Connecting Communities
La Grange Supply & Design
Antique Finders Fair
Kenilworth Homestead
19th April 8am-2pm
MONTHLY DANCES IN KANDANGA
DANCING IS GOOD FOR YOUR BODY AND SOUL!
KANDANGA OLD TIME COUNTRY HALL DANCE DATES FOR 2026
March 7th
March 21st
April 18th
May 16th
June 20th
July 18th
August 15th
September 19th
October 17th
November 21st
December 19th
NYE Thursday 31st December
We want to let locals and visitors know that we have a great night of social dancing at least once per month and it is FUN. The attendees are happy, friendly people who will get you up and get your toes a tapping if you come along and haven't experienced our Country Hall Style of dance before.
A quick cuppa and light supper is made half way through the 4 hour dance programme when the raffles are drawn, and lucky door prize is also drawn. Lucky spots during the night just gives that extra bit of fun as who knows who will win.
Country hospitality greets you at the door and extends throughout the night by our Cooloola Coast Dances Group of retirees who will share their enthusiasm with you. Come along, laugh, enjoy the live music and have a cuppa too. Not bad for $15 entry!
ANTIQUE FAIR AT KENILWORTH HOMESTEAD
LA GRANGE SUPPLY & DESIGN ANTIQUE FINDERS FAIR AT KENILWORTH HOMESTEAD.
On Sunday the 19th of April, Kenilworth Homestead will again host the La Grange Antique Finders Fair from 8am – 2pm.
This event is held in the beautiful heritage-listed barn and surrounds. Browse a curated selection of antique and vintage vendors selling everything from antique furniture, french antiques, gardenware, ceramics and unique collectible treasures.
Enjoy fresh coffee and flowers, as you wander through the stalls.
Renowned photographer & stylist Hannah Puechmarin will be onsite to showcase her first book, The Garden Room. Visit and pick up a signed copy at the Fair.
We have plenty of onsite parking and invite you to come and stay for the day, pack a picnic or purchase lunch onsite. Enjoy our beautiful property and river at your leisure.
For more information you can find the event on Instagram @lagrangesupplyanddesign
EXCITING NEWS FROM GHEERULLA TENNIS CLUB
A successful Gambling Community Benefit Fund grant application for $21,692.00 has enabled the club to upgrade wiring and install new LED lighting to both its tennis courts. In January this year, a ”Click to Court” system was installed, allowing court bookings and payments to be made online. Simply search play.tennis.com. au/gheerullatennisclub, select booking, register or sign in (if previously registered) then choose date, time and duration of court hire – it’s so easy!
Social Tennis continues to be played each Tuesday evening from 6.30 pm. Why not come along and join us for a game of fun, noncompetitive tennis. Players of all skill levels will be made to feel very welcome, and racquets are available to use if you are new to tennis.
Court Hire:
Day: Members: $8.00 per hour/per court
Non-members: $10.00 per hour/per court
Night: Members: $13.00 per hour/per court
Non-members: $15.00 per hour/per court
Club Membership:
Club membership provides players with a reduction on court hire costs. Membership fees also assist with court and grounds maintenance, and the purchase of new equipment.
Social Membership: $20.00 per year
Family Membership: $40.00 per year (2 adults + up to 4 children)
The Gheerulla tennis courts are an important asset to our local community, and we welcome locals and visitors alike to enjoy the club’s facilities. We hope to see you on the court soon.
Gheerulla Tennis Club Tennis: If you would like to join us on Tuesday evenings, please contact Robyn Pfeiffer on 0403 516 699, who will add you to the text message list. Play is dependent on player numbers and weather conditions.
~ Gheerulla Tennis Club
HISTORICAL: BOWLS THROUGH THE YEARS
WHEN THE KENILWORTH BOWLS CLUB OPENED
The first bowls game enjoyed on Kenilworth Bowling green was on Sunday April 1, 1962 (Nambour Chronicle, 6.4.1962, page 1).
The report continued members who have put many hours of voluntary work into the laying of the green must have experienced much satisfaction at having their first game.
At the official opening of the green and the clubhouse on November 10, 1961 president Pat Grehan gave a brief history of the complex with thanks to so many who contributed. Roy Murtagh who surveyed the ground; Vern Hordern and Leon Adams who provided their heavy machinery to level the site: Sims Bros and Dieg Cadell and company who built the green as well as Eric Fuchs of the Royal Queensland Bowls Association greens committee who showed how to build the green.
The clubhouse building was commenced June 1, 1962 with appreciation expressed for the support of the local committee and Mr and Mrs W.G. Doyle and Mr. S.T. Adams for their assistance in so many ways during construction and Mr. Len Hutton of Imbil
who gave his support in helping with the glasswork and fittings; Ron McTaggart with the painting; Brian Mallett for his inestimable help with the drainage; Ken Pascoe and Harry Timms donated their labour in the electrical and refrigeration fittings; Maroochydore Bowling Club lent a big mower and Kandanga Club a heavy roller while Maleny Club had been a tower of strength on many occasions.
Numerous speakers praised the efforts of the Kenilworth community on its achievements with the new complex. President Lex Smith of Nambour Club contributed his congratulations, adding This effort was typical of the Kenilworth people, who for years, had always been ready to help themselves in many ways. Now Kenilworth was a small township with many amenities. Including a water supply, sewerage construction nearing completion and now a lovely bowling green and clubhouse.
All speakers paid tribute to Ralph Oldfield, green and games director who kept everything running smoothly on the day. Gympie-Widgee Bowling Association president Bob Carter delivered the first bowl of the day on the new green, closely watched by Kenilworth President Pat Grehan and country vice president R.Q.B.A. Tom Porter.
Kenilworth Museum will be opened every Sunday as from March 1 – yes there were some volunteers who put up their hands…more would be welcome.
~ Lenore Meldrum, President, Kenilworth and District Historical Assn Inc.
p Photo top: Bowls Group Opening
p Photo Above: First bowl male
COMMUNITY NEWS & STORIES
CHEERIO FROM THE CHURCHES
The season of Lent is a quiet time for personal reflection , redirection and renewal. However, it is not a sad or depressing time. Many church folk take this time to meet together to engage in friendly and encouraging Lenten Studies to enlighten and strengthen their faith. Lenten Studies , open to all, are held at St Luke’s Anglican Church on Thursday mornings at 10:30am, following Morning Prayer at 9am and Meditation at 9:30am.
Easter Services at St Luke’s are at 9am on Good Friday , 3 April and an Easter Day Eucharist at 9am on Sunday, 5 April. Everyone is welcome. Join us for morning tea on Easter Day. We can promise you some tasty chocolate Easter Eggs! Further Information :- maleny.anglicanchurchsq.org.au
At our monthly Mass celebration in February, St John Bosco community welcomed Fr Odinaka back after 5 weeks leave with his family in Nigeria. During Lent we are sharing a Lenten Program after the weekly Thursday Meditation at 9:30am. All are welcome as this is, as always, an ecumenical gathering.
Easter Sunday Mass on 5 April at St John Bosco is at 10:30am. Enquiries : Ph 0439 130 158 ~ Cheerio from the Churches
KENILWORTH POOL
The Kenilworth Pool Committee would like to thank Cheryl Boyle and the Markets Association Committee for their generous donation towards our pool . The funding will go towards our Slide which will need repairs over the winter months.
The water slide has been a great source of joy and fun for our many younger and older patrons.
We have welcomed many locals and visitors throughout the 2025 -2026 season. We have also been able to conduct free swimming lessons for toddlers right through to teens. It's been a great Season.
The Swimming Pool will be closed for the season soon after Easter.
Thanks again to all our wonderful volunteers. Because of their generosity we have been able to operate the pool seven days a week.
LOCAL TRADES & BUSINESSES
SUNSHINE COAST PRIORITIES
CITY CENTRE ENTERS EXCITING NEW PHASE
Sunshine Coast Council has moved to bring the operations of SunCentral in-house, streamlining governance arrangements and reducing duplication to deliver better value for ratepayers.
SunCentral has fulfilled its mandate to help establish the early foundations of a vibrant, world-class precinct in Maroochydore, and now, this decade-old organisation is transitioning its functions to Council.
Established in 2015, SunCentral was created to plan and deliver the early stages of the new 53-hectare city centre, including the precinct’s design, attracting investment and delivering essential enabling infrastructure.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said SunCentral had made a significant contribution to one of the region’s most important long-term projects.
“SunCentral played a pivotal role in bringing the Maroochydore City Centre to life, laying down the foundations of a world-class precinct that will continue to benefit our community for generations,” Mayor Natoli said.
“With the early stages now complete, the city centre is entering its next phase, with Walker Corporation continuing to work in partnership with Council to deliver this landmark project. This is a natural progression that reflects how large precincts evolve over time.”
Council will continue to provide strategic leadership and oversight of the project, ensuring its vision, community outcomes and sustainability objectives remain central to future development.
Sunshine Coast Chief Executive Officer John Baker said bringing SunCentral’s functions in-house would strengthen alignment and position Council to work more closely with delivery partners in the next phase.
“This transition reflects the maturity of the Maroochydore City Centre project and allows Council to integrate these functions directly within our organisation,” Mr Baker said.
“It strengthens our ability to work in close partnership with Walker Corporation and other stakeholders to deliver the next stages of the city centre, while ensuring the community’s long-term vision remains at the forefront.
“Importantly, this change streamlines governance, reduces duplication and ensures we are well-placed to support continued investment, job creation and delivery of critical infrastructure in the heart of our region. Council sincerely thanks the SunCentral Board, including its Chair, Ken Kanofski, Board Director Paul McLean, and its dedicated staff for their professionalism and persistence over the past decade. Their work has been instrumental in turning a bold idea into a tangible, investable city centre and in establishing the foundations that support this next phase. Their leadership and commitment have created a legacy that will continue to shape the Maroochydore City Centre for generations to come.”
Mayor Natoli said the transition should give residents and
businesses confidence that the project remained on track.
“The Maroochydore City Centre is moving forward with purpose,” Mayor Natoli said.
“With Council providing strong leadership and working alongside our delivery partners, the region will continue to see new jobs, investment and community facilities delivered in line with the approved masterplan.”
As the sole shareholder, Council is now taking formal steps to transition
SunCentral’s functions into Council. SunCentral will cease trading operations as part of this change. Major upcoming milestones across the precinct include the Maroochy Private Hospital, the 50 First Avenue development, the Residential Activation Fund project, SOL by Walker and the NextDC SC2 data centre.
This transition reduces duplicated functions and supports Council’s broader efficiency objectives by consolidating responsibilities within a single team. Council will update its website and provide information to businesses and stakeholders to ensure clarity around the transition.
For more information about the Maroochydore City Centre, visit maroochydorecitycentre.com.au.
NATURE & ECOSYSTEMS
HONEY LOCUST
Keep your eyes peeled this autumn as the deciduous trees around you start to lose their leaves. There could be a nasty one hiding amongst them.
Sunshine Coast Regional Council recently found several of the tree weed Honey Locust (Gleditsia triacanthos) near The Bluff, just north of Kenilworth, and as the images show, this is not a tree to mess with. They were introduced to provide cattle fodder, as a garden ornamental, and for nitrogen fixing in the soil. They are fast growing and can grow to 20 meters tall. Honey Locust are armed with strongly anchored thorns growing out of the branches and trunk, with one thorn reaching lengths of 20cm or more! The thorns may be single, or branched into several points, and thorns commonly form dense clusters.
Thornless varieties were once available for garden and cropping use, but some varieties would start to produced thorns as they aged, while many of the seedling offspring they produced were not thornless. These thorny offspring quickly find a suitable home in the bush. If you think you have seen one, or know where one is growing, contact Biosecurity Queensland or the Sunshine Coast Regional Council’s, Vector and Pest Plant Education and Control
team for control options.
Honey locust (Gleditsia spp. including cultivars and varieties) are a category 3 restricted invasive plant under the Biosecurity Act 2014. It must not be given away, sold, or released into the environment. Gleditsia species other than Gleditsia triacanthos are a prohibited invasive plant under the Biosecurity Act 2014. The Act requires that all sightings of honey locust other than Gleditsia triacanthos be reported to Biosecurity Queensland within 24 hours.
~ The Weed Whisperer Images from Biosecurity Queensland
Look at those thorns! Dont let honey locust get out of control!
Scan the QR code for more information.
MARY VALLEY RATTLER: $200,000 GRANT
EXCITING NEW DEVELOPMENT
Mary Valley Rattler wins Queensland Government grant to establish boutique RV/caravan park in the heart of historic Gympie
25 February 2026: Gympie’s award-winning heritage railway, the Mary Valley Rattler, has been awarded a grant of $200,000 from the Queensland Government’s Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund (RTIF) to establish facilities for RVs (recreational vehicles) on land adjacent to Historic Gympie Station in Tozer Street.
The project will deliver eight powered, self-contained RV and caravan bays with water, lighting, and security infrastructure — enabling visitors to stay onsite, explore Gympie’s historic station and city centre, and participate in extended tourism experiences.
The activation will transform an underutilised area into a vibrant, multi-use tourism asset that strengthens Gympie’s position within the Sunshine Coast Hinterland drive network.
Construction of the RV and caravan facilities is scheduled to begin in mid-2026, with a proposed completion date in early 2027. The construction will generate six full-time positions, and once operational, it is estimated that the RV Park will produce some $200,000 annually in expenditure for the Gympie region.
The Mary Valley Rattler, operated by Rattler Railway Company Ltd, is a notfor-profit, community-based heritage rail operator located in Gympie, Queensland.
Established to preserve and operate the historic Gympie to Amamoor railway line, the Rattler provides one of Queensland’s most authentic and immersive tourism experiences — celebrating the state’s rail heritage and delivering economic, social and educational benefits for the region.
Driving Demand and Tourism Growth
The aim of the Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund is to promote sustainable tourism growth and regional economic development.
The Gympie RV Park project is strategically aligned with Queensland Government priorities for sustainable tourism growth and regional economic development. It directly supports the objectives of Destination 2045: Delivering Queensland’s Tourism Future, the Queensland Drive Tourism Strategy, and local government planning frameworks that prioritise tourism infrastructure, accessibility, and community benefit.
It also responds directly to demand identified in the Gympie RV Strategy (2022) and Gympie Regional Council Tourism Strategy (2019–2024), both of which highlight the need for improved, compliant RV infrastructure linked to key attractions such as the Mary Valley Rattler.
The establishment of the RV Park aims to: Convert day visitors into overnight guests, capturing a greater share of the $7 billion Australian caravanning and camping economy.
Position Gympie as a key stopover within Queensland’s drive network, connecting
the Sunshine Coast Hinterland with the Fraser Coast and Wide Bay–Burnett.
Strengthen the Mary Valley Rattler’s role as a flagship regional attraction, increasing the length of stay in Gympie, and boosting spending on local hospitality, retail, and events.
Welcoming the Government grant, Mary Valley Rattler General Manager, Sherry Lowe, said that the Gympie RV Park would be critical for regenerating the Gympie city centre, especially following the opening of the highway bypass in 2024.
“We need to provide every incentive possible to attract visitors off the highway and into Gympie, and the establishment of a quality RV Park in the middle of Gympie’s heritage area will be an enormous boost to the local tourism economy,” said Ms Lowe.
“The goal of the Queensland Government’s Destination 2045 strategy is to enhance tourism infrastructure that drives regional dispersal, accessibility and legacy outcomes and that’s precisely what the Gympie RV Park will achieve.
“Quality RV facilities have been identified as essential for growing the drive market, which fuels regional tourism. We want people not just to visit Gympie but to stay and deliver sustained flow-on benefits to local businesses and residents.
“We particularly want to thank Tourism Minister Andrew Powell for the support of the region and tourism operations such as Mary Valley Rattler.”
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS AND OPINIONS...
MUSINGS ON SPIRITUALITY
"Religion has actually convinced people... That there's an invisible man. Living in the sky. Watching everything you do, every minute of every day. The invisible man has a book of ten things he does not want you to do. If you do any of these ten things, he has a place full of fire, and smoke, and burning, where he will send you to be tormented to choke and scream and suffer and cry - for ever and ever, until the end of time... But he loves you. He loves you, and he needs money."
p (George Carlin) Quoted in "Falling for Truth" by Howdie Mickoski p. 171
t This quote is like domestic violence abusers, who say, "Look what you made me do", "I love you", even "I'm sorry." NOT. This man upstairs, must also really love us humans to place us in such a location! Yeah! You and I would put our partner, children, siblings, etc in the same place because we love them? NO in letters a 1000 feet high (as in 'To Sir, With Love). Why cant more people see the situation?? ~ Anonymous
Reader Questions: What is your opinion/truth on UFOs/aliens/ visitor phenomenon?; death?; purpose of our lives?
MARCH PLANTING REMINDERS FROM GARDENATE
Everyone loves a thriving garden! What do you plant in yours? Check out these planting reminders for March and come along to the Gheerulla Garden Club!
* Amaranth
* Beans (climbing, Dwarf, Broad)
* Beetroot
* Brocolli
* Burdock
* Cabbage
* Carrot
* Cauliflower
* Celery
* Coriander
* Cucumber
* Garlic
* Ginger
* Kale
* Lettuce
* Pak Choy
* Rocket
* Rosella
* Snow Peas
* Spring Onions
* Sunflower
* Sweet Cord
* Zucchini
REGIONAL NEWS & POLITICS
Community News
Set up healthy habits with active travel
Ride2School Day – Friday 20 March – is an opportunity for families to leave their car at home and enjoy an active start with their child, setting up lifelong healthy travel habits. Riding, walking, or scooting helps kids stay healthy, boosts confidence and eases congestion around schools. Visit Council’s website for details.
Two very different but equally exciting awards are now open
The Sunshine Coast Biosphere Awards 2026 celebrate the people, groups and businesses creating a more sustainable future in our Biosphere. Also open nationwide is the prestigious Sunshine Coast National Art Prize 2026, with a major $25,000 prize up for grabs. Artists working in various 2D mediums, as well as digital compositions and other new media, are encouraged to apply. Head to Council’s website for details on both awards. So much more than books!
Enjoy eight libraries and a mobile library, plus DVDs, games, free WiFi, magazines, ebooks and more. Sunshine Coast Libraries offer free membership for residents. You can even borrow up to 50 items at once! Visit your local library to join for free today. And if you’d like to get more involved, Sunshine Coast Libraries are calling for new volunteers! Visit Sunshine Coast Libraries' website to register your interest.
Council’s next Ordinary Meeting View
City Hall Chambers on 26 March at 9am.
Are you a local artist seeking funding to grow your skills or practice?
Or do you have a bold, original idea for a high-quality arts project? Perfect – you've come to the right place! You can apply for a RADF Grant. Up to $15,000 in funding is available to support creative projects and professional development across the Sunshine Coast. Applications close 30 March. See Council's website for details.
CR DAVID LAW DIVISION 10 – SUNSHINE COAST COUNCIL
A new amenity at Kirbys Road Environment Reserve: I’m pleased to share we're delivering a small but important upgrade at the Kirbys Road Environment Reserve in Obi Obi. Last week Council began installing a single-cubicle toilet facility inside the reserve, well within the reserve beyond the locked gate. This project is expected to take around three weeks, weather permitting. While it might seem like a simple addition, this new amenity will make a real difference for the many passionate bush-care volunteers and the bushwalking club who have helped care for the bush and construct trails, bush regeneration contractors, Jinibara caring for country TAFE students who use the site for their field training activities and any local bushwalkers who are exploring the reserve. Over the long term, this investment will also benefit permitted campers, bushwalking groups and future visitors deeper inside the reserve. Importantly, this toilet won’t be for general day-use at the entrance car park. It’s designed specifically to support those working and recreating further inside the reserve. Thank you in advance for your patience while we deliver this practical improvement for our local environment and the people who care for it. You can join our 1,500+ BushCare volunteers to help conserve our local bushland with community planting events and regular working bees. Search for BushCare on Council's website to register as a volunteer.
Multicultural Mentees wanted: Council is seeking two new Multicultural Advisory Group (MAG) Mentees – a great opportunity for newcomers from culturally diverse backgrounds to share their experiences and help strengthen community connections. Mentees will join bi-monthly meetings, receive support from MAG members, and can help plan the 2026 Welcoming Week Picnic. No prior advisory experience needed. I encourage you to apply if you've lived on the Coast less than a year, identify as part of a multicultural community and you're interested in leadership and inclusion. Applications close 23 March 2026. Expression of Interest form available on Council's website.
Please contact me with any questions or comments at email: david.law@sunshinecoast. qld.gov.au and follow my Facebook page for regular updates: @DavidLawDivision10.
CR WINSTON JOHNSTON DIVISION 5 - SC COUNCIL
Get your skates on! The upgraded Maleny Skate Park is now ready for action! We’ve delivered a fresh new space at the Maleny Showgrounds, complete with flat banks, ledges, rails and the much-loved half-pipe, fully integrated into the design.
Shaped with strong input from local riders and the wider community, the park offers something for all skill levels and includes seating and landscaping that makes it a safe, fun and inclusive place for young people and families to get active and connect.
Dog park underway: I’m excited to report that construction on Maleny’s new dog offleash park at Porters Lane in North Maleny, has begun. Council and I worked closely with the community to find the best location and concept design, as part of the broader Maleny District Park community consultation. The team will be accessing the site via Pepper Berry Drive during business hours, which may cause minor delays. The new enclosure will include removal of weed species and landscaping, plus new footpaths, fencing, seating, signage and gate installation. Personally, my fur babies and me are looking forward to putting this much needed, new dog park to good use by early April.
Honoured: At Council’s January Ordinary Meeting I was presented with The LGAQ Certificate of Service for my 14 years in local government by Mayor Natoli. My first council role was representing the former Landsborough Shire Council in 1982. Throughout my time in local government, it has been a great honour to represent this hinterland that I love so dearly. I will always aim to be a strong advocate for the important issues of my Division 5 constituents and people right across the Sunshine Coast.
Watch
online on Council's website or at Sunshine Coast
CONSCIOUS & CREATIVE CORNER
INTERNATIONAL PIANO DAY: BRILLIANT PIANIST TO PERFORM ON 88 KEYS ON THE 88TH DAY OF 2026
On Sunday March 29, Lucas Parklands will celebrate International Piano Day by presenting a recital by Queensland’s brilliant young pianist Rueben Tsang.
Rumours have long circulated about an outstanding pianist born in Cairns and referred to as ‘a wonder child’ - Reuben will make his Sunshine Coast concert debut at Montville’s Lucas Parklands.
March 29 is International Piano Day – it’s the 88th day of the year and pianos have 88 keys.
Reuben has been turning musical heads since his very early years in Queensland’s far north and now while studying in Brisbane; learning the piano from age 5, attracting rave reviews as a teen and notably performing for the then Prince Charles during a royal visit.
“Reuben is a wonderful young man, down to earth, very committed to pianistic artistry, and is already showcasing his brilliant talent on stages around Australia and internationally. It’s a great privilege to bring him to Lucas Parklands to local audiences,” Ian Lucas, of Lucas Parklands, said.
“Lucas Parklands has long recognised the sacrifices made by young musicians in their endeavor to excel and forge a career – it takes many long hours, lonely hours, to develop world class skills like this – and we want to make sure they get opportunities to perform and develop.”
Reuben, who has been praised widely for his ‘technical wizardry and versatility’, will perform at Lucas Parklands at Montville on Sunday March 29 at 3pm. His repertoire will include pieces from Mozart, Chopin and Liszt.
The performance follows years of events that bring the world’s leading classical musicians to perform in the hinterland, also providing an opportunity for young musicians to perform professionally in encouraging surroundings for appreciative local audiences.
“Once again we are excited to have Reuben come to Lucas Parklands, he’ll be warmly welcomed, and we encourage anyone who wants to see and hear a world class performer, albeit a young performer, to secure their seats,” Mr Lucas said.
The concerts continue this season with Italian pianist Ida Pelliccioli performing her recital ‘Introspections' on Sunday April 19, 2pm; and Konstantin Shamray and Daniel Le performing Racmaninov piano concertos 1 and 2 on Sunday May 24, 2pm.
For enquiries, phone 0409623228. For more information visit: https://lucasparklands.com.au/
Do you like our new SUDOKU puzzle?
We will continue these for a few months before going back to crosswords, or maybe something else. Let us know what you think!
Brilliant Pianist Rueben Tsang
Italian Pianist
Ida Pelliccioli
OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUTH OF THE REGION
MASTERCLASS SERIES READY TO INSPIRE FUTURE LEADERS
The 2026 Mayor’s Telstra Innovation Masterclass Series is now open, and Sunshine Coast schools are invited to submit expressions of interest for students in Years 8 to 10.
The Masterclass delivered measurable outcomes for Sunshine Coast youth last year (2025), with students reporting a 31 per cent increase in leadership confidence following the one-day program.
Building on the success of last year’s inaugural program, the 2026 Series invites young people to participate in the “Future Entrepreneurial Leaders” Masterclass.
This is a tailored leadership experience designed to help students discover their own leadership style, strengthen their confidence and expand their understanding of future industries.
The second workshop, Future Leaders: IMPACT will build on the foundations of entrepreneurial leadership and turns the focus toward practical influence.
This session is designed to help students understand how their decisions, behaviours and ideas create momentum in teams, communities and emerging ventures.
Facilitated through Study Sunshine Coast, the delivery of the Mayor’s Telstra Innovation Masterclass series is a key action of the Sunshine Coast Regional Economic Development Strategy, which aims to support youth development and innovation initiatives that foster talent and skills for the future.
Rising to the challenge
Sunshine Coast Mayor Natoli said she was proud to support the program as it reflected Council’s commitment to nurturing local talent and empowering the next generation of leaders.
“Last year’s results showed clearly that when we invest in our young people, they rise to the challenge. This Masterclass Series gives students the chance to hear from industry experts, build confidence, and learn how to transform ideas into action.” Mayor Natoli said.
Delivered as a partnership between Council, Telstra and Study Sunshine Coast, the Masterclass Series will connect students with leaders from innovative and emerging sectors through targeted sessions covering:
Leadership development
Critical and creative thinking
Industry insights and real-world problem solving
Students will have the opportunity to explore big ideas, collaborate with peers from across the region and gain valuable skills that support their future pathways. They even get an opportunity to meet the Mayor!
Telstra Regional Engagement Manager Matthew Thornton said this was a unique opportunity for students to think boldly about who they want to become.
“We know the Sunshine Coast is home to extraordinary young talent — and this program helps unlock it,” Mr Thornton said.
Speaking from experience
This year’s Masterclass will once again be led by Lachie Smart — world record setting pilot, acclaimed youth leadership speaker and Chief Operating Officer of The End Game.
At just 18, Lachie became the youngest person ever to fly solo around the world in a single engine aircraft, an achievement that continues to inspire young people globally. Today, he is recognised as one of Australia’s most dynamic emerging leadership educators, working with schools, businesses and organisations to help people unlock their potential.
Lachie has designed the Future Entrepreneurial Leaders Masterclass specifically for Sunshine Coast students, and will guide them in identifying their strengths, building confidence and creating a vision for their future.
“I’m thrilled to be delivering this year’s program,” Mr Smart said. “The Sunshine Coast is full of young people with all kinds of ideas, and this Masterclass gives them the tools to turn those ideas into action.”
How to get involved
The Masterclass Series is open to Sunshine Coast students in Years 8 to 10.
EOI opens: Wednesday 25 February 2026
EOI closes: 16 March 2026
Masterclass events: Altitude Nine, Sunshine Coast Council City Hall, Maroochydore
29 April, 8.30am-3.30pm - Future Entrepreneurial Leaders Masterclass
22 July, 8.30am-3.30pm - Future Leaders: IMPACT
Places are limited and participation is by Expression of Interest (EOI). Educators, students, parents and carers can register interest online:https://www.studysunshinecoast.com.au/program/ mayorsmasterclass/
THE PERFECT POSITION IN BEAUTIFUL KENILWORTH
With a spacious open plan design and craftsman laid timber flooring, 30 Philip Street does deliver both opportunity and quality.
Two large bedrooms both with built in cupboards. Complete with a renovated bathroom and kitchen. The outdoor covered entertainment area offers both privacy and ample space for large family get-togethers.
A three-bay colour bond shed, plus a 6m x 6m skillion which can accommodate a large caravan and 4WD (even a hoist for your canoe). Simplistic access via a concrete driveway leading straight up beside the home.
6.6kw Solar System with 20 Solar Panels.
A PRIVATE COUNTRY HOMESTEAD - 39 ACRES PLUS A LARGE ACREAGE HOLDING OF STATE FORESTRY LEASEHOLD LAND
over $895,000 OFFERS INVITED $1.7 million
A beautiful craftsman built traditional Queenslander home that is approximately 12 years old. In true Garth Chapman style, this home replicates a true country Homestead with wide verandahs accessed from classic timber French doors and open plan living areas.
39.37 acres of usable farmland, a great water supply from a large dam equipped with a pump, fully fenced, rich red volcanic soil and sections that are frost free.
For anyone seeking a lifestyle property with capacity to grow, graze or simply enjoy the private space around you; this one, is more than likely it. A property with a great deal of scope and opportunity for a buyer seeking privacy, views and something of substance to work with.
Create your own legacy with State Forest on the boundary therefore giving you assurance of privacy and in addition this property comes with a State Forest Lease providing you your very own playground to explore and enjoy,
343 Walli Mountain Road, Kenilworth boasts an idyllic private escape from road noise and as the property has zero visibility from the road, your country escape can be a reality.
