Sunshine Valley Gazette

• Fire in the Heart by Simone Eisler, Currie Street Nambour is preparing to shine brightly with the official launch of several recently-installed lighting and public art installations.   The Nambour Lights Up Project Launch will be held at Tram Co at 28 Mill Street.  Reimagine Nambour, in collaboration with placemaking firm POMO, worked on the project which was made possible with a $500,000 grant from the Australian Government. The vision was to kick-start the urban renewal of the CBD by introducing captivating street art and lighting installations. The project encompasses five lighting installations and three public art pieces, placed in iconic areas of the town.  The additions were curated by local artists to breathe new life into Nambour. Design Director at POMO and Project Manager Stephen Burton expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative.  “Creative places make real contributions to local economies, and Nambour’s unique character provided a canvas for us to showcase its point of difference.  “I enjoy driving through town at night and witnessing how the lighting showcases Nambour’s remarkable features.  “It draws attention to the town’s hidden gems and highlights what is truly great about Nambour.” The invitation-only event will be held on June 8 at Tram […]

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

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

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. 

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

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

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 

An image from the video series on Nambour’s shopping experiences … www.iamnambour.com.au. Local groups and businesses in Nambour are joining forces to boost the town’s economy and attract more visitors.  Organised by Rhonda Billett, Nambour Groups have been updating the town’s online presence with modern photos, videos, a website (www.iamnambour.com.au) and business information. After completing the first stage, they are now preparing to roll out phase two in collaboration with a larger array and catchment of local businesses.  The aim is to increase awareness of Nambour’s attractions, encourage higher footfall traffic to local businesses and promote the former sugar town as the Gateway to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.  “After the initial launch of the I Am Nambour video series the Nambour Chamber of Commerce, Nambour Tram Co, Reimagine Nambour and Nambour Retailers Group are preparing stage 2,” Rhonda said.   “This Region continues to grow in popularity and with more people than ever visiting the area and looking for places to stay as well as things to do.  Nambour Groups are doing everything we can to position Nambour and surrounds, so we all benefit economically from these opportunities.” Rhonda said the recent launch of Bonza Airways, would bring an estimated

Rhonda Billet and Mayor Mark Jamieson at the launch. A passionate team of Nambour business and community groups have been working together to build some great digital assets to promote living, working, shopping and exploring Nambour.  Developed to encourage locals and visitors to explore Nambour, the digital makeover includes a dynamic #ExploreNambour video series, e-newsletter, blogs, social media content, and a revamp of the I Am Nambour website.  The video series captures the night economy, and the varied shopping and café culture, including Nambour’s highly regarded vintage shopping offering.  The website now includes newly created Parking Map and Vintage and Retro Op Shop Hip Hop Map, plus up-to-date small business and local industry content, links to investment information and destination marketing information.  Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson said the investments were a positive step towards revitalising the CBD.  “Both residents and visitors to Nambour now have a fresh, functioning website with access to information on local events, maps, arts, local business and importantly investor pathways to strengthen the region and really open up the Gateway to the Hinterland,” Mayor Jamieson said.  Division 10 Councillor David Law said Nambour was one of the first experiences visitors had of the Sunshine

From left, Cr David Law, Vaughan Jones from Sunshine Pinball, renowned social media influencer Brooke Styles and Mayor Mark Jamieson are pumped for today’s launch of the video package and website. Vaughan’s Sunshine Pinball and Brooke feature in the video.  The best that Nambour has to offer will be showcased in a locally-developed visual package and launched today (Wednesday, March 1).   All will be revealed at the “I Am Nambour” Website & Video Series launch on the big screen at Majestic Cinemas at 9am.  The “major digital makeover” includes a video package by local firm Red Boss Productions as well as the revitalisation and upgrade of the existing “I Am Nambour” website. Organiser and local businesswoman Rhonda Billett said the idea was to create a  showcase of the small businesses and local industry offerings that made Nambour a great place to “invest, live, work and play”. “We will unveil the new direction the Nambour business community are taking for Nambour, the Gateway to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland,” said Ms Billett. Council and Visit Sunshine Coast have financially contributed to the roll out, with investment into a further promotion of the I Am Nambour, Explore Nambour video series and web