Sunshine Coast-based charity, Bloomhill Cancer Help is searching for selfless volunteers to offer their precious time to work in its Cooroy Op Shop.

The Cooroy Op Shop, located at 21 Maple Street, Cooroy, is the newest one of six Bloomhill Op Shops situated throughout the Sunshine Coast, opening its doors late last year.

Bloomhill Manager of Volunteer Services, Alexsandra Bert said volunteers were at the heart of Bloomhill and without them, the charity would not be able to continue to provide the high level of care to its growing number of clients.

“Bloomhill services more than 900 clients from across the Sunshine Coast, including Cooroy and surrounding areas,” Ms Bert said.

“We are in particular need of volunteer workers for our Cooroy Op Shop, but all volunteers are welcome.

“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.

Elaine Funch, one of the Cooroy Op Shop volunteers, has been donating her time to Bloomhill for more than 12 years and said there were many reasons why she enjoyed volunteering.

“Being a volunteer is great because of the sense of satisfaction you feel knowing you are making a real contribution during your spare time,” Elaine said.

“It really is a social activity where you make life-long friends with your fellow volunteers and regular customers,” Elaine 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 relies on support from the community to provide valuable service to people with cancer and their families throughout the Sunshine Coast.

Ms Funch said Bloomhill were fantastic to volunteer for.

“My husband and I are both cancer survivors and we understand the value of organisations like Bloomhill and how much they are needed,” she said.

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

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

Year 10 students from throughout the Sunshine Coast will participate in a special culinary masterclass on Friday as they prepare for the Queensland Junior Secondary Schools Culinary Challenge.

The Culinary Challenge program, being coordinated on the Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay regions by Queensland Youth Industry Links (QYIL) in association with the Australian Culinary Federation, is an opportunity for the students – all studying Home Economics or Hospitality – to get a taste of the pleasures, challenges, excitement and gravity that can accompany a career as a cook or a chef.

QYIL Partnership Broker Lee Shea said the Masterclass at Chancellor State College, was the first of two, and would see special guests Novotel Twin Waters Spa Executive Chef Steven Forrester and Australian Culinary Federation Sunshine Coast Region Coordinator, David Tupper give the students tips to help them in the competition.

“On Friday, 44 students from 11 different Coast schools will see Mr Forrester and Mr Tupper cook and explain the competition rules.

“These great chefs will also provide students with some great strategies and skills to use during the competition,” Mr Shea said.

“In the second masterclass, students will learn about cooking techniques and incorporating fresh produce into their dishes and also be provided with more information from the judges.”

Mr Shea said the competition would see pairs of students from schools within the region compete for the opportunity to represent the Sunshine Coast at the Grand Final Cook Off at the Brisbane Ekka, against the winners of the other regions – Redcliffe, Caboolture, the Gold Coast, Toowoomba, Cairns, Brisbane North and Brisbane South.

“With over $4000 in prize money, medals and a trophy for the Australian Culinary Federation Queensland Champion Junior Secondary Challenge, competition is set to be intense and satisfying for all the students involved.”

QYIL is the Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay region provider of the Partnership Brokers Program, funded by the Australian Government, to build partnerships with schools, businesses and community groups and develop partnerships at a strategic level which influence the region’s response to Youth Attainment and Transition. The National Program consists of more than 1,450 active and self sustaining partnerships involving more than 4,700 partner organisations. New Partnerships continue to form every week across Australia.

Community transport and care organisation, ComLink will be extending its valuable services to Bundaberg when it launches an exciting new Community Transport pilot project from Monday, 27 May.

The 12-month Transport pilot project was developed in conjunction with the Bundaberg Regional Council, and in partnership with a number of local transport providers, and will see ComLink commencing a coordinated transport booking service across the region to assist transport disadvantaged people.

ComLink Chief Executive, Feda Adra said the new transport scheme would mean better access and more affordable transport options for eligible residents.

“The aim of the project is to provide improved transport services that meet needs of those that are transport disadvantaged, including the frail aged and youth with a disability,” Ms Adra said.

“The services will address social isolation amongst these groups and will provide them with transport to medical appointments, shops and other social activities,” Ms Adra said.

ComLink will be hosting a series of Information Sessions about the new transport options and welcomes all Bundaberg community members.

“The meetings are a great opportunity for local residents to find out more about the new services, how they will operate, and ask questions,” Ms Adra said.

The Information Sessions will be held on Thursday, 2 May at the following locations:

• Bundaberg – Gallery, Bundaberg School of Arts Building (Bourbong Street) 9.30am to 11.00am
• Childers – Childers Cultural Centre – 12.30pm to 1.30pm
• Gin Gin – Gin Gin Youth Centre – 3.30pm to 4.30pm

After the launch of the project on 27 May, residents will be able to contact a central 1300 number for enquiries, to make bookings and to receive more information about transport services within their locality.

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, throughout the Sunshine Coast and north to Bundaberg.

For more information or to become a ComLink volunteer, please visit www.comlink.org.au or call 1300 761 011.

Show mum how much you love her this Mother’s Day by helping her start the day the right way with a nourishing and delicious breakfast in bed.

Australian cookbook author and food expert, Tania Hubbard said mothers had one of the toughest jobs in the world and needed plenty of energy to get them through the day, starting with a wholesome and nutritious breakfast.

Sunshine Coast young people will have the chance to see what it would be like to be a builder, plumber, arborist, cabinet maker as well as checking out a myriad of other trades at the ‘Careers in Trades Day’ on Tuesday (23 April 2013).

Organised by Queensland Youth Industry Links (QYIL) in partnership with the Sunshine Coast Council and Sunshine Coast Technical Trade Training Centre (SCTTTC), the Careers in Trades Day will see about 70 young people talk to industry professionals about work placement opportunities and apprenticeships available on the Sunshine Coast.

And the Sunshine Coast youth unemployment (16.3%) sitting at more than 4 per cent above the national average (12.6%) for February, the careers day couldn’t come at a better time.

QYIL Partnership Broker Lee Shea said it was often difficult for young people on the Sunshine Coast to get work without having to leave the region so QYIL, the Council and the Trades Training Centre were aiming to display the many trade opportunities available.

“There are literally hundreds of different trades, and many people may not think about as options so the day is all about exposing the young people to more of them,” Mr Shea said.

The young people attending, from nine Sunshine Coast high schools, are taking part in their first year of study at SCTTTC studying a Certificate I in Construction, Certificate II in Resources & Infrastructure and Certificate II in Sustainable Energy.

SCTTTC Manager Strategic Innovations Tracie Warry said the Careers in Trades Day was an important opportunity for young people.

“It’s wonderful to have support from our local industry and employers, providing such a valuable learning opportunity as our students explore their options and career paths,” Ms Warry said.

The day will include sessions on careers in building and construction; plumbing; plastering; refrigeration and air conditioning; engineering design; engineering structural steel; smart housing; cabinet making; landscape construction as well as the civil cadets.

“Students will hear from industry professionals what each of the different careers is like and have the opportunity to ask questions,” Mr Shea said.

The young people attending will also see a presentation and how to best promote themselves to employers when applying and being interviewed for jobs.

Mr Shea said the employers participating on the day would include representatives of the Sunshine Coast Council and trade industry bodies as well as 15 local industry professionals.

QYIL is the Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay region provider of the Partnership Brokers Program, funded by the Australian Government, to build partnerships with schools, businesses and community groups and develop partnerships at a strategic level which influence the region’s response to Youth Attainment and Transition. The National Program consists of more than 1,450 active and self-sustaining partnerships involving more than 4,700 partner organisations. New Partnerships continue to form every week across Australia.

There’s a high tea brewing in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland and it’s for a big blooming good cause.

On Sunday, 19 May Bloomhill Cancer Help will host its inaugural ‘High Tea for a Bloomhill Good Cause’ event at the spectacular Flaxton Gardens.

Cupcakes, croquet and fine china will set the scene from 2pm to 5pm for an afternoon infused with good food, good wine and good company including WIN Weather Presenter Hannah McEwan who will be MC, cancer survivor and councillor Jenny McKay, and rising star, singer-songwriter Lucy Hannah.

The event is the brainchild of an enthusiastic team of University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) public relations students, working with PR firm Reflected Image PRoductions.The students are planning on hosting the event as part of their studies and to raise much-needed funds for Bloomhill.

USC student Emma O’Mara said the team was very excited to be putting their studies into practice by planning and running the high tea event.

“The event will celebrate the bone between all women – mothers, daughters, sisters and friends – all in a relaxed yet elegant setting.

“It’s a bond that is never underrated, but majorly under-celebrated,” Miss O’Mara said.

Bloomhill General Manager, Mervat Thompson said they were delighted about the students’ event plans.

“We are really looking forward to it and touched that they have chosen to raise awareness and much-needed funds for Bloomhill as part of their studies,” Ms Thompson said.

“They’ll be helping us help hundreds of people with cancer on the Coast.”

Since 1997, Bloomhill has provided support and assistance to thousands of people affected by 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.

High Tea tickets cost $40 per person and can by purchased online HERE or by calling Bloomhill directly on (07) 5445 5794.

Spoil your mum this Mother’s Day with breakfast, entertainment and a unique shopping experience at the Cotton Tree Markets.

You can also go in the draw to win some great gifts and prizes from the local artisans by entering the Cotton Tree Markets’ special Mother’s Day Competition.

Bloomhill Cancer Help, General Manager, Mervat Thompson said most of the products sold at the market were handmade by local artisans or sourced locally making it a great place to pick up a unique gift for Mum.

“There will also be a variety of new stalls offering candles, spices, as well as party and decor decorations and much more,” Mervat said.

The markets, managed by Bloomhill Cancer Help, are held every Sunday at King Street, Cotton Tree from 7am to 12 noon, and feature a range of local fashion, homewares, toys, sculptures, skin care, jewellery, art and crafts plus plenty more.

Sunshine Coast local and star performer, Sue-Anne Stewart will delight the market crowd with her music this Mother’s Day. Sue-Anne’s powerful songs are drawn from solid folk heritage, with a punchy roots feel subtly carried by her passionate vocal styling. She has performed alongside many well-respected artists, and at many well known festivals including Woodford Folk Festival.

To enter the Mother’s Day Competition, simply spend $20 or more from a participating stallholder and complete an entry form available from the Bloomhill Information Tent and participating stallholders.

“Our wonderful stallholders have offered a variety of prizes for the competition that will allow us to select multiple winners,” Mervat said.

The competition commences on Sunday, 14 April and entries close on Sunday, 5 May. Winners will be drawn on Mother’s Day, Sunday 12 May. For more details about the competition and how to enter visit www.cottontreemarkets.com.au.

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 to more than 900 clients.

Receiving no on-going government funding, Bloomhill relies on community support and funds raised through the markets and its Op Shops to provide its services.

Revenue from stallholder site fees is placed back into the community through Bloomhill’s services and programs, enabling Bloomhill to provide support to a greater number of people during their time of need.

“By shopping at the Cotton Tree Markets you’re not only treating your mum but also helping to support those with cancer on the Coast,” Mervat said.

For more information or to register your interest in becoming a part of the Cotton Tree Markets, please visit www.cottontreemarkets.com.au or email cottontreemarkets@bloomhill.com.au. You can also keep up to date with what’s happening at the market by following our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/cottontreemarkets.

The Sunshine Coast Literary Association continues to receive a stream of entries from writers across regional South East Queensland for this year’s Writers’ Competition.

Entries in this year’s competition close on Friday, 26 April. For the second year, the competition is open to residents in the Moreton Bay and South Burnett Council areas as well as the Sunshine Coast and Gympie. There are four entry categories including junior short story, young adult short story, open short story and open poem.

President of the SCLA, Kerri Jackson said the competition provides an outlet for writers in the region to receive recognition and encouragement for their work, as well as valuable feedback from professional, accomplished writers.

“The competition was strong last year, demonstrating the amazing abilities of writers throughout these regions,” Kerri said.

“This year we’ve conducted writing workshops in February, March and April, to encourage and prepare people for the competition,” Kerri said.

There are four 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: Junior (Primary, Years 5-7) Short Story, to a maximum of 1000 words

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

A panel of experienced judges select the winners and announce the results of the Competition at the SCLA Awards Dinner on Wednesday, 19 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.

“Our writing competition was first held in 2007 and has been run every year since 2009 so it is a key element of the Association’s calendar,” Competition Co-ordinator, Ian Laver 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, post marked no later than, 6 April 2013.