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Virus-like Particle Vaccine To Be Trialled In Sunshine Coast

The University of Sunshine Coast clinic at Sippy Downs will be among the first locations in the world to trial a virus-like particle vaccine produced by American company Icosavax.

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According to Icosavax, virus-like particles (VLP) vaccines do not contain genetic material, so they are non-infectious and can provide a safer alternative to live-attenuated or inactivated vaccines.

Because VLP vaccines have the potential to induce high-neutralizing antibody titers, they could be especially important for older adults where the gradual deterioration of the immune system as adults age can make vaccines less effective.

Scientists from the USC are expecting that the possible next-generation vaccine will provide better protection against Covid-19. Dr Rob Scott, USC Clinical Trials’ Principal Investigator, will supervise the trial, which aims to determine the optimal dose and safety of the vaccine.

“Virus-like particles display multiple copies of the protective antigens in a manner that closely resembles viruses but contain no genetic material,” Dr Scott said.

“Licensed VLP vaccines are well known to induce a robust and durable immune response. This type of vaccine can also be redirected towards new coronavirus strains as they emerge,” he said.

Read: Buderim Private Hospital Shuts Down Breast Clinic

The university’s clinical trial director Lucas Litewka said the need for new and continuing research into potential COVID-19 vaccines was fundamental to improving our pandemic response and preparedness.

“We hope to build upon our experience in COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials to partner on this new and innovative vaccine technology,” Mr Litewka said.

Who Can Participate in the Trial

USC’s clinical trial, which will also be conducted in USC’s Health Hub Morayfield clinics, will need around 84 healthy participants aged 18 to 69. It’s open to those who are already vaccinated against COVID-19.

Participants will be reimbursed for their time and travel costs related to the study. People who are in good health and willing to attend approximately seven clinic visits spread over an up to 8-month period can register their interest at www.usc.edu.au.

About Icosavax

Seattle-based Icosavax is focused on developing safe and effective vaccines against infectious diseases that cause severe, life-threatening respiratory illnesses. Icosavax is advancing VLP vaccine candidates against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human metapneumovirus (hMPV), and SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19).

Sunshine Coast Hockey Club in Buderim Launches New World-Class Field

After receiving upgrades worth $489,000, the Sunshine Coast Hockey club proudly announces the launch of their all-new state-of-the-art synthetic field, now available for club members to use

Named after dual Olympian and medal winner Jodie Kenny, the Jodie Kenny field is the latest sports field in Buderim, having been established by the Sunshine Coast Council at the Sunshine Coast Hockey club in Ballinger Rd. The upgraded fields were the result of a collaborative effort between Council, the Sunshine Coast Hockey Association, and the Queensland Government’s COVID-19 Works for Queensland program.

What makes the new field so special is the fact that Poligras Tockyo GT is totally Australian made and manufactured, and it’s also the first synthetic hockey turf which features filaments made from over 60% re-growable raw materials.

Photo credit: Facebook/Sunshine Coast Council

The turf’s rubber underlay has been fashioned from recycled tire rubber to create a shock pad that lies beneath the field’s surface. With the help of PolyTan’s CoolPlus technology, the turf can stay cool and pleasant even on the hottest of days. The new field is so advanced that the exact same type will be used in the Tokyo Olympic Games 2021.

Of the $489,000 spent on the upgrade, $39,000 was funded by the Sunshine Coast Hockey Association, and after the field’s completion, the association donated some of their used synthetic surfaces to local clubs, schools and sporting groups for them to use in their own fields.

The Sunshine Coast Hockey Club can be found at 176 Ballinger Rd, Buderim, open from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. every weekday. For more information, visit their website here. Follow their Facebook page for the latest updates and announcements concerning the club and their field.

Buderim Private Hospital Shuts Down Breast Clinic

After supporting the Sunshine Coast community for more than five years, Buderim Private Hospital has announced that their breast clinic will be closing down.

The decision for the Buderim Private Hospital to close their breast clinic came about as a result of the hospital’s lack of a senior breast physician despite their best efforts locally and nationally to recruit a new and qualified expert. Without a senior breast physician to lend the hospital their expertise, the clinic was forced to shut down and related services will no longer be provided.

Patients of the breast clinic have already been contacted by the hospital, who have also explained that the closure is to give way to some planned redesigns. The breast clinic was operational for a total of five years, offering screening and diagnostics services.

Buderim Private Hospital can be found at 12 Elsa Wilson Dr, Buderim, open 24 hours a day seven days a week. For more information, visit their website here. Follow their social media pages on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates and announcements concerning the hospital.

Seeing Eye Dogs Australia Searches For New Temporary Puppy Caretakers

Seeing Eye Dogs Australia has turned to Buderim for help, asking for volunteers in the community who are willing to house and take care of their puppies for 12 to 15 months.

Occasionally, Seeing Eye Dogs Australia and Vision Australia will request the help of short term foster care for their puppies if their permanent caretakers are away or unwell. As of now, the organisation is looking for caretakers in Buderim to take care of some of their puppies, who are only eight weeks old.

Currently, they are too young to receive the training necessary to become full-fledged guide dogs dedicated to helping blind and vision-impaired people across the country. With their primary caretakers unavailable, the puppies are in need of caretakers.

Fortunately, the requirements to care for these pups won’t require any amount of professional experience, which means anyone who can reasonably attend to these dogs’ needs will be able to fill out an application form. There are general requirements that applicants must meet, however:

The caretaker must be willing to keep a dog in their home.
The caretaker must have a secure yard.
The puppy must be regularly socialised.
The puppy must be able to receive basic training.
The caretaker must be available for group training.
The caretaker must be able to commit to caring for 12 to 15 months.

Applicants who are approved to care for these puppies will be given a puppy pack that contains the bare essentials such as a lead, a collar, food, as well as veterinarian care that should last them one year.

Though the six-month puppy carer program is currently full, the full-time puppy carer program is still accepting applications from the North Brisbane region and the Sunshine Coast region, as well as their surrounding suburbs — Buderim included. Those interested in applying to become certified puppy carers can do so via this link.

For more information, visit the Seeing Eye Dogs Australia website here. Follow their social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates concerning the puppies, as well as any other special announcements.

Brisbane Woman Asks For Authentic Representation Of Autism In Media

Photo credit: medianet.com.au

For years, there have been issues on how people with autism are being portrayed in the movies and other media. This is the subject of Jessica Finn’s message, a Brisbane local with autism who is calling for authentic portrayal of people with autism in the media.

Ms Finn, 22, shared her views in time for Autism Awareness, an annual event celebrated every April. She talked about autism stereotypes in the media, stating that people make movies about people with autism and try to make them look like they are incapable of living productive adult lives. Ms Finn believes there’s no need to treat autistic adults like they’re incapable children, particularly those who are in their twenties and beyond.

“I have thought we would have better representation [by now] but sadly I’m sort of used to seeing that right now for people who are deemed marginalised,” Ms Finn shared in a media release.

This makes people not very accepting towards her and she hope it would change. She’s waiting for the day when the portrayal of characters with autism will align closer to real life, and all the success that people with autism are able to achieve.

Herself is a brilliant example, Jessica Finn took the time to further her skills at STEPS Pathways College in the Sunshine Coast. As she resided in Brisbane at the time, Jessica originally undertook the online program before moving on to face-to-face classes when she moved into the Sunshine Coast area.

“I did the online program until October of last year (2020),” Jessica said. “When I was in Brisbane, there was no STEPS, there was nothing like it. I’m glad I found it, it is a really good place, for me it was the best decision I made last year.”

Ms Finn’s aspiration is parallel with the STEPS Employment Solutions campaign called #SeeME. This campaign aims to dispel common misconceptions about hiring young people with a disability, mental health issue or other barrier to employment, and give the opportunity and space for more diverse stories to be heard.

Ms Finn herself is looking to pursue a possible career path that will make use of her wild imagination and steady drawing hand. During her spare time, she enjoys joining a visual arts course where she’s given the opportunity to create sculptures and draw pictures.

Ms Finn is dreaming of making a career out of her passion for arts, and that employers will give her the same opportunity as others. For now, Ms Finn keeps on striving to reach her long-term goal and that is to move out of home and gain her independence. Ms Finn shared her teachers at STEPS Pathways College are helping her reach her goals.

Buderim Foundation Commits $32,000 For Students In Need

Photo credit: buderimfoundation.org.au

Buderim Foundation announced in February 2021 that it will be giving away $32,000 worth of $50 vouchers to help local families who need assistance with school expenses such as clothing, shoes, and stationery.

It’s part of the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) Back to School Program, which aims to assist over 640 students from Buderim Mountain State School, Chancellor State Primary and State College, Kuluin State School, Mountain Creek State Primary and High School, and Sunny Kids.

According to Buderim Foundation’s Director Rebecca Ramsay, the funds in 2021 included an allocation from the FRRR of $20,000 to the Buderim Foundation. Around $1,500 of the donations came from Buderim Lions Club, $1,000 each from Buderim Rotary Club and the BWMCA and $2,500 from the Buderim Foundation were then matched dollar-for-dollar by the FRRR, totalling $12,000.

In the past 17 years of collaboration with FRRR through the Back to School Program, the Buderim Foundation has distributed around $197,000 worth of vouchers to families facing financial hardship.

Buderim Lions President Brian McBride said: “Our Club is well aware of the difficulties many families are facing at present and we welcome the opportunity to co-operate with other likeminded organisations in providing vouchers to help ease the burden and to show that we are part of a community that cares.”

For further details about the student vouchers, visit https://www.buderimfoundation.org.au/.

About Buderim Foundation

Buderim Foundation is not-for-profit organisation registered under the Commonwealth Corporations Act. The purpose of the Buderim Foundation is to build a stronger community by harnessing the power of giving. It does this by receiving donations and bequests; carefully investing the funds to generate income; and distributing the income as grants to organisations that provide services to Buderim.

Take the Plunge At 2020 Mooloolaba Swim Festival

Photo Credit: World Series Swims/Facebook

Has joining open water swim races always been part of your bucket list? Tick an item off that list and join the Mooloolaba Swim Festival, one of Australia’s most popular annual ocean swims.

This year’s Mooloolaba Swim Festival in Sunshine Coast will be two days of fun and fitness. On Saturday 7 March 2020, the 2.5 kilometre race will begin at Alexandra Headland and will finish at Mooloolaba Ocean Swim.

Then on Sunday 7 March 2020, you can take part in the popular Mooloolaba Mile (1.6 km), Mooloolaba 3.0 and short course events. Beginner swimmers can also take advantage of a free clinic with leading coaches at Swimming Australia.

Saturday course map (Photo credit: World Series Swims)

Sunday course map (Photo credit: World Series Swims)

There will be car parks, restaurants, and licensed bars at the venues. Entry fees include:

Free Stretch Yoga Session (Sunday)
Event T-shirt or Mesh Cap
Branded swim cap
Fresh fruit at the finish line
Digital Timing with Live Online Results

If you’re going as a group, take on the new 4wesome Teams Challenge for a chance to win free team entries into 2021 Mooloolaba Mile. Children 8 years and above are allowed to join the Junior Giants.

The Mooloolaba Swim Festival is presented by Sunshine Coast Daily with partners, Visit Sunshine Coast, Engine Swim, and The Surf Club Mooloolaba. To enter and to get more details about the Mooloolaba Swim Festival, visit the World Series Swims’ website.

Latest Updates On Brisbane Road Car Park’s $18M Redevelopment

Artist’s impression of the North Elevation of the car park (Photo Credit: sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au)

Sunshine Coast Council recently issued a notice about upcoming traffic changes at Smith Street, Mooloolaba as Brisbane Road Car Park’s $18 million major overhaul progresses.

A section of Smith Street, between First Avenue and Muraban Street, will be periodically closed, from mid-February to early October 2020. Signage and traffic controllers will be present during these closures. Current woks involve:

Delivering large quantities of reinforced steel and concrete
Pouring concrete floor slabs, columns and walls for the new multi-deck car park
Use of long reach mobile concrete pumps spanning the full width of Smith Street

Because of the work going on, residents and nearby businesses should expect construction noise with increased levels expected when the concrete pump is in operation. Reduced speed limits and changed traffic conditions will be in place. Additional truck movements should also be expected as concrete trucks arrive and depart from the construction site.

Depending on weather and site conditions, the construction of multi-deck car park is expected to be completed by December 2020. Construction hours will primarily be between 6:30 am – 6:30 pm, Monday to Saturday.

About Brisbane Road Car Park

Brisbane Road Car Park east elevation (Photo Credit: sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au)

The new eight-storey multi-deck car park will increase public parking on the site from 176 spaces to more than 700 car parking spaces, with a further 54 motorcycle spaces and 50 bicycle spaces.

Design rendered by Evans Built showed it drew inspiration from the natural environment and incorporates local references of the Mooloolaba area and the Placemaking Mooloolaba Masterplan.

Based on the Council’s timeframe, works will commence on the eight-storey building structure by early March 2020 to late March 2020. During construction, Council provides a range of free on-street and off-street parking throughout Mooloolaba

For the latest updates about the project, visit the Sunshine Coast website or contact the council’s customer service team on (07) 5475 7272 during office hours from Monday to Friday 8:15 am-5:00 pm.

Sweetness Overload At The Sunshine Coast Dessert Festival 2020

Calling all dessert lovers! It’s time to prepare your taste buds as Sunshine Coast Dessert Festival returns this 15 February 2020 at Aussie World.

*Photo credit: https://www.aussieworld.com.au/*

This year’s festival is happening at Sunshine Coast’s Aussie World from 10:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 15th 2020.

Compared to the previous Sunshine Coast Dessert Festival, this year is set to be bigger, better, and sweeter than ever!

What to Expect?

Get ready to devour a variety of delectable desserts from various dessert food trucks as well as other goodies prepared by the Sunshine Coast Collective Markets.

There will be dessert pizza, brownies, waffles, chimney cakes, donuts, ice cream, dessert dumplings, crepes, lollies and so much more!

The fun doesn’t stop at the dessert food trucks and other drool-worthy stalls alone as there will be live music entertainment all day long, dessert wine tasting, food demonstrations, and loads of kid-friendly activities for everyone’s enjoyment.

Ticket Booking

Ticket for Sunshine Coast Dessert Festival 2020 is available for $10 only. There is also an optional upgrade of $30 for those who want to enjoy unlimited rides pass throughout the day at Aussie World.

To book your ticket, click here.

Be advised that your ticket does not include any dessert as these are sold separately from each vendor at the festival.

Maroochydore’s New CBD Boosts Real Estate Growth In Sunshine Coast

According to real estate analysts, Maroochydore City Centre’s development helps boost real estate growth amongst surrounding suburbs of the Sunshine Coast.

The first stage of the Maroochydore City Centre was unveiled in August 2019 after more than a decade of careful planning by the local Council and the State Government. This city-making project has a full timeline of 20 years of construction and is estimated to cost $ 2.1 billion.

The City Centre is viewed as one of the largest CBD projects to be accomplished on a green field in Australia due to its size of 53 hectares.

*Photo credit: Maroochydore – The Bright City/ Facebook*

According to SunCentral’s CEO, John Knaggs, once the entire CBD is complete, it would strengthen the entire region by providing sustainable infrastructures for the purpose of commercial, retail, residential, and civic uses.

Included amongst infrastructure developments that are soon to rise in the region are the expansion of the Sunshine Coast Airport and the completion of the Sunshine Coast University Hospital.

*Photo credit: https://www.health.qld.gov.au/*

“Maroochydore’s CBD will be at the heart of a region where unprecedented investments in private and public infrastructure are being made,” said Knaggs.

“Maroochydore’s new CBD is expected to create more than 15,000 permanent jobs on the Sunshine Coast and bring in more than $ 4.4 billion to the local economy.”

Real Estate Growth in Sunshine Coast Suburbs

With Maroochydore City Centre slowly taking shape, the demand for real estate in nearby Sunshine Coast suburbs has significantly increased.

*Photo credit: https://www.maroochydore-city.com.au/*

real estate report by analyst Terry Ryder shows a 37% increase in average property prices in the suburbs of Sunshine Coast last 2019. Specifically, Twin Waters suburbs grew 21%, Mooloolaba by 14%, Sunshine Beach by 37%, and Doonan by 19%.

“The new CBD is at the heart of this growth. It provides a center for the growing economy and employment opportunities of the Sunshine Coast while helping to boost housing price increases in the region,” said Ryder.

“Population growth leads to higher demand for real estate, which in turn leads to higher values.”