Sunshine Valley Gazette

Five-storey childcare centre proposed for Howard Street

A new multi-storey childcare centre is planned for Howard Street in Nambour, according to a recent development application submitted to the Sunshine Coast Council.  Mariara Property Group Pty Ltd, the developer behind the well-regarded Evolution Early Learning centre in Mooloolaba, is proposing to demolish existing commercial buildings at 68 to 78 Howard St to construct the innovative facility. The five-storey complex will offer around 150 childcare places and employ 23 staff members. It will feature two underground parking levels and operate from 6am to 6pm on weekdays. Emphasizing sustainability and healthy living, the centre will include food gardens and a cooking school where children can learn about sustainable practices.  Yoga and music studios are also part of the proposed amenities.  Approximately 19 percent of the site will be landscaped, with much of the outdoor space located on various balconies. The project aims to provide an alternative childcare experience that fosters independence and healthy lifestyles from an early age.  If approved, the application says the centre could become a significant addition to Nambour’s community infrastructure, offering unique educational opportunities for local children.

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Chef Jampa brings Tibetan flavours to Queen Street Nambour

Jampa wants his restaurant to be an iconic attraction for the town.     Nambour’s Queen Street is set to tantalise taste buds with the opening of Jampa’s Spirit of Tibet, helmed by renowned chef Jampa.  Known for his authentic and flavourful Tibetan cuisine, Jampa brings a blend of influences to the heart of Nambour in what he hopes will become a renowned restaurant for the town. “I want it to be an iconic attraction for the town, my ultimate dream would be that my restaurant would be for Nambour and for Tibetan food what the Spirit House is for Yandina,” he said.  “I want people to make a special trip to Nambour because the food is so good here. “I love Queen Street. I think everybody knows Queen Street. It has a character. And I think Nambour is a town that is growing.  “Plus, I didn’t realise how many people living in Nambour used to come to my restaurant in Forest Glen. I have 200 advance bookings already. “I think Nambour also needs something different like my restaurant so people want to stay in Nambour rather than go to the coast to dine out.” Having built a loyal following

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Chamber celebrates local achievements, upcoming events

From left, Nambour Chamber of Commerce President Mark Bray, Board Member Jody Chatillon, Coffee Catchup sponsor William Emms from Property Lane Woombye and Frankies Cafe owner Bec Galler. The Nambour Chamber of Commerce Coffee Catchup on July 3 heard from several people about a number of promising developments in the area.  At the meeting at Frankies Cafe in Woombye, Board member Jody Chatillon praised local contributors Rhonda Billett from “I am Nambour” and Martin Duncan from Sconetime for their efforts in promoting the region. Ms Chatillon highlighted the role Ms Billett played in bringing national attention to Nambour through the Sunrise TV broadcast from the newly renovated Big Pineapple tourist attraction. “If it wasn’t for Rhonda and I am Nambour, Sunrise wouldn’t have come to the Big Pineapple and broadcast nationally from our region. So congratulations to you because that’s actually a massive thing,” Ms Chatillon said. The major renovations, café reopening and return of the trains at the Big Pineapple was also noted as a positive development, benefiting the entire complex, including the Wildlife HQ zoo. Additionally, the success of the Queensland Garden Expo over the weekend was acknowledged. Ms Chatillon emphasised the event’s contribution to local businesses, including accommodation and

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Nambour hotel owner fined for drug possession

Trent Nathan Laing, 47, owner of Nambour’s Royal George Hotel and The Vogue music and entertainment venue, pleaded guilty to drug charges in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on July 2.  Mr Laing was charged with producing and possessing drugs, including 300g of cannabis, magic mushrooms, and LSD, found during a police search on March 12. Police discovered a hydroponic setup for growing cannabis on his property.  According to The Courier-Mail Laing’s defence barrister, Peter Slipper, argued there was no commercial intent behind the drug production.  He said the warrant was originally for another individual on Mr Laing’s property. Mr Laing cited financial stress and said he resorted to using cannabis as medication after a former employee stole a substantial sum of money from him.  He has since obtained a prescription for medical cannabis. Magistrate Haydn Stjernqvist fined Laing $1200, recording a conviction for his offences.

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Garden Expo a blooming, four-day success, despite rain

Gardening Australia’s Sophie Thomson with Chief Steward of this year’s Poultry Spectacular Rob Leck and Claire Bickle from Gardening for the GoodLife. Pic courtesy Martin Duncan The weather was not kind. But still, tens of thousands of visitors passed through the Nambour Showgrounds gates for the 40th Queensland Garden Expo on the weekend. This year, for the first time, the Coast’s largest annual event started on a Thursday to extend the program to four days. Event Manager Marion Beazley said, since its humble beginnings as a car boot sale in 1985, the Expo has thrived and become one of the most anticipated events in the region. “We couldn’t be happier with how our 40th anniversary event went – luckily a bit of rain has never stopped a gardener from getting out there, so we still had great attendance numbers,” Ms Beazley said. “We had people queuing from 6.45am on Thursday morning, which goes to show the dedication of our visitors and the quality of what’s on offer. Every year we have many of our growers and nurseries launching new plant varieties at the event, which has become a highlight on the gardening calendar for our avid gardeners. “With more than

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Garden turns new leaf thanks to business support

Kashmira and Lars Hansen and daughter Uma tend the garden with Hall Contracting CEO & Director, Cameron Hall. Sunshine Coast green thumbs and businesses have banded together to save the Nambour community garden from being decommissioned. Together they are sowing the seeds to create a bustling new community hub known as Nambour Grown. When Sunshine Coast residents Lars and Kashmira Hansen heard that the facility – located at the Nambour Showgrounds – was weeks away from closure last year due to lack of use and maintenance, they put the call out to the local community to join them in revitalising the space. “The garden had unfortunately fallen into disrepair, with the area overrun with weeds and the soil quality no longer ideal for growing vegetables and other plants,” Mr Hansen said. “Sunshine Coast Council and not-for-profit organisation ECOllaboration were the first to put their hand up to help, with council donating mulch and compost, and 12 conservation and ecosystem management trainees from ECOllaboration assisting us with weeding, stabilising the banks and rejuvenating the garden beds.” Mr Hansen said once the garden beds were ready for use and a committee of volunteers had been established to lead the initiative, Buderim business

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Students study Nambour CBD’s urban features

Year 11 Geography students from Nambour’s St John’s College. Last week, Year 11 Geography students from St John’s College completed field work in Nambour CBD, focused on liveability and the urban features that make places sustainable. “Each year our students undertake a field analysis of the town’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as a survey of residents, as part of their studies,” said St John’s Senior Geography teacher, Michelle Gralike. “It is a really terrific opportunity for them to take a more analytical, creative and proactive approach to some of the challenges facing our town. “What is really gratifying is that we consistently receive positive feedback from residents who love the wonderful feeling of community in Nambour. “The students will now analyse the data collected about urban infrastructure in Nambour before proposing a strategy to address some challenges in Currie Street,” she said. “They will consider solutions around urban renewal, gentrification and urban consolidation. “While there are some complex and difficult issues to consider, I think we are always encouraged by how many solutions there are, and how many passionate people there are to push ahead in a positive way.”

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Sconetime marks 40 years of Qld Garden Expo in Nambour

From left, Garden Expo organiser Marion Beasley, Sconetime’s Martin Duncan and Tanya Outridge from the Sunshine Valley Gazette rolled up their sleeves for a successful event. Nambour’s town square was abuzz last Wednesday morning with the happy sounds of more than 100 guests enjoying Sconetime. Thanks to Sunshine Coast Foodie Martin Duncan and his troupe of volunteers, Nambour Chamber of Commerce and Sunshine Coast Council, the CBD was transformed into a colourful garden party, complete with bunting and decorative daisies from last year’s Expo. Guests enjoyed the delicious scones, jam and cream, which were baked fresh that morning to Martin’s own recipe by Bec and Sally of Simplee Sweets on Buderim, as well as tea and coffee supplied by Montville Coffee. Wonderful live music was provided by Marty Hunt–LNP for Nicklin, Andrea Kirwin and Imogen Outridge. “I was thrilled to see the CBD looking spectacular, on what turned out to be a perfect winter’s day,” Martin said. “Sconetime is always a special event, but it was fantastic that this one was themed to celebrate the upcoming QLD Garden Expo, which will run over 4 days, and bring thousands of visitors into town. “I would like to thank my wonderful volunteers,

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Council unveils a Budget ‘for the community’

“Community is at the heart of every decision made in this Budget,” Mayor Natoli said. Sunshine Coast Council has handed down its 2024-25 Budget that it says promises to “make a difference to people’s daily lives”. Council says the Budget prepares the region for growth and a bright future, while providing a renewed focus on supporting the community now. Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the Budget included benefits for everyone. “Community is at the heart of every decision made in this Budget,” Mayor Natoli said. “We are putting community first, with a focus on community spaces, parklands and infrastructure for all. “We’re improving transport, roads, pathways and community facilities, ensuring smoother travel and better sports and community spaces. “Our residents will be supported thanks to increased pensioner rates concessions, initiatives for housing and family violence prevention and programs to shape a healthy, connected community. “We’ve also made changes to our rate charges, to ensure fairness despite the State’s increased property valuations. “Our local businesses and our economy are being supported with a capital works program that is creating jobs. “Our environment is also front and centre with projects and programs that protect our habitat, rejuvenate our ecosystems and restore

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‘Vicious and brutal’: Police investigate serious assault, Nambour station

Police believe the attacker was under the influence of substances and behaving erratically. They are working diligently to locate the suspect, who is considered dangerous. A 39-year-old man from the Gympie region was  fighting for his life after a vicious attack at the bus interchange outside Nambour train station on Sunday afternoon, June 23.  The man, who was repeatedly stomped on, sustained severe head injuries and is in critical condition at Sunshine Coast University Hospital. A 33-year-old Maroochydore man also suffered injuries, including lost teeth. The attacker, described as a man in his early 20s, about 175cm tall, with a proportionate build, wearing a dark hoodie and black cap, remains at large. Police have issued a public appeal for witnesses, especially those with mobile phone footage, to help identify him. James William, 33, from Caloundra, told the Courier-Mail about his encounter with the attacker. William, an MMA fighter, was at the bus station with his pregnant partner when the assailant, “drug crazed and going ballistic,” began asking people about missing drugs. William intervened, only to be punched in the mouth, losing two teeth. “I got him to the ground and choked him out, then put him in the recovery position,”

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