Noosa Today - 27th February 2020

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INDEPENDENTLY FAMILY OWNED THURSDAY, 27 FEBRUARY, 2020 PHONE: 5455 6946 | FACEBOOK.COM/NOOSATODAY | ISSUE 401

VOTED COUNTRY QUEENSLAND'S BEST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER 2017 & 2018

NEWS

NOOSA PLAN IS CLOSER PAGE 3

LIFE OF BRINE

WORLD CLASS SURF PAGE 18

COVER STORY

WOOD ART CARVING OUT HIS DREAM PAGES 4-5

MORE TO LOVE The editor’s desk It seems fair that councils should have court costs awarded to them when they are successful in defending planning decisions.

When any council decides either to refuse a development application or to apply stringent conditions to ensure its planning rules are met, it has to be prepared to go all the way to the Planning and Environment Court of Queensland if challenged by a developer. In most cases, these issues are settled by out-of-court mediation and negotiation, but even that process comes at a cost to ratepayers. Indeed, each annual council budget contains an allocation of money set aside for the legal costs associated with defending its planning decisions throughout the year.

The awarding of costs is one of many areas of planning law in Queensland that needs reform in this instance, long overdue.

- Jeremy Sollars

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NATIONAL 4X4 COMP WINNERS The winners of five double passes to the National 4X4 and Outdoors Show at the Brisbane Showgrounds on March 27-29 were - Sheryl McAuley, Samantha Dickey, Kara Maguire, Jess Goldthorpe and Katie Young. Congrats - your passes are in the mail, and thanks to all who entered the giveaway. Check out this spot next week for our next reader competition! ●

LOCAL SUCCESS Noosa-based company Helitak has developed state-of-the-art firefighting technology, boosted

by Federal grant worth half a million - story page 7.

FAMILY HISTORY The region's family historians can now access burial records dating back to the 1800s with a new council database - page 8.

CLEAN-UP TIME Clean Up Australia Day is this Sunday 1 March - find out how you can get involved - details, page 14.

IT'S OFFICIAL ...

Noosa has been dedicated as the tenth 'World Surfing Reserve' - read more on Phil Jarratt's 'Life Of Brine', page 18.

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Don’t miss our exciting 2020 Autumn Edition: * Booking deadline Monday 2nd March * Artwork by Monday 9th March * Distributes Monday 23rd March

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PERSONAL TOUCH Tapping into kids' interests On the move

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Thursday, 27 February, 2020

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THIS WEEK WE’RE TALKING ABOUT…

NOOSA PLAN STEP CLOSER The New Noosa Plan is a step closer to implementation after getting the Queensland Planning Minister Cameron Dick's approval this week.

Mayor Tony Wellington said while Council welcomed the Minister's approval, some conditions imposed around koala mapping and social housing require further discussion with the State's planning department.

"The State has worked closely with Council staff to progress Ministerial approval and we appreciate that, but as this scheme will shape the future of Noosa over the next ten years, it's important to get it right.

"Given the impending caretaker period starts on Saturday, we feel there just isn't adequate time to properly consider and resolve some conditions imposed by the Minister," he said.

"The caretaker period allows councils to carry out most businessas-usual functions, but not adopt something as complex as a planning scheme."

Cr Wellington said two conditions imposed by the Minister had the potential to change some of the desired policy outcomes that Council was aiming to achieve through the New Noosa Plan.

One relates to Council's approach to social housing at the Shire Business Centre and former bowls club site at Noosa Junction, with the Minister requiring changes such that Council would not be able to mandate a requirement for affordable housing.

"This is extremely frustrating, as affordable housing is a critical problem for Noosa, so clearly we need to have more discussions with the State on this particular issue," Cr Wellington said.

"We were only requiring ten per cent of the high density housing on those sites to be affordable premises.

Without that stipulation we cannot generate social housing through the scheme."

Cr Wellington said another

Noosa Council has called on the Queensland Government to reconsider its new koala maps after thousands of hectares of Noosa koala habitat have been left unprotected. condition requires Council to adopt the recent State changes to koala protection regulations, and remove our local provisions.

"Council has objected to this process and the outcomes via a submission to the State Government on the Koala Strategy. We're concerned about these changes and further consideration is required," he said.

Director for Environment and Sustainable Planning Kim Rawlings said Council is also awaiting formal legal advice relating to an

interpretation of the State Planning Act and its implications for the scheme.

"We've been doing legal checks and balances every step of the way and it's important we continue this process so we have all the necessary information before adopting the scheme," she said.

"This is another reason why we shouldn't rush the process." Cr Wellington said.

Council's Planning staff have worked closely with the community over four years, reviewing 1000s

of pages of submissions and conducting three periods of community consultation.

CEO Brett de Chastel said once the outstanding matters are dealt with, the New Noosa Plan will come before the new council, after the Local Government election.

"We can adopt the scheme at any time now that we have the green light from the Minister and this allows more time to work with the State to ensure Council and community get a better result." Mr de Chastel said. ●

CHANGES NEEDED TO PLANNING COURT COSTS Noosa Council says it will lobby the State Government for changes to the Planning Act so that courts can award costs in councils' favour where those councils successfully defend their planning schemes.

Noosa Council has written to the State seeking a review of the Act, and also called on the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) to take up the cause on behalf of all Queensland councils.

Mayor Tony Wellington said noosatoday.com.au

Noosa Council had "an exemplary record of defending its planning decisions".

"There has not been a single example where Noosa Council has lost a court case over the past four years," Cr Wellington said last week.

"That's because we have been consistent in supporting our planning scheme through our decision-making.

"That consistency has been noted by judges in their determinations.

"However, the process of going to court and defending the scheme does cost ratepayers around $1 million per year.

"We go through a long process of consultation to develop our planning scheme, only to then have to spend ratepayers' money because a few developers want to bend the rules.

"Defending our planning scheme is important and necessary to deter other developers from trying to challenge Council's decisions and

the planning scheme.

"However, we believe that for matters that are significantly in conflict with the planning scheme, the courts should have the power to award costs."

Cr Wellingston said the council will present a motion to the LGAQ Conference this year calling on that organisation, which represents all local councils, to lobby the state government on this issue. ●

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NOOSA TODAY 3

COVER STORY Matty working on Ned Kelly in Cooroy.

CARVING OUT

A DREAM

BY ROSE ASTLEY ave you ever wandered through the township of Maleny and noticed wonderful wooden carvings of animals in shop fronts, or happened upon large wooden sculptures of a Rhinoceros or even Ned Kelly on the Sunshine Coast?

If you have, it is very likely that you have witnessed the extraordinary talent that local man Matthew (Matty) George harbours.

These priceless pieces are not only a nod to Matty’s outstanding talent, but to his deep connection with nature and the Sunshine Coast/ Noosa region.

Matty has been a creator his whole life, always looking for ways to connect and let his creative juices flow.

“I’ve taken opportunities mainly through stories and passion,” Matty said.

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“I was fairly lost at boarding school in the 80’s, my first story was from a mate telling me of his adventures with wild pigs in Outback Queensland, and to hear him talk gave me something to think about, as school didn’t really deliver the type of story that pricked my ears.

“I was always passionate about nature and ten years later after doing all sorts of jobs I discovered my dad’s chainsaw sitting in the shed.

“From that point the adventure began.

“The job of working with trees took me on this amazing journey from having no idea about life, to being highly sensitive about people’s interactions with trees ... to caring about the clients and nature to achieve a balanced tree versus human style job.”

Matthew owned a tree service in Brisbane for five years, when all of a sudden in 1997 he got freight trained with cancer, twice in three months.

Thursday, 27 February, 2020

Two Kookaburra's. noosatoday.com.au

Ned Kelly took roughly five hours to create.

Just a few of some of the extravagant pieces Matty created.

noosatoday.com.au

probably 200 other carvings I found hard to depart with.

Matty said that his main tools for work are 3 chainsaws, vice files and a sander, but his life time of experiences have helped him reach this point after using saws for 25 years.

“Today I am creating at the Noosa Farmers Markets a bird trail for all to enjoy, with a start of 30 birds so far they seem to have this easy going effect on people and their kids to enjoy spotting them.

“I think there’s room in our community for more recycled timber like standing tree stumps to be turned into beautiful carvings like pelicans, fish the inhabit our river or even a dog if the stump is right.

“Though native animals have right of way, after the recent bush fires I’m on a quest to raise funds with a mate, to carve burnt logs gathered from the devastated neighbourhood of Cooroibah, where a couple lost their home suddenly.

Matty said the time he spent searching for animals like snakes and lizards when he was a kid, observing animals in their natural element has given him the deep connection with nature.

“I feel badly the connection to nature, I think the most truth in my life is when I’m connected to nature, more than any other value I’ve got,” Matty said.

“That’s giving me all my values for why I do what I do and recycle and don’t interfere with nature, I don’t cut trees down, I use the best oils so if it washes away in the rain it doesn’t affect environment, I use electric saws to cut down on noise.

I don’t call myself an artist I was just getting creative in my own way, I become a chainsaw artist through feedback, not calling myself one.”

Locals who have observed these creations have been insisting that council should get behind Matty’s work and start placing these sculptures in public places for all to enjoy.

Council have been approached about the idea but are yet to make a comment. ●

This project took nine days, made from a Mahogany tree stump.

Matthew's passion lies with creating pieces that reflect the natural surroundings.

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“Cancer reminded me to look after my health and to slow down, and that took a few years to recover from, 15-20 years it took to detox from chemo, but I’m recovered now.

“Doctors tell you’ve only got two years to go, I’m not sure why they said that, but I wasn’t worried because I had other things to do,” Matty said.

Matthy had to learn to slow right down, so he ‘could receive what life was trying to give’ him, the courage to have patience.

“In 2005 I found myself guiding safaris on Fraser Island out of Noosa, now Kagari, my dream job, it came so naturally to me.”

Matthew then went on to meet the mother of his children, he moved to Maleny where he raised his son and daughter.

“Of an evening I would chase him (his son) down the streets, we’d have the town to ourselves.

“Always would I point out the birds sleeping under the butchers awnings, spiders, geckos and even possums feeding on street trees.

“During the day I would return to pick up food and fuel and have my own visions of animals sitting on roofs here and there and enjoy this all to myself, until the day I shared my vision with a friend who happened to be in marketing.

“Well she organised a meeting to do a talk, to a table full of ears pricked guests of all ages, I arrived with about 10 carvings and my chainsaw.

“As I told them why I used this particular saw and about the animals I made, they decided to buy everything and more.

“Not long after the town had commissioned nearly 50 public carvings bought buy the shop owners and they were mounted in or above their shop creating “The Maleny Animal Trail’.”

“I’ve been carving for eleven years and thinking back I’ve carved a couple of thousand pieces from war monuments to small meaningful pendants.

“My favourite was a bullterriers head I carved for the Cairns Show Society last year, though there’s

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NOOSA TODAY 5

NEWS

GREAT WALK TENDER OUT Member for Noosa Sandy Bolton MP was on hand yesterday to announce the preferred tenderer for the Cooloola Great Walk, on behalf of Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones.

The tender has been awarded to CABN, Australian experts in eco-friendly, off-grid, nature-based experiences. CABN currently operates in South Australia and Victoria and plans to establish a manufacturing facility in the Noosa hinterland as part of its successful delivery of the Cooloola project.

Member for Noosa Sandy Bolton said the Cooloola Great Walk was an opportunity to demonstrate how to share a magical destination without destroying the very essence of why it is so special, and the unique experiences that visitors are seeking.

"It has been heartening to see any concerns being addressed along this journey, and to ensure that the wellbeing benefits for Noosa and all of its inhabitants, furry, feathered or otherwise, has been foremost throughout. I look forward to joining our Kabi Kabi people, the Department and environmentalists on a visit to the sites and hear more on the many exciting aspects and opportunities, including the sharing of traditional knowledge," Ms Bolton said.

"We need more projects in our community that will create jobs for locals, enhance, protect and educate, as well promote sharing of space that has that special ethos of leaving no trace. The Cooloola Great Walk can be a leading example, and it has been

Sandy Bolton MP, Brian Warner Kabi Kabi, CABN CEO Michael Lamprell and QPWS staff. fabulous to have the support from government in understanding how important this is for Noosa."

Kabi Kabi representative Brian Warner said the Traditional Owners of the land had already had good engagement with the short-listed proponents in the ecotourism process.

"Our links here are over thousands and thousands of years and from now can help better tell that great story to the world," said Mr Warner.

"We look forward to working closely with CABN in allowing more people to enjoy our great country and story."

"We want to offer an authentic

eco-tourism product for local and international travellers to experience one of Queensland's most environmentally significant and popular tourist areas.

"At the same time we want a minimal impact on the habitat that fosters cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation of the environment".

CABN CEO Michael Lamprell said that CABN is excited to propose a world class eco-tourism, nature based walk experience, working with the Kabi Kabi.

"CABN is looking to connect people back to nature, create better work-life balance, build off grid first-class facilities and create a

positive impact on the wellbeing of all who experience the Cooloola Great Walk," he said.

Member for Noosa Sandy Bolton said she has been impressed with the level of consultation between all stakeholders including the Department of Tourism Industry Development, QPWS, Kabi Kabi, Noosa Council and Noosa Parks Association throughout this tender process.

"It has been great to see everyone working together to continually improve the consultation and engagement process."

Construction is likely to be complete in late 2020. â—?

ONLINE ACCESS TO BURIAL RECORDS Family history buffs looking to confirm whether their ancestors were laid to rest in Noosa can now search thousands of online burial records, dating back to the late 1800s.

"The online portal provides access to more than 5500 records with just a few clicks of the mouse, and from anywhere in the world," Noosa Heritage Coordinator, Jane Harding said.

"This will be a huge help to family historians and anyone researching Noosa's local history."

Search results include the grave's location within the cemetery, with a link to a map, and in some cases, a picture of the headstone.

"The local history community eagerly awaits Noosa Council's launch of this service and it will be enthusiastically embraced by researchers worldwide."

Noosa Council owns and maintains cemeteries at Pomona, 6 NOOSA TODAY

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Cooroy and Tewantin.

"The oldest documented local burials took place in the early 1870s, which was when European settlement began here," Ms Harding said.

A small team of Council Environmental Health staff spent many hours checking historical records against thousands of graves.

"This project has been a massive feat for such a small team, and the speed at which they've done it is remarkable," Environmental Health Coordinator, Sunil Kushor said.

"The database includes about 150 years of records that have been maintained by many different entities over the years, so as with all historical data there are some missing or incomplete entries," Ms Harding added.

Ms Harding said researching ancestry had become a popular pastime, and it had led to a new form of tourism.

Thursday, 27 February, 2020

Researching family history is a popular hobby worldwide and as records have increasingly become available online, researchers expect to be able to access them this way.

"Researching family history is fascinating and many people take the opportunity to travel to places where their ancestors lived to explore and get a feel for the place. We

look forward to welcoming family historians to Noosa in their quest to learn more about their ancestors."

To search the database, visit Council's at www.noosa.qld.gov.au â—? noosatoday.com.au

NEWS

HUGE BOOST FOR HELITAK A local business is helping to protect communities from fire threats, with assistance from a $497,500 grant announced by Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O'Brien.

Noosa-based company Helitak has developed state-of-the-art firefighting technology, by adapting an expandable underbelly water tank on Super Puma helicopters, assisting with aerial waterbombing to protect lives and properties during bushfires.

Mr O'Brien said the $497,500 Accelerating Commercialisation grant would support Helitak to expand its capacity, providing a cheap, safe, efficient, and easy way to enable the Super Puma helicopter to be used in aerial firefighting.

"This grant is supporting Helitak to enhance this cutting edge technology, allowing them to further develop their product with an eye to expanding into global markets and helping to stop bushfires in their tracks," Mr O'Brien said.

"I congratulate Helitak Firegfighting Equipment CEO and Chief Engineer, Jason Schellaars and their team for their work that is helping to protect lives, properties

Noosa-based company Helitak have developed state-of-the-art firefighting technology. and animals from destructive fires."

The Super Puma helicopter tank can fill with 4200 litres of water or fire retardant in less than 50 seconds and drop the entire load or lesser amounts of water or fire retardant as required.

Helicopters can take off and land with Helitak Fire Tanks attached, and they are much safer in flying over urban areas than helicopters using the traditional bucket design.

Mr O'Brien said the Accelerating Commercialisation grants support businesses which exhibit Aussie ingenuity and are working to bring their products to life in new markets.

Since the launch of the Accelerating Commercialisation grants in 2014, 437 grants worth $211 million have been offered to Australian businesses.

"The Morrison Government is backing businesses to realise their

potential sooner, which in turn drives job creation and economic growth," Mr O'Brien said.

"These businesses that are thinking outside the box can inspire others and help to boost jobs and the local economy."

This is part of the Coalition's strategic investment in innovation, as part of its broader plan to create 1.25 million new jobs over the next five years. ●

CLEAN UP AUSTRALIA DAY 2020 Come On Noosa – Sunday 1st March

Step up to Clean up Volunteers needed to help Clean up Noosa, you can help by registering at one of these sites from 8am to 11am on Sunday 1st March.

11 local government areas across Southern and Eastern Queensland will now have access to grants of up to $75,00

BUSHFIRE GRANTS

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said the grants would help impacted farmers get their businesses and livelihoods back on track.

"These fires came on the back of prolonged drought and have been a devastating blow to farmers that have held on for so long, "Helping farmers get back on their feet also helps communities get back on theirs.

"We will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with impacted communities to ensure they receive the best possible support."

Queensland Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said the grants would provide certainty for farmers struggling to make ends meet. ●

Apollonian Hotel

Cooroy

Car Park opposite Butter Factory

Cooran

Rec Club grounds

Federal

Federal State School

Kin Kin

Community Hall

Noosaville

Thomas Street boat ramp

Noosa North Shore

Noosa Ferry at northern shore

Peregian Beach

Surf Club

Pomona

Memorial Hall

Sunrise Beach

Shopping Centre

Sunshine Beach

Surf Club

Tewantin

Doonella St boat ramp

Tewantin

Bougainvillia Service Station

Tinbeerwah

Tinbeerwah Hall

Your help will be much appreciated and you can join us for a free burger and cold drink at Noosaville Lions Park afterwards. Volunteers should wear enclosed shoes, hat, gloves and sunscreen.

For more info contact NICA on 5449 9650 or admin@noosariver.com.au 12441817-FA08-20

Impacted farmers in an additional 11 local government areas across Southern and Eastern Queensland will now have access to grants of up to $75,000 to assist with their bushfire recovery.

The grants are being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) and are available to bushfire-impacted farmers in the Bundaberg, Gladstone, Gympie, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Noosa, Scenic Rim, Somerset, Southern Downs, Sunshine Coast, and Toowoomba local government areas.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management David Littleproud

Boreen Point

SPONSORED IN NOOSA BY:

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NOOSA TODAY 7

NEWS

PROMOTING LOCAL EATS The Noosa and Kawana Farmers Markets have teamed up with local Sunshine Coast farmers to create a new brand to promote local produce.

Officially launching the new brand this week Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said Queensland produce had built a global reputation, but it was just as important to support the farmers close to home.

"There is nothing better than seeing local people enjoying locallyproduced goods and investing their money back into their own communities," Mr Furner said.

"Supporting local produce backs our farmers and backs local jobs as well.

"We launched the Palaszczuk Government's #eatqld campaign last year to urge Queenslanders to support our farmers and help to spread the word far and wide.

"This initiative to craft a Local Farmers brand is an excellent example of celebrating what we are good at - great-tasting, clean, green

Shop and eat local is the message... produce that we love to eat."

Shane Stanley, who with his family has operated the Noosa Farmers Market for 17 years and Kawana for 7 years, said the new brand would give consumers confidence in the quality of the fruit, vegetables and other goods they buy.

"Our customers will have total confidence that they are dealing with local farmers who have grown their produce locally," Mr Stanley said.

"Our farmers are drawn overwhelmingly from the Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast, Noosa and Gympie regions, 150 farmers from 300

From left - Member for Noosa Sandy Bolton, Shane Stanley, Agriculture Minister Mark Furner, Ish Stanley and Sunshine Coast Councillor Jenny McKay at this week's launch at the Noosa AFL Club, home of the Noosa Farmers Market. farms employing around 1000 people.

"We need to support local farmers so that transport costs and longterm storage of food prior to sale can be greatly reduced.

"Just as important is the absolute need for consumers to know the exact details of the food they eat." â—?

GARDEN MADE IN THE SHADE The seeds have been sown for a greater variety of rare and exotic plants to grow in the Noosa Botanic Gardens thanks to today's opening of a $400,000 Shade Garden.

The new garden, funded jointly

by Council and Seqwater, replaces the old shade house that had come to the end of its useful life.

Noosa Mayor Tony Wellington said the Shade Garden was a three-month construction project, with many more months of careful planning.

"It was a collaborative effort with Council's infrastructure team leading the design and construction, our Botanic Garden staff looking after landscaping and assistance from many volunteers," Cr Wellington said.

"These volunteers not only give their time and skills to keep the gardens looking great, but also donate a lot of the rare and unusual plants that we see here today."

Lois Walters from the Noosa & District Orchid and Foliage Society is one of the members who volunteers her time to work in the shade garden.

"Once a month myself and other volunteers come in here and help with pruning, weeding and general maintenance of the gardens," Ms Walters said.

"After we have done our work, we get a real sense of satisfaction that we have done something for the 8 NOOSA TODAY

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Volunteers and Council staff walk through the newly opened Noosa Botanic Shade Garden. community as well as ourselves.

"It's been lovely to watch the Shade Garden come to life."

Seqwater CEO Neil Brennan said the funding from Seqwater was

Thursday, 27 February, 2020

part of the bulk water authority's commitment to working with Noosa Council and the local community.

"This project followed a transfer of land from Seqwater to Council to

expand the size of the gardens," Mr Brennan said.

"Work at the gardens precedes Seqwater's upgrade at Lake Macdonald, which will ensure the dam's ongoing safe operation and its role as a critical water supply and recreation area for the community of Noosa."

"The shade house development will no doubt provide a boost for the gardens, which already draws 70,000 visitors each year."

Noosa Botanic Gardens Coordinator Jacky Kelk said the new shade garden replaced a 1980s shade house, which closed to the public for safety reasons several years ago.

"While the old shade house was closed to the public, it still provided vital shade for some important plant species."

"The design of the new Shade Garden, which sees shade sails overlapping at different parts, provides different variations of shade and light.

"This allows a greater variety of plants, including orchids, rainforest and other shade-loving plants, to be cultivated".

"The Shade Garden is a wonderful addition to the Noosa Botanic Gardens and I encourage the community to come and enjoy this new facility," Ms Kelk said.

Seqwater and Noosa Council each provided half the costs of the new Shade Garden. â—? noosatoday.com.au

LETTERS

Post your letters to: 36 Mary St, Noosaville, 4566 or email: newsdesk@noosatoday.com.au

LET’S KEEP IT CLEAN

NO LOVING FATHER More than half of women killed last year died at hands of partner or relative.

Globally, six women are killed every hour by people they know.

One woman a week is killed by her partner (or ex-partner) in Australia.

Despite conventional wisdom saying 95 per cent of divorce is for falling out of love, the reality is that nearly half of divorces are for very serious issues, including a pattern of infidelity, physical/emotional abuse, and substance abuse.

Recidivism is rife in Australia because boys lack positive role models at home. There is, undoubtedly, a direct correlation between adolescent boys who display aggressive and violent tendencies at school and those who have broken, abusive families.

Hannah Baxter and her children were not “killed in a fire” as many headlines state. They were murdered.

The man who committed this monstrous act was not “a loving fanoosatoday.com.au

LENSCAPE

This terrific shot of the Noosa Spit at sunset was taken by Paul Lanfear, this photo is the winner of our ’cover photo of the week’ competition that we run on our Facebook page. Each week, readers are given the opportunity to contribute their photos from the Noosa region, which then go into the draw to win a $25 voucher from the Noosa Camera House. ther.” Loving fathers do not set fire to their children. He was an evil psychopath.

Brigid Muir.

CRACKLY LINE Given the anxiety concerning the Corona Virus, many of your readers would no doubt expect the authorities to have set up a Corona Virus hotline by now.

This would provide them with the latest news and details regarding the virus and any possible symptoms they might be experiencing.

Personally I am not at all surprised that a hotline hasn’t been established.

In 2009 when the world was experiencing the Swine Flu Epidemic, a hotline was set up.

At the time I was not feeling at all well and telephoned the Swine Flu Hotline.

All I got was crackling.

Mervyn Mudal, Noosaville.

THE WAY AHEAD? On the road trip to a known future climate destination, the reckless and irresponsible team drivers are doing wheelies and spinning out of control.

Their Prime Marketeer and Team Captain believe that science based concentric circles (wheelies) are the best way of moving forward. Praise be.

Margaret Wilkie, Peregian Beach.

RAISING AWARENESS March is epilepsy awareness month and Purple Day is coming up once again on 26 March.

This year, Epilepsy Action Australia, the largest provider of services for people living with epilepsy in Australia, is advocating for greater recognition that epilepsy does not look the same for everyone, meaning that the 250,000 Australians living with the condition experience it differently.

People may be surprised to know epilepsy occurs on a spectrum, like autism. There are actually about 40 different types of epilepsy syndromes and seizures, which vary in severity and frequency from person to person. Seizures range from a momentary pause and staring into space to full body convulsions. In some cases epilepsy is genetic, but it can also be acquired by things such as head injury, infection or stroke, and it can occur at any point in a person’s life.

While epilepsy is more common than Parkinson’s, cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy combined, it is widely misunderstood and can significantly impact a person’s life. That is why Purple Day is so important - to increase community awareness and raise vital funds to improve services. This Purple Day, we are aiming to raise $250,000 - one dollar for every person diagnosed with epilepsy in Australia.

We are incredibly excited that - for the very first time - the Sydney Opera House will light up purple for Epilepsy Action Australia on 26 March to promote epilepsy awareness!

On behalf of all Australians living with epilepsy, thank you in advance for supporting Epilepsy Action Australia this Purple Day. To find out how to get involved, please visit www. epilepsy.org.au. Your support helps to ensure people living with epilepsy can lead optimal lives.

Carol Ireland, Chief Executive Officer, Epilepsy Action Australia.

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It is understandable that a Meet the Candidates night organised by a chamber of commerce should have a business push, but here were some absurd expectations from some of the questioners.

A shire council exists to serve ratepayers in maintaining certain infrastructure, parks, verges, collecting rubbish, and providing services like rubbish collection, support of the arts etc.

This council has pulled out all stops to increase nature reserves, and to be a leader in lowering our carbon footprint - 120 other councils have followed Noosa's lead.

The growth and economic figures prove that this strategy has stimulated businesses locally - far better than the development-oriented Sunshine Coast Council's figures.

Expecting Noosa Council to educate small business owners -as one questioner suggested - is ludicrous.

In Australia over 80 per cent of small businesses fail, not because of lack of council support, but mainly because they were under financed.

Everyone wants to be their own boss, but many simply don't have the ability to succeed.

Although less businesses fail here than elsewhere, failure of a large percentage of small businesses is a fact of life. Blaming this on council is disingenuous, and unhelpful negative campaigning.

Let's have some honesty and decency this campaign. The coterie of Clare Stewart's supporters who rudely disrupted the meeting, shouting over candidates when they tried to answer questions, were a disgrace, and did no credit to her campaign.

Joy Ringrose, Pomona.

Editorial newsdesk@noosatoday.com.au Advertising sales@noosatoday.com.au Classified Advertising Phone: 1300 666 808 Email: sales@networkclassifieds.com.au READERSHIP: Engaging with a weekly audience across Online: Digital and Social Platforms Published by Star News Group Pty Ltd ACN 005 848 108. Publisher/Managing Director, Paul Thomas. All material is copyright to Star News Group Pty Ltd. All significant errors will be corrected as soon as possible. Distribution numbers, areas and coverage are estimates only.

For our terms and conditions please visit www.starcommunity.com.au

Thursday, 27 February, 2020

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PROUDLY AUSTRALIAN OWNED & INDEPENDENT

NOOSA TODAY 9

COMMUNITY UPDATES FRIDAY ENVIRONMENT FORUM Sharks are an important part of a healthy marine environment, but have received such a bad reputation in the media and movies over the years that many people think they are monsters waiting to attack anyone entering the oceans.

Nigel Marsh, a Brisbane based underwater photographer and photojournalist is the guest speaker on 28 February.

Nigel who has been diving for almost 40 years is very passionate about sharks. He says; “most people who fear sharks know nothing about them and many of their fears are based on myths.”

Come along to Nigel’s talk at Noosa Parks Association Environment Centre at 5 Wallace Drive Noosaville, where the forum starts at 10.30am with coffee available for purchase at 10am, and ends at 12.15pm. All are welcome, entry is by donation. Interpretive birding starts at 8.30am in the carpark. Go to www.noosaparks. org.au for more information.

ITALIAN ART EXPERIENCE Join Internationally famed artist Pam Walpole for morning tea as she shares a wonderful experience representing Australia at the celebrated FabrianoinAcquarello convention in Fabriano, Umbria, Italy. Pam’s collection of photos and memorabilia will show many of over 1000 artworks which were displayed among the gold and ornamented décor of museums, a monastery, churches and other buildings full of history and colour, vibrant demonstrations that were held in arched colonnades or intimate frescoed rooms, a master painter splashing paint onto paper just metres away from a priceless fresco! In the Piazza metres of paper were rolled out on the cobblestones like a long carpet for artists to ‘do their thing’ while another artist attacked his canvas with a broom dipped in paint! Painting demonstrations which ran until midnight were projected onto a huge screen for all to see. Half day workshops were an experience balancing paper on narrow pews! Enthusiastic artists lined the Piazza with their easels or perched with paper pads on stone steps.

Fabiano has been making paper for over 1000 years and this convention which is now in its 10th year, last year invited Australia to participate and Pam was one of 15 artists selected from each of 70 countries around the world to display their watercolour work. Other Sunshine Coast artists selected to represent Australia were Pauline Adair and Alex Ashton.

10 NOOSA TODAY

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Pam’s exciting, intimate and enthusiastic talk will present an overview of her 2018 and 2019 visits to the Convention accompanied by photographs and mementos of the visits.

Friday 27 March 10am-11am at Wallace House, 1 Wallace Park Noosaville. Cost is $10, with morning tea included .

To book phone 5474 1211 or email create@noosaartsandcrafts. org .au

FINE ARTS ADFAS (Australian Decorative and Fine Arts Society) Noosa's next lecture is on Saturday 7 March, with special guest Paul Atterbury a familiar face on the BBC Television's Antiques Roadshow. This lecture looks at the history of the poster, covering artists and designers, the emergence of famous brands and household names. Time 3.45pm for a 4pm start at St Mary's Church, 17 William Street, Tewantin. Visitors welcome, bookings essential 0436 323 776.

NOOSA TOASTMASTERS Develop Public Speaking and Leadership skills for life at Noosa Toastmasters - a fun loving, supportive group who are all learning together.

They meet on the second and fourth Monday of each month 6.30-8.30pm at the CWA Hall in Poinciana Avenue, Tewantin. The first two visits are free so you can come and see if it's the place for you. For enquiries phone Ian Davies on 0410750651 or email noosatoastmasters@gmail.com.

FREE COMMUNITY LUNCH The Salvation Army is holding its monthly Free Community Lunch on Tuesday 17 March at 12:30 pm at 6 Bartlett Street Noosaville, all welcome. For further information please call the church office on (07) 5442 4218.

Association of Independent Retirees (AIR) Noosa Branch is the peak national not-for-profit organisation supporting self-funded retirees.

The next meeting is on Thursday 12 March at 10am at South Pacific Resort, 179 Weyba Road, Noosaville.

Speaker is Steve Mendl, founder of Next-Aging and author of the international best-selling book Beyond the Money, who will talk on the topic: Retirement: It’s Not Just About Money.

Cost is $6 per person for members and $10 nonmembers, which includes morning tea. Visitors welcome.

Phone 0478 479 049 or email: airnoosacommunications@gmail. com

Thursday, 27 February, 2020

Email your community news to: newsdesk@noosatoday.com.au

SOCIAL BALLROOM DANCING Every Tuesday evening from 7 pm to 9.30 pm Pat and Norm Young organise a Social evening at the Pomona Memorial School of Arts Hall - the cost is $ 4, which includes supper. It is a very enjoyable evening as Pat and Norm provide New Vogue as well as Old Time Dancing.

Come and be a Spectator, and see if you will enjoy it. Everyone is welcome. Phone 0407 456 939 for more information, or come and visit.

TRIVIA NIGHT A Trivia Night will be held at the Lion’s Den, Mountain Street, Pomona on Saturday, 14 March. Doors open 6pm with first questions at 6.30pm Entry fee $20 per person includes table nibbles, hot supper and lucky door tickets. The bar will be open complimentary tea and coffee.

Profits go to Lions Community projects. Phone 54853236 for bookings.

NOOSA ARTS AND CRAFTS Noosa Arts and Crafts Association is a centre for creativity, learning and friendship. New members welcome.

People can visit the Gift Shop and room hire is available.There is disabled-friendly access.

Learn To Crochet: Ongoing workshops with Janelle Turley Saturday mornings 9.30am-11.30am for members and non-members.

There is also a Wednesday morning Crochet Activity Group.

Earth and Mineral Pigment Workshop: With Maureen Riggs starting Thursday 27 February for five weeks, 9am-noon. Booking required.

Phone 5474 1211 or email create@noosaartsandcrafts.org.au

THE CHANGING ROOM As part of Queensland Women’s Week the Pomona and District Community House invites you to an uplifting evening with debut author of ‘The Changing Room,’ Christine Sykes. Inspired by her role as volunteer stylist helping women to find clothes for work interviews and as a coach for disadvantaged women, Christine has written a story of hope, second chances and the power of female friendship. She has also drawn on her extensive experience in the community and government. She is interested in a range of issues affecting women today.

Whether you want to hear the stories that have inspired the book or you’d like to find out about Christine’s experience of writing and publishing, come along and enjoy the conversation. Light refreshments will be available from 5.30pm.

Date: Wednesday 11 March Time: 5.30 for a 6.15 start.

Venue: Lawson Shed, Memorial Avenue, Pomona Cost: $5.00 includes light refreshments before the presentation begins.

Bookings: Please call the Pomona Community House on 5485 2427

NOOSAVILLE VIEW CLUB Next Meeting Thursday, 27 February, 2020 at the Tewantin Noosa RSL Club, 11.00am for 11.30am. Cost $23 for a two course lunch. Guest Speaker Jane Copeman of Noosa Community Garden Visitors are welcome but bookings are essential.

Phone Nanette on 0428 635 126.

THE THURSDAY GIRLS The Thursday Girls will be holding their first Ladies Lunch for 2020 at Locale, 62 Hastings Street Noosa Heads on Thursday 27 February at 12.30pm. Cost $45pp.

The monthly fundraising events help in the provision of financial support to students of low income families in the Noosa Shire State Schools thereby giving them access to optional, educationally desirable school programmes and activities.

Please contact Liz Meikle on 0457 844 848.

CALL FOR ARTISTS The Pomona Railway Gallery is again holding its Easter Art in the Paddock event. Art can be purchased for around the $100 mark. The gallery is now calling on artist and crafts people to register their interest in having a stall.

The Art in the Paddock event will be held on Saturday 11 April from 9am to 1pm at the Pomona Railway Station Gallery. The application can be downloaded at pomonartgallery. com/art-markets. Contact market coordinator Alan Falls on 0407 119 858.

MARCH MELODIES The Sunshine Coast Concert Band presents March Melodies on Saturday 14 March at 2pm in the Kawana Community Hall, Nanyima Street in Buddina. It will be an afternoon of top entertainment, with a great variety of music and talented vocalists under the baton of music director Ken Chadwick OAM. Tickets $15 available at the door includes afternoon tea. Enquiries contact Toni on 0404193912. For all future events with the Sunshine Coast Concert Band visit our website at www.sccb. org.au ●

noosatoday.com.au

LIVE

EUMUNDI SCHOOL OF ROCK The Eumundi School of Rock is excited to announce that The Imperial Hotel Eumundi has signed on as a Gold level sponsor, enabling the establishment of a new band - The Eumundi School of Rock Imperial Super Band.

Eumundi School of Rock (ESOR) founder (also a five-time ARIA award-winning artist and local mum) Katie Noonan, says the Imperial Super Band will be a five piece band for musicians aged 13 17 years.

“We are absolutely thrilled that in our fifth year of Eumundi School of Rock, the wonderful crew at The Imperial Hotel are coming on board to sponsor a brand new teenage super band!,” Katie said.

“The Imperial Super Band will be open to audition for kids aged 13-17 and will include three free one-on-one lessons with our ESOR professional teachers, plus 10 weeks professional mentoring with ARIA award-winning and National Jazz Award-winning local musician/ composer Zac Hurren and awesome professional gig opportunities!,” Katie said.

“We will still be continuing our 20 free scholarships for kids in Years 3 to 8, but this initiative gives us an exciting new opportunity to showcase our extra talented older kids!”

“Enormous thanks to the Imperial Hotel and our three major ESOR sponsors - Eumundi Combined Community Organisation, Eumundi District and Community Association and Sunshine Coast Council - for their continued support!,” Katie said.

Manager of The Imperial Hotel Eumundi Paul Thomas said the team at the hotel are delighted to help the ESOR with a sponsorship that includes financial support to cover tuition and teaching for the kids, a lesson/rehearsal space and provision of back line (instruments).

“Music is a big part of what we do at The Imperial, and nurturing the next generation of musos will be a privilege,” Paul said.

“We’re thrilled that we’ll get to hear the awesome talent each week too - as The Imperial Super Band will have their lessons and rehearse in one of our performance venues

Rosie Robertson, Dexter Hurren, Oscar Huntley, Charlee Williams, Lochie Kapper with Paul Thomas and Katie Noonan. called The Bunker.

“It comes complete with thick sound-proofed walls, so they’ll be able to crank it nice and loud.”

Auditions for the ESOR Imperial Super Band will take place on 16 and 18 March (details at www. eumundischoolofrock.com. au), followed by three weeks of individual lessons, then 10 weeks

full band lessons.

The band will then perform at The Hinterland Craft Beer Festival on Saturday 27 June and also at the OFFBEAT Music Festival on Saturday 7 November.

Applications for ESOR are open to residents in the following postcodes: 4561, 4562, 4563, 4566, 4567, 4568 and 4573. ●

PUZZLES Quick Clues

4 2 7 5 3 8 9 1 6

6 1 8 4 7 9 3 2 5

Solution No.4275

9 5 3 1 6 2 7 4 8

7

Fill the grid so that every row and every 3x3 square contains the digits 1 to 9

25. In the end is off centre, which does depress one (10).

DOWN 1. She’ll give you the South African rand exchange (6). 2.

Beaches and abandons (7). 3. How dad rushed off? (6). 4.

There’s a doctor on the boat? Capital! (6). 5. Stamp with a name (5). 7. Say it’s rotten and fell it (5). 13. Prevailed over, we’re told, in time (3). 14. Change the law! (7). 15.

Nick gets off late on Sunday (5). 17. Not in any way is Whithead involved in the racket (6). 18. Find it impossible to turn again and run (6). 19. Were paid to and are changing the name (6). 21. Edgar has had a sex change (5).

3 6 5 9 1 7 2 8 4

ACROSS 6. A non-runner when the condtions are wet! (4,6). 8. Article read aloud for a girl (4). 9. The girl in bed: Natalie (4). 10. Nut of an accountant who’s got himself in prison (5). 11. Beef, though it gives you a thrill (4). 12. How one wins easily when one doesn’t give up! (5,4). 16. “Yarns The Deacon Spins,” put back (9). 20. Rod’s returned for the men (4). 22. We’d been wrong in naming him (5). 23.

A bit of character (4). 24. Not bad when bleached? (4).

25. In the end is off centre, which does depress one (10).

DOWN 1. She’ll give you the South African rand exchange (6). 2.

2

ACROSS

5 6 1

7 7 4 2 6 8 5 1 9 3

CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 7613

6

How to Sud

9

Fill the gr every row 3x3 squar the digit

7 9 3 7 4 5

9 1 5 6 2 7 8 3 4

Solution 7 2 8 3 4 5 6 9 1

CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO.7613 - SOLUTIONS Across - 6, Fast colour. 8, Anne (an). 9, (b)Ed-Na(talie).

10, Pe-ca-n. 11, Kick. 12, Hands down. 16, Anecdo-tes.

20, S’tag (rev). 22, Edw-in. 23, Part. 24, Fair. 25, Disheart-en.

Down - 1, Sa-ndra. 2, Strands. 3, Pop-ped. 4, Mo-scow. 5, Frank. 7, Knock. 13, One (won). 14, Coppers. 15, S-teal.

17, No-w(hite)-ise. 18, Can’t-er. 19, Ear-ned. 21, Gerda (anag).

DOWN Speculation (10) 1. Commendation (6) PUZZLE NO. 7613 YPTIC

Cryptic Clues

noosatoday.com.au

Plant (6) Gape (5) Lesser (5) Before (3) Law (7) Blow (5) Prompt (6) Enrage (6) Account (6) Heap (5)

2

2 5 6 5

1 8 9 3 2 4 6 5 7

ACROSS 6. Victorious (10)

9 6 1 CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 7613 ACROSS 8 DOWN Commendation (6) Fruit (7) 4 Lounge (6)

5 3 4 2 9 6 8 7 1

Unfortunately (4)

3

2 7 1 8 4 3 5 6 9

Famous school (England) (4)

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

7.

13.

14.

15.

17.

18.

19.

21.

2

8 9 6 7 5 1 4 3 2

ictorious (10) Enthusiastic (4)

No.4

7 8 3 6 2 6 9 8 1 3 2 7 3 5 6 4 2 1 8 4 5 2 7 3 3 1 6 2 5 8 9 5 8 2 8 3

12.

16.

20.

22.

23.

24.

25.

SUDOKU How to solve Sudoku!

Fill the grid so that every row and every 3x3 square contains the digits 1 to 9

9

6.

8.

9.

10.

11.

SUDOKU No. 4275

ACROSS Victorious (10) Enthusiastic (4) Level (4) Change (5) Famous school (England) (4) Indigent (9) Early (9) Unfortunately (4) Fearful (5) Sort (4) Cat (4) Speculation (10)

QUICK PUZZLE NO.7613 - SOLUTIONS Across - 6, Triumphant. 8, Avid. 9, Tier. 10, Alter. 11, Eton. 12, Penniless. 16, Premature. 20, Alas. 22, Timid.

23, Type. 24, Puma. 25, Conjecture.

Down - 1, Praise. 2, Currant. 3, Sprawl. 4, Cactus. 5, Stare.

7, Minor. 13, Ere. 14, Statute. 15, Clout. 17, Remind. 18, Madden. 19, Report. 21, Stack.

QUICK QUICKPUZZLE PUZZLENo. NO. 7613 7613

Thursday, 27 February, 2020

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NOOSA TODAY 11

4 6 3 8 9 1 7 5 2

1 7 6 4 8 9 3 2 5

8 3 4 7 5 2 1 6 9

LIVE

RAINBOW ON THE RIVER Noosa will again be bringing the Queens back to Queens-land and turning up the volume on the Mardi Gras party scene with our 5th Noosa Rainbow River Festival from 28 Feb - 1 March 2020.

Partygoers will celebrate with a weekend of festivities, kicking off with welcome cocktails at the Noosa Yacht and Rowing Club on Friday night the 28 February from 5pm onwards.

Melony Brests will then be “dropping her balls“ at Melony’s Drag Queen Bingo hosted by the Lazy River Restaurant just down the road.

Saturday features the Festival Mardi Gras Party Extravaganza, We are playing the Mardi Gras Parade on the big screen live from 7:30pm, plus showcasing performances by the Powderpuff Girls & Rocky V Liquor and DJ Les will be back in the house.

Wrapping up on Sunday will be the highlight of the weekend, the family-friendly River Parade and picnic, led by the Coast Guard and the Catalina.

Noosa's 5th Rainbow River Festival is on again February 28 to March 1.

Picture: FRANCOIS PHOTOGRAPHY “We are so excited to be able to bring a genuine Mardi Gras experience to Noosa so the community that can’t travel to Sydney can celebrate together”.

“The Festival has something for everyone - from a family-friendly, BYO riverside picnic, through to a party with a DJ and live drag performances”.

“And of course, we’re inviting the whole Noosa community to

join us on the Noosa River for the famous annual River Parade. Hire a boat, bring your own boat or join the official Rainbow Party boat and party in the sun on a two-hour adventure up and down the Noosa River and canals,“ Festival Organiser Kirsty Patten said.“The theme of this year’s River Parade is Rainbow Pirates, so we’re asking everyone to be flirty, be daring and definitely be fabulous.”

For more details visit: www. facebook.com/rainbowriverfestival Event details · Friday 28 February 2020: Welcome sunset cocktails at the Noosa Yacht Club: 5pm. (Free event) Melony’s Drag Queen Bingo hosted by the Lazy River Restaurant: Doors 6:30pm Balls Drop 7.30pm · Saturday 29 February 2020: Festival Mardi Gras Party Extravaganza at Villa Noosa. 6pm 12am. 18+ event. · Sunday 1 March 2020: BYO Riverside picnic near the Big Pelican (on the grass area; look for the Rainbow flags) 10 am - 12 noon.

(Free event) The River Parade starts from the jetty at 172 Gympie Terrace at 12 noon - 2 pm. Turnaround at Noosa Woods where Melony Brests will be putting on a free show. This event is open to all. A limited number of tickets for the Catalina are available or bring your own boat.

Farewell drinks at Whisky Boy (18+free event) · Boat Hire: Pelican Boat Hire ●

PLAY NOOSA AND TEE UP A $13 LUNCH SPECIAL.

Funds raised will go to local wildlife organisations.

BUSHFIRE RELIEF

Enjoy our $13 Lunch special, served with a golf course on the side.

For details go to noosagolf.com.au, to book call 5447 1407(ext 2) or simply come along to 46 Corooy Noosa Rd, Tewantin.

12427683-SN39-19

12 NOOSA TODAY

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Thursday, 27 February, 2020

Cooroy RSL is hosting a Bushfire Relief Fundraiser on Saturday 29 February from 6pm and encourages everyone to get behind it and support it.

There is no charge to attend, but guests are encouraged to purchase raffle tickets as there will be plenty of prizes up for grabs.

Guests can also make a cash donation to the cause.

There are three amazing local women behind the scenes organising the fundraiser, Helen Hollingworth, Kerry Martin and Esther Rijkenberg and they are all eager to help out wildlife, so all the funds raised

will go back to local animal rescue organisations.

As well as supporting a good cause, there will also be some great entertainment with the Four Corners Quartet playing at the start of the evening, followed by a fantastic duo, The Free and finishing the evening with The Renditions.

There have been quite a few local businesses have also got behind the fundraiser with donations for raffle prizes.

Make sure to book at table and the courtesy bus at Cooroy RSL on 5447 6131 ● noosatoday.com.au

LIVE ON DISPLAY

BIG MONTH AT THE RSL Entertainment central at the Tewantin Noosa RSL in the month of March, come along to see magic happen with Andino the Magician, or treat your ears to some of the amazing bands and artists listed below. There is something for everyone. · Wednesday 4 March at 6pm “Andino the Magician” · Roving entertainment - be amazed, be surprised! Great fun & kids eat free! · Thursday 5 March 6pm “Adam Leatherbarrow” (South Bar) New to the club, with a chilled acoustic sound, a fun stage presence and a unique repertoire, Adam will entertain and have you dancing and singing along! · Friday 6 March 8pm “My Cat Nellie” (Diggers Bar) · A local band 4-piece band that plays top 40 and classic hits. · Saturday 7 March 8pm “Johnny Gray and the Atmosphere Band” (South Bar) Rock and Roll at its best with Johnny Gray and the Atmosphere Band. · Wednesday 11 March 5.30pm “Face

Andino the Magician will be performing at the Tewantin Noosa RSL March 4.

Painting with Suzy” (South Bar) Free face painting and kids eat for free also! · Thursday 12 March 6pm “Chi Chi Duo” (South Bar) “We Play, You Dance” that’s their Motto, come along for a fun night out. · Friday 13 March 8pm “Blackwater Duo” (Diggers Bar) The sounds of Classic Rock & Blues coming to our venue, from the depths of the Blackwater. · Saturday 14 March 8pm “Annie J & Fusion” (South Bar) Get ready for a night of blues, ska & lots of funk. · Wednesday 18 March 6pm 7:30pm “Andino the Magician”

"Draw the Line" is the inspirational artwork of Glen David Buckley.

His new exhibition stems from his love of graphic art and artists.

"I am fascinated by the flow and curve of lines, where movement is seemingly random, yet designed,” Glen says.

“The work finished, yet ever evolving."

Glen moved to the Sunshine Coast 12 years ago to be close to family, and now resides in Pomona.

He is Brisbane born, and has lived and studied across Australia and Asia. In this art selection, imaginary and abstract elements are combined to create distinct graphic groupings.

"In ink's shadowy viscous depths, my nostrils inform these visions.

The virgin white surface, waiting... waiting."

Glen has previously exhibited at Pomona, Cooroy, Kenilworth and Maleny.

"Draw the Line" exhibition is on at the "Carriage Room", Pomona Railway Station Gallery from Sunday 1 March to Tuesday 31 March, 2020. ●

Roving entertainment - great fun for all the family on kids eat free night. · Thursday 19 March 6pm “Fabian” (South Bar) Back to put his unique touch to the hits of the 60’s and the 70’s. · Friday 20 March 8pm “Fat Albert” (Diggers Bar) Come along and hear the sounds of The Choir Boys, Screaming Jets, The Radiators and more from this NSW North Coast band, new to our club. · Saturday 21 March 8pm “Chi Chi” (South Bar) This is a high energy band playing what the audience wants to hear, it’s bound to be a great night out! · Wednesday 25 March 5:30-7:30pm “Face Painting with Suzy” (South Bar) · Fantastic free face painting on kids eat for free night! · Thursday 26 March 6pm “Johnny Spitz” (South Bar) A well-rounded performer playing Rock n Roll and top 40 hits. · Friday 27 March 8pm “Let Loose” (Diggers Bar) ●

PUZZLES Quick Clues

9 4

6 3 4 6 1 2

9

3

ACROSS

Cryptic Clues

8 4 7

7

CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 7609 - SOLUTIONS Across - 7, Burn with love. 8, Street (anag.) 9, See-the.

10, Cracked. 12, Tempo. 15, Spray. 16, Hear-say. 18, Pastor. 20, Di-the-r. 22, Excercise book.

Down - 1, Butter up. 2, On-c-e. 3, D-itt-ies. 4, C-has-e. 5, F-oreb-ear. 6, Bet-h(ot). 11, C-hatt-ier. 13, Played on. 14, Red-dish. 17, Grace. 19, Ap-ex. 21, Tubs (anag.)

2

4 1 9 8 3 7 6 5 2

7 5 2 9 4 6 1 3 8

1 9 5 4 8 3 7 2 6

3 7 4 6 2 9 8 1 5

6 2 9

2 6 8 7 1 5 3 9 4

5 4 7 1 9 8 2 6 3

6 2 3 5 7 4 9 8 1

Solution No.4271

9 8 1 3 6 2 5 4 7

Fill the grid so that every row and every 3x3 square contains the digits 1 to 9

Thursday, 27 February, 2020

2

5 1 8

8 3 6 2 5 1 4 7 9

noosatoday.com.au

(6). 22. A keep fit manual? (8,4).

DOWN 1. Prepare the toast that will be flattering? (6,2). 2. As soon as one rings the number (4). 3. Songs from the wild tit inside, flying (7). 4. To pursue, is forced to enter the church (5). 5. Fear the terrible bore inside is a relation (8).

6. Put your money on a hot tip from a lady (4). 11. Saying more about that terrible rice pudding (8). 13. Got oneself dismissed, but continued to bat (6,2). 14. One of the national foods of Russia: quite colourful (7). 17. A prayer for a famous cricketer (5). 19. Pop back, once at the top (4). 21. Bust out of the containers (4).

3

ACROSS 7. As your old flame used to, for you? (4,4,4). 8. The way to train a setter (6). 9. Are furious, you notice, at the end (6). 10. Touched when broke (7). 12. The speed of play depends on it (5). 15. Wet flowers (5). 16. Be told to inform people it’s only rumour (7). 18. A previous or subsequent minister (6). 20. Can’t decide about the free return (6). 22. A keep fit manual? (8,4).

DOWN 1. Prepare the toast that will be flattering? (6,2). 2. As

Fill the gr every row 3x3 squar the digit 8 4 9 7 1 3 5 2 6

Solution 5 6 2 9 8 4 7 3 1

QUICK PUZZLE NO. 7609 - SOLUTIONS Across - 7, Discriminate. 8, Starch. 9, Clover. 10, Aniseed. 12, Heady. 15, Stout. 16, Blanket. 18, Rabbit. 20, Excise. 22, Mulligatawny.

Down - 1, Distinct. 2, Scar. 3, Fighter. 4, Pinch. 5, Napoleon. 6, Mere. 11, Squabble. 13, Dressing. 14, Illegal. 17, Stair. 19, Army. 21, Clay.

CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 7609

8

How to Sudo

|

NOOSA TODAY 13

3 5 7

DOWN 1. Clear (8) YPTIC PUZZLE NO. 7609

7 3 1 7 1 7 5 8 2

9 7

3

6

6

2

DOWN Clear (8) Mark (4) Pugilist (7) Steal (5) French emperor (8) Nothing more than (4) Quarrel (8) Sauce (8) Forbidden (7) Step (5) Service (4) Earth (4)

9

3

1

1

ACROSS 7. Differentiate (12)

11.

13.

14.

17.

19.

21.

7

4 7 2

Flavouring (7) Intoxicating (5)

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

No.4

Fill the grid so that every row and every 3x3 square contains the digits 1 to 9

5 1

ferentiate (12)

SUDOKU How to solve Sudoku!

ACROSS Differentiate (12) Stiffen (6) Plant (6) Flavouring (7) Intoxicating (5) Corpulent (5) Covering (7) Animal (6) Tax (6) Soup (12)

9 1 3

7.

8.

9.

10.

12.

15.

16.

18.

20.

22.

SUDOKU No. 4271

8

QUICK QUICKPUZZLE PUZZLENo. NO. 7609 7609

1 7 3 2 5 6 8 9 4

2 1 8 6 3 7 9 4 5

6 5 4 8 2 9 3 1 7

NEWS

CLEAN-UP TIME

It has been 30 years since Clean Up Australia Day was first founded in Sydney.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES GUIDE

LITTLE BLACK BOOK

1300 666 808 Find your trades and services in our LITTLE BLACK BOOK

LEGAL

MOWING & LAWN CARE

CHRIS REEVE & CO

MATES RATES

MOWING

Solicitors Serving the Noosa community since 1979 in all areas of law

Suite 15 Tewantin Plaza

Julian 0402 630 687 Ben 0421 288 717

113 Poincianna Ave. Tewantin Q. 4565

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

฀

Ph: 5449 7500

฀

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

E: reeve@chrisreeve.com.au ฀

฀ ฀ ฀

julianslavin@hotmail.co.uk benjaminslavin@hotmail.com RUBBISH REMOVAL

Rubbish Removal Specialise in Household Rubbish Removals, including Furniture, Green Waste and site clean ups No job to small and are happy to give a no obligation free quote on all work

Call Brad 0419 570 933

CLASSIFIEDS GARDEN/ OUTDOOR

TOP SOIL FOR SALE Clean Top Soil & Noosa White For Sale Doonan Area

CAN DELIVER (POA)

Phone Andrew 0409 896 915

12421869-RC28-19

14 NOOSA TODAY

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have cleaned up over 100 tonnes of rubbish across the shire over the past 10 years as part of Clean Up Australia Day," Mr Jurisevic said.

There are many locations across the Noosa region where the public can register to be a part of the Clean Up. All Hinterland towns are involved including Boreen Point, Kin Kin, Cooran, Pomona and Cooroy with sites also located in Tewantin, Sunshine, Peregian and Castaways Beaches as well as Sunrise Shops and at the ferry if you are heading to the Noosa North Shore. Sites are advertised in the local papers and online at www.noosariver.com. au, or you can search for a site at cleanupaustraliaday.org.au Community organisations will also be out in force once again with Bushcare, sporting, community and school groups cleaning up our parks and reserves, Teewah residents cleaning up the beach and bush, and the 4WD club targeting illegal dumping sites in our forests. Beach clean ups are also happening as part of the Festival of Surfing and at Noosa Spit in the afternoon.

Clean Up Australia Day in Noosa would not be a success without the generous support of the Noosa Shire Council and local businesses.

All volunteers registered at Noosa sites will again go into the draw for prizes generously donated by The Sofitel Noosa and Peppers Resort and Spa. Our Clean Up Day is also proudly supported by Cleanaway and Allcott Hire to ensure that all the waste is disposed of properly.

All volunteers are welcome to join us for lunch at Noosaville Lions Park provided by the Noosa Lions Club after the event or at one of the BBQs being hosted at some of the other sites.

So put on a hat, grab your gloves and bring a water bottle, and Step Up to Clean Up at one of the registration sites near you to be a part of Clean Up Australia Day in Noosa from 8am on Sunday March 1st. ●

Thursday, 27 February, 2020

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Big or small, we do it all!

Sunday, March 1st is Clean Up Australia Day, and it is more than 30 years have passed since the founding of the event on Sydney Harbour by Ian Kiernan AO, who sadly passed away on 16 October 2018.

Locally, the Noosa Integrated Catchment Association (NICA) is all set for Clean Up Australia Day with 22 registered sites around the Noosa Biosphere where you can join local community groups and volunteers to get involved.

The National event is the opportunity for all Australians everywhere to bring family, friends, neighbours and colleagues together to take action to protect their local environment to remove rubbish before it damages our precious parks, bushland, waterways and the ocean.

This year, NICA Chair Bruce Hallett, hopes to continue attention focused on cleaning-up sites along the Noosa river, and ridding the river of rubbish.

"NICA and many others continue cleaning up the Noosa River, wetlands, and creeks, and helping to maintain and enhance the health and natural amenity of our waterways, and have done for well over the past decade.

"The lower river, estuary and lakes are the central components of Noosa's urban biosphere, and need our care and attention," Mr Hallett said.

Local volunteer coordinator Joe Jurisevic and NICA Manager Gil Studdock are calling on that strong sense of Noosa spirit to be reflected once again in strong volunteer numbers participating in Australia's biggest community event.

"As this year's theme states, it is time to Step Up to Clean Up our parks, creeks, rivers, beaches, bushland and streets.

"As Noosa locals treasure the environment in which we live, I am sure that everyone is aware of an area that could benefit on Clean Up Australia Day. NICA volunteers

Volunteers in action. noosatoday.com.au

NEWS

SCHOOL TAKES ON SAFETY CALL As Australian summers continue to get hotter, sadly Australia has also experienced an increase in drowning deaths. With waterways such as pools, rivers and beaches so easily accessible on the Sunshine Coast, providing children with quality swimming lessons, skills in survival, water safety, and basic rescue are vital. Sunshine Beach State School learners take part in learn to swim, survival and water safety lessons using the facilities and qualified staff at Noosa Aquatic Centre.

Learning to swim is a fun and healthy life skill with many benefits.

It helps to keep children's' heart and lungs healthy, improves strength, flexibility, balance and posture, and is a fun opportunity to make friends and grow in confidence.

Co-ordination and motor skills are enhanced, and children who participate are also taught survival skills around the water.

Tragically, according to the Annual National Downing Report released by Royal Life Saving Society Australia and Surf Life Saving Australia, there were 276 drowning deaths in Australian waterways between July 2018 and June 2019. This is a 10% increase in drowning deaths across the nation in the previous year. Overall, 101 drowning deaths occurred in inland waterways and 31 in swimming pools. There were 122 coastal drowning deaths, which includes 71 on beaches, 22 at rock/cliff locations and 18 offshore. Coastal drowning deaths in the past year had increased and were above the 15?year average.

Numerous reasons form part

Sunshine Beach students Avalon and Teal enjoy the swimming course. of the explanation for these tragic increases including poor swimming ability which continues to impact drowning rates.

At Sunshine Beach State School learning to swim and developing skills in water safety is considered extremely important as so many of our families spend so much time enjoying spending time at beaches, waterways and pools. With so many beautiful beaches and waterways on the Sunshine Coast, being able to swim is an essential part of life.

Year 5 students, Avalon and Teal, enjoy participating in swimming lessons.

"We have a pool at home and we

spend a lot of time in it when it is hot.

"I really like swimming lessons because I know I am getting better as a swimmer and it is a nice thing to do when it is so hot," Teal said.

Avalon, who moved from Europe, is enjoying Noosa's beaches.

"My family are from the Netherlands and when we came to Noosa to live we loved the beaches.

"We really like to go swimming and surfing at the beach, lots of my friends are from other parts of the world where families wouldn't do so much swimming so I think learning to swim is very important for everyone, especially if you live in Australia," Avalon said.

Surf Life Saving Australia continues to encourage people to swim during patrol times at patrolled beaches and between the red and yellow flags. They also remind us all that it is vitally important that responsible adults are aware of conditions, the limitations of their children's skills and fitness level, and remain constantly vigilant in supervising their children around all water environments. Teaching children to swim and basic water safety may not only save their life, but also someone else's. ●

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noosatoday.com.au

Thursday, 27 February, 2020

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NOOSA TODAY 15

HOOK, LINE & SINKER

JACK MANGROVE

RAIN GONE, SUN SHONE, FISH ON! With the rains starting to subside we have seen some great fish caught not only offshore, but in the river too.

Even though the waters are still brown it is still worth going out and having a go as the fish still have to eat. The channel of the Noosa bar has not moved much after the recent swell and flooding rains last week so as always proceed with care.

The local offshore reefs of Sunshine, Jew Shoal and Halls Reef have seen some great captures of reef fish. The rains have fired these fish up and if you have a lighter 10-20lb outfit with a 4-5000 sized spin reel now is the time to try some soft plastic fishing as you explore new ground. If you can find the bait fish on your sounder simply drift over these fish and work your plastic up to five meters off the bottom for the best results.

For bait anglers, small mullet chunks, pilchard and squid baits are proving best especially when using simple twin hook paternoster rigs. Whole bonito are still proving deadly for catching the big lone Spanish mackerel. Staying in closer around the 20 meter and below mark

Jonny Beck with a cracking Spanish. are where these fish like to patrol so keep hooks wired up and ready.

The Noosa River has seen a good run of mangrove jacks and flathead.

These fish are found throughout the lower estuary with jacks around the river mouth rocks, Noosa dog beach and the bridges of the Noosa Sound.

Other than live baits, fresh mullet

KIDS PLAY NOOSA FOR FREE SUNDAY AFTERNOONS.

cut into strips is dynamite for these fish.

If after flatties then concentrate your efforts around the Noosa river mouth, frying pan flats where you can see deeper drop offs. If lure fishing then heavier jigheads a bigger curl tail or paddle tail plastic will draw some attention. With

the rains the mud crabs are on the move so now is a great time to put any pots you have out. Remember to overweight your pots as the flood water continues to come down stream and has been moving lightweight pot. Having a longer rope can help you find them should they move. Remember new moon tides are almost on us so that means big tides and more tidal run.

As freshwater temperatures are yet to fully stabilise you may have to work to find the schooled up fish, so keep sounders on. Check inside shallow bays during the daytime where the sun will heat up the water.

In both Borumba and Lake MacDonald there are many areas that were previously high and dry and have not been covered with weed. These spots will be great to explore with soft plastics and hardbodies as fish will be up on these areas looking for food.

Remember to try high vibration lures to have the best possible chance of the big one.

So on behalf of Jack Mangrove, best of luck on your fishing adventures! ●

AMBROSE AT NOOSA SATURDAY There were 229 players in the Saturday two-person Ambrose on 22 February. Scratch rating (M) 70.0 Overall Winners: 1. Lee Christie and Sam Boulden 59.5 2. Rodney Vaughan and Rex Achurch 59.75 3. Toby Harding and Adam Grant 61 Placegetters: 4. Zachary Southgate-Smith and Lucas Southgate-smith 61.5 5. Brett Le Moy and Coman Reynolds 61.75 6. Ben Meredith and David Cameron Mills 62 7. Colin Kinnaird and Robert Mackenzie 62.25 8. Guy Williams and Timothy Storrer 62.75 C/B 9. Michael O’Connor and Miles Richardson 62.75 10. James Anderson and Stephen Monie 63.5 11. Peter Andrew Walker and Glenn

Heath 64 C/B 12. Grant Baker and Alan Martin 64 Nearest to Pin: A Grade: Richard Van Den Heuvel, Thomas Loveridge, Rodney Vaughan, Dave Tebbutt B Grade: Frank Mcintyre, Mike Dehnert, Dave Whitehead, Tony Lincoln C Grade: Ted Burgess, Mark Waine, Frank Gava TUESDAY There were 165 players in the Tuesday Club Single Stableford on 25h February. Scratch rating (M) 70.0 Winners: A Grade: Lucas Southgate-smith 39 C/B, George Giblett 39 C/B, Aaron Whitford 39, John Sullivan 36 C/B B Grade: Dale Officer 42, Kurt Lirussi 38 C/B, Dean Mcmaster 38 C/B, Jean-paul Ricca 38 C Grade: Brett Hunter 39, Michael Donnelly 33, Graeme Martin 32 C/B, Tom Healey 32 C/B ●

NOOSA PAR 3 GOLF Bring the kids to play NoosaÕs only Championship Golf Course set in a nature reserve. For all the details go to noosagolf.com.au or call 5447 1407. We are located at 46 Corooy Noosa Rd,Tewantin.

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Thursday, 27 February, 2020

Noosa Par 3 Golf Single Stableford, 22 February, sponsored by Gary Roper.

A Grade Nett 1st Studley Martin 40, 2nd Errol Grieve - 38.

B Grade Nett 1st Robin Goodridge 45, 2nd Owen Exton - 41.

NTP: Hole 2 - Peter Hall, Hole 3 Neil Webb, Hole 6 - Lynley Tierney,

Hole 14 - Lyall Carlow, Hole 16 Robin Goodridge.

Ball Run Down: David Stokes, Tom Stewart, Bob Marsh, Murray Joseph, Duncan Chesney, Ray Edgar, Gary Roper, Rusty Milliner.

Members Draw - Bert Hofer.

Draw for Par - Kim Poulsen (successful). ● noosatoday.com.au

BETWEEN THE FLAGS

RON LANE

NEW CLUB ON THE MOVE It has five weeks since the opening of the new Sunshine Beach Surf Life Saving Club and all indications show that the building committee, have given both the members and the community a club in which they can take pride.

Already wedding functions have been held in the beautiful Ocean View Function Room and the local jazz club has also held its first evening of jazz.

A positive response to comments regarding the acoustics of the club have been taken on board and as from 9 March this will be addressed.

A possible noise reduction of some 40-50 per cent is possible.

Also, a wide range of beverages are available including 30-plus boutique beers: supporting this is a menu that will please the palate.

With the ever- increasing cost of running a surf club the success of a supporter club is of the most importance: hopefully the days of our volunteers knocking on doors and begging for a donation will become nothing more than a fading memory.

NOOSA MEDAL HAUL

SWIM FOR SHIRLEY It is that time of the year again: the Shirley Strachan and Bruce Warren Memorial Swim.

Under the sponsorship of McDermott Aviation, this swim has become a tradition in the Noosa Club and now in its 19th year, it is always the biggest swims on the Noosa calendar.

The date for this event is 8 March and members wishing to take part are required to register at the beachfront of the clubhouse from 7am on.

The swim which is over a distance of 1.2km will start in Little noosatoday.com.au

The vehicle used in the surf rescue. cove at 9am sharp. On entering the water swimmers will swim to the Noosa Main Beach Rock Wall then back to Main Beach finishing line, directly in front of the clubhouse.

This event was originally started

by John McDermott of McDermott Aviation in memory and respect of his great mate Shirley Strachan; former lead singer of the Skyhooks who died tragically in a helicopter crash.

The swim was organised and run for many years by Noosa lifesaver Bruce Warren and wife Sandy: then after Bruce sadly passed away his wife stepped up as organiser and has continued to do an incredible job.

Bruce drove the event to ensure that a high standard of swimming was maintained throughout the club; and this he achieved.

Remember 8 March, 7am sign on and 9am start Little Cove.

Noosa immediately sent an IRB crew and Sunshine an SSV (Side by Side Vehicle) with 02 unit.

Also Wave Runner19 driver Riley Mitchell, on a roving patrol also arrived. With the above teams plus the arrival of the Helicopter Rescue the role of a team co-ordinator became vital.

This was handled by Riley Mitchell: his cool- headed

Thursday Feb 27Th To Wednesday Mar 4Th 2020 Time

height

Time

3:55 aM 10:10 aM

0.53 m 1.78 m 0.63 m 1.68 m

Thundershowers. Mostly cloudy 29 / 24 °C

Friday 28 Feb 4:29 PM 10:36 PM

0.50 m 1.58 m

Thundershowers. Partly sunny

4:59 PM 11:12 PM

0.56 m 1.55 m

saTurday 29 Feb

5:29 PM 11:54 PM

0.62 m 1.53 m

6:06 PM

0.68 m

Fri 28Th Feb 4:29 aM 10:38 aM

noosa WeaTher ForeCasT Thursday 27 Feb

Height

Thurs 27Th Feb

28 / 22 °C Thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy 27 / 24 °C

saT 29Th Feb 5:06 aM 11:09 aM

0.74 m 1.57 m

sunday 1 Mar rain showers. Partly sunny

sun 1sT Mar

COOL IN CRISIS On a recent Sunday afternoon the alarm was raised by Surfcom, that an off-duty lifeguard had dragged a semi- conscious swimmer from the surf at the southern end of A bay; he was requesting support and an 02 unit.

performance plus the team work of both Noosa and Sunshine crews, resulted in the successful evacuation of the swimmer by rescue helicopter.

With the RT (Response Time) to lonely unpatrolled beaches, being of the utmost importance, the performance of these volunteer people shows that we have highly dedicated teams able to handle any situation. ●

Tide Times

5:50 aM 11:42 aM

0.85 m 1.47 m

12:47 aM 6:51 aM rd

1.52 m 0.95 m

Tues 3

Mar

1:59 aM 8:26 aM

1.53 m 1.00 m

rain showers. overcast 12:27 PM 6:54 PM

1.37 m 0.73 m

1.60 m 0.94 m

24 / 22 °C

Tuesday 3 Mar 1:38 PM 8:03 PM

1.29 m 0.75 m

Wed 4Th Mar 3:22 aM 10:07 aM

28 / 23 °C

Monday 2 Mar

Mon 2nd Mar

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At the recent branch first aid, champion lifesaver and beach patrol titles contested at Mooloolaba, Noosa performed well.

For the Noosa first aid team legendary coach Lenore Grice once again showed why she is in the Hall of Fame. Her team finished with a total of six medals in the four divisions; four gold and two bronze.

In the four divisions Noosa won all four gold medals; winning the gold in all divisions was indeed an outstanding performance.

In champion lifesaver Noosa finished with one gold and two bronze and in patrol competition one silver and one bronze, thus giving them a total of 11 medals; overall a great performance. For Sunshine it was their quietest performance of all time winning only one medal, a bronze in champion lifesaver.

Light showers. Cloudy 28 / 21 °C

Wednesday 4 Mar 3:17 PM 9:25 PM

1.27 m 0.72 m

Thursday, 27 February, 2020

Thundershowers. overcast 29 / 23 °C

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NOOSA TODAY 17

LIFE OF BRINE

PHIL JARRATT

WORLD CLASS SURFING I don’t know whether it’s common, or even normal, but on the truly wonderful and momentous days of my life - getting married, first-born child, winning a literary award etc - I’ve often felt a little let down, like the reality couldn’t quite live up to the expectation. It’s just a flash, of course. A passing aberration that is soon drowned by happiness.

But I felt nothing of the kind last Friday, 21 February, as Noosa was dedicated the 10th World Surfing Reserve. I felt nothing but overwhelming joy, and a fierce pride in our accomplishment after seven long years or hard work. And I’m still on a high as I write this two days later.

I know that in the grand scheme of things, the Noosa World Surfing Reserve is a mere blip on the radar, although the media we generated around the world was pretty impressive. But I kind of felt like I imagine the late Dr Arthur Harrold would have felt when he and his colleagues finally stopped developer TM Burke from building a road around Noosa headland in 1964. Because of Dr Harrold and the courageous Noosa Parks Association stopping that road, our road to becoming a World Surfing Reserve was made so much easier, and although the accomplishment can never rank with the truly spectacular National Park, I like to think that my grandkids, and their grandkids, will look at the stone cairn that sits adjacent to the car park, overlooking the Nationals lineup, and know that I played a small role in helping protect our surf breaks for future generations.

The seven-year campaign was waged by a small and dedicated committee of Noosa people from all walks of life, not just surfers, although a love of the ocean unites us all. I would like to acknowledge here current member of the Local Stewardship Council Michael Court, Libby Winter, Dan Bedford, Di Cuddihy, Drew Pearson, Javier Leon, Chris Doney, Omar Bakhach, Matt Horder and council observers Cheryl Pattison and Jess Glasgow; and former members Alison Hamblin, Juanita Bloomfield-Terry and Tony Wellington.

To all of you, a heartfelt thank you for your tireless efforts. And, of course, it doesn’t end here. In fact our journey is just beginning. We have a huge stewardship program to enact in the coming years, and hopefully we’ll be able to create a template for sustainable surfing at our world class breaks.

VALE BOB COOPER Some years ago, when I had a surf 18 NOOSA TODAY

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Noosa World Surfing Reserve local stewardship council at the dedication. arts and memorabilia shop in Noosa Junction, the legendary Bob Cooper used to drop by every so often for a chat and a ferret through the piles of old books and magazines.

Every now and then I’d catch him looking up at the high walls of art and vintage surfboards with a barely perceptible smile of contentment, as if he’d come home again to an old school surf shop of the kind that had been his life’s blood.

One day he loped in and told me quite excitedly that he had something in his truck to show me. We went out to the street and he opened the back to reveal something that looked like a ten-foot kneeboard. “Awesome,” I said. “What is it?”

“It’s my belly board,” he said.

“That’s all I got left. You come into this world a kook, and you go out a kook. Just gotta hope you did okay in the middle.”

Sidney Robert Cooper, 82, who passed on Sunday 16 February after a long battle with cancer, did more than okay in the middle, and he went out not as a kook but a true legend of our sport, industry and culture.

But way beyond that, Coop was a warm and genuine human being who went out of his way to provide a guiding light to those who needed it. An affable eccentric at face value, the original “surfing beatnik” was within a man of great wisdom and spirituality.

He touched a great many lives,

Thursday, 27 February, 2020

Bob Cooper in California in the 1950s. mine included, and in the hours after his death there were many expressions of gratitude for his help and guidance. One that moved me was from surfer/shaper Josh Constable, who wrote: “Bob’s belief and guidance sent me on the path I’m on today. He was the guy that pushed me to start my shaping career building boards for the waves and the approach I wanted in my surfing. I will always remember him saying there’s no better feeling than building a board for yourself and getting to surf it in perfect Noosa zippers.”

In the ‘60s, Bob did exactly that, arriving in the place that became his final rest via an upbringing in Los Angeles and a surfing apprenticeship at Malibu. A bearded guru in sandals long before it was fashionable in surfing circles, Cooper crossed the Pacific, learnt the surfboard building crafts at the emerging Brookvale factories and then headed north to

surf the perfect uncrowded waves of Crescent Head, Angourie, Byron, Burleigh and ultimately Noosa, shaping boards for Hayden Kenny at Alex Headland.

When he decided to live permanently in Australia to raise a family with Dutch-Australian wife Wils, Bob chose Coffs Harbour as his base, building a thriving surfboard manufacturing and retail business there. In 1993, his five children grown, he and Wils relocated to Marcus Beach, just south of Noosa.

Bob Cooper was never vocal about it, but he was a committed Mormon most of his life, and he once said that it was his religion, not his surfing, that was his bedrock. Be that as it may, for me he exemplified the qualities that all of us as surfers should strive for: lifelong stoke, tempered by humility, love and understanding. ● noosatoday.com.au

SPORT TODAY

LEANNE BACK TO HAPPY PLACE From her early days in the 80s, as a nipper and a clubbie, young Leanne Mewett was regularly confronted with very traditional, old school comments like ‘Girls wouldn’t want to do that, girls can’t do that’.

But Leanne did want to do it and could do it, and in her own quiet and respectful way, she was continually forging a path for others to follow.

“I was one of those kids who never stopped. I just wanted to be in the school cricket team, the football team and everyone kept telling me I was a girl. But then I would beat them, so they had to include me.”

“Way back in the day, when things weren’t thought possible, I was doing it. I was the first girl nipper at Mooloolaba Surf Club and back then, I would have to compete with the boys because there were no girls involved.

“That suited me fine and I was even happy to put on a pair of boy’s togs, because there were no girl’s togs. They didn’t particularly like that I was in the surf club, they just put up with me because my brother was in there.”

Leanne, who trains in Noosa and works there with real estate agent Richardson and Wrench, said they just couldn’t get rid of her.

“I would just tag along to everything,” she said.

“In 1988 I made the World Lifesaving titles at Maroochydore in the junior swim team, as one of the boys, because there were no girls. I had to race the boys, but it suited me fine because they were fast and furious and treated me just as a competitor. I never wanted to be treated as anything other than someone to race hard with.”

Several decades later, now Leanne Southwell, she is a still a strong advocate for more women in triathlon, and sport in general, and is happy to see women and girls given so many opportunities these days.

“When I was young I would have totally, totally loved that more than anything else,’ she said. “I have always encouraged women to get into the sport and show them that it can be done, even with young kids.

It doesn’t matter if it is a recreational or competitive level, whatever feels right for you.

“The biggest barrier is confidence. It used to be ‘If I do it, what will people think?’. But now the shift is to networking, so women don’t feel like they are doing it to stand out or are standing alone.

When you have a family it is hard to make time and feel good about yourself so it is great to see the support and encouragement systems makes them feel like there is success noosatoday.com.au

in trying,” she said.

Leanne’s venture into triathlon came as the new sport was attracting a lot of attention among the surf lifesaving crowd and she remembers the first triathlons on the Sunshine Coast were used as a fund raiser for the surf clubs.

“I was 14 when I did my first triathlon and I entered in the under 18s and I rode a pink girl’s bike.

Mum thought the others weren’t suitable for a girl. It was a really heavy step-through women’s bike, but my dad put cow horn handlebars on it for me. I didn’t even take the basket off.”

Triathlon ushered in a new world of equality and after competing at worlds and winning some Australian titles she eventually left surf lifesaving behind and crossed over to the world of swim, ride, run.

“All the triathlon guys were very encouraging in those days. That is what I liked about triathlon, everyone was encouraging which was totally different to the old school surf clubs, so entrenched in history.

The sport of triathlon really suited me and the longer the race the better.”

Eventually marrying into the famous Southwell clan and being exposed to the triathlon world in Sydney’s beach side suburb of Cronulla, Leanne was soon heading towards the world of Ironman.

“It was great to be surrounded by like-minded people. When you do surround yourself with that culture, you just become immersed in it.

Next minute you are doing it and you don’t realise the transition and I went straight up to the longer stuff. I knew Greg Welch and all those guys from surf days and Welchy used to

say ‘You’ve got to come up and do the long stuff ’. And when I met the Southwell family everyone was doing it in our squad.”

“In my first half Ironman I got third overall and that was when you had to qualify for Ironman Australia.

I said to my then husband Tony, ‘What do I do now?’ He said, ‘Take the spot’. I said ‘Really, an Ironman?

How am I going to do that?’”

“When I did my first Ironman at Forster Tuncurry my longest bike ride was 110km. I got out of the swim first and my seat post broke, but I got off the bike and ran under 3:30. I won my age group and I got a slot for Kona. I again thought ‘What do I do now?’ So I went to Hawaii the first time and I podiumed in my age group. I didn’t think about it, it was just a sport I liked doing and the results weren’t pushed. They just happened.

“I started to have kids quite young. Triathlon was a sport that I could fit around my family and it didn’t take a lot of time out of raising kids or having a family or having a career. I could train early and do my two sessions a day around work, or study or family. I never went back to surf lifesaving because by then it didn’t have the same appeal to me as triathlon.”

Leanne also won her age group one year at the World Longcourse champs, crossing the line to breast feed her fourth baby.

“Someone said to me, ‘You can’t have babies in the recovery area’. My response was ‘Well do you want to feed my baby for me?’”

Despite a short stint living and training in Cronulla, Leanne is a Sunny Coast girl through and through.

“Mooloolaba is totally one of my favourite races to do. There have been lots of changes over the decades but it has always been a race that the community has really backed. Locals have always supported the race and I think that is really encouraging for women in the sport and kids. It is really good at involving the local groups and including the kids in the whole festival which I really like.”

Leanne said after a break from the sport, it has taken a while to get that balance of work and training and get the hunger again.

“My career has been a priority for a couple of years and I am now working for Richardson and Wrench in Noosa. I have just gotten back into thinking about racing and I am training with Nick Croft at Noosa pool. The positive of our sport is that you can have that competitiveness at any age group.

“But I don’t put pressure on myself either and that has always helped with my longevity. I am fit at the moment but I haven’t raced for a long time, so I am not sure if I am fast yet. We will have to see how we go on race day,” she laughed. ●

Thursday, 27 February, 2020

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NOOSA TODAY 19

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WEEPING TREE WOES

NEWS

WEEPING TREE WOES

WEEPING TREE WOES

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LIFE OF BRINE

A LAST POST FROM TIMOR

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LIFE OF BRINE

A LAST POST FROM TIMOR PAGE 16

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LIFE OF BRINE

COVER STORY

POWER OF AN

COVER STORY

POWER OF AN

A LAST POST FROM TIMOR

IMAGE PAGES 4-5

Mini Chef Sessions Join us for mini chef sessions at Noosa Civic these upcoming school holidays.

You’ll also get your own mini chef hat and apron to take home as our gift to you!

Dates: Monday 23rd September to Friday 4th October daily Times: 9am and 11am Cost: $5 donation to Slow Food Noosa Location: Outside Red Rooster Bookings essential.

Visit noosacivic.com.au for details.

IMAGE

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Big W Woolworths 100 speciality stores 28 Eenie Creek Rd (Cnr Walter Hay Drive) Noosaville Ph 5440 7900

PAGES 4-5

Mini Chef Sessions

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Join us for mini chef sessions at Noosa Civic these upcoming school holidays.

You’ll also get your own mini chef hat and apron to take home as our gift to you!

Dates: Monday 23rd September to Friday 4th October daily Times: 9am and 11am Cost: $5 donation to Slow Food Noosa Location: Outside Red Rooster Bookings essential.

Visit noosacivic.com.a u for details.

Big W Woolworths 100 speciality stores 28 Eenie Creek Rd (Cnr Walter Hay Drive) Noo

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Thursday, 27 February, 2020

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