A Pomona family has thanked the LifeFlight crew who saved their son after his severe anaphylactic reactiontohairycaterpillars.
Yarren was at Noosa Heads Lions Park with friends and family in June 2023 climbing trees with his mates when he passed out with a terrible rash. His dad Gregg said Yarren ran over to his mother Rachael and told her he was ‘seeing rainbows’beforehevomitedandcollapsed. Gregg and Rachael then tried to comfort their then six-year-old who had seven seizures before the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) paramedicsarrived.
QAS rushed him to Noosa Private Hospital where doctors intubated Yarren and put him into an induced coma. The Sunshine Coast LifeFlight aeromedical team, including aircrew officer Ryan Cross and Critical Care Doctor Hamish Brown, continued his medical care flying him to SunshineCoastUniversityHospital(SCUH).
Yarren’sfamilywillbespecialguestsattheupcoming LifeFlight Gala at the Novotel Sunshine CoastResortonSaturday29March.
Three in four LifeFlight missions are interhospital transfers. In an emotional reunion at the LifeFlight Sunshine Coast hangar, Dr Brown explained to Yarren and his family why it was so importantthathewasairlifted.
Continued page 2
Noosa’s top issues
With over 500 Noosa residents taking part in the annual Noosa MP survey, hospital and health services, crimeandpolicing,andthemanagementoftheNoosa River were identified as the top three most importantissuestoourcommunity.
Noosa MP Sandy Bolton said respondents were asked to rate the level of importance around relevant topicsandtosharetheiropinionsonnumerouscommunityissues.Therewerealsoopportunitiesforresidents to raise other concerns and share comments onissuesimportanttothem.
“There was a significant increase in majority ‘for’ votes this year to reduce the number of Vehicle Ac-
cess Permits issued during peak times for the Cooloola Recreation Area/Teewah Beach, further capping of election donations, and reviewing of biodiversity mapping and koala overlays. In addition, for an increase in funding for hospice and in-home palliative care, improved accessibility to Voluntary Assisted Dyingandothers,”saidMsBolton.
Results also found that a number of trends continued from last year’s survey, with increasing support for the reform of Parliament’s oversight committees to be more independent of government and theestablishmentofanIndependentEnvironmental Protection Agency. Other issues that have not been
raised previously, including the need for transportation options for youth to attend the Nambour TAFE, havebeentakenforwardtorelevantministers.
Feedback provided on matters under the control of local or federal governments has been forwarded to Noosa Council and the Federal Member for Wide Bay, Llew O’Brien. Ms Bolton said the survey results provideabarometerforthecommunity’sgeneralposition regarding state government issues and assists indeterminingadvocacyintothenewyear.
“My sincerest thank-you to all respondents for taking the time to share your views and even though numbers of residents who have engaged is less than
what we had hoped for, we encourage residents to contact our office anytime with their state government concerns via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au. In addition,tospreadthewordwithfellowNoosansthe importance of participating in surveys at all levels of governmentasweneedtohearyourvoice!”
A comprehensive summary of the results is also available at sandybolton.com/noosa360/. With her office releasing a new survey on fluoride and a public child sex offender registry, Sandy encourages all residents to have their say and to keep an eye out for future surveys by subscribing to the newsletter via sandybolton.com/newsletters/
Yarren needed the LifeFlight helicopter. (Supplied)
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DEADLINES
Pomona boy saved after severe reaction
From page 1
“You were very, very unwell,” Dr Brown said.
“The 12-minute flight compared to the 45-minute trip by road was necessary because we didn’t really know why you were so critically unwell.
“You were unconscious, you had a rash, your oxygen levels were low, you weren’t breathing properly, and your airways were compromised.
“Being inside the LifeFlight helicopter meant that you never left the intensive care unit environment.
“You were in that ICU bubble the entire time and we didn’t take our eyes off you during the flight.”
Gregg filmed the LifeFlight helicopter as it took off and was talking to his son as the chopper flew away because he thought he may not see his son again.
“I took a video of Yarren getting on the flight with his mumma and taking off and to be honest, that was raw emotion,” Gregg said.
“I was saying goodbye to him too, because my boy couldn’t breathe. As I started to talk to Yarren in that helicopter, I started to break down.”
“I love you Yarren,” Greg can be heard saying on the video. “I love you little guy. I will see you soon. Love you beautiful.”
Gregg said the professionalism of the LifeFlight crew helped calm him.
“They were very methodical and calm,” he said.
“But my mind wasn’t. My mind was still running 100 miles an hour. Because my little boy is laying there in an induced coma and we don’t have a clue what’s going on.”
Rachael said she only realised the seriousness of her son’s medical emergency weeks later.
“When you step back and you’ve got time to think about it, that’s when it hits you,” she said.
“When you realise that getting a helicopter to hospital is actually serious and it’s not a normal thing.”
“That’s when you go ‘you know what? I think my son’s life was on the line’.
“Without LifeFlight, I don’t think Yarren would be alive. I don’t think he would have got to the hospital in time.”
Greg said he took his family back to the park two weeks later to hunt for clues about what had made Yarren so sick, so quickly.
“I looked in the tree that they were playing with, and I was looking for spiders,” he said. “I couldn’t see any spiders, but then I looked underneath the tree, and underneath was loaded with hairy caterpillars, and their nests were everywhere.
“Yarren almost died from touching the nest of those hairy caterpillars.
“I can’t thank LifeFlight enough. They were so professional, so calm...they knew exactly what they were doing, and we felt like he was in great hands.
“Without LifeFlight, I would hate to think of some of the experiences or the endings that some families would have to go through.
“I know it’s LifeFlight, but to us, it’s just a LifeSaver.”
Dr Brown said reactions to hairy caterpillars were common, but usually limited to local reactions like rash, redness, itch and mild swelling.
“Anaphylaxis with some significant and severe systemic involvement is very rare. Yarren is the only child I have encountered clinically in 14 years working as a doctor to have suffered such a reaction,“ he said.
Rachael described LifeFlight’s care as amazing.
“They are fantastic people,” she said. “They just keep you calm and because they are so calm you stay calm.”
“It changes all of a sudden and it makes every moment a bit more precious when you know how close you were.”
Yarren has recovered well, and the family now carry an Epi-Pen everywhere they go.
At an emotional reunion at the LifeFlight Sunshine Coast base, he gave his rescue crew thank you chocolates and gifted critical care doctor Hamish Brown a colourful helicopter picture.
“It was pretty cool that I could go to the base and see the helicopter and the people who saved me,” Yarren said. Join Yarren and his family for a fabulous night of glitz and glamour and giving back at this year’s LifeFlight Palm Springs themed gala on 29 March. Book your ticket to the best black-tie fundraising event on the Sunshine Coast at https://short-
The state government announced a new taskforce has the job of cutting council red tape.
When I heard it I was reminded of something similar a decade earlier.
It didn’t take long to find an article in which then Premier Campbell Newman was writing to then Local Government Minister David Crisafulli to request he meet with councils to ask them to voluntarily identify red tape and regulation that could be removed to help small business.
The new taskforce, which is due to report to the state government later this year, will be led by a state government and council administrator Andrew Chesterman who brings with him 30 years’ experience of public administration. His task is to work with local councils to find answers and to help councils deliver infrastructure and services for their communities more efficiently and effectively, she said.
The initiative has been welcomed by Local Government Association of Queensland chief executive officer Alison Smith who says Queensland councils are acutely aware of the (local) impact of overly complex, duplicated and otherwise unnecessary regulation. In other news, well done to Noosa Daybreak Rotary and Salvation Army for finding homes for people who have no homes and have been forced to sleep in their cars.
- Margaret Maccoll
LifeFlight critical care doctor Hamish Brown, father Gregg, LifeFlight patient Yarren, mother Rachael, and LifeFlight pilot Ryan Cross.
Yarren was excited to see the buttons that make the chopper fly.
Yarren drew a helicopter picture to thank his LifeFlight doctor Hamish Brown.
LifeFlight critical care doctor Hamish Brown, Yarren, LifeFlight pilot Ryan Cross.
Yarren was critically unwell and in an induced coma to reduce brain swelling after a severe anaphylactic reaction.
Call to action for application
Independent Noosa MP Sandy Bolton has been advised that the Tewantin State Facilitated Development (SFD) application has entered a public consultation phase closing on 10 March.
“In its current form, it has not addressed previous concerns raised nor aligns with the Noosa Planning Scheme, with the application proposing to be three to four stories,” Ms Bolton said.
The Member for Noosa updated in November that legislation passed to amend the Planning Act allowing the Minister for Planning to revise or revoke SFD designations/ applications.
This follows the efforts of many in Noosa since Sandy’s opposition to the original Bill back in April 2024 that facilitated the SFD pathway.
“The amendments late last year do not prevent or stop any applications being submitted; however, it provides the Minister with the power to revoke applications including those that do not align with local planning schemes, and your submissions will provide further rationale to the Minister’s decision making in this,” she said.
Helping create homes for the homeless
JB (not her real name), a 75-year-old woman who uses a walker to mobilise, was recently asked to leave her rental apartment due to the owner’s decision to sell the property.
She was referred to the Salvation Army’s First Response team as she had no resources nor money to find accommodation. At the time of referral, the Department of Housing had no accommodation available, which put her at immediate risk of homelessness, forcing her to sleep in her car.
The Salvation Army’s First Response Team intervened and, with funding from Noosa Daybreak Rotary, provided JB with two weeks accommodation at a motel in Maroochydore. Both the Salvation Army’s social worker and case manager worked diligently to find respite accommodation through aged care organisations, but were unsuccessful.
Despite her age and physical disabilities JB felt she did not fit into an aged care facility as she was still independent, drove a car and was active.
After two weeks at the motel provided by Rotary funding, the Department of Housing found an apartment for JB at Kings Beach, Caloundra.
JB was very anxious during this whole period, but is now happy to have secured social housing and avoided having to sleep in her car.
Since October 2022, more than 120 homeless people on the Sunshine Coast have been assisted with accommodation through an agreement between Noosa Daybreak Rotary and the Salvation Army, but there are still more needing help.
In 2021 Noosa Daybreak Rotary members became aware of a growing need for housing
and shelter for homeless individuals and families after hearing there were about 40 homeless people sleeping in their cars each night and receiving counselling support from the Salvation Army.
“Our club explored various alternative ways to assist the largest number of people, within our financial capabilities,“ one member said.
“After discussions with Salvation Army case
workers from the First Response Team, we developed the Salvation Army Rotary Blessing Fund (SARB).“
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Noosa Daybreak Rotary and the Salvation Army with the following guidelines:
• Donations to SARB would receive a tax receipt from the Salvation Army.
• No funds from RNDB would be used for Sal-
“Even with those important changes, and the state planning department working with Noosa Council closely on reviewing SFD applications, Noosa must continue to be very clear on expectations so please lodge submissions.”
Sandy and Noosa Council are encouraging residents to join in sending feedback via SFD@ dsdilgp.qld.gov.au
All available documentation for the application can be found at https://www.planning.qld. gov.au/planning-framework/development-assessment/state-facilitated-development
Residents should note that they will need to scroll down to the ‘public register’ and click on ‘SFD-01040 - Sidoni St, 10, Poinciana Ave 78-89Tewantin – Noosa’.
“When emailing your submission, please copy in our office via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au,” Ms Bolton said.
Updates on many matters, Sandy is working on, are available at SandyBolton.com/Noosa360
vation Army administration; all funds would directly assist homeless individuals.
• As the project progressed, the Salvation Army would provide brief reports on the financial balance of SARB, along with redacted anecdotes of those assisted.
Since October 2022, Noosa Daybreak Rotary has donated $55,000 to the SARB project.
Up to November 2024, 120 people have been assisted with motel respite, and a Salvation Army case management officer has been assigned to map out plans for these individuals to reintegrate into the community, and this includes applications for accommodation.
The project’s success is evident, with 78 per cent of participants securing accommodation by the end of the SARB support period, and 68 per cent of the remaining participants later on, securing long-term accommodation.
Recently, the club has learnt that there has been an influx of women over the age of 55 who find themselves without accommodation or money, forcing them to sleep in their cars. The Salvation Army (SA) is currently focusing on assisting this group by providing initially, security and SA case managers to help them acclimatise to their situations.
Anyone wishing to donate funds to the project can contact the Salvation Army in Noosaville, on 5335 8500 who will direct donations specifically to the SARB project.
To address the bigger question of homelessness, Rotary asks how do we change the thinking of ourselves, our country, councils, and governments? This is a 21st century issue, that doesn’t appear to be decreasing.
Just one of Noosa Daybreak Rotary’s progressive donations to the SARB Fund with Noosa Salvation Army administration director Corrie Parkinson, Salvation Army Corps Officer in Noosaville Matthew Gluyas, and Noosa Daybreak Rotary president Warren Parkinson. (Supplied)
The Tewantin State Facilitated Development application has entered a public consultation phase. (Supplied)
Be scam aware this year
By Margie Maccoll
Two hundred and twenty-eight Noosa residents were victims of scams in the past 12 months, costing them a total of about $1.5 million with an average individual loss of $30,000, one resident being scammed out of a whopping $400,000, according to a report by national identity and cyber support service, IDcare, on the victims they helped.
Last Friday IDcare outreach and engagement national manager Kathy Sundstrom, outreach team member Shona and data analyst Jack of the Kawana-based not for profit charity, that has for a decade been the national support service for people impacted by scams, cybercrime or identity theft, spoke to guests at U3A on the methods scammers use to target their money and how to protect themselves.
“Cybercrime cost the world $9.5 trillion in 2024,“ Kathy said.
“What caused the most financial loss (in Australia) in the past year, and this rarely changes, is nearly always investment scams.
“There was $24 million in the month of January in recorded losses in investment scams in Australia.
“We have hundreds of people call in every day. Everybody thinks it’s not going to happen to them, until it does. It’s so common.“
The age group reporting most scams to IDcare is 35-44 year olds, with the highest financial losses, mostly retirement savings lost in investment scams are reported in the 65-74 year demographic.
“We were concerned about Noosa because our data was showing Noosa was so much higher than other regions across Australia. Noosa was in the top 15 most vulnerable areas across Australia in the past 12 months,“ Kathy said.
“What do criminals want?“ Shona asked.
“They’re after our money and how do they do that, they target our credentials, and the drivers license is the top target.
“With a drivers license they can phone a bank and open an everyday business account and that’s the only piece of ID they need. If they want to open a line of credit they need more, the top 100 points such as a drivers license, Medicare card and passport.
“They are able to collect bits of information from data breaches and piece together the 100 points and open lines of credit or open a phone account.“
Jack, who monitors the dark web and platforms where scammers talk to each other, said this was where they do deals selling credentials.
“They may have phished them, there may have been a data breach, and they sell them on, to maybe set up bank accounts, get lines of credit, and there’s no repercussions for them because they’re not their identities,“ he said.
Kathy warned the guests to be alert to all types of scams through phone calls, texts and social media.
“Be very suspicious if you’ve getting calls from
anybody, your bank, the government, and they want details of your accounts,“ she said.
“When it comes to investment scams they are highly sophisticated. They are very talented in making their fake websites look like an investment platform where you see your money going up, you see your money going down.
“They even create fake trading groups where you go on and you see people talking and you feel connected to something.
“Celebrity impersonated scams are very popular.
“Relationship scams don’t just lead to a broken heart, it leads to you transferring funds to that person or joining in their investment opportunity.
“Most of the people in relationship scams say they were so careful, they never thought it would happen to them. They checked all the red flags. It’s a slow burn, it takes place over months where something might happen where they need assistance or they might introduce them to a cousin who introduces them to crypto.
“In January a person lost $230,000 in a telephone scam. A person called pretending they were a woman’s bank and telling them there was a problem with her account. She gave them remote access and the next thing she lost $230,000.“
Shona said when people contact IDcare they want to know how it happened. Often people don’t know how it happened, she said.
If you have been scammed IDcare recommend a three-step response.
“First thing is contact your bank or financial in-
stitution,“ Kathy said.
“The reason for that, before you call police, or your family, they are the only ones who can protect the money in your account.“
Kathy said while recently working with the fraud team in a major bank she was shown how quickly money could be lost.
“You transfer money from your account to another. Within minutes it’s gone out of that other account either into cryptocurrency or an offshore account where your likelihood of getting the money back is very small,“ she said.
“We know it’s about 15 per cent of scam victims get their money back. The sooner you report the greater the likelihood of getting some back.“
The second step is to contact IDcare.
“If you do get yourself in a situation you think you’ve been scammed or your identity has been stolen you can call us and get a case manager,“ Shona said.
“We’ll give you a step by step plan how you can move forward safely and stop what’s happened. And it’s free.“
The third step is to spread the word about the scam.
“Scams thrive in silence,“ Kathy said.
“Telling other people, they’re less likely to affect anyone else.“
To help protect yourself from criminals the IDcare team recommended taking precautions to stop being an easy target.
“Stop, check, protect - when you get a message,
take your time, treat everything you receive as suspicious. If you receive an email that says it’s from your bank or MyGov, check the email address,“ Shona said.
“One of our best tips is to use the Apps from the Apps store then you know its a reliable, real text.
“If someone says they need remote access don’t do it.
“Don’t have the same password for everything. We recommend you use a password manager. There are free ones on your phone. Do a bit of research. You can use a notebook to write them down, keep it in a safe place. There are pitfalls to this but it’s better than having the same password for everything.
“Don’t get Google to save your password for you. If criminals get hold of your computer they’ll go into your computer manager and get hold of all your passwords.
“It’s important you set up multi-factor authentication on emails and Facebook. It stops 99 per cent of account takeovers. It’s quite an easy thing to achieve.
“Get your credit report. You’re entitled to a free credit report every three months.
“Stay informed. Criminals are always looking for ways to gain access.“
IDcare has a learning centre and fact sheets on its website.
IDcare finances itself through the creation and sale of reports on scams to different industries and receives some funding.
New arrival adds to Coast’s cyber-security arsenal
A national player in cyber-security has chosen the Sunshine Coast for its first base outside Canberra.
The arrival of Cybermerc – experts in detecting and protecting against threats – has further bolstered the Sunshine Coast’s growing reputation as a haven for innovation.
Cybercrime is one of that fastest growing crime types in Australia with hundreds of millions of dollars lost each year.
As Cybercrime reports continue to increase, our business community, with the support of Sunshine Coast Council, is leveraging the region’s world-class data infrastructure and local expertise to tackle the growing threat of data breaches.
In 2023, Mooloolaba TAFE launched its Cyber Security Training Operations Centre which has attracted numerous cyber-security firms to the region.
The Sunshine Coast also became home to The Critical Infrastructure Information Sharing and Analysis Centre (CI-ISAC), a not-for profit entity providing organisations with a platform to share intelligence on getting ahead of, and defeating, cyber-attacks.
Adding to the region’s reputation as an emerging cyber-crime-fighting capital, the Sunshine Coast was recently chosen to host the sec-
ond AGM for the CI-ISAC.
And now the region welcomes Cybermerc, a leader in providing cyber-security and threat intelligence solutions for small businesses, enterprise and government.
Cybermerc has five locally based employees and plans to create 10 new jobs on the Sunshine Coast.
The company opened its first office outside the nation’s capital on the Sunshine Coast, making the UniSC’s Innovation Centre home.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli wel-
comed Cybermerc to the region.
“As someone who has personally been a cyber victim, I am proud our region is on the front foot in developing capabilities to address this crime,” Mayor Natoli said.
“Cybermerc’s presence here boosts our reputation as a place for innovation and also offers career opportunities for our youth.”
Cybermerc chief executive officer Matthew Nevin praised the Sunshine Coast for its impressive achievements, attributing them to the broadband infrastructure build.
“Having world-class connectivity, a motivated business community and developing some amazing expertise in our industry means we absolutely had to have a local presence and be part of the excitement,” Mr Nevin said.
According to the 2023 ASD Cyber Threat Report, there were nearly 94,000 reports of cybercrime submitted to ReportCyber in 2022-2023, an increase of 23 per cent compared to the previous financial year. On average, that’s one report received every six minutes.
The cost of cybercrime to Australian businesses increased by 14 per cent compared to the previous financial year. Small businesses experienced an average financial loss of $46,000, while cybercrimes cost medium businesses an average of $97,200, and large businesses an av-
erage of $71,600.
Cybermerc successfully secured grant funding from the Australian Government for “Project DFNDR” to look at Adaptive Cyber Security for Defence and Critical Infrastructure small and medium-sized enterprises.
The project is being delivered in partnership with the University of Canberra and cyber security consultancy firm Ionize, to better predict, prevent and indefinity cyber threats.
Local organisation Manufacturing Excellence Forum (MEF), which includes several defence industry suppliers in its membership base, has partnered with Cybermerc on this project.
MEF director Tim Kelly said he was thrilled to be involved in the project.
“This collective research effort aims to uplift the region’s cyber-security capabilities and contribute to the nation’s economic and security landscape,” Mr Kelly said.
For more information on Project DFDNR contact Cybermerc by emailing info@cybermerc.com.
To explore investment opportunities and learn more about the Sunshine Coast’s advanced digital infrastructure visit invest.sushinecoast.qld.gov.au.
Cybermerc founder and chief technology officer Paul Nevin, project manger Caitlin Sauza and analyst Corey Neville. (Supplied)
IDcare outreach team Jack, Kathy Sundstrom and Shona.
Heavy rail before games
Sunshine Coast Business Council Chair Sandy Zubrinich says heavy rail must be delivered before the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“For more than two decades, successive governments have repeatedly promised to deliver heavy rail between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast — yet here we are, still debating the viability of this transformative infrastructure investment while our region waits for action,“ she said.
“From the former Beattie ALP government’s Transport Minister Paul Lucas committing $480 million in 2005 to deliver rail into Caloundra by 2015 extending into Maroochydore by 2020, to the various LNP candidates making the same pledge as recently as the 2024 election, this vital infrastructure has been used as a political bargaining chip for far too long.
“When we secured the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games in July of 2021, a rail connection between Brisbane and the South East Queensland regions of the Gold Coast, Toowoomba and the Sunshine Coast, was touted as a key legacy outcome as a result of hosting the Games. Finally, we had a definitive date to work towards, and 13 years to deliver – a timeline that the experts confirmed was achievable.
“Fast forward to 2024 — yes, another three years of valuable delivery time had passed — and
after more than two decades of advocacy and planning, the delivery of Stage 1 of the heavy rail connection between Brisbane and Caloundra by
2032 was finally announced by the Miles Labor State Government in February with a funding commitment of $2.75 billion. This was after Fed-
eral Members Ted O’Brien and Andrew Wallace secured an initial $1.6 billion in federal funding in 2022. Further funding was later committed by the Albanese Federal Labor Government in May last year taking the Federal commitment to $2.75 billion.
“Since then, the project has again faced significant cost reassessments, with the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) now estimating Stage 1 — the 19km dual track extending the rail from Beerwah to Caloundra — will cost between $5 billion and $7billion. Despite this increased cost, this stage has been committed to and funded and should therefore be delivered without further delays.
“Delivering heavy rail all the way from Brisbane to the Maroochydore City Centre was after all an election promise made by the LNP in the lead-up to the last state election in October 2024.
“Now, the new LNP State Government is conducting a 100-day Review of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, which called for community submissions by 10 January.
“For the Sunshine Coast Business Council (SCBC), our submission was clear: the heavy rail link between Brisbane and the Maroochydore City Centre must be delivered before the Games, as promised.“
Unbridled bureaucracy puts ‘lives in danger’
By Arthur Gorrie
An arrogant Queensland fire brigade’s bureaucracy is destroying the often vital volunteer rural fire service it is supposed to be supporting, through authority overreach and disrespect for volunteers.
That is the essence of a submission last Friday (7 February) from Rural Fire Brigades Association Queensland to the state government’s inquiry into volunteering, an inquiry aimed at addressing the loss of thousands of volunteers in essential services, from running elections to Meals on Wheels and fire fighting - services which keep Queensland functioning and often save lives.
The submission makes clear that many volunteer services survived for 100 years without bureaucratic domination, but are now in dangerous decline.
It complains of dominance by a Brisbanebased administrative structure which routinely withholds potentially life saving data on available resources.
Lives are in danger across 93 per cent of Queensland’s land area because “experience and local knowledge (are) walking out the door,“ it says.
Oppressive regulation and paperwork had caused a decline in service capability because of a “public service ’circle of self validation’“ which meant ideas were turned into policy and procurement without any input from the rural fire brigades or volunteers on the front line.
As a result of administrative secrecy, volunteers had no idea “of age, gender, general location, vehicle type or number of brigades by
“Lives
region or area,“ meaning volunteer brigades, tasked with saving lives and property, were denied essential information on what tools they had at hand or nearby.
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Apparently regarding volunteers as outsiders, it has told RFBAQ general manager Justin Choveaux “the Queensland Fire Department is not legislatively or industrially obliged to talk to
any external organisation that is not a union“.
This is why, Mr Choveaux says, “brigade numbers are falling and local empowerment has disappeared.“
In a submission unanimously adopted by the elected RFBAQ management committee, which met in Gympie last Friday, the volunteer group has called for the government to jettison an allegedly out-of-touch Brisbane administration and to create “a fully independent Rural Fire Service Queensland.“
It called for this body to be controlled by the people who fight fires in regional and rural Queensland, to have their local knowledge and experience recognised and to have the service run by rural fire brigades, fire wardens and rural fire staff with a chief who reports “directly to the minister.“
The submission also complains of a “belief that paid firefighters know more than volunteer firefighters (with) the commensurate dismissal of local knowledge in fire, floods and cyclones.“
The legislated bureaucratic structure also is accused of stifling dissent or free speech within volunteer ranks, the “endless pursuit of brigade members over trivial complaints that drag on for years, the inability of people to have their paperwork for joining a brigade processed in a timely manner (and dangerously) overweight trucks.“
“A volunteer community based organisation is being administered by a paid, paramilitary city centric organisation,“ the submission says.
It calls for this to be replaced by “a return to the ethos of community defence under an independent statutory authority and board comprising brigade members“.
in danger”: Rural Fire Brigades Association of Queensland general manager Justin Choveaux.
Sunshine Coast Business Council chair Sandy Zubrinich. (Supplied)
Grants open
Noosa Council’s Community Grants Program
has received a revamp for 2025, with community feedback driving the addition of new Quick Response Grants.
Opening in July 2025, the Quick Response grants will offer up to $2500 for time-sensitive projects.
To support this change, the Community Project Grants will now run as a single annual funding round, instead of two, allowing organisations more time to plan and prioritise larger projects.
Community Grants Officer Corinne Aiken said feedback from applicants and an interval review inspired the changes.
“The changes we’ve made to our grants program will make the process easier for applicants and more responsive to the needs of our not-forprofit organisations,” she said.
“The introduction of the new Quick Response Grants will allow us to get funding out faster for time-sensitive projects and changing our Community Project Grants to one round per year will give groups more time to plan for larger projects.” Council is currently taking applications for Community Project Grants, offering funding opportunities for local not-for-profit organisations.
Applications for these grants close at 12 noon on 19 March 2025.
The Signature Community Events Grants and Community Alliance Agreement Grants Expression of Interest period is also now open, and closes on 28 February.
Applicants who submit successful expressions of interest will be eligible to submit full applications.
Key Changes to the Community Grants Program
Community Project Grants will now be offered once per year, with up to $30,000 available per project.
Quick Response Grants (up to $2500) will be available year-round from July 2025 to support time-sensitive projects.
Individual Sports Development Grants will launch in July 2025, providing support for Noosa residents competing or coaching at national or international levels.
The Festive Season and Signature Events grants have been merged into a single categorySignature Community Events Grants.
A new Expression of Interest process for Alliance and Signature Community Events Grants will streamline applications and improve alignment with Council’s priorities.
To support applicants, Council’s grants team will be holding Grants Information Workshops.
“Whether you’re new to grant applications or looking to improve your grant writing skills, this event is perfect for you,” Ms Aiken said.
“Learn valuable tips and tricks from our Grant’s team and get all your questions answered. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to boost your chances of securing funding for your project. The workshops will be held on 25 February at 4pm and 27 February at 4pm at Noosa Council offices in Tewantin.”
For full details and to register for the workshops, visit the grants page on the Noosa Council website or contact Council’s Grants Officer at 07 5329 6437 or grants@noosa.qld.gov.au
Building resilience
A disaster resilience workshop has helped Noosa’s aged care facilities enhance their ability to be prepared for future natural disasters.
The workshop, conducted by Noosa Council, follows several site visits by council’s Disaster Management team to Noosa Aged Care and Retirement Living Centres.
Council’s Disaster Resilience Officer Ian Williams said about 50 people attended this year’s workshop.
“In partnership with Primary Health Network commissioning organisation, Country to Coast, we focussed on a heatwave scenario to provide those working in aged are centres with a better understanding of how to handle such a situation,” he said.
With the assistance of emergency services representatives, the workshop highlighted the need for a detailed facility plan and the importance of each centre being fully prepared to handle evacuations.
Deb Leask is the village manager at Southern Cross Care’s Noosa Waters Retirement Estate. She applauded council for its proactive
approach to disaster preparedness.
“The workshop was incredibly informative and is critical to developing a resilient and connected aged care sector in Noosa,” she said.
“The heatwave scenario enabled all of us to plan for impacts on our local villages and how to best deal with these situations and possible evacuation procedures and put them into our own evacuation plans,” she added.
Council will continue to work with the sector to enhance disaster resilience.
“One of the great tools council provides all of us is the Noosa Emergency Action Guide. I know our residents and many other local aged care facilities have copies so we can be more prepared,” Ms. Leask concluded.
The community is again reminded of checking out the Disaster Dashboard for vital information on how to be prepared for any unexpected weather event. A digital version of the Noosa Emergency Action Guide is also available on the dashboard.
Invitation forPublic Comment and Notification forPublication ofPreliminaryDocumentation underthe Environment Protection and BiodiversityConservationAct 1999 (EPBCAct).
This notice is published pursuant to section 95A(3) ofthe EPBCAct.
Queensland Hydro PtyLtd proposes to undertake the Borumba Pumped Hydro EnergyStorge (PHES) Project - ExploratoryWorks (2023/09461) at Lake Borumba approximately13 km southwest ofImbil,Queensland.
The proposed actionwas determined to be a controlled action underthe EPBCActwith assessment byPreliminaryDocumentation.
The matters protected bya provision ofPart 3 ofthe EPBCAct are‘Listed threatened species and communities’(sections 18 and 18A).
Avariation to the actionwas approved on 16 October2023. Thevariation and furtherrefinements to the action since the referral are outlined in section 1.4 ofthe PreliminaryDocumentation.
Personswith special needs (i.e.forwhom English is a second language orwho has avision impairment) maycontact Queensland Hydro on 1800 433 939 forassistance in accessing the material.
Noosa Aged Care Disaster Resilience workshop held in February. (Supplied)
Music in Pioneer Park supported by Council’s Community Grants Program.
Dreaming of the Olympics
By Ian Jobling
LastweekIfeaturedinNoosaTodaybrothersKilian and Nolan Carrel as two swimmers who competed at the 2025 Australian Open Water Championship at the Busselton Jetty in WA in late January.
Kilian and Nolan are now chasing an Olympic dream by swimming for the country of their birth, Switzerland. Born in the small village of Lamboing in Bern Canton, they came to Australia in 2011. The brothers both attended Sunshine Beach State High School and were first coached by John Rodgers (JR) at the Noosa Aquatic Centre (NAC). They performed well in both Queensland in Australian Open water competition and they are now looking forward to gaining more experience competing in the LEN [Lique Europeenne de Natation – European Swimming League] Cup events across Europe.
Although the brothers have grandparents and other family in Switzerland, it has been coach JR who has been most helpful in facilitating their swimming opportunities in Switzerland and Europe. JR has built an open water swimming and
who train here do so alongside the open water swimmers. JR’s 60-plus years of experience has attracted some of the best triathletes in the world, such as Jan Frodeno from Germany, and Braden Currie, the world-champion long-distance Ironman from New Zealand”.
Prominent Swiss triathletes come to the NAC to train with JR in their off-season and have come to know Kilian and Nolan well. The lads will be staying with Fiorin Parfuss in St Galen and will also receive support from Cyril Knechtle, and their Swiss swimming coach will be Gabriel Schneider.
Apart from swimming in cities throughout Switzerland, the LEN Cup events will take Killian and Nolan to Paris, France; Proteas, Cyprus; Barcelona, Spain, and Setubal, Portugal. If they perform well in those events, they may qualify for the European Championships, and then could become eligible for the FINA World Championships in Singapore in mid-2025.
When asked about the potential outcomes in the 10 km open water events in Europe, Kilian
Red tape cuts for Qld building industry
By Arthur Gorrie
The state government has promised more homes for Queenslanders following new moves to reduce “the administrative and paperwork burden on builders.“
Housing Minister Sam O’Connor announced changes which he said would “make it easier for builders, tradies and subbies to get on with the job, delivering the homes Queensland needs sooner.“
Big across-the-board changes will include “scrapping unnecessary financial reporting for more than 50,000 individual operators, more time to meet new fire protection licensing rules
to minimise disruption to important work, scrapping occupational licence fees for plumbers doing fire protection work, fast tracking the digitising of licensing and administrative processes and amending legislation governing the Queensland Building and Construction Commission to remove duplicate workplace safety notification requirements.“
Mr O’Connor said this followed establishment of a Productivity Commission to review the construction industry “to identify opportunities to boost productivity, which is lagging behind other states.“
He said the program would “deliver immediate relief for tradies sick of getting bogged down
in unnecessary paperwork and provide support for the 270,000 Queenslanders working in the $59 billion industry. “
The Productivity Commision review would look at security of payments within the industry.
The changes would be rolled out gradually “to give builders, subcontractors and homeowners greater certainty and fairness.“
“We have a huge challenge ahead of us to fix (the) housing crisis.
“Slashing red tape is crucial to unlocking construction in Queensland,“ he said.
said, “Currently, there are two swimmers competing for Switzerland who are a little older and a little faster than my brother and me, but with the additional swimming opportunities and experience gained from the LEN events we should be able to improve our times.”
In addition to the training at the NAC, the Noosa Surf Life Saving Club has also been a huge support in getting them ready to compete internationally. Both brothers have been doing open water and surf training at the beach with coaches from Noosa surf club. Nolan said they “appreciated receiving aid with recovery, massage, and associated swimming fees”.
Kilian and Nolan will be joined by their sister Neela for some of the time they are training, travelling, competing and working. Fifteen-year-old Neela came second in the 15 Years Age 5km Swim at the Australian Championships in Busselton.
[Dr Ian Jobling is Honorary Patron of the UQ Queensland Centre of Olympic and Paralympic Studies]
Master Builders chief executive officer Paul Bidwell welcomed the plan and said his organisation had been calling for action for years.
The state government has announced a red tape cut for home builders. (452464)
Triathlon legacy at the NAC and Noosa Swimming Club. Nolan and Kilian said that what makes this squad at Noosa so special is that the triathletes
Olympic and Commonwealth Games open water and distance coach John Rodgers (‘JR’) speaking after squad-training at the NAC to Nolan, Neela and Kilian Carrell. (Ian Jobling)
Noosa nightlife: 6 top spots
By Abbey Cannan
As a journalist in Noosa in my 20s, the number one question I get asked from young people visiting the region is: ’Where should I go for a fun night out in Noosa?’
I usually have to send them to the Visit Noosa website for the best bars, as I avoid partying in the area I work, and I’m also reaching the back end of the 20s (27) where the hangover lasts two days. But for the benefit of the youth, my friends and I tried to keep up with my partner’s football team for a night out in Noosa. And we had a ball. So if you think you saw me out, it wasn’t me. Here’s six spots you should visit for a fun night out in Noosa in 2025.
1. Catalina Noosa
The boys started the party with the Noosa beach club experience by grabbing tickets onboard Catalina Noosa’s Catalina Sunsets on Saturday for $68.37. The Catalina features weekly DJs playing a mix of tropical and timeless house grooves for you to dance the afternoon away. Boarding begins at about 3.30pm, departs at 4pm, and returns at 7.30pm. For more information visit catalinanoosa.com.au
2. Halse Lodge Noosa Heads
The girls started their night at Halse Lodge in Noosa Heads, which was already absolutely pumping at 7pm. The backpackers’ venue was filled with smiling tourists and locals, enjoying the music and grabbing their friends for a game of pool and table tennis. I’m still thinking about the fish burger and fries. Trust me, the flavour on those fries is addictive. Try it. You can also stay at the freshly renovated backpackers. For more information, visit halselodgenoosa.com.au
3. Noosa Heads Surf Club
From there, we walked to the Noosa Heads Surf Club down the road at 8pm to meet the boys and see what state they were in. To be honest, 8pm was a little too early and the chirpy boys received quite a few side-eyes from people trying to enjoy their quiet dinner (rightfully so). Once the DJ
started closer to 9pm, the dance floor was filled and the side-eyes disappeared. You can never skip the surf club! The food is always good and the staff are all friendly.
4. New York Minute Noosa
The next stop around 10pm was New York Minute in Noosa Junction. If you’re up for a 20 minute walk, then just head over the hill. If not, there’s plenty of cabs that line up across the street from the surf club and it’s a quick six minute drive. Silly me thought this was just a burger joint (with incredible burgers might I add) but turns out it’s the
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place to be on a Saturday night. For more information visit their Instagram - New York Minute Burgers.
5. Beach Road by 4 Pines
Our final destination for the night was just across the street at Beach Road by 4 Pines. Back in November 2024, I spoke to the new owner and Noosa local Glenn Thiele for a story, where he said he wanted to make Beach Road everyone’s new goto spot for laid-back lunches, epic nights out, and everything in between. Well, let me say, he sure has achieved that goal! The DJ was playing great music and the place was packed with a vibrant atmosphere. Being the only venue in town open until 2am from Thursday through to Monday, it’s proven to be the ultimate late-night hangout for music lovers and night owls alike. For more information, visit 4pinesbeer.com.au/venues/ noosa or head to their Instagram - Beach Road by 4 Pines.
6. Bounce Noosa
Bounce Noosa gets a special mention as my friends and I stayed at the boutique accommodation back in January 2022, and we’re still talking about it. As a lot of girls do, we packed big bags filled with makeup and outfits for our night out in Hastings Street. But those bags weren’t necessary as we never got out of our bikinis while in the glass pool at Bounce. We played games with other guests and enjoyed trays of cocktails during happy hour. The four of us stayed in an affordable brand-new room and the pink shared bathrooms were stunning. The popular holiday accommodation is probably booked out during the peak season, but try your luck at staybounce.com
There’s plenty of other amazing bars, restaurants, accommodation, and things to do in Noosa. Be sure to check the entertainment and business tab on noosatoday.com.au for updates.
This post is not sponsored, but if you’d like to feature your business or event in Noosa Today, while also supporting your local journalists, email the Noosa Today team at sales@noosatoday.com.au
Thallons Peters, Blake Moore and Patrice Siolo on the Catalina Noosa. (Supplied)The Catalina features weekly DJ’s playing a mix of tropical and timeless house grooves.
Table tennis at Halse Lodge. (Facebook)
Food at Halse Lodge. (Facebook)
Halse Lodge Noosa Heads.Bounce Noosa. (Facebook)
The great weight loss debate
By Margie Maccoll
During his long career working as a cardiologist in South Africa, England and Australia Associate Professor Kevin Alford’s recommendation for weight loss was diet and exercise, regarding most diet drugs as having been “pretty useless” but recently developed GLP-like drugs such as Ozempic have been game changers.
During a talk at Noosa U3A last month Dr Alford spoke about the increase in weight gain and obesity in western society since the 1960s, its causes, its impacts and the use of diet drugs such as Ozempic.
“It’s only when we have an excess of energy stores available to us that the proverbial hits the fan,” he said.
“The proverbial started to hit the fan around 1960.
“According to the WHO a tipping point occurred around 1960.
“Major changes have occurred in our food and our lifestyle and we’re now perpetuating this.
“Around 2000 the WHO declared obesity a world epidemic.
“We live in what we call an obesogenic environment. We evolved from hunter-gathering. Then all of a sudden we’ve got a hell of a lot of food excess. We don’t have any famines in western society. There’s this huge decrease in exercise. This is the behaviour, the environment that generates obesity.
“It’s important to know the human body wants to store fat in times of famine. It keeps recalibrating our baseline.”
Other influences on obesity include chronic stress, genetics, gut microbiome, physical activity, diet, toxins and sleep deprivation, he said.
“About 15 years ago a new word came into medicine - dia-besity - a combination of diabetes and obesity and the health risks are enormous. Once this occurs we develop heart disease, vascular disease, high blood pressure, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, diabetes, stroke.”
Dr Alford said it was critical for the body to maintain steady glucose levels, as our brain needs steady glucose levels to function.
“Insulin allows glucose, which is a critical component of our energy system, to get into the cell and do what it needs to do,” he said.
“Type I diabetes is due to a deficiency in insulin, so you can’t get the glucose into the cell.”
In type 2 diabetes, the body doesn’t make enough insulin or doesn’t use insulin well, resulting in too much glucose staying in the blood, and not enough reaching the cells.
For people with diabetes type 2, Ozempic
works to lower blood glucose levels by telling your body to produce more insulin when you eat. It also slows the motion and absorption of food from your gut and reduces your appetite.
“We became very interested in some of these diabetic drugs that worked by increasing this substance - (glycogen-like peptide) GLP1,” Dr Alford said.
“When the drugs first came out I thought they were too good to be true.
“Ozempic was used for diabetes early on, then people found they were losing weight.”
Studies have since found the drug, which was
developed from the venom of a Gila monster, a South American venomous lizard, has further benefits than weight loss.
“They found people who were given this substance GLP, their arteries opened a bit better, their plaque stabilised, their blood flow improved, platelets improved,” he said.
“We found it’s major action is on the brain. It stops craving for food. It acts on the stomach. You feel full, your stomach doesn’t empty as quickly.”
Dr Alford said using Ozempic guarantees you to lose weight with a minimum weight loss of 1223 per cent, and it also has beneficial affects on many organs.
It acts on the brain to decrease appetite, it has actions where it makes the brain better, it’s being used in Parkinsons and Alzheimers trials.
In the liver it decreases fatty liver, it improves muscle function, improves pancreatic function, increases breakdown of fat, increases muscle pumping. It’s been recommended in certain forms of heart failure. It improves endothelial function, improves the lining of walls of blood vessels, he said.
A large trial was done with people who were overweight but not diabetic. It found weight decreased and there was a 20 per cent decrease in cardio-vascular events over the next 5-10 years, he said.
Initially drugs like Ozempic were very expensive and restricted to diabetic use but they are becoming more available and affordable for people who are just overweight.
Dr Alford said an issue to consider is the sustainability of weight loss.
There are other things that cause people to become overweight such as emotional issues, comfort eating. This might not help that long term, he said.
“To sustain weight loss you have to address all the factors that affect the individual,” he said.
“Take the drugs but if don’t change your lifestyle, it might not work long term.”
Associate Professor Kevin Alford.
Ted O’Brien joins forum
AIR Noosa invites members, guests, and the local community to a special forum on Australia’s Energy Future, featuring Ted O’Brien MP, Federal Member for Fairfax, Shadow Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Shadow Minister For Energy Affordability and Reliability and Deputy Chair of the Select Committee on Nuclear Energy.
With energy prices soaring and affecting everyday life, Ted will explore the future of energy in Australia, including renewables, gas, and nuclear energy. He’ll discuss the need for a balanced, affordable, and reliable energy mix, and how com-
From singing and bush care to service clubs and art, there is a wide variety of groups in Noosa.
CAN LAUGH
We are a small group who meet once a month. We started some years ago as a Breast Cancer Support Group, but over the years we have people who came with other forms of cancer for support, so if you would like to come and have a chat with us we would love to say hello. We meet the first Friday of the month at the CWA Hall, Tewantin 10am to 12noon. Next meeting: 7 March. Phone Val: 0422 997 781 or 0427 868 163.
RSL WOMEN’S AUXILIARY
The next meeting of the Tewantin-Noosa RSL Women’s Auxiliary will be held on Friday 7 March at the Bill King Room at the Tewantin-Noosa RSL at 10am for 10.30am. All members and friends welcome. Phone Kay 5447 5042.
RED CROSS
Tewantin / Noosa Branch of the Australian Red Cross will resume their monthly meetings on Friday 28 February. Doors open 10am followed by the meeting. at Tewantin RSL, 1 Memorial Avenue Tewantin. Enquiries:Valerie(President):contact0466846110.All welcome.
GUILDED LILIES
The Guilded Lilies meet on the last Saturday of every month. This month is 22 February, at the Masonic Hall, Moorindal St, Tewantin, 9am-3pm. Come along, meet new friends, learn new skills, enjoy the company of like minded people. All crafts welcome. Phone Angela 0408068148
NOOSA ARTS THEATRE VOLUNTEERS
WANTED
Ever wanted to get involved in the theatre world? Here’s your chance! Noosa Arts Theatre are looking for volunteers to join our fantastic team. There’s many ways you can assist, front of house crew, welcoming patrons to our shows, helping backstage with props or perhaps you have some building skills to create our sets. Lots of fun to be had so give us a call on 5449 9343 or check noosaartstheatre.org.au or email us info@noosaartstheatre.org.au
LIFESAVING COURSE
munity engagement and economic factors play a role.
Ted will be introduced by Llew O’Brien MP, Member for Wide Bay.
Guests are invited to arrive at 10:15am for a 10:30am talk, followed by morning tea. The forum will take place on Thursday 20 February 2025, at the Uniting Church, Grasstree Court, Sunrise Beach.
To RSVP, email airnoosasecretary@gmail. com, text 0417 431 303 or visit facebook.com/ AIRNoosa.
There will be a Bronze Medallion Course at Sunshine Beach SLSC this February. If you or someone you know is looking to gain this qualification, now is the perfect time to sign up! This course is a fantastic opportunity to develop your life-saving skills and help keep Sunshine Beach safe. Whether you’re looking to help with water safety at Nippers or become a valuable part of our patrolling team, the Bronze Medallion is the first step. The course is open to all members and their friends/family who are15yearsorolderandcanswim400m.Registerat https://shorturl.at/hPpTS or contact the Lifesaving Office or Club Chief Training Officer John Reeves.
SALVOS MATES SUPPORT
Phone us about our new men’s mental health support group. You may be interested as a bloke who would like a private chat about your wellbeing? Or youhaveafriendinneed?We(SMS)areanall-male group, typically outdoor type retirees. If you are interested as a volunteer, we are particularly looking for men living in the regional towns such as Cooroy, Pomona, Eumundi. Phone Mike, Al, or Peter on 0423 317 375.
NOOSA DAYBREAK ROTARY
If you’ve had a fulfilling career and are interested in ’Giving Back’ to the community, join us at Noosa Marina, Cafe VinCino. We meet every Thursday at 7:30am for about an hour or so, and breakfast. We are a group of around 24 people who live in and around Noosa. We raise funds and support organizations that assist people in our community. Our current major project, in partnership with the Salvation Army’s ‘First Response Team,’ is helping the homeless transition from sleeping in their cars to leadinganormallife.Comeandhaveachatwithus.
NATIONAL SENIORS
Tewantin Noosa National Seniors Group meetings are held at Tewantin Noosa RSL Club on third Thursday of the month. Doors open at 10am morning tea is offered before meeting starts at 10.30am with a variety of guest speakers each month. We offer outings, social gatherings, information sharing and friendship. New members and visitors are welcome. Please contact Jenny Clarke (secretary) on 0414 804 988 for more information.
BOOK CLUB WITH A TWIST
Fairfax MP Ted O’Brien will be guest at the AIR energy forum. (Supplied)
talking and/or listening to discussions about books, authors, illustrators, characters and word choices. There is no prescribed reading that you have to do (that’s the twist!). Just bring along any book that you have read, or are currently reading, to discuss informally. All book genres are welcome. Everyone is welcome. We meet on the second Tuesday of every month at the tables inside Cooroy Library 1pm – 2ish. Completely free. Email contact is bookclubwithatwist@hotmail.com
PROBUS CLUBS
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, then Noosa has several Probus clubs.
COMBINED PROBUS CLUB OF NOOSA
You are welcome at our ‘Drinks by the River’ 4pm on the last Saturday of the month. Look for our flag opposite Zachary’s on Gympie Tce. Club meetings are 9.30 on the first Monday of the month, at the Noosa Golf Club where we have entertaining and interesting guest speakers, followed by morning tea. Visit noosacombinedprobus.yolasite.com/ ; email cnp.secretary@gmail.com ; or Kathy 0416 155428
TEWANTIN NOOSA PROBUS CLUB
We meet on the fourth Tuesday of every month at the Tewantin-Noosa RSL Club at 10am for morning coffee, a chat, an entertaining guest speaker followed by a short meeting in which we make plans for the coming month. This includes lunches out, river walks, theatre/cinema outings, future getaways and more.
We offer a warm welcome, please contact Christine on 5442 7397 for more information.
PROBUS CLUB OF NOOSA RIVER
PROBUS 2010
Noosa Probus 2010 is a great club for retired men andwomenwholovegoingonbustrips,havingcoffee, 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.
Weekly roster for Meals on Wheels
Weekly Roster for Tewantin- Noosa Meals on Wheels beginning Monday 17 February Monday Drivers: Tony, Rhonda, Ray Z, Maria and James, Elsa, Lorraine, Jason, Darryl, Driver needed for K Run
Kitchen: Denise, John
Tuesday Drivers: Bruce, Driver needed for B Run, Tania and Friends, Penny, Denise, Parani and Peter, Paul C, Simone, Driver needed for K Run
Kitchen: Chris, Ann, Lisa
Wednesday Drivers: Christina, Darryl, Alan and Cynthia, Kevin, Elsa, Kath, Simone, Driver needed for J Run, Paul S Kitchen: Chris, John, Jerry, Christina
Thursday Drivers: Margaret and James S, Driver need for B Run, Sue, Julie, Margo and Jim, Kerryn and Stuart, Ian, Driver needed for I Run, Darryl, Sharon and Mal
Kitchen: Donal, Vicki, Claire, Sharon, Michael
You can also check the roster on mealsonwheels-tewantin-noosa.org.au
The Probus Club of Noosa River offers fun and friendshipaswellasmanyactivitiesincludingCraft, Book Club, Canasta, Dominoes, Golf, Mahjong, Coffeemornings,LunchandDinneroutings,Scrabble, Creative writing, Ukulele, Wine appreciation, Theatre outings, Walking groups and Travel. The club meets at Noosa Lawns Club, 65 Hilton Terrace, TewantinonthefirstMondayofeachmonthat9am. Phone 0410 687 639.
We are a small and friendly group of adults who like
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.
Transport and future
Zero Emissions Noosa believes that how Noosa tackles its transport woes over the next 10 years will determine whether we can continue to celebrate our uniquely liveable community.
The foundation for that future must be set in this term of council, beginning with the June 2025 Council Budget.
Noosa Council’s 10-year Transport Strategy (2017-2027) only has a couple more years to run. Despite some runs on the board, it’s behind schedule. For this reason, Zero Emissions Noosa (ZEN) Inc. volunteers held a deputation with councillors on 20 January to raise our concerns and offer some solutions.
The council’s Transport Strategy gives priority to pedestrians, cyclists, scooters and public transport over private cars – to move people not cars. It is supported by the Noosa Cycling and Walking Strategy (2020 – 2040) which has a staggering 369 projects listed in its prioritisation plan.
As most of us have experienced, in the last decade the number of private cars on our roads has worsened. Noosa residents remain largely reliant on private vehicles, bus services don’t meet the needs of rural centres, people don’t feel safe navigating the streets by bike, and parents still prefer to drop kids off at school.
Council initiatives to help address these problems have been holiday and weekend free buses; Park and Ride nodes; and summer dropoff point in Hastings Street. Similarly, work has been done to widen and improve several bike lanes, as more locals take to e-bikes and e-scooters.
But more needs to be done – and not just in Hastings Street and Noosaville. At ZEN’s deputation to council we urged councillors to drive a vision of what our shire will be like in another decade. ZEN envisages more (electric) public transport with shuttles to connect people to the
major bus routes; dedicated cycle and pedestrian lanes extending across all the shire; no-go zones for private vehicles like the pedestrian malls being reclaimed in the many cities; and more shade trees to protect riders and walkers from the intensifying heat.
For Hastings Street, we’d love to see a free electric people mover taking people, with their picnic baskets and surfboards from Noosa Woods to the National Park, drastically reducing traffic in this area and making it a much more enjoyable experience.
We know funds are limited but we think Noosa residents have the passion and intelligence to support the challenging decisions which must be taken. Firstly, we know that the council is reviewing its Sustainable Transport Levy. Every ratepayer in Noosa is charged a flat levy of $30 per year. These funds mostly cover the cost of free buses. Now that the Queensland Government is meeting the cost to subsidise 50 cent fares at all times, the council recently announced that they will stop the free buses, freeing up funds that can be used on other transport projects.
Importantly, is it also time to rethink paid parking or a congestion tax? We know there is resistance to these ideas. The council is currently trialling timed parking on the Noosa Spit to make access more equitable. But even minimal paid parking at the Spit, and in other congested areas, could bring in millions of dollars a year that could then be used to implement the Transport Strategy across the whole shire.
ZEN are planning to consult with community members on all these ideas to get wider views. The first of these will be in Cooroy Memorial Hall on 1 March, followed by the Environment Centre, 9 March.
Visit zeroemissionsnoosa.com.au or go to our Facebook page to find out more.
Jenny, Vivien and Anne at the council deputation. (Supplied)
In Noosa, expert stylists are ready to create your perfect look, whether you’re after a fresh cut, vibrant color, or a luxurious treatment. Here are two top salons where skill and creativity come together.
Just Cuts Noosa: Your go-to for quality and affordability
At Just Cuts Noosa, located conveniently in Noosa Civic, cutting hair is their specialty. Locally owned and operated, Just Cuts offers a simple, transparent pricing structure: no matter the style, a haircut is just $45. They also offer custom pricing for seniors and children on select days. In addition to haircuts, you can indulge in relaxing shampoo and scalp massages or get a blow wave for any occasion. No appointment needed—just walk in or call 07 5449 0700 for more information.
rience to every client. Specialising in cutting, colouring, blonde balayage, foilyage, chemical straightening, perming, and smoothing treatments, their skilled team has the expertise to create your dream hairstyle.
Allure now offers Nanoplasty, a straightening service suitable for all hair types, and as a Redken Salon, they use premium products like Redken Colour Gels Oils permanent color and Redken Shades EQ demi-permanent color. These ammonia-free, odorless formulas leave little to no skin stain, and the team can seamlessly match previous colors for a flawless result.
*Only available at
Allure Hair Studio: Where passion meets expertise
For those seeking a personalised touch, Allure Hair Studio in Noosa brings 35 years of expe-
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Allure Hair Studio. (Supplied)
The fluoride debate
The beautiful thing about how science works is that if you make a proclamation about results of a study you have done, there are always people out there testing to see if you got it right. If their results agree with yours, then everyone can say that the evidence supports your proclamation.
In your last edition (NT 7/02) Letters, Jenny Dunn, in an effort to discredit the adding to fluoride to our drinking water, made an analogy with the damage caused by the tobacco industry when they hid the evidence that smoking was dangerous. She also referred to an NIH-sponsored study that showed an association between fluoridation of drinking water and the occurrence of ADHD and lower IQ in children.
First, the analogy made between smoking and using fluoride in our water is not valid. Smoking was already known by scientists to be highly associated with lung cancer and emphysema, but the damning evidence was successfully covered up by large corporations with vested interest in prolonging the sales of tobacco. They would be losing money if people stopped smoking. In the case of fluoridation, scientists discovered the benefits of naturally high levels of fluoride in drinking water preventing dental caries. Dentists supported adding fluoride to drinking water to improve dental health. They were actually losing business by doing so. Big business is not behind fluoridation. In over 70 years of fluoridating public drinking water there have been no serious consequences reported by any thorough studies.
Since the study to which Jenny is referring was published, the NIH did a meta-analysis of all previous studies on the effects of fluoridation and concluded that these studies “do not provide clarity on the association between fluoride exposure and cognitive or neurodevelopmental human health effects.” The reason for this is that while a number of studies showed positive association between fluoridation and neurodevelopment problems, other high-quality studies showed a negative association. Now, of course, since the NIH is being dismantled by the current US government, we may never get to see quality studies of this sort for some while.
I am sure that governments will act responsibly if it can be demonstrated that fluoridation is responsible for ill effects. In the meantime, dental caries have been reduced by about a quarter in regions where fluoridation is done.
If one were serious, one could get a grant to study whether people drinking primarily tank water were more prone to dental caries and less prone to ADHD than people using fluoridated water. From the comments in online posts about flat earth or G5 or vaccines, it seems that IQ is generally regressing with or without fluoridation.
Steve Hall, Cooroy
Shaking in their shoes
I thoroughly agree with councillor Jessica Phillips regarding the proposed development of 62 Lake MacDonald Drive. Like many residents of Doonella Street, I would be shaking in my shoes.
The total disregard of all of the residents in that street and many in Cooroy would agree with Councillor Phillips.
I guess I’ll ask the question that will these houses….if they go ahead ….and many hope they don’t, will they go to people who have had their name on the public housing list for many years or will they be allocated to the many immigrants.
I am in no way objecting to the public housing but not where the council are planning on putting it in Lake MacDonald Drive.
Council’s disregard of fine detail for such projects does nothing positive in establishing their professional credentials.
Disgruntled resident
Housing crisis demands action
The stark reality facing Noosa is that our community is being hollowed out by an unprecedented housing affordability crisis. As essential workers flee and businesses struggle to stay open, we are witnessing the slow erosion of our community’s foundation – and solutions are not being implemented quickly enough.
The numbers tell a devastating story. According to Domain, Noosa leads among regions where house prices have nearly doubled in five years, showing an astounding 82 per cent increase from December 2019 to 2024. CoreLogic’s latest reporting suggests this trend will continue with the expected reduction in interest rates, with two-thirds of real estate agents expecting Australian price rises greater than 5 percent; in 2025 on average. Perhaps most alarmingly,
LENSCAPE
rental increases in coastal Noosa areas ranked among the highest in regional Queensland in 2024, with jumps ranging from 16.1 to 23.7 percent.
Behind these statistics lies a human crisis. Police officers, ambulance workers, aged care staff, retail workers, hospitality employees, and working aged people – the very ones who keep our community functioning – can no longer afford to live here. The impact is visible in the increasing number of vacant shops in centres like Noosa Junction and Tewantin, a silent testimony to our failing workforce retention. Meanwhile, our ageing population (36% over 60) has growing needs.
The challenge we face is complex. Noosa’s population of 58,367 (ABS 2023) is projected by the SEQ Regional Plan to reach 75,700 by 2046, requiring an additional 5,000 dwellings since the 2021 census. Yet council’s current approval rates are falling short of this target, particularly when accounting for approvals for replacements of existing buildings.
More troubling still is that increased housing supply alone won’t solve the affordability crisis. Take, for example, the housing being built along Eumundi Noosa Road. Originally estimated at $500,000, these units are now selling for between $900,000 and over $1.3 million – far beyond the reach of our essential workers.
Noosa Council’s approach has been inadequate. Development applications for affordable housing in Noosa Heads, Tewantin, and Cooroy have been rejected, often citing planning scheme inconsistencies. The draft Noosa Plan Amendment #2, currently under State consideration, appears unlikely to create meaningful change in housing supply soon or to attract developer investment because of lack of feasibility due to overly restrictive requirements.
So what’s the solution? Instead of the Noosa Plan Amendment intent to increase density in quiet residential zones – a proposal that has faced significant community opposition – we need to focus on rational solutions. One approach is to moderately increase housing density and building heights in the vicinity of business and district centres, particularly those along transport corridors and near amenities, shops, and workplaces.
If you have a Lenscape please email it to newsdesk@noosatoday.com.au
The State Facilitated Development (SFD) process offers a promising path forward. Take the current 42-unit Sidoni Street/Poinciana Avenue Tewantin proposal. This development exemplifies what Noosa desperately needs: at least 19 units meeting affordable design criteria under the Planning Act (under $799,000), with some units managed by community housing provider Coast2Bay for affordable rentals. The remaining affordable units will be sold through a ballot system, prioritising local workers over interstate investors.
This development’s location makes sense: it’s near the Tewantin Village district centre, with access to supermarkets, health services, retail, food outlets, community facilities, schools, and public transport. It aligns perfectly with the Noosa Transport Strategy goal of minimising car use while maximising accessibility to employment and activity hubs.
The time for half-measures and planning scheme roadblocks has passed. We need decisive action to prevent the further exodus of essential workers and the continued deterioration of our business community. The State Government’s intervention through the SFD program reflects the urgency of our situation.
Our community’s future hangs in the balance. Will we choose to be a diverse, functioning community that supports its essential workers and maintains its local businesses? Or will we continue down the current path, watching as our community needs remain unmet and our essential workers and low income residents are forced to leave?
The choice – and the opportunity to act – is now. Supporting developments like the Tewantin proposal and embracing rational density increases near business centres aren’t just good policies; they’re essential steps toward preserving the vibrant, diverse community that makes Noosa special.
Without immediate action, we risk losing not just our workers and businesses, but the very soul of our community. The solutions are clear. What we need now is the courage to implement them.
Ralph Rogers and Ingrid Jackson, Noosa Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Community meeting?
Members of the 62 Lake Macdonald Drive Cooroy Steering Committee have been requesting a full community meeting since the group formed after some neighbouring residents received a letter by letter drop in May, 2024.
Mayor Frank Wilkie, stated in a recent Facebook post that there has been five “face to face” meetings with residents. These meetings were all instigated by 62LMD Steering committee and involved a small number of Cooroy residents. At the meeting on 11 November,2024, council made a few very minor alterations to the initial proposal as a result of residents’ counter proposal. Because this meeting was so close to the end of the Council meeting year, residents did not make a formal request for a meeting to respond to council’s rejection of most of the residents’ counter proposal. Council did not offer residents a further meeting and the resolution to continue with the proposed development went to the first council meeting for 2025.
Currently, the Mayors from south-east QueenslandareinParisforaweektoattendameeting in relation to the 2032 Olympic Games. Mayor Frank Wilkie will be back in Noosa Shire on 17 February.
In an email response to the Lake Macdonald SteeringCommittee,CEOLarryStengstockstated“I know that Frank would like to be part of any meetings that we have with your steering committee. I am happy to arrange a suitable meeting time when the Mayor is back if that is agreeable to you.”
What about an all inclusive community meeting?
Pat Spicer, Cooroy, Member 62LMD Steering Committee
Chilling out at Noosa River mouth. (Leslie Downie Photography).
Every season has a reason
By Erle Levey
Farmers and gardeners in the southern states say they appreciate having four distinct seasons as compared to Queensland … the trouble is they can have four seasons in one day.
On the other hand you can virtually set your clock by Queensland’s weather pattern … the first thunderstorms at the start of September, strong surf at the end of January, rain at Easter while camping, and frosts in the valleys the first week of June.
Farming has long based its success on judging when to plant and when to harvest.
Records of weather cycles are helpful if they can be taken over many years. Yet in many cases it comes down to intuition and knowledge - a new moon or full moon are believed to influence an increase in soil moisture availability, enhancing seed germination and root hydration.
Farming, as we know, is basically a seven-daya-week occupation for 52 weeks of a year. You are immersed in nature and must take each day as it comes ... rain, hail, wind or shine.
As a reflection of the different growing conditions, the Kandanga Farm Store is holding a Four Seasons series of educational mornings throughout the year - autumn, winter, spring and summer.
Farm Store’s Amber Scott said they are lowkey workshops are aimed at sharing the practicalities of actually running an organic, regenerative food production operation as opposed to highchemical use.
All the theory is great but this “nuts and bolts” series hosted by those actually in the business and inviting in industry experts in the area of soil health, animal health, organic production, syntropics agroforestry, holistic management and more will start on Saturday, 22 February, with other events in the series held throughout the year.
They follow the successful Burnett Mary Regional Group’s Regenerative Agricultural forums at Gayndah and Maryborough. They saw more than 300 at Gayndah and more than 200 at Maryborough.
“People can be reactive when it comes to farming,’’ Amber told me, as we enjoyed a cold fruit juice on one of the fading days of summer.
“They will experience a tick outbreak or a fly outbreak with their cattle and often ask how to fix it rather than be pro-active. How do I handle this problem?
“When you decide to go down the organic/ chemical-free route you have to be pro-active. When you are organic you have to think what’s coming and what do I do now before it actually happens - and becomes an issue.
“What we are going to do this year is a series of four workshops for each season, each of three hours duration.
“They are called season starter sessions, as at the start of each season we’re going to take people through this proactive planning.
“What do I do from a livestock health point of view? What do I do from my pasture management point of view? What do I do in the home veggie garden so I can grow produce for myself?
“The series will offer all of that and then culminate with a lunch using freshly-harvested seasonal produce prepared by chef Matt Golinski.
“Matt will also talk about a recipe he’s using, something that’s coming out of the garden right at the time.
“That will be for the workshop participants, but because Matt will then cook for more than the workshop the lunch will be open to the public as well.’’
The four Friday or Saturday morning sessions are 22 February, 9 May, 23 August and 8 November.
The summer session will be interesting, Amber said, as they will be concentrating on all of the things that happened with the explosion of growth from heat and moisture.
“A lot of people start freaking out - just like they freak out in the middle of winter that there’s not enough growth.
“We know it’s going to happen, so it’s a matter of working out how to be proactive - to maximise our growth and minimise the fact that we might not have as much feed in winter.
“It’s a matter of looking at what do you do before summer, so that you’re not going to get impacted by all those things - buffalo flies and ticks for instance.’’
The concept of being pro-active rather than reactive makes a tremendous amount of sense, even when there’s so much growth in the region at the moment.
The advice from the Department of Primary Industry representative is to plan for the next drought when you’re in flood - that’s when you start. How do you maximise water? How do you minimise loss of soil? All of those things will be spoken about.
“It’s a full circle,’’ Amber said. “The sessions will be about what you should be planting but also what you’re harvesting, and that’s what Matt will handle.
“In the first session we will be planning the garden here at the farm store, so that in the second session we should be pulling produce out of the garden to cook. That will be such an exciting day.’’
Matt Golinski will also doing something at Kandanga in mid-June - a winter solstice festival.
“We don’t even know what that’s going to look like yet,’’ Amber said, “but he’s going to cook for it, so that’s in the lead-up to the winter solstice which is the following weekend. It will be a lot of fun.
“On Friday, 28 March, we’ve got Dhom from Dhom’s Kitchen coming on the new moon. That’s a Friday night and we’re going to have our old new moon dinner.
“This will be a set menu and Dhom will be using using local produce and traditional Thai cooking which suits our climate.’’
In late April and again in September, Dan Kittredge of The Bionutrient Food Association will be conducting two-day workshops at Kandanga.
It’s all about nutrient density and how to grow nutrient-dense food.
Since founding the institute in 2010 Dan has been teaching his concepts and practices as an organic farmer across the world.
He will be among the guest speakers at Agvention field days at Kandanga Farm Store on September 5.
Dan has a singular, simplistic vision: “Increasing quality in the food supply.”
The Bionutrient Institute was launched to demonstrate the connections between nutrient density and soil, plant and human health.
It’s a four-day course of two days in April and two days in September.
Matt Golinski will be presenting the morning tea and lunch, as well as a dinner that night that will be open to everyone, not just participants.
The workshops will appeal to farmers, to people who care about where their food comes from, as well as medical people.
As a bright start to GourMay - the month-long celebration of food in the Mary Valley - chef Peter Wolfe will be presenting a long lunch, utilising local produce.
The Four Seasons workshop on 9 May will see Peter hosting the session from 10am-1pm session, and there will be a Matt Golinski lunch afterwards that’s open to the public.
Agvention25 on Friday, 5 September, sees the continuation of this highly popular regenerative farming field day.
The self-funded event provides a mix of experiences from Farm-to-Fork for those new and old in the regen world.
Each field day has proven unforgettable and
there are some great speakers lined up, farming demonstrations, and the food.
There will be a farm walk, a lunch and plenty of time to have discussions with the speakers.
It will be a year jam-packed with opportunities to make change at Kandanga Farm Store.
“We will be driving home the message that the food-based events we’re doing are all about local produce,’’ Amber said, “... all about engaging with where your food comes from, who’s produced it, and seasonal eating.
“It’s that simple yet effective way of combining food, information and conversation that we are getting back to.’’
FOUR SEASONS WORKSHOPS AND LUNCHES
Topics covered each session include:
• The fundamentals of Regenerative Agriculture
– practically;
• Seasonal activities for land management to build soil health;
• What to plant and jobs to do in your home vege garden;
• Working with nature rather than fighting; With guest speakers and drawing a decade-plus of experience producing certified organic beef while still regenerating the landscape in the highparasite, sub-tropical Mary Valley region.
DATES FOR 2025
• Saturday, February 22, 10am-1pm Preparing for autumn;
• Friday, 9 May, 10am-1pm Preparing for winter;
• Saturday, 23 August, 10am-1pm Preparing for spring;
• Saturday, 8 November, 10am-1pm Preparing for summer.
Tim and Amber Scott of Kandanga Farm Store ... big year ahead. (421872)
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The Guide
Returning to our screens on Valentine’s Day, the BetterHomesandGardens team are all about sharing the love this year. Joh takes us backstage at the recent OzHarvest concert to chat with artists hoping to help the country’s largest food rescue organisation make a difference. In Dulwich Hill, Adam, Juliet and Charlie assist the residents of Stepping Stone House, which provides safe housing for young people facing homelessness – creating a functional chilled-out backyard for the facility. Dr Harry drops by Where Pigs Fly sanctuary, meeting cute farm animals and the volunteers who make their rehabilitation possible. It’s a refreshing way to spend the Hallmark holiday that’s sure to warm your heart.
Friday, February 14
ABC TV (2)
6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News
Mornings. 10.00 Planet America. (R) 10.30
Take 5 With Zan Rowe. (PG, R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon.
1.00 Silent Witness. (Mav, R)
3.00 Nigella Bites. (R)
3.25 Grand Designs. (R)
4.15 Long Lost Family. (PG, R)
5.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 Monty Don’s Spanish Gardens. Monty Don heads to the south of Spain. 8.30 Silent Witness. (Malv) The team investigates the death of a Burmese man on a deserted beach.
Optics. (Ml, R) Greta and Nicole offload a client onto Ian.
10.45 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
11.15 ABC Late News.
11.30 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee (NZ) (PG, R)
12.15 Grand Designs. (R) 1.05 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)
5.00 Rage. (PG)
AUSTRALIAN SURVIVOR
10, Monday, 7.30pm
Australian Survivorfans ready? There’s not one, but two seasons of strategy games, alliances and feats of physical strength coming our way in 2025. Before Australiavs TheWorldlater this year, Jonathan LaPaglia welcomes a rematch of BrainsvsBrawn, with all-new contestants. Last time, a “Brain” took it out – will those who work smarter, not harder, prevail again? Among the clever contenders are poker champion AJ, doctor Karin, financial analyst Myles (pictured) and PhD student Kaelan. Their ripped rivals include stonemason Ben, aviation fire fighter Kristin and Olympian Morgan. Let the games begin!
I’M A CELEBRITY… GET ME OUT OF HERE!
10, Sunday, 7pm
After four weeks in the “jungle” (aka South Africa’s Kruger National Park), the remaining celebrities on the 11th season of this evergreen reality offering could be forgiven for thinking they’re seeing a mirage when their loved ones pay them a visit in tonight’s finale. It’s a sweet reward for the endurance they’ve shown in camp, having pushed themselves to their emotional and physical limits – on rations of rice and beans, no less – in the name of charity. However, it’s not over yet.
There’s one last trial in store for the stars and their families before hosts Robert Irwin and Julia Morris (both pictured) crown the King or Queen of the Jungle and everyone can return to their creature comforts.
SBS (3)
6am Morning Programs. 9.15 Paul O’Grady For The Love Of Animals. (PGa, R) 10.10 Ireland’s Historic Gardens. (R) 11.05 Great Canal Journeys. (PGa, R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 The Abyss: The Rise And Fall Of The Nazis. (PGa, R) 3.00 Nula. 3.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 Britain’s Secret Islands. (Final, PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Costa Concordia: Why She Sank. (Final, Mal, R)
8.30 Tony Robinson’s Marvellous Machines: Unsung Heroes. (PG, R) A look at amazing machines.
9.25 Mysteries Of The Ancient Dead: Egypt, Rome, Nepal. (Premiere) Investigates age old death rituals.
10.20 SBS World News Late.
10.50 Bonn. (Mav) 11.45 Sisi. (MA15+as, R) 2.45 Barkley Manor. (PG, R) 3.15 Living With The Boss. (R) 4.05 Peer To Peer. (PG, R) 4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
SEVEN (7)
6.00 Sunrise. News, sport and weather. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) The latest news and views, including segments on health, astrology, gossip, cooking, counselling and fashion. 12.00 Golf. LIV Golf Adelaide. Day 1. 5.00 The Chase Australia. Contestants race to answer quiz questions correctly to avoid being caught by The Chaser. Hosted by Larry Emdur.
6.00 Seven Local News.
6.30 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. (Return) The team celebrates Valentine’s Day.
8.30 MOVIE: Pretty Woman. (1990, Mls, R) A businessman, in need of an escort for the evening, gives a sex worker a first-hand look at the lives of the mega-rich. Richard Gere, Julia Roberts, Hector Elizondo.
The marvellously down-to-earth Amanda Keller makes a return to lifestyle TV, of sorts, as the host of this genre-bending parenting series. Stand-up comedian Nazeem Hussain and Gold Logie winner Kate Ritchie star in scripted comedy sketches that cut to the heart of common dilemmas when it comes to raising teens; which are interspersed with real-world workshops, expert interviews and helpful insights from parenting guru Maggie Dent. Bridging the generation gap with a fresh, entertaining approach that effortlessly switches gears between the sincere and lighthearted, it’s the wholesome show we didn’t know we needed. Tonight’s premiere leaves no stone unturned: delving into smartphones, social media and cyberbullying.
7.30 David Attenborough’s Mammals: Dark. (Premiere, PG) Sir David Attenborough looks at mammals.
8.40 MOVIE: Valentine’s Day. (2010, Ms, R) A disparate group of interconnected people navigate the highs and lows of love and dating on Valentine’s Day. Ashton Kutcher, Jennifer Garner.
11.10 MOVIE: The Sun Is Also A Star. (2019, Ml) Yara Shahidi.
1.00 Let’s Eat With George. (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. (PG, R)
9GEM (81, 92)
6.30 Escape To The Country. 7.30 Harry’s Practice. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 Surf Patrol. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Better Homes And Gardens. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 The Great Australian Doorstep. 2.30 Sydney Weekender. 3.00 DVine Living. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Better Homes And Gardens. 5.00 LIV Golf League Post-Show Adelaide. 6.00 Heathrow. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 8.30 Escape To The Country. 11.30 Bargain Hunt. 12.30am DVine Living. 1.00 Auction Squad. 2.00 Harry’s Practice. 2.30 Surf Patrol. 3.00 Better Homes. 4.00 Late Programs. 6am Danger Man. 7.00
7TWO (72) SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 4.50pm Bluey. 5.00 Peppa Pig. 5.10 Pfffirates. 5.20 Kangaroo Beach. 5.35 Fireman Sam. 5.45 Hey Duggee. 5.55 Paddington. 6.05 Kiya And The Kimoja Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts: Above And Beyond. 6.35 Kiri And Lou. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 Teen Titans Go! 8.00 Scooby-Doo And Guess Who? 8.25 BTN Newsbreak. 8.30 Mythbusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 8.55 Robot Wars. 9.55 Merlin. 10.40 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. Noon Gossip Girl. 2.00 The Golden Girls. 2.30 The Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 The Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 I Dream Of Jeannie.
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer.
6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 Wheel Of Fortune UK. (Premiere) Game show.
8.30 The Graham Norton Show. (Mls, R) Celebrity guests include Sarah Snook, Boy George and Miriam Margolyes. 10.50 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 11.15 The Project. (R) A look at the day’s news. 12.10 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R)
2.00 Mozart: Rise Of A Genius. (Ml, R) 3.00 Hippo Watch With Steve Backshall. (Final, PG, R) 4.00 Muster Dogs: Collies And Kelpies. (R) 5.00 Eat The Invaders. (Final, PG, R) 5.30 Dr Karl’s How Things Work. (Final, R) 5.55 Australian Story. (R)
6.30 Back Roads: Outback Way, NT
Pt 2. (PG, R) Presented by Lisa Millar.
7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 Death In Paradise. (Return, Mv)
Commissioner Selwyn Patterson is shot while celebrating 50 years of police service at the yacht club.
8.30 Vera. (Ma, R) Vera is called to a remote lighthouse where a body has been discovered lashed to a sailboat. Delving into the victim’s final days, she and the team discover that his life was not all plain sailing.
10.00 The Newsreader. (Ml, R) When news of an oil spill breaks on the day of Public Eye’s launch, Helen is pressured to rethink her show format.
10.55 Unforgotten. (Mal, R) The body in the chimney flue is identified. 11.40 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) Music video clips.
6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Riley Rocket. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Kids BBQ Championship. 8.15 Chopped Junior. 9.00 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.40 Speechless. 10.05 Officially Amazing. 10.30 Dragon Ball Super. 10.55 Late Programs.
6am Morning Programs. 9.10 Britain’s Great Outdoors. (PG, R) 10.10 Love Your Garden. (PGa, R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Surf Life Saving. Super Surf Teams League 2024. Highlights. 3.55 Grand Tours Of Scotland’s Rivers. (PG) 4.25 Black Panthers Of WW2. (PGav, R) 5.20 Churchill And The Movie Mogul.
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Sandi Toksvig’s Woodland Restoration. (Ml) The wood springs to life.
8.25 Scotland The New Wild: Islands. (PG) Takes a look at some of the hundreds of islands that are scattered along Scotland’s vast coastline.
9.25 Great Australian Walks With Julia Zemiro: Cape Byron. (R) Julia Zemiro heads to picturesque Byron Bay on the far north coast of NSW.
10.25 Beautiful Lakes Of Northern Italy: From Lake Como To Lake Garda. (Final, R) 11.15 Home Jacking. (Mlv)
12.40 The Man Who Died. (Mas, R)
2.25 Love Your Garden. (R) 3.20 Living With The Boss. (PG, R) 4.10 Peer To Peer. (R) 4.40 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
4.00 WorldWatch. 5.55 The Food That Built The World. 7.35 Impossible Engineering. 8.30 Icons Unearthed: Tom Cruise. 10.20 Hudson & Rex. Midnight The X-Files. 3.40 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al
Race. Continued. (2016, PG) 8.10 Lara. (2019, PG, German) 10.00 Fireworks Wednesday. (2006, M, Farsi) 11.55 I’m Not There. (2007, M) 2.25pm Capricorn One. (1977, PG) 4.40 Oka! (2012, PG) 6.40 Dancing Ninja. (2010, PG) 8.30 The Hateful Eight. (2015, MA15+) 11.35 Bare. (2015, MA15+) 1.15am Baby Done. (2020, M) 2.55 Death Proof. (2007, MA15+) 5.00 Oka! (2012, PG)
6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG) Highlights from the past week. 11.30 Horse Racing. Apollo Stakes Day and Black Caviar Lightning Raceday. 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Creek To Coast. A look at the latest in outdoor activities.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R) Narrated by Grant Bowler.
7.30 MOVIE: The Bourne Supremacy. (2004, Mlv, R) A former CIA agent, suffering from amnesia, tries to clear his name after being framed for a botched assassination. Matt Damon, Franka Potente. 9.45 MOVIE: Taken 2. (2012, Mv, R) A retired CIA operative and his wife are abducted by the father of a kidnapper he killed. Liam Neeson, Famke Janssen. 11.45 Border Patrol. (PGa) Follows New Zealand border officials. 12.15 Dr Harry’s Animal Encounters. (PG, R) Presented by Dr Harry Cooper. 1.15 Travel Oz. (PG, R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 It’s Academic. (R) 5.00 My Greek Odyssey. (PG, R)
6.00 Drive Safer. (PG, R) 6.30 A Current Affair. (R) 7.00 Weekend Today. 10.00 Today Extra: Saturday. (PG) 12.00 Destination WA. 12.30 My Way. (R) 1.00 Let’s Eat With George. 1.30 Your Next Cruise. (Premiere) 2.00 Innovation Nation. 2.15 MOVIE: Overboard. (1987, PGals, R) Goldie Hawn. 4.30 Explore TV. 5.00 9News First At Five. 5.30 Getaway. (Return, PG)
6.00 9News Saturday.
7.00 Rugby League. NRL. Men’s All Stars. Round 1. Indigenous All Stars v Maori All Stars.
9.00 NRL: Indigenous All Stars V Maori All Stars Post-Match. Post-match NRL news and analysis of the men’s match between the Indigenous and Maori All Stars.
9.30 MOVIE: Air. (2023, Mal) A talent scout working for Nike pursues basketball rookie Michael Jordan. Ben Affleck, Matt Damon.
11.40 My Life As A Rolling Stone: Ronnie Wood. (MA15+adl, R)
1.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PG)
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)
Sheldon. 5.00 MOVIE: Stargate. (1994, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Deep Blue Sea. (1999, M) 9.40 MOVIE: 21 Jump Street. (2012, MA15+) 11.50 Young Sheldon. 12.45am The Originals. 2.35 Ben Fogle: Starting Up Starting Over. 3.30 Beyblade X. 4.00 Transformers: Prime. 4.30 Pokémon: XYZ. 4.50 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 9.00 America’s Game. 10.00 The 4WD Adventure Show. 10.30 Pawn Stars. 11.00 Golf. LIV Golf Adelaide. Day 2. 4pm LIV Golf League Post-Show Adelaide. 5.00 Counting Cars. 6.00 Pawn Stars. 7.00 Storage Wars. 7.30 Aussie Salvage Squad. 8.30 Heavy Tow Truckers Down Under. 9.30 Air Crash Investigations: The Accident Files. 10.30 Deep Water Salvage. 11.30 Late Programs. 6am
4.00
6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Two dogs could be too many for a family when they meet a bonded pair.
7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. Neale Whitaker and Andrew Winter help Australians renovate or find a new home. 8.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) A husky cross could be the right fit for a family. Partners get the chance to tame a stress-ball of a canine. A pocket rocket of a pooch is ready to leap into a new home. Narrated by Mark Coles Smith. 9.45 Ambulance Australia. (Mlm, R) Sydney Call Centre is receiving a higher than average number of unusual calls. 10.45 Ambulance UK. (Mlm, R) An advanced paramedic responds to reports of a man found lying facedown in the road. 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.
2.30 Monty Don’s Spanish Gardens. (R) 3.30 Sue Perkins’ Big Adventure: Paris To Istanbul. (Mn, R) 4.15 Extraordinary Escapes. (PG, R) 5.05 Maggie Beer’s Big Mission. (Final, R) 6am Morning Programs. 10.00 FIFA World Cup Classic Matches. 11.30 Britain’s Great Outdoors. (R) 12.00 APAC Weekly. 12.30 PBS Washington Week. 12.55 Para-Badminton. (PG, R) 1.00 Speedweek. 3.00 Surf Life Saving. Next Gen Series. 4.00 Sailing. SailGP Sydney. Highlights. 5.00 Grand Tours Of Scotland’s Rivers. (PG) 5.35 Churchill’s Forgotten War. (PG)
6.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Muster Dogs: Collies And Kelpies. (PG) Team Collie and Team Kelpie have a showdown.
8.30 The Newsreader. (Ml) Dale embraces his success, hosting a lavish birthday party. Helen is struggling personally and professionally.
9.25 Love Me. (Mls) Glen finally meets the man in Anita’s life. Peter and Clara struggle to start a family.
10.20 MOVIE: Love And Other Catastrophes. (1996, Mdls, R) Frances O’Connor.
6am Children’s Programs. 5.10pm Octonauts And The Great Barrier Reef. 5.55 Paddington. 6.05 Kiya And The Kimoja Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts: Above And Beyond. 6.35 Kiri And Lou. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Riley Rocket. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Moominvalley. 8.00 Horrible Histories. 8.30 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.10 Speechless. 9.55 Merlin. 10.40 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22)
6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Mysteries Of Sink Holes: Ticking Time Bombs. (PGa) Delves into the origins of sinkholes. 9.20 Legends Of The Pharaohs: Amenhotep III, The Great Builder. (PGsv, R) Takes a look at Amenhotep III, who constructed some of ancient Egypt’s most remarkable monuments.
10.20 Great British Landmark Fixers: Royal Albert Hall. (R) A team restores the Royal Albert Hall. 11.15 The Art Of Dissent. 1.10 Photos That Changed The World. (Mavw)
2.45 Love Your Garden. (PGa, R) 3.40 Living With The Boss. (PG, R) 4.30 Peer To Peer. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 Al Jazeera News.
14 February, 2025
Bondi Vet. (PGm,
6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. 11.00 Golf. LIV Golf Adelaide. Day 3. 4.00 Better Homes And Gardens Summer. (R) Clarissa Feildel makes curry puffs. 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Weekender. Takes a look at a variety of leisure options. 6.00 Hello SA. (PG, R) 6.30 A Current Affair. (R) 7.00 Weekend Today. 10.00 For The Love Of Pets. (PG, R) 11.00
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Australian Idol. (PGl) Hosted by Ricki-Lee and Scott Tweedie. 9.00 An Evening With Dua Lipa. A concert special featuring Dua Lipa’s performance at the Royal Albert Hall in London.
10.30 Live At The Chapel: Amy Shark. Amy Shark performs her hits. 11.30 Autopsy USA: David Cassidy. (Mad, R) A look at the death of David Cassidy.
12.30 Friday Night Lights. (Madsv, R)
1.30 Harry’s Practice. (R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
7TWO (72)
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. (1988, PGal, R) Steve Martin, Michael Caine, Glenne
6.00 9News Sunday.
7.00 Married At First Sight. (PGls) The second commitment ceremony is held.
8.30 60 Minutes. Current affairs program, investigating, analysing and uncovering the issues affecting all Australians.
9.30 9News Late.
10.00 See No Evil: Too Much Video. (MA15+av) Looks at the investigation into a triple murder.
11.00 The First 48: Life Interrupted/Lucifer. (Mav)
11.50 Iconic Australia. (PGa, R)
12.50 Destination WA. (R)
1.20 Talking Honey. (PG)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 Fishing Australia. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
6.00 The Sunday Project. Joins panellists for a look at the day’s news, events and hot topics.
7.00 I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! (Final, PGals) The celebrities continue to compete in a test of survival in the jungle for the chance to claim the title. 8.10 Matlock. (Return, PGl) Matty helps Olympia with her cousin’s wrongful dismissal case.
9.10 FBI. (Mv) After three customs officers are shot dead in a cargo heist, the team enlists OA’s old army buddy to help determine if it was an inside job. 11.10 The Sunday Project. (R) Joins panellists for a look at the day’s news, events and hot topics. 12.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings. 6am WorldWatch. 9.30 Small Business Secrets. 10.00 Front Up 2001. 12.05pm Figure Skating. ISU Grand Prix. Grand Prix of Italy. H’lights. 1.35 Fashionista. 1.50 Jeopardy! 3.55 WorldWatch. 4.25 PBS Washington Week. 4.50 Queer Sports. 5.45 Domino Masters. 6.40 Abandoned Engineering. 8.30 The UnXplained With William Shatner. 10.10 WWE Legends. 11.45 Hoarders. 12.30am The X-Files. 3.15 Late Programs.
6am Morning Programs. 10.00 The Great Australian Doorstep. 10.30 DVine Living. 11.00 I Escaped To The Country. Noon Escape To The Country. 2.00 South Aussie With Cosi. 2.30 Cities Of The Underworld. 3.30 Steam Train Journeys. 4.30 I Escaped To The Country. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 7.30 Rosemary & Thyme. 8.30 Vera. 10.30 Extreme Railways. 11.30 Late Programs.
6am Morning Programs. 10.30 MOVIE: Nurse On Wheels. (1963) 12.15pm MOVIE: Passport To Pimlico. (1949) 2.00 Invictus Games. 2025 Vancouver Whistler. Day 6. Highlights. 3.00 MOVIE: Dangerous Voyage. (1954, PG) 4.30 MOVIE: Support Your Local Gunfighter. (1971, PG) 6.30 M*A*S*H. 8.30 MOVIE: Rambo: First Blood Part II. (1985, M) 10.30 The Closer. 11.30 Late Programs.
6am Children’s Programs. 11.30 Basketball. WNBL. Adelaide v Geelong United. 1.30pm Children’s Programs. 2.30 Young Sheldon. 3.30 Children’s Programs. 3.40 MOVIE: Sing. (2016) 5.50 MOVIE: Sherlock Gnomes. (2018) 7.30 MOVIE: Sherlock Holmes 2: A Game Of Shadows. (2011, M) 10.10 MOVIE: 2 Fast 2 Furious. (2003, M) 12.20am Gotham. 1.15 Arrow. 3.05 Young Sheldon.
Monday, February 17
ABC TV (2) SBS (3) SEVEN (7)
6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 Vera. (Ma, R) 11.30 McCartney 3, 2, 1. (Final, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Landline. (R) 2.00 Fake Or Fortune? (R) 3.00 Nigella Bites. (R) 3.25 Grand Designs. (R) 4.15 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6am Morning Programs. 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 The Abyss: The Rise And Fall Of The Nazis. (PGa, R) 3.00 Railway Journeys UK. (R) 3.35 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 Lighthouses: Building The Impossible. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 7.30. Presented by Sarah Ferguson. 8.00 Australian Story. Presented by Leigh Sales.
8.30 Four Corners. Investigative journalism program exposing scandals, firing debate and confronting taboos.
9.15 Media Watch. (PG) Presented by Linton Besser.
9.35 Mozart: Rise Of A Genius. (Final, PGl) Mozart spirals into debt and depression.
10.35 ABC Late News.
10.50 The Business. (R)
11.10 Planet America. (R)
11.40 Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery. (PG, R) 12.10 Grand Designs. (R) 1.00 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 1.50 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
7.35 Madrid With Michael Portillo. (Final, PG) Michael Portillo’s visit to Madrid ends.
8.25 Wilderness With Simon Reeve: Coral Triangle. (PGa) Simon Reeve voyages across the Coral Triangle, a huge wilderness of tropical seas and jungle clad islands.
9.35 Inside Sydney Airport: Baggage. (PGa, R) Police investigate a suspicious bag.
10.30 SBS World News Late.
11.00 Wisting. (Malv)
12.45 A French Case. (Mal, R)
2.45 Barkley Manor. (PG, R) 3.15 Living With The Boss. (PG, R) 4.05 Peer To Peer. (PG, R)
4.35 Bamay. (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 Home And Away. (PG) Levi makes inroads into closing a chapter.
7.30 Australian Idol. (PG) After an exhausting round of auditions, the competition continues with the top 30 striving to impress the judges.
9.10 St. Denis Medical. (PGals) Ron and Bruce butt heads over a candy bar. Alex is forced to fire an incompetent employee.
10.10 First Dates UK. (Mls) Singles experience the thrills of dating.
11.15 Lopez Vs. Lopez. (PGals) Oscar seeks an apology from George.
12.15 Friday Night Lights. (Madsv, R) The Panthers prepare for a game.
2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
Married At First Sight. (PGls, R)
Getaway. (PG, R)
Pointless. (PG, R)
Tipping Point. (PG)
6.00 9News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls)
A new couple enter the experiment.
9.00 Australian Crime Stories: The Investigators: Stolen Lives. (Mv) Looks at how Detective Dennis Bray solved one of Australia’s most notorious kidnapping.
10.10 9News Late.
10.40 Forensics: Murder Scene: Parven. (MA15+a)
11.35 First On Scene. (MA15+av)
12.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
1.00 Hello SA. (PG)
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.
Above And Beyond. 6.35 Kiri And Lou. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 The Deep. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Inbestigators. 8.05 Dr Karl’s How Things Work. 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.40 The Crystal Maze. 9.25 Street Science. 9.50 Merlin. 10.35 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. Noon Gossip Girl. 2.00 Bewitched. 2.30 I Dream Of Jeannie. 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: Godzilla. (2014, M) 11.00 Seinfeld. Midnight The Nanny. 1.00 Love After Lockup. 2.00 Rugby Sevens Highlights. 3.00 Bakugan. 3.30 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 11.00 Border Security: Int. Noon Border Security. 1.30 Rides Down Under: Workshop Wars. 2.30 Motor Racing. Night Thunder. High Limits World Tour. Night 2. 3.30 Counting Cars. 4.30 Storage Wars. 5.00 American Resto.
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer.
6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 Australian Survivor. (Return, PGlv) A group of 24 Australian castaways battles it out on the beaches of Samoa to become the sole survivor.
9.00 NCIS: Sydney. (Mv, R) A hostage situation at a dog café sees the team delving into the world of puppuccinos and pawtein balls. 10.00 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 10.25 NCIS. (Mmv, R) Jimmy gets competitive. 11.25 The Project. (R) A look at the day’s news. 12.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings. 6am WorldWatch. 9.30 Small Business Secrets. 10.00 Front Up 2001. Noon WorldWatch.
Poms. Continued. (2019,
Tuesday, February 18
The Abyss:
Nazis. (PGa, R) 3.00
Cook
(R) 3.30 Plat
And Numbers. (R) 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 To Be Advised. 2.45 Surveillance Oz. (PG, R) 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News
And
(R)
(R) 4.10 Lighthouses:
(PGa, R) 5.05
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Who Do You Think You Are? Stephen Curry. (PGas, R) Stephen Curry explores his roots.
A look at how to parent in the rapidly changing world.
9.20 Queerstralia: The Law. (Malns, R) Presented by Zoë Coombs Marr. 10.20 The ABC Of. (PG, R) 10.50 ABC Late News. 11.05 The Business. (R)
Four Corners. (R)
Media Watch. (PG, R) 12.30 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 1.15 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 2.05 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.40 Parkinson In Australia. (PGa, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
8.35 Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields. (Final, Malv) After having her confidence shattered, Brooke Shields finds her voice, only to encounter obstacles to using it.
9.50 The Artist’s View: Guns ‘N’ Roses. (Mdl, R) Takes a look at the band Guns ‘N’ Roses.
10.20 SBS World News Late.
10.50 Prisoner. (Premiere, MA15+alv)
11.55 Fargo. (MA15+v, R) 1.40 Barkley Manor. (PG, R) 2.10 Living With The Boss. (PG, R)
3.50 Peer To Peer. (R) 4.25 Bamay. (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 Home And Away. (PG) Harper feels lonely.
7.30 Australian Idol. (PG) The top 30 contestants undertake the group challenge, before three contestants are sent home.
9.20 The Hunting Party. (M) In rural Montana, Bex and the team hunt down a serial killer obsessed with wolves.
10.20 The Irrational. (Mav) Simon’s mother asks Alec for help.
12.20 Friday Night Lights. (Madsv, R) Jason is invited to join the local rugby team.
2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 9News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls) Two new couples enter the experiment. 9.00 Madam. (MA15+dls) An article in the NorthlandTimeshailing Mack a “feminist to the rescue” causes chaos.
10.20 9News Late.
10.50 My Feet Are Killing Me. (Mm)
Brad has his hands full treating a little boy.
11.40 The Equalizer. (Mv, R)
12.35 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
2.30 Our State On A Plate. (PG)
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. Hosted by Grant Denyer. 6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 Australian Survivor. (PGl) Presented by Jonathan LaPaglia. 9.00 NCIS. (Mv) NCIS must uncover the truth when a shocking tell-all threatens to ruin Christmas for a decorated marine. 10.00 FBI: Most Wanted. (Masv) A woman is found violently murdered. 11.00
Mornings. 6am WorldWatch. 10.00 Front Up 2001. 12.05pm WorldWatch. 12.35 In My Own World. 1.30 VICE. 2.05 Dark Side Of The ‘90s. 3.00 Queer Sports. 3.55 WorldWatch. 5.50 The Fast History Of. 6.15 The Machines That Built America. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 Dark Side Of Reality TV. (Premiere) 10.20 Black Comedy In America. 12.10am Late Programs. 6am TBA. 6.30 Escape To The Country. 7.30 Harry’s Practice. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 Surf Patrol. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 Creek To Coast. 2.30 My
Practice. 4.00
5.30
To
3.30
4.30
Country. 6.30
7.30 Call The Midwife. 8.45 Inspector
Gently. 10.45 Late Programs.
Tricks. 8.40 Shakespeare And Hathaway. 9.40 Agatha Christie’s Marple. 11.40 Late Programs. 7TWO (72) 6am Children’s Programs. 6.20pm Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts: Above And Beyond. 6.35 Kiri And Lou. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 The Deep. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Inbestigators. 8.05 Operation Ouch! 8.35 BTN Newsbreak. 8.40 Deadly 60. (Premiere) 9.10 Badgers: Their Secret World. 9.55 Merlin. 10.40 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. Noon Motor Racing. ABB FIA Formula E World C’ship. 1.00 Bewitched. 1.30 I Dream Of Jeannie. 2.00 The Golden Girls. 2.30 The Nanny.
Morning Programs. 11.30 My Favorite Martian. Noon Days Of Our Lives. 12.55 The Young And The Restless. (Final) 1.50 Invictus Games. 2025 Vancouver Whistler. Day 8. Highlights. 2.50 Antiques Roadshow. 3.20 MOVIE: The Story Of
6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 Four Corners. (R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 National Press Club Address. 1.35 Media Watch. (PG, R) 1.55 Fake Or Fortune? (R) 3.00 Nigella Bites. (R) 3.25 Grand Designs. (R) 4.10 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6am Morning Programs. 11.00 Estonia From Above. 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 The Abyss: The Rise And Fall Of The Nazis. (PGa, R) 3.00 Where Are You Really From? (PG, R) 3.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (PG, R) 4.10 Lighthouses: Building The Impossible. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 To Be Advised. 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia. Hosted by Larry Emdur.
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 7.30. Presented by Sarah Ferguson. 8.00 Hard Quiz. (PG) Presented by Tom Gleeson.
8.30 Optics. (Mls) A Hollywood star with an unusual kink and a company selling exploding hoverboards challenge the team.
9.05 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee (NZ) (PG, R) Presented by Guy Montgomery.
9.50 Planet America. A look at American politics.
10.20 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R)
10.50 ABC Late News.
11.05 The Business. (R)
11.20 Aftertaste. (Ml, R)
12.20 Grand Designs. (R) 1.10 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 2.00 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
6.05 Kiya And The Kimoja Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts: Above And Beyond. 6.35 Kiri And Lou. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 The Deep. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun
(34)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG, R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Lord Lucan: The Trail. (Malv) Lucan’s younger brother is located.
8.30 Wonders Of The Sun With Dara Ó Briain. (Final, PG) Irish comedian Dara Ó Briain explores how our solar system’s star has a darker side. 9.25 Miniseries: Playing Nice. (Final, Malv) Maddie and Pete have a meeting with Anika.
10.25 SBS World News Late. 10.55 Pagan Peak. (MA15+av) 11.45 Rogue Heroes. (Final, Malv, R)
12.50 Agent Hamilton. (MA15+v, R) 2.35 Barkley Manor. (Final, R) 3.05 Living With The Boss. (PG, R) 3.55 Employable Me (USA) (Ma, 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 Home And Away. (PG) Cash confronts Tane.
7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PGd) Hosted by Lee Mack. 8.30 Ludwig. (Mav) After a body falls from a construction site, John investigates whether it was just an accident or a murder.
9.45 Breathtaking. (Mal) As patients get sicker, the team takes on the COVID-19 pandemic, stretching each of them to their limits.
10.50 The Suspects: True Australian Thrillers. (Ma, R) Authorities probe a millionaire’s life.
Married At First Sight. (Mls, R) 1.30 My Way. (R) 2.00
6.00 9News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls) The new couples attend their first dinner party.
9.00 Big Miracles. (Mam) TV presenter Angie Kent undergoes egg collection surgery. Ilina must face the prospect of more surgery to remove endometriosis.
10.00 9News Late.
10.30 Casualty 24/7. (Mm, R) Follows staff and patients at a hospital.
11.30 The Equalizer. (MA15+v, R)
12.15 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
1.05 Your Next Cruise. (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. Hosted by Grant Denyer. 6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 Australian Survivor. (PGl) A group of 24 Australian castaways battles it out on the beaches of Samoa to become the sole survivor.
9.00 Elsbeth. (Ma) Elsbeth and Kaya investigate a rising tennis star and his competitive father and coach after a world champion drops dead.
10.00 NCIS: Hawai’i. (Mv) Sam asks Tennant for a favour. 10.55 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 11.20 The Project. (R) A look at the day’s news. 12.25 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings. 6am WorldWatch.
10.00 Front Up 2001. 12.05pm WorldWatch. 12.35 Hudson & Rex. 2.15 Unknown Amazon. 3.10 Fashionista. 3.20 The Weekly Football Wrap. 3.50 WorldWatch. 5.50 The Fast History Of. 6.15 The Machines That Built America. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 MOVIE: Interview With The Vampire. (1994, MA15+) 10.45 MOVIE: The Vault. (2021, M) 12.55am
2.00 Weekender. 2.30 Air Crash Inv. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Surf Patrol. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Heartbeat. 8.45 The Inspector Lynley
7MATE (74) SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 2pm Kairakau. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Waabiny Time. 3.25 Little J And Big Cuz. 3.35 Spartakus. 4.05 Cities Of Gold. 4.35 Motown Magic. 5.00 Our Stories. 5.30 Living Black. 6.00 Bamay. 6.30 News. 6.40 Great Blue Wild. 7.30 Great Australian Walks. 8.30 Island Echoes With Nornie Bero. 9.00 MOVIE: One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest. (1975, MA15+) 11.20 Late Programs.
9GO! (82, 93) 6am
Without A Clue. Continued. (1988, PG) 7.00 Minari. (2020, PG, Korean) 9.10 3 Days In Quiberon. (2018, PG, French) 11.20 My Zoe. (2019, M) 1.15pm After The Storm. (2016, PG, Japanese) 3.25 Krull. (1983, PG) 5.40 Princess Caraboo. (1994, PG) 7.30 The Big Chill. (1983, M) 9.30 Oskars Kleid. (2022, M, German) 11.25 Swan Song. (2021, M) 1.25am From The Vine. (2019, M) 3.10 Late Programs.
Thursday, February 20
TV (2)
6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings.
(3)
(R) 3.00 Nigella Bites. (R) 3.25 Grand Designs. (R) 4.15 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6am Morning Programs. 11.00 Finland From Above. 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 The Abyss: The Rise And Fall Of The Nazis. (PGa, R) 3.00 Where Are You Really From? (PG, R) 3.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 Secrets Of Royal Gardens. (R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 7.30.
8.00 Back Roads: Kangaroo Island, South Australia. (PG) Paul West visits Kangaroo Island.
8.30 Sue Perkins’ Big Adventure: Paris To Istanbul. (PGn) Sue Perkins visits Strasbourg and Munich.
9.20 Grand Designs: Sydenham Hill. (Final, R) Hosted by Kevin McCloud.
10.10 The Role Of A Lifetime. (PG, R)
10.55 ABC Late News.
11.10 The Business. (R) 11.30 Miriam Margolyes Almost Australian. (Final, Ml, R) 12.25 Grand Designs. (R) 1.15 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 2.05 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.40 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6.35 Kiri And Lou. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 The Deep. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 8.00 Operation Ouch! 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Finding Your Roots: Buried Secrets. (PG) 8.30 Scotland’s Poshest Train: Alan Cumming. (PG) Alan Cumming’s trip continues.
9.30 MOVIE: Boiling Point. (2021, MA15+dl, R) A head chef’s life balances on a knife’s edge. Stephen Graham. 11.15 SBS World News Late. 11.45 Golden Boy. (Mdln) 12.35 The Allegation. (MA15+av, R) 2.30 Earth’s Natural Wonders. (PGa, R) 3.25 Employable Me (USA) (Ma, R) 4.15 Peer To Peer. (PG, R) 4.45 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (PGa, R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
Programs. Noon Motor Racing. ABB FIA Formula E World C’ship. 1.00 Bewitched. 1.30 I Dream Of Jeannie. 2.00 The Golden Girls. 2.30 The Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 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: RoboCop 2. (1990, MA15+) 10.45 Seinfeld. 11.45 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 Counting Cars. 4.30 Storage Wars. 5.00 American Resto. 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 Chases. 11.30 Late Programs.
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 MOVIE: Bad Romance: The Vicky White Story. (2023, Masv) Wendi McLendon-Covey. 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.
6.00 Seven Local News. 6.30 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) Dana nurses fresh heartbreak. 8.30 MOVIE: Mamma Mia! (2008, PGls, R) A young woman invites three of her mother’s former boyfriends to her upcoming wedding on a Greek island, to determine which of the trio is her father and have him escort her down the aisle on her big day. Amanda Seyfried, Meryl Streep, Colin Firth. 10.50 To Be Advised.
12.30 Damnation. (MA15+asv)
1.30 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG)
9News Morning.
Married At First Sight. (Mls, R) 1.30 Mr Mayor. (PGs, R)
6.00 9News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 RBT. (Mdl) Follows the activities of police units.
8.30 Emergency. (Mlm) Dr David Sparkhall fears the worst as he takes the tourniquet off a handyman’s blood-soaked arm.
9.30 A+E After Dark. (Malm) The Birmingham, Norwich and Maidstone A&E teams face intense challenges.
10.30 9News Late.
11.00 Resident Alien. (Malv)
11.50 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
12.40 Pointless. (PG, 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. Hosted by Grant Denyer. 6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 Gogglebox Australia. (Return) Opinionated viewers discuss TV shows. 8.30 The Graham Norton Show. Graham Norton is joined by guests including Renée Zellweger, Leo Woodall, Sterling K. Brown and Anthony Mackie. 9.40 Law & Order: SVU. (MA15+a, R) As the squad celebrates Rollins and Carisi’s baby, a child goes missing in broad daylight. 10.40 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 11.05 The Project. (R) 12.05 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.
Gossip
2.00 The
2.30 The Nanny. 3.30
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 Meg. (2018, M) 10.40
Passengers to scientists, take a trip to Antarctica
Travelers planning a trip to Antarctica are encouraged look at the Viking Expedition Cruises to learn first-hand what the Viking Difference means.
For those who yearn for more than a sightseeing tour, they could well be thrilled with the extent of knowledge shared by resident scientists who travel onboard the Viking expedition cruises, offering onboard experiences designed to optimise onshore discovery.
Viking has created the world’s leading scientific enrichment environment in an expedition setting.
A group of scientists selected by Viking’s academic partners, the University of Cambridge’s Scott Polar Research Institute and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, are on board every journey, providing lectures, advice and insight to guests in areas such as biology, botany, geology, glaciology, oceanography, ornithology.
This diverse group of experts lead guests through meaningful scientific work, provide guiding and interpretation during shore excursions and deliver world-class lectures.
Viking and its Viking Expedition Team published the company’s first scientific paper in 2022 following observations of the rarely encountered ‘scyphozoan Stygiomedusa gigantea’, commonly known as the giant phantom jellyfish.
Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen said in creating ‘the thinking person’s expedition,’ it was their intention that every voyage should provide opportunities for scientific discovery,
“At the core of Viking Expeditions is the goal to do meaningful scientific work,“ he said.
“After just one full season in service, our expedition vessels and scientists have already contributed to research that might not have beenpossibleotherwise,andwelookforwardto providing critical research opportunities on future voyages.”
Previous encounters with the giant phantom jellyfish have taken place during submersible dives in the coastal waters of the Antarctic Peninsula. Despite reaching up to 30 feet (10 meters) in length, only 126 encounters with these jellyfish have ever been recorded since the species was first described in 1910.
During Viking’s inaugural season in Antarctica in 2022, direct observations of the giant phantom jellyfish were made three times from submersibles deployed from Viking’s expedi-
tion vessel, the Viking Octantis and documented through stills and video photography.
In May 2024, Viking announced its latest scientific advancement on board the company’s expedition fleet with the addition of realtime environmental DNA (eDNA) sequencing of phytoplankton.
The phytoplankton was genetically sequenced at sea for the first time with scientific support from UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography and J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI).
The PCR lab on board the Viking Octantis has been converted into an advanced scientific environment where visiting scientists contributing to the Genomics at Sea Program (GASP) and are able to monitor the environmental impact on phytoplankton without the need to transport samples to a distant shoreside facility.
This marks a significant milestone in marine research and exploration, as Viking becomes the first travel company to support real-time environmental genetic sequencing capabilities on board its vessels.
In March 2024, Viking announced its expedition team supported the discovery of a new colony of chinstrap penguins not previously known to science on Diaz Rock, near Astrolabe Island, in Antarctica.
ThefindingtookplaceinJanuary2024when Viking Octantis visited Astrolabe, a three-milelong island, located in the Bransfield Strait of the Trinity Peninsula in Antarctica.
Astrolabe Island is home to a colony of chinstrap penguins that had not been surveyed since 1987. During the visit, Viking’s scientific partner, ‘Oceanites’, the leading field research entity in Antarctic penguin monitoring, conducted a visual and thermal aerial survey.
The fieldwork documented the first survey in nearly forty years of the known chinstrap penguin colony of Astrolabe Island and in the process, discovered the additional colony on Diaz Rock.
Those who wish to discover the wonders of Antarctica can travel on one of Viking’s expedition ships, which have been designed so guests can explore some of the world’s most pristine destinations in comfort while maximising
viewing in these spectacular locations. Passengers will be able to view the experience from the Aula, a stunning panoramic auditorium inspired by the University of Oslo’s famed ceremonial hall. The Aula features a 4k laser-projected screen that retracts to expose floor-to-ceiling windows and 270-degree views.
The Finse Terrace is an outdoor lounge area just above sea level with recessed, heated couches and lava rock ‘firepits,’ designed to allow guests the comforts of the ship while enjoying the dramatic scenery.
While the Bow is an important forwardviewing platform with the option to retreat to the Shelter, even the Nordic Spa has floor-toceiling windows so you can relax in the hydrotherapy pool and never miss a thing. Every stateroom features a Nordic Balcony, a first for polar expedition vessels, the sunroom converts into an al fresco viewing platform with an observation shelf at elbow level to stabilize binoculars or a camera.
For more information please visit www.viking.com or call (AU) 138 747)
Viking provide the watercraft and expertise to ensure a trip to Antarctica is a once in a lifetime experience.
LEE MCCARTHY
A peaceful gateway
Anantara Hotels and Resorts, the experiential luxury brand of Minor Hotels, has unveiled its first property in India—Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur.
Serving as a peaceful gateway to the Pink City’s many cultural attractions, the luxurious retreat is a sanctuary of verdant grounds and palatial architecture.
By overlaying royal design with immersive cultural experiences, Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur offers a window into a bygone era when some of India’s oldest dynasties—known as proud warriors and patrons of the arts—ruled Rajasthan. Grand and intricately decorated, on approach, Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur emerges like a resplendent “garden of jewels” it is named after.
Overlooking the serene inner courtyard or the city, 150 rooms and suites connect guests to India’s past through hand-crafted details such as intricate tikri glasswork, hand-carved woodwork and golden leafing.
Travellers staying in the 70-sqm Jewel Bagh
One-Bedroom Suite will find a separate living room with cosy window beds, perfect for curling up with a book and a cup of tea after a day of adventuring. The breezy private terrace at Anantara one-bedroom terrace suite (65 sqm) promises to be especially alluring during the balmy winter months, inviting relaxing Jacuzzi soaks and outdoor dining with panoramic views. Similarly, the Presidential two-bedroom suite, spanning a generous 173 sqm, is perfect for those looking for a combination of indoor splendour and access to the outdoors.
The hotel’s Executive Chef, Sunil Jajoria, has spent 20 years honing his mastery of heritage Indian recipes. His skills are on full display at signature restaurant Sheesh Mahal, a jewel box
adorned with mirror mosaics and coloured glass inspired by Rajasthan’s iconic Mirror Palace. Jaipur offers a collection of signature experiences, both on and off the property. With the Royal Heritage Art Walk led by a resident artist, guests explore hand-painted murals and mosaics of the Rang Mahal ballroom within the hotel before joining a private session to create their own work of art. Another opportunity to learn by doing is the Spice Spoons cooking class, which starts at a bustling local market, before turning fresh ingredients into a traditional meal.
For a walk on the wild side, guests can book a Private Safari and Heritage Tour taking them deep into Ranthambore National Park to meet Bengal tigers and other wildlife. Afterwards, a tour of the historic Ranthambore Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is followed by a picnic overlooking the wilderness.
The Anantara Spa, where Thai wellness traditions meet local expertise, features an on-site beauty salon and five treatment rooms for guests to rebalance with classic Ayurvedic therapies, and indulgent body treatments.
The property’s palatial setting and secluded location make it an attractive wedding and event destination. Guests can choose from five landscaped gardens, with the largest, Amer Bagh, accommodating up to 1,000 guests, while the pillarless Kohinoor Mahal ballroom can host up to 300 attendees indoors.
Anantara Jewel Bagh is located 30 minutes from Jaipur International Airport. For more information, visit www.anantara.com/en/jewel-baghjaipur.
MAGNIFICENT EUROPE AMSTERDAM TO BUDAPEST
Be one of the first to experience APT’s brand-new, luxury river ships, APT Solara and APT Ostara, on the 15-day Magnificent Europe river cruise. Launching in 2025, these contemporary and elegant vessels offer more space, more choice and more ways to experience Europe’s grandest waterways than ever before. Sail the iconic Rhine, Main and Danube rivers, exploring Europe's rich cultural tapestry in unparalleled opulence. Experience the journey of a lifetime with APT, where luxury knows no bounds.
• 14 nights on board APT’s brand-new river ships, APT Solara or APT Ostara.
• Includes all meals, premium beverages, excursions, transfers, port charges, porterage and gratuities.
• Unrivalled dining choice with six world-class dining venues on board plus in-suite dining and beverage service in all suites.
• The services of an expert APT Cruise Director.
• Unique experiences including a private classical concert at City Palace in Vienna and The Sound of Music show in Salzburg.
Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur Hotel - Exterior Facade.
The Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur Hotel, Sheesh Mahal Bar. (Supplied)
EUROPEAN SOJOURN
to Bucharest or vice versa
23 DAYS | 8 COUNTRIES | 19 GUIDED TOURS
SET SAIL: OCT 2025; APR-OCT 2026; 2027
From $13,995pp in Standard Stateroom
From $19,295pp in Veranda Stateroom
GRAND EUROPEAN TOUR
Amsterdam to Budapest or vice versa
15 DAYS | 4 COUNTRIES | 12 GUIDED TOURS
SET SAIL: APR-NOV 2025; MAR-NOV 2026; APR-NOV 2027
From $9,295pp in Standard Stateroom
From $13,795pp in Veranda Stateroom
EXPL RER
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 end 31 March 2025.
PASSAGE TO EASTERN EUROPE
Bucharest to Budapest or vice versa
11 DAYS | 5 COUNTRIES | 8 GUIDED TOURS
SET SAIL: MAY-NOV 2025; MAR-NOV 2026; 2027
From $7,895pp in Standard Stateroom
From $9,395pp in Veranda Stateroom
BAMBERG, GERMANY
Rottnest Island offers many unique and diverse experiences. A 90-minute tour around the island takes you to some of Rottnest’s most spectacular locations including the Wadjemup Lighthouse and the rugged West End.
Enjoy an unforgettable Australian adventure on board the mighty Indian Pacific as it travels the longest stretch of straight railway track in the world. This is a truly remarkable journey that will leave you with memories to cherish forever.
Tours
Your holiday includes
All-Inclusive Rail Journey
3 night all-inclusive rail journey on board the Indian Pacific from Sydney to Perth with all meals, fine wines, and beverages
8 Nights | August - December 2025 | Prices fr $5,399pp^
Embark on an epic transcontinental adventure in regal style on board the Indian Pacific train before spending five nights in Perth.
In Sydney, you’ll board the magnificent Indian Pacific for your all-inclusive transcontinental voyage. Encased in luxury, you’ll savour all-inclusive dining in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant, relax in your private cabin with en-suite and Off Train Experiences as you steam across the country along the world’s longest straight stretch of railway. You’ll pass through the Blue Mountains and the Nullarbor Plain before disembarking in Perth.
During your five-night hotel stay you’ll relish the opportunity to explore this fabulous city through a series of included tours. Enjoy a 48hr Hop-On-Hop-Off bus pass, and journey around the sights of the Central Business District. Discover Fremantle, and explore Rottnest Island, a province of natural beauty and wildlife including the famous quokkas.
Off Train Experience and short stop in Broken Hill, Adelaide, Cook and Rawlinna
Hotel Stay
5 night four-star stay in Perth at the Crowne Plaza Perth, an IHG Hotel with breakfast
Discover Rottnest Island tour including ferry transfer and Swan River Cruise
Half Day Perth & Fremantle Tour
48 hour Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Pass
All Flights, Taxes and Transfers+
Sydney, Perth
The Polar Citizen Science Collective aboard Viking
The Polar Citizen Science Collective creates opportunities for research and public education through citizen science, leveraging the reach of polar travellers to enhance understanding and protection of the polar regions.
High costs and the complexity of access to the polar regions are often prohibitive to Arctic and Antarctic research however Viking (cruises) have two purpose-built expedition ships and have partnered with The Polar Collective to support a range of projects that have been selected to fit into the unique modes of tourism operations in the polar regions.
Viking hold a provisional membership with the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) and Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO).
The team work closely with these leading organizations to ensure they employ best travel practices, promote awareness, support scientific research, and protect the fragile ecosystems and environments in which we travel
The Polar Collective actively supports a series of citizen science projects including the Secchi Disk Study, Happywhale, Globe Clouds, Southern Ocean Seabird Surveys, Aurorasaurus and Antarctic Snow Algae Study.
The Secchi Disk study is a global citizen science study of marine phytoplankton, launched in 2013 and it has so far, resulted in over 3,000 observations from around the world.
The project can easily be done from a small Zodiac-style boat or yacht where the clarity of the water is measured by identifying the Secchi Depth. This is an indication of phytoplankton abundance.
The aim is to use the collaborative power of citizen scientists to increase the data collected from the oceans to compare to historical Secchi Disk data. This will help expand the Secchi Disk study’s long-term dataset enabling scientists to better understand changes in the ocean’s phytoplankton.
Happywhale was launched in 2015 and is a platform collecting photos of marine mammals taken by citizen scientists from all over the world for photo-ID purposes.
So far the program has recorded over 220,000 whale encounters from over 9,000 participants worldwide, with over 5,300 individual cetaceans identified in the Antarctic and 1,400 in the Arctic.
Photos submitted to Happywhale are shared with a large network of researchers to improve understanding of marine mammals. The images provide valuable information on, for example, whale migration patterns and population status.
The Globe Clouds project was launched in 1994 and compares cloud observations taken by citizen scientists from the ground to information retrieved from satellites.
So far, more than one million cloud observations have been reported from all over the world, yet observations from the polar regions are still limited with only a 1,000 submissions to date.
Clouds are powerful agents of global change and play a large role in influencing local weather as well as controlling the planet’s long-term climate. Even small changes in the abundance, location or type of clouds can impact Earth’s climate and weather.
The Southern Ocean Seabird Surveys were launched in 2015 and are studying the distribution of birds at sea.
So far, hundreds of observations from the Southern Ocean and Antarctica have been gathered to add to the existing collection of bird data from around the world in the eBird database.
The project is building a long-term ecological monitoring program of seabirds in the Southern Ocean and along the Antarctic Peninsula. These recordings help researchers understand how birds use oceanic habitat, to discover new details about the lives of these remote species, and ultimately how their behaviour and populations might be changing as a result of climate change.
Aurorasaurus is an award-winning project tracking auroras around the world via reports on its website and on Twitter. Using aurora-related tweets and reports, it generates a real-time, global map of the Northern Lights.
Citizen scientists can also log in and verify the tweets. Each verified tweet and report serve as valuable data point for scientists to analyse and incorporate into space weather models.
The Antarctic Snow Algae Study aims to create a baseline database documenting the temporal and spatial occurrence of snow algae along the Antarctic Peninsula.
Scientists on board Viking provide lectures, advice and insight and the Viking Octantis is equipped with an onboard laboratory.
Snow algae plays a significant role in the environment by increasing the absorption of sunlight leading to an enhanced melting of snow. There is strong evidence that warming Antarctic temperatures may be intensifying their growth.
Researchers often rely on satellite images to monitor snow algae, but clouds in the Antarctic sky frequently inhibit clear images.
Akvaplan-niva scientists are engaged in crossdisciplinary research programs on water related issues. On the Viking ships, Ferry Boxes are installed to sample sea and lake water to provide continuous information about oxygen levels, temperature, salinity and other data.
The ships is also equipped with Kongsberg Multibeam sonar which allows us to map the lake/seabed.
To learn more about the exciting opportunities available on Viking and with The Polar Citizen Science Collective visit www.viking.com or phone (AU) 138 747.
Viking guests cross country skiing in Antarctica.
LEE MCCARTHY
The special ops and zodiac hanger on Viking Octantis offers guests a much more inclusive holiday in Antarctica.
PUZZLES
To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every
from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the
columns, each of the
horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.
ACROSS
1 Liquid part of blood (6)
4 Roma is its capital (6)
10 Part of flower’s calyx (5)
11 Banishment (9)
12 Fine ceramic material (9)
13 Designer, Calvin – (5)
14 Give up (6)
15 Immediate (4)
19 Mode of travel (4)
20 Reduce to very low temperature (6)
24 Handling (5)
25 Books of memoranda (9)
27 Area of England, historically the ‘Middle Saxons’ (9)
28 Perch (5)
29 Teutonic (6)
30 Essay on a theme (6)
DOWN
1 Document for travel (8)
2 Seeming (8)
3 People of Malta (7)
5 Detective (7)
6 Wait around idly (6)
7 Intending (6)
8 Scottish island (4)
9 Filmmaker, – Kubrick (7)
16 Testimony (7)
17 Poisonous (8)
18 Internet pages (7)
19 Insignia of royalty (7)
21 Comeback (7)
22 A spice (6)
23 Auction participant (6)
26 Written words (4)
letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in “s”.
1 What colour is the five-pointed star and the crescent of the Algerian flag?
2 Kristin Chenoweth (pictured) played Annabeth Schott in the final two seasons of which US TV series?
3 The 2022 film Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris is an adaptation of which author's work?
4 In which country would you find the Trevi Fountain?
5 Which artist wrote and performed the songs You OughtaKnow and Ironic?
6 How many countries
7 In what year did the Summer of Love occur?
8 The Russian Imperial State Duma was introduced by who?
9 Sofia is the capital of which European country?
No. 256
No. 224
Artsnational to celebrate 15 years
By Jim Fagan
New wave Australian movies of the ‘70s, the BBC Antiques Roadshow and its great discoveries, Agatha Christie’s life and crimes in London–these are just three topics by local and international speakers ArtsNational Noosa will feature this year to celebrate its 15th anniversary of presenting world class entertaining, illustrated talks.
“We usually have eight but this year we have 11–all rather special for our birthday year,” founding convenor Julia Gamble told Noosa Today.
“We start on Saturday 1 March with Australian films, focussing on director Peter Weir who has received six Academy Award nominations for his work.
“Our speaker is Noosaville historian and academic Zana Dare who is also one of our committee members. She takes us behind the scenes of classic films of the era; including My Brilliant Career, The Cars That Ate Paris, Picnic at Hanging Rock and Don’s Party.
“Later in the month, on Saturday 29 March, Marc Allum who has been a specialist on the BBC’S Antiques Roadshow for 27 years will give two one-hour talks. The first will be an inside look at the show and some of its great discoveries.
“The next hour will be his thoughts on personal objects brought by members or visitors.
“Agatha Christie, the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, Fakes and Fortunes in the Art World and more. We have an exciting year ahead.”
Until last year the society was known as ADFAS (Australian Decorative and Fine Arts Society) and part of an international organisation
See Blue Turtles: The Music of Sting at The J Noosa
Blue Turtles: The Music of Sting is Australia’s only show dedicated to celebrating the unique and eclectic songwriting and music of contemporary popular music’s most respected and iconic artist.
They are super-excited to be back at The J Noosa since their last show in 2022.
Sting’s critical acclaim and achievements are staggering. Album sales of close to 200 million copies, 3 billion-plus streaming plays, 17 Grammy Awards and 45 Grammy Award nominations and induction to both the Rock and Roll and Songwriters’ Halls of Fame.
Songs to be performed include If You Love Somebody, Roxanne, Fields of Gold, We’ll Be Together, Every Little Thing She Does is Magic, Fragile, I’m So Happy, Fortress Around Your Heart, Walking on the Moon and many, many more.
Already labelled “world-class”, Blue Turtles have meticulously crafted two hours of Sting’s genius songwriting, worldwide smash hits and beloved songs from his award-winning albums into an uplifting and unforgettable concert production.
Members of the Blue Turtles band have performed professionally with artists including Michael Buble, Keith Urban, Louis Shelton, Galapagos Duck, Walt Disney Company and Hindley Street Country Club, to name a few.
This show is a musical treat for your ears, heart mind and soul. Don’t miss out.
See Blue Turtles–The Music of Sting at the The J Noosa on Saturday 22 March at 7.30pm. For tickets, visit thej.com.au/blue-turtles/
run by volunteers until it was rebranded nationally as ArtsNational.
Julia said, “Noosa has about 130 members and we have room for a few more. Anyone is welcome. You don’t have to be an expert.”
She said that as well as promoting enjoyment of the arts, ADFAS members financially assist young local people to engage in the arts.
“Our Noosa society sponsors emerging ballet students from the Dance Centre Peregian Springs, one of them being Alfie Shacklock from the age of 12. He achieved his dream of training with the Royal Ballet in London, being selected for Birmingham Royal Ballet and presently back in Australia as a company artist with the Queensland Ballet.
“Last year in January we supported the People’s Choice Award in the Under 40’s art competition at the Butter Factory, Cooroy, won by Jasmine Veronique, a talented floral and figurative artist.
“We also support accomplished Year 12 students at Sunshine Beach State High School in furthering their arts and musical careers.”
She said one project “dear to our hearts” is the Sunshine Butterflies “Kiss My Art” program which gives people with a disability the chance to communicate through creating art.
Arts National–Australian New Wave Films of the 1970s with Zana Dare. St Mary’s Church, 17 William Street, Tewantin, Saturday 1 March, 3.45pm for 4pm start. Visitors $30 including wine and canapes. Bookings essential. Contact Jenny Reeve at membershipnoosaadfas@gmail. com Further details at artsnational.au/societies/ noosa/
Coastal vibe theme
By Julie Dare
The latest exhibition by Noosa’s longestrunning art group, Tinbeerwah Art Group, is on display at the Bendigo Bank’s Tewantin branch.
Twenty of TAG’s 45 artists have submitted 23 Coastal Scene paintings.
The exhibition features acrylic, oil, and watercolour paintings that capture the moods of a coastal region, including curling waves, calming waters, crowded beaches, and storms.
While many Noosa scenes are depicted, artists have also recalled scenes from travels both in Australia and overseas.
TAG along with Noosa Chorale and Noosa Jazz Club celebrated its 30th anniversary last year.
The group was founded by Gwen Blair, a retired school teacher, in 1994 and has met at Tinbeerwah Hall just up the hill from Tewantin ever since.
The exhibition is on display until 7 March.
A
some of the artwork on display. (Supplied)
selection of
The memorial to Agatha Christie near Covent Garden in London. (Supplied)
A cheesy blind date
By Erle Levey
Discovering the delights and intricacies of cheese is about to go to a new level.
Slow Food Noosa and Woombye Cheese are presenting a “blind date’’ with cheese to further appreciate the taste of this mystical product.
Joining them will be Damian Nielsen of Windrush Estate, who will be matching the cheese with his tempranillo wine from his Mary Valley vineyard.
In what promises to be an evening of fun and enjoyment, guests will be presented with a sevencheese taste test ... without the benefit of sight.
Beth O’Leary of Woombye Cheese will provide the blindfolds for this experience on Thursday 27 February, from 6pm at the West Woombye cellar door.
The cheese degustation with a difference will see Beth talk through seven cheeses that will be paired with specific condiments and crackers.
There will be a complimentary wine by Mary
Valley producers Windrush Estate who, like Woombye Cheese, are accredited Slow Food Noosa Snails of Approval for their good, healthy and fair attitude to production methods.
The enjoyment of food can utilise a variety of senses - sight, touch, small and taste.
“You eat with your eyes but that’s not the full story,’’ Beth said.
“What is interesting is to not eat with them first.
“Take sight away and you can really appreciate the experience in another, deeper way - feeling it, smelling it, and then finally tasting it.
“That way you are really getting the full experience. In this way we like to bring people into the moment.’’
Guests will be sampling their way through the range of cheeses, elevating the tasting experience and unlocking the full potential of each bite. Wearing a blindfold will allow the flavours to come through with unexpected intensity, put your senses to the test and better connect to
The Freddys go Alfresco
If you feel like a good feed, a cool drink and a bit of a boogie with a band, head down the Eumundi-Noosa Road to Alfresco’s Garden Cafe on Sunday 16 February, 12-3pm, where you’ll catch local legends The Freddys performing vintage rock classics ranging from ABBA to ACDC, Chuck Berry to Daddy Cool, and Johnny Cash to Z.Z Top. There’s no cover charge so feel free to have some fun with The Freddys this Sunday, 12-3pm. And if that’s not enough for you, they’ll be back at Alfresco’s Sunday 30 March, 18 May and 6 July. Catch them when you can.
Don’t miss breakfast
In celebration of women’s achievements, the Zonta Club of Noosa will host its annual International Women’s Day (IWD) Breakfast on Saturday 8 March at the Noosa Springs Golf and Spa resort.
International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on progress made, to call for change, and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women across the world.
This year, they’re excited to welcome Adjunct Professor Shelley Nowlan as the keynote speaker.
Shelley is a renowned leader in the health care sector and is Deputy National Rural Health Commissioner Nursing and Midwifery, as well as the Chief Nursing Officer for Queensland Health.
Shelley’s exceptional knowledge and leadership in the health care sector has been acknowledged by numerous universities inviting her to be an Adjunct Professor. She has represented Australia internationally at the United Nations, the International Council of Nursing and UNICEF.
Shelley is an influential leader and is passionate about the health and wellbeing of the Australian community. She has published numerous articles on rural health, nursing education and leadership.
Tickets are available at trybooking.com/ CYHCU
food.
Windrush Tempranillo is a rare gem from the Mary Valley, grown at Windrush Farm & Estate and suited to both the climate and to the tastes of Queensland.
Carefully crafted, these select vintages are only harvested in dry years, ensuring exceptional quality and character.
Bold yet elegant, this tempranillo reflects the unique terroir and climate of the region—truly a wine to be savoured.
Guests on the night will also have the opportunity to meet Dannielle Young of The Noosa Forager who is another of Slow Food Noosa’s Snail of Approval recipients and has previously appeared on Channel 7 ‘s breakfast morning show promoting all of the region’s wonderful local producers.
Tickets for this informative and at the same time entertaining evening are limited. Details/ bookings: https://events.humanitix.com/slowfood-noosa-presents-blind-date-with-cheese
Contact Zonta at zontaclubnoosa@ gmail.com
Living with Noosa’s wildlife
“Thanks to over six decades of community action, Noosa is a hotspot of biodiversity,“ says Tony Wellington, wildlife photographer, author and retired politician.
“That means the creatures with which we share the shire may sometimes invade our homes.
“Many of these uninvited guests may be enjoyed while others are possibly less welcome. It helps to know, for instance, the difference between a native marsupial Antechinus and a pest house mouse.“
“Those who live on acreage will be familiar with house guests such as possums, reptiles and spiders. But wildlife doesn’t recognise human boundaries, so even urban homes and gardens may be visited by a wide range of birds, including the ubiquitous bush turkeys, but also many mammals, insects and scaly critters.“
“We only protect that which are familiar with, so understanding our wildlife is key to preserving local biodiversity.“
“It also helps to appreciate how our human actions impact on wildlife. I will be challenging some long-held assumptions in this regard,“ Wellington said.
At the Tewantin Noosa Probus Club’s next meeting on Tuesday 25 February at the RSL in Tewantin, Tony Wellington will be our Guest speaker. Visitors are welcome. Join us for morning tea ($6) at 10am. Tony’s presentation will commence at 10.30am.
Tony will take Probus members and visitors on a pictorial discovery of the creatures we are likely to encounter and discuss how we might choose to interact with them.
Damian Nielsen of Windrush Estate. (456716)
Beth O’Leary of Woombye Cheese gets set for the blind date with cheese evening. (456716)
Stepping out on Sunday with The Freddys at Alfresco’s. (Supplied)
The Freddys will perform at Alfresco’s Garden Cafe on Sunday.
Adjunct Professor Shelley Nowlan. (Supplied)
Rubbish Removal
Proposed Development
Where: Lake Macdonald Dr Lake Macdonald Qld 4563 On: Lot 1 RP167252 Approval sought: Development Permit for Material Change of Use Application ref: MCU24/0151
You may obtain a copy of the application and make a submission to: Noosa Council PO Box 141 Tewantin QLD 4565 mail@noosa.qld.gov.au 07 5329 6500 www.noosa.qld.gov.au
Basketball rivalry reignited
Basketball fans are in for an unforgettable showcase as the Trans-Tasman Throwdown makes its debut, pitting Australia against New Zealand in an electrifying new series and reigniting one of sports fiercest rivalries.
The Boomers will take on the Tall Blacks while the Seven Consulting Opals will go up against the 2degrees Tall Ferns across three games in both countries.
The series will see Australia and New Zealand’s national basketball sides play on the Sunshine Coast on Friday 9 May before culminating in the final game across the Tasman in Kirikiriroa (Hamilton) on Sunday 11 May.
This series marks a fantastic opportunity for basketball fans across Australia and New Zealand to see their national teams live in action with this being the first time the Boomers have played the Tall Blacks in Australia since 2021 and close to ten years since the Tall Blacks hosted the Boomers in New Zealand.
For the Opals and 2degrees Tall Ferns, the Australians edged out New Zealand in bronze medal match of the 2023 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup in Sydney. Since then, they have not played one another in New Zealand since 2015, and the 2dgrees Tall Ferns have not played at home in over five years.
Basketball Australia chief executive officer Matt Scriven said, “The arrival of the Trans-Tasman Throwdown series is a testament to the rise of the game in both Australia and New Zealand.“
“There’s a strong history of basketball in both regions and like Australia, Aotearoa is currently driving and enjoying a boom of their own.”
“We want the inaugural series to set the foundation for a tradition that fans, players and teams will embrace, and we look forward to introducing a new era of rivalry between Australia and New Zealand basketball.
“We are incredibly excited for the Trans-Tasman Throwdown. The rivalry between our two countries is unmatched, and these three games promise to be action packed. To be able to host
the Tall Blacks and 2dgrees Tall Ferns at home, in front of a home crowd is huge for us.“
Sunshine Coast Council Economy Portfolio Councillor Terry Landsberg said, “Drawing the Boomers and the Opals to UniSC Arena is a win for local basketball fans and aspiring athletes
who will get to see our men’s and women’s national teams in the flesh after their Olympic campaigns in Paris last year, which saw the Opals win a Bronze medal.”
“With the Sunshine Coast proposed to host preliminary basketball matches for the Brisbane
2032 Olympic Games, this partnership is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our existing facilities and our capability to host high-profile events.
“In addition, New Zealand remains our top target for international tourism with year-round direct flights from the Sunshine Coast now available, and the extensive social media and broadcast coverage across New Zealand and Australia will significantly enhance the Sunshine Coast’s reputation as a premier destination for major events.”
TEG Group chief executive officer Geoff Jones said, “TEG is excited to partner with Basketball Australia and Basketball New Zealand to bring the Trans-Tasman Throwdown to life, re-igniting a special rivalry. Further to this, we are eager to bring both national teams to Adelaide, Sunshine Coast and Hamilton in New Zealand for a fantastic chance for basketball fans to witness international basketball firsthand.“
STAY ACTIVE in Noosa
From sport to dancing or walks, there’s plenty of ways to get active in Noosa.
COASTAL ROWING FOR FUN AND FITNESS
Coastal Rowing Noosa would like to welcome new members to our club. Experienced, novice or learn-to-row all catered for in a friendly and fit group of all ages. Boats are wide and stable for both flat and wave rowing. Currently early morning rows on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday but times and days are flexible according to demand. Come and try! Call Ann on 0432141308 or visit the website coastalrowingnoosa.com.au
TRY TAP DANCING
Always wanted to tap dance? Here’s your chance to do a beginner’s workshop over five weeks starting early February, Uniting Church Hall, Werin St, Tewantin, either Thursdays 5-6pm or Saturdays 8-9am. Intermediate classes are on Wednesdays 5-6pm. Phone Helen on 0448 621 788 for further details.
DANCE LESSONS TEWANTIN
Dance lessons are on Sundays at 12.30pm at the Tewantin Masonic Hall, Moorindil Street. We start by teaching basic dance steps, then Waltz, old time, New Vogue, Ballroom Dances and a little Latin. We run through to 5pm. Lots of fun and dancing, including a 20 minute tea/coffee break to socialise. (Only $10) Hope to see you there. Singles or couples, welcome. Just rock up or phone Andrew 0429 829 328. For more info, please visit andrewsclassdance.com
CROQUET
Thinking of joining us? We offer Come & Try sessions on the 1st Sunday of each month at the club’s attractive grounds in Seashell Place, Noosa Waters. Be at the club by 8.15am, when our experienced trainers will help you understand what this strategic game is all about. Email our secretary to book a session, or to arrange an alternative time. noosa@croquetqld.org
SENIORS KEEP FIT
We are a friendly group of ladies who keep fit every Thursday at 10am at the Masonic Hall on Moorindil Street in Tewantin. Our class lasts for
an hour and coffee afterwards at the Marina is an optional extra. We are currently welcoming new participants for January onwards. First class in 2025 is Thursday 9 January. $10 per class. For more details call/text Nicki on 0421 751614.
WALKING NETBALL
With a focus on fun and social interaction rather than competition, it is a great way to stay active, energized and meet some new friends. The aim of fast walking (rather than running) is to keep it safe and injury free for all. If you thought your netball days were over, then think again. No team required, just come along and play. Registration $37, then $5 each week you attend. Wednesdays 6-7.30pm. Noosa Netball courts, McKinnon Drive, Tewantin. Call 0407 480125 for more info or email noosanetball@gmail.com See you there.
NOOSA MASTERS SWIMMING CLUB
Noosa Masters swim all year round at the Noosa Aquatic Centre, 6 Girraween Ct, Sunshine Beach. Our goals are fitness, fun and friendship. Anyone 18 and over is welcome to join the club so come and give us a try. The club meets on Thursday mornings and Sunday mornings 7.30-9am.for coached squads. We then convene for coffee and a chat afterwards. For more information check our website at noosamastersswimming.com.au/ or email noosamastersswimming@outlook.com
MODERN JIVE IN TEWANTIN
Modern Jive is a great modern dance style that is heaps of fun, and is easy to learn. Come and dance to the modern music that you hear at parties, weddings and nightclubs. New and current dancers welcome! Venue: Freemason’s Hall, 30 Moorindil Street, Tewantin. Classes every Tuesday night, 6.15pm for a 6.30pm start. Contact Warren 0402 092 563 or visit LeStepSunshineCoast.com.au
TRY LAWN BOWLS
If you are looking for a low-impact, therapeutic exercise that can improve fitness, coordination and confidence, then lawn bowls is the sport for you. The Cooroy Community Bowls Club, located at Your Mates Bowls Pub, 5 Opal Street,
Cooroy, offers bowls every Tuesday afternoon at 12noon and Saturday morning at 8.30am. There is no need to book, simply turn up. For further information contact Maureen (club president) on 0419 588 661.
MAGZ JAZZ
Increase strength, flexibility, energy and wellbeing. Dance exercises and stretching. Learn new dance moves and routines to inspired music. Jazz and Latin style dance keeps the body moving, mind agile, memory working and spirit lifted. Tuesdays 8.30-10am in Tewantin. Phone Margaret for details on 0425 269 988.
WALK WITH WISDOM
Join us every Friday morning from 7.30-9am for a revitalising walk along the Noosa River. Designed for active professionals and individuals seeking growth in personal, professional, and mental well-being, our sessions are led by a diverse team of coaches and therapists. Start with brief introductions, then pair up to exchange insights as you walk. The morning concludes with a 10-minute engaging talk from a member, all while enjoying coffee from O-Boats. For more information, visit Facebook page: Walk With Wisdom.
SUNNY COASTERS LINEDANCING
We are a warm, welcoming, inclusive, friendly bunch who love to dance. With five classes offered each week together with absolute beginner workshops also starting periodically each term, there is something for everyone. Classes are held in Tewantin and Noosaville and taught by Sue who is a passionate teacher with over 30 years experience. Take an average day, build in some dance and realise the positive and rewarding results from a little music, a few Boot Scoot’n steps and encouraging vibes. Visit sunnycoasterslinedancing.com.au or phone Sue on 0408 337 262.
WALK AND WORKOUT
Mature ladies, if you’re not as fit as you used to be and you want to get back into moving your body in the great outdoors, then this might just be your answer. Accountability and achievability with a healthy active lifestyle plan customised just for
you. Vitality, mobility, stability and longevity are a few of the benefits of building strength and improving flexibility with an easy active fitness plan. Please call Donna on 0419 373 319.
PLAY TENNIS
Fit tennis players required for singles and doubles play during the week and weekends. Squash and tennis players needed Monday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday. Call Karen on 0412 485 411.
INDOOR BOWLS
Noosa Indoor Carpet Bowls Club would love to welcome new members to join us each Friday morning at the Leisure Centre in Wallace Drive, Noosaville. No experience necessary and lots of fun to be had. Play starts at 9am till 11am. Please contact Pam 0407 493 402.
NOOSA FOLK DANCERS
You’re invited to come and try sessions, first one free. Experience traditional and modern, easy and moderate dances from countries around the world, on Fridays from 10-11.45am at the Catholic Parish Hall, Moorindil Street, Tewantin. We are a welcoming group providing physical and social well-being through world dance. Phone Philippa on 0417 780 016 or just come along. Wear comfortable shoes.
PICKLEBALL
Life begins when you discover pickleball. Make new friends, play indoor or outdoor, and its a sport for all ages eight to 88. Noosa Pickleball Club is hosting beginner lessons, and sessions for all skill levels. Find out more by emailing info@ noosapickleballclub.com
FITBARRE
Classes for adults based on ballet. Improve your posture, tone and tighten your muscles with this total mind and body conditional workout while enjoying classical music. Classes are on Mondays - Ballet Intermediate 9-10.30am, Pointe 10.45-11.15am, Beginners Ballet 11.30-12.30am; Wednesday - Ballet Intermediate 9-10.30am; Friday - FitBarre Conditioning 9-10am (All Levels) at Performing Arts Factory, 3/6-8 Rene St, Noosaville. Phone Angelika on 0488 088 633.
The Trans-Tasman Throwdown will be on the Sunshine on Friday 9 May.
Basketball fans are in for an unforgettable showcase on the Sunshine Coast. (Supplied)
Finals loom for top sides
By Samadhi Baker
Around the Grounds
Struggling for numbers the Thunder teams dug deep and got some comprehensive wins. Firsts continued where they left off finishing with a second outright win in a row comfortably bowling Coolum out for 57 and 130. Seconds also kept their momentum, rising to the top of the table with a five wicket haul from Ollie Wilson spearheading a first innings win over Coolum 260 and 5/157 to 173. Third grade resumed batting with Ben Wilson (98) just missing out on a century. Unselfish batting got the score to 268 before Jason Toohey took 5 wickets to restrict Glasshouse (6/161) to a draw. Sixth grade unfortunately went down to a strong Yandina team batting better the second innings to avoid an outright defeat.
First Grade vs Coolum
Coolum resumed at 5/32 chasing 306, with heavy rain making getting the ground ready challenging.
With both opening bowlers unavailable and Riley Woolmer nursing an injury from the U17’s game earlier in the day, Ben Claypole took charge, starting with a wicket maiden. From there, the bowling attack was relentless, with only three bowlers needed to mop up the innings. The morning session saw Coolum collapse to 5/25 in 19 overs, leading to an easy decision to enforce the follow-on.
In the second innings, Claypole struck early, and Mick picked up three wickets before tea, leaving Coolum at 4/33 and staring at an early defeat. After the break, Giddy delivered his best spell of the season, spearheading the attack with 4/19 off 16 overs and taking an incredible 6/23 of 20 overs for the day. Coolum was all out for 130, sealing another comprehensive outright win. Huge thanks to Nate Watson for stepping in as a fielder and making an impact with an outstanding catch at point. Noosa now prepares for a crucial match next week at home against Caboolture.
Second Grade vs Coolum
Second Grade surged to the top of the ladder with a commanding win over Coolum, setting the stage for a thrilling final two rounds.
Defending 260, Noosa resumed with Coolum at 1/23. Despite being short on bowling depth due to late withdrawals, the squad stepped up in spectacular fashion. Oliver Wilson led the attack with 5/36 off 16 overs, while Joshua Christensen (2/43 off 17) and Jarred Davis (3/48 off 19) maintained control. The tight bowling sealed a comfortable 87-run first-innings win.
Noosa then batted aggressively in their second innings, with Blake Steel (73 off 42) and the captain (44 off 34) combining for a rapid 92-run stand. The team added 5/157, securing bonus points and boosting confidence heading into decisive matches against fellow finals contenders.
your local slice of Origin action now
Tickets for the 2025 U19 Men’s and Women’s State of Origin fixtures are now on sale.
The next generation of NRL and NRLW stars are set to battle it out at Sunshine Coast Stadium.
Tickets for the double-header on 19 June start from just $10 for adults and free for children with an accompanying adult.
Game schedule:
Under-19 Women’s State of Origin – kickoff 5.45pm
Under-19 Men’s State of Origin – kick-off 7.45pm
Sunshine Coast Council Economy Portfolio Councillor Terry Landsberg said footy fans could now secure their slice of Origin action.
The Sunshine Coast Stadium event will be a great place to cheer on the next generation of Maroons, Blues and Sky Blues as they make their mark in the double header, Cr
Landsberg said.
“The strong relationship between council and the NRL continued to grow and helps position our region as Australia’s premier sports training and event destination.
“It’s great to have NRL action back on the Sunshine Coast to showcase everything our region has to offer and provide opportunities for local footy fans to view quality rugby league in our own backyard.
“The event helps deliver the Sunshine Coast Council’s Major Events Strategy, which aims to drive $86 million of economic benefit to the region through visitation and local spend.”
Tickets are available from NRL.com/tickets and Ticketek.
Don’t miss your chance to witness the next generation of rivalry live as the best junior female and male rugby league talent will clash for state glory.
Third Grade vs Glasshouse
Noosa resumed at 4/228, aiming to add quick runs. Despite losing Ben Wilson close to a century and quick wickets, some unselfish batting lifted the total to 9/268. Glasshouse began cautiously, reaching 85 before their first wicket fell. Jason Toohey starred with the ball, taking five wickets, supported by sharp catching in the field. Despite their aggressive middle order, Glasshouse ultimately settled for a draw, prioritizing points over risk. Noosa remains confident for a strong finish to the season.
Sixth Grade vs Yandina Facing Yandina, Noosa started the day in the field. Justin Latimer and Cooper Withers made early breakthroughs, including a sharp stumping by Alek Dillewaard. However, the slow pitch
made batting difficult. Noosa was bowled out for 49 in the first innings, with Olly Tilley top-scoring (19). Sent in again, Blake O’Donnell’s gritty 40* anchored the second innings, helping Noosa avoid outright defeat. Despite the unfortunate result, the team displayed resilience and positivity throughout.
U17 vs Maroochydore
Noosa’s U17s fell short against Maroochydore, posting 132 in response to 164. The top order struggled, but Riley Woolmer (55) and Aedan Mayo (21) fought hard. The tail added valuable runs, but Maroochydore’s bowlers closed out the innings with 10 overs remaining. Noosa remains in second place and looks to return to form heading into finals.
13B vs Coolum
Noosa’s 13B side secured a fantastic team win against top-ranked Coolum Bullsharks. Posting 7/132, standout performances came from Xavier (38*) and Hugo (32). The bowling unit, led by Xavier (2/9) and Dexter (1/4), stifled Coolum, all out for 93. The team’s fielding was equally impressive, with Hugo and Reilly standouts. An amazing achievement for this young squad and a testament to their and coach Adam’s hard work throughout the season.
TWILIGHT BOWLS
PROUDLY SPONSORED BY BLUECARE RESIDENTIAL AGED CARE & COMMUNITY SERVICES
Join us for an evening of fun, laughter and friendly competition as the sun sets on the greens. Enjoy a complimentary burger in a relaxed atmosphere, cool evening breeze and good vibes. Grab your friends and roll into the action, scan QR code and reserve your spot today.
28 FEBRUARY, 2025 BBQ BOWLS 5:30PM START
Tickets for the 2025 U19 Men’s and Women’s State of Origin fixtures are now on sale.
Jackson Holland hits out. (Matt Mayo Photography)
Aiden Mayo fights hard.
Life of Brine
Phil Jarratt - philjarratt.com
A Pipe Pro for the ages
World Championship Tour events at the Banzai Pipeline are exciting more often than not and, just occasionally, they are incredible.
The pointy end of the Lexus Pipe Pro last week was the latter, perhaps even surpassing the waves and performances at the 2022 Pipe Pro.
A contributing factor in the rampant incredulity was the fact that the swell and wind forecast had looked dire for the whole event window, and that for most of the first week it was even worse than that. And then, at the last possible juncture, the wind went offshore, the swell jumped up out of a better direction for Pipe as well as Backdoor, and a sandbar over the reef which had been blocking the lefts suddenly disappeared. The stage was set for a finish for the ages.
Another factor which inevitably brought the comparisons with the vintage event of 2022 was the role of Kelly Slater, not just in a cameo for old time’s sake, but as a potential winner, three years on from the last time he broke all the age barrier records to win Pipe a week short of his 50th birthday.
As Swellnet’s Steve Shearer wrote of Big Friday, day three of the contest: “A 52-year old retired Kelly Slater who looked pale and, by his own admission, out of shape, and who hadn’t set feet into wax for over a month was able to aggressively eliminate a man half his age who is currently third in the world. Rookies who less than 12 months ago were complete no names outside of their local boardriders were able to oust veteran tour surfers and top fivers. It was magic from start to finish.”
Indeed it was, in true waves of consequence, not so much for wave height but for the thick, grinding intensity of the sets which feathered on Third Reef and thundered in to deliver full power on the shallow inside reef. There were many significant stories emerging from this and a much smaller finals day, but first, let’s deal with the GOAT in the room.
As Brother Shearer noted, Kelly didn’t look fit (he’d been holidaying in Florida with the extended family, including new son and grown daughter), nor did he seem particularly focused, but Pipeline on days like this still has his name written all over it, even a week short of his 53rd birthday. Following his win in scrappy conditions in the first round, he took another week off, reemerging as the new swell neared its peak, and taking out Bali’s Rio Waida fairly comprehensively. A low rumble started to emanate from media stations around the world. Could he? Yeah, nah. Then in the round of 16 he humbled world title contender Ethan Ewing with perfect timing in the barrel for a near-eight followed by a nine-plus. The rumbles grew louder. The old fart was into another finals’ day.
What few people realised when Kelly Slater brushed away a tear at the end of his post-heat round of 16 interview, mentioning his beautiful baby boy, was that another matter of high emo-
tion was weighing on him – the recent loss of his friend and mentor, Quiksilver founder Alan Green. Green, who died last month, was farewelled at a memorial function in Geelong last Sunday, and Kelly had promised family members that if he was out of the running at Pipe, he would jump on a plane and be there. Now he’d be surfing the quarter finals on that day.
Of course when you’re a professional athlete you go with the game and everyone understands, but Slater’s career-long association with the Quiksilver brand meant that he had “family” virtually wherever he competed, and none was more important than “Greeny”, wife Barb and their family in Torquay during the Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach.
As it turned out, the crazy dream ended the next morning when Kelly missed a couple of lateheat opportunities to take down Brazil’s reborn Ian Gouveia and bowed out at equal ninth. But once again Kelly proved you can never write him off.
Of the rookies who took out contenders on the big day, two stand out. Mexico’s exciting and excitable Al Cleland Jr squeaked past Jack Robinson despite the fact that Jack scored a perfect 10 for arguably the best wave ridden all day. Freefalling down the face of a Backdoor bomb, he held on to conquer an unmakeable barrel, but couldn’t do better than a 2.17 backup, the result of failing to emerge from another barrel that would have delivered an excellent score.
Manly’s George Pittar showed he means business, taking down Griffin Colapinto in the round of 32 and Kanoa Igarashi in the 16. Gutsy and talented, watch this space, but his Pipe dream ended in the quarters when he fell to Leo Fioravanti after the Italian’s trademark priority scuffle at the start.
Speaking of whom, Leo finally ended Gouveia’s run to land a well-earned spot in the final against defending event champ Barron Mamiya, who had been on fire taking out Italo Ferreira in
the semis. I’m a Leo fan and have been for over a decade since my good mate Belly married his mum and inherited the feisty teenager, but connections aside, no one can doubt the guy’s mature ability in serious barrels. Mamiya, however, was on fire, and had Leo staring at an impossible combo with half an hour still to run.
But the Italian answered back with two deep, deep barrels, and I thought, took the final by a whisker. The judges called it a tie and gave it to Mamiya on highest single wave score. What a final!
In the women’s Tyler Wright answered the question, has she still got it, with an emphatic YES! But the heat of women’s finals day was between the two firebrands of women’s surfing, Caity Simmers and our Pickles, an absolute feast of threaded barrels. Just brilliant to watch. Like almost all of the last two days of Pipe 2025.
Barron Mamiya on his way to the title. (All photos courtesy WSL)
Leonardo Fioravanti so close to a maiden CT win.
No GOAT like an old GOAT.
Congrats Tyler.
George Pittar goes all or nothing.
Tyler is back!
Talking Sport
Ron Lane
Youth are on the rise
Once again, another young local athlete from the world of martial arts, is showing what good coaching, discipline and attitude can achieve. This time it is young man, Samson Barton, a 16-year-old juvenile blue belt member of the Caza Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu club: his performance, under the coaching of Professor Yoshi Hasegawa has been outstanding.
Recently in a tournament at the Lake Ainsworth sports center Byron Bay, competing in what is known in the world of Jiu-Jitsu, as the Grappling Industry, he competed in 11 matches for 11 wins and 9 submissions.
The events, consisted of GI Adult blue 77kg, NO GI Adult blue 66kg,and NO GI juvenile blue 61.5kg. Such is the attitude and training of this young man, that he has also started as an assistant coach for the kids’ classes, at Caza Brazilian Jiu- Jitsu club.
This year, plans are for members of Caza Club,to compete in all major tournaments, including Queensland state championships, (Saturday June 21 and Sunday June 22,) and the national championships in Melbourne, ( Friday 15th to Sunday 17 August.) so maintaining the present day high standard of coaching will be of the utmost importance.
Grappling Industries, was founded in 2011 in Quebec Canada. At this time competitors in Quebec faced a significant challenge: only one tournament a year was available for the athletes to test their skills. To fill this gap, format Round Robin Tournaments were introduced, ensuring athletes multiple guaranteed matchers within their division: thus, maximizing both their competitive experience and growth.
Today, Grappling Industries, which is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Submission Wrestling Round Robin Tournament, expanded into global leadership,’ hosting over 200 events annually: across Canada, Australia, USA, Latin America, the UK, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia.
Despite the growth, the mission remains unchanged: to develop, encourage and provide inclusive grappling opportunities for athletes, of all levels offering them a premier platform to pursue excellence. With so many of our young people, some 6 and 7 years of age joining martial clubs (with parental support,) the future looks good for all avenues of the arts.
With the attitude to tradition, discipline and social behavior, that is present in all good martial clubs -what could be better?
Outriggers
With an eye to the Sydney Harbor Challenge, in a couple of weeks and the National Marathon Championship in Mooloolaba in May, Noosa Outriggers sent a strong team to Surfers Paradise to contest the 3rd round of the Club Challenge.
There have been great results for the Noosa Club with wins in the Long Course 16km race for our senior masters mixed team - (Team Bodo) and senior men’s mixed team, and 2nd place to our women’s Senior Masters team. In the Open division Team Hoani, took 3rd and Team Hergity 2nd in the women’s.
Moving to th 8km Short Course, Team Frank won their division in Senior Masters Women and Team Hoani took 2nd place in the Open division:team Michael took the Seniors Masters men’s Short Course. It is good to see the juniors performing well, taking out the Under 16 boys and 2nd in the Under 14 mixed. Noosa Outriggers still have come and try days regularly: anyone interested in taking up the sport of Outrigging, please contact Chris Mitchell on 0407 735 275 Surf Life Saving
Once again, the Sunshine Beach Club has contested the Sunshine Coast Branch Championships, 11-14 age group, and their results are once again outstanding. Head coach Wes Berg and Nipper coach Jade Berg are second to none. “It was an exceptional carnival with outstanding results for Sunshine Beach. But what makes us proud is the Sunshine community. The squad we have is full of happy thriving kids: learning and growing in both beach and water every day. They are willing to challenge themselves and become great little athletes: but more importantly,
great little human’s beings”
One of the highlights occurred in the U12 girls division, with Sunshine taking gold in every team event and the clean sweep, gold, silver and bronze in every individual event. This was led by Billie Berg with 5 gold, Isabel Czajkowskyj 4 gold 2 silver and Nellie Heffernan a gold plus a collection of silver and bronze medals.
Other exceptional performances came from the U13 age group. Liam Wright continues his winning streak taking out the Ironman and board race as well as medaling in team events, across the board. The entire U13 had an incredible carnival. Despite it being their first championship carnival the U11s, all qualified for the State Titles in March.
But what was the most rewarding moment of the three-day event was the Sunshine Spirit: seeing the Sunshine kids with smiles on their faces, cheering and supporting one another, thus creating “a beautiful culture within the club.”
Sunday saw the beach events with a big Sunshine crew contesting the relays, sprints and flags. Sunshine finished 2nd in the overall points score behind Alexandra Headlands: doing well in the ocean events and continuing to show their strength.
Nipper coach Jade Berg said, “Our branch championships are the best carnival of the season. The kids have been working hard, to watch them shine and celebrate all the work they put in, is the most rewarding part of being a coach. I couldn’t be prouder.”
Seahorse Nippers
The Noosa Seahorse Program commenced last Saturday morning with about 35 registered participants and 40 lifesaver volunteers from Noosa, Sunshine Beach and Port Douglas surf clubs. Once again condition’s were fantastic, making it great for all involved.
From the head man Steve Mawby, comes an update: “We are looking forward to the second Joint Seahorse Program on Noosa’s Main Beach, Saturday 1st March2025. At this stage we have interest from families attending similar programs at North Burleigh, Dicky Beach, Mooloolaba, Alexandra Headlands as well as Noosa. We will be joined by volunteers from Ellis Beach, Port Douglas, Tanem Sands and Elliot Heads.
We would like to thank the members of Noosa Tewantin Lions Club for their ongoing financial support over many years regarding beach accessibility initiatives, including the Beach Mats and Beach Wheel Chairls. We would also like to thank RACV Noosa and Noosa Tewantin Lions Club for providing visiting Seahorse Families and volunteers with financial support for accommodation at the RACV.
Noosa is a very expensive place to stay and without this generosity it would not be possible to increase this circle of inclusion and accessibility in Life Saving. Well-done to all in our Noosa community.”
John Reeves from Sunshine Beach SLSC is forming a new group of qualified lifesavers who will be volunteering for the joint program at Noosa’s Main Beach on March 1st. We are always looking for volunteers in the joint delivery of the Seahorse Program.
A big hullo to Dawn Fraser who has been a Patron of the Seahorse Program (and the wider Seahorse community) since 2013.
We were all saddened to hear of Dawns fall last year. We send our very best wishers for Dawns recovery and progress.
Looking forward to seeing you back on the beach soon, particularly Luke!
Also, a big thank you and well done to John Reeves and his team from Sunshine Beach surf club. Neighboring surf clubs working together. That’s what lifesaving is all about.
For those who are thinking of a possible career in the Lifesaving movement feel free to contact Sunshine Beach Surf Club on 5447 5491 or Noosa Club on 5448 0900 to enroll. A truly remarkable lady and proud to say she is a member of our community
Winning nippers Nellie Heffernan, Billie Berg and Isabel Czajkowskyj. (Supplied)
Samson Barton with his Jiu-Jitsu medals. Isabel Czajkowskyj and Billie Berg.
Romy Resinger and Lila De Paula Asis. Liam Wright won the Ironman and board race and medals in team events.
PROPERTY PROPERTY
STYLE AND COMFORT IN BEACHSIDE LOCATION
PROPERTY MATTERS
ERLE LEVEY
NOOSA’S eastern beaches continue to surprise with the calibre of properties being offered and the subsequent
Tracy Russell at Tom Offermann Real Estate has achieved some interesting sales in recent months and has a string of impressive fresh listings.
A five-bedroom, three-bathroom, two-car house with pool at 40 Currawong St, Peregian Beach, is set for auction at 12pm on Saturday, 22 February.
“It a great property,’’ Tracy said, “a very contemporary home near the beach.
“On 724sq m, it backs onto a coastal reserve and is an easy walk to the village as well as the ocean.’’
The near-new home is a matter of modern luxury meeting beachside convenience.
The open, airy design creates a blend of indoor and outdoor living set among lowmaintenance native gardens.
The private main bedroom suite at the front of the house comes with a spacious ensuite featuring floor-to-ceiling tiles, a free-standing bath, and a rain shower. There is a walk-in robe with custom shelving, plus a private courtyard with direct pool access.
Overlooking the central courtyard and pool, the open-plan living spaces feature floor-toceiling windows and stack-back doors.
The outlook into the treetops of the coastal reserve ensures privacy and the sounds of abundant birdlife.
Step outside onto expansive entertaining decks and enjoy coastal breezes and the magnesium pool.
The kitchen is a showstopper, featuring a galley-style design with a massive stone island bench and open timber shelving. The butler’s
pantry behind provides endless storage.
The ground level also boasts a guest bedroom, a second bathroom, and a familysized laundry. With internal access from the oversized double garage, convenience is key.
Downstairs is a second living area and three more bedrooms, all with floor-to-ceiling cabinetry and built-in desks.
The raw, industrial vibe of exposed concrete ceilings adds an edge, while the separate bathroom and layout make it perfect for teens, guests, or even an income-generating setup.
In addition to the double garage, tucked along the side of the house is a secure storage area.
EXCITING NEW DEVELOPMENT
Coming soon to Peregian Beach is a boutique set of apartments opposite the foreshore reserve on The Esplanade.
Tracy Russell took the corner property to auction about two years ago.
What is proposed is Chris Clout-designed complex that has development approval for
eight single-level, three-bedroom, apartments with subterranean car parking, and lift.
Upstairs apartments will have the coastal views, while those downstairs will have individual swimming pools.
The development will be selling off the plan and appeal to locals wanting position and to downsize or upgrade, Brisbane buyers looking to move to an upmarket weekender, or Melbourne buyers who like the winter sunshine.
ORIGINAL RIVER HOUSE SELLS
An original Queensland cottage on a prime 637sq m site at Noosaville, 200 metres from the Noosa River, attracted much conversation and an interested crowd of about 60 at the recent auction.
There was talk about what used to be where and who used to live there as one by one the houses in the street have been replaced by apartments.
Now, for the first time in 62 years, it was the turn of the high-set timber house with twoplus bedrooms and one bathroom
A three-bedroom, two-bathroom, twocar house on 633sq m at 29 Bluebell Ct, Noosaville, goes to auction Saturday, 21 February, at 12pm. (455982)
at 13 Russell St.
Melanie Butcher and Olivier Miller of Laguna Real Estate were marketing the property and auctioneer Justin Voss calling for bids.
Two registered bidders saw it start at $3m before being passed in at $3.5m, and subsequently selling post-auction after negotiations.
“It has been sold unconditionally,’’ Melanie said. “A southern buyer recognised the excellent potential of the site but also appreciated the fantastic history it represents.
“It is there to enjoy and rent out as-is, and be redeveloped down the track.’’
On Saturday, 1 February, the two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment 8/112-114 Hilton Tce, Noosaville, was passed in at $1.4m but attracted many buyers to the auction.
Melanie Butcher continued working with post-auction interest and has announced it sold under auction conditions to a very excited local who has been searching for the ideal property for several years.
A three-bedroom, two-bathroom, two-car house on 633sq m at 29 Bluebell Ct, Noosaville, goes to auction Saturday, 21 February, at 12pm. (455982)
A three-bedroom, two-bathroom, twocar house on 633sq m at 29 Bluebell Ct, Noosaville, goes to auction Saturday, 21 February, at 12pm. (455982)
A two-bedroom, one-bathroom, three-car house with pool at 24 Cooloosa St, Sunshine Beach, goes to auction Saturday, 15 February, at 3pm. (455982)
“Most of the buyer inquiries came from the local area,’’ Melanie said, “... some Brisbane and interstate as well.
“It is a small, well-located complex and those with low body corporate fees are highly soughtafter. They are very desirable for downsizers.’’
The exquisitely renovated apartment faces onto open parkland with Noosa River glimpses. POPULAR LOCATION
It was always going to be an interesting auction but the four-bedroom, two-bathroom house on 706sq m at 13 Koel St, Noosaville, sold prior with Scott Cowley and Kelsie Melville at Noosa Estate Agents.
“The property sold to a young local family who will do some improvements and make it their home,’’ Scott said.
“Enquiry was a bit sporadic, interestingly mostly from local buyers. What we have is happy sellers and ecstatic buyers.’’
The buyers were attracted by the locationshandy to shops, river and recreation areas - and the sense of space in the house as well as the grounds.
Immaculately presented, the single-level home offered landscaped gardens, a large grassy yard, and multiple outdoor entertaining zones.
LIKE FALLING IN LOVE
Going to auction on Saturday, 15 February, is a two-bedroom, one-bathroom, three-car house with pool at 24 Cooloosa St, Sunshine Beach.
Zoe Cooke of Tom Offermann Real Estate said people were falling in love with the property, in a tightly-held street with a close-knit community.
“The swimming pool is the centrepiece,’’ Zoe said, “... more than 12m in length.
“It’s like having a pool and the house goes with it.’’
Set to go to the market at 3pm, the house has spacious bedrooms, making it ideal for a couple or small family.
Interest has been a mix from local, Brisbane and interstate.
The home offers a sense of sense of privacy
and security. It features bi-fold doors and sunny decks that create an open-air feel.
There is reverse cycle air-conditioning, and a centrally-located kitchen with a breakfast bar.
Upstairs features a modern, stylishly renovated bathroom and oversized bedrooms that open to a deck overlooking the pool.
There is remote gated entry with intercom access, solar power and rainwater storage.
INTENSE INTEREST
The interest has been unbelievable … and that comes from Warren Evans, a 40-year master of real estate in Noosa.
Warren, together with Chris Forde of Laguna Real Estate, is taking a three-bedroom, twobathroom, two-car house on 633sq m at 29 Bluebell Ct, Noosaville, to auction Saturday, 21 February, at 12pm.
“We have been taking five to 10 enquiries a day on the house,’’ Warren said, “but there is a lot of work to do on it.
“Ideally, it would suit a young builder or a couple looking to cut their teeth and get some
capital gain.
“It will be a terrific auction - it presents a golden opportunity to enter the Noosa market.’’
The brick veneer dwelling in Bushlands Estate is almost at lock-up stage but needs extensive internal and external work.
One level has three bedrooms, ensuite, main bathroom and laundry. The lower level has high ceilings, open-plan lounge and kitchen with an easterly view to parkland.
• 24 Cooloosa St: 2bed, 1bath, 3car house, pool, 3pm, Zoe Cooke 0428 329 291 Tom Offermann Real Estate.
Auctioneer Justin Voss calls the bidding at 13 Russell St, Noosaville. The original river house with two-plus bedrooms on 637sq m has sold post-auction. (455982)
A five-bedroom, three-bathroom, two-car house with pool at 40 Currawong St, Peregian Beach, is set for auction at 12pm on Saturday, 22 February. (454127)
A five-bedroom, three-bathroom, two-car house with pool at 40 Currawong St, Peregian Beach, is set for auction at 12pm on Saturday, 22 February. (454127)
A five-bedroom, three-bathroom, two-car house with pool at 40 Currawong St, Peregian Beach, is set for auction at 12pm on Saturday, 22 February. (454127)
A four-bedroom, two-bathroom, two-car house at 13 Koel St, Noosaville, sold prior to auction. (453187)
A five-bedroom, three-bathroom, two-car house with pool at 40 Currawong St, Peregian Beach, is set for auction at 12pm on Saturday, 22 February. (454127)
Take infreshseabreezesandelevatedtropicalviews fromthissuperbhighincomeinvestmentatThe French QuarterNoosa.Stylishand contemporary,theprivate fullyfurnishedapartmentinanendpositionhasa coastalstyleinterior,mastersuite with cornerbath, andaspacioussemi-enclosedbalconyoverlooking the resort’sheatedlagoon swimmingpoolandlush manicuredgardens.Situatedin abluechiplocation,
TheFrenchQuarterhasdirectaccess to Hastings Street with fivestardining,boutique storesand entertainment. WorldrenownedNoosaHeads Main Beachisjustacrossthestreetwhereyouandyour guests canfeelsqueakywhitesandbetween your toes, swimandsurfinpristinewaters,orsimply strollalong theboardwalk takinginspectacularnaturalscenery.
breezeswithout evenleavingyourfavouritechair onthesizeable SW-facingterrace. Coalescingwith outdoors isthecarpeted,white-brightopen-planliving/ diningareawithvaultedceiling,pluskitchenwithquality appliancesforcreatingculinarydelights. A 3 B 2 C 2
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
LOVE the mantra of every day is a holiday, when you can smell the sea, almost feel the blue sky and live in sunshine? Yes, especially when it’s Sunshine Beach and you’re mere minutes away to popular surf breaks and squeaky white sand between your toes.
And what’s not to love about an ultracool coastal duplex with multiple undercover terraces, a serene calm resonating throughout the luxurious new interior, and let’s not forget, just one neighbour.
Come inside. Admire the endless European oak timber flooring as you head upstairs to the sizeable living areas, which open to undercover terraces with north-east as well as southwest aspects. Looks like entertaining is next level irrespective of season and reason.
Adding to that proposition and taking centre stage is the custom designer kitchen with stunning curved stone-topped island breakfast bar. Floor to ceiling cabinetry and the latest high-end appliances which include a Fisher & Paykel 4-door fridge.
The master suite overlooks the lush landscaped gardens and distant hinterland views, two built-in robes, an ensuite with floor to ceiling tiling, white stone double basin-topped custom cabinetry, and mirrored upper cabinetry across the wall.
Two bedrooms on the ground floor have access to the undercover terrace, as well as the private tropical landscaped gardens. The main bathroom features a freestanding bath, sizable shower with separate toilet. Nearby is the laundry with stone topped custom cabinetry,
HOME ESSENTIALS
also a store room.
The garage has internal access plus there’s a dedicated visitor’s parking spot.
“There’s so much to love about this cool townhouse which is finished to perfection,” comments Tom Offermann Real Estate agent Damien Styring. “The address holds the key to living in the centre of convenience near the Sunshine Beach village with restaurants, cafes, bars and boutiques, also the Sunshine Beach Surf Club and patrolled beach. Importantly too, it is close to myriad schools, child-care centres, sporting fields, Noosa Aquatic Centre, Noosa Tennis Centre, neighbourhood parks, transport links and shopping precincts, all adding up to a second-to-none investment opportunity.”
• Spacious and light filled Open planned living / dining and kitchen complete with Daikin Air-conditioning.
• Kitchen - Custom design entertainers kitchen with High-end Appliances inc induction cooktop, integrated dishwasher and 4 door Fishers and Paykel plumed fridge with ice maker.
• 3 double bedrooms with Reverse Cycle Daikin Air-conditioning and Fans
• European Oak timber Floors throughout
• Spacious Master Bedroom with ample built ins leading to luxurious ensuite and stone topped double sink vanity.
• Garage with auto door and internal entrance to building.
• Quality window treatments throughout
• Secure private tropical landscaped gardens
• Renovated by awarding winning Master Builder
SUNRISE STUNNER MERE MINUTES TO SAND
THIS is ONE indescribable joy! Serenely positioned on a prized corner in a cracking location mere minutes to squeaky white sand and cutting a sleek silhouette is an exciting, exclusive residence with a Coral Sea outlook which totally redefines beach house living. Discover an unparalleled blend of seaside sophistication as modern as tomorrow, unwavering privacy plus the epitome of entertaining prowess, whatever the season and absolutely every reason.
A striking façade using a raw palette of materials framed by tropical magnolias, arouses expectations. Open the statement gate of the entrance and the reasons become obvious.
Cross the grey stone pavers to the front entry. The gallery-like living and dining space with burnished concrete flooring, lofty blackbutt ceilings, wood-burning fireplace, and a muted palette indulge a definitive flair, similarly disappearing doors revealing an immediate connection to the lawn, undercover terrace and luminescent pool.
Cool casual entertaining and a sunny alfresco heaven are amplified with a galley kitchen, porcelain-topped cabinetry, lengthy island breakfast bar, and all the absolute latest in ovens, induction and teppanyaki cookware, fridges and more.
Continuing the sense of drama in the variation of spaces, this incredible residence should trademark the ‘stop and stare’ effect, especially the convincing way entertaining has also been thoughtfully taken to another level. Upstairs is an ode to design mastery, this time with a more serious flavour. There’s an homage to wine with a wall of collectibles in the roomy lounge and dining areas, which thanks to slide-away doors, expands to the substantial undercover terrace where salty breezes are de rigueur on balmy summer evenings, and views over the Coral Sea stretch south to Mooloolaba. Taking centre stage with edgy design functionality and commensurate in size to suit any wannabe chef channelling Jamie Oliver, is a custom kitchen (yes another), with Brazilian stone-topped cabinetry including island breakfast bar, walk-in pantry and multiple best everything such as integrated Liebherr fridges. A
long wide window on the west side captures the panorama of the hinterland views and sunsets over Mt Cooroy and Mt Tinbeerwah.
When it comes to dream time, a whole floor penthouse-style premier suite retreat with undercover terrace, optimises the north-east aspect over the turquoise sea. Wispy sheers catch the breeze; wake to the sound of waves breaking onshore; cozy up to the ethanol fireplace in winter; love the fashionista-style walkin robe; and delight in the lavish ensuite with deep bathtub and steam room.
On the first floor are two bedrooms with ensuites, one with Coral Sea views, and don’t forget to admire the beautiful wallpaper in the powder room. On the ground floor is a bedroom or is it a study? You decide. Also, a pale grey and white-tiled bathroom has a bathtub, stonetopped timber cabinetry and brushed brass tapware.
A laundry is adjacent, while next door is a workshop, maybe studio. What makes it so special? It has been fully and professionally equipped for timber craftwork even finite work such as bespoke guitars!
And there’s more! What a beautifully designed beach apartment which adjoins the residence’s southside, and has its own driveway, entry, gated garden and access to the pool. Inside are burnished concrete floors, VJ walls, bedroom, bathroom and laundry plus a living area with a mini version of the other impeccable kitchens including appliances.
As you navigate through the residence, volumes expand and compress both horizontally and vertically, indoors and out, prompting indescribable joy at every turn. “And the address is second-to-none in fact number one,” comment Tom Offermann Real Estate agents Peter Tewhata and Erica Newton.
“It is 450m via an underpass to toes-in-thesand at Sunrise Beach, an easy walk to local’s fave the Chalet & Co cafe, plus Sunshine Beach, Hastings Street, Noosa Main Beach and the Noosa National Park, are in close proximity.
“When it comes to a popular location, Noosa’s eastern beaches market continually smashes all growth trends, and this hot property which keeps on giving, really does take some beating.”
Immaculate Duplex In A Prime Location
Nestled in the highly coveted Noosaville precinct, 1/3 Ketch Place is quietly positioned in a peaceful cul-de-sac. This stylish duplex radiates understated sophistication, featuring a thoughtfully designed floor plan throughout.
HOME FOCUS
LUXURY NOOSA BEACHFRONT APARTMENT
RECENTLY renovated this stunning, absolute beachfront apartment with a true northern aspect and uninterrupted views of the Noosa North Shore, Noosa main beach and the ocean is truly a jewel in Noosa’s crown.
‘On The Beach’ is in arguably the best position on Hastings Street - close to the center of all the action and right on the beachfront. Apartment 17 has its own private courtyard to take in the glorious views and breathing in the ambience of this very attractive and stylish location.
Noosa beachfront has an established record for solid income, capital growth and has always proven to be an excellent investment.
• Absolute beachfront apartment
• Views over Noosa Main Beach
• Heated pool, spa and gym onsite
• Recent renovations with a carpark on title
• Direct access to Hastings Street restaurants & shops
Contact: Shane McCauley 0403 646 930 and Frank Milat 0438 528 148, RICHARDSON AND WRENCH NOOSA
PRIVATE, SINGLE-LEVEL APARTMENT WITH VIEWS
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.
HOME ESSENTIALS
Gillian McCauley 0467 600 009 and Catherine Silveri 0435 803 337, RICHARDSON AND WRENCH
CHARACTER MEETS MODERN COMFORT
BEEN searching for a place that combines the elegance of a country estate with the comforts of contemporary living that is close to Noosa, but also very peaceful and private? This gorgeous property has it all, with bonuses such as dual living potential and sustainable lifestyle features. Set near the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, it is nestled among native bush and surrounded by multi-million-dollar homes, with a north-east facing position that captures the refreshing sea breezes.
With a butterfly staircase front and centre, the stunning high-set Garth Chapman-built abode oozes with the charming features of a traditional Queenslander, such as ornate fretwork, gleaming timber floors, VJ wall panelling, and French doors opening onto wide covered verandas. Modern amenities also feature strongly and include air-conditioning, multiple living zones, and up-to-date bathrooms.
The lower level incorporates three generous children’s/guest bedrooms, a separate study, bathroom, and a wide covered back patio that leads onto a spacious, level grassy lawn. It has its own entrance and could easily be converted to allow for dual living (subject to council approval). Upstairs is an entertainer’s paradise, with a versatile floor plan that includes spaces for living and dining – including a gorgeous formal dining room and a loungeroom with open fireplace. Alternatively, you can spend time with your guests on either of two decks, with the
HOME ESSENTIALS
rear deck boasting an extension that makes a fabulous outdoor dining space.
Cook up a storm in style in the modern kitchen, which features immaculate white cabinetry, stone benches, induction cooking, walk in pantry, and island bench with breakfast bar. Also upstairs, the master suite provides
a peaceful retreat with its oversized bedroom, walk-in robe, and ensuite bathroom.
The residence also has ceiling fans, lock-up garaging for two vehicles, and 5kw solar panels. Other sustainable living features include solar hot water, approximately 80,000 litres of tank water storage with filtration system and an abundance of fruit trees. The gorgeous, usable grounds blend tropical plantings with features like tidy, clipped hedges that add to the sense of seclusion, particularly around the 60,000-litre inground pool.
All this is located in a tightly-held part of leafy Doonan just 20 minutes from the heart of Noosa Heads, allowing you to live in complete privacy without sacrificing easy access to everything the region is famous for – such as pristine sandy beaches, national parks, and world-class shopping and dining. Several schools, local shops, and Eumundi village (renowned for its markets and country pubs) are also within easy driving distance. This enchanting property will quickly take someone’s heart, so secure your inspection fast if you’d like to make it yours.
Address: 51 Forest Ridge Drive, DOONAN Description: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 garage Inspect: By appointment Auction: Friday, 28th February at 12:00 pm
PANORAMIC OCEAN, RIVER AND MOUNTAIN VISTAS FROM THIS STYLISH PENTHOUSE
EXCEPTIONAL lifestyle appeal combined with sophistication will take your breath away in this Noosa Heads oasis. Showcasing panoramic views over Noosaville, the Noosa River, the Hinterland including Cooroy Mountain and out across Laguna Bay, this ‘Bali Hai’ penthouse is an idyllic sky home. Wake up to the sound of palm trees swaying and enjoy sunsets of the evening with champagne on ice celebrating the good life.
Cool coastal tones, gentle sea breezes and a light-filled interior welcome you in and remind you of this desirable Noosa locale within walking distance from Hastings Street. When entertaining family and friends, you can head up to the rooftop terrace that is exclusive to the apartment offering impressive elevated views. By day you can gaze across the sparkling coastline and watch boats gliding by in the bay, and in the evening, spectacular sunsets welcome the night sky and the twinkling lights of Noosa.
A generous open plan layout in the living area allows plenty of space for relaxation amongst quality furnishings. The apartment is very private with an elevated leafy outlook from every window. The white kitchen is stylish and practical with stone benchtops, premium appliances and ample storage so whether you’re preparing meals for a small dinner party or a large family gathering, entertaining will be a breeze.
Each of the bedrooms are generous in size and feature air-conditioning and built-in robes with the master also enjoying a private ensuite. Bedrooms two and three are served by the main bathroom and both have an exclusive balcony.
‘Bali Hai’ has an inground pool and spa for residents and guests complete with a poolside deck with sun loungers surrounded by lush tropical gardens. There is secure parking for the car and a convenient lock-up storeroom for all the outdoor gear and surfboards; ideal for easy access on beach days.
You can leave the car at home and walk everywhere with shops, cafes and cinemas of Noosa Junction close by and the walking trails of Noosa National Park just around the corner. At the end of the street there is even a walking track that takes you straight to iconic Hastings Street with boutique stores and five star dining, as well as the white sands of Main Beach.
Selling fully furnished, the apartment is income producing and can be a permanent residence or full-time holiday let with professional on-site management. Showcasing incredible views in a prime Noosa location, this sky home needs to be seen to be appreciated. Facts & Features:
• Apartment: 132m2 internal area
• Outdoor space: 3 balconies plus a private 57m2 rooftop terrace with an outdoor heated spa and amazing views; partially covered
HOME ESSENTIALS
• About: Open plan living; air conditioning; ceiling fans; plantation shutters; 2 of the three bedrooms have a private balcony; exclusive use storeroom; private ensuite to the master bedroom; internal laundry; easy care tiled flooring
• Kitchen: White cabinetry; contemporary design; fully equipped; large peninsula with bench seating; quality appliances
• Inventory: fully inclusive of furniture and accessories
• ‘Bali Hai’ complex: Inground swimming pool and spa; manicured tropical gardens; poolside deck with sun loungers; secure parking; professional on-site management
• Location: Easy walk to Noosa Junction; Hastings St and Noosa Main Beach can be accessed via a walking track at the end of the street; moments from Noosa National Park and its many walking trails; 5 star restaurants and boutique stores close by.
Address: 12/20 Edgar Bennett Avenue, NOOSA HEADS Description: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1 garage Price: $2.49M Inspect: By appointment
Contact: Jesse Stowers 0414 367 282, TOM OFFERMANN REAL ESTATE
QUEENSLAND’S rental market in 2024 was characterised by quarter after quarter of tight vacancy rates, with the strain on rental supply continuing in the December quarter.
The Real Estate Institute of Queensland’s (REIQ) residential vacancy rate report for the final quarter of 2024 shows a statewide vacancy rate of 1.0 percent - mirroring the rate of the previous two quarters, and only slightly increasing from 0.9 percent in the first quarter.
It has been a matter of properties being listed one week and leased the next.
Of the 50 local government areas and sub regions covered in the report, vacancy rates tightened in 18, remained stable in 15, and relaxed in 17 this quarter.
The December quarter delivered some strong seasonal swings, with holiday-hotspot Noosa’s vacancy rate halving compared to the previous quarter from 2.4 percent to 1.2 percent - 1.2-point drop.
Meanwhile, vacancies opened up in Isaac (3.2 percent) in Central Queensland, which had a 1.1-point increase over the quarter, moving the region into healthy territory for the first time since the onset of the pandemic.
Cook (0.0 percent) retained the unenviable position as the tightest region in the state, with Goondiwindi and Charters Towers only just moving the dial at 0.1 percent.
At the other end of the spectrum, the Bay Islands (3.5 percent) including North Stradbroke, Russell, Macleay, Karragarra, Lamb, and Coochiemudlo held a healthy vacancy, along with Isaac at 3.2 percent - the only other healthy rental market in the report.
REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella said reporting on ‘little to no vacancies’ had begun to feel like a broken record, with nearly every region recording a vacancy rate in the tight range and well below a healthy rating of 2.6-3.5 percent.
“Despite the movements over the quarter and over the year, 48 out of the 50 regions in the report have landed in what we classify as a tight rental market,” Ms Mercorella said.
“A tight vacancy figure tells a story of fewer properties becoming available for rent, and for those that do, they are not considered “vacant” until they’ve been listed for over three weeks.
“The ugly reality is that when you have a prolonged tight rental market like this, everyone feels it.
“We know that the most vulnerable in our community are the hardest hit however its impact is felt at all levels including amongst those with higher or double incomes.”
Regarding the biggest falls and rises in vacancy rates in the December quarter, Ms Mercorella explained some seasonal factors could be at play; however, it was difficult to pinpoint the cause.
“It’s not uncommon to see people relocating at the end of the year, and we suspect in the case of Noosa it could be attributed to people taking a ‘try before you buy’ approach - renting and enjoying the summer holidays while waiting for the right property,” she said. More housing supply is the solution
Ms Mercorella said that the REIQ, along with a number of housing organisations, had been banging the drum for some time now about the need for more housing supply.
Noosa Heads. (359727)
Noosaville. (359727)
“To solve our housing crisis, Queensland needs a laser focus on addressing housing roadblocks - from infrastructure provision and land release, to labour shortages, tax and regulatory settings, infrastructure fees, and productivity standards,” she said.
“While the groundwork is laid with regional plans to cater to growth, we also need to be looking for ways to tap into the full potential of existing housing supply.
“With it being early days of a new State Government and only a matter of time before a Federal election is called, we are seeing some promising moves and commitments from governments at all levels recognising that our community expects easing housing pressures to be a top priority.”
Queensland is falling behind its targets
Ms Mercorella said that recent Australian
Peregian Beach. (359727)
Bureau of Statistics (ABS) dwelling commencements and completions data, showed a slow start to meeting the national housing target, particularly in Queensland.
“This is a national problem, but Queensland is falling behind on both the historical average and the target,” she said.
“There were only 8177 dwellings completed in the September quarter last year – or 32,700 in annual terms. This is well behind the 49,000 dwellings Queensland needs to build each year to do our fair share,” she said.
“As for the future pipeline of housing, building approvals* are also significantly below the target across the states, with Queensland more than 10,000 behind where it needs to be.”
Fast facts: December Quarter 2024
Queensland Vacancy Rate: 1.0 percent
Tightest Vacancy Rates: 0.0 percent in Cook, 0.1 percent in Goondiwindi and Charters Towers.
Highest Vacancy Rates: 3.5 percent in Bay Islands, 3.2 percent in Isaac, and 1.6 percent in Mount Isa.
Biggest falls: Noosa halved its rate with a -1.2 drop, and Scenic Rim tightened by -0.4.
Biggest rises: A +1.1 increase in vacancy in Isaac, and a +0.4 relaxation in Gladstone, Central Highlands, and Lockyer Valley.
The REIQ classes rental markets into three categories, tight, healthy, or weak. These markets are classified according to vacancy rates:
• 0 - 2.5 percent = tight
• 2.6 - 3.5 percent = healthy
• 3.6 percent - plus = weak.
COUNTRY LIVING AND ONLY 20 MINUTES TO BEACH
DISCOVER the perfect combination of luxury and convenience with this nearly new, four bedroom, 2.5 bathroom home, situated on an elevated 979m2 block in peaceful Yandina. Enjoy the best of tranquil country living and ride the surf on your weekends at the beach.
Expertly crafted with contemporary design and high-end finishes, this home features an open plan living, dining and kitchen area that flows seamlessly into the back yard - offering ample space for a pool, shed and entertaining area.
Located in a friendly neighbourhood of newly built homes with easy access to the highway and just 22 minutes from the nearest beach, this property provides the ideal balance of modern living and coastal convenience.
FEATURES YOU’LL LOVE:
• Elevated position with inspiring panoramic hinterland views
• Set on a spacious 979m2 battleaxe block
• Spacious four bedroom, two storey layout
• Solar power and gas appliances for sustainable living
• Air-conditioned, ceiling fans for year round
HOME ESSENTIALS
comfort
• Premium finishes and modern design throughout
• Room to add a pool and shed, customising your family space
• Quiet, family friendly neighbourhood
• Easy access to Noosa, Mooloolaba, Sunshine Airport and the highway to Brisbane
Avoid the strain of building and step straight into this beautifully crafted home that’s ready
for your family. This is a rare opportunity to enjoy the lifestyle you’ve been dreaming of— don’t let it pass by! See you at the Open Home.
*- Furniture not included with sale - property styled by DYRE Property Styling.
Contact: Craig Taylor 0421 283 951, LAGUNA REAL ESTATE
ACREAGE LIVING WITH ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES
SET in the serene cul-de-sac of Riverpark Drive, Ringtail Creek, this 3-bedroom, openplan home on 5 acres of flood-free land offers a unique blend of peace, practicality, and potential. One owner, tiled throughout, the spacious interiors include a private master suite and study thoughtfully positioned away from the additional bedrooms. The owner has been a successful beekeeping hobbyist while on the property also. The seamless flow from the living area to the large outdoor pool and entertainment space makes this property a haven for family living and relaxed entertaining.
Bordered by the tranquil Cooloothin Creek Nature Reserve on two sides and located near the Ringtail Creek State Forest, the property is an oasis for nature enthusiasts. A short 6km drive takes you to the charming village of Boreen Point on the shores of Lake Cootharaba, while the vibrant Noosa River is just under 15 minutes away. Families will also appreciate the convenience of the school bus service that stops at the end of the street, providing easy access to Tewantin School.
Property Features:
• 3 bedrooms with abundant natural light
• Spacious, tiled open-plan living and dining areas
• Inviting large outdoor pool with an adjoining
HOME ESSENTIALS
entertainment area
• 5 acres of flat, flood-free land for low-maintenance living
• Efficient irrigation system and dual septic setup
• Two large water tanks for sustainable water storage
• Expansive 5-bay shed for vehicles, tools, or hobbies
• Bordering Cooloothin Creek Nature Reserve and near Ringtail Creek State Forest This is your chance to secure a well-equipped
acreage property in a brilliant location. Whether you’re dreaming of a tranquil retreat or a familyfriendly lifestyle, this home delivers it all. Contact Craig or Roger today to arrange a viewing and take the first step toward making this your dream home.
Address: 15 Riverpark Drive, RINGTAIL CREEK Description: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 garage Price: Offers Over $1,300,000 Considered Inspect: Saturday 12-12.30pm
Contact: Roger Omdahl 0412 043 880 and Craig Taylor 0421 283 951, LAGUNA REAL ESTATE
•Rareopportunity fortradies,builders, home renovators
