The long-anticipated 2013 Real Food Festival program will be revealed over an exclusive lunch for Festival stakeholders at Spicers Clovelly Estate on Wednesday, 7th August.

The long table meal will be catered by Spicers’ own two-hat chef, Cameron Matthews of The Long Apron restaurant, who will take guests including Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson, on a culinary journey through the history of food on the Sunshine Coast. Each course will tell a story that reflects a different era and the local foods enjoyed at that time.

Long standing Sunshine Coast-based charity, Bloomhill Cancer Help is urgently seeking volunteers to help it to continue providing its valuable services.

Bloomhill receives no ongoing government funding and is operated by a team of dedicated staff and volunteers.

Bloomhill Manger of Volunteer Services, Alexsandra Bert said the charity was keen to boost the number of active volunteers across most roles at Bloomhill.

“Volunteers are at the heart of Bloomhill and contribute enormously to the community by enabling us to provide a high level of care to its growing number of clients,” Ms Bert said.

Bloomhill is seeking volunteers to work in its Op Shops at Maroochydore, Mooloolaba, Caloundra, Cooroy and Nambour, as well as its Distribution Centre at Kunda Park. Traffic Managers at the Cotton Tree Markets on Sunday mornings and volunteer drivers for trips to Brisbane are also needed.

“We would love to have some more volunteers to help out on Saturday mornings at the Op Shops as well as around the Bloomhill Centre in Buderim,” Ms Bert said.

Bloomhill provides support and assistance to those affected by cancer and their families throughout the Sunshine Coast, offering counselling, transport to appointments, respite care and a range of complementary therapies and other practical help.

“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,” Ms Bert said.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact Bloomhill on 07 5445 5794 or email admin@bloomhill.com.au.

The Gluten Free Grain Free Company’s artisan, ready to bake cake mix range has been recognised as Australia’s leading Health & Wellness product at this year’s 2013 Food Magazine Awards.

The cake mix range was announced as this year’s winner in the Health & Wellness category at the Awards Dinner held at the Crystal Palace in Luna Park Sydney on Friday night (26 July). The company was also recognised as a finalist in the Prepared Food category for best practice and innovation in food processing in Australia and New Zealand.

Gluten Free Grain Free Company Co-Founder and creator of the range, Tania Hubbard said she was honoured and humbled that her cake mixes were recognised amongst other such well-known and amazing food products.

“The quality resides in the ingredients I chose and how we craft the product,” Tania said.

The range is considered to be one of the finest ‘artisan style’ cake mixes available on the market, offering a delicious alternative for cafe’s, schools, home bakers and anyone seeking a sweet treat that is packed with natural and nutrient dense ingredients, is gluten free, grain free, nut free and dairy free, as well as free of preservatives and additives.

Tania’s journey began several years ago when after suffering migraines, chronic fatigue and repeated bouts of pneumonia, she was diagnosed intolerant to the proteins found in cereal grains.

“I was determined not to let my diagnosis stop me from enjoying food, so I set to developing my own gluten and grain free recipes,” Tania said.

Tania’s condition turned out to be a blessing in disguise, helping her realise her passion and talent for food. It started with a stall at the local markets that then led Tania and her husband and business partner, Eric to co-found one of Australia’s first gluten and grain free cafes.

The couple then went on to establish the Gluten Free Grain Free Company, releasing Tania’s first cookbook, gluten free grain free – food we love, and now developing their own gluten and grain free range of bread and cake mixes. With a rising demand and popularity for the company’s quality products, Tania and Eric sold the cafe in May 2012 to focus on building the company.

“Food has turned my life around and I thoroughly enjoy helping others on their path to healthy eating,” Tania said.

To enquire about stocking the food service industry range or to receive an information package, please email info@glutenfreegrainfree.com.au

For a complete list of stockists of Tania’s cookbook and bake@home range or to purchase online, visit www.glutenfreegrainfree.com.au

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.