Sunshine Coast Archives - Page 2 of 5

Movement as Medicine: How a Buderim Dance Class is Supporting People with Parkinson’s

Photo Credit: Dance for Parkinson’s Australia/ Facebook

For residents in Buderim looking for a creative and joyful way to improve balance, flexibility, and social connection while living with Parkinson’s Disease, a new community dance programme is offering a free introductory class.

More Than Just a Dance Class

This special event is more than just a simple dance lesson; it is a research-supported approach to enhancing well-being for individuals living with Parkinson’s. The programme, an affiliate of an internationally recognised initiative from New York, is specifically designed to address the challenges of the condition.

According to Dance for Parkinson’s Australia, the classes focus on developing artistry and grace while helping with practical concerns like balance, coordination, flexibility, and walking gait. The sessions also aim to combat the effects of social isolation and depression that can accompany the disease.

The upcoming free “taster” class is being held as part of Queensland Seniors Month celebrations, thanks to a grant that supports community activities for older residents. The focus is on creating an enjoyable and stimulating experience where the joy of dancing takes centre stage.

BOOK HERE

A Chance to Connect and Celebrate

The event is built around the Seniors Month themes of “Connect and Celebrate.” It provides a welcoming and inclusive space for people with Parkinson’s, along with their partners, carers, and friends. Organisers state that the teaching artists create a fun environment, integrating a range of musical styles to inspire movement.

After the class, participants are invited to stay for a cup of tea and refreshments. This offers a chance to socialise, meet the teaching artists, and connect with others in the local Parkinson’s community in a safe and supportive setting.

Event Information

The free class will take place on Monday, 27 October 2025, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Buderim War Memorial Hall. While the event is free of charge, organisers recommend booking to help manage numbers.

Published Date 09-October-2025

Buderim Engineer Honoured with National Aviation Safety Scholarship

A Buderim aircraft engineer has been named one of only three people across Australia to receive a national scholarship from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, recognising his long-standing contribution to aircraft maintenance and safety.

Recognition for Experience and Commitment

Announced in September 2025, the CASA Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) Scholarship awarded Buderim resident Jacob Mani, who works with Jetstar Airways, a grant of up to $5,000 to support his licensing and training.

The program helps skilled engineers across the country gain the qualifications required to become licensed aircraft maintenance engineers.

A Career Built on Technical Precision

With nearly two decades of experience in aircraft maintenance, Mani has worked on a range of aircraft including Lockheed C130 Hercules, Chinook helicopters, and commercial Airbus and Boeing jets. His work has spanned both military and civil aviation, giving him a detailed understanding of the systems that keep aircraft airworthy.

He said he finds the most satisfaction in troubleshooting issues that require new learning and hands-on problem-solving to ensure each aircraft is repaired correctly and safely.

Queensland’s Strong Showing in National Awards

CASA Chief Executive Officer Pip Spence said recipients like Mani show genuine passion for their careers and a strong dedication to maintaining aviation safety standards in Australia.

Alongside Mani, Brisbane engineer Aaron Pollard from Alliance Airlines also received a CASA scholarship. He completed his aircraft maintenance apprenticeship in under two years, showing strong dedication and skill.

Supporting Aviation’s Safety Backbone

The annual CASA scholarship program is designed to strengthen Australia’s aviation maintenance workforce. It recognises professionals who display initiative, technical skill, and a commitment to safety. Mani’s award follows a competitive selection process that drew more than 70 applicants from across the country.

Both join Perth’s Hudson Dagge as 2025 awardees, reflecting Queensland’s strength in aviation training. Mani’s success highlights Buderim’s contribution to Australia’s aviation safety and the value of supporting technical careers.

Published 3-October-2025

Buderim Leads Unitywater’s List Of Wastewater Blockages

Buderim has recorded more wastewater blockages than any other suburb across Unitywater’s service region, topping the list with 237 incidents in the past financial year.

A Growing Concern For Residents

Buderim has outpaced Caboolture, Nambour and Redcliffe for wastewater blockages, according to Unitywater’s figures released on 18 August 2025. The region saw 4,395 blockages across Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast and Noosa, with Buderim alone making up nearly 6 per cent.

Unitywater linked the problem to everyday habits, from flushing wipes and nappies to pouring fats and oils down the sink. These actions harden in pipes, causing clogs that can back up into homes or spill onto streets.

Why Buderim Is On Top Of The List

According to Unitywater, the high number of blockages in Buderim reflects the impact of population density and household behaviour. The suburb’s ranking was well ahead of other hotspots, including Caboolture with 134 blockages and Redcliffe with 92.

The utility said the cost of responding to these incidents is significant. Each callout requires staff to clear the pipes, manage overflows, and protect nearby creeks and natural areas from contamination. For Buderim residents, the figures highlight how local actions can have direct consequences for both household plumbing and the wider environment.

Steps Being Taken To Address The Problem

Unitywater is stepping up efforts to stop blockages, from new treatments at pump stations to community education. One method uses magnesium hydroxide liquid, better known as a heartburn remedy, to cut odours and stop fats hardening in pipes.

The utility is also pushing the “three Ps” rule, asking households to only flush pee, poo and toilet paper. Locals are urged to make small changes like keeping bins in bathrooms, scraping plates before washing, and storing used cooking oil in jars.

A Community Issue With Shared Responsibility

Unitywater is urging Buderim residents to take action, saying blockages are a community issue as much as a utility one. Simple changes at home can prevent sewage backing up into bathrooms or spilling onto streets.

The advice is straightforward, stop flushing wipes and rethink how fats and scraps are handled in the kitchen. With Buderim recording the most blockages in the region, the warning carries extra weight.

Published 19-August-2025

Belle Property Expands to Buderim, Tapping into Strong Sunshine Coast Market

Photo Credit: Belle Property

Signalling strong confidence in the Sunshine Coast’s property market, national real estate powerhouse Belle Property has established a new presence in Buderim, led by a team of seasoned local experts.

A Local Team with a National Edge

The new Belle Property Buderim is being guided by a team already well-known in the community for its integrity and personalised approach. Principal Tanya Mungomery is a 25-year resident of Buderim with more than 15 years of industry experience. She is joined by Leasing and Tenancy Manager Ebony McCulloch, who contributes nearly a decade of expertise in property management.

This established local team will now operate with the backing of Belle Property, a full-service agency with over 200 offices across Australia known for its premium marketing and impressive digital reach.

This partnership provides the Buderim team access to a national and international network of clients and agents, while allowing them to continue their focus on tailored, high-impact campaigns. It represents a move to blend their strong community reputation with the resources of one of the country’s leading lifestyle real estate brands, which prides itself on servicing select markets from simple studios to multi-million-dollar homes.

A Vision for Buderim’s Future

According to Mungomery, the decision to join the Belle Property network is about enhancing what her team can offer clients, not changing its core identity. She expressed that clients will receive the same honest, local advice, now supported by a prestige brand.

Mungomery’s vision for the agency extends beyond property transactions, aiming to enrich the area’s future while honouring its past. This people-first mindset aligns with the shared values of honesty, respect, and professionalism that unite all Belle Property agents nationwide.

Confidence in the Sunshine Coast Market

The launch comes at a time of steady growth in the Sunshine Coast property market, which is fuelled by high buyer demand. Buderim remains one of the region’s most sought-after suburbs, valued for its unique hinterland feel just minutes from the coast. Its vibrant village atmosphere, proximity to top schools, and natural attractions like the Buderim Forest Waterfall make it a prime location for families, professionals, and retirees.

Belle Property’s Head of State for Queensland, David Holmes, commented on the new venture, stating that Mungomery’s team is a perfect fit for the brand due to their professionalism and strong local presence. This move signals significant confidence from the national group in both the local team and the enduring appeal of the Buderim lifestyle. Belle Property Buderim is now actively serving the community from its office at the Buderim Mall on Burnett Street.

Published Date 04-August-2025

Sunshine Coast Tragedy Highlights Hungry Jack’s Battery Toy Breach

Photo Credit: Hungry Jack's

The death of a Sunshine Coast child who ingested a button battery has resurfaced in national focus after Hungry Jack’s was penalised for breaching battery safety rules in its toy giveaways.

Child’s Death Prompts Renewed Safety Focus

The death of four-year-old Sunshine Coast child Summer Steer in 2013 from ingesting a lithium button battery remains a pivotal moment in shaping Australia’s consumer safety practices. Summer became the first Australian child known to die from ingesting a button battery, with her death following multiple medical visits in the hours before she collapsed.

She was taken to Noosa Hospital three times on the day of her death, after experiencing a nosebleed and vomiting blood. Despite initial assurances from doctors, she later suffered a cardiac arrest and died after being transferred to Brisbane. An inquest later confirmed the cause was internal injuries from a swallowed battery.

Hungry Jack’s Toy Recall and Penalty

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has penalised Hungry Jack’s Pty Ltd $150,240 for supplying toys without required button battery warnings. The breach involved 27,850 Garfield toys distributed with children’s meals over a 10-day period in May 2024. While the toys complied with the mandatory button battery safety standard, the packaging failed to include the necessary hazard warnings or advice on what to do in case of ingestion, as required under the information standard.

The fast-food company was issued eight infringement notices and has since signed a court-enforceable undertaking admitting the toy likely failed to comply with information standards. The company also announced it would implement a compliance program to avoid future breaches.

Button Battery Risks and Regulation

Sunshine Coast button battery — *Photo Credit: Wikipedia*

Button batteries are small and can become lodged in a child’s throat if swallowed, leading to fatal injuries in as little as two hours. In Australia, at least three children have died and more than one child each month is injured due to button battery incidents.

The mandatory button battery standards in Australia require not only physical safety measures like secure battery compartments but also clear labelling and consumer guidance. The ACCC has continued to take enforcement action against suppliers who fail to meet these obligations.

Consumer Advocates Raise Concern

Following the Hungry Jack’s incident, safety advocates have reiterated the danger these batteries pose. The ACCC stated that despite recent regulatory improvements, non-compliant products remain on the market, presenting ongoing risks to children. Organisations such as Kidsafe Queensland remain active in urging tighter compliance with safety regulations and clearer warning labels.

Andrea Shoesmith, mother of Summer Steer, remains critical of businesses that downplay the risks. She has long campaigned for stricter rules around button batteries and said that even when products technically meet construction standards, they can still pose serious harm if not correctly labelled.

Response and Ongoing Measures

The Garfield toys have since been withdrawn by Hungry Jack’s, with non-battery alternatives available for exchange at any of the chain’s outlets.

The ACCC has urged families to check their homes for button battery products and to report any safety concerns. It has also warned that companies must report any serious safety incidents involving their products within two days.

The commission said it would continue to monitor businesses for compliance and take enforcement action where necessary. The safety of consumer goods involving young children remains a core focus for the ACCC in the 2025–26 period.

Published 12-May-2025

Viral Bruce Highway Twins Draw Laughs and Love from Around the World

Photo Credit: Jimmy Kimmel Live/Youtube

Identical twin sisters from Queensland have found international fame after describing a dramatic moment on the Bruce Highway in perfect unison, leaving viewers and even American TV host Jimmy Kimmel in stitches.

A Moment of Danger

Bridgette and Paula Powers, known locally as “The Twinnies,” were involved in a tense situation when their mother was threatened by a carjacker on Steve Irwin Way, which connects to the Bruce Highway. The sisters witnessed the attempted theft and later described the event to 7News Queensland.

*Photo Credit: Twinnies Pelican and Seabird Rescue/Facebook*

Their synchronised storytelling, delivered in matching outfits, quickly drew public attention. They described how their mother bravely confronted the armed man and helped alert police. The serious moment, retold in perfect unison, made the interview both surreal and compelling.

The Interview That Went Global

The 7News clip aired in early April and quickly spread online. Their synchronised speech and animated expressions were shared widely, with audiences praising the sisters’ unique communication style.

*Photo Credit: Jimmy Kimmel Live/Youtube*

Soon after, the pair were featured on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, where the American host joked that he couldn’t stop laughing and asked if they were witches. He suggested they deserved their own show and invited them to visit the US.

Community Roots and Wildlife Mission

The Powers sisters live in Landsborough, not far from the Bruce Highway, where they’ve quietly run the Twinnies Pelican and Seabird Rescue for more than 25 years. The sanctuary, which began as a family project, has since become a key part of wildlife care on the Sunshine Coast.

They rescue and rehabilitate seabirds, including pelicans that suffer from injuries caused by fishing gear or watercraft. The sisters noted the centre has struggled for funding in the past and hope their new visibility might bring more community support.

Public Reactions and Familiar Fame

While some viewers speculated the synchronised speech was rehearsed, both sisters said it’s simply how they’ve always talked. Bridgette explained they’ve tried speaking one at a time but find it too difficult.

*Photo Credit: Good Morning Britain/Facebook*

This wasn’t their first brush with fame. In 2016, they appeared on British breakfast television where their speaking style also made headlines. The former host said it was one of the most memorable interviews of his career.

Today, the sisters continue to balance global attention with their daily bird care duties, saying the support from the public has been uplifting but unexpected.

Published 25-April-2025

Buderim Mountain State School To Celebrate 150 Years Of Learning And Legacy

Photo Credit: bmsspandc/Instagram

Buderim Mountain State School, a heritage-listed cornerstone of Queensland’s education system, is preparing to celebrate 150 years of continuous operation with a day of reflection, reunions and community pride.

A Growing School With Deep Community Roots

Buderim Mountain State School, one of Queensland’s oldest and most cherished public schools, will celebrate its 150th anniversary with a community-wide celebration honouring generations of students, staff and families who have shaped the school since it opened in 1875.

The milestone event, titled Back to Buderim Mountain State School, will take place on Saturday, 21 June 2025, drawing past and present students, teachers, and local residents for a full day of festivities at the school’s Main Street campus.

Celebration Day To Reconnect Generations

Now with over 1,100 students and a new $10 million hall, Buderim Mountain State School has grown from a small provisional school into a hub of education and community pride. It’s heritage-listed and forms part of the Buderim War Memorial Community Centre — a “living memorial” that includes the school’s arboretum, sports fields and memorial gates from 1945.

*Photo Credit: 4556 Chamber of Commerce/Facebook*

The celebration program includes an official ceremony, school tours, historical exhibitions, a commemorative sculpture unveiling, and the long-awaited opening of a time capsule buried during the school’s 125th anniversary in 2000.

A Documentary To Capture 150 Years Of School Life

The day will feature a roll call of former students by decade, followed by performances from the choir, rock band and dance troupe. A documentary by Reflected Image Productions, backed by the Buderim Foundation, will also premiere, sharing school life across generations through student memories.

To mark the occasion, the school has released a limited-edition BMSS 150th umbrella. The 120cm golf-style design comes with a sleeve, costs $36, and is available from the Uniform Shop or via Flexischools for classroom delivery.

Open Invitation To The Wider Community

Community members are encouraged to register online to take part in the day. Memorabilia and student-designed artwork will be available for purchase, and refreshments will be served throughout the grounds.

After 150 years of continuous operation, Buderim Mountain State School remains not just an institution of learning, but a place where stories, friendships, and history are shared and celebrated by the Buderim community.

Published 21-April-2025

Endangered Turtle Nests Rescued on Sunshine Coast Amidst Severe Weather

Photo Credit: Sunshine Coast Council/ Facebook

Dedicated TurtleCare volunteers on the Sunshine Coast relocated vulnerable nests to higher ground, rescuing thousands of endangered turtle eggs from the threat of a recent ex-tropical cyclone.

The recent ex-tropical cyclone, which threatened the Sunshine Coast coastline, prompted urgent action from local conservationists. With 124 clutches laid this season and 50 nests yet to hatch, volunteers raced against time to assess and protect the vulnerable eggs.

The danger stemmed from the extreme weather conditions, including extended periods of heavy rainfall, waves overtopping the dunes, and significant dune erosion. These factors posed a serious risk to the developing turtle eggs.

Relocation Efforts and Challenges

Endangered Turtle Nests Rescued on Sunshine Coast Amidst Severe Weather — *Photo File from 2022*
*Photo Credit:* *TurtleCare Volunteers Queensland/ Facebook*

The TurtleCare volunteers, trained citizen scientists, undertook the challenging task of relocating the at-risk nests. Over a short period, they successfully moved 31 nests, containing approximately 4,000 eggs, to safer, higher locations within the dune systems. This proactive measure was deemed necessary as leaving the nests in their natural state was not viable during such severe weather.

However, one nest in Bribie Island National Park was unfortunately lost due to the intense erosion. The primary goal of the TurtleCare program is to allow nests to hatch naturally, but extreme weather necessitates intervention to ensure the survival of the hatchlings.

Community Response and Ongoing Efforts

Local officials expressed their gratitude for the volunteers’ dedication and hard work. They recognised the volunteers’ crucial role in protecting the turtle nests and highlighted the community spirit demonstrated during the challenging weather conditions.

The efforts of the TurtleCare volunteers have significantly minimised the impact of the cyclone on the remaining turtle nests. With the relocation efforts complete, just over 30 nests remain to emerge for the rest of the season. The volunteers continue to monitor these remaining nests, ensuring the ongoing protection of these endangered turtles.

How the Community Can Help

The community is encouraged to contribute to the ongoing protection of these turtles. Residents are asked to report turtle tracks, new nests, or emerging hatchlings to the TurtleCare hotline or Coolum and North Shore Coast Care.

For sightings on the southern end of the coast, one resident should call 0437 559 067, and for sightings from Maroochydore north, they should contact Coolum and North Shore Coast Care on 0478 435 377. Additionally, residents can help by switching off outside lights from 8 p.m. to reduce light pollution and disorient turtles and hatchlings.

Furthermore, keeping beaches clean by removing rubbish helps provide a safe environment for the turtles to lay their eggs. The TurtleCare program, which is conducted under Queensland Turtle Conservation Project permits, is proudly sponsored by Caloundra City Realty for the 2025 season.

Published Date 20-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

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