Sunshine Coast Archives - Page 3 of 5

Cyclone Alfred Brings Danger to Noosa Waters

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

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

Sippy Downs Set to Benefit as Digital Games Hub Takes Shape

Photo Credit: University of the Sunshine Coast Online

The University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) in Sippy Downs is positioned to become a focal point for Queensland’s growing digital games industry, following the announcement of a new government initiative targeting emerging developers.

The Crisafulli Government’s “Season of the Dev” program, running from March to May, will deliver workshops, networking events, and a three-day game jam aimed at addressing skilled worker shortages in the digital games sector.

Sippy Downs’ strategic position as the home of UniSC places it at the center of this development. The university already produces game development graduates through its relevant programs, creating a natural talent pipeline that could fuel industry growth in the area.

Dr. Colleen Stieler-Hunt, a game development lecturer at UniSC, highlighted the region’s advantages for the games industry, pointing to the “ultra-fast internet via the region’s submarine broadband cable and a pool of job-ready graduates at UniSC.”

The combination of technological infrastructure and educational resources in Sippy Downs creates what industry leaders see as an ideal environment for game development studios seeking both talent and lifestyle benefits.

The government-funded program specifically targets young adults early in their careers, with Minister for the Arts John-Paul Langbroek emphasising that events will be “free and affordable, so no one misses out.”

For Sippy Downs residents and UniSC students, the initiative represents an opportunity to develop skills locally rather than relocating to traditional gaming industry centres, potentially strengthening the suburb’s economic prospects and cementing its reputation as an emerging technology hub.

Screen Queensland CEO Jacqui Feeney reinforced this potential, stating the program aims to “put the Sunshine Coast on the map as a new hub for games development,” with Sippy Downs’ educational facilities playing a crucial role in this transformation.

Published 20-February-2025

Nook Collective: A Game-Changer for Working Parents on the Sunshine Coast

Photo Credit: Nook Collective/Facebook

Nook Collective is changing the game for working parents. Finding that balance between career and family can feel impossible.

For Sunshine Coast couple Sara and Tim Reyes, the solution was simple: create a space where parents can work productively while their kids are cared for in a fun, engaging environment.

That solution became Nook Collective, a unique co-working space in Buderim designed specifically for parents. At Nook, work and family life don’t have to compete—they can coexist.

More Than Just a Workspace

At first glance, Nook Collective might look like any other shared office space. But step inside, and it’s clear this place was built with families in mind.

It’s not just about desks and Wi-Fi—parents can concentrate while their children enjoy supervised activities in dedicated kids’ rooms. There are also collaborative workspaces, podcast and recording studios, and even monthly movie nights to bring the community together.

For Sara, who runs Assist by Sara, a virtual assistant business, and Tim, the owner of Luxe Electrical Industries, this idea was deeply personal. Like many parents, they struggled to juggle their businesses and parenting responsibilities. They knew there had to be a better way—and when they couldn’t find one, they built it themselves.

A Solution for Modern Families

The idea for Nook Collective came from real-life frustration. Flexible childcare options are scarce, and traditional daycare doesn’t always suit modern work schedules. Instead of waiting for someone else to solve the problem, Sara and Tim took matters into their own hands.

With their own children, Mila and Levi, as their inspiration, they invested six figures into transforming a space into a welcoming hub for working parents. In just five weeks, what started as a dream became reality. And from the moment Nook opened in October 2024, the response has been overwhelming.

Building a Supportive Community

Nook Collective has quickly become a go-to space for Sunshine Coast parents. Members collaborate, network, and support each other, making it a space where both businesses and friendships can grow.

To make the experience even better, the couple partnered with Maleny Dairies to create an onsite coffee nook, complete with a skilled barista.

Beyond Co-Working: Supporting Local Business

For Tim, Nook Collective is just one piece of a bigger vision. He also launched Trade Connect, a networking group for young tradies looking to grow their businesses. He understands that strong connections are essential for success, and Trade Connect is all about fostering collaboration in the trades industry.

The Reyes family isn’t stopping here and plans to expand Nook Collective to more locations. They’re constantly listening to feedback and looking for ways to improve.

For families looking for a better way to balance it all, Nook Collective isn’t just a workspace—it’s a game-changer. And for Sara and Tim, this is only the beginning.

Published 10-Feb-2025

Sunshine Coast Rail Line: Transforming Transport for a Growing Region

Photo Credit: Infrastructure Pipeline

The Sunshine Coast is about to experience a major transport upgrade with the new Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line. This long-awaited project will finally connect the region to South East Queensland’s passenger rail network, making travel faster, easier, and more reliable.

Locals will have a genuine alternative to driving, reducing congestion and improving access to jobs, education, healthcare, and tourism.

How Will This Benefit Locals?

1. Faster and More Reliable Travel

Right now, the Sunshine Coast is Australia’s largest urban area without a direct rail link to its nearest capital city. The 37.8km dual-track line, stretching from Beerwah to Maroochydore via Caloundra and Birtinya, will significantly cut travel time and offer a dependable public transport option. Commuters heading to Brisbane will no longer need to rely on slow, congested roads.

Sunshine Coast Rail Line — Photo Credit: *TMR*

2. Less Traffic and Safer Roads

Traffic congestion is a growing issue across the region. This new rail line will take cars off the road, reducing pressure during peak hours. Fewer vehicles mean safer, less stressful driving conditions for those who still need to travel by car.

3. Boosting Housing and Community Growth

The Sunshine Coast’s population is growing rapidly, and infrastructure must keep up. This project will support the development of over 3,000 affordable homes near new rail stations. Better transport links will also attract investment and create well-connected communities.

4. More Jobs and a Stronger Economy

Stage 1 of the project will create 2,200 jobs, providing opportunities in construction, transport, and related industries. These new jobs will benefit local businesses and families, boosting the region’s economy.

What’s Happening First?

To speed up delivery, the rail line will be built in stages. This approach means locals can start using parts of the network sooner instead of waiting for the entire project to be completed.

Key Developments in Stage 1 (Starting in 2026):

19km dual-track rail line to Caloundra
Protection of the corridor for future expansion to Maroochydore
Plans to fast-track the rail line to Birtinya
Improved bus services for better station access
More walking and cycling paths to connect to train stations

A Smarter, More Connected Future

This project is more than just a rail line—it’s a major step forward for the Sunshine Coast. It will improve public transport, ease congestion, and support local businesses.

The Australian and Queensland governments have committed between $5.5 and $7 billion to Stage 1. This funding will reshape transport in the region, ensuring the Sunshine Coast stays connected, liveable, and sustainable as it grows.

Concerns and the Push for Progress

Despite its benefits, the project faces uncertainty over funding and timelines. Local MP Jason Hunt is pushing for answers, urging state and federal governments to stick to their commitments. He warns that delays could set the region back, making transport challenges worse as the population expands.

Published 7-Feb-2025

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

Photo Credit: QRL

Georgia Bartlett has taken the rugby league world by storm. In just six months, she went from playing local footy on the Sunshine Coast to signing a development contract with the Brisbane Broncos.

The 21-year-old outside back only picked up a rugby league ball last year, but her natural talent and hard work quickly paid off.

From Touch Football to Rugby League

Bartlett grew up in Chinchilla before moving to Toowoomba, where she made a name for herself in touch football. She represented Queensland at the junior level, but rugby league never crossed her mind until she relocated to the Sunshine Coast in 2021.

Her older brother Hayden, a Maroochydore Swans player, played a key role in her transition. When the team needed extra players, he convinced her to give it a go. With just a week of training, she stepped onto the field at the Sunshine Coast 9’s pre-season tournament. Despite her inexperience, she quickly impressed coaches and teammates, earning a reputation as a rising star.

Dominating the Sunshine Coast Competition

Bartlett’s rapid adaptation to rugby league took many by surprise. Playing for the Maroochydore Swans in the SCGRL open women’s competition, she displayed explosive speed, sharp footwork, and a natural ability to read the game.

Her performances didn’t go unnoticed. She earned a spot in the Sunshine Coast 47th Battalion representative team, where she dominated the competition and was named Player of the Tournament. Soon after, she stepped up again, playing fullback for Queensland Country and proving she could perform at a higher level.

Earning a Contract with the Brisbane Broncos

Bartlett’s rise caught the attention of NRLW recruiters. Throughout 2024, she trained with the Brisbane Broncos’ emerging squad, showcasing her athleticism, work ethic, and willingness to learn.

After her team’s semi-final loss, Broncos head of NRLW Paul Dyer and head coach Scott Prince approached her with a development contract.

Bartlett said that she felt “overwhelmed, speechless and full of emotion” during the contract discussion.

Now part of the Broncos system, Bartlett will train with the club’s top 24 NRLW players while gaining experience with the Sunshine Coast Falcons in the Queensland BMD Premiership.

Photo Credit: *Brisbane Broncos/Instagram*

Despite her rapid rise, Bartlett stays grounded. She believes that anything can happen and just wants to enjoy where she is without pressure.

Broncos coach Scott Prince believes she has enormous potential. He saw that Bartlett shows how eager she is to learn footy and how everyone is rooting for her.

Grateful for Support

Bartlett credits her success to her family, coaches, teammates, friends, and the Maroochydore Swans rugby league club.

With talent, determination, and strong support, Georgia Bartlett’s rugby league journey is just beginning. From the Sunshine Coast to the NRLW, she’s proving that hard work and the right opportunities can lead to something incredible.

Published 5-Feb-2025

Sunshine Coast CEO’s Beauti Software Transforms Beauty Industry

Photo Credit: Beauti Software/Facebook

In the heart of the Sunshine Coast, China Coyle has transformed the beauty industry with her innovative platform, Beauti Software.

After more than two years of development, her simple idea turned into a seven-figure business.

Bridging the Gap in Beauty Business Management

At 34, China Coyle is reshaping the beauty industry—not with a brush or scissors, but with technology. As a former salon owner, she knows firsthand how overwhelming it can be to juggle appointments, marketing, and business growth while still focusing on clients. While many business management tools exist, none were built specifically for beauty professionals.

Determined to change that, she secured funding and spent over two years developing Beauti Software. Her platform combines a seamless booking system, an integrated Canva interface for branding and marketing, and a business growth academy—all designed to help salon owners work smarter, not harder.

From Salon Owner to Tech Entrepreneur

Coyle’s journey began at just 19 when she built her own salon from the ground up. Over time, she shifted her focus to strategy and coaching, working closely with beauty businesses across Australia and overseas. That’s when she noticed a major gap—salon owners lacked a software solution tailored to their unique needs.

Determined to fix the problem, she launched Beauti Software a year ago. The response was immediate. More than 150 beauty business owners across Australia now use the platform to streamline their daily operations and focus on growing their brands.

Learning Tech from the Ground Up

Despite her deep roots in the beauty industry, stepping into the tech world was a whole new challenge. With no formal background in software development, Coyle had to learn the ins and outs of coding, product design, and technology management to bring her vision to life.

Now based on the Sunshine Coast, she’s built a strong network within the local business community. She also collaborates with salon owners on content creation, filming days, and business support, fostering a sense of community within the industry.

Beauti Software’s Rapid Growth and Global Expansion

Beauti Software is continuing to grow, that has led Coyle to expand her development team and is rolling out new features she says are unlike anything else on the market.

The next step? Expanding beyond Australia, with launches planned for New Zealand and then the UK.

From a teenage salon owner to the founder of a thriving tech company, Coyle’s journey is a testament to passion, persistence, and innovation. With Beauti Software, she’s not just offering a business tool—she’s transforming the way beauty professionals manage and grow their businesses.

Published 3-Feb-2025

Bear the Rescue Dog: From Rejected Pup to Conservation Hero

Photo Credit: Google Drive

Bear, a Border Collie x Koolie, a dog from Sunshine Coast that no one wanted has become one of Australia’s most unlikely conservation heroes.

Spent the early years of his life being passed from home to home, deemed too energetic, too difficult, and too much to handle. But this year, he is celebrated as a wildlife protector, having helped locate and save over 100 koalas in need.

Bear’s extraordinary efforts were recognised with the All Rescues Are Special (ARAS) Medal, proudly sponsored by The Saltiest Dog, as part of the Puppy Tales Australian Dog of the Year Awards. Nominated by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), Bear’s story is a powerful testament to second chances and the incredible potential of rescue animals when given the right support.

A Dog No One Wanted

Adopted as a puppy, he was soon surrendered because his high energy made him too much for his owners to handle.

Several families tried to give him a home but ended in disappointment. His final guardians even faced eviction due to the destruction he caused in their house.

At that point, Bear’s future looked uncertain. But then, fate intervened.

When the University of the Sunshine Coast Detection Dogs for Conservation team heard about Bear, they saw something others hadn’t.

Dr Romane Cristescu, Director of the Detection Dogs for Conservation, recalled that after seeing Bear, the team already knew he’s “the one.”

Bear’s Life Saving Mission

Bear became a specialist detection dog, trained to sniff out sick, injured, or displaced koalas. His work became even more critical during Australia’s devastating Black Summer bushfires, when koalas needed urgent rescue and rehabilitation.

By tracking their scent, Bear has helped save over 100 koalas, ensuring they received medical care and, where possible, were released back into the wild.

Bear’s inspiring story has been featured in documentaries even on his own: “Bear, Koala Hero.”

Celebrating Australia’s Most Remarkable Dogs

The Puppy Tales Australian Dog of the Year Awards honour extraordinary dogs who make a difference—whether through rescue work, therapy, protection, or companionship. Now in their fifth year, these awards shine a spotlight on the ways dogs enrich human lives and contribute to the world in unique and inspiring ways.

Alongside Bear, other inspiring winners include:

Australian Dog of the Year 2025: Elle, a deaf Border Collie from the Gold Coast. Elle uses sign language to navigate agility competitions and work as a school therapy dog, helping anxious children.

People’s Choice Award: Daphne, a Tibetan Spaniel from Melbourne is a former therapy do. Daphne defied the odds by recovering from a severe brain injury.

Paws-itive Change Award: Sunday, a Sydney dog who became the first Australian animal to receive an osseointegration procedure, leading the way for groundbreaking medical treatments.

The Power of Second Chances

Kate Opitz, founder of The Saltiest Dog, the award sponsor, believes in the power of finding the right home:

“I truly believe that the right dog finds us when we need each other most.”

For Bear, the once-unwanted pup turned conservation superstar, the message is clear: every dog has a purpose—they just need the right opportunity to shine.

Published 30-Jan-2025