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Buderim Sprinter Nathan Jason Breaks Historic National Record Following Remarkable Track Transition

Buderim para-athlete Nathan Jason has cemented his place among the world’s elite track stars after shattering a historic 35-year-old Australian sprinting record.

The 23-year-old local speedster accomplished the feat at the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi, where he competed in the Men’s 100m T12 classification for athletes with visual impairments. Jason missed out on an individual podium finish by a mere 0.07 seconds, securing a fourth-place finish with an incredible time of 11.11 seconds.

This achievement lowered the previous national mark of 11.20 seconds, which was established by Mark Davies all the way back in 1990. Despite just missing out on the individual medal, Jason did not leave the global stage empty-handed, as he secured a bronze medal as a member of the Australian Universal $4 \times 100\text{m}$ relay team.

From the Pool to the Track

Jason represents the University of the Sunshine Coast club, but his journey to the top of the athletics world required immense patience and a complete career reset. Before finding success on the running track, he spent a lifetime training as a competitive swimmer. He decided to switch sports in 2022, trading the pool for the athletic oval.

Reshaping his body to handle the high-impact muscular strain of explosive sprinting was a massive physical hurdle. Working alongside his dedicated coaching team, which includes his father Vincent Jason, Nick Bennett, and strength and conditioning specialist Jarrod Bolton, it took three long years of intense gym adjustments to safely build the power needed for elite track racing.

Overcoming Trackside Obstacles

Jason navigates the track with severe visual challenges caused by hereditary eye conditions. He was born with Cone-Rod Dystrophy and Stargardt disease, which heavily impact his central vision. These conditions cause significant blind spots and severe distortion.

Competing in the T12 classification presents daily operational hurdles during high-speed races. Jason has noted that he experiences extreme sensitivity to bright light. This particular issue can make it incredibly difficult to stay straight in his assigned lane, spot his running competitors, and clearly see the finish line at the end of the straightaway.

Local Roots and Family Ties

*Photo Credit:* *Nathan Jason/ Instagram*

Athletic talent is a shared trait in the Jason household. His older brother, Braedan Jason, lives with the exact same visual impairment and has already established himself as a highly decorated dual-Paralympian para-swimmer for Australia, having raced at both the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Games. Watching his brother compete on the world stage has provided Nathan with a core sporting role model as he targets his very own Paralympic debut.

When he is away from his intense training sessions at the UniSC tracks, Jason remains deeply involved in supporting his local Sunshine Coast community. He works as a surf club instructor for a regional education program, where he spends his time teaching coastal safety and surf awareness to residents.

Additionally, he balances his heavy athletic schedule with a part-time Bachelor of Counselling degree at the University of the Sunshine Coast and enjoys spending his free time on the golf course. Jason has carried his excellent form straight into the early 2026 season, setting a new 60m personal best of 7.27 seconds in February and launching his 100m season with a fast 11.32-second sprint in January.

Published Date 18-May-2026

Buderim Heavyweight Alex Shaw Targets World Cup After European Success

Photo Credit: Alex Shaw/ Instagram

Buderim’s own Alex Shaw has transformed from a local refrigeration apprentice into Australia’s premier super heavyweight boxer after a dominant run against the world’s most elite fighters in Europe.

While he was originally meant to be finishing his final trade assessments last month, the twenty-four-year-old was instead overseas representing the Hinterland Boxing Club. Despite dealing with a bout of illness during his travels, he managed to secure both a bronze and a silver medal across two major international tournaments.

This sudden rise is particularly impressive given that the giant athlete only began boxing three years ago. He now stands as the top-ranked amateur in the country, maintaining an undefeated streak on home soil that has lasted for over two years.

Proving Ground in Europe

The young boxer showed his strength at the Bocskai Memorial Tournament in Hungary by defeating a previous World Cup silver medallist to take home the bronze. He followed this success with a trip to Azerbaijan for the Silk Way Tournament. In the final match, he faced a local favourite in a very close contest that ended in a narrow points loss.

That opponent went on to win the World Cup shortly after, which showed just how close the Buderim local is to being the best on the planet. His coaching team believes he is currently the only Australian boxer consistently winning medals every time he steps into the international ring.

The Daily Grind

Life for the rising star is a constant balance between professional tradesman and elite athlete. He continues to work full-time on the tools while fitting in ten intense training sessions every six days. He has noted that boxing is always on his mind, even when he is busy with his refrigeration work.

The financial pressure of competing globally is significant, but local businesses have stepped up to help cover the costs of his flights and accommodation. These sponsors are helping him keep his dream alive as he looks to move away from manual labour to focus entirely on his sporting career.

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Eyes on the World Stage

The next major challenge arrives on 5 June when he travels to China for the World Cup. This event is considered a major benchmark because it features the highest level of competition in the sport.

For the first time in several months, the heavyweight will enter a tournament with a full block of training behind him and no health issues. He plans to use the lessons learned from his recent international losses to fix small mistakes in his technique. These upcoming matches are seen as vital steps toward his long-term goals of competing in the Commonwealth Games and the 2028 Olympic Games.

Published Date 14-May-2026

Buderim Macadamias Set to Take Centre Stage at Brisbane 2032 Games

Photo Credit: Food and Beverage Accelerator

Buderim-grown macadamias will be showcased as a premier Australian superfood to millions of global spectators following a University of Queensland report that positions Sunshine Coast produce as a cornerstone of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

A Home-Grown Legacy

Released on 30 April 2026, the Feeding the Brisbane 2032 Games White Paper suggests that the upcoming Games offer a unique chance to support local growers and strengthen regional food systems. Professor Janet McColl-Kennedy, who led the research through the University of Queensland’s Business School, explained that the event is more than a simple catering task.

Instead, it serves as a platform to present the world with nutritious and high-quality food that is unique to the region. The report highlights the historical and cultural importance of macadamia, which is the only Australian native plant to become a major international food crop. Originally known as “Kindal Kindal” by Indigenous Australians, these nuts have been a treasured delicacy in the region for thousands of generations.

Boosting the Local Economy

The University of Queensland report aims to help local businesses benefit from the massive number of visitors expected for the Games. Research shows that during the Paris 2024 Games, more than 700,000 people attended events on a single day. By making local items like macadamias, Mooloolaba prawns, and Granite Belt olive oil the stars of the menu, the Games can create long-term value for the Sunshine Coast.

Professor McColl-Kennedy noted that today’s consumers want to know exactly where their food comes from and prefer healthy options. She suggested that serving fresh, local ingredients can create memorable, personalised experiences for visitors, such as enjoying local seafood while watching a sunset.

Supporting Innovation and Sustainability

The plan goes beyond just serving food; it focuses on solving modern challenges like worker shortages and rising costs. The report includes 57 recommendations for policymakers, including using new technology like artificial intelligence and digital tracking to reduce food waste.

UQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry stated that making the right choices now will lead to a more resilient food industry that lasts well beyond 2032. The research also encourages working closely with Indigenous communities to grow native produce, ensuring the environmental and cultural heritage of the macadamia is preserved. By planning early, the organisers hope to build a system that supports farmers and provides fresh food for the community for decades to come.

Published Date 30-April-2026

Local Culinary Talent Peter Brown Takes Out Top State Prize

Photo Credit: Bower Tree/ Facebook

Executive Chef Peter Brown has officially secured the title of Club Chef of the Year at the Clubs Queensland Awards for Excellence, proving that the local dining scene in Buderim is now home to the finest culinary talent in the state.

A New Standard for Local Dining

The recent win for Peter Brown represents a major shift for the hospitality landscape in the Sippy Downs and Buderim region. While the Clubs Queensland Awards are often compared to the industry’s version of the Oscars, the victory specifically highlights how a local neighbourhood venue can outperform established fine-dining spots.

Peter’s work involves more than just preparing meals; he is responsible for managing a high-pressure kitchen that serves hundreds of people every day. His success comes from a focus on high-quality cooking and a leadership style that encourages younger staff members to grow within the trade.

Excellence Beyond the Menu

The judging process for this award is known for being extremely difficult, involving secret shoppers and peer reviews. Peter was recognised for his ability to take classic pub meals and improve them using modern methods and fresh ingredients grown right here in Queensland.

By using produce from local farmers, the kitchen supports the regional economy while ensuring the food is as fresh as possible. This approach has helped the venue become a preferred destination for residents who want a high-end meal without having to travel into the city.

A Win for the Whole Community

While the individual award went to Peter, the entire food and beverage team shared in the recognition. Arrows Bistro at The Bower Tree also reached the finals for the Best Dining category, showing that the overall service and atmosphere meet a high standard. Peter expressed his gratitude for the win by thanking the regular customers who have supported the venue since it first arrived in the area.

This achievement suggests that the local hotel is no longer just a place for a quick drink, but a central part of the community where high-level culinary skills are on display daily.

Published Date 18-April-2026

Sunshine Coast Schoolboy Breaks National Records at Queensland Athletics Championships

Photo Credit: Australia Sports Foundation

A Sunshine Coast schoolboy has broken two Australian records and one Queensland record at the Little Athletics Queensland State Championships in Brisbane, delivering one of the standout performances of the event.

Record-Breaking Performance in Brisbane

At the Little Athletics Queensland State Championships, more than 2,000 athletes from 76 clubs competed, with 11-year-old Rylan Wooster producing one of the strongest results across the meet.

Competing just days before his 11th birthday, the Sunshine Coast runner set Australian records in the 1500 metres and 800 metres, and a Queensland record in the 400 metres. His performance across all three events placed him among the top achievers at the championships.

In the 1500m, he recorded a time of 4:35.76, taking 10 seconds off the previous national record. He followed with 2:15.29 in the 800m, improving the previous best by 1.23 seconds. In the 400m, he finished in 1:00.05, breaking the Queensland record by 1.59 seconds.

Building Momentum on the Sunshine Coast

Rylan’s development in athletics has accelerated in recent years, following earlier success in cross country. His transition into middle-distance running has seen steady progress through structured competition and regular training.

Based on the Sunshine Coast, he trains under experienced coaching guidance, with a focus on quality sessions. Observations from coaching staff highlight his ability to apply consistent effort and respond well to instruction during training and competition.

Regular participation in Little Athletics has also contributed to his growth, with weekly competition providing opportunities to refine performance and gain race experience.

Balancing Athletics and AFL Ambitions

Alongside his success on the track, Rylan remains active in Australian football through the Maroochy Roos Juniors Australian Football Club. His involvement across both sports reflects a continued interest in developing as a multi-sport athlete.

His long-term ambition includes pursuing AFL, which he continues to balance with his athletics commitments.

Support from his family has been a consistent factor, with his parents managing the schedules of three active children involved in sport.

Sunshine Coast runner — Photo Credit: Australia Sports Foundation

Growing Interest in Junior Running

Rylan’s results come amid increasing participation in athletics, with junior competition continuing to attract strong numbers across Queensland. The championships also featured other record-breaking performances, reflecting a broader rise in junior competition standards.

Within this environment, performances such as Rylan’s highlight the level of talent emerging through grassroots athletics programs.

Continuing Development

The Sunshine Coast runner’s results at the state championships add to his early achievements in athletics. As he continues competing and training, he remains involved in both running and AFL, with further development expected through ongoing participation in both sports.

Published 5-Apr-2026

Comiskey Group Breaks Ground on Aura Hotel, the Sunshine Coast’s Biggest Entertainment Venue

Comiskey Group

The Comiskey Group has officially broken ground on Aura Hotel within the Stockland Aura community near Caloundra, launching construction on a $68 million venue set to become the Sunshine Coast’s largest entertainment destination when it opens in late 2027.

The ceremonial sod turning took place within the Stockland Aura masterplanned community, one of Australia’s largest, signalling the project’s move into full construction following early earthworks. Spanning three levels, the venue will feature six bars, indoor and alfresco dining, a gaming room and multiple function spaces, backed by what the Comiskey Group describes as the biggest band room on the Sunshine Coast, with capacity for up to 2,500 guests.

For a region that has long punched above its weight as a live music destination, Aura Hotel represents a step change in scale and ambition. The Comiskey Group already operates Sandstone Point Hotel, Eatons Hill Hotel, Dakabin Hotel and Samford Hotel across south-east Queensland, and is separately developing five-star hotels at North Lakes and Sandstone Point. Aura Hotel is the group’s first major hospitality venue to begin construction on the coast.

Why This Project Is Landing at Aura

The decision to plant a flagship venue inside Australia’s largest masterplanned community was no accident. Stockland Aura already houses more than 10,000 residents, with plans for up to 20,000 new homes and 20,000 on-site jobs on completion. Plans for the future city centre include a regional shopping centre, cinemas, restaurants, cafes, a university campus and a transit centre, positioning the area as one of Queensland’s most significant urban growth corridors.

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Comiskey Group Director Rob Comiskey said breaking ground marks a milestone years in the making. “Breaking ground on Aura Hotel is a huge milestone for us and something we’ve been working towards for a long time,” he said. “With the biggest band room on the Sunshine Coast, capable of hosting up to 2,500 guests, we’re delivering a venue that will bring world-class live music to the region in a way that hasn’t been done before. This will be the largest venue on the Sunshine Coast and one of the largest in Australia.”

Comiskey pointed to the group’s track record of attracting major international acts to its existing venues as a signal of what Sunshine Coast audiences can expect. “We’ve hosted artists from Prince to Post Malone across our venues, and Aura Hotel will continue that, bringing major acts closer to home,” he said.

What the Venue Will Look Like

Aura Hotel will anchor the Aura City Centre precinct, backing onto a future five-hectare South Bank-style parkland. The Mediterranean-inspired design emphasises layered textures and indoor-outdoor flow, with the aim of creating an impression from the moment patrons arrive.

“We’ve put a lot of thought into how this venue looks and feels from the moment you arrive,” Comiskey said. “It’s designed to have real impact, from the façade through to every space inside, while still being welcoming, versatile and built for the whole community.”

The project is expected to generate approximately 150 local jobs, and Stockland Aura Project Director Josh Sondergeld said the development strengthens the broader vision for the precinct. “Following the start of construction on the Town Centre, this milestone reinforces Aura as a thriving destination, connecting residents through shared spaces, experiences and amenities, while also attracting visitors to the region,” he said. “Positioned alongside the future Aura Parklands and connected to surrounding neighbourhoods by extensive walking and cycling pathways, the hotel will play a key role in activating the 100-hectare Aura City Centre.”

A Growing Footprint on the Sunshine Coast

Aura Hotel is not the Comiskey Group’s only Sunshine Coast investment. Just 10 minutes from the Aura site, the group is also developing Coochin Fields, a 155-hectare outdoor festival site approved earlier this year, adding to what is shaping up as a significant entertainment corridor between Caloundra and the broader Sunshine Coast hinterland.

Together, the two projects signal the group’s confidence in the region’s capacity to support large-scale, premium live music and hospitality experiences. For Sunshine Coast residents who have historically had to travel to Brisbane to catch major touring acts, that shift is a meaningful one.

Aura Hotel is scheduled to open in late 2027. For more information about the Comiskey Group and its upcoming projects, visit comiskey.com.au.

Published 10-April-2026

Petition To Ban Nudists At Coolum Beach Sparks Community Divide

Photo Credit: Google Maps

A petition calling for a ban on nudists at Third Bay in Coolum Beach has triggered a clear divide among locals, with concerns over safety, legality, and personal choice driving ongoing debate.

Petition Targets Long-Known Coolum Beach Spot

The push to remove nudists from Third Bay has brought renewed attention to a location long associated with nude bathing, despite laws prohibiting the practice.

The petition, recently shared within the community, aims to stop what has become a continued presence of nudists at the beach. Early support appears limited, though the issue has prompted strong discussion online.

Coolum Beach nudists — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Community Views Split Over Use Of Coolum Beach

Reactions to the petition show a divided response among locals. Some residents raise concerns about safety and suitability, particularly pointing to families and children who also visit the beach.

Others have highlighted incidents that raised discomfort, reinforcing concerns about how the area is being used. At the same time, some within the community argue that nudity itself is not harmful and should be tolerated in a secluded setting.

Alternative views suggest that those uncomfortable with the situation can choose other nearby beaches, while others propose the idea of a designated clothing-optional area.

nudist beach — Photo Credit: Google Maps

Legal Status Remains Unchanged

Under existing laws, public nudity is not permitted, and individuals may face fines for wilful exposure. Beach patrols are conducted regularly, with enforcement occurring at times, although the practice has continued over the years.

There are no officially recognised nude beaches in Queensland. Attempts in other areas to establish clothing-optional locations have not succeeded, leaving places like Third Bay without any formal status.

Ongoing Debate At Coolum Beach

The situation at Coolum Beach continues to centre on differing expectations around how the beach is used. The petition has brought renewed focus to the issue, but its outcome remains uncertain.

For now, Third Bay remains a point of discussion within the community, with opinions on both sides continuing to shape the conversation.

Published 10-Apr-2026

Mount Tibrogargan Tragedy As Woman Found Dead In Sunshine Coast Hinterland

Photo Credit: Pexels

A woman has been found dead on Mount Tibrogargan in the Sunshine Coast hinterland after calls for help were heard from the mountain, prompting an emergency response in the region.

Calls For Help On Mount Tibrogargan

The incident unfolded on Mount Tibrogargan, within the Glass House Mountains, where a person hiking in the area reported hearing a woman calling out for help. Emergency services were alerted at approximately 8:40 a.m. on Thursday, April 2, leading to a ground search at the base of the mountain.

Search efforts were carried out on foot across the terrain. After several hours, responders located the woman at about 10:30 a.m., where she was confirmed deceased.

Police indicated the woman was suspected to have been walking alone at the time of the incident. It is believed she may have fallen, although the circumstances surrounding her death remain under investigation.

Mount Tibrogargan death — *Photo Credit: Wikipedia*

Steep Terrain On Mount Tibrogargan

Mount Tibrogargan rises to 364 metres and forms part of the Glass House Mountains National Park, north of Brisbane. The mountain features both a lower walking circuit of about four kilometres and a more demanding summit route.

The upper sections of the climb include steep inclines reaching up to 60 degrees, along with areas identified as high-risk for rockfall. These conditions contribute to the technical difficulty of the ascent.

The site is a well-known destination for hikers and bushwalkers, attracting visitors from across Australia and overseas.

Recent Fatal Incidents In The Glass House Mountains

The discovery follows a separate fatal incident at nearby Mount Beerwah, where two 18-year-olds died after falling from the summit track weeks earlier. One died at the scene, while the other was taken to hospital in a critical condition and later died from injuries.

Both Mount Beerwah and Mount Tibrogargan are known for hazardous summit routes, particularly in sections involving steep climbs and unstable terrain.

Coroner’s Report To Determine Cause

A report will be prepared for the coroner to determine the cause of death. Further details, including the woman’s identity and age, have not been released.

The incident highlights the challenging conditions present on popular hiking routes within the Glass House Mountains, where steep gradients and natural hazards can pose significant risks.

Published 4-Apr-2026

Buderim Resale Result Shows Changing Trends In Over-50s Communities

A Buderim home resale has highlighted how one over-50s couple achieved a significant gain within a land lease community before moving to another development in the region.

From Buderim Purchase To Resale Gain

A Sunshine Coast couple who purchased a home at B by Halcyon in Buderim in December 2023 later sold the property and reported an increase of about 35 per cent.

The resale was completed within six weeks, allowing them to transition to a different community at Halcyon Coves in Aura. The move enabled them to take up a slightly larger home while retaining the uplift from the sale.

Sunshine Coast property — Photo Credit: Supplied

How The Housing Model Works

The Buderim transaction reflects the structure of land lease communities, where residents own their home but lease the land beneath it.

Under this model, homeowners retain capital gains when they sell. The arrangement outlined in the release also states that there are no deferred management or exit fees, which can apply in traditional retirement villages and reduce final returns.

This difference in structure has been identified as a factor in resale outcomes for some homeowners in the over-50s sector.

land lease communities — Photo Credit: Supplied

Repeat Moves Within The Same Sector

The couple’s move from Buderim to another Halcyon community aligns with a broader pattern of repeat buying within similar developments.

Some homeowners are selling in established communities and purchasing again in newer locations, using resale outcomes to upgrade their homes or adjust their living arrangements.

This behaviour reflects how certain buyers are approaching over-50s housing with both lifestyle and financial considerations in mind.

Market Conditions Behind The Resale

Conditions across South East Queensland have also been linked to resale outcomes in this segment.

Housing supply in the region continues to lag behind demand, supporting price growth across different parts of the market. Within land lease communities, the limited number of homes available for resale has also been identified as a factor influencing value.

As resale activity increases, there is growing attention on how these transactions are tracked compared to traditional housing sales.

Buderim resale gain — Photo Credit: Supplied

What The Buderim Example Shows

The Buderim resale highlights how some over-50s homeowners are navigating housing decisions within land lease communities.

The ability to sell, retain gains, and move into another property within the same sector is emerging as a pathway for those seeking flexibility in later-life housing.

Published 26-Mar-2026

Advanced Cancer Treatment Service Expands At Sunshine Coast University Hospital

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

Residents near Buderim are expected to benefit from expanded cancer treatment services following the introduction of new medical technology at Sunshine Coast University Hospital in Birtinya.

Cancer Treatment Expansion Near Buderim

Cancer care services on the Sunshine Coast have expanded with the rollout of new imaging technology designed to support specialised treatment at Sunshine Coast University Hospital, located in Birtinya near Buderim.

The upgrade forms part of a $2.3 million investment that includes the introduction of a portable Cone Beam CT scanner designed for brachytherapy procedures.

Sunshine Coast University Hospital, located at 6 Doherty Street, Birtinya, is a tertiary level teaching hospital providing health services to communities across the Sunshine Coast and Gympie regions.

Real-Time Imaging During Treatment

The new imaging system enables clinicians to perform real-time imaging during brachytherapy procedures while a patient remains under anaesthetic.

This approach allows applicator insertion and radiation delivery to occur within the same procedure, removing the need for patients to be moved through the hospital for separate imaging during treatment.

Brachytherapy delivers radiation directly to the cancer site, which allows highly targeted treatment while limiting exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.

Expanded Treatment Capability

The service expansion allows the hospital to provide brachytherapy treatment for cancers including gynaecological and prostate cancers, among others.

The development increases access to specialised cancer treatment for patients across the Sunshine Coast, reducing the need for some patients to travel to Brisbane for certain procedures.

The program is expected to initially treat between 40 and 80 patients each year, with demand anticipated to increase as more patients from north of the Sunshine Coast choose to receive treatment in the region.

Buderim cancer treatment — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Southern Hemisphere First

The imaging technology supports a treatment process that enables real-time applicator insertion and radiation delivery during the same procedure.

The service has been described as the first and only one in the Southern Hemisphere capable of providing this type of integrated treatment and imaging during a single procedure.

The upgrade also supports training opportunities and the continued development of cancer treatment services within the Sunshine Coast health system.

Local Access To Treatment

For communities near Buderim, the expanded service provides additional options for specialised cancer treatment within the Sunshine Coast region.

The addition of new imaging capability is expected to strengthen local treatment capacity while allowing more patients to receive care closer to where they live.

Outlook

The rollout of the new imaging technology expands the capability of Sunshine Coast University Hospital to deliver specialised cancer treatment locally.

With patient demand expected to grow, the service aims to support more people across the region through increased access to targeted cancer treatment and imaging services.

Published 13-Mar-2026