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Defibrillators now out across Noosa

Lifesaving AEDs (defibrillators) are finding their way into key places across Noosa including the National Park, Surf Lifesaving towers and the SES.

Noosa World Surfing Reserve has now installed two AEDs (defibrillators) in the National Park at NPA kiosk and at Tea Tree Bay amenities block.

They are currently negotiating the placement of a third at Alexandria Bay.

Surfing reserve president Phil Jarratt said in conjunction with the Noosa Heads Surf Club, who are putting three new stations at each of the towers on Main Beach and West Beach, the entire coastline of the Surfing Reserve has now been covered.

“AEDs available within three minutes of any point of the coastline, which is the deadline (literally) for cardiac arrest response,” he said.

“This has been made possible by our efforts at the NWSR stewardship council and by generous community and corporate donors.”

AEDs have already been saving the lives of surfers in the Noosa area with surfing retiree Bill McLelland, 67 being saved by a defib station at Easter time.

The lifelong surfer, originally from Merewether Beach in Newcastle, funded a dream Noosa retirement by building up the Hunter region’s biggest and most successful milk run over 30 years, but it very nearly turned into a nightmare for partner Shari. “I cut it pretty bloody fine,” Bill said after the incident. “Without the defib station at the beach I wouldn’t be here.”

He could so easily have joined the 30,000 Australians who lose their lives each year through preventable deaths from cardiac arrest. So could veteran kneeboarder Gavin Garps, also 67, who blacked out at First Point in January and was revived by CPR administered by an off-duty policeman, and lifeguard Jack Fray who raced from the tower with a defibrillator.

“Our stories are eerily similar,” Gavin the paper. “We’re both surfers of a certain age who wouldn’t have gotten any older if it wasn’t for a defibrillator on the beach.”

Two active local seniors who owe their lives to the fast and expert reactions of lifeguard first responders and to the proximity of defibrillator stations. The endings might not have been so happy without the AEDs.

Meanwhile Noosa’s four State Emergency Service (SES) sites now have lifesaving defibrillators thanks to donations from the Rotary Club of Noosa.

Noosa Rotary treasurer Tess Alexandroff said they were privileged to be able to donate defibrillators for the benefit of the Noosa community.

“These are lifesaving devices for the SES to have when out attending their matters,” Tess said.

Noosa SES local controller Warren Kuskopf said the donation of the defibrillators was invaluable.

“We have four groups across the unit in Tewantin, Cooroy, Pomona, and Boreen Point, and we now have four defibrillators that will help to cover the Noosa Shire,” Warren said.

Noosa SES deputy local controller Sue Below said they wouldn’t be able to afford the devices without the help from the Rotary Club.

“I’m the first aid instructor here and we have defibs that we practise with, but to have these to actually take out with us is a fantastic thing,” Sue said.

Noosa Rotary Club donated two new defibrilliators to the Noosa SES Unit.

Bill McLelland and partner Shari. Are your cat’s details up to date?

Pet register

The annual Sunshine Coast Council pet registration period is now upon us making it the perfect time to make sure pet’s details are up to date.

For those who have moved to a new house, or with a pet who has recently been desexed or microchipped or has sadly passed away, it’s important to ensure council has the correct details.

Registration costs just $15 if your dog or cat is desexed and microchipped and it’s free for those with a current pensioner card.

Service Excellence Portfolio Councillor Winston Johnston said pet registration was a key part of being a responsible pet owner.

“Making sure your pet is registered and microchipped, and its details are up to date, helps council get your pet get back home quickly if it roams from your property,” Cr Johnston said.

“There are more than 60,000 pets registered in the Sunshine Coast Council region and the registration information also helps us to provide pet-related services, such as dog off-leash parks, where they are needed most.”

Residents can update or cancel pet’s registration details via the simple online form on council’s website by searching “Cat and dog registration”. They can also Register with MyCouncil to update any of the following animal details: · pensioner details · desexing · microchipping · status of your animal · request a replacement tag

A full list of pet registration fees can be found on council’s website https://www.sunshinecoast.qld. gov.au/Pay-and-Apply/Fees-andCharges

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Grant helps Noosa

By Tania Phillips

A major Sport and Recreation’s grant is allowing Noosa Council to expand their fledgling Ageing Well Program begun last year.

They are currently asking residents to have their say on what they’d like to see included next.

Noosa Community Development team member Cheryl Pattison said the $100,000 in funding from the State Government through the Department of Sport and Recreation was to bolster the program and add new activities.

As well as physical activities, they were also hoping to add sessions to aid health and wellbeing including an older nutrition program – any thing that is relevant to older people.

“What we’re doing, because we’ve got this money, we are asking our older people to have a say in what we would like to see in the program,” Cheryl said.

“We are going to take it out into the community – we want people over 65 to let us know what they would like to see. All of these activities will be low cost and are going to add to the program for another 50 weeks. We should see a lot more activities that seniors want.”

Currently they have strength and stability, falls prevention and flexibility classes.

“There are a few but what we really want to hear from every body,” she said.

“They can head to council’s website and type in Seniors. There is an explanation there about the program and the survey and a link to the survey. We are also handing out cards and we can do it over the phone.”

Through the survey the Noosa Council is hoping to find out what over sixtyfives want to see in the program.

“It may be more beginners Aqua classes, we really don’t know what we will get,” Cheryl explained. “It might be dance, it might be modified sports. We are really looking forward to hearing what people want and then we will develop a 50-week program from the suggestions. We will evaluate it halfway and make sure people are enjoying the program.”

Cheryl and her team belief the new program is important for the health and welfare of the region’s older population.

“As a community development officer we look at certain demographics, obviously in Noosa we have an aging population with a higher percentage than the National and State average of people over 65 living in our region,” she said.

“We are looking at ways we can improve health and well-being in our community for people over sixty-five.

“In the past year we have brought in the Ageing Well Noosa program. It’s a low-cost program for over sixty-fives that they can participant in and address some barriers that they may have in regards to accessing health and well being programs. This could be cost, appropriate instructors for that age demographic. We look at that and we partner with people in community that are doing those programs and develop programs around that.”

She said all classes in the Ageing Well Program are $5 and are run by qualified instructors trained and experienced working with older people.

“We try to encourage people that following the classes they have a social connection,” Cheryl said.

“We usually try and run the events with a cafe nearby or to encourage people to get together after it.”

One of the groups at Perigian has developed a walking group as an offshoot of the class.

“They are really good,” Cheryl said.

“It started just after Covid last year, we started with a small amount of classes and now we’ve increased that and look to increase it again thanks to this funding.”

Started just after the first Covid lockdown last year the Ageing Well Program at Noosa is gaining in popularity. The Ageing Well program is set to expand thanks to a major government grant.

Step out of the comfort zone and into ballet

Tickets are now on sale for Sunshine Coast seniors keen to channel their inner ballerina or ballerino in a special workshop being held at Venue 114, Bokarina, during Seniors Month in October.

This year’s theme is Social Connections and older adults are urged to step out of their comfort zone, get out and get active on Friday 15 October.

Venue 114 Manager Louise Thompson said she was delighted to welcome Queensland Ballet back to the Sunshine Coast.

“Around the world adults of all ages are discovering what Queensland Ballet has known forever – that movement is a great way to improve poise, core strength, stamina and have a whole lot of fun,” Ms Thompson said.

“These workshops are designed to stimulate participants both physically and mentally and, importantly, they’re suitable for all levels of experience including beginners.”

There are four different styles of ballet workshops on offer with morning or afternoon tea including fresh scones with jam and cream, tea and barista coffee also available.

Workshops Friday 15 October 2021:

Morning session · 9-10am – Ballet For Seniors · 10-10.30am Morning Tea break · 10.30-11.30am Seniors Stretch Class Afternoon session · 12.30-1.30pm Seniors Jazz Class · 1.30pm-2pm Afternoon Tea Break · 2–3pm Seniors Stretch Class

Tickets are $10 per workshop or $15 each workshop including a delicious morning tea or afternoon tea.

To book please call Venue 114 on 5413 1400 or visit https://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show. aspx?sh=QLDSENIO21 or venue114. com.au

Venue 114 operates in a Covid safe environment and current Covid restrictions will apply.

Enjoy a little ballet during seniors month. Picture: DAVID KELLY

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Veterans Health funding

Veterans and their families are being encouraged to get moving and increase their physical activity, with $200,000 in funding available nationally to assist community groups and ex-service organisations with planning and hosting Veterans’ Health Week events in October 2021.

This year’s theme for Veterans’ Health Week will be ‘Get moving’ and the veteran community is encouraged to plan early for their events this year.

Federal Member for Blair and Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Shayne Neumann said physical activity was one of the most important contributors to a person’s emotional, mental and physical wellbeing, and was even more important due to the challenges faced in the past 15 months with COVID-19.

“While the world has adjusted to the new normal for social events in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s important we remember to stay active, and get our bodies moving,” Mr Neumann said.

“Whether it’s running, golf, aquaaerobics, a bush walk or even fishing, keeping our bodies and minds active plays an important part in living and ageing well.

“These activities also allow the veteran and ex-serving community to build on last year’s theme of social connection by sharing time with others and connecting with family and friends or by joining a local club or sporting group.

“Involving yourself in community activities through meaningful connections and physical activity can often be the very thing that contributes to a greater sense of wellbeing.

“I encourage veterans and their families to look out for a Veterans’ Health Week event hosted in their community, and to stay safe and get moving.”

Veterans’ Health Week will be held from Saturday, 16 October to Sunday, 24 October 2021 and ex-service and community groups are encouraged to get creative and apply for $720 grants to support their activities.

Event organisers should seek advice about what Queensland Government COVID Safe restrictions apply and plan accordingly. Organisations can contact the Veterans’ Health Week Queensland Coordinator in the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) on (07) 3815 9505 if they are unsure of what type of events would be suitable.

More priority lanes planned

A key section of the Sunshine Motorway is set to double from two to four lanes under plans being made by the State Government.

A 10-kilometre link, from the David Low Way interchange to north of Yandina-Coolum Road, has been identified as a priority section for a future upgrade to accommodate population growth.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the preliminary evaluation was underway.

“The Sunshine Motorway carries more than 30,000 vehicles each day between Maroochydore and communities like Noosa and Eumundi,” Mr Bailey said. “With 88% of net migration coming to Queensland in the next couple of years, we need to get the planning done now so we’re in a position to deliver this project when it’s needed.

The Palaszczuk Government has allocated $1.75 million for duplication planning for the Sunshine Motorway, with consultancy firm SMEC recently awarded a contract to help deliver the preliminary evaluation. Mr Bailey said improvements to the Yandina-Coolum Road roundabout and the School Road intersection would also be considered as part of the project.

Nicklin MP Rob Skelton said it was an important step in supporting growing parts of the Sunshine Coast like Cooroy, Eumundi, and Yandina, and linking them with the business hub of Maroochydore.

“Additional lanes will improve safety and congestion, and mean locals and businesses who rely on the motorway will spend less time stuck in traffic, particularly during those peak commuting times,” Mr Skelton said.

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EST 2001. Visit our store: Shop 3/29 Sunshine Beach Road Noosa Junction Call George on 5447 4519 or Google Antiques Shop Noosa From left: Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson, Jayden Radosevich, Supranee Radosevich, Chloe Radosevich and Lee Shimbel.

Legacy still hard at work

Ahead of Legacy Week 2021 which ran from August 28 to September 3, Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson highlighted the vital support the Sunshine Coast Legacy group provided and encouraged the community to get behind the charity.

Starting in 1942, Legacy Week, or “Badge Week” as it is commonly known, is the annual national appeal to raise awareness of, and funds for, the families of Australian Defence Force men and women who have lost their lives or have ongoing health issues and while the week is over donations are still welcomed.

“The past 18 months has certainly proved challenging for our whole community and charities such as Legacy are no exception,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“Despite COVID-19, our community came out to proudly support Badge Week fundraising efforts last year and I call on our community to do even better this year.

“The valuable services which Legacy provides to support widows and families of local Australian Veterans are fully funded by donations and Badge Week is their key fundraising activity each year.

“Legacy badges may be small, but the funds they raise make a huge difference for those who have given so much and who need us to continue to stand by their side when they and their families most need it.”

Mayor Jamieson said Legacy was a source of support and advocacy for the families of Veterans – often through the most challenging time in their lives – providing long-term social, emotional, development and financial support.

Local Bli Bli widow, and mother of two, Supranee Radosevich’s husband passed away in 2010 from cancer, after having served as a United Nations Peacekeeper in East Timor.

Sunshine Coast Legacy Group reached out to Mrs Radosevich in 2016 with funding assistance to support the education of her two children, Chloe and Jayden (now aged 14 and 13).

“The support I received from Legacy has been wonderful and it’s had a really positive impact on my children’s future,” Mrs Radosevich said.

“Helping out with Badge Week fundraising is a way of giving back and saying thank you for the support my family has received.”

Mrs Radosevich has supported Legacy by selling badges every year since and this year was joined by her children.

Legacy’s clientele includes an increasing number of young incapacitated veterans, widows and families impacted by deployments such as East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Sunshine Coast Legacy has around 40 volunteers who support nearly 900 Legacy clients, including children and people with a disability.

Legacy Sunshine Coast Chairman Lee Shimbel said that the focus on the Sunshine Coast was to ensure that the partners and children of Veterans who gave their lives or health in military service are supported to achieve their full potential.

“These families have already been through so much, watching their loved ones leave the safety of our shores to serve our country, with many never returning or others returning bearing the physical or mental scars of war,” Mr Shimbel said.

“We believe these families should not be at a disadvantage and we are helping young families at an increasing rate, nurturing children’s education by contributing towards school fees, books, uniforms and recreational activities such as our annual Youth Camp to support their self-development and confidence.

“We also assist older widows through pension advocacy, counselling, special housing, medical needs and social support.

“While we are already supporting many widows and families, there are many more who desperately need our support.”

Though legacy week is over you can still donate details are available on Legacy’s Sunshine Coast’s Facebook page.

Volunteer for wellbeing

From making us happier and improving our health, to increasing our sense of personal satisfaction, the benefits of volunteering are boundless.

University of Sydney’s Associate Professor Dr Michael Bowen is an expert on the effects of brain chemicals and said that helping others triggered the reward pathway in the brain, releasing ‘feel-good’ neurotransmitters such as oxytocin.

“The buzz you get from these neurotransmitters is sometimes known as ‘the helper’s high’,” Dr Bowen said.

There are plenty of opportunities available to volunteer at Bankfoot House Heritage Precinct in the Glasshouse Mountains where Visitor Experience Guides are needed Wednesday to Sunday.

Sunshine Coast Council’s Cultural Heritage Coordinator Peter Connell said volunteers didn’t need any specific skills, just an interest in history and people.

“We give full on-the-job training, so just a desire to learn, enthusiasm and the ability to engage with others is all potential volunteers need,” Mr Connell said.

“We receive applications from University or TAFE students looking to further their careers or research studies, retirees wanting to connect with and help the community and those with a Becoming involved.

passion for heritage.

“Volunteers become part of an amazing network and receive free workshops, annual bus trips and many other opportunities to learn and participate in our heritage.”

Volunteers can choose from one of the many exciting roles in Museums and Heritage on the Sunshine Coast including:

·event assistant · tour guide · education program guide · researcher · collections care assistant · data entry assistant

Volunteers at Bankfoot House are required to do a minimum of one shift a month.

To become a volunteer at Bankfoot Registering to volunteer.

House, or for more information, email Cultural Heritage Services or phone 5420 8600.

Alternatively you can sign up online at heritage.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

Bankfoot House is open Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 3pm and closed public holidays. Entry is free. Find us at 1998 Old Gympie Road, Glass House Mountains

Old knowledge shared for safer future

Traditional Owner knowledge was shared among land managers in a Cultural Burning workshop held on Kabi Kabi Country at a Sunshine Coast Council environment reserve near Kenilworth recently.

Representatives from Kabi Kabi and Jinibara Traditional Owners; Indigenous Rangers from across south east Queensland including Butchulla, Bunya Bunya, Wirrinyah and Gidargil Traditional Owners; and council officers attended the workshop facilitated by the Firesticks Alliance Indigenous Corporation onsite at Tuan Environmental Reserve, Kenilworth.

Firesticks Alliance is an Indigenousled network that aims to re-invigorate the use of cultural burning by enabling cultural learning pathways to fire and land management.

Leeton Lee from Firesticks Alliance Indigenous Corporation said the initiative aimed for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to look after Country, share their experiences and collectively explore ways to achieve their goals.

“Firesticks ultimately strives to empower Aboriginal communities to manage their own cultural lands and work strongly with non-Indigenous people to achieve functional and resilient landscapes,” Mr Lee said. “Throughout the workshop we shared knowledge, local conditions and cultural knowledge relevant to the burn – and undertook a burn at Tuan Environment Reserve as a real-life learning example.”

Sunshine Coast Council Community Portfolio and Division 10 Councillor David Law said council aimed to support Kabi Kabi and Jinibara Traditional Owners to apply their Traditional knowledge into the ongoing management of the region’s bushland.

“Our goal was to promote shared learning opportunities led by the local Kabi Kabi and Jinibara Traditional Owners and facilitated by Firesticks Alliance, while educating council staff and other fire practitioners about traditional fire management and the benefits to local ecosystem health and how it can be incorporated into their ongoing practice,” Cr Law said.

“And ultimately our overall aim is to improve biodiversity and restore the bush to good health.

“We thank Firesticks Alliance for facilitating the workshop and the local Kabi Kabi and Jinibara Traditional Owners for sharing their knowledge and we hope to continue to work with Traditional Owners to further build capacity and heal the land through cultural fire management practices.”

This project is supported by the Australian Government’s Bushfire Recovery Package for wildlife and their habitat.

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One of the oldest homes on the Sunshine Coast. Love Heritage? Why not become a volunteer! Get in touch with us today. Open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am-3pm.

Art prizes on offer

What do a single roll of toilet paper, Einstein, gym socks and a stand-up comedian all have in common?

They all feature among the finalist works in the 2021 Sunshine Coast Art Prize exhibition at Caloundra Regional Gallery.

The exhibition is on show until 10 October and features 40 finalist artworks, all vying for the attention of the voting public and guest judge Renai Grace, Director/CEO of the Museum of Brisbane.

Sunshine Coast Art Portfolio Councillor Rick Baberowski said each year the Prize attracted more entries from across Australia.

“The inclusion of so many national artists in the Sunshine Coast Art Prize exhibition makes this a great showcase of art of the moment as well as a testament to our Art Prize’s standing on the Australian stage,” Cr Baberowski said.

“I’m also more than pleased to see that six of the 40 finalists were from the Sunshine Coast, a reflection of the creative talent of our own region” Cr Baberowski said.

“These are remarkably challenging times and I find it fascinating how this exhibition provides an insight into the feeling of the creative community at this time.

“Years from now, I wonder if we looked back on this time, armed with only this collection and the artist statements, how would we describe the sentiments of 2021?”

Sunshine Coast Council’s Caloundra Regional Gallery Manager Jo Duke said there had been an incredible response to the nationwide call for entries.

“The range of artworks demonstrates the breadth of contemporary 2D art in Australia right now, and it is particularly exciting to see some really significant contemporary First Nations works in the finalist selection,” Ms Duke said.

“This year’s submissions are of an exceptional standard in line with the prominence of the Sunshine Coast Art Prize as the flagship art prize for our region.

“From exploring fragility through toilet paper to portraits captured by a stand-up comedian, this exhibition will challenge, inspire and start conversations.

“I encourage everyone to view exhibition and vote for their favourite piece in the People’s Choice category. For our national audience who may unfortunately be unable to travel due to border restrictions, the artworks can be enjoyed on our website and online voting is open Australia-wide.”

Christine Druitt-Preston, winner of last year’s People’s Choice Prize, described it as “an honour” to have her work chosen by the voting public.

“In these COVID-19 times, visiting a gallery - in person or remotely online - takes commitment and a degree of dedication. I know all the artists involved really appreciate it,” Ms Druitt-Preston said.

Winners will be announced on 23 September, with the event livestreamed on Caloundra Regional Gallery’s Facebook page.

The major prizewinning artwork will become part of the Sunshine Coast Art Collection.

The art prize offers a range of opportunities for finalists:

·Major acquisitive prize: $25,000 cash prize sponsored by Argon Law and

Sunshine Coast Council. · Highly Commended prize: $5000 sponsored by the De Deyne Family. · People’s Choice prize: $2500 sponsored by Caloundra Chamber of Commerce. · Sunshine Coast Art Prize Residency: sponsored by Montville Country Cabins. · Sunshine Coast Art Prize prestige vehicle wraps: supported by Coastline

BMW · Complimentary artwork transport supported by International Art Services (IAS)

Local finalists:

·Miles Allen – Flaxton · David Green – Buderim · Jennifer Herd – Eumundi · Peter Hudson – Maleny · Trevor Purvis – Cooroy · Amanda Shadforth – Alexandra Headland.

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Have a say

Sunshine Coast Council has a new-look Have Your Say platform which it hopes will act as a portal to spark innovative ideas in an easy-to-navigate format.

Sunshine Coast Council Community Portfolio Councillor David Law said Community members were encouraged to register online to receive important community consultation updates, and for those who are already subscribed to also review and update their profiles and preferences.

At one quick glance, people can see the projects open for community consultation, such as Eumundi Placemaking and the Woombye street design project.

Councillor Law said meaningful community engagement was an essential and valuable input in future council projects, decisionmaking and outcomes for our region.

“Every voice in our region has value, and we genuinely encourage you to contribute your ideas and submit feedback on matters that affect you and your community,” he said.

For more information visit council’s website and click on “Have Your Say”.

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Socialising in retirement

Retirement can be exciting – coming to the end of your working career with a calendar now open for relaxation and enjoyment is a time many people look forward to during younger years.

But the prospect of retirement can also be daunting. Some new retirees worry that their days will have less purpose now that they’re not at work, that they’ll be bored, or that they’ll miss the social connection they had with their co-workers or clients. These concerns are just as legitimate as the excitement of winding up work. Forming social connections during retirement is important, as it provides a sense of friendship and support for retirees.

Healthy relationships are necessary at every age, but the importance of socialising for retirees cannot be overemphasised. Regular social interactions can help keep retirees mentally, physically and emotionally healthy, whilst fending off difficulties inherent to loneliness.

There are also many ways that socialising can help improve both our cognitive and physical health.

These include:

·Reduced stress. Retirees who are socially active tend to handle stress better. This leads to improving their cardiovascular health and immune system. · Longer lifespan. High levels of socialising can help increase longevity. · More fitness. Retirees with diverse social connections are more likely to exercise regularly. This can lead to a myriad of physical, mental and cognitive benefits. · Reduced risk of depression. Consistent socialising reduces the likelihood of retirees experiencing depression caused by loneliness. · Less anxiety. Similar to depression, retirees who socialise more experience less symptoms of anxiety. · Greater self-esteem. Socialising helps retirees be better engaged, growing their confidence and sense of worth.

As these health benefits contribute towards significantly improving the quality of life for many retirees, it is important to find an appropriate way of maintaining a healthy social life.

Joining a social Club like Probus provides retirees the opportunity to socialise with likeminded people in their local communities. There are over 140 Probus Clubs across Queensland where retirees can be involved in a range of exciting activities and listen to interesting guest speakers. Experience all the Fun, Friendship and Fellowship by visiting a Probus Club near you.

You can find out more about Probus in Queensland by visiting the Probus Association of Queensland web site – www.paqnetwork.com.au or by calling 0477 645 645 or 0477 000 645 to find the Probus club near to you.

Literacy a passion

By Tania Phillips

Lyn Gavin has been a volunteer in the Sunshine Coast Libraries literacy program since 2010.

“I really love it. It’s really rewarding for the tutors as well as the students,” she explains.

“I’ve made some good contacts both amongst the other tutors but also the students. I had a long term student for nearly eight years - a young Australian guy who had a lot of problems at school so missed out.

“He wanted help to get his licence and that’s what started him off in the program. Once he was successful with that, he could see the benefit of staying in the program and he’s now working. So it’s been a great success story for him and obviously very rewarding for me to be able to feel that I’ve actually helped someone to literally change the course of their life.

“I’m actually now tutoring his mum strangely enough because she has literacy issues as well.”

She found the program after initially looking to do some volunteer work when she retired.

“I’d been working in Centrelink so I’d seen first hand how people had a lot of problems if they had literacy problems,” Lyn said.

“So when I saw an ad for the program in the local paper, I rang up and registered and was interviewed and was fortunate enough to get selected and go on the course. I’ve been doing it ever since.”

She said it was not only rewarding but also something a little different in terms of volunteer work which was one of the things that attracted her in the beginning.

Lyn believes you certainly need empathy along with patience and a good sense of humour to do the job.

She said it also helped a lot if tutors were able to bond with their students a bit and establish a connection, encouraging them to keep coming because it can be a slow process for some students. But Lyn said she would highly recommend it to people wanting to make a difference.

“It’s a great program,” Lyn said.

Lyn lends a hand.

This counts

By Tania Phillips

Looking for somewhere to volunteer and make a difference to someone’s life? Sunshine Coast Libraries might have just the program.

Libraries Literacy Services Supervisor Tracey Carter said the adult literacy program - Read and Write for Life was an important and rewarding program for both the volunteers and students.

“Our volunteer tutors work with one student each, either in a literacy class or tutoring them oneon-one,” she said. “In that case the tutor and student will just get together once a week and work on something that the student has requested any help with.”

She said the program runs two training courses a year for tutors.

“It’s a matter of visiting the Sunshine Coast Libraries website or even googling Adult Literacy Sunshine Coast and our program will come up,” Tracey explained.

“At the moment we’ve just trained close to 20 new volunteers and we’ve got about a 105 regulars so about a 120-130 volunteers actively in the program.”

The Read And Write For Life program is open to anybody in the Sunshine Coast community seeking to increase their literacy and numeracy skills.

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Combined power of three

By Sheree Hoddinett

After finding a need in the community for a strong body corporate service, three dedicated business women banded together to form Accomplish Body Corp Management. The trio of Gail Hudson, Jo-Anne Chaplin and Amanda Potter have a big focus on their clients and ensuring their needs are met.

They came together by chance to create a business that is all about assisting a body corporate to manage their responsibilities under Queensland legislation. As a relatively new venture, these resilient women are forging on through unprecedented times, assisting their clients through online services and their ability to be mobile.

“We pride ourselves on providing the fastest, most reliable service to all our clients,” Gail says. “The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is the remarkable achievements that our team can accomplish!”

Jo-Anne Chaplin

“I have lived on beautiful Bribie Island since 2010 and have been operating my own accounting practice since 1996. I became a member of Business and Professional Women Caboolture and found my tribe. Connections forged over the years which led Gail and I to adopt Amanda and start this business,” JoAnne explained.

“I am thoroughly enjoying the experience of getting this business off the ground. Brainstorming the challenges together means we are working at our best and obtaining results that separately we might not have done.

“It’s hard work running a business, a lot goes into managing, marketing and decision making on the run.”

Gail Hudson

“My husband and I have run our own businesses and I have also worked for many different businesses in administrative areas,” Gail said.

“I have personally owned body corporate buildings seeing firsthand some of the issues that come with them.

“As a business woman, after years in a male dominated business, I have learnt to be proactive and to think outside the box. My experience with staff and administrative systematic procedures is paramount to a well-run business.

“I could see a real need for a new business who was not one of the “big boys” (business), but a business interested in providing a real service for their client - quickly, efficiently and accurately.”

Amanda Potter

“I have lived in Moreton Bay region for 34yrs with experience in customer service, administration and accounting and many years as a Body Corporate Manager,” Amanda Potter said.

“The complexity of issues I have dealt with for Bodies Corporate have no limitations, every day can bring something different from parking issues to adjudicator orders to large insurance claims, every situation really is unique.

“Helping with ABCM: It really is its own reward, resolving all issues in the best interest for the body corporate is what it is all about. Being neutral in all circumstances, helping clients understand all of their options and to see things from another perspective can sometimes make all the difference.”