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, 10, from 10am to 3pm.
Fundraising FWD team hits the road
Fundraising 4WD team, Mark Wheeler and mate, Ronald Beeson from ‘Phase 4’, are charged and ready to go for the annual Great Endeavour Rally, which starts today
Joining a 50-plus strong starting line-up in Cairns, they are set to tackle roads less travelled, journeying from ‘Cairns to Cape’ York and back: a 3500km course, finishing on September 10, raising dust, and dollars, for disability awareness.
“While everyone is here doing the rally for their own reasons, ultimately, our collective goal is the same – to raise as much money as we can for Endeavour Foundation, and the people with disability they support,” Mr Wheeler said.
Mr Wheeler is known to wear his heart on his sleeve. last year awarding his car class-winning trophy to Endeavour Foundation clients, who were also participating in the rally.
“To see their faces, and to feel the emotion in the room afterwards, was so much more rewarding. This is what I do it for,” he said.
First taste of competition for disabled sailors
Disabled Coast sailors Tiarne Burkitt, Sharon Dalton, Hayden Southwell and Phil Sinclair head to the Gold Coast this weekend for their first experience of competition as they take on the 2023 Hansa Queensland Championship.
The athletes will be competing in the two-day event at Southport Yacht Club in either the two-handed supported class or the single-handed classes. The will be accompanied Sailability volunteers both on the water and land.
“All are excited and somewhat nervous as the Gold Coast Broadwater may present conditions they have never sailed in before,” Sailability Sunshine Coast president Alan Winter said. “Wind versus tide on the Broadwater can throw up waves to one metre.”
The athletes have had two training sessions in the lead up to the event, both held at Parrearra’s Double Bay pontoon facility which has been set-up specifically to support these keen sailors.
Wear a jersey to show support
The theatre team at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital supporting DonateLife Jersey Day.
Sunshine Coast Health and DonateLife Queensland are urging all local residents to pull on a sports jersey on Friday, September 1, to raise awareness for organ and tissue donation.
National Jersey Day is a legacy of teenager Nathan Gremmo, who donated his organs and tissues in 2015 at the age of just 13, saving the lives of six people.
“Jersey Day is a great opportunity to tap your colleagues on the shoulder and ask them if they’ve registered as an organ and tissue donor,” donation specialist nurse Kirsty Caley said.
Register as a donor at donatelife.gov.au or on your MyGov app.
Wishlist Coffee House in urgent need of helpers
Wishlist Coffee House has raised more than $179,000 to enhance Nambour Hospital during the past three years, thanks to the hard work of local volunteers.
Now, they need help.
Wishlist is urgently calling for volunteers to help provide staff, patients and families with delicious food and coffee at the busy café, located inside Nambour Hospital.
Proceeds from the café allow Wishlist to fund vital medical equipment and upgrades to Nambour Hospital, such as a $72,365 Colposcope purchased to help diagnose women’s cancers faster and improve wait times, virtual reality tools to distract young patients in emergency and a Point of Care ultrasound.
It is operated by manager Wendy Southam and her team of dedicated volunteers.
Ms Southam is calling on locals to consider becoming a regular volunteer, not only to make a real difference in the community, but to make new friends and learn new skills.
If you, or someone you know, has a few hours to spare on a weekly or fortnightly basis, phone Wishlist Volunteer Coordinator Mat Walker on 5202 1777 or visit Wishlist.
Training awards presented
A host of people within the region have been acknowledged as winners in the Queensland Training Awards.
The awards showcase the great work in vocational education and training across the state, with categories for apprentices, trainees, vocational students, teachers and trainers, as well as training providers and employers.
Among the 11 local winners was Jackson McIvor, from Buddina, who was recognised as the Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year.
After putting his Certificate III in Electrotechnology apprenticeship on hold, he resumed his apprenticeship with Australian Trade Training College in 2019. He became an electrician with Complex Electrical, where his work ethic, broad knowledge base and his initiative saw him become the first apprentice to be seconded to its Mining Business Unit.
Dana Whiston, a proud Gooreng Gooreng woman from Caloundra, was declared the winner in two categories: Vocational Student of the Year and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year.
She completed her Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing or Disability) at STEPS Education and Training, Caloundra and chose this path after the loss of her mother. Her dedication led her to a role with a First Nations company where she supports Indigenous women and children. She actively engages with the community, organising events like Deadly Coffee and leading a Reconciliation Action Plan Advisory Group.
The regional winners were announced at the Events Centre, at Caloundra on July 28.
Autism early intervention service
Families of autistic children are invited to see Australia’s leading autism early intervention service in action first-hand when AEIOU Foundation’s Sippy Downs centre hosts an open day on August 30.
“Our open days are a great way for families to learn more about our program and see how we can help their child,” CEO Alan Smith said.
“For those that are unfamiliar with our service, it’s a fantastic opportunity to see the centre and the service in action, first-hand, with staff on hand to answer questions.”
Register your interest in attending the free open day, which starts at 10am, by clicking here.
AEIOU Foundation is approved by the NDIS and provides integrated therapy, care and early education for children with autism aged between two and six.
New tai chi classes
A new weekly tai chi class, offered by the Taoist Tai Chi Society, is set to be held in Caloundra.
The new introductory course will start on Saturday, September 2, at 10.30am, at the CCSA Hall in Nutley Street.
The first class is obligation free. There is ample parking adjacent the hall. The course is designed for beginners to experience tai chi and its many health and meditation benefits.
The ancient art of tai chi involves a sequence of slow continuous movements which improve balance, flexibility, and well-being. Tai chi works as a moving meditation that helps body and mind to become supple and strong.
Pre-registration is essential. Email sunshinecoast@taoisttaichi.org, or phone 1800 108 801.
There are also weekly sessions at Buderim, Eumundi, Maroochydore and Nambour.
The Taoist Tai Chi Society is a not-for-profit, charitable and volunteer organisation founded by Master Moy Lin Shin. The society has more than 50 years’ experience in making tai chi available in 25 countries around the world.
Surf club in new sustainability initiative
Coolum Surf Club has launched reusable coffee cups, thanks to Coolum Business and Tourism’s new Plastic Free Coolum program.
Believed to be the first surf club in Australia to eliminate disposable coffee cups in their operations, the club is trialling a borrow cup scheme in partnership with Noosa-based Pottery for the Planet, manufacturers of ceramic takeaway coffee cups.
The news coincided with the launch of Plastic Free Coolum, a pilot program led by local chamber of commerce, Coolum Business and Tourism and supported by Sunshine Coast Council’s major grants program.
President of Coolum Business and Tourism, Mark Cameron, said the chamber wanted to help make Coolum one of the most sustainable places on the Sunshine Coast to live, work and play.
Coolum Surf Club is a program ambassador and has already earned Plastic Free Coolum Champion status thanks to its commitment to sustainability which includes installing solar panels, diverting organics from landfill and diverting recyclables from landfill.
Helping hand for vulnerable families
The Buderim Foundation Thompson Charitable Fund has made another big-hearted gesture, this time providing a $65,800 grant to SunnyKids to help provide support for vulnerable Sunshine Coast families.
Buderim Foundation chair Rod McKinnon said SunnyKids offered vital support for regional families in need of a helping hand.
“The Buderim Foundation’s Thompson Charitable Fund is proud to support SunnyKids and the work they do in providing emergency food, accommodation and other support,” he said.
The Buderim Foundation has been the Trustee for the Thompson Charitable Fund since April 2021. Over the past two years, a rolling grants program has provided more than $460,000 to support people experiencing homelessness and financial distress on the Sunshine Coast.
To find out more about the Buderim Foundation Thompson Charitable Fund, visit
buderimfoundation.org.au/grants/the-buderim-foundation-thompson-fund/. For more information about SunnyKids, go to sunnykids.org.au/.
Church to receive new roof
The Holy Spirit Anglican Church in Coolum is set to get a new roof.
The church, which is 53 years old, has a leaking tiled roof that needs urgent replacement.
The Coolum Surf Club donated $5000 to help cover the cost of a new Colorbond Ultra roof, which will protect the church from further damage and ensure its longevity.
The church is a place of worship and a hub of social and spiritual activities for the Coolum community, offering services such as pilates, yoga, Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, Ladies Guild meetings, meditation, craft mornings, free drop-in-coffee mornings, prayer chain and healing services, and Bible study. The church welcomes everyone who needs a friendly ear, a helping hand, or a sense of belonging.
The church’s priest, Father Richard Gowty, expressed his gratitude to the surf club for their donation. “Their donation will make a huge difference to our church and our ministry,” he said.
School takes stand against bullying
Noosa District State High School has demonstrated a united front against bullying, by participating in the ‘Bullying No Way!’ Campaign.
The school’s Pomona and Cooroy campuses joined forces on August 18, to raise awareness and combat bullying in a show of solidarity.
More than 100 students gathered at the Pomona Campus library, while numerous participants attended the Cooroy Campus.
The central focus was a striking selfie frame adorned with school colours and the Bullying No Way! hashtag. Students posed with the frame, wearing orange ribbons and wristbands to symbolise their commitment to the cause.
The ‘Bullying No Way!’ campaign was expected to send a powerful message that bullying will not be tolerated, while highlighting the importance of fostering a safe and inclusive school environment.
State cricket teams converge
State women’s cricket teams will contest pre-season games at Maroochydore Cricket Club this week.
Teams from Tasmania, ACT, South Australia and Western Australia will feature in 50-over games, ahead of the 2023-2024 Women’s National Cricket League season that starts on September 22.
Tasmania will meet South Australia on Tuesday, 9.30am. Tasmania will clash with Western Australia and ACT will play against South Australia on Wednesday, 9.30am. South Australia will clash with Western Australia and ACT will meet Tasmania on Friday, 9.30am. Western Australia will also take on Tasmania in a T20 game on Saturday, 9am.
More games involving state teams will be played next week, with the schedule still to be released.
Tasmania won the WNCL last season.
A high tea that could save a life
High Tea for the Hounds is set to raise significant funds for Noosa charity, PTSD Dogs Australia.
Attendees will be treated to sweet and savoury treats, cocktail on arrival, entertainment by Andrea Kirwin and Claire Evelynn, special guest speakers, and raffles.
Funds raised will go towards supporting the work of PTSD Dogs Australia, who rescue dogs and train them as Psychiatric Assistance Dogs, which are provided at no cost to veterans and first responders suffering from PTSD.
An assistance dog can be life changing or even life saving for someone with PTSD. providing them with increased independence, leading to better connections to their friends, families and community.
The event will be held at the Cooroy RSL from 10am on Friday, August 25, from 10am. Tickets via Humanitix.
Hair-raising ordeal for charity
A total of 24 Immanuel Lutheran College students will lose their locks or wax their legs in the school’s largest World’s Greatest Shave fundraiser ever on Friday, August 18.
Of the Year 12 students, nine courageous girls will sacrifice their hair, six boys are ready to embrace the razor, and an adventurous group of nine boys are daring to be stripped of hair on their legs.
The group has a fundraising goal of $8000 and has already raised more than $7062 for the Leukaemia Foundation.
“These symbolic gestures are a testament to our commitment and empathy for those facing the challenges of blood cancer every day, but our mission goes beyond the surface,” the student team said.
“We are determined to bring hope, strength, and support to those affected by blood cancer. Through our collective efforts, we aim to raise funds to fuel critical research, provide essential resources, and offer a helping hand to patients and survivors in their journey towards recovery.”
Volunteers rally for recognition referendum
More than 100 Yes vote volunteers gathered with Indigenous lawyer and academic Noel Pearson at North Shore Community Centre on Sunday, to join a fast-growing political volunteer army.
They listened to Mr Pearson and broke into groups for coordination of door knocking.
State Labor MP for Nicklin Rob Skelton attended the event, which was organised by the Sunshine Coast Reconciliation Group – the ‘Sunshine Coast for Yes’ plus ‘Noosa for Yes’.
“This is our first best chance and last best hope for practical, meaningful recognition that will change our nation. Our terrific Yes volunteers are building a moment for our generations,” he said.
Maroochydore lifesavers travel to Japan on exchange program
Maroochydore Surf Life Saving Club and Shimoda Life Saving Club of Japan are celebrating the 25th anniversary of their Sister Club Exchange Program.
Two lifesavers from Maroochydore SLSC will travel to the beaches of Shimoda LSC to patrol, train and participate in the cultural exchange program.
Todd Grace, 46, and Ruben Zikarski, 20, will leave for Japan today and will complete their duties there on August 25.
A contingent of lifesavers from Shimoda LSC will travel to Maroochydore to also train and patrol on our beaches, in December.
The Japanese lifesavers will stay in club dormitories and participate in several programs and activities, including dinners with host families, sightseeing and visits to Surf Life Saving Queensland and the Sunshine Coast Branch headquarters.
Support worker earns award
A local teacher and support worker, who helps kids who have experienced trauma, has been acknowledged with a prominent award.
Wendy Paroz’s initiative to help children who are NDIS participants impacted by crisis or trauma was recognised with a Kawana Electorate Community Award.
“Every child should have the opportunity to be understood, enjoy the encouragement of success and delight in a variety of life experiences that allow their little personalities shine,” she said. “So my church founded a charity called SPROUT to help children sprout and flourish, particularly those who couldn’t find appropriate support elsewhere.”
The board of SPROUT is working to establish a donor base to allow families who do not yet have NDIS funding to access support.
Sports groups score with council funding
Forty-eight Sunshine Coast sports organisations will share in more than $895,000 to help maintain their sporting fields and keep them in tip-top shape.
Sunshine Coast Council Community Portfolio Councillor David Law said council’s Sports Field Maintenance Funding Program had provided funds to help sports clubs since 2011.
“This program offers up to three years of funding and helps clubs with maintenance field costs and provides expert advice on keeping sports fields to appropriate competition and training standards,” he said.
Bli Bli United Football Club Vice President Eddie Muller said the funding program was great and the experience and advice they received through the program was phenomenal.
“As a club we manage the field before, during and after the football season, making sure we get the best result we can to ensure its longevity,” he said. “We’re a non-for-profit organisation and with the support from Sunshine Coast Council through this funding program, we’re able to reduce our members’ fees and get kids out on the fields playing.
A full list of recipients is available on council’s website.
Special Vietnam Veterans Day
A Vietnam Veterans Day service at Cotton Tree is expected to be attended by about 400 people on August 18.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the signing of the proclamation to end Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War.
There will be ceremonies held around the country to commemorate the special Vietnam Veterans Day.
The day was previously called Long Tan day to mark the significance of the Battle of Long Tan. It has since been gazetted as a day of commemoration for all Vietnam Veterans.
The service at the Cotton Tree Cenotaph at Marooochydore will be witnessed by around 400 veterans, families and friends.
It will start at 11am and finish at midday. An RAAF flyover will occur at 11.30am.
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