Buderim Views and Niews

Buderim Resident Rocks Crowds

2010-01-10T16:49:00.000-08:00

BUDERIM RESIDENT ROCKS THE CROWDS AT MTV PLUGS INTO DREAMWORLD SHOW

Buderim’s Mitchell Daymond, might have been at Dreamworld for the Big 6 thrill rides including The Cyclone Rollercoaster, but the holiday took a series of twists and turns when he was plucked from a 1000 strong audience to become the very first contestant in the theme park’s live Summer Show, MTV Plugs into Dreamworld.

Vying against one other contender, Katrina Kritikakis, 24, was quizzed on his/her rock knowledge, pushed around the Dreamworld studios in a shopping trolley while wearing a massive sumo suit, and trussed up in a gold-coloured leotard to dance to Beyonce’s hit song, Single Lady.

The contestants were neck and neck for the first round but Mitchell’s lightning fast moves in a sumo suit and super-fly dance moves had the crowd cheering him to victory.

Said Mitchell, “Being on stage was really good and to be on there with Erin McNaught was awesome, she’s really pretty.”

“I’ve got definite bragging rights with my friends now,” he added.

For four weeks this summer, MTV will plug into Dreamworld with an explosive and entertaining live show called MTV Plugs Into Dreamworld – Summer Series.

Part stunt show, part game show, full of pumped up music and always focused on fun, the 30 minute high-powered shows take the coolest elements off the MTV channel and into a live audience with extreme bike stunts by legendary mini-moto cross champion Mark “Brownie” Brown and breathtaking dancing from some of the stars of So You Think You Can Dance.

Tying it all together on the stage with tunes that define MTV’s most memorable moments is resident DJ of MTV’s “The Lair”, the diminutive Fly Girl Tee. She is supported by a series of celebrity guest hosts including stuntman Robbie Maddison, pro-skater Corbin Harris, former Miss Australia Erin McNaught and hip hop dancer, Nacho Pop.

Held three times a day in the Dreamworld studios, MTV Plugs Into Dreamworld – Summer Series will run from December 26, 2009 through to January 22, 2010.

Eumundi is now much sweeter

2010-01-03T22:10:00.000-08:00

Sweet Yummy Chocolate Treats!!!

Louisa and her Cocoa Chocolat® brand of chocolates and truffles is a recipe for success made in the heart of Eumundi.

Her journey in the world of chocolate first started with her Dutch mother who years ago was a Chocolatiere in Holland. Although Louisa first started helping her mother at a tender age of around 7 or 8 as little girls do, Louisa developed a love for chocolate and over the years Louisa always made chocolates at Christmas time and gave them out as presents to family and friends and never lost her passionate dream of one day owning her very own chocolate shop. Louisa has worked and gained valuable knowledge working in both Holland and Belgium under two Master Chocolatiers.

Her second love was travel, so she worked as a stewardess for British Airways for 10 years traveling to most of their destinations around the world, always making chocolates at every spare moment and constantly dreaming of her chocolate shop and on one lucky day, she met in Muscat located in the Sultanate of Oman a businessman called Malcolm who was on a business trip. This meeting was something so special they both knew they were meant for one another, so Malcolm very quickly clipped Louisa’s wings. They married three years later and moved shortly thereafter to America when by chance at a dinner party, Louisa served a few of her handmade chocolates and truffles which was the start of a small chocolate business.

However, as the years went by Louisa wanted to be close to her brother who had been living in Queensland for a number of years, so a major decision was made to relocate to Australia. Louisa was still fully focused on her goal of owning her chocolate shop but not knowing Malcolm being a businessman, he also had other ideas to start a small chocolate factory and within a few months of arriving in Australia they were both busy looking for the right location. That’s when they found out the Eumundi Hardware & Produce Store was up for sale so they made an offer which was accepted. The building could not have been a better choice located in the cute little market town of Eumundi, full of friendly people, who are extremely supportive and somewhat proud of their chocolate factory, not forgetting that little saying, from little acorns do mighty oaks grow, so watch this space!

So to the present, walking into Cocoa Chocolat® for the very first time is an experience definitely not to be missed as it’s a delight for ones eyes. While trying to make the impossible decision on what chocolate goodies to choose, you can watch a DVD on the processing of cocoa beans, which are cultivated in a Fair Trade environment and turned into chocolate. You can also observe from the viewing window as Louisa creates exquisite delights in front of your eyes, all in a huge environmentally friendly state-of-the-art purpose built climate controlled boutique factory with gleaming stainless steel machinery.

In Louisa’s collection of both modern and traditional chocolates and truffles are her most treasured recipes found amongst her late mother’s papers and translated from the original Dutch. Louisa only uses the finest grade of Belgian couverture chocolate, she creates the most wonderful chocolates and truffles which taste so delicious one is definitely not enough, there is something for everyone from chocolate green frogs, lollipops, teddy bears, to delicious giant chocolate truffles and the lovely gift packaging is outstanding. The fun is finding your very own special treat, these delicious chocolates and truffles will have you coming back for more, you will not be disappointed and that’s a fact.

Louisa only uses the very best of selected ingredients from around the globe such as King Island cream, butter and honey being her preferred choice not forgetting their very own locally grown Queensland macadamia nuts, Buderim ginger, plus wonderful locally grown Eumundi strawberries and exotic fruits. Louisa achieves a level of excellence with unsurpassed flavours captured in every piece. This is what Cocoa Chocolat® is all about, pure quality and an indulgence not to be missed. Cocoa Chocolat® will ship their chocolates anywhere in Australia guaranteed next day air starting from as little as $8.00.

Cocoa Chocolat® has just been awarded the national award for Small Business Champion 2009/2010.

T: (07) 5442 7841
E: cocoachocolat@bigpond.com
W: www.cocoachocolat.com.au

Now open 7 days per week at Eumundi: Mon to Fri 8am - 5pm, Sat 8am-4pm and Sun 10am to 2pm.
Now open 7 days per week at Hastings Street, Noosa: Mon to Fri 11am - 9pm and Sat 10am-9pm & Sun 10am to 8pm.

National Winner - Small Business Champion Awards 2009
Winner - Sunshine Coast Excellence in Business Awards 2009
Queensland State Winner - Small Business Champion Awards 2009
Winner - Eumundi Best New Business Awards 2009

Kids and the Dog Park

2009-12-07T14:58:00.000-08:00

The Buderim Dog Park is a brilliant facility at the base of Buderim on the road to Mooloolaba.

One reader has contacted the Buderim Web Site with a valid concern over the use of the park. The answer (Rebecca feels) is to put a sign up to protet dog owners, saying the use of the park is at your own risk and that children should be kept away from strange dogs for their own safety.

Perhaps a sign which says "Children should be kept on a leash in this park" is in order ;-) (ed).

Here is her letter, what do you think?

I am a resident of Buderim who regularly uses the wonderful park with my pups along with the many others that love the park.

On a few occassions lately i have been concerned with small (very small) children in the park. I have no issue with children in the park, (as long as their parents supervise them) its great to see them as future dog lovers, but the occassions that have upset me are with tiny kids of crawling age placed on the ground and kids on the ground using the sand as a sand pit. Sometimes groups of 15 dogs are running and it is very scary as they can knock an adult over.

Last week a boisterious group of ususals (german sheppard, 3 staffies and a boxer) were playing and a family was there with a tiny baby of crawling age and had her on the ground. I said to them before i let my dogs go that i wouldnt leave her there as they all play very rough. 'thats ok, she is used to dogs' they owned two very small dogs. I told them that whilst my pups are small they are strong and can knock a little kid over.
Sure enough the group of dogs were running like crazy ( adults need to look out too!!) and the baby was left to crawl on the grass and then had one of my pups jump over her then all over her. Whilst its all friendly, i dont have kids, so my dogs dont know how to be extra gentle. Its just another person to play with to them. The baby didnt have a care in the world but the mother was very angry and kept kicking any dog that come near the table after that, including my 7 month old pup several times. zmy dogs dont speak english and dont understand ranting and raving but do understand commands which are nicer then being kicked at.

Whilst i feel bad that my pup jumps on kids, im doing my best to avoid it and teach better manners, but the dog park is one place where you can go where you know there are other dog lovers who understand dogs and are all there for the same reason and dont mind if you get a little dirt on you.
It has been a great and essential socialising tool for my boys and they love it. Now i feel on tenderhooks each time i go. This same incident happened to a friend of mine who owns a staffy x daschound and the child cried this time and she felt obliged to take her dog and leave the park.

Whilst everyone is welcome in a community park, some responsibility needs to be taken and it needs to be noted that it is a dog park, not a playground. And there are hardly any places where we cna let our dogs run like this.
As we all know you should never leave your own child unattended with your own dog, let along a pack of strange dogs. Also i imagine the ground in that park is not a very hygenic area for kids to play in the dirt let alone crawl in it.

A few other i have spoken to have had issues with kids chasing thier dogs or screaming which puts owners on edge (especially those with new dogs or who dont have children)

Im worried it is an accident waiting to happen and maybe some sort of signage would protect and make us responsible dog owners more at ease when visiting this great place.

Monetary trolley deposits at Woolies on Buderim

2009-10-10T18:47:00.000-07:00

In an effort to tame the wandering trolley, Woolworths on Buderim has implemented a new system, whereby you must wedge a dollar coin into the trolley to release it from the bay. The dollar is retrieved when you return the trolley to the bay. alternatively you have to locate another trolley and jam it into that one in order to retrieve the coin.

This system is not unique to Buderim but is certainly causing a great deal of consternation to shoppers. Those most vocal and distraught are the elderly members of the community, but the nuiscance value is not exclusive to that particular age group. What happens if you do not have a dollar or two dollar coin? Well you have to stand like a goose at the front counter till you can attract the attention of an assisstant to change a note. If you (like me) do not carry money and rely on cards, then you are a shot duck!

Here is an email which is typical of those received at the Buderim Web Site from people voicing their displeasure.

textarea: I want to register our strong displeasure and objection to (Buderim) Woolworths new system of requiring a monetary deposit on the use of their trolleys. We find this a ridiculous imposition and are determined to use stores that do not require this. As Woolworths was one of our main reasons for shopping at Buderim, this in effect, means that we will be doing ALL our shopping elsewhere
(name and phone number supplied)

What do Buderim woolworths hope to achieve?
Clearly they want to reduce the number of trolleys which are carted up to the caravan park or left abandoned at the curb by thoughtless shoppers who just don't want to organise a better way of taking their groceries home. Plus reduce the operating costs by laying off staff where they can.

Will this be the answer to peope removing trolleys form the carpark?
At the risk of giving ignorant people a clue, all they have to do is spend a dollar and take a trolley home, then they can start their own collection (which is what they must be doing anyway) which can be dumped at their leisure!

Alternatively, the more clever of them may design and make a device to simulate the removal key and get the money out anyway. They could even make one from an old trolley!

Will this be helpful for the shoppers?
Hardly! If there is no trolley in the carpark, they have to push it back to the shop for a refund. If you do not carry cash you greatly inconvenienced.

So what will be the net results from this social experiment?
It does not take a Nostradamus to see the most likely outcomes.
At this stage the shoppers are irate, the trolley boys are out of a job, the small number of trolleys taken away will probably still be taken away by the diehards, the mischief removals may be reduced - but may be increased by kids wanting to try and rip out the coins.

I can't help but to wonder if a smarter way of dealing with this would be to factor a two tenths of a cent levy on a staple such as milk, which nobody would even notice . . . which could be used to fund a trolley boy's wage or something more friendly for the customer.

I am sure they would argue "We are trying to reduce costs . . . " Well here's a clue guys! Shopping is not just about the price!

This is a heartless dehumanisation of the Woolworths on Buderim Shopping Experience and quite frankly will only result in a denegration of the attitude and morale of both employees and the people of Buderim. Let's hope they wake up sooner rather than later.

Sadly, they didn't listen to the people of Buderim when they set up that traffic congesting, eyesore of a shopping centre, obscuring some of the best Coastal views in the Buderim Village . . . why would they bother now?

Like to comment? add one to this blog now?

The Sculptured Garden exhibition

2009-08-11T02:27:00.001-07:00

Dates: Saturday 5th September 2009 to Sunday 13th September 2009 (weekends only)

Location: Atrium Gallery, Buderim Craft Cottage

The Potters and Clay Sculptors of Buderim Craft Cottage present "The Sculptured Garden", their annual exhibition of studio-made sculpture and pottery for homes and gardens. The exhibition showcases the best of recent work by the 40+plus members of the Group. Some 150 pieces will be included in the exhibition. Each piece is unique, being hand-formed or wheel -thrown and kiln-fired in the studio by the artist. Much of the work in the exhibition is designed for gardens and courtyards, but there will also be a number of sculptural and functional pieces for display and use indoors, including feature pieces for walls

The photographs are from the 2008 exhibition The Sculptured Garden exhibition Atrium Gallery, Buderim Craft Cottage, 5 Main St Buderim Free Entry Sat 5th, Sun 6th, Sat 12th, Sunday 13th only. 9am - 4pm each day. All work is for sale, and credit card facilities are available

For further information, contact Jan: 07-54452343 or email nelsonmj@tpg.com.au

The 14th annual Voices on the Coast

2009-06-29T15:55:00.000-07:00

The 14th annual Voices on the Coast – Youth Literature Festival is on again from the 14 July to the 18 July with over 130 talks and writing workshops for young people and adults. This year the festival focuses on the illustration process with Shaun Tan, Leigh Hobs, Nick Bland, silk screen artist Michelle Toft and local Buderim illustrator Michelle Pike. Also attending the festival are leading Australian authors, poets and performers including Morris Gleitzman, Maureen McCarthy and Pat Flynn. Someone for everyone, from young children to young adults to the young at heart.

The Voices Plus program features a ‘Blokes and Books’ evening with Australian sportsmen and authors discussing the good, the bad and the ugly about reading and young men. Also featuring is Paul Collins with a 2 hour fantasy world writing workshop along with Melbourne based author, Ilsa Evans, appearing at the literary breakfast. You may also be interested in our ever popular free visits to local libraries by authors Hilary Badger (close associate to the elusive Zac Power author), Peter Carnavas, and poet David (Ghostboy) Stavanger.

Voices on the Coast continues to be proudly co-presented by Immanuel Lutheran College and the University of the Sunshine Coast.

For more information and ticket sales visit www.immanuel.qld.edu.au/voices or 5477 3437

Voices on the Coast

2009-06-22T16:15:00.001-07:00

Over 130 Writing workshops for young people and adults. 25 Authors, Illustrators and Poets from across Australia - Festival Launch, Literary Breakfast with Ilsa Evans and Fantasy Writing Workshop with Paul Collins, Maroochydore Library.Festival is presented by Immanuel Lutheran College and University of the Sunshine Coast on the 14th to 18th July.. More information and tickets from www.immanuel.qld.edu.au/voices 54773437

Big Bash This Weekend!

2009-06-15T01:24:00.000-07:00

Craft Cottage will feature in the Buderim Big Bash

While you are enjoying the Q150 Big Buderim Bash, make sure you wander over to the Buderim Craft Cottage and add that Queensland flavour to your morning or afternoon tea. Sink your teeth into some pumpkin scones or lamingtons, swill a little pumpkin soup, have a chomp on a couple of ginger and macadamia cookies, not to mention gingerbread pineapple and banana shapes. Of course there will be sandwiches and Q cupcakes, and make sure you ask for a slosh of pineapple juice. Sounds like a bit of a ripper, fair dinkum way to quell the rumblings!

But wait there’s more … while you are there, have a wander through the Craft Cottage and have a peek at the groups demonstrating their crafts. Maybe even pick up a piece of quality work from the weekend long sale. Art and eats are available from 9am right through until 4pm, Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 at the Buderim Craft Cottage located between the Memorial Hall and St Mark’s Anglican Church – right opposite Buderim State School.

Any enquiries to Elizabeth 5445 4334

2009-06-15T01:17:00.000-07:00

Flinders’ “A-Chord” concert events to help Sydney’s Street Choir

A passion for music and a desire to support the community’s disadvantaged are at the very heart of special concert events involving Matthew Flinders Anglican College students during their Sydney Music Tour this month.
The two concerts, celebrating the concordance of musical diversity and community, will be held in Sydney’s City Recital Hall, Angel Place on Friday, June 26.
Hosted by Matthew Flinders Anglican College, the “A-Chord” concerts will showcase the talents of three very different groups.
Bringing their talents to the stage will be the inspiring Sydney Street Choir, the versatile University of Newcastle Choir and more than 100 students from Flinders performing in the choir, band and string orchestra.
These community concerts have been organised as part of Flinders’ 20th anniversary celebrations.
A Pre-Tour Music Concert will be held this Friday, June 5 at the Matthew Flinders Anglican College Sports Centre from 7pm.
For information email Flinders music event co-ordinator Kay Jackson at flindersmusic@mfac.edu.au or telephone 5477 3258.

Good Lovin' to the Coast

2009-06-15T01:12:00.001-07:00

David Campbell brings Good Lovin' to the Coast

Matthew Flinders Anglican College will celebrate its 20 year anniversary with a New Orleans Gala Concert starring David Campbell on July 25.

Whether on stage, in the recording studio, on the red carpet or on radio, David’s infectious personality, wit and humour sets him apart as one of Australia’s most popular personalities.

David Campbell started as an actor, appearing on the stage in both New York and London after winning accolades in local Australian productions.

The New York Times called him “a natural entertainer who oozes star quality” and the Village Voice described him as “the best male singer in years”.

After years on the New York stage he returned to Australia in 1999 to take the lead of Johnny O’Keefe in the record-breaking rock ’n’ roll musical Shout to great appraise!

He has also starred in Channel 7’s hit television production Dancing with the Stars and hosted Sydney’s No 1 night radio show Arse About Countdown.

But his passion for music came to the fore again in 2006 with the birth of a swing and jazz combo in Kings Cross, Sydney.

The Swing Sessions was picked up by Sony, and almost immediately entered the Top 10 with platinum sales. The Swing Sessions 2, recorded a year later, was received with the same acclaim.

In the winter of 2008 with two top 10, multi platinum albums under his belt, Campbell turned his attention to blue-eyed soul from the 1960s for his newly released album Good Lovin’.

“With this record we’re trying to evoke that mythological period of the ’60s where it all came together and the world started to get funky and groovy. You could still wear suits but you are Michael Caine. All that stuff was really strong references for us,” David said. “That sound is almost semi symphonic pop rock. I find that really exciting and it’s great because there’s this epic scope in it but it’s really tight and really dancy.”

The album includes an eclectic collection of classics by such greats as the Young Rascals, the Righteous Brothers, the Spencer David Group, Van Morrison, Aaron Neville and Blood Sweat & Tears, not to mention Georgie Fame and the King - Elvis Presley.

Good Lovin’ has the up-tempo, positive sense of unlimited possibilities that typified the ’60s. It was the era of the space race, free love, James Bond and blue-eyed soul, and Good Lovin’ encourages us to party as if it’s 1968.

And let's face it, what we all need right now is a Good Lovin’ party.

Campbell will be bringing his up-beat enthusiasm to the Sunshine Coast in July for the New Orleans Gala Concert at the Matthew Flinders Anglican College Sports Centre.

Flinders music students will also have the opportunity to workshop with David Campbell in the lead-up to the concert event, and will perform with him on the night.

In keeping with the intimate New Orleans Soul Club theme, guests are encouraged to bring their friends and make up a table. A club bar will be operating and the evening is supported by Mooloolaba-based Murphy Builders Qld.

For more information or to book for this great night of entertainment, telephone 5477 3200. Tickets are $65 per head.

Released by: Debbie Southern, Registrar, Matthew Flinders Anglican College

P: 5477 3260; E: dsouthern@mfac.edu.au

Queensland Kaleidoscope

2009-06-01T01:12:00.000-07:00

As part of Q150 celebrations this year, Stella Maris Catholic Primary School are proud to present a "Queensland Kaleidoscope".

Saturday 20 June
Maroochy Baptist Church Wises Road North Buderim
TWO sessions - 2pm & 7pm
(this presentation will be 1 hour and 20 minutes in length and there will NOT be an interval)

A Queensland Kaleidoscope will present a ‘living history’ of Queensland from the aboriginal beginnings and through major historical events. Through instrumental music, song, art, dance and drama, students will tell this incredible story of who we are as Queenslanders from many walks of life. All students from prep to year 7 will have the opportunity to be involved in this production either by appearing on stage or by preparing props, artwork and costumes. It is hoped extended families from across the Sunshine Coast will embrace this production to hear, visualize and understand what being a Queenslander truly means. Many local composers and artists have collaborated on this presentation which will be unique. There will be many events presented this year across Queensland to celebrate Q150, but very few will be seen through the eyes of our youth and especially primary aged students. Our future leaders have fresh new perspectives on our history and they deserve to be heard. We hope to see you on Saturday 20 June.

Ticket Prices:

Adults - $10

Children - $5

Families - $25 (2 adults and 2 children)

Tickets for this event can be purchased by:- Phoning Stella Maris School on 5409 8900

Fax the ticket order form to 5409 8999 (credit card only)

In person at the school office in Mckenzie Drive Maroochydore from Monday 8 June

All tickets will be posted out once a booking and payment has been received.

Major support for this project is from the Queensland Governments Q150 fund for community organisations to assist in ensuring a huge 150th birthday for Queensland.

BIG BASH - BE THERE!

2009-05-31T18:16:00.000-07:00

Buderim's Big Bash is our town's huge Q150 Celebration, which promises to be a huge weekend of fun and interesting activities.

Come out to the six venues along Buderim's Main Street and discover exactly what is available for you in your community.

Enjoy Music/Concerts, Theatre, Craft, Food and heaps more from special interest and community groups of Buderim.

Admission to everything is FREE!

Read more about the locations and activities at http://www.buderim.com/bigbash

Morning Tea on Buderim

2009-05-24T17:53:00.000-07:00

Have a cuppa and some fun at a morning tea function.
All in aid of the Cancer Council.

BOOKS OF BUDERIM
Shop 1, 82 Burnett St, Buderim
is hosting . . .
AUSTRALIA’S BIGGEST MORNING TEA
10-12am on Thurs, 28th May
to raise funds for the Cancer Council.
Come and join us in our pleasant courtyard for a cuppa and a chat
while contributing to a worthy cause.

Join MIDWEEK LADIES TENNIS

2009-04-27T00:25:00.000-07:00

Sunshine Coast Ladies Midweek Tennis Association has been actively organising midweek tennis for ladies on the Coast for over 40 years. Midweek ladies tennis is a vibrant competition with upwards of 36 teams across the Sunshine Coast.
We currently have 5 divisions and a diverse range of standards from Div 5 up to Div 1. The Autumn Season is underway with finals due to commence in June.
We are seeking new players to join our association for fun and fitness. There are many teams in need of extra members and we have room for new teams within the divisions. If you would like to get a group of girls together to form a new team or put your name down as a reserve for an existing division, please contact us.
The Spring Season commences in July, team entries must be in by 15th June. See our website www.tennis.com.au/sunshineladies, call our Secretary, Kristen ph 5445 5076 or email moretonview@bigpond.com. We would love to hear from you!

Mr. Body Language

2009-03-30T00:42:00.000-07:00

Rare opportunity to see Local Buderim Identitiy Allan Pease (Mr. Body Language).

Allan will be the keynote speaker at April's Business Swap Breakfast meeting on the 20th of April at the Caloundra RSL Function Centre.

For more information go to Event Link: http://www.stickytickets.com.au/1504/Allan_Pease_for_Sunshine_Coast_Business_Swap.aspx

Guests are welcome.

More information, Call Cheryl on 0427 008 180

Buderim Girl leaves 'em in her wake!

2009-03-29T16:36:00.000-07:00

Local Buderim girl Leila Barnesly has done the region proud by taking out First place in her division at the State Wakeboarding Titles and coming second at the National level!

That's a huge accomplishment for a pint-sized lass, who is only nine years old!

Leila has placed 2nd in the country at the 2009 Ocean & Earth Australian Wakeboard National Championships held on the mighty Murray River in Renmark, South Australia.

The Wakeboard Nationals provides competition for young and old. Age groups range from Under 9’s to veteran divisions.

Over 90 people from every State in Australia competed in the preliminary rounds held throughout the week, with the finals taking place on the weekend.

Leila threw down her run comprising of half-cabs, 180’s, wake to wake jumps, and a selection of grabs including indy, nose, tail and stalefish.
“I’m so happy with my result. I showed the judges all the tricks I know and I couldn’t have done anything else to improve my result”.

The winner of the Under 9 Girls division was reigning champ, Chloe Mills from Victoria.

World Champion riders such as Josh Sanders, Amber Wing and Harley Clifford participated in the event, wowing the crowd with their impressive tricks.

This Buderim youngster was selected as one of eight riders to be part of the Queensland Team to compete for the State Trophy, which is a rival contest between the States. The Queensland riders claimed the trophy.

Last month Leila competed in the Queensland State Titles in Townsville, achieving first place in her division. She has been placed in the Top 2 three times at a State level, and Top 4 twice at a National level.

Leila will continue to work hard to achieve great heights in this fast growing sport!

Book Easter fair

2009-03-19T22:48:00.000-07:00

The Buderim Library is holding their Annual Easter Book Market.
When? Saturday 11th April from 8am to 3pm
Where? Upstair at the Memorial Hall in Main Street Buderim.
Tons of bargains and treasures to be discovered - Great prices - Come along and browse through the huge section of old books and magazines on offer.
This is one great event you do not want to miss!

Townsville Residents Reunion

2009-01-20T23:42:00.000-08:00

Have you lived or worked in Townsville in the past?
We have lived in the Buderim – Sunshine coast area for nearly 3 years and are always coming across other locals that have relocated from Townsville in the last 10 – 20 years or so.

Whether you were born, worked, went to Uni, had a business, children were born in the area, we would love to catch up and have a “Townsville Past Residents get together”.

My husband was born in Townsville and I spend 26 years there, we have run into teachers, accountants, doctors and professional people, business people who had and still have business interests in the Townsville area.
It would be nice to get together for a meet and greet, location and date to be advised. We are needing to Guage response and participation.

Please drop me a line if this might be of interest to you, your friends and relatives etc.
Louisa and Jeff Charles. Send email to townsvillereunion@buderim.com

JOB PREPARATION PROGRAM

2008-11-30T23:03:00.000-08:00

WANT HELP FINDING A JOB?
WANT COMPUTER SKILLS?
WANT TO CHANGE FROM PART TIME TO FULL TIME WORK?
JPP is an action packed ten week program for people from non-English speaking backgrounds and/or the long term unemployed designed to give you the confidence, the skills and the know how to get that job in the Australian workforce!
The course covers QUEST College Accredited Computer Skills, Career Planning, Personal Development, Job Search Skills plus much more!
Course is FREE to eligible participants and is on 3 days a week at the Maroochy Neighbourhood Centre Call 5443 6696 for more information.

RSPCA rewards hero dog!

2008-11-13T16:09:00.000-08:00

RSPCA Qld will this week recognise the bravery of a dog who saved three and a half year old Drew Gralike from a massive brown snake on a property near Eumundi. Diesel will be presented with a special Animal Achievement Award at 10 am this Friday, November 14th.

Stan Gralike, Drew’s grandfather was pushing him on a swing when the snake reared up in preparation to strike. Diesel, a blue cattle dog cross leapt to his defence and was bitten in the process.

“If it wasn’t for Diesel, Drew would be dead. There’s no doubt about that,” said Mr Gralike. “It was a massive snake and we were a long way from the house and a phone.”

Diesel spent two days in “intensive care” at the vet’s and received several doses of anti-venin.

The last RSPCA Qld Animal Achievement Award was presented to Jesse, a small dachshund who rescued his fourteen year old female owner from a male assailant.

Apart from a commemorative plaque for Diesel’s owners, Diesel himself will receive some treats more in line with his status as a hero canine!

Chelsea wins Gymkhana!

2008-10-26T16:08:00.000-07:00

Congratulations go to Chelsea Davies, the winner of Highest Points Kunda Park Rider over 9 years. The Kunda Park Gymkhana, held on 19th October 2008 was a great contest with classy performances on horseback, the order of the day.

The photo below show Chelsea with President of the Kunda Park Pony Club, Olive Guy. The larger trophy is the perpetual trophy, Chelsea is holding her keepsake.

Christmas Fair - yep it's nearly Chrissy!

2008-10-15T01:04:00.000-07:00

Buderim Craft Cottage’s
Christmas Fair is coming up again
Saturday 29 November 8.00am to 4.00pm
Sunday 30 November 9.00am to 3.00pm

Two whole days to get in and fill up the present cupboard ready for Christmas.
Each of the talented 13 groups have been working hard to ensure there will be a huge array
of gorgeous goodies for sale.

There will also be refreshments, plants and produce for sale.
The cottage is located opposite the Buderim Primary School, set back from the road between the Memorial Hall and St Mark’s Church.
Further details please contact 5442 1207
e-mail pammra@keypoint.com.au

Gymkhana - Kunda Park Ponies!

2008-10-15T00:45:00.000-07:00

Gymkhana

Come along for the fun and competition!

19th October 2008
Venue: Kunda Park Pony Club Grounds
2 Robert Street Kunda Park
Start Time: March Past 9:00am Nominations: $15.00 per rider

Canteen open from 7:30am for breakfast!
Enquiries: Olive Guy (07) 5445 1315 Jacqui Pool 0412 369751

Ribbons to 6th place Highest Points Trophies to 4th

Special trophies
- Highest points Kunda Park Rider Under 9
- Highest points Visiting Rider Under 9
- Highest points Kunda Park Rider 9 & Over
- Highest points Visiting Rider 9 & Over
- Tina Whitbread Memorial trophy – Style over jumps
- Champion Rider of the day
- Rug from Sandale Saddlery

Spring Festival of Classical Music

2008-10-01T18:46:00.000-07:00

Purcell - Vivaldi - Bach - Handel - Haydn - Mozart - Paganini - Saint Saens - Mussorgsky - Tchaikovsky - Massenet - Gypsy Airs and Waltzing Matilda

Presented by Mueller International Chamber Orchestra and master of Paganini Violinist Attilla Sautov.

Musicians:

Sam Nester - UK

Jasmine Jin - Korea

Zohara Rotem - Israel

Liam Webb - Finland

Alena Bogdan - Belarus

Frances Hyn - Indonesia

Tristane Selke - Germany

Eddy Whiting - Australia

Renat Yusupov - Uzbekistan
Nicholas Kaye-Smith - Sri Lanka

Chantelle Hope - Hodgets - Greece

Sunday 19 October 2008 at 3pm

St Mark's Anglican Church Main Street Buderim

Tickets available 1 hour before the concert from 2pm or for booking call 0424 780 389

Adults $30, Concessions and Students $20. Children under 12 free

Visite our website: www.attillasautov.com

Dementia Awareness Expo

2008-08-28T18:35:00.000-07:00

The Dementia Awareness Expo hosted by Reflections Support Services will start at 10am Friday 19th September at 8 Boxwood Ave Kuluin. The program features experts in Geriatrics, community health, financial & legal advice, continence management & road safety for senior's .Light refreshments & lunch will be available at a small cost. Transport upon request. Free admission Contact Reflections Support Services for further details.

Read the flier for more details!

Hey Kids! TAKE A BREAK FROM THE XBOX

2008-08-24T21:13:00.000-07:00

Most Aussie kids probably love watching cricket superstars like Matty Hayden or Andrew Symonds smashing the ball all over the Gabba to win games for Australia each summer.

But guys like Hayden and Symonds were once youngsters themselves, playing for their club side and dreaming of one day wearing the Australian baggy green cap.

Nambour Cricket Club is now looking for junior players for the coming season - but they don't have to be the next Hayden or Symonds. For any kids who love to swing a bat or bowl a ball in the back yard with their mums and dads or brothers and sisters (the great Aussie tradition), there is plenty of fun to be had at Nambour Cricket Club.

At Nambour, the focus is firmly on fun and participation. The club is not worried about the kids bringing home premierships, but wants them to learn discipline and teamwork, keep fit, make lots of friends, and have a heap of fun at the same time.

The club is based at Nambour Showgrounds, and has experienced junior coaches who work with the kids one afternoon a week at training, and each weekend at games.

Pre-season training starts on Monday 1 September, with games starting in early October. There are currently positions open in all junior teams, but particularly in the under 10 and under 11 age groups.

To sign up for an inexpensive summer of great fun, or for any further enquiries, call John Francis on 0407587760 or email him at lennyf12@optusnet.com.au

LIVE THEATRE IN FULL BLOOM!

2008-07-30T16:26:00.000-07:00

That is the way organisers describe the annual Sunshine Coast Theatre Festival coming up in Buderim in August.

Now in its 28th year, the word has spread throughout Queensland with over 30 budding entries from Rockhampton, Ipswich, Brisbane, Strathpine and Caboolture taking on our local theatre groups. The Festival welcomes guest adjudicator Rebecca Frith to the event this year. Rebecca is probably best known for her role in the Cannes Film Festival, Camera D’or winning, LOVE SERENADE for which she won the New York Beaux Arts Society, Da Vinci Award for Best Actress in a Debut Performance. She has also graced our television screens over the years, having appeared in MDA, Secret Bridesmaids Business, Water Rats and A Country Practice, to name a few.

The Sunshine Coast Theatre Festival offers an opportunity for writers, directors and actors to perform new plays, which are often a platform for cutting edge theatre.

The festival commences Thursday night at 8pm and continues all weekend, with sessions on Friday night, all day Saturday and all day again on Sunday at the Buderim War Memorial Hall, Cnr Main and Gloucester Roads, Buderim.

Tickets:Weekend Pass - $30; Session Pass - $12; Family Pass - $20; Child Session - $5

A detailed program with session times is online, at the FESTIVAL page at http://www.livetheatre.com.au/, or phone 5449 9972 during office hours.
Sunshine Coast Theatre Festival…. bloomin’ marvelous! just like a short film festival, only live!

Live Theatre Fund Raiser

2008-07-21T16:20:00.000-07:00

Enjoy an evening of Live Theatre with all proceeds going to the Motor Neurone Disease Assoc QLD Sunshine Coast Support Group.
Join us at the Buderim War Memorial Hall, cnr of Main Street and Gloucester Road, Buderim, as we present 3 x award winning one-act plays performed by local award winning actors.

Two evening performances on Friday 15th and Saturday 16th August with pre-show glass of champagne and nibbles included, be there at 6.45pm for 7.30.

Matinee on Sunday 17th August (no pre show champagne and nibbles) at 2pm.
Evening performances $20 and matinee $15 .
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL - Susie; 54527881

Pioneer Cottage Grand ReOpening Celebrations

2008-07-17T18:23:00.000-07:00

The Pioneer Cottage is a heritage listed piece of Sunshine Coast history, right here in Buderim. Originally the home of the Burnett family in the 1800's, the home is in the care of the Buderim War Memorial Community Association (BWMCA) and maintained by volunteers as a museum.

After a lot of hard work by the Buderim Historical Society Inc. Volunteers the Grand Re-0pening of the Buderim Pioneer Cottage is being held on Saturday 2nd August from 1p.m. to 4p.m.

Come along and view the restorations and improvements at the formal reopening ceremony! Sing Australia will be providing entertainment from 1.30p.m. to 2p.m. Mr. John McMahon, President of the BWMCA, will be doing the official re-opening.

There will be lace making demonstration throughout the afternoon by members of the Lacemakers Guild. This is a pastime which would certainly have kept the ladies of that era busy!

Afternoon tea and viewing for $5.00 per head and Children under 12 are free.

Read more about the Pioneer Cottage at their web page on the Buderim Web Site!

Buderim Community Bank - What it is all about!

2008-06-11T00:10:00.000-07:00

BUDERIM COMMUNITY BANK ®

We need your help to make it a reality!!

Plans are in place to establish a Community Bank ® in Buderim that will be owned by Buderim shareholders, for the benefit of all residents, with a majority of the profits going directly back into the Community, covering a wide range of concerns and interest.

A Steering Committee has been established to drive the process, and as such is seeking pledges that would indicate a willingness to take up shares at some time in the future, as this process passes through the necessary legal and regulatory steps.

The Buderim Community Bank ®, once established, will be a normal trading bank, established on the Bendigo Bank Model, which has successfully created over 200 such banks around Australia in the last 10 years.

The Steering Committee is asking interested people, organizations, and groups who either live in, or are connected to the Buderim area (postcode 4556) to consider pledging to this very worthy cause. It is hoped that 300 pledges will be received, amounting to at least $600,000, to allow the process to move to the next stage, which is a feasibility study. (This is the anticipated amount required to establish the bank, and cover the associated costs until such time as the branch becomes profitable, however as many shareholders as possible are required).

Once the feasibility study confirms that the Bank would be a viable business, a prospectus will be issued. It is at this stage that pledgees would have the opportunity to convert their pledge to shares in this exciting new venture.

Pledges from $500 to $10,000 are being sought, to allow as many people as possible to become shareholders in the newly created Buderim Community Bank ®

MOST IMPORTANTLY – the profits from the bank will be shared by the Buderim Community and the shareholders of the newly formed company. A majority of the profits will be distributed in the form of sponsorships, charitable endeavours and special community projects.

More information (and pledge forms) is available on

www.thebuderimbank.com or by e-mailing info@thebuderimbank.com. John Burgess and Ken O’Flaherty (members of the BWMCA executive) are on Community Bank Steering Committee, along with Geoffrey Hole, and would be able to answer any questions. Pledge forms are also available at the OPO.

Committee members are available to address your next meeting, if required. Please contact either Keith Neuendorf (Chairman) on 0408 714 151 or Jenni Davis (Secretary) on 0418 387 079.

Ken Peters - Buderim Community Hero

2008-06-08T17:30:00.000-07:00

Ken Peters is a long termer on the Sunshine Coast and a Buderim resident, who has spent much of his time giving and helping in the community. His work in the Lions and later in the Cancer Council was a major part of his life before he retired and now in "retirement" he seems tireless in his efforts to contribute to making this an even better place to live.

Currently he serves on the Board of the Community radio station Sunshine FM 104.9 and still puts in loads of good work with his beloved Lions and other volunteers efforts.

Despite all of this, those who know him, know him as a humble man, quietly spoken and yet very effective in all tasks, to which he assigns himself.

Ken has been recognised on the Queen's Birthday Honours List and received an Order of Australia for a lifetime of wonderful volunteer work.

From all of us at the Buderim Web Site, we offer heart-felt congratulations Ken, on receiving the high level of recognition which you deserve!

ROMANTIC COMEDY SEEKS AUDIENCE

2008-06-01T19:33:00.000-07:00

ROMANTIC COMEDY SEEKS AUDIENCE

NO LONG TERM COMMITMENT REQUIRED. SENSE OF HUMOUR ESSENTIAL.
SENSE OF OLD FASHIONED ROMANCE A PLUS.

The elusive search for a room to rent. Making the most of single life in the city. Comedy. Confusion. And a couch...that's Mr 80% Lind Lane Theatre's upcoming production, co-directed by Nell Davis and Denise Campbell, is James Sherman's award winning romantic comedy Mr 80%, featuring an outstanding local cast.

Gala Opening Friday June 13th 8pm $25 includes champagne, hors d'oevres and coffee BOOKINGS: 5441 1814

Season continues Saturday 14th 8pm, Sunday 15th 2pm Matinee, Friday 20th 8pm, Saturday 21st 2pm Matinee, Saturday 21st 8pm, Wednesday 25th 8pm, Friday 27th 8pm and Saturday 28th 8pm

BOOKINGS: 5441 1814 Lind Lane Theatre 16 Mitchell Street Nambour http://www.lindlanetheatre.com

Buderim Craft Cottage - VISION 3

2008-05-24T18:43:00.000-07:00

Visions III
The Fabric Art and Surface Design Group of the Buderim Craft Cottage present their third Biennial Exhibition.

Visions III is an exhibition and sale of wearable art. This exhibition will be held in the Buderim Craft Cottage Atrium Gallery on July 12 from 9am to 4pm,and July 13 from 9am to 3pm.
This year we are featuring a display of Wacky Wearable Art.
We are also delighted to host a photographic exhibition of ‘The Artists in their Workshops’ by Gavin Keats.
The Fabric Art and Surface Design group has twenty members all practising textile artists working in many different mediums, silk, wool and cotton.
They produce exquisite art to wear, textile pictures and wall hangings. These works use many techniques both modern and traditional, including hand dyeing of fabrics, machine embellishment, Nuno felting and Shibori. A wearable art garment may take weeks to complete.
A work will begin with an idea - a unique design. Just imagine starting with that idea and a clean piece of white fabric, then having to hand dye and sometimes machine embellish it before drafting your own pattern and hand making it to complete your ideas. You may then realize why members of the group become obsessed with their work!! You are invited to come along and see some of these unique ideas.
The Buderim Craft Cottage is located in Main Street between the Memorial Hall and St Marks Anglican Church, opposite the Buderim State School. Parking is available at the rear of the hall.

For further information please contact Lyn 5445 6113

ANZAC Day Pics

2008-05-04T18:31:00.000-07:00

The ANZAC Day Parade and Service on Buderim was a wonderful community event which embodied the pride of Australians. The memory of our military heroes who sacrificed so much for our way of life is still strong in the hearts and minds of Buderim people.
Here is a little gallery of some of the morning's highlights!
Click a thumbnail to view or use the play buttons to see a timed slideshow
If you can read this, you should get a better browser!Click here to view it

Local Silversmiths Exhibition

2008-04-23T21:27:00.000-07:00

You are invited to an exhibition and sale of Classic Elegance
by The Silversmiths of the Buderim Craft Cottage
Friday 30th May (6pm-9pm)
andSaturday 31st May
& Sunday 1st June(9am-3pm)

Atrium Gallery Buderim Craft Cottage
5 Main Street Buderim

This is a unique opportunity to view and purchase
beautifully handcrafted silver and gold jewellery and other items.
On Friday night, one lucky purchaser will win a $100 Gift Voucher while one of Saturday’s and Sunday’s purchasers will win a $50 Gift Voucher
Light refreshments will be served on Friday night with $5 admission.

Saturday and Sunday admission is by gold coin.
Credit card facilities available

Enquiries please phoneIrene 5445 2202

Buderim Craft Cottage is located on Main Street
behind the Buderim War Memorial Hall

NEEDLEWORK AND CALLIGRAPHY EXHIBITION

2008-04-08T00:33:00.000-07:00

BUDERIM CRAFT COTTAGE NEEDLEWORK AND CALLIGRAPHY EXHIBITION

Pens and Needles

Saturday 3^rd May 9am – 3pm and Sunday May 4th 10am - 2pm - entry via Gold Coin

Both the Needlework and the Calligraphy groups will be exhibiting their exquisite handwork talents including gold work, thread painting and embellishing, and refined penmanship, framed pieces and paper tole work.

This exhibition, just a week before Mother’s Day, provides a wonderful opportunity to purchase unique handmade gifts for those special mums and grandmas or maybe something just for yourself!

Members of both groups will also be carrying out demonstrations.

Indulge your afternoon tea fantasies with ribbon and finger sandwiches, classic scones with jam and cream, exquisite pastries, mini tarts and cupcakes – just to name a few.

The Craft Cottage is located at 5 Main Street –

set back from the road between the War Memorial Hall

and St Mark’s Anglican Church.

Parking at the rear of the Hall.

Further enquiries to Pam (5445 1076) and Marcia (5445 2907) from Needlework,

or John (5445 2515) from Calligraphy.

First time in Buderim Attilla Sautov plays The Four Seasons by Vivaldi.

2008-04-08T00:19:00.000-07:00

Attilla Sautov, violin virtuoso from Uzbekistan will join with the Mueller International Chamber Orchestra to present an inspirational program of celebrated violin and piccolo concertos.
Considered one of Australia's most brilliant violinists, Attilla Sautov, Artistic Director of the Mueller International Chamber Orchestra, will delight with his virtuosic interpretation of Vivaldi's best known work, The Four Seasons.
Le quattro stagioni or The Four Seasons, comprises four violin concertos, Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. The texture of each concerto is varied, resembling its respective season. While Winter is dark and sombre, Summer invokes a thunderstorm in its final movement.To complete this virtuosic program:
Attilla and the Mueller International Chamber Orchestra present the:

Vivaldi piccolo concerto in C major, Kristine Healy (piccolo)
J.S.Bach violin concerto for 2 violins in D minor, Adam Piechocinski (Poland)
J.S.Bach Ave Maria for Violin and Organ.
Pachelbel Canon for String Orchestra
Albinoni Adagio for Violin,Organ and Orchestra. Attilla Sautov

Tickets available from
St.Mark's Anglican Church one hour before the concert from 2pm.
For more information call 3897 2990 or 0424 780 389

New Bushcare Group gets down and dirty!

2008-04-02T17:56:00.000-07:00

With the spirit of Clean Up Australia in the wind, a group of Headland Park residents decided it would be timely to start a long-term conservation project to improve a stand of original old-growth bushland near Deloraine Drive.

On the initiative of four families who for the previous two years adopted and worked in the Wilgan Lane Reserve nearby, Maroochy Shire Council offered the expertise of Nick Wills from Greening Australia to oversee their fortnightly working bees. Nick advises the volunteers on weed control, indigenous vs. invasive plants, wildlife corridors and sustainable replanting. Like 24 other local bushcare groups, such as the Foote Sanctuary and Maroochy Botanic Gardens groups, these projects will continue after council amalgamation in March.

“90% of our work is weed removal, many of which have taken hold after illegal dumping of exotic garden species, ” says co-ordinator John King. “Lantana, Singapore daisy and camphor laurels have also infiltrated. By removing these unfriendly species the native trees and shrubs, such as the majestic Rose or Flooded Gums can regenerate. Council also provides seedlings of local plants which we plant, especially on the reserve edges which are prone to infestation.”

The group expects its work to take at least two years to complete. The 4 hectare reserve extends from Deloraine Drive playground to Cumberland Way along a creek feeding into the Maroochy River catchment. Since council built a cycling and walking path integrating it with access to Maroochy Boulevard, many locals use it for recreation and non-motorised transport.

As well as getting down and dirty, the community conservation members hope that their work will educate people everywhere not to dump garden waste in reserves, plus create appreciation by beautifying an existing natural area. “On our first day we found a cache of reptile eggs and a rather lost scrub turkey chick. At Wilgan Lane we encountered wallabies, ducks, frogs and an echidna, emphasising these areas’ value as habitats.

The group meets at 9am every first and third Thursday of the month at Deloraine Drive playground. It’s amazing how much is achieved in only four hours per month. Helpers are always welcome.

Call Wendy King 54795529

Buderim Community Christmas Carols 16th December

2007-11-08T17:53:00.000-08:00

The Carols by Candlelight event on Buderim is a much loved highlight of the local community calendar, attended by thousands of families across the Mountain and beyond. This year the Carols will be held on Sunday, December the 16th from 6pm at the Buderim Mountain School Oval.

The event is staged thanks to the personal efforts of many locals, businesses, and community groups, giving their time, talents and financial support to ensure the Carols is a success. Last year the rain caused a postponement of a week, but the final result saw Buderim treated to an outstanding theatrical show and public caroling. This consolidated the all new entertainment format into the seasonal calendar.

This year a whole new Christmas Story will be told by the crew of "That's Entertainment" to thrill both young and old, we will just have to rely on the Archdeacon for better weather!The Buderim Carols by Candlelight offers an outstanding opportunity for you to promote your business to locals and visitors. You can enjoy the advantages of such positive promotion shared by The Maroochy Councillors, Joyce Mayne Discounts, buderim.com, BWMCA, Limehouse Press, BNC Financial Services and Acclaim Apprentices and Trainees, when you buy a sponsorship promotional package. There are still opportunities available, but be quick to take full advantage of all pre-promotion.

The committee is calling on anyone who would like to volunteer their time to help on the night, we need people to hand out the songsheets and collect the gold coin donation at the entry points, plus people to help with the chairs and set up. Please contact Steve on 0416 234 838 for more details on sponsorship or volunteering.

Get behind your community!

Craft Cottage Christmas Fair 25th Nov

2007-11-06T22:41:00.000-08:00

Buderim Craft Cottage’s Christmas Fair is coming up again Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th November from 8.00am to 4.00pm Two whole days to get in and fill up the present cupboard ready for Christmas. Each of the talented 13 groups have been working hard to ensure there will be a huge array of gorgeous goodies for sale. There will also be refreshments, plants and produce for sale.

The cottage is located opposite the Buderim Primary School, set back from the road between the Memorial Hall and St Mark’s Church.

Further details please contact Pamela Van der Kooy PH 5445 5454 FX 5476 9373 e-mail pammra@keypoint.com.au

Buderim Mountain School Fete 10th Nov!

2007-11-01T23:18:00.000-07:00

The Buderim Mountain State School Spring Carnival is on Saturday November 10th, 2pm - 8pm.
It's been a long wait for the kids after the Carnival had to be postponed in September due to bad weather but finally it's on this weekend.
All the old favourites with rides galore, show bags, fairy floss and much more.
There are market stalls, cakes and sweets, plants and second-hand treasures.
Rides for the big kids and littlies too, with Paratrooper, Scrambler, Rock Wall and Laser Tag just to name a few. Pre-paid armbands can be bought prior to the carnival @ $30 which allows unlimited rides... just go all day. Ride passes on the day are $35, so get in early.
Sideshow alley is packed with fun games and plenty of prizes to win. Crazy hair and face paint, show bags & glow stuff, balloon clowns and plenty of yummy carnival food keep the oval buzzing with carnival fun.
You can escape from the buzz and enjoy a cuppa at our afternoon tea area and check-out the kids’ art competition with lots of talented artwork on show.
Main stage entertainment runs all day with music and dance, cultural displays, sporting demonstrations and lots more. The kids lip-sync competition showcases our budding entertainers to be and is always a lot of fun. Five great prizes in our carnival raffle will be drawn with a chance to win a $1000 holiday, a great family Kayak package, a laptop computer, a portable dvd/mp3 player and a digital camera so make sure you have raffle tickets, you have to be in it to win it.
The monster auction starts at 3pm with some absolutely fantastic lots on offer, surfboard, bikes, homewares, art, gift vouchers, beauty treatments, the list is just endless. There's over 60 huge prize packed lots for auction.
It's a great family fun day and goes with a bang at 8pm with our fantastic firework finale.
For information, armband passes etc contact the P&C office on 5477 2737.

Buderim Tawny Frogmouth Rescue!

2007-10-29T02:31:00.000-07:00

Living on Buderim Mountain, you often live with nature. Because we don't have domesticated animals, we share our yard with Scrub Turkeys, several varieties of parrots, rosellas, lorikeets, carpet snakes and Tawny Frogmouths. A family of the latter have lived in the trees around our house for several years now. Over the last weekend the relatively peaceful afternoon was shattered with strange squawking and bird calls.

Looking up at the top of a tall poinceana, I saw two Channel-billed Cuckoos (we are told these are migratory birds from New Guinea) having a life and death struggle with 2 Tawny Frogmouths. Two strange grey balls fluttered to the ground, a closer look revealed two little baby Tawnies and a broken nest. The big grey immigrants were going for the babies!

Quickly calling my family, we carefully surrounded the babies and kept the attackers at bay. Meanwhile, mum and dad were circling, distraught and beaks all a-snappin'

A quick call to the Wildlife Warriors hotline and we were given the instructions to hopefully save the chicks. "Make a new nest out of an ice cream container, put holes in the bottom to let rain out. Then catch the babies and put them in the new nest . . . in the same tree if possible" were the instructions. Unfortunately the poinceana is around 30 metres high and extremely dangerous to climb. So the nest was placed into a nearby tree which was easier to scale and yet, left them well and truly above the ground.

The chicks were carefully picked up in a towel and gently placed into the nest. The little cuties offered no resistance. One of the parents watched very closefully, while the other went to a nearby tree and slept!

We kept an eye them all afternoon and the watchful parent stood guard beside the nest.

Next morning brought a disturbing sight. The nest was empty and the Tawny Frogmouths were nowhere to be found!!

There was no sign of trouble, no feathers or evidence of any struggle. It is unlikely the parents would have given up their kids without a fight. So we are hoping they were taken to a safer place by the parents, to grow up here on the mountain.

The Tawny Frogmouths are often seen dead on the roads, they sometimes take an easy meal off roadkill, only to become victims of careless drivers and hoons running around late at night. If you are driving around the quiet streets of night-time Buderim, please be vigilant for the wildlife that shares our home.

If you would like to see more images leave a comment and I will post some more.

Our Perfect Home - Great new theatre on the Coast

2007-10-14T23:04:00.000-07:00

theatre s in partnership withSuncoast Repertory Theatre Inc present
Our Perfect Home
By Bruce Olive
Director: Sue Clapham
Casting complete Director Sue Clapham has assembled her cast to present the World Premiere of the latest Bruce Olive comedy, Our Perfect Home, in December.
Taking the lead roles of Steph and Mal, the hapless couple on a mission to find the perfect home, are Jenni McCaul and Shane Cassidy. Playing a variety of support roles from Real Estate Agents to neighbours, builders and even a ghost are Jane Rivers, Shane Ross and Stephen Moore.
Bruce wrote the play based on his own experiences of buying, renovating and selling homes in Sydney and the Sunshine Coast. Many of the incidents and characters in the play will be recognised by most people, which makes the whole show funnier and more accessible. Bruce has written a delightful, light-hearted piece perfectly suited to the traditional “silly season”, and with the 4 Dinner Shows, it is an option for a very different Office Christmas Party.
Performances:

* Nambour
o Lind Lane Theatre, 16 Mitchell St.
o December 5, 6, 7, & 8 at 8pm.
o Matinee December 9 at 2pm
* Noosa
o Theatre J, the j, 60 Noosa Dr, Noosa Junction.
o December 14 & 15 - bar from 6pm; dinner from 6:30pm; show from 8pm.
o Matinee December 15 at 2pm.
* Kawana
o Lake Kawana Community Centre, Sportsmans Pde, Bokarina
o December 21 & 22 - bar from 6pm; dinner from 6:30pm; show from 8pm.

Ticket prices:

* Nambour and Matinees:
$27 Adults.
$22 Concessions (Pension & Seniors Card holders; group bookings of 8 or more; MEAA members; students up to 26 years old; children up to 18 years old).
* Noosa and Kawana Dinner Shows (includes quality 3-course dinner and show):
$55 Adults
$50 Concessions (Pension & Seniors Card holders; group bookings of 8 or more; MEAA members; students up to 26 years old; children up to 18 years old).

Enquiries:
Phone 5449 2625 or email theatre_s@squirrel.com.au

theatre s is a non-profit co-operative theatre company touring theatre and cabaret to intimate venues on the Sunshine Coast. Any help you can give is greatly appreciated. S for Simple...Sharp...Stylish.
Patrons: David and Kristin Williamson

Arts Festival Sippy Downs 20 & 21 Oct - click for more!

2007-10-10T19:21:00.000-07:00

Art, food, wine, music.... Bambu Cafe, 96 Bellflower Rd, Sippy Downs, Sat & Sun 20th & 21st October, 10am - 3pm

Bambu Cafe is hosting an arts festival, featuring a renowned arts teacher and local artists painting on the lawn. Come along and enjoy local cheeses, wine and other tasty fare, whilst watching the artists at work. A local jazz band will be performing.

Details: 5445 4884 or http://www.bambuevents.com.au/

Garage Sale by buderim Lioness Club

2007-10-04T23:43:00.000-07:00

Come on come all this Saturday October 6, from 7am to the Buderim Scout Den, Lindsay road, Buderim - the Lioness Club of Buderim are conducting there famous Garage Sale.
Funds raised with assist the SES, Cittamani Hospice, Australian Red Cross Blood Bank, Sunshine Coast Rescue Helicopter Service and Lions Emergency Accommodation Centre in Nambour.
So pop in for a look and support the Lioness and buy a sausage sizzle cooked by the Buderim Scout Group. For further information and donations contact Marilee on 5456 4455.

Bishnu - A message for a Brighter Future for the Children of Nepal

2007-10-04T23:34:00.000-07:00

Brighter Future Children’s Home Bishnu Kumar Shrestha. (16 yrs, eldest boy and child at BFCH)
I would like to say and talk about BFCH. Brighter Future Children’s home makes children happy and makes futures bright and shiny. Like stars brightly in the sky the children’s future is too.
In the world there are many countries, in some countries there are many orphanages. Nepal is the part of land on earth there are more orphanages. One for these is Brighter Future orphanage. This orphanage is organised by VSN (Volunteer Services Nepal) to help the poor children. Nepal is a brave country, as we know but the Nepali people are poor. Why? Because they don’t have education. VSN try to help some children by offering a Brighter Future. BFCH is like the sun during the day, shiny and bright.
In the Brighter Future orphanage the children are around volunteers, Sir (home manager) and their friends. In the orphanage Sir, friends and volunteers are good. I think I get a wonderful life because I get all this. I cannot describe about all this Brighter Future children’s home and VSN, we get so many facilities.
At last I would like to say about VSN Volunteers; I would wish to thank you so much for helping me. I would request to all volunteers to come again to Nepal and help the children. Thank you very, very much to you all

Lessons from Nepal

2007-10-04T23:21:00.000-07:00

A life full of adventure, family and daily living has passed since my last installment from Nepal. With some exciting (coming home to my family and the addition of a new niece) and busy distractions since my return it is far from the land of colour, chaos and my Nepali friends that I continue the story of my Nepalese adventure. I have made several attempts to get this written, and it seems that the further in time and distance I am from the experience itself, the trickier it becomes.

My final week in Nepal was both emotional and exciting. Emotional because there were so many feelings tied to the experiences with the children there. During this time I saw their confidence build through their willingness to acknowledge their individual strengths and to embrace the concept of their having so much to offer themselves and others. One of the activities we did together was individual posters with a picture of a candle light – representing their personal light and power to shine – which they coloured, and then a sentence underneath which they completed with their personal strengths.

This seemingly simple exercise actually was a beautiful journey of discovery for the children and myself as their guide.

Also had a chance to visit the day centre where our 2 downs syndrome boys attend, that was great to see and interesting how many different disabilities were catered for. We watched their exercise session and spent some time hanging out while they did various floor activities. It was well run with a group of committed and passionate teachers as well as volunteers. On a personal note (it’s a little about me!) this was a personal highlight for me also, as I have not worked with the intellectually or physically challenged before meeting Raju & Krishna (the boys at Brighter Future) and it was a real gift on this trip to learn to connect, appreciate and contribute to them. To be honest (thanks for allowing me to be) I know that I would have been very uncomfortable in that room of children had I not had the benefit of living with and connecting with the boys. When I found out they were going to be at the orphanage I must admit I was apprehensive about how I would know what to say, or do with the Raju & Krishna. Such a fantastic example to me of how we just don’t know what we are capable of until we put ourselves out there.

Overall my last days were about using my skills to anchor the children with love, self appreciation, acknowledgement, personal hygiene routines, songs, laughter, fun and games. I taught them ‘what’s the time Mr Wolf?’ and they taught me this great game played outside with teams and a few lines drawn in the sand.

I had taken a photo with each child early in the week and got them printed off before I left, I wrote a note to each of them and had some one on one time with them to chat over the last few days which was super special. I believe that my being a parent offered them a different opportunity to connect, and allowed me a perspective and approach I would have not had other wise, and I think that it meant the children could receive me and my motherly ways in a way that was new to them, and hopefully something that will stay with them. This has also led to a discussion with Emma (director of VSN) about a the general behaviour management and communication with the children, and I have committed to create a behaviour management plan as a guide for their home managers, staff and volunteers. A project I am really excited about.

Also had the chance to go to a local home for dinner after being invited by Rajesham (??? Don’t think that is spelt right) who was the night guard at the home. He was most excited to show the dvd of his brothers Nepali Wedding. Yes that’s right a dvd… it was quite surreal sitting in a mud brick floor and walled room, and seeing a computer unveiled from under a cloth, and then to see that it actually worked and we got to view the wedding celebrations, until the power dropped out, as it did most evenings. But then, we (another volunteer & myself) were treated to a fabulous meal of Daal Baht with all the trimmings. Of course we ate separately from the rest of the family, they waited until we had finished to have theirs, and we were waited on by the Aama, who is the grandmother of the home, and she was determined to be sure that we couldn’t fit another mouthful in. It really was divine.

On a foodie note (and you know how I love my food), it was a pleasant surprise ofthe trip, I stayed really ‘well’, meaning I didn’t need the gastrolytes and other medications I took to counter any belly bugs! The food was delicious and I adapted to eating rice and spice twice a day, very easily. Interestingly it has taken 2 weeks at home to re-adjust, I didn’t feel right after eating anything when I first returned.

On my last day it was ‘health check’, a monthly visit by the health team where they check each child top to toe. Such an amazing resource and service for these kids who are in relative great health to some of their peers. When it was time to go, we made it short and sweet as I had already said my individual goodbyes, I was overwhelmed when Jaggu (the home manager) and Didi Sita (the home cook & aunty) called me in to the kitchen to say good bye with a ceremony which included a wreath of fresh flowers to go around my neck, a dish of crushed flowers etc which were pressed on to my forehead in a giant tika, and an apple presented on a plate. All of which represented appreciation and good luck, and so much more to me.

A final night in Kathmandu where the other volunteers came in to say good bye and then I was homeward bound.

SOME FINAL THOUGHTS

VSN orphanages offer so much more than a roof over the heads of their children, or simply survival for them day to day. It was agonizing to see the children in the other homes (which VSN supports as sustainably as they can) with standards of living so much lower, with so few resources and opportunities compared. What I learnt was that the opportunities being offered to children in VSN’s care means that there is a chance the cycle will be broken, because providing survival leads to more mere survival, and taking their experiences to the next level means that they have an awareness of what else is possible for them. This is so in line with my vision for children everywhere and it was so inspiring to see it in action through the visionaries at VSN. As an example of this in the last week, 5 of our children were given the opportunity to attend a 3 month art program on Saturday mornings, something that only the privileged in Nepal would have access to. Some of these children have real artistic potential and to know that will be nourished and supported is extremely exciting. Also the eldest of the children in the home will soon be ready to finish secondary school and in my discussions with Emma before I left she told me that they are looking to support him in to higher education. WOW that is just amazing. And you know, these kids deserve every bit, as do all our children. Bishnu – the boy I mention here, has a goal of becoming a journalist or teacher, actually his real dream would be to be in the army, but due to the fact that he only has one arm, it wont happen, so I gave him the task of writing an article for me to publish and I have attacjed it, with some editing for translation purposes. He wrote it in English and I think you will agree that the graciousness and appreciation that comes through would make you want to educate him further too!

YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS

ALL of the donations of goods you contributed before I left were just perfect, while some of them are still making their way there, it was great to see just how and where they will be put to use. The Monetary donations I passed on to VSN have been earmarked to help with the building costs of the new orphanage “Shining Stars Children’s Home’ to be built not too far from Brighter Future Children’s Home where I was placed. I will forward an email with more details regarding this, and look forward to keeping you updated.

So that’s it from me – for now, I am a little technically challenged however when someone wonderful guides me as to the easiest way to make my photos available to all, (I know its out there, just need some simple instructions….)you will be the first to know!

Thank you so much for your support, emails, encouragement and thoughts. I truly feel blessed to have been able to live what was just a dreamy idea in my head and heart to achieve, and without the belief of the people around me (especially my angel Adrian) I would still just be talking about going one day. Experiencing in reality what is currently an idealism is not just for me, and it doesn’t need to be sleeping on a wooden slat, eating daal baht twice a day for you, truly just take a step towards what you would want to be experiencing in your life, what ever it is, and see what happens. You see if you wait for someone else to do something about it then you will continue to wait, be your own pilot on your flight path, be the captain of the game of your life, and if you think it all sounds too far fetched for you then call me so I can give you more corny but absolutely true analogies…. Trust me I have one for you!

THE BIGGEST LESSON I LEARNT

That the quality of my life is measured by the newness of the experiences I have!
Ok that really is it
Lots of love and Light
Becxxxxx

School holidays almost here..so what to do?

2007-09-20T00:03:00.000-07:00

This will be the cry throughout the next two weeks, sometimes driving parents and carers to distraction. However, there is a solution as Buderim’s Wendy Gilmore, co-author with Karen Shelley, of Keeping Kids Active: Sunshine Coast was quick to explain to interviewer Beth Miller recently on the Sunshine Coast’s Community radio station 106five Rhema FM.

The comprehensive, compact 384 guide, “Keeping Kids Active: Sunshine Coast,” with activities available to kids on the Sunshine Coast, is published just in time for the school holidays.

“Although we have lived on the Coast for over 10 years we are still amazed at what the Coast has to offer,” said Wendy.

Further information is available on http://www.keepingkidsactive.com.au/ or by phoning (07) 5445 6524

Amazing Grace in Nepal

2007-09-10T00:13:00.000-07:00

Well hello again, and firstly THANK YOU so much for all your emails, if I haven't replied directly know that I definately read your email and am very touched by your thoughts and support. Am on limited internet time while in the city today so must get moving.
I have had an amazing week filled with so many emotions, so much love,
wonderment and pure 'life'. I am living in an stunning rural area, surrounded by mountains, bright green rice fields and the smallest and quaintest of villages. THe rains have been plentiful (sounds like home at the moment), and I am grateful I brought my trekking boots from my visit here 12 years ago!
The 13 souls I have been blessed to care for are truly a testament to living as it is meant to be. Whether they are cleaning the toilets, sweeping, mopping, washing their own clothes, tending to leech bites, or doing their homework, they seem to be constantly singing! Singing and music seems to be their ultimate joy and while they know lots of songs already I have been
requested to teach them, My Favourite Things (yes from the sound of music, they saw a video on my phone of Paris singing it), Amazing Grace (I sang it at bedtime and it was a great hit), and This little light of mine (my family will know that one!)
I was a little worried about what I might have to offer these precious beings, what it was that I could add that would truly be of benefit to their lives, the practical things seem somewhat insignificant, however useful. So in addition to some general mothering in relation to cleanliness (like getting changed from the clothes they have worn all day in to something clean for bed) and some help on routine I have discovered that their overall sense of 'self appreciation' is not so strong. So we have been having some wonderful chats about the power of their inner light, their connectedness to their 'god' and their ability to share their special gifts of love, caring, and peace with others. I know this all sounds a little full on, trust me they are the catalysts for these awe inspiring conversations.
Some of my most special moments from this week include, when saying goodnight to the girls a few nights ago, after some converstations about 'self', I asked them, who loves you, and in a change from their previous response of 'you do didi' (didi is the name for volunteers/aunties) they all replied "I DO!", my heart did sing.
Then this morning I was writing in my diary and RAju, one of the downs syndrome boys - an absolute delight - asked what I was doing, so I said i was writing about what I had been doing, and about him, and pointed out that I had written, Raju is a wonderful boy!.. Well at that he took my face in his hands, looked me deeply in the eyes before turning my face to kiss me on
the cheek... it was all I could do to hold it together. and last night Beekas the oldest boy and child in the home,(16yrs, with only one arm as the other one never grew,a congeital disorder thought to be related to his mother taking morning after pill while pregnant with him)
shared with me the conversation he and the house didi (she does all the cooking etc) were having, which was to say that they are so lucky to have all that they have, and that they are so appreciative of their situation.
Just amazing insights and love.
... and of course there is the divine Sunita A who I spend extra time with each morning doing her physio excercises for her Cerebral Palsy. She has adopted my 'hug?' question when ever we are parting company and gives me the most hearfelt hugs. She is such a special intelligent girl, they are all really clever, and she is particularly appreciative for everything, saying 'thank you so much' for every time I do anything remotely related to her.
There are so many more special moments I can't wait to share with you all, and it is these that have allowed me to rise from the pure horror of the tour of the other orphanages I took a few days ago. I have pictures which I will share when I return, but it was heartwrenching to see the standards of living, if you could call it that which some of them are required to live
in. On the contrary, the VSN (who I am with) places are just a breath of fresh air in comparision, and still many moons from what you or I are used to. I can't begin to describe this any further at the moment, it is still too distressing and I am still too confused as to what is supposed to be
done....
Needless to say the wonderful time spent with the kids is fantastic, and it is just little things that make their day special. It is exciting to uncover their special talents, and I have a mission to have them acknowledge their own gifts and uniqueness before I leave.
WEll I am now off to give a report of the week to the VSN organisers, an inspired group of people led by Emma, a Phillipino lady married to a Nepali man.
Much love to you all, and thank you again for all your kind thoughts and wishes.
Becxxx

Nepali Life - Rebecca meets the Children

2007-09-04T14:53:00.000-07:00

Anticipation and excitment are abundant this morning as today is the day I meet the children and move in to the childrens home itself. I am to stay in the home with the children, as I am here for a relatively short period (some volunteers are here for more than 3 months), the intensity of living with, sleeping with, and eating with the children will be doable!

The last 2 days have been training in all aspects of Nepali life. Eating (daal baht with my right hand), showering in public, using a 'charpi' toilet, lots of language lessons and cultural know how to be sure we fit in as easily with the local families and children as possible. Have found out lots more about this organisation too. It is incredibly inspiring what the founder Emma has managed to achieve in such a short time, I am looking forward to filling you all in on more about that.

From here on in we will be eating two traditional meals a day, both of which are daal baht, this consists of copious amounts of rice (Adrian would be in heaven), some curried vegetables, and a daal soup. The soup is poured over the rice and then it is all mixed together with your right hand and eaten with the same.

As I will be living with the children I will have the enjoyment of eating on the floor with them (apparently easier than using the low tables), and no doubt being a source of amusement to them during meal times.
Last night I read through a folder containing the information on all the children I will be looking after. There are 13 of them, ranging from 4 to 15 years old. 2 boys are Down Syndrome and one little girl (Sunita) has Cerebral Palsy and Polio, part of my job will be to work with SUnita on her daily physio and assisting these boys with their needs too.

It was amazing to read all of their backgrounds, and somewhat disturbing too, these kids are real survivors, many have family or parents alive, however they have no contact with them, others have witnessed parents being kidnapped or killed by the Maoist unrest here over the past few years. The information was great in that it is updated each month by the volunteers to keep new ones abreast of what the childrens likes, dislikes, tricks and needs for attention are.

The last few days with the other volunteers (13 of us) has been fantastic, it is one of those situations where despite age, nationality, profession, sex, or any other status, we all connect, we all have a common value, goal and desire to be here. It really has been like I have been transported to a parallel universe, sometimes I wonder if I am really here or simply imagining it....

Nope, am really here and the bus leaves in 30 mins. THank you for your emails, it is a great way of still being connected to my other life! I am carrying all your love and wonderful intentions for these children with me.
Happy Fathers Day for yesterday to all the dads! You are all amazing inpirations and guides for your children who are lucky to have you!Lots of love and lightness from Nepal!Bye for now

Kathmandu reporting - Rebecca Ramsay

2007-08-31T20:45:00.000-07:00

Rebecca Ramsay is a Buderim local who has taken a journey to Nepal as a volunteer aid worker. Read her first story here.

from Kathmandu

Well I made it here and what a treat for the senses. The smells, sights, tastes, emotions of this culture so very different from ours. Getting off the plane to the humidity was actually a relief from the airports and planes, and I was soon in the van for the incredible ride through Kathmandu.
I felt strangely energised and excited despite the somewhat disturbing sights along the way. The roundabouts made up of piles of rubbish and festering damp food in the middle of the road, the children and adults riffling through gutters looking for supplies, the manic drivers dodging oblivious cows and calves as they wander the streets in a state of calm amongst the madness, the incredible intensity of colour, odour and activity.
It is amazing to note amongst all of this there is a sense of purpose, everyone is getting on with what they need to/ can do, there is no time taken to feel sorry for them selves, they get on with living in what ever way works for them right now.
The contrasts here amaze me too. The exquisitely dressed women in silk saris beautifully presented right down to their feet, where they seem to be oblivious to the filth, dirt and wet of the roads through which they seem to float. I think this contrast will continue to astound me, there is actually a tv in my room with, HBO, and various american, indian and local channels. And while sitting in a restaurant last night with a mixture of new and experienced volunteers, the indian/nepali style music was mixed with 'my funny valentine' and various eric clapton hits..... Had an intro at the volunteer office yesterday afternoon, with some insights in to what the program will involve.
They actually own and operate 2 orphanages and also support a number of other 'privately owned' orphanages. Interesting how it is run, quite a variety of setups. I have a couple of days of language and culture training starting tomorrow, before being allocated my role. We had a quick introduction to some of the medical issues we may come up against, including a recent outbreak of chicken pox at one home (funny i just had a week of that before leaving home), and of course the incidences of scabies, lice, vitamin deficiency and diarreah.
I look forward to giving you more delightful stories about those as I experience them! I am assured that when (if) I do contract any of those my self, they are all treatable... thats good isn't it, because I really wouldn't want to come home with SCABIES!!!!
Went for a walk this morning early and met a couple of young girls looking after their 'aunty daughters' (nieces), they talked me in to buying some milk powder for the babies (who were gorgeous), and so while I will be spending most of the donations at the orphanage itself, it felt good to do something so practical to help today!
Ok must go, just rewrote this email after spending 20 minutes on the last one which disappeared as I hit send.
Rebecca

MONSTER GARDEN SALE Sat 8th Sept

2007-08-28T17:27:00.000-07:00

The Buderim Garden Festival includes a Monster Garden Sale at the Cottage green beside the Memorial Hall in Main Street Buderim.

Sale Items include:

Outdoor furniture
BBQs
Garden tools and spare parts
Water systems and fittings
Working garden gadgets
Ornaments and pots
Books and magazines
Artificial flowers and vases

GRAB A BARGAIN FOR YOUR GARDEN

CALL 5445 6495 with queries.

Four Play - you do the math!

2007-08-22T19:56:00.000-07:00

FourPlay
By Jane Bodie

Directed by Louise Birgan

Successful funding from RADF

FourPlay is a story about 4 people and 3 relationships; you do the math! Who ends up with whom? You'll be surprised and delighted with the outcomes. A wonderful, modern piece of theatre. The author, Jane Bodie, suggests plays are closer to song and poetry than novels. There’s more rhythm and word play.

theatre s gratefully acknowledges the assistance of the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) to involve a professional director, Louise Birgan, in the production of FourPlay. RADF is a Queensland Government and Noosa Shire Council partnership to support local arts and culture. The funding is to develop and teach new techniques and skills to the actors as the play requires some non-naturalistic scenes to heighten the theatricality of the play. Louise Birgan graduated with a BA (Hons) Acting from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London, England; which incorporated working with the Moscow Arts Theatre, Royal Shakespeare Company, and many other companies. Louise also trained in the famed Le Cocque Technique. FourPlay features the actors: Sarah Bijou, Matthew Payne, Sharon Grimley, and Stephen Moore.

Only 6 performances of FourPlay are planned, including a Thursday morning matinee, which is somewhat unusual for a coast-based theatre. It was intended to be a Schools Matinee, but unfortunately the venues weren't available and now it's in School Holidays!performance details
buderim
Buderim War Memorial Hall, Main St.
September 21 & 22 at 8pm.
Matinee: September 22 at 2pm.
Bookings: on-line at http://www.theatre-s.com.au/; or (from early September) 5445 2515.
noosa
Theatre J, the j, 60 Noosa Drive, Noosa Junction.
Matinee: September 27 at 11am.
September 27 & 28 at 8pm.
Bookings from early September: on-line at http://www.thej.com.au/; or phone 5455 4455; or at the venue Mon to Sat 10am to 4pm. Credit cards are welcome; fees apply.ticket prices
$27 Adults.
$22 Concessions (includes: Pension & Seniors Card holders; group bookings of 8 or more; MEAA members; students up to 26 years old; children up to 18 years old).
$20 Cut-Price Matinees (all tickets).
$15 School Group Bookings - phone 5449 2625 For more information visit the web site http://www.theatre-s.com.au/.

Pony Club Gymkhana Heralds New Clubhouse

2007-08-22T19:36:00.000-07:00

The Buderim Pony Club held their annual Gymkhana on Sunday 19th August with representatives from most of the other Sunshine Coast pony clubs, some from Northern Brisbane and 46 of their own riders. Major sponsor, Juniper Developments was represented on the day by Graeme Juniper who was reminded of his early days with horses. The weather wasn’t too kind but fortunately the new clubhouse was completed to Stage One and at least they had a roof over the canteen and presentation area.

“The clubhouse is being built by the community of the Buderim Pony Club with huge assistance from Maroochy Shire Council who gave us $15,000 from the Infrastructure Grants Program” said Matt Evans, a builder and president of Buderim Pony Club. “Parents and friends of the pony club just show up and work all day during the weekends so that this clubhouse building program gets completed on time. It is truly inspiring.”

“From builders, teachers, public servants, small business operators to surgeons they just keep showing up and working for the pony club so that their children have a great facility to use.” said Matt. “Community spirit is alive and well”

The old Buderim Pony Clubhouse was removed in 2006 as a result of the identified presence of asbestos. This left the Club with no clubhouse and no facility through which events could effectively be hosted.

The new clubhouse will feature downstairs storage for equipment and tack with upstairs housing a canteen, toilets including a disabled toilet, meeting room/lounge, huge deck and viewing platform. Completion, weather permitting should be before December 2007.

With a membership of over 200, the Buderim Pony Club is one of the largest in Queensland. Gymkhanas and other Pony Club events as well as monthly musters bring in hundreds of riders. These riders are predominantly young people aged 7 – 20 and competitors can travel from not only the Sunshine Coast, but from Wide Bay, Brisbane and the Darling Downs to compete.

Once the facilities are completed, Buderim Pony Club hopes to entice European coaches on a working visa to enhance the education of the riders. This is seen as the next step to helping to raise the standard.

Buderim to Nepal - a quest to improve lives

2007-08-22T00:50:00.000-07:00

EMPASSIONED by children and driven by an urge to create a better future for them, Buderim mother and business woman Rebecca Ramsay is preparing to take the first steps in a global mission. Later this month she heads to Nepal to volunteer in a children’s orphanage for two weeks – establishing the foundations for her vision to connect communities of children worldwide.
A life coach by profession, Rebecca is extending her coaching practice, Clear Light International, to include a division focusing on, and empowering, children. Through Clear Light Children Unite,the intention is to develop international relationships which link communities, schools, families, and other homes of children. “Engaging children to have an awareness of the different lives of children across the globe, through direct communication with them, will create relationships based on understanding of different cultures and lifestyles, enabling the facilitation of a global community with a united focus,” Rebecca said. “Ultimately I’d love to be taking children to meet each other and to share in these other cultures and lifestyles. “We’ve all got something to teach each other and children have an openness to everything – as we grow older we impose limits on ourselves.” Being a mum to four-year-old Paris, and coaching a wide range of clients,has made Rebecca realise the importance of developing the right beliefs and values early in life. “By offering more opportunities for children to connect with the powerful part of them, and to realise their possibilities,they will be better prepared to give more and achieve more,” she said. Rebecca is currently developing a series of books for the empowerment of children.
Clear Light Children aims to support and nurture children through,an “international playground” of stories,songs, games, mantras, poems,websites, clubs that are available worldwide,translated for cultural differences,and which promote important personal qualities. Her vision is to “empower children to have a shining role in their own lives and the lives of others.” For her, the Nepal trip is the starting point in her global network mission. She has no set expectations about the experience. “I’ll be a carer, a big sister, and a helper – playing with the kids, applying medicines, taking them to school, teaching English, helping homework, cleaning,” she said. “I’ve been spending time making lists of songs, games and other activities to engage the children with, knowing that the language barrier might pose some challenges.”
Rebecca is self-funding the opportunity to take part in the volunteer program and all of her travel expenses. “In the next couple of weeks I am fundraising for medical supplies and school books to take with me, and also to have funds to buy much needed supplies when I arrive and identify their immediate needs,” she said. An important part of the process for Rebecca is sharing the experience with others on her return. “I want to experience it and then be able to inspire others to help in their own way, knowing how they can make a difference,” she said. “I believe we all want to make a contribution, and that we all have a different way to do it. “While I choose to give my time and presence in a hands on way, it is equally important that there are people who choose to support financially to help to generate the much needed foundations for the growth and development of these communities.”
Through presentations to those who are interested in supporting and contributing to this trip Rebecca hopes to establish a greater understanding of the difference we can all make. “For example, US$250 can fund an entire year’s education for a child who would otherwise not have the opportunity, or US$10,000 constructs an entire library including stocking and staffing it in a developing community,” Rebecca said.
If you would like to find out more about Rebecca’s Nepal trip or Clear Light Children you can contact her on rebecca@clearlightinternational.com or 5453 7018. For more information on the volunteer program see www.volunteer.org.nz. Rebecca forwarded us this story which appeared in the Buderim Chronicle, everyone at the Buderim Web Site wishes Rebecca all the best in her wonderful journey and look forward to getting updates to you as they are sent in.

Buderim Medicine – from yesteryear!

2007-08-14T16:21:00.000-07:00

Burnett descendent, Janet Hyde, the grand-daughter of Florence Burnett has kindly donated a much used medical guide presented on the fly cover to one H.C. Burnett, Buderim Mountain 1874.

It’s fragile state means that we must guard this treasure carefully and keep it safe for the future.

Keeping loved ones alive was often the responsibility of wives and mothers using books such as these at a time when Doctors were rare in the early days of outback Australia. The much thumbed book reflects the trials and tribulations of yesteryear and lists various lotions and potions available at the time.

It covers treatment and care of diseases such as scurvy, typhus, diphtheria, hooping cough, croop and some rather horrendous skin diseases that plagued our first settlers.

Most conditions of the time were blamed partly on the condition of the bowels. Cold water baths were not recommended, a rather severe bunion treatment gives instructions as to how to sever the big toe, and I was personally disturbed to discover that treatment back then for an easy managed condition involved a daily dose of arsenic!
Six drops a day taken with a wine glass of water. Gulp!

Correct head wear was suggested, thick hair (buns) on the nape of the neck and exposed foreheads was a female fashion not approved of and a slip of cotton around the neck which cooled the skin was recommended despite it’s supposed unfashionable appearance.

Head lice were just as prevalent as today. A home-made ointment of sulphur and hogs lard was smeared on the hair and washed off the next morning and the eggs or nits could be killed off with a splosh of brandy.
Drunken lice, it was promised, were then easy to remove.

There were pages of information about colds and flue with warnings that fragile delicate types must not go from cold to warm circumstances or stay in wet clothes or boots. The book further advises weak types to avoid early evening walks at sunset because of the tropical dew although sea bathing was considered a treatment and walking suggested.
Readers were reminded that a regular bath, so often overlooked, was good for one’s comfort and wellbeing.
Sleep taken before midnight was already known.
Constipation was soon fixed with a healthy dose of Epsom Salts, and Gout gets a whole page of instructions.

Dyspeptics (stomach sufferers) were warned to avoid fruit after the evening meal and that marmalade and jellies were most objectionable and would cause flatulence. Tea gets a big tick of approval for its beneficial influence on the muscular and nervous system and its suitability for all classes of society.
Coffee however would impede digestion, heat the body, and should be avoided as a modern fashion. Furthermore, the book states, Port is preferable to ale, moselle is best for daily use but sherry could cause feverishness.

The prominent symptoms of fever often caught when bound for Australia by sailing ship were giddiness or slight headache, with quick but not full pulse, nausea, loss of appetite and depression of spirits during the day. Followed by chilliness in the evening, then heat and restlessness, terminating in perspiration towards morning. An emetic was recommended followed by 10 grains of nitre in hot toast water then cold toast water and a dose of quinine twice daily. The descriptions alone give cause for concern.

The depression of the spirits?

Epsom salts seemed to fix most things and a daily does of Castor Oil was mandatory
Opium was a medical option as was arsenic (see above). Chalk was used for dysentery and if a mother could not suckle her babe, mares milk was recommended.

The chapters on birth and poisons were detailed and suitably eyebrow raising. .

The first settlers on Buderim mountain had much to contend with . . . including staying alive and surviving the various medical potions and lotions. We have to salute them – their hardiness and ability to look after their own is admirable.

Anne Burnett who lived with her husband J.K Burnett in Pioneer Cottage from 1880, successfully reared eight children was just one of those practical women who offered both comfort and support to one and all.
Her midwifery skills were often utilised in the small mountain community.
She probably relied on a medical guide such as this to keep the villagers well.

Story supplied by Olivia Nelson

Just like a short film festival - ONLY IT'S LIVE

2007-07-31T23:03:00.000-07:00

That is the way organisers describe the Sunshine Coast Theatre Festival coming up in Buderim next month.

It only happens once a year, and it starts on Thursday 16th August at 8pm.

With 31 Short Plays on offer from all over the state, this will be the 28^th annual Sunshine Coast Theatre Festival, and this year, the event welcomes guest adjudicator Peter Sumner to the event. Sumner is one of Australia’s finest actors of stage and screen, and is a familiar face on our television screens, having appeared in many long running television series such as Spyforce, Homicide, Cleudo, The Dismissal, Jessica and many more.

The festival continues all weekend, with sessions on Friday night 17th, all day Saturday 18th and all day again on Sunday 19th August at the Buderim War Memorial Hall.

This annual four-day festival presented by the Sunshine Coast Theatre Alliance, offers a great weekend of theatre, with theatre troupes from all over the state coming to the Sunshine Coast to perform. Theatre companies from Yeppoon, Rockhampton, Beenleigh, the Gold Coast and Brisbane, along with some of the coasts finest, are set to compete at the festival.

For those who have never been to a theatre festival before, it is very similar to a Short Film Festival, only the performance is LIVE!

These types of festivals offer an opportunity for writers, directors and actors to perform new plays, and are often a platform for cutting edge theatre.

A detailed program with session times is online, at the FESTIVAL page at www.livetheatre.com.au, or phone 5449 9972 during office hours.

There is no need to book as all tickets are available at the door. All 31plays are short, somewhere between 30 and 50 minutes long, and there is something for everyone. Tickets are just $30.00 for a Weekend Festival Pass (less than $1 per play), and $10 for a single Session Pass. Each session has 3 plays. The Weekend Festival Pass allows you to come and go all weekend.

This event is supported by the Maroochy Tourism Industry Advisory Board and the Maroochy Shire Council.

This is a great weekend of live theatre, so come along and catch some of the action at the Buderim War Memorial Hall on the corner of Gloucester Road and Main Streets, Buderim.

Sunshine Coast Theatre Festival - Great Entertainment......... Great Value!

Further information & High Resolution Photographs are available from:

Festival Coordinator - Synda Turnbull

Phone/Fax 544 999 72

Mobile 0408 756 005

synda@bigpond.net.au

www.livetheatre.com.au

Buderim to Host Qualifiers for Olympic Hockey

2007-07-23T20:44:00.000-07:00

Huge news!

Buderim (already famous as the birthplace of Australian Ginger) is set to be known as a sports capital. The Sunshine Coast Hockey Association has announced it will host the Hockey Oceania – Qualification Tournament for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games for men and women in September this year.

What a sensational opportunity for the Ballinger Road based sports centre at the base of Buderim. Hockey Queensland general manager, Garry West-Bail and Sunshine Coast Hockey Association President Edwin Hamill announced the details of the exciting international games to be played at the Sunshine Coast from 12 – 16 September.

The women’s competition will see the Hockeyroos face New Zealand in the 5th Oceanic Cup, with Fiji and Papua New Guinea still to play off for a place in the three team competition.

“Hockey Queensland is proud to assist Hockey Australia and the Sunshine Coast Hockey Association in the management of this Qualifying Tournament for the Beijing Olympics,” said Garry West-Bail, general manager of Hockey Queensland. “This tournament is another example of Queensland’s commitment to hosting the world’s best hockey, after hosting two matches between Australia and the Netherlands in Brisbane in April”.

“It is a great pleasure for the Sunshine Coast Hockey Association to host another important international tournament”, said Edwin Hamill. “We are very proud of our Association’s international standard facilities and our ability to host international teams on a regular basis. We enjoy great support from local business and the council, and we’re confident that we’re doing a great job – because the international teams keep coming back!” he said.

The games are set to draw a great crowd of enthusiastic supporters, Buderim's web site has already been contacted to get accomodation and details from people as far away as New Zealand.

Visit the hockey site.

Find Buderim Accomodation

Haven’t Got a Kuluin - Latest news!

2007-07-18T22:47:00.000-07:00

The Haven’t Got a Kuluin Productions worst kept best secret is out!
Their annual Comedy Theatre Restaurant performances will be held on 18^th 24^th & 25^th August in the transformed Maroochydore High School Jubilee Hall.

Strictly for adults, these hilarious shows have been delighting audiences since 2001. After last year’s sell-out performance of the Crocky Horror Show the team are back again ready to tickle your fancy!

This years performance is a Maverick production, “Calypso Cruisin”. Come join us and sail the exotic Caribbean on the good ship Indulgence! We will manage to run into also sorts of characters – some good, some bad and some just plain “dopey”. Travellers be warned, you will be in the hands of our tour guide - the laid back Rasta Ganja!

Which will be the most exciting destination – The Bermuda Triangle, The Virgin Islands or the rum soaked Jamaica? Judging by previous productions, you’ll do a lot of laughing on your way to finding out the answer. So book your berth for this journey into unchartered waters and enjoy the suptious 3 course meal.

Dressing up is optional, but prizes are awarded for the most creative costumes (think pirates, Jamaican, reggae or calypso, sailors, cruise ship passengers etc)

The cast are dedicated, and in most cases experienced amateurs of the Kuluin school community. While we have a new Director in Robyn Guse, this year’s show will be of the same high standard. Robyn has been an actor/singer/dancer in all of the past shows and is just displaying another attribute of her many talents. Robyn’s warped sense of humour will again provide us with another great night of laughter and entertainment.

If you want more information regarding this event or a booking sheet, please don’t hesitate to contact Pauline Belsar on 54773727

Tickets on Sale Now! $38.00 per person or $35.00 per person for a table of ten or more.

Buderim Cubs all up in the air!

2007-06-17T03:27:00.000-07:00

Cub leaders and parent helpers took the local Cub troupe down to the Scout Den in Archerfield over the weekend.

Whenever they travel away, Pacific Ford come to the rescue by donating their customer service van, the perfect vehicle for the purpose. At right the team pose with the van. What a great thing this company is doing for our community!

The Cubs went through a practical learning process which included building a balsa glider, to discover the world of flight.

The key purpose of the weekend was to enable the Cubs to earn the Air Activities Achievement Badge for their uniforms.

We stayed overnight and despite the roar of V8's courtesy of the Speedway, everyone was asleep early, ready for an early start.

Around 60 Cub Scouts from the Sunshine Coast and the Brisbane area turned up on parade under the chilly but perfect skies.

The Cubs learnt how to land an aeroplane . . . well sort of! Using a model on a flying-fox line and mini cement runway.

A highlight was the actual flight that every Cub took in either a Cessna 172 or the 182.

They flew a quick 10 minute circuit around Archerfield. Even the leaders and parent helpers had a turn!

Finally they all had a chance to test out their own gliders in the wild blue yonder.

The Buderim Scouts have been based in Lindsay Road in a Den built by the parents and community around them over 50 years ago. This organisation is important to our youth and local families.

The local community and families have once again put their time and money to protect this important community asset, restoring the den to meet modern safety standards. You can be a part of the Buderim Scouts by becoming a Leader. call Karen the president on 5476 7027 during office hours for more information.

This event is a Dog's Breakfast!

2007-06-12T22:51:00.000-07:00

Do you have a dog?
Then bring your best mate to breakfast and support the Guide Dogs at the Buderim Dog Park on Saturday morning between 7am and 11am on June 23rd 2007.

It's the inaugural Dog's Breakfast

Come and enjoy the fun, find out about Guide Dogs and the Puppy Program while enjoying a scrumptious Fund Raising breakfast cooked for you by the Lions Club – Maroochydore.

Grab a bacon and egg burger for yourself and a special treat for your dog courtesy of Pedigree (we're for dogs).
Representatives from Guide Dogs Queensland will be on hand to answer any question you may have.

Please bring a leash for your dog just in case he can't control himself around all that yummy cooking smell.

A Dog's Breakfast is a special event put on by Buderim Local, Karen Chellingworth who just thought it would a fun way to raise funds for her favourite charity. She is hoping it will become an annual event. Come along and support this great event, have some fun and be a part of your community!

BATS IN BUDERIM !!! and general business !!

2007-05-23T19:20:00.000-07:00

HI

JENNIFER here,

Some of you may know me from BATS theatre group where I am normally in the yearly children’s Pantomimes. Attached is a photo of January’s one just in case you have all already forgotten me! FLESHCREEP rules !!!!

I’m new to blogging, so bear with me please.

I have decided to write a few lines on why you should try to introduce your children to theatre and support your local theatre group. In this case the yearly Pantomimes at BATS, Buderim.

Arriving here from the UK 3 years ago and coming from a large musical theatre background, I was very pleasantly surprised at the amount of local thespian talent on the beautiful Sunshine Coast. I embraced it all within 2 weeks of arriving and introduced myself to BATS.

I don’t suppose people in the ‘ real world ‘ realise the commitment involved in producing a great children’s Pantomime each year. Full of music, dance, ghost, ghouls, and jokes, plus the boy meets girl scenario (as in Jack met Jill in this years one) (Jack and Beanstalk). The commitment involved is massive.

For a cast member, its months of rehearsals, 2 evenings per week as well as learning dance routines and songs. Costume fittings must be fitted in as well as extra rehearsals for the technical staff nearer the opening performance. All this, including all the support from BATS itself is all voluntary.

For the choreographer and lyrics person as well as a cast member like myself it is even more work. BUT..As the old saying goes. IT’S ALL WORTH IT IN THE END. Anything is when it’s for children as far as I am concerned.

It’s especially worth it for me to see the look in the children’s faces when they take the whole event on board. Booing and hissing the baddie (normally me!) Laughing at the silly,really silly jokes and adoring the goodie two shoes, butter wouldn’t melt, lead male (as in Jack, this year) He always wins his Princess in the end you know. Every year, in fact !

SO, please, please come along, I truly believe it’s the best $10 you could spend on your children. I have noticed most of the adults hysterically booing and cheering too, which always brings a smile to my face.... (We all have a kid within eh!)
Children who are introduced to theatre at a young age are normally are theatre lovers for life. With this high tech internet, play station and my space world out there these days, a fun filled Panto takes us back in time to good old fashioned family fun. Give it a go. I know you will love it.

Also, just to add, after 25 years in sales. I am a Real Estate agent for the AMBER WERCHON team at RAY WHITE.. I am sure her profile will be known to you, but if its not just type her name into GOOGLE to read all about this clever lady. Please call me if you are thinking of buying or selling a home in the future. I love the Buderim area and would love to show you the difference in buying or selling a property with the Amber Werchon team.

See you at the theatre.

JENNIFER 0418 778444

Palliative Care Hospice Needed on Coast

2007-05-20T21:28:00.000-07:00

A special palliative care hospice to show love and care 24/7 for those who are nearing the end of their life is unfortunately not currently available on the Sunshine Coast (although there are such facilities in Toowoomba and on the Gold Coast).

Most patients have no choice other than to end their days in a hospital or aged care facility .

Two ladies, Terry Clarke-Burrows and Sue Story are making it their mission to provide this palliative care hospice service on the Sunshine Coast.

Cittamani Hospice Service offers palliative care at home for individuals and their loved ones as they learn to live with a life threatening illness. This 24-hour service is provided free of charge and provides trained nurses, social workers, councillors and volunteers to assist people to die peacefully in a loving environment.

However, there are many reasons why patients cannot stay at home.

Cittamani is a not for profit public benevolent institution and registered charity and is now attempting to fund raise sufficient money to build a hospice 6-8 beds for both adults and children. The hospice will provide free of charge professional palliative care for anyone on the Sunshine Coast from Caloundra to Noose

Sue endorsed this need with, "If you would like to help in any way, contact Terry Clarke-Burrows on Ph 0447 425192 or Sue Story 0409 4755514

There's nothing to steal at Buderim Scout Den

2007-04-29T18:01:00.000-07:00

Over the Easter break the Buderim Scout Den was broken into by people, apparently looking for drugs. This is twice in four months that the Scout den has received this sort of mindless damage.
The families of the Scouts and Cubs personally volunteer to raise money for use on the Den maintenance and restoration.

It makes me sick to see hard earned dollars spent on fixing things broken maliciously. They have to sell a lot of sausages on bread to make up for $500 excess payments on insurance!

Here's the thing . . . and if you are of the type that breaks into places rifling through first aid boxes, this may be of interest! The Scouts do not even have a Panadol in the den! No drugs are permitted, no medicines, nothing that you could take, inject or snort . . . EVER! So breaking into the Scout Den will net you nothing.

I respectfully ask residents of Buderim to please keep an eye on the den - As you drive, ride, walk or run past have a look to see everything is as it should be and if it isn't please call 000 and report it to the police right away.

Karen Chellingworth

President

Buderim Scout Group

ANZAC Day 2007 Images on Buderim's Web Site

2007-04-24T20:10:00.000-07:00

The ANZAC Day memorial parade and services on Buderim were (once again) brilliantly supported by locals turning out in record numbers to line the streets and bow their heads beneath the Pines in Buderim School. While the Biplanes of Buderim's air force droned overhead, a giant parade snaked along Burnett street, past cheering residents and visitors, to the school oval for the Memorial Service.

New images for the 2007 parade and service have been placed on Buderim's Website, soon you will be able to purchase these and many more through an amazing new service, in the form of albums and DVD's! Stay tuned for more details coming to your Buderim Web Service!

Anzac Day in Buderim

2007-04-18T16:08:00.000-07:00

April 25 is a significant day of remembrance in Australia's cities and towns, and the ANZAC tradition is maintained in Buderim on that special day by our very own Buderim War Memorial Community Association, who organise the dawn service and a parade of returned service personnel.
This year has taken on a special meaning for me, as I only recently discovered that a great-uncle of mine was killed in France in 1918, some three months before the end of WW1. I was in Canberra for a family reunion, and with a little bit of prompting from my aunt, took a short visit to the Australian War Memorial where I discovered to my amazement, the name of great-uncle Stanley emblazoned on a plaque in the Commemorative Area. A quick check of the AWM website revealed a lot more detail, including the fact that Stanley was a gunner in the Australian Field Artillery who died of wounds and is buried in France at the Fouilloy Communal Cemetery.
And of course, like many of his fellow Australian soldiers who died in that appalling conflict, Stanley was only 28 years of age.

What is Special about the Buderim Community

2007-04-16T03:33:00.000-07:00

We received an email at Buderim's Website the other day from a couple living on the Gold Coast, who were in Buderim for a wedding and fell in love with the place. They asked us what was the crime and hoon problem like here - intimating that it was quite bad where they were on the GC. She also asked if most people owned their homes or rented.

The thing is . . . there are hoons and crime in Buderim just like everywhere else. The Mountain suffers under the pressure brought about by high-density units, seems some people feel that's the only type of housing fit for major roads, even on Buderim.

When you focus on the differences between Buderim and other places, you see just what makes it a special community.

In Buderim, a large section of the community feels a connectivity with each other and this comes out in the many groups and indeed on the street. Motorists are more likely to let you pass first at the roundabouts, or pull into the traffic line or signal to a pedestrian to cross over. Pedestrians say good morning to strangers when passing on their walks (unless they are in town where the rules seem to be different) and in neighbourhoods, the people know their neighbours!

The community spirit gave rise to what is possibly the most amazing organisation of its type in Australia. The Buderim War Memorial Community Organisation (BWMCA) was created as a living memorial to commemorate the sacrifice of our soldiers during WWll. This community group holds major events such as Australia Day Celebrations, ANZAC Day and operates as an umbrella organisation for other groups around Buderim. They also hold Welcome to Buderim meetings for new residents, amongst other activities that help to keep our unique spirit alive, under the weight of the recent seachange migration.

If you come to Buderim, take time to visit the Old Post Office in Burnett Street which is now the headquarters. They have information on what is what in Buderim!

In a world of growing cynicism and resignation, the Buderim Sense of Community is a refreshing change and something worth keeping alive.

Scary stuff

2007-04-08T21:42:00.000-07:00

My story of spiders snakes and suchlike may be a bit offputting to anyone considering a move to our beautiful mountain: perhaps I should explain a little more of my history. As I told you in my previous post, I flew to Australia with my family in 1965. The first year of our stay was spent in the Wacol Migrant Hostel, which was at that time located on the western side of Brisbane. Being in a rural bush setting there were more insects around than are found in an urban situation, and being a new chum anything larger than a "money spider" was threatening. While I do have some hairy stories about the first two years in Oz, upon reflection my reaction was more dangerous to the wild life than they were to me.

Two years after we arrived in Australia, we relocated to Townsville in North Queensland, about a thousand miles north of Brisbane. Being tropical there were beetles, bugs, flies, spiders and snakes, all larger than life and twice as scary. This is where most of my stories originated and I will elaborate on those in later posts.

Buderim, while it does have the odd spider, has similar sized ones to those found in the UK and we have no more flies here than is usual in any town.

Maroochydore and Mooloolaba, to the east of Buderim, are about ten minutes drive away, and a couple of degrees hotter in summer. Maroochydore is a great shopping place and along with the rest of the coast has beautiful beaches, though I also like Alexander Headland beach, or the beaches at Caloundra. We are truly spoilt for choice.

The Sunshsine Coast Grammar School is situated on the western slopes of Buderim mountain at a place called Forest Glenn. For anyone wishing to access the Sunshine Coast Grammar School, or the Sunshine Coast University, from Buderim it would be a very easy drive of about 10 - 15 minutes, anyone coming from Maroochydore or Mooloolaba will have to drive around the montain or up through Buderim to reach the School or the University.

The people of Buderim are very friendly and the township has a warm, small town atmosphere. We have lovely treelined streets and currently there are plans underway for a town square with european lifestyle cafe's and lots of new shopping outlets. We are indeed coming of age and becoming very cosmopolitan in outlook.

Much more information is available to you on the buderim.com website. There are interactive maps that will take you to any part of Buderim and the local area, including schools, churches, and other venues. The website also has loads of information for anyone wishing to relocate to our great town. (Amy, if you wish you can contact me at patricia@buderim.com)

Sad - no not me

2007-04-07T02:28:00.000-07:00

SAD - no not me - this is a condition caused by lack of sunshine and Brits catch it every year in winter. We were no different. My little ankle biters were no exception, they too were of the typical red cheeked, dripping nosed english stock. Something had to change. The answer to the problem was a beautiful, big, Boeing 707 - they still fascinate me.

We left England in November 1965. Two days after building snowmen and having snowfights in freezing cold, we were strolling down Brisbane's Queenstreet in 100% heat. I was fascinated by the shimmering black and white spotted shirt on the man walking in front of me; even more fascinated when it suddenly became a pristine white one. I had never seen so many flies in one place before.

That was over 40 years ago, my horror of spiders died with each succesive dispatch and flys are just a fact of life. However snakes are another matter, and I have had a couple of close encounters that must be for another story, but I can take them or leave them - I guess that I have learned to share my environment with my phobias. Well, perhaps not cockroaches!

When I first arrived in Queensland I thought that it was unbelievable after my small, dark hometown; but if Queensland is the crown of Australia then surely Buderim is the jewel in the crown. It has changed a lot over the forty years that I have visited the village and we need to take great care that we don't lose our individuality. I for one will be fighting to ensure that Buderim remains the beautiful garden of eden that it is.

News from the Cottage.

2007-04-04T17:47:00.000-07:00

I was just wondering what Mrs Burnett would be doing today, the day before Easter, 1887.

~~~

She had a lovely home on Buderim and would be enjoying the gentle autumn sun on her veranda where the breezes have kept her cool during the relentless summer months of the past few years.

Supervised by Mr Burnett, her husband, she had watched as hard men had pit-sawn every plank of beech and cedar after cutting down the trees and, like true artisans, had built her solid home.

Mr Burnett had built her a beautiful cabinet in the dining room to house her crockery, silver and crystal, and she and her daughters had been busy making tapestry pieces for the walls.
Portraits of Mr Burnett's parents and the original family home in faraway England held pride of place in the drawing room.

Casually she might have admired the imported french doors with their hand-made glass as she rested awhile and took in the view. This home will last forever, she might have said to herself.

She would be contemplating Easter and perhaps wishing there was some where she could have gone to worship. Instead, perhaps she might be having a gathering in her drawing room to honour her beliefs. Inviting perhaps her husband's boss Joseph Dixon and his wife, the Jones', the Guy family, the Fieldings and the Wises for a bible reading over supper.

Her fingers flew as she finished a lace collar to freshen up her best dress.

She could hear the saw mill's thrumming activity in the distance, and absentmindedly watched as a team of bullocks hauled past, the powerful animals necks straining, bellowing, the bullock driver cajoling and cracking his whip to get them to pull yet another huge load of logs on their way to the Maroochy river.

She was well pleased with her kitchen, considered by some to be the best on the mountain, where she baked not only for her family but supplied bread to others who cooked over an open fire. It was built outside the home. She had lost one home to fire and like other home owners preferred to keep the cooking area separate. The children might have helped pump the water up from the well in her back garden before she set them down on gunny sacks to to learn their alphabet and do their sums. Perhaps the eldest girl would have milked the cow, and the boy checked the horses. She planned to visit a young woman due to give birth, and reassure her that she would be there to help when her time came.

She was worried about a local Kanaka who had cut his foot badly in the sugar cane fields and had limped to her veranda seeking help. She'd cleaned the foul wound and bound it as best she could.

And in the meantime she would have considered what food she had in the larder and what more was needed. There was butter to make, bread to bake, and pork to salt. The younger boys were fishing for tomorrow's meal.

She might have sighed as she looked out at the sweeping views and thought of how life might have been had she stayed in England, then with a sweep of her hand, bustle quickly back into her home to prepare for her Easter on Buderim mountain.

The Burnett family home, now called Pioneer Cottage is open daily from 11-3.00pm.
Cared for by the Buderim Historical Society, held in trust for the community by the BWMCA.
7 Ballinger Crescent. Buderim. Telephone Number. 5450 1966.

Theatre Notes

2007-04-02T22:06:00.000-07:00

As a participant in community live theatre, currently as a guest director at Nambour Lind Lane Theatre, I got to wondering the other day as to why Buderim does not have a similar venue to Lind Lane, a 110 seat purpose-built theatre, now in it's third year of opearation in Mitchell Street, Nambour. Surely with the population of Buderim approaching some 35,000 residents, we could well support a venue of around 150 seats, which could be leased out to a local theatre group, with provision for the venue to be hired out to other users.
But, I hear you say, we already have a successful theatre company in Buderim. The BATS group operates out of the Buderim War Memorial Hall, where they have maintained a lease agreement over many decades. The Hall is an excellent multi-use venue, but it does not have the facilities or atmosphere of a live performance intimate theatre.
As residents of Buderim well know, we are running out of space for future public buildings on the plateau, however, I have heard a whisper that the Lindsay Road area, opposite the Post Office, may be the site for re-development, with the restored Buderim Tramway Krauss engine mooted for public display in that area in the near future. Why not seize the opportunity to further enhance the site with a modest community arts facility (in the form of a theatre) before it's too late?

Buderim Scout Group - Trish Nelson Honoured for 25 years of dedicated service

2007-04-01T20:43:00.000-07:00

Wow, what an accomplishment - 25 years of dedicated service to the scouting movement.

Buderim's Cub leader Trish Nelson recently was awarded the Silver Koala by Queensland Governor, Quentin Bryce at Government House in Brisbane for her 25 years of service to the Scout movement.

The Buderim Group are honoured to have Trish involved in their group. It is evident that she loves our children and the activities the cubs and scouts are involved in - she doesn't have children of her own, but gives her love, time and knowledge to our children. A big thank you from the Buderim Scout Group - Raksha (her scout name - meaning mother wolf - that says it all).

Introducing the Buderim Blog

2007-04-01T04:48:00.000-07:00

While celebrating his 5th birthday, Buddee (our Kookaburra mascot) told us that he would really like to see a platform set up where locals could air their thoughts, catch up on the goss and see what's happening in the local groups around the Mountain. So we set up the BUDERIM BLOG.

We have a few nominated authors who will be updating the blog, but you may also add comment any post .

Please be aware that any slanderous or nasty stuff will not be tolerated. Also that the views expressed here are not neccessarily those of Buddee or the team at Buderim's Web Site.

If you would like to contribute on behalf of a group or just to have your say, please just let us know by calling 5476 7027 in business hours or send email to info@buderim.com