Friday, 19 April, 2024
Number
ONE of 420 Coast Agencies 12683299-FR16-24
Community pays tribute to Ashlee Good
Petition launched for hospital lease
Rugby returns on Saturday
32-page liftout Property Guide
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PR OP ER TY
Doing it for culture By Abbey Cannan
Jesse Ghee has become one of the first few Torres Strait Islanders to play professionally internationally.
Picture: SUPPLIED
Former NBL1 point guard Jesse Ghee has become one of the first few Torres Strait Islanders to play professionally internationally, and he now hopes to see more players follow in his footsteps. At 28, the point guard realised his dream to play overseas, signing with Xirdalan BC team in the Azerbaijan Basketball League, located at the boundary of Eastern Europe and West Asia. While the NBL1 officials made their national finals announcement on the Sunshine Coast on Friday, we spoke to Jesse about his international journey. Ghee said the experience has been a rollercoaster, but he’s enjoyed every second of the ride. “It’s easier and more comfortable to stay at home and play in the leagues in Australia, but to take a step out and experience something new is amazing,” he said. “Being around a different culture, trying new foods and learning a new language has been challenging, but I love a good challenge. “I’m proud as a Torres Strait Islander to do it for my culture, people and family. Continued page 4
New life for lodge
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Historic Halse Lodge, a Noosa Heads landmark, shut its doors in February much to the concern of some residents, but it will re-open to local and international guests by the end of the year after the new tenant completes renovations and refurbishments. Halse Lodge Backpackers Noosa submitted the winning bid following a nation-wide expressions of interest campaign run by property owner, the Anglican Church Southern Queensland (ACSQ), in 2020 through Knight Frank. Halse Lodge Backpackers Noosa director Michael Tozer said that he and his team were
prioritising the site’s preservation and historic value and look forward to re-opening the facility’s doors by the end of 2024. “Current refreshment works at Halse Lodge include refitting the accommodation and renovating the commercial kitchen and bar while maintaining the suitability for short-term affordable accommodation,” Mr Tozer said. “Noosa & District Landcare has been engaged to protect and enhance the ecologically important areas. “We are mindful about preserving this site’s heritage significance and accentuating the old-time appeal.
“And, we are very much looking forward to welcoming back the Noosa community to Halse Lodge later this year to socially interact with the young transit worker, international student and holiday guest clientele.” The 7,989 square-metre property is positioned just 150 metres from the world-famous Noosa Main Beach, nestled on a hill behind Noosa National Park. Halse Lodge is the last remaining timber accommodation building in Noosa and is the longest continuously operating guest house in south east Queensland. The original structure on site was a guest
house built in the 1880s by local grazier, Walter Hay. The original building was replaced in the 1920s, with a larger building using some of the original materials and was named “Hillcrest” then later renamed Halse Lodge. The building is on the State Heritage Register under the Queensland Heritage Act 1992. Locum Bishop for the ACSQ’s Northern Region, The Right Rev’d Bill Ray, said Halse Lodge was culturally and historically significant to the people of the Sunshine Coast and the Anglican Church. Continued page 3