Sunshine Coast locals are being encouraged to take time to “Make the Most of the Moment” and remember why they love the region, as part of a new tourism campaign.

The campaign, by Sunshine Coast Destination Limited and Tourism Events Queensland, promotes the Sunshine Coast as the first destination in the world to encourage people to be “smarter with their smart phones” so they don’t miss experiencing what’s around them.

But this campaign isn’t just about encouraging tourists to visit the region, its also about reminding those who are lucky enough to live here, why they love it and to make the most of every opportunity to experience it.

And there will be rewards, with everyone who enters the Make the Most of the Moment challenge eligible to win great Sunshine Coast experiences, with total prizes worth more than $10,000.

Already high-profile locals are getting involved, becoming Smartphone Smarts ambassadors, making the most of the moment on the Sunshine Coast, and encouraging others to do the same.

Coast Ironman Matt Poole and artist Raelean Hall are launching the campaign and asking people to think about whether their bad smartphone habits are interfering with their leisure time with family or friends. And more and more well-known Sunshine Coasters will be joining them every day.

As part of the campaign a list of seven Smarter Smartphone behaviours have been developed:

1. Avoid being a search-it-all

Make the most of the moment and seek out your own special corner of the coast.

2. Elbows and phones off the table

Make the most of the moment with great food and company.

3. Kiss your phone goodnight

Make the most of your night with a restful night’s sleep or some romance.

4. Look before you snap

Make the most of the moment and take in this truly breathtaking place.

5. Take a phone-free day

Make the most of the moment and experience nature without distractions.

6. Talk now, text later

Make the most of the moment and enjoy this precious time together.

7. Taste before you upload

Make the most of the moment and savour every mouthful.

Matt Poole said he was stoked to be involved with the campaign and could definitely identify with it.

“The behaviours are reminders for people, like me who might be a little too attached to their smartphones.

“My mates are always telling me to stop texting and using my phone when we are out together so that’s something I am going to work on.”

For Raelean Hall, painting on location is about capturing the moment, of being aware of and responding to our surroundings.

“I love to see people taking in and experiencing what’s around them and that is something I’ve recently incorporated into my art, getting people involved in what I am creating, encouraging them to pick up a brush or a palette knife,   adding their touch to the work.”

Because the campaign is all about finding the right balance between smartphones making people’s lives easier and not interfering during precious time with family and friends, there is a fun online quiz people can take to examine their own smartphone use and then share their results on social media.

“But we want people to go further,” Raelean said. “We want them to go out and rediscover their favourite moment on the Sunshine Coast and then post a photo to the competition on the Sunshine Coast QLD Facebook page.”

Matt said the judges would be looking for photos that show people have already enjoyed their moment.

“Like almost half of all Australians, we don’t want to see photos of meals before they eat them – we would much rather see friends sitting around a table with the remnants of a great meal everyone has already enjoyed so be creative!”

Once people have entered the competition, they will join Matt and Raelean as Smartphone Smarts Ambassadors and also go into the draw to win some of the $10,000 worth of great Sunshine Coast Moments prizes which include a Spicers Tamarind Retreat, accommodation at Mantra Mooloolaba, passes to the Sunshine Coast’s great attractions including the Ginger Factory, Underwater World, Aussie World and the Big Kart Track, day passes on the Noosa Ferry and more.

There will be spot prizes awarded for great entries, with everyone also eligible to win the major prizes.

To get involved jump online to www.makethemostofthemoment.com.au to take the quiz and then visit www.facebook.com/sunshinecoastqld to take the Make the Most of the Moment Challenge for your chance to win. You can also find out more at www.visitsunshinecoast.com.au/see-and-do/moments/local-moments.

Buderim-based charity, Bloomhill Cancer Help, has been selected as one of only seven open gardens to be showcased at this year’s Spring Garden Festival.

The festival, organised by the Buderim Garden Club, will take place from Saturday, 19^th to Sunday, 20^th October from 9am to 4pm and aims to highlight Buderim as the Sunshine Coast’s garden suburb.

Bloomhill’s General Manager, Mervat Thompson said the charity was honoured to have been chosen and it was a reflection of the hard work by the volunteer gardening and maintenance team.

“The Bloomhill property sits on ten (10) acres of lush forest land and manicured gardens, and it’s the perfect place for our clients to come, relax and take a break from their hectic lives,” Ms Thompson said.

Bloomhill is a long-standing charity, offering support and assistance since 1997 to those living with cancer and their families throughout the Sunshine Coast.

Operated by a team of dedicated staff and hundreds of volunteers, Bloomhill offers counselling, transport to appointments, respite care and a range of complementary therapies and other practical help.

To cater for its growing number of clients and to give more people access to its amazing services and support, Bloomhill built an extension to its existing therapy centre that included five new therapy rooms, state-of-the-art kitchen, additional office space and a beautiful, big recreation room.  Since the opening of the new therapy centre in June 2012, Bloomhill’s client base has risen to well over 900 current clients.

“We will be opening our Therapy Centre to the public for organised tours during the weekend of the festival,” Ms Thompson said.

The Spring Garden Festival includes competitions and a Flower Show at the Buderim War Memorial Hall and Garden Sculpture Exhibition at Buderim Craft Cottage.  Tickets are $15 per person and include a two-day pass to all seven gardens, incorporating the garden walk, and Flower Show.

For more information about the Bloomhill visit www.bloomhill.com.au or the Festival, please visit buderimgardenclub.com.

Buderim-based charity Bloomhill Cancer Help will host a Pink Hat Brunch on Monday 28^th October at the Bloomhill Cancer Help Centre to raise funds to support locals affected by cancer.

Hosted by Bloomhill Patron, Raelene Boyle, The Pink Hat themed brunch is being held in celebration of October, which is globally renowned for the recognition of all women’s cancers.

The Brunch will kick off at 10am and include prizes for the best Pink hat, a raffle and a short presentation from leading dietician Leanne Levin.

Bloomhill Cancer Help General Manager, Mervat Thompson said everyone at Bloomhill was looking forward to the event and knew of many clients who had started decorating their hats.

“We welcome everyone to get involved with the themed hat competition and come along for a fun morning to support Bloomhill,” Mervat said.

Tickets to the brunch are $20 per person or for Bloomhill clients $15 per person. Tickets can be purchased by calling Bloomhill on 07 5445 5794 or alternatively by dropping into the Bloomhill Cancer Help centre, 58 Ballinger Rd, Buderim.

“Funds raised from the Pink Hat Brunch ensure Bloomhill can continue to provide support and assistance to more than 900 cancer patients on the Sunshine Coast,” Mervat said.

Bloomhill Cancer Help is a Sunshine Coast based charity that provides support and assistance to those affected by cancer. Operated by a team of dedicated professional staff and hundreds of volunteers, Bloomhill offers counselling, transport to appointments, respite care and a range of complementary therapies and other practical help.

With no ongoing government funding, the charity relies on donations and fundraising events such as the Bloomhill Race Day to continue providing its valuable services.

Australia’s Crochet Queen, Jenny King’s international popularity continues to skyrocket with the upcoming launch of two new books – “Figure Flattering Plus Size Fashions” and “Eighteen Inch Doll Clothes”.

In addition to launching the two new books with craft publishing giant, Annies, in just the last few months she has been on two teaching tours in the US and has been featured in four international publications, not to mention publishing two other new books.

Jenny’s designs have also been included in Vogue Knitting’s annual Crochet issue, for the second year in a row.  Her designs have also been featured in Crochet!, Crochet 1.2.3, and Interweave Crochet.  She also has a design in the Australia’s Family Circle July issue.  Her new books include Fashions to Flaunt Crocheted with Noro Yarns and Barvarian Crochet On To Go, both published by International craft powerhouse, Anne’s.

Jenny, said she has been excited and honoured by all the attention.

“I have loved crochet since I started stitching as a child and its great to see that crochet is finally gaining the recognition and popularity it deserves.

“Crochet offers you such great versatility it means as a designer there aren’t any limits to what I can create.”

“This latest book was all about offering some great fashionable crochet designs for women with a larger figure.”

Jenny said it was a dream for her to have her designs featured in Vogue and now she has had two designs featured in as many years, as well as all the other great magazines.

“Each time we get confirmation the designs are going to be featured in the magazine, we get so excited!” Jenny said.

On Jenny’s first teaching trip she was a guest at The National Needle Arts Association (TNNA) of America in Columbus, Ohio and delivered some new designs to Annie’s head office in Texas for a new book due out in November.

The second trip included Jenny being guest speaker at the Crochet Guild of America’s Summer Conference, teaching seven classes over four days.

While in the US she also did some filming for Annie’s for a new video tutorial on Bavarian Crochet.

It is now also available through Jenny’s website – www.jennykingdesigns.com.

“The new video and the books have come together so well and were the result of popular demand by customers.”

Jenny, who has been crocheting since being taught two simple stitches when she was just eight, has been passing on her love of crochet since the 1990s and is the author of more than 15 crochet books and countless patterns that cover everything from intricate beaded bags and jewellery to swimwear.

Jenny has taught crochet around Australia and internationally including the US and offers a range of classes from her Sunshine Coast shop, JK Designs.

“Crochet is a rapidly growing trend and continues to increase in popularity as more and more crochet fashions appear on cat walks around the world,” Jenny said.

“I believe, that this, in part, has revived the lost art of crochet and prompted people to want to learn the craft themselves,” Jenny said.

QUEENSLAND Health Minister Lawrence Springborg will visit Bloomhill Cancer Help tomorrow.

The first visit to the centre by a Queensland Minister since the opening of the extension last year, will provide Mr Springborg with the opportunity to inspect all the new facilities and learn more about the unique services Bloomhill offers to people with cancer and their families throughout the Sunshine Coast.

Mr Springborg will have morning tea with staff and then tour the complex including the new kitchen, the five new counselling and treatment rooms as well as the group function room.

Bloomhill President Michael Hurley said the centre’s staff and volunteers were eagerly awaiting the opportunity to meet the Minister.

“The services that Bloomhill offers to more than 900 clients throughout the Sunshine Coast are unique so we are keen to showcase them to the Queensland Government,” he said.

Bloomhill received a $500,000 Commonwealth grant towards the cost of the extensions to the centre but otherwise receives no on-going government support, relying on income generated from its network of Op Shops, the Cotton Tree Markets and donations.

“We aim to alleviate some of the challenges our clients face by providing practical and emotional support for them and their families throughout their cancer journey,” Mr Hurley said.

Bloomhill Cancer Help is a Sunshine Coast based charity that provides support and assistance to those affected by cancer. Operated by a team of dedicated professional staff and hundreds of volunteers, Bloomhill offers counselling, transport to appointments, respite care and a range of complementary therapies and other practical help.

The Buderim Foundation Community Grants Program has awarded eight community organisations with grants totaling $16,905, at its annual Good News Night on Friday, 20 September at the Buderim War Memorial Hall.

With this year’s grants, the Buderim Foundation has distributed more than $100,000 to local community organisations since 2008, with five new organisations receiving grants this year including the Buderim Scout Group who received a record amount of more than $6,000.

The successful first round applicants of the 2013 Grants Program are Buderim Historical Society Inc. receiving $1,057 for weather blinds for Pioneer Cottage; Buderim Scout Group receiving $6,160 towards a new kitchen to benefit the 100 children that use the hall each week; Music Broadcasting Society of Queensland receiving $4,000 to provide access to a 24 hour, 7 day nostalgia radio station to improve the health and well-being of residents living in the RSL care Tantula aged care home; Oriana Arts Inc. receiving $1000 towards the purchase of “100 Carols for Choirs” choir books, which will broaden Oriana’s available repertoire for community concerts; Team Adem receiving $1,478 for a marquee which will be used to raise community awareness of the importance of blood donations.

Funding has also been awarded to Headland Buderim Croquet Club receiving $730 for a “backlapper” machine; P&C Buderim Mountain State Primary School receiving $2,080 for the purchase of an online reading program for the prep cohort to enhance students learning experience; and St Marks Anglican Church, Buderim receiving $400 for an awareness raising project of Buderim’s indigenous history.

Chair of the Buderim Foundation, Professor Paul Clark said he was delighted to present the grants to such commendable organisations committed to benefiting the Buderim community.

“Thanks to the support and generous contributions of local businesses and residents, the Buderim Foundation has been able to continue providing more funding for grants to quality local community projects,” Prof Clark said.

“Grants are offered to not-for-profit organisations in the Buderim community, or not-for-profit Sunshine Coast community organisations that are able to provide services to the Buderim community,” Prof Clark said.

The Foundation is a philanthropic, not-for-profit organisation, which aims to generate income from donations and bequests from community members and provide grants for community projects now and into the future. Round two of the community grants program will be announced later in the year.

For more information on the Buderim Foundation or the 2013 grants program, please visit, www.buderimfoundation.org.au.

Bloomhill Cancer Help’s 11^th Annual Race Day to be held this Sunday, 15 September is expected to raise record funds for the local charity.

The event will see Corbould Park come to life once again with fashion, fun and a full race schedule, for a day that has become a key part of Bloomhill’s fundraising efforts.

Bloomhill’s Race Day Coordinator, Gail Lamb said the day would provide a great opportunity for people to come together with friends, celebrate spring and support a worthy cause.

“There will be plenty of fantastic prizes to be won in the raffle and lucky door,” Gail said.

“We are so grateful for generosity we have received from our Race Day Sponsors. They always play a major part in making this day a success,” Gail said.

The 2013 Bloomhill Race Day sponsors include Cricks Sunshine Coast, Bob Jane T Mart Maroochydore, All Computer Services and Pam Pugsley 50^th Birthday.

The Race Day schedule begins at 12pm in the Favourites Room and freshly renovated Champagne Gardens. Guests will enjoy a delicious luncheon before the announcement of the Best-Dressed competition, memorabilia auction and more.

Bloomhill Cancer Help is a Sunshine Coast based charity that offers support to those affected by cancer and their families. Operated by a dedicated team of staff and hundreds of volunteers, Bloomhill provides a range of services and complimentary therapies, transport to appointments, massage and counselling.

With no ongoing government funding, the charity relies on donations and fundraising events such as the Bloomhill Race Day to continue providing its valuable services.

For more information or to donate to Bloomhill Cancer help, visit their website www.bloomhill.com.au

Thousands are expected to flock to the Maleny Showgrounds this weekend to enjoy the best local foods the Sunshine Coast has to offer at the Real Food Festival.

The two-day food fiesta is packed with demonstrations and activities for all ages including workshops, ‘how to’ sessions and a range of international cuisines to try that are sure to tickle tastebuds.

Festival Director, Julie Shelton said the Festival was a great location to hold a gathering with friends and family, offering plenty of delicious food, local beer, stellar entertainment and an amazing atmosphere. 

“There will be a full schedule of cooking demonstrations and information sessions across the Festival’s four exciting venues – the Kunara Real Food Kitchen, Jeffers Market Nourishing Ideas, Food for Thought and Eumundi Markets Food Craft,” Julie said.

“And on Saturday 7^th, Mayor Mark Jamieson and Queensland Environment Minister, Andrew Powell will go head-to-head in an exciting cook-off in the Kunara Real Food Kitchen at 11.30am,” Julie said.

The Woombye Pub will have a stall at the Festival with Sunshine Coast Brewery ales on tap and also will be running ‘meet the brewer’ sessions each day at 1.30pm.

 “Relax on one of the hay bales at ‘The Stage’ and be entertained by Acoustic Pop singer songwriter Carl Wockner, appearing on Sunday from 12.30pm to 3.30pm, or be dazzled by the vocal stylings of the BossaNova Cowboy, Harii Bandhu, performing at 12.30pm on Saturday,” Julie said.

Proudly supported by event partner, IGA Sunshine Coast, the festival will also host more than 120 Sunshine Coast based exhibits ranging from specialty foods to food-related products and services.

The Real Food Festival will be held at the Maleny Showgrounds, 13 Stanley River Road, Maleny on 7^th – 8^th September from 9am to 4pm daily and will showcase an abundance of local foods from Sunshine Coast producers, manufacturers and restaurants. Entry is $15 for a daily adult pass and children under 16 are free.

For more information on the Real Food Festival, visit the Festival website at www.realfoodfestival.com.au

Gluten and grain free food expert and cookbook author, Tania Hubbard will return to her hometown again this year by popular demand, to join the line-up at this year’s Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers.

The Gluten Free Grain Free Company co-owner, Tania will be presenting a series of six cooking demonstrations in the Farm to Plate space at the Ergon Energy Flower, Food and Wine Festival from Friday, 20 September to Sunday, 22 September.

Tania said she was excited to be heading back to the Garden City to share her passion for gluten and grain free living at an event she used to go and see as a child.

“My demonstrations will focus on providing people with easy gluten and grain free recipes and ideas that they can take away and recreate at home,” Tania said.

Tania’s demonstrations on Friday, 20^th will be held at 11.30am and 2.30pm and will focus on gluten and grain free school lunch box ideas and treats for kids. On Saturday, Tania’s first session at 12noon will see her creating a gluten and grain free pad thai using vegetable spaghetti and local seasonal produce, followed by her second session at 4.30pm when she will make sweet and savoury gluten and grain free pastries.

“During my Saturday afternoon demonstration I will be making a delicious savoury tart using local mushrooms, olive oil and goats cheese and followed by a pear and feijoa tart for those with a sweet-tooth,” Tania said.

“On Sunday at 11.30am and 1.30pm, I will be making my gluten, grain, nut and dairy free flat bread with tabouli, followed by chocolate cake,” Tania said.

Tania began her gluten and grain free journey several years ago when she was diagnosed intolerant to the proteins found in cereal grains. Determined to continue enjoying food, Tania went on to develop her own recipes and write a leading cookbook, gluten free grain free – food we love.

Tania’s cookbook is packed with over 150 pages of mouth-watering recipes, information about stocking a gluten and grain free pantry, label reading and much more.

Tania said the book offered recipes that not only tasted great, but are nutrient dense and provided a wider benefit to people other than just being gluten-free.

“I wanted to help people understand that living gluten and grain free does not mean giving up nutrients or taste,” Tania said.

“People no longer want empty fillers and binders to make up the bulk of their gluten and grain free foods, they are seeking the combination of taste, texture and nutrition”.

The Ergon Energy Flower, Food & Wine Festival is part of the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers’ celebrations and is held from Friday, 20 September to Sunday 22,  September in Upper Queens Park on the corner of Margaret and Lindsay Street, Toowoomba. The Festival, which is expected to attract more than 15,000 visitors over the three-days, includes floral and artistic displays, gourmet food and wine from the Darling Downs region, gardening workshops, cooking demonstrations and plenty of activities for kids.

Entry to the Festival is $25 for a single adult pass, $20 for concession and $12 for children 15 years and under.

Gluten free grain free – food we love and Tania’s popular bake@home range will be available for purchase at the Festival, or online at www.glutenfreegrainfree.com.au.