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New Principal Focuses on Community Connection at Our Lady of Fatima Primary School in Acacia Ridge

Our Lady of Fatima Primary School in Acacia Ridge has welcomed a new principal, Tracey-Lee Cheesman, who prioritises strong connections with students and families within the school’s diverse community.

Principal’s Background and Approach

New Principal Focuses on Community Connection at Our Lady of Fatima Primary School in Acacia Ridge — *Photo Credit:* *Our Lady of Fatima Primary School/ Facebook*

Ms Cheesman, who recently assumed her role, emphasises the importance of building relationships as a foundation for effective leadership. She aims to create a welcoming and approachable environment where students feel comfortable interacting with her. She believes a principal should be a visible and accessible figure within the school community.

Ms Cheesman participated in a leadership development program, gaining insights into effective leadership strategies, particularly from a female perspective. This program helped her understand the value of networking and leveraging opportunities for professional growth. She believes women should confidently pursue leadership roles, even if they do not meet every qualification.

Building a Sense of Belonging

A key focus for Ms Cheesman is creating a safe and inclusive environment for all students. She recognises the students’ diverse backgrounds at Our Lady of Fatima, including families who have been part of the school for generations and those new to Australia.

She is committed to fostering a sense of belonging for every child, regardless of their cultural background. She believes that when students feel safe and supported, they are better able to learn and thrive. The school works to develop a culturally safe environment and collaborates with organisations such as Multicultural Australia.

Supporting a Diverse Student Population

Recognising that many students speak English as an additional language, Ms Cheesman prioritises vocabulary development across the curriculum. She aims to ensure that all students have the necessary support to succeed in their learning.

The school is working to create student stability and consistency, which contribute to a positive learning environment. Ms Cheesman values the school’s multicultural richness and aims to strengthen the community through family connections.

Published Date 20-March-2025

Amamoor’s Gympie Music Muster Earns National Festival Nod

Photo Credit: Gympie Music Muster/Facebook

What brings thousands to the forest town of Amamoor every year? The Gympie Music Muster, now a finalist for two top Australian music awards, may have the answer.

Gympie Music Muster Brings National Spotlight Back to Amamoor

Amamoor’s beloved Gympie Music Muster is a finalist for Festival of the Year at both the Countrytown Awards and Queensland Music Awards, earning national recognition for the small Queensland town. The nod comes from strong public support and decades of dedication to country music.

*Photo Credit: Gympie Music Muster/Facebook*

The 2025 festival will run from 28 to 31 August in Amamoor Creek State Forest, with winners of the Countrytown and QMA awards to be announced in Brisbane on 20 March and 25 March, respectively.

A Celebration of Country and Community

Now over 40 years old, the Gympie Music Muster began as a fundraiser and grew into one of Australia’s top country music events. The festival remains community-driven, drawing in families, artists, volunteers and music fans from all over the country.

Festival organisers say this recognition reflects the passion of those behind the scenes and the strong connection with long-time supporters. CEO Greg Cavanagh and Program Director Bec Anderson both acknowledged the effort of the crew and volunteers in creating a festival that continues to thrive.

More Than Just Music

Held in the heart of the Amamoor Creek State Forest, the Muster is known for its live performances, camping atmosphere and inclusive events. Campers can arrive early from 23 August, with the site officially kicking off on 28 August. Activities include workshops, line dancing, food markets and family-friendly entertainment.

Camping options range from general sites to premium and pre-set tents. Kids under 12 can attend free with registration.

Community-Backed and Locally Loved

The Gympie Music Muster is supported by Gympie Regional Council and the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland, helping deliver both economic and social benefits to the local area.

This year’s event will also honour the late Chad Morgan, a country music icon who had a long-standing connection with the festival. Tickets and payment plans are available now at www.muster.com.au.

get Tickets

Published 21-March-2025

Sunshine Coast Surf Legend Creates Piece of Surfing History

Photo Credit: Instagram / @lifeflight_au

Sunshine Coast surf legend Hayden Kenny OAM has commissioned a rare piece of surfing history that one fortunate collector will soon own—a one-off 1962-Malibu replica surfboard crafted with modern materials but faithful to original templates.

Kenny, Australia’s first ironman champion and now an 89-year-old great-grandfather, began his surfboard journey in 1959, shaping his first board in a cow shed on his grandfather’s Maryborough farm. That humble beginning led to the establishment of Hayden Surfboards at Alexandra Headland, an iconic brand he operated until 1979.

“It’s a vintage classic that’s made right here on the Sunshine Coast,” Kenny said of the commissioned board. “It’s made to surf, but it could also be kept nice and shiny and displayed on a wall like my 1975 Gorden Woods Malibu replica.”

The special surfboard will be auctioned at the annual Sunshine Coast LifeFlight Gala on March 29 at Novotel Sunshine Coast Convention Centre, an organisation with deep connections to Kenny. He was instrumental in establishing the Sunshine Coast Helicopter Rescue Service in 1979, which later merged with LifeFlight in 2013.

“To be involved with that from pretty much day one is one of the things that I’ve been most proud of,” Kenny stated. “The work these rescue crews do for the Sunshine Coast community is incredible.”

Kenny served as one of the first full-time helicopter crew members and dedicated 25 years to rescue operations.

Kenny emphasised the uniqueness of the board: “There won’t ever be another one like it. And to be in the chance to win it, you just need to buy yourself a ticket to the LifeFlight gala.”

The Palm Springs-themed gala promises an evening of “glitz, glam and giving back” featuring special auction items, patient stories, and fine dining. The exclusive opportunity to acquire this piece of surfing history is limited to gala attendees participating in the live auction.

Published 20-March-2025

Queensland’s Daniel’s Law Pushes for Public Offender Register After Woombye Tragedy

Photo Credit: Daniel Morcombe Foundation/Facebook

In Woombye, where Daniel Morcombe’s disappearance shook Queensland two decades ago, locals are backing new child safety laws that could help prevent future tragedies.

A Law Born from Tragedy

Daniel Morcombe was 13 when he vanished from Woombye’s Kiel Mountain Road overpass in 2003, sparking one of Queensland’s largest police investigations. Convicted sex offender Brett Peter Cowan was arrested in 2011 and later sentenced to life in prison.

*Photo Credit: Daniel Morcombe Foundation/Facebook*

Since then, Daniel’s parents, Bruce and Denise Morcombe, have worked to improve child safety, founding the Daniel Morcombe Foundation. Now, their latest push—Daniel’s Law—aims to create a public child sex offender registry.

What Daniel’s Law Means for Queenslanders

The proposed law introduces a three-tiered system:

Public Website with photos of offenders who breach reporting rules.
Application-Based Access for concerned individuals seeking details on high-risk offenders.
Community Protection Disclosure allowing parents to check if someone in their child’s life has a history of sexual offences.

The law is expected to cost $10 million, with ongoing funding for enforcement.

Support and Concerns

While Daniel’s Law has strong community backing, experts warn it could encourage vigilantism or push offenders underground. Some also fear it may give a false sense of security. Still, the Morcombes believe it’s a vital step in protecting children from known predators.

A Lasting Impact in Woombye

For Woombye locals, Daniel’s Law is a reminder of tragedy but also a step toward safer communities. The Sunshine Coast continues to support the Morcombe family, particularly through Day for Daniel, an annual child safety awareness event.

As Queensland debates the law, Daniel Morcombe’s legacy continues to shape efforts to protect children.

Published 17-March-2025

Noosaville Chocolate Factory Freezes Prices Despite Global Cocoa Crisis

Photo Credit: The Noosa Chocolate Factory/Facebook

Cocoa prices are soaring, forcing chocolate brands to raise costs—but in Noosaville, Noosa Chocolate Factory is keeping prices the same.

Noosaville Chocolate Factory Holds Prices Steady Amid Cocoa Shortage

A Noosaville chocolate business is defying global trends, refusing to raise prices despite a historic cocoa shortage. Noosa Chocolate Factory confirmed its products will remain at the same price this Easter, even as cocoa costs hit a 50-year high.

Cocoa Crisis Driving Up Costs

The increase in prices is a consequence of West African farmers’ low yields and harsh weather conditions that yield 70% of global cocoa. A number of chocolate manufacturers have already increased prices or lowered their product sizes to compensate.

*Photo Credit: The Noosa Chocolate Factory/Facebook*

A Commitment to Community

Unlike mass producers, Noosa Chocolate Factory has direct dealings with suppliers, hence cost stabilization. Management stated they won’t reduce quality, alter ingredients, or compromise portion sizes—prioritising customers over short-term profit.

Industry-Wide Price Hikes Expected

Experts warn that chocolate prices across Australia will keep climbing, with many companies adjusting recipes or packaging. For now, Noosaville residents and visitors can enjoy Noosa Chocolate Factory’s treats at the same price—though how long this will last remains uncertain.

Published 14-March-2025

Bli Bli Residents Caught in Sudden Flooding as Torrential Rains Hit

Photo Credit: Facebook/Clayton's Towing

Bli Bli was inundated within hours as a staggering 325mm of rain turned roads into rivers, cutting off homes and leaving residents stranded.

Bli Bli Overwhelmed By Record Rainfall That Brings Flash Floods

More than 325mm of rain pounded Bli Bli in hours, swamping streets with rivers and cutting off entire neighbourhoods. Emergency services rescued stuck residents as waters swept through homes, roads, and businesses. Families waded waist-deep to dry ground. Authorities closed dozens of roads due to dangerous conditions.

Torrential Rain Sparks Chaos

The flood began late at night and intensified rapidly as ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred brought pouring rain relentlessly. The Bureau of Meteorology confirmed that Noosa and Bli Bli were hit by one of the latest record deluges in recent times.

Emergency workers hastened to aid as waters swept through low-lying districts. Others moved to rooftops in order to rise above the rising water. Several hundred homes experienced power outages, and authorities called on citizens to stay at home.

Rescues and Road Closures

Swift-water crews rescued trapped residents, including a Bli Bli couple saved by a towing company after their car was caught in floodwaters. Over 100 roads closed, isolating communities and disrupting traffic. The Sunshine Coast Council warned of hazardous conditions, with some roads washed away.

*Photo Credit: Facebook/Clayton’s Towing*

Local businesses, already struggling from past storms, suffered further losses. “We’ve had floods before, but nothing this sudden,” a shop owner said. Officials urged drivers to avoid floodwaters due to dangerous currents.

More Rain To Come as Restoration Starts

Weather authorities predict more rain and possibly receding flooding. Debris removal began early today, but many residents face an uphill recovery. Emergency responders and volunteers are helping displaced families.

The Sunshine Coast Council warned people to be ready for additional heavy rain and keep themselves informed of warnings. Relief operations are ongoing, with evacuation centres offering refuge.

Community Steps Up

Despite the devastation, residents are coming forward to help. Volunteer groups and volunteers are delivering food, sandbags, and supplies to stranded homes. Emergency responders praised residents for their cooperation but warned against dropping their guard as the threat of the storm remains.

Authorities urged citizens to keep emergency supplies handy, check on neighbours, and follow road closure orders. With further rain forecasted, authorities prioritize safety over everything else.

Published 12-March-2025

Worst Flood Since 1983: Nambour Businesses Struggle to Recover

Photo Credit: Facebook/Bitesize Bliss - Cafe Nambour

Nambour businesses are counting the cost after floodwaters surged through town, wiping out The Pump House’s stock and bringing Snap Fitness within an inch of disaster.

Nambour Businesses Hit Hard as Floodwaters Surge Through Town

A metre of floodwater surged through Nambour’s town centre, leaving local businesses struggling to recover from one of the worst floods in decades. Among the hardest hit was The Pump House, a well-known irrigation and pumping supplier, which lost more than $500,000 in stock and equipment after Petrie Creek overflowed. Nearby, Snap Fitness Nambour narrowly avoided disaster, with floodwaters stopping just centimetres short of damaging $250,000 worth of new cardio equipment.

Record Rainfall Sparks Widespread Flooding

The Sunshine Coast was battered by record-breaking rainfall, with more than 450mm in Diamond Valley and more than 350mm in Nambour, Woombye, Palmwoods, and Eudlo. Residents say the flood, which hit on Monday morning, was the worst since 1983, when entire streets were flooded and businesses lost significant amounts of money.

Retail manager Adam Richards from The Pump House said he had never seen anything like it. Only days earlier, the store had been sending pumps to Brisbane to help prepare for ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred’s arrival. Now, they’re left assessing the damage as waterlogged stock piles up.

Snap Fitness Dodges a Disaster by Inches

A few blocks away, Snap Fitness Nambour came dangerously close to disaster. Owner Justin Bowie said that just an extra inch of floodwater could have destroyed their recently purchased $250,000 worth of fitness equipment. While the gym was still affected by minor flooding—about 5cm of water inside—the damage was nowhere near as bad as it could have been.

*Photo Credit: Facebook/Bitesize Bliss – Cafe Nambour*

Since flood insurance was too expensive to buy, Bowie and his employees are focusing on the cleanup now. Fortunately, members of the community have come together, with several gym members volunteering to help mop floors, haul away debris, and dry out the building.

Nambour Rallies Together to Rebuild

As the floodwaters recede, businesses and residents in Nambour are banding together to recover. Many locals have compared this flood to past disasters, recalling Ray Grace’s dramatic 1983 rescue, when the car dealer had to be saved from his own rooftop. While the water levels have dropped, the town still faces weeks of repairs and financial losses.

Despite the destruction, businesses like The Pump House and Snap Fitness remain hopeful. The cleanup efforts have already begun, and with strong community support, many are determined to get back on their feet as soon as possible.

Published 11-March-2025

Trapped in Rising Waters: Chevallum Residents Rescued Amid Flood Chaos

Photo Credit: Facebook/Liz Travers

What started as a heavy downpour turned into a life-threatening emergency in Chevallum, where floodwaters swallowed roads and left motorists clinging to their vehicles.

Rising Waters Trap Motorists in Chevallum as Emergency Rescues Unfold

Chevallum on the Sunshine Coast was a picture of rescue and urgency with flash flooding immobilizing drivers and flooding roads. Emergency services were called to a number of locations after heavy rain caused sudden water rises, trapping people in vehicles and cutting major roads off.

The wild weather, having intensified overnight on March 10, dumped more than 350mm of rain on parts of the Sunshine Coast, causing swift-water rescues. Two men were part of the group to be rescued after they had been stranded on Chevallum Road in Palmwoods, as floodwaters swept through unexpectedly.

Residents Left Isolated as Roads Go Under

Authorities directed residents to stay indoors since several roads connecting and leading to Chevallum were rendered impassable. Disaster response officials in the area attested that hundreds of roads across the Sunshine Coast region were closed, further restricting movement.

Sunshine Coast Council had earlier sent alerts to ask people to prepare for severe weather, but the severity of the deluge was that several residents were left unprepared. Chevallum, known for its rural homes and green landscapes, saw creeks running into each other, making some properties difficult to reach.

Calls for Caution as Recovery Begins

Although the storm’s worst is over, officials are urging individuals to remain cautious. The roads are still unstable in some areas, and emergency responders are still out attempting to assess damage. The Queensland Disaster Management unit cautioned against non-essential travel and warned of possible secondary flooding due to waterlogged ground conditions.

Power outages have also struck hundreds of homes in the region, with residents without electricity while crews work to restore power. Local businesses in Chevallum and surrounding suburbs are assessing water damage, with clean-up to continue for days.

Authorities remind the public to avoid floodwaters, which may contain debris and contaminants, and to stay updated through official emergency channels. Residents are encouraged to report any dangerous conditions, as the region braces for potential after-effects of the extreme weather event.

Published 11-March-2025

Cyclone Alfred Uncovers Buried History at Dicky Beach

Photo Credit: Facebook/Pacific Maritime Lawyers

For the first time in years, shifting sands at Dicky Beach have unearthed the remains of the 132-year-old SS Dicky shipwreck, a long-lost relic that was buried beneath the beach. The recent impact of Cyclone Alfred has reshaped the coastline, revealing a rare glimpse of history before it disappears once again.

132-Year-Old Shipwreck Re-Emerges at Dicky Beach

A century-old Queensland sea-faring secret has surfaced at Sunshine Coast’s Dicky Beach, revealing the wreckage of steamship SS Dicky, which ran aground 132 years ago. Cyclone-borne sand dunes exposed remnants of wreckage, providing people with a rare chance to view the ship that lay hidden beneath the beach for decades.

A Storm That Reshaped the Shoreline

The SS Dicky was lost in 1893 when rough seas sent it onto the beach during a cyclone. While the crew were safe, the vessel remained stranded and later abandoned. Over the years, the wreck had become a regular local landmark, and the beach itself was eventually named Dicky Beach after the vessel. Safety concerns, however, led to the Sunshine Coast Council removing most of the remains in 2015, with only pieces still buried under sand.

Photo Credit: Facebook/Pacific Maritime Lawyers

The recent cyclonic weather, brought by Cyclone Alfred, has shifted the coastline, bringing the wreck to the surface for the first time in years. Locals and history enthusiasts alike have descended upon the location, photographing the newly exposed building and sharing their delight on social media.

A Community’s Connection to History

The SS Dicky has been a part of the Sunshine Coast’s identity for decades, and its return has sparked controversy over the region’s rich maritime history. The Sunshine Coast Council had already preserved sections of the ship to be displayed in parks and museums, so future generations could learn from its past.

Though the unexpected disclosure of the wreck is exciting to locals, authorities are warning against it. The building is fragile, and authorities advise people to stay away and see it from a distance. More of the wreck could either be exposed or buried again by erosion and future climate changes in coming weeks.

A Rare Glimpse Before the Sands Shift Again

For the moment, Dicky Beach residents and tourists have a unique opportunity to view a little piece of history lying under their feet. With the tides still changing, the wreck may disappear once more into the constantly shifting sands. For all who want to catch a glimpse of what remains of the SS Dicky, now is the time before it is once again reclaimed by nature.

Published 11-March-2025

Cyclone Alfred Brings Danger to Noosa Waters

Photo Credit: Facebook / Noosa Council

As Tropical Cyclone Alfred approaches the coast, Noosa emergency services have responded to several water-related incidents in deteriorating conditions.

Jet Ski Rescue at Noosa North Shore

Emergency crews were called to Noosa North Shore on Thursday after three people became stranded on a jet ski approximately one nautical mile offshore. The alarm was raised just before midday when the group activated a flare after their watercraft broke down.

Chief lifeguard officer Trent Robinson confirmed that Noosa Coast Guard and a lifeguard coordinated the rescue, with the lifeguard bringing two people back to shore while Coast Guard retrieved the third person and later towed the disabled jet ski back to land.

Noosa Coast Guard Flotilla Commander Lindsay Hall expressed frustration at the “ridiculous” decision to venture out during cyclonic conditions. He noted the jet ski riders had no mobile phones with them and were only spotted thanks to alert lifeguards.

“The problem with jet skis is they think they can jump waves and that’s when they come to grief,” Commander Hall said. “Even the pros haven’t even gone out there this week.”

All three individuals escaped without injury according to Queensland Ambulance Service.

Sunshine Beach Teen Rescue Referenced in Noosa

At a Friday press conference in Noosa, Officer in Charge of the Sunshine Coast Water Police, Sergeant Kyle Bates, referenced both the Noosa North Shore jet ski incident and the rescue of two teenage boys at nearby Sunshine Beach as examples of dangerous behaviour.

“It’s dangerous activity under the current conditions. They should heed the warning, as there is a chance they may not receive assistance,” Sgt Bates said. “The lives of the lifeguards, volunteers, and our police officers are at risk due to the stupidity of these dangerous acts.”

Man Injured in Little Cove Fall

In a separate incident, a man in his 60s was injured after falling from a roof onto a pool fence at a Little Cove property on Thursday morning. Queensland Ambulance Service paramedics and firefighters worked together to extract the man, who suffered a “significant arm injury.” He was transported to Sunshine Coast University Hospital in stable condition.

Tropical Cyclone Alfred is expected to make landfall Saturday morning, with authorities warning of dangerous surf and unpredictable conditions across the Noosa region.

Published 8-March-2025