Group guide: Sunshine Coast

Community Notes listing all of the main events in your neighbourhood this month.

USC adviser Liz Davison with prospective adult student Carolyn O'Donnell at a recent University Skills for You course.

FREE DIABETES WORKSHOP

PEOPLE diagnosed with type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes, family and carers are welcome to attend on December 4, from 9am-1pm, a free workshop at the Caloundra Community Health Centre, Caloundra Health Services, Caloundra Hospital, West Tce, Caloundra. It will be a group education session featuring four guest speakers - a dietitian, social worker, nurse and health promotion officer. The information will cover type 2 diabetes self-management, healthy lifestyle behaviours, accessing support in the community and annual cycle of care with health professionals. Bookings are essential. Phone Central Intake 5479 9670 to register.

 

BUDERIM CONTRACT BRIDGE CLUB LESSONS

WE ARE offering 10 lessons followed by seven supervised play lessons. We provide an excellent textbook, comprehensive notes with each lesson and morning tea. Enrolling in this course also gets you free club membership for the rest of the membership year (July to June). Cost $50. To enrol in the course starting on February 5 from 9-11.30am please phone Jean Thompson on 5445 4618 or 0416 020 948, or email [e-mail]. au. Lessons will be held at The Education Centre, Hibiscus Retirement Resort, Lakehead Dr, Sippy Downs

 

SPIRITSONG CHAMBER CHOIR

WE ARE looking for more singers, so if you like a cappella singing in a small group, this could be for you. We sing music by composers such as Byrd, Tomkins, Purcell, Victoria, Gibbons, Goss, Dowland and other similar-style composers. Altos, tenors and basses are particularly needed but sops can also apply. Based in Tewantin. Email Andrew at [e-mail] or phone [phone].

 

NOOSA SCONE TIME

MARTIN Duncan, president of Country Noosa and Cooroy Chamber of Commerce, is the organiser of a wonderful local initiative called Scone Time, which is a great forum for seniors, carers and members of the local community of all ages to come together, enjoy delicious scones and meet new people. Through the sponsorship of Eden Private Hospital we have secured our monthly live pianist, Adam Bishop, and subsidised ticket price. Social isolation and loneliness is a common issue for older people and can have a negative impact on mental and physical health. As part of Mental Health Week the hospital ran a number of fundraising activities, including a barbecue sausage sizzle, odd socks day and a cupcake drive. The proceeds of the day went to Scone Time. The next Scone Time is on December 10 at 10am, with guest MP Marty Hunt and Christmas carols. To book, go to www.trybooking.com/BGBQC.

 

ST PETER'S ANGLICAN CHURCH

THE Rev Tania Eichler and the Anglican Parish of St Peter's in Maroochydore invite you to our Christmas services, starting with holy communion at 7am and 9am on December 22. On Christmas Eve, December 24, we have midnight mass at 11.30pm. This service will include carol singing, the blessing of the nativity setting and holy communion. On Christmas Day, our celebration includes holy communion with carols and the blessing of the nativity scene. St Peter's Church is at 1 Church St, Maroochydore, and all are welcome at our services. Phone [phone].

 

SOCIAL BALLROOM DANCING

EVERY Tuesday from 7-9.30pm, Pat and Norm Young organise a social evening at the Pomona Memorial School of Arts Hall. Cost is $4, which includes supper. It is a very enjoyable evening as Pat and Norm provide new vogue as well as old-time dancing. Come and be a spectator and see if you will enjoy it. Everyone is welcome. Phone [phone] for more information.

 

COOLUM MEN'S SHED

LEATHER work: We have two members of the Buderim Shed coming across on Friday at 9am to provide some tuition for leather work for all those interested. This will be followed at a later date by a presentation on lead lighting.

A reminder that Coolum Twilight Markets began on Friday, November 29, and will be held the next three consecutive Fridays. Please refer to noticeboard for volunteers.

Sausage sizzles: We have one sausage sizzle left for the year, on Thursday, December 26 (Boxing Day). While this will probably be a family day for most, it will be appreciated if those who are available please advise ASAP. Four volunteers are needed for the morning and afternoon shifts. It is anticipated the start time would be somewhat later than our usual time of 7am. We don't want to cancel due to lack of support and jeopardise future sausage sizzles. There will be no sales table this day.

For more, go to www.coolummensshed.org.

 

NOOSA MONTHLY TALKS

ON THE first Saturday of each month we have different speakers talking on various subjects. Next event is December 7 from 2pm at the CWA Hall, Tewantin, on the topic of stress and tension of mind and body. Experience various techniques to relax your mind and body with Ruth Eedy (45 years' experience in many areas of healing). Everyone welcome. Phone [phone].

 

SUNSHINE COAST SCONE TIME

OUR next Cooroy Scone Time with Noosa Black Coffee is on Tuesday, December 10, at 10am in Cooroy Memorial Hall with guest MP Marty Hunt and Christmas carols. Book at www.trybooking.com/BGBQC.

 

TAKE STEP TOWARDS UNIVERSITY STUDY

A FREE, two-day university skills course with no assignments or exams is being offered to Caboolture adults wanting to explore their higher education and career options. USC's University Skills for You course will be held at USC's Sippy Downs campus from December 3-4. It is designed specifically for and older who did not finish high school or may not have formally studied for many years. Facilitated by experienced USC advisers, it provides participants with the opportunity to sample university life while upgrading their academic skills. It is ideal for anyone thinking about studying at Tafe or university. There are no tests, assignments or exams. You will taught about academic reading, writing, speaking and critical thinking. At the end of the course, participants will explore potential study pathways and can arrange to have individual sessions with USC career advisers to help develop study and career plans. Workbooks are provided for free and there are no tuition fees. Places are limited and registration is essential. Another session will be offered at the USC Caboolture campus on January 20-21 and January 23-24. To register go to www.usc.edu.au/us4c or email pathways@usc. edu.au.

 

SUNSHINE COAST

JAZZ CLUB

SUNDAY, December 8, will be an exciting afternoon of entertainment, with the Caxton Street Jazz Band and guests invited to dress in the 1920s Gatsby style at Caloundra Power Boat Club. There is no need to introduce this hot swinging jazz band - they elicit enthusiastic responses from both listening and dancing audiences. Members of the band include some of Australia's leading jazz players as well as instrumentalists who are vocalists. This fabulous band appeals not only to jazz enthusiasts but to the general public. While their roots are firmly planted in the hot jazz of the early 1900s, many other influences are represented, including big band swing, mainstream jazz, folk, country, rhythm and blues and popular tunes from the '30s, '40s and '50s, hence their unprecedented popularity in recent years. This band is guaranteed to get you singing and swinging, all at the same time. Book online at www.sunshinecoastjazz club.net.au/bookings or phone Richard on 0427 782 960 or Julie on 0412 789 957. Tickets: $20 for members, $22.50 for seniors and $25 non-members, credit card facility is available. We are a non-profit organisation endeavouring to bring to members and jazz lovers the best of the best and host events on the third Sunday of every month at Caloundra Power Boat Club.

Sunshine Coast Jazz Club is offering a Youth n Jazz Bursary, with total prizemoney of $3000, for the youth on the Sunshine Coast. The finals for the bursary took place on Saturday, November 23, at the Pelican Room of Caloundra Powerboat Club.

For more information on the club visit www.sunshine coastjazzclub.net.au.

 

BEGINNERS' LINE DANCING

COME along to the Woombye Hall on Mondays at 9am and at North Shore Community Centre, Mudjimba, on Mondays at 7pm and Wednesdays at 9am. Also Thursdays from 9am at Yandina School of Arts Hall. Keep your mind active and body fit with dance. Fun fitness friendship and great music. For more, phone Barbara on 0407 733 280. 　

 

SUNSHINE COAST CONCERT BAND

WE PRESENT Christmas Cheer on Saturday, December 7 at 2pm in the Kawana Community Hall, Nanyima St, Buddina. An afternoon of top entertainment with a great variety of music and talented vocalists under the baton of music director Ken Chadwick OAM. Our special entertainers will be the Coastal Caring Clowns. Tickets are $15, available at the door, and include afternoon tea. For all future events with the Sunshine Coast Concert Band, go to www.sccb.org.au.

 

NAMBOUR GARDEN CLUB

FRIENDSHIP through gardening. We meet the first Monday of each month, (second Monday if the first is a public holiday), with no meetings in December or January. The venue is Uniting Church Hall, Nambour (free parking at Donaldson St entrance). Meetings include guest speakers, plant and cutting sales, competition tables, raffles and lucky door prize. Members also enjoy bus tours, garden rambles and workshops. Arrive 8.30am for meet and greet over a cup of coffee/tea. Meetings start 10am. Visitors and new members welcome. Phone Karel on 0490 415 067 for more information.

 

VIEW CLUBS

Buderim

AT OUR last meeting Carol Bomford welcomed guest speaker Senior Constable Aaron Caldwell, who is with Buderim Community Police. Aaron spoke of his life prior to joining the force. He joined the military at age 19, receiving his initial training in Sydney before being sent to Darwin, Puckapunal, East Timor (in 1999 and 2003) followed by instructional duties back in Australia. In 2006 he was deployed again to East Timor and in 2008 to Afghanistan, where he provided security for the engineers working there, plus he was charged with providing security to a contingent of visiting Australian media. Finally in 2009 Aaron decided it was time to transition to civilian life, although he is still involved with the army, having joined the local army reserves. A part of Aaron's role as senior constable is liaising with community groups, including schools, and educating the community in general, including a segment on the local radio station, Sunshine FM.

The club's December lunch and meeting is on December 4 at 11am for 11.30am, at the Buderim Tavern. Cost is $30. The theme for our club's birthday the Ladies in Black movie. For more details and to RSVP, phone Pat Cooney on 5445 6329 or email wockagrandy@optusnet. com.au by December 1. Info: www.view.org.au/find-a-club/qld/clubs/buderim-view-club. Attending our club's events will help raise funds for The Smith Family charity, with the education of students from underprivileged families.

Caloundra

THE thought of life on the ocean wave seemed to hit the right spot with the Caloundra Evening VIEW Club members, who chose the Caloundra Cruise Company for their day out on Pumicestone Passage.

A party of 35 enjoyed the Smoothwater Classic Cruise, which toured the Passage from Pelican Waters Jetty to the Caloundra Bar.

Sightings of birdlife on Bribie Island and the chance to view Caloundra's beaches from a new perspective were highlights of the trip.

A delicious lunch at Pelican Waters Tavern completed a very enjoyable excursion.

The club aims to break the cycle of disadvantage by sponsoring students in The Smith Family's Learning for Life Program.

The club will celebrate Christmas with dinner and dancing on December 10 at Caloundra Power Boat Club. Inquiries, phone Sue on 0403 504 408.

 

ROTARY CLUBS

Buderim

IF YOU are looking for a sense of purpose, wonderful companionship and fun while contributing to your community, the Rotary Club of Buderim can help you achieve these goals.

The club meets each Friday at the Buderim Tavern function room for a lunchtime meeting, as well as planned social outings and community projects.

Contrary to a common misconception, there is no obligation on members to attend every meeting. Members attend when possible and assist in projects where possible.

The idea of Rotary as a select group of stuffy businessmen in suits is far from the truth.

Your average Rotary club consists of men and women from all walks of life with one major thing in common - they are motivated people who want to make a positive contribution to their community.

Since its formation, the Rotary Club of Buderim's involvement in the local community has been substantial, from instigating the Men's Shed, organising the yearly Buderim Australia Day Parade, helping organise the Buderim Street Party and Carols by Candlelight, constructing shelters in the Buderim Forest Park, providing medical aids to local aged care facilities and the list goes on.

Of course, their prowess at flipping a sausage or two at various fundraising barbecues is widely acclaimed.

Visitors are very welcome to come along to our meetings. Email admin@ rotaryclubofbuderim.com or go to www.rotaryclubof buderim.com.

 

PROBUS

Buderim East

MEMBERS of the Buderim East Probus Club have enjoyed a busy but most enjoyable month.

Dine Out organiser Glenda Greene arranged a great Melbourne Cup Day luncheon at the Driftwood Restaurant, which was well attended and thoroughly enjoyed by all.

She then organised a Coffee 'n' Chat morning at Eats, where members mixed, mingled and enjoyed each other's company in great surroundings.

The November meeting was our club's open day, featuring presentations from all the leaders of our interest groups.

The guest speaker was Jake Koundakjian, who has more than 20 years' experience in asset and portfolio management.

Members now have two important dates in their diaries - the December meeting, which will be replaced by the annual Christmas party, and the January 14 meeting, at which the president and members are inviting retired or semi-retired men with a view of encouraging them to join the club.

Guest speaker is Norm Thursby speaking about the Buderim Men's Shed. The cost is $5 for visitors, includes morning tea.

Info: Club meets at Waterfront Hotel, Diddillibah, on the second Tuesday of each month at 10am, please phone Brian Salter on 0427 286 035.

Tewantin Noosa

OUR club is all about friendship and mental stimulation for retirees. There are weekly outings such as coffee mornings, lunches, dinners and visits to places of interest. Something to please everyone and every budget.

Meetings are held on the fourth Monday of each month at 9.45am at Tewantin Noosa RSL. Visitors are welcome. A donation of $5 covers morning tea.

We do not meet in December so our next meeting will be on Monday, January 20, as the fourth Monday is the Australia Day public holiday.

The guest speaker will be Geoff Salmon, who will show a short film on the manufacture of float glass and explain his involvement with the process.

For further information, please phone Geoff Bailue on 0418 145 034.

 

NAMBOUR MUSEUM

LOOKING for something interesting to do during the school holidays? Located in Mitchell St (near the Coles complex), a visit to the Nambour Museum gives you a chance to talk to your kids about life in the past, explore the locomotive display and so much more.

The museum is open from 1-4pm Wednesdays to Saturdays.

Admission: $5 per adult and school holiday special - children are free if accompanied by a paying adult (otherwise $1 per child).

Call for volunteers

ARE YOU looking for some interesting volunteering work to fill in those retirement days? The Nambour Museum welcomes anyone who can assist with the many jobs required at a museum - history needs to be researched, gardens need weeding, exhibits need dusting, articles need accessioning, rooms need painting, mechanical work needs to be done.

Call in to the museum any afternoon Wednesday to Saturday 1-4pm or phone [phone] to talk to a volunteer.

 

BUDERIM WAR MEMORIAL COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

THERE are several changes at the Foote Sanctuary, including a new memorial to Sgt Eric Foote MM (Military Medal) after whom the area is named.

The volunteers who maintain and enhance the sanctuary with weekly working sessions have constructed a new covered sign, which features Eric's life and military service on one side and background to the establishment and history of the volunteers organisation on the other.

The memorial tells of Eric Foote growing up on the farm, then going off to France as a volunteer in the First Australian Imperial Force in World War I. He was killed in action in September 1916 in a battle on Mouquet Farm near the Somme River, in France, earning his Military Medal for bravery during this action.

The sanctuary picnic and barbecue area have also been upgraded.

 

CHAIR YOGA CLASSES

YOGA at The Avenue Maroochydore is a total mind/body workout for seniors that combines strengthening and stretching poses with deep breathing and meditation. Sessions with instructor Shell provide the benefit of yoga poses from the comfort of a chair to help with balance and anxiety.

On Thursdays at The Avenue Maroochydore retirement community, 32 Baden Powell St, from 9.30am, $5 a class, first session free. All welcome, bring a friend. More information phone [phone].

 

ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT RETIREES

FEDERAL Member for Wide Bay Llew O'Brien and State Member for Ninderry Dan Purdie were the guest speakers at the AIR Noosa Branch's November 14 meeting.

It was a Q&A on issues facing self-funded retirees.

More than a dozen issues were addressed during the meeting, including the future treatment of superannuation, the deeming rate, public transport costs and the Bruce Highway.

Unusual issues covered by the two politicians included organ donation, reducing government red tape, GST rates and daylight savings.

Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack joined us for an informal morning tea at the conclusion of the meeting as he was visiting the Noosa area.

AIR is the peak national not-for-profit organisation representing the views of self-funded retirees to government at federal, state and local levels, while remaining independent of any political party.

The next meeting is on December 5 from 9.45am at South Pacific Resort, 179 Weyba Rd, Noosaville. The guest speakers are Danielle and Andrew from Travel Associates on the topic of helpful hints from insurance to visas to which seats are best.

Cost $6 for members, $25 for non-members. Please reserve your place by phoning 0478 479 049 or email airnoosasecretary@ gmail.com or visit www.facebook.com/AIRNoosa. We welcome visitors.

 

JAZZ AND BLUES COLLECTIVE

THE next event features The Jazz Train from the Tallebudgera region and is on January 12 at the Old Soul Lounge Bar, Maroochydore, from 2pm. Cost is $22 for seniors. For info phone [phone]. For bookings, go to www.ticketebo.com. au/jazz-blues-collective.

 

NOOSA OPEN STUDIOS

WE ARE looking for fresh new Noosa Open Studios committee members. Phone president Trevor Purvis on 0458 038 978 or email president@noosaopen studios.com.au if you have some special skills that could help, even on a part-time basis, make this national event even more famous. We need to fill the following roles - treasurer, social media, artist liaison and event management.

 

COOLUM HEARTS

COME and join in Christmas Day lunch and entertainment at Coolum Beach Civic Centre from 11.30am-2.30pm. Cost is $5 donation. To attend, register by email at [e-mail] or phone [phone] or 0478 646 330.

If you need transport to the lunch, please let us know when you register.

 

CALOUNDRA FAMILY HISTORY RESEARCH

CALOUNDRA Family History group's last meeting for the year had guest speaker Jacquie McLaughlin, a living witness to being a World War II war bride.

Whether you are a beginner or have been researching your escendants for years, there is always something to learn and be amazed by the knowledge of the monthly guest speakers, the group outings to local museums and libraries.

Our rooms are open on Thursdays and Saturdays from 9am-12.30pm for people who want to use our resources (library, computers and on-site expert advice). We welcome new members and visitors. Our details are on www.caloundrafamily history.org.au or email us on hello@caloundrafamily history.org.au or phone Cathy Meyer on 0411 881 745.

 

NOOSA LIBRARY EVENTS

FOR library bookings and inquiries phone [phone] or visit libraries.noosa. qld.gov.au.

Makerspace at Cooroy on Wednesdays, 2-4pm; at Noosa Library on Fridays, 2-4pm.

If you think you'd like to attend one of the Makerspace workshops or perhaps become a member but want to find out more, then come along and check out the space, technology and chat to other members. If you like what you see and decide to become a member, you can register your interest by sending an email to libraryevents@ noosa.qld.gov.au. Free. No bookings required.

Makerspace membership inductions, Noosaville on December 3 from 10am-noon, and at Cooroy on December 5 from 2-4pm.

These induction workshops cover the workplace health and safety requirements of using the spaces, training on how to book the technologies and responsibilities as a Makerspace member. Please note that attendance at this workshop requires a $20 Makerspace membership fee. This will give you independent access to Cooroy and Noosa Makerspaces to use the 3D printers, sewing equipment, digitisation equipment and virtual reality technologies. Your Makerspace Membership will link to your library membership so please bring along your library card or, if you are not already a member, some photo ID and proof of address so that we can create a library membership for you. Cost $20 membership. Bookings required. Ages 16-plus.

Tech Help, Cooroy on Tuesdays, 9-11am, and at Noosaville on Fridays, 9-11am. Have you got tech troubles? Or would you just like to get started? Join our informal tech help sessions. Library staff and volunteers will be on hand to assist you with troubleshooting and to improve your skills and confidence in using technology. BYO device recommended. A limited number of library devices will be available for use during the session. Free. No bookings required.

English Speaking Group, Noosaville, Wednesdays, 1.30-3.30pm. Make new friends and learn to speak Australian. Practice your speaking and listening skills while learning about Aussie culture. Our friendly tutors will help you understand real-life issues and everyday skills. All welcome. During school term. Free. No bookings required.

Family History Friday, Noosaville, second and fourth Friday, 9.30-11.30am. Bring your family history questions, big or small, for advice and suggestions to get you started or to help unravel stubborn mysteries. Free. No bookings required.

Shopping Online, Noosaville on December 5, 1.30-3pm. Interested in online shopping but not sure how to start? This session will show you how to find things to buy online, where to buy from and how to make payments safely over the internet. BYO device.

The Tech Savvy Seniors Queensland program has been funded by Telstra and the Queensland Government through State Library of Queensland and the Department of Communities, Disability Services and Seniors. Free. Bookings required.

Cooroy Rooftop Cinema, Elf, Cooroy Library on December 6, 7-9pm. Rated PG and presented by Starry Nights Outdoor Movies in partnership with Noosa Library Service. For all ages. For more information visit www.starrynights.com.au. Free entry with gold coin donation appreciated. No bookings required.

Book Cafe, Noosaville, on December 9, 9.30-11am. Read any good books lately? If you enjoy sharing your thoughts on your favourites join us at Book Cafe. With fun and informal chats over coffee, tell us about books you've enjoyed - or not. Free. No bookings required.

3D Printing Beginners' Workshop, Noosa on December 10 and Cooroy on December 12, both 10am-noon. Would you like to know more about 3D printing? This hands-on, beginners' workshop will provide you with an overview of the basics of 3D design and printing. You will learn how to design a 3D object using Tinkercad and you will be guided in how to print it out on the 3D printer. Held in the Noosa Makerspace.

3D Design and Printing - The Next Steps, Noosaville on December 17, 10am-noon. Have you attended the 3D Printing Beginners' workshop and you're still keen to learn more? This interactive workshop will further explore the printing element of 3D design. You will learn tips and tricks on improving the quality of your print jobs, solving printing problems, calibrating your printer and changing filament. Held in the Noosaville Makerspace.

The Tech Savvy Seniors Queensland program has been funded by Telstra and the Queensland Government through State Library of Queensland and the Department of Communities, Disability Services and Seniors. Free. Bookings required. Ages 16-plus.

 

FOR SALE

Email your Free 4 sale classified to [e-mail]. Maximum is $500 for advertised sale. One item only per month.

BOOKCASE, open style, 180H,135W,35D, timber. $250 neg. PH 0403643699. Buderim.

HIP HIGH WOOD TV STAND with 3 shelves and side panels for 100 cd's. $35. PH 0754740806 after 5pm. Tewantin.

DINING TABLE AND 6 CHAIRS, VGC. Solid Malaysian hardwood. $250. PH 0423900642. Coolum/Yandina Creek.

Originally published as