Eastern Beaches News February 2023

EASTERN BEACHES NEWS

A PASSION FOR OUR PLACE

BY FIONA EWINGTON

WHILST IT IS THE END OF THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS FOR MOST OF US, FOR OUR BEAUTIFUL REGION IT IS A HOLIDAY EVERY DAY FOR SOMEONE AS WE WELCOME VISITORS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD TO OUR LITTLE POCKET OF PARADISE.

And the passionate people of Noosa can be found in a specially commissioned architectural building in the heart of Hastings

Street, at the accredited Visitor Information Centre. If there is anything you need to know about the Noosa region, the team of volunteers are a wealth of knowledge on everything local, past and present.

From new businesses and tours to established accommodation, restaurants catering to every palate, and all the nooks and crannies of the national parks, there is something new to learn every time you make a visit.

Continued, page 2

P15

A family history worth writing about

The latest from Noosa MP Sandy Bolton

P8

Our locals making a difference overseas

HELPING HANDS

SIGN ON TO SHARE OUR PLACE

FROM PAGE 1

Keeping abreast of every query and every visitor’s home town, provides vital statistics, ensuring that Noosa continues to exceed expectations for everyone who comes into town.

Open 364 days between 9am and 5pm over 70 volunteers from a range of ages, with a huge span of expert knowledge, attend four hour rostered shifts where they help visitors to find their way around our region.

Often visitors who have have little idea as to what they want to do, leave with their entire holiday booked with mind blowing adventures, from day trips to Fraser Island, to genteel excursions through the everglades, to a spin around the local gocarting tracks.

There is something for everyone.

Contacts

Editor: Geoff Crocke� - 0413 988 333

Email: info@yourcommunitymedia.com.au

Web: www.yourcommunitymedia.com.au

Social: facebook.com/easternbeachesnews

Insta: #yourcommunitymedia

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Members of the tourism community have a wonderful relationship with the volunteers at Tourism Noosa’s Visitor Information Centre (VIC) and are encouraged to attend regular famils, resulting in visitors gaining a personal experience of their business.

With discounts from local restaurants and retailers, Volunteers are encouraged to soak in as much of our region as possible.

Tourism Noosa is also keen to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land and pays respect to their elders – past, present and future.

Entering in the Visitor Information Centre, the Kabi Kabi artwork produced by indigenous artist Maurice Mikelo features along the walls of the building with the external surfer girls mural painted by Kristian Gail.

The story behind the paintings are part of

Distribution

3300 copies a month via le�erboxes/bulk drops into Peregian Beach, Marcus Beach, Castaways, Sunrise Beach and Sunshine Beach. Stockists include IGA, Annie’s Books, Sunshine Beach General Store and Sunrise Beach bakery.

Upcoming booking deadlines

March edi�on: Friday, February 17, 5pm

April edi�on: Friday, March 17, 5pm

May edi�on: Friday, April 21, 5pm

June edi�on: Friday, May 20, 5pm

Eastern Beaches News is independently produced and published by Your Community Media Pty Ltd atf G.E.Investment Trust, trading as Eastern Beaches News (ABN 80382001417). ose 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.

every volunteer’s training.

Each evening at 7pm “Welcome To Country”, a short film shown on the big screen, is both impressive and informative and something for visitors and locals to enjoy.

Whilst some of the volunteers have been assisting tourists in the region for over 30 years, there is always room for new recruits.

Meeting like-minded passionate people, to enjoy regular team bonding “Buzz Nights” and learning all about what our region has to offer is part of the volunteer experience.

New volunteers receive a six-week training period and are asked to commit to just 4 hours a week.

Being amongst this experienced team of highly knowledgeable locals, is literally spending time with incredible living history

books. For more information on what’s on in Noosa and how to become involved as a volunteer, pop into the Visitor Information Centre, near the Surf Club, in Hastings Street or go to the website at visitnoosa.com.

FUNDRAISING BOOST FOR PBSLSC

THE BANK ACCOUNT AT PEREGIAN BEACH SURF LIFE SAVING CLUB WAS GIVEN A WELCOME TOP UP LAST MONTH WITH THE DISTRIBUTION OF $80,000 TOWARDS THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW CLUBHOUSE BUILDING

The big cheque came out to formalise the handing over of funds raised by Peregian Family and Friends over the past two years to help Peregian Beach Surf Lifesaving Club to continue on its journey of re-vitalisation in the years ahead.

PFAF founder and president Leigh McCready said the cheque presentation was the culmination of five years of advocacy, blood, sweat and tears to get the local surf club re-started, after it was wound up in 2014.

“Back in December 2017, we incorporated a residents’ association to speak up for the two-thirds majority of locals who wanted a surf club building that was fit for purpose, that provided clear visibility to the water for safety, enabled fast emergency access to the beach and allowed members and guests to support the club financially through a restaurant and bar overlooking the water,” Ms McCready said.

“We worked with Noosa Heads SLSC to get the Peregian Nippers program started again in 2018 and helped add many new lifesavers to our volunteer patrols.

"In 2022, finally a new ‘Surf Life Saving Club’ and ‘Supporter’s Club’ were both re-incorporated and affiliated with Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ), a first in Queensland lifesaving history.”

“The next step is to build a new clubhouse, as Peregian has been rated the third worst in Queensland by SLSQ.

"While the club isn’t available yet to bring the kids for a meal and a drink, the current venue can be hired for events.”

Whether or not the existing club house is replaced on its current site, or it is in fact built

elsewhere is something only the future will tell. At this point current planning laws do not allow any building to be constructed closer to the dunes at Peregian Beach park, and any major development of the existing clubhouse would be required to pass Council approvals.

Peregian Beach SLSC president John Roderick told PFAF members the money was very much appreciated.

"The money will go towards long term purposes for the Club. Money will be astutely looked after before any expenditure; I can assure you of that.” Mr Roderick said.

The 2022/23 season marked a major milestone for the club as it took further control of patrolling of Peregian Beach and the management of its own Nippers.

In the past few years, Noosa Heads SLSC has provided key elements of support, on and off the beach, to assist the club on its quest to once again stand alone.

The life saving club and supporters club are now incorporated in their own rights, with locals able to get involved in numerous ways.

See https://www.peregiansurfclub.com.au

Penny Casey, Dan Purdie MP, Leigh McCready, John Roderick, Councillor Amelia Lorentson and Mike Goss celebrate a boost for PBSLSC.

NEW YEAR LOTS OF NEWS!

HOLIDAY TIME

What a holiday season we have had!

From fantastic events including our community Christmas lunch to the ‘not so fantastic’ appalling behaviour on New Year’s by visiting teenagers and locals which is not acceptable in any form.

With tougher laws to soon come before Parliament, we will again be debating whether these new measures are enough. Having participated in public hearings relating to youth recidivism in areas such at Mt Isa, Townsville and the Gold Coast in 2021, - it may not be. I have posted a summary of this, including findings from those hearings, at www.sandybolton.com/noosa360.

KEEP THE CAR AND HOUSE LOCKED

With the aim of creating a safer community, please don’t forget to lock your car and house, even when home, and consider your involvement with a Neighbourhood Watch group.

North Peregian and Marcus residents can contact their local Neighbourhood Watch via d.shunwah@bigpond.com and anyone interested in starting a group in other areas can contact the Sunshine Coast District Crime Prevention Unit via DCPC.SunshineCoast@ police.qld.gov.au.

KEEP THE CAR AND HOUSE LOCKED

As it is turtle hatching season, please remain vigilant and watch out for hatchlings making their way from the dunes to the ocean, and please do not interfere with their journey! We await an imminent announcement of proposed changes to Cooloola Area management, and ensuing consultation, to see whether our advocacy for better turtle protections have been addressed.

COMMUNITY BENEFIT FUNDING

Reminder that the latest Community Benefit

Funding round is now open until 28 February. Last round, community groups in the Noosa State Electorate received more than $180,000. Applications can be lodged at www.justice. qld.gov.au/initiatives/community-grants.

SEEDS 4 CHANGE GRANTS

A ‘heads up’ that the Noosa MP Seeds 4 Change grants will open next month for community organisations to develop solutions, build sustainable models and create positive change. Keep an eye out on my Facebook page or e-newsletter for details!

THANKS FOR HAVING YOUR SAY

Thank you to all residents who participated and had their say in the Annual Noosa Electorate MP survey. A summary will be posted to www.sandybolton.com/your-sayannual-survey mid-February.

STAY IN TOUCH

With so much time between columns and so much to share, please stay ’in the loop’ via Noosa 360 with updates on a range of important issues including youth crime, Cooloola, Noosa River, State controlled roads or any other State Government matter.

In addition, follow ‘Sandy Bolton MP’ on Facebook to receive updates as soon as they come available, or subscribed to our e-newsletter. Always, if you have any questions or require assistance regarding state related matters, please do not hesitate to contact our office at 5319 3100 or email noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au.

Until next month, a ‘Welcome to Noosa’ to all our new residents and a ‘Happy 2023’ to all! Sandy x

CARING THROUGH EDUCATION

BY FIONA EWINGTON

AS THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS COME TO AN END AND OUR CHILDREN HEAD BACK TO SCHOOL, DESPITE THE RELUCTANCE FROM SOME STUDENTS, IT’S GUARANTEED THAT PARENTS IN OUR REGION AND AUSTRALIA ARE GRATEFUL FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO EDUCATE THEIR CHILDREN.

For some countries, such as Cambodia and Vietnam, an education is a privilege and not something that governments actively encourage.

In Cambodia the reasoning can be traced back to when the Khmer Rouge took control of Cambodia in 1975. Not only did schools close but the buildings were destroyed, or the government took them over for other purposes, leading to poverty and deception.

For Noosa locals Peter McDonald and partner Judy the plight of the young people in Cambodia was brought to life when they visited the country on holiday.

While there, they were horrified by the corruption they witnessed in the government school system and by the lack of education children in the region of Battambang received.

Recognising education is the only pathway out of poverty, and to try and help, they joined the Khmer New Generation Organisation (KNGO) that works to improve the lives of children and youth through education in this area.

Coincidentally another group of Noosa locals had joined a similar organisation to help children in Vietnam - Project Vietnam Incorporation. The Sunshine Coast-based organisation has volunteers throughout Australia and overseas. Once they heard about it, Peter and Judy joined this group too.

PVI volunteers raise funds and travel to Cambodia and Vietnam each year to build new schools, or upgrade old facilities in

schools, hospitals and health clinics.

In addition to educational equipment, they provide training scholarships and health programs, as well as sanitation facilities such as a flushing toilets and fresh water to schools.

In Noosa, members of KNGO and PVI get together within the local community to raise funds by volunteering at sporting events, such as The Noosa Triathlon and The Noosa Ultra Trail. The funds enable them to carry on their vital improvements with some volunteers travelling to Vietnam and Cambodia, either utilising their trades, or painting the buildings or working with the children in the schools.

“Everyone and every little bit helps,” Peter explains.

Taking educational equipment such as computers and clothing to the schools is part of the trip. Increased freight charges, coupled with rampant corruption, means everything donated must be carried in their luggage.

Humanitarians around the world are making a difference in Cambodia with Angelia Jolie, perhaps with the highest profile, being awarded Cambodian citizenship for the work she and her foundation Maddox Jolie-Pitt Foundation have done.

Locals in our region are to be commended for helping those in countries less fortunate than ours. For more information on joining PVI please visit the PVI website or projectvietnam@hotmail.com or KNGO Australia at kngoaustralia.org.

Beneficiaries of a PVI project in Vietnam

SMIILE CELEBRATES 10 YEARS

IT’S NO MEAN FEAT OPERATING A SMALL BUSINESS, SO WHEN PHYSIOTHERAPIST FRANK RICHARDSON AND HIS TEAM AT SMIILE PHYSIOTHERAPY CLOCKED UP 10 YEARS AT PEREGIAN BEACH IN JANUARY IT WAS A FEAT WELL WORTH NOTING.

Frank (pictured right), and a close mate made the move from Port Lincoln in South Australia to the Sunshine Coast in 2013.

They fell in love with Peregian Beach and decided then and there it was the best spot to fulfill their plans to operate a private physiotherapy practice.

“Ten years have passed in a moment,” Frank said. “Ten years ago, I started Smiile Physiotherapy with a mate and today we have grown into a thriving family-owned business with my wife and daughter, with clients from all over the Sunshine Coast.

“During this time, we have striven to deliver exceptional healthcare to our local community and visitors to this magical part of Australia.

“We’ve made huge efforts to grow our team, despite the challenges of business, and we are immensely proud of our connection with our patients and our local community.”

With a special interest in Vertigo, Frank has developed a reputation on the Sunshine Coast as the person to see about this condition in

particular.

He has patients travelling from as far as Rainbow Beach and Gympie for the treatment of Vertigo, dizziness, migraines and headaches.

The business receives referrals from doctors all over the Sunshine Coast with the physio team able to deal with all manner of issues including musculoskeletal and other conditions such as neck, back or shoulder pain, pregnancy-related pain, pre and postnatal care, sports injury management, paediatric musculoskeletal conditions and pre and post-surgical care.

“The best part of being in business is our patients,” Frank said.

“Our patients have become like family to us over the years - we call them our Smiile family.

“I have patients who are still with me from the very beginning and I love meeting new clients to our business, learning about their lives, and their families and watching their children grow over the years.”

Smiile Physiotherapy is at Suite 1 / 247 David Low Way. See https://smiilephysio.com.au

SHORTS ON STAGE AT NOOSA ARTS

NOOSA ARTS THEATRE WILL PLAY

HOST TO A SHORT SEASON OF 10 MINUTE PLAYS THIS MONTH.

From February 18 to 19, the theatre troupe will host three sessions of Shorts on Stage showcasing 10 ten minute plays.

The popular event is in its seventh year, and promises a mix of drama and comedy pieces to keep the audience entertained.

There is a $500 prize to the winner of the Audience Choice Award and a $100 voucher for the Best Performer.

Tickets for the shows are $25 each with a 2pm and 7.30pm show on Saturday, February 18 and a 2pm show on Sunday, February 19.

The theatre is at 163 Weyba Rd, Noosaville.

See www.noosaartstheatre.org.au

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...

ACROSS

3. Antarctic volcano (6)

6. Cake decoration (5)

8. The sun (3)

9. Matter (6)

10. African antelope (5)

12. Assess (4)

13. Snare (4)

16. Marine mammal (4)

17. A hint (4)

20. Agreements (5)

21. Sermon (6)

22. Soak flax (3)

23. Avoid (5)

24. Icons (6)

DOWN

1. Vertical face of stair step (5)

2. Expand (6)

3. Minor oath (4)

4. Compel (7)

5. Hindu garment (4)

7. Soft drinks (5)

11. Drawing close (7)

14. Warning bell (arch) (6)

15. Whimpered (5)

18. Chemical compound (5)

19. Formerly Siamese (4)

20. Stains (4)

1. Solve the crossword puzzle

2. Search for some crossword words

Auspac Media - MP1622

3. The leftover letters form a saying

Saying …………………………………………………………………………..

ACROSS

3. Antarctic volcano (6)

6. Cake decoration (5)

8. The sun (3)

9. Matter (6)

10. African antelope (5)

LOCAL CHURCH CONTACTS

12. Assess (4)

13. Snare (4)

16. Marine mammal (4)

17. A hint (4)

Noosa Anglican Church (incorporating Peregian Church) - 5449 8009 & www.anglicanchurchnoosa.org

20. Agreements (5)

21. Sermon (6)

22. Soak flax (3)

Sunshine Beach (Bicentennial Drv) or Peregian Springs (St Andrew’s 40 Peregian Springs Dve).

23. Avoid (5)

24. Icons (6)

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church- 115 Eumundi Rd Noosaville5455 8645 www. noosalutheran.org.au

1. Solve the crossword puzzle

PEREGIAN BEACH COMMUNITY HOUSE

Office hours Monday/Wednesday/Friday, 9am to 2pm. Email pbcommunityhouse@gmail. com or phone 5471 2311.

PEREGIAN VEGGIE VILLAGE: Community Garden. All welcome, Rufous St, Peregian Beach or see www.veggievillage.org.au

DOWN

1. Vertical face of stair step (5)

C3 Church Noosa, Noosaville State School Hall, 75 Beckmans Rd. See www.c3noosa.org

2. Expand (6)

3. Minor oath (4)

4. Compel (7)

5. Hindu garment (4)

7. Soft drinks (5)

11. Drawing close (7)

14. Warning bell (arch) (6)

15. Whimpered (5)

Noosa Coastal Uniting Church - 5440 5433 & 0421 540 347; Noosa: 6 Grasstree Court, Sunrise Beach at 8am, Sundays. Tewantin: cnr Poinciana Ave & Werin St at 10am Sundays. Salvation Army, Meeting Rooms 127, Greenoaks Drive Coolum. Call Warren or Denise 0400 797 480 / 0418 214 723.

18. Chemical compound (5)

19. Formerly Siamese (4)

20. Stains (4)

Wave Church, The Cavern Theatre. Sunshine Beach State High. Ph: 5353 5152. Weekly events for youth, children and adults. wavechurch.com.au

COMMUNITY GROUP CONTACTS

PEREGIAN BEACH COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION INC - www.pbcai.org or www.facebook. com/peregianbeachcommunityassociation or phone 0439 750 145. Best email is peregiancommunity@gmail.com

PEREGIAN FAMILY & FRIENDS

COMMUNITY GROUP. www.facebook.com/ peregianfamilyandfriends. Ph 0400 053 444.

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH NHW2 - North

Peregian, Marcus Beach, Noosa

Di & Doug Shun Wah on 5471 3195 or email d.shunwah@bigpond.com

Multipuzzle Answers

February 2023

Saying: Put on the backburner

PEREGIAN TENNIS CLUB. 11 Rufous Street, Peregian Beach. www.peregiantennisclub. com.au. The club has three courts which can be booked online via the website. All are welcome – you do not need to be a member to play here. Competition tennis or coaching enquiries: Andrew 0400 110 482 weekdays.

2. Search for some crossword words

LOCAL SURF CLUB CONTACTS

SUNSHINE BEACH SURF CLUB NIPPERS

Phone 5447 5491 or see their website www. sunshinebeachslsc.com.au/nippers/

PEREGIAN BEACH SURF CLUB NIPPERS

See www.peregiansurfclub.com.au or email nippers@peregiansurfclub.com.au

NOOSA FOLK DANCERS invite you to FREE ‘Come and Try’ sessions - experiencing traditional and modern, easy and moderate dances from countries around the world. We are a unique and welcoming group providing physical and social well-being through world dance.

When: Fridays through February and March, 10am-11.45am;

© Auspac Media - MP1622

3. The leftover letters form a saying

Saying …………………………………………………………………………..

Where: Catholic Parish Hall, Moorindil Street, Tewantin. Please register by phoning Philippa on 0417 780 016 or just come along on the day. Wear comfortable shoes

NOVEL APPROACH TO FAMILY TALE

LOCAL RESIDENT JO BRAITHWAITE’S KEEN INTEREST IN HER FAMILY’S PAST KICKSTARTED A JOURNEY OF DISCOVERY THAT LASTED YEARS.

Intrigued by the African ancestry Jo kept digging until she came across her great, great, great, great, great, great grandfather John ‘Black’ Randall.

It turns out Randall was one of only 11 African convicts sent to Australia on the First Fleet.

His life story stretches back through slavery in pre-revolutionary Connecticut, The American War of Independence, industrial Manchester and the prison hulks on the Thames.

Drawing on the facts of Randall’s life, Jo created a fictionalised story of his adventures that remains true to the challenges people faced at these key points in our human history.

“There’s no doubt he was a flawed and broken man, but his efforts helped that tiny starving settlement to survive,” Jo said.

“And yet, not only do few people know his name, hardly anyone realises that there were 11 African convicts on that fleet.

“It puts a lie to the notion that Australia was ‘settled’ only by white people.

“There is a lot of information recorded about him, but I wanted to understand him; stick a toe in the muck of his experiences; explore the roots of his resilience, the costs of his survival.”

Black Randall will be officially launched at Peregian Beach Community House

5-7 Rufous St, on Friday, February 17 from 5pm to 6.30pm.

Copies of the book will be available for sale, and a donation of $10 at the door “would be appreciated”.

The book is available to buy at www. jobraithwaite.com.au or most major online distributors.

Jodie Curran

0412 717 691

“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