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I 2 September 2025
This Kin Kin Farmer Wants Page 10 a Wife
The NDSH production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was a spectacular celebration of talent, teamwork, and imagination. Over three magical nights, 150 students from Years 5 to 12 brought the story to life on stage. For more pictures see page 15.
Classic Cars for Father's Day fueled fun Page 21
Sunshine Coast Bunyas honour culture through rugby league BY SARAH JANE SCOTT THE Arthur Beetson Foundation Queensland Murri Carnival (QMC) is back bigger and better for 2025. Hosted this year at the South Pine Sports Complex in Brendale, it is the main event of the year for Sunshine Coast Bunyas Rugby League. More than 100 teams have nominated across nine days of competition, from open men’s and women’s divisions through to U14 boys’ and girls’ teams, with the junior carnival catering for U6s to U12s. More than
3,000 players will be involved both on and off the field, supported by Deadly Choices and the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health. For Sunshine Coast Bunyas Rugby League, the QMC is more than a sporting fixture. It is a celebration of culture, community and opportunity. Club co-founder and president Brad Beetson said the carnival holds deep significance. “The Sunshine Coast Bunyas started 13 years ago with myself and Christine Oakes,” he said. “The Bunya tree is a totem of the
Gubbi Gubbi people. “We first participated only in the Under 15 boys’ section of the QMC,” Brad said. “This year, from 19 to 27 September, we will compete with seven teams.” The vision for the Bunyas has always been about more than sport. “The Bunyas were formed to provide a vehicle for Indigenous people to come together and play rugby league, the game we love,” Brad said. “Over the 13 years, we have helped provide connections for families, opportunities for higher
honours, and pathways into education and employment.” That vision has already produced success stories. “One of our players, Ziggy Pigeon, is studying medicine at UNSW [University of New South Wales] on a scholarship he received through playing for the Bunyas,” Brad said. “Others, like Jack Beetson, Zak Laybutt, Bradon Trindall and Jacob McKinnon, have travelled overseas after representing Queensland Murri teams.” Equally important is the cultural learning woven into
the team environment. “We provide cultural knowledge to our players through traditional owners, especially Lyndon Davis, who kindly gives his art for our jersey designs,” Brad said. “We also hold training sessions that focus on connection, leadership and culture, with a bit of footy.” Brad credits his father, rugby league legend Arthur Beetson, as his greatest role model. “My father was a great role model for me and for all Australians,” he said. Continued page 3
The Australian Property Pendulum: Buyers and Sellers Enter a New Phase of Opportunity Noosa Hinterland buyer demand is surging, with a 64% month-on-month increase in Hinternoosa open home attendance. Opportunity is knocking.
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Cooroy Rag, 2 September 2025 - Page 1