The Real Food Festival is just around the corner, and will once again bring together the best local produce and services from paddock to plate.

Record crowds are expected to flock to Maleny on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland to tickle their tastebuds at the two-day festival from the 7th to 8th September that aims to celebrate the Sunshine Coast real food community.

Community transport and care organisation, ComLink is searching for volunteer drivers to offer their valuable time to help others in need.

ComLink Chief Executive, Feda Adra said drivers were a vital part of ComLink and without them, we wouldn’t be able to continue providing our valuable services to the community.

“We are in particular need of drivers in the North Lakes area and are looking for those with a hold a current small or medium rigid license that can drive a bus, or regular car drivers are also welcome,” Ms Adra said.

ComLink is a not-for profit organisation and charity providing community transport and care for the frail aged and younger people with a disability to attend medical appointments, shop and maintain their social inclusion from North Brisbane and throughout the Sunshine Coast.

The North Lakes division of ComLink undertakes medical transport services for Queensland Health including hospital transfers, admissions and discharges, as well as some trips for the transport disadvantaged.

“Currently, ComLink has only 17 volunteers in the North Lakes area that complete an average of 140 trips per week, but due to a rising need for our services and limited resources, there are times we are unable to deliver all that is requested of us,” Ms Adra said.

Steve Mason, a volunteer driver for ComLink and long-term resident of North Lakes said the thing he enjoyed most about volunteering was meeting new people.

“I have always believed in a sense of community and by volunteering, I personally get back a lot more than I give,” Steve said.

Ms Adra said ComLink serviced more than 3,800 clients and many of them rely on ComLink as their only means of transport.

“Everyone working for ComLink is considered family and volunteers can come and go as they please, the level of commitment is completely up to them,” Ms Adra said.

If you are interested in becoming a ComLink volunteer, please contact Mobility Manager Robyn Elkojje on 1300 761 011.

Image: ComLink volunteer, Steve Mason assisting a ComLink client.

ComLink, a community transport and care organisation, is looking for volunteer drivers in the Bundaberg region to offer their valuable time to drive this precious cargo.

Following the launch of its new Bundaberg region Community Transport Management Pilot Project on 27 May and preceding its new Kindergarten Transport Solutions Project to be launched in July, ComLink is calling for volunteers to help it meet the needs of the transport disadvantaged in the area.

ComLink State Manager, Peter Watling said volunteers were a vital part of ComLink and without them, the charity wouldn’t be able to continue providing its valuable services to the Bundaberg community and surrounding regions.

“We are in particular need of volunteer drivers that hold a current C class or drivers license to do the morning and afternoon Kindergarten runs in Childers and Gin Gin,” Mr Watling said.

“We are also in need of volunteers to do general appointment runs for clients too,” he said.

The Kindergarten Transport Solutions Project is a five-year initiative, funded significantly through the Department of Education, Training and Employment that will service eight (8) local kindergartens including Gin Gin Kindergarten, Wallaville Kindy Care, The Mango Tree Child Care Centre, South Kolan Community Kindergarten, Gin Gin Family Day Care Service, Isis Community Preschool and Kindergarten, Childers Bright Horizons and Isis Family Day Care Service.

Gin Gin Kindergarten Director, Sharon Cameron said the transport service would make it easier for children living in outlying areas to access kindergarten services.

“The service will be particularly great help to those families that struggle to bring their children to Kindy, because of parents working away in mines or other financial barriers,” Ms Cameron said.

“We are really excited about the new bus and will look to the possibility of using it for outings and excursions for the children too,” Ms Cameron said.

Mr Watling said ComLink’s services were in real need within the Bundaberg region.

“ComLink services more than 3,800 clients and growing, with many of them relying on ComLink as their only means of transport,” Mr Watling said.

The Bundaberg Community Transport Management Project, developed in conjunction with the Bundaberg Regional Council, will see ComLink endeavor to link people with transport providers in the region and its success will be determined by how well it is used by the Bundaberg community.

ComLink is a not-for profit organisation and charity providing community transport and care for the frail aged and younger people with a disability to attend medical appointments, shop and maintain their social inclusion from North Brisbane and through to the Bundaberg region.

“Everyone working for ComLink is considered family and volunteers can come and go as they please, the level of commitment is completely up to them,” Mr Watling said.

“Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community and can be really rewarding, knowing you have made a difference in the lives of others,” Mr Watling said.

If you would like to find out more information, make a booking or to become a ComLink volunteer, please visit www.comlink.org.au or call 1300 761 011.

Queensland community transport and care organisation, ComLink has been overwhelmed by the positive feedback received from the results of its 2013 client survey.

Bu rather than rest on their laurels, ComLink will be using the information gathered from the survey to improve their services even further.

ComLink Chief Executive, Feda Adra said the survey was a great way to hear from our clients about what they need and to ensure we are meeting those needs and our own targets.

“We were very pleased with the results, which affirmed for us that we are on the right track in terms of meeting our client needs and delivering a high quality service,” Ms Adra said.

The series of surveys released this year sought feedback from ComLink clients and carers regarding its services and the benefits it provided, as well as information about ways ComLink could improve its services to better assist those in need.

ComLink is a not-for profit organisation and charity providing community transport and care for the frail aged and younger people with a disability to attend medical appointments, shop and maintain social inclusion from North Brisbane and throughout the Sunshine Coast.

“The survey also showed that our clients would like us to offer more social outings, which we are hoping to incorporate into the schedule pending an increase in volunteer numbers,” Ms Adra said.

“Because we have reached our capacity for funding, we would need additional volunteers to contribute their time to drive and accompany our clients to any further outings that haven’t already been scheduled,” she said.

“These outings could include trips to the movies, shops or beach, as well as picnic lunches or morning tea,” Ms Adra said.

Volunteers are a vital part of ComLink and without them the charity would not be able to continue providing its valuable services to the community.

Ms Adra said ComLink services more than 3,800 clients and many of them rely on ComLink as their only means of transport.

“Everyone working for ComLink is considered family and volunteers can come and go as they please, the level of commitment is completely up to them,” Ms Adra said.

If you are interested in becoming a ComLink volunteer, please contact Mobility Manager Robyn Elkojje on 1300 761 011.

Time is running out to apply for the Buderim Foundation’s 2013 Community Grants Program and 2013 Youth Grants Program.

Applicants have less than two weeks to enter their submissions, with entries for both Grant Programs closing on Friday, 26 July. Those eligible to enter including non-profit organisations and community groups that are able to provide services to residents within the 4556 postcode.

Chair of the Buderim Foundation, Professor Paul Clark said the grants program offered the opportunity for worthwhile community initiatives that benefit Buderim and its residents to receive funding.

“The response to this year’s programs has been fantastic so far and we look forward to announcing the successful applicants at the annual 2013 Good News Night in September,” Prof. Clark said.

In 2012, $23,290 worth of grant funding was awarded to eight community organisations including the Buderim Men’s Shed, which received $3,194 and purchased a sliding table saw.

Buderim Mens Shed member, Norm Thursby said the saw was a great addition to the resources available for members.

“The Woodwork Group recently used the saw to make some large storage containers for Bloomhill Cancer Help, which we couldn’t have done before,” Mr Thursby said.

“It’s very satisfying to be able to work for other non-for-profit organisations in the community,” Mr Thursby said.

Mr Thursby encouraged other not-for-profit groups serving the Buderim community to apply for the Grants Program and said the online process is relatively easy and user friendly, much easier compared to some other grant applications we had submitted.

Applicants needing assistance in preparing their grant can contact members of the Grants Committee on 5445 2722 or 0417 282 293 for advice or call in at the Old Post Office in Burnett Street, Buderim every Thursday from 10am to 12pm.

Grant guidelines are available on the Foundation’s website, www.buderimfoundation.org.au/how-apply or from the OPO. Applicants will then need to complete an online form to lodge their submissions.

The Buderim Foundation is a philanthropic organisation that aims to enrich and enhance the quality of life for Buderim and its residents by generating income from donations and bequests and providing grants for worthwhile community projects. Since launching its Community Grants Program in 2008, twenty-four local organisations have received grants worth around $84,000.

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

The Sunshine Coast’s very own gluten free grain free food expert and author, Tania Hubbard will be making a special appearance at this year’s Queensland Garden Expo to share her passion for fresh, local and home-grown foods.

Edible gardening has become a growing trend, with more and more Australians choosing to grow and eat food from their own backyard rather than sourcing it from supermarkets.

Gluten Free Grain Free Company Co-Founder, Tania welcomes the trend and said there were many benefits of growing your own food at home, including cost, convenience and, more simply, the joy of eating produce you have grown yourself.

“The best way to give our bodies the nutrients it needs is to eat locally grown, fresh, organic produce that you can source from your local farmers market or even better, grow in your own backyard,” Tania said.

Tania will be presenting four, special one-hour cooking demonstrations at the Gardeners and Gourmet’s Stage, on Friday at 2pm, Saturday at 11am and 2pm, and Sunday at 12pm.

Her demonstration will focus on ‘Cooking with fresh, local and home-grown produce’ to create some of her delicious gluten and grain free recipes, as well as showcasing her cookbook and recently launched bake@home range of cake mixes.

“I will be making delicious mushroom tarts using pumpkin seeds and locally grown mushrooms, coconut cream and strawberry pie, and grain free Pad Thai noodles using local greens, herbs, ginger and other lovely Asian inspired ingredients,” 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 writer 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 of 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 expo will be held at the Nambour Showgrounds, Coronation Avenue, Nambour from Friday 5th to Sunday, 7 July from 8am daily. Tickets to the Expo start at $16 for adults, $14 for concession and children under 15-years are free.

With hundreds of exhibitors participating, the Expo offers plenty of things to see and do including free lectures and demonstrations, landscape garden displays, plant clinics, gardening advice, floral art displays and a playground area just for kids.

Gluten free grain free – food we love and Tania’s popular bake@home range is also available for purchase online at www.glutenfreegrainfree.com.au.

Bloomhill Cancer Help will hold its annual Volunteers Breakfast on Saturday, 29 June to acknowledge the contributions of its hundreds of dedicated volunteers.

Bloomhill Volunteer Coordinator, Alex Bert said the breakfast was a regular event on the Bloomhill calendar and was a great way to show appreciation and recognise the selfless efforts of more than 500 volunteers.

“We will be presenting certificates to 35 volunteers for their five and ten years of ongoing service and support,” Alex said. “Some of our volunteers have been with the charity since it first opened in 1997,” Alex said.

The gourmet breakfast will be held at Bloomhill Cancer Help Centre, 58 Ballinger Road from 8am and will be followed by a ceremony led by Bloomhill’s Manager of Volunteer Services Alexsandra Bert who will present the certificates and offer thanks to all the volunteers on behalf of the Management Committee, staff and clients.

The recipients of the certificates for five years of service include: Len Bidstrup, Judith Bidstrup, Margaret Coldbreath, Gordon MacNamara, Michelle Smytheman, Mary Tidey, Val Ward, Diane Genrich, Ann Kendall, Georgina Smethills, Margaret Dowzer, Jan Harper, Lynn Hutley, Margaret Peberdy, Nev Dutney, Susan Embrey, Teresa Stark, Julie Amiet, Carolyn Bampton, Jim Haslam, Margaret Jennings, Dorothy Robinson-Mackay, Alison Staines, Siti Cover.

The recipients of the certificates for ten years of service include: Paul Donaldson, Kaye Kent, Carol Camilleri, Jan Masman, Rob Matchett, Di Morton, Lis Piper, Bette Solonsch, Shirley Linney Barber, Joanne Eriksen, Val Honeywell, Jan Harper, Joan Vincent.

In 2013 alone, the volunteers contributed more than 35,510 hours of service and had driven more than 63,924 km in support of those affected by cancer on the Sunshine Coast.

“Bloomhill has now over 900 clients, and growing, so we are always on the look out for more volunteers,” Alex said.

“Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community and can be really rewarding, knowing you have made a difference in the lives of others,” Alex said.

Bloomhill would like to acknowledge the donors, who will make the volunteer breakfast possible. Donations have come from: Garry Crick Auto Group, Fenwick’s Fruit Emporium and Bakers Delight on Buderim.

If you are interested in becoming a Bloomhill volunteer, please phone Alex at the Centre on 07 5445 5794 or for more information visit www.bloomhill.com.au.

The Sunshine Coast Literary Association has revealed the winners of this year’s SCLA Writers’ Competition at its annual Awards Presentation Dinner on Wednesday, 19 June.

President of the SCLA, Kerri Jackson, said it was a fantastic night and a great opportunity to celebrate the depth of talent of writers throughout our region.

“The judges were truly impressed at the calibre of entries in this year’s competition and look forward to returning to the panel next year,” Kerri said.

The dinner, held at the Fourth Floor Restaurant, including a three-course meal for guests followed by a short awards presentation ceremony, which saw 12 entrants receive awards.

The competition was open to aspiring writers in the Moreton Bay and South Burnett Council areas as well as the Sunshine Coast and Gympie.

The Sunshine Coast Literary Association (SCLA) is a not-for-profit association dedicated to nurturing, showcasing and celebrating literary talent throughout the Sunshine Coast region, with the annual Writers’ Competition Awards being a key part of that charter.

Winners of the Open Short Story category were: Julie Chilver (first place), Jennifer Thompson (second place) and Robin Archbold (highly commended).

Winners of the Open Poem category were: John Kerslake (first place), John Strano (second place) and Jack Burnham (highly commended).

Winners of the Young Adult Short Story category were: Krystal Blair (first place), Delaware North-Cavanaugh (second place) and Zoe Davidson (highly commended).

Winners of the Junior Shorty Story category were: Emily Fletcher (first place), Olivia Parfitt (second place) and Fiona Brown (highly commended).

The event was proudly supported by Annie’s Books on Peregian, with a generous donation of books for lucky door prizes on the night. SCLA member Sheila Corcoran again supported the awards by funding the highly commended prizes across all four categories, in memory of her late husband Barry, a former treasurer of the SCLA.

“On behalf of the SCLA I would like to congratulate all the talented winners of the 2013 Writers’ Competition and thank all those who entered,” Kerri said.

“We encourage writers to continue developing their talents and hope to see their entries in next year’s competition,” Kerri said.

Tickets to the Sunshine Coast Literary Association’s annual Awards Presentation Night are selling fast, with writer’s eager to find out the names of the lucky winners of the 2013 SCLA Writers’ Competition.

The dinner will be held at the Fourth Floor Restaurant on the Mooloolaba Esplanade on Wednesday, 19 June at 6pm for a 6.30pm start.

President of the SCLA, Kerri Jackson said the competition had received a great response again this year, with the entries open to writers from the Moreton Bay and South Burnett Council areas as well as the Sunshine Coast and Gympie.

“If last year’s entries are anything to go by, our panel of judges is certainly going to have a tough time deciding the winners,” Kerri said.

The Sunshine Coast Literary Association is a not-for-profit association dedicated to nurturing, showcasing and celebrating literary talent throughout the Sunshine Coast region.

This year, Matthew Condon will be the guest speaker at the awards night. “With his multiple novels and short story collections, along with his prominence as a journalist, we are lucky to have such an accomplished writer join us for the Awards Night,” Kerri said.

“We have returned the Awards Dinner to the Fourth Floor Restaurant again for 2013. Last year’s event was a fantastic night and a great opportunity to celebrate the literary talents of writers in the region,” Kerri said.

There are some great prizes up for grabs with each category having a $200 first prize, $50 second prize, as well as certificates for all winners including Highly Commended entries.

Tickets to the event are $50 per person and include a decadent three-course meal. Children under the age of 12 are $20.

Numbers are limited and the event sold out for the past two years running, so don’t waste another minute to secure your place. For more information or to make a booking, please visit www.scliterary.org or email info@scliterary.org.

Sunshine Coast charity, Bloomhill Cancer Help is calling for donations of unwanted, saleable items to help restock its six Op Shops.

With more than 80 per cent of the charity’s funds raised through Op Shop sales, Bloomhill relies on generous donations from the community to continue providing its valuable services and support to those with cancer on the Coast.

Bloomhill President Mervat Thompson said jewellery was always sought after but any quality saleable donations were welcome, including furniture, home wares, clothing and bric-a-brac.

“Our Op Shops are seriously understocked and we are asking the community to dig deep to support cancer care on the Sunshine Coast,” Ms Thompson said.

Bloomhill is a long standing Buderim-based charity offering support and assistance to those affected by cancer and their families on 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 complimentary therapies and other practical help.

Bloomhill Op Shops are located in Buderim on Main Street, Nambour opposite the hospital, Maroochydore on First Ave, Mooloolaba on Brisbane Rd, Caloundra on Bullcock Street and Cooroy on Maple Street.

“All the money raised from the sale of items goes directly to fund Bloomhill and the services it provides to its more than 900 clients.

“To make it easier for people to donate, Bloomhill even offers a free pick-up service for larger items,” Ms Thompson said.

For more information about making a donation or to arrange a FREE collection, please contact the Bloomhill Distribution Centre on 5445 6858 (during business hours) or simply drop your donations into a local Bloomhill Op Shop.