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INSIDE
ANZAC spirit strong across Noosa region By Margie Maccoll Rain pelted down in Cooroy on Anzac Day as the parade gathered at the end of Maple Street, stepping off at 10.30am, as scheduled, while residents stood in rows four and five deep in places to wave and applaud as they passed by. “We’re a very strong community and that is evidenced today with the attendance,” Cooroy Pomona RSL Sub Branch Vice President Denis Thompson told the crowd as he led the service that followed the parade. “We have schools, community groups proudly joining veterans and those still serving to keep the ANZAC spirit alive. As the ranks of our older veterans diminish each year let us be determined to maintain this special day, to reflect on our freedoms and those who have served,” Mr Thompson said. Fortunately the ceremony coincided with a break in the day’s downpours, and included the delivery of Amazing Grace and the National Anthems by singer Seamus Healy, the reading of The Ode by veteran John Zupp and the playing of The Last Past. Continued page 5 Bagpipes lead the Cooroy parade in torrential rain on Anzac Day. (Photos - Rob Maccoll)
Festival launched The Noosa alive! management committee of CEO Damien Avery-Rossi, president Sharon Wright and festival director Ian Mackellar launched the muchanticipated Noosa alive! 2026 official program at an event on Friday 24 April at The J Theatre. “The 2026 festival is a little different,” Ian said before he and Damien took the audience through an entertaining preview of events to much laughter and applause. One of the biggest changes is the festival’s extended literature and conversation program, Ian said. There are 13 scintillating Literary and In Conversation events including Literary Breakfasts, Lunches and Cocktail Events with authors and personalities ranging from Bryan Brown and Blanche d’Alpuget to Maggie Beer, Rosemary Ham (author of The Dressmaker) and Osher Günsberg There is also a very special In Conversation breakfast with our very own David Williamson (NA! Co-founder and literary icon) and acclaimed playwright Suzie Miller. Alongside the literary events the festival features several exclusive events including world and Queensland premieres, fabulous food lovers events, and, for the fifth year, the STARS Alive!
young talent competition. Queensland Ballet returns for its 13th year for Noosa Alive!’s signature Opening Night which features the Queensland Ballet’s Jette Parker Young Artists in World Premiere choreography. There will be the World Premiere of Noosa alive! co-founder and national treasure, David Williamson’s new work, Coping with Winter, directed by Rory Williamson and starring Erik Thomson, Renai Caruso and Janneke Williamson. Present at the launch David Williamson delivered an introduction to his play, Coping with Winter, which he explained was about Australia’s most powerful and richest man who in his unrelenting rise to power and wealth has had a few hiccups on the way. “His two ex-wives hate him, his daughter won’t speak to him. He has no friends, his employees fear him. Suddenly at middle age he gets the black dog, that wonderful feeling of going in and doing battle, beating all his opponents that used to get him up in the morning has left him and now he can barely get out of bed,” David said. “So what does he do? He wants to know what science can tell him about happiness.
He gets in a professor of human wellbeing who he thinks will put his life back on track. Only one problem, she hates his guts. “It’s a classic love triangle, deceit, intrigue, a black comedy which I hope you’ll enjoy and in the background there is the theme that the ‘fair go country’ which we once had is just a tiny speck receding in the rear vision mirror of our national vision. It’s got a wonderful cast, terrific director and I think you’ll have fun,” he said. Queensland premiere performances include Olivia (singer/actor Tottie Goldsmith’s heartwarming tribute to her beloved aunt, Olivia NewtonJohn), Ursula Yovich who pays homage to the legendary Nina Simone, and the delightful Songbirds, a cabaret-esque show full of charm and soaring harmonies starring Giorgi Coughlan and long time friend, lyrical soprano Anna-Lee Robertson. Food lovers will be spoilt for choice. Events include Music of the Night Gala Dinner, a glamorous gala evening of fine food, wine and opera in the Ballroom at Elysium Noosa Resort on Hastings Street, featuring the ethereal voices of Divina (a trio of gifted sopranos) and magnificent tenor, Shannon Leonard, Ian said.
A Hinterland Farm-to-Plate Gourmet Lunch will present a leisurely lunch at the signature restaurant at Alsahwa Estate, one of the Sunshine Coast’s most beautiful hinterland settings, together with exquisite music performed by harpist, Hayley-Erin. In association with Slow Food Noosa, our Film with Food event is back with the 1996 comedy, Big Night, starring Stanley Tucci, Tony Shaloub and Minnie Driver, about two Italian bothers and owners of a restaurant and their amusing attempts to outdo a rival restaurant, Ian said. Enjoy a Big Night-themed dinner as you take in this fabulous film, the event to be staged at Cooroy Memorial Hall. And of course, STARS Alive! young talent competition finals returns, dedicated to the late Helen Weily and hosted by Damien Anthony Avery-Rossi, and curated by Ian Mackellar, providing our stars of the future 18 years and under talent, the opportunity to shine on stage (and win cash prizes) at this very entertaining family friendly, community free event. Continued page 28