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Bli Bli Residents Caught in Sudden Flooding as Torrential Rains Hit

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

Life Church Queensland Reports $9.9M Profit Amid Buderim Expansion

Photo Credit: Life Church Sunshine Coast

Life Church Queensland Ltd has reported a net surplus of $9.97 million for the 2024 financial year as it prepares to launch a new mega-sized worship venue near Buderim. The church, affiliated with the Australian Christian Churches, saw a sharp revenue increase, largely driven by its building fund, tithes, and donations.

The Sanctuary — *Photo Credit: Life Church Sunshine Coast/Instagram*

A History of Growth and Expansion

The church’s expansion plans date back to 2019 when Life Church purchased two adjoining properties along Tanawha Tourist Drive, near Buderim. The 3.23-hectare block at 75 Tanawha Tourist Drive was acquired for $2.03 million, while the 2.33-hectare site at 59 Tanawha Tourist Drive was purchased for $1.2 million.

The land, formerly the Forest Glen Deer Sanctuary, has been earmarked for “The Sanctuary,” a large worship centre that will accommodate nearly 800 people. The site will also feature nearly 300 car spaces, an administration wing, a children’s facility, a gym, and a parent’s room.

Life Church Buderim — *Photo Credit: Life Church Sunshine Coast/Instagram*

A Financial Boom for Life Church

According to financial records submitted to the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC), Life Church Queensland Ltd reported $11.7 million in total revenue for the 2024 financial year. The largest contributor was the church’s building fund, generating $10.1 million, while tithes and offerings accounted for approximately $1.05 million.

Despite listing $1.7 million in total expenses, the church recorded a substantial increase in profits compared to the $1.04 million surplus reported in the previous year.

Church director Rick Emmerson highlighted the rapid growth, stating that Life Church had outgrown its original Kawana campus, necessitating the expansion.

*Photo Credit: Life Church Sunshine Coast/Instagram*

Future Prospects

The new facility is expected to open in mid-2025, with Life Church announcing its progress via social media. The project has been largely funded through congregation donations, the valuation of its existing Kawana facility, and bank financing.

As the completion date nears, all eyes will be on The Sanctuary’s impact on Buderim and the wider Sunshine Coast region.

Published 4-Mar-2025

Sunshine Coast’s Top Chefs Unite for 2025 Asian Food Festival in Maleny

Photo Credit: The Curated Plate/Facebook

The 2025 Asian Food Festival is returning to the Sunshine Coast, bringing together top chefs from Spirit House, Rice Boi, and Spicers Tamarind for a weekend of Asian-inspired cuisine at Spicers Tamarind Retreat this August.

Maleny’s Asian Food Festival to Bring a Feast of Flavours to the Sunshine Coast

Maleny, a quiet hinterland town on the Sunshine Coast, will be turned into a vibrant melting pot of Asian-infused flavours when the 2025 Asian Food Festival makes its way back to Spicers Tamarind Retreat. Attending some of the region’s most renowned chefs, the two-day festival will provide a food experience that combines local ingredients with the exciting tastes of Asia.

A Weekend of Culinary Excellence

Set for August 2 and 3, the festival is a major highlight of The Curated Plate, a larger food and drink celebration known for showcasing the Sunshine Coast’s top culinary talent. This year’s food festival has welcomed some of the country’s top chefs from Spirit House Restaurant, Rice Boi, and Spicers Tamarind, led by Peter Kuruvita, an acclaimed name in Australian cuisine.

*Photo Credit:* Spicers Tamarind Retreat/Facebook

You can count on genuine blending of Asian flavours, with carefully selected dishes mirroring the region’s increasing focus on quality, locally produced ingredients. To top this off, there will be an Oyster Bar, a champagne bar, and handcrafted desserts from Maleny itself’s Maleny Food Co.

More Than Just a Food Festival

It’s not so much about the food itself—it’s a celebration of Sunshine Coast food culture with a community event. As well as the food stalls, guests will enjoy entertainment, live music, and the relaxed outdoor setting that makes the perfect environment for a weekend of excess at Spicers Tamarind Retreat.

As the festival draws more and more visitors each year, organisers are encouraging food lovers to book early when the first release is on sale in March. Those interested in staying up to date can sign up on the official website for alerts.

Bringing the Community Together

Maleny’s Asian Food Festival is not just a display of high-class chefs, it’s a testament to the love for good food and sharing the community has. In presenting the offerings of the local businesses and food professionals, the event reaffirms the area’s reputation as a food destination to visit.

For residents of Maleny, it’s an opportunity to share their locally grown food culture, while travelers from across Queensland can enjoy the reason why the Sunshine Coast is becoming renowned for its variety and innovative eating options.

Published 27-February-2025

Community Demands Lifeguard at Wurtulla Beach as Rescues Increase

Photo Credit: Edward Hardie/Facebook

Wurtulla Beach has become a hotspot for rescues, with at least four incidents in two months—yet it remains unpatrolled. Locals are calling for lifeguard services to return before tragedy strikes.

Residents Demand Lifeguard Reinstatement at Wurtulla Beach

Wurtulla Beach has seen numerous rescues in recent months, which has sent alarm bells ringing among residents who say that without a lifeguard, lives are being put in danger. The beach had its lifeguard service withdrawn in May 2024, and there have been a minimum of four rescues performed by locals or wandering lifeguards since then.

With treacherous rip tides and no patrol in place, community members are wondering how many more near-misses it will take before authorities step in. The Sunshine Coast Council, in collaboration with Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ), redirected Wurtulla’s lifeguard services to nearby Bokarina Beach in September last year, citing higher attendance numbers at the latter.

Officials say safety measures, including a surveillance camera and emergency call button, have been introduced at Wurtulla, but locals believe they are no substitute for a trained professional on-site.

A Growing Safety Concern

Local resident Adam Ellis, also a retired surf lifesaver, recently saved a man trapped in a rip at Wurtulla Beach. He explained that he noticed the swimmer fighting the current and knew straight away that it was a risk. After successfully bringing the man to shore, Ellis reflected on the growing number of incidents and questioned how long it would take for authorities to reinstate lifeguard patrols.

At least three other rescues have been reported at Wurtulla since December, including one involving a lifeguard on a roving patrol who saved a man and a young boy. While no fatalities have occurred so far, community members fear it is only a matter of time before a tragedy strikes.

“There have been four rescues in just two months where the public or a passing individual had to step in. Do we really need to wait for someone to drown before action is taken?” Ellis said.

Council Defends Decision

A Sunshine Coast Council spokesperson said the move to relocate lifeguards to Bokarina Beach was due to changing attendance trends and coastal risk assessments. More people have been visiting Bokarina Beach in recent years, with council figures indicating a decline in visitors to Wurtulla, the spokesperson said.

*Photo Credit: Emelie Karlsson/Facebook*

Bokarina Beach is now patrolled seven days a week from September to May and on weekends and public holidays during winter. Council representatives encourage swimmers to walk the extra 500 metres to Bokarina for safety.

“No matter how confident you are in the water, it’s always safer to swim in a patrolled area,” the spokesperson said.

Residents Push for Compromise

Many locals remain unconvinced that Wurtulla Beach is any safer without lifeguards. Resident Trevor Heard noted that despite council data, Wurtulla continues to attract visitors, especially with parking shortages at Bokarina making it a less convenient option for some beachgoers.

Heard and other residents propose a compromise, including reinstating lifeguards at Wurtulla on weekends over summer when beach usage is highest. They say while technology such as cameras and emergency call buttons are helpful, they cannot substitute for the instant response of an on-duty lifeguard.

Currently, Wurtulla Beach is not patrolled, so the community must use one another to feel safe. But with every new rescue, the calls for change grow louder.

Published 27-February-2025

Surf Lifesaving Pushes for Olympic Inclusion, Maroochydore Among Top Venue Choices

Surf lifesaving could soon make history as an Olympic sport at the Brisbane 2032 Games, and Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast is emerging as a prime location to host the event.

Read: Georgia Bartlett: The Sunshine Coast Star’s Fast-Track to the Brisbane Broncos

If successful, this would mark the first time the sport is included in the Olympics, further cementing Australia’s deep connection with surf lifesaving.

Photo credit: Surf Life Saving Australia/Facebook

John Baker, President of Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA), recently received a positive response to the bid, strengthening hopes for its inclusion. The push is being led by SLSA in partnership with the International Life Saving Federation (ILSF), working closely with the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC), the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee, and the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Alongside Maroochydore, other beaches such as Broadbeach and Coolangatta are also being considered to host the competition. However, Maroochydore’s strong surf lifesaving culture and well-established infrastructure make it a standout choice.

The Olympic Surf Lifesaving Format

The proposed competition format includes individual oceanman and oceanwoman events, as well as a mixed-gender ocean relay.

In the individual events, athletes will compete in a 1200-metre race that features four challenging segments: a swim leg, a board leg, a surf ski leg, and a beach sprint finish. To be eligible, all competitors must have fulfilled their duties as patrolling lifeguards or lifesavers at a national or international level.

The mixed-gender relay will consist of teams of four—two men and two women—each completing a swim, a board paddle, a surf ski paddle, and a run.

A Sport with Global Reach

Baker emphasised that surf lifesaving is an iconic part of Australian culture and an ideal addition to a home Olympics. He also pointed out that the sport is more globally competitive than many realise, with strong participation across Europe, the Americas, and Asia.

Read: Kids in Action 2025: Inspiring Young Australians to Walk Gently on Country

Although discussions on including surf lifesaving in Brisbane 2032 have been ongoing since at least 2023, the final decision on the bid is not expected until 2028. If approved, it will provide a unique opportunity to showcase the best of Australia’s lifesaving athletes to the world, with Maroochydore playing a central role in this historic moment.

Published 26-February-2025

Retinoblastoma Diagnosis Leads to Urgent Action for Sunshine Coast Family

Photo Credit: Kaydens Cancer Journey/GoFundMe

After a rare cancer diagnosis changed her four-year-old son’s life, a Sunshine Coast mum is calling for better eye tests for children.

A Heartbreaking Find

A Sunshine Coast family is staring into unimaginable adversity after a four-year-old boy was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive eye cancer. Caitlin Farrar took her son Kayden for medical attention soon after Christmas, when she realized something was out of the ordinary in his left eye. In a matter of days, the specialists confirmed the worst, declaring Kayden suffered from retinoblastoma, prompting him to have the left eye ripped out in emergency surgery.

The diagnosis came as a shock to the Farrar family, who had no previous warning of such a serious illness. Unlike in many instances where retinoblastoma is diagnosed through a white circle in photographs, Kayden’s tumour was concealed and could not be identified using this means. His family only observed subtle signs, which they initially attributed to a lazy eye.

A Long Road to Recovery

Kayden, who was to start school this year, now has a different path. He will receive six cycles of chemotherapy in the next five months to kill any remaining cancer cells. During this period, he will be admitted and discharged from the hospital and could require additional surgeries.

*Photo Credit: Kaydens Cancer Journey/GoFundMe*

Kayden’s enthusiasm for Spider-Man and his sunny disposition have endured despite the challenging journey that lies ahead. His family is committed to being with him every step of the way through his treatment.

Financial Struggle of the Family

Kayden’s treatment schedule has compelled his mother, Caitlin and her mother to take ample time off work. This has imposed a huge economic burden on the family, impacting their capacity to fund daily expenses, bills, and groceries.

To take the weight off, the Farrar family has arranged a community fundraiser. The fundraiser will take place at the Beerwah Pub on March 30 and will include raffles and children’s activities. A family friend has also started a GoFundMe campaign to offer financial assistance during this trying time.

Raising Awareness for Retinoblastoma

Caitlin Farrar hopes to capitalize on her family’s experience to bring retinoblastoma and the value of early diagnosis to light. She thinks more thorough eye examinations for children could catch instances like Kayden’s earlier and perhaps avoid having to resort to radical procedures such as eye removal.

Though their priority is getting Kayden healthy again, the family hopes others will be prompted to take an active interest in their child’s eyes by reading their story.

Published 26-February-2025