PSN, CN & EBN Special Edition - January 2024

PRESERVING NATURE'S LEGACY

WETLANDS TO BE RESTORED, PROTECTED FOR OUR COMMUNITY

A large former cane land site in the Sunshine Coast’s Blue Heart will be restored to natural wetlands, providing valuable habitat for wildlife and contributing to a healthier Maroochy River for everyone to enjoy.

Sunshine Coast Council has secured 120ha of land at Yandina Coolum Road, Coolum, with plans to introduce tidal waters to aid the natural transition to wetland habitat, helping improve the quality of water flowing into the river from the site and creating a place for the community to come and connect with nature.

The site adjoins the Coolum

Meet

P8

Creek Environment Reserve, which provides fish breeding areas and habitat for threatened species such as the Water Mouse.

Division 9 and Environment Portfolio Councillor Maria Suarez said the purchase secured one of the largest and most significant single land holdings in the Blue Heart project area, bringing publicly owned land within this major green space to almost 1700ha.

“This former cane land will be transitioned back to a natural wetland state,” Cr Suarez said.

“This is already beginning to happen on other adjacent lands due to cane farming ceasing many years ago and tidal gates no longer functioning as designed.

TIPS FOR LASTING NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS

Happy New Year! After the festive season excesses it’s time to start afresh right? You find yourself vowing to never drink again, only eat salad, manage your stress levels, lose 20kg and run a marathon all within the first month. Only to discover your resolve weakens by the 12th January and you are back to square one.

So if you’re wanting to make a positive change this year, whether it’s a change in your health, your diet, your relationships or your mindset and you want to make it STICK, here are our favourite tips.

Grand goals are great, but they need to be in small achievable steps

Make no more than 2 or 3 changes at once, focus on making them habitual before

Build the effort by setting a day and a time for your action steps and sticking to it.

Mornings often work best.

Maintain momentum by finding your why. Your why is closely linked to what you value most in life. If you highly value your family, how will your healthy habit changes help

Reward yourself along the way

Our team at Synergy Physio LOVE helping you with your health. We offer expert assessment of injury and injury prevention as well as small friendly tailored strength and physio-pilates classes all with health fund rebates. Ask about our new pilates class timetable!

Do you know that we need just 30 mins of exercise a day for a healthy body? That strength training can help your muscle, tendon and bone health as well as your mood? Would like to start an exercise routine for your health but pain is holding you back or you don’t know where to begin?

EMBRACING 2024 WITH GRATITUDE

G'day community,

Out with the old and in with the new! A very Happy

Let’s kick off 2024, the right way by being grateful. Reflecting on the victories of 2023 and cherishing the invaluable lessons learned from the challenges. The new year often brings with it a sense of hope, a promise of new beginnings, and a chance to set new goals and aspirations for the year ahead. It serves as a catalyst for positive transformations, motivating us to shape our lives with purpose.

Together, we look forward to a year filled with enriching experiences, shared laughter, and the creation of cherished memories through the

exciting events that lie ahead. Shared moments are truly the treasures of life, as we journey through the upcoming year, may the chapters that lie ahead be joyous, prosperous and encompass a profound sense of unity. Let’s continue to build upon the strong foundations that make our community exceptional.

I wish you all health, wealth and an abundance of blessings for the year head – May it be a Happy 2024!

Warmest Regards,

Darren Van Der Westhuizen

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Peregian Springs News, Coolum News and Eastern Beaches News is independently produced and published by InFocus News, trading as Peregian Springs News/Coolum News/ Eastern Beaches News atf Aroo Trust (ABN 61550607670). 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.

LOCAL NEWS

Workers Needed

Care Outreach - Case Study in Kindness

INFOCUS PROPERTY

Get to Know Your Local Agent

Talking Property

From Front Page

“This is another example of what’s exciting about the Blue Heart: benefits for biodiversity; creating nature-based recreation opportunities; and increasing opportunities for Council’s ongoing Blue Carbon investigations and trials.”

Blue Carbon farming involves measuring and earning credits for carbon stored in healthy marine and coastal ecosystems.

The $6 million land purchase was secured through the SEQ City Deal, a long-term partnership between the Australian Government, Queensland Government and Council of Mayors (SEQ) that allocated $35.3 million to the Blue Heart initiative.

The SEQ City Deal aims to improve liveability, jobs creation, transport and communities in south-east Queensland.

What is the Blue Heart?

Blue Heart Sunshine Coast is an innovative

partnership-based project committed to sustainable and adaptive floodplain management in the Maroochy River catchment, with the project area covering more than 5000ha across publicly and privately held land.

Partners include Council, the Queensland Government's Department of Environment and Science and Unitywater.

Cr Suarez said the majority of the Blue Heart was privately owned and the project sought to help landholders understand and adapt to changes in the landscape expected with sea level rise.

“To help our landholders in the Blue Heart manage the impacts of climate change, we’re proactively trialling new opportunities such as Blue Carbon farming, which could provide alternative incomes for landholders as some traditional agricultural industries become less viable.”

LETTERS FROM THE COMMUNITY

Living in the Now

I’m not very good at living in the Now – perhaps that explains why I need to keep multiple pairs of reading glasses at hand while I try to find the ones I’ve misplaced. I tell myself I should be in the moment more often. When you’re a senior there’s a lot of history to call on and mistakes to learn from. Frustratingly, I’ve proved innovative in my old age by inventing bundles of new ones!

While in the Now, I love researching history and writing about it but as they say. ‘What we learn from history is that people don’t learn from history’. Then there’s the future. So often I’ve been caught out making mistakes in the Now because I’m trying to be ahead of the wave and thinking in the future.

When I worked for the Federal Government, one of my roles was ‘fore sighting’ – predicting challenges Australians would face in the

future and suggesting policies and programs we could adopt in the Now to better prepare for the era of our grandchildren.

This is a noble and challenging endeavour especially when you face the risk of ‘black swan events’ occurring. These are ones that are difficult to predict under normal circumstances but in retrospect appear to have been inevitable.

Ironically, an event in Australia’s history led to the coining of this term about the future.

In 1697, Europeans were convinced swans were only white feathered but when the Dutch explorer Willem de Vlamingh encountered swans with black plumage near Perth on what we now call the Swan River, Europeans had to revise their view of the world.

Now, the once impossible black sawn sits proudly on WA’s coat of arms.

The black swan came to be a metaphor for the reality that just because something has not happened does not mean that it cannot occur in the future. Now where did I put those glasses?

Garry Reynolds

MEET MURF, OUR RECYCLING WONDER

A “new breed’’ of recycling plant is up and sorting on the Sunshine Coast, leading the way in creating a cleaner, greener future for our region – and country.

It’s called “MuRf’’, which rolls off the tongue much better than Material Recovery Facility (MRF).

MuRF’s job is to find treasure in about 60,000 tonnes of annual household and business recyclable waste, collected from our yellowlidded bins.

It will recover glass bottles and jars, plastic containers and steel and aluminium cans for reprocessing into new items.

The facility will also sort paper and cardboard at a staggering 98 per cent purity –the highest quality of any Australian facility.

MuRF is the wonderful result of vision from Sunshine Coast Council, and collaboration between all three levels of government, which provided a combined $40.6m in funding.

How does MuRF work?

The inside of this building may look like a giant complicated 3D puzzle, but it is actually

a hi-tech solution for the Sunshine Coast’s recycling future.

The recyclable waste moves through a network of more than 60 conveyor lines with screens, ballistic separators, magnets, optical sorters, eddy currents, robotic quality control and balers sorting it into three paper grades at quality levels that are in global demand, five grades of singlestream plastics, with the plastic and fibre products at market-leading 98% purity levels.

The high-tech plant was custom engineered and designed by industry leaders Recycling Design and Technologies RDT) Engineering, with parent company Re.Group task with the ongoing operation of the plant.

Re.Group managing director David Singh said the materials recovery facility represented the ‘new breed’ of high capacity, high quality recycling facilities for South East Queensland.

“The facility will feature advanced screening and sorting equipment to maximise the quantity and quality of recovered paper, cardboard, metals, plastic and glass,” Mr Singh said.

“Once sorted and baled, these materials are distributed to specialist manufacturers where they are made into a range of new products such as packaging and paper products right

through to road base and outdoor furniture.”

Smarter solution to recycling

Construction of the facility was funded through an agreement between all levels of government, with $22 million from the Queensland Government’s Recycling and Jobs Fund, $13.5 million from Council and a $5.1 million joint contribution from Australian and Queensland governments under the Queensland Recycling Modernisation Fund.

Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson said the new MRF was set to deliver an even smarter solution to the region’s recycling.

“The opening of this new facility is another step towards Council’s goal to become a zeronet emissions organisation by 2041,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“Having a facility that delivers the highest quality of segregated materials fuels the circular economy and prevents more waste going to landfill.

“I acknowledge and thank the Australian and Queensland governments for their contribution and support.”

Waste to drive innovation

Sunshine Coast Council Environment Portfolio Councillor Maria Suarez said the facility would help Council deliver the Sunshine Coast Resource Recovery Strategy and create opportunities for the economy.

“More than 80 local jobs were created during construction with 18 new full-time positions established to run the facility,’’ Cr Suarez said.

“The new facility’s ability to sort and separate the recyclable waste to a high standard and supply desirable materials for industry will spur innovation within the private sector.

“This will in turn create more ways to use recycled materials, leading to new manufacturing processes and new jobs.

“Ultimately, it will help our healthy, smart, and creative region continue transitioning to a circular economy for managing waste.

“That’s a win:win for our environment and our economy, benefiting today’s and future

generations.

“It is yet another example of how we as a Council are driving our aspiration for the Sunshine Coast to be Australia’s most sustainable region – healthy, smart, creative.”

Senator for Queensland and Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Anthony Chisholm said that many residents across the Sunshine Coast were passionate about recycling and they want to do their part to help protect the environment.

“This material recovery facility is another great example of the kind of infrastructure we need to boost recycling in Australia, while also creating jobs in the process,” he said.

“The Albanese Government’s investment means more local jobs on the Sunshine Coast, less rubbish in landfill and a healthier environment.”

Queensland Environment Minister, Leanne Linard said the Palaszczuk Government was committed to working with councils in Queensland to enhance their waste and resource recovery services as we move to a zero-waste society by 2050.

“One way we will achieve our goals is to support greater re-use, recycling and remanufacturing of recyclable materials and this new materials recycling facility will help us do that.”

Member for Nicklin, Robert Skelton said the new facility would contribute to economic growth for the region, create jobs and reduce the amount of waste going to landfill.”

“Resource recovery is of vital importance in our drive for environmental sustainability, embodying the principles of a circular economy by reusing, recycling, and repurposing materials and energy sources, thereby reducing waste generation and conserving valuable resources,” she said.

“The Palaszczuk Government is pleased to support Sunshine Coast Council in the implementation of its waste management plans, to deliver significant change in waste management right through to the household level.”

WORKERS NEEDED

FURNITURE POWERHOUSE EXPANDS OPERATIONS

One of the Sunshine Coast’s largest employers is calling for more workers as it announces a ground-breaking $20 million expansion at Yandina Industrial Park.

Furniture leader BFX’s significant expansion at its new global distribution centre means around 50 jobs will be up for grabs this summer, from machine operators to furniture assemblers to upholstery workers and more.

For more than 35 years, the company has been specialising in manufacturing Australia’s widest range of furniture and contributing to better outcomes in schools and the community.

The state-of-the-art 9000 square metre distribution centre takes BFX’s total manufacturing footprint to a massive 22,000 square metres under roof.

The new facility also supports BFX’s continued growth and broader distribution of products across Australia and Southeast Asia while tapping into emerging export markets including the Pacific Islands.

Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson celebrated the expansion at Yandina Industrial Estate with a tour and ribboncutting at the new facility.

“Sunshine Coast Council applauds BFX for its contribution to the local economy, skills development and unwavering commitment to remain a vital part of the Sunshine Coast's growth trajectory,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“From its humble beginnings, BFX has

evolved into a leading supplier of education and commercial furniture, boasting a strong national and growing global presence.

“The expansion of this powerhouse business is projected to inject $39.06 million into our local economy, generating 160 new jobs directly and indirectly once the facility is fully operational*.”

BFX Chairman Denis Moore said the new facility had tripled BFX’s loading and dispatch capacity to meet the increasing demand for more products.

“By freeing up thousands of metres of space on our original Yandina site, we can pave the way for further expansion and supply to more customers, particularly during the peak ‘back to school’ period,” Mr Moore said.

“As a secure Australian-owned business with strong and sustained growth, we are always looking for dynamic and talented people to help drive BFX’s continued growth and I encourage job seekers to visit our careers page for more information.”

Since 2012, BFX has received steadfast support from Council, ranging from guidance in town planning and development assessment to ongoing business development and export support.

Mr Moore praised the support of Council and local companies involved in the design and construction of the new facility including Adapt Planning, Sunwest Constructions, Kristen Sirl Design, Empire Engineering and Greentech Electrical Solutions.

“The expansion is a huge success thanks to the support of local businesses who have been thoroughly professional and reliable with delivering the project to spec and bang on time.”

In alignment with the Sunshine Coast Regional Economic Development Strategy, BFX's endeavours contribute significantly to the Strategy’s targets of achieving 20 per cent of goods and services produced locally for export outside the region and attracting and retaining employment.

CARE OUTREACHCASE STUDY IN KINDNESS.

Written and researched by Garry Reynolds

DELVING DEEPER INTO PEREGIAN SPRINGS

Care Outreach is near Peregian Springs in the Coolum Eco industrial Park just a few minutes down the Motorway.

It is a non-denominational Christian charity established to help farming families in desperate circumstances as well as locals.

Without government assistance, Care Outreach does what its name says.

It reaches out with visits to struggling families by contributing and caring with practical donations of funds and the necessities of life to help relieve the increasing hardships being experienced by those in the rural sector from escalating costs and disastrous weather.

The hub of this volunteer-based organisation in highlighting how urban dwellers can help their country cousins is a warehouse in Coolum’s industrial estate fronted by an opportunity shoppe supervised by Yvette Thomas.

Yvette says with the pressures of inflation and homelessness rising, the crucial role of Care Outreach is having to stretch further as many other people come into the shoppe seeking both material and welfare assistance in a world proving increasingly hard to survive day to day raising families.

“We notice the desperation in their faces and in some cases the temptation in their hands,” says Yvette, painfully.

We had one couple who we monitored were shoplifting using their unsupervised children as a distraction. Recognising the parents were driven to this level of desperation, we decided to help them holistically as a family to deal with the temptations and take a better path especially when they had a baby on the way.”

Unfortunately, their baby died a few weeks

after birth and the couple were tossed into an abyss of material and psychological trauma and tension in their relationship. Care Outreach and its Care Shoppe stood by to help them and their children.

The Shoppe also provides a stepping stone for potential entrepreneurs yearning to carve out a life for themselves free of welfare dependency.

Yvette recalls a young man who had been bullied at school deciding on a strategy to break free of these limitations imposed by others and set up his own online trading business based around recycling electronic gaming devices he purchased from the Shoppe.

She says, “At times, we worked with him on a bulk buying basis providing a quick cash flow to the charity reaching out to others needing help in the country.”

These funds and donations of nonperishable products enable the Care Shoppe and Care Outreach to help regional families survive and avoid thoughts of helplessness and defeat.

The charity delivers love, friendship, and caring support underpinned by Christian kindness with practical packages of household items for those isolated and lonely in their struggle on a land challenged by ill-fated weather and market fluctuations.

GET TO KNOW YOUR LOCAL REAL ESTATE AGENT

RICHARD BOWEN Senior Sales Executive

Queensland Sotheby’s International Realty (Managing Director of the J R Team)

How long have you been in the industry?

Just over 16 years, I previously had wine stores, I had sub divided a store to a real estate agency and learnt that way, as had terrible experiences buying and selling property prior. Sold the stores and went and trained one on one with the leading agents in Sydney and Melbourne and the rest is history and love and still as passionate about the industry and our clients.

What have you learnt over the past year?

Our first year with Sotheby’s International Realty has been a great success with agents nationally and across the globe introducing us to more buyers along with the platform has helped us to further enhance our results, selling homes locally to Sydney, Melbourne buyers along with NZ, America, UK, South Africa and even Hawaii buyers relocating. More is more, we have found working with a committed group of agents in our J R team we are leading the way with superior customer service and our results are showcasing our efforts with the top 3 highest sale prices of the year in peregian springs.

What are your predictions of the property market performance over the next 6 months?

We feel we will continue to see buyers move here from higher price points, with the lifestyle, beaches and schools ensuring we are the place to be, whilst still providing value for buyers cashing out of higher valued areas down south with more expats returning as well.

What makes the Sunshine Coast special to you?

We moved from Cronulla and Coogee and loved it but got so busy, here our kids can ride their bikes in the street. The neighbourhood is friendly and we have the best beaches and amenity and we love exploring the sunny coast, with Brisbane and Gold Coast still close.

What makes the Sunshine Coast special to you?

Peregian golf course.

Equally the coco cantina, the pool cafe and outer square for our coffees. Peregian Beach and Noosa main beach.

PROPERTIES FOR SALE

16 Bronze Wing Circuit, Peregian Springs

53 2

Crafted to deliver state-of-the-art 'Smart Home' technology, panoramic hilltop views, and premium luxury, this architectural residence sets a new standard in coastal living. This Alexacontrolled, energy-efficient, tri-level poolside masterpiece is at the cutting edge of home automation.

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.

18 Jacksonia Place, Noosaville

4 2 2

Designed by award-winning architect Paul Clout, this spacious mid-century inspired home epitomises relaxed modern coastal living. Take in the private and peaceful backdrop of the adjoining bush reserve, with kookaburras, kangaroos & koalas at your back fence.

15 Fairway Parade, Peregian Springs

43 2

An exceptionally spacious home, backing onto the Peregian Springs Golf Course, this recently updated poolside property offers remarkable family living. This is a home defined by its large dimensions, the idyllic, uninterrupted nature view and sense of tranquillity.

We are delighted with the outstanding service we received from Joel Hood Property during both the buying and selling processes.

Joel's team demonstrated excellent communication throughout, addressing our concerns promptly. Joel's expertise was evident when he successfully revived a previously failed sale campaign, turning our initial disappointment into a positive outcome. Highly recommended for their dedication and professionalism in the real estate industry.

Amanda & Al (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

PROPERTIES FOR SALE NEAR YOU

Whether you are looking to invest, or searching for your dream home, Hilliard Realty is here to make your purchase a hassle free, enjoyable experience. From your first inspection, to being handed the keys, you will be supported 100% of the way.

Maintaining constant communication with regular feedback and updates is what you can expect, along with a 7 day a week service. Delivering on promises and standing by what we say, whilst upholding the highest ethical standards are our guarantee to you.

"Matt was exceptionally helpful during the whole process and made it really easy. It never took him longer than a few minutes to call back if we had a question. He knew what we were after and found the perfect property for us. Great experience!!" Marcus (Buyer)

"Darren and Matt make an awesome team with a professional ethics steered by the moral compass of "getting the best deal for the clients". From the first phone call to the final settlement, they were very supportive on every step, and their useful insight about the market and demand really helped us making quick decisions. If you're looking for a good and realistic price for your property contact these guys. Many thanks for your all your help."

Matt Briggs

Sales Associate

matt@hilliardrealty.com.au

Sangeeta (Seller)

Darren

0411 158 191

P e t e r A n d r e w

L o c a l

Peter Andrew Real Estate are local experts with a focus on customer service and a commitment to delivering outstanding results.

E x p e r i e n c e

The respected team has an intimate knowledge of the Coolum area – with the founder and namesake based in the town for over three decades.

M a t t e r s

When you engage Peter and Deborah you are gaining exceptional knowledge and experience to get the best possible result, every time.

Peter Andrew Real Estate specialise in Coolum and surrounding areas. If you would like your property sold, Peter and Deborah will be happy to provide you with an honest and realistic appraisal, discuss your options so you feel comfortable and excited about your future. w w w . p e t e

Licensed

Licensed

TALKING PROPERTY

Unlocking the Door to Property Success: (Part 1)

Your Comprehensive Guide to Mastering the Art of Real Estate Excellence in 2024

1 - Familiarize yourself with the local market.

Conduct thorough research to acquaint yourself with the local real estate market, utilizing valuable data such as median suburb pricing, average days on the market, and suburb demographics. Through a comprehensive understanding of both the diverse suburbs and the dynamic market, you will expedite the process of identifying an ideal property. This enhanced awareness will empower you to discern excellent value and act swiftly to secure the most fitting real estate opportunity.

2 - Set yourself up for financial success

Establish a foundation for financial prosperity by diligently addressing your finances. Work at reducing your existing debts, and actively saving whilst you await to secure the right property. Hone the skill of budgeting, orchestrating a harmonious balance between your monthly income and expenditures.

3 - Attain pre-approval

Attain pre-approval to sensibly navigate the competitive real estate landscape. Whilst navigating the intricacies of a demanding home search, avoid unpreparedness and the risk of missing out on the perfect property. Securing pre-approval empowers you to establish a definitive price range, facilitating confident and timely offers on your properties of interest. Consult with a seasoned professional to ascertain your borrowing capacity, determine comfortable

monthly repayment figures, and factor in contingencies in response to the fluid nature of the market.

3 - Location Location Loaction

Acquiring a home is inherently an emotional journey, often challenging one to think objectively rather than subjectively. Nonetheless, adhering to certain principles can significantly enhance the financial soundness of your investment. Pay attention to essential elements that promise enduring capital appreciation. For example, sometimes a less attractive property in a premium neighbourhood may prove more advantageous than an aesthetically pleasing house in a less favourable locale. Considering that the average family relocates 4-5 times, grant yourself some grace, this initial investment may only be a stepping stone to your forever home.

4 - Expect house-hunting blues

Purchasing a hone can be notably stressful, especially when facing the potential disappointment of losing out to more prepared or financially advantaged competitors. This often leads to restarting the entire process anew. It is not uncommon for individuals to encounter a series of unsuccessful attempts, a circumstance that can be disheartening. Nevertheless, persevere through these challenges, for the rewards will be truly fulfilling when you ultimately encounter the perfect home.

Cindy Van Der Westhuizen Principal Sales Director McWest Real Estate

THE CABINET OF CURIOSITY CALLS

SUNSHINE COAST COUNCIL LIBRARIES’ ANNUAL SUMMER READING CLUB IS BACK!

Do you dare to unlock the mysteries awaiting in the literary world of libraries? Sunshine Coast Council Libraries are again running their annual Summer Reading Club.

From now until January 31, 2024, kids and teens are invited to join this free interactive program.

They will receive an exciting Cabinet of Curiosities challenge card, where they will engage in three explorations unlocking prizes along the way.

Community Portfolio Councillor David Law said the Summer Reading Club was not only fun, it also encouraged children to keep their brains active over the summer holidays.

“The Summer Reading Club will ignite children’s imaginations and keep the holiday boredom blues at bay,” Cr Law said.

“Continuing to read over the break – whether a book, graphic novel, magazine or even listening to an audio book – also makes for a smoother transition back to school in the new year.”

The Cabinet of Curiosities challenge card encourages kids to complete fun trials like

building a cosy reading fort or reading aloud while sticking out your tongue.

A visit to the library over the summer increases reading opportunities and enjoyment of books as well as keeping your child’s brain active and increasing memory and concentration.

Why not encourage your kids to take part and visit the library as often as they like over the summer holidays.

It’s super easy to join:

Step 1. Register for the Summer Reading Club online at library.sunshinecoast.qld.gov. au or at your local library.

Step 2. Pick up a copy of your Cabinet of Curiosities challenge card from your library.

Step 3. Collect your prizes as you complete each of the three explorations or collect them once all are complete.

Summer Reading Club entries close 5pm Tuesday January 31, 2023. Winners will be announced Friday February 2, 2024.

For more information and to register head to the library website.

https://library.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

Children enjoying books

Summer Reading Club

ACROSS

1. An appointment (4)

3. Academy Award (5)

9. Large volume (4)

10. Greek letter (3)

11. Sorrel (6)

12. Agreement (4)

13. Obedient (7)

17. Slander (7)

20. Strike breaker (4)

22. Muslim headdress (6)

23. Flax ball (3)

24. Object of worship (4)

25. Oared (5)

26. Eye inflammation (4)

DOWN

1. Distance downwards (5)

2. Nonsense (coll) (5)

4. U-shaped fastener (6)

5. Soft drink variety (4)

6. White vestments (6)

7. Pause (4)

8. Takes off (clothes) (5)

14. Former Portugese currency (6)

15. Smatter (6)

16. Turn upside down (2 -3)

18. Transplant plants (5)

19. Slur over (5)

20. Agitate (4)

21. In a line (4)

1. Solve the crossword puzzle

2. Search for some crossword words

3. The leftover letters form a saying

WELCOMING 2024 WITH OPPORTUNITIES AND COMPASSION

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Happy new year- welcome to 2024! My office is open to constituents from Tuesday 2nd January. If you’re a local business or organisation in the Fairfax electorate then I encourage you to get in touch with my team to see what opportunities are available this new year.

My office is available on 07 5479 2800 or ted. obrien.mp@aph.gov.au

DO YOU HAVE A SPARE PHONE?

Over Christmas and New Years many people often update their phones leaving them with a spare phone on their hands. If that’s you or someone you know then you can put your old phones to good use. I have partnered with ‘DV Safe Phones,’ an organisation that provides used phones to domestic violence survivors.

The drop off box for the phones remains in my office foyer at 17 Southern Drive,

Maroochydore- you can drop in on a weekday between 9:30am to 4:30pm to donate a used phone.

SUPPORT FOR YOUNG MUMS

A toad race is not something you come across often. However, each year the people of Nambour at the Tramfest Christmas Festival cheer on an athletic group of toads as they race away to raise funds for a program called STEMM; the riveting event is known as the ‘Nambour Cup.’

We finished off 2023 with $1,000 of funds raised to go towards the program that brings education, mentoring and mothering support to the young mothers at Burnside State High School. This program is life-changing for those it impacts, and it could not have been done without our dedicated sponsors.

The organisations that supported the STEMM program this year were TramCo Nambour, Sunshine Valley Gazette, Day and Grimes Real Estate, Ken Mills Toyota, Nambour Chamber of Commerce, CAVU Distilling, Senator James McGrath, Nambour RSL Club, Marty Hunt and the office of Ted O’Brien MP.

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

2023 – PLANNING FOR A GREENER FUTURE

LOCAL UPDATE

2023 was a big, busy and fantastic year connecting with the local community at special events, working with Council to plan some exciting projects for Division 9 and watching others rise out of the ground.

I’d like to stop, reflect and highlight a few achievements that come to mind when thinking of the year that was.

Peregian Springs local, Michele Lipner was named Sunshine Coast Citizen of the Year. She was honoured for her dedication to helping others, reducing food waste and advocating for vital behaviour change. Nominations for the Sunshine Coast Biosphere – Community Awards (formerly the Sunshine Coast Australia Day Awards) are now open. If you know of a person, community organisation or business making a difference in our Sunshine Coast community, celebrate their efforts by nominating them today.

This year marked the first ANZAC Day Ceremony held at the Bli Bli Cenotaph and I felt privileged to play a part in bringing it to fruition and creating a united place of remembrance for the Bli Bli and Parklakes communities. Sunshine Coast and Regional District RSL Inc. had been working on this since 2015, with the Veterans In Step group an integral part of the process, and thoughtful

design by Cam Crossley.

The landscape plan for Lions Park and Norrie Job Park was finalised, and work started on a new toilet block for Jack Morgan Park. Coolum Aquatic Centre, Coolum Rugby League and Cricket Clubs received new lighting and the intersection from the sports centre is close to being complete which will improve safety when exiting onto David Low Way. North Arm Yandina Creek Road was upgraded to a sealed road for a less dusty trip and the shade sail at Tickle Park was extended over the play equipment.

Regionally, we have implemented the Macropod Conservation Plan, and Marine Turtle Conservation Plan and the Resource Recovery Strategy. A number of environmental land acquisitions are in progress around the Coolum area and were able to come together to celebrate our Sunshine Coast Biosphere as a community at the BiospHERO day.

And finally, I’d like to wish you all a very safe and happy holiday season and hope you manage to spend some quality time with loved ones.

Cheers, Cr. Maria Suarez

www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.

5475 9810

maria.suarez@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

RESOLUTE TRIUMPH

STRATEGIES TO ENSURE YOUR RESOLUTIONS ENDURE AND THRIVE

I sincerely hope you had a relaxing Christmas and New Year. As we look toward the year ahead, it’s a great time to reflect on some local priorities, with both local government and state election due this year.

We’ve learnt that Queensland is ground zero when it comes to cost of living increases. As locals struggle with the increasing costs of food, rent, electricity and insurances, it’s clear we need to put more pressure on governments to find solutions to the crises impacting on the health system, housing affordability, and youth crime.

With the State economy being buoyed by record coal royalties, Queenslanders rightly expect that essential services should be delivered. Instead, day after day we learn of more cost blowouts and project delays, and taxpayers are footing the bill.

Locally, in our region, we need to see greater investment in our local road infrastructure. With work underway on the $5million upgrade of the roundabout at Yandina Coolum Road at Coolum State School, and the $3million business case to duplicate the Motorway, we need to see additional funding to get these critical congestion busting projects fasttracked.

These are just a few of the things locals have told me are important, and I’m keen to hear your views. Over coming months I will be out and about with the Community Canteen, listening to locals about the issues that matter

most. Keep an eye out for details in coming weeks, and don’t miss your chance to share your views.

MARQUEES

To get the year off to a good start, I am once again offering local groups and clubs a personalised shade shelter/marquee. If you are interested, please get in touch.

AUSTRALIA DAY

Preparations are well and truly underway for a day of family entertainment on Friday 26 January to celebrate Australia Day. The action will be centred around the Coolum Peregian RSL Sub-branch and the cricket oval, for the annual Coolum Beach Hotel v Coolum Bowlo match.

And with all our students preparing to head back to school, just a reminder that school zones will be once again in operation.

The Coolum Boardriders are excited to start the new year with a great new marquee.

STAYING SAFE AND CONNECTED

FIRE SAFETY MEASURES, INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENTS, AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN NOOSA

Even though the Fire Ban has been lifted, please remain vigilant and do not take any risks, as it is often one minor decision or action, that can lead to the devastation of a community. We have posted a new Noosa 360 (www.SandyBolton.com/Noosa360) update with relevant links as well information around how fire bans are determined and where residents can turn to when faced with a water shortage.

On infrastructure, my ongoing efforts for better connectivity for Noosa residents have included seeking a trial train shuttle from Gympie North to Nambour in order to connect with the timetable there, and bus services that address gaps to access work and medical services. Funding has now been secured for the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) to open consultation on a Northern Sunshine Coast Transport Strategy following advocacy from several key groups and our office. In addition, there is a consultation on the planned Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line which happily was not cut in the Federal Governments review, which TMR have also stated could connect to the existing North Coast Line, north of Beerwah Station.

Efforts have continued for the establishment of an Advanced Manufacturing Unit for

Sunshine Beach State High School, with advice that pre-construction planning will commence early 2024 in preparation for funding allocations.

Don’t forget to have your say in our Noosa MP Annual Community Survey which is now open until 1pm on 16 January for you to have your say on our priorities for 2023. This can be found at www.SandyBolton.com, under the ‘Connect’ tab. If you require a paper copy of either, do not hesitate to contact my office on 5319 3100 as we want to hear from as many Noosa Electorate residents as possible.

Updates on many state matters we are working on are available on Noosa 360 at www.SandyBolton.com/Noosa360. To receive information straight to your email inbox, please consider subscribing to our monthly newsletter via www.SandyBolton.com/ Newsletters. This also ensure you receive any Noosa related surveys or polls.

Have a wonderful Noosa Christmas! Even though my office is closed from Friday 22 December to Monday 8 January 2024, important contact numbers are available at www.SandyBolton.com/KeyContacts and you can always contact me if urgent via Messenger.

Sandy x

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.

PEREGIAN FAMILY & FRIENDS INC

Peregian Family & Friends Inc Est 2017. Advocates for and organises family friendly initiatives across the Peregian region. Mob: 0400 053 444

Web: www.peregianfriends.com Email info@peregianfriends.com for details.

ROTARY NOOSA DAYBREAK

meet regularly on Thursday mornings for breakfast at Noosa Springs from 6.45am for fun, furthering community projects and to hear from regular interesting speakers. See www. noosadaybreakrotary.org or @rotarynoosa on Facebook, phone 1300 791 226 or email secretary.noosadaybreak@rotary9660.org

PEREGIAN MARKETS

The Peregian Markets are held on the first and third Sunday of every month.

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/

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

C3 Church Noosa, 24 Sunshine Beach Road, Noosa Heads, 10am, Sundays. See www.c3noosa.org

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

115 Eumundi Rd Noosaville 5455 8645 www. noosalutheran.org.au

Noosa Anglican Church - including Peregian Springs 5449 8009 & www.anglicanchurchnoosa.org.

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

Noosa Coastal Uniting Church5440 5433 & 0421 540 347

Noosa: 6 Grasstree Court, Sunrise Beach at 8am Sundays: Tewantin: cnr Poinciana Ave & Werin St. at 10am Sundays

St Peter’s Catholic Church 28-32 Elizabeth St, Coolum 5443 3488 www. saintsonwaves.com.au

Salvation Army, Coolum Connectionsrelaxed mid-week worship, monthly on second Thursday from 9:30am.

3/127 Greenoaks Drive, Coolum Beach. Enquiries 5335 8515.

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

QUOTA CLUB OF COOLUM BEACH

meet at the Lions Den (next to Fire Station) at 15 Russell St, Coolum Beach, at 2pm on the second Tuesday of the month. Contact: secretary@quotacoolum.com or Sandra Verrall on 0457 355 734.

GOVERNMENT REP CONTACTS

Local Sunshine Coast Councillor Maria Suarez, office (Division 9) Tel – 5475 9810

State (Ninderry) Dan Purdie - Tel - 5406 7900 (Peregian Springs)

State (Noosa) Sandy Bolton (Independent)

Tel - 5319 3100 (Peregian Breeze)

Federal (Fairfax) Ted O’Brien - Tel- 5479 2800 (Wide Bay) Llew O’Brien - 1300 301 968 (Peregian Breeze)

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

RIDGES SECURITY CONTACT

A&V Security: 0400 196 695 (night patrol)

Police Assistance - 131 444

Emergency assistance: 000