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Viral Bruce Highway Twins Draw Laughs and Love from Around the World

Identical twin sisters from Queensland have found international fame after describing a dramatic moment on the Bruce Highway in perfect unison, leaving viewers and even American TV host Jimmy Kimmel in stitches.

A Moment of Danger

Bridgette and Paula Powers, known locally as “The Twinnies,” were involved in a tense situation when their mother was threatened by a carjacker on Steve Irwin Way, which connects to the Bruce Highway. The sisters witnessed the attempted theft and later described the event to 7News Queensland.

*Photo Credit: Twinnies Pelican and Seabird Rescue/Facebook*

Their synchronised storytelling, delivered in matching outfits, quickly drew public attention. They described how their mother bravely confronted the armed man and helped alert police. The serious moment, retold in perfect unison, made the interview both surreal and compelling.

The Interview That Went Global

The 7News clip aired in early April and quickly spread online. Their synchronised speech and animated expressions were shared widely, with audiences praising the sisters’ unique communication style.

*Photo Credit: Jimmy Kimmel Live/Youtube*

Soon after, the pair were featured on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, where the American host joked that he couldn’t stop laughing and asked if they were witches. He suggested they deserved their own show and invited them to visit the US.

Community Roots and Wildlife Mission

The Powers sisters live in Landsborough, not far from the Bruce Highway, where they’ve quietly run the Twinnies Pelican and Seabird Rescue for more than 25 years. The sanctuary, which began as a family project, has since become a key part of wildlife care on the Sunshine Coast.

They rescue and rehabilitate seabirds, including pelicans that suffer from injuries caused by fishing gear or watercraft. The sisters noted the centre has struggled for funding in the past and hope their new visibility might bring more community support.

Public Reactions and Familiar Fame

While some viewers speculated the synchronised speech was rehearsed, both sisters said it’s simply how they’ve always talked. Bridgette explained they’ve tried speaking one at a time but find it too difficult.

*Photo Credit: Good Morning Britain/Facebook*

This wasn’t their first brush with fame. In 2016, they appeared on British breakfast television where their speaking style also made headlines. The former host said it was one of the most memorable interviews of his career.

Today, the sisters continue to balance global attention with their daily bird care duties, saying the support from the public has been uplifting but unexpected.

Published 25-April-2025

Buderim University Robots Herd Sheep in Outback Queensland

Photo Credit: St George State High School/ Facebook

Researchers from the Buderim-adjacent University of the Sunshine Coast recently travelled to outback Queensland. There, they used four-legged robots to herd sheep at a local high school, sparking discussion about technology’s role alongside traditional working dogs.

The demonstration took place last month, March 2025, at St George State High School, bringing advanced technology face-to-face with rural life.

Robot Dogs Demonstrated in St George

*Photo Credit:* *St George State High School/ Facebook*

The University of the Sunshine Coast team brought Unitree Go2 robots to the school’s agricultural plot as part of a youth summit activity. These four-legged machines, capable of walking, jumping, and shaking, were tested on the school’s livestock.

With a top speed of 18 kilometres per hour and a battery lasting around two hours, the robots successfully moved small groups of sheep within the yards. However, students and staff noted that the robots lacked the appealing appearance of their furry counterparts.

Working Dog Expert Questions Robot Role

While the technology impressed onlookers, experienced Dirranbandi grazier and top working dog trainer Tom Perkins expressed doubts about robots replacing kelpies soon. Mr Perkins found using robots for livestock interesting, noting that technology in other agricultural areas had advanced while the livestock side had lagged. However, he firmly believed robots could not replace working dogs entirely.

Mr Perkins pointed out that working dogs possess intelligence and can think for themselves, unlike robots which require constant remote control. He questioned how a robot would handle the demanding physical work and vast distances covered by dogs in paddocks, especially when moving sheep in yards. Further challenges, he suggested, include the high cost of robots compared to dogs (even good ones), their durability on rough terrain, and how they would fare if charged by annoyed cattle or sheep.

Another factor Mr Perkins highlighted was the companionship dogs provide, especially when working alone. He also observed a recent increase in the use and value of working dogs, partly due to difficulties finding farm staff. One person with good dogs can often do the work of several people. While acknowledging that robots might suit specific, smaller tasks, he maintained he would stick with his dogs for larger operations.

School Sees Educational Opportunity

The robot demonstration was a valuable educational tool for St George State High School. Caitlin Crowe, the school’s Head of the Department for Agriculture, Technology, and Arts, explained that the university visit aimed to show students the future possibilities in agriculture. She said the students were highly engaged and understood that agriculture involves diverse roles, including engineering and mechatronics (a field combining mechanics and electronics).

Ms Crowe stated that the school, recognised as an agricultural school of excellence, focuses on innovative pathways. Following the demonstration, the school now plans to purchase its robot dogs. These robots would be used in the agricultural program and the digital technologies curriculum, where students could learn to code them for voice commands and apply these skills practically on the school’s ag plot.

Published Date 24-April-2025

Buderim Mountain State School To Celebrate 150 Years Of Learning And Legacy

Photo Credit: bmsspandc/Instagram

Buderim Mountain State School, a heritage-listed cornerstone of Queensland’s education system, is preparing to celebrate 150 years of continuous operation with a day of reflection, reunions and community pride.

A Growing School With Deep Community Roots

Buderim Mountain State School, one of Queensland’s oldest and most cherished public schools, will celebrate its 150th anniversary with a community-wide celebration honouring generations of students, staff and families who have shaped the school since it opened in 1875.

The milestone event, titled Back to Buderim Mountain State School, will take place on Saturday, 21 June 2025, drawing past and present students, teachers, and local residents for a full day of festivities at the school’s Main Street campus.

Celebration Day To Reconnect Generations

Now with over 1,100 students and a new $10 million hall, Buderim Mountain State School has grown from a small provisional school into a hub of education and community pride. It’s heritage-listed and forms part of the Buderim War Memorial Community Centre — a “living memorial” that includes the school’s arboretum, sports fields and memorial gates from 1945.

*Photo Credit: 4556 Chamber of Commerce/Facebook*

The celebration program includes an official ceremony, school tours, historical exhibitions, a commemorative sculpture unveiling, and the long-awaited opening of a time capsule buried during the school’s 125th anniversary in 2000.

A Documentary To Capture 150 Years Of School Life

The day will feature a roll call of former students by decade, followed by performances from the choir, rock band and dance troupe. A documentary by Reflected Image Productions, backed by the Buderim Foundation, will also premiere, sharing school life across generations through student memories.

To mark the occasion, the school has released a limited-edition BMSS 150th umbrella. The 120cm golf-style design comes with a sleeve, costs $36, and is available from the Uniform Shop or via Flexischools for classroom delivery.

Open Invitation To The Wider Community

Community members are encouraged to register online to take part in the day. Memorabilia and student-designed artwork will be available for purchase, and refreshments will be served throughout the grounds.

After 150 years of continuous operation, Buderim Mountain State School remains not just an institution of learning, but a place where stories, friendships, and history are shared and celebrated by the Buderim community.

Published 21-April-2025

Buderim Resident Buys Extra Fridge to Fight Backyard Cane Toads Invasion

Photo Credit: Queensland Government

A Buderim woman concerned about invasive cane toads has bought a second-hand fridge to humanely euthanise the hundreds of pests she actively removes from her property.

Community Effort Targets Pests

Cassie Fenton, 29, decided to take action shortly after moving to the Sunshine Coast and discovering many cane toads in her yard. Realising the animals were notorious invasive species, she began catching them herself.

Ms Fenton stated she uses dedicated tongs for handling the toads, as their skin secretions are poisonous, preventing them from being used for food. Equipped with the tongs, a container, and a head torch for navigating in the dark, she captures the nocturnal animals. She reported catching 214 cane toads in her backyard over just 12 nights.

Approved Humane Practices Followed

Ms Fenton explained that she uses methods recommended by the RSPCA for humane euthanasia. One option she employs is a spray product called HopStop, which is available commercially and applied directly to the toad for a quick death. The other method is stepped hypothermia.

This involves placing the caught toads in a refrigerator set at four degrees Celsius for 12 hours to anaesthetise them, followed by transferring them to a freezer at minus 20 degrees Celsius for at least 24 hours to kill them painlessly. To manage this process without contaminating her household food storage, Ms Fenton mentioned purchasing a used fridge and freezer to deal with the toads.

Wider Cane Toad Problem in Australia

Cane toads are recognised as one of Australia’s most damaging invasive species. They were originally introduced to north Queensland from South America in 1935 in a failed attempt to control destructive beetles in sugar cane crops. Since then, their population has exploded. They have spread widely through Queensland, into the Northern Territory, northern New South Wales, and parts of Western Australia.

The National Museum of Australia estimates its range expands by 40 to 60 kilometres annually. Its toxic skin glands can kill native predators trying to eat it, competing with native amphibians for food and habitat. Authorities acknowledge that finding a large-scale control method is unlikely, making community actions and efforts to protect vulnerable native animals important.

Published Date 18-April-2025

Self-Serve Chip Bar Sells Out on Opening Weekend in Noosa

Photo Credit: Chip ‘n’ Mix/TikTok

A self-serve chip shop called Chip ‘n’ Mix has drawn large crowds to Hastings Street in Noosa, with demand so high the venue temporarily closed to restock.

Viral Launch on Hastings Street

Chip ‘n’ Mix opened on Hastings Street. It drew hundreds of people during its opening weekend. The concept, described by its founders as a world-first, allows customers to create custom chip bowls by selecting from three styles of chips and more than 40 toppings. Pricing is weight-based, set at $8 for 150 grams.

The business gained immediate traction on social media, with videos shared on Instagram and TikTok generating millions of views. One post alone reportedly reached four million views.

@chipnmixit Worlds first coming right here to Hastings street- are you ready Noosaaaaa? 🤍 💛 💚 🖤 #fyp #foodie #loadedfries #noosa #newbusiness #foodconcept ♬ Dance Now – Girl and Girl

Business Model and Setup

The founders—Rhi Pearce, Isabella Buckley-Tyree, Josh Leach, and Lisa Tyree—said the idea was based on a desire to create a chef-prepared, self-serve savoury food bar. The setup features hot and cold topping stations maintained by ceramic plates capable of regulating temperature from -80°C to 250°C.

The model mirrors the weight-based service used by nearby frozen yoghurt brand Yo-Chi, which operates just 200 metres away. Despite the similarities, the Chip ‘n’ Mix team emphasised key differences, including its focus on hot savoury meals.

Overwhelming Demand

The opening weekend exceeded expectations. Staff reported the shop ran out of stock multiple times and had to close temporarily to restock. The store remained clean and orderly despite the high foot traffic, with staff quickly refilling toppings and managing queues.

Free meals for the first 100 customers attracted further attention, while children, families, and teens made up the bulk of the customer base.

*Photo Credit: Drew Ebbstein/Google Maps*

Future Expansion Plans

The team behind Chip ‘n’ Mix confirmed they plan to open two more locations in the next 12 months, with potential expansion outside Queensland. Although they’ve received offers to franchise, the founders intend to retain operational control of the business.

Published 15-Apr-2025

Kenilworth Bakery Goes Viral With Cheeky Robert Irwin Parody

Photo Credit: Kenilworth Country Bakery/Facebook

What do you get when a Queensland baker swaps snakes for sausage rolls and ditches khakis for Crocs? A viral moment that’s putting Kenilworth Bakery on the map.

Kenilworth Bakery Bares All In Viral Parody Of Robert Irwin’s Bonds Shoot

Kenilworth Bakery on the Sunshine Coast has sparked laughs nationwide after owner Jeff Sanders recreated Robert Irwin’s viral underwear shoot, swapping wildlife for pastries and streetwear for Aussie cheek.

*Photo Credit: Kenilworth Country Bakery/Facebook*

The tongue-in-cheek photoshoot took place outside the bakery on Elizabeth Street, catching the attention of passing drivers. It began as a wine-fuelled joke between Jeff and his daughter Jana after seeing Irwin’s Bonds campaign and quickly turned into a full-blown bakery-themed parody.

Baking Meets Boldness

Instead of pythons, Jeff Sanders posed with pastries, including a chocolate-covered treat shaped like a snake draped across his chest. Dressed in Bonds-style undies, white Crocs, and a cheeky grin, he struck bold poses beside the bakery’s roadside stall.

More than just a gag, the shoot aimed to showcase the bakery’s fun, small-town spirit. The video quickly went viral, amassing over a million views on Facebook and Instagram within hours. Locals hailed it as clever and iconic, with some suggesting it belonged in the Gallery of Modern Art, or even as a calendar, which the team is now seriously considering.

A Local Laugh with a Sweet Twist

To go with the parody, Kenilworth Bakery launched limited-edition python-themed pastries, both sweet and savoury matching the cheeky spirit of the shoot. The idea was a hit, drawing lines of curious customers eager for a bite and a selfie with Jeff.

Despite the laughs and viral fame, the heart of the story remained local. Jeff, who revealed a heart surgery scar beneath the pastry snake, said the shoot was about body confidence, fun, and small-town pride.

While Irwin’s campaign boosted his polished public image, the bakery’s version sent a different message: have a go, make people smile, and support your community — belly and all.

Published 10-April-2025

Sunshine Coast to Ride ‘The Wave’ by 2032

Photo Credit: Andrew Powell MP/Facebook

Sunshine Coast commuters will soon have access to a major new transport route linking Beerwah to the airport, combining heavy rail and metro services.

Sunshine Coast To Get Game-Ready Transport Boost By 2032

The Queensland Government has announced plans to deliver The Wave, a public transport system connecting the southern Sunshine Coast to the airport by 2032. The system is part of efforts to support the region ahead of the Olympic and Paralympic Games while easing everyday congestion.

What is “The Wave”?

The Wave includes two main components: extending the heavy rail line from Beerwah to Birtinya, and introducing metro-style bus services from Birtinya to Sunshine Coast Airport, stopping at Mountain Creek and Maroochydore.

*Photo Credit: Andrew Powell MP/Facebook*

The plan also prioritises upgrades to the Mooloolah River Interchange, a traffic-heavy area that has long needed improvement. The project aims to make daily travel more reliable and faster for residents and visitors alike.

Why the Change?

While earlier plans focused on heavy rail reaching Maroochydore, the revised model offers more coverage by connecting to the airport and providing faster implementation through a mix of rail and metro.

This shift is part of the Delivering 2032 and Beyond initiative, which looks to make lasting improvements beyond the Games, particularly in high-growth areas like the Sunshine Coast.

Community and Regional Impact

Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli supported the announcement, noting that better transport would help both residents and future development.

Premier David Crisafulli said the project aims to connect people to essential services and support the region long after the Olympic spotlight fades.

While the timeline is still being finalised, planning is underway to ensure The Wave becomes a long-term benefit for the Sunshine Coast.

Published 1-April-2025

Noosa Swimmer to Cross English Channel in Support of Cancer Research

Photo Credit: Madisyn Armstrong/Instagram

From Noosa’s coastline to the English Channel, swimmer Madisyn Armstrong is turning her family’s cancer journey into a mission of hope and support.

Noosa Swimmer Sets Sights on English Channel to Honour Father’s Cancer Battle

A Sunshine Coast swimmer backed by the Noosa Swimming Club is preparing to swim the English Channel to honour her father’s fight with incurable cancer. Originally from the Gold Coast, 24-year-old Madisyn Armstrong now lives and trains in Noosa as she builds towards the 33-kilometre challenge in 2026.

A Personal Mission Sparked by a Family Crisis

Madisyn’s decision came after her father, Steven Armstrong, was diagnosed with stage four cancer in late 2023. The cancer began in his kidney and has since spread to his lungs and liver. The news, delivered in a phone call one Wednesday evening, shook her world. She immediately sensed something was wrong before her dad told her, “I’ve got cancer.”

*Photo Credit: Madisyn Armstrong/Instagram*

Since then, Madisyn has drawn strength from her father’s attitude. Despite his diagnosis, he’s remained calm and optimistic. His courage inspired her to take on the swim as a tribute to his strength and as a way to make a difference.

Training in Noosa, Fuelled by Purpose

With support from the Noosa Swimming Club, Madisyn has returned to open water training. A former national-level swimmer, she’s shifting her focus to endurance in preparation for the Channel’s cold water, tough currents and unpredictable conditions.

She says the swim is more than a personal goal—it’s a way to support families like hers and to shine a light on the importance of cancer research.

Funding for Research and Treatment

Madisyn has launched a GoFundMe campaign to support her father’s treatment and to help cover the swim’s costs. Part of the proceeds will go to Cure Cancer Australia, a cause close to her heart.

She credits advances in immunotherapy with giving her dad more time and a better quality of life. She hopes her journey encourages others to support research that could save lives.

Published 27-March-2025

Buderim Teacher Charged Over Allegations From 1996

Photo Credit: Jean-Rene Chazottes/Pexels

A well-known Buderim music teacher has been charged with historic child sex offences following allegations linked to incidents involving a 15-year-old student nearly 30 years ago.

Allegations Span Across Two States

Nicholas John Campbell, 54, was arrested at his Sunshine Coast home over sexual assaults dating back to 1996 while he worked at schools in Grafton and Coffs Harbour, NSW.

*Photo Credit: Monstera Production/Pexels*

The inquiry started in April 2021 and resulted in three charges of aggravated sexual assault, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in jail. Campbell fronted Maroochydore Magistrates Court on 19 March 2025 and was released on bail. He will appear in Grafton Local Court on 14 April 2025.

Local School Responds

Campbell worked as a music teacher at Buderim’s Matthew Flinders Anglican College before authorities arrested him. The school said it has stood him down and that he is fully cooperating with authorities.

In a statement, the school said student and staff safety is its top priority and assured families it is taking all necessary measures.

Legal Proceedings Underway

Court papers accuse Campbell of attacking a male pupil who was in his charge at the time. The crimes were reported years later, triggering a long investigation.

Campbell was reportedly shocked by the charges and believed the issue could be resolved civilly. Police confiscated a number of items from his residence during the investigation.

Community Reactions

The case has attracted significant attention in Buderim and the broader Sunshine Coast region. Parents and residents have expressed concern over the allegations, with many awaiting the outcome of the judicial process.

Authorities have encouraged anyone with relevant information to come forward, as investigations into historic offences often rely on multiple sources to build a clear picture of events.

Published 25-March-2025

Endangered Turtle Nests Rescued on Sunshine Coast Amidst Severe Weather

Photo Credit: Sunshine Coast Council/ Facebook

Dedicated TurtleCare volunteers on the Sunshine Coast relocated vulnerable nests to higher ground, rescuing thousands of endangered turtle eggs from the threat of a recent ex-tropical cyclone.

The recent ex-tropical cyclone, which threatened the Sunshine Coast coastline, prompted urgent action from local conservationists. With 124 clutches laid this season and 50 nests yet to hatch, volunteers raced against time to assess and protect the vulnerable eggs.

The danger stemmed from the extreme weather conditions, including extended periods of heavy rainfall, waves overtopping the dunes, and significant dune erosion. These factors posed a serious risk to the developing turtle eggs.

Relocation Efforts and Challenges

Endangered Turtle Nests Rescued on Sunshine Coast Amidst Severe Weather — *Photo File from 2022*
*Photo Credit:* *TurtleCare Volunteers Queensland/ Facebook*

The TurtleCare volunteers, trained citizen scientists, undertook the challenging task of relocating the at-risk nests. Over a short period, they successfully moved 31 nests, containing approximately 4,000 eggs, to safer, higher locations within the dune systems. This proactive measure was deemed necessary as leaving the nests in their natural state was not viable during such severe weather.

However, one nest in Bribie Island National Park was unfortunately lost due to the intense erosion. The primary goal of the TurtleCare program is to allow nests to hatch naturally, but extreme weather necessitates intervention to ensure the survival of the hatchlings.

Community Response and Ongoing Efforts

Local officials expressed their gratitude for the volunteers’ dedication and hard work. They recognised the volunteers’ crucial role in protecting the turtle nests and highlighted the community spirit demonstrated during the challenging weather conditions.

The efforts of the TurtleCare volunteers have significantly minimised the impact of the cyclone on the remaining turtle nests. With the relocation efforts complete, just over 30 nests remain to emerge for the rest of the season. The volunteers continue to monitor these remaining nests, ensuring the ongoing protection of these endangered turtles.

How the Community Can Help

The community is encouraged to contribute to the ongoing protection of these turtles. Residents are asked to report turtle tracks, new nests, or emerging hatchlings to the TurtleCare hotline or Coolum and North Shore Coast Care.

For sightings on the southern end of the coast, one resident should call 0437 559 067, and for sightings from Maroochydore north, they should contact Coolum and North Shore Coast Care on 0478 435 377. Additionally, residents can help by switching off outside lights from 8 p.m. to reduce light pollution and disorient turtles and hatchlings.

Furthermore, keeping beaches clean by removing rubbish helps provide a safe environment for the turtles to lay their eggs. The TurtleCare program, which is conducted under Queensland Turtle Conservation Project permits, is proudly sponsored by Caloundra City Realty for the 2025 season.

Published Date 20-March-2025