Parkbench Ukulele Players moved on from Noosa Marina

The blissful sounds of ukuleles being played at a marina in Noosa will no longer be heard, with management moving on a group of popular musicians. Read why here.

A popular Noosa music group has been moved on by the management of a local marina, drawing a swift reaction from the community.

It comes as the Parkbench Ukulele Players played their final performance at the Noosa Marina on Monday, October 16.

In the past six years, the group played at the Noosa Marina wine bar every Monday from 10.30am to midday, with about 80 members gathering regularly to sing along to a varied mix of songs.

Parkbench Ukulele Players co-founder and convener Terry Nolan said the group had played at the Noosa Marina for years with “no dramas”.

Mr Nolan claims the group was moved on following a commercial decision made by the management of Noosa Marina.

Noosa Marina at Tewantin looking east towards Noosa. Photo: John McCutcheon / Sunshine Coast Daily

“To be honest, we’ve had no difficulty whatsoever for the six-and-a-half years until just recently,” Mr Nolan said.

“At one stage a few weeks ago we turned up on a Wednesday, because we had agreed on that with our hosts at the wine bar instead of a Monday.

“We got there and were told we couldn’t play on the Wednesday, we had to give a fortnight’s notice if we wanted to change days.”

Mr Nolan claims the group then had a noise complaint personally delivered to them.

“The centre management then told us we had to leave due to a commercial decision,” he said.

“Our members are all shocked at this sudden move by marina management and we will miss the weekly contact with the group.”

Parkbench Ukulele Players founders Lin and Terry Nolan. Picture: Supplied

Mr Nolan added that the outpouring of support from the Noosa community for the group has been amazing.

“To be frank, we didn’t realise how bloody popular we are,” he said.

“We had a lot of tourists who come up on the ferry as we play and they just sort of hang around and enjoy themselves, listen to us play.

“The community support since has been overwhelming and heartening. We are now looking for our next venue.”

The Parkbench Ukulele Players. Picture: Supplied

In a statement, a Noosa Council spokesperson advised that council had no involvement in the decision to move the group on.

“Council is in the process of reaching out to the ukulele group to see if we may be able to support them to find a new location where they can continue to share their music with the community,” the spokesperson said.

“It’s council’s understanding that a commercial decision is behind the change, and any questions should be directed to Noosa Marina’s management.”

Noosa Marina management declined to comment when contacted by The Sunshine Coast Daily.

Originally published as Parkbench Ukulele Players moved on from Noosa Marina