May 9, 2023

Bold plan to give main street shopfronts in Nambour a lift

Council is encouraging more of the type of work that was done to the magnificently refurbished Whalley Chambers building in Currie Street. Funds are being made available to help Nambour create a more powerful – and lucrative – first impression. The move is aimed at boosting businesses and improving the experience for shoppers at Nambour. It’s just one of the many initiatives reigniting the former sugar town, which is redefining itself as a heritage, arts and music hub. Improvements that could be made thanks to the Sunshine Coast Council investment could range from a fresh coat of paint to eye-catching signage, well-lit displays, vibrant greenery or better accessibility. Funding is now available to assist Nambour town centre business owners with the cost of upgrading the “aesthetic, vibrancy and attractiveness’’ of shopfronts to attract more customers. Council will support matched funding up to a maximum contribution of $5,000. Division 10 Councillor David Law said Council was committed to investing in the Nambour business district. “As a dedicated gateway precinct, Council wants to ensure the Nambour business district welcomes visitors with attractive commercial streetscapes that encourage customers to shop and explore,” Cr Law said. “The appearance of our town, our businesses and […]

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Small Change makes a big difference to Nambour’s main street

Ben and Kimberly Conicella at the big, new Small Change Espresso … “We saw a gap for a licensed cafe that had slightly different offerings to a pub”. Since taking over Small Change Espresso in Bury Street Nambour at the beginning of 2022, Ben and Kimberly Conicella have initiated big changes that will present a fresh face to Nambour’s CBD. “When we first bought Small Change we weren’t really sure what direction we wanted to take the business in but as time went by all the pieces started to come together, and here we are,” Ben said. “There are some awesome cafes in town, and Pubs for nighttime hospitality, but nothing really in between. We saw a gap for a licensed cafe that had slightly different offerings to a pub. That was our vision and we have been plugging away to make that happen.” Initially Ben and Kimberly investigated moving the growing business into the space that formerly housed Jaxons Cafe, in Howard Street. “Everyone worked hard to bring that plan to fruition but we just struggled to make it work,” Ben said. “When our building was sold last year, we weren’t really sure how the change of ownership would

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Yee-haa! Record crowds flock to Ray White Nambour Rodeo

It’s been a long time since Nambour was treated to a rodeo including a full program of events and organisers were looking forward to a big turnout. The weather was fine and they could not have been more pleased after rain had somewhat dampened last year’s Ray White Nambour Rodeo. But high hopes turned to exhilaration as Saturday’s (May 6) event attracted record numbers.   “It was a record day for us,” said Ray White Nambour’s Matt O’Grady. “We had over 4000 people through the gates. It was unreal.” The crowd enjoyed saddle rides, team roping, barrel races, steer wrestling and of course, bull riding. “The event aims to bring the Nambour community together for a night of entertainment and family fun and we certainly achieved that,” said Matt.  “We also attracted a significant number of families from outside of Nambour and showed them what great facilities and events we have to offer. “We’ll be donating proceeds to Reimagine Nambour like last year.” The rodeo is held in conjunction with professional rodeo organisers Honky-Tonk Rodeo Promotions and the National Rodeo Association. 

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Tram Fest is back, 80s style — mullets and all!

Come in your best 80s outfit to win over $1000 in Prizes. From left, Maree McGrath, Nathan Billett and Rhonda Billett ham it up for the big day. You can even win a prize for the Best Mullett. Nambour locals are in for a treat as the reinvigorated Tram Fest Street Party is set to take over Mill St this Saturday May 13.  Attendees are encouraged to embrace their inner 80s and come dressed in their best double denim, big hair, fluro and/or leg warmers for a chance to win prizes worth over $1000.  “We are in the search for the best dressed 80s outfit and also in the search for the best 80s style mullet hair with a special prize allocated for that category,” said organiser Rhonda Billett. “All of our amazing prizes have been donated by local businesses including Hammond Optometry, Down Town Nambour,  Small Change Espresso, Uptown Hair Studio and Subway Sandwiches.” Registrations for the competition open from 5pm and the Best Dressed and Best Mullett winners will be announced at 7pm. “Alongside the Best Dressed competition, Tram Fest Street Party will offer a variety of activities for the whole family to enjoy.  “The always-popular food truck

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Nambour’s edgy art vibe on stage at Coat Exhibition finale

The stunning coats hit the stage to wrap up the exhibition. Nambour is on the verge of creating an edgy art vibe according to visitors to the recently completed “Sunshine Coat” exhibition.  The Sunshine Coat Exhibition wrapped up on Saturday night but not before hosting an electric and eclectic sold-out closing event.  In the exhibition fine art photographer Ketakii Jewson-Brown and seamstress and musician Shaye Hardisty showcased a stunning collection of coats alongside photographic essays celebrating the richness and diversity of the town. “The entire Old Ambulance Station gallery and Black Box theatre were overflowing with the creative community in the final hurrah of the month-long Nambour love letter through coats and photography,” said Ketakii. Record visitors have filed through the gallery since the project opened on April 4 with many people impressed by the high standard of the artists and collaborators but also by the level of community involvement. Div 10 Cr David Law said the “love letter for Namba” was one of the finest exhibitions seen at the Old Ambo.  “It has captured the story of Nambour brilliantly and the closing event and runway show was incredible,” he said.  “For those lucky enough to visit the exhibition or

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Fitting tribute to a Nambour forefather: G L Bury

George Land Bury’s portrait at Nambour Museum overlooks the street that bears his name. A welcome addition to Nambour’s mural trail, the portrait of George Land Bury at the Nambour Museum, overlooks the street that bears his name and the location of the now closed Moreton Central Sugar Mill.  George Land Bury, David Mitchell and Daniel Currie were called the forefathers of Nambour, such was their influence during the early years of the town. G. L. Bury arrived in Brisbane from England in 1869 and became a carpenter at William Samwell’s rum distillery in Brisbane.   When Samwell selected 1625 acres in Nambour in 1870,  he assisted in the building of a house about in the position of what is now called Crescent Drive.   Living in Yandina with his family, he became a groom for Cobb & Co before relocating to Mooloolah where he built Bury’s Hotel where he also ran a store, post office and butcher shop. When the family relocated to Nambour, the hotel came too.  It is believed that it was transported in sections by bullock wagon and then train to the corner of Currie and Mitchell Streets where it became a boarding house. Mr Bury 

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