The Sunshine Coast Business Women’s Network, in collaboration with Silicon Coast, is hosting a breakfast on October 10 highlighting women in sport to better understand how to better support this industry and also realise the business opportunity in this space.
SCBWN president Min Swan said the recent performances of the Matildas, and subsequent unprecedented sign-ups across all levels of women’s soccer, sparked the idea for this event.
The breakfast will feature a panel of:
- Laura Scherian – Sunshine Coast Lightning and former Diamonds netballer;
- Alana Quade (nee Boyd) – Olympian and former Australian pole vaulter, and on the leadership team for Sunshine Coast 2032;
- Owen Bowling – co-founder and CEO at Coach Welly, an AI-powered wellness platform; and
- Nicolle Kelly – executive director at the Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport.
The Women in Sport breakfast is being held on October 10 at 6.45am at the Maroochy Surf Club. Tickets are available from www.scbwn.org.au with the event open to both members and guests.
Bush dance
A tiny hinterland town will host their second bush dance of the year, to bolster community confidence.
The Peachester Bush Dance, to be held tomorrow, Saturday, October 7, will include some old fashioned, heart-pumping dancing, as the town continues its recovery from lockdowns and social isolation through the COVID-19 pandemic.
While the event will be an opportunity to raise funds for air conditioning in the hall, organisers said the goal was to see people of all ages smile and get their knees up as they follow the bush dance calls of The Landscape Band.
The last dance was sold out.
The event will be held from 5.30pm to 9pm. Food and drinks will be available to purchase, and tickets can be purchased at Eventbrite.
Walk in Wings
Supporters have even more reason to join Sunshine Butterflies’ third annual Walk in Wings all-inclusive 3km event on Friday, October 6.
The Noosa-based disability charity walk – along Gympie Terrace, overlooking Noosa River – coincides with World Cerebral Palsy Day.
A range of prizes is on offer for the best wings for adults, children and even dogs.
“We created the Walk in Wings event to ensure people with disability feel included with the same rights, access and opportunities as anyone else in our community,” Sunshine Butterflies founder and CEO Leanne Walsh said.
“Each year the event gets bigger and bigger and we are aiming to have hundreds of people to don some purple, wear their wings and join us to celebrate diversity and inclusion.”
Register at walkinwings.com.au. Tickets are $15 for an individual, $10 for a child and $40 for a family. A free bus service will be available to pick up walkers in Maroochydore at 5.30am, returning after 8.30am. Register and then contact heather@sunshinebutterflies.com.au to reserve your seat on the bus.
‘Hidden gems’ to be recognised with awards
Nominations are open for the sixth annual Fisher Community Awards.
The Federal Member for Fisher, Andrew Wallace, said the awards recognise organisations and individuals who have made a difference to the community in the fields of education, employment, environment, and retirement.
“We are a trailblazing community because of the compassionate, creative, and hard-working people who call this place home,” he said. “So many of them work under the radar.”
“I launched the Fisher Community Awards to celebrate those hidden gems in our community whose work beyond the spotlight makes our little patch of paradise a better place.”
Last year’s winners included the likes of Mooloolah River Landcare, Kairos Community College Caloundra and Mooloolaba Surf Lifesaving Club.
Nominees, finalists, and category winners may have their story shared on social media and will be invited to a special awards night on November 22. Winners receive a medallion and a gift at a special awards night in October. Nominations close on October 20.
Elegant event to raise funds for hospice
The second annual Noosa Gather and Graze event is set to raise significant funds for Katie Rose Cottage Hospice.
Event-goers are set to savour an elegant picnic in support of the community-driven service, at Noosa Dolphins Rugby Club at Sunshine Beach on Saturday, October 21, from midday to 6pm.
Attendees will dress in white and enjoy local hampers, wines, craft beers and more, while listening to tunes by DJ Tilly Saunders. Sweet treats from Adriano Zumbo will also be on offer.
Raffles and online auction prizes will be won, and donated by local businesses.
For more information, see Katie Rose Cottage.
Surf lifesavers scoop state awards
Surf lifesavers from the Sunshine Coast have been acknowledged among the state’s finest.
They were recognised for their efforts at Surf Life Saving Queensland’s annual Awards of Excellence in Brisbane earlier this month.
Maroochydore SLSC received the Innovation Award for their membership development health and wellbeing program, while Clay Lennox, of Dicky Beach SLSC, was named Volunteer Coach of the Year, and Matt Hadland was named Lifeguard of the Year. Alexandra Headland SLSC won the President’s Cup.
Surf Life Saving Queensland Chief Executive Officer Dave Whimpey said surf lifesavers played a pivotal role.
“Across our 58 clubs we rely on the dedication of more than 36,000 members volunteering over 290,000 hours of their time to keep our beaches safe,” he said.
“The Awards of Excellence allows us to reflect and show appreciation to many individual members of our organisation, as well as our clubs who play a pivotal role within their local communities.”
The winners of each category will now go onto the national awards of excellence at Sydney on November
Fundraiser to support homeless
Mooloolaba Surf Life Saving Club is the venue on September 29 for the Beddown ‘fun’raiser in support of the Sunshine Coast homeless community.
The evening promises to be a great night of awareness, entertainment and fundraising, with guest speakers including Beddown founder Norm McGillivray, Meridian State College chaplain Dave Larkin, and Sleepbus volunteer Paula Livingstone. For tickets, go to eventbrite and search for ‘Beddown’ or the date and venue.
Beddown provides safe and secure pop-up accommodation for those who are sleeping rough, as well as access to a range of health and social services.
As part of national charity organisation inCommunity Inc, Beddown has launched its Change47 campaign to raise awareness and funds towards supporting six new Beddown venues across Queensland. The campaign aims to address the shocking average life expectancy of 47 for homeless Australians and the worsening housing crisis.
To learn more about the Change47 campaign and to support the cause, visit the website.
Buderim celebrated in new book
The Buderim region has been celebrated in a new book, launched by award-winning local photographer Ross Eason.
The 196-page hardcover coffee table book, Four Five Five Six The Buderim Region tells the stories of the local area.
“This book looks at the Buderim region and touches on some of the area’s history with important images that tell the stories of how our lives have changed,” Mr Eason said. “It is a narrative of the people and events that have shaped the 4556 precinct we enjoy today.
“The book was designed to give both new and long-term residents, visitors and those outside the region just enough information to understand how we got here and what we are as a community, or more so as a collective of communities.”
The book was launched at the Buderim War Memorial Hall on Saturday. Profits from book sales will be provided to the Buderim Foundation, BWMCA and Buderim Historical Society.
“We hope that with the support of 4556 residents and those who love the area, who purchase the book for themselves or as a gift, we can make a significant contribution that further benefits the area and it’s people in the future.” Mr Eason said.
The $88 book is available from the Buderim Old Post Office until November 15. It will also be available in selected local outlets after that time. It is available for online order from Eason Books.
Holiday fun with Village Vibes
The Peregian Beach Business Association will host plenty of free family fun and entertainment during the holidays.
The Village Vibes festival will include Village Flicks (outdoor cinema), Doggy Vibes (market stalls, live music, raffles, fashion parades and entertainment) and Twilight Vibes (local musicions), to entertain those on two legs and those on four legs.
All money raised at Doggy Vibes will be donated to the Sunshine Coast Animal Refuge (SCARS) and RSPCA Noosa. Now in its third year, Doggy Vibes has become a favourite event on the Village Vibes schedule.
Locals and visitors are encouraged to make their way to Peregian Beach using the free Go Noosa bus service by Noosa Council during school holidays.
For more information on Village Vibes events, keep an eye on the viilage Facebook page.
Foundation grants to 21 groups
More than $97,000 has been awarded to community organisations, to benefit residents of the Buderim and the 4556 region as part of the Buderim Foundation’s annual Community Grants Celebration.
Funds were awarded to 21 groups, for projects ranging from kindergarten shade sails, the development of dementia awareness and education programs and resources for cancer and palliative care patients, as well as mental health programs, assistance to purchase new vehicles for nursing and animal rescue and more.
Buderim Foundation Grants Committee Chair, Rebecca Ramsay, said the foundation was delighted to provide record funding this year.
“The grants come from earnings made from the foundation’s investment funds, so it is thanks to everyone’s donations and the hard work of our investment committee, that we are able to deliver the much-needed funding,” she said.
A special grants celebration was held at the Buderim War Memorial Hall on September 10. This year marked the 16th year that grants have been distributed. Since 2008, a total of $829,767 has been distributed to 97 community organisations.
Groups benefit from ‘super round’
More than $250,000 in grants for community groups have been handed out in the Glass House electorate from the Gambling Community Benefit Fund.
“Grants are usually capped at $35,000 but this was another ‘super round’, where up to $100,000 per applicant was up for grabs,” Member for Glass House Andrew Powell said.
The recipients were:
- Woodford and Region Men’s Shed – $39,865 to construct an ablution block;
- Wamuran Women’s Shed – $99,685 to purchase and fit out a van;
- Mountain Quilters Club – $6007 to purchase tables with wheels;
- Mooloolah Public Hall Association – $99,999 to construct a ramp and upgrade and fit out the kitchen;
- Maleny Swimming Club – $6173 to purchase a pool cover; and
- Maleny Street Gardeners Alliance – $4975 to install hanging baskets.
The Gambling Community Benefit Fund is Queensland’s largest state-based one-off grants program, providing funds to non-profit community groups to enhance their services, facilities and activities.
Information on how to apply for a grant is available here.
Students set to help locals in Cambodia
Students from St Andrew’s Anglican College are set to embark on a transformative journey to Cambodia during the school holidays.
Partnering with aid and development group RAW Impact, they will immerse themselves in the Cambodian way of life and work with the local community to build new amenities. They will also spend time visiting historical sites and exploring the cultural sites.
The students have already made an impact, raising $14,518. Every dollar raised brings them closer to their goal of providing safe homes and sustainable solutions for displaced families in Cambodia.
For Year 11 student Mila, the trip is about personal exploration and driven by a deep sense of purpose.
“I found out about this trip, and I thought it would be amazing to have an opportunity to help out and experience other parts of the world,” she said. “Working with the local community, I think it will be really cool to understand and experience how they live their daily lives as well as learning more about the culture.
“After this trip, I hope that my worldly knowledge has expanded, and I know that we have made a difference over there for those who are not as fortunate as us,” she said.
Beach clean-up has its own rewards
Community-minded residents and visitors can do their bit to put extra sparkle and shine into one of our favourite beaches this weekend.
The Great Mooloolaba Beach Clean-Up will be held from 2.30-4pm on Saturday, September 16, and everyone is welcome to grab a litter bag from volunteers on Mooloolaba Beach and work up a sweat.
Efforts will be rewarded later at the after-party, with wine sampling, courtesy of The Hidden Sea Winery and some nibblies. All clean-up crew ticket holders will also have the chance to win prizes.
Simply pick an area to clean up, then return your bag of litter to the checkpoint so it can be weighed and photographed. Later, grab the special clean-up crew participant ticket from the checkpoint volunteer to join the one-hour after-party from 4pm as a thank-you.
Check points will be on The Esplanade across from Mantra Mooloolaba, beside the Mooloolaba Surf Club carpark, and at Mooloolaba Spit. BYO gloves.
The event is hosted by The Hidden Sea Winery, Mantra Mooloolaba, The Beach Matters Group and SCF (community-based, sustainable fishing group).
Groups stunned by surprise donation
A low-key morning tea event turned into a full-on celebration for 12 local veteran and community organisations that each received $10,000 funding courtesy of the Maroochy RSL’s community contribution program.
Maroochy RSL CEO Jason Scanes said the funding was an important part of the organisation’s ongoing commitment to the local community, which has seen $17m directed towards local veteran and community groups over the past 12 years.
“We are thrilled to support so many important community groups and these donations are not possible without the support of Maroochy RSL’s members and guests and their generous patronage,” he said.
The recipients were Teens Take Control Sunshine Coast, STEPS Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore Scouts, The Rotary Club of Mooloolaba, Inclusive Kids Sunshine Coast, Compass Assistance Dogs, Dragon Boats Abreast Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore Men’s Shed, Hear & Say Sunshine Coast, Act for Kids, Saltwater Veterans and Young Veterans Sunshine Coast.
Paul Morton from Sunshine Coast-based Inclusive Kids was one of the $10,000 recipients and he said he was thrilled to receive such as sizeable donation.
“This is just incredible for our organization – this donation goes a long way to ensuring all 300 children in our care receive a Christmas gift this year,” he said.
“It’s important for people to know that the Maroochy RSL’s generous donation will be spent locally within our community.”
Firm supports homeless women
Three team members from Maroochydore-based accounting firm Yield Advisory spent Thursday night sleeping in their vehicle as part of the annual Live Like Her Challenge, which aims to raise $250,000 and make a difference to the lives of homeless women aged 55 and above.
Yield advisory director Morgan Hayward, accountant Vanessa De Wet and bookkeeper Karly Unwin joined 178 registered challenge participants to spend a night in their car at the Skygate multi-deck car park at Brisbane Airport.
Ms Hayward said participating in the challenge stemmed from Yield’s commitment to educate females on financial literacy, as well to support homeless women over the age of 55.
“More than 40,000 Queensland women over the age of 55 are homeless and this figure is expected to more than double by 2036. Much of this hardship is driven by rising costs, lack of employment, limited superannuation and lack of affordable housing,” she said.
“As professionals in the finance industry, we constantly see a lack of financial literacy within this demographic, along with a concerning low levels of superannuation so our aim is to help raise awareness and financially contribute to this important cause.”
Barbecue trailer on the move
A purpose-built barbecue trailer designed for community use has been given a new lease of life, after changing hands today.
Ninderry Member of State Parliament Dan Purdie purchased the trailer from Coolum Lions so it could continue to be used as a community resource for fundraising purposes.
“When Coolum Lions advertised the trailer, I jumped on it,” he said.
“I know how much money and time they have invested over the years to maintain it for the benefit of the community, and how important it was for them to see it continue to be used in the same manner.”
Mr Purdie said the trailer will be available for the community in coming weeks. It features a portable barbecue, storage for equipment, a 110 litre esky, lighting and power outlet.
“It’s been very cleverly designed for a multitude of uses, from barbecues, coffee, food and beverages, information stalls – just about anything,” he said.
Coolum Lions President Doug Alford said although they no longer had a use for the trailer, it was important it remained a community asset. He said Coolum Lions had successful financial year, donating $62,258 to local sporting and community groups.
Food forest trend taking root
Award-winning Sunshine Coast permaculture teacher Elisabeth Fekonia has launched her fourth book and will host a hands-on workshop at Cooroy this month to teach the basics of planting a food forest.
Ms Fekonia’s latest book, Growing and Cooking Tropical Vegetables in a food forest garden, has been a labour of love, and has stemmed from her more than 30 years of practising self-sufficiency.
The book covers everything from concept to cultivation, including soil preparation, plant selection and growing tips, plus there are more than 130 recipes to make sure you’re using every ingredient from your food forest. The book costs $55.
For those who also want a hands-on experience, Ms Fekonia will host a transformative workshop experience at the Cooroy Community Gardens on Sunday, September 10, from 9.30am to 3pm. Tickets are via Humanitix.
She will also give a free talk at Noosaville Library, to share her insights and practical achievements of grassroots living, on October 12, from 10am. Bookings are essential via Noosa Libraries.
Out of the Shadows walk
This Sunday, for World Suicide Prevention Day, Lifeline Sunshine Coast will be leading the Out of the Shadows sunrise walk at Bulcock Beach, to help bring suicide awareness.
The community event is a safe space for people to come together to reflect on those they may have lost, and to support each other.
“This event unites people from different backgrounds and communities who have been
impacted by the death of a loved one through suicide,” Lifeline Sunshine Coast service leader Pam Murphy said.
The walk is on Sunday, September 10, at 5.15am for a 5.30am start at Bulcock Beach. For more information click here.
Over-50s to compete in GemLife Games
Competitors on their early 50s to late 80s are ready for the inaugural GemLife Games, to be held at GemLife Maroochy Quays on Friday, September 8.
An initiative by over-50s lifestyle resort developer, GemLife, the inter-resort event will see more then 160 participants from the Sunshine Coast, Bribie Island, Toowoomba and rural Victoria, come together to compete across seven sporting events, ranging from pickleball, to tennis and virtual golf.
GemLife Director and CEO Adrian Puljich said the games was one of many initiatives launched this year as a way of supporting its over 50s residents to live an active lifestyle and forge new friendships.
“The GemLife Games has been created to celebrate our vibrant, active and engaged over 50s residents, and as an opportunity to bring our communities together from across Queensland and Victoria, who all share a passion for active living and embracing life to the fullest,” he said.
At 83, GemLife Maroochy Quays resident and the resort’s tennis coordinator Russell Plumb is among the older participants and he said he was looking forward to the healthy competition.
“I love the concept of GemLife Games. When I first heard about it, I said ‘yes’ immediately to being involved,” he said.
War hero’s honour
The Buderim War Memorial Community Association is preparing to unveil a plaque to honour former Sunshine Coast resident and Victoria Cross recipient Corporal Daniel Keighran.
Corporal Keighran (pictured) will be the special guest at the public unveiling ceremony on the western lawn at the Buderim War Memorial Hall on Friday, September 22, at 10.30am.
BWMCA president Errol Richardson said the ceremony would include a description of the action in Afghanistan that resulted in Corporal Keighran being awarded the honour.
“Corporal Keighran’s service and sacrifice for our country is incredible and we are very proud to be able to honour one of our former local residents as a hero,” Mr Richardson said.
New shed opens
The Mooloolah Valley Men’s Shed has officially opened, offering a multifunctional space designed to enhance the mental and emotional well-being of men in the community.
Far from being just a community building, it’s a place where men can find a sense of purpose, camaraderie, and emotional support.
Fuelled by a $250,000 federal grant and countless hours of community advocacy and planning, the facility is purpose-built to include workstations for wood and metalworking, alongside social areas and a kitchen.
Now that the structure is in place, the focus has shifted to sustaining and growing membership. With around 50 initial members, the shed aims to expand its reach.
Men in the Mooloolah Valley area are strongly encouraged to contribute to this growing community resource. For more details on how to get involved, contact Chuck Clutterbuck 0408 887 626.
Spirit of Peregian Long Lunch
Peregian Family and Friends is collaborating with the newly established Peregian Surf Club to raise funds for local charity Katie Rose Cottage Hospice, as well as the fledgling surf club, at the Spirit of Peregian Long Lunch.
The event, to be held held at Peregian Park on Saturday, September 9, from midday to 6pm, will include a three-course gourmet meal with drink on arrival and live music all day.
There will also be cash bars including fine wines, cocktails and spirits from Sunshine & Sons and Diablo, and premium drink upgrades including French champagne and top-rated Shiraz.
There will also be raffles and online auctions.
The three-course meal will be prepared by local favourites Periwinkle, Peregian Pantry and global celebrity chef Peter Kuruvita and his team at Noosa fine-dining restaurant Alba.
The annual event has raised and donated more than $140,000 during the past four years, to the Rural Fire Brigade and Peregian Beach Surf Lifesaving Club.
Folk art at mega market
Folk art, art and craft supplies and horse equipment, donated by the family of a former Sunshine Coast artist, will be on sale at the Hoofbeats Sanctuary Mega Market on Sunday, September 10.
Equine Therapy Centre Hoofbeats CEO Barb Blashki said there would be some charming offerings at the market.
“We are so grateful to have been the beneficiary of a very generous donation from the family of artist Jill Hughston (1955-2022),” she said.
“Jill’s beautiful, decorative and colourful folk art pieces that will be available at the market include bird houses, trays, bowls, boxes, clocks, paintings, brooches and Christmas decorations.”
There will also be art and craft supplies, horse equipment, kids’ novels and more.
Hoofbeats Sanctuary is a mental health charity that supports women and girls impacted by trauma.
Proceeds from the market will support training of program facilitators and program places. The market will be at Hoofbeats Sanctuary, 26 Fellowship Drive, Doonan, on Sunday, September 10, from 10am to 3pm.
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