Read: Buderim Retirement Village Joins Food Waste Recycling Trial

The event runs from 10 to 12 July 2026 and is expected to attract more than 25,000 visitors. For Buderim residents, Nambour Showgrounds is just a 15-minute drive north-west along the range, making it one of Queensland’s most accessible major gardening events. Around 65 per cent of attendees travel from outside the Sunshine Coast region, highlighting the show’s statewide appeal.

The 2026 program spans seven hectares and includes more than 55 nurseries selling 60,000 plants each day, a Giant Kitchen Garden, a Plant Clinic for one-on-one advice, hands-on workshops and a packed schedule of talks and demonstrations. It is the kind of event where visitors can easily spend a full day exploring, which is why two-day and three-day passes remain popular.

Tammy Huynh makes her Queensland debut

The headline addition to the 2026 speaker programme is Tammy Huynh, who joins the show for the first time. A presenter on ABC’s Gardening Australia, author of The Plant Book and 2021 Horticulturist of the Year, Huynh brings a focus on indoor plant care that reflects how much gardening culture has shifted in recent years toward balcony gardens, apartment growing and houseplant collections.

“One of the things I love most about gardening events is the opportunity to connect with other plant enthusiasts, share knowledge and learn something new,” Huynh said ahead of her Queensland debut. “My sessions will explore indoor plant care, common problems and some of the biggest myths surrounding houseplants, with plenty of practical tips to help people grow with confidence.”

Her sessions sit alongside returning horticultural heavyweights Graham Ross AM, Sophie Thomson, Jerry Coleby-Williams and Phil Dudman, who between them represent decades of practical growing knowledge. New speaker Robert “The Mountain Man” Wilson also joins the programme, bringing his perspective on legacy horticulture to the lineup.

From the vegie patch to the chef’s stage

The Cooks Garden Stage adds a food angle that makes the show genuinely useful for home growers who want to know what to actually do with what they harvest. Head Chef Mal Meiers from ēthos at Alsahwa Estate appears alongside Kenji Hiroto from SOKA, crowd favourite Matt Golinski, and Robert Cauilan, Executive Chef at Aussie World and the Banana Bender Pub, whose cooking draws on Filipino flavours applied to modern Australian cuisine.

“Whether you’re interested in rare, unusual and ornamental plants, new plant releases, growing your own food at home, creating a more sustainable garden or simply learning from some of the best minds in horticulture, there is something in the program for every gardener,” said Colin Fruk, Chief Executive Officer of Greenlife Industry QLD.

A rooster crow and 60,000 plants

Beyond the speaker stages and the nurseries, the show runs a Plant Clinic where visitors can bring their gardening problems directly to experts, workshops for those who want to get their hands in the soil, and the returning Rooster Crowing Competition as part of the Poultry Spectacular.

Adults and children both compete, and it has become one of the more genuinely unexpected highlights of the weekend.

The economic reach of the Queensland Garden Show is considerable. Over more than four decades, the event has injected over $200 million into the local economy, with a visitor base that extends well beyond the Sunshine Coast into Brisbane, regional Queensland and interstate.

Tickets and getting there

The Queensland Garden Show runs Friday 10 July to Sunday 12 July 2026 at Nambour Showgrounds. Gates open at 8am and close at 4pm each day.

Ticket prices are as follows:

• Adult entry – $26.50 (online) / $29 (gate price)
• Pensioner concession – $23.50 (online) / $25 (gate price)
• Locals entry – $21.20 (online) / $22.50 (gate)
• Children 15 years and under – Free
• Groups of 10 or more – $20 each
• Two-day weekend pass (Saturday and Sunday) – $45
• Three-day pass – $65
• Parking: $10 per car

The showgrounds offer excellent disability access including on-site disabled parking, ground-level exhibits and accessible toilet facilities. Guide dogs are welcome.

Tickets are available online, where the full speaker programme and session times are also listed.

Read: Buderim Macadamias Set to Take Centre Stage at Brisbane 2032 Games

Published 25-June-2026

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The Socceroos spent 45 minutes chasing shadows in Seattle — and by the time they finally woke up, the damage was already done.

Australia’s World Cup momentum hit a speed bump at Seattle’s Lumen Field on Saturday, June 20 (AEST), falling 2-0 to the United States after a disappointing first half in which Tony Popovic’s side struggled to cope with the hosts’ intensity, movement and pressure. The response after halftime was far more encouraging, but it came too late to rescue a result.

For all the disappointment, Australia remains firmly in the hunt for a place in the Round of 32 heading into next week’s final Group D clash against Paraguay.

Americans Set The Early Tone

The opening minute suggested Australia might be in for a productive morning.

Mohamed Toure pounced on a loose pass and forced Matt Freese into a save after just 40 seconds, but it quickly became apparent that the United States had no intention of allowing the Socceroos to settle.

The hosts pressed aggressively, moved the ball sharply and repeatedly found space around Australia’s midfield. Malik Tillman was influential between the lines, while Folarin Balogun’s pace immediately caused concern whenever the Americans turned defence into attack.

The breakthrough came after 11 minutes.

Balogun drove to the byline and fired a dangerous ball across the six-yard box. Cameron Burgess, scrambling back towards goal under pressure, could only divert the cross into his own net.

The Americans kept coming.

Every time Australia appeared to have weathered the storm, possession was handed straight back. Balogun was causing problems. Tillman was finding pockets. Dest had far too much room.

The game was being played almost entirely on American terms.

Harry Souttar and Alessandro Circati were forced into plenty of defensive work, while Jordan Bos picked up an early booking as frustration began creeping into the contest.

VAR Frustration Deepens The Hole

The second goal arrived just before halftime and only added to Australian frustration.

A free-kick routine ended with Dest’s shot taking a deflection and looping high into the penalty area. Freeman reacted quickest and headed beyond Patrick Beach from close range.

The assistant referee immediately raised the flag.

After a lengthy VAR review, however, the goal was awarded despite Balogun standing in an offside position as the ball dropped into the area.

Australia protested. The decision stood.

Whether Balogun was interfering with play will remain a talking point, but the larger issue for Popovic was the performance that had preceded it.

The Socceroos looked off the pace. Loose passes surrendered possession. Second balls were routinely won by the Americans. When opportunities arose to settle the game, Australia rarely took them.

Popovic’s assessment afterwards reflected what everyone had seen.

“I don’t know if it was the occasion but we looked sluggish and heavy-legged,” he said.

“They were quicker and more powerful. They won every duel and every second ball.”

Popovic Turns To His Bench

Popovic did not wait long to act.

Connor Metcalfe, Nestory Irankunda and Jason Geria were all sent on at halftime, with Cameron Burgess, Nishan Velupillay and Mohamed Toure making way.

The game looked different almost straight away.

Metcalfe got Australia moving through midfield. Irankunda gave the Americans something to chase. Suddenly the ball was sticking.

For the first time all morning, the United States were being asked questions.

The hosts still carried a threat. Early in the half Balogun burst clear and appeared set to add a third before Circati produced a superb recovery challenge to block the attempt.

At 3-0 the match would likely have been over.

Instead, Australia began to gain territory and, more importantly, belief.

Volpato Provides A Spark

Cristian Volpato’s introduction midway through the second half gave the Socceroos another attacking dimension.

Making his World Cup debut after replacing the injured Mathew Leckie, Volpato quickly became involved. His first major contribution saw him combine with Irankunda before firing over the crossbar from a promising position.

It was the sort of move Australia simply hadn’t produced before halftime.

Metcalfe forced Freese into a save after a strong pressing sequence. Irankunda repeatedly drove at defenders. Volpato found space in areas Australia had barely occupied during the opening period.

The crowd, roaring for most of the first half, grew noticeably quieter as Australia started stringing passes together.

The Americans were still dangerous on the break, but they were no longer controlling every aspect of the contest.

Australia’s best chance arrived during a chaotic scramble inside the penalty area when Souttar failed to make clean contact with the ball in front of goal. Geria then saw an effort blocked as the Americans scrambled clear.

Australia spent the closing stages camped in the American half, but the breakthrough never arrived.

All Roads Lead To Paraguay

The defeat leaves Australia needing a result against Paraguay in San Francisco next week, but qualification remains firmly within reach.

A win should be enough to secure progression. Depending on results elsewhere, a draw may also keep the Socceroos alive.

Popovic will be disappointed with how his side handled the opening 45 minutes, particularly against a United States team that looked sharper from the outset despite missing injured star Christian Pulisic.

He may have found a few answers after halftime.

Volpato, Irankunda and Metcalfe all made strong cases for bigger roles in the final group match.

The performance raised as many questions as it answered.

Australia looked a long way off the pace before halftime. After the break, it looked capable of troubling the group leaders.

Which version turns up against Paraguay may decide whether the Socceroos’ World Cup continues.

Published 20-June-2026

The post Socceroos Left With Plenty To Ponder After USA Punishment — But Fightback Offers Hope appeared first on Buderim Today.

Read: Sunshine Coast Schoolboy Breaks National Records at Queensland Athletics Championships

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. 

Read: Local Culinary Talent Peter Brown Takes Out Top State Prize

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. Updated 19-June-2026.

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Read: Buderim Heavyweight Alex Shaw Targets World Cup After European Success

The pilot program, led by the Council of Mayors (SEQ) and funded by the Queensland Government, will test a range of food recycling solutions across South East Queensland over the next two-and-a-half years.  

One of the first participating sites is IRT The Palms Retirement Village in Buderim, where food scraps collected from residents will be processed using technologies designed to turn waste into useful resources such as compost, mulch and renewable energy. Based on the media release provided by the Council of Mayors (SEQ).  

The broader trial will also include holiday accommodation in Noosa, residential towers on the Gold Coast and future projects in Brisbane. Organisers say more than 530 tonnes of food waste could be diverted from landfill during the program.  

Researchers from Central Queensland University will work alongside participating councils to assess which recycling methods are most effective in high-density living environments. Technologies being tested include food dehydrators, anaerobic digestion systems and on-site composting solutions.  

The initiative comes as South East Queensland continues to grow rapidly, with population forecasts predicting the region will be home to around six million people by 2046. According to the Council of Mayors, organic waste currently makes up more than one-third of household general waste.  

Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said reducing landfill remained a priority for the region and that community participation would play an important role in the trial’s success. According to the media release, the project is intended to identify practical ways for residents to reduce food waste and support a more circular approach to waste management.  

Read: Sunshine Coast Businesses Urged to Gear Up for 2032 Olympics Procurement Opportunities

If successful, the findings could help shape future food waste recycling programs for apartments, retirement communities and other multi-unit developments across South East Queensland.  

Published 11-June-2026

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Read: Buderim Macadamias Set to Take Centre Stage at Brisbane 2032 Games

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

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.

Read: Buderim Heavyweight Alex Shaw Targets World Cup After European Success

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

The post Buderim Sprinter Nathan Jason Breaks Historic National Record Following Remarkable Track Transition appeared first on Buderim Today.

Read: Buderim Macadamias Set to Take Centre Stage at Brisbane 2032 Games

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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Read: From the Airwaves: 5 Golden Nuggets from Macca

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

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Read: First Sunshine Coast AI Data Centre Takes Shape in Maroochydore CBD

The Queensland Government, Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee, Sunshine Coast Council, and key delivery partners held a dedicated procurement opportunities event on Tuesday, 28 April, bringing together small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from across the region. The session covered how Games-related goods and services will be sourced, how local businesses can build the capability needed to compete, and what practical steps operators should take now.

The timing is significant. Venue design and construction is set to commence between 2025 and 2028, with temporary infrastructure procurement and operational planning running from 2026 through to 2031 — meaning Sunshine Coast businesses are entering what could be a critical window for early engagement.

The region has a sizeable stake in the Games infrastructure pipeline. Plans include an upgrade to Sunshine Coast Stadium at Bokarina, increasing its permanent seating capacity from 1,046 to 10,680, as well as a new Athlete Village and arena to be built within the Maroochydore City Centre. The Mountain Bike Centre is also earmarked for upgrades, and the transport corridor known as The Wave — connecting Birtinya through to the Sunshine Coast Airport via Maroochydore — is part of the broader infrastructure commitment to the region.

The overall procurement picture is substantial. Around $2.5 billion in contracts and approximately 500 supplier opportunities are available for businesses seeking to contribute to the Games. The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games are projected to deliver an estimated $8.1 billion in economic benefits to Queensland. Importantly for local operators, past major events such as the Paris 2024 Games and the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games saw more than 80 per cent of contracts awarded to SMEs — a signal that smaller businesses are well-placed to compete if they prepare early.

The Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA), which is tasked with delivering 17 new and upgraded venues for Brisbane 2032, has indicated it will operate in alignment with the Queensland Government’s Procurement Policy, which prioritises local businesses and supports SMEs.

Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said the Games infrastructure program was designed to create jobs and support local industry, with tradespeople, contractors, suppliers and service providers all expected to benefit. Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander emphasised that the aim was for Queenslanders to both host and deliver the event. Minister for Small and Family Business Steve Minnikin said the time to act was now, urging local operators to begin positioning themselves to tender across the range of goods and services the Games would require.

Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli described the event as a meaningful milestone, noting that connecting local businesses to procurement pathways early was a priority for Council. She said the focus was on ensuring Sunshine Coast businesses understood what was coming and felt confident stepping forward for Games-related work.

Read: Local Culinary Talent Peter Brown Takes Out Top State Prize

Businesses can register for the Brisbane 2032 Supplier Portal to access procurement opportunities, receive alerts for new expressions of interest, and showcase their capabilities to Games buyers. Further information is available through the Queensland Government’s Delivering 2032 website at www.delivering2032.com.au and through Sunshine Coast Council’s Level Up business programs portal.

Published 28-April-2026

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Read: Local Culinary Talent Peter Brown Takes Out Top State Prize

The $200 million facility, known as SC2, is being built by data centre operator NextDC at 10 South Sea Islander Way in the Maroochydore CBD. It is designed as a five-storey structure with a capacity of 6 megawatts, on a 3,710 square metre plot. The site sits alongside NextDC’s existing SC1 centre, which has been operational since 2021 and already serves as host to the Sunshine Coast International Broadband Network cable landing station.

Council has described SC2 as an “AI factory” — purpose-built infrastructure aimed at expanding digital capability across sectors including aerospace, geospatial intelligence and biomedical research. For locals watching the Maroochydore CBD rapidly evolve from a former golf course site into a full-scale urban centre, the development marks another striking chapter in the area’s transformation.

Water-wise by design

One of the most talked-about aspects of SC2 is its approach to cooling — a critical issue given how much water traditional AI data centres consume. According to an Environmental and Energy Study Institute article cited in reporting on the project, a large AI facility can use up to nearly 19 million litres of water per day, while even a medium-sized centre may consume the equivalent of what roughly 1,000 households use in a year.

SC2 will take a markedly different path. NextDC CEO Craig Scroggie has explained that the new centre will use closed-loop, liquid direct-to-chip cooling, where water is sealed within the system, circulates directly over computer chips to draw away heat, and is then recirculated rather than lost to evaporation. Any water top-ups required will draw from recycled sources rather than the region’s drinking water supply — a significant departure from conventional data centre practice.

NextDC’s SC1 centre has already earned recognition as one of the most water-efficient data facilities in the country, thanks to its use of rainwater-fed cooling towers and high-efficiency chillers. Scroggie has indicated that the AI workloads SC2 is designed to handle demand a more advanced approach still, and that the sealed system will result in minimal ongoing water consumption.

Jobs and opportunity

Beyond the physical infrastructure, SC2 is expected to generate lasting employment on the Sunshine Coast once operational. Scroggie has pointed to direct roles for engineers, technicians and operations staff, as well as broader knock-on opportunities for cloud providers, network operators, cybersecurity businesses, software firms and start-ups drawn to the region by the availability of world-class digital infrastructure.

NextDC has committed $200 million to expand its digital footprint in Queensland with SC2, and the CEO has said the facility will help local and national organisations make the most of AI and further strengthen the Sunshine Coast’s standing as a key hub for Australia’s digital economy.

A rapidly changing neighbourhood

The SC2 site is not the only thing reshaping this stretch of Maroochydore. The surrounding CBD precinct is in the midst of a broader transformation, with an $82.9 million state government funding commitment aimed at unlocking the development of more than 1,800 apartments in the eastern precinct of the Maroochydore City Centre, as part of the $142.7 million project to support ongoing CBD development.

Read: Sunshine Coast Schoolboy Breaks National Records at Queensland Athletics Championships

That kind of residential growth — alongside commercial towers, hospitality venues and transport planning — means SC2 is being built into a neighbourhood that will look considerably different again by the time it opens its doors.For a region that has quietly been positioning itself as a serious player in digital connectivity — with international submarine cables already landing at Maroochydore, and Google using the SC1 facility to support the Tabua trans-Pacific cable landing expected in 2026 — the arrival of a dedicated AI data centre feels less like a surprise and more like the next logical step.

Published 21-April-2026

The post First Sunshine Coast AI Data Centre Takes Shape in Maroochydore CBD appeared first on Buderim Today.

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

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.

Read: Sunshine Coast Schoolboy Breaks National Records at Queensland Athletics Championships

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

The post Local Culinary Talent Peter Brown Takes Out Top State Prize appeared first on Buderim Today.

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

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.

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

Read: Petition To Ban Nudists At Coolum Beach Sparks Community Divide

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

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