dr, Peregian Springs

32 3

A masterclass in modern coastal design, this award-winning new residence in the exclusive Sentosa East development is simply one of a kind. Welcome to a poolside sanctuary on a premium corner allotment in a gated enclave by the Peregian Golf Course.

9 Joy Court, Mount Coolum

4 2 2

Set on a 984m2 (approx) block minutes to idyllic beaches, this poolside property offers an increasingly rare sense of space close to the coast. A peaceful, singlelevel home in the foothills of Mount Coolum, surrounded by sandy shores, surf breaks, golf courses, and nature.

30 Driftwood Street, Peregian Beach

42 2

Positioned for peaceful beach living and showcasing modern coastal design, this poolside property offers a captivating lifestyle. Welcome to a home with the feel of a sanctuary, in a quiet enclave where children play in the street and Peregian Beach is just minutes away.

Working with Joel Hood and his real estate team surpassed my expectations both selling & purchasing property.

From the initial consultation to the sale's closing, their professionalism, expertise, and commitment were evident. Clear and prompt communication alleviated any stress. Joel's effective marketing strategy, resulted in a quick and successful sale. His skilled team's collaborative efforts ensured a seamless process, making the entire experience positive. Highly recommended.

Al & Amanda (Sellers & Buyers)

Buying, selling or leasing?

joel@joelhoodproperty.com.au

M 0429 886 188 P 07 5471 6155

11/21 Birtwill Street, Coolum Beach

joelhoodproperty.com.au

THE JOEL HOOD PROPERTY SALES TEAM HAVE TWICE BEEN NAMED IN THE TOP 100 AGENTS ACROSS ALL BRANDS IN AUSTRALIA

MARKET UPDATE PROPERTY

TALKING PROPERTY

What is the Real Estate market doing as we wrap up 2023?

There is a hype of activity!

1.

Buying

Coast heading for a boom or

conversations with vendors, we've encounte disappointment stemming from unsuccessful These sellers have been confronted with the assessments, unfulfilled promises, financ are plagued by despondency. Surprising fingers at the market as the cause, a rational perplexing given the market's buoyant condition, continuing to exceed the supply. In recent weeks, de intensified by the absence of an intere a favourable climate for buyers.

Steve Palise, the Hotspotting Price Predictor In has surged past the Gold Coast to lead the market. This can be attributed to increased employment opportunities, the enviable the region's breathtaking coastline with g backdrop. Investors are drawn to the region du factors like strong capital growth, appealing y rates.

Buying activity has increased, on all fronts, local, interstate & international buyers are flocking to our shores. Purchasing a new home is topping the Christmas lists this year. Buyers are hopeful to secure a slice of local real estate before Christmas. Overseas buyers are made up of expats returning, others moving closer to family and even some investors. Interstate migration has heated up once more, making for some very competitive buying environments. There is also a sense of urgency amongst local buyers to secure properties before property prices further increase. There is a fear amongst these buyers of having missed out, and a fear of being priced out of the market.

2. Selling

to seeing these hikes impact buyer activity, but not this time. If anything, there was a slight ripple across the

Sunshine Coast accommodates over 350,000 projected to escalate by 57% to reach 5 line-up of major infrastructure projects billion and private investments exceedin Coast ranks among Australia's leading region gross regional product surpassing $16 b reach $33 billion by 2033. Situated within pro Pacific Rim, the Sunshine Coast holds the sta and global destination. The region is growth.

approaches, traditionally the pinnacle perio opportunity to engage with a truste experience, including international experien ability to sell, and are substantiating o campaign. It’s our way of giving back, easi households & restoring people’s faith in good h estate agents. Chat to us today to see how we c

As we moved towards the tail end of October & headed in to November, we have seen more, much needed stock trickle on to the market. Generally, houses that have been on the market for a while now & weren’t selling, now have a sold sign out the front. Overall stock levels still remain relatively low with high demand. The buying frenzy that has kicked in over recent weeks, means just as fast as the houses are coming to market they are sold. So very little competition within the market increases demand, and the overall sales price.

3. Interest Rate Hike

The latest interest rate hike was expected to have had a massive impact on the market. We are used

LOCAL COMMUNITY UPDATES

LOCAL UPDATE

I’m sure visitors to Jack Morgan Park will share in my excitement that work on the new toilet block will start in late November. Depending on the weather these should be finished by February 2024, with a slight pause over the Christmas break.

It’s great to see our community enjoying the Coolum Aquatic Centre, which is now even better equipped, since Council completed improvements to the lighting at the centre earlier this month.

With year-round heated pools, the centre offers a range of activities from aqua fitness and casual swimming, to a squad program and learn-to-swim classes for all ages. Contact the centre on 5473 9042 or follow their Facebook page for news and updates.

The intersection from the sports centre is close to complete which will improve safety when exiting onto David Low Way.

Timber seating platforms will also be installed at Tickle Park in time for Christmas giving people shady areas to sit near the playground and also enjoy the ocean views.

It’ll soon be safer and less dusty for travellers along North Arm Yandina Creek Road with its sealed upgrade continuing. It’s due to finished in February 2024 and council thanks you for your patience as work takes place.

WATCH OUT FOR TURTLE TRACKS

Turtle nesting season is here – thank-you to Coolum and North Shore Coast Care volunteers for getting up early in search of turtle tracks on Coolum’s beaches.

From November to May, look out for turtle tracks, new nests and hatchlings. If you see signs of turtles, please watch your step and contact the volunteers via Council’s website or on 0478 435 377.

You can help the turtles, by switching off your outside lights from 8 pm.

STAY IN TOUCH

As always, please contact council direct for any service requests such as road hazards, graffiti, dumped rubbish, parking, parks, potholes, roads, trees and waste collections. Contact details or service request forms are available at www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.

A reminder that I regularly share my community chat days, local events, new development applications and other messages on my Facebook page at www. facebook.com/MariaSuarezDivision9.

If you have other issues or suggestions to discuss, please contact me on 5475 9810 or maria.suarez@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

When it comes to Australia’s property market, it can be hard for parents to watch their kids struggle to get a foot in the door. High interest rates, tough lending conditions, and an ever-rising cost of living means that many young people simply can’t save fast enough to keep up.

That’s where one of our nation’s fastest growing lenders comes in - the Bank of Mum and Dad. Recent data shows that more than 60% of first home buyers are now receiving some form of financial support from their parents, with Queenslanders gifting on average $36,497 to their kids to help with the cost of a house deposit. And on the Sunshine Coast, it’s not uncommon to see figures much higher than this.

But here's the thing… Not everyone can afford to, or wants to, give their kids a cash gift or loan. So, what other ways can you help?

OFFER TO BE A GUARANTOR

If you are asset rich but cash poor, you might like to offer to be a guarantor. This means that you put up your own home as additional security for a portion of your child’s loan (typically up to 20%). The extra security reduces the risk to the bank, allowing your child to avoid paying lenders mortgage insurance, and potentially buy with no deposit at all! Being a guarantor does come with risks, so please remember to speak to a mortgage broker and seek legal advice to determine whether this is right for you.

These days there is plenty of support and resources available to first home buyers. Helping your kids explore what government schemes and grants they might be eligible for could be just the boost they need. Or better yet, connect them with a mortgage broker who can explain the ins and outs of the home buying process, help them understand the costs involved, and create a personalised plan for success!

Are you an empty nester with room to spare? Renting can be a big financial burden for someone trying to save for a house deposit. So inviting your child to move back home (temporarily!) could take years off their home buying journey.

RISING COST OF LIVING

INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING CUTS

It has been a long couple of weeks, with Labor’s Infrastructure Minister Catherine King, handing down her ‘short and sharp’ 90-day Infrastructure Review, which unveiled a shocking decision to axe some of the Sunshine Coast’s most vital projects.

The ‘Mooloolah River Interchange’ has been cut by Labor, despite $320 million of total funding committed to the project under the Coalition. What’s more, planning was done, land was resumed, and residents were relocated to make way for the project.

Further, the Brisbane to Sunshine Coast Fast Rail, needed for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, has been jeopardised by the Albanese Government, with the project being put on hold by the Labor Government. However, a consequence of this decision is that the 2032 deadline will be missed and the plan to build rail to Maroochydore has been put on death row.

COOLUM BEACH ROAD TRIP

I was in Coolum Beach recently as part of my Spring Road Trip, where I set up a mobile office and make myself available to chat to any constituents about concerns, they may have.

My seasonal Road Trips happen four times a year and are a great opportunity for constituents to come and chat. My next

road trip will be in Summer and will first be advertised on my social media platforms if you wish to keep an eye out.

GI CHALLENGE WINNER

Keep an eye out for ‘Ocean Ears,’ a Sunshine Coast born idea from Liv Gilchrist, the winner of this years ‘GI Challenge 2023.’ Ocean Ears transforms micro-plastics found throughout Sunshine Coast beaches into wearable art, in the form of resin earrings.

Well done to Liv Gilchrist on her winning business idea, while making a positive change to the environment. My not-forprofit, Generation Innovation, helps launch young people into the marketplace through equipping them with what they need to bring their ideas to life. Check it out at generationinnovation.com.au.

STAY IN TOUCH

If you have any Federal Government issues you would like to talk to me about, call the electorate office on 07 5479 2800 or email ted. obrien@mp@aph.gov.au

ACROSS

3. Hillock or mound (6)

6. Our planet (5)

8. Tavern (3)

9. Peaceful (6)

10. Precedes (5)

12. Cloy (4)

13. Flaky mineral (4)

16. Repeat (4)

17. After deductions (4)

20. Eskimo dwelling (5)

21. The saffron (6)

22. Finish (3)

23. Enticed (5)

24. Centre (6)

DOWN

1. Lines roof (5)

2. Elaborate (6)

3. Specific thing indicated (4)

4. Sentiment (7)

5. Small nail (4)

7. Anigh (5)

11. Inferred (7)

14. Salad vegetable (6)

15. Make amends (5)

18. Hot spirit drink (5)

19. Confidence trick (4)

20. Small island (4)

1. Solve the crossword puzzle

2. Search for some crossword words

© Auspac Media - MP1632

3. The leftover letters form a saying

Saying …………………………………………………………………………..

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, 3/127 Greenoaks Drive, Coolum Beach. p. 07 5335 8505 e. noosa.corps@ salvationarmy.org.au

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 and holds active social activities for members. For more contact Sandra Verrall on 0457 355 734 or email secretary@quotacoolum.com.au

Coolum Beach Senior Citizens 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: Retired and semi-retired people looking for friendship and fun. Probus meet at 9.15am at The Uniting Church on the first Tuesday of the month, 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

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

Salvation Army, Home League - a group that offers support, guidance, fellowship and friendship to the on Thursdays from 9:30am. Coolum Connections - relaxed mid-week worship, monthly on second Thursday from 9:30am.

3/127 Greenoaks Drive, Coolum Beach. Enquiries 5335 8505.

Parkinson’s Support Group

Meet on Monday April 17 and then revert to the second Monday of each month at the Coolum Bowls Club. People from Coolum and surrounding areas are welcome to attend and discuss how to live better with Parkinson’s disease.

Guest speakers and videos as well as discussion on such topics as diet, exercise and sleep. Meetings start 10.15am and finish Noon with the option to stay for lunch. Phone Peter on 0429 361 301.

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