Peregian Springs News Inform know grow Volume 5. Issue 6
April 2020
INSIDE..
There’s a bear in there.. ONE thing to make us smile this month, is the growing local trend of teddies in windows and colourful messages on driveways. With restrictions on outdoor activity and gatherings and more causing angst and concern, locals are embracing the wider idea adapted from the favourite kids book, “Going on a Bear Hunt” by putting bears in visible spots in home windows and front yards, helping kids stay smiling and motivated for a walk with the family in these physically distanced times. It’s not just windows that are attracting the cuddlies, we found bears on car roofs and even in a street basketball net. From
locals, it seems Peregian Breeze residents in particular have embraced the idea with more than 100 bears to be spotted around the estate. Street names mentioned across both areas include, but are not limited to: California Blvde, Bonville Crt, Augusta Cct, Montego Way, Pebble Crt, Peregian Breeze Dve, Mornington Cres, Ridgeview Drv, Riviera Cres, Scribbly Gum Cct, Whistler Lane, Maidstone Cres, Longcove Place, Oakbridge Way. Share your pics to our FB page and keep an eye out on your physically distanced family walks. Stay safe, wash hands, talk on the phone and via video calls and the like and keep connected. Peregian Springs News, April 2020
Take away comes to the rescue - p6
Skate park work gets started - p18
Tech tips for staying connected - p20
From the Ed’s desk:
I’ve been your local reporter for nearly five years. I’d like to think we know each other a bit. Like all of you I’ve been surprised by the rapidity of change in the last month in response to a threat we can’t see but is felt. How we feel will dictate what we do we are creatures of action. This might go some way to explain the unexplainable … empty toilet paper shelves. We all have the proverbial scat with coronavirus - what it’s doing to lives and livelihoods - but the physical grab for something so basic as toilet paper, I think, it’s a grab for some normality and dignity in a time of uncertainty. I get it, but how dignified is it to take more than you usually do so you’ll be fine, without a thought of where that leaves others. As business shutdowns and a loss of work for many shows, we need each other. When life stops in its tracks, it is like you’re stuck. But then you pivot, you look around for your next move. Others will help you with that next move – that’s who our community is. But this is an opportunity to show others that we would do the same for them if they were in that situation of need. Here’s our chance. Let’s pivot, don’t give up - look up, reach out, catch the ball for others to make a new game with new rules we can all play. There are many stories of adapting and
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caring this month. Charities Ozharvest Sunshine Coast Branch founder Michele Lipner tells of charities providing food for those going through difficult times (which reminds us to take only what we need), and Felix the Tech Helper gives some tips of staying in touch with Technology . News on many local restaurants and cafes adapting to the times and changing the way they serve, offering home deliveries and touchless take-away and keeping staff and local farms and suppliers in work. Chappy Mark Horsfall reminds us of how to keep it real in unreal times. Although this edition is smaller than others, with many local businesses unable to open and understandably choosing to hold on to their advertising dollars, I’m determined to still bring you local news every month - it might be smaller in content but it will still be big in heart and information. Please look after each other, stay tuned to the formal sources of information, eg www.australia.gov.au, or download the COVID19 app, and do all that you can to help our local businesses and business owners stay afloat and continue to provide opportunities for products, services and employment in the years to come. Until next time, Rebecca
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Local News
Local election results not clear AS counting continues in the local government elections held on March 28 the results for Division 9 may be some time coming. Peregian Springs and Peregian Breeze residents had five candidates vying for their votes in the Sunshine Coast Council division: Daniel Bryar, Angel Dunbavan, Bruce Dunne, Daren Edwards and Maria Suarez. At the time of going to print, Maria Suarez appeared to be leading the count on the Election Maria Suarez is leading the race for Division 9 Commission of Queensland’s website, with about 33%of votes On the mayoral front Mark Jamieson compared to Daren Edwards on 24% has been returned for a third term. His and Bruce Dunne on 22%. main opposition, ex-deputy mayor Only 48% of votes had been counted Chris Thompson, conceded defeat on (as at March 31). March 29.
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Local News
COVID19 - online resources guide AS Peregian Springs News goes to print for the April edition, the latest raft of COVID19 restrictions to come into place force any travellers coming back into the country from overseas into a mandatory 14 day isolation in hotels, under police and army guard, in a bid to flatten the curve of coronavirus cases across the country. It seems almost every day, a new initiative or plan to help the country through this crisis is released. To help you know where to go for the latest information in the next month, we’ve collated a list of suggested resources that may be of help. Be good to each other, look out for our older folk, our health workers and the workers turning up everyday at our local shopping centre so that we are
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able to have access to essential food, medicine and health services. ONLINE RESOURCES www.australia.gov.au QLD HEALTH: https:// www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/ health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19 CENTRELINK LINKS: https:// www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/ individuals/subjects/affectedcoronavirus-covid-19
NATIONAL HEALTH: https:// www.health.gov.au/resources/ collections/novel-coronavirus-2019ncov-resources
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Local News
RESTRICTIONS IN PLACE AS AT MARCH 31 Indoor and outdoor meetings limited to a maximum of two people, with a few exceptions: People who live in the same household going out together Attending a funeral (maximum of 10 people) Attending a wedding (maximum of five people) The Government has also urged people to stay home, and only leave if they: are shopping for essentials, such as food and sanitary items require medical or healthcare needs have compassionate care duties are exercising outdoors (while keeping a safe distance from others, and only with one other person or people of the same household) are working or studying and unable to do so from home Public outdoor spaces including outdoor gyms, skate parks and playgrounds will also be closed. Police have the power to issue on-the-spot fines, which vary in amount by state and territory, to anyone found to be disobeying these rules.
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Local News
Sharon and Dom at The Lanes are serving up family meal packs in takeaway form to keeps the doors open at this time.
Takeaway helps keep closures at bay EINSTEIN said: “The measure of intelligence is the ability to change” and we have some really smart local business. Strict anti-gathering measures mean some local cafes have got creative with keeping business open and supporting locals. The much-loved The Pool Café at the Recreation Centre has temporarily gone to Take Away Coffee only to keep locals caffeinated with the iconic business’ delicious signature style and Steve’s friendly personal service. Another local business changing with the times is The Lanes Café at St Andrew’s Anglican College, which opened to the public last year as a café/restaurant with full 7-day menu dine-in & take away plus coffee and cake. The Lanes Café Manager, Sharon Young has helped create a nimble shift in it’s operations to now offer a 6
rotating menu of take away family $30 evening meal options in addition to the coffee, cake and a wide range of menu items continuing as takeaway on weekdays. Ms Young, is also keen to help local farmers and suppliers and The Lanes is now selling mixed fruit and vege boxes with flour, pasta, Kenilworth yoghurt, Maleny Milk, eggs and Tanglewood sourdough bread included. No need to get out of the car for pick up. Just drive through the main college car park area and your order will be there for collection. The Lanes hours are Monday to Friday 7am to 4pm. For inquires or to order, call 0409 713 136. To see the evening meal menus or the fruit and vege boxes see The Lanes on Facebook at https:// www.facebook.com/The-Lanes-Cafe100930781562143/ or follow The
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Local News
The Pool CafĂŠ is serving coffees /drinks from 6.30am to 12.30pm. Lanes on Instagram @thelanes_peregiansprings.
Goldie and The Green Grocer at Peregian Breeze is offering a range of takeaway meals and grocery boxes (follow them on facebook for the latest). Brown Rice at Peregian Springs has also moved to full takeaway service and other restaurants and the bakery at Peregian Springs Shopping Centre, including Peregian Eats, Peregian Seafood Restaurant and Burrito Bar are also offering takeaway. Further afield, Peregian Beach Hotel is now offering a limited range of takeaway meals for pick up in the drive through bottle shop and Dragan Farms is now taking phone orders. Peregian Springs News will continue to update our facebook page as we spot the latest offers from local restaurants. Let’s support all our local cafes and restaurants where we can!
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Local News
Panic buy pain hits those in need By Rebecca Crockett PANIC buying and reductions in charitable service provider programs, has meant more people in need but less aid to go around. Many local organisations are seeing the effects of job loss and panic buying, including OzHarvest, which rescues quality surplus food from bakeries, farmers markets, butchers, restaurants and supermarkets, that for whatever reason might otherwise go to landfill, and redistributes that food to local centres able to serve those in need. OzHarvest Sunshine Coast Chapter founder and Coordinator, Michele Lipner says under ‘normal circumstances’ the local branch supports 40 charities, schools, churches, community groups, community centres and other agencies who use the food to create meals or emergency relief hampers to people in need. But they are now down to just about 20 agencies spanning as far north as Gympie down the Coast to Caloundra and into the hinterland. Michele, a Peregian Springs’ resident, says that a combination of Government measures to stop the spread of Coronavirus and agency challenges in ensuring the safety and security of their staff and volunteers has meant many of their recipient agencies have temporarily suspended their emergency food relief programs. At the same time they have suspended operations, agencies they have not helped in the past are now reaching out for support. 8
“We can all do the math. We produce enough food to feed 75 million people. The population of Australia is only about 30 million. The reality is if you buy too much you will likely waste half of it.” “The food we (Ozharvest) donate may be fruit and vegetables, meat, baked goods, dairy products, or dry stock. Our recipients (the charitable service providers) will then use that food to either prepare meals or provide emergency food hampers to those who are food insecure. Those who benefit from our food donations include people who have been receiving food in the past – for example, the homeless, isolated, elderly pensioners, victims of domestic violence and those who are financially insecure. Most recently, we have also seen an upsurge in our charities of people who have recently lost their jobs as a result of COVID-19 layoffs. Additional requests for support have come from agencies supporting university students and families under increased emotional and economic
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Local News stress Michele said. Michele, who founded the Sunshine Coast OzHarvest chapter five and a half years ago, says she expects an increased need for the OzHarvest service. “The demand for our service will only increase both in the short and longer term. “Those who are food insecure will only increase in numbers – the longer the crisis, the more people who are affected and will need to rely on agencies that provide emergency relief. “The need will also increase if panic buying continues. “This means that there is less on the shelves for people to access and those who are already vulnerable, will find it even more difficult to access food through those normal market channels,” Michele said. It will be a “bumpy road” ahead but Michele says the key is not stockpiling food but to plan instead. “I don’t think there is any need to stockpile food. “What is essential is for people to purchase smartly – buy what you need and with the food you buy, make meals that you can stretch over time, that can be made into soups or
casseroles or can be eaten as leftovers. “Buy what you need and store before use by dates. “If we all do our part, there will sufficient quantities and variety of food for everyone,” Michele said. “I totally understand the fear and the feeling of helplessness – and that this is one way to feel that you have some control over what is happening. “However, Australia is a food basket and there simply will never be a shortage of food. “We can all do the math – we produce enough food to feed 75 million people. The population of Australia is only about 30 million. “The reality is that if you buy too much, you will likely waste half of it. “That half could have fed other people or gone to feed vulnerable members of our community. It is as simple as that. “We really are in this together. “By coming together and thinking of others in addition to ourselves, we will get through this. Community is now more important than ever. “When it comes to food, take what you need only – by doing so, you make it all the more possible for others to do the same,” Michele said.
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NEWS IN BRIEF GOLF COURSE CLOSED
PEREGIAN Golf was forced to close it’s doors on March 30 to stay compliant with the latest round of COVID19 isolation rules and will remain that way until further notice. In an email to passholders, the business said those with annual passes would receive an extension of their playing rights and privileges of equivalent length of times as the course was forced to close. Range cards will also be extended so once the range is re-opened, card holders will have the same number of days remaining on their cards as they do now. The note said maintenance of the course would continue through the shut down period whilst regulations allowed and asked golfers to please be respectful and stay off the course grounds at all times. Contact for the club will be via the admin@peregiangolf.com.au email address. Peregian Golf says it will be in contact with golfers once an opening date has been confirmed and would post updates to its facebook page along the way.
POOL AND REC CLUB SHUT
THE doors were shut on the Peregian Springs Recreation Club, pool, gym and tennis courts, on March 23 in response to the COVID-19 social distancing requirements. Community Liaison Officer Kathryn Chandler will be working off-site for the forseeable future and is available from 9am to 4.30pm on Mondays and Wednesdays and 9am to 3.30pm on Fridays. Phone Kathryn on 0400 061 317 or email cloridges@hotmail.com during this time. 10
KEEP AN EYE ON SPEED
GREAT initiative from local resident and real estate agent Leon Butt to remind residents of the speed limit in the estate around our residential streets. Leon, a Balgownie Drive resident, has printed and donated hundreds of 50kph stickers to fellow residents to put on their bins in an attempt to remind drivers that our local streets are in fact speed limited. To find out how to get your stickers, phone Leon on 0411 579 789. The Coolum Police have also been out in force recently, setting up a mobile speed camera along the newly opened section of Ridges Boulevarde as drivers come off the slip road from the Sunshine Coast Motorway. As soon as you come off the ramp, the speed limit hits 50km/h - well worth remembering to slow down as you’re exiting.
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NINDERRY update: State Member Dan Purdie LOOK OUT FOR EACH OTHER As I write this, we are in the midst of an unprecedented crisis. As the world deals with the COVID-19 pandemic, there’s no doubt we are experiencing very uncertain times. However, the most important thing we can all do, other than follow the advice of the government, is to remember to look out for each other. From the confines of our homes, don’t forget to reach out to your friends and family from afar, and connect with your neighbours. We’re all in this together, and our ability to deal with the mental and emotional sideeffects will be largely influenced by how well we can stay connected, and maintain a sense of hope and good humour. If you are struggling, there are a range of support services available. The Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349 has been set up to help those who are self-isolating and can’t arrange food delivery or access
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medications, as well as providing social and emotional telephone support. For health-related inquiries, you can call the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 020 080. All other information is available at www.australia.gov.au. If you don’t have access to the internet, give me a call on 5406 7900 and I will do my best to help you, as we all work together to get through this. GAMBLING FUND RECIPIENTS On a lighter note, congratulations to local recipients of the latest round of the Gambling Community Benefit Fund. Coolum Women’s Shed received $34,730 to upgrade their facility, and the Peregian Beach College Early Learning Centre received $35,000 to construct a fence and landscape their play area. The next round (105) is now open, and closes on 30 April, 2020.
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FAIRFAX update: Federal Member Ted O’Brien TIME TO WORK TOGETHER The situation around Coronavirus is changing daily and aside from the anxiety people are feeling about the illness itself, it is bringing a level of stress and uncertainty into our everyday lives. I do understand that. We are all experiencing these challenges. So I wanted to assure you that the Government is taking COVID-19 very seriously. The situation is being monitored constantly and updated daily, based on the best advice from the nation’s leading health experts. We are also focused on keeping the country running because we will get through this. As the Prime Minister said, this is about saving lives and livelihoods. I returned from Canberra this week, before the Queensland borders closed. It took just one day for the Parliament to unanimously pass the second tranche of our economic support package – an additional $66.1 billion. That’s on top of the $17.6 billion package announced only a week earlier. For families, this latest package includes: Coronavirus supplement – to be paid at a rate of $550 per fortnight for the next six months on top of the JobSeeker Payment (formerly Newstart), Youth Allowance, Parenting Payment, Farm Household Allowance and Special Benefit. Asset test and waiting periods for the JobSeeker Payment have also been waived.
Payments to households – in addition to the $750 stimulus payment announced on 12 March 2020, the 16
Government will provide a further $750 payment to social security and veteran income support recipients and eligible concession card holders (excluding those now eligible for the Coronavirus Supplement). Superannuation – The Government will allow individuals in financial stress as a result of the Coronavirus to access up to $10,000 of their superannuation in 2019-20 and a further $10,000 in 2020-21. The Government is also temporarily reducing the superannuation minimum drawdown requirements for account based pensions and similar products by 50 per cent. There is also billions of dollars in new measures to support businesses. A wealth of up-to-date, accurate information, including eligibility details for the measures outlined above, can be found at https:// www.australia.gov.au
KEEP YOUR DISTANCE Finally, please take social distancing seriously. The Sunshine Coast is resilient, innovative, and community oriented. Together we will get through this. GET IN TOUCH As always, if you have any Federal issues, concerns or inquiries please get in touch on 5479 2800, email ted.obrien.mp@aph.gov.au or visit 17 Southern Drive, Maroochydore.
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Local News
Skate park work gets started SCAFFOLDING is up and the workers have started to move in and turn stage two of the multi purpose playground near the recreation grounds into a reality. Stage 2, which is expected to be completed by July (weather and COVID19 restrictions permitting) will include an extra 165sqm of skate pavement, 87 sqm of garden beds including 10 large shade trees, and a sloped grass border to allow casual, shaded, spectating opportunities. The playground project was listed
recently by former Division 9 Councillor Steve Robinson as one of the highlights of his time as our local representative.
Inform know grow
Peregian Springs News
Peregian Springs News thanks our readers and asks you to please show support for the businesses whose advertising dollars allow us the space to share your stories. ADVERTISING DEADLINES FOR NEXT TWO EDITIONS: Edition May: June:
Booking & Copy deadline April 27 May 25
Distributed from date Friday, May 8 Friday, June 5
Phone: 0422 215 648 (leave a message). Email: peregianspringsnews@gmail.com. Copies are delivered to letterboxes in Peregian Springs* and Peregian Breeze without no junk mail signs, and bulk dropped at the Pool CafĂŠ, and the shopping centre.
For Advertising cost and dimensions: www.peregianspringsnews.com.au/advertising Peregian Springs News - independently produced and published by Rebecca J Crockett T/As Peregian Springs News (ABN 49865205676). Those making advertising placement and/or supply copy material or editorial submissions to the publication undertake to ensure that all such material does not infringe the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 Cth as amended from time to time or other laws, regulations or statutes. Further to this, these persons agree to indemnify the publisher and/or its agents against any investigations, costs, claims and/or judgments. *No hand delivery in Sentosas or Pavilions occurs.
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Chappy’s Corner with Mark Horsfall
Living life in a COVID world WOW, a lot has happened in the last month!! I definitely didn’t think I would be writing this article while facing a pandemic and possible lockdown. I went to Coles for flour and the atmosphere was tense and panicked. It was busier than the boxing day sales. I found myself caught up in the panic and went to the checkout with a trolley full of food, some that I don’t even normally eat. I stopped, laughed at myself, ditched the trolley and just bought the flour. We are in unprecedented times and many of us are feeling anxious, panicked and unsure of the future. Here are a few tips that might help. Choose your Focus. Covid-19 is all over the media. I can’t look at my phone without getting a notification about it. I encourage you not to let it become your complete focus as it will increase stress, fear, anxiety and worry. Be aware of the situation but limit your focus on it for your mental health sake. Find the Positives. Every dark cloud has a silver lining. I’ve been wanting extra time with my family and now I have it. How could you use your extra time to make it a positive? Phone your friends, do a project,
clean the shed, start some new study… If you look hard enough there will be positives that come out of this. Keep a balance. Maintain routines where possible. Guard against spending all your time on your devices. Stay physically active as it will improve your frame of mind. Spend time in the sun and have a balanced diet. Show kindness and compassion to others. In crisis like this there is great opportunity to support others. We are in it together and only together will we get through it!! Just Dance. The results of a Harvard study of the brain activity of people who danced showed it reduced stress, improved brain function (making you smarter) and caused those studied to feel better about themselves. When our house feels stressed and the kids are misbehaving, I have found putting on music and dancing to be like a ‘reset’ button. If you find you’re being overwhelmed, put the music on and dance. Till next month stay safe! Mark Horsfall - Chaplain Coolum State High School
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Local News
Keeping in touch with tech We've asked our resident technology expert Felix “That Computer Wiz” to share his suggestions on the best/easiest ways for grandparents and others in isolation to keep connected with Family and Friends and stay entertained. Felix - A great solution is to use your smartphone, tablet or computer to make VIDEO CALLS allowing you to see your loved ones anywhere in the world for FREE. If you have an Apple Device like an iPhone or iPad you can use FaceTime, its an included App with all Apple devices and works similar to the phone app, you can video call anyone who also has an apple device just by using their email address. If you or your family have an Android smartphone, I recommend WhatsApp. It uses your mobile phone number and you can call anyone who has WhatsApp. Don’t have a smartphone? You can use Skype on a laptop with its inbuilt camera, skype also has a smartphone app. So what to do while locked in? There are plenty of streaming services out there and they all have their own library of movies and TV shows, they add new titles all the time plus they are ad free! 20
They all have their own originals and exclusive titles, so any of the below services are sure to keep you entertained for hours on end. Netflix is one of the most popular services and has a great range of films and TV shows Disney + supply’s a wide range of family favorites and all the Marvel superhero movies, also including every film Disney has ever produced. Stan and Prime video are also great, with Stan offering a 30-day free trial. If you’re looking for some free online video you can use on demand/ catchup tv websites like ABC iView, 10play, SBS on demand. These are good but you will find they still include adverts and have limited titles If you need some help setting up these services or a need a tutorial I am the go to man for any technology related problems. Call me on – 0490 482 999.
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Local Heart LOCAL CHURCH CONTACTS Coolum Beach Anglican Church -Cnr Perry St & Beach Rd Coolum Beach 0447 002 573 Or see www.anglicanchurchcoolum.com Noosa Anglican Church- 5449 8009 & www.anglicanchurchnoosa.org. Sunshine Beach (Bicentennial Drv) or Peregian Springs (in St Andrew’s , 40 Peregian Springs Dve) 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 C3 Church Noosa, Noosaville State School Hall, 75 Beckmans Rd, Noosaville. See www.c3noosa.org Salvation Army, Meeting Rooms 127, Greenoaks Drive Coolum. Call Warren or Denise 0400 797 480 / 0418 214 723. Wave Church, The Cavern Theatre. Sunshine Beach State High. Ph: 5353 5152. Weekly events for youth, children and adults. wavechurch.com.au SALVATION ARMY GROUPS: Home League Join a positive group of women, learn new skills, support local community and enjoy encouragement in Christian faith. Usually meet at 3/127 Greenoaks Drive Coolum. Call Geraldine 5446 1973 for more.
the Second Thursday of each month. Call Denise / Warren for details of when it might be renewed after COVID-19 isolation is over. Call Denise or Warren on 5442 4218 for more. GOVERNMENT REP CONTACTS Peregian Springs– Local Sunshine Coast Councillor office (Division 9) Tel – 5441 8086 State (Ninderry) - Daniel Purdie (Liberal National Party) Tel - 5406 7900 Federal (Fairfax) Ted O’Brien (Liberal member of Liberal National Party) Tel- 5479 2800 Peregian Breeze— Local Yet to be named… (Division 9) State (Ninderry) Daniel Purdie – see above Federal (Wide Bay) Llew O’Brien (National member of the LNP) Tel - 1300 301 968 PEREGIAN FAMILY & FRIENDS COMMUNITY GROUP. www.peregianfriends.com, or www.facebook.com/ peregianfamilyandfriends. Phone 0400 053 444. SIGN UP TO HELP OUT - STORM SEASON Would you like to help your community and learn some new skills along they way? Coolum State Emergency Service is looking to grow its volunteer base and has numerous roles to be filled for people of all ages and experience. Email sescoolum@bigpond.com for more.
WORSHIP MEETING The Salvation Army Coolum Beach-Mid Week Worship meeting is usually held on 22
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