Edition 21 July 2026

Housing fast-track concerns

By Sonia Isaacs

THE Queensland Government has declared the Halls Creek Priority Development Area (PDA), paving the way for up to 12,000 new homes on the southern Sunshine Coast in one of the region’s largest proposed residential developments.

The 1,200-hectare site south of Caloundra will now move into detailed planning, with the PDA designed to accelerate housing delivery alongside schools, parks, employment land and community infrastructure.

An Early Release Area is expected to fast-track about

1,000 homes as the State Government seeks to boost housing supply across the rapidly growing region.

While welcoming the planning process, Sunshine Coast Council says it wants “a seat at the table”, warning infrastructure must keep pace with growth.

The declaration, made on Thursday, July 17, follows the project’s recent approval under the Commonwealth’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act, removing a major planning hurdle and allowing Economic Development Queensland to prepare a Development Scheme. Full story p3

Council stays inside Beerwah to the Big Apple

By Sonia isaacs

AT just 14, Beerwah State High School student Sienna Grace is about to achieve what many fashion designers spend a lifetime chasing – a place on the runway at New York Fashion Week.

The Year 9 student will swap the Sunshine Coast for one of the world’s biggest fashion capitals in September after her handmade kangaroo leather earrings captured the attention of international fashion insiders, earning her a coveted invitation to showcase her work alongside 10 to 15 designers from across the globe.

Full story p 6-7

By Mitch Gaynor

A ROUND of redundancies that cut almost 130 positions from Sunshine Coast Council has done little to change the organisation’s unusually high indoor-tooutdoor workforce ratio, with new figures showing it still employs almost four-

and-a-half indoor staff for every outdoor worker.

The figures come after the council handed down one of its toughest budgets in years, featuring a 9.7 per cent minimum rates increase, an operating deficit of about $12 million in 2025/26.

Full story p5

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I HAVEN’T read any self-help parenting books advocating for bedroom shakedowns, but it works, if you’re interested.

Continuing from a previous editorial in which my daughter copped a school suspension for vaping and given the fact that she tells such convincing lies, I was at a loss with how to properly deal with the matter.

Turns out it was pretty easy.

Two days after lifting her grounding, on the first day of the school holidays, I came in one night to say goodnight but obviously caught her on the hop.

You are kidding!!

It sounded ludicrous but what’s a guy to do when they seem so genuine and cute.

But there was a part of me a bit baffled.

For instance her sister had been berating me just days earlier for not knowing what my youngest was getting up to behind my back.

It’s hard enough to stay across your kids movements let alone when you’ve got rats in the ranks.

At a loss I resorted to snap shakedowns.

As she jumped up to attention (a suspicious act anyway) I could see her tuck an object under her pillow.

underneath all the dusty junk under her bed … a packet of cigarettes.

You are kidding!! She looked through me like the stare of the Terminator and said “They’re my sisters.”

And so the farce continued.

This time I was wise to the scam and didn’t believe it but kept quiet and walked out.

It was a vape, of course.

And of course it was her older sisters, so she said.

I then made the mistake of allowing her to get her sister, giving them both time to concoct a story that they stuck to for weeks.

That story was the vape was the elders and that she had been supplying her younger sister with vapes for a period of time.

I would come in at random hours on random days and toss sheets and pillows and quilts around (and then remake her bed of course) in the search for contraband.

She was quite unmoved by it all and stood by waiting for this nonsense to end.

After finding nothing for a week I’d almost figured she was either too smart or not vaping.

But then one night last week I spotted something odd

This turned out to be a masterstroke because the guilt seemed to build up to such an extent that I eventually got the truth. They were her friends, so were the vapes and she’s sorry and blah blah blah. She was grounded again of

Not that that stopped her. One ernoon I arrived home to find her asleep in bed.

Pulling the blanket back she had tucked two pillows and a pillow pet together.

It looked quite effective and we were reasonably impressed. Shawshank Redemption this ain’t, but it’s still quite the show.

Southern Sunshine Coast growth corridor expanding

Council warns infrastructure must keep pace as Halls Creek housing project planning accelerates

By Sonia Isaacs

THE Queensland Government has declared the Halls Creek Priority Development Area (PDA), paving the way for up to 12,000 new homes on the southern Sunshine Coast in one of the region’s largest proposed residential developments.

The 1,200-hectare site south of Caloundra will now move into detailed planning, with the PDA designed to accelerate housing delivery alongside schools, parks, employment land and community infrastructure.

An Early Release Area is expected to fast-track about 1,000 homes as the State Government seeks to boost housing supply across the rapidly growing region.

While welcoming the planning process, Sunshine Coast Council says it wants “a seat at the table”, warning infrastructure must keep pace with growth.

The declaration, made on Thursday, July 17, follows the project’s recent approval under the Commonwealth’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act, removing a

major planning hurdle and allowing Economic Development Queensland to prepare a Development Scheme.

“This is the next step in the evolution of the southern Sunshine Coast as a growing community for families and businesses, and

Public consultation on the Development Scheme is expected to begin later this year before the planning framework is finalised.

addressing housing demand while planning for the Sunshine Coast’s continued growth.

Priority Development Area declared by the Government in less than two years to unlock housing supply.

South development, bringing the total number of approved homes across the broader Aura community

to about 7,000. Member for Caloundra Kendall Hatcher said the declaration would provide the planning framework needed to support the region’s growing population.

Stockland Queensland development general manager David Laner said the PDA recognised the site’s strategic location and its connection to existing and planned infrastructure, including The Wave rail project and future road upgrades.

In a statement following Thursday’s announcement, a Sunshine Coast Council spokesperson acknowledged the State Government’s decision while stressing the importance of council being closely involved as planning progresses.

“It is essential that Council has a seat at the table as planning progresses, to ensure that infrastructure, transport connections, environmental protections and community services

are appropriately planned and funded to support any future development,” the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson said council’s priority remained ensuring infrastructure was delivered at the right time to support both new and existing communities and reiterated that the Beerwah East SEQ Development Area remained its preferred location for accommodating medium-to long-term growth.

Division 1 Councillor Jenny Broderick has previously warned that major residential projects should not proceed without supporting infrastructure.

“This isn’t one of those developments that we want to see go ahead without the infrastructure and then having the cost fall back on our ratepayers,” Cr Broderick said.

Council said it would work constructively with the State Government as planning progresses while continuing to advocate for infrastructure investment, environmental protection and preserving the Sunshine Coast’s character and lifestyle.

Glass House communities now ‘unified’

By Sonia Isaacs

LONG-serving Glass House

MP Andrew Powell has welcomed a major electoral redistribution that will unite the southern Sunshine Coast hinterland electorate, while acknowledging the “absolute honour” of representing Moreton Bay communities he will lose after almost two decades.

Mr Powell described the changes as a “no-brainer”, saying the new boundaries better reflect how residents already live, work and identify.

“What we can celebrate is the Southern Sunshine Coast hinterland is now one,” he said. “There is that commonality of issues and that strong voice that they’ll now have in the state parliament.”

The redistribution, which will take effect at the next Queensland state election, will see Glass House lose its long-held Moreton Bay communities, including Elimbah, Woodford, Mount Mee and Ocean View,

while gaining Beerwah, Landsborough and surrounding hinterland areas. Mr Powell said the changes corrected a longstanding mismatch between electoral boundaries and communities of interest.

“The thing that I always thought the Electoral Commission should have been considering when they created seats is what’s called communities of interest,” he said.

“The seat of Glass House was created back in 2008 for the 2009 election, and it brought together 26 different communities.

I don’t think there’d be anyone in any one of those communities who would agree that there was a community of interest across all 26 of them.”

Under the changes, Glass House will also lose northern hinterland communities including Flaxton and Cambroon.

Landsborough, Glenview, Chevallum, Palmwoods and, for the first time, all of Hunchy.

boundaries would better align representation with local connections, including using the Bruce Highway as a clear dividing line. “On the Sunshine Coast there is an east of the highway, west of the highway mentality, and now the highway is the boundary,” he said.

While welcoming the changes, Mr Powell said losing the Moreton Bay communities he has represented since 2008 was not without emotion. “To represent them for six terms has been something very special,” he said.

Mr Powell said he would continue to represent those communities until the next election in October 2028.

He also said many Beerwah and Landsborough residents had already considered him their local MP, despite being outside the current Glass House electorate..

not speculate on the political impact of the redistribution, saying there were no guaranteed seats.

“There’s no such thing as a safe seat. There’s no such thing as a margin these days,” he said. “The political landscape could be very different in two years’ time.”

He said the focus would remain on the issues affecting both existing and future constituents, including transport, roads and managing rapid population growth.

Mr Powell pointed to Beerwah, where significant change had been forecast for years but was now accelerating. “We’ve got a responsibility to explain what’s planned, make sure

ensure public transport keeps up with a growing population, and get it right on where new housing goes,” he said.

Having lived in Palmwoods for 23 years and maintained strong links across the hinterland, Mr Powell said he was excited by the opportunity to represent a more connected electorate.

“Change is inevitable. Change can be hard, but it also presents opportunities,” he said.

“It’s exciting to be representing my hometown again and to have Beerwah and Landsborough unified with the communities that surround them. That should have been done years ago.”

Tim Mander

Minister for the Olympic and

portfolios since May while the Australian Federal Police

At a press conference on Thursday, July 16, Premier rmed Mr Mander’s return to Cabinet after the AFP finalised its investigation. An AFP spokesperson stated “No offence has been determined, and the AFP has finalised the matter.” Mr Mander had voluntarily stood aside while the investigation was underway, with Mr Powell taking on the additional ministerial responsibilities.

With the matter now closed, Mr Powell has resumed his full Environment and Tourism portfolio, while Mr Mander has returned to oversee Sport and Racing and preparations for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Giving back, one haircut at a time

BEERWAH hairdresser

Natalie Hazelden is combining her passion for hairdressing with her commitment to helping others by hosting a fundraising Cut-A-Thon for Hair Aid on Tuesday, July 28.

The global Cut-A-Thon raises vital funds for Hair Aid, a charity that teaches people living in poverty the skills to cut hair and create an income. Natalie, an ambassador for Hair Aid, has volunteered in Indonesia on four occasions, including leading a team at Denpasar

Women’s Prison. Closer to home, she also provides free haircuts to people experiencing homelessness every six weeks.

The fundraiser will help Natalie prepare for her next Hair Aid mission to the Philippines in 2027.

The event comes just months after Natalie opened Hinterland Hair and Beauty Collective in Beerwah, fulfi long-held dream after more

than three decades in the industry.

With 36 years of experience and Swiss heritage, Natalie is recognised for her expertise in colour correction and cutting skills, while her warm and friendly approach has earned her a loyal er many years operating a successful home salon, she decided

the time was right to establish a central location to support the region’s growing population.

The new salon also features a luxurious Japanese Head Spa and offers space for other beauty professionals, with Natalie aiming to create a convenient one-stop destination for hair and beauty services.

Appointments for the Hair Aid Cut-A-Thon can be booked by calling 0408 743 689, with more information available on Hinterland Hair and Beauty Collective’s social media pages.

Library fees waived over backlash

SUNSHINE Coast Council has waived new library meeting room hire fees for community groups and not-for-profit organisations following community feedback over charges introduced from July 1.

The change comes after Sunshine Coast Libraries migrated to a new online booking system, Bookable, with all existing bookings transferred automatically.

Council said the review found community groups and not-for-profits would no longer be charged for library meeting rooms, with any fees already paid to be refunded through the Bookable system in coming weeks.

The move follows backlash by community groups about the impact of the new charges on volunteer-led organisations and access to affordable meeting spaces. The fee waiver applies only to library meeting rooms, not library venues, and all bookings will continue to be managed through Bookable.

Council said the spaces would continue to support learning, connection and

Council stays indoors on the Sunshine Coast

New data shows council increasingly relying on indoor staff, outsourcing

By Mitch Gaynor

A ROUND of redundancies that cut almost 130 positions from Sunshine Coast Council has done little to change the organisation’s unusually high indoor-to-outdoor workforce ratio, with new figures showing it still employs almost four-and-a-half indoor staff for every outdoor worker.

The figures come after the council handed down one of its toughest budgets in years, featuring a 9.7 per cent minimum rates increase, an operating deficit of about $12 million in 2025/26 and a major organisational restructure aimed at restoring its long-term nancial position.

workforce has become increasingly weighted towards indoor staff over the past decade, leaving it with one of the highest

4.47 following the council’s recent redundancy program.

During that period, indoor staffing increased from 1320 to 1603 full-time equivalent

higher indoor-to-outdoor ratio among the major south-east Queensland councils examined.

A GC&M News analysis of Queensland Local Government Comparative data shows the council’s

east Queensland councils.

The state data shows the ratio rose from 3.87 indoor staff for every outdoor worker in 2015-16 to 5.01 in 2024-25, before easing to

By comparison, Brisbane recorded 1.52 indoor staff for every outdoor worker, Moreton Bay 2.48 and Ipswich 2.58.

Only Redland recorded a

As at July 7, council employed 1451.14 indoor full-time equivalent staff and 324.94 outdoor FTEs, giving a total workforce of 1776.08 FTEs.

The workforce restructure includes the loss of 80 positions through redundancies and the removal of 50 vacant positions.

A Sunshine Coast Council spokesperson said the indoor/ outdoor ratios should be viewed in context.

“Comparisons between councils can vary significantly due to differences in service delivery models, growth rates, geographic areas and organisational structures,” the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson said council engaged contractors

and external service providers where specialist expertise or additional capacity was required but had not undertaken a like-for-like assessment of work performed internally and externally over the past decade.

A separate GC&M News analysis of council budgets shows employee expenses have increased by about 74 per cent over the past decade to almost $212 million, while rates revenue has climbed about 117 per cent to almost $550 million over the same period.

Council said spending on contractors, labour hire and external service providers was not reported as a standalone category in its budget papers, with those costs incorporated across broader expenditure categories including materials and services.

Council said its long-term financial plan assumes annual cost increases of 4.5 per cent to reflect rising service delivery costs and population growth. The plan does not separately identify spending on contractors, consultants, labour hire or outsourced services.

Crime victim stats fall across state

THE Queensland Police Service (QPS) has reported a statewide 9.6 per cent reduction in the number of victims, with the latest figures showing declines in several high-harm offences.

Comparing the 2023/24 and 2025/26 financial years, unlawful entry offences dropped by 19.5 per cent, robberies fell by 17.2 per cent and unlawful use of motor vehicles decreased by five per cent.

Acting Queensland Police Service Commissioner Brett Pointing said the reduction represented fewer Queenslanders impacted by crime but warned further work remained.

The QPS attributed the results to intelligenceled policing and targeted operations, including Operation Yankee Forge, which has resulted in more than 5,200 offenders charged with more than 14,000 offences statewide.

Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www. crimestoppersqld.com.au.

Young designer bound for NY Fashion Week

Beerwah teen turns childhood hobby into debut on one of the world’s top runways

By Sonia Isaacs

AT just 14, Beerwah State High School student

Sienna Grace is about to achieve what many fashion designers spend a lifetime chasing – a place on the runway at New York Fashion Week.

The Year 9 student will swap the Sunshine Coast for one of the world’s biggest fashion capitals in September after her handmade kangaroo leather earrings captured the attention of international fashion insiders, earning her a coveted invitation to showcase her work alongside 10 to 15 designers from across the globe. She is currently the only Australian designer in the show.

Still coming to terms with the opportunity, Sienna said the invitation exceeded anything she imagined when she began making jewellery as a child.

“I did not think when I started this business that it would go to New York Fashion Week,” she said.

“That is one of the biggest things. It’s really, really exciting, and even though it’s across the other side of the world, it’s a dream come true.”

Sienna’s creative journey began at the age of seven after taking sewing lessons with a local teacher in Glass House Mountains. Her love of arts and crafts quickly grew into a small business, initially selling faux leather earrings at local markets before launching her own website and building a loyal online following.

scraps,” Sienna said. “I already had the cutting machine at home that I was using for faux

About two years ago she introduced genuine kangaroo leather into her designs after her mother, Emma, discovered leather offcuts at a Montville store.

“Mum went up to Montville one day and found some kangaroo leather

leather, so we gave it a go. Once I started using genuine kangaroo leather, everything really took off.”

Today, all of her statement earrings are crafted from sustainably sourced kangaroo leather supplied by Queensland company Packer Leather, which is sponsoring her New York trip.

The lightweight, distinctly Australian designs have proven popular with tourists and international buyers.

“When I first started, lots of Americans and English people were really interested because it’s something from Australia that they could take home and wear,” she said.

Sienna’s earrings are now stocked in about 15 retail outlets across the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Melbourne and Byron Bay, with strong support from local businesses helping her brand grow.

Her breakthrough into the fashion industry came after a supporter wore a pair of her earrings to a Q Star Runway event. The creative director tracked her down through Instagram and invited her to design pieces for a Sunshine Coast runway show. That opportunity led to the Queensland Arts and Fashion Festival in Brisbane, where industry

connections eventually opened the door to New York.

Now balancing Year 9 studies with the demands of preparing an international collection, Sienna is designing 10 complete runway looks featuring both garments and jewellery.

“The clothes are going to be black so the earrings really pop,” she said. “There’ll be lace, mesh, sequins and faux leather. Everything is designed to work together.”

her website. “They’re big, they’re bold, they’re what’s on the runway,” she said. “They’re not your everyday earrings.”

The bold earrings she will unveil form a special New York Fashion Week capsule collection available through

recognition, Sienna remains focused on simply creating.

to be described, her answer

emerging designer, because I want to go bigger,” she said. “I’m just the creative designer and Mum does all the background stuff.”

While her mum Emma handles sponsors, stockists and business logistics, Sienna continues doing what she loves most – creating striking designs from her Beerwah bedroom.

Turn off phones

DOMESTIC violence advocates are warning victim survivors with hidden “safe phones” and connected devices to take precautions before a nationwide emergency alert test, fearing the loud notification could reveal devices kept secret for safety. The AusAlert test, scheduled for 2pm on Monday, July 27, 2026, will send a loud Critical Alert message to compatible mobile phones and other connected technology across Australia.

Speak Up Now advocate Val France said some

people escaping domestic violence may not realise the test could expose devices they rely on to stay safe.

“It is leaving people at risk of a safe phone being discovered,” Ms France said.

“People won’t realise it can affect all of those devices – not just phones.”

Ms France said the upcoming test was a Critical Alert, not a Priority Alert, meaning users cannot override or disable the notification on iPhone or Android devices. The only way to prevent a device from receiving the test alert is to switch it off or place it

in airplane mode. Anyone with a safe phone that must remain hidden is being advised to turn the device off before the test and leave it switched off for 24 hours.

Ms France said people may forget about the scheduled alert or be unaware emergency messages can be sent to other connected devices, including tablets, smartwatches, children’s safety watches, Apple CarPlay and other in-car systems.

She urged friends, family and support networks to share the warning.

MONDAY 20TH JULY TO SUNDAY 16TH AUGUST LOCATED OUTSIDE COLES & WOOLWORTHS

This Winter, be part of something truly meaningful by donating to our community food drive supporting survivors of domestic violence. We’re collecting non-perishable food donations on behalf of A Sense Of Hope to create emergency food hampers for local individuals and families rebuilding their lives after escaping violent situations. Give what you can. Every can, packet, or jar helps plant a seed of hope where it’s needed most. Together, let’s nourish new beginnings. For more information you can reach out to A Sense Of Hope Domestic Violence Advocacy and Support on 1800 735 164.

Community garden party

Glasshouse community garden gets ready to celebrate their fi rst year

THE Glasshouse Mountains Community Garden is celebrating a year of remarkable growth, with volunteers harvesting fresh produce and inviting the community to mark its first birthday next month.

Over the past 12 months, the once-bare site at the Glass House Mountains Community Hall has been transformed into a thriving community garden producing a colourful range of vegetables, herbs and fruit using organic growing methods.

After a hot, dry summer, volunteers revitalised the garden in early May by enriching the soil with compost before planting seedlings from the garden’s own seed bank. The result is an abundant harvest of cos and curly lettuce, bok choy, carrots, cherry tomatoes and a wide variety of herbs.

Volunteer Linda said current conditions were ideal for growing snow peas and green beans. “They are

the bridge table

Memorial Bursary open now

the world’s most fascinating

to join its friendly and supportive community.

Based at the Beerwah Golf Club, the club has 52 members and meets twice a week, offering a relaxed environment where players can learn, improve their skills and enjoy the social side of the game.

Club officials say many newcomers quickly become hooked on bridge, often asking: “Why didn’t anyone mention bridge to me before?”

Whether participants are still navigating the game or returning after years away, members are always on hand to offer guidance and encouragement. “Even if you’re a bit rusty, you’ll soon find your feet,” a club spokesperson said

a team and continually develop their memory and problem-solving skills. The Beerwah Bridge Club hopes to introduce more people from the Glass House and Beerwah communities to the game, while providing an opportunity to make new friends in a welcoming and inclusive setting. Members say joining a local bridge club also opens the door to a worldwide community of hundreds of thousands of bridge enthusiasts, with opportunities to play socially or competitively.

The Beerwah Bridge Club meets every Tuesday at noon and Friday at 9am at the Beerwah Golf Club.

More details, contact Tom on 0438 761 671 or Martine on 0403 220 900.

APPLICATIONS have opened for the 2026 Joyce Newton OAM Memorial Bursary, with Glass House MP Andrew Powell encouraging local secondary students to apply for financial support as they prepare for life after school. Established in 2019 in honour of respected Maleny educator and community advocate Joyce Newton OAM, the annual bursary recognises young people committed to further education, training and community leadership. This year, the program has expanded to include a new Trade Pathway Award alongside the existing academic bursary, The bursary is open to Year 10, 11 and 12 students living in the Glass House electorate who intend to continue their education or training after graduating from high school.

Local vision for Mooloolah

New owners create a community hub in Mooloolah’s town centre

ASH and Danielle Young are putting community at the heart of their growing business portfolio after becoming the new owners of Jones Street Kitchen and the Mooloolah Newsagent. Already well known through their successful real estate business in the centre of town, the couple saw an opportunity to expand into hospitality and retail while

creating a destination that encourages locals to shop, dine and connect without leaving Mooloolah. Danielle said the decision came after watching the steady stream of customers visiting the neighbouring businesses.

“I used to sit in my office and see how many people came into the café and newsagent, so when Caity

and Adam wanted to sell, I jumped at the opportunity,” she said.

Their vision is to create a genuine one-stop shop by supporting local producers and suppliers while strengthening the town’s economy.

“We want people to stay in town, support local businesses and create a circular economy and

community,” Danielle said.

The couple has retained the café’s familiar team, with Annie continuing to serve customers behind the counter and vegan chef Steele creating a popular menu, including a range of plant-based dishes.

They have also welcomed the former Valley Slice Pizza team, with pizzas now available, while the licensed

venue serves beer, wine and spirits.

Trading hours have been extended to cater for afternoon and after-school customers, with dinner now available three nights a week.

The family-run enterprise now encompasses three businesses in the town centre. Away from work, Ash

and Danielle are long-term foster carers dedicated to supporting the community. Their good fortune has also extended to the newsagency, which recently sold a Division Two lottery ticket worth $15,000 only days after taking over the business.

Celebrating one year of growth

MOOLOOLAH Valley Mitre 10 is celebrating an exciting milestone, marking one year since the first major transformation of its Garden Centre following the business takeover.

The past 12 months have seen the Garden Centre continue to grow, with locals embracing the expanded range and supporting the familyowned business every step of the way.

opportunity to thank

customers for their loyalty and support, which has helped make the first year such a success.

To celebrate the anniversary, Mooloolah Valley Mitre 10 is offering two fantastic specials for gardeners and home decorators alike. Customers

With spring just around the corner, the team is also preparing for one of the busiest and most colourful times of the year. A fresh range of plants, stylish pots, garden décor, ornaments and unique trinkets will soon be arriving, giving customers plenty of inspiration for refreshing their gardens and outdoor living spaces. As the business heads

Photo: supplied

$2k boost for Year

6 camp

THE Mooloolah Valley Community Centre has donated $2,000 to help Mooloolah State School students attend their Year 6 camp, continuing its commitment to supporting local families and young people.

into its second year, the focus remains on providing quality products, friendly service and great value for the local community.

Customers are encouraged to keep an eye on the Mooloolah Valley Mitre 10 Facebook page, as well as the Glasshouse Country & Maleny News, for more monthly specials, seasonal promotions and exciting offers in the lead-up to spring.

The funding will assist with camp costs, helping ensure as many students as possible can take part in the memorable educational experience before making the transition to high school.

Community Centre representatives said they were thrilled to once again support the school’s Year 6 camp, recognising the value it provides through outdoor

learning, teamwork and personal development.

The donation reflects the centre’s ongoing investment in the local community, with funds directed towards initiatives that make a positive difference to residents of all ages.

School staff welcomed the contribution, saying it would ease financial pressure on families while allowing students to enjoy the opportunities and experiences the camp offers. The support reinforces the strong partnership between the Mooloolah Valley Community Centre and Mooloolah State School, benefiting local children and their families.

THE Lions Club of Mooloolah Valley is preparing to reveal the local organisations and community projects set to benefit from this year’s fundraising efforts, following another busy year of volunteer service. Club members have raised thousands of dollars through Bunnings sausage sizzles, raffles, fundraising events and their popular

weekly meat tray raffle.

Most recently, six members volunteered at the Queensland Garden Expo in Nambour, helping collect parking fees throughout the three-day event. The club said every dollar raised is returned to the community, supporting local charities, schools and community initiatives across the Mooloolah Valley region.

‘Spotlight’ is a special page every month in Glasshouse Country & Maleny News to

‘Spotlight’ publishing schedule:

1st week - Landsborough & Aura

2nd week - Glass House Mountains

3rd week - Mooloolah & Buderim

4th week - Montville & Mapleton

AFTER more than 35 years of caring for the health of the Mooloolah community, long-time pharmacist and owner Ruth Zerner is handing over the keys to Mooloolah Valley Pharmacy, marking the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter.

Ruth first joined the pharmacy as an employee pharmacist in 1990, when the business still closed for two hours in the middle of the day. She became a junior partner in 2001, purchased the business in 2008 and relocated the pharmacy to its current premises in 2013.

Reflecting on her time in Mooloolah, Ruth said it had been a privilege to care for generations of local families.

“I want to thank the community for all their

and will cherish the many happy memories of my time in Mooloolah.”

Ruth said one of the highlights of her career was being recognised with the National Guardian Pharmacy of the Year Award in 2022. She also thanked the many pharmacists, assistants and her husband, Gunnar, whose support over the years made every day enjoyable.

Taking over from 27 July is new owner Luke Vrankovich, who has relocated with his family from Western Australia and is excited to become part of the Mooloolah community.

Importantly for customers, the existing pharmacy team will remain, ensuring the same familiar faces and friendly service continue as Mooloolah Valley Pharmacy enters its next chapter.

You Said It ... Elected Reps

How much did it cost?

REGARDING the Glasshouse Quarry/Save Our Glass House Mountains (SOGHM) saga... are we over this yet?

I hope so.

There has been a lot said from SOGHM, so I thought it’s about time at least one of us many put the other side and applied some balance.

Hanson have been professional, courteous and on point with just the facts, do you think SOGHM have?

Thank goodness

Hanson stuck it out and eventually got before a judge who was put in possession of all the facts from both sides and could act impartiallyruling for Hanson.

How much did the council waste on fighting this with court process and how much ultimately did

much, Jenny? Rates up by the way…

The council had all the facts just like the judge and couldn’t manage to be impartial enough to

a very long time and who is simply changing to meet our needs got a kicking with seemingly no community support.

Living in a changing

deserves the support, the better.

Name and address supplied

Hold onto values JENNY Donovan’s letter from July 14 claims that Israel is responsible for 21,000 children

make the same decision as the judge. The Co-op

area means well... you can complete this sentence.

She uses as her source of evidence the ‘Gaza health authorities’… namely Hamas. The cause of this war lies at the feet of Hamas.

They began it by systematically slaughtering and brutalising over a thousand civilians.

Hamas is hardly a credible source of accurate information

Andrew Wallace is a fine and dedicated politician.

We are lucky to have him as our elected representative.

with Andrew Powell State Member for Glass House

IT’s been wonderful to get out and about across the electorate over the past couple of weeks and thank you to everyone who stopped by my mobile office in Glass House Mountains last week for a chat. It was great to catch up and discuss those issues that matter most to our local community. I also appreciated Cr Jenny Broderick joining me for the day.

spend their later years with nothing changing, but most of us want better services, opportunities for our kids and investment in the future.

Dylan Mitchell

All I can say is it’s progress. All the houses built in Glass House Mountains were once farmland. Progress happened then and it’s happening now. The population isn’t going to shrink. As the old saying goes, nobody wants it in their backyard, but the quarry has been here longer than most people, so we’ve just got to get on with life.

David Boss

So you all walk everywhere? Live in tents?

Paul Fillery

There are people campaigning against every quarry, existing or proposed. We have to face the fact that the materials that come from quarries have to come from somewhere. We’ve already lost many quarries, large and small, because they’ve been exhausted or overtaken by urban development. More closures will only increase demand on the remaining quarries and require new ones to open.

Joseph Joynson

Third social housing project commencing on Beerwah Pde, Beerwah.

“muck in” and support our whole community when it

proportion of the Sunshine Coast’s projects? This is a genuine question.

such as Caloundra

We don’t have a Centrelink office, our shopping facilities are limited, public services are more restricted, and much of the supporting infrastructure many residents rely on simply isn’t here.

If the goal is to provide the best possible support for people needing social housing, wouldn’t it make more sense to locate more of these developments closer to the services they’re likely to need?

Larger centres already offer better access to healthcare, government services, public transport, employment, education and shopping. Instead, Beerwah appears to be carrying a disproportionate

Jenny Donovan’s letter inflames an already divisive issue.

Michael Cowan

share of the region’s social housing growth without the infrastructure needed to support either existing or new residents.

So why is Beerwah carrying so much of this responsibility?

Is it because suitable land is more affordable, or because larger centres are reluctant to accommodate these developments?

If social housing is about helping people build better lives, shouldn’t it be located where people have the best access to services and opportunities?

Dusty Dave

I don’t like the stigma people associate with social housing. It includes people from all walks of life, from the very young to the very old.

With so many people living in cars or on the streets, these developments should be welcomed.

Everyone I’ve met in this situation has taken great pride in their home. Stop complaining and embrace it.

Jen Lee

Just merge Beerwah with Caboolture and call it Beerboolture.

MJ Forey

As students head back for Term 3, remember to make the most of any remaining credit from this year’s $100 Back to School Boost - and next year, we’re increasing it to $150. Whether it’s used for books, pens, excursions, or uniforms, we’re making sure to provide real cost-ofliving relief that families can rely on. To students right across Glass House, good luck and have fun during Term 3!

Community safety still remains a top priority and we’re strengthening

BOOOOO to The Sunshine Coast Council, which is showing how mean it can be when the going gets tough. A month after telling ratepayers they were going to have to suck up a 10 per cent rate rise, last week it was revealed they were going to charge community groups to use library spaces. Seems there’s ways of clawing back millions in

deficits and then there’s the council’s way. Surely nobody has to spell out why that’s a bad idea.

We loved one suggestion - that they save a bit of cash and sack the security guard outside the Beerwah Library.

I thought they hadn’t been there a whiles anyway, but, you know, these are dangerous times in

downtown Beerwah.

Maybe the council should just go full 1984 or Farenheit 451, burn the books and do away with libraries all together.

What good are books anyway and it’ll save on long-term leases?

In the meantime the council has backflipped on its original dumb decision, but we’ve been warned,

there’s someone in the chambers with a very sharp pencil waiting to pounce. The end.

Hang ups

While it’s all very good for Telstra to send through a naff apology letter for their outage last week, what I really want is personalised recognition of what I went through.

I was bombarded with

Queensland’s youth justice laws by expanding Adult Crime, Adult Time. The next stage of these reforms will introduce Breach Bail, Go to Jail, creating a new offence for serious repeat offenders who commit Adult Crime, Adult Time offences while on bail. Those offenders will face mandatory minimum sentences, sending a clear message that serious crime has serious consequences. More Surgeries, Shorter Waits: Improving access to healthcare is also a key priority. We’re investing $247 million in the Surgery Connect Program to deliver more than 25,000 additional elective surgeries across Queensland. Building on more than 35,000 procedures already completed since February 2025, the program is helping reduce waiting lists, expand hospital capacity and ensure more Queenslanders receive the care they need sooner and closer to home.

with Winston Johnston Division 5 - Sunshine Coast Council

I’M happy to update that the renewal of the muchneeded playground at Orange Grove Park, Jody Place in Palmwoods is now open for families to enjoy. And the Palmwoods Aquatic Centre minor works project is scheduled to start this month.

Running from July 24 till August 2 and featuring more than 50 events, the Curated Plate is our region’s leading food and drink festival. One of the highlights for Division 5 is the Asian Food Festival at Spicers Tamarind, Maleny, on August 1. It’s a fantastic day out for friends and families to enjoy great food prepared by the Coast’s best Asian cuisine chefs, with live music with the scenic beauty of the hinterland as a backdrop. Find the full program at thecuratedplate. com.au.

Flaxton residents Ian Webster and Di Lanskey are to be congratulated on recently winning the Healthy Planet category at the Sunshine Coast Biosphere

Awards, which recognises outstanding contributions to sustainability across our UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Their efforts have improved water quality in Baxter Creek and the wider Obi Obi and Mary River catchments, while also providing habitat for native wildlife. Through innovation, collaboration, and countless hours of hands-on work, they have shown what can be achieved through dedication to land stewardship. Just as importantly, they generously share their knowledge with other landholders and community groups.

Application for Landholder Environment Grants are now open. Funding is aimed to support rural property owners deliver on-ground projects with great environmental outcomes. Closing 10 August, visit the Grants page on Council’s website for more information.

texts all morning from the kids demanding I sort out their data issues.

I was oblivious to the entire debacle until I started getting spammedsomething that didn’t stop for hours. Had nothing to do with me, and how were they even texting me?

Whatever the answer it was my fault in their eyes.

Recipe ...

Chicken and Vegetable Soup

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon extra-virgin

olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

1 carrot, diced

2 stalks celery, diced

2 garlic cloves, crushed

6 cups chicken stock, salt

reduced

1 cup dried yellow split peas, rinsed

1 zucchini, diced

2 small chicken breasts, cut in half horizontally to make thinner fillets

¼ teaspoon cracked pepper

½ cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped

½ lemon, juiced

4 slices wholegrain bread

(to serve)

Method:

HEAT oil in a large saucepan over low heat.

ADD onion, carrot, celery and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, on a low heat for 10 minutes or until vegetables have softened but not browned.

STIR through chicken stock and split peas, turn heat to high and bring to the boil.

fillets to the soup. Simmer for 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

REMOVE the chicken, chop into bite-sized pieces, then return it to the soup.

REDUCE heat to a simmer, partially cover with a lid and cook for 25 minutes or until split peas have softened, stirring occasionally.

TAKE the soup off the heat and stir through the pepper, parsley and lemon juice.

GARNISH with extra parsley and serve with toasted bread.

Recipe ...

Tomato and Basil soup

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon olive oil

2 bacon rashers, fat

trimmed

2 brown onions, diced

1kg tomatoes, roughly chopped

1 cup water

Handful of fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped Black pepper

Method:

HEAT oil in a frypan over medium heat. Fry bacon and onion until onion becomes translucent.

BOIL tomatoes in a saucepan of water until soft POUR tomato mixture through a colander, skin will remain, and tomato will be left smooth.

ADD tomato to bacon and onion, stir through fresh basil.

SERVE with cracked black pepper to taste.

or snack, particularly in the warmer months. Try adding extra veggies like zucchini and cauliflower and pairing with a crusty wholemeal bread roll for a fuller meal.

making it easier than ever to stay protected this winter. An annual influenza vaccination reduces the risk of catching the flu, as well as it’s severity. New strains are updated each year to stay up to date with circulating variants.

If you’re planning a trip

Program (NIP) vaccinations, including protection against RSV and Pneumococcal (pneumonia) disease. Many people are surprised to learn they qualify for these important vaccinations.

As a locally owned and family run business, winter. No matter your age, we’d love to help you and your family stay protected. Walk-ins are welcome, so visit us in store or give us a call to book your vaccination. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Yoga makes a welcome return

One studio with four ways to move well

By The Station Pilates

FOR years, fitness was often measured by how hard, fast or intensely we could move. Now, more people are recognising that true wellbeing also comes from slowing down, breathing deeply and giving the body time to recover.

That shift is helping yoga make a welcome return, particularly at The Station Pilates Beerwah.

Yoga is where The Station Pilates story began. Before reformer studios, recovery spaces and multiple locations, there was a love of yoga and a belief that movement should support both the body and the mind.

part of who we are,” Monica said. “People still want to feel strong and fit, but they are also looking for ways to manage stress, improve mobility and create more

and recovery services, all under one roof.

Reformer Pilates builds strength, coordination and confidence. Mat Pilates improves core strength, posture and mobility.

Founder Monica Smith says it has been special to see that love of yoga return.

“Yoga has always been

balance.”

At Beerwah, members can choose from reformer Pilates, mat Pilates, yoga

Yoga brings together movement, breath and stillness, while recovery services such as infrared sauna and compression boots give the body time to rest and restore.

“Yoga gives people permission to slow down,” Monica said. “You do not need to be flexible or experienced. You simply need to arrive as you are.”

For the Beerwah community, this combination offers convenience, variety and balance.

It also reflects a broader change in the way people approach health: less about doing more, and more about choosing the movement, stillness or recovery their body needs that day.

New technology could detect fake alcohol

A LASER technology being developed by Adelaide University could soon help authorities detect deadly counterfeit alcohol, expose wine fraud and identify dangerous chemicals inside sealed bottles without opening them.

The breakthrough follows research by the University of St Andrews in Scotland and Adelaide University, showing a specially designed laser system can detect toxic methanol hidden inside unopened spirit bottles, including through coloured glass.

Methanol poisoning remains a serious global health issue, with counterfeit alcohol linked to deaths, blindness and permanent injuries. Current testing methods often require bottles to be opened and analysed in laboratories.

The new technique uses Raman spectroscopy to read the unique chemical fingerprint of liquids through their packaging. By combining advanced laser shaping and wavelength adjustments, researchers improved the system’s ability to detect tiny amounts of methanol while reducing interference from the bottle.

Adelaide University physicist Dr Ralf Mouthaan said the technology had potential far beyond alcohol safety. “Being able to identify the contents of a sealed bottle without opening it has enormous potential,” he said.

The team has already captured unique optical fingerprints of wine through bottles, offering a possible new tool against a global wine fraud problem estimated to cost billions of dollars annually.

Joint PhD candidate

Ané Kritzinger, who led the methanol research published in the Journal of Physics: Photonics, said the technology’s versatility was one of its greatest strengths.

Researchers are adapting the technology to help combat wine fraud, detect food contamination, identify counterfeit perfumes and allow hazardous chemicals to be identified safely.

Piano Room to open in Beerwah

A GRAND piano will find a new home in Beerwah later this month as a unique venue dedicated to music, learning and community connection prepares to open its doors.

“Once you can accurately identify the molecular fingerprint of a liquid through its packaging, there are countless possibilities,” she said. Adelaide University is also preparing a $10 million research program.

community groups, musicians and creatives looking for an intimate and welcoming setting. Beyond its function as an event space, The Piano Room will become the home of Three Quarter Time’s music and wellbeing programs, designed primarily for people aged over 50.

Shop 8/8, Riverside Centre, Maleny P 5435 2733

OPEN Mon to Fri, Sat by appt. E info@malenyoptical.com.au BOOK ONLINE www.malenyoptical.com.au

The Piano Room, the newest venture from Sunshine Coast business Three Quarter Time, will officially open in late July, offering a boutique space for workshops, seminars, performances and community gatherings centred around a full-size grand piano.

Located on the corner of Peachester Road and Turner Street, the venue will be available for hire by the hour, half day or full day, catering for businesses,

Among its regular offering will be Your Life in Song, where participants explore memories through the music that has shaped their lives, and Music as Medicine, a program drawing on neuroscience to promote cognitive, emotional and physical wellbeing through

active musical engagement. The venue is expected to begin welcoming visitors from the start of August, with locals invited to drop in for a chat, a cup of tea and a look around.

As communities continue searching for ways to combat loneliness and support healthy ageing, The Piano Room aims to offer something increasingly valuable a place where conversation, creativity and the timeless sound of a grand piano bring people together.

Is it time for a denture check?

By Beerwah Denture Clinic

IF your dentures feel loose, uncomfortable or move when you eat or speak, it may be time for a professional denture health check.

As we age, the bone and gums beneath dentures naturally shrink and change shape, creating gaps that reduce the suction needed to keep dentures securely in place. This can lead to rocking, sore gums, inflammation and, if left untreated, long-term damage to the underlying tissues.

Fortunately, a denture reline or a new denture can restore a secure fit, improving comfort, support and confidence for everyday activities such as eating, talking and smiling. The Australian Dental Prosthetist Association recommends replacing dentures before they reach eight years of age to help prevent ongoing damage.

At Beerwah Denture Clinic, senior prosthetist Kim offers full denture health checks to assess the fit and condition of your dentures

before recommending the best solution. Kim joined the clinic in 2022 and has been practising since 2019, earning a reputation for her caring and compassionate approach. The clinic also provides same-day denture relines and repairs whenever possible, helping patients get back to enjoying life with minimal disruption.

Denture Clinic also supplies custom-fitted mouthguards for individuals and sporting teams, with special group rates available.

Visit Beerwah Denture Clinic, 74 Simpson Street, Beerwah, or call Kim on 0475 753 348 to book your free consultation and keep your smile comfortable, secure and healthy.

Words take centre stage at inaugural event

A convergence of connection and expression

THE power of the spoken word will take centre stage in Maleny later this month when poets, storytellers and musicians from across Australia gather for the inaugural ‘GOODFEST’Gathering of Oral Delights Festival.

Running from Friday, July 31 to Sunday, August 2, the three-day festival will transform Maleny Lane and the Maleny Community Centre into vibrant hubs of poetry, storytelling, slam performances and live music, celebrating creativity, connection and community.

festival circuit, GOODFEST will showcase 32 of the nation’s most dynamic spoken word artists. Promoters Nick Grivas of Liquid Lyrics and Robin

Created to honour the legacy of the late Joe Lynch, highly regarded Irish performer and well-known figure on the Australian

Archbold of Sunshine Coast Spoken Word have assembled an impressive line-up to compete for the Joe Lynch Memorial Cup, with a $2,500 winner’s prize and $500 awarded to each

Horoscopes

CANCER

JUNE 22 - JULY 22

With communications planet Mercury in your sign taking a positive turn around the astral j-curve this week, life settles into a more Cancer-friendly vibe, misunderstandings begin to unravel and you can feel confident again to trust your impulses, rely on your intuition and express yourself freely.

LEO

JULY 23 – AUGUST 23

The Sun, joining jolly Jupiter in your royal sign to announce Happy Birthday Cat Majesties, is your call to enjoy applause, tribute and a spot of hearty partying. And celestial south node also moving into Leo helps extend your personal ambitions and individual creativity to benefit the wider audience they deserve.

VIRGO

AUGUST 24 – SEPTEMBER 22

This week’s celestial emphasis in your sector of winding up cycles that have run their course brings a sense of relief and completion. With Mercury back in gear, you can take a break from stress-testing every single idea, because Venus in your sign is keen to have some well-earned fun.

Asian Food Festival sizzles into Maleny

finalist. The festival opens on Friday evening with a poetry slam in Maleny Lane, where competitors will battle it out for $500 first prize and $250 for the runner-up. Heats, semifinals and the grand final of the Joe Lynch Memorial Cup will take place across Saturday and Sunday at the Maleny Community Centre. A Saturday night Gala Charity Showcase will also raise funds for the Maleny Hospital Auxiliary. Festival organisers say GOODFEST is designed to entertain, inspire and foster community through the art of storytelling. Festival passes covering all nine events are available for $80, with individual event tickets also available through Humantix: events. humanitix.com/goodfestgathering-of-oral-delights/ tickets.

LIBRA

SPICERS Tamarind

Retreat will once again host the Sunshine Coast Asian Food Festival on Saturday, August 1, as part of The Curated Plate, bringing together some of the region’s leading chefs for an

WEEK BEGINNING JULY 21

SEPTEMBER 23 – OCTOBER 23

With your sponsor planet, Venus, in the sign whose love language expresses through practical acts of service rather than grand romantic gestures, this week suggests showing your affection by thoughtful problem-solving and quietly taking care of those small, time-consuming details that make someone’s life easier.

SCORPIO

OCTOBER 24 – NOVEMBER 22

CAPRICORN

DECEMBER 22 – JANUARY 20

afternoon celebrating Asian-inspired cuisine.

The event features five signature dishes, matched beverages, live entertainment and a relaxed picnic-style atmosphere. Chefs from The Tamarind,

Rice Boi, Spirit House, Pocky Asian Restaurant and Honeysuckle will showcase locally sourced ingredients in what has become one of the Sunshine Coast’s premier food festivals. 12pm-5pm tickets via humanitix.

Sometimes we need an unexpected twist of fate to shake us out of default mode. Capricorns prefer taking charge of this themselves before it becomes necessary, and Venus, in a discriminating fellow earth sign, is currently auspiciously placed for giving your routines, schedules and workspace a stylish upgrade.

This week’s fiery celestial influx warms your Scorpio waters, which is always pleasant and, with Mercury back on track, power struggles look set to ease. Plus, Chiron, in your opposite and complementary sign on the astrowheel, moves trust issues, if not to resolution, then at least to a clearer understanding.

SAGITTARIUS

NOVEMBER 23 – DECEMBER 21

The Sun, synching with your planet boss Jupiter in a fellow fire sign, can’t help but light up your week. And with Mercury on the move again, but still in sensitive, touchy-feely mode, tune into your intuitive side before sharing with others, especially during the upcoming weekend’s Sagittarius moon.

AQUARIUS

JANUARY 21 – FEBRUARY 18

The astrological lunar nodes are shifting north node into your progressive sign for the first time in two decades. Over the next 20 months, this Aquarian transit supports community-minded teamwork and encourages the human family to collaborate in designing smarter ways to live, work and care for each other.

PISCES

FEBRUARY 19 – MARCH 20

After the recent onslaught of July’s trying times, it would be easy to get carried away with this week’s entertaining influx of jazz, pizzaz and razzamatazzand why not? Though actually savvier to also look behind the upfront appeal of attractive options via a few backstage reality checks.

ARIES

MARCH 21 – APRIL 20

The Sun and genial Jupiter, in a fellow fire sign which also happens to be your fun zone, is a vibrant, confident and entertaining placement. The planet of expansion, in the sign of creativity, sees you shining brightly this week, with your naturally self-expressive style inspiring others.

TAURUS

APRIL 21 – MAY 20

Planet Chiron, currently settling in for the long haul in Taurus, is beginning to clarify what’s genuinely worth spending your time, energy and resources on. And help you trust your own instincts to make sustainable decisions, feel more at home in your body and develop healthier relationships – lucky you!

GEMINI

MAY 21 – JUNE 21

Your planet mentor, Mercury, gets into forward gear again, though still in sensitive mode, so be aware of what’s not being said. This week’s celestial scenario suggests that success is more likely through tuning into instinctual Twin‘s gut feelings and hunches than logical Twin’s hard facts and stats.

Caloundra Chorale at the movies

THE Caloundra Chorale is set to bring the magic of the movies to the stage with its latest concert, featuring a memorable collection of songs from some of cinema’s best-loved films.

Under the direction of Kim Kirkman, audiences will enjoy favourites including Ghostbusters, Jailhouse Rock, Always Look on the Bright Side of Life, Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head and Moon River, along with many more timeless classics.

Blending nostalgia, humour and toe-tapping entertainment, the production promises something for all ages.

Performances will be held at the CCTC Theatre, 3 Piringa Street, Wurtulla, on July 31 and August 7 at 7.30pm, and August 1, 2, 8 and 9 at 2pm.

Tickets are $34 for adults, $32 concession, $29 for groups, members and Friends of CCTC, and $15 for children aged 15 and under. Bookings are essential via trybooking.

Australian Wearable Art Festival raises the bar

Immersive creative showcase strengthens Sunshine Coast’s global profile

By Sonia Isaacs

THE Australian Wearable Art Festival has cemented its reputation as the nation’s premier wearable art event, with Sunshine Coast audiences treated to a world-class spectacular on Saturday, July 11, as artists from across Australia and further afield transformed fashion into theatrical works of art.

New Maleny based music festival set

A NEW communityfocused music festival will bring Australian folk, country and blues music to the Maleny Showgrounds Pavilion on September 26, 2026.

The inaugural Maleny Music Muster aims to establish the Sunshine Coast Hinterland as a destination for quality Australian music while creating opportunities for local artists, businesses, tourism operators and the wider community.

Organisers hope to build a sustainable annual event that celebrates music, supports emerging talent and showcases the unique character of Maleny. Foundation sponsorship opportunities open now: col@proudandtrue.com

(Avant Garde), Sophy Blake (Trashion), Suzy Syme and Andrew Costa (Innovation), Britt Timmins (Textile and Fibre), Errick Kim (Emerging Wearable Artist) and AlleJane Sellens (Youth Award).

Festival co-directors Helen Perry and Wendy Roe congratulated all entrants, acknowledging the extraordinary standard of work that made judging a difficult task.

They also thanked judges RR Pascoe, Linda Jackson AO and Katie Somerville, along with the models,

Making its debut at the Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort after four successful years at Venue 114, the 2026 festival featured a larger stage, longer runway and immersive production that elevated the event to a new level. Attendees described the creativity, artistry and production as comparable with international showcases in New York and Paris, with every garment representing months of design, experimentation and craftsmanship before taking to the runway.

The festival’s highest honour, the Supreme Award, went to artist Kym Cunningham for her thought-provoking creation, Artificial Intelligence (AI): The New God… or a Monster in Disguise?, which captivated judges with its originality, technical excellence and powerful social commentary.

Category winners included Salley-Ann Porter (Elements of Nature), Jasmine Ella (Abstract Form), Laras Andriyani

volunteer team, dancers, body art, hair and makeup crew, and Encore’s audiovisual production team for helping deliver

Building on this year’s success, AWAF also announced a significant expansion for 2027 with the introduction of a national Student Showcase.

Presented in partnership with St Andrew’s Anglican College, the new program will invite Year 9 to Year 12 students from across Australia to create and

exhibit wearable artworks as part of the festival.

Co-director Helen Perry said the showcase had been part of the festival’s longterm vision.

“Wearable art sits at the intersection of fashion, sculpture, sustainability, performance and design,” Ms Perry said. “It encourages experimentation, problem-

solving, storytelling and innovation – all the skills we want young people developing.”

The 2027 Australian Wearable Art Festival will be held from 12 to 14 August, with details of the Student Showcase to be released in the coming months. www. australianwearableart.com. au

What’s On

Yanalla Farms presents Sconversations on the Farm

When: Friday July 24, 2pm - 4pm

Where: Yanalla Farms, 56 Bell Rd, Glass House Mountains

Info: Join foodie and ‘Scone King’ Martin Duncan and Yanalla Farms’ Karen Martin for an afternoon of delicious scones, local jams, fresh cream, artisan tea and Montville Coffee. Meet inspiring local guests through relaxed, rotating conversations while celebrating the region’s wonderful producers and volunteers. Come with friends or solo—you’ll leave with new connections, great stories and full hearts. Parking is available, with train stations and Uber nearby. Tickets $25.

Glass House District Tennis Club – Lights On Celebration

When: Saturday July 25, from 4pm Where: Glass House Mountains Tennis Courts, Glass House Mountains Sports Club, 902 Steve Irwin Way, Glass House Mountains

Info: Celebrate the official switch-on of the club’s new tennis court lights. Enjoy a free game of tennis and a sausage sizzle (gold coin donation). Everyone is welcome to come along and join the fun.

Open Day for the Peachester Heritage Centre

When: Sunday July 26, 10am - 2pm

Where: Peachester Road, behind the Peachester Hall

Info: Newly added to our collection, in a special

display, is a framed photo of Frank Butler. Already part of our Anzac Gallery which honours local servicemen and women we can now proudly show Frank in his WWI uniform. Please join us to learn the story of our pioneering families where we pay tributes to the timber and dairy industries and the sport of wood chopping. Weather forecaster Mr Inigo Jones is represented by a display of instruments, documents and other artefacts. The museum is home to the extraordinary Jim Hall Whittling Collection. We invite you to be amazed. You will not see the same anywhere else. Adults $5, children free.

Managing Passwords

When: Tuesday July 26, 10am - 11.30am

Where: Beerwah Library

25 Peachester Rd, Beerwah Info: The modern digital world requires that we have a password, code or PIN for almost everything. Join library staff in a group session and learn how to manage your passwords. Get tips on creating memorable passwords and learn how to retrieve those that have been forgotten. Find out more about apps available to help store and secure your secret codes for easy use.

Book Launch – People Like Us

When: Tuesday July 28, 5.30pm

Where: Rosetta Books, Maleny Info: Join Sally Piper for the launch of her new novel, People Like Us, exploring the experiences of homelessness and financial insecurity for

older women. Tickets are $5 and include wine and cheese. Book in-store or at www.rosettabooks.com. au. $5 from every book sold on the night will be donated to MNC to support homelessness.

AI Masterclass

When: Wednesday July 29, 10am - 11.30am

Where: Beerwah Library

25 Peachester Rd, Beerwah Info: BLURB Join Bart Puszko from Blue Seas AI to learn how to make AI work for you. See how AI can turn a photo of your fridge into a meal plan, help you build a budget you will actually use and act as your personal assistant. Learn how free AI tools can save you time and energy by using better prompts. Leave feeling confident, organised and ready to use AI in your everyday life.

Caloundra Chorale

Goes to the Movies!

When: July 31 & August 7, 7.30pm; August 1, 2, 8 & 9, 2pm

Where: CCTC Theatre, 3 Piringa Street, Wurtulla Info: Tickets from $15. trybooking.com/DNICG. Bookings 0490 329 912 Enjoy a spectacular musical journey through the silver screen with the Caloundra Chorale, featuring favourites including Ghostbusters, Jailhouse Rock, Moon River, Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head and more.

Ceramics Classes at Beerwah CWA

When: Saturday August 1, 9am - 12pm & 2pm - 5pm

Where: Beerwah CWA, Simpson Street, Beerwah Info: Get creative at Beerwah CWA’s monthly

ceramics classes, suitable for beginners and those wanting to develop their pottery skills. The morning session (9am–12pm) will cover “Pinch Pots, Coils & More” for $45 (2 hours). The afternoon session (2pm–5pm) focuses on creating a vase for $40, plus materials and firing costs. Classes are facilitated by Julia Bell. Bookings and enquiries can be made by contacting Julia via email or phone.

Beerwah Heart Cinema presents Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy

When: Friday August 7, 6pm - 8.30pm

Where: Beerwah Library 25 Peachester Rd, Beerwah Info: Free movie screenings at Beerwah Community Hall.

Bring your favourite comfy camp chair, bean bag or blanket or just come as you are – we’re got plenty of chairs available to use!

HITCHHIKER’S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY.

Seconds before Earth is demolished to make way for a hyperspace bypass, ordinary Englishman Arthur Dent is rescued by his alien friend, Ford Prefect. Together, they hitchhike across the galaxy on a stolen spaceship, navigating bizarre adventures alongside a twoheaded president, a human woman named Trillian, and a chronically depressed robot. The crew journeys to uncover the ultimate answer to life, the universe, and everything while escaping Vogon dangers and attempting to find a decent cup of tea. Rated PG

Fake News

When: Thursday August 13, 10am - 11.30am

Where: Beerwah Library

25 Peachester Rd, Beerwah

Info: Curious about fake news and how AI is changing the way we see the world? Join our library staff for an engaging introduction to the how, why, and what of modern misinformation. Discover the differences between misinformation and disinformation, learn how AI tools are shaping today’s news and social media, and pick up practical strategies to protect yourself online. Empower yourself to navigate the digital world with confidence and book in today.

Chair Yoga

When: Tuesday August 18, 10am - 11.30am

Where: Beerwah Library

25 Peachester Rd, Beerwah Info: Learn simple chairbased movements and breathing techniques to feel more relaxed and at ease. Discover how to improve posture, release tension and move more comfortably with gentle exercises led by Carina Caldarone from Yoga Standby. Understand how to build confidence with easy movements that support strength, balance and wellbeing. Explore guided relaxation and practical tools you can use at home or during your day to reduce the effects of sitting.

Beerwah Heart Cinema presents Enola Holmes When: Friday August 21, 6pm - 8.45pm

Where: Beerwah Library

25 Peachester Rd, Beerwah Info: Free movie screenings at Beerwah Community Hall. Bring your favourite comfy camp chair, bean bag or blanket or just come as

you are – we’re got plenty of chairs available to use! ENOLA HOLMES - When her mother mysteriously disappears on her 16th birthday, Enola Holmes seeks help from her older brothers, Mycroft and the famous super-sleuth Sherlock Holmes. But soon realising they’re less interested in solving the case than in packing her off to boarding school, Enola does the only thing a smart, resourceful, and fearless young 1880s woman can do…she runs away to London. There, she begins her own remarkable crimesolving career, always keeping one step ahead of Sherlock. Rated M

Witta Recreation Club

Centenary Celebration

When: Saturday September 12

Where: Witta Recreation Club, Witta Info: Celebrate 100 years of the Witta Recreation Club, a cornerstone of the local community since 1926. The centenary event will honour a century of sport, friendship, celebrations and community spirit. Enjoy a full day of family-friendly activities, entertainment, food and drinks, followed by an evening of live music, dancing and festivities. Explore the club’s rich history, celebrate the present, and look ahead to its future. Everyone is welcome to join this special milestone and help create new memories while celebrating 100 years of local history. Be part of this once-in-a-century community event.

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Church & Community

There is hope for anyone

IT doesn’t take long to look around and wonder whether there’s any real hope left

Every day in this world, we are confronted with so much suffering and violence, and a steady decline in the moral fabric of society. We often hear things like, “If God is real, why does He allow these things to happen? Does He care about this broken world?”

For me, the answer is not found in theory or religion. It’s found in my own life. As a child, I grew up in an environment of constant abuse. Physical violence and verbal attacks were part of everyday life. Those wounds followed me into adulthood, and I eventually turned to drugs to escape the pain.

What began as an escape became an addiction, and that addiction led me into drug trafficking and, ultimately, a six-and-a-halfyear prison sentence.

It was there, at the lowest point of my life, that everything changed.

In prison, I met Jesus Christ, not simply a religion or a set of beliefs, but the living Saviour who transformed my life from the inside out.

He began healing the deep emotional scars left by years of abuse and addiction. The anger, selfhatred, and hopelessness that had defined my life slowly gave way to peace, purpose, and forgiveness. He took someone who couldn’t bear to look in the mirror and turned him into someone who could finally see hope staring back.

That transformation wasn’t achieved through positive thinking or selfhelp. It was the work of the grace of God.

So, when people ask me whether God still cares about our world, I don’t have to look very far for the answer. I only have to look at the life He rescued.

God is still changing the world, but often He does it one life at a time. Every transformed person becomes living proof that hope is real.

Local Rotary supports shelter bags initiative

ROTARY Club of Glasshouse Country has launched a life-changing shelter bag initiative to support people experiencing homelessness, delivering its first bags to Morris House and planning further distribution through the Maroochy Neighbourhood Centre. The waterproof, all-weather

bags cost $100 each and are designed with extra space so users can add a small mattress for comfort.

Club president Jack Julius says Rotary is committed to backing practical community projects that improve the welfare of local residents while connecting volunteers

Every restored marriage, every life freed from addiction, and every heart healed from bitterness is evidence that God has not abandoned humanity.

The invitation that changed my life is still available today.

No matter what you’ve done or where you’ve been, God offers forgiveness, freedom, and a new beginning through Jesus. All it takes is an open and willing heart to simply pray, “Jesus, I need You. Please forgive me, set me free, and make me new.”

If He could take the shattered pieces of my

Group enjoyed a relaxed and memorable day out on July 15, travelling by train to Nambour for a visit to the Nambour Museum.

The outing began with a pleasant train journey before members took an easy stroll from the station to the museum, where they were welcomed with a generous Devonshire morning tea.

and fourth Tuesday at the Beerwah Hotel and is actively seeking new members.

Following morning tea, the group took part in a guided tour of the museum, discovering its fascinating collection of local history

was well worth a visit, with its engaging displays providing an insight into the region’s rich heritage.

The monthly outings are designed to encourage friendship, social connection and the opportunity to explore attractions across the Sunshine Coast and surrounding areas in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

The Glasshouse Country Social Group regularly organises day trips and activities for local residents, offering a chance to meet of interest.

WASTE MATTERS

Plastic Free July, Week 4: Plastic Packaging

Plastic is everywhere, and Australia is one of the biggest consumers of plastic in the world. Each year, around 70 billion pieces of soft ‘scrunchable’ plastics, including food wrappers and other packaging, are used in Australia. Over a million tonnes of that ends up in landfill or as litter, over 130,000 tonnes leaks into the marine environment, and only 13% is recycled. Plastic can stay around for decades or centuries,

Planning is already underway for the group’s next excursion, which will take members to the Abbey Museum at Caboolture, another destination renowned for its historical collections and interactive displays.

New members are always welcome to join the group. Anyone interested in becoming involved or seeking more information about upcoming outings can contact Janet on 0448 845 303.

polluting oceans and harming wildlife. This is a huge problem we’re creating for the future, yet we each have the power to say NO to plastic packaging each time we shop instore or online. What Can We Do?

• Refuse unnecessary packaging - buy loose fruit & veg, larger chip packs instead of individually wrapped ones.

• Bring reusable bags for groceries & produce.

• Choose products in glass, paper or aluminium over plastic.

• Buy concentrated or refillable cleaning & laundry products.

• Buy from local markets, cooperatives, bulk food stores, butchers & use your own containers.

• Buy in bulk.

• Choose businesses that use non-plastic packaging.

• Buy secondhand.

• Bake your own bread, biscuits, etc.

• Buy less.

St Mary’s, Montville, 1 Memorial Cl, 8am

St Luke’s, Kenilworth, 17 Anne St, 9am

St George’s, Maleny, 2 Walkers Dr, 10am

Sport results

Maleny Bowls

Contributed by Brett Gillis

THIS Saturday is the commencement of the 2026 Sunshine Coast District Pennants competition with Maleny playing Palmwoods at home from 1pm.

Other teams in our division include Club Kawana, Yandina, Club Maroochy, Woombye, Club

Glassy Bowls

Contributed by David Hayes

WEDNESDAY 15.07.26

9.30am bowls.

Ladies Club Triples Semi’s.

Carol Lewis, Sally Squires and Monika Duff def Jill Kirchheiner, Marilyn Podmore and Sylvia Chamberlain 22 - 12.

Carolyn Malcomson, Kim Boland and Di Hume def Seija Munster, Margaret Smith and Viv James 28 - 12 Final this Wednesday. Social.

Jo Sparkes and Rob Scullion def Mark Whittam and Shane Kirstenfeldt 25 - 10.

and away fixtures run through until 5 September followed by finals.

After a hiatus of fourteen years Maleny (2009) Maleny re-engaged with Pennant competition and were successful in winning Mens Division 10 (2023), Mens Division 9 (2024) & Mixed Division 9 (2025). This year we are in Mixed Division 7 and looking forward to competing against district bowls clubs.

Our members certainly hold their own and the

TILERS TRADE WAREHOUSE

in some terrific outcomes that we hope to replicate in 2026.

On Tuesday 14th July we hosted a Mixed Pairs competition as part of the Sunshine Coast District Bowls Association Winter Carnival which was a resounding success.

Players from New Zealand and across Australia as well as Maleny competed in four games of fantastic lawn bowls.

Local teams and players performed very well against

Range Croquet Club

Contributed by David Kerr

WITHOUT wanting to battologize or heaven forbid to verge on semantic satiation, this week’s article once again makes mention of the benefits of taking up croquet.

It is a sport that is easy on the body given it involves low impact activity.

Jos Evans, Dennis Hume and John Annakin def Bob Logan, Jonathan Orr and Neil Hamilton (visitor) 26 - 24. Frank Scadding, Troy German and Kerry Munster def Joy Reason, Julian Sewell and Mick Clark 2624.

Winners of the day were Jo Sparkes and John Annakin.

R/Up were Kerry Munster’s team.

Thursday 16.07.26

Monthly Jackpot Triples 8 rinks 12.30pm start. Winners of the day with 2 wins and a margin of 23 were Kim Boland, John Palte and Tony Clarke. R/Up were Lou Fitzgarald, Kiel Jackobs and Peter

Johnson (Caloundra Waves) Lucky draw went to Jill Kirchheiner, Marilyn Podmore and Grant Podmore. Raffle winners were Mick Clark, David Wodson, Tony Clarke, Keith Hopkins and Mark Whittam. The jackpot with a - 25 was won with Allan Pashby, Dick Coppa and David Wodson taking out the $204. Next month’s Jackpot is back to $120.

Also on the same day Mix FM 92.7 visited the club this afternoon to collect our donations made via the ‘Wrong Bias’ box!

A total of $433.25 was donated to the ‘Give me 5’ campaign.

Good effort everyone.

It is generally played in an upright position with some gentle bending at the knees or hips and does not require any significant twisting of the body or spine.

The swinging of the mallet is done with a smooth, gentle motion, mainly at the shoulders.

Those physical

movements, combined with hand and eye coordination and mindful concentration are really all that is required to play the game and experience enjoyment and a sense of achievement.

One form of croquet that we play at Maleny is Golf Croquet. It is an interactive game where each turn is just a single stroke, requiring accuracy and spatial awareness.

Players follow a course contesting each hoop in turn and as soon as one hoop is scored, all players move on to contest the next - a simple idea that surprisingly can lead to rich tactical thinking.

So, while simple in concept, Golf Croquet involves on-court play making including careful positioning where players try to land their balls just

in front of the hoop in an advantageous area, while using aggressive strokes to knock their opponent’s balls far away or into difficult locations. And like football it is a game that even has an Offside Rule, (but no yellow cards)!

Last week on a classic winter day the Maleny Club hosted players from Caloundra in a round of the Golf Pennants competition for 2026.

Played in a fierce, but friendly spirit the majority of the games on this occasion went to the Caloundra team. After play over a cuppa and bubbles scores were tallied and rankings adjusted. If you are interested in trying the game of Golf Croquet (or Association or Ricochet Croquet), then give our club a call on 0417640704.

Beerwah Golf Club

DO YOU WISH THAT THE DRINKING WOULD STOP?

DO YOU WORRY ABOUT HOW MUCH SOMEONE DRINKS?

DID YOU GROW UP IN AN ALCOHOLIC HOME?

DOES SOMEONE YOU LOVE HAVE A DRINKING PROBLEM?

DO YOU COUNT SOMEONE ELSES DRINKS?

If you answered YES to any of these questions, maybe Al-Anon is for you.

Beerwah Al-Anon meets each Sunday, 1.30pm to 3.00pm, and a cuppa afterwards, at the Glasshouse Country Uniting Church, 29 Twin Peaks Dr, Beerwah. Everyone is welcome to attend, just turn up.

If you want to know any more about this Beerwah meeting you can ring 0417 783 150.

COURSES & TUITION

In-Home

Offering

•

if needed Caring and reliable retired nurse with over 50 years experience.

$60/hour, 2 hour minimum Woodford, Beerwah to Maleny areas Call Janet on 0408 726 361.

Divine intervention

Sean had long heard the story of a family tradition. Apparently, his father, grandfather, and greatgrandfather had all been able to walk on water on their 18th birthday.

On that special day, they would walk across the lake to their local pub, Murphy’s Bar, for their first legal drink.

So when Sean’s 18th birthday came around, he and his friend Mick took a boat, rowed out to the middle of the lake, and Sean stepped out confidently.

He immediately sank

like a stone and nearly drowned.

Mick managed to pull him back into the boat just in time.

Confused and furious, Sean went to see his grandmother.

“Gran, ’tis my 18th birthday! Why couldn’t I walk on water like me father, me grandfather, and his father before him?”

Grandma looked at Sean with kind, knowing eyes and said, “Because they were all born in January, when the lake was frozen over… You were born in August, ye eejit!” Calling all joke tellers!

Maleny Ladies Golf celebrates

By Sonia Isaacs

THE Maleny Ladies Golf Club has celebrated a major milestone, hosting its first large-scale event in its newly completed clubhouse as players from across southeast Queensland gathered for the club’s annual Open Day. Around 115 golfers from 21 clubs took part in the event on Thursday, July 16, which was held in conjunction with the district

Coast — a tournament series that has been running for about five years and rotates between host clubs.

Competitors travelled from across the region, including as far north as Murgon, west to Toowoomba and south to Wantima near Albany Creek and Eatons Hill, highlighting the growing reputation of the Maleny course and facilities.

Ladies’ representative and event organiser Narelle Thamm said the day marked

the culmination of more than two decades of effort to develop the course and clubhouse. “This really is the icing on the cake,” Ms Thamm said. “We’ve built the course up step by step, and now to see everyone here in the new clubhouse is just fantastic.”

The new clubhouse, built by Saltair, provided the backdrop for the event, with the company also a major sponsor. Saltair representative Michael presented prizes to the

winners, while Drummond Golf Maroochydore was the other event sponsor.

Ms Thamm said the Open Day was a proud moment for members who had watched the club evolve from humble beginnings into a fully established 18hole course.

The Maleny golf course began as the vision of three local men in 1998, with membership beginning to grow around 2000.

The course started as a nine-hole layout, later

World-class youth rugby tournament

shores uniting elite young talent from across the globe

Sports Precinct in Bokarina,

under-18 rugby sevens competitions to Australian

to attract girls and boys teams from in state, across

Australia and around the world. The event follows on from a successful pilot tournament on the Gold Coast in 2023, and showcases the growing interest in Sevens rugby including its future presence at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

expanded to 12 holes, before reaching its current 18-hole configuration about six years ago. “Today we fielded 115 players from 21 clubs,” Ms Thamm said.’

“It shows what a small community can achieve when people stick with a vision.” The competing clubs included Beerwah, Bribie Island, Caboolture, Caloundra, Cooroy, Gympie, Headland, Kingaroy, Maroochy River, Murgon, Mount Coolum, Nambour, Nanango, Noosa Springs,

While Thursday’s event was not the official opening of the clubhouse, it served as a soft launch and an opportunity for members to showcase the new facilities.

The overall winner of the Open Day was Barbara Birks. Ms Thamm said the club was looking forward to officially celebrating the new clubhouse and continuing to welcome players from

Students shine at Rugby

STUDENTS from Landsborough State School and Glasshouse State School represented their schools with determination and sportsmanship at last week’s Mark West Rugby League competition, nishing with an impressive three wins from four games.

The team displayed courage and teamwork throughout the carnival, earning a place in the nals after a strong performance in the pool

They fought hard to a draw against Elimbah State School but were heartbreakingly eliminated on countback after Elimbah scored the first try of the match.

Although they narrowly missed a place in the fi the students’ commitment and resilience were praised by staff and supporters alike.

Congratulations go to Baringa Primary School, which claimed this year’s

Mark West Rugby League Cup.

The schools also thanked coach Mr Spies for his dedication in preparing the team, as well as the parents and community members who turned out to support the players throughout the competition,

Home & Garden

Backyard Wildlife Backyard

WELL, who knows what the weather will be like when you are reading this, but here in mid of winter there’s a feeling of spring in the air.

Trees and shrubs are covered in new growth, grass is starting to green up and birds are starting to collect nest material.

The native forests of the Hinterland are in someways a library that can tell us about the variability of our climate - if only we can read

them.

It’s not just soil type that influences plant growth, climate is a major factor. For example, prolonged dry periods can lead to a drop in soil moisture and the water table.

We have rainforest communities on the range, such as Kondalilla Falls National Park, Triunia National Park and the High Tor Conservation Park that are full of rare and unusual dry rainforest

plants that have the ability to survive during dry periods.

Decade after decade of wet weather could see these forests change to a forest type more reminiscent of Mary Cairncross; however, these parks contain species that can tolerate dry spells that might only occur a decade or even century apart.

Variation in climate has a direct effect on the dominance of certain

individual plants and plant communities.

During the last ice age 10,000 years ago, the local climate was much drier and cooler.

Research suggests that there was less rainforest on the range than there is now and that the area was dominated by windswept grassland and open eucalypt forest. It was only in the moister south facing gullies and slopes that the rainforests held on.

What does all of this have to with me, I hear you ask? Well not much really ... other than to suggest you give some thought, to what you are planting in your garden. The forests of the Hinterland are not a homogenous entity with the same old trees and shrubs. We should give thought to what we are planting and where, plan for diversity in form and species so that our gardens can also survive the variability of our climate.

Forest Heart ecoNursery

Housing 30 per cent behind target

AUSTRALIA remains well behind its national housing target, with new figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) showing fewer than 200,000 homes commenced construction in the past year, more than 40,000 short of the annual pace needed to deliver the Federal Government’s 1.2 million homes goal.

Housing Industry Association (HIA) Senior Economist, Tom Devitt, said Australia needed to deliver an annual rate of 240,000 new homes to reach the 1.2 million new homes target, but in the 12 months to March, just 197,340 new homes commenced construction.

The claims come as the ABS released its Building Activity data for the March quarter 2026, which provides estimates of the value of building work and number of dwellings commenced, completed and under construction across Australia and its states and territories.

“Despite still falling short of target, housing commencements were 12.0 per cent greater than the 176,230 recorded a year earlier,” Mr Devitt added.

“There were 48,010 new dwellings that commenced construction in the first three months of 2026, down by

11.2 per cent on the previous quarter.

“The decline in the commencement of new home starts in the March quarter of 2026 preceded the impact of rate increases, global uncertainty or the Federal Budget and likely reflects quarterly volatility.”

Mr Devitt added that jurisdictions like Queensland have been leading the national improvement in home building volumes and have a significant pipeline of new sales ready to commence, which “will help smooth out on-the-ground activity through this year’s volatility”.

“Australia needs to meet housing demand not only from population growth but also shrinking household sizes, increasing knockdownrebuild activity, ageing population and increasing dependence on overseas migrants who tend to live in smaller households,” he said.

“HIA estimates 250,000 home builds each year are required on a sustained basis to meet these demands and start addressing the preexisting shortage of housing across the country.

“Achieving this depends on governments reducing the cost of delivering new homes to market.”

Finding home in the country once again

WHEN Debra Rogers began planning for retirement, she knew one thing for certain – she wanted to return to country living.

After more than a year searching for the right place, she found it at GemLife Kilcoy Greens over-50s lifestyle resort, where she’ll soon begin an exciting new chapter surrounded by the peaceful landscapes she’d always hoped to call home.

“I always knew the type of place I wanted to be,” Debra said. “I just needed to find where that place was. The moment I saw GemLife Kilcoy Greens, I thought, ‘this could be the answer’.”

design home has already inspired plans for a dedicated sewing room, where she’ll continue a passion that has shaped much of her life.

said. “Having something to wear at the end is really just a bonus.”

Her wardrobe is now almost entirely handmade.

Growing up on rural

meeting new people and enjoying everything the GemLife lifestyle has to offer.

“I’ve spent most of my life looking after other people,” she said. “Now it’s time to enjoy new experiences and start the next chapter.”

The Morayfield resident was immediately attracted to the community’s relaxed Somerset setting and the opportunity to enjoy country living while remaining within easy reach of family and everyday conveniences.

Debra’s new Bellthorpe-

developing the skills that would eventually lead to a Certificate IV in Applied Fashion Design and Technology.

Today, Debra specialises in upcycling vintage fabrics, transforming old tablecloths, tea towels and quilts into beautifully crafted garments.

“I love the process of creating something,” she

and close-knit communities, making the Somerset region feel like a natural fit.

Having overcome significant challenges throughout her life, including the loss of her husband and a battle with cancer, Debra is now looking forward to spending more time pursuing her passions,

She hopes one of those experiences might involve teaching or starting a sewing group within the community. For Debra, it’s the beginning of a lifestyle she’s been searching lled with creativity, connection and the simple pleasures of country living.

Located in the beautiful Somerset region, GemLife Kilcoy Greens ers over-50s contemporary homes, resort-style facilities and a welcoming community, all just a short drive from the Glass House Mountains and Sunshine Coast hinterland.

To find out more, visit www.gemlife.com.au/gkg or call 1800 941 564.