Salt Magazine Winter 2026

Average Waterfront $995,000. Average Dry/Park $700,000. Prices are subject to change without notice.

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When the Sunshine Coast isn’t quite living up to its name and the rain sets in, there’s still plenty of beauty to be found in the hinterland. Buderim rainforest is a beautiful place to visit, home to one of the Coast’s most iconic waterfalls.

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© Copyright 2026

WINTER UNFOLDS

There’s something so special about winter on the Sunshine Coast. While much of the country braces for icy mornings and grey skies, we are fortunate to enjoy a season filled with crisp starts, cool evenings and those bright, beautiful days that make you fall in love with this place all over again. It’s the perfect in-between season – cool enough to finally dust off the winter woollies, but still mild enough to enjoy everything our stunning region has to offer.

For me, winter is all about slowing down a little. I love lighting the fire at home, pouring a glass of red and settling in with a good book or movie while the cool evening air rolls in outside. But one of the things I adore most about Sunshine Coast winters is that even in the middle of the season, it’s still glorious enough to head outdoors, whether that’s a bushwalk through the hinterland, a lazy picnic in the sunshine or simply a morning coffee by the water, rugged up in your favourite knit.

This edition of salt is packed with inspiring locals who continue to make our region such a vibrant and creative place to live. We meet talented artists, sculptors, authors and chefs who are each carving out their own unique path and adding colour to our community in wonderful ways. There are beautiful homes to drool over, pages of gorgeous winter fashion and homewares inspiration, plus plenty of health and beauty tips to help you feel your best this season. We’ve also included some delicious recipes to try at home that the whole family will love, perfect for those cosy nights in.

You’ll also find restaurant reviews to tempt your taste buds, travel inspiration for your next getaway and, of course, all the latest nosh news from our resident foodie. We’ve rounded up plenty of what’s on around the Coast this season too, so there’s no excuse not to get out and enjoy everything winter has to offer.

As always, thank you for picking up a copy of salt. Pop the kettle on or uncork that bottle of red and enjoy the read.

FASHION COORDINATOR

DANIELLE BUSSA

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Uncover

TASTES

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A helping paw

IT’S A WEDNESDAY morning and the Year 6 students at Pacific Lutheran College are quietly getting on with their day.

The children are working through lessons as conversations drift around the room. One boy, feeling a little overwhelmed, has dropped his head into his hands. On observing this action, a familiar face settles in beside the boy to help regulate his emotions.

You could be forgiven for assuming the support has come from a counsellor or wellbeing staff member. Instead, stretched out patiently on the classroom floor is Koda – a golden retriever with a wagging tail and an ability to appear exactly where he seems to be needed.

“It’s like he just knows when we are feeling anxious or worried,” says the 12-year-old student.

“He just comes and sits right there and it is the best. He’s just so calming.”

Not surprisingly, Koda is a much-loved member of the college community. Since arriving as Pacific Lutheran College’s wellbeing dog in September 2023, he has become a regular presence across classrooms and learning spaces, offering comfort, connection and support to students, staff and families.

Full disclosure: I’m also a mum to students at the college, which means I’ve seen Koda from two perspectives – as a journalist and as a parent.

I’ve observed firsthand the positive difference that four-year-old Koda makes in the school environment.

In the comfort of the college’s Learning Enrichment Centre, students curl up beside the retriever, waiting for a signal they can pat him – the students are educated about how to approach and interact with Koda respectfully.

Others stop and greet Koda with smiles as he is guided through the grounds.

Sara Taverner, head of the Learning Enrichment Centre, says Koda is much more than just a friendly face. “Whether supporting students through anxious

moments before an exam, helping during stressful periods of the school year or simply offering companionship, Koda helps students feel more regulated, grounded and at ease,” she says.

For Sara and the Pacific Lutheran College community, Koda’s role was never about bringing a novelty to campus. It was about creating another avenue of support for students and staff and recognising the value animals can bring to wellbeing.

“Koda’s calm and affectionate nature helps create opportunities for engagement, particularly for students who may otherwise struggle to communicate or connect with others. Spending time with him provides a gentle and reassuring presence, helping students feel safe, settled and supported. We have observed that when students are upset or overwhelmed, interacting with Koda often helps them regulate their emotions and regain a sense of calm.”

For some students, that support might involve quietly sitting beside Koda before heading into class. For others, it means taking him for a short walk around the grounds or simply spending a few

“wellbeing dogs should never be viewed simply as tools ”

minutes together after a difficult moment.

“His gentle presence helps bridge the gap between students and staff, creating an atmosphere where students feel safe, supported and more comfortable reaching out for help when needed,” Sara tells salt.

“One moment that really stayed with us involved a Year 12 student who was feeling very anxious ahead of sitting a final exam. Sitting quietly with Koda and gently patting him helped the student calm their breathing, reduce their anxiety and feel more settled and ready to walk into the exam.

“Another particularly memorable moment came earlier in the year during Koda’s initial transition into the school community. Koda spent a significant amount of time with a Year 12 student as he settled into college life. Over that period, their bond became so strong that Koda ‘asked’ the student –through his close attachment and instinctive connection with them – to be part of their school formal. It was a very cute and unforgettable moment that beautifully captured the unique relationships Koda forms with students.”

It is this mutual respect that Sunshine Coast dog trainer and behaviourist Jodi Maree-Cronin wants more people to understand.

“One of the biggest misconceptions is seeing dogs simply as tools that exist for people,” she says.

“The relationship should benefit both.”

As more animals begin appearing in schools, hospitals, counselling spaces and healthcare settings, they are increasingly becoming part of conversations around wellbeing. Jodi says, while many people recognise the benefits, the language around these dogs often becomes blurred.

Therapy dog. Assistance dog. Wellbeing dog. Support dog. The terms are often used interchangeably, but Jodi says the differences matter –

not only for people, but for the dogs themselves.

A retired doctor and educator, Jodi’s path into animal-assisted therapy began in a personal way. Following years of working in high-pressure environments as a first responder, she developed PTSD and later began training her own assistance dog, Benni, before launching her training business, Dogz 4 Life.

“Someone said to me at some point, ‘You’re like my therapist. You’re helping me manage my anxiety and stress, as well as train my dog’,” she says. “That really hit me.”

That experience led Jodi to establish P3 Play Paws Psychotherapy, a dog-assisted therapy service, that includes Benni the German short-haired pointer, Bella the moodle and Freya the cavoodle.

Jodi has also developed her own framework, known as Canine Integrative Relational Therapy.

She now works with children, adults and families, alongside therapy and assistance dogs, helping support people navigating trauma, neurodivergence and a range of life challenges.

Importantly, she is quick to point out that not every dog working in these spaces has the same role.

“A therapy dog is trained to provide emotional and practical support in settings such as hospitals and counselling spaces,” she explains.

“An assistance dog is trained to perform specific tasks that help lessen the impact of a person’s disability and increase independence.”

Guide dogs may be the first example that comes to mind, but psychiatric assistance dogs are becoming increasingly common, alongside dogs trained to support people with autism, seizure disorders and physical disabilities.

And wellbeing dogs, like Koda, occupy another category entirely.

“Koda is not a therapy dog; he is a wellbeing dog

whose role is to support connection, comfort and positive wellbeing outcomes within the college community,” Sara explains.

“Introducing a wellbeing dog into a school environment requires extensive preparation, training and ongoing support.

“We have learned that wellbeing dogs should never be viewed simply as tools or resources. Instead, they should be recognised as emotionally responsive individuals with their own personalities, preferences and rights. A key part of the program is ensuring Koda’s wellbeing is prioritised alongside the wellbeing of the students and staff he supports.”

This is the same philosophy woven through every part of Jodi’s work. Her therapy sessions are designed so dogs can choose how they participate. Children are encouraged to ask before approaching. The dogs can take breaks, or remove themselves completely from the room.

Consent, she says, should not stop with people.

“If a child wants a cuddle, we model asking first. The dog should have the opportunity to say yes or no.”

For Jodi, that process is about educating people from a young age. This is the thinking that sits at the centre of her relational model: the dog is not simply present in the room, rather the relationship between animal and human becomes part of what children are learning – messages of trust, boundaries, empathy and emotional safety.

And this circular approach works.

Research has shown positive interactions can reduce blood pressure and stress hormones while increasing oxytocin, often referred to as the “love hormone”, in both humans and dogs.

Jodi says dogs are also remarkably perceptive.

They can pick up changes in body language, routines and emotional states long before many people notice them.

Through her work, she has watched anxious young people return to school. She has witnessed children who struggled to engage suddenly connect through play. “I see a child with significant challenges smile or make eye contact and that’s a win for me,” Jodi says. “The successes are overwhelmingly beautiful.”

Jodi’s own personal story will undoubtedly continue to shape the world of animal-assisted therapy. Her journey through PTSD and subsequent healing, with Benni by her side, has been detailed in her newly released memoir Benni: The Best Medicine Has Paws.

The book tells the story of recovery and resilience, but also of the unique bond that reshaped her understanding of healing.

And this is the message Jodi hopes to impart on the community: although the labels may differ –wellbeing dog, therapy dog, assistance dog – animalassisted healing comes down to one main theme, and that is respect and relationships.

TREASURE

trove of spirit

FROM CALOUNDRA TO NOOSA, the Sunshine Coast’s op shops are no longer just places to simply rummage for a second-hand bargain. Rather, they have become spaces for people to meet, a treasure trove of connection, and most importantly, lifelines that help fund everything from palliative care to cancer support programs throughout the region.

Of course, any op-shopper worth their salt, also knows there is an art to unearthing the perfect op-shop trail – each location has its own unique personality.

In Caloundra, there is a sense of ‘retro-ness’ that draws in the loyal treasure hunters searching for vintage glassware, old-school furniture and quirky homewares, while further north, Aerodrome Road at Maroochydore has almost become its own unofficial op-shop strip, with multiple charity stores within walking distance. Then there is Noosa, where seasoned shoppers whisper about designer finds hidden among the racks (it’s true too, according to those in the know).

For Op Shop Hopper founder Josie Watts, the

thrill lies in more than the bargain itself.

“I’m a mega op shopper,” she laughs.

What started as a personal love of op shopping has evolved into a business with Josie taking groups across the Coast on dedicated op-shop bus tours, stopping at charity stores from Pomona to Caloundra.

“It all started with the bus,” she tells salt. “I saw it on Facebook and said, ‘Oh, that would be a great bus’. I had to have it.

“My partner said, ‘But what are you going to do with that?’, and I said, ‘I’m going to hop from op shop to op shop’.”

Josie launched the business late last year after returning to the Sunshine Coast after almost a decade overseas teaching at international schools in places including Norway, Japan and Moscow.

On their return, Josie and her partner took a sabbatical, which meant living on a budget.

As a result, second-hand shopping quickly became part of their daily life. It was during that time that she learnt all of her op-shopping secrets.

“The Op Shop Hopper was an original idea. I realised there didn’t seem to be anyone who was doing this,” Josie tells salt

“op shops are helping so many members of the community”

“There are so many great charities here on the Sunshine Coast and it’s a great way to shop.

“I get these groups together in the bus. The chatter it creates, the camaraderie of treasure finds. You hear these people laughing, men and women, it is classic.”

Josie believes cost-of-living pressures are driving more people through op-shop doors, but so too is a growing interest in homes and wardrobes filled with “personality”.

“Op shopping has become more of a trend because of the pressure of income at the moment and making ends meet,” she says.

“It is also a funky way to make your home personal with old treasures that you just spot.

“The people working in the op shops do a fantastic job of displaying and creating spaces that you can replicate at home. It’s not just about clothes, it’s about making your home your home.”

Josie says many shoppers do not realise how much their purchases support local people in need. These stores really are a hub of community spirit, she says.

“Some of the smaller op shops are injecting the fundraising right back into that same community that they are based in.

“Waves of Kindness, for example, supports local kids in school and survivors of DV in the community. Making Lives Matter is helping homeless people within that particular area of Noosa and surrounds.

“Charities have pinpointed what they need in their own community and are helping out, as well as helping the average Joe to buy a bargain.

“It’s an important message – op shops really are helping so many members of the community.”

This same community focus can be found among

the shelves and aisles of Currimundi’s Beautiful You Funky Op Shop, where funds raised help support women living with cancer.

Founded in 1999 by Debbie Clayton after losing her mother to breast cancer, the organisation now provides practical and emotional support ranging from wig and prosthetic fittings to house-cleaning assistance for women undergoing treatment.

The charity also hosts ‘Look Beautiful, Feel Beautiful’ mornings, where women can access skincare treatments, massages, makeovers and support.

Unsold store stock is also passed on to other local causes, including toiletries and make-up packages for The Little Pantry at Wurtulla and blankets for Sippy Creek Animal Refuge.

“We do what we can to help everybody,” says team leader Pam Hollis.

She says around 600 to 700 people browse and shop at the Currimundi store each week, all greeted by the volunteers who help keep the charity’s doors open.

“Volunteers are like gold to us,” Pam says.

“We have about 20 volunteers on the books. Everyone except the team leader is a volunteer.

“They do everything from sorting the donations to cleaning the shelves, putting things away. We couldn’t operate without the volunteers.”

In addition to the charitable aspects and friendly service, Pam says the store’s thoughtful layout keeps shoppers returning each and every week.

“We take a lot of pride in the way the shop is set up. We make it easy for people to find exactly what they are after,” she says.

“Everything is priced, sized and colour coordinated.

“We also have the café here as well. The little coffee shop where we sell tea, coffee, biscuits, scones. People come in and have a seat. The hubbies sit and have a coffee and the wives have a shop.”

On the particular morning when I visit the store, the racks are overflowing with well-known brands in all shapes and sizes. I was lucky enough to leave with an on-trend leopard-print tank top and a black Cue dress perfect for the office – as well as a smile, thanks to the friendly faces behind the counter.

Like at most of the op shops across the region, you’ll also find a collection of jewellery, books, homewares and kitchenware.

Pam says the community donations are invaluable. “The majority of the public is fantastic in what they donate to us. We do have some who

use it as a dumping ground. They don’t realise we still have tipping fees. We have to pay to get rid of the stuff they dump. But the majority of people are great and generous.

“One thing that was really nice was that we had a phone call, and a couple had left us items in their will,” she adds.

“They passed away within a couple of weeks of each other and had no family. They left us their wedding rings, many beautiful things.”

Similar charities, such as Bloomhill, Mingary Care, Neighbours Aid and Katie Rose Cottage Hospice, continue using op-shop sales to support locals facing some of life’s toughest moments.

Bloomhill operates nine op shops across the Sunshine Coast, with proceeds helping fund cancer support services through its wellness centre, while Katie Rose Cottage Hospice’s Maroochydore and Cooroy stores continue raising funds for palliative care services, following the closure of its Tewantin outlet earlier this year amid ongoing financial pressures.

Katie Rose’s chair Les Godwin says the need for donations has never been more vital.

Even with hospice services currently paused, the op shops continue to raise funds to help cover ongoing costs, including maintenance and insurance for the Doonan hospice facility. Discussions also continue around potential pathways to reopen services in the future.

“Everything that Katie Rose spends on its facilities and care is all donated, either cash or goods, with a little funding from the state government,” Les says. Income from the op shops and the hours dedicated by a team of volunteers play a huge role, as do the customers.

For shoppers, the joy is two-fold – knowing they are helping a charity but also enjoying the hunt itself.

“Op shops generally are a bed of social integration, people get together and say, ‘let’s go to the op shops’,” Les says. “Generally, it is a real community thing, a social outing, while helping a charity.”

As for useful op-shopping tips, Funky You’s Pam shares one simple rule:

“If you see it, buy it.”

JOSIE’S TOP OP-SHOP TIPS

• Go in with a mission. You might be shopping for an event, a corner of the house or a particular style, but stay open-minded about what you find.

• Think beyond clothing. Some of the Coast’s best finds are vintage furniture pieces, artwork, lamps and quirky homewares.

• Always bring a shopping bag. Chances are, you will leave with more than you planned.

• Walk through the entire store. Many shoppers miss hidden corners filled with books, kids’ sections, furniture and collectibles.

• Remember every purchase supports a charity or community cause.

opshophopper.com.au

DISCOVER

EXPLORE DREAM

CHECK OUT THESE LOCAL EVENTS

QUEENSLAND GARDEN SHOW

SUNSHINE COAST CAREERS EXPO

The 24th annual Sunshine Coast Careers Expo is ideal for anyone interested in education and training or seeking professional career development and employment opportunities. With exhibitors including universities, private education providers, TAFE institutes, graduate employment, Defence Force recruiting, student support services and employers, this expo offers everything related to education and employment under one roof.

when July 21

where Caloundra Indoor Stadium, North Street, Golden Beach visit careersevent.com/event/sunshine-coast-event/

JUL 24-AUG 2

THE CURATED PLATE

JUL 10-12

This event is a gardening enthusiast’s dream come true. The Queensland Garden Show is a celebration of gardening, landscaping and green thumbs. The must-attend event includes plenty of inspiration for the whole family with more than 60 workshops and displays, including cooking demonstrations, nurseries, free plant clinic and free gardening advice.

when July 10 to 12

where Nambour Showgrounds, Coronation Avenue, Nambour visit queenslandgardenshow.com.au

JUL 17-26

NOOSA ALIVE

Mark your diaries for NOOSA alive! 2026 and get set for another fabulous 10 days and nights of rich arts and culture. The festival offers a diverse program of events including music, theatre, ballet, comedy, opera, literature, visual arts, cabaret, circus, burlesque, debate, environment, food and wine and more.

when July 17 to 26

where Noosa, various locations visit noosaalive.com.au

The Curated Plate is a delicious 10-day celebration of the Sunshine Coast’s local produce, producers, chefs and unique natural assets from the sea to the hinterland. Locals and visitors are invited to immerse themselves in the flavours of the region and connect with growers, producers and chefs through memorable experiences. From Caloundra to Coolum and Buderim to Beerwah, The Curated Plate program is jam-packed with events from local producers and suppliers.

when July 24 to August 2 where Various locations visit thecuratedplate.com.au

JUL 11

AUSTRALIAN WEARABLE ART FESTIVAL

A spectacular fusion of sculptural art and fashion. The Australian Wearable Art Festival is a unique event where designers and artists showcase breathtaking wearable art pieces. This is Australia’s preeminent showcase of wearable art, and 2026 marks the event’s sixth year. See an artistic performance like no other, meet the artists and enjoy the hospitality of this unique Sunshine Coast experience.

when July 11

where Novotel Sunshine Coast visit australianwearableart.com.au

SUNSHINE COAST MARATHON

No matter your fitness level, be sure to get your running shoes on for the Sunshine Coast Marathon Festival. As one of the most-loved running festivals in Australia, the event has raised more than $2 million for charity and community groups since it began. Event distances include the marathon, half marathon, 10-kilometre, five-kilometre and the two-kilometre event. when August 2 where Alexandra Headland visit sunshinecoastmarathon. com.au

Our Story

MAMMA MIA!

From the company who brought you Priscilla, Rock of Ages and Chicago, Mad About Theatre is celebrating 10 years of productions, with the biggest party of the decade. Told through the legendary music of ABBA, Mamma Mia! has become a worldwide sensation that has audiences everywhere dancing. Whether you’re a Dancing Queen or looking to say I Do, I Do, I Do, this is the ultimate sun-soaked party you cannot miss. when August 7 to 9

where The Events Centre, 20 Minchinton Street, Caloundra visit theeventscentre.com.au

NOOSA JAZZ FESTIVAL

The Noosa Jazz Festival celebrates all things traditional jazz across 10 days. With performances at theatres, restaurants, cafes, clubs, on river cruises and in outdoor settings, hear some of Australia’s best traditional jazz musicians. The Noosa Jazz Club is organising the festival, with the Noosa Jazz Party at The J Theatre as the centrepiece event. when August 28 to September 6 where Noosa, various locations visit noosajazzclub.com

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Soak. Sip. Stay.

THE SUNSHINE COAST hinterland has a rhythm of its own. Misty mornings, quiet streets, the kind of pace that reminds you to slow down. Eumundi sits at the heart of the hinterland – a small town with a big personality, built on more than a century of art, community and stories worth knowing.

Starting with the markets. Every Wednesday and Saturday, Eumundi’s famous open-air market comes to life with local makers, artists, growers and artisans spilling out across the streets. From there, the galleries, boutiques and cafés of the main street are easy to lose yourself in.

The Imperial Hotel Boutique Accommodation sits right in the middle of it all, straight across from its sister company, The Imperial Hotel Eumundi. Fifteen individually designed rooms, each one a quiet nod to the artists and makers of the Eumundi community. Each element considered, from the natural linen, handcrafted ceramics, artisan tiles and locally crafted pieces that give every room its own character.

In winter, the outdoor mineral pool and jacuzzi come to life. There’s a particular kind of luxury in sinking into warm, magnesium-rich water on a crisp morning, greenery all around, with nothing on the agenda. It’s the kind of quiet that you start to yearn for in the busy weeks.

And when you’re ready to head next door, The Imperial Hotel Eumundi is waiting. Cold beer brewed on-site, direct from Eumundi Brewery, pub classics and a warm, inviting atmosphere to fill your cup and get you through those mid-week blues.

This winter, book a two-night midweek stay and receive a $50 food and beverage voucher at The Imperial Hotel Eumundi, plus a four-pack of Eumundi local brews to enjoy at your own pace.

Available Sunday through to Thursday. Minimum two-night stay. Terms and conditions apply. imperialhotelboutiqueaccommodation.au

Available Sunday through to Thursday. Minimum 2-night stay. Terms and conditions apply.

$50 food & beverage voucher at The Imperial Hotel Eumundi & a 4-pack of Eumundi local brews.

BORN to fly

DEBORAH LAWRIE WAS born to fly. And no one was going to stop her. Not even the most powerful man in the Australian aviation industry at that time, Reg Ansett.

In the late 1970s, Deborah had the qualifications and flying experience to become a commercial pilot, but Ansett Airlines refused to employ women in the cockpit. The airline’s founder, Reg Ansett, had publicly argued women were unsuitable for the role.

The landmark High Court ruling in favour of Deborah in the Wardley vs Ansett Airlines case in 1979 set a legal precedent in Australia, thrusting her into the media spotlight. As the first person to win a case under the Sex Discrimination Act, she became a household name, paving the way for all working women.

Now, 47 years later, Deborah – the longest flying commercial female pilot in the world – has written a book, Touching the Sky. It’s a cracker, providing a candid and deeply personal account of her early life as a strong-willed and fiercely competitive child, to becoming Australia’s first female commercial airline pilot in 1980 and being inducted into the Australian Aviation Hall of Fame in 2022.

One year later, in a hugely satisfying and ironic twist, Sydney Airport named a fl yover that connects the international and domestic terminals in her honour. The fl yover sits over Sir Reginald Ansett Drive.

Reflecting on her extraordinary journey, Deborah, who divides her time between Peregian Springs and Sydney, says it was the right time to write her own story. “The book is a combination of my entire career, so if I’m looking back at what I’ve done, it makes more sense to do it now,” she says.

Deborah dedicated the book to her four-year-old granddaughter, Hannah, who lives with the author’s son, Tom and daughter-in-law, Sophie, in Melbourne.

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“I want Hannah to know what I’ve been through. But also, she’s a very spirited little girl and she may take heart from the book if she’s struggling at some point in her life,” she says.

Perhaps Hannah gets her fierce spirit from not only Deborah but also her great-great-grandfather –Deborah’s grandfather – Eddie Ward, who Deborah describes as her own role model. In the 1960s, Eddie was a prominent Labor politician and was known to be an irrepressible fighter. Deborah says he had a huge impact on her.

“He strongly believed that education was the key to success and a park in Surry Hills, Sydney, is named after him,” she says proudly.

By the age of 10, Deborah was excelling in science and mathematics and was determined to prove to her father, a patent attorney, that nothing would get the better of her. When her father decided to pursue his dream of learning to fly, it was Deborah who helped him to study, complete checklists and make radio calls.

It wasn’t long before Deborah started learning to fly, her mum driving her to Moorabbin Airport in Melbourne for her lessons. She made her first solo flight on April 19, 1970, a month before her 17th birthday. It ignited a passion for flying that has never dimmed.

That passion sustained her during her exhausting battle to be employed as a pilot in the maledominated aviation industry. It also carried her through the traumatic pilots’ dispute of 1989, a major industrial standoff that saw hundreds of Australian pilots resign after a pay and conditions battle brought parts of the aviation industry to a standstill. The fallout led Deborah and her family to move to Holland, where she flew for KLM Cityhopper.

It also kept her going through two turbulent marriages, the first to Peter Wardley, who she credits with helping to start her legal battle with Ansett, and the second to John Hawley, with whom she had her son, Tom, in 1991.

“With Peter, I think he felt left out. It didn’t matter how much I tried to keep him included, he had his own spin on what was happening, and we just grew apart. The second marriage was just a disaster and was

the wrong choice. Women who are successful need to be with men who are comfortable in their own skin and don’t feel threatened. As soon as you feel your partner is trying to minimise or undermine what you’re doing, that’s a red flag,” she says.

Deborah’s passion for flying wasn’t the only thing that kept her going during dark times. She had some wonderful mentors, including her first flying instructor, Garth Harris and her attorney, John Dwyer, who navigated new territory in her legal battle.

She also found support from fellow female pilots in an organisation called ISA+21: The International Society of Women Airline Pilots. Established in Las Vegas in 1978, the 21 represents the number of founding members.

“In those days it was a very lonely place because in the airline industry you had no one else to talk to, to compare notes with and understand what you were going through. Any organisation which brings women together who are facing similar challenges is enormously helpful. It’s the old saying – a problem shared is a problem halved,” she says.

While Deborah’s book reveals all the ups and downs of her tough legal battle, which became a personal vendetta at times, it also provides a fascinating – and sometimes hilarious – account of life in the cockpit. In addition, it describes several frightening near-misses and safety breaches, which prompted her to train as an aviation accident investigator.

During her time with Ansett, she flew the DC-9, the Boeing 737-200 and the 727. Later, she flew the Fokker 70/100 and Airbus with KLM, and then the Airbus 320 with Jetstar and Tigerair. Just when she was considering hanging up her wings after the COVID-19 outbreak, Virgin called, saying they needed pilots to meet the demand for travel following the reopening of borders.

The catch was that she would need to learn how to fly the Boeing 737-NG, a different plane from the Boeing 737 Classic she had flown in the ’80s. In her heart, she knew she wasn’t ready to stop flying and with her third husband, Bruce’s encouragement, she completed her training and is still flying for Virgin to this day.

“There is no retirement age in Australia. You just

need to pass tests and as long as you keep passing, you can keep flying.”

In between flying, Deborah plays golf with Bruce at Peregian Springs Golf Club. “I think golf is a real mind game and I play my best golf when I’ve just flown in from Sydney and I’m not uptight about anything,” she says.

She enjoys spending as much time as possible with her granddaughter and plans to write another book on airline safety.

Perhaps the most precious part of the book is the foreword, which was written by her son, Tom, also a pilot.

Says Tom, “If you have ever doubted yourself. If you feel like no one else understands what challenges you are facing, or your dreams are bigger than what is currently perceived as possible, then this book is for you. To me, Deborah will always be Mum. But to many others, she’s a pioneer and a living reminder of what’s possible when you refuse to accept no for an answer.”

SHAPED BY creativity

THE DETAIL CARVED into the entry door to the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve Discovery Centre stuns visitors every day.

Richly coloured and with breathtaking depth, the sheer size of them standing tall is awe-inspiring alone, but it is the life depicted on them that makes people stop and stare. Strangler fig and wonga vine appear to wind their way up trees on the cedar doors, which entice visitors inside the centre to learn about the natural wonders of the area.

The doors are the work of master woodcarver David Southern, a softly spoken, modest gentleman who crafts and shapes wood both in his timberscented workshop at the back of his north Maleny home and with his fellow Blackall Range Woodcrafters Guild Woodies carvers.

At 88 years old, David’s hands are as steady as they were when he started carving. His ability to shape lifeless timber into works of extraordinary beauty is astounding. Perhaps the most remarkable part of David’s work is the emotion it evokes. He says the effect of his carved items can be almost magnetic, with hands reaching instinctively over to touch the shaped lines and polished surfaces.

David discovered carving after he retired. An executive for engineering firms, he spent his professional life happily buried in work until retirement offered him the opportunity to pursue

activities that nourished and challenged him.

“It is a second life in a way, I suppose,” David says.

David is familiar with reinvention. Raised in England, he left school at 15 and worked as a junior draftsman before entry to the army as part of the post-Second World War National Service system a couple of days after his 21st birthday. The world as he knew it evaporated.

“I’m a 21-year-old and I didn’t smoke, drink or

“i want to make items that are still practically useful but pretty too”

swear and I really didn’t do anything that I shouldn’t. And suddenly I’m in a barrack room with 26 other blokes from all walks of life. And I’ve got to say, this was a rude awakening,” David says. “I think for the first two weeks, I just held on and then I remember sitting on the toilet, and I’m thinking, ‘David, you’ve got to get out of here’. I had no idea how, even though I could be quite inventive at times. But after that, something clicked and instead of trying to fight it, I thought I’d go along with it.

“Adapt or die. Roll with the punches. So that is what I did. And by the time I’d done my 16 weeks initial training, I had a totally different approach to the military, and I can honestly say from there on in I really enjoyed it.”

David could play the trumpet and was signed up to the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Staff Band, which took him to Singapore and Malaya. “I look back and I reflect on that time and I see it formed me who I am now,” he says. “Because I’d gone from this sort of old-hat engineering company and a predictable, unadventurous life and suddenly I’m in this environment that’s totally different and I’m enjoying it and making the most of it.”

David had married his wife Irene and when their daughter Kay was born, he returned to civilian life, still playing in a band but knuckling down in North Derbyshire. His parents migrated to Sydney in the early 1960s with his younger siblings, and David and his young family followed suit.

“I think it was the opportunities that appealed the most: in England, there’s a lot of division and a class structure that restricts your opportunities. So with my accent, even if I’d gone to London and applied for a managerial position, I would not have

been employed because of the way I spoke; not because of my ability, just purely because of where I was from and how I sounded. And when we came here, none of that came with us. So there were a lot of changes that were quite pleasant, such as the sunshine and lack of discrimination and, of course, the way of life.”

David had worked for steam locomotive company Beyer, Peacock and Company in England and once he came to Australia in 1972, he worked for British forklift company Lansing Bagnall, and later for Nichiyu Forklifts Australia. In his corporate life, David worked his way up and held management positions, including state manager and chief executive officer, before retiring in 1998.

“I had done a little bit of painting and I thought that in retirement I would do more of that,” David says. “I started, but then I read this woodworking magazine and there was a guy who was a professional wood carver advertising classes in western Sydney. I wanted to see if I was any good, so I rang up and I went there for lessons once a fortnight for about three years. It was $55 a lesson, so it was not cheap at

the time, but once I’d started, I thought ‘I’m going to keep this up’.”

David says he was always a creative type and would give most things a go.

“I was always pretty good at drawing, and in the first house we had in England, we had very little furniture, so I made everything. I did all sorts of things – fitted this, built that – and I enjoyed doing it. I really liked to work out the problems of a project on paper first, or working out how to do it in a way that made it balanced and functional but also appealing to the eye. It had to look right.”

Before the elaborate Discovery Centre doors, David led a Woodies team in creating the doors of the Maleny Community Centre. He said the processes were similar, but he had learnt some efficiencies between projects and loves that both projects serve a practical purpose while being beautiful.

“What I like to do is make things that are useful and decorate them with carving,” he says. “For example, I like to make a piece of furniture and also make it unique. I don’t want to make something that you can buy in Harvey Norman – I want to make items that are still practically useful but pretty too.”

David and his elegant wife Irene have been married for almost 66 years. “My wife still turns heads, you know,” he says. “She is 85 and she still has such beauty.” Family is their focus, and their daughter, three grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren brighten their world.

Inside his north Maleny workshop, where every tool has its place, David proudly shows the roughedout start of a very personal project: his family crest. At 88, he is still creating beauty from wood – one careful cut at a time.

DREAMERS builders &

AMANDA JACKES’ EYES opened to a new sense of wonder when she attended the second annual Maleny Folk Festival in 1988.

As a teen, she discovered a gathering of people that was much more than music and performance. It was a living experiment in culture, participation and collective creativity that would go on to shape the course of her life.

Amanda returned as a festival volunteer the following year to organise the parking and camping. The then 19-year-old was motivated “by a sense of shared purpose” that the festival had given her and scores of others.

At 20, Amanda had the chutzpah to ask festival founder Bill Hauritz if she could take responsibility for constructing the event site. He said yes. It was 1990 and Amanda was then a fine arts undergraduate majoring in sculpture.

Amanda told Bill she believed creativity and problem-solving went hand-in-hand, and he agreed. And so began a creative partnership that would span almost 40 years, until Bill’s passing in 2025.

In the early days of the festival everything was done on a “shoestring budget”.

“We became incredibly resourceful in building this temporary village where people could live together for a brief moment in time,” Amanda says.

The first Maleny Folk Festival in 1987 attracted 900 people. Amanda laughs, recalling Bill’s famous line: “That’s the perfect size, we shouldn’t let it grow any larger”.

Instead, under Bill’s stewardship, the festival outgrew its small-town origins and evolved into the Woodford Folk Festival in 1994.

“We purchased 240 acres on Jinibarra Country initially and it was a going concern dairy farm,” Amanda explains. “So, when we put the offer in, we had to bring a third party to settlement to actually buy the milk quota.”

Festival folklore suggests the third party was connected to the late Chrissy Amphlett, frontwoman of the Divinyls. Whether fact or myth, it suits the

exceeding $25 million.

mythology of what grew into Australia’s largest annual gathering of artists and musicians.

Amanda joined full-time as Woodford site manager in 1994 and became general manager in 1997, a role she held for 20 years.

“Owning the land changed everything. We suddenly had to grow up as an organisation and with that came one of the most dynamic and exciting periods in Woodford’s history.”

Woodford was never the vision of one person alone, but something collectively shaped by thousands of contributors over generations.

“Woodford has always been built by people bringing their ideas, skills, labour, creativity and care,” Amanda says.

“The festival evolves because so many people see part of themselves reflected in it and want to contribute to what it can become.”

Amanda fondly recalls people describing Bill as “a pathological optimist”.

“Bill had an extraordinary capacity to commit fully to an idea and never let go of it,” she says. “I think we complemented each other in that way. There was a great drive because you were doing something not for just the here and now, you were doing something that you imagined the next generation to be involved with.”

Today, the festival welcomes around 120,000 aggregate attendees across six days and nights. That’s around 18,000 people daily onsite between December 27 and New Year’s Day.

Amanda is now managing director of Woodfordia Inc and festival director of the Woodford Folk Festival, overseeing an annual budget of about $18 million, alongside capital works infrastructure

Woodford is not simply a music festival but a vast participatory community shaped by volunteers, artists, activists, environmentalists and families returning year after year.

“It’s part cultural gathering, part temporary township,” Amanda says. “Woodford has evolved into a place where music, ideas, performance, social dialogue and ecological restoration exist side-by-side.”

In 1997, the community planted 10,001 trees. Today, more than 138,000 southeast Queensland rainforest species stand across the property, which expanded to 500 acres as additional parcels of land were purchased over the years.

Despite its popularity, the festival has not been without its challenges. The organisation, ever striving for innovation, had committed all its reserves in 2009-2010 to building a $3.8 million zero-release wastewater treatment plant designed specifically for the festival’s needs. Severe Queensland floods in 2010 caused an 18 per cent drop in attendance, leaving the organisation with about $1.5 million in unpaid bills.

“Prior to the 2010 festival, we went to the then Moreton Bay Regional Council to say we were exposed and would they consider an interest-free loan if the festival didn’t go well,” Amanda explains.

“At the time, the council had no precedent in handing out interest-free loans to community groups, but they did have precedent of owning land that community groups operate on.”

The council purchased the unimproved value of the land for $4 million while Woodfordia retained ownership of the infrastructure and secured a 50-year lease with a 25-year buyback clause.

Amanda says the intention was always to return the land to community ownership through a trust, but

COVID, music industry volatility and the cost-ofliving crisis stalled fundraising efforts. “So we found ourselves halfway through our 25-year buyback clause and we hadn’t raised any money.”

In 2024, Woodfordia launched a major fundraising campaign, A Forest of Goodwill, and by May 2026 had raised $2.5 million. The campaign is now focused on securing the remaining funds within the next year, enabling Woodfordia to buy back the land and protect it in trust through the newly established Woodfordia Foundation.

Amanda often describes the festival as “a social experiment”, bringing together people from different backgrounds to collectively imagine more generous ways of living.

“We’re all more connected than we let ourselves believe,” she says. “And the work that we do at Woodford is about learning how we belong to each other and belong to the environment… and when you work alongside people who really believe in it and they’re doing their best work, being the best version of themselves, it’s addictive.”

Today, Amanda takes particular joy in watching younger generations arrive to help build the festival, just as she once did herself.

Nearly four decades after first arriving at the festival as a curious teenager, Amanda still believes the enduring power of Woodford lies not in the spectacle, but in the possibilities it opens within people.

“When I come across an 18- or 19-year-old young woman who’s come to help build the festival, I wonder, ‘How’s this festival going to impact your life?’” Amanda reflects.

“You never quite know what will shape a person’s life. But sometimes a place, a community, or a moment of shared purpose can quietly change the direction of who you become.”

For Amanda, Woodford became more than a festival. It became a place where people could imagine more deeply, encounter one another more openly and discover a stronger sense of purpose and belonging in the world around them.

“I think people are searching for places where they can feel more alive, more connected, more themselves. If Woodford can offer even a glimpse of that, then something important has been carried forward.”

We often say, it’s a small ship, but it leaves a large wake.”

Hinterland

escape

As the seasons change, attention shifts inland, where the Sunshine Coast Hinterland comes into its own during the cooler months. From wellness experiences and cultural tours to paddock-to-plate dining and nights beneath starry skies, these are Visit Sunshine Coast’s top suggestions for a cosy winter experience.

CONNECT TO COUNTRY

Connect more deeply with the stories, traditions and living culture of the region. In Mapleton, TribalLink shares immersive cultural experiences on Kabi Kabi Country, or explore native produce and bush foods with Mystic Mountain Tours’ Dreaming Trails. Nearby, the Landsborough Museum offers another perspective on the region’s history, with exhibitions tracing the stories of Traditional Custodians and early settlers through artefacts, photographs and community collections.

As the sun disappears behind the ranges, another side of the Sunshine Coast emerges after dark. As the region’s Dark Sky reputation continues to grow, the Blackall Range has become increasingly known for stargazing, with cool nights offering ideal conditions for spotting constellations, shooting stars and the Milky Way. Visitors can sleep under the stars at the Magical Dome at Petrichor Estate, attend a public viewing night at Maleny Observatory, or simply rug up beneath the stars and take in the quiet beauty of the landscape at night.

NOURISH & SIP

The hinterland’s cafés, cellar doors and long lunches become even more inviting at this time of year across Queensland’s Sunshine Pantry. Spend an afternoon lingering over local wine at Flame Hill Vineyard, sampling handcrafted cheeses in Maleny, enjoying coffee tastings at Glasshouse Plantation or discovering the region’s produce trails through Creative Tours’ Hinterland Farm to Fork experience. July also marks The Curated Plate, a 10-day celebration of local produce, talented chefs, and unforgettable culinary experiences.

COSY UP

As temperatures cool, the hinterland becomes an easy place to switch gears, with misty mornings, crackling fireplaces and stays designed for switching off. Beneath star-filled skies, Starry Nights Luxury Camping offers claw-foot baths, wood fire heaters and glamping comforts, while Seven Peaks Farm Stay invites guests to unwind among rolling green hills and open countryside. Perched high in the ranges, Misty View Cottages pairs quiet seclusion with cosy evenings beside the fire, making it easy to settle in for the evening.

SLOW DOWN

Winter is an invitation to embrace a slower pace, with wellness experiences across the hinterland designed with relaxation in mind. Perched high above the ranges in Montville, The Range Holistic Spa & Wellness pairs saunas, magnesium soaks and thermal wellness experiences with sweeping views, while Lillypillys Country Cottages and Day Spa offers massages and restorative treatments overlooking Lake Baroon and the Conondale Ranges. Whether it’s an afternoon at the spa or simply taking time out, this is the season for lingering a little longer.

WANDER AWHILE

Cooler days and crisp mornings make this an ideal time to explore on foot. For those with a sense of adventure, the 58.8-kilometre Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk is a four-day journey with bush campsites along the way, while shorter sections are perfect for a half or full-day hike. In Kondalilla National Park, the Kondalilla Falls Circuit winds past rock pools and lush forest scenery, while nearby Conondale National Park, accessible by 4WD, offers rainforest trails winding through ancient forest, including Booloumba Falls. For a leisurely afternoon, a wander through Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World offers sweeping views across the Glass House Mountains.

WHERE TIME stands still

IT HAD BEEN 17 years since we last visited Fiji, a different season of life entirely, when we travelled with three young children in tow. So, returning now felt like stepping back into a memory we weren’t sure still existed in real time.

We chose to go back to where it all began for us on the Coral Coast, and the Warwick Fiji didn’t just meet our expectations, it welcomed us back as if we’d never left.

There’s a familiarity to the resort that feels comforting rather than dated. While there have been upgrades and refinements, the essence remains untouched. Warm welcomes, open smiles and that unmistakable sense that you’ve arrived somewhere you’re meant to slow down.

From the moment you land, one word follows you everywhere, “Bula”. It’s a greeting, but also so much more. It’s said constantly, but never feels routine, always genuine, always accompanied by a smile. Within a day or two, you find yourself saying it without thinking.

Then there is Fiji time – not a schedule, but a mindset. Things happen when they happen. Nobody rushes you, nobody seems rushed. Somewhere between your first sunset drink and wandering barefoot back to your room, you stop checking the time altogether.

On arrival at the Warwick, a drummer greeted us at the entrance, setting the tone immediately. Before we had even checked in, we were at the bar with sunset cocktails in hand, watching the sky melt into deep gold and pink, while staff in traditional dress lit torches along the pathways.

It was simple, but somehow unforgettable, that perfect mix of warmth, theatre and ease.

Our garden-view room was spacious and unpretentious, just steps from the spa and surrounded by greenery. It became a quiet base between swims, meals and long stretches of doing not much at all, which, after a while, feels exactly right.

Life at the Warwick really happens around the pool. There is always something going on – music drifting through the air, kids laughing, volleyball games breaking out without warning, aqua aerobics turning into a bit of a social event and the swim-up bar where conversations flow and new friends are met.

“Nobody rushes you, nobody seems rushed”

Joji, our colourful barman, quickly became part of our daily routine, always up for a chat, always smiling, and somehow remembering everyone’s story from the day before. Another standout was Api, a larger-than-life character who had a way of making everyone feel included. We looked forward to his daily fish-feeding excursions, which turned into one of those unexpectedly simple highlights you don’t forget.

For quieter days, the adults-only pool offered a completely different pace – calm, still, and facing straight out to the ocean. Coconuts are cut fresh on request, sunloungers line the water and time seems to stand still.

Dining options at the Warwick are a real standout. Breakfasts were generous enough that lunch was often skipped or swapped for a light snack around the pool in the afternoon. Evenings at the buffet were top-notch and rotated through different cuisines each evening.

One of the highlights was the Wicked Walu seafood restaurant, perched at the end of a pier over the ocean. Dinner there, with the sun dropping behind the horizon and seafood arriving fresh and simple, felt like the essence of island dining done right. The lobster, in particular, was one of those meals you talk about long after you’ve left.

Just offshore, snorkelling revealed another side of Fiji again. Warm water, almost impossibly clear, and coral alive with movement, fish flashing through light like scattered colour. With snorkelling gear available on hand, it was easy to slip in and out of the ocean whenever the mood struck.

We did manage a day out to the nearby town of Sigatoka, which was a real contrast. Busy markets, everyday life unfolding in full colour and a pace that felt more grounded and real.

It is still very much a developing town, and while things have changed over the years, it also reminded us that the Fiji you see in resorts is only one version of a much bigger picture.

Evenings at the Warwick were memorable with fire dancing, Polynesian performances, music under the stars. There is a deep respect for tradition here, and it shows.

After seven days, we weren’t ready to leave. So, we didn’t! We made our way along the coast to The Pearl Resort, an hour or so away, but a completely different world in feel.

Set between beach and marina, it’s more intimate, more relaxed, again in a different way. Our room

looked out over water and boats drifting in and out with the tide, a view that changed constantly.

Within days, the staff felt less like service and more like family. Our delightful breakfast waitress, Lola, remembered our names from day one. Papa Joe greeted us each evening with our drinks already waiting, turning dinner into something special. We even took to the dance floor on a few occasions.

Evenings at The Pearl were some of the most memorable of the trip: dinners by the marina, music drifting across the water and conversations that lingered long after plates were cleared.

A sunset cruise was one of the highlights during our stay at The Pearl. A small group of guests quickly turned into easy company as we drifted along the coastline with drinks in hand, watching the sky shift through soft gold and pink. It was truly magical.

And then came the farewell.

The staff gathered to sing Isa Lei, Fiji’s traditional goodbye song. It is a song of gratitude and parting, often sung when guests leave. Hearing it in person is something entirely different from just knowing about it.

It expresses love, appreciation and the sadness of goodbye. Standing there as it was sung was unexpectedly emotional. There wasn’t a dry eye among us.

Fiji has a way of doing that. It doesn’t just host your holiday. It holds it.

We left with sandy bags, slower hearts and that familiar feeling that never quite goes away after a trip like this, already thinking about when we’ll return.

Because Fiji doesn’t really feel like somewhere you visit. It feels like somewhere you return.

Leaving from Fiji, PAUL GAUGUIN Cruises offers you a unique cruise of 21 days exploring seven magnificent countries in the South Seas. On board Le Paul Gauguin, a ship with a decidedly Polynesian ambience especially designed to navigate the shallow turquoise waters, set off to discover untamed nature on the paradise islands of Vanuatu, the Solomons, Papua New Guinea, East Timor and Indonesia. Travel with your loved one or with your friends – check out the Solo traveller Special Offer.

to 17th February 2027

MARK & TROY DEIGHTON Sunshine Internal Renovations

SUNSHINE COAST BROTHERS Mark and Troy Deighton are building more than homes. They are creating spaces shaped by decades of experience, strong local ties and a shared belief that renovation should be as much about people as it is about property. Between them, the pair bring more than 35 years of building expertise to every project, supported by deep roots in the region spanning surf lifesaving, AFL and local charities.

At Sunshine Coast Internal Renovations, the goal is simple: creating homes that reflect each client’s personality, taste and lifestyle.

For co-founder Troy Deighton, the business came after a significant career shift

“I was working in media for nearly 30 years, and Mark had been a builder since he did his apprenticeship at 18 with different companies around the Coast,” Troy says.

The idea for the business formed through conversations with friends about construction and renovation opportunities.

“Any brand can have four walls, but there’s a few people within that who make a difference,” Troy adds.

“We know that we’ve got those people and that’s why the business is successful.”

Alongside design specialists Illiana and Megan, they lead a dedicated team of Sunshine Coast professionals guiding clients from concept and design through to completion, with a focus on making the renovation journey seamless.

A key part of their approach is combining construction expertise with in-house design support, helping clients better understand the final result before work begins.

“To be able to have a design team internally under the same roof, along with the experience from my brother and all the trades we’ve employed, it really does help,” Troy tells salt

The business has placed strong emphasis on preparation before construction begins, which Troy says helps avoid costly mistakes.

“I think probably the biggest thing for us is we don’t like wasting people’s money,” he says.

“It’s not cheap these days to renovate. Our approach is, let’s get the preparation right and the renovation will turn out exactly how the client wants it.”

Behind the projects are transformations that often leave a lasting impression on clients.

“I’ve seen 30-year-old units completely transform. You walk in and there are just wow features everywhere,” Troy says.

“We’ve had clients in tears because they didn’t think it would look that good.”

The team has delivered a wide range of work, from modern kitchen upgrades to custom features, including purpose-built bars.

One standout project involved a flood-affected home. “We did a flood-damaged property that we finished three weeks before it flooded again and we had to do it again,” he says.

“But from what that place was to when we finished it the second time, you just looked at it and went, ‘wow’.

“We’re now friends with those clients and still catch up with them and laugh about the journey.”

Beyond construction, the brothers place strong importance on community involvement.

The business supports organisations including Lookout 07 and SunnyKids, something Troy says is central to their values.

“Community is probably as important as the business that we’re running,” he says.

“We’ve lived in this community all our lives, born and bred.”

Looking ahead, he says success is about more than building homes.

“We’ve all had challenges in life and not everything is easy, but it’s rewarding to see what you’re doing for people,” Troy says.

“Just doing the little extras for people where you don’t have to, but you try and give that little bit back.

“Every relationship has to be a win-win. If the client’s winning, we’re winning.

“That’s probably the biggest thing to take out of life.”

For Mark and Troy, Sunshine Coast Internal Renovations is not just about transforming houses. It is about building trust, long-term relationships and contributing to the community they call home.

Read

all about it

Recline in your favourite chair with one of these beauties.

THE TITANIC STORY OF EVELYN

Lisa Wilkinson | Hachette | $34.99

The most famous ship in history, the subject of hundreds of films and books and a name which immediately conjures visions of unimaginable disaster on an enormous scale; the Titanic. What most of us do not know is that on board for that fateful voyage was the extraordinary Evelyn Marsden, a young woman with a wanderlust and a love of the sea, from a small country town in South Australia. Evelyn was the only Australian woman who survived the sinking. She was a champion rower and horsewoman who desired much more than the future expected of a young lady in the late 19th century. She wanted adventure, and she went out into the world, became a nurse and achieved everything she hoped for, including passage on the famously unsinkable Titanic’s maiden voyage in 1912 as a stewardess. Wilkinson has deeply researched the famous disaster, and the reader cannot help but be impressed and amazed by the forensic detail throughout the book. Evelyn was instrumental in saving countless lives, due to her selfless dedication to other passengers, helping them to find their families and friends and to find safety in the lifeboats. She was reluctant to board a lifeboat herself, caring more for those around her, and once forced into Lifeboat 16, used her rowing skills to get quickly away from the sinking ship.

DAVID LYNCH: HIS WORK, HIS WORLD

Tom Huddleston | Quarto UK | $75

This is a beautifully published and richly illustrated retrospective exploration of the work of David Lynch. A product of small-town America, Lynch was one of the most discussed and unusual creators of contemporary film and television. He was a true artist, with his skills also reaching many corners of the creative world, including visual arts and music. Lynch was known for many works, including the unique and surreal Twin Peaks, the disturbing Blue Velvet and the thrilling Mulholland Drive. All of Lynch’s work was brilliantly filmed with stellar casts and remain ultimately unforgettable. This book takes the reader through these works and many others in detail, discussing recurring themes and motifs. There is a chapter on his life, and then each of the 12 further chapters is dedicated to a particular work, encapsulating the genesis, production and release of each title. This slip-cased, hardcover book is comprehensive and intriguing, but despite this body of research and other biographical works, Lynch remains an enigmatic genius, and the mystery of this man continues.

AN OCEAN AND A DAY

Hannah Richell | HarperCollins | $34.99

This is a profound and moving meditation on grief, devastation and the journey to healing, by a fine Australian novelist who has chosen to share this most intimate of experiences with her readers.

GIVEAWAY

Thanks to Annie’s Books on Peregian, we have a copy of THE TITANIC STORY OF EVELYN to give away. For your chance to win this prize, head to saltmagazine.com.au and click on the ‘win’ tab to enter.

Hannah Richell lost her husband Matt suddenly in a surfing accident on Sydney’s Tamarama Beach in 2014. As a mother of two young children, she was flung into an indescribable well of emotional trauma, trying to protect her children from the tragedy, while confronting her own heartbreak and attempting to navigate this new existence. This is a difficult read, particularly if the reader has also experienced this type of loss. Death is an inevitable part of life, and Richell relates her experience in a raw and honest manner and with a delicate touch. There is much beauty to be found in this story; it is romantic and even humorous in parts. Their marriage was like many others, but also quite unique like every other! Hannah has so eloquently taken the reader into the intimate corners of her love and marriage, and also into the deepest well of her grief.

AUNTY BERYL’S COOKBOOK

Aunty Beryl Van-Oploo OAM | Murdoch Books | $49.99

This cookbook is a new collection of recipes and tales celebrating Indigenous food knowledge and cultural storytelling. This is the result of 40 years of Gamilaroi Elder Aunty Beryl’s work supporting community, mentoring young people and promoting Aboriginal culture through hospitality and cultural education. Kylie Kwong has written an eloquent foreward to the book, describing the influence Aunty Beryl has had on her own understanding and enjoyment of Australian cooking: “… a woman of fierce spirit, of an older generation who understand that food is how you nurture, how you show love and how you safeguard memory”. This book is packed with stories and recipes from Aunty Beryl’s 83 years of life, bringing bush foods into today’s modern kitchens. Aunty Beryl has a deep knowledge of food and nutrition and has chosen recipes which focus on freshness and flavour and assists the general wellbeing of all families. We see native ingredients and bushfoods appearing on restaurant menus around the country and overseas, but this book will help you bring these foods to your own table. There are favourite recipes such as lasagne, stir fries, nachos and delicious desserts, with a difference. Interspersed are stories and photographs which will make this so much more than another cookbook on the pile.

THE DAFFODIL DAYS

Helen Bain | Bloomsbury | $32.99

Set in a rural England in the early 1960s, THE DAFFODIL DAYS tells the fictional yet true-to-life story of infamous literary couple, Sylvia Plath and Ted Hughes, through the eyes of the village community who lived around them. Told backwards (beginning in 1962 and ending in 1961) through multiple narrators, the book traces the breakdown of the relationship between Plath and Hughes by giving multifaceted glimpses into their lives in the years leading up to their separation. Illuminating, lyrical and captivating, the story gives personal insights into the downward spiral that eventually led to Plath’s tragic suicide. And while that may sound depressing, the ‘early days’ of the story reflect the hopeful existence of a young couple pursuing their creative dreams in the English countryside. Penned by British author, Helen Bain, this poignant debut is based on extremely well-researched facts that are rooted in historical truth. Equally whimsical and revealing, THE DAFFODIL DAYS unveils Plath’s untimely unravelling in a new and truly unique way.

Tuesday 21 July, 4.15pm

YOUR PLACE TODAY

www.ncc.qld.edu.au/enrolments/book-a-tour/ 5pm AY k

Artisan

indulgence

A curated trail of elevated baking, where craftsmanship and premium local ingredients shine.

In the heart of Cotton Tree, there is a bakery where the aroma of fresh bread, flaky pastry and slow-cooked fillings drifts down the street long before the doors open. Locals line up early and travellers make detours for a taste. For Graham and Rick Martin, baking has never simply been a job. It has been a lifelong craft built through discipline, curiosity and an obsession with quality. That combination of hands-on craftsmanship and technical understanding became the foundation for a remarkable career. The bakery – a father-and-son development – quickly became part of the Cotton Tree community. Nestled near the beach, the business reflects traditional baking values and modern creativity. Customers come for the award-winning pies, artisan breads, pastries and quality coffee, but they stay because of the atmosphere: friendly service, consistency and products made with genuine care. At RICK’S ON 6TH, craftsmanship still matters. Every product begins with attention to detail. Doughs are developed carefully, fillings are balanced for flavour and texture and recipes are constantly refined. The philosophy is simple: quality ingredients, strong technique and respect for the customer. That dedication earned international recognition when the business won the title for World’s Best Flat Breads at the IBIE World Bread Competition in Las Vegas in 2025. The result is a business that feels deeply local and internationally informed. For Graham and Rick, the awards are meaningful, but the real success is simpler: “Seeing people come back every day – that’s what matters most.”

TEAHOUSE + SOURDOUGH BAKERY is a hidden gem located on Bradman Avenue, Maroochydore. Currently open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, Love Camellia offers a unique experience focused on artisanal baked goods. Built on a philosophy of making food from scratch using quality ingredients, the teahouse has earned a loyal following for its thoughtfully crafted breakfast menu, highlighting its sourdough. They also serve organic coffee, ceremonial cacao and specialty herbal and oriental teas from around the world. Beyond the teahouse, they attend Eumundi Markets and Fishermans Road Markets in Maroochydore, where they sell traditional sourdough, their unique gluten-free sourdough and handcrafted treats. Their sister business, Food Medicine Kitchen, specialises in catering for health retreats and conscious events, bringing the same commitment to nourishing people with high-quality food across the region.

319 Bradman Avenue, Maroochydore.

SIGNATURE SOURDOUGH in Coolum Beach has become one of the Sunshine Coast’s most admired artisan bakeries, known for its organic ingredients, slow fermentation and traditional baking methods. What began as a passion project has evolved into a thriving local favourite, producing naturally leavened sourdough with rich flavour, crisp crusts and beautifully textured crumb. Every loaf reflects a dedication to craftsmanship and quality, while the bakery’s pastries and seasonal offerings showcase creativity and care. With a strong focus on sustainability, community and handmade baking, Signature Sourdough perfectly captures the relaxed yet refined spirit of the Sunshine Coast food scene.

FOREST GLEN ARTISAN CAFE on the Sunshine Coast is celebrated for its dedication to traditional craftsmanship and artisan baking. The café takes pride in creating handmade pastries, pies and baked goods, using quality ingredients and time-honoured techniques. Their bakers focus on precision, flavour and consistency, producing flaky pastries, rich fillings and freshly baked treats each day. Every item we make reflects attention to detail and a passion for authentic baking, including our delicious, award-winning pies. The café’s commitment to small-batch production and fresh preparation gives customers a genuine artisan experience, while the welcoming atmosphere highlights the creativity and care behind every product served at this much-loved Sunshine Coast destination.

Proudly family-owned and run on the Sunshine Coast, CRUST BAKERY has become a favourite destination for fresh flavours, quality baking and warm, friendly service. Founded by Gary and his wife Julie, the team is passionate about creating a welcoming experience across their multiple store locations, where “every customer is treated like family”. From handcrafted cakes and flaky pastries to their pies, everything is baked fresh with care and attention to detail. Local favourites include the beef brisket, cheese and jalapeño pie and the irresistible baked berry cheesecake. Whether you’re grabbing a quick coffee, lunch on the go, or a special treat, you can always expect exceptional service and delicious food made with heart.

Founded in 2014 and inspired by the coastal beauty of Noosa’s Tanglewood Track, TANGLEWOOD BAKERY is built on a philosophy of natural, organic artisan baking. Using locally sourced ingredients and fresh-milled organic Australian flour and ancient grains, they retain the endosperm and germ in their breads to maximise nutrient density and flavour. The sourdough undergoes a 20-hour slow fermentation to aid digestion and develop depth of taste using traditional old-world techniques. The pastries are crafted using real butter, pasture-raised eggs and local jersey milk, with many incorporating the poolish method –a slow pre-ferment that creates a lighter texture, richer flavour and beautifully delicate crumb.

NOSH news

IN THIS DELICIOUS winter edition of salt, we’re serving up vibrant new venues, seasonal flavours and the latest in local food, drinks and produce across the Coast. It’s the perfect season for long lunches, cosy café catch-ups and discovering new foodie favourites.

The Sunshine Coast’s newest rooftop destination, Sully’s Rooftop, is bringing elevated coastal dining, sunset cocktails and sweeping ocean views to the top of Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel. Led by executive chef Marky Godbeer, formerly of The Calile Hotel, Sully’s is already shaping up as the Coast’s next go-to dining destination.

Meanwhile, Niki and Kylie have opened Mumma’s Deli, bringing authentic Italian flavours and warm hospitality to Moffat Beach. Inspired by traditional family recipes, the deli offers fresh panini, quality deli goods and antipasti, alongside their own specialty coffee blend by The Flags Coffee Co – all served with a relaxed coastal charm.

Salty Mermaid Cafe is a fresh new local that’s already making an impression. With the cutest fit-out and relaxed coastal feel, it’s the kind of place you instantly want to settle into. Everything is made fresh in-house, and it shows. Great coffee, delicous food, and yummy smoothies at genuinely reasonable prices make it feel like a bit of a hidden gem. Whether you’re stopping in after the beach or meeting friends for breakfast, Salty Mermaid is definitely worth the visit.

‘Parmageddon’ hits every Tuesday night at TEWANTIN NOOSA RSL and it’s a parmi lover’s paradise. Members can take on the ultimate parmi showdown with a choice of six epic parmies. Go naked or traditional for classic crowd-pleasers or turn things up with the ‘surfs-up’, Hawaiian, Tex-Mex, or ‘the boss’ varieties. Big flavours, generous servings and unbeatable value make Tuesdays the tastiest night of the week. Grab your mates, bring your appetite and declare war on hunger – ‘Parmageddon’ awaits at the RSL.

Members deal just $19.90! Non-members price is $29.60 for naked parmi and $32.90 for loaded parmi.

Tewantin RSL is located at 1 Memorial Avenue, Tewantin. noosarsl.com.au

Meanwhile, Taste Caloundra, an initiative of the Caloundra Chamber of Commerce and Visit Sunshine Coast, is celebrating the people and businesses shaping the southern Sunshine Coast’s vibrant food culture.

To find out more, visit tastecaloundra.com.au.

The events calendar is also heating up with Noosa Food and Wine Festival returning from June 11-14 (noosafoodandwine.com.au).

Then from Friday, July 24 to Sunday, August 2, the Sunshine Coast will host the much-anticipated The Curated Plate – a celebration of local food, drink and culinary creativity. I’m thrilled to be a part of the festival with a Sconeversations event and the Celebrate Glasshouse Country Long Lunch at Yanalla Farms.

There will be plenty more happening across the 10 days, including Plated: A Sunshine Coast Feast with the ever-energetic Chef Mel at Coolum, the Asian Food Festival and the Bees and Brunch event, which will shine a light on the world of honey and pollinators.

Bon appetite!

Martin Duncan YourstSunshine f die

Martin Duncan, better known as the Sunshine Coast Foodie, is passionate about showcasing the region’s restaurants, cafés, producers and local flavours. A former chef and restaurateur, Martin has become a genuine connector across food, agribusiness and hospitality, while also leading the heartwarming Sconetime initiative – bringing seniors, carers, companions and families together over fresh scones and conversation.

RELISH is more than just a restaurant. It’s a place to gather, celebrate and create memorable events, all set within the relaxed surroundings of NOOSA SPRINGS. From intimate celebrations to larger gatherings, Relish brings people together through exceptional food and thoughtful service. The event menus are designed to suit every style, featuring canapes, boats, platters, sliders and full dining experiences – all crafted to enhance your occasion. For more details call Noosa Springs Golf & Spa Resort on 07 5440 3333 or email events@noosasprings.com.au

Relish is located at Links Drive, Noosa Heads. noosasprings.com.au

There’s only one thing better than the view at SUNSHINE BEACH SURF CLUB – the dining menu. The club prides itself on offering a menu crafted from the freshest local ingredients – from breakfast through to dinner. Head chef Hugh McDonogh is a Noosa native with a global culinary background, bringing his wealth of experience back home with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and a menu that is as diverse as it is flavourful. The menu features classics such as a parmi, schnitzel and what many consider the best salt and pepper calamari on the Coast, as well as exciting dishes such as the signature nasi goreng pork belly, handmade pizzas and salads.

Sunshine Beach Surf Club is located at Duke Street, Sunshine Beach. surfclub.sunshinebeachslsc.com.au

Winter at SECRETS ON THE LAKE is a season for celebration, connection and time spent together. Set beside Lake Baroon in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Secrets offers the perfect setting to gather with family and friends, share memorable meals and enjoy the relaxed charm of the Hinterland. Seasonal dining made with fresh local produce brings people together in a beautiful lakeside setting designed to be savoured. Christmas in July returns in 2026 with festive dining, hearty winter fare, Christmas décor, mulled wine and warm gatherings by the lake. Secrets on the Lake is located at 207 Narrows Road, Montville, 5478 5888.

If you’re craving authentic Italian trattoria-style cuisine, owners Shane and Helen welcome you to step into the warmth of ALL’ ANTICA Italian Restaurant – proudly serving the Sunshine Coast for more than 35 years. A beloved local institution, All’ Antica invites diners to experience a rustic and welcoming atmosphere paired with a menu that celebrates the heart and soul of Italy. From the hearty dishes of the Northern Alps to the sun-drenched seafood flavours of Sicily, the menu showcases the best of Italian tradition, reimagined with local seasonal produce and premium imported ingredients. The aroma of slow-cooked sauces wafting from the kitchen, All’ Antica captures the charm of dining in a traditional Italian trattoria. The menu features pasta, wood-fired-style pizzas, slow-braised meats and handmade desserts, like the signature white chocolate tiramisu. All’ Antica is fully licensed, offering Italian and Australian wines, and caters to all dietary needs, including gluten-free and vegan options. Whether it’s a romantic evening or a family gathering, there’s a table waiting for you.

All’ Antica is located at 3/115a Point Cartwright Drive, Buddina. allantica.com.au

PERIWINKLE in Noosa is a charming French Mediterranean-inspired bistro that blends coastal elegance with culinary finesse. Located in the relaxed Peregian Beach village, it offers a refined yet unpretentious dining experience. The menu showcases French classics with a fresh, local twist – think duck confit, spanner crab spaghettini and exquisite crème brûlée. Their extensive wine menu offers a collection of French, Australian and European varietals. Warm, attentive service and a light-filled, breezy ambience make it ideal for leisurely lunches or romantic dinners. Whether you’re a local or visiting, Periwinkle is a delightful destination for refined comfort food in a serene seaside setting. A true gem. Periwinkle is located at 2/216 David Low Way, Peregian Beach. periwinklerestaurant.com.au

A new café in Noosa has arrived, bringing together a modern brunch hub, specialty coffee and an elegant interior in the heart of Noosa Civic. THE CIVIC SOCIAL is the new go-to spot for delicious brunch and coffee on the Sunshine Coast. Owned by a local family who turned their passion for flavour into a full-hearted café, they’ve created a space where connection is always on the menu. Their kitchen celebrates local ingredients, transforming the best of the region into vibrant, elegant dishes that feed both appetite and imagination. Every plate is thoughtfully curated, every coffee poured with care and every guest welcomed like an old friend. The Civic Social is located at 1040/28 Eenie Creek Road, Noosaville. thecivicsocial.com.au

Freshly renovated and made for locals, SANDS TAVERN offers elevated pub classics with something for everyone, including kids’ and seniors’ menus, plus a vibrant beer garden, live sport and entertainment. With epic sangas and burgers to hearty classics and share plates made for the middle of the table, the venue is all about easy eating and good company. With a large, dedicated function room and flexible areas throughout the venue, the Sands makes it easy to host everything from casual catch-ups to special events, all just minutes from the heart of Maroochydore.

Sands Tavern is located at Plaza Parade, Maroochydore. thesandstavern.net.au

The Tomahawk & Tunes event brings together premium dining, curated cocktails and laidback Ibiza lounge sounds for a great evening at MISS MONEYPENNY’S. Enjoy a signature tomahawk steak designed to share between two, accompanied with a leafy green salad and house sauce selection for $129. From 5pm, the resident DJ sets the mood with chilled sunset sounds and effortless late-night energy, creating the perfect setting for cocktails, dining and a midweek escape. Join Miss Moneypenny’s for the launch celebration on July 15 and enjoy a complimentary house beverage with all pre-booked reservations. Tomahawk & Tunes is every Wednesday from June.

Miss Moneypenny’s is located at 6 Hastings Street, Noosa Heads. missmoneypennysnoosa.com

EASY FOCACCIA

INGREDIENTS

500g plain flour or bread flour

2 tsp of salt

1 sachet (7g) dried yeast

400ml warm water

Caroline says if you want to impress guests or feel super productive while you watch TV, this is for you. Focaccia looks great, smells incredible and is very forgiving. “You will blow your own mind,” she says!

3 tbsp of olive oil, plus extra for drizzling Flaky sea salt

Optional toppings: rosemary, cherry tomatoes, olives, garlic, caramelised onion

METHOD:

In a large bowl, mix the warm water and yeast. Leave it for 5-10 minutes until it looks a bit frothy.

Add the flour, salt and olive oil. Mix until you have a very soft , sticky dough. Don’t worry if it looks a bit ragged – focaccia dough is meant to be wetter than regular bread dough. Cover the bowl with a tea towel and leave it somewhere warm for about an hour, or until doubled in size.

Generously oil a baking tray and line it with brown paper. Tip the dough in and gently stretch it out toward the edges. If it keeps springing back, leave it for 10 minutes and try again. Let the dough rest again for about 30 minutes while the oven heats to 220°C.

Drizzle over more olive oil, then use your fingertips to press dimples all over the dough. Sprinkle with flaky salt and whatever toppings you like.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy on top.

Serve with fresh tomatoes, a burrata and a handful of prosciutto.

Pro tip: Be generous with the olive oil.

NO-BAKE PROTEIN SLICE

Caroline says she makes this every Sunday and keeps it in the freezer for a sweet treat after dinner with a cup of tea. You can swap dry ingredients for anything in the pantry. Muesli, chia, nuts, all work.

INGREDIENTS

2 cups of rolled oats

½ cup of pepitas

½ cup of dried cranberries

½ cup of vanilla protein powder

½ cup of peanut butter

⅓ cup of honey

2 tbsp of coconut oil

(optional, but helps it set nicely)

A packet of dark choc bits to melt on the top

METHOD:

Line a slice tin or small baking tray with baking paper.

In a large bowl, combine the oats, pepitas, cranberries, protein powder and any extras you’re using.

In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, gently warm the peanut butter, honey and coconut oil until smooth and runny. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients.

Mix everything really well

– it should be sticky enough to hold together when pressed. Press firmly into the prepared tin. The firmer you press it, the better the slice will hold together later.

Drizzle melted chocolate over the top.

Refrigerate for at least two hours until firm, then slice into bars or squares.

Pro tips: If the mixture feels too dry, add a spoonful of peanut butter or a splash of water. If it’s too sticky, add a few extra oats.

POLPETTE (TRADITIONAL ITALIAN MEATBALLS)

INGREDIENTS

1kg of veal mince

1kg of pork mince

1 tsp of pepper

1 tbsp of salt

3 eggs

110g of grated parmesan

20g of confit garlic

60g of chopped parsley

60g of panko

METHOD

Combine all ingredients and mix well.

Roll into 50g balls. Bake covered in Napoli (tomato) sauce of your choice at 165°C for 40 minutes.

Serve with sauce and grated Parmesan cheese.

Recipe is supplied by Bocca Italian restaurant in Bokarina.

MARITZA’S EASY CHEESY ZUCCHINI SLICE

INGREDIENTS

3 zucchinis, grated

4 eggs

⅓ cup of grated pecorino cheese

⅓ cup of grated mozzarella cheese

⅓ cup of cornflour or self-raising gluten-free flour

2 tbsp of olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

METHOD

Preheat oven to 180°C and line a small baking tray or slice tin with baking paper.

Grate the zucchini into a large mixing bowl. Using your hands or a clean tea towel, squeeze out any excess moisture from the zucchini. This helps the slice stay nice and firm.

Add the eggs, pecorino, mozzarella, cornflour, olive oil, salt and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. Pour the mixture into the lined baking tray and spread out evenly.

Bake for about 20 minutes, or until golden on top and firm in the centre. You can test it by inserting a skewer into the middle. If it comes out clean, it’s ready. Allow to cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with a fresh rocket salad, or enjoy cold straight from the fridge.

MARITZA’S GOLDEN BANANA BREAD BLISS

If you want something sweet without the refined sugar, this healthy banana bread slice is nourishing and incredibly easy to make. This recipe is gluten free and is perfect with a cup of tea! A pick-me-up without the sugar crash. Think banana bread… but simpler, lighter and perfect sliced straight from the oven or the fridge.

INGREDIENTS

3-4 ripe bananas

2 eggs

2 tbsp maple syrup or honey

1 cup almond meal

Handful of walnuts or almonds, roughly chopped

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp vanilla extract

METHOD

Preheat oven to 180°C and line a small baking tray or loaf tin with baking paper.

In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas until mostly smooth. Add the eggs, maple syrup (or honey), almond meal, vanilla extract and chopped nuts. Mix together until well combined. Pour the mixture into the lined tray or loaf tin and smooth the top evenly.

Bake for around 20-25 minutes, or until golden on top and cooked through.

Test with a skewer in the centre. If it comes out clean, it’s ready. Allow to cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm on its own, with a little butter, or topped with yoghurt and fresh banana and cinnamon.

Maritza says this zucchini slice is one of those his simple, feel-good recipes you’ll make on repeat. It’s packed with wholesome ingredients, full of flavour, gluten free and perfect for busy weekdays, lunchboxes, lazy dinners, or a quick protein-packed snack straight from the fridge.

Top tips

• Keeps well in the fridge for up to three days.

• Delicious reheated the next day.

• You can add one grated carrot if you’d like extra veggies and natural sweetness.

• Fresh herbs, spinach, or feta also work beautifully in this recipe.

A BOLD IDEA takes root

WHAT BEGAN AS a “seed” of an idea in a 2016 strategy session has grown – quite literally – into quite the impressive hospitality destination.

Set in the heart of Sippy Downs, The Bower Tree opened its doors in April 2023, and in just a few short years, has established itself as a vibrant, all-in-one community hub. This is somewhere designed not just to dine, but to come together to enjoy both good food and good company.

As a community club, The Bower Tree is a not-for-profit organisation owned by its members. The club reinvests back into its surrounding community through jobs, events and local donations, grants and sponsorships.

From the outside, The Bower Tree gives little away. Step inside, however, and the story unfolds: a concierge greets you at the door, and beyond lies a series of thoughtfully designed spaces, each with its own personality.

There’s Café Rubia for relaxed daytime dining, Arrows for elevated club-style fare, a buzzing pizzeria and the ever-popular Vine Wine Bar – an intimate nook that many locals are discovering.

“A lot of people don’t realise we have the wine bar. It’s a great place to catch up Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. In summer, we also open for Sunday lunches,” says executive chef Pete, who has worked at the venue since day one.

“We do small functions in there as well. It’s a great, intimate setting for 30 or 40 people, with a really good vibe.”

Upstairs, the offering expands again, with a spacious function room and boardrooms catering to everything from weddings to corporate events, further cementing the venue’s role as a true community hub.

At the heart of it all is a menu that reflects the venue’s diversity.

“We describe it as modern Australian. We have a bit of everything, some Asian influences, quite a bit

18-hole championship golf, restaurant, day spa, fitness and accommodation in the heart of Noosa. OPEN

of Italian with the pizzeria, and I really enjoy cooking Italian food,” Pete says.

That philosophy translates into something for everyone – from club classics to refined plates.

“We also have club classics like parmigiana and steaks and we do a lunch fish and chips or steak special, which is very popular – a 200-gram rump or coral trout, beer battered.”

Italian influence runs deep, shaped by Pete’s background in fine dining and years spent honing his craft.

“I’m originally from Sydney and worked in fine dining hotels, five-star, French and Italian, so that’s where my Italian experience comes from.”

It shows, particularly in the pizzeria, where the Diavola is a standout with its spicy pepperoni layered over tomato sugo, fior di latte and parmesan, finished with Italian herbs. The base is delicious: soft, airy and blistered to perfection.

“The Diavola is very popular. We also do ham and pineapple, but pineapple shouldn’t be on a pizza,” Pete adds with a laugh.

Among the menu’s highlights is the dish that earned Pete Chef of the Year honours at the 2026 Clubs Queensland Awards for Excellence: the beef cheek ragout rigatoni.

And it’s easy to see why. Slow-braised beef cheek melts into a rich, deeply flavoured sauce, lifted by spinach, feta, parmesan and a drizzle of truffle oil. It’s comforting, indulgent and expertly balanced.

“I had to submit two dishes for the award – one seafood and one main using beef, pork or chicken. I went with beef cheek because it was something a bit different,” he tells salt

The judging process was rigorous – and anonymous. “The judges came into the restaurant on a Friday night. We were really busy, but the team delivered and we scored really well,” Pete says.

For Pete, the award is about more than individual recognition.

“I was a bit apprehensive at first because I believe it’s a team effort, not just one person. I can write

“the beef cheek rigatoni lived up to its name – rich, utterly moreish”

menus, but if the team can’t execute them, I’m not going to win.”

The venue itself was also recognised, named a finalist in the best dining category. “That was the icing on the cake. Everyone deserves the accolades.

“Even being a finalist, across all the clubs in Queensland, is a great achievement. I was really honoured, I didn’t expect it at all.”

For Pete, the recognition carries extra weight.

“It’s been great to be recognised after nearly 40 years in the industry. I’ve been cooking since I was 15,” he says.

“I did work experience as a chef and loved the speed of the kitchen. I’ve always loved cooking, so it just felt right. I was offered an apprenticeship and never looked back.”

That early spark turned into a lifelong career, and now leadership of one of the Coast’s most ambitious venues.

“I’ve been here since the day we opened three years ago. As executive chef, I oversee the café, functions, Vine Wine Bar and Arrows.”

On a recent visit, the menu’s variety made choosing difficult, but ultimately rewarding.

To start, dusted squid arrived lightly crisped, seasoned with lemon pepper and paired with a smoky paprika aioli, while duck spring rolls delivered a rich, satisfying bite.

For mains, the Queensland barramundi proved a standout – perfectly pan-fried and served with potato, baby carrot, chorizo, zucchini, red onion and tomato, all brought together with a buttery lemon sauce. It was, according to my dining companion, “some of the best she has eaten”.

The beef cheek rigatoni, meanwhile, lived up to its name – rich, tender and utterly moreish.

And while we insisted we couldn’t eat another bite, the dessert menu made a compelling case to stay: crème brûlée, panna cotta and apple strudel all made in-house.

The Bower Tree isn’t just a place to eat – it’s a place that reflects the Sunshine Coast itself: relaxed yet refined, diverse and quietly ambitious.

From casual lunches to award-winning dishes, intimate wine bar evenings and large-scale events, it’s a venue that continues to grow into its vision.

And like any good story, it all started with a seed.

thebowertree.com.au

Nestled in the beautiful village square of Peregian Beach, Periwinkle restaurant offer a modern French Mediterranean cuisine with delicious seafood, hand crafted sourdough breads, char grill beef and seasonal vegetables. Enjoy a relaxing breakfast, lunch or dinner in the family friendly village square park.

A RECIPE for happiness

IT WAS HER first cookbook and it had a red cover. It was given to her by her parents when she was five. To this day, My First Show Me How Cookbook remains Mel Alafaci’s most prized possession.

Little did she know it then, but the book ignited a love of cooking that would see Mel become a powerhouse culinary personality in South Africa, Australia and the United States, open three cooking schools and write nine cookery books.

Now, Mel, known as The Happy Chef, has arrived on the Sunshine Coast to teach food lovers how to be happy and confident in the kitchen through her new venture, The Studio Cooking School at Venu in Coolum. We meet there at the beautifully appointed kitchen, which has an amazing restaurant space upstairs for privately catered dinners. She’s dressed in a long, flowing, colourful dress and I instantly understand why she has been dubbed ‘Queen of Culinary Bling’.

But back to that fateful day when she received her treasured book. “I couldn’t read yet, so my older brother, Graeme, read the recipes to me,” recalls Mel. “I would follow the recipe religiously, so if it said golden brown, I would make sure it was golden brown. The first thing I made was brown bread, but I didn’t put the salt in. I love making bread to this day – it’s one of my specialities – and I always remember the salt.”

When she was seven, Mel and her family fled from their remote farm in Zimbabwe to South Africa, where her father got a job as a farm manager in Marquard. “I was sent to an Afrikaans boarding school even though I did not know how to speak Afrikaans. That’s when my fascination with food really occurred, as they used to steal all my food, so I became obsessed with it,” says Mel.

“When I went home on weekends, I spent all my

time looking through magazines for recipes and I baked my own biscuits and rusks to take back to boarding school. I am actually grateful for that time because it helped me to become a chef who can literally make something out of nothing. Being thrifty became my superpower.”

Years later, after qualifying as a commercial chef at the ML Sultan Hotel School, working as an area manager for the Compass Group and opening a cooking school in Durban, she wrote recipes for the same magazines that she pored over when she was in primary school.

Starting her first cookery school, Gecko Culinary Adventures, was a light bulb moment and Mel discovered she loved teaching. “I’m passionate about teaching people how to be happy and confident in the kitchen and show them how simple something can be even though it sounds very intimidating.

“What I have always loved is the people, the food and the teaching”

“I can take something really complicated, like a croquembouche, and make it easy,” she says.

After eight years, she sold the school to emigrate to Brisbane with her first husband and two sons, aged three and 11 months. She is proud that Gecko Culinary Adventures is still operating today.

Her first job in Australia was as a product development chef for Eagle Boys Pizza. “That soft landing with Eagle Boys, an Australian company with a global outreach at the time, was very valuable. It made me a better chef, especially working in product development,” she says.

She stayed with Eagle Boys for three years, making valuable connections with producers, suppliers and other chefs. The yearning to open her second cookery school was too irresistible to ignore and she opened Vanilla Zulu in April 2011, initially at Wilston Village before moving to a space in Teneriffe.

Her huge smile, infectious enthusiasm and passion for cooking soon caught the attention of the media and she was featured on multiple TV programs, radio segments and magazines.

She was invited to present at food shows and hosted MasterChef and My Kitchen Rules finalists at

her cookery school. She helped to raise funds for charities such as Ronald McDonald House and worked with the YMCA to teach children how to cook.

Mel also worked in new product development for several companies, including Subway, The Coff ee Club, Sunny Queen and Gourmet Garden, writing three cookbooks for them in collaboration with Woolworths.

After 14 years at Vanilla Zulu, where she had 16 staff members and taught 350 people per week, Mel was burnt out.

“I decided to sell it, write cookery books, move to the Sunshine Coast and have a quieter life. Well, that lasted three or four months. My husband, Mike, said to me, ‘You’re actually miserable’ because he knows that what I have always loved is the people, the food

and the teaching – that’s my passion,” she says.

Mel opened The Studio Cooking School in April and is already receiving great feedback. “The three classes I teach are Authentic Italian Masterclass – my husband is Italian, so the recipes are authentic; then because I love keeping fit, EatFit Delicious and Nutritious, glam healthy meals for those wanting to eat themselves into shape; and Asian Street Food, which is selling out fast.”

She also offers a Cheffy Skills course every Monday night for six weeks. “The Cheffy Skills course, together with my book, is for those who want to get all the base fundamentals and covers everything from stocks, sauces and food from around the world to patisserie, cooking techniques, presentation and how to rectify mistakes. It’s perfect for those leaving school and considering a career as a chef, or those who want to upskill,” she adds.

In addition to being happy in the kitchen, Mel is loving life on the Sunshine Coast. “What has really blown me away is how authentic, friendly and welcoming everyone is. It’s more of a community. I walk to the beach at Yaroomba every morning with my two dogs, a pug and a German shepherd. I have a coffee down there and watch the sunrise. Then I go to the gym.”

Mel’s mission is to teach Sunshine Coast food lovers some fabulous new recipes and level up their cooking skills. “As a chef, mother, athlete and a businesswoman, I show them how to take every shortcut without sacrificing flavour or presentation. I call it the happy way.”

FRESH & fragrant

PRAWN PAD THAI

INGREDIENTS

100g rice noodles, soaked in hot tap water for 15 minutes until soft

½ a pak choi, chopped

1 tbsp spring onion/shallots, chopped

50g bean shoots

1 egg, whisked and pre-cooked

½ tbsp crushed roasted peanuts

7 peeled prawns

The sauce

Makes 6-8 portions and can be frozen

125g palm sugar, shaved

100ml fish sauce

¾ tbsp Jimmy’s sate sauce

100g crushed roasted peanuts

110g tamarind puree

Bean shoots, a wedge of lime and extra peanuts, if desired.

METHOD

Cook an omelette and set aside, slice with knife. Combine the sauce ingredients in a bowl and put aside.

Sauté prawns in oil in hot pan.

Add 60ml of water and ¾ tbsp of the combined sauce mix. Add noodles and toss through the liquid, bring up to simmer.

Add all ingredients except bean shoots and toss through your noodles. They will soften and start to glaze.

Simmer until sauce thickens and glazes around the noodles. Serve immediately.

THE BEAUTY of bubbles

WORDS REBECCA GRISMAN

THERE IS A POPULAR sentiment that we should not wait to celebrate, because life itself is the occasion. Why wait for special events, major milestones and perfect moments when there are many small wins along the way also worthy of marking?

Whether to keep great champagne for some future date, or chill and enjoy it on the regular, is weirdly controversial for fans of fizz. I lean to the view that all champagne is made with skill and care and some simply match more easily to everyday gatherings, while others can seriously level up your party, dinner, or anniversary toast.

If you’re a keen keeper, champagne requires careful storage – laying bottles flat in a dark and preferably cool space is ideal. I am often asked how long a bottle of champagne will last, and its storage makes the difference.

Other factors in longevity include its grapes, origin and style. Generally, nonvintage (NV) champagne is blended and made for drinking now, not cellaring, while many vintages have been known to sleep gently in the right conditions and age with grace for decades. Some long-lost bottles recovered from a Baltic seabed or war-damaged cellars were even found to be “drinkable” more than 150 years on. Drinkable, however, is not necessarily palatable for most of us.

I was fortunate to find and tuck away for years a rare bottle of 1966 Dom Pérignon, priceless today. Truthfully, every year that I held onto it waiting for a remarkable occasion to open this valuable treasure, I also worried it was deteriorating. This year, I chose to drink the 60-year-old bottle to learn its fate.

Dom Pérignon is only made as vintage champagne and the current release of 2017 (51 years younger than mine) is described in the House’s own tasting notes as mineral, fruity and complex, with jasmine flowers and citrus zest on the nose.

I can only imagine how tasting the freshly released 1966 may have compared. The House of Dom Pérignon has an extraordinary vintage library that describes the 1966 vintage as well-rounded, with a silky finish hinting at preserved citrus fruit.

The extra-long ageing of my champagne had made the champagne syrupy, tasting of treacle and buttery brioche, nougat, pralines and smokiness. It smelled of truffle. The bubbles were gone, the colour dark gold. It was like cognac and best sipped slowly. I may never see that vintage again and we savoured it. Was it worth it? Yes – for the anticipation, excitement and discovery of a wine opposite to the champagne at breakfast that day. It proved that champagne is timeless but, like all great things, cannot last forever.

Speaking of breakfast, people also remark with surprise about the tradition of offering champagne at breakfast across France and Europe. It’s part of the cultural joi de vivre, a celebratory way to start the day. There’s no better start to Mother’s Day than a floral glass of champagne, especially from an historic, female-led house that honours the famous matriarchs of the industry, like Veuve Clicquot, Bollinger or Pommery. A heavier champagne, however, would not be quite so delightful.

Choosing the best match of champagne for any occasion has simple guidelines, based on its complexity, acidity and flavour profile to complement your food and formality. These are my suggestions, with thanks to the advice of houses and chefs of Champagne and their encouragement to embrace the creativity that underpins the spirit of champagne making.

At breakfast, Blanc de Blancs are singular chardonnay champagnes with crisp, fresh mineral and tropical notes, so pair well with salmon, eggs, buttery toast, fruit, pastries and pancakes. The champagne houses of Ruinart, Ayala, Henriot, Delamotte and Perrier-Jouet are sophisticated, light choices.

Lunch with friends kick-starts with champagnes that have backbone. Complex blends of champagne’s grape varieties by Charles Heidsieck, Louis Roederer, Agrapart et Fils, Taittinger and Egly-Ouriet are wine list leaders for their ability to pair with entrees to mains, from seafood to pastas and roast vegetables. Steak and game lovers will find the intensity of Pol Roger, Bollinger and Krug elevates flavours, and the versatility of Billecart-Salmon Rosé to complement dishes from oysters and lamb to dessert makes it renowned.

Anniversary date night calls for memorable champagne. Vintages of Louis Roederer Cristal, Dom Pérignon, Perrier-Jouet Belle Epoque or Veuve Clicquot Grand Dame help make new outstanding memories.

If you have a milestone for a man in mind, I’ve learned that men often taste wine differently and offer fascinating tasting notes, identifying wood, smoke, chocolate and forest floor flavours easily. Dom Pérignon, Bollinger, Philipponnat, Armand de Brignac and Pol Roger deliver on depth.

Ultimately, there are more than 1000 champagne makers in the Champagne region and each vintage produces a changing kaleidoscope to explore. I hope you embrace the journey, as every opportunity to enjoy champagne is remarkable – santé!

Rebecca Grisman is a journalist and wine writer. She has worked in Champagne, France and interviewed chefs de caves and families of houses for international media and airline magazines. For more than a decade she has hosted champagne events, tastings and masterclasses, and she founded the Sunshine Coast Champagne Club. You can follow her on Facebook and Instagram @The Champagne Class.

MODERN fairytale

From a surprise sunset proposal at sea to a wedding day filled with heartfelt family touches, every detail was thoughtfully curated to feel authentic to newly married couple, Caitlin and Jay.

Can you share the story of how you met?

Our story is a modern fairytale, laced with that of a classic romance. We met via a dating app, but from our first date – a coffee date – we both knew we’d found our soulmate.

What was the proposal like?

It was a complete surprise and one that Jay carefully planned out to make it memorable and romantic. We were on a cruise holiday over New Year’s with my family. Jay had organised the ring well in advance (and managed to keep it hidden from me) and knew he wanted to propose on the white theme night at sunset. He staged it for us to go and take some pictures at sunset. He organised for my mum to take a ‘photo’ of us, while my dad was in the background capturing it on video. Midway through the photos, Jay turned around and proposed.

What was the inspiration behind your wedding theme/vibe?

We wanted to go for a timeless and elegant theme that complemented the rustic yet elevated charm of Yandina Station. We opted for simple colours of white, soft yellow, soft gold and oat throughout the day and blended some tradition with modern twists. We tried to avoid what was trending and keep it authentic to us.

What was the most memorable moment of your wedding day?

The absolute highlight was walking down the aisle and seeing Jay. During our ceremony it was like we were the

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only two people in the entire world, and that feeling of, ‘wow, I’m about to marry you’, was something I will treasure forever. In saying that, the whole day was a dream and we both had so much fun.

Did you incorporate any personal touches or traditions into your wedding?

We tried to incorporate a few personal touches throughout the day, with one of the biggest being Jay’s entrance to the wedding. He and his groomsmen arrived on dirt bikes, with Jay riding his late brother’s Honda CRF450. I wore my mum’s beautiful pearl bracelet, the same one she wore on her wedding day, and arrived in my dad’s 1973 Jaguar XJ6.

What was your favourite part of the reception?

We loved being surrounded by all our family and friends, sharing dinner and dancing all night long. It was also magical to see the space we envisioned come to life.

What advice would you give to couples currently planning their wedding?

There are just so many options out there when planning a wedding, so don’t be afraid to keep it simple and don’t feel pressured to do what everyone else is doing. It can be overwhelming when there is so much to consider and so many places to source inspiration and information. At the end of the day, it’s about you and your partner.

“we tried to incorporate a few personal touches”

FLORIST – MONDO FLORAL DESIGNS STYLIST – SIMPLY STYLE

CO MAKE UP – LAUREN MONTGOMERY MAKEUP

HAIR – LOVE IS IN THE HAIR BY LIZ VENUE – YANDINA STATION

PHOTOGRAPHER/VIDEOGRAPHER – WILDE VISUAL

MUSICIAN – CALL ME WILL CAKE – ONE SWEET MOMENT

DRESS – WHITE LILY COUTURE/MISS CHLOE BRIDAL

BRIDESMAID DRESSES – BILLY J SUITS – TONY BARLOW

SKIN PREP – SIGNATURE COSMETICS & BEAUTY

6 CLASSES FOR

Argyle pear-cut champagne diamond ring in 9ct yellow gold

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Edwardian COOEE diamond, ruby and enamel ring

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Handmade 18ct yellow, white and rose gold yellow beryl, pink sapphire and diamond drop earrings, $14,950, NY2K, Cotton Tree, 5443 1955

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PRESTIGE

collection

18ct white gold Tahitian pearl and diamond flower pendant, $2450, NY2K, Cotton Tree, 5443 1955

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Argyle oval champagne diamond ring in 9ct yellow gold, $6000, Diamonds of Distinction, Buderim, 5445 5709

14ct yellow gold drop earrings, featuring Lightning Ridge black opals, Opals Down Under, Glenview, 5494 5400

14ct yellow gold and diamond pendant, featuring a 2.61ct Coober Pedy crystal opal, Opals Down Under, Glenview, 5494 5400

Art Deco 18ct yellow gold and platinum diamond drop earrings, $9500, Avenue J, Mooloolaba, 5444 4422

9ct yellow gold ring, featuring a 0.75ct Queensland boulder opal, Opals Down Under, Glenview, 5494 5400

Pendant with a picture boulder opal set with spinel in 18ct white gold, The Opalcutter,Montville, 5442 9598

18ct yellow gold AUTORE South Sea pearl, diamond and emerald drop pendant, $17,690, NY2K, Cotton Tree, 5443 1955

Bright boulder opal and diamonds set in 18ct yellow gold, The Opalcutter, Montville, 5442 9598

Art Deco handmade platinum diamond dress ring, $37,500, Avenue J, Mooloolaba, 5444 4422

14ct yellow gold ring, featuring a 1.25ct Queensland boulder opal,

Down Under, Glenview, 5494 5400

9ctwhitegold sapphireDreamsToiEt

9ct white gold sapphire Dreams Toi Et Moi Australian sapphire necklet, $1495, NY2K, Cotton Tree, 5443 1955

Art Deco-style ceylonese sapphire and diamond ring $3250, Avenue J, Mooloolaba, 5444 4422

Natural balance

WORDS INGRID NELSON

FROM COLLAGEN POWDERS and magnesium blends to gut health formulas and longevity supplements, Australians are spending more than ever on wellness products as they look for ways to improve their health, energy and overall wellbeing. Social media trends, growing awareness around preventative health and a stronger focus on ageing well have all contributed to the booming supplement industry – but with so many products on the market, knowing where to start can feel overwhelming.

According to naturopath Cheree Sheldon from Flannerys Organic & Wholefood Market, customers are becoming increasingly proactive about taking control of their health through a more natural and holistic approach.

“Ageing well and longevity, it’s not a trend, but a real awareness of our customers that’s seen an uptake in products like NMN, polyphenols, brain and cognitive support products and creatine,” Cheree says.

She says magnesium glycinate has also become one of the most popular supplements among customers seeking support for stress and relaxation, while women are increasingly turning to natural therapies to support hormonal health throughout different life stages.

“it’s not a one-size-fitsall approach”

“Women across their lifespan are becoming more aware of nutrition support for hormonal health through puberty, fertility, to perimenopause and menopause,” she says. “Women are using herbs and nutrition like seed cycling, chaste tree, wild yam or shatavari to nourish and balance their natural rhythm.”

While curiosity around peptides continues to grow online, Cheree says there are strict regulations around the products. “Peptides aren’t a product that the TGA has approved for over-the-counter purchasing or to be prescribed by anyone other than medical doctors, so until that changes, we can’t speak to them,” she says.

With social media constantly promoting new wellness products and “miracle” supplements, Cheree says professional advice is more important than ever.

“We always recommend speaking to a qualified professional, and we like to take a holistic approach to wellbeing,” she says. “It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach, particularly if you’re already on medications or supplements.”

One thing that sets Flannerys apart is its in-store naturopaths, who offer personalised guidance to customers navigating today’s overwhelming wellness market.

“We offer this as a free service in all our stores,” Cheree says. “It can be overwhelming knowing where to start or which products are right for you.”

That personalised approach also extends to

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Flannerys’ liquid herbal tonics, which are customblended to support individual needs.

“The wonderful thing about making a herbal tonic is how customised we can make it to what that person needs,” she says. “Tonics can be targeted for acute conditions like a sore throat, period pain, or constipation,and can be used for so many other things like stress, trouble sleeping, sinus and pain.”

When it comes to supplements that consistently deliver results, Cheree says magnesium remains a standout.

“Magnesium is fantastic for sleep and stress. Actually, it is important for over 300 processes in our bodies. L-theanine and herbs like chamomile, passionflower and kava are also great for relaxation and sleep.”

For gut health, she points to prebiotics, probiotics and nutrients such as zinc and glutamine, while adaptogens like ginseng continue to be popular for energy support.

Despite the ever-changing wellness landscape, Cheree believes the foundations of good health remain the same.

“Sleep, stress, nutrition, activity, connection and then supplements can make you feel like the best version of yourself,” she says. “Supplements are a fantastic add-on to a wholefood organic lifestyle, not to replace it.”

BRIDAL SKIN

essentials

With the spring wedding season on the horizon, now is the perfect time for brides to begin thinking about their skin journey before the big day. While glowing bridal skin may look effortless, achieving that fresh, radiant complexion is often the result of months of careful preparation, consistency and professional guidance. We sat down with the owner of Signature Cosmetics & Beauty Maroochydore, Samantha Holmes, to talk about bridal skin preparation, common skincare mistakes and how spring brides can start their journey now towards healthy, luminous skin.

When should a bride ideally begin preparing their skin for their wedding day, and why?

Ideally, I recommend starting at least six months before the wedding or even up to 12 months for more serious skin concerns. Skin takes time to respond and remodel properly, particularly if we are working on concerns like acne, pigmentation, sensitivity, or skin texture. Starting early also allows us to take a gradual, supportive approach rather than rushing into aggressive treatments close to the event. The goal is healthy, balanced skin that photographs beautifully and feels comfortable on the day – not skin that looks overtreated.

What are the most common skin concerns brides come to you with?

The most common concerns are usually breakouts, pigmentation, uneven skin tone, redness and overall dullness in the skin. Many brides are also dealing with increased stress leading up to the wedding, which can show up in the skin through inflammation, sensitivity, or impaired barrier function. Often, clients are not looking to completely change their skin. They simply want it to look fresher, calmer and healthier.

How do you tailor a skincare plan to suit different skin types and concerns?

Every bridal skin journey should be customised. We look at skin history, lifestyle, current skincare habits, sensitivity levels and the client’s timeline before creating a plan. For example, someone with reactive skin may need a slower barrier-focused approach, while another client may benefit from targeted treatments for pigmentation or acne scarring. It is never about applying the same protocol to everyone. The skin tells us what it can tolerate, and we work with that rather than against it.

What does a typical six-month bridal skin journey look like?

The first stage is usually focused on skin health and barrier function. Once the skin is stable and resilient, we can introduce more corrective treatments if needed, such as peels, skin needling, or more advanced treatments. Throughout the journey, we reassess regularly depending on how the skin is responding. Closer to the wedding, the focus shifts toward maintenance, hydration, calming treatments and ensuring the skin is settled and predictable. Are there certain treatments you recommend avoiding too close to the wedding date?

Absolutely. We generally avoid introducing any new or intensive treatments within the final few weeks before the wedding. Aggressive peels, stronger laser treatments, or anything likely to cause prolonged irritation or unexpected reactions should be done well in advance. The last month should be about keeping the skin calm, hydrated and stable. Brides often think they need to do more right before the wedding, but in most cases, less is actually better.

How important is consistency with at-home skincare during the lead-up to the big day?

It is essential. In-clinic treatments can absolutely support the skin, but daily home care is what creates long-term change and stability. Think of professional treatments as the catalyst, while home care is what maintains and reinforces the results between appointments. A consistent routine does not need to be complicated. It just needs to be appropriate for the skin and followed regularly.

What role do lifestyle factors like stress, sleep, diet and hydration play in bridal skin preparation?

Our skin is often a reflection of what is happening internally within the body. When we are dealing with ongoing stress, poor sleep, dehydration, inflammation, or nutritional imbalances, the skin is usually one of the first

places it shows up. A lot of common skin concerns, such as breakouts, sensitivity, dullness, redness, or impaired healing, are not always just surface-level issues. That is why bridal skin preparation should never be just about treatments and products alone. Supporting overall wellbeing through quality sleep, stress management, hydration, and balanced nutrition can make a significant difference in how the skin functions, heals and responds throughout the lead-up to the wedding.

How do you help brides achieve glowing skin without overdoing treatments? The best results come from supporting skin function, not constantly pushing the skin harder. Our approach is always to build skin strength first, maintain balance and avoid unnecessary over-treatment. Healthy skin naturally reflects light better, holds hydration more effectively and sits more smoothly under makeup. You do not need aggressive treatments to achieve that fresh bridal look. Often, thoughtful consistency gives the best outcome.

What are some of the biggest skincare mistakes brides make before their wedding?

One of the biggest mistakes is trying too many new products or treatments too close to the wedding date. Brides are often exposed to endless recommendations online, which can lead to over-exfoliation, irritation, or barrier disruption. Another common issue is chasing trends instead of following a structured plan suited to their own skin. More products do not always equal better skin.

with the skin to support firmness, soften fine lines and improve overall skin integrity without looking overdone. Skin needling is one of my favourite alternatives or complementary treatments because it encourages the skin to naturally stimulate collagen and elastin production. Over time, this helps improve skin texture, firmness and overall resilience, creating a fresher and more refined appearance while still looking completely like yourself.

How far in advance should brides trial treatments like peels, laser or skin needling?

Are injectable treatments becoming more popular among brides? If so, what are they asking for? Yes, they are definitely becoming more common, although most brides are still looking for subtle, natural-looking results rather than dramatic changes. There are now many advanced treatments available that work more naturally

Ideally, at least three to six months before the wedding, sometimes earlier, depending on the concern being treated. This gives us enough time to assess how the skin responds and make adjustments if needed. No bride wants to be trialling an unfamiliar treatment right before a major event. Starting early creates far more flexibility and predictability.

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FOR MANY AUSTRALIANS, the term ‘modular home’ still conjures outdated stereotypes: cramped dongas, temporary transportable cabins or basic mining accommodation built for function rather than lifestyle.

But on the Sunshine Coast, Oly Homes is reshaping that perception entirely, proving that modern modular housing can be design-led, highly customisable and genuinely aspirational family living.

That shift is immediately obvious inside the multi-award-winning company’s display home at Yandina. Named Airlie, it is a three-bedroom, two-bathroom residence that has the confidence of a contemporary designer home with its sculptural lines, warm finishes and generous proportions that feel anything but temporary.

Sunlight pours into open-plan living spaces, an oversized verandah extends the footprint outdoors and every detail feels carefully considered.

For many first-time visitors, the reaction to the space is immediate.

“When customers come through the display home, their first comment is generally, ‘Oh, wow!’” says owner Dale Funston.

Oly Homes’ Carly Turner says that moment of surprise speaks volumes about how modular housing is still misunderstood.

“People don’t automatically think modular means modern and beautiful,” she says. “Then they walk in and realise, ‘Oh, you do actually have the nice floors that I like, this is airy and I can do that in the kitchen’. You see people having the realisation that this could actually work for them.”

Founded in 1972 and owned by Dale for the past 16 years, Oly Homes has been leading the Australian modular housing pack for decades.

“When we first bought the business, modular homes were basically still called dongas,” Dale says. “They were small, basic and rough – purely fit for purpose. As the years have progressed, we’ve changed that completely, tipped it right on its head.”

Today, Oly Homes designs and constructs everything from one-bedroom granny flats to expansive five-bedroom family homes, remote

“the faster people can get into their homes, the better”

workforce accommodation and custom builds.

The company is even preparing its first twostorey residential modular home on a sloping block at Yandina Creek – a project Dale says grew directly from a client’s vision.

“The customer wanted two-storeys, so we sat down together and worked through it,” he says. “That’s one of the bonuses with what we do, you can change whatever you want.”

While Oly Homes offers around 20 standard designs, buyers can modify layouts, reposition kitchens, alter finishes and personalise homes to suit specific sites and lifestyles. The company’s architectural and engineering teams ensure every design remains structurally sound and council compliant.

At a time when many traditional home builds are plagued by lengthy delays, labour shortages and rising costs, Oly Homes’ factory-based construction model offers both speed and certainty.

Homes are built in sections inside the company’s Yandina and Cooroy facilities, where trades, architects, engineers and builders work onsite every day in weather-protected conditions.

“They’re literally made in two halves in the factory, complete with kitchen, bathrooms and laundry intact and transported by truck to the destination one half at a time,” Dale explains.

Carly likens the installation process to “putting together giant Lego pieces”.

“If you were to crane this [the display home] onto a site in the morning, it would look like a

finished house by the afternoon,” she says. “They would just have a few things to tweak after that, like doing the verandah handrailing the next day.”

The company handles all council and building approvals on behalf of homeowners, helping simplify what can be a stressful and lengthy process. Once approvals are complete, the average construction timeframe sits around eight to 12 weeks, whereas a traditional build of an equivalent-sized and quality home is eight to 12 months.

This faster turnaround can be particularly valuable for Sunshine Coast families trying to enter a tricky housing market where new-build homes are in short supply.

Carly believes Oly Homes delivers in terms of speed, flexible design, build quality and reduced construction stress. Financing options have also improved significantly, with modular homes now eligible under major bank lending programs.

“The faster people can get into their homes, the better,” she says. “You’ve got to pay both rent and your home loans while you’re building.”

Oly Homes’ modular approach also excels in remote and difficult-to-access locations. The company has delivered projects throughout far north Queensland and the Torres Strait, including work on Thursday Island, Mornington Island and defence housing projects in Weipa.

In 2025, Oly Homes received multiple major building awards for its Thursday Island development, which involved manufacturing cyclone-rated modular homes on the Sunshine Coast before transporting them more than 1700 kilometres north for installation.

That year, the project won the Master Builders Queensland Award for Prefabricated and Modular Housing, along with regional Housing Industry Association and Master Builders Far North Queensland awards.

Strength and durability remain central to the company’s reputation. Oly Homes uses Australian Bluescope steel framing and robust structural systems designed to withstand both cyclones and termites.

“One of the questions we get asked all the time is whether they’re cyclone-rated,” Carly says. “The winds the homes face on the back of the truck during transport is equivalent to a category two cyclone and still they arrive intact.”

Dale recalls one Mission Beach project which

endured Cyclone Yasi. “All the other houses were gone and we were still standing,” he says. “It simply lost a bit of guttering.”

Plans are afoot for a larger Caloundra factory that will significantly expand production capacity.

The move reflects not only the company’s success but a broader shift occurring across the Australian housing market.

More homeowners are beginning to understand that modular housing is no longer a compromise. According to Carly, Oly Homes’ brand promise, ‘more than modular’, is simply about understanding that anything’s possible.

“It’s not just a box, it’s a home, it’s a space where my family can live,” she says. “It’s a house that I can design the way I want it. It’s going to be somewhere where we can live and we can have the lifestyle we want.”

For Oly Homes, it’s about extending that dream and reality to its customers and letting them know that a modular home can be the home of their dreams.

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A SEASON OF LIVE PERFORMANCE

Escape the chill and step into a season of unforgettable performances at THE EVENTS CENTRE, CALOUNDRA. From the playful charm of Room on the Broom (July 31) delighting young audiences, to the nostalgic energy of Live at Frankie’s (June 24) celebrating iconic hits, there’s something for everyone. Theatre lovers can be moved by the thoughtprovoking KOAL (June 17), while music enthusiasts will savour the artistry of the Acoustic Guitar Spectacular (August 27). Gather friends, bring family and enjoy a vibrant mix of storytelling and sound that turns winter outings into moments of shared warmth and joy. theeventscentre.com.au

LOCALS love

There are plenty of things to explore, see and do on the Sunshine Coast, so get out there and enjoy the range of activities, events, experiences and attractions.

FREE SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN AT THE GINGER FACTORY

Few places spark warm feelings of excitement quite like THE GINGER FACTORY, and during the school holidays, it truly comes to life. The Ginger Factory is bursting with free activities these holidays, with highland cow cuddles and face painting. How can anyone say no to a day at the Sunshine Coast’s most magical place? Join the fun with free craft and story time sessions throughout the week and meet the friendly resident dragon, Zog, or hop aboard Moreton the Ginger Train for an extra touch of magic. gingerfactory.com.au

NEW CHAPTER FOR A MUCH-LOVED QUEENSLAND ICON

Established in 1911, THE IMPERIAL HOTEL EUMUNDI has gone through many chapters, and its newest era is here. Now owned by family-run business, the Comiskey Group, this iconic Queenslander has been thoughtfully reimagined while honouring more than a century of stories. Step inside to find walls lined with historic photographs, a refreshed front bar, and a new beer garden. The expanded grounds also feature a vibrant laneway, an impressive outdoor LED screen playing Fox Sports and a large kids’ playground. Standing proudly opposite the famous Eumundi Markets, this beloved local has survived fires, renovations and generations of loyal patrons. Stop in to see for yourself why locals keep returning. imperialhoteleumundi.com.au

Experience Double the Drama only at The Events Centre Caloundra

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4 & 5 September

“Deliriously funny and impeccably staged.” - Brisbane Times

The Events Centre, Caloundra presents 30 & 31 October

EXPERIENCE SCENIC FLIGHTS AND PILOT TRAINING

Curious about flying? SUNSHINE COAST AERO CLUB offers scenic trial flights and high-quality flight training for recreational licenses, as well as training all the way through to commercial licenses. The experienced team ensures a safe and enjoyable learning environment. Trainees are in control of their training pace, flying when it suits them and progressing from their first flight with the SCACQ all the way to a commercial pilot licence (CPL) via Inspire Aviation. Conduct the biannual flight review with them to refresh and reinforce skills. Need an aircraft for local flying or building hours? They offer well-maintained aircraft for hire at competitive rates. sunshinecoastaeroclub.com.au

GRASSROOTS TO GLORY EXHIBITION

The free Grassroots to Glory: Around the Track exhibition at LANDSBOROUGH MUSEUM is a timely tribute to the Sunshine Coast’s athletic spirit. More than a display of memorabilia, it reveals how community passion, volunteers and families nurture talent from local carnivals to elite pathways. Rich with personal stories and historic artefacts, Grassroots to Glory honours perseverance and shared pride. As the region looks toward the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, this exhibition reminds us that sporting success is built not on podiums alone, but on grassroots dedication and unwavering community support. The exhibition is open until August 30. Enjoy the free heritage talk presented by Dr Kate Kirby on Friday, July 3 at 10am. heritage.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

A BIRD LOVER’S PARADISE

Perched high above the Glass House Mountains, MALENY BOTANIC GARDENS & BIRD WORLD is one of the Sunshine Coast’s most magical day-out experiences. Spanning 18 acres of landscaped gardens, sweeping lawns and panoramic mountain views, it’s a place where families can slow down, wander and reconnect with nature. The real highlight is Bird World – home to hundreds of vibrant, free-flying parrots and exotic birds from around the globe.

malenybotanicgardens.com.au

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ENJOY WINTER IN EUMUNDI

Visiting the hinterland town of Eumundi is an immersive and memorable experience in so many ways. The town truly comes alive each Wednesday and Saturday from 7.30am to 2pm when the I LOVE EUMUNDI MARKETS offers visitors and locals alike a plethora of choice, such as artisan-crafted gifts, décor, designer fashion and handmade jewellery. The choice of food and drink is plenty, with anything from Tibetan momos to organic doughnuts, locally brewed coffee and heavenly smoothies. At each turn, there is a busker or entertainer. Each Friday from 8.30am to 1pm, Eumundi Square opens its doors and allows visitors to explore 90 boutique micro-retail stores. iloveeumundimarkets.com

VISIT THE AWARD-WINNING LOUNGE SEVENTY TWO

Maroochy RSL is celebrating LOUNGE SEVENTY TWO, recently crowned 2026 Best Small Renovation at the Clubs Queensland Awards. Guests are invited to see for themselves what makes it an award-winning venue. The elevated cocktail and sports lounge blends sophistication, from its expertly crafted drinks and signature menu, to intimate booth seating. A big screen delivers every sporting moment in style, while a dedicated TAB area adds a touch of excitement. With a vibrant entertainment zone, dance floor and some of the friendliest staff on the Coast, Lounge Seventy Two is where great nights begin for all guests. maroochyrsl.com.au/lounge-seventy-two

BE AT ONE WITH NATURE

BUDERIM FOREST PARK, home to the famous Buderim Falls, is a Sunshine Coast gem, ideal for anyone wanting a dose of nature. Located less than a kilometre from Buderim Village, the walk winds through subtropical rainforest, with towering trees, ferns and the sound of cascading water all around. It’s a relatively easy trek, with well-maintained paths and a few lookout points that give you sweeping views of the waterfall and the surrounding greenery. Why not finish with a picnic or barbecue in the adjoining park? adventure.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

Discover Landsborough Museum

renovated, modern exhibition space alongside the original 1924 state heritage-listed council building.

• First Nations heritage to European settlement stories

• diverse events and exhibitions

• virtual tours available via Cerge Open Wed-Sun, 10am - 3pm

COLOUR in his veins

THE COMPLETE PICTURE is being revealed one delectable piece at a time: two giant murals are crafted day by day outside Caloundra Hospital, depicting the wilds of Australia – rich earth, luscious plant life, flowing water and animals caught in a moment. It is life rendered in full colour, abundant and alive.

That these artworks sit as sentinels outside a place where people leave this life – the Dove House specialist palliative care unit – is not lost on the creator, acclaimed artist Josh Wright.

“I see it as a privilege to be able to create this, to give my art and leave my vision here,” he says. “A lot of the families in there are dealing with a lot of hardship and I am in a position to be able to make something they will see on their way in and out that will give them some joy, some hope.”

The passion for charity partnerships was incubated from childhood. At age 10, Josh suffered a sudden and catastrophic event – a rupture in his cerebellum caused by a rare brain arteriovenous malformation that left him paralysed down his left side. Months in hospital undergoing surgeries and rehabilitation followed, with the necessary separation from family and life as he knew it delivering more than just a regaining of his health and life.

“At the time, as a child, I was just kind of a passenger to it all. They were just trying to keep me sustained and keep me alive,” he says. “But in that hospital setting, I saw how impactful art was on the walls and in the activities. I’m just grateful to be alive because, if it were back in the ’60s or the ’70s, I would have certainly died.”

No one could ever accuse Josh of taking on easy work or choosing life’s gentler pathways. He was born of two cultures and developed by many more:

he is American-Australian by parentage, and his art was grown and delivered in the United States, Italy, Mexico and now on the Sunshine Coast. An only child, he began life with culture all around. His mother was an artist, grandmother a painter, father a songwriter. His stepfather was best friends with world-famous art dealer Tim Blum and his world was populated by renowned creatives.

Josh’s artistic journey started formally when he began working as a studio assistant to figurative bronze sculptor Richard MacDonald in California.

“Richard taught me the discipline of being an artist, the respect in a studio setting,” Josh says. “I think a lot of people think that being an artist is kind of this nonchalant way of living where you are kind of creative but also jobless and directionless.

“it

is the oxygen to my blood”

Working with Richard, I realised there’s so much more discipline behind being an artist and it is about that and dedication to your art. He encouraged me to get a formal education.”

Acceptance into the prestigious Florence Academy of Art in Italy led to five years of study, where Josh immersed himself in the classical techniques that once shaped the Old Masters, including Titian, Caravaggio, Velázquez and Van Dyke.

Josh says he was unapologetically addicted to learning, to the culture and the rhythm that came with being a student at the Florence Academy of Art, arriving first and being the last to leave in the highly competitive, creative environment during the COVID years.

“They say a painting’s never finished – it is abandoned,” he says. “So I try and push it as far as it can go. I paint on oil on linen because it lasts 500 years and it can even be restored to last longer. Using oil on linen is a patience game and I like the discipline of that.”

After graduating in 2022, Josh had stints in Los Angeles and San Diego, working in sculpture at a bronze foundry and creating graphic novels. He then ventured to Loreto, Mexico, where his stepfather has a home. In Mexico, he experienced real artistic freedom, feeling embraced by a community of artisans and unrestrained by financial pressures.

“I was making great money at the time, so I felt like I needed to give back, and I had an exhibition and I gave a portion of the profits to a kids’ foster home there – Casa Hogar – that was in great need of renovations,” he says.

“It was such a thrill to see the difference that made and that is what got me into doing community projects, because I recognise that the art can kick some serious promotional and financial goals.”

The Loreto experience lit a fire in Josh and he has since used his art to raise funds for, among others, the burns unit at the Sydney Children’s Hospital and Anglicare’s work with at-risk youth in Brisbane. At the SunnyKids Mayoral Ball on the Sunshine Coast in October, Josh will complete an artwork live on stage, demonstrating creativity in action and drawing attention to a cause that does immeasurable good.

“It is the oxygen to my blood,” he says. “I mean, I could live as an artist without it, but to be able to get into a community and create positivity and awareness through art is so satisfying. I do a lot of art projects at hospitals or at events doing live paintings.

“The important thing is it is not just me: there are other donors and people involved, and I call it community enhancement.”

Love brought Josh to the Sunshine Coast via Sydney about 18 months ago. As well as making his own art, he currently delivers lessons in the foundations of drawing using the classical

methodologies he knows so profoundly. Josh has unbridled pride in taking his place in passing on the candle of knowledge.

“Things are really booming for me at the moment,” he says. “I’m getting more work than I even know what to do with. I am having to say no sometimes and I have a waiting list for some of my workshops.”

Josh says he feels empowered by striking life’s purple patch, embracing the maturity he has found in his art.

“Someone once told me that a good artist learns the foundations and then carries them on, but a great artist learns the basics and then forgets them.

“All the artists that were really influential – true greats such as Picasso and Renoir and the Impressionists – they all had the foundations, the roots of art, in their classical technique and then they found a way to bend them and create something new. I try to live on the edge like that.”

Josh says classical art has the ability to offer answers to life’s big questions.

“Those classical paintings are very layered and there is more than what you see in front of you at first – there’re these little nuances and stories underneath the painting,” he says.

“I think that perhaps forever, paintings have inspired hope and belonging in people, because they show the struggle, the beauty of times past and that makes people feel less alone.

“Sometimes I think about my art in terms of how is it going to look when I’m dead, when I’m gone. One of the reasons I got into art is because it’s a chance to become immortal, to be alive forever. I think we all want that. We want part of us to live on.”

sunnykids.org.au/event/sunnykids-annual-mayoral-ball-2026/ joshwrightart.com

WORLD OF WONDER

FOR LEIGH KAREN Joyce, art is not just about creative expression, it’s something deeper. She describes art as an exchange where “just as much as I put into it, it gives back to me”.

“I’m a really healthy, happy person and I just think painting has a lot to do with it,” she says.

The living room of her Sunshine Beach home looks like an art gallery. Gracing the walls is an eclectic collection of vibrant paintings. There’s not one inch of white space to spare. Some paintings are Leigh’s, some are her mother-in-law’s, who resides in Bali, and some are the works of other artists. Collectively, they make one feel, well, happy, upbeat.

“I like art that’s happy, colourful, just something that makes me smile.”

Happiness is a theme Leigh returns to time and again during our conversation. She’s two years into retirement, but has no desire to slow down. Most days she paints for up to five hours at her home studio listening to Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles and “any kind of music, really”.

“My playlist has five days’ worth of [song] rotations,” she laughs.

Leigh’s style is difficult to define. Rather than one picture or idea consuming an entire canvas, there are typically lots of little “boxed” pictures all tied together thematically. Instead of committing to a single image across a canvas, Leigh creates smaller worlds within one larger work.

“I divide the canvas into squares or rectangles and I just do different pictures in each,” she explains.

“I’ll pick a subject, like the sea, and just go for it until I finish it.”

Leigh works largely from imagination, conceding she does use reference images if she needs to study what a seagull or feathers look like. Typically, it takes a couple of months to complete one painting.

Leigh points to what seems to be an exception to

Ly don

| The Lore of the Land | 2018 | Acrylic on canvas | Sunshine Coast

- Acquired through SCC 2017 - 2019 Reconciliation Action Plan.

See what’s on at gallery.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

Tues to Fri 10am-4pm, Sat to Sun 10am-2pm | 22 Omrah Ave, Caloundra

her patchwork-like style. It’s a large abstract-looking painting of Australian botanicals.

“If I’m painting a big picture, like the botanicals, I’ll start in the bottom corner and just move until it engulfs the whole canvas.”

Looking at Leigh’s art is like entering an enchanting dream: mermaids and sea creatures, fairies and woodland animals, elves and angels. It’s like pictorially describing a utopian fairytale. A sense of joy – almost childlike, generous and deeply felt – runs through every aspect of her singular creations. Her process, it would seem, is wholly intuitive.

“I just love painting,” she exclaims. “I can’t not paint. I have to paint. It just brings me joy and I think that emotion goes into my paintings. My paintings are really joyful, they have a really good feeling about them.”

In an art world often dominated by concept and

Friday 3 JulySunday 16 August 2026

The exhibition presents lore as a living system of knowledge, responsibility, kinship, and custodianship connecting people to Country. LORE | Land reveals First Nations artists’ enduring relationships with land, culture, and community while confronting dispossession, colonisation, and ongoing

and continuity. Audiences are invited to engage with cultural geographies shaped by story and responsibility, celebrating First Nations strength and urging recognition of their rights and custodianship.

“I don’t know what my style is… it’s kind of different i think”

intellectual framing, Leigh’s paintings offer something more instinctive: emotion, warmth and wonder.

Leigh is not being disingenuous when she says: “I don’t know what my style is because it’s kind of different I think”. She bandies a few words around: whimsical, folky, naïve and magical.

“I don’t do it [art] properly,” she says candidly. “Backgrounds are supposed to be painted first, but I usually do them last. I’ve tried doing it the correct way, but it just doesn’t work for me.”

There is freedom in that honesty – an artist unconcerned with rules or artistic orthodoxy. Leigh is entirely self-taught and refreshingly unpretentious about it.

“I know artists have ways to describe their art, but I don’t even have those words,” she says. “For me it’s an expression.”

Raised in Cronulla by an artistic mother who drew and painted, creativity arrived naturally. Leigh painted throughout childhood and school years, preferring art to sport.

“There’s something about the little girl in all of us,” she reflects. “I’ve been painting ever since I was a child. It’s just something I’ve always done.”

That childlike sensibility still guides her work today, particularly in paintings created for children’s rooms. “I love being a child again,” she says of the process.

Leigh’s relationship with painting is less about career ambition than emotional necessity. Even after retiring from a long career in fashion boutiques in Hastings Street and Peregian Square, she still feels compelled to paint almost daily.

“When I was working, I’d be dying to paint and I’d just go for it,” she says. “Now I might do five hours a day. I put my music on in my studio and I’m happy.”

Painting, she explains, creates a state that feels close to meditation.

“You can look at the clock when you start painting and then I turn around and look at the clock again and it’s like two hours have gone by and it feels like 20 minutes.”

That meditative immersion may explain the emotional atmosphere viewers often respond to in her work. For Leigh, the real success of a painting has little to do with galleries, sales or prestige. Although she has sold and exhibited through Melbourne galleries and now exclusively sells through Hearts and Minds Art in Noosa, commercial pressure has never sat comfortably with her.

“I found it really confronting to have to paint a certain amount of paintings in a certain amount of time,” she says of exhibition deadlines. “I really didn’t enjoy it.”

In fact, many of her paintings never enter the marketplace at all.

“I give away a lot of my paintings,” she says. “If a painting comes back to me, I’ll give it to a friend for a 60th birthday and just move it on.”

She seems genuinely pleased, surprised even, if recipients appreciate her art.

“For me, honestly, it’s not about the money,” she says. “I always just think, someone actually loves my painting.”

What matters most to Leigh is emotional connection. “It’s about giving someone a painting and they cry. That is what I look for.”

Hearts and Minds Art owners Julie Holland and Greg Peeler say Leigh’s art has long captivated visitors to their gallery.

“Gosh, what a diverse artist she is,” says Julie. “We have loved showing Leigh’s work in our gallery for many years. Her acrylics are often mistaken by customers for weavings, they are so textured and detailed.”

Working exclusively in acrylics, Leigh creates texture by scratching into wet paint using cut-up bank cards, toothpicks and the ends of paintbrushes.

The result is work layered with intricate detail and vibrant colour, influenced as much by Mexican folk art and Indigenous dot painting as by European religious iconography.

Following a recent trip through Italy, Leigh became captivated once again by images of the Virgin Mary.

“I’d say I’m a spiritual person but I do love Mary though,” she says. “Something speaks to me about her. I just think she’s beautiful.”

And at an age when many of her contemporaries begin slowing down, Leigh speaks instead about longevity – and gratitude.

“What’s so great about painting is you could be 90 and still paint,” she says. “If I die with a paintbrush in my hand, I’ll be real happy.

For an artist so devoted to joy, it feels less like a dramatic statement than a simple truth.

Painting is not merely what Leigh does. It is how she moves through the world – with colour, generosity, imagination and heart.

An African Safari

Over 20 years of unforgettable safari experiences tailored to suit individual travel styles. Encounter vibrant cultures, stunning landscapes and extraordinary wildlife in iconic destinations across Africa.

ART dates

Take a moment to peruse some of the finest works from some of the best galleries on the Coast.

ONGOING

1. ART BY BROOKS

Amanda’s unique work reflects the contemporary, casual and colour-filled lifestyle of the picturesque Sunshine Coast.

Born and raised in South Africa, Amanda developed a love for art as far back as she can remember. Inspired by light, movement, surprising colour combinations and textures, her goal is to infuse these elements and form abstract, impressionist-style compositions. No matter the subject, she strives to portray a balance of realism combined with loose painterly abstraction, causing one to complement the other.

when Visits welcome by appointment daily where Art By Brooks, 41 Sunset Drive, Noosa Heads, 0417 071 336. artbybrooks.com.au

2. WINTER EXHIBITION

Hearts and Minds Art continues to showcase a stunning range of works by artists including Maree Welman, Sara Paxton, Lais Perske, Vaughan Robinson, Caslake and Pedlar, Tania Babb, Luke Jacomb, Ray Wilson, Leigh Karen Joyce, Jeanette Smith, Veronica van de Vorst and Christina Power. when Open daily where Hearts and Minds Art, 1 Hastings Street, Noosa Heads, 0418 108 299. heartsandmindsart.com.au

JUNE

3. MOMENTUM

Momentum exhibition by artist Sara Paxton explores the quiet force that carries landscapes, seascapes and still life beyond stillness, capturing not just a moment, but the energy that drives it forward. when June 5 to June 26 where Art Nuvo Gallery, 25 Gloucester Road, Buderim, 5456 2445. artnuvobuderim.com.au

4. MARCEL DESBIENS

Marcel was born in Quebec, Canada and now calls Landsborough on the Sunshine Coast home. He is the founder and director of Bienarté Art School in Brisbane and has been painting and teaching the methods of the Renaissance Masters’ oil painting techniques for more than 40 years. when Throughout June where Montville Art Gallery, 138 Main Street, Montville. montvilleartgallery.com.au

5. DIRECTOR’S CHOICE

An eclectic collection of artists rotated weekly, with a special showcasing of spectacular oil paintings by Peggy Zephyr. when Throughout June where The G Contemporary, 6/32 Hastings Street, Laguna on Hastings, Noosa Heads, 0400 716 526. thegcontemporary.com

hearts and minds art

Beau ful, original products and quirky bits & pieces, including books by local author Julie Holland

Join our mailing list for informa on on new ar sts & products info@heartsandmindsart.com.au 0418 108 299 heartsandmindsart.com.au

JULY

6. SOLO EXHIBITION: ECHOES

Celebrating her 20th exhibition, Dai Li will, as always, delight her collectors with fun and beautiful ceramic figurative works, creating the magic of nuances and fine physical characteristics which make the work so poignant and recognisable. when July 2 to 16. Opening night is July 4 from 5.30-7.30pm. RSVP.

where The G Contemporary, 6/32 Hastings Street, Laguna on Hastings, Noosa Heads, 0400 716 526. thegcontemporary.com

7. LYNDON DAVIS

The exhibition presents lore as a living system of knowledge, responsibility, kinship and custodianship connecting people to Country. TheLore of the Land reveals First Nations artists’ enduring relationships with land, culture and community, while confronting dispossession, colonisation and ongoing struggles for justice and sovereignty. The works affirm cultural resilience and

continuity. Audiences are invited to engage with cultural geographies shaped by story and responsibility, celebrating First Nations’ strength and urging recognition of their rights and custodianship. when July 3 to August 16 where Caloundra Regional Gallery, 22 Omrah Ave, Caloundra. gallery.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

8. D’ELEGANCE ART COLLECTIVE

CHAMPAGNE RECEPTION

Elevate your artistic senses at The G Contemporary with the D’Elegance Art Collective Champagne Reception. Enjoy the gallery directors’ curated selection of innovative artworks by talented local, interstate and international artists. Stroll through The G Contemporary art space on Hastings Street while sipping a complimentary glass of bubbles.

SHE’S HOLDING A NOVEL BY DAI LI, The G Contemporary

The afternoon is ideal for discerning art lovers and collectors.

when July 18 from 2pm to 6pm. RSVP. where The G Contemporary, 6/32 Hastings Street, Laguna on Hastings, Noosa Heads, 0400 716 526. thegcontemporary.com

AUGUST

9. KEITH BETTS

This artist has previously concentrated on works depicting the bushland in and around the Sydney area. More recently, he has shifted his focus to the heart of Sydney, discovering (or rediscovering) the brilliance of Sydney Harbour, seen both from the waters and the foreshore.

Paintings have been awarded in regional and city exhibitions and are represented in Australian and overseas collections. when Throughout August where Montville Art Gallery, 138 Main Street, Montville. montvilleartgallery.com.au

10. DIRECTOR’S CHOICE

An eclectic collection of artists rotated weekly, with a special showcasing of evocative acrylic paintings by artist James Ainslie.

when Throughout August where The G Contemporary, 6/32 Hastings Street, Laguna on Hastings, Noosa Heads, 0400 716 526. thegcontemporary.com

SEPTEMBER

11. DIRECTOR’S CHOICE

An eclectic collection of artists rotated weekly, with a special showcasing of spectacular abstract landscapes by Gareth Edwards RWA. when Throughout September where The G Contemporary, 6/32 Hastings Street, Laguna on Hastings, Noosa Heads, 0400 716 526. thegcontemporary.com

OCTOBER

12. SOLO EXHIBITION: RETURN TO FOREVER

Michael Whitehead takes us on a journey of abstract beauty with his recognisable mixed-media artworks. With more than 20 years of exhibiting on Hastings Street, the work never ceases to delight and excite. when October 1 to 18. Opening night is October 3 from 5.30-7.30pm. RSVP.

where The G Contemporary, 6/32 Hastings Street, Laguna on Hastings, Noosa Heads, 0400 716 526. thegcontemporary.com

BUDERIM

Art Nuvo, 25 Gloucester Road, 5456 2445

Koningen Art, 0490 778 462

Tiffany Jones, 0407 452 024

CALOUNDRA

Caloundra Regional Gallery, 22 Omrah Avenue, 5420 8299

COOLUM BEACH

Cool Art Picture Framing & Gallery, 5/43 Access Crescent, Coolum Beach. 5471 7366

COOROY

Cooroy Butter Factory Arts Centre, 11A Maple Street, 5442 6665

EUMUNDI

Apma Creations Aboriginal Art Gallery & Gift shop, Shop 3 Eumundi Village Centre, Eumundi, 0437 617 390

Artisans Gallery, 43 Caplick Way, 0409 848 098

David Suters Timber Craftsman, 43 Caplick Way, 0413 509 482

Red Desert Gallery, 43 Caplick Way, 0414 504 360

GLENVIEW

Opals Down Under, 11 Ballantyne Court, 5494 5400

Solitude Art, 163 Glenview Road, 0413 013 882

MALENY

David Linton Gallery, 14 Maple Street, 5429 6831

Peace Of Green Gallery, 38 Maple Street, 5499 9311

Maleny Country Antiques and Collectables

7/8 Maple Street, 5499 9567

MAPLETON

Art Antiques Antlers, 3/1 Post Office Road, 0414 782 079

MINYAMA

Sunshine Coast Art and Framing Gallery, 3 Longwood Street, Minyama, 5444 0009

MOFFAT BEACH

Seaview Artists Gallery, 4 Seaview Terrace, 0434 917 610

MONTVILLE

Ben Messina Landscapes Gallery, 178 Main Street, 5478 5164

Illume Creations Gallery, 4/127-133 Main Street, 5478 5440

Montville Antiques, 162 Main Street, 5442 9400

Montville Art Gallery, 138 Main Street, 5442 9211

The Opalcutter, 4/171-183 Main Street, 5442 9598

Tina Cooper Art & Glass, 0417 194 329

MOOLOOLABA

Avenue J, 14/47-51 Mooloolaba Esplanade, 5444 4422

Bluechip Investment Art Galleries, 23/13 Mooloolaba Esplanade, 5452 5600

Gallery Beneath, 5444 7775

NOOSA HEADS

Art by Brooks, 41 Sunset Drive, 0417 071 336

Enigmatic Drawings, 75 Hastings Street, 0490 395 346

Hearts and Minds Art, 1 Hastings Street, 0407 840 745

Explore the region’s many galleries, artists’ studios and antiquestores from Noosa down to Caloundra.

Isabella’s Fine & Antique

Jewellery, 2/41-47 Hastings Street, 5449 2626

Poeta Herford On Hastings, 5/62 Hastings Street, 5455 4899

The G Contemporary,6/32 Hastings Street, 0400 716 526, 0400 716 553

NOOSAVILLE

Noosa Arts & Crafts, 1 Wallace Drive, 5474 1211

PALMWOODS

The Shed, 3-5 Main Street, 5479 6603

PEREGIAN BEACH

The Gallery Peregian Beach, 12 Grebe Street, 5448 2314

POMONA

Pomona Railway Station Gallery, 10 Station Street, 5485 2950

SIPPY DOWNS

University of the Sunshine Coast Art Gallery, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, 5459 4645

TEWANTIN

Gaiungan Gallery, 11b Tewantin Plaza, 113 Poinciana Avenue, 0401 742 678

Gallery93, 93 Poinciana Avenue, 0439 752 543

Noosa Regional Gallery, 9 Pelican Street, 5329 6145

TINBEERWAH

Art Tours Noosa, 0424 456 877

Phillips Gallery, 0406 198 300

YANDINA

Stevens Street Gallery, 2 Stevens Street, 0414 687 895

Yandina Historic House, 3 Pioneer Road, 5472 7181

“ IS BORN OF THE PUREST PARENTS, THE SUN AND THE SEA” PYTHAGORAS