Santa Race fun helps to bring Cooroy Christmas alive
annual Christmas in Cooroy event, held on Friday in the hinterland town.
Thousands lined Elm Street as men and women donned Santa suits and thundered past,
racing from the bottom, up its steep incline to the finish line at the top of the street, many losing much of their Santa apparel along the way.
This year also marked the return of the float parade with a festive holiday movie theme, which was cheered on by locals as emcee Rich-
ard Hansen delivered a running commentary.
Luckily, the rain held off for the parade and Santa race as Cooroy came to life for the free festival, put on by the Cooroy Chamber of Commerce with the support of the community and local sponsors.
This year the event was bigger and better than ever with a host of exciting attractions, including an animal farm, climbing wall, boxing ring, in addition to the regular favourites, including Santa.
Continued page 4
It took three years of preparation, eight weeks community consultation and seven hours of debating during which 16 amendments were put forward, 12 lost and four carried, but last week a Noosa Council majority of 4:2 (Cr Karen Finzel being absent) endorsed the revised planning scheme amendments for submission to the State Government.
A two-week, two-part meeting that resumed last Thursday heard councillors raise concerns the amendment to Noosa Plan 2020 would lead to the erosion of property rights, loss of neighbourhood character and prevent residents building their dream homes. It also heard the amendment. was needed to increaseavailableandaffordablehousingtomeet the needs of essential workers and state government dwelling targets set down by the SEQ plan
and prevent state government overriding council’s planning scheme.
Cr Amelia Lorentson said residents in high and medium density zones had raised concerns about the amendment that placed restrictions on the ability for property owners to build large homes and dual occupancy in medium and high density zones.
She proposed council retain “current provi-
sions of Noosa Plan 2020 that allows a dwelling house as accepted development subject to requirements in the Medium and High Density Residential zones regardless of lot size“ and “allows dual occupancy as code assessment in the Medium Density Residential zones, regardless of lot size“. The amendment was lost.
Continued page 2
Rod Davies claimed the winning title at the Great Santa Race, one of the highlights of the 20th
The Choral Reapers belted out their selection of Christmas songs. (Rob Maccoll)
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From page 1
Staff said properties potentially affected by the amendment included 147 lots in Noosa’s medium and high density zone over 1000sqm with all but 13 already containing a house, that have existing use rights as a house, and 606 lots between 5001000sqm, with about 90 per cent of Noosa houses in low density zones.
Cr Jess Phillips said the outcomes of the planning amendment were critical to address housing affordability and provide shelter and she had heard from residents deeply concerned on property rights and about the need for housing.
“The discussions have been challenging, polarising. They strike at the heart of what Noosa means,“ she said.
Cr Brian Stockwell said there were two competing objectives. “There’s a perception changes to land use provisions in planning scheme are changing property rights. Property rights are based on planning schemes. There’s been a perception that current home owners rights have been diminished. The opposite view is the current setttings of the planning scheme has diminished the ability to find housing for far too many people in our shire,“ he said.
“Homelessness in Australia has grown 10,000 per month, 15 per cent of those people have jobs. We’re talking about a society having fundamental crisis in the provision of housing.
“Our job is to balance public interest. No doubt anyone moving into high medium density zone, the purpose has always been for multiple dwelling. Why do we have to change what’s always been the case.
“Historically we had an old dwelling, moved to mult-unit dwellings. That’s changed, changed with the value of land in coastal area.
“Now instead of going to multi-unit developments there’s greater drive to go from old house to very large house - diminishing the housing yield by 2400 people. We have fundamental instability in Noosa driven by the current housing crisis. We have to achieve regulated targets set in the SEQ plan. Amendments are set up to achieve those targets.
“If we can’t demonstrate we can achieve them in high medium density where will we have to achieve them.
“There are implications for changing the settings as recommended by staff that will lead to potential adverse outcomes.
“I understand for residents in single dwellings who may want to go to a much larger home might find this a confronting proposal.
“We have to make hard decisions. Sometimes the right decisions are hard. For me the right decision is ensuring housing choice and ensuring the dwellings targets can be met.“
Mayor Frank Wilkie said not everyone would be aware of the external pressure put on Noosa Shire to provide a greater supply of available housing and affordable housing.
“During recent SEQ review we were looking possibly at four-eight storeys in medium high density zones, threat of 3-storey duplexes on low
density residential lots if we don’t meet our target dwellings. To achieve that making sure our medium high density zones work as intended under the planning scheme are key to that,“ he said.
“In terms of having the right to live in a house and expand the house there are 20,000 lots in low density zone, rural, rural residential you can have a house and expand it to any size you want. The arguments we’ve heard do not take into account the response to community feedback, requiring anything apart from a small house up to 500sqm unfeasible. The request to have duplex up to 1000sqm has been respected. The majority have to have multiple dwellings in order to meet our targets.
“These proactive measures are designed to allow us to have autonomy over the future planning of Noosa, rather than waiting for state imposed more drastic measures to achieve the targets through the SEQ planning process.“
The amendment package also includes incentives for private landowners to provide affordable housing to help address homelessness.
The Mayor said these amendments further strengthen council’s approach to limiting shortstay accommodation (STA) in medium and highdensity residential areas.
“A key purpose of the amendments was to ensure that all residential zones serve as neighbourhoods for residents, not STA businesses,” Cr Wilkie said.
“The STA Monitoring Report and Housing Strategy both indicated STA restrictions are needed to strengthen the social fabric of our community in the long-term by limiting the loss of dwellings for permanent residents to STA.”
Cr Wilkie said ensuring the planning scheme’s residential zones worked as intended was central to providing much needed housing and to meet state-imposed dwelling targets in a manner that maintains Noosa’s much treasured lifestyle and character.
“Rather than adopt high rise or expand the urban footprint, providing units as intended, not houses, in existing medium density residential (MDR) and high density residential (HDR) zones was seen as the solution.
The intention is the medium and high-density zones are utlised over time as intended and can accommodate multiple dwellings, which increases housing availability for many more.
“We took on board community feedback that smaller lots in the medium density zones should allow houses, due to feasibility of providing units on them.”
Council has also revised the definition of small dwellings up from the proposed 75sqm to the current 100sqm in response to concerns about the size being inadequate to meet accessibility requirements, financially unviable to build and limiting in terms of the number of bedrooms able to be offered within the small footprint.
“Keeping the current provisions will provide more of a mix - from studios to three-bedroom apartments, suitable for downsizers.
Continued page 3
If you were expecting to enjoy some sun, sea and surf this festive season you’re probably a little tired of the rain.
It’s been a good time to catch up with friends and do some Christmas shopping but it’s also caused havoc for Christmas activities. This weekend the weather forecast is sunny and a couple of events have been rescheduled, so if you thought you’d missed them you’re in luck.
The Christmas Carol cruise on the river will now be on this Saturday with the first stop off at 4.30pm at the Lions Park on Gympie Terrace and Peregian Beach carols have been put back to Sunday from 3-8pm with the skydiving Santa arriving about 6pm. With the weather predicted to be heating up after the rain, take care to keep cool, hydrated and avoid heat stroke. According to the US National Weather Service, heat waves kill more people than any other extreme weather event.
Heat stroke is considered a serious and potentially life-threatening condition defined by a body temperature over 40.5 Celsuis. According to The New England Journal of Medicine early symptoms include confusion, delirium, dizziness, weakness, agitation, fatigue, slurred speech, nausea, and vomiting. It can lead to organ failure, circulatory failure, brain damage and death. Rapid cooling is the cornerstone of treatment with immersion in cold water most effective, but prevention is better so keep cool and make sure your elderly neighbours are doing the same.
- Margaret Maccoll
A council majority (excluding Cr Karen Finzel who was absent) endorsed planning amendments last week.
Amendments to Noosa’s planning scheme will be submitted to state government for review.
Foreshore feedback vital
Noosa Council has received invaluable feedback during its latest phase of engagement to help guide future planning of the Noosaville Foreshore in coming decades.
More than 160 people completed the online survey about the revised draft Noosaville Foreshore Infrastructure Master Plan.
About 70 people attended last Friday afternoon’s pop-up information session on the foreshore. Many others provided their input at a
series of coffee chats during the four-week process.
Director of infrastructure services Shaun Walsh said the response was very pleasing.
“Our team did a considerable amount of work to ensure the revised plan aligned with community expectations, was much simpler and responded to the challenges for this two-kilometrelong public space,” he said.
“The feedback has been quite positive, in-
sightful and productive.”
“There are many diverse views in the community, and some changes suggested during the consultation. Our staff will carefully work through the feedback and consider further improvements to the draft plan,” Mr Walsh said.
“I really want to thank those who took the time to do the survey and also write specific notes during our face-to-face sessions.”
Mr Walsh said the strong community interest will help preserve the foreshore.“It’s such a loved area and this engagement phase has really helped us better understand the key areas that need to be addressed,” Mr Walsh said.
“It’s a long term, visionary plan that will benefit future generations.”
Once the final plan is ready for adoption, it will go to council sometime in 2025.
Planning approved after long and exhausting three years
From page 2
“The changes include incentives to encourage the delivery of affordable rental premises on key sites such as the former Noosa Heads Bowls Club site and Noosa Business Centre.”
The endorsed package of amendments also extends operating hours for new food and drink outlets in Noosa Junction to midnight, seven days a week.
This is already in existence for some operators and creates a level playing field for business, noting these provisions only apply to new businesses.
Noise is regulated by the State office of Liquor and Gaming and Council will continue to work with this office to achieve a balance that
supports Noosa Junction to continue to be a vibrant hub, offering great restaurants and entertainment, while minimising impact on surrounding residents.
Council will be looking at various options to achieve this balance in consultation with businesses and the surrounding community next year.
Council staff told last week’s meeting council planning schemes generally had a 10-year lifespan before being reviewed.
The Noosa plan was updated in 2006 and 2020 with amendments undertaken between reviews to keep it contemporary or respond to the changing needs of the community or changing policy or position of the local or state gov-
ernments, staff said.
The Noosa Plan proposed amendment No. 2 under consideration was created in response to the short-term accommodation (STA) Monitoring Report and the Housing Strategy and was required to comply with state government policy and the SEQ regional plan.
“The former mayor moved a motion we are in a housing crisis,“ staff said.
In response staff undertook a very comprehensive analysis report of the community’s housing needs which formed the basis of developing the housing strategy. A housing stakeholder reference group was formed, with housing stakeholders who provided insight into developing the housing strategy. There was
community consultation and a resulting raft of recommendations.
From the recommendations the amendments were drafted and submitted to the state government in February 2023, where they were reviewed, signed off with some changes and returned to council in May 2024, then went out to public consultation for eight weeks.
Council received 475 submissions which staff analysed and ran series of workshops with councillors to form a response.
Having endorsed the amendment council will now send it to the state government for review against state policy and SEQ plan where it would either be approved or sent back for changes that would need to be adopted.
Noosa Council’s Janette Palmer talks to residents at Friday’s pop up session.
Project officer Dean Arnold explains the finer points of the draft plan. (Supplied)
Cooroy Christmas cheer
From page 1
New to the calendar was a sideshow alley, with all proceeds donated to the Cooroy Chamber of Commerce, supporting future events and community initiatives.
People wandered the street enjoying the extended shopping hours, late night restaurant and cafe openings, the Christmas market at the Butter Factory Art Centre and entertainers on stage at the memorial hall.
People danced and dined and took part in the various activities including the decorated bike competition and the Jingle Joggers jaunt.
For more information, visit christmasincooroy.com.au
The parade had a Christmas movie theme.
The Grinch was holding up traffic.
Lollies handed out in the parade were a hit with the kids.
People walked in character in the parade.Lots of effort went into the floats. And ... the Pipe Band played.
Cooroy State School got into the fun of the event.
The Great Santa race kicks off. (Rob Maccoll)Santas were having fun in the race.
The Grinch did his best to keep up with the Santas.
Rod Davies won the Great Santa race.
Charlie Muecke BMedSc (VisSc) MOpt Optometrist
The sirens were a bit loud for onlookers.
Santa goes camping. Nobody likes a grinch.
Wonder and excitement was delivered by the parade.
There were lots of laughs to be had.
Emergency services got into the spirit of Christmas.
A wave and a cheer.
The joy of seeing Santa in the parade. The surprise at seeing Santas hurtling toward you.
The steep hill proved a tough run for a Grinch.
Families lined up to see the real Santa.
Theft no match for community
Slow Food Noosa has given a welcome hand to Cooran Organic Garden (COG) after garden tools were stolen from the club’s shed.
The break-in was disheartening for club members, who are passionate about gardening and are committed to connecting with the community.
In response, Slow Food provided tools to the value of $150 from Pomona Hardware and, without asking, the hardware store contributed to about equal value.
Formed three years ago, COG members want to make the garden in King Park a place where anyone can gather, pick some fruit, herbs or vegetables, or to contribute in some way.
They are creating a space to encourage the Slow Food philosophy of good, healthy and fair food. A place where people can connect.
The shed was a donation from a land-owner and committee members dismantled it, then transported and reassembled it at the garden.
COG president Lance Pearce was immensely grateful for the replacement of garden tools, just as he was proud of what the club had achieved.
“When a community comes together and achieves things such as this, it’s just stunning.
“It’s a diverse community. But they are accepting of the diversity.
“It’s a good melting pot.’’
He said COG had an inclusive long-term plan for the garden.
The Cooran community is known for its art and music and COG is fitting into the community.
“We are not competing with anyone, while being humble at the same time.
“We are all small achievers … but doing great things.’’
Garden day is each Thursday 3.30-5.30pm, while working bees are held on the third Sunday of each month from 7.30am and includes morning tea.
Man, 80, charged with child sex offences
An 80-year-old Sunshine Coast man has been arrested and charged with historical child sexual offences, and detectives are now appealing for more information.
Police will allege the man was repeatedly offending against a child, known to him through involvement in a sport club, between 1993 and 1998.
Detectives attached to the Caboolture and Sunshine Coast Child Protection Investigation Units (CPIU) executed a search warrant at a Rosemount home on 15 November and subsequently arrested an 80-year-old Rosemount man.
He has been charged with 12 counts of indecent treatment of children under 12 – 16, and five unlawful intercourse offences.
He was due to appear in the Maroochydore Magistrates Court on 12 December.
Sunshine Coast CPIU Detective Senior Sergeant Kerri Della-Vedova is appealing for more information.
“We believe there may be further victims that have not yet come forward,” Detective Senior Sergeant Della-Vedova said.
“I’m grateful for the victim-survivor that came forward to report this abuse which had lead to 17 charges against the alleged offender.
“However, if anyone else relates to this offending or has more information, I encourage you speak to police.
“I’d like to reinforce to anyone who has ex-
perienced sexual violence or abuse, even decades ago, that police will listen, we will investigate, while respecting your wishes, privacy, health and safety needs.
“Offences against children are a priority for my team and the wider Queensland Police Service and information from the community can assist us in resolving investigations into these deeply distressing crimes.
“I also reach out to those who may have not experienced sexual abuse personally, but know about offending against a child that has not yet been reported to police.
“Reporting of sexual offences to children is mandatory, and not doing so is a criminal offence.
“There are multiple ways to report what has happened to you depending on your situation.”
Body of missing hiker found on Mt Beerwah
A 26-year-old
Indecent treatment allegations
A 26-year-old Peregian Springs man has been arrested after allegedly committing offences against two children known to him in a professional capacity in the surfing industry.
Detectives from Sunshine Coast Child Protection Investigation Unit have charged the man following investigations into the alleged indecent treatment of children. It will be alleged the offences were committed in the greater Noosa area, Coolum Beach, Yaroomba and Broadbeach since August last year.
Police arrested the man on Sunday 15 December and have charged him with 12 counts of indecent treatment of children and three counts of wilful exposure.
He was due before Maroochydore Magistrates Court on 16 December.
Detectives are continuing to investigate this matter further and are appealing to anyone who may have experienced similar to come forward.
A 20-year-old Mountain Creek man reported missing from Mount Beerwah has been found dead. (Supplied)
Peregian Springs man has been arrested after allegedly committing offences against two children.
Slow Food Noosa president Andy Coates donates tools to Cooran Organic Garden members after the club break-in. (449786)
Sanctuary faces closure
By Abbey Cannan
Hoofbeats Sanctuary chief executive officer Barb Blaski says the possible closure of a trauma healing charity in Doonan, due to a Sunshine Coast Council decision for relocation, will “cost lives“.
The centre, operated by local charity Kanyini Connections Ltd, has been given until 28 February to relocate.
Barb said, “Sunshine Coast Council has decided that the eight acres the Sanctuary operates from would better serve the community if it were given to a local pony club that already has over 30 acres next door to the site.“
Requiring privacy for its clients, Hoofbeats Sanctuary has been operating at 26 Fellowship Drive, Doonan under a sub-user agreement with Eumundi and District Pony Club since April 2020.
This agreement ended when the Pony Club ceased operations in February 2023. Since then, council has offered Hoofbeats a month-by-month tenancy while they sought alternative sites.
With all avenues of negotiation with council exhausted, the charity has launched a capital raising campaign to raise the $3 million needed to purchase a suitable property in the area with the necessary infrastructure to carry on programs without interruption.
Barb said the service has always been in huge demand with clients waiting up to 48 weeks for a program place in the Sanctuary’s equine therapy programs.
“How council could consider putting the future of a mental health charity at risk in the middle of a mental health crisis is just unfathomable,“ she said.
“This is not an action that is consistent with what the majority of the community would expect from a council meant to represent their best interests.
“Research shows that individuals with complex trauma may not respond well to traditional mental health treatments and that equine-assisted interventions can deliver significant benefits
in shorter time-frames compared to standard approaches.
“We are the only organisation in Australia that provides free ongoing equine therapy services –there is nowhere else that financially disadvantaged clients can go to access the services that we provide.”
A Sunshine Coast Council spokesperson said council has offered Hoofbeats a new location in Yandina, but according to Hoofbeats, the site being offered is a significantly smaller, flood-prone site that currently has no infrastructure, no water supply and no power.
“We are providing financial support for improved facilities such as drainage, an undercover night safe area, fencing, solar/ battery package,
septic and office/ reception,“ a council spokesperson said.
“Hoofbeats accepted the relocation offer in November 2024 and council is now working on designs and contractor procurement.“
A council spokesperson said the Doonan facility, designed and built for equestrian sports, is not suitable for Hoofbeats Sanctuary due to zoning codes designating it as a District-level Sport and Recreation Precinct, intended to accommodate increased equestrian activity.
Council’s 2021 planning identified the need to relocate Yandina and District Pony Club to the Doonan facility as its current facility at Yandina is no longer suitable for its large membership numbers.
Due to the large membership and the privacy needs of Hoofbeats, both organisations advised council they could not share either the Doonan or Yandina facilities.
Council initially provided Hoofbeats 18 months to find an alternative location, and extended this by six months in September 2024, acknowledging their preference for a privatelyowned facility and not a council-owned or managed site.
Barb said so many lives will be negatively impacted by this decision.
“We’re an incredibly special organisation, a community-based, peer-led mental health charity with a wholly lived experience workforce and mostly lived-experience volunteer team,” she said.
Without a home from which to operate, they will be unable to continue to provide vital mental health services.
“Our nine part-time lived-experience employees will lose their jobs during a cost-of-living crisis,“ Barb said.
“Almost 50 volunteers, many of whom are exclients, will lose their roles – roles that provide a crucial source of social connection in their lives.
“We sincerely believe that the closure of the Sanctuary will cost lives.”
Barb said council’s position has been extremely upsetting to their entire team.
“We have been given hope at numerous times throughout the process only to have that hope taken away again with backflip after backflip by council,“ she said.
“We have been tirelessly supporting the community for over five years through our work at the Sanctuary and we are now turning to the community and asking it for support to raise the funding needed to purchase a property that can enable us to continue to provide life-changing and life-saving mental health services long into the future.”
Donors can donate online on the charity’s website at hoofbeats.org.au
Hoofbeats Sanctuary in Doonan is facing closure. (Supplied)
Artist Tia turns brick to chic
Unitywater has brought another asset to life as part of its Community Artwork Program, with the Castaways Beach pump station sporting a bright mural that reflects the local area’s flora and fauna.
Unitywater executive manager strategic engagement Joshua Zugajev said community artwork was a wonderful way of sharing what makes our region unique, improving the aesthetic of our assets, preventing graffiti, and they’re a great conversation starter.
Unitywater engaged local Pomona artist Tia Carrigan to turn brick to chic and brighten up the asset along the popular bike path.
“Our pump station at Castaways Beach is near Burgess Creek and the artwork includes local flora and fauna and information about this important catchment and what makes it special” Mr Zugajev said.
“It also highlights how our Noosa Wastewater
Treatment Plant helps protect the health of our local community and the environment – making sure the community’s wastewater is screened, cleaned and treated to a standard that can be safely released to our waterways as part of the urban water cycle.”
Mr Zugajev said Unitywater had recently published its Water Matters Plan which guides how the utility will manage water in a more integrated and sustainable way across Noosa and the Sunshine Coast over the next 30 years.
The plan is a partnership between Unitywater, Noosa Council, Sunshine Coast Council and Seqwater. One of the outcomes of the plan consultation was highlighting the need for community education, particularly about the Burgess Creek catchment.
Artist Tia Carrigan said the white bellied sea eagle and the large glossy black cockatoo were
her favourite elements.
“Working on this mural was a fantastic opportunity to engage with many community groups and learn about the local flora and fauna of that specific area. An important part of public art for me is the engagement with locals each day as they watch the project develop,” she said.
Ms Carrigan worked with Kabi Kabi Traditional Custodian, Mack Muckan, to learn about and incorporate culturally significant plants and wildlife into the mural.
Mr Muckan said there were several elements that symbolised healing and connection to Country.
“Certain native flowers that produce products like medicine and food reflect the sustainable practices and knowledge of the land,” Mr Muckan said.
“Among the fauna, Gangga, the White-breasted Sea Eagle, is depicted as a messenger and a symbol of timing for hunting activities, such as the seasonal appearance of Gaarbanya or Gabunya, the Sea Mullet. Weeyal, the Black Cockatoo, signifies the arrival of rain, a vital indicator for understanding seasonal changes,” he said.
“Additionally, Yoodlou, the eel from which the suburb Eudlo takes its name, represents an important food source for those traveling or hunting through freshwater areas. Together, these elements weave a rich tapestry of cultural heritage, ecological awareness, and the profound relationship between people and the natural world.”
The artwork is located next to the bike path on David Low Way, Castaways Beach. Check out Unitywater’s other artworks with the Artwork Trail Map at unitywater.com/artworktrail
Easing holiday congestion
New traffic measures will take effect in Hastings Street from 20 December to 6 January to help ease congestion, improve safety and the visitor experience during the busiest time of the year.
Noosa Council acting director of infrastructure services Shaun Walsh said changes will include the Main Beach Reserve (next to Noosa Surf Club) being converted to a twolane drop-off zone.
“More than 14,000 vehicles a day enter the Hastings Street precinct during peak holiday periods, which creates major problems with traffic congestion in this area,” Mr Walsh said.
“Building on lessons learned from last year’s trial, we’ve made some changes aimed at improving traffic flow in the Hastings Street precinct and providing beach goers with the ability to drop off their gear during the busy period.
“From Friday 20 December until 6 January, the Main Beach Reserve car park will be strictly a drop-off zone. Traffic marshals will operate in the drop-off zone between 6.30am and 5.30pm to assist motorists and visitors coming
in and out of this area.”
The drop-off zone will have a storage area for bicycles and other items. There will be additional motorcycle and scooter parking, extra accessible parking and a relocated loading zone on Noosa Drive (between the Noosa Parade and Hastings Street roundabouts).
Reserved spaces will also be available for lifeguards, while additional portable toilets will be located in the car park at Main Beach from 7am to 7pm.
Overflow car parking will be available at the Noosa Heads Bowls Club and the traditional Lions Car Park will be operating from Saturday 14 December.
There will be a full closure of the area on New Year’s Eve to provide access for Queensland Police and emergency services.
In addition to the temporary traffic measures, council’s free Go Noosa holiday buses will operate until 27 January. More bus stops have been added to the free bus loop route and free park-and-ride services at the AFL grounds will also operate from Saturday 14 December until 27 January.
New traffic measures will take effect in Hastings Street. (Supplied)
Pomona artist Tia Carrigan helped turn brick to chic.
Unitywater executive manager strategic engagement Joshua Zugajev with Pomona artist Tia Carrigan. (Supplied)
Farewell after 18 years
St Andrew’s Anglican College has farewelled longstanding principal, Reverend Chris Ivey, after 18 years of dedicated and esteemed leadership.
Located in Peregian Springs, St Andrew’s was founded in 2003, and Mr Ivey has been at the helm since 2007 – a feat that has seen his leadership woven into the very fabric of this award-winning educational institution.
A hugely influential leader in the school community and the educational landscape of the Sunshine Coast, his many years of service will leave an enduring legacy that’s being celebrated by students, staff and alumni as he takes up a new role of headmasterofSomersetCollegeontheGoldCoast in January.
Since his first interview for the role of principal, Chris has maintained a contagious energy and clear vision for school, that has held steadfast through 18 years of physical change, growth, highs and lows - that he proudly reflects upon.
“From my very first interactions, I was excited by the energy of the place,” he said.
“It was young, growing, evolving and staff had what we called a ‘pioneering spirit’ and this excited me. I was most nervous about moving from a small school to a larger and more complex organisation… but was looking forward to a new challenge and a place to raise our family of four children.
“My vision from day one was to make this an incredible school. To build on the foundations of such a positive culture, knowing that this enabled students to thrive.
“I don’t think my vision has changed, but how we enact it, how we embody it and how we keep it is has evolved. It is definitely a different place now than 2007 with many more programs, opportunities and buildings but I think our commitment to community hasn’t changed.”
Fast-forward to today and St Andrew’s is highly regarded as an example of educational excellence, not just on the Sunshine Coast, but throughout Australia – having won numerous awards, most recently Secondary School of the Year (non-government) at the Australian Education Awards, the leading independent awards event in the K-12 education sector.
While the school itself has evolved dramatically during this time, including major builds such as the construction of a multi-level learning hub, aquatic centre and the planning of a music and performing arts centre due to break ground in 2025, Chris’ educational philosophy remains true.
“I still believe that relationships are core to all we do – you can’t teach, encourage or have a difficult conversation with a student if you don’t have some form of relationship with them,” he said.
“Sure, the world has changed in 18 years and post-Covid, we are seeing an increase in challenges regarding mental health and social media, but people still have a basic need to be known and respected.
Known for his ‘front gate approach’, greeting students and parents at the front of the school every morning, Chris has been celebrated by parents and the community for the way he leads by example in setting standards and creating culture.
“He’s been tireless in his work in public and private to give his best for the school whether it was working a barbec7e, raising money, watching a primary flute recital or tracking through the bush on a Kokoda Challenge,” parent Tim McGary said.
“Everywhere you went, he was there. It never ceased to amaze me what events I’d be at whatever time and he was there in a suit and looking engaged and invigorated.”
As he prepares to pack up his family home and leave the place where his four children have grown and completed school, Chris remains humble about the legacy he has created and excited for his next chapter.
“This College has established itself as a leading institution across not just Queensland, but around the country,” he said.
“My hope is very simple, that St Andrew’s continues to live out its vision, to stay true to that vision and to keep achieving great things while always respecting and encouraging people.
“We have gone from a small start up school to an award-winning school and I hope that my leadership has simply encouraged others to strive for and achieve great things. That is all I can hope for.“
In January, newly appointed principal Karen Gorrie, will take the helm as the College’s third principal.
Ms Gorrie has worked in the education sector for more than 30 years and will be joining the school from St Margaret’s Anglican College in Brisbane, where she served as deputy principal for seven years.
St Andrew’s Anglican College has farewelled its longstanding principal, Reverend Chris Ivey. (Supplied)Chris finishing the Kokoda challenge with students.
A modern masterpiece
In the heart of Noosaville, a young yet well established team is reshaping the landscape of residential construction along Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.
Kicking off in 2022, the team at Walt Construction combines a wealth of knowledge and experience to earn themselves a reputation for delivering bespoke, high end new builds and renovations, from Fraser Island to Maroochydore.
What sets Walt Construction apart is its unwavering commitment to producing quality craftsmanship, ensuring every project is executed to exceed client expectations.
The recently completed renovation in Marcus Beach is an ode to this commitment.
Working closely with local interior designers the Walt Construction team transformed the tired ocean side property into a modern masterpiece. The three story home was stripped back to the suspended slab to complete a full internal reconfiguration to provide a custom living experience for the client.
This dedication goes beyond the structural integrity of their projects and finds itself in the seamless experience they offer their clients. With their ethos set heavily in forming sustainable relationships with clients and collaborators, director Stephan Van Der Walt heavily emphasises the importance of open communication and availability.
Along with meticulous planning and a deep understanding of the unique needs of each homeowner the team at Walt are thriving within the current competitive landscape of high end residential construction.
Nevertheless, operating in a dynamic region like the Sunshine Coast presents both its own challenges as well as abundant opportunities for growth.
The area’s natural beauty and growing population demand construction solutions that respect the environment while meeting modern living standards.
As the company looks to the future, their vision extends beyond bricks and mortar.
Walt Construction rises to this challenge by integrating sustainable practices and innovative techniques into their projects, reflecting their forward- thinking philosophy.
As the company looks to the future, their vision extends beyond bricks and mortar.
Walt Construction is committed to enhancing the communities they serve, contributing to the local economy, and leaving a legacy of excellence.
In just two years, Walt Construction has proven that dedication to quality, coupled with a passion for design and collaboration, can achieve remarkable results.
Whether you’re envisioning a new build or considering a contemporary renovation, the team at Walt Construction is ready to bring your dream to life. Their work transcends construction to facilitate the creation of your forever home.
For more information, visit waltconstruction. com.au
The team at Walt Construction is ready to bring your dream to life. (Supplied)
Front gate entrance.Pool area.
Why I was opposed
As a councillor, my foremost responsibility is to protect the interests of the Noosa community, uphold democratic principles, and ensure the sustainability of our unique way of life.
Recently, I voted against the proposed amendments to the planning scheme. While I respect and accept the majority decision of my fellow councillors (4:2) to support these changes, I feel it is important to explain my reasons for opposing them.
I want to emphasise that I supported many elements of the proposed package. These included some measures to address the housing crisis by creating opportunities for more affordable and diverse housing options—goals I have consistently championed.
However, some critical aspects of the package raised significant concerns for me, which I felt could not be overlooked.
The proposed amendments were intended to address the housing crisis. However, I had three primary reservations: changes to property rights, insufficient consultation with affected stakeholders, and the lack of a comprehensive economic, social, and environmental analysis. I raised these issues during the Special Meeting.
I have consistently supported efforts to tackle the housing crisis, including the Mayoral Minute in 2020 and the Housing Needs Assessment in 2021, which highlighted the urgent need for affordable housing and a diversified housing stock.
However, solving this crisis requires more than simply increasing supply. We must ensure that affordable housing remains accessible to those who need it most and that changes to the planning scheme are balanced and equitable.
More importantly, we must have community support.
During the meeting, I highlighted alternative approaches worth exploring, such as increased densification in areas like Noosa Civic and TAFE, as well as better transport infrastructure to support affordable commutes for people living outside the shire. I expressed my concern that the proposed amendments, in my opinion, risked unintended consequences, such as driving up property values, altering neighbourhood character, and undermining long-standing property rights that residents have held for decades.
One of my key concerns, as discussed during the meeting, was the need for economic analysis. No evidence was presented to demonstrate whether these changes would meaningfully increase housing supply or improve affordability.
Moving forward without understanding their broader impacts on property values, local busi-
THE SWEET LIFE TOURISM NOOSA with
As the festive season approaches, we’re excited to welcome visitors from near and far to our beautiful region.
From Boxing Day through the summer holiday period, Noosa will be bustling with holidaymakers and thousands of daytrippers keen to experience everything our stunning destination has to offer.
During this time, we know traffic congestion and parking challenges around popular spots like Noosa Main Beach can be frustrating.
To help ease the load, Noosa Council is again offering free holiday buses. We encourage locals and visitors to take advantage of this and other convenient, eco-friendly options, like the Noosa Ferry for example and leave the car at home.
SHARON RAGUSE CEO, TOURISM NOOSA
EMBRACING THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT
We’ve pulled together as much as we can from across the region into a comprehensive Summer Festive Guide. To download your free copy of what’s on over the Christmas and New Year period, visit bit.ly/noosa-festive-guide
The holiday season is a time for kindness, patience, and community spirit. We encourage everyone to show consideration for each other and our visiting guests. A friendly smile or a helping hand can make a lasting impression and reflect the warmth Noosa is known for.
• Plan Ahead: Beat the rush by heading out early or why not explore some lesser-known gems beyond Noosa Main Beach.
nesses, and the economy would, in my opinion and as I stated during the meeting, “be irresponsible.”
Regarding changes in medium and high-density residential zones, I highlighted the community’s response, which was overwhelmingly clear: “They did not want any changes.”
A petition signed by over 1000 residents and numerous submissions demanded that existing property rights in medium-density residential zones be retained and that the character and community of established neighbourhoods in places like Pomona and Noosa Heads be protected. Residents also raised significant concerns about the consultation process, with many property owners and businesses stating they were not notified or adequately notified of the proposed changes.
In response, I moved an amendment to retain the status quo in medium and high-density residential zones. Unfortunately, this amendment did not receive majority support (3:4).
As elected representatives, it is our duty to listen to the voices of our constituents. Yet, as I said in the meeting, these concerns were not (imo) adequately addressed and the broader economic and social implications of the amendments remain unclear. Moving forward without this critical information risks creating more problems than it solves.
The housing crisis is complex and requires thoughtful, long-term solutions. As I said during the meeting:
“There is no mandated timeframe to complete this. The Ministerial Condition imposes no deadline. Again, I repeat, what we are being asked to approve today is not just a set of amendments— it’s an entire package that will fundamentally shape Noosa’s future. This is not just about meeting housing targets; it’s about making informed, thoughtful decisions that respect our community, protect their rights, and preserve the lifestyle that makes Noosa such a special place.
Therefore, I cannot, in good conscience, support this package in its entirety. My vote is no.“
While I supported many elements of the amendments, I could not overlook these critical concerns. Moving forward, I remain committed to working collaboratively with my colleagues, stakeholders, and the community to develop balanced, informed, and inclusive solutions to the housing crisis that uphold Noosa’s values, character, and integrity.
(Please note this is my personal opinion and does not represent the position of Noosa Council.)
• Support Local: Visit local markets, cafes, and shops to experience Noosa’s unique culture.
• Stay Eco-Friendly: Use reusable bottles, avoid single-use plastics, and dispose of waste responsibly.
• Be Patient: Remember, everyone’s here to enjoy our beautiful region— let’s share it kindly.
DISCOVER MORE AT THE VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE
Our Visitor Information Centre on Hastings Street isn’t just for visitors—it’s a great resource for locals too! If you’re seeking fresh ideas for summer activities, pop in and chat with our knowledgeable volunteers or give them a call. They’ll help you uncover hidden gems and fun experiences across Noosa and can make booking a breeze.
The Visitor Centre also has some exciting holiday activations coming up:
• Artist in Residence: Simone Wolowiec – Join Simone on Thursday 19th and Friday 20th December from 10am-12pm as she creates beautiful artworks live.
• Zog from the Ginger Factory – Meet Zog from Monday 16th to Friday 20th December from 10am-12pm, perfect for the little ones!
A LOOK BACK AT THE YEAR
We recently held our Annual General Meeting and are pleased to share our Annual Report with the community, along with a video wrap-up highlighting key achievements.
Visit bit.ly/TN-Annual-Report to learn more. Or watch the video: bit.ly/Highlights-2023-24
SEASON’S GREETINGS FROM ALL OF US
On behalf of the Tourism Noosa Board, team, and our 70+ dedicated volunteers, we wish everyone a joyful, safe, and happy festive season. Thank you for being part of what makes Noosa such a special place.
Noosa councillor Amelia Lorentson. (Supplied)
Cooroy Service Centre will be closed on Tuesday at 5pm on 24th December 2024. We will be returning refreshed and ready at 8am on Thursday 2nd January 2025. Our RACQ Patrols will still be available 24/7. 9 Diamond Street, Cooroy Qld 4563 | 07 5447 6125 info@cooroyservice.com.au www.cooroyservicecentre.com.au Graham and the Team at Cooroy
On The Soapbox
Cr Tom Wegener
Why I gave my support
The following is a transcript of the speech that I gave to council during the closing arguments for the Planning Scheme Amendments 2024. This is my view of the evolution of the Planning Scheme Amendments:
Four years ago, Clare Stewart, the previous mayor, made a motion declaring a housing emergency in Noosa and she was supported unanimously by councillors. Staff was asked to find ways to remedy the situation.
Soon after, council investigated whether Airbnb or STAs were displacing our long-term rental market. Council prepared two reports showing a link between the housing crisis and the rise of Airbnb. Council began to curb the Airbnb approvals and began the process of creating Local Laws to regulate them.
Back to the issue of a housing crisis. Council embarked on two huge pieces of work; the comprehensive Housing Needs Assessment and the Noosa Housing Strategy 2022, which set the vision for the future housing in Noosa. In the thorough public consultation process there was overwhelming support for Noosa Council to take a role in creating affordable housing.
Councillors were part of this evolution and were unanimously supportive of the new strategy. One of the key statements was, ‘Noosa Council is committed to: Planning Scheme amendments and policy development that support real change and outcomes for genuine social, affordable and inclusive housing.’
I found the key elements of the housing strategy include:
• Stopping the spread of Airbnb in the hinterland and move to keep short term accommodation in the tourist zones, not in the residential zones.
• Mandated that new developments in medium and high-density zones include units, not single homes.
• Review tourist zones to consider if some may be more appropriate as high-density zones. This helps create more permanent housing vs tourist accommodation.
• Adding some incentives to developers to include 20 per cent social or affordable housing in larger developments.
The clear vision was more housing for residents and more housing in the best locations in Noosa like along the river foreshore. The best places in Noosa should not all be for tourists.
These elements were then to be integrated into the next round of Planning Scheme Amendments, which would give them force or effect.
The (council) staff; Anita, Rowena, Glen, Michelle, Kim and others, put an enormous effort into drafting the amendments and the Mayor and Councillors were, again, brought on the journey with plenty of opportunity for input. Finally, the amendments were endorsed by council and sent to the state for sign-off in February 2023.
Then, we waited and waited.
While waiting, councillors drafted the Corporate Plan 2023-2028. In the drafting we, again, considered our new direction and instilled the vision
of the Housing Strategy into the new Corporate Plan.
Theme 2.1: [Council will] ‘Facilitate greater housing choice which meets the changing needs of the community, improves liveability and affordability and includes partnering to increase provision of social and affordable housing.’
The corporate plan, which included the vision of the Housing Strategy, went out for public consultation and was then unanimously endorsed by council.
Finally, a year later in May 2024, the state signed off on the Planning Scheme Amendments and the amendments went out for public consultation. Noosa residents are very engaged with local issues and there were many hundreds of sub-
missions and feedback. Staff had an enormous task of sorting it out and evolving the amendments to respond to the needs and wants of community.
In the meantime, the state also recognised the housing crisis and began investigating how it could remedy the situation. One thing the Labor Government could do is cut the red tape local councils use to stop development. Hence, the State Facilitated Development or SFD. Noosa was soon facing the prospect of high rise development.
Then, the Labor Government lost the election and the LNP said it would not impose the SFD upon Noosa and would support development within the planning scheme. Noosa absolutely dodged a bullet at this time. However, the new government clearly supports the population projections for growth and supports increased housing in Noosa.
So here we are today, contemplating the vote on these Planning Scheme Amendments. The way I see it there are three possible outcomes, in general.
We pass these amendments and prove Noosa is doing its job in supporting its own housing objectives, which are consistent with State mandates and legislation, and the state will leave us alone. This is path we are hoping for.
We do not pass the amendments and hope the state does not impose a SFD-like measure which will override our planning scheme.
The state comes in with a new type of SFDs, overrides our planning scheme and we face unNoosa like development.
What is going to happen?
I support these amendments which we have been evolving for two and a half years. We, the councillors, have been very involved with them every step of the way (except the new councillors). I acknowledged that there will be elements which may be unpopular with portions of the community. I wrestled with this as I knew this day would come. As councillors we must make hard decisions. I support our long crafted and publicly supported vision for the future of Noosa. I support these amendments.
(These are the views of Tom Wegener and may not represent the views on other councillors or Noosa Council.)
Former mayor takes up role in Youngcare
Youngcare, a national not-for-profit that revolutionises the way young people with high care disabilities live, last week announced that Greg Johnson will be retiring as chief executive officer, effective February.
After an exceptional three years of leadership and service, Mr Johnson’s decision to step down marks the culmination of a career defined by deep passion and commitment to the not-forprofit sector.
The Youngcare Board has appointed Clare Stewart, a current board member, as the next chief executive officer, effective early February. This planned transition reflects Youngcare’s commitment to thoughtful succession planning.
Mr Johnson served as CEO since November 2021, embedding programs, driving significant supporter growth and championing Youngcare during challenging economic times. In the past year alone, under Greg’s leadership, Youngcare built seven new apartments and two homes in partnership with City of Brisbane Investment Corporation (CBIC) and funded $773,914 for 127 people under the Youngcare Grants Programs.
Mr Johnson said he was deeply grateful for the opportunity to lead the organisation and proud of its achievements during his tenure.
“It has been an extraordinary honour to lead Youngcare for the past three years and work
alongside such a talented team. I am proud of what we’ve accomplished together, and I can’t think of a more skilled person than Clare Stew-
art to lead Youngcare into its 20th year,” he said. Clare Stewart brings a wealth of experience to her new role. A board member of Youngcare
for over six years, she has been closely involved with Youngcare since its inception. Ms Stewart was the first female Mayor of Noosa, has been a board member of the organising committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games (Brisbane 2032) and a barrister, as well as being a motivational speaker, author and trauma survivor.
Ms Stewart said she incredibly inspired by the opportunity to lead Youngcare and contribute further to its mission.
“I am honoured to step into the role of CEO and continue building on the incredible foundation established by Greg Johnson,” she said.
“I have been engaged with Youngcare as an ardent supporter since its inception, and more recently as a board member. I am committed to our team, partners and stakeholders and looking forward to ensuring young people with high care disabilities can live with freedom, dignity and choice. I am extremely excited for this new opportunity.”
Youngcare chair Mr Paul McLean said, “On behalf of the Youngcare board, I extend our sincere thanks to Greg Johnson for his leadership and unwavering dedication. Clare is extraordinarily well placed to usher Youngcare into its next era, and we look forward to an exciting new chapter under her guidance.”
Clare Stewart is to take on role of chief executive officer of Youngcare in February.
Noosa councillor Tom Wegener.
"Exploration is really the essence of the human spirit."
FRANK B.
Discovering another culture is a wondrous awakening. Sail with us to extraordinary shores where you can immerse yourself in new destinations and unique experiences.
Whether by river or ocean, we have crafted unforgettable journeys across all seven continents so you can explore more of the world.
Enjoy free flight offers with selected river, ocean or expedition voyages, valued up to AU$2,400 per person. Plus AU$500 shipboard credit with any ocean and expedition booking. Available for a limited time only, offers ends 31 March 2025.
On The Soapbox
Tourism Noosa chair Alan Golley
Role of tourism in Noosa
The role of tourism in Noosa is often a topic of great community interest and lively debate. Understandably, residents are passionate about preserving Noosa’s unique character and quality of life, particularly during those times when we must navigate the challenges of hosting a thriving visitor economy.
Tourism Noosa operates with a clear mandate to promote sustainable tourism practices to position Noosa as Australia’s most sustainable holiday destination and to provide economic benefit and value for our members, our community and the tourism industry.
Noosa is indeed a cherished place to live, work, and play. Tourism, while a significant economic driver, must align with the values and expectations of our community. Tourism Noosa and Noosa Council acknowledge this and work together to deliver the initiatives needed to balance economic benefits with the preservation of Noosa’s unique environment and lifestyle.
The board and staff of Tourism Noosa acknowledge and respect the long history of environmental protection by passionate people and groups such as the Noosa Parks Association. As locals ourselves, we are equally committed to preserving and celebrating the natural beauty of the Noosa region.
Through embracing Noosa’s environmental stewardship, we continue to enhance Noosa’s reputation as a globally recognised sustainable destination and a credible leader in decarbonising travel and tourism – principles also underpinned by Noosa’s proud UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status.
Tourism Noosa receives annual funding of $2.52 million from Noosa Council, as per the most recent Funding and Performance Agreement ratified in April 2023.
Over the past 10 years, council funding of $2.52m has not changed. The amount has remained the same without any allowance for CPI, meaning that council’s funding has, in real terms, reduced over that same period by around $700,000.
Historically, Noosa Council implemented a Tourism and Economic Levy which applied to all commercial businesses (including short-stay accommodation like Airbnb) to fund a range of tourism initiatives. This levy was accounted for clearly in council’s financial reporting until July 2021 when a new model of reporting was introduced by the council.
From 1 July 2021, council resolved that tourism and economic development activities should be funded by general rates rather than through the continuation of a separate levy. The amount of revenue collected and subsequently spent on delivering these services remained unchanged, however this revenue is now reported as general rates. (Noosa Council Annual Report 2021- 2022).
Changes in the funding model and council’s financial reporting have led to the current arrangement where the council provides direct funding to Tourism Noosa from its general budget, which also includes commercial business rates and a long list of other tourism-related fees and charges.
Notably, while business rates, fees and charges have increased over time, yielding greater rev-
enue for council, funding of Tourism Noosa has not.
Noosa Council collaborates with Tourism Noosa to ensure that our activity aligns with the community’s values and environmental sustainability. While Tourism Noosa operates independently as a public not-for-profit company, it is guided by a council-endorsed four-year Tourism Strategy and the funding agreement with Noosa Council.
Council maintains oversight of our activity through specific performance measures and quarterly reporting obligations and Tourism Noosa is independently audited and benchmarked to ensure eDiciency, eDectiveness and accountability.
Tourism is a cornerstone of Noosa’s economy, generating a third of our Gross Regional Product and supporting thousands of local jobs. Chances are, in every street in Noosa Shire, someone is working directly or indirectly in tourism. In fact, one in seven jobs is attributed to tourism which includes businesses, from cafes and restaurants to tours, experiences and retail, and many more businesses not thought of as tourism businesses.
A well-managed tourism industry supports the livelihood of so many of our local families and underpins the services and amenities enjoyed by both residents and visitors.
The conversation about how tourism in Noosa evolves is important. Tourism Noosa and Noosa Council, the business community and residents must continue supporting each other to ensure the right balance is achieved. Transparency, consultation, and well-informed engagement are key to creating Noosa’s sustainable and harmonious future.
Our data-driven marketing to visitors whose values align with our own, encourages oD-peak visitation to mitigate impacts on the local community.
Data from Tourism Research Australia highlights that increased investment in marketing by other regional destinations across Queensland is seeing their marketshare of high-yielding interstate holidaymakers increase. Without strategic brand management and positioning, Noosa’s high-value travel market has the potential to diminish, and this is already happening. This would likely lead to a rise in short-stay visitors and daytrippers from Southeast Queensland, driving down accommodation rates, worsening traDic congestion, and placing greater strain on local infrastructure—factors we must carefully manage to maintain Noosa’s appeal and liveability.
While the Tourism Noosa team remains focused on diversifying revenue streams, continued investment by Noosa Council and a supportive community are essential to ensure the Noosa brand continues to align with our community values and we maintain a competitive presence in the market enabling our community to continue to thrive.
The enviable array of Noosa’s lifestyle choices (commercial and free) is available to us largely because of a healthy tourism sector. This deserves to be defended with the same passion and vigour we apply to protecting our natural environment and lifestyle.
Pet abandonment spike over the festive season
Every year, RSPCA inspectors respond to calls about pets being abandoned.
This trend spikes over Christmas and school holidays when people are away from home.
From December 2023 to January 2024, RSPCA Queensland responded to 402 complaints about abandoned animals.
“We usually receive reports from worried neighbours about dogs that are barking more than normal and when they can’t confirm if food and water has been left for the animal,“ Inspector Steffi Schubert said.
“If we attend a property and no one is home at the time, we will leave our information to make contact. Usually within 24 hours we’ve heard from the person who is minding the pets that the owners are on holiday, and that they’re stopping in each day to care for them.”
The RSPCA is urging anyone who is leaving their pets in the care of a pet sitter, neighbour or family member to sign up to their free Home Alone service.
Owners can register their pet’s details with the RSPCA’s Home Alone service and provide the contact details of those caring for their pets. If their pet is reported as abandoned, the RSPCA has contact details in cases of emergencies.
Owners can register their pet’s details with the RSPCA’s Home Alone service these Christmas holidays.
RSPCA inspector Steffi suggests, “If you’re concerned a pet has been abandoned, leave a note on the door of the property, or talk to other neighbours to identify if someone is coming to
check on the pets before lodging an abandonment complaint. This will help free up RSPCA resources to investigate critical cases.”
RSPCA advises that pets can be left at home
while owners are away as long as they have appropriate food, water and shelter. To report an animal welfare concern, contact the RSPCA on 1300 ANIMAL (264 625).
(Supplied)
The Guide
PICK OF THE WEEK
A
(VERY) MUSICAL CHRISTMAS
ABC TV, Friday, 7.30pm
Filmed on the festively decorated set of Hamiltonat the Sydney Lyric Theatre, this enchanting Christmas concert is the perfect gift for making musical theatre fans merry, as it brings Australia’s brightest talent together in support of Beyond Blue. Hosted by ABCNewspresenter Jeremy Fernandez and ABC Classic’s Megan Burslem, this breathtaking, intimate special invites Eddie Perfect, Casey Donovan, Justine Clarke, Cody Simpson, &Juliet’s Lorinda May Merrypor, Hamiltonstar Jason Arrow, DearEvanHansenlead Beau Woodbridge and Marney McQueen (Titanique’s own Celine Dion) to share their favourite carols and spread a little Christmas cheer.
Friday, December 20
ABC TV (2) SBS (3)
6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News
Mornings. 10.00 Back Roads. (PG, R) 10.25 I Was Actually There. (Final, PG, R) 10.55 Royal Carols: Together At Christmas 2023. (R) 12.00
CAROLS IN THE DOMAIN Seven, Saturday, 8pm
There’ll be a special touch of Christmas magic in the air this year with this festive staple broadcast live from The Domain in Sydney. Carols producer Michael McKay says the return to a live broadcast is an exciting milestone: “This event has always been about bringing people together and being able to share it live with the entire nation enhances that spirit of connection and celebration.” Hosted by Sunrise’s Natalie Barr and Matt Shirvington (both pictured), the line-up includes The Wiggles, Samantha Jade, Rhonda Burchmore, Hugh Sheridan, Conrad Sewell and Budjerah, among others. Long-time viewers will also be pleased to see the return of musical maestro Chong Lim, who will be on hand to guide the performers.
SEVEN (7)
ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Shetland. (Final, Mal, R) 2.00 Maggie Beer’s Big Mission. (Final, R) 3.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R) 3.30 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 4.15 Grand Designs: House Of The Year. (R) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6am Morning Programs. 10.20 Wonderful World Of Baby Animals. (PG, R) 11.10 Kew Gardens: Season By Season. (R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 TradFest: The Fingal Sessions. 2.30 Language Of Light. 3.00 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.10 French Atlantic. (PG, R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 The Supervet. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 11.30 Seven Morning News. 12.00 MOVIE: Cooking Up Christmas. (2020, PGa, R) 2.00 Motorbike Cops. (PG, R) 2.15 Catch Phrase. (PG, R) 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.
6.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice.
6.30 Hard Quiz Kids. (R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 A (Very) Musical Christmas. Musical for the festive season.
9.00 The Yearly With Charlie Pickering. (R) Charlie Pickering is joined by celebrities to take a look back at the highs and lows of 2024.
10.00 Neighbours Does Hard Quiz. (Final, PG, R) Presented by Tom Gleeson.
10.30 The Cleaner. (Ml, R)
11.30 Grand Designs: House Of The Year. (R)
12.20 Rage Best New Releases 2024. (MA15+adhnsv)
5.00 Rage. (PG)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Every Family Has A Secret. (PGa, R) 8.35 Marlon Brando In Paradise. Explores Marlon Brando’s environmental legacy. 9.35 Kennedy: A Legacy (June 1963-November 1963) (Final, PG) 10.25 SBS World News Late. 10.55 De Gaulle. (Premiere, Ma) 11.55 Kin. (MA15+dlv, R) 1.55 Miniseries: Too Close. (Madls, R) 2.50 Legacy List With Matt Paxton. (PGa, R) 3.55 Make Me A Dealer. (R) 4.45 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven Local News. 6.30 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens Summer. Juliet Love revamps a cluttered laundry.
8.30 MOVIE: Jaws. (1975, Mlv, R) A police chief, a game fisherman and a marine biologist hunt down a giant killer shark. Roy Scheider, Richard Dreyfuss, Robert Shaw. 11.00 MOVIE: Underwater. (2020, Mlv, R) Disaster strikes an underwater facility. Kristen Stewart. 1.00 Taken. (Mav, R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
5.00 NBC Today.
CHRISTMAS WITH DELTA Nine, Sunday, 7pm
Now in its fifth year, this holiday concert is quickly becoming a Christmas tradition. Australian music royalty Delta Goodrem (pictured) returns for 2024 with a blend of unforgettable highlights from past Christmas specials and exciting new performances. This year, Delta and her musically talented friends are ringing in the season in Hollywood, with singer-songwriter Josh Groban, “Kid at Christmas” crooners Calum Scott and Christina Perri, Howie from the Backstreet Boys, Men at Work’s Colin Hay, chef Curtis Stone and Aussie DJ Fisher just some of the stars taking to the stage. There will be all the classic carols, as well as modern Chrissy songs, including Delta’s signature original hit “Only Santa Knows”.
CHRISTMAS AT GRACELAND SBS, Monday, 7.35pm
Produced by Elvis Presley’s granddaughter, Riley Keough, ChristmasatGraceland celebrates the festive season at the singer’s famed family home. Big-name music stars are joining the fun, performing Christmas songs and Elvis classics in locations throughout the home and grounds. Performers include Alanis Morrisette, Lana Del Rey, Post Malone (pictured), John Legend, Kacey Musgraves and Lainey Wilson. This special also includes neverbefore-seen home movies of Elvis and his family, while friends of the King of Rock’n’Roll share their memories of Christmas at Graceland – Elvis’s favourite time of year.
Newshour.
6am Home Shopping. 6.30 Escape To The Country. 7.30 Jabba’s Movies School Holiday Special. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 Left Off The Map. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Better Homes And Gardens. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 The Great Australian Doorstep. 2.30 To Be Advised. 3.00 Taste Of Australia With Hayden Quinn. 3.30 Left Off The Map. 4.00 RSPCA Animal Rescue. 4.30 Better Homes And Gardens. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 8.30 Escape To The Country. 10.30 I Escaped To The Country. 11.30 Late Programs.
6am The Fishing Show By AFN. 7.00 Step Outside With Paul Burt. 7.30 Creek To Coast. 8.00 America’s Game: The Super Bowl Champions. 9.00 A Football Life. 10.00 Blokesworld. 10.30 The Car Club. 11.00 American Pickers. Noon Pawn Stars. 2.00 Close Encounters Down Under. 3.00 Timbersports. 3.30 BarrettJackson: Revved Up. 4.30 Storage Wars. 5.00 American Restoration. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.30 Surveillance Oz. 8.30 MOVIE: 65. (2023, M) 10.30 MOVIE: Resident Evil: Retribution. (2012, MA15+) 12.25am American Pickers. 1.30 Pawn Stars. 2.00 Late Programs.
NINE (8, 9)
TEN (5, 1)
6.00 9News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Find My Beach House Australia. Hosted by Shelley Craft.
8.30 MOVIE: Jingle All The Way. (1996, PGv, R) After leaving it until Christmas Eve to buy his son’s Christmas present, a loving father embarks on a wild journey. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sinbad.
10.15 MOVIE: Parenthood. (1989, Mas, R) Steve Martin.
12.35 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R)
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
5.30 Postcards Summer. (PG, R)
(82, 93) 6am The Falcons. (2018, PG, Icelandic) 7.55 Heidi. (2015, PG, German) 10.00 Long Story Short. (2021, M) 11.45 The Nugget. (2002, M) 1.35pm Lara. (2019, PG, German) 3.25 Petite Maman. (2021, PG, French) 4.45 Walking On Sunshine. (2014, PG) 6.35 Go! (2020) 8.30 Priscilla Queen Of The Desert. (1994, M) 10.25 Sleeping Beauty. (2011, MA15+) 12.20am We Might As Well Be Dead. (2022, M, German) 2.10 The Rover.
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer.
6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news.
7.30 MOVIE: Daddy’s Home 2. (2017, PGals, R) An ideal Christmas is thrown into chaos. Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg. 9.30 Matlock. (PGal, R) Matty works on a case with Julian. Olympia learns a secret about Julian’s past.
10.30 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather.
10.55 The Project. (R) A look at the day’s news. 12.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R)
All that glitters: Australia’s musical theatre stars celebrate Christmas.
Saturday, December 21
ABC TV (2) SBS (3) SEVEN (7)
6.00 Rage Best Of The Charts 2024. (PG) 7.00 Weekend Breakfast. 9.00 Rage. (PG)
10.30 Rage Best Of The Guests 2024. (PG)
12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 All Creatures
Great And Small. (PG, R) 1.15 Miniseries: Douglas Is Cancelled. (Ml, R) 1.55 Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker! (R) 3.25 Solar System
With Brian Cox. (R) 4.30 Headliners. (Final, PG, R) 5.30 Landline. (R)
6.00 Take 5 With Zan Rowe: Bernard Fanning. (PG, R) Zan Rowe chats with Bernard Fanning.
6.30 Muster Dogs: Where Are They Now. (PG, R) Presented by Lisa Millar.
7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 All Creatures Great And Small. (PG) James prepares for his new life.
8.20 Vera. (Final, Mav, R) Vera and her team investigate the death of a beloved family man.
9.50 Miniseries: Douglas Is Cancelled. (Ml, R) The furore around the joke continues.
10.30 Shetland. (Mal, R) Calder decides to stay on in Shetland.
11.30 Rage Best Of The Guests 2024. (MA15+adhlnsv)
6am Morning Programs. 9.00 Cook Up Bitesize. (R) 9.05 The Eco Show. (PGa, R) 10.00 Love Your Garden. (PGa, R) 11.00 Along Ireland’s Shores. (R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Portillo’s Greatest Railway Journeys. (PG, R) 2.55 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.05 French Atlantic. (R) 3.35 Ethnic Business Awards. (R) 5.35 Weeks Of War. (PGa, R) 6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 Horse Racing. Royal Randwick Raceday, Pakenham Cup Day and Seven Members Mile Raceday. 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Creek To Coast. Scott Hillier hunts for a new caravan.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Magical Train Journeys In Switzerland: On The GoldenPass Belle Époque From Montreaux To The Bernese Oberland. (PGn)
8.30 Christmas At Longleat. A look at Longleat at Christmas.
9.25 Tis The Season: The Holidays On Screen. (Mal, R) A celebration of holiday films and TV specials.
10.55 Great Australian Railway Journeys. (R)
12.05 Miniseries: The Dark Heart. (Mal, R)
2.40 Love Your Garden. (PGa, R)
3.30 Make Me A Dealer. (R)
4.20 Peer To Peer. (R)
4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens Summer. The team counts down to Carols In The Domain with a Christmas camping celebration.
8.00 Carols In The Domain. (PG) Coverage of Carols In The Domain from Sydney. Featuring The Wiggles, Samantha Jade, Rhonda Burchmore, Hugh Sheridan, Erin Holland, Conrad Sewell, Mark Vincent, Silvia Colloca and many others.
10.30 NSW Schools Spectacular. (PG, R) Coverage of the Schools Spectacular from the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney’s Olympic Park.
1.00 Taken. (Mav, R) A CIA analyst’s son is kidnapped.
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 It’s Academic. (R) Hosted by Simon Reeve.
5.00 My Greek Odyssey. (PG, R)
6.00 The Garden Gurus. (R) 6.30 A Current Affair. (R) 7.00 Weekend Today. 10.00 Today Extra Summer.
6.00 9News Saturday.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 MOVIE: Central Intelligence. (2016, Mlsv, R) An accountant and a CIA agent reconnect at a reunion and proceed to work together on a top-secret case. Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart.
9.40 MOVIE: Vacation. (2015, MA15+ln, R) A man embarks on a cross-country trip to an amusement park with his family.
Ed Helms, Christina Applegate.
11.35 MOVIE: The Dunes. (2021, MA15+alsv, R) Tatiana Sokolova.
1.10 Australia’s Top Ten Of Everything. (PGs, R)
2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PGa)
2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R)
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)
6.00 Jamie’s Christmas Shortcuts. (R) Jamie Oliver transforms leftovers. 7.00 The Dog House. (PGa, R) The team at Woodgreen makes its abandoned dogs feel extra special this time of year with a doggy Christmas dinner.
9.00 The Dog Hospital With Graeme Hall. (PGm) Graeme Hall takes a look at a five-year-old dachshund that has become very unsteady on its back legs and requires life-changing spinal surgery to give it a chance to get back on its feet. 10.00 Ambulance Australia. (Maln, R) A crash results in a broken leg, but paramedics fear the patient may also have spinal cord injuries. 11.00 Ambulance UK. (Ma, R) It is a busy shift for the
6.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Muster Dogs: Where Are They Now. (Final) Lisa Millar’s journey concludes.
8.00 Miniseries: Douglas Is Cancelled. (Final, Ml) The practice interview is underway.
8.45 Love Me. (MA15+s) Life and love starts to flourish.
9.30 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) Hosted by Adam Hills.
11.10 Take 5 With Zan Rowe. (PG, R)
11.40 You Can’t Ask That. (Ma, R)
12.45 New Leash On Life. (R) 1.10 Rage Vault. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.05 Australia Remastered: Forces Of Nature. (R) 4.00 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.00 Pilgrimage: The Road Through North Wales. (Final, PG, R)
Brisbane
The Salvos.
Portillo’s Greatest Railway Journeys. (PGa, R) Weeks Of War. (PGavw, R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Tsunami 2004: The Day The Wave Hit: Sri Lanka. (Ma) An account of the Indian Ocean tsunami. 9.20 Jonathan Ross’ Myths And Legends: Isle Of Skye And Scottish Highlands. (PGa, R) Jonathan Ross visits the Isle of Skye and the Scottish Highlands to hear about the local myths and legends.
10.15 Curse Of The Ancients: Middle Ages. (Mav, R) 11.05 Napoleon: In The Name Of Art. (Mans, R)
1.00 Rise Of The Nazis: Dictators At War. (Mav, R) 2.10 Love Your Garden. (R) 3.05 Make Me A Dealer. (R) 4.00 Peer To Peer. (PG, R) 4.30 Bamay. (PG, R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 Al Jazeera News.
R) Little Christmas. (2021, PGa) Kristi McKamie, Jonathan Stoddard, Michael Swan. Beach Cops. (PG, R) 5.30 Weekender.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 9. Brisbane Heat v Adelaide Strikers.
9.30 Big Bash League Post-Game. Post-match coverage of the game between the Brisbane Heat and Adelaide Strikers.
10.00 7NEWS Spotlight. (R)
A look at tactics scammers use.
11.00 Crime Investigation Australia: Most Infamous: Blood Sport – The Bondi Gay Murders. (MA15+av, R) Takes a look at a series of murders.
12.15 Miniseries: Patrick Melrose. (MA15+a, R)
1.30 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.
7.00 Christmas With Delta. A Christmas concert with Delta Goodrem. 9.00 MOVIE: The Holiday. (2006, Mls, R) Two women who live on opposite sides of the Atlantic meet online and impulsively switch homes for Christmas. However, shortly after arriving at their destinations, both find the last thing either wants or expects. Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law. 11.40 The Brokenwood Mysteries. (Mv) A writer is found murdered.
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)
4.30 GolfBarons. (PG, R)
5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
family hopes Gigi the Labrador cross will help dad Dave get into the festive spirit. 7.00 Mariah Carey: Merry Christmas To All. Mariah Carey performs a repertoire of her festive holiday hits, including AllIWantforChristmasIsYou 9.00 The Graham Norton Show. Graham Norton is joined on the couch by Timothée Chalamet, Colman Domingo, Andrew Garfield, James Corden, Ruth Jones and Laufey. 10.10 MOVIE: Baywatch. (2017, MA15+ln, R) A devoted lifeguard and a new recruit must put aside their differences after uncovering a criminal plot. Dwayne Johnson, Zac Efron. 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings. 6am WorldWatch. 9.30 Small Business Secrets. 10.05 Food Lover’s Guide. 11.55 Gymnastics. FIG Rhythmic World Cup series. Replay. 1.55pm Jeopardy! 4.00 WorldWatch.
My Greek Odyssey. 7.00 Tomorrow’s World. 7.30 Leading The Way. 8.00 David Jeremiah. 8.30 TBA. 9.00 The Highland Vet. Noon Escape To The Country. 1.00 I Escaped To The Country. 2.00 The Highland Vet. 5.00 I Escaped To The Country. 6.00 Taste Of Australia With Hayden Quinn. 6.30 Escape To The Country. 7.30 Rosemary & Thyme. 8.30 McDonald And Dodds. 10.30 Great Scenic Railway Journeys. 11.15 Late Programs.
The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG)
Heat Story. (PGl) With
(PG,
Monday, December 23
ABC TV (2) SBS (3) SEVEN (7)
6.00 The Secret Lives Of Our Urban Birds. (R) 7.00 News. 9.00 News Breakfast Late. 9.30 Muster Dogs: Where Are They Now. (PG, R) 10.30 A (Very) Musical Christmas. (R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Death In Paradise. (Ma, R) 2.30 Maggie Beer’s Christmas Feast. (R) 3.00 A Bite To Eat. (R) 3.30 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 4.15 Grand Designs: House Of The Year. (PG, R) 5.05 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6am Morning Programs. 11.20 Kew Gardens: Season By Season. (R) 12.10 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight. 1.00 PBS News Weekend. 1.30 Al Jazeera News Hour. 2.00 TradFest: The Fingal Sessions. (Final) 2.30 Language Of Light. 3.00 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.10 French Atlantic. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 The Supervet. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy!
6.00
7.30 Tracy: A Force Of Nature. Narrated by Leigh Sales.
8.30 ABBA: Against The Odds. (Mal, R) The inside story of ABBA’s battle for critical and commercial success in the face of personal challenges.
10.05 The Rise And Fall Of Boris Johnson. (Final, Ml, R) Boris Johnson’s position becomes impossible.
11.00 A Life In Ten Pictures: Nelson Mandela. (PGa, R)
11.55 Grand Designs: House Of The Year. (PG, R)
12.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R)
1.30 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.30 That Christmas. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia: Christmas Family Special 2017. (R) 5.30 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) Presented by Marc Fennell.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Christmas At Graceland. A celebration of Christmas at Graceland.
8.25 Never Mind The Buzzcocks Christmas. Greg Davies is joined by Holly Johnson, Lauren Laverne, Asim Chaudhry and Jamali Maddix.
10.10 How To Make It In Comedy. (MA15+l, R) The story of Edinburgh Fringe.
11.05 Dead Mountain: The Dyatlov Pass Incident. (MA15+av)
1.10 Wisting. (Malv, R)
2.00 Legacy List With Matt Paxton. (PGa, R) 3.05 Make Me A Dealer. (R) 3.55 Legacy List With Matt Paxton. (PGav, R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven Local News.
6.30 Seven News.
7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 10. Melbourne Renegades v Perth Scorchers.
9.30 Big Bash League Post-Game. Post-match coverage of the game between the Melbourne Renegades and Perth Scorchers.
10.00 Murder In A Small Town. (Mav) A murderer is on the loose and is headed towards Gibsons.
11.00 Armed And Dangerous: Heists. (Mav, R) A look at Australia’s greatest bank heists.
12.30 Satisfaction. (MA15+ads, R) Neil and Simon start a business together.
1.30 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 9News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 RBT. (Ml, R) Follows the activities of police units.
8.30 Australian Crime Stories: The Investigators: Under The Gun. (MA15+alv, R) While serving as an undercover police officer, Keith Banks became used to a high-octane lifestyle.
9.30 Miniseries: Love Rat. (Premiere, PGal) A recently divorced woman embarks on a whirlwind holiday romance with a hotel proprietor.
11.30 Chicago Med. (MA15+amv)
12.15 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
1.05 Drive TV. (R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer. 6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Mark Coles Smith. 7.30 Wheel Of Fortune Australia. (PGs) Hosted by Graham Norton. 8.30 Matlock. (PGa) Olympia defends a defamed nanny at her children’s school. Matty is on a stressful hunt for an important document on the Wellbrexa case. 9.30 Five Bedrooms. (Final, Ml) Heather makes a choice that plunges at least five lives into chaos, right when they are on the brink of an elegant parting. 10.30 The Graham Norton Show.
Faith At The Fringes. (Mns, R) An exploration of Australians’ beliefs.
11.30 Ithaka: A Fight To Free Julian Assange. (Final, Mlv, R) 12.30 Keep On Dancing. (Final, R) 1.35 Grand Designs: House Of The Year. (R) 2.25 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 3.10 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.35 Rage Closer. (R) 3.40 Christmas In Australia With Christine Anu. (R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R)
Seven Local News.
destination, The Cotswolds, during the festive season.
9.25 ABBA In Concert. (R) Coverage of performances by ABBA in 1979, focusing on their concert at London’s Wembley Arena.
10.25 The Big Fat Quiz Of Telly. (Mls, R) 12.05 Babylon Berlin. (Mav) 2.05 Portillo’s Greatest Railway Journeys. (PG, R) 3.55 Legacy List With Matt Paxton. (PGav, R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. (PG, R) From Edinburgh Castle, Scotland. Groundhog Day. (1993, PGal, R) A cynical TV weatherman finds himself living the same day over and over again. Desperate to find a way out of his predicament, he tries making changes in his attitude towards the world. Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, Chris Elliott. 11.10 ABBA Vs Queen. (PGa, R) A comparison of ABBA and Queen. 12.10 Satisfaction. (MA15+ads, R) Adriana introduces Grace to the world of BDSM.
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 5.00 My Greek Odyssey. (PGal, R)
1.00 Drive Safer. (Final, R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
2.30 Our State On A Plate. (PG, R)
3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)
4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Christmas At Warwick Castle. (R)
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer.
6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Mark Coles Smith. 7.30 The Cheap Seats. (Mal, R) Presented by Melanie Bracewell and Tim McDonald. 8.40 MOVIE: Mission: Impossible –Rogue Nation. (2015, Mv, R)
Wednesday, December 25
ABC TV (2) SBS (3) SEVEN (7) TEN (5, 1)
6.00 Rage On Christmas Day. (PG) 9.00
News. 9.30 The Pope’s Christmas Mass. 11.30 News Breakfast: Christmas Cracker. (R) 12.00
ABC News At Noon. 12.30 MOVIE: A Boy
Called Christmas. (2021, PG, R) 2.05 MOVIE: A Christmas Carol. (1938, G) 3.15 A (Very) Musical Christmas. (R) 4.45 Bluey. (R) 4.55 Classic Choir: The Christmas Card. (R) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6.00 Royal Carols: Together At Christmas. Concert from Westminster Abbey.
7.00 ABC National News. Coverage of news, sport and weather.
7.30 To Be Advised.
7.40 The Royal Variety Performance. Hosted by Amanda Holden and Alan Carr.
9.40 Would I Lie To You? At Christmas. (R) Celebrity guests include Victoria Coren Mitchell, Naga Munchetty, Alex Brooker and Melvyn Hayes.
10.10 Adam Hills: The Last Leg. (Final, R) UK-based panel show.
10.55 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R)
11.25 Summer Love. (Mdls, R)
12.25 Long Lost Family. (PG, R)
1.10 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
3.30 Christmas Cabaret. (Ml, R)
4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R)
6am Morning Programs. 2.00 The Point: Road To Referendum History Bites. (R) 2.05
Tradfest: The Dublin Castle Sessions. 2.35 Such Was Life. (R) 2.45 Plat Du Tour. (R)
2.55 The Cook Up. (PG, R) 3.25 Lapland: The Ultimate Winter Wonderland. (PG, R) 4.15 Copenhagen: Europe’s Greatest Christmas Market. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) Presented by Marc Fennell.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 No Hamburg, No Beatles. (Mdns) The story of The Beatles.
8.30 Rock Legends: ABBA. (R) Takes a look at the Swedish supergroup ABBA, including music videos, interviews and concert footage.
9.30 The Night Manager. (R) On the Mediterranean island of Mallorca, Roper’s life of luxury and calm is shattered.
10.35 Paul Newman: Always On The Move. (Malv, R)
11.35 Maxima. (Mav)
12.35 Pagan Peak. (MA15+a)
3.20 Legacy List With Matt Paxton. (PG, R) 4.25 Bamay. (R) 4.55 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6am WorldWatch.
6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Carols In The Domain. (PG, R) 9.30 Alinta Energy Christmas Pageant. (PG) 10.30 Mayor’s Christmas Carols. (PG, R) 11.30 St John Ambulance Carols By Candlelight. (PG, R) 2.00 Christmas With The Salvos. (PG, R) 2.30 MOVIE: A Christmas Number One. (2021, PGalsv, R) Freida Pinto, Iwan Rheon, Helena Zengel. 5.00 The Chase Australia.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 The Force: Behind The Line. (PG, R) A team of motorcycle police rides from Sydney to Inverell for a high visibility operation.
7.30 MOVIE: Love Actually.
(2003, Mlns, R) Explores a series of interlocking vignettes about love and romance in Britain in the weeks before Christmas. Hugh Grant, Alan Rickman, Keira Knightley.
10.15 MOVIE: Last Christmas. (2019, PGals, R) An aspiring singer gains a new perspective when she meets a young man. Emilia Clarke, Henry Golding.
12.30 Stan Lee’s Lucky Man. (MA15+av) A property developer is murdered.
2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. News and current affairs.
5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.
7TWO (72) SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 6pm Kangaroo Beach. 6.15 Bluey. 6.30 Thomas. 6.40 Paddington. 7.00 Fireman Sam. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 MOVIE: Scoob! (2020, PG) 9.10 Wallace And Gromit: A Matter Of Loaf And Death. 9.40 Wallace And Gromit: A Grand Day Out. 10.00 Horrible Histories. 10.30 Mythbusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 10.55 Late Programs.
10.00 Celebrity Mastermind. 3.25pm Bamay. 3.45 WorldWatch. 5.40 Joy Of Painting. 6.10 Travel Man: Rebel Wilson In Florence. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 MOVIE: The Running Man. (1987, MA15+) 10.20 MOVIE: Constantine. (2005, MA15+) 12.30am Letterkenny. 1.55 The Dangerous Rise Of Andrew Tate. 2.50 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.
MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 10.50 Marni. 1.30pm Piri’s Tiki Tour. 2.00 First People’s Kitchen. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Waabiny Time. 3.25 Little J And Big Cuz. 3.35
NINE (8, 9)
6.00 National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant. 8.00 Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols. 10.00 WIN Symphony Orchestra Special. (R) 11.00 Christmas With Delta. (R) 1.00 Carols By Candlelight. (PG, R)
4.00 MOVIE: Blizzard. (2003, G, R) A young ice skater befriends a reindeer. Jennifer Pisana.
6.00 9News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 MOVIE: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. (1989, Ml, R) A man tries to create a fun-filled Christmas. Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo.
9.30 MOVIE: National Lampoon’s Vacation. (1983, Mdl, R) A Chicago family encounters an endless series of disasters during their annual cross-country road trip. Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo.
11.30 The King’s Christmas Message.
11.40 MOVIE: The Jazz Singer. (1980, G, R) Neil Diamond.
1.35 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
2.30 Global Shop. (R)
3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)
4.30 A Current Affair. (R)
5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
9GEM (81, 92)
6am Shopping. 6.30 Escape To The Country. 7.30 Harry’s Practice. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 Left Off The Map. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 TBA. 2.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 3.30 Left Off The Map. 4.00 Christmas With The Salvos. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Heartbeat. 8.45 The Inspector Lynley Mysteries. 10.45 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs.
(74)
9GO! (82, 93) 6am Walk With Me. Continued. (2017, PG) 6.45 The Secret Garden. (2020, PG) 8.40 Finding Graceland. (1998, PG) 10.30 Destination Wedding. (2018, M) 12.05pm I Love You Too. (2010) 2.05 Thunderbirds Are GO. (1966, PG) 3.45 Phar Lap. (1983) 5.55 Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. (1968, PG) 8.30 Heartbreak Kid. (1993) 10.20 The Way Way
ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. 12.45pm MOVIE: Alice-Miranda: A Royal Christmas Ball. (2021, C) 2.15 MOVIE: Penguins Of Madagascar. (2014) 4.00 The Nanny: Oy To The World. 4.30 The Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 I Dream Of Jeannie. 6.00 The Golden Girls. 6.30 The Nanny. 7.30 MOVIE: A Savage Christmas. (2023, M) 9.30 MOVIE: Christmess. (2023, M) 11.30 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 10.00 Storage Wars. 10.30 American Resto. 11.00 American Pickers. Noon Pawn Stars. 1.00 Outback Truckers. 3.00 Billy The Exterminator. 3.30 Barrett-Jackson: Revved Up. 4.30 Storage Wars. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.30 Highway Patrol. 8.30 The Force: Behind The Line. 9.30 World’s Wildest Police Videos. 10.30 World’s Scariest Police Stings. 11.30 Late Programs.
Thursday, December 26
Tracy: A Force Of Nature. (R) 12.00 News. 1.00 The Royal Variety Performance. (R) 3.00 A Bite To Eat. (R) 3.25 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 4.15 Grand Designs: House Of The Year. (R) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6am Morning Programs. 11.10 Kew Gardens: Season By Season. (R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Tradfest: The Dublin Castle Sessions. 2.30 Language Of Light. 3.00 French Atlantic. (R) 3.30 The Cook Up. (R) 4.00 The Lakes With Simon Reeve. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice.
6.25 Hard Quiz Kids. (R)
Midnight Oil: The Hardest Line. (Ml, R) 11.45 Grand Designs: House Of The Year. (R)
12.30 Long Lost Family. (PG, R)
1.20 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
3.40 Ho Ho Ho! Telling Christmas Tales. (PG, R)
4.30 Gardening Australia. (R)
5.30 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (PG, R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PG) Ernie Dingo cruises WA’s Coral Bay coast.
8.30 The Emerald Isles With Ardal O’Hanlon. (PGa, R) Irish comedian and actor Ardal O’Hanlon explores the islands off the coast of Ireland.
9.30 Daddy Issues. (Mls) Malcolm finds love with a woman online.
10.30 Billy Joel: Live At Yankee Stadium. (PG, R)
12.05 DNA. (Mav)
1.00 Blackout: Tomorrow Is Too Late. (Mlnv, R) 1.55 Miniseries: The Night Logan Woke Up.
(MA15+dv, R) 4.10 Make Me A Dealer. (R) 5.00
NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 Test Cricket: Pre-Game Show. 9.30 Cricket. Fourth Test. Australia v India. Day 1. Morning session. 11.30 Test Cricket: The Lunch Break. 12.10 Cricket. Fourth Test. Australia v India. Day 1. Afternoon session. 2.10 Test Cricket: Tea Break. 2.30 Cricket. Fourth Test. Australia v India. Day 1. Late afternoon session. From the MCG. 5.00 The Chase Australia.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 11. Sydney Sixers v Melbourne Stars. From the SCG. 8.10 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 12. Perth Scorchers v Brisbane Heat. From Optus Stadium, Perth. 11.30 Why Ships Crash. (PGa, R) Explores the incident involving the container ship EverGiventhat blocked the Suez Canal in 2021. 12.45 Criminal Confessions: The Worst Betrayal. (MA15+av, R) A woman is found dead in her backyard. 2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. News and current affairs. 5.00 Sunrise 5am News. The latest news, sport and weather. 5.30 Sunrise.
7TWO (72) SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 4.55pm Bluey. 5.00 Peppa Pig. 5.10 Kangaroo Beach. 5.35 Peter Rabbit. 5.45 Kiri And Lou. 5.55 Octonauts. 6.05 Kangaroo Beach. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Zog. 6.55 Zog And The Flying Doctors. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 MOVIE: Pokémon Detective Pikachu. (2019, PG) 9.20 Secrets Of The Zoo. 10.00 Doctor Who. 10.50 Late Programs.
6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra Summer. (PG) 11.30 Sailing. Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. 1.00 Cross Court. (R) 1.30 Find My Beach House Australia. (R) 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00
6.00 9News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Great Getaways. (PG) The team meanders along the Mekong.
8.30 Cyclone Tracy: 50 Years On: The Unsilent Night/After The Dawn. (PGa) Takes a look at Cyclone Tracy, a destructive event that struck on Christmas Day in 1974.
10.45 Captivated. (Malsv)
11.40 Resident Alien. (Malv)
12.30 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
1.20 Innovation Nation. (R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
2.30 Global Shop. (R)
3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News.
5.30 Today.
9GEM (81, 92)
6.00 The Talk. (PGa) 7.00 Jamie: Together At Christmas. (R)
6.00 MOVIE: School Of Rock. (2003, PGl, R) A down-and-out rock guitarist takes a job as a substitute teacher at a prestigious primary school. Jack Black, Joan Cusack, Mike White. 8.30 MOVIE: The Truman Show. (1998, PGla, R) A man living in an idyllic seaside community is unaware that his whole life is being broadcast on TV, with his home town a giant set and everyone around him an actor going by a script. Jim Carrey, Laura Linney, Ed Harris. 10.30 The Graham Norton Show. (Mdl, R) Guests include Sir Patrick Stewart, Ralph Fiennes, Layton Williams, Bella Ramsay and Dame Joan Collins. 12.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) Hosted by Stephen Colbert. 1.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings. Morning news and talk show.
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Contestants compete in a high-stakes game where they must beat The Banker to win a cash prize. 6.30 Dog House Australia: Tails Of Redemption. (PGa, R) Revisits some of the people and pooches who got a second chance at life and love on the show. 7.30 MOVIE: Mission: Impossible –Fallout. (2018, Mlv, R) A secret agent must prevent disaster when stolen plutonium falls into the hands of an arms dealer. Tom Cruise, Henry Cavill, Rebecca Ferguson. 10.25 MOVIE: The Incredible Hulk. (2008, Mv, R) A scientist transforms into a giant monster. Edward Norton, Liv Tyler. 12.40 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) Hosted by Stephen Colbert. 1.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.
Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 Holy Marvels With Dennis Quaid. 10.05 Cars That Built The World. 10.55 Question Team. 11.45 Late Programs. 6am Shopping. 6.30 Escape To The Country. 7.30 Harry’s Practice. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 Left Off The Map. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 Harry’s Practice. 2.30 Mt Hutt Rescue. 3.30 Left Off The Map. 4.00 Animal Rescue. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Father Brown. 8.30 Murdoch Mysteries. 11.30 Late Programs. 6am Gideon’s Way. 7.00 Creflo. 7.30 Skippy. 8.00 TV Shop. 10.30 Pointless. 11.30 My Favorite Martian. Noon Days Of Our Lives. 12.55 The Young And The Restless. 1.50 To The Manor Born. 3.00 Antiques Roadshow. 3.30 MOVIE: The Halfway House. (1944, PG) 5.30 The Travelling Auctioneers. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 Keeping Up Appearances. 8.40 The ’80s Top Ten. 9.40 Poirot. 11.40 Late Programs.
ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. 12.10pm MOVIE: In The Heights. (2021, PG) 3.00 The Golden Girls. 3.30 The Nanny. 4.30 The Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 I Dream Of Jeannie. 6.00 The Golden Girls. 6.30 The Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: The Vow. (2012, PG) 10.35 Seinfeld. 11.35 The O.C. 12.30am The Nanny. 1.30 Life After Lockup. 3.00 Teen Titans Go! 3.30 Beyblade X. 4.00 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs.
PUZZLES
ACROSS
1 Rule (3)
3 Request form (11)
9 Determination (7)
10 Bestowed (7)
11 Negatively charged subatomic particle (8)
12 Reddish metal (6)
14 Tavern (3)
15 Means (11)
17 Regions (11)
19 Possess (3)
20 Eight-legged animal (6)
21 Resonant (8)
24 Realm of an independent Islamic chieftain (7)
25 Grain from cassava (7)
26 Leader of a cause (11)
27 Prosecute (3) DOWN
1 Thief (9)
2 Cowboy literary genre (7)
3 Assign (5)
4 Extraordinary thing (10)
5 Formerly Persia (4)
6 Comparative conclusions (9)
7 Thoroughgoing, exhaustive (2,5)
8 Lowest point (5)
13 Rotorcraft (10)
15 Suppress (9)
16 Painting of the countryside (9)
18 Wetter in terms of weather (7)
19 Redolent (7)
20 Sugary (5)
22 Of equal value (2,3)
23 To dispense, to – out (4)
in “s”.
1 Riga is the capital of which country?
2 Actor Ryan Reynolds (pictured) is co-owner of which UK soccer team?
3 Which film won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2001?
4 Where in the human body does carpal tunnel occur?
5 How many times was England's King Henry VIII married? 6 In chess, how many different game pieces are there?
7 Which Brontë sister wrote the 1847 novel AgnesGrey?
8 And under what pseudonym was it published?
9 In what century was Genghis Khan born?
10 Which Chinese city is situated at the mouth of the Yangtze River?
Make it safer
Given that there has been so much discussion about e-bicycles, e-scooters and the problems associated with these devices, it’s surprising that there’s been little talk of the significant role they could play in easing traffic congestion, an ongoing bugbear for residents and visitors alike. The problem in Noosa though is when it comes to suitable infrastructure for cycling and scooting, we’re sadly lacking.
There is a set of international best practices for providing such infrastructure. One of these is dedicated funding – 20 per cent of the overall transport budget is the ideal, rather than the tiny fraction which is the case here. Further, we do have a Cycling and Walking Strategy, but there’s no sense of urgency which the present situation demands. The current problems with e-bike/ scooter use indicate that there’s every reason to implement the strategy sooner rather than later.
There is enormous potential for many of us to travel by e-bicycles and scooters, reducing congestion and emissions, easing cost of living pressures, and making us healthier. We shouldn’t allow a small number of irresponsible louts to demonise their use. Education and enforcement to deal with dangerous and illegal practices are necessary but ultimately we need the infrastructure to make them a safe and convenient travel option for young and old alike.
John Burrows, Lake Macdonald
Asbestos fear
On Monday 2 December the environmental consultant employed by Noosa Council to investigate contamination, and oversee the proposed remediation of 62 Lake MacDonald Drive, met residents for a frank discussion about the relative benefits of removal vs retention of the asbestos and heavy metal contaminants at the site.
Unfortunately, during extensive questioning, the consultant was unable to give residents satisfactory assurance it would be totally safe for the deforestation of 2200 pine trees growing in landfill and contamination removal to go ahead. This is particularly worrying for residents bordering the site.
Not only will workers on site have to be fully protected against contaminated dust etc. with masks, overalls, respirators etc during the remediation process but also workers have the opportunity for immediate decontamination, should any problem arise, as they are fitted with personal dust monitoring devices. Residents (including children) living literally over the fence will not be offered this safety precaution. Dust monitoring reports will be after the fact for residents as samples are sent to laboratories for testing.
At the close of the meeting those living close to 62 Lake Macdonald Dr were left feeling that many concerns that were raised were left unresolved with respect to both their physical and mental health should the proposed Noosa Council development occur.
Although a comprehensive alternative residents’ proposal was presented to council at a meeting on 30 September, addressing a number of these issues, and incorporating beneficial outcomes to both council and the wider community of Cooroy, the Noosa Shire Council chose not to accept or adopt most of this proposal. Instead, Noosa Council seems totally focused on clear felling almost the entire site and disturbing extremely hazardous material that has laid untouched for decades and which we have confirmed could technically be left in place under a management plan.
Council assures residents they are listening but, ultimately, community members feel that some of their council have not heard their extremely valid concerns.
Members, Cooroy Residents Steering Committee
Funding Tourism Noosa
These are the views of a concerned local resident on the way in which tourism in Noosa is managed. It is being distributed to all local councillors, the CEO and a number of relevant social media sites. A way is suggested to break the deadlock between tourism industry interests and residents’ interests over the way in which tourism in Noosa is managed – a subject presently being widely debated. Firstly, it must be stated clearly that Noosa is not primarily a tourist town – it has been, and mostly still is, a lovely place to live work and play for families, businesses and retirees. It is not necessary to go into the detailed history of how Noosa came to be that way except to say that it came about partly because developers and other businesses were thwarted in their efforts to make Noosa another Maroochydore. The visionary culture that marked those early days has been largely maintained with few exceptions. Unfortunately,
LENSCAPE
Santa took time out from his busy schedule for a dip and stroll along Noosa boardwalk last week. (Rob Maccoll) If you have a Lenscape please email it to newsdesk@noosatoday.com.au
Joy Paul snapped a photo of this wallaby waiting at a Tewantin bus stop last weekend. Must known the free buses have started for the holidays.
one of those exceptions was for Noosa Council (NC) to provide funding for the tourist industry which, at that time, needed seasonal support. For many years that funding came from tourist related business rates, collected by NC and passed on to an independent body, Tourism Noosa (TN).
Every town with a tourist industry needs some system in place to promote and manage tourism. The present system in Noosa has worked reasonably well for many years and has become built in to our local government. However, times change, new problems arise, and there has been some criticism of the way in which TN operates and spends the funds passed on from NC. Overtourism has affected Noosa particularly badly resulting in significant loss of amenity for local residents and it could be argued that any activity which promotes tourism is contributing to that decline.
Overtourism worldwide has resulted in conflict between local residents and the tourism industry. Those conflicts of interest have been handled in different ways by regional and local governments elsewhere with some success. NC involvement in the tourism industry goes back a long way, most recently through the Sustainable Tourism Stakeholder Reference Group (STSRG). That involvement has always failed to produce good outcomes for residents because of the inherent conflict of interests. NC has for some time been trying to produce a Destination Management Plan (DMP) and that process is fundamentally flawed for the same reasons. The DMP has also failed to produce any useful outcomes.
The funding for TN was recently changed from being only from tourism related business rates to general rates meaning that residents are now paying for TN activities, including marketing. That has two main consequences. Firstly, it means that residents are now paying for TN activities that are adversely affecting their quality of life. Secondly it means that the inherent conflict of interest between the tourism industry and residents’ interests has been internalised into NC proceedings. That means in turn that NC can never produce solutions to the problems raised by overtourism as NC is now directly funding tourism activities and trying at the same time to represent residents’ interests. These two distinct activities must be separately funded, residents’ interests by NC and tourism activities, including marketing, by the tourism industry.
NC, staff and councillors, now needs to face up to this fundamental flaw in its current approach to tourism management and cease any direct involvement in this local industry. That doesn’t mean they lose control of the situation merely that they can then concentrate on their main, and legal, obligation – that is to represent the residents’ interests.
The fundamental question facing councillors is – should the residents and other ratepayers of Noosa fund the marketing of one local industry and not any of the others? Tourism isn’t even the biggest local industry. The answer is obvious, particularly as that industry is hellbent on reducing the quality of life for residents. TN even tried to influence the result of the recent local elections, behaviour totally out of place from a mainly ratepayer funded organisation.
The only course of action for NC staff and councillors is to remember that their primary duty is to the residents and, in June 2025, stop funding the tourist industry in Noosa with ratepayers’ money. There is no alternative. Joint ventures between NC and TN, like STSRG and DMP, will never achieve anything because of the inherent conflicts. Useful proposals, like those put forward by the NPA, will never be actioned. NC councillors and staff should not fear loss of control - NC control of the tourism industry will be the same as for other industries, through local rules and regulations.
Councillors should not consider reduced funding, extension of the contract or any other fudge which will fail to recognise the underlying conflict of interest issues. Marketing tourism in Noosa is the responsibility of the related businesses not NC. Those businesses may wish to have TN do their marketing – that will be their decision. The decision to defund TN is long overdue. This decision, that is to discontinue any form of financial contract with TN, is of great importance to the residents and other ratepayers of Noosa and should be made by democratically elected councillors in full public session, not ceded to the CEO.
As for the Destination Management Plan –that’s simple. Noosa Council’s Destination Management plan will be to defund TN and hand back to TN responsibility for all marketing issues relating to tourism in Noosa. The Plan will include a requirement that the tourist industry complies with any local rules or other Council regulatory measures considered necessary to counteract the adverse effects of overtourism and inappropriate TN proposals. Many such measures have been proposed in the past and have mostly been ignored.
One final question. If TN ceased to exist tomorrow, what would change?
John
Spencer, Noosa Heads
How frank is Frank?
“Say what you mean and mean what you say” our Mayor lectured fellow councillors at the special meeting to endorse Plan amendments.
It was a statement freighted with meaning for residents who voted for councillors on the basis of STA electoral commitments.
Candidate Wilkie: “If elected, I will ensure there is a review of the local law to ensure it works as intended. This will involve a look at how these sections (4 and 6 of the local law) have been applied in specific cases.”
And, in a Facebook post to a badly affected resident: this is “exactly the sort of incident to be examined as part of the proposed review”.
Mayor Wilkie, residents living with STA took you at your word. We voted for a review of the intent and operation of the local law with particular regard to the amenity provisions of S4 and 6. We voted for examination of individual cases. What is being delivered? A slide show for stakeholders and a survey. Whilst this internal review may administratively assist the STA Unit, it fails to deliver the vital promises to voters - investigation of intent and application of the local law, and examination of individual case studies.
Clrs Wegener and Wilson committed to ensuring S4 and 6 of the local law were fully implemented. I checked with staff following Mayor Wilkie’s recent Soapbox. How many times has S4 or 6 been used to deny or suspend registration, particularly in response to poor performance? Answer: nil.
I endorse Mayor Wilkie’s sentiment. Say what you mean, mean what you say. You said the words Clrs. You made the commitments. Residents voted for you on the basis of those commitments. Please show us you meant what you said. Please deliver electoral commitments as promised.
Julia Craddock, Sunshine Beach
Do we need nuclear?
I was pleased to read a letter in your column regarding Peter Dutton’s answer to cheaper energy and Llew O’Brien’s slavish following, because I really don’t think Australians have enough information about it.
In Llew O’Brien’s Soapbox article he says “ the Albanese Government is putting all its eggs into the unreliable, expensive and environmentally destructive renewables basket”.
Does Llew O’Brien know anything about renewable energy? Using the sun, wind and water, (all natural resources), has to be a better option than spending billions on building nuclear power stations which produce a radioactive waste that’s virtually impossible to dispose of!
The LNP are just hanging on to the coal and gas industries, is it possible because they are funded by them? Have any of you heard of global
warming?
Anyway, it’s laughable considering that it won’t happen in the lifetime of any voters alive today, and with regard to expensive, the CSIRO has issued a report finding that nuclear would cost a hell of a lot more than renewables, so put that in your cooling tower!
Elaine Riding Eumundi
We now have costings from the coalition for their planned guaranteed supply of continuous power for Australia in all weathers.
You have to be a believer of Ripley’s Believe It Or Not to accept from whoever is in power and who gives the same guarantee that it’s not going to happen after the next election in 2025. Plus from promises now to the actual period it’s guaranteed to begin there are a countless number of incidents here and also overseas that can change any future plans.
Also promises from past government’s federal or state are often, once the time to implement them arrives the monetary position reliant on has changed and costlier ways to continue shelved for the next election, and the then chosen government scraps the project or takes up the reins and through the whole process uses political blame of the defeated Party in the next three-four years to justify their lack of producing the goods at an affordable cost.
There is no guarantee in today’s World that even tomorrow we can be reliant on to give us just the basic affordable standard of living we enjoyed 20 or even 10 years ago.
Our TVs and all types of the media show us more each day that to get back to some sort of resemblance of that which we once took for granted and went about our merry ways there is no hope of it returning confirmed by watching or reading about the current man’s and women’s inhumanity towards one another.
Our problem concerning power is not that from a power poles or a nuclear plant but with how we accept and deal with our new world governments. They will decide who and when switches on your light bulb and gas stove even how we run our own supply of nuclear plants. That is if we can afford to build them when the time comes.
Another Covid or similar and the world grinds to a halt.
The progress being made in space by Elon Musk now part of the United States goverment world power will have a big say in ours and the world’s future. Peaceful or not.
We have the resources but not the leaders in today’s world.
We or they have forgotten how to sing
Never Let A Chance Go By.
Ernest Wright, Tewantin
Deep Breath
I grew up in the 1950s when everything American was viewed with awe and we dreamed of visiting Disneyland after watching the Micky Mouse Club. Today, fawning leaders, political apparatchiks, and commentators are mesmerised into unquestioning adoption of Trump policies and vendettas as a recipe for electoral success.
Let’s take a deep breath before we drown in a new political correctness based on the bully-boy tactics of Australianised Trumpism destroying our norms of civil behaviour and dividing us with culture wars.
Do we really want to become a defacto US state along with Canada by casting aside our traditional Australian values of hard-won independence, a fair go, and providing a hand-up for those doing it tough for cynical short-term political gain?
The 2024 World Happiness Report lists us at number 10 and the USA plummeting to 23rd. Perhaps Donald Trump and his coterie of insiders, smarmy billionaires, and sycophants reckon they have the magic formula to drag Americans out of their misery.
By kowtowing to their self-serving philosophies, we risk mimicking the nightmare that exists for ordinary Americans when they get sick, are not rich enough, the right colour, political persuasion, religion, or race.
On New Year’s Day 1901, the Commonwealth of Australia was launched because our ancestors envisioned an amazing new nation where the natural wealth was held in common, hard work and enterprise rewarded underpinned by safety nets for those who fell through the cracks in the wide brown land.
Let’s take a deep breath as we enter 2025 and discuss freely the type of Australia we want not imposed by those with self-serving foreign influences running roughshod over us.
Garry Reynolds, Peregian Springs
WHAT’S ON AT THE TEWANTIN NOOSA RSL
BISTRO STAGE- 8pm FRIDAY 20th DECEMBER
BISTRO STAGE- 8pm FRIDAY 27th DECEMBER
BISTRO STAGE- 8pm SATURDAY 21st DECEMBER BISTRO STAGE - 12pm SUNDAY 22nd DECEMBER
BISTRO STAGE- 8pm SATURDAY 28th DECEMBER
AROUND THE CLUB
BISTRO STAGE - 12pm SUNDAY 29th DECEMBER
Chorale’s Christmas cracker
By Jim Fagan
Thirty years ago on Sunday, December 11, 1994, Noosa Chorale thrilled its first audience with Handel’s “Messiah”-and last weekend (almost to the day) it celebrated the anniversary of its remarkable history of entertaining Noosa with a duo of performances-- “Peace and Joy.”
And what a Christmas stocking filled with pure enjoyment the concerts were.
The J was decorated with stars, doves and candles, the choir sang festive songs and carols from Norway, Sweden, the U.S. the U.K. plus other parts of globe and the enthusiastic audience loved the chance to sing-along with traditional favourites like “Good King Wenceslas” and “O Come All Ye Faithful.”
For two people among them, Gail Spira, of Noosa Springs, and Joan Murray, of Noosaville it was a particularly important and moving moment.
Gail played violin at the “Messiah” concert with the Noosa Musicians Chamber Orchestra which had just been formed by her late husband and foundation conductor of the Chorale, Leonard Spira.
She then decided she would like to “have a sing” and today is still a member. She thought the choir’s singing was “beautiful shown by the singers’ terrific relationship with the conductor. Something Leonard liked to do.”
Joan is also an active member of the Chorale. She said: “Wonderful. One of the best concerts we’ve had. Each concert has been an improvement on what we started out to do and that is to have a darn good choir. And that’s what we’ve done.”
And it wasn’t all just set pieces from the choir. “Night of Silence” an improvisation of “Silent Night” was beautifully sung by soprano Fran Wilson and alto Debra Schneider with choir member, Pamela Turnbull, providing the piano accompaniment.
They later combined with Belinda Griffiths,
Susi Fox, Cal Webb with Olena Kruta playing piano with “The Work of Christmas” by Dan Forrest. Even conductor Kim Kirkman found the toetapping rhythm of one of the festive songs too much to resist and did a spirited, impromptu dance with one of the basses.
that so many of you have supported us and the artists. Wishing you all a gentle festive season. See you in 2025!
DANCING IN THE SHADOWS OF MOTOWN
Don’t miss this 10 Piece Powerhouse band featuring internationally acclaimed artists who faithfully recreate the dynamic live performances of many Motown legends.
ZEPPLIN - THE LIFE & TIMES OF LED ZEPPELIN
A monster of a show! 26 plus songs, narrated stories and video in one huge night of Led Zeppelin magic. With a 6 piece band. You wont want to miss if you love Led Zeppelin.
JIMEOIN - PANDEMONIUM
A night spent with this comedy legend is not only funny but full of handy tips. You’ll come out the other side having laughed yourself stupid and maybe with a life hack or two.
ANDREA KIRWIN SINGS TRACY CHAPMAN
Tracy is in a league of her own and continues to be one of the most respected artists in the Music Industry. Andrea and her band will sing unforgettable songs from Tracy's 8 albums.
1 February 7.30pm
He also combined with violinist Dan Williams, playing a medley for two violins. Later he said he was incredibly pleased with the choir’s performance. “I felt they really lifted for the occasion and filled The J with Christmas spirit.”
The Chorale’s next concert is The Armed Man
by Karl Jenkins in May and Kim said: “I’m very excited about it. Many people have asked me to perform this work and I’m really glad that Noosa Chorale has agreed to do it with me. I have heard so many great things about it and how moving it is. I can’t wait.”
Margie Lucas and Barb Johnstone.
Steven Atkins and Liza Park.
Lyn Haffenden and Craig Harris.
Gary Smith, Judy Davies and Graeme Pinniger. Jo Fagan and Rosie Howard.
Conductor Kim Kirkman has an impromptu dance with one of the basses. (Ann Milland and Carmel Young)
Classic tale on stage
This family show at Noosa Arts Theatre for all ages remains faithful to the Charles Dickens classic tale, A Christmas Carol.
It is the story of Ebenezer Scrooge who is visited by the three Spirits of Christmas, in a bid for him to change his miserly manner and reflect on the mistakes he’s made in his life and his lack of Christmas spirit.
These visits have a profound impact on Ebenezer and in a true happy ending he embraces
everything Christmas, much to the delight and surprise of his family and employees.
This thought-provoking show with a cast of all ages, has words and music that will appeal to all.
Adapted by Sue Sewell and directed by Harvey Wolfe with mentors Sue Clapham, Jane Rivers and Sue Sewell.
In the lead of Ebenezer Scrooge is the talented Robert Boesch. He is supported by Jim Crawford, Max Leo Worthington, Ashley O’Donovan ,
as well as newcomers Simon Birks and a cast of talented young performers. Musician Robyn Holliday joins the production on keyboards.
Bookings for this holiday, family show are now open on online at noosaartstheatre.org.au or call the Noosa Arts Theatre Box Office on: 07 5449 9343.
Dates: 3 to 19 January. Ideal Christmas gift or stocking filler.
Carol Cruise is back on and it’s this Saturday
Due to the wet weather last Saturday, the annual Carol Cruise presented by Reed & Co Estate Agents has been rescheduled to Saturday 21 December.
Get your boats ready to join in the fun and be part of the flotilla accompanying the beautifully decorated Noosa Ferry, MV Miss Tewantin, as she spreads holiday cheer along the river.
This event promises an unforgettable evening for locals and visitors alike, teaming up once again with the iconic Noosa Ferry, Oriana Choir, AV Partners and Sunshine Coast Youth Choir.
This year’s cruise will include stops at popular riverside parks, including Lions Park, Noosa Park West, The Sound Park, and the foreshore outside The Noosa Boathouse. As the M.V. Miss Tewantin glides along the river, a spectacular flotilla of watercrafts will accompany her, enjoying Christmas carols sung from the top of the ferry by the renowned Oriana Choir.
Audiences along the riverbanks can expect an enjoyable performance, as the choir brings festive classics to life. At each stop, the Sunshine Coast Youth Choir will continue the festivities, enhancing the joyful ambiance with their renditions of holiday favourites as the ferry motors onto the next stop.
Reed & Co. Estate Agents director and founder
Adrian Reed said, “The Carol Cruise has become a highlight of the holiday season in Noosa, it represents everything we love, which is bringing people together outdoors to celebrate the festive season, our lifestyle on the water and just sharing fabulous moments with family and friends.“
“We could not be prouder to present the Noosa community with this event once again to share this festive experience with you.”
With the river illuminated by festive lights and
Join the fun on the Noosa river foreshore at one of the four stops. (Supplied)
the sound of carols drifting through the air, Reed & Co’s Carol Cruise will once again capture the hearts of the community. This evening of melody and joy will create lasting memories with friends and family, lighting up the riverbanks with the true spirit of Christmas.
If you do not have a boat to follow along, please join in of the fun on the river foreshore at one of the four stops.
Stop 1. Noosa Lions Park at 4:30pm, Stop 2. Noosa Park West at 5pm, Stop 3. The Sound Park at 5:30pm or Stop 4. Noosa Boathouse at 6pm.
To find out more go to, reedandco.co/carolcruise2024/
12 Days of Christmas delights
The 12 Days of Christmas display at Noosa Civic is delighting young and old, with its magical moving puppetry and striking art gallery.
This unique depiction of the traditional Christmas Carol is the creation of local resident and professional puppeteer David Poulton.
Based on the French mechanical theatre principals of movement, the mesmerising scene was created in David’s Noosa studios, Promotions in Motion, by a dedicated team of artists, craftsmen, puppet makers, and animators with a passion for visual arts.
David has worked as a professional puppeteer since 1968, along with his wife Sally. David produced and directed over 20 theatrical productions including Blinky Bill, The Magic Pudding, Peter and the Wolf and Pinocchio, and has performed to over eight million people.
The 12 Days of Christmas display has added further festive cheer to Noosa Civic this year, located close to the traditional Santa grotto, it is providing a welcome distraction for the little ones and a moment of mindfulness for Christmas shoppers.
The display will be on show through to 3 January. Noosa Civic’s extended Christmas trading hours begin Monday 16 December. Santa Photography, Charity Gift Wrapping and the Sunnykids Gift Appeal continue through to Christmas Eve.
The 12 Days of Christmas display at Noosa Civic was created by local resident and professional puppeteer David Poulton. (Supplied)
Reed & Co. Estate Agents proudly presents their annual Carol Cruise.
The Cratchit family.
Scrooge and Bob Cratchit. (Supplied)
Now in its second year, the Pomona Christmas Night Market has shown it is a wonderful way for producers, artists and craftspeople to present their wares to residents and visitors alike. ERLE LEVEY was there to enjoy the way the community combined to support each other.
Night markets ring in cheer
What a gorgeous night at the Pomona Christmas Night Market. It was a chance for Pomona and district producers and artisans to present their talents in a relaxed environment.
It was also a great opportunity for the community to come together and choose produce and gifts for Christmas, and support locals at the same time.
In its second year, the Pomona and District Chamber of Commerce event saw the main street filled with stall holders, musicians, food tastings and cooking demonstrations.
Some were from last year, who were happy to come back for the chance to show what they had produced, but also to catch up with old acquaintances as well as new faces.
The night market utilises local shopkeepers and stalls for food, rather than food vans from out of the area.
Blaze the Koala was there with the Pomona Fire Service, and local service groups were represented, including Pomona Mens Shed members who had built a beautiful child-size kitchen that proved popular with those passing by.
The Cooroy/Pomona Lions Club were cooking up a treat with a sausage sizzle in Joe Bazzo Park, and a Tradie Alley was set up for all tradies to promote their business.
Food and cooking demonstrations are always popular, with Slow Food patron chef Matt Golinski in fine form showing how to make a delicious chicken thai salad using local ingredients.
Children and adults alike enjoyed the face painting. Food shops remained open and were a hit into the night - gelato, pizza, cakes, Slow Food’s Pomona’s Little Pantry and Pomona Village Kitchen, and more.
The Pomona Distillery was beautifully lit up for Christmas, and it was an opportune time for the neighbouring Pomona Providore to open its doors with beautifully-presented smoked and cured meats, preserves and more - served up by executive chef Gene Quinlan.
Slow Food Noosa partnered the event, with Andy Coates and Nicola Cleaver from Amrita Park Meadery offering samples of mead, while Tania Wiesmayr-Freeman and Andrew Freeman
It’s to showcase the Pomona hinterland and the produce available in the 4568 postcode,”
of The Fermentier educated locals and shared delicious fermented goods to ensure a healthy gut for Christmas.
Traecy Hinner of Noosa Black Coffee was on hand with Davidson plum chilli jam served with a triple brie cheese, along with Kim Maddison of Burrawing Botanicals with her essential oil products, and Judy Scrase of Hello Honey, provider of natural honey and beeswax beauty products.
Pomona stall-holder Grace Sempreboni, of Crystal Wrapped Jewellery, perhaps best summed it up.
Grace makes pendants and bracelets with crystal and pure copper, gemstones and seeded pearls
She is starting to be a regular at Gympie’s markets at the showgrounds and the Duckponds, and considers these community events
to be a great idea.
They are affordable for producers to set up their stalls, and give good exposure for the craftspeople.
“I was thrilled at last year’s night market,’’ Grace said.
“I’d just started and was blown away by the comments I was getting, praising the quality and the amount of product that I had.
“If every stall-holder can then advertise that they will be in attendance at these events, it makes it better for everybody.’’
Glenn Murdoch and Natalie Wheeler of Kandanga Creek Christmas Trees truly added the festive flavour to the night.
“It is our first time,’’ Natalie said. “We are selling little potted Christmas trees but in the next year or two we will be able to sell farm-cut trees as well.
Chef Matt Golinski cooks up a Thai chicken salad, using local ingredients. (448796)
Blaze the Koala and the Pomona Fire Service. (448796)
Pomona Hardware in the heart of town. (448796)
“People buy the potted trees here and take them home to enjoy.
“We are dairy farmers at Kandanga Creek and have planted thousands of trees.’’
The trees are radiata pine, Glenn said, and it is just a matter of looking after them and pruning them into the shape you want.
“We are doing farmgate sales, but will also be setting up at Tiaro Christmas Cottage.’’ Pomona Men’s Shed were there in force, as team-member Rudy Meyer said: “We’ve been working through the year on woodwork, pottery and things we like or are good at.
“There was a stall last year. We are community based - 90 percent of what we do is fixing stuff for people.
“The blokes come along and make these things up - everyone is different in terms of personality and skills.
“They make a great idea for Christmas gifts.
“It’s a great outlet for the men’s shed and people to get gifts.
“It puts us out there a bit more.’’ Just along Reserve Street, we came across James Moore at the Pomona Providore.
The store, next to Pomona Distillary, was filled with people.
I asked James how long had he been doing business.
“About 30 minutes,’’ came the answer. “We opened the door at 4pm.
“It’s to showcase the Pomona hinterland and the produce available in the 4568 postcode,
“There is a lot of smoked meats and products from the distillery. It’s done on-site.
“It’s a way to give people the opportunity to take the effort out of cooking at home.
“The family live here…have grown up here and just love everything available in this postcode.’’
James is from Surrey, UK, and has been in Australia 20 years.
“I’ve always worked in hospitality and came here five years ago to help open the distillery.
“I fell in love with the area. I’ve never lived anywhere like it.’’
That’s quite a statement considering the appeal of Surrey.
“This is a great opportunity for people. They are saying how wonderful it looks and what a great idea.’’
Quite a landmark in Pomona is Serge’s Pizza. From France originally, Serge Peeters has been in business in Pomona for 14 years.
Before that he was in the alpine region of Jindabyne for 10 years, and then at a coffee shop in Bondi.
He came to Australia in 1978 from Paris, and people couldn’t pronounce his name correctly.
It is Serge, with a definite J sound, not like the surge of surf as in Sergio.
“Pomona has been very good to me.
“It’s a nice town - big enough yet far enough away from Noosa when it’s busy.
“I’ve lived in Paris, New York, Melbourne and Sydney … it’s all good when you’re young.’’
So why have you settled on pizza?
“I’ve been in food all my life. I wanted a business.
“I had a coffee shop in Bondi and Jindabyne, and a pub in Melbourne … in Brighton.
“In Europe, the pizza is cheese and herbs … and tomatoes.
“Three things. It’s simple. Even in Napoli, where they roll them up like kebabs.
“If you put pineapple on a pizza in Italy, they kill you,’’ he laughed.
Alison Peak of Your Infinite Serenity said street markets made it easier for craftspeople to compete against the big stores.
Alison attended Pomona last year ere last year and was pleased with the numbers this year.
“It’s a good way to access the community at this time of year.
“People are willing to shop locally.’’
Gayle Sailaway of Sailaway Art moved to Pomona one year and six months ago.
Gayle and her daughter paint cards, notepads and generally pictures with natural themes such as Australian birdlife or creatures found in the ocean.
“I love Christmas,’’ Gayle said. “Seeing people, saying hello, and you get the feedback.
“This is a family community ... that’s what it’s all about.’’
We found Cheryl Kadinsky of Noosa Shire Museum with a variety of hand-knitted teapot cosies.
Cheryl, along with fellow volunteer Madonna, is trying to get the photographic collection at the museum in good order.
“There’s 6000 photographs and they need to be documented. We are recording the history of Noosa Shire … buildings, people and events.’’
Sixteen-year-old Taj Kliese of Kin Kin looked like someone out of Tolkien’s classic The Hobbit, with his cap and stall filled with hand-made candles and hiking sticks.
Taj makes everything himself and attends Pomona as well as Kin Kin markets.
He sources all the sticks locally, and loves meeting people at the markets.
Brett Brown of Lemon Myrtle Cooran likes being out in the community and getting known.
He attends markets at Pomona , as well as Peregian, Eumundi, Yandina and Kin Kin.
Amy Gibson and Danielle Podeu of Federal State School were dressed for Christmas in what was the first time the school was represented at Pomona.
They had rosewater and blueberry iced tea with fresh rose petals and mint; and elderflower sparkler with raspberries and dried oranges.
There were fresh flowers grown at the school, and gingerbread men.
Katrina Bragg of Kin Kin had tastings of her RaiCin, a raisin cinnamon spread that can be put onto toast to taste just like raisin toast. Otherwise mix it in with porridge, on a pastry scroll, or with cheese and crackers.
BrendanSmithofPomonaButcherwaspleased with the reaction to the nitrate-free and glutenfree ham he was sharing with people as a sample.
Traditionally smoked and cured, more than one ton of ham is sold in the Christmas period.
Brendan said the night market was good to get the customers involved, and bring more people into town
It certainly did. It was a great night and we all took home some wonderful local produce and craft to share on Christmas Day.
Well done Pomona. A great example of locals getting together and supporting each other to build a strong community spirit.
Events such as this highlight the benefits of supporting local business instead of on-line or international brands, as the return on money spent circulates so much more.
It makes you aware of how easy that sense of community can be lost for the sake of convenience.
Apart from the benefit of locally-made goods and locally-grown food, there is the ability to talk with the producers, the retailers, the cafe owners and restauranteurs.
These are the people who put in to support playgroups, sporting clubs, school activities, art and theatre groups, pony clubs show societies or the fire service.
It doesn’t take much to create a community and support it - just a bit of thought.
It was wonderful to see the Pomona and district community out and about supporting their local producers and artisans.
Chef Matt Golinski is always the source of interesting cooking ideas. (448796)
Scraping the honeycomb from the frames in order to spin it and let the honey flow out. (433282)
Serge Peeters of Serge’s Pizza ... serving Pomona for 14 years. (448796)
John Edwards and Barry Stewart of Cooroy/ Pomona Lions Club. (448796)
Pomona State School had plenty of crafts on offer. (448796)
Kim Maddison of Burrawing Botanicals, maker of essential oil products. (448796)
Brett Brown of Lemon Myrtle Cooran. (448796) Natalie Wheeler and Glenn Murdoch of Kandanga Creek Christmas Trees. (448796)
Gemma Tomkins of Olearia Botanica in Doonan. (448796)
Hwani Jang of Pomona Village Kitchen. (448796)
Music by Matilda. (448796)
The Pomona Providore team: Bianca Leek (assistant manager) Gene Quinlan (executive chef), James Moore (general manager) and Nat Haestier. (448796)
Festive with The Freddys
Catch local lads The Freddys over the festive season playing their own special brand of classic vintage rock.
The Freddys will be performing on Saturday 21 December at the Apollonian Hotel, Boreen Point from 5-8pm.
On Sunday 22 December you can catch then at the Marina Bar Noosaville from 4-7pm, and on Sunday 29 December they will perform at Alfresco’s Garden Cafe, 1381 Eumundi Noosa Rd, Eumundi from 12md-3pm.
Party on, dance on, or just listen and chill!
COMMUNITY UPDATES NOOSATODAY.COM.AU
From singing and bush care to service clubs and art, there is a wide variety of groups in Noosa.
ROVING RESTORERS
Join the Roving Restorers Noosa Chapter, at Marcus Beach, on Friday 20 December from 8.30am working alongside Peregian Beach Bushcare, planting trees and using best practice techniques to remove environmental weeds. Works undertaken will improve the biodiversity of the surrounding landscape.
Please contact Noosa Landcare Project Officer – Ered - ered.fox@noosalandcare.org for further details. Participants will be notified the day before the event of the exact location of the works.
LIONS CLUB OF NOOSA HEADS
Noosa Heads Lions Club is celebrating 50 years of “serving” the local community. So far this year we have donated over $25,000 to various charities. We are a small but very active group and would love to welcome new members. If you would like more information please email us noosaheadslions@ gmail.com or check us out on Facebook.
COMBINED PROBUS CLUB
Probus Clubs are designed for fun and friendship in retirement. If you are retired (or nearly) and are open to making new friends through a variety of activities such as discussion groups, country drives, lunches out, drinks by the Noosa River, theatre visits, mini golf and good conversation, then we want you to join us. Our membership is diverse and interesting, our members deriving from fascinating countries and employment.
We meet at 9.30am on the first Monday of the month, except January, at the Noosa Golf Club where we have entertaining and interesting guest speakers, followed by morning tea and friendly chat. Visit our website noosacombinedprobus. yolasite.com/ to see our monthly Bulletin, depicting our past and future activities. Contact cnp.secretary@gmail.com or phone Kathy 0416 155428
VOLUNTEER AT NOOSACARE
Do you have a kind heart and want to bring joy to seniors? Join NoosaCare’s volunteer team and make a meaningful difference in the lives of our residents. NoosaCare is a community-based, notfor-profit organisation with two locations: Carramar in Tewantin and Kabara in Cooroy. Our volunteers help enhance residents’ lives by assisting with activities and providing companionship. What you’ll do: Chat or play games with residents; Assist with recreational activities and events; Offer companionship and emotional support. We’re looking for caring, empathetic individuals with a desire to help. No experience is needed, and we provide a free police check. Email hr@noosacare. com.au to learn more and apply.
ARTS AND CRAFTS
Workshops:
• Learn to knit with Irene Baker-Finch: Wednesdays 1-3pm
• Expressive Drawing with Lizzie Connor: 6 weeks, starting Tuesday 4 February, 9am to 12pm
• Urban Spaces with Lizzie Connor - weekend April 12-13, 9am to 4pm
• Pen & Wash with Lizzie Connor - 4 weeks from Tuesday 6 May, 9am to 12pm.
• Noosa Shire Arts & Crafts Association is a centre for creativity, learning & friendship. New members welcome. Visit our Gift Shop. Disabledfriendly access.
Tel: 07 5474 1211; Visit noosaartsandcrafts.org.au VIEW CLUB
The Noosaville lunch time VIEW Club is a valued part of The Smith Family dedicated to supporting the education and wellbeing of disadvantaged Australian children. On the 2nd Thursday of each month this warm and welcoming women’s club gathers at a popular venue for our “Friendship Day” lunch and camaraderie. On the 4th Thursday of each month we have our club meeting at the Te-
wantin RSL at 11.30am with a guest speaker and update on our twelve Learning for Life students followed by lunch. For more information call Wendy Brooks on 0417 267 281.
NOOSA U3A FRIDAY TALKS
U3A Noosa Friday Talks are held at 1.30pm at U3A, 64 Poinciana Ave, Tewantin.
Full details available on U3A website u3anoosa. com.au/ or phone 5440 5500.
SUNSHINE SOCIAL CLUB
We meet for coffee 10am every Saturday at the Sunshine Beach Surf Club, where we plan our weekly lunches and picnics. Couples and singles most welcome. Please phone Noeline on 5474 5231 for details.
PROBUS CLUB OF NOOSA RIVER
Are you an active retiree? Are you interested in making new friends and starting new hobbies with like-minded people? The Probus Club of Noosa River offers fun and friendship as well as many activities including Craft, Book Club, Canasta, Dominoes, Golf, Mahjong, Coffee mornings, Lunch and Dinner outings, Scrabble, Creative writing, Ukulele, Wine appreciation, Theatre outings, Walking groups and Travel. The club meets at Noosa Lawns Club, 65 Hilton Terrace, Tewantin on the first Monday of each month except January with a starting time of 9am. If you are interested in learning more, please contact 0410 687 639.
BEETHOVEN, MOZART & CO
Last year we launched a New Circle inviting all Enthusiasts of Classical Music to experience their favourite programs on a Big Screen with a Fantastic Sound System in a great setting at the Noosa U3A each Wednesday 10am-12pm. Interested? Call Barry on 0478 837 708, who is looking forward to chatting with you or email barry.henze@gmail. com
VOLUNTEER AT THE MUSEUM
Join a vibrant community organisation working to preserve our local heritage. Our displays recreate the times of first-nations people and the pioneer settler lifestyle, early technology and tools, even vintage fire engines. We’re custodians of heritage photos and family histories, we do themed displays, live events, publications and presentations. We need people with a range of passions, including writing and promotion, information management, historical research, mechanical and general maintenance, administration and all-round people skills. Volunteering at the museum is a rewarding experience. For more information, see our website noosamuseum.org
PROBUS 2010
Noosa Probus 2010 is a great club for retired men and women who love going on bus trips, having coffee, lunches, dinners, weekly walks, yoga, theatre, garden outings and more. Meetings are held at Lawns (Tewantin Noosa Bowls Club) 65 Hilton Tce, Tewantin on the second Tuesday of the month at 9am. Enquiries Win 0481 397 272.
TEWANTIN NOOSA LIONS CLUB
Tewantin Noosa Lions Club are looking for additional volunteers to help with our many community events and fund raising activities. Not only is giving back to the community an enriching and rewarding experience. It’s also a great way to make new friends, network, learn new skills and knowledge. If you would like to learn more about us, contact Veronica via Email. Membership@tewantinnoosalions.org.au
VEGGIE VILLAGE
Veggie Village at Rufous St Peregian Beach is a community garden growing organic fruit, herbs and vegetables. Membership is open to anyone who wants to learn more about gardening, share their knowledge or just make some friends. Veggie Village has individual plots for rent plus communal plots that we look after and share. Contact us
Catch The Freddys over the festive season. (Supplied)
on info@veggievillage.org.au or visit veggievillage. org.au
SINGERS WANTED
We are a happy, friendly, vibrant choir, singing beautiful, joyful, easy to learn songs from around the world in a relaxed atmosphere. All levels of ability accepted and no auditions. We would especiallyliketowelcomesomemasculinesingers.Join us Tuesdays 3.30 till 5pm at the CWA hall, Eumundi. Call Joan for more information on 0419517869.
BOOMERANG BAGS NOOSA
Fabric donations always needed. Boomerang Bags are sewn from recycled fabric with the aim of reducing single use plastic bags and minimising landfill from discarded textiles. Any unwanted fabric, doona covers, sheets, denim, curtains or upholstery fabric can be dropped off at Wallace House (near the Noosa library) on a Monday or Wednesday morning or phone Ned on 0411 784 911.
ACTIVITY WITH PARKINSONS
The Parkinsons Activity Group, provides activities for Parkinsons sufferers, the activities range from Boxercise in the Box Office, 25 Project Avenue (0422 485 482) Georgina, Physio-led exercise (0490 444 255) Emily, Speech Therapy voice and choir (0400 037 901) Edwina. Call Ann for an info pamphlett on 0458 009 601. Parkinsons Group meets the third Friday of each month at Noosa Tewantin Bowls Club at 10.30am for information and lunch. You need to stay active and socialise to help deal with the symptoms.
FABULOUS
60S PLUS
We are a fun, friendly, seniors social group. We welcome couples and singles to join us for morning coffee every Tuesday at the Noosa Marina wine bar Tewantin, from 10am and every Thursday at the Boathouse on the Noosa River from 10 am. We also have a monthly program of lunches, dinners, picnics, walks and other fun activities. Contact Joan on 0419517869 for more details.
PHOTO CLUB
We meet on the second Monday of each month at Uniting Church Hall, 6 Grasstree Court Sunrise Beach at 7pm. The club comprises all levels of expertise form novice to professional. The night comprises a guest speaker, supper and our monthly critique of member’s work. Visitors welcome.
NATIONAL PARK VOLLIES
Join us at the Noosa National Park Visitor Information Centre as a volunteer. For many years, the Noosa Parks Association has managed the centre on behalf of QPWS, guiding and educating visitors about Noosa National Park, while offering refreshments and souvenirs. Proceeds allowed NPA to jointly fund the acquisition of the Yurol/Ringtail plantation forestry for conservation purposes. We offer a choice of 3 shifts: from 8:30am to 12:30pm, from 12:30pm to 4:30pm and from 10am to 2pm. Roles include leaders and helpers. Parking is available for volunteers who drive, and the centre operates 364 days a year, 7 days a week. If you would like to know more, please contact Dave at nnp@ noosaparks.org.au.
COMMUNITY GARDEN AT WALLACE
PARK
Spring is a great time to be in the Garden, and our Noosa Community Gardens are buzzing. Our Members all love working on our organic garden beds, tending to our edible plants. Club Gardening Hours are Fridays 7.30am to 10am and then we stay for a cuppa and chat.
For more info, call Erika on 0409 300 007.
BEEF AND BURGUNDY CLUB
Noosa Beefsteak and Burgundy club meet on the third Wednesday evening of the month at a different local restaurant for good food, wine and fellowship.Weinvitecouplesorsinglestojoinus.Further information contact John Dicker on 0414 323 266.
TEWANTIN NOOSA PROBUS CLUB
Retired or semi retired? Bored? Need to use your leadership skills? Our Probus Club will welcome you. We meet at 10am on the fourth Tuesday of the month at the Tewantin RSL. After a delicious morning tea, we have an interesting guest speaker followed by a short meeting and a game of trivia. Most members stay on for lunch. We have lots of weekly activities including Sunday lunches ranging from Pubs to Fine dining. We offer free lessons in Mah-Jong and Rummikub, theatre outings, trips away and lots of other fun activities. Visit probustewantinnoosa.au or phone Christine on 5442 7397.
FAMILY HISTORY
The Heritage Centre at 17 Emerald Street in Cooroy welcomes visitors to research family and local history. Volunteers are there to help. Access a wide range of resources including a library, computers, digital databases and subscriptions to MyHeritage, Ancestry.com, FindmyPast and more.
Open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays 9.30am-1pm Information ph. 07 3129 0356 or visit genealogy-noosa.org.au
MENS SHED
Want to join a group of like-minded men for mateship, camaraderie and networking? The Noosa Men’s Shed provides a venue for the men of Noosa to gather in an environment of traditional Australian mateship. It aims to advance the health, well being and social inclusion based on individual interests of the members. Apart from social interaction, support and companionship, the Shed offers facilities and support for many activities: woodwork, metalwork, gardening, arts studio, music, hobbies (leatherwork, technology, amateur radio), health and wellbeing, bee keeping, aquaponics and hydroponics. Membership is $120 per year and application forms are available from the Shed office on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8am to 11am at Rotary Lane off Wallum Lane, Noosa Springs.
NORTH TEWANTIN BUSHCARE
Join the North Tewantin Bush Care Group of local volunteers every first and third Sunday of the month from 7.30-9.30am. We weed and plant along the river. It is light work and a lot of fun. All equipment is provided and an excellent morning tea follows. Grab a hat and come along. Ring 0432 384 596.
Weekly Roster for Tewantin- Noosa Meals on Wheels beginning Monday 23 December.
Monday drivers: Tony, Darryl, Jim B, Geoff, Joy, Paul C, Simone, Antje, Eileen Kitchen: Janet, John
Tuesday drivers: Laguna, Lin, Darryl, Penny, Denise, Barani and Peter, Carlee, Simone, Cecily and Bill Kitchen: Chris, Ann
Wednesday drivers: PUBLIC HOLIDAY –Christmas Day
Thursday drivers: PUBLIC HOLIDAY –Boxing Day
You can also check the roster on mealsonwheels-tewantin-noosa.org.au
If you are unavailable or can do an extra run, please phone the kitchen on 5449 7659.
We are looking for drivers and kitchen volunteers.
Tourism Noosa celebrate
Tomo Akutsu and Ilona.
Joel McPherson.
Nadia and Geoffrey McCrohon.Andy and Gareth Duggan.
The newly formed Visitors Information Centre Choir performing a surprise flash mob.
David Greenwood.
Croquet club success
Cometh the year’s end, cometh the celebrations.
At their recently held AGM on 28 November, the members of the Noosa Croquet Club certainly had reason to celebrate a successful 2024.
Evidence abounded that, over the previous 12 months, the club had been true to both its vision and its mission as they appear in its strategic plan. The vision is to be recognised as a successful and reputable sport and recreational club that significantly contributes to community life on the Sunshine Coast.
A flourishing membership of some 75 playing members and a healthy bank balance to boot, both attest to the success and reputation of the club across the entire region. In fact, its enviable reputation extends across the entire nation. Evidence for this claim is provided by the feedback that was received from so many of the competitors and officials who were involved in the inter-state test matches of the National Golf Croquet Championships that the Noosa club co-hosted over five days in early September.
It’s worth mentioning in passing that so-called golf croquet is one of three different codes of the game. Ironically it bears little resemblance to the game of golf itself beyond the shared aim of hitting a ball with a stick (a mallet in croquet versus a club in golf) to reach and score at a specific target (running a hoop in croquet versus sinking a putt in golf). It is, of course, much more complicated than that not least because in golf croquet the essential hazard is not a bunker or a lake of water, but your competitors who have license to hit your ball out of the way with one of theirs. Croquet has been described as a mix between chess and billiards played on immaculately groomed grass lawns with a touch of golf and lawn bowls thrown in.
The complex challenge for any croquet club is well captured by the strategic mission of the Noosa club: to provide opportunities for players at all levels of skill, from beginners to experienced players, to enjoy the different codes of the game of croquet at a club which is renowned for the quality of its outstanding facilities and friendliness, support, and hospitality of its social environment.
Taken together, all of these elements represent what is perhaps best described as the club’s culture with prominence given to the concept of ‘duty of care’ for each member by all members. The aim for everyone is to feel that they are part of, and actively contribute to the culture of an inclusive community of people united in their love of the game of croquet, whether their primary motivation is to play socially or to compete in formal competitions and tournaments. Competitions are held within the club, including internal championships across three handicap divisions as well as in the inter-club league within the region, held also across three divisions.
In 2024 the Division one golf croquet club championship was won by Galina Makarova, the
second Division by Dan Stewart while the third Division champion was Richard Brown. In the interclub Sunshine Coast competition, the Noosa club was placed second in the low handicap division competing for the Pam Shepherd pennant and third in the Pat Habner plate competition for beginning players. Noosa were winners (for the second year in a row) of the Bill Bray Shield for intermediate handicap players.
While these results are tangible evidence of success in competitions over the year, playing host for six days to the National Golf Championship Tournament in particular, provided less obvious, but perhaps even more significant evidence of the success of the club through the strength of its culture. Mention has already been made of the compliments that were showered on the club for its role as one the Sunshine Coast’s co-hosts for the
Nationals. The successful organisation and conduct of that event at the Noosa club is a testament to the spirit of collaboration that marks its culture with approaching half of the entire memberships being actively engaged as volunteers across a host of duties during that esteemed tournament. By any relevant measure 2024 was a successful year for the Noosa Croquet Club and all indications are that 2025 will bring similar outcomes.
Noosa masters meet their match at Hervey Bay
By Brian Hoepper
In 2024 the annual Hervey Bay meet was again a highlight of Noosa Masters’ competitive calendar. But with an unexpected twist.
For a decade, Noosa has bemused and bewildered the host Hervey Bay club by always winning the champion’s trophy at their meet. In one year, a local wit even compared Noosa’s annual ‘raiders’ with history’s fearsome Vikings.
This year – at the trophy presentation ceremony – the Hervey Bay president’s opening words were ‘Noosa ... you have not won the trophy!’ He smiled cheekily, and the Noosa team responded with melodramatic gasps. Make no mistake. The Noosa team swam very well indeed, but not quite well enough. Had the local club intensified its training? Or had the confident Noosa contingent overindulged at Santini’s famed trattoria the night before the meet?
In the pool, three Noosa swimmers achieved perfect score, Greg Bott, John Simonidis and Clinton Stanley. Each won all five of their individual events. Clinton is Noosa’s veteran multiple world record holder in Down Syndrome competition, and the Hervey Bay meet was his first competitive outing since retirement sev-
eral years ago. A triumphant return. Noosa’s 18 other swimmers contributed greatly to an impressive aggregate points total, winning a bunch of age group medals in indi-
events. And relay
vidual
victories demonstrated the team’s depth of talent. The Noosa club always values the Hervey Bay meet as an opportunity for a weekend
sampling the culinary delights and beautiful environment of ‘the Bay’. We’ll look forward to the 2025 meet. With perhaps a larger ‘raiding party’!
Noosa masters swam well but the trophy went to Hervey Bay. (Supplied)
Division one golf croquet club championship was won by Galina Makarova, the second Division by Dan Stewart while the third Division champion was Richard Brown. (Supplied)
Talking Sport
Ron Lane
A sad farewell to Darren
Last week was indeed, for the Noosa Heads Surf Life Saving Club, a sad occasion. After 15 years of loyal service to the club Darren Mercer Head Coach resigned and stepped down from his position. He will of course be sadly missed.
From Club President Ross Fisher comes the following. “In a career that has covered nearly 50 years he has enjoyed one of the most storied and celebrated careers in international lifesaving. Not only has he won virtually every honour possible as an elite competitor in our sport, but as a result was in 2020 inducted into the SLSA Hall of Fame. Since then, he has dedicated himself to passing on those skills and knowledge in his role as our Head Coach: a position he commenced in 2010,” Mr Fisher said.
“During this time there were individual and team successes at all levels of competition, Branch, State and National. He also coached his daughter Jordan, who became an Australian champion: she also won the Hawaii 52 km Board race, Molokai to Oahu, six times: this included breaking the world record. Darren was himself a past winner of the Coolangatta Gold and on retirement also coached Carla Papac, a female competitor, to win the Gold.
“For Darren his journey in the world of surf lifesaving commenced as a 6-year-old Nipper at Thirroul SLSC. We wish him all the very best in the years ahead and know that he will embrace the years to come with his usual happy nature and enthusiasm.”
In conversation with Darren, when I made contact to wish him and family all the very best, I was indeed happy to be told, “Laney, I am not leaving Noosa, I am looking forward to training with the Noosa Masters Team and socialising with you blokes and fellow members.”
To Darren, a cold beer and a firm handshake awaits you.
Little athletics
Noosa Little Athletics PR Officer Tanya Mattila brings us up to date on the recent McDonalds 2024 State Relay Championships in which 16 Noosa Little Athletes competed: These championships were held in wet conditions at the Queensland Sports Athletics Centre (QSAC) Brisbane and happy to relate our athletes were unstoppable thus showing their determination and team spirit. First event was at 8.30 am and went through to the final event at 7pm. Over 1710 athletes competed from across 53 Little Athletics Centres across Queensland.
Head Coach Mick Hooper was thrilled with Noosa’s performance with many athletics achieving podium finishers. Under 12 boys Ben Clayton and Harvey Zegers won gold in the long jump relay. The boys then backed it up with teammates Sullivan Hyde and Samual Robinson, to take out the 4x100m relay with another gold medal win. Their performance also registered a new state record time of 54.27.
Our U14 boys 1000m sprint relay team con-
sisted of Ari Gillam, Marcus Kaliatzoglou, Tom Sheers and William Tillotson showed impressive determination to bring home the silver medal in a time of 2.28.00. Our U15 boys’ team of Marlon Andrews, Linden Hermus, Eli Melinz and Aiden Perquin won silver in the 4x100m with a time of 48.49 and bronze in the 1000m sprint relay in a time of 2.17.85.
The McDonalds 2024 State Championships embodied the essence of Little Athletics by emphasising teamwork cooperation and mutual support These championships provided an opportunity for athletes to bond with their peers build friendships and strengthen their sense of community. Yet another success report from our Noosa Little Athletics.
Martial arts
From the Caza Jiu- Jitsu Headquarters situated in Noosaville comes a story of courage determination and success. In a report handed to me by Head Coach Yoshi Hasegawa, when Caza Club was opened in 2017 by Yoshi Hasegawa along with Yoshi was a founding member Jede Gray. Jed continued to train with Yoshi until several months ago. It was then that he transferred to the newly formed Caza Hinterland Club in Cooroy
and when the gym opened one year ago, he began teaching as an assistant instructor. But then came Saturday 14 December for it was on this day that Jede Gray, was awarded his Black Belt by Yoshinori Hasegawa.
However, the celebration was twofold. Not only for his black belt grading but also the fact that Jede, had to overcome the fact that he is a one leg warrior: a man of pride courage and determination. All who know this man wish him well: and in time we will meet up with this gentleman for a discussion on his way of life. Apart from his new grading he is also a multiple time Sunshine Coast champion.
New sport reports for the New Year
Some information on two great sport stories from the Christmas New Year period. One will be on Noosa Surf Club state and national beach champion, Kai Thompson who is now making a name for himself in the international new surf sport of Downwind Racing.
The other will be as stated, a more in-depth story on the sporting life, of the Cooroy Caza BJJ Clubs, new Black Belt, Jiu-Jitsu Instructor,
diah Gray.
Jede-
William Tillotson, Tom Sheers, Marcus Kalaitzoglou and Ari Gillam win silver in the U14 boys 1000m sprint relay. (Supplied)
Marlon Andrews, Linden Hermus, Eli Melinz win silver in the 4x100m U15 relay along with Aiden Perquin.
Darren Mercer resigns as head coach at Noosa Heads Surf Life Saving Club.
Ben Clayton, Sullivan Hyde and Samuel Robinson and Harvey Zegers are new U12, 4x100m relay State record holders.
Ben Clayton and Harvey Zegers win gold in the long jump.
Jede Gray, was awarded his Black Belt by Head Coach Yoshinori Hasegawa.
Blimey what a year it was!
As the year winds down we’re starting to see a little bit of motion in the ocean, courtesy of a coastal low, so maybe I’ll have something local to report for next week’s final Life Of Brine of 2024, but for now I’ve been amusing myself by trolling through the highlights of the WSL world championship tour.
And there were some doozies, particularly over the first half, leading into the mid-year cut. Let’s start with the cracker Hawaiian season.
The Lexus Pipe Pro kicked off in brilliant conditions which were only overshadowed by a couple of quite bizarre moments. Home boy Barron Mamiya ended up getting the drop on his neighbour John Florence, while California’s Caity Simmers stopped our Molly Picklum from taking two from two at Pipe, but let’s focus on those first day moments.
As I wrote at the time: In heat two of round one Australia’s Callum Robson took off without priority on an absolute gem of a wave and was dropped in on by first priority holder and threetimes world champion Gabriel Medina. OK, by the rule book, Medina had every right to employ the blocking move, but at double overhead Pipe, where straightening over the reef can have extremely gnarly consequences! Well, you reap what you sow. Undamaged, Callum paddled back out and into the best wave of the heat, possibly of the day, and took out the heat win with a magnificent 9.0.
And then there was the Flip fiasco. Two-times and current world champion Filipe Toledo of Brazil paddled out for his heat against Sammy Pupo and Shion Crawford. For most people a tough heat, but we’re talking about the fastest surfer in the world, surfing in his 100th world championship tour event, as was John John Florence. A seasoned campaigner, a brilliant strategist and a gifted surfer, except for one thing. The elephant in the room.
Flip paddled out and sat wide of the left in the channel, and there he sat for half the heat while Sammy scored a seven plus and Shion went excellent. It was a beautiful glassy day at Pipe, and while many competitors were feeling the fear factor, they were making it over the ledge and loving it. All except for one. Finally Felipe made a move towards the break, but pulled up short of the takeoff zone and shoulder-hopped a couple of smaller waves for a combined total of 1.77.
Next up, the Hurley Pro Sunset Beach where our Jack Robinson and Molly Picklum took out the daily double for Australia, prompting this commentator to rashly predict that Molly would be the 2024 world champ, having secured the yellow jersey with a second and a first over the Hawaiian season. I wrote: Pickles’ perfect 10 at Pipe was a moment for the ages, even though she couldn’t back it up in the final, but at Sunset she surfed with power, style and confidence throughout, and then air-dropped out of a bomb in the final, and that was all she wrote for Hawaii’s great hope, Betty Lou Sakura Johnson. It was a nearflawless exhibition by the 21-year-old from the NSW Central Coast, but three years her junior, Betty Lou is going to be right there with her and Caity Simmers in finals to come, particularly in Hawaii.
Jack Robinson also found outstanding form at Sunset after faltering at Pipe, putting him at number two in the rankings and sniffing down John John’s neck as the tour headed to Portugal. Speaking of which, Peniche’s erratic Supertubos produced the goods for just long enough to justify its presence on the championship tour, while teaching this reporter that you should never go to bed when they call a break for the tide.
Watching finals day of the MEO Rip Curl Pro long after midnight, after watching the men’s quarters and women’s semis, I saw it going to Gabriel Medina and Tyler Wright, both of them on song, so when the WSL called a lengthy low tide break, I went to bed, only to wake up next morning and discover I was zero from two. Tyler had no answer to Johanne Defay’s exceptional backhand attack in messy but rippable waves. And, having
seen off Medina by the slimmest of margins in his semi, San Clemente’s Griff Colapinto smashed an out-of-sorts Ethan Ewing.
Let’s skip Bells and get to Margaret River where careers are on the line at the mid-year cut.
After using up all but the last day of the 11-day waiting period with little to show for it, finals day at pumping Margaret River Main Break proved to be one of the highlights of the 2024 world tour, perhaps trumped only by the historic girls day out at massive Pipeline. But with virtually every heat an emotional crisis for at least one of the competitors, the 18 heats overlapped into one perfect double-overhead day made for compelling viewing. Nine out of 10 days at Margaret River, the afternoon onshore wind would blow a dog off a chain, but on finals Sunday it puffed just enough to add some delightful texture to the wave face
and offer Jack Robinson the opportunity to boost a casual alley-oop above the lip and underline with clarity that this was his day.
With two WSL world titles and two Margaret River titles under his belt, five years seniority and a wide acknowledgement that he designed the modern approach to riding this break, it would be easy to call John-John Florence the master to Jack’s apprentice in this final, but Robinson grew up surfing Margarets, won the event in 2022 and had never been beaten by Florence in a head-tohead.
The clash of the titans was always going to be irresistible, but watching them get there, vanquishing incredibly talented opponents behind curtains of spray, deep barrels and more and more excellent scores – Florence topped 50 for the event – was just as exciting.
Gabby does the dirty on our Cal. (WSL)
Pickles turns it on at Sunset. (WSL)
Gabby does the dirty on our Cal. (WSL)
Jack and Molly first at Sunset. (WSL)
On her way to a win at Margs, Gabriella Bryan shares a wave. (WSL)
Griff Colapinto slotted. (WSL)
Caity Simmers eyes off a barrel. (WSL)
Now more accessible
One of the Sunshine Coast’s most popular rainforest walks is now easier for people of all abilities to explore, with a new 4WD electric wheelchair available for the community to use.
Sunshine Coast Council purchased the $22,000 Observer Aussie Bush 4x4 electric wheelchair through its Accessibility Fund.
This helps make the Sunshine Coast and its lifestyle more accessible to people with restrictions and increases inclusivity.
Sunshine Coast Council Division 5 Councillor Winston Johnston said locals and visitors cared deeply for the rainforest and now Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve was even more accessible for all to enjoy.
“Many people enjoy the natural wonders of Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, overlooking the spectacular Glasshouse Mountains,“ she said.
“Our new 4WD electric wheelchair can be used on the Pademelon track and will enable people who would not have been able to access the trails to be able to enjoy all the sights and sounds of the rainforest.
“It is now available to be booked ahead of your visit to the reserve, and I’m looking forward to seeing people of all abilities discovering the forest at their own pace.
Strong Community Portfolio Councillor Taylor Bunnag said Council had committed to improving access and inclusion for all and the Sunshine Coast All Abilities Action Plan 2024-2028 outlines detailed actions Council will undertake over the next five years to improve inclusion for people with disability.
“The measures are practical and include enhancing physical accessibility in public spaces, and this 4WD wheelchair, funded by the Sunshine Coast Council Accessibility Fund, is a great example of how we are achieving this.”
Sporting Wheelies (powered by Spinal Life Australia) Chief Operating Officer Dane Cross said the 4WD wheelchair at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve represented an innovative and transformative step in breaking down barriers to access for people with disabilities.
“It enables individuals with mobility challenges to experience the rainforest’s beauty in a way that was previously inaccessible, promoting inclusion in nature-based experiences, and without necessitating paved or concrete pathways through precious habitats,” Mr Cross said.
“Initiatives like these set a benchmark for other reserves and parks to follow, encouraging widespread adoption of inclusive practices in environmental tourism.”
Joan McVilly is a volunteer at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve who uses the 4WD wheelchair to access the rainforest for her shifts on the trail.
“I really appreciate being able to get out into the forest again,” Ms McVilly said.
“I commend all involved in making this possible, especially the dedicated and diligent staff at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve.”
Through its Accessibility Fund, Council im-
proved accessibility throughout the region on a range of initiatives with $300,000 invested this year, following $150,000 funding last year.
Other projects funded this year include Mooloolaba Surf Club accessibility equipment, and a new DDA picnic table installed at Glenbrook Downs Park in Nambour.
Bookings are now available through Council’s Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve website.
Residents and visitors are asked to please book the 4WD wheelchair ahead of time and before your visit.
The 4WD is available for hire from 10am to 2pm daily.
Rainforest walks are open from 7am to 6pm daily.
The circuits are between 1.3km and 1.7km long, including the rainforest loop, pademelon loop and piccabeen loop.
These internal circuits are classified as Grade 2 tracks: the track is a hardened and compacted surface and may have gentle hill sections and occasional steps.
Wheelchair accessibility is catered for on both the Glider Gallery boardwalk (accessed through the Rainforest Discovery Centre) and Butterfly Walk (following the open-lawn perimeter).
The 4WD Electric Wheelchair can be used on the Pademelon track.
To access the mobility maps please visit Council’s Mobility Mapping website.
For more information about accessible recreation, tourism, transport and services, visit council’s website.
Pomona Distilling Co. elevates local offerings
Pomona Distilling Co., a much-loved hinterland distillery renowned for its handcrafted spirits and warm community spirit, has launched a new Providore.
This exciting addition to Pomona’s offerings showcases the finest locally sourced produce from the 4568 region and celebrates the local community that has supported the distillery from the start.
The Providore is designed to bring even more value to Pomona’s vibrant community by offering take-home packs of the distillery’s famous smoked meats and locally made delicacies.
“This expansion is really for our Pomona family,” Scott Bavay-Yeates said, as the cofounder of Pomona Distilling Co.
“We’ve been embraced so warmly by the locals, and this is our way of giving back—by offering a new, convenient way to enjoy the flavours they love at home.”
Just in time for the festive season, the Providore’s range includes cryovac-packed smoked meats and gourmet accompaniments, perfect for entertaining or gifting.
To enhance the experience, the Providore offers in-house sauces and condiments such as Cooroora Gold Mustard Sauce, Hot Honey, Gin Salt with Lemon and Dill, and a Gin Botanical Brisket Rub, alongside Pomona Distilling Co.’s artisanal spirits and liqueurs.
The Providore is a reflection of the owners’ passion for their hometown.
“This is about creating something special for the people of Pomona,“ Scott said.
“We want to make it easier for locals to enjoy high-quality, locally made products, while also giving visitors a taste of what makes Pomona so unique.”
Located at 14 Reserve Street, Pomona, the Providore is open from Wednesday to Sunday. Stop by to explore the new offerings, crafted with care to showcase the best of Pomona and the Sunshine Coast hinterland.
Pomona Distilling Co. team celebrates their new Providore. (Supplied)
The Providore offers in-house sauces and condiments.
The Providore is a reflection of the owners’ passion for their hometown.
The Providore’s range includes cryovacpacked smoked meats and gourmet accompaniments.
Brendan Somerville, Spinal Life Australia Small Business Inclusion Mentor exploring the wonders of Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve. (Supplied)
Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve Volunteers Joan McVilly and Leise Coulter.
PROPERTY
RECORDS SET AT TEWANTIN RIVERFRONT
MATTERS
ERLE LEVEY
IT is Tewantin’s turn to grab the headlines with two record sales in the Noosa River precinct.
And it is quite a story as to how the sales came about.
Marcus Dolby from Harcourts Noosa sold the 3111sq m property at 21 Ward St, Tewantin recently for a record price of $6.350m.
It started with the owner who bought the property about three years ago, and wanted to put the house and tennis court on the market but people were concerned with the cost.
So they talked about a four-lot subdivision, and three of the four were signed up but with a contract clause subject to an offer for the entire property coming in.
“Someone did come along and bought the whole thing,’’ Marcus said. “It’s a beautiful piece of land.
“They are local buyers who appreciate the property and want to preserve it for family.
“As a local they can sees such potential as basically the beautiful old riverside blocks are gradually disappearing.
“The buyer was riding by on his bike, rang, and in a couple of days had a contract on it.
“What was interesting is that a subdivision could have made more but the vendor was happy to preserve it as one, and maintain the integrity of the riverfront.
“The outlook and character of this property has been preserved for generations to come.’’
The property has a 33-metre frontage and could have been developed as separate waterfront homes, each with a 65sq m granny flat.
ONE SALE LEADS TO ANOTHER
As it often happens in real estate, one sale can lead to others ... sometimes in a domino effect.
Luke Burton at Harcourts Noosa had listed a riverfront three-bedroom house with pool on 1194sq m at 89 Crank St, Tewantin.
Harcourts colleague Marcus Dolby just
happened to have a buyer - someone who had been interested in 21 Ward St.
It was the family home and sold off-market for $5.275m to buyers from the Darling Downs.
GOLDEN ACHIEVEMENT
There are many milestones in a real estate agent’s careers, but this one takes some beating.
It is gold - 50 sales in less than five years at Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas.
The milestone achievement by Tom Offermann agent Chris Miller was for Beach Villa 2105.
“In addition to sale number 50, the sale set a new exciting record price paid at Peppers Noosa for a villa or an apartment,’’ Chris said.
“My first sale in the complex was the onebedroom apartment 9404. It sold for $403,000 in February 2020.’’
Beach Villa 2105 features banks of horizontal and vertical louvres, wide undercover terraces, lofty timber ceilings, bold lines, and architectural elements paired with an open embrace of the natural surrounds, synonymous with the backdrop of the Noosa National Park.
FIVE-STAR HOTEL APPEAL
Harcourt’s Marcus Dolby describes it as a house like no other.
A five-bedroom, three-bathroom, five-car golf-front house, pool, on 1476sq m at 520/61 Noosa Springs Drive, Noosa Heads, is for sales with a price guide of $10m.
“The house has been designed to feel like a luxury five-star boutique hotel,’’ Marcus said. “The main bedroom could be a presidential suite.’’
“Interest has been good. Everyone is gobsmacked by the quality and the size of the house … the fact it is north-facing and has sensational views
“It will never be built out, and overlooks the signature 17th hole on the golf course.
“It’s just class, from the moment you get to the hand-crafted remote entry gate.’’
Designed to be like a house out of Italy, there is nothing like it in Noosa Springs in terms of size, design, colour, scale and lay-out, Marcus said.
There are two big bedrooms downstairs, including the main suite golf course views, walk-in robe and luxury ensuite. Then there is a beautiful, large media room with wine cellar attached.
“All the bedrooms are enormous - they can accommodate anything you need.
“The house has been very cleverly designed
as there are little cut-out sections for garden areas, so every room has an outlook.
“The saltwater wet-edge pool looks across the lake so there is an infinity outlook to the golf course … it’s seamless.’’
The house sits on one of the largest single blocks in the award-winning Noosa Springs gated community.
Completed in 2008, the home has been meticulously maintained. The attention to detail is astounding.
The cobblestone driveway, heavy blackwood timber doors with hand-crafted wrought iron handles, and the polished limestone and blackwood parquetry floors all exude style and luxury.
The ceilings range from 3m to more than 7m, with expansive windows to create an overwhelming sense of space and light.
The upper level connects effortlessly to the vast living and entertaining spaces, which feature Miele appliances, a butler’s pantry, and marble benchtops.
The entertaining areas offer commanding views over the lake and the golf course.
There is fully ducted air-conditioning, ceiling fans, and remote-controlled blinds, secure parking for two cars and a golf buggy.
A five-bedroom, three-bathroom, five-car golf-front house, pool, on 1476sq m at 520/61 Noosa Springs Drive, Noosa Heads, is for sales with a price guide of $10m. (446127)
A five-bedroom, three-bathroom, five-car golf-front house, pool, on 1476sq m at 520/61 Noosa Springs Drive, Noosa Heads, is for sales with a price guide of $10m. (446127)
A five-bedroom, three-bathroom, five-car golf-front house, pool, on 1476sq m at 520/61 Noosa Springs Drive, Noosa Heads, is for sales with a price guide of $10m. (446127)
A five-bedroom, three-bathroom, five-car golf-front house, pool, on 1476sq m at 520/61 Noosa Springs Drive, Noosa Heads, is for sales with a price guide of $10m. (446127)
Homestead and two cottages on 76.9ha, pool, stable, eight dams, 13 fully-fenced paddocks, at 216 Jorgensen Rd, Ridgewood, is for sale at $4.95m. (446127)
ENCHANTING COUNTRY ESCAPE
It’s the ultimate seachange ... a homestead of distinction on 76.9ha in the Noosa hinterland.
The property, at 216 Jorgensen Rd, Ridgewood, looks simply irresistible. Something out of a picture book.
Cameron Urquhart at Tom Offermann Real Estate is marketing Briallyn Estate, that comes with two cottages, pool, stable, eight dams, and 13 fully-fenced paddocks.
For sale at $4.95m, the property comes with 360-degree uninterrupted rural panoramas.
A labour of enduring love for more than 40 years, there is an imposing stone entry, sweeping tree-lined bitumen driveway, rustic gate keeper’s cottage, brilliant floral displays, also wide arboured poincianas and jacarandas.
Gympie limestone has been used extensively, with the main house perfectly positioned in a magical setting.
The interior design features elegant chapellike ceilings, generous spaces and a hint of the
Homestead and two cottages on 76.9ha, pool, stable, eight dams, 13 fully-fenced paddocks, at 216 Jorgensen Rd, Ridgewood, is for sale at $4.95m. (446127)
classic Queenslander with polished blackbutt timber floors, corrugated features, timber ceilings, french doors and verandahs.
The lines are blurred between inside and out, from the open plan living with fireplace to a wide north-facing undercover terrace. Here, there is an integrated bar and fridges plus a walkway beside the wet-edge pool, the wading pool and pond. An alfresco space is totally equipped, including a pizza oven.
The country-style kitchen comes with granite-topped cabinetry including island and a butler’s pantry, has a Stanley slow combustion cooker, Ilve oven and five-hob gas cooktop, two Fisher & Paykel dish drawers, and storage.
A library with custom cabinetry adjoins and, nearby, the media/music room with bay window, has a projector and screen.
The main bedroom suite retreat has a bathroom with claw-foot bath, walk-in robe, cedar plantation shutters, a loft space and opens to a terrace.
Homestead and two cottages on 76.9ha, pool, stable, eight dams, 13 fully-fenced paddocks, at 216 Jorgensen Rd, Ridgewood, is for sale at $4.95m. (446127)
Homestead and two cottages on 76.9ha, pool, stable, eight dams, 13 fully-fenced paddocks, at 216 Jorgensen Rd, Ridgewood, is for sale at $4.95m. (446127)
Upstairs the two bedrooms have extra-high ceilings, ensuites, skylights, and open to the verandah/terrace.
The guest cottage has a bedroom/studio upstairs, while a bedroom, bathroom, open-plan living, kitchen and laundry are on ground level,, and with the entertainer in mind, is together with a cool room.
Limestone is a feature of the Leopard Cottage, which has one bedroom with loft, walkin robe, ensuite with bath, laundry, plus open plan living/dining/kitchen with an undercover terrace.
The botanical-style gardens are complemented by vegie gardens and an orchard.
There are eight dams, 13 fully-fenced and secure paddocks, and a chook yard that has a secure roosting pen with external egg collection/laying facility.
Out buildings include carports with wood store, workshop with bathroom/mud room,
Homestead and two cottages on 76.9ha, pool, stable, eight dams, 13 fully-fenced paddocks, at 216 Jorgensen Rd, Ridgewood, is for sale at $4.95m. (446127)
stable and tack room with feeder bins, foaling pen plus wash bays and an exercise arena. NEIGHBOURING PROPERTY LISTED
The neighbouring 4.82ha property at 211 Jorgensen Rd, Ridgewood, is also on the market with Cameron Urquhart.
Featuring a two cottages and two dams, it is listed at $1.2m.
One cottage has two bedrooms, the other is a studio. They both have water tanks, there’s a garage and two sheds.
FORTHCOMING AUCTIONS
SATURDAY, 18 January
Sunshine Beach
38 Arakoon Cres: 4bed, 3bath, 2car beachfront house, pool,11am, Jesse Stowers 0414 367 282 Tom Offermann Real Estate
SUNDAY, 19 January
Noosa Heads
1/81 Hastings Park: 3bed, 2bath, 1car apartment,1pm, Eric Seetoo 0419 757 770 Tom Offermann Real Estate.
Homestead and two cottages on 76.9ha, pool, stable, eight dams, 13 fully-fenced paddocks, at 216 Jorgensen Rd, Ridgewood, is for sale at $4.95m. (446127)
Marcus Dolby from Harcourts Noosa at 21 Ward St, Tewantin, that sold for a record price of $6.350m. (446127)
8/70 UPPER H ASTINGS ST REET , NOOSAHEAD S
Uponentering, everythingdisappearsimmediately fromthemind exceptthesimplyamazingviewsfrom thisbeautifully renovatedpenthouseinhighlysought afterLittle Cove.“Panorama200”is abuildingof8 luxuriousapartmentsofwhichnumber 8boasts ajaw droppingvista oftheocean,thesandsofMainBeach, theNoosaRiverfromHastingsSttoTewantinandon to inspiringviewsof MtCooroy,MtCoorooraand Mount
Tinbeerwah. A99sqm terraceisbigenoughforline dancingorjustplain cocktailsatsunset.Thecharming littleknowntimber walkwayatthe rearofthebuilding takesyou to thebeachin 5minutes.Thereare 2 generouscarspacesandplentyofstorage.
Price $6.95M
View Friday& Saturday12.00-12.30
Agent JillGoode 0418714653 jill@offermann.com.au
Agent NicHunter 0421785512 nic@offermann.com.au
14 KEY CO UR T, NO O SAHEADS
Themagnetismoflocationandlifestyle,modernand marvellousisundeniable,andabsolutekeyto anenvyinducingsubstantialsite and residence which evokes privacyfromthecul-desac waterway.Suchtimeless appealforfamilyandfriendswithabundantspaces throughout,and ashort walk to NoosaMainBeach. Inside eyesare drawntoendlesstravertine-tiledopen planlivingwherelankywallsofdisappearingdoors
morphinaseamlessfashion to thepoolterraces, privatewaterfrontgardenandsharedjetty. Here’s to thegoodlifealfrescowhateverthe reasonor season.Andwithtwo premierbedroomsuitesupstairs andguestwings,loungeandmedia roomdownstairs, it’stimetotaketheplungeandindulgeinsun-splashed holidays everydayonNoosaSound.
Price $9.95M
View Saturday 10.00-10.30
Agent RebekahOffermann 0413044241 rebekah@offermann.com.au
29 CO ORAN CO UR T, NOOSAHEADS
Indulgeintheultimate lifestyle, aclassyyet serene sculpturedformwith amoody-huedtimberslatted brise-soleil,whichfromtheculdesac evokesprivacy and mystery yetdefinesthe streetscapeofthis prestigiousaddress.Theimmenseopen-plan yet designatedliving,dining,andkitchen zones,with floor-to-ceilingautodisappearingdoors,fanoutin aseamlessfashion to outdoorstowidegiant cycad-
fringedterracecontinuesacrossthewidthofthe residence,alsolushlawn to therevetmentwalland jetty.Andwhat’sontheotherendofthewhisper-quiet 48m waterfront? Afew pleasureboat-lengths away is awhite-sandbeach,boat rampandpurpose-builtboat housewithstoreroomsandmore, atotally rare and nevertoberepeated find.Inhindsight, amasterstroke.
Price $35M
Agent NicHunter 0421785512 nic@offermann.com.au
Agent TomOffermann 0412711888 tom@offermann.com.au
7/8 QUAMB YP LACE , NOOSAHEADS
Steppingintothis stunningly renovatedapartment, you areimmediatelyenvelopedin asenseofsophisticated allure.Seeminglysuspendedabove anivorysand beachandsparklingturquoisewaters,thespace offers breathtaking270-degreepanoramicviewsoftheNoosa Riverandbeyond.Picturebeingon‘your’wraparound terrace,bedazzlingseascapesacrosstheNoosaRiver to theNorthShoreandbeyond to theColouredSands.
Eyessouthalongthepark-fringedNoosavilleforeshore which stretches to theEverglades.Beyondis Mount Cooroy.Gull’s eyeviewsoftheazurewaterwaysaround NoosaHeads,rivermouthandnationalparksare on theright.Comeinside.Thereisanairofimmediate sophisticationwitha largeartworkofbrightred poppies,abreezy overlay witha restrainedpalette
Price $5.99M
View
Saturday 11.00-11.30
Agent EricSeetoo 0419757770 eric@offermann.com.au
12 - 14 WYANDR AS TREET , NOOSAHEADS
Nestledin asereneenclave inNoosa,theseluxury WyandraStreetresidences standoutfortheir stunning architectureandthoughtfulcontemporarydesign. Imaginativeinteriorsboasthighceilingsand expansive open-planlivingthatseamlesslymergesfromindoors to alfresco,wheregenerouslandscaped terracesanda pearlescentpool exudethegoodlife.
Edgy designfunctionalitycontinuesinsidewith exceptional finishes,high-endaccents,andeverything to love in aincluding abuilt-inbarbequeandunderbenchwinefridge. Fourbedroomsaregenerousin proportions,allfeaturingbuilt-in-robes,andwitha mastersetto impress. Completionontrackforearly 2025.
Price From$3.5M
Agent JesseStowers 0414367282 jesse@offermann.com.au
38 ARAKOO NC RESCENT , SUNSHINEBEACH
Perched confidentlywithinthedune,viewing northward fromtheNoosaNational ParkHeadlandof SunshineBeach,sweepingacrosstheCoralSea,bright bluelikeacloudlesssky,and alushrainforestback garden,andprivatepath totoes-in-the-dazzlingwhite sand,thesceneistrulypicture-perfect.
To complement,isanacutelydesirablebeachhouse retainingitsoriginal contemporary statusthanks
to architectGabriel Poole, apioneerofwhatwas consideredquintessentialNoosadesign. Beholdthebrightbeachyaesthetic,livinganddining spacesof varyingscale, ceilingheight,curvedlinesand mood,morphing to outdoors wherethemain covered terracewithseaviewsandthesoundofwavesbreaking onshore,whet theappetiteforentertaining,whatever thereasonandseason.
Auction
Saturday 18January12pm
View Saturday 11.00-11.30
Agent JesseStowers 0414367282 jesse@offermann.com.au
ACCLAIMED FRONT ROW: HASTINGS ST
IMAGINE finding Shangri-la, the undeniable splendour of front row Hastings Street, blessed with nature’s paradisiacal canvas of dazzling Noosa Main Beach stretching to the coloured Sands, filtered by rainforest trees.
Stealing the limelight, up a few stairs from the lobby of elevated Hastings Park, or if preferred, take the lift, is the exclusive one-andonly apartment on the first level.
Inside is indubitably lavish. In the living and dining spaces with a warm soft grey palette and pops of blue, bold lines and sculptural elements are elegantly pared back yet synonymous with the location. Fashioned with clever design responses and whispers of New York and Caribbean, include a statement oak extension table, russet leather dining chairs, sumptuous sofa, plus more like an art piece is a blue and shell sideboard.
A series of sliding doors ostensibly coalesce naturally with totally private entertaining terraces stretching the width of the apartment, and wrapping around on the northerly side, with an open embrace of the natural surrounds. There’s classy outdoor furniture for the sun worshippers, lunch aficionados, or drinks in the shade and look out for the bevy of striped cabanas on Noosa Main Beach, clearly visible sitting at the high table.
Washes of sunshine floods the kitchen thanks to a void. Inclusions in the large space suiting all culinary wizards, are stainless steel and grey stone bench tops/breakfast bar, a walk-in pantry and every necessary high-end appliance and accoutrement.
Designer artworks adorn the hallway leading to the east wing where there are queen size and twin bedrooms with built-in robes, also a lattehued mosaic tiled bathroom with double vanity.
The jewel in the apartment’s crown is undoubtedly the premier bedroom suite with the bathroom incorporated into the design, and the oval tub dramatically centered. Whether sipping whilst soaking, or sitting on the terrace drinking in the views of Noosa Main Beach foreshore with red and yellow flags aflutter, over to the Coloured Sands, or through the tree canopy to Double Island Point, this is 5-star.
“Diamonds are forever when the privileged address is Hastings Street,“ comments Tom Offermann Real Estate agent Eric Seetoo who has slated the apartment for auction. “Add the location opposite Noosa Main Beach, near the boardwalk to the natural beauty and environmental sustainability of Noosa National Park, plus year-round back-to-back bookings. The return on investment for this Hastings Park apartment is without a doubt, second-to-none.“
HOME ESSENTIALS
Address: 1/81 Hastings Street, NOOSA HEADS
Description: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1 garage
Inspect: Sunday 29th Dec 12.00-12.30pm
Auction: Sunday 19 January, 1pm
Facts & Features:
Apartment Area 257m2 incl 5m x 3m single
secure garage w storage
• About: access via latest elevator/lift or single set of stairs to exclusive 1st floor front door; 3-levels; sand-hued tiles throughout/carpeted bedrooms; storeroom/laundry w washer & dryer; ducted aircon/fans; lofty ceilings + voids; designer furniture incl Caribbean extension European timber dining table, finished w salvaged oak; chest-style coffee table; leather dining chairs & bar stools, sumptuous sofa + artworks
• Terraces: 4 incl 3 across width of apartment, 1 across premier suite, 2 undercover w 1 north-facing
• Kitchen: stainless steel/grey stone bench tops/breakfast bar, walk-in pantry w small sink & crockery/appliance storage; pull-out pantry w stainless steel racks; Westinghouse 4-door fridge/freezers; Miele dishwasher, oven & cooktop; Sharp microwave
• Inventory: fully inclusive of furniture, artworks & accessories
• About Hastings Park: creative eco-friendly design hugs the ridge & backdrop of the Noosa National Park; residents/visitors only heated pool; on-site management
• Location: Noosa National Park/ ’Paris-end’ of Hastings Street; opposite Noosa Main Beach & Sails beachside restaurant, boardwalk along beach + world-famous Noosa National Park & surfing reserve; 37kms to Sunshine Coast Airport
Contact: Eric Seetoo 0419 757 770, TOM OFFERMANN REAL
HOME FOCUS
SUN-SPLASHED ALFRESCO LIFESTYLE
THE magnetism of location and lifestyle, modern and marvellous is undeniable, and absolute key to an envy-inducing substantial site and residence which evokes privacy from the cul-de sac street and waterway. Such timeless appeal for family and friends with numerous abundant spaces throughout, and a short walk to Noosa Main Beach.
Open the oh-so-tall bespoke timber-framed glass panelled pivot door into the entry foyer of the classy residence and be greeted by natural light, which thanks to a soaring void and high ceiling, in the centrepiece of the residence aka massive open plan living and dining areas, it shadow dances over what appears to be endless beautiful travertine flooring.
Eyes are immediately drawn to lanky angled walls of disappearing doors. They morph in a seamless fashion to the undercover terrace with integrated barbeque facilities, luminescent pool with water feature wall, surrounding sun terraces, yonder to the private waterfront lawn and garden fringed with tropical plants and abutting the revetment wall, also white sand beach and shared jetty.
Here’s to the good life alfresco whatever the reason or season; it certainly adds immense entertainment value to the residence.
Commensurate is the bright galley kitchen with stone-topped two-pac cabinetry, including feature marble topped semi-island breakfast bar, latest appliances such as a Miele five-hob gas cooktop, an icemaker fridge and a roomy pantry, all of which will no doubt delight anyone channelling Nigella Lawson.
For those seeking a slumber zone without stairs there will certainly be sweet dreams in the west wing with its blackbutt flooring. Two roomy bedrooms have built-in robes plus bathroom with travertine and single basin-topped timber cabinetry. The third oversized bedroom with built-in robes and ensuite, is designed for those with mobility concerns.
Close-by is the laundry as well as lounge and media rooms, both with access to the pool terrace.
Upstairs, and running the width of the residence on the east side is the piece de resistance of bedrooms, both with blackbutt flooring and views across the wide waterway to the verdant reserve on the far side. The private premier suite retreat has a fashionista-style walk-in robe and a lavish ensuite with travertine two-basin cabinetry. The second, similar in size and style, has a free-standing white oval bathtub to soak away the blues.
This is certainly the residence that keeps on giving. At the rear of the garage with epoxy flooring, is a flexi-room with custom cabinetry and desk space. Perhaps an office, home-based e-commerce, artist studio, gym, maybe serious storage for sporting equipment and watercraft or... you decide!
“With so much to offer, it’s time to take the plunge and indulge in sun-splashed holidays every day on Noosa Sound,” comments
HOME ESSENTIALS
Tom Offermann Real Estate agent Rebekah Offermann, “especially when you consider the residence, so classy and serene, is surrounded by much-admired and highly sought-after multi-million-dollar contemporary residences on tightly held Noosa Sound, and it is so close to sophisticated Hastings Street with its myriad boutiques, cafes, beachside restaurants, bars and galleries.
“With so many naturally beautiful assets, waves peeling off the point at Noosa National Park, idyllic year-round temperatures, the north-facing protected Noosa Main Beach, plus Quamby Place, Gympie Terrace also so close, the magnetism of the location is indisputable.”
Facts & Features:
• Land Area: 893m2
• Internal Area: 419m2
• External Area/Jetty: 90m2/9.7m long
• Pool/Terraces: 12mx4.4m w water feature; angled undercover terraces off living extend to sun terrace around pool; outdoor shower;
integrated BBQ facilities
• About: extensive renovations/addition 2020; massive dble width timber & glass paned pivot front door into dble height entry foyer; ducted air & fans; laundry; garage w epoxy flooring & large dedicated rear room/office space at rear; security cameras
• Living Areas: incl open plan living/dining w travertine flooring; lounge w blackbutt flooring, custom cabinetry & media room open to undercover terrace
• Kitchen: galley-style w stone topped 2-pac cabinetry incl 4m feature marble semi-island breakfast bar; Miele 5-hob gas cooktop & oven; AEG dishwasher; LG icemaker fridge & micro; pantry
• Bedrooms: total 5; 2 upstairs w blackbutt flooring, view across wide water way to mangroves; private premier bedroom suite retreat w super-size WIR & ensuite w travertine 2-bason cabinetry; premier-style bedroom w ensuite incl free-standing white oval bath;
ground floor guest wing w blackbutt flooring; 2 bedrooms w BIRs & bathroom w travertine & basin topped timber cabinetry; large mobility accessible 3rd bedroom w BIRs & ensuite w timber & 2-basin topped cabinetry; laundry
• External: 10kW solar; ample off-street parking; shed; tropical magnolias, heliconias; auto watering system
• Location: end of cul de sac land & water; 150m Hastings Street & Noosa Main Beach; 15-mins to Noosa National Park & Surfing Reserve; Noosa Spit Recreation Reserve, Weyba Creek Bushland Reserve North & Weyba Creek Conservation Park; close to Noosa Sound restaurants & services + Noosa Village; 3-mins to Noosa Riverside Ravenwood Park and Culgoa Point; 35min drive to Sunshine Coast Airport w domestic/international connections; 105min drive to Brisbane International Airport
Address: 14 Key Court, Noosa Heads Description: 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 2 garage Price: $9.95M Inspect: Saturday 21 December, 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Contact: Rebekah Offermann 0413 044 241, TOM OFFERMANN REAL ESTATE
3 Hollyhock Crescent Noosa Heads
4 bed | 2 bath | 2 car
- Generous two-storey layout
- Double garage with separate parking for boat/caravan
- In-ground swimming pool
- Office/Media room or 5th bedroom
- Freshly painted inside & out
$1.85Million
Open Saturday 11:45am - 12:30pm
Amanda Balding 0408 088 788
Proudly Richardson&Wrench Noosa | 07 5447 4499
Brad Schultz 0493 063 023
www.rwnoosa.com.au 23 Hastings Street, Noosa
2 “Nathans Villa” 263 Gympie Terrace, Noosa Heads
2 bed | 1 bath | 1 car
- Recently Refurbished: Freshly updated for modern living.
- First-Floor Location: Enjoys stunning river views.
- Open-Plan Layout: Seamless flow from kitchen to living.
- Covered Balcony: Ideal for relaxing with coffee or cocktails.
- Shared Pool Access: In a boutique complex of only five
By Negotiation $1.3Million
Open Saturday 9:45am - 10:15am
Amanda Balding 0408 088 788
Proudly Richardson&Wrench Noosa | 07 5447 4499
Brad Schultz 0493 063 023
www.rwnoosa.com.au 23 Hastings Street, Noosa
PRIVATE, SINGLE-LEVEL APARTMENT
STEP into this impeccably renovated, second floor gem in Noosa Heads, and prepare to be captivated by its elegance and charm. With breathtaking golf course views, this beautifully presented apartment offers a seamless blend of style, functionality and comfort.
Designed with a thoughtful layout, the property boasts two outdoor undercover balconies allowing you to bask in the sun or relax in the shade, no matter the season.
Upon entering, you’ll be drawn to the centerpiece of this home the stunning kitchen bench top. This high-quality kitchen will awaken your inner chef with its top-of-the-line appliances and ample soft closing cabinetry. The open floor plan connecting the kitchen, dining, and living areas provides the perfect setting to enjoy the scenic views, whether you’re cooking, dining, or simply relaxing.
The apartment offers generous separation between the two bedrooms. The master bedroom, featuring a large en-suite and serene golf course views, is a true retreat. Both bathrooms have been exquisitely renovated, with heated flooring and towel rails adding a special touch. The bedrooms are also adorned with plantation shutters, enhancing the overall appeal.
The primary outdoor entertaining area is where you’ll likely spend most of your time, enjoying the private, lush views of the golf course.
The Epitome Of Grand Luxury On One Acre
This classic Queenslander set on a level one-acre allotment at the top of Maleny has been crowned the “Grand Dame”.
Features include stunning timber floors, glass French Doors, wrap around verandah’s, 3-metre-high ceilings, an abundance of natural light and 750sqm of luxury living space.
It is rare to find a home that leaves a lasting impression, with so much to offer only 2 minutes to town.
INSPECT SAT 4TH JANUARY AT 2PM
23rd January 11am
HOME FOCUS
THE EPITOME OF GRAND LUXURY ON ONE ACRE
THIS classic Queenslander set on a level oneacre allotment at the top of Maleny has been crowned the “Grand Dame”.
Features include stunning timber floors, glass French Doors, wrap around verandahs, 3-metre-high ceilings, an abundance of natural light and 750sqm of luxury living space.
It is rare to find a home that leaves a lasting impression, with so much to offer only 2 minutes to town.
Upon entry to this “Grand Dame” there are wrap around verandahs offering sitting areas to sit back relax and enjoy the time pass you by.
The magnificent, polished timber floors throughout provide a sooth, warm, and welcoming feeling the moment you enter the front door. Greeted by a view of the 13m stunning lap pool, 3m high ceilings and an abundance of natural light, you know you are witnessing the craftmanship of something very special.
28 Dixon Avenue’s main residence features 3 bedrooms, the master with luxurious ensuite, walk-in robe, glass French doors, double sided
HOME ESSENTIALS
fireplace and a separate retreat area, ideally located away from the two guest bedrooms providing space, privacy and luxury.
The two generous guest bedrooms with glass French Doors opening out to the wrap around verandahs are serviced by a stylish main bathroom.
Further down the grand hallway we pass by the separate media room, and enter the
magnificent open plan lounge, dining and gourmet kitchen complete with butler’s pantry, plus a separate L’Orangerie room with fireplace and glass French doors all overlooking the outdoor alfresco area, pool and landscaped grounds.
A separate loft is located above the garage with its own parking space is perfect for the modern family, from families with adult
Address: 28 Dixon Road, MALENY Description: 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 garage Inspect: 4 January 2pm Auction: 23 January, 11am on-site
Contact: Sam Plummer & Angela Law 0412 585 494, NOOSA ESTATE AGENTS
children, growing teens or parents who want to stay close. Or increase your income, rent out the loft space. It has the option to be connected to the house or fully self-contained.
Other features include security, solar, a double garage, workshop area and extra offstreet parking for a boat, caravan, etc. 28 Dixon Ave is a home that truly inspires.
Red Rock Estate, Springs Road, Agnes Water Secluded beachfront headland
Rare 17.89ha (44 Acre) undeveloped coastal site. Extensive beachfront reserve boundary wrapping across Red Rock Headland. Direct access to Red Rock northeast facing beach. Expansive costal views across the Deepwater National Park. Adjacent to the multi award-winning luxury eco Sunrise at 1770 Estate. The site comes with a DA approved for 22 Community Title Scheme (CTS) residential allotments expiring in late 2026.
Located just 4 hours’ drive north of Noosa, Agnes Water is the northern most surf town on the east coast offering year-round swimming and surfing with the closest access to the Southern Great Barrier Reef.
Red Rock Estate would ideally suit a high net-worth individual seeking a very private site for a legacy residential estate or a family office land bank.
RainforestRetreatinthe NoosaHinterland
Address 49KildeysRoad, Cootharaba
Bed 5 Bath 8 Car 7
Offers Considered
Land 2ha
View Byappointment
•5 bedrooms,artstudio,library,mediaroom
•Alltheabove withbathrooms
•Longdriveway createsa sense of seclusion
•Surroundedbylushgreeneryandnaturalbeauty
•Deepspringbore,solarpanels,andbatteries
Alisa Wythes 0415111370 alisa@hinternoosa.com.au
HOME FOCUS
PARKSHORES PENTHOUSE: LIGHT, VIEWS, LOCATION
THIS light-filled top floor apartment in the Parkshores building perfectly positioned on a prime leafy, north-east facing corner block within 500-metres to village, beach, and surf club; offers exceptional convenience along with relaxed coastal living, ideal for downsizers or holiday investors in a boutique complex of only 11.
A spacious well designed floor plan comprises two bedrooms, ensuite, bathroom/ laundry combo, u-shaped kitchen, and expansive open plan living and dining flowing out to sunny north to north-east facing terrace showcasing ocean views. In addition, there is secure basement parking for one vehicle plus a lock-up storage cupboard.
The apartment is being sold fully furnished and is turn-key ready to move straight into or place in lucrative holiday rental pool for attractive income. Features include split system air-conditioning in living, ceiling fans, vaulted ceilings, skylight, pergola on terrace, security screen sliding doors, and quality window furnishings.
Parkshores residents and guests have lift
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access from basement to all levels and share a private heated inground pool framed by lush tropical palms along with a communal BBQ area. Offsite management keeps the complex impeccably maintained and secure, and there are also solar panels on the building, keeping those utility bills down for running the common property areas such as the lift, pool heat pump and lighting.
Being on the penthouse level (third floor) light, outlook, breezes, and privacy are maximised; the terrace benefits from allday sunshine as well as some shade in the
afternoon, just perfect for the warm Noosa climate, where so much time is spent alfresco relaxing and entertaining.
Not only is village dining and shopping, parks, and patrolled swimming just a short stroll; it’s a 20 minute walk to Noosa National Park to scenic walking trails connecting you to idyllic pockets such as Alexandria Bay.
Local schools and the Noosa Aquatic Centre are also walkable; and it’s only a five minute drive to Noosa Junction, 8-minutes to Hastings Street & Laguna Bay (catch the bus to avoid parking angst), 10 minutes to the
Noosa Farmers Markets, and 28 minutes to the Sunshine Coast Airport.
Investor owners are ready to sell; if you are ready to buy, then this should be top of your list. Contact Kathy for further information, including furniture inventory, body corporate fees, and yield.
Features: Top floor fully furnished apartment with ocean view in Parkshore complex; 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, open plan living, lightfilled kitchen, north-north/east facing patio with pergola, basement parking + storage cupboard; boutique complex on leafy corner block with communal inground pool & BBQ areas; short walk to village, surf club & beach; currently holiday let.
• Top floor apartment in complex of only 11
• Showcasing ocean views from sunny terrace
• 2 bedrooms, ensuite + bathroom/laundry
• Open plan living flowing to large terrace
• Vaulted ceilings, fans + A/C in living/dining
• Basement parking for 1 + storage cupboard
• Communal pool & BBQ area, leafy gardens
• Within 500m to beach, surf club, & village
• Investor owners using as a holiday rental
Address: 9/2 Park Crescent, SUNSHINE BEACH Description: 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1 garage Price: Contact Agent Inspect: 21 December 10:00AM – 10:45AM
Contact: Kathy Wise – 0407 968 300 - kathy@sunandsage.com.au, SUN & SAGE REAL ESTATE
FOR SALE
2/10 HILL STREET, SUNSHINE BEACH
3 A 2.5 B 2 C 197m² E
DESIGNER DUPLEX: LUXE EFFORTLESS LIVING
This stunning architecturally designed contemporary duplex, only built in 2019/20, offers well-located, light-filled luxe living, with high-end elegant interiors and many extra features to value-add, just a short walk to the village, surf club, and patrolled beach. Purchase today and you can look forward to living your very best life in 2025 and beyond.
Open Home: Saturday, 21st Dec, at 11:00am - 11:45am
KATHY WISE 0407 968 300
The Ultimatein Family Lifestyle
Experienceunparalleled luxuryinthisimpeccablyrenovatedhome, where everydetailhas been thoughtfully considered Fromthe high-endfinishes andfixturestothe beautifullylandscaped yard completewithheatedpool, thisnorth-facing coastalchicresidenceoffers the ultimate Noosalifestyle.
• Current yearround Short Stay HolidayLetting approvalinplace
• Recentlyrenovatedthroughout
• 2-levelfamilyhomewithdual living areas
•5 min strolltoNoosaJunction& 15min energeticwalktothe beach
6 A 3 B 2 C 1 D
50 Arkana Drive, Noosa Heads
PrivateSale | Price Guide$2.8M
View | Saturday21 Dec10-10:30am Tuesday31 Dec12-12:30pm GrahamSmith 0408874888
EXPERIENCE THE PINNACLE OF NOOSA LIVING
DISCOVER exceptional luxury in this meticulously renovated residence, where every aspect has been carefully curated. This northfacing coastal chic home embodies the finest Noosa lifestyle, from the exquisite finishes to the expansive backyard featuring a brand-new pool.
Perfect for larger families, this property includes six beautifully designed bedrooms, three spacious bathrooms, and two generous living areas. The master suite upstairs boasts a stunning ensuite, while the additional bedrooms provide both comfort and elegance. The brandnew kitchen is outfitted with top-tier appliances, and the ducted heating and air conditioning, along with multiple living zones, seamlessly cater to modern living requirements. This property is being sold fully furnished.
The outdoor areas are equally remarkable, featuring landscaped gardens on a 642 sqm block, complemented by a lawn that’s perfect for children to play. The fantastic entertaining deck overlooks the pool, making it ideal for family barbecues or peacefully unwinding.
The lower level welcomes you with a foyer
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leading to three large bedrooms and an openplan living area, perfect for relaxed family gatherings. Upstairs, the main living spaces open onto a rear deck, offering a lovely spot to enjoy sunsets or keep an eye on the kids in the pool.
Located just a five-minute stroll from Noosa Junction, this property places you in the heart of Noosa Heads, providing easy access to boutique shopping, local cafes, bars, and restaurants.
An energizing walk will bring you to Noosa Main
Address: 50 Arkana Drive, NOOSA HEADS Description: 6 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 garage Price: $2.8M
Inspect: Saturday 21 December 10:00 - 10:30 am, Tuesday 31 December 12:00 – 12:30 pm
Contact: Graham Smith 0408 874 888 graham.smith@qldsir.com, SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
Beach and the stunning National Park, making this home a perfect blend of modern luxury and laid-back coastal living.
This property is more than just a house; it’s a sanctuary where families can create lasting memories. Offered for sale fully furnished, this beautiful Noosa family haven is perfect for those seeking a permanent home or a holiday retreat, with year-round holiday letting approval. It provides everything you need for a comfortable and stylish life.
A HIDDEN GEM IN A PRIME CENTRAL LOCATION
STEP inside this hidden gem in the heart of Sunshine Beach and experience the ultimate coastal lifestyle. Perfectly positioned on a quiet residential street, this impeccably presented home invites you to enjoy all the area has to offer. Don’t miss the chance to explore this exceptional home!
The residence has been comprehensively and tastefully renovated and reimagined in recent years by the local “mDesign”, and seamlessly melds wonderful charm and warmth with modern comforts and features, including a sun-drenched inground pool overlooked by covered terrace, and a soft, coastal colour palette with timeless appeal.
Across two light-filled spacious levels offering family-sized and family-friendly living – the home comprises four bedrooms, two bathrooms plus third bathroom/laundry combo, two separate living areas both opening out to alfresco zones, premium galley kitchen, sparkling inground pool, and double lock-up garage on a 569m2 block.
Vaulted ceilings with timber beams, banks of louvers to filter breezes and invite in light, polished Mary River rock concrete flooring on ground floor and hardwood timber flooring on upper floor, dual vanities in ensuite, ceiling fans, split system air-conditioning, stone
HOME ESSENTIALS
benches, premium stainless steel appliances, soft close cabinetry, custom-built bench seat in cosy reading nook, and private north facing shuttered balcony off master bedroom – are among the suite of notable features. Inside and out, it is ultra-low maintenance and there is absolutely no money needing to be spent or any works done. Being sold fully furnished, it is move-in ready or can remain in the holiday-letting pool, as an approved shortterm accommodation prospect. If purchasing to live in (or as your holiday home) it is an easy
property to lock-and-leave securely – as all you would need to sort out is a regular lawn mow.
Located in a leafy neighbourhood only 400 metres to the village, 700 metres to the surf club and patrolled beach, 750 metres to the National Park to access scenic walks including to Alexandria Bay, and easy access to Noosa Junction; there’s no excuse not to keep fit and active, you can walk virtually everywhere!
The owners are motivated to sell, and with the busy summer holiday buying season in full swing, timing is crucial. Act quickly to secure
this gem and enjoy for Summer!
• Family-sized living on 569m2 block
• 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 living
• Elegant well-equipped galley kitchen
• Private covered alfresco entertaining
• Sun-drenched inground pool to enjoy
• DLUG + onsite visitor parking behind electric gate
• Tastefully renovated/extended in recent years
• Existing approval as a holiday-rental
• Walk to beach, village, national park
• Impeccably maintained & presented
Address: 12 Elanda Street, Sunshine Beach Description: 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 garage Price: Contact Agent Inspect: Saturday 21 December 2024, 10-10.45am
Contact: Caitlyn McConnell 0417 637 697 & Rob Spencer 0408 710 556, SUNSHINE BEACH REAL ESTATE
CoolumBeach
Saturday21stDecember
10.00AM -10.30AM107GrandviewDrive 43 2SuitBuyersInMid$2MsLaguna RealEstate0434236 110 Cooroy
Saturday21stDecember
10.15AM -10.45AM2 BangalowCourt 32 2Offersover$1,375,000
SuzieMcDonald RealEstate0420874813 Eumundi
Saturday21stDecember
10.00AM -10.30AM1408EumundiNoosaRoad 42.5 6OffersOver$1.4MillionRichardson &WrenchNoosa54474499 NoosaHeads
Thursday19thDecember
10.00AM -10.30AM6/2 KatharinaStreet 21 1$950,000
TomOffermann RealEstate0423726639
12.00PM -12.30PM8/70UpperHastingsStreet 32 1$6,950,000TomOffermann RealEstate0418714 653
Friday20thDecember
12.00PM -12.30PM8/70UpperHastingsStreet 32 1$6,950,000
TomOffermann RealEstate0418714 653 Saturday21stDecember
10.00AM -10.30AM14KeyCourt 54 2$9,950,000 TomOffermann RealEstate0413044241 10.00AM -10.30AM50ArkanaDrive 63 2PriceGuide$2.8M SothebysInternational Realty0408874888
11.00AM -11.30AMLasRias,7/8QuambyPlace3 21 $5,990,000
TomOffermann RealEstate0419757770
11.45AM -12.30PM 3HollyhockCrescent 42 2$1.85MillionRichardson &WrenchNoosa54474499
12.00PM -12.30PM8/70UpperHastingsStreet 32 1$6,950,000 TomOffermann RealEstate0418714 653
12.00PM -12.30PM515/61NoosaSpringsDrive 44 2SuitBuyersHigh$6MsLaguna RealEstate0434236 110
NoosaSprings
Saturday21stDecember
11.00AM -11.45AM 153/61NoosaSpringsDrive 32 2$1.8m JoeLangley RealEstate0417753961
11.00AM -11.30AM20/27MunnaCrescent 21 1$850,000 Laguna RealEstate0434236 110
2.00PM -2.30PM3/173-175GympieTerrace3 21 AuctionOnSiteLaguna RealEstate0407379893
Saturday21stDecember
9.45AM -10.30AM2/263GympieTerrace2 11 ByNegotiation$1.3MillionRichardson &WrenchNoosa54474499
10.00AM -10.30AM3/173-175GympieTerrace3 21 AuctionOnSiteLaguna RealEstate0407379893
11.00AM -11.30AM 12/2DolphinCrescent 21 1$995,000 TomOffermann RealEstate0468922519
1.00PM -1.30PM20/27MunnaCrescent 21 1$850,000Laguna RealEstate0434236 110 1.00PM -1.30PM28WyunaDrive 44 2$4,000,000 TomOffermann RealEstate0437447804
Monday23rdDecember
12.00PM -12.30PM3/173-175GympieTerrace3 21 AuctionOnSiteLaguna RealEstate0407379893
OPENHOMES
PeregianSprings
Saturday21stDecember
1.30PM -2.00PM44/15 DunesCourt3 22 ContactAgentRichardson &WrenchNoosa54474499
SunshineBeach
Saturday21stDecember
10.00AM -10.45AM28BelmoreTerrace 32 2ContactAgentSunshineBeachRealEstate0754472999 10.00AM -10.45AM 12 ElandaStreet 43 2ContactAgentSunshineBeachRealEstate0754472999 11.00AM -11.45AM2/9HendersonStreet 21 1$1.35MSunshineBeachRealEstate0754472999 11.00AM -11.45AM1/53ElandaStreet 32 2Offersover$2MSunshineBeachRealEstate0754472999 11.00AM -11.30AM38ArakoonCrescent
HOME FOCUS
PALATIAL RESIDENCE - NOOSA HEADS
INTRODUCING 515/61 Noosa Springs Drive, Noosa Heads, the jewel of Noosa Springs, for the first time since the property was built in coveted Noosa Springs gated estate located in the highly sought after precinct of The Ridge. The home is palatial at 740 internal square meters sitting on an impressive 1,500 square metre block offering resort living at its finest including soaring 18ft ceilings, an entry that never fails to impress, 2 master suites, one master downstairs offering a large walk-in robe, ensuite and private terrace.
On the upper level the master wing is north facing offering its own private balcony overlooking the golf course and lake views, large walk-in robe and spectacular ensuite with double walk-in showers, twin vanities and luxurious granite spa. All four bedrooms are super- sized, include generous limestone ensuites and private terraces.
The masterful design of this residence allows for great separation and room for family and guests with two living areas, a media room, large office, plus powder room, comes fully furnished and includes your own golf buggy. Slide the stacker doors that open the width of the rear of the home with ease creating an exemplary indoor/outdoor space that is totally private, flooding the home with natural light and cooling breezes suitable for family gatherings, the most glamorous of events and feel like you’re on holiday every day.
The chef’s kitchen is a showstopper with opal granite bench tops, 2 Pac soft close
HOME ESSENTIALS
cabinetry and a large island bench. If you love to cook, imagine every convenience from the Miele six burner induction cooktop, 1200cm oven, steam oven, dishwasher, to the luxury of hot and cold filtered water from your own Zip Tap. Every convenience is at your fingertips making cooking whether simple or complex a breeze. This residence has Queensland’s perfect north facing aspect with expansive views of the Graham Papworth designed 18-hole world class Noosa Springs Golf Course. You’ll be entertained watching the golfers from your living room or the expansive terrace close to the end of the 18 holes with a tee off on the 17th hole. Relax on the spacious north facing terrace as you view the everchanging golf activity and water outlook that includes an array of birds and wildlife, black swans, families of ducks, cockatoos, lorikeets, kangaroos and koalas.
The build took 12 months using ultra durable concrete and steel with suspended slab and curved interior walls, has been meticulously maintained and recently painted inside and out, the residence is in immaculate condition and is turn-key ready. The home offers every luxury complete with a master wing, indoor heated
pool, ducted air-conditioning, solar power and water tank to name just a few. This elegant masterpiece is an absolute standout and is arguably one of, if not the best residence and location in Noosa Springs with a north/ south aspect and stunning lake and golf course views as far as the eye can see from your master suite, open plan kitchen, living and dining rooms. Noosa Springs offers security with a 24 hour manned Gatehouse, a world class 18-hole golf course and the par 9. Take family and friends to either one of the two undercover BBQ areas with swimming pools for a day of fun or take advantage of Noosa Springs Clubhouse, a fabulous venue for your morning coffee, evening aperitif, lunch or dinner. Everything is at your doorstep including Noosa Springs Day Spa, Gym and heated pool for year-round fitness. Only 2 kilometres to Noosa Junction, Coles, Noosa’s Seafood Market and 3 kilometres to Noosa’s famous Main Beach and Hastings Street. This property is an absolute one of a kind and has to be seen to be appreciated, call to arrange a private inspection which will allow you to take in the lifestyle, sheer size and attributes this stunning residence affords.
Address: 515/61 Noosa Springs Drive, NOOSA HEADS Description: 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 2 garage, pool Price: By Negotiation Inspect: Saturday 12-12.30 PM
Contact: Anita Nichols 0434 236 110, LAGUNA REAL ESTATE
AFFORDABLE LIVING IN AN EXCEPTIONAL LOCATION
LOCATED in the highly desirable Riverlands complex in the heart of Old Tewantin, this well presented one-bedroom unit is perfect for those looking for lifestyle and community at an amazing price!
Situated a short drive from Tewantin Village and only a 15 minute drive from Hastings Street and Noosa’s pristine beaches, this property stands out as an affordable home in close proximity to all that Noosa has to offer. It’s also only 800m to the ferry to the stunning Noosa North Shore and Double Island Point.
The over 50s Riverlands complex offers easy living with an array of facilities including a heated pool, gym, community hall, library
and other recreational activities. The unit is conveniently positioned in a private area at the end of a block where you have only one neighbour. There is also a bus stop right out the front of the complex with buses departing to Tewantin Village, minutes away.
This is one property that you don’t want to miss!
FEATURES AT A GLANCE:
• Low Body Corporate
• Low maintenance
• Easy access to Tewantin Village with cafes, bars, bakery, medical services and a supermarket
• Walking distance to Noosa River
• Also a great investment opportunity!
Address: 26/139 Moorindil Street, TEWANTIN Description: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, 1 garage Price: $425,000 Inspect: Saturday and Wednesday 12-12.30pm Contact: Dane Anderson 0487 539 916, LAGUNA REAL ESTATE
outstandingNoosariveropportunity 3/173-175
3 A 2 B 1 C D
•Stunningfront rowposition,fully renovatedtoa high standard
•Generoussized rooms, highceilings,superbfinishes
•Fulllengthnorth facing sunfilledbalcony, dazzlingriverviews
•Directaccess to Gympie Terracefrompretty, privategarden
•Lockupgarageand storage;BBQs, pools,spa
•Strolltoanassortment ofoutstandingrestaurantsandcafes
•Expertonsitemanagementensures excellent returns
•Provenastuteinvestmentchoiceand fabulouslifestyleoption
aUcTioN OnSite 18Jan12pm vieW Fri2pm,Sat 10am,Mon12pm
MelanieButcher 0407379893
mel@lagunarealestate.com.au
2 A 1 B 1 C D lookingFor aBrilliant investment? 20/27
•Two bedroomapartment, stylishlyrenovatedandfullyfurnished
•Primelocation afew metres to NoosaRiver,throw inthekayak
•Plentyofstorage;airconditioningand ceilingfans
•Wellmaintained resort,onsitemanagement;lowbodycorps
•Two pools,outdoorspa, tenniscourt,coveredBBQandentertainment
•Enjoyinganoccupancyrateof80%,anoutstanding investment
•Takea shortstrolltoGympieTerrace forcafes,restaurants,boutiques
•Catchthefreebus orenjoythe ferryridetoHastingsStreetand Main Beach
Forsale
$850,000 vieW
Fri11am;Sat1pm
anitaNichols 0434236110
anita@lagunarealestate.com.au
