Measure your creativity and literacy skills against writers from across regional South East Queensland in the 2012 Sunshine Coast Literary Association’s Annual Writers Competition.

Entries to the Writers Competition are now open and close on Friday, 27 April. For the first time, this year’s competition is open to residents in the Moreton Bay and South Burnett Council areas as well as the Sunshine Coast and Gympie. There are six entry categories including junior short story, junior poem, young adult short story, young adult poem, open short story and open poem.

President of the SCLA, Bryan Ward said the competition was designed to provide an outlet for talented writers to showcase their work to their peers and receive valuable feedback from professional and accomplished writers.

“The competition was fierce last year, demonstrating the amazing abilities of writers throughout the regions,” Bryan said.

“This year we will encourage and prepare entrants for the competition by hosting a Write-a-thon on Saturday, 31 March,” Bryan said.

There are six entry categories in this year’s competition including:

• Category 1: Open Short Story, to a maximum of 2500 words.
• Category 2: Open Poem, to a maximum of 40 lines.
• Category 3: Young Adult (High School, Years  8 – 12) Short Story, to a maximum of 1500 words.
• Category 4: Young Adult (High School, Years 8 – 12) Poem, to a maximum of 30 lines.
• Category 5: Junior (Primary, Years 5 – 7) Short Story, to a maximum of 1000 words.
• Category 6: Junior (Primary, Years 5 – 7) Poem, to a maximum of 20 lines.

There is also a chance to win some great prizes with each category having a $200 first prize a $50 second prize, as well as certificates for all winners including Highly Commended entries.

A panel of experienced judges decide on the winners, which will be announced at the WARM Writing Competition Dinner on Thursday, 21 June. More details regarding the event will be available closer to the date.

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

“The Writing Competition was first held in 2007 and has been run every year since 2009, so it is becoming a key part of the Association’s character,” Bryan said.

“We encourage everyone to have a go, you never know, maybe they will discover a hidden talent,” Bryan said.

There are a number of sponsorship opportunities available, for more information email info@scliterary.org.

Each entry is $7 with a maximum of three entries per candidate. Entry forms and details are available online at the SCLA website, www.scliterary.org, or by emailing info@scliterary.org. All entries must be received by 27th April 2012.

It’s that time of year again, when hundreds of elite athletes from around Australia flock to the Sunshine Coast to claim victory at the annual Mooloolaba Triathlon and support Bloomhill Cancer Help.

Event organisers, USM Events have once again declared Bloomhill the nominated charity of the 2012 Mooloolaba Triathlon Festival held from 23rd to 25th March.

Bloomhill President, Jenny Carroll said Bloomhill was honoured to have the continued support from USM Events.

“The support we receive each year from USM Events and the Mooloolaba Triathlon is overwhelming and has helped Bloomhill to support and assist more and more clients every year.”

“They truly recognise the importance of Bloomhill to the Sunshine Coast,” Jenny said.

This year, the Friday night Asics Mooloolaba Twilight Run has been named the official Bloomhill race with USM Events donating $5 from every entry fee to Bloomhill.

The Asics Twilight Run will kick off at 6pm on Friday, 23 March with Bloomhill patron and former Olympian, Raelene Boyle starting the race. There is cash to be won for first, second and third place male and female as well as random draw prizes for competitors.

For something a little bit different, all participants are encouraged to wear blue to show their support for Bloomhill and prizes will be awarded to the best-dressed male, female and group. Participants will also receive a pair of Bloomhill custom shoelaces inside their race kits.

“USM Events are expecting more than 700 people of all abilities to participate in the Twilight run this year,” Jenny said.

“We welcome everyone to come along for a fun evening to support Bloomhill,” she said.

Bloomhill Cancer Help is a Sunshine Coast based charity and provides support and assistance to those affected by cancer. 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.

Bloomhill will be fundraising in a variety of ways at this year’s Triathlon. You can show your support by entering the Asics Mooloolaba Twilight Run on Friday night, by visiting the Bloomhill breakfast barbecue on Saturday morning in the Charles Clarke Park in River Esplanade and entering the Bloomhill raffle.

Bloomhill will be fundraising in a variety of ways at this year’s Triathlon. You can show your support by entering the Asics Mooloolaba Twilight Run on Friday night, by visiting the Bloomhill breakfast barbecue on Saturday morning in the Charles Clarke Park in River Esplanade and entering the Bloomhill raffle. Alternatively, you can donate or set up your own fundraising page through Everyday Hero with prizes to be won for the highest fundraiser. Simply visit, www.everydayhero.com.au to register.

“Bloomhill will be hosting the Superkidz BBQ on Saturday morning again this year, so please drop down for a snag and say hello,” Jenny said.

Entries for the supporting events at the Mooloolaba Triathlon Festival are now open. To enter, visit www.mooloolabatri.com.au. Sunshine Coast school kids will receive a 50% discount off their entry fee if they enter by 21st March. Or to find out more about Bloomhill, visit www.bloomhill.com.au or call 07 5445 5794.

Emission reduction technology experts will be presenting the latest information about the most effective management of diesel emissions at two special seminars hosted by experts Peak3 in February (22) and March (14).

Peak3 CEO, Col Chandler said the “Practical Guide to Diesel Particulate Matter (DPM) Management” sessions were designed to provide mining industry professionals, including those working in occupational health and safety (OH&S), mechanical engineers, maintenance engineers and ventilation managers, with information about the latest emissions management programs and technologies.

Mr Chandler said the demand for the seminars came from mine management who needed to ensure they were aware of the latest developments in this rapidly changing sector.

Diesel emissions include up to 41 toxic compounds – which pose health risks to underground miners. There are strict emissions regulations being implemented globally and Peak3 aims to become the ‘standard’ for end-to-end emissions management in the mining industry. The companies focus is on helping companies reduce costs and reduce emissions through better use of new planning, monitoring and treatment technologies and services. At the heart of that approach is Evidence Based Emissions Management.

Peak 3, a Queensland Science and Engineering company, also provides a range of monitoring and emission planning services to the mining market and has just secured a significant investment from the One Ventures Innovation Fund to commercialise its latest technologies.

“Trying to manage Diesel emissions  can cost mining companies a significant amount of money To do it properly,  up to date information is vital which is why we have brought together science and industry leaders to provide the latest information to those managing the problem,” Mr Chandler said.

“The goal is to ensure that diesel emissions management is effective, efficient and doesn’t impact mine productivity ’.”

The seminars will include presentations from seven industry experts:

• Colin Chandler, Peak3 CEO, will present DPM “The Myths and Reality”
• Dr Patrick Glynn, CSIRO, will present “Current Treatment and Monitoring in Mines”
• Dominic Posavec, DMS Underground Division, will present “The Vehicle as a Solution”
• Dr Richard Brown, Assoc Prof QUT, will present “Diesel Engine Efficiency and Emissions as Mech Markers”
• Ray Morgan, Peak3, will present “Monitoring”
• Dr Zoran Ristovski, Assoc Prof QUT, International Laboratory of Air Quality and Health, will present “The Health Aspects of DPM”; and
• Neil Davey, Peak3, will present “Treatment and Monitoring Automation.

Two free seminars will be held:

• In Brisbane on 22 February from 8.20am to 12noon at QUT Brisbane, 2 George Street – Room GP-S405T.  RSVP by 17 February.
• In Emerald on 14 March from 12.30pm-4pm at the Mayfair Tavern function room, Corner of Gregory Highway and Mayfair Drive. RSVP by 28 February.

For more information, a full program and bookings please email cheryl@peak3.com.au or phone 07 3801 4897.

As many aspiring writers will say, writing can be a lonely pursuit and seldom does the time arise for like-minded writers to get together and share their literary thoughts and passions.

That is why the Sunshine Coast Literary Association is hosting a Sit Down & Write Write-a-thon on Saturday, 31 March, to help people assign time to write outside their busy lives and with other writing enthusiasts.

SCLA President, Bryan Ward said the Write-a-thon this year was focused on getting everyone started on their entries for the SCLA Writers’ Competition, which closes on April 27, but you can work on any writing project you like.

“Participants will have the chance to brainstorm and use each other for inspiration for their works in progress during the session which will be facilitated by members of the SCLA executive committee,” Bryan said.

Spend three hours in the morning or three in the afternoon, or join us for the whole day at the Buderim State School Conference Room, 8 – 42 Main Street, Buderim. The event will begin at 9.30am for the full day and the morning sessions or at 12.30pm for the afternoon session.

“The Write-a-thon is not a workshop, but an opportunity for writers to join other writers and…write,” Bryan said.

“Whether you are refining a character or plot for your latest novel or crafting a haiku, the Write-a-thon is a great sounding board for ideas,” Bryan said.

Finger food and coffee/tea will be provided and participants are required to bring their own laptop and cable, or pen and paper, and bottled water.

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

The association offers regular literary workshops, seminars and events, an annual writing competition, and monthly Front Write Up literary performance evenings that provide an opportunity to showcase the talents of its members.

Members can take part in the full day for only $10 or $5 for the half day and non-members for $15 for full day or $10 for the half day.

Spaces are limited so be sure to book your spot quickly. Tickets must be pre-purchased by calling 07 5450 2690 during business hours or email info@scliterary.org.

Sunshine Coast authors Bryan Ward and Barry Rosenberg will feature as guest presenters at the Sunshine Coast Literary Associations first Discussion Evening of 2012.

The session will be held at the Buderim State School Conference Room, 8 – 42 Main Street, Buderim (opposite St Marks Church) on Tuesday, 13 March from 6.00pm to 9.00pm.

Both SCLA members, Bryan and Barry will talk about their writing experiences and hope to share their expertise and lessons learned along the way with other aspiring writers.

Children’s book author and illustrator and SCLA President, Bryan Ward said the discussion evening, as always, would be a stimulating and interesting night with great and inspiring company.

“The session is held in a relaxed environment and is open to all community members who are interested in talking and networking with other writers over light refreshments,” Bryan said.

Bryan released his first book, ‘Santa’s Beach Christmas’, just a few months ago. This uniquely Australian version of the classic ‘The Night Before Christmas’ sees Santa crash-land on an Aussie beach.

“I am passionate about encouraging children to improve their literacy skills,” Bryan said.

“Books can help children become familiar with the patterns and rhythms of our language, feed their imaginations and teach them important life skills,” Bryan said.

Fantasy novelist, Barry Rosenberg will discuss his newest novel, ‘Glide in Slowtime’ and how to work with writing goals and contribute to anthologies.

The Sunshine Coast Literary Association is a not-for-profit association dedicated to nurturing, showcasing and celebrating literary talent throughout the Sunshine Coast region. Formed in 2005, the SCLA was created to provide a pathway for the Sunshine Coast’s aspiring writers and enthusiasts to explore their interests, develop skills, exchange ideas and seek advice from like-minded individuals.

The association offers regular literary workshops, seminars and events, an annual writing competition, and monthly Front Write Up literary performance evenings that provide an opportunity to showcase the talents of its members.

The discussion evening is free for members and $5 for non-members, payable on the night. The SCLA requests guests to RSVP due to catering purposes.

For more information on beginning your journey as a writer, becoming a member of the SCLA, or to RSVP to the evening, please email info@scliterary.org or phone 07 5450 2690.

BRISBANE, QLD, AUSTRALIA: Underground miners could be breathing easier thanks to the OneVentures Innnovation Fund’s first clean technology investment, to support Brisbane-based company Peak3 Pty Ltd to commercialise products and services for the management, treatment and monitoring of diesel engine particular emissions.

Diesel emissions include up to 41 toxic compounds – which pose health risks to underground miners. The existing solutions such as filters and catalytic convertors do not efficiently manage the smaller particulates, which are among the most harmful.

There are strict emissions regulations being implemented globally and Peak3 aims to become the ‘standard’ for end-to-end emissions management in the mining industry – providing accurate monitoring equipment and services and equipment to ‘agglomerate’ these small particles so they are effectively captured by companion devices such as filters.

The potential of the Peak3 technology has been recognised by the Federal Government who recently awarded Peak3 a $866,284 Commercialisation Australia Grant.

Peak3 technology also has the potential to effectively manage diesel emissions above ground (for example for fleet vehicles such as buses) and to monitor and manage other air borne particulate matter such as dust.

OneVentures General Partner Anne-Marie Birkill believes Peak3 technologies have the potential to deliver significant OH&S, environmental and productivity benefits to the underground mining industry.

“The Peak3 team has developed solutions that meet the clear market need. This investment will enable the first commercial installations of their monitoring and management services and devices, and will support the scale up of the company’s manufacturing and business development capability,” she said.

Along with significant internal technical capability, Peak3 has long-standing collaborative research agreements with expert teams at both CSIRO and the Queensland University of Technology.

Both the Queensland and Federal Governments have also provided considerable support to the work done by Peak3 in developing world-leading mine emissions reduction and monitoring technologies via grant funding.

Peak3 CEO Col Chandler said “Peak3 has already established itself as a leader in the management of mining emissions, and with OneVentures on board we are much better placed to meet the challenges of growth that this leadership brings.”

For the eighth consecutive year, the Buderim Foundation will be providing assistance with back-to-school expenses in an effort to help ease the financial pressure on local families.

The Foundation will be distributing 150 cash vouchers, valued at $50 each, to schools and charities that will then be passed on to families in need of support with the start of the school year. The vouchers can be spent at Target stores.

The vouchers, valued at $7,500, are provided to the Buderim Foundation by the Australia-wide Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) and the Sidney Myer Fund, which operates the 2012 Back to School Program.

Buderim Foundation Director, Margaret Welshe said everyone on the Buderim Foundation Board is pleased that the strong relationship with FRRR has resulted in another year of Back to School vouchers for Buderim families.

“We really enjoy working with Buderim organisations to get the vouchers out there to ensure that the families and children in the greatest need obtain the most benefit from the program, whilst maintaining privacy for all involved,” Margaret Welshe said.

The vouchers will be dispersed by several local schools including Buderim Mountain State School, Mountain Creek Primary School and Chancellor State College, as well as half a dozen community organisations including St Vincent de Paul, SunnyKids, Community Solutions’ Grandparents and Parents program.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the feedback we have received in previous years. Families are surprised and delighted by the vouchers…it’s definitely a win/win/win situation,” she said.

The 2012 Back to School Program is an initiative of the FRRR and the Sidney Myer Fund an supported by the Sidney Myer Fund, VISY, The Aussie Farmers Foundation, The Julian Flett Foundation, The Edward Wilson Trust, The Wyatt Benevolent Institution and Target.

For more information about the Buderim Foundation, visit the Foundation’s website www.buderimfoundation.com.au, contact a Board member on info@buderimfoundation.org.au or write to the Buderim Foundation, PO Box 1408, Buderim, QLD 4556.

Photo: Buderim Deputy Principal Donna Burow with Buderim Foundation Chair, Paul Clark.

The Sunshine Coast Literary Association (SCLA) is kick starting the New Year, hosting its first Front Write Up performance night for 2012.

The night will be held on Tuesday, 7 February at the new location, Mulvaney’s on Maroochy, 37 The Esplanade, Cotton Tree from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.

President of the SCLA, Bryan Ward said the Front Write Up evenings provide an opportunity for literary enthusiasts to share their work with like-minded individuals.

“The Front Write Ups are a casual get-together and follow an open-mic style.”

“We encourage people to bring their short stories, poems and extracts of their work to read to the group, and seek feedback if they wish,” Bryan said.

All community members are welcome to come and network, listen or perform. If you have something you would like to share with the group, please bring it along. However, there is a 500-word limit for short stories and prose.

“Our Front Write Up Evenings are held the first Tuesday of every month, so there is plenty of opportunity to share your work if you are unable to attend the evening in February,” Bryan said.

The evening is free for members and $2 for non-members, payable on the night. The SCLA requests all guests to RSVP due to catering purposes. Coffee and light meals are available for purchase; alcohol is BYO.

The Sunshine Coast Literary Association is a not-for-profit association dedicated to nurturing, showcasing and celebrating literary talent throughout the Sunshine Coast region. Formed in 2005, the SCLA was created to provide a pathway for the Sunshine Coast’s aspiring writers and enthusiasts to explore their interests, develop skills, exchange ideas and seek advice from like-minded individuals.

The association offers regular literary workshops, seminars and events, an annual writing competition, and monthly Front Write Up literary performance evenings that provide an opportunity to showcase the talents of its members.

To RSVP for the February Front Write Up, please email info@scliterary.org or phone 07 5450 2690 of for more information visit the SCLA website, www.scliterary.org.

To mark Buderim’s 150th anniversary this year, the Buderim Foundation is launching a community challenge that aims to raise over $500,000 by the end of the year.

The money raised will be placed in the Buderim Foundation investment fund and the income earned will be used to provide grants to support Buderim community organisations.

Chair of the Buderim Foundation, Paul Clark said the B150 project was about recognising and celebrating 150 years of community spirit and ensuring that it will continue for the next 150 years.

“The money raised will allow us to offer more grants to community organisations and groups so that they can operate at their full potential,” Professor Clark said.

To reach the goal, the Foundation is hoping to attain 150 donations of $2,000 or more, plus a number of smaller donations and to hold events, raffles and an auction to raise the additional funds needed to meet the target.

“This is a very ambitious task and we will need the support of the entire Buderim Community to complete the challenge,” Prof. Clark said.

“We encourage everyone in the Buderim community to start spreading the word and to lend a hand in this challenge whether it be a donation or volunteering at one of our events,” Prof. Clark said.

The Buderim Foundation is a philanthropic organisation that aims to enrich and enhance the quality of life for Buderim and its residents, past and future, by generating income from donations and bequests and providing grants for worthwhile community projects.

“As a not-for-profit company, the foundation relies on the generous contributions of local businesses and citizens in order to continue providing grants to quality local community projects and groups,” Prof. Clark said.

Since its launch eight years ago, the Foundation has raised $450,000 for its investment fund and aims to reach the $1,000,000 mark in just one year.

“Once we reach our goal, the Foundation has big plans for Buderim including to pledge a substantial grant towards the further enhancement of the Martins Creek Corridor,” Prof. Clark said.

For more information on the Buderim Foundation or the B150 project, please visit, www.buderimfoundation.org.au.

QUEENSLAND Senator Claire Moore visited the Bloomhill Cancer Help Centre at Buderim this morning to inspect progress on their major renovations.

The renovations, which started in October thanks to a grant from the Commonwealth Government and funds raised from the community through the Target 300 campaign, are well on the way.

The Queensland Senator shared morning tea with the Bloomhill Management Committee and staff at Bloomhill, followed by a tour of the construction site to see the progress of the extension.

Bloomhill President, Jenny Carroll said the Management Committee and staff were thrilled to have the opportunity to meet the Senator.

“It was also important to us that we were able to express our appreciation to the Senator for the role she played in helping us to receive the grant money for the extensions,” Jenny said.

In June 2011, Bloomhill received a $500,000 grant from the Commonwealth of Australia to support the health needs of regional communities. Senator Claire Moore helped to facilitate the delivery of the grant application that made the extension possible.

“Senator Moore was of great assistance in ensuring the original application was in the hands of the Department of Health and Ageing on time.”

“Without her involvement, we may not have received the funding and the extensions would still be in the planning stage,” Jenny said.

“All the money we received from the grant will be used to build and fit out five new therapy rooms, additional office space and with other funds on hand to refurbish the entire Therapy House,” Jenny said.

Since then, the Senator has maintained an interest in Bloomhill and was invited to the ‘Commencement of Construction’ celebration in November. Due to other obligations the Senator was unable to attend and scheduled a visit in the New Year instead.

“We were really excited to show the Senator how much progress has been made on the extensions.”

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 counseling, transport to appointments, respite care and a range of complementary therapies and other practical help.

“The Senator has always shown an interest in supporting small charities like Bloomhill and helping them further develop the capacity for their services,” Jenny said.

Bloomhill President, Jenny Carroll said the extension means people diagnosed with cancer and their families will have better access to services and support.

“We are hoping that the construction will be completed by April 2012 and the new Therapy House to be fully functional again by June,” Jenny said.