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Cooroy offers a delightful mix of heritage buildings interspersed with award winning modern architecture designs and street scaping reflective of the town’s heritage.
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Over $100,000 donated to community by Cooroy RSL
This month community groups gathered at Cooroy RSL for a second round under their community giving program, resulting in a record amount of community donations this year supporting over 40 local organisations with more than $100,000!
This funding has enabled local community organisations to deliver a wide range of services and activities to our community with the help of their dedicated volunteers.
Youth sports was a popular category with support going to Cooroora Netball, Collins Dressage, Eumundi District Swim Club, Pomona AFL, Cooroora United Football, Cooroy & Pomona Pony Clubs, Noosa Christian College Basketball, National Barrel Horse Association, Noosa Pirates Junior Development Program, Cooroy Tennis Club and Pomona Cooran Cutters Rugby League all receiving funding for various activities including equipment, uniforms, events and even registration discounts to make sport more affordable.
Community and fundraising events like the Cooroy Ambulance Centenary event, Cooroy Mountain Spring Festival, Eumundi Christmas Extravaganza, Noosa Show, Pink Up Cooroy Breast Cancer Fundraiser, Australian Body Art Festival, Smart Pups Ladies Fundraiser, Cooroora Woodworkers Woodcraft Show, High Tea for the Hounds PTSD Dogs Fundraiser and Pomona in the Park were all beneficiaries. The Noosa Electorate Queensland Day Awards were also supported recognising 51 volunteers throughout the region.
Equipment for our locals schools including outdoor mats and a wellness hub for Pomona State, a pizza oven for Kin Kin State School and a bell tent for Mary Valley Steiner School.
Funding for fantastic local organisations providing support to those in need included scholarships for equine therapy programs with Hoofbeats; veterinary bills and training costs for PTSD Dogs Australia; Bravery Buddies to make relatable dolls for kids with cancer and autism; Just for Kids youth initiatives; equipment for SunnyKids Cooroy Family Support Centre; storage shelving for Bloomhill Cancer Care; marquee and media wall for Katie Rose Cottage Hospice; and for the wonderful work done for our veterans by Pomona Cooroy RSL Sub-Branch.
Youth group support including painting and dangerous tree removal for Cooroy Scouts; uniforms and marquee for Noosa Adventurer Club and an expedition to North West Island for Noosa Pathfinders.
The list continues with funding for exhibitions at Butter Factory Arts Centre; fridges for Combined Coastal Car Club; kitchen flooring for Permaculture Noosa; mental health and social inclusion activities for Noosa Landcare; website development for Urban Wildlife Program; operational support for Friends of Noosa Botanic Gardens; and history was also not forgotten with display cases for Noosa Museum.
Many other organisations were also supported with in-kind support and prizes for raffles and auctions.
Photo: The recipients celebrating at November’s round.
Prime Minister’s Award for PTSD Dogs Australia’s CEO
Angie Weeks, CEO and Co-Founder of PTSD Dogs Australia was honored this month winning the 2023 Prime Minister’s National Veterans’ Employment Award in the category of Partner Entrepreneur of the Year.
The winners of the 2023 awards were announced by the Prime Minister the Hon Anthony Albanese MP and Minister for Veterans’ Affairs the Hon Matt Keogh MP on 13 September at an event in Canberra.
The Awards are a platform to highlight the remarkable skills and abilities in the veteran community, both as employees and entrepreneurs. The Awards also acknowledge organisations that actively recruit, employ and support veterans and their families in the civilian workforce.
Angie and her husband Roger Weeks along with Accountant Julie Morrison and Barrister Pattifield co-founded PTSD Dogs Australia as a non-profit organisation that rescues, trains and provides at no cost, service dogs for veterans and first responders suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In the 5 years since the organisation was established, Angie has trained more than 30 Assistance Dogs for veterans and first responders suffering from PTSD.
“This is such an honour to be recognised for the work we do. It is so rewarding to see the transformative effects that the dogs have for their handlers. Reducing anxiety and depression and improving the overall quality of life of veterans and the positive impact that the dogs have had on their families, helping them to reconnect and improve their relationships,” said Angie Weeks.
The fantastic work by PTSD Dogs Australia is done nearly entirely by volunteers and is funded entirely by donations, sponsorships and grants. If you’d like to support the organisation, go to www.ptsddogs.org.au.
Honouring Local Vietnam Veterans Project
Eumundi Museum has been provided a Saluting Their Service Grant from the Australian Government to honour our local Vietnam Veterans.
The 50th Anniversary of the last Australia troops to return from Vietnam is in December 1972 and of the formal declaration of the end of Australia’s participation in the war on 11 January. To commemorate these significant events the Museum will run an exhibition from December to February which will feature local Vietnam Veterans stories and memorabilia from the war.
As well as honouring our local veterans this project will also preserve their stories and make them easily accessible and interactive.
Local veterans who are interested in contributing to the project by sharing their story or by lending the Museum memorabilia from the Vietnam war are encouraged to get in contact with the project co-ordinator Danielle Taylor on 0403 023 802 or danielle@fireflysolutions.com.au.
Christmas Comes Early thanks to Cooroy RSL
Christmas seems to come early at Cooroy RSL. They’ve just doled out the presents with over $21,000 provided to community organisations via their donations program. These donations will provide vital funding to help community organisations do a whole range of fantastic things in our community.
They’ve also just made Cooroy look that little bit better with a gorgeous mural by NITSUA now adorning the rear of the building providing a great view from the east side of town and for those at the train station and car park.
To really get you feeling the Christmas vibes they are also holding Christmas in July on Saturday 16th July.
Offering up a two course menu with two choices on each course for just $32 for members and $34 for non-members. First course choices are roast turkey and ham with hazelnut farci, roasted potato, pumpkin, sprouts, carrots with cranberry sauce or grilled fillet of fresh salmon with roasted kipflers, sprouts, carrots and lemon butter sauce. Dessert choices are either Christmas pudding with brandy custard or yuletide panna cotta. Plus there will be festive live music with the lovely Amanda Jensen providing some toe tapping grooving Christmas tunes and the Choral Reefers Choir.
Bookings are essential, give them a call on 5447 6131.
Nutworks Expands Operations to Cooroy
Yandina based Nutworks announced exciting news today with the move to a new processing facility in the Noosa hinterland town of Cooroy on the Sunshine Coast. The Cooroy facility is part of Nutworks’ expansion program to enable operations and processing to meet the domestic and global demand for their products.
Nutworks is a local Sunshine Coast company established in 1993 that is internationally recognised for their commitment to quality and innovation in nut in shell, raw kernel and an exciting range of macadamia products.
Approximately 80 macadamia farmers around Queensland provide product to Nutworks for processing and many of them were treated to a tour of the new facility which included the launch of a new Nutworks product.
The Cooroy facility provides a new product for Nutworks under the label of the Fresh Macadamia Company, a unique roasted-in-shell macadamia with a special cut making them easy to hand crack. The whole macadamias are dried in their shell, pre-cut and then oven roasted, or soaked in a sea salt brine and then oven roasted for a salted version. A unique key to open the shells is included in every pack. These nuts are popular overseas and there is an opportunity to expand this product further in Australia.
“We had been planning to expand our storage at Yandina by the end of the year so this purchase in Cooroy was fortuitous for us as it provides us with so much more opportunity. Our goal is to increase our processing to 5000 tonnes annually within the next 5 years. We plan to be at the forefront technologically to allow us to value add to the macadamia industry, produce high quality products and grow profitability while still retaining our personal relationships with our growers”, said Wayne Gersbach, Nutworks CEO.
“Increasing our processing capacity means we can take more product from growers which is important in an industry that is expanding with many young trees set to increase production in the coming years. That also ultimately means increases in jobs and an overall benefit to the industry whilst at the same time providing consumers with more variety and continually improving products.”
The Yandina facility will continue to run as a retail outlet as well as roasting, chocolate coating and the confectionary line of products. The new acquisition also allows for up to 1 tonne of macadamias an hour to be roasted, which is a massive increase in capability from the current 250kg per hour at Yandina.
Approximately 20 growers from around Queensland were in attendance at the tour and they were impressed by the new facility and the quality of the oven roasted-in-shell product.
“I am very impressed with the Cooroy facility, it gives the company security to go forward. I love the cut nut product, it is much tastier than the traditional roasted nut,” said Candy Johnson who owns macadamia farms at Downsfield and Tandur.
Norm and Donna Anderson have been growing macadamias as a supplement to their cane farm at Childers and their farm has been in the family for six generations over the last 110 years: “We’ve been with Nutworks since we started growing six years ago. This opportunity has come along at a good time and we like the plan for Nutworks to grow while keeping the personal touch which has always been great,” said Donna.
“It’s a spectacular purchase and gives the room for storage and processing. It will ease the pressure on the Yandina facility and give the room for expansion”, said grower Graeme Cheal from Beerwah.
More information and online purchases of the Nutworks products can be found on their website at www.nutworks.com.au with the roasted-in-nut product now available.
Go Noosa
GO NOOSA is backThe FREE holiday buses hit the streets tomorrow. Take advantage of all Go Noosa has to offer –
Free local TransLink buses Free Loop Bus (runs every 15 mins) Discounted Noosa Ferry passes for locals and visitors 3 new Drop and Go Zones around Hastings St Traffic controllers Noosa Heads Lions Park paid parkingDon’t spend valuable time searching for that elusive carpark this festive season. Local buses will be free from 12 Dec – 26 Jan.Download the MyTranslink app for real-time bus information. All the details 
https://bit.ly/37Hile4
FUSION set to ignite Cooroy in 2021
Save the date because the Cooroy Fusion Festival is set for Spring in 2021, and organisers couldn’t be happier!
It’s the festival that brings thousands of people to the hinterland town of Cooroy each May, but COVID_19 restrictions
halted that quick smart in 2020!
As Queensland settles into social distancing measures as part of the broader new normal, FUSION organisers have secured
approval for their COVID safe plans and are excited to return to business ‘almost-kind-of’ as usual for this popular festival.
Switching from its original Mothers’ Day weekend each year, FUSION will happen on Father’s Day, September 4th in 2021.
“We’re all about community,” Cooroy Future Group secretary Barbara Luff said. “and that often starts with family, both
logicial and biological.
“So, regardless of what ‘family’ looks like for each person, we’re happy to be able to retain that nod to it with our new
date.”
Art, music, entertainment, horticulture, community, food and produce will be showcased with retail stalls, entertainment in
the big tent, displays, demonstrations, workshops and more! This event is proudly presented by the Cooroy Future Group
Inc. with partnership support from Noosa Council and Cooroy Community Bank branch of Bendigo Bank.
Succulent Botanic Christmas gifts
Not-for-profit group the Friends of Noosa Botanic Gardens are getting ready for their last public event in 2020, and they are giving you a chance to buy some truly original Christmas presents for friends and family.
Members of the team have created a range of Christmas-themed ornaments, wreaths and trees made from succulents which will be available at Saturday’s Plant Sale starting at 7.30am on 28 November in the Propagation Nursery at Noosa Botanic Gardens, Lake Macdonald Drive, Lake Macdonald.
“Due to ongoing covid restrictions, it’s important for visitors to the sale to book an online appointment, at www.noosabotanicgardensfriends.com,” Friends president Jill Brownlee said.
“You can shop for fun botanic gifts at the Friends’ nursery.
“This is our last plant sale for the year and there are great bargains on indoor and sun-hardy plants.”
As a special bonus, the botanic Shade Garden area will also be open to gardens visitors on Saturday morning from 9-12, with Friends on hand to guide you through.
If you haven’t yet visited what is one of Noosa Shire’s best-kept secrets, make a day of it at Noosa Botanic Gardens. You can picnic at the famous Amphitheatre overlooking the lake – and dogs on leads are allowed.
All sale proceeds are ploughed back into maintaining and improving the gardens.
“Christmas Convoy” coming to Cooroy on Tuesday 8 December
A festive convoy of Christmas cheer will come to life over four nights through Noosa this December.
The Connecting Noosa Christmas Convoy aims to bring the Christmas spirit to local families and recognise the efforts of our emergency services following one of the most challenging 12 months.
“It’s so exciting to be able to bring the festive cheer to the front yards of our residents,” Noosa Mayor Clare Stewart said.
The convoy is an initiative of Noosa Council with the support of Noosa’s local emergency services.
Corporate partners HOT91 and Cricks Noosa have also jumped onboard.
Cr Stewart said the convoy aims to spread the Christmas cheer in a COVIDSafe way in what’s been a challenging year.
“It’s unfortunate that many of the regular community Christmas events can’t go ahead due to the pandemic restrictions, but hopefully this will ensure we can all enjoy the Christmas spirit with our neighbours and family,” Cr Stewart said.
The convoy runs from Monday December 7 to Thursday December 10. Maps of the routes will be available shortly on Council’s website and will be promoted via Council’s social media channels and HOT91.
The convoy starts in Boreen Point and Cooroibah on Monday night December 7 and moves to Kin Kin, Cooran, Pomona and Cooroy on Tuesday. It travels through parts of Tewantin on Wednesday December 10, followed by the beachside suburbs of Peregian, Castaways and Sunrise Beach on Thursday afternoon December 11.
Noosa Police Inspector Ben Carroll said it’s a thrill to be involved in such a unique COVIDSafe event.
“We jumped at the chance to be part of the convoy because it’s a wonderful way to celebrate Christmas with our community,” he said.
“Our officers and all emergency service providers have been tested through last year’s bushfires and during the pandemic shutdown.”
Caption: Santa checks in with Inspector Ben Carroll, Kent Mayne from QFES and Annette Morris from The Ambulance Service
Last opportunities for businesses to be showcased at Noosa Hinterland Property Expo
The first Noosa Hinterland Property Expo is planned for the weekend of 20 & 21 March 2021 and it will showcase a boutique collection of local businesses including some of the most knowledgeable property experts and home and garden suppliers in the region.
Just a dozen exhibitor spots are left, so if your business has anything to do with property or living in the Hinterland this provides the perfect opportunity for you!
“We’ve had a lot of early interest in the first ever property expo for the hinterland from exhibitors, sponsors and attendees. Our aim is to provide an abundance of local connections and a wealth of knowledge under the one roof. It will be a must attend for home owners looking for fresh ideas, people new to the area and wanting to learn about the region, anyone wanting more information on acreage living or how to be self-sufficient and sustainable, or if you are in the market to buy, sell or invest,” said Sirah Robb, founder of the Noosa Hinterland Property Expo.
Some additional highlights of the Expo include Celebrity Guest Speaker, Shelley Craft from Channel 9’s program The Block; an onsite broadcast by Sea FM’s BarRat & Heidi; two full day of presentations from experts on a variety of topics; over 30 exhibitors; and a host of activities including succulent planting, macramé keyring making, a photo booth, balloon artistry and more!
Exhibitor opportunities are being snapped up quickly by savvy local business owners and as spots are limited, exhibitors need to book now to be involved in this landmark event for Noosa. Details on Exhibitor and Sponsorship opportunities are still available and information can be found at www.noosahinterlandpropertyexpo.com.au on the Exhibitors page.
The event has been supported by Noosa Council. Wythes Real Estate are the Event Sponsor with Mower and ATV Solutions, Cub Cadet and GemLife providing Major Sponsorships and Activity Sponsors being Andrew Morris Legal, Noosa Prestige Painters, Prestige Roof Transformations, Jim’s Building Inspections, SMS Finance, Bentleys Sunshine Coast and Hemisphere Electrical & Solar. A few sponsorship opportunities also exist with information available on the website.