To celebrate the huge fundraising success of the Buderim Challenge, which was part of the B150 activities last year, the Buderim Foundation is looking for an artist to create a lasting memory in the way of public art.

The artwork which will ‘celebrate Buderim’s philanthropic spirit’ will be part of the construction and restoration of the Martins Creek Viewing Terrace and Creek Corridor, on Lindsay Road.

Chair of the Buderim Foundation, Paul Clark said the $220,000 raised in just the 12-months of the B150 celebrations was fantastic and meant that the Foundation’s investment fund now totalled over $720,000.

“All of the money raised for the Foundation is kept in an investment fund and preserved, so with the new funds raised it means there will be more money available every year from the income of the fund to provide grants to support Buderim community organisations.

“During the B150 year we had the fantastic ‘philanthropoles’ in the main street measuring the fundraising progress but not we would like to see a more permanent reminder of the success established.

“We want to celebrate not just this achievement, but the incredibly generous nature of the Buderim community who have raised all the money in our investment fund while also supporting many other charities and organisations,” Professor Clark said.

The Foundation is looking for Expressions of Interest (EOI) from suitable artists for the design, fabrication and installation of public artwork. A full brief on the project as well as an EOI submission form is available on the Buderim Foundation website.

EOI submissions must be received by 5pm on Monday 3 June 2013.

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 and donations and bequests and providing grants for worthwhile community projects.

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

Local emerging acoustic-pop musician, Lucy Hannah will be performing at a special charity fundraising event for Bloomhill Cancer Help at Flaxton Gardens on Sunday, 19 May.

Lucy will delight the guests of Bloomhill’s ‘High Tea for a Blooming Good Cause’ with her musical talents, helping to raise awareness and generate much-needed funds for the Sunshine Coast charity.

The 23-year-old Woombye local is no stranger to the stage, having already performed at several large-scale festivals across Queensland including the Caloundra Music Festival, World Youth Day and more recently, Easterfest 2013.

Having begun her singing career only six years ago, Lucy has already produced two albums including her debut album featuring Cold Chisel’s Ian Moss.

Lucy, who recently lost an Auntie to cancer, said she wanted to use her gift of singing and song writing to help people affected by cancer.

“We all seem to know someone touched by this terrible disease and I hop I can help raise money and bring some joy to people affected by cancer,” Lucy said.

“It’s great that there’s a charity like Bloomhill on the Coast that shares a focus for supporting not only people with cancer, but their families too”.

Bloomhill General Manager, Mervat Thompson said she was thrilled to have Lucy’s support for the event.

“Her talent and optimism is certainly something every cancer charity can do with,” Ms Thompson said.

Join Lucy, WIN Weather Presenter Hannah McEwan and cancer survivor and councillor Jenny McKay at Flaxton Gardens on Sunday 19 May for an afternoon infused with good food, good wine and good company.

Tickets to the High Tea are $40 per person. To purchase, visit www.usc.edu.au and click ‘online payments’ or contact Bloomhill on (07) 5445 5794.

Both of Lucy’s albums will be available for purchase at the event, with $5 from every sale going directly to Bloomhill.

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.