13 August 2012

Gluten and grain free author encourages support of local food at festival

Sunshine Coast gluten and grain free guru and author, Tania Hubbard will be sharing her love of local food and gluten and grain free living at the Real Food Festival on 8th to 9th September.

The festival, to be held at the Maleny Showgrounds, 13 Stanley River Road, Maleny from 9am to 4pm daily is a celebration of the local food industry, showcasing an abundance of freshly grown, local foods from Sunshine Coast producers, manufacturers and restaurants.

Tania will be leading a discussion about how to easily integrate raw foods into a gluten and grain free diet in the Jeffers Market Wellness Space on Saturday, 8th at 11:30am. On Sunday, 9th from 11:30am Tania will be in the Natural Foodstore Real Food Kitchen creating one of her gluten free grain free recipes. Both sessions will be followed by a book signing in the Rosetta Books space at the festival.

Her cooking demonstration, called ‘Seeds of Change’, focuses on how a wide variety of seeds and nuts can be an easy, healthy and delicious feature in a gluten and grain free lifestyle.

“My presentation will look at the benefits of foods like chia and pumpkin seeds and how to prepare and integrate these ingredients into everyday foods,” Tania said.

“I will be demonstrating how to make cookies from scratch and also how to make a yummy tabouli using pumpkin seeds,” Tania said.

Tania, who was diagnosed with an intolerance to a protein found in grains several years ago, said her condition turned out to be a blessing in disguise, helping her realise her passion for food, which saw her develop her own gluten and grain free recipes and write and publish her own cookbook.

“My food isn’t just for Coeliacs and those with grain intolerance, it’s for everyone and anyone that wants to enjoy nutritious and wholesome cooking that tastes great,” Tania said.

“Using locally-grown, fresh and organic produce is the best way to create meals that are full of taste, texture and nutrition and I believe the Sunshine coast is home to some of the best locally-grown produce in Australia,” Tania said.

Tania’s cookbook, gluten free grain free – food we love,  will be available for sale at the festival and is packed with over 150 pages of mouth-watering recipes, information about stocking a gluten and grain free pantry, label reading and much more.

“I will also be showcasing my delicious bake@home range of cakes, biscuits and bread premixes, designed to make it even easier to cook great-tasting, gluten and grain free foods in the comfort of your own kitchen.”

Tania will also join Cyndi O’Meara, Louise D’Allura and Lucy Walter for a panel discussion at 2.30pm on the Saturday to talk about ‘what is the right diet for me?’

The festival is a full weekend of fun and fantastic fare, featuring more than eighty exhibitors and hosting a range of cooking demonstrations, kids activities, farm animals, talks and live local music. Entry is $12 for a one-day adult pass or $20 for both days. Children under 16 are free.

For a complete list of stockists of gluten free grain free – food we love  and the bake@home range, or to purchase online, visit www.glutenfreegrainfree.com.au.

08 August 2012

Australia’s leading talent in modern Asian cuisine headlines Real Food Festival

One of Australia’s leading connoisseurs in contemporary Asian cuisine, Chef Martin Boetz will headline at this year’s Real Food Festival to celebrate and experience some of the best local produce in Queensland.

Martin is the Executive Chef of the renowned Longrain restaurants in Sydney and Melbourne and specialises in modern, Thai-inspired Asian foods. Drawing his inspiration from and using some of the finest produce from across the Sunshine Coast region, Martin will recreate one of his mouth-watering dishes that promises to tickle taste buds.

Martin said he was really excited to be visiting the Sunshine Coast and supporting a festival that celebrates quality food production in the local area.

“I am passionate about cooking with the freshest, local produce and ingredients and finding the perfect balance of flavours,” Martin said.

The Real Food Festival will be held at the Maleny Showgrounds, 13 Stanley River Road, Maleny on 8th – 9th September from 9am to 4pm daily and is a celebration of the local food industry, showcasing an abundance of freshly grown, local foods from Sunshine Coast producers, manufacturers and restaurants.

Martin will be hosting his cooking demonstration in The Natural Foodstore Real Food Kitchen at 2.30pm on Saturday, 8th September.

Born in Germany, Martin developed his enthusiasm for cooking at a young age and began his journey with food as an apprentice at Lennon’s Brisbane Hotel. Moving to Sydney in 1990, Martin went on to work at a number of Sydney restaurants and hotels where he realised his love and passion for Asian cuisine.

In 1999, Martin and his business partner, Sam Christie launched Longrain Restaurant and Bar in Sydneys’ Surry Hills followed by the Longrain Melbourne in 2005. With both restaurants continuing to receive rave reviews, Martin proceeded to release his first cookbook, Longrain Modern Thai Food and develop a range of Longrain Asian sauces called Longrain Produce for the aspiring home cook.

The festival is a weekend-long culinary adventure, featuring more than one hundred exhibitors and hosting a range of cooking demonstrations, kids activities, discussions and live local music. Entry is $12 for a one-day adult pass or $20 for both days. Children under 16 are free.

For more information on the Real Food Festival, or to register your interest, visit the Festival website at www.realfoodfestival.com.au or email celebrate@realfoodfestival.com.au.

06 August 2012

Australian expert to feature at Wellington Gluten Free Food & Allergy Show

Finding foods that made her wake up happy changed Australian gluten and grain free cookbook author Tania Hubbard’s life, so she is sharing her experience at a special presentation at the Gluten Free Food & Allergy Show in Wellington on 25 – 26 August.

Tania Hubbard, author of cookbook gluten free grain free – food we love said the Gluten Free Food & Allergy Show was a great opportunity for thousands of New Zealanders with coeliac disease and gluten intolerance to come together and discover what’s ‘out there’.

The show will offer a wide variety of hypoallergenic and gluten free products and foods as well as featuring a number of free seminars and expert talks from some of New Zealand’s most notable industry professionals.

Tania Hubbard will be among the special guests, performing a cooking demonstration called ‘Seeds of Change’, which will focus on how seeds and nuts can be an easy, healthy and delicious feature in a gluten and grain free lifestyle.

“My presentation will look at the benefits of foods like chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and raw cacao nibs and how to prepare and integrate these ingredients info foods,” Tania said.

“I will also whip up my amazing chia, pumpkin, sunflower seed, cinnamon, fruit and almond muesli, using some of New Zealand’s finest local produce,” Tania said.

The Gluten Free Food & Allergy Show will be held from 10am to 5pm on Saturday, 25th and Sunday, 26th August at the TSB Bank Area in Wellington. Tickets to the event are $10 or $35 for a family pass; children under the age of ten are free.

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

“Since I was diagnosed, my life changed dramatically. I eliminated grains from my diet and all my symptoms disappeared,” Tania said.

“I was determined to continue enjoying food, despite my illness and restrictive diet, 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 talent and passion for food, which saw her go on to co-found the award-winning Husk & Honey Cafe with husband and business partner Eric, develop her own gluten and grain free bake@home range and write her own cookbook.

Tania’s cookbook, gluten free grain free – food we love, 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 her cookbook aimed to provide delicious and easy recipes and also help people understand and enjoy gluten and grain free living.

“My food isn’t just for coeliacs and those with grain and gluten intolerance, it’s for everyone and anyone that wants to enjoy nutritious and wholesome cooking that tastes great,” Tania said.

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

For a complete list of stockists of gluten free grain free – food we love  and the bake@home range, or to purchase online, visit www.glutenfreegrainfree.com.au.

For more information about the Gluten Free Food & Allergy expo, visit www.glutenallergy.co.nz.

03 August 2012

Bloomhill celebrates grand opening of new Therapy Centre

Bloomhill Cancer Help entered an exciting new phase on Thursday, 2 August, celebrating the official grand opening of its new Therapy Centre.

To mark the special event, Bloomhill hosted a high tea at the new Centre, 58 Ballinger Road, Buderim at 2pm with special guest, The Federal Minister for Health, the Hon Tanya Plibersek MP who played an important role in securing the grant money for the extension.

Bloomhill President, Jenny Carroll said the new Therapy Centre includes five new therapy rooms, state-of the art kitchen, additional office space and a beautiful, big recreation room.

“The new space is absolutely amazing. Our staff and clients are truly lucky to have access to such an amazing facility,” Jenny said.

“The opening event was a great opportunity to thank all those who helped Bloomhill through the grant and renovation process.” Jenny said.

In June 2011, Bloomhill received a $500,000 grant from the Commonwealth of Australia to support the health needs of regional communities thanks to the support received from the Federal Minister for Health, the Hon Tanya Plibersek MP.

Bloomhill President, Jenny Carroll said the new Therapy Centre means people diagnosed with cancer and their families from across the Sunshine Coast region will have better access to services and support.

“Bloomhill services more than 900 clients and we are constantly growing in numbers,” Jenny said.

“It is a truly unique service, focusing on the quality of life and walking clients through every stage of the disease,” Jenny said.

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

Image (left to right): Queensland Senator Claire Moore; Bloomhill President, Jenny Carroll; Federal Minister for Health, the Hon Tanya Plibersek MP; Bloomhill Patron, Raelene Boyle and Bloomhill’s General Manager, Mervat Thompson.

30 July 2012

SCLA seeking new committee members

The Sunshine Coast Literary Association is appealing to enthusiastic community members to join its Executive Committee for 2012 – 2013.

The AGM will be held on Tuesday, 21 August at 6.15pm for a 6.30pm start in Meeting Room 1, Millwell Road Community Centre, Maroochydore and will discuss upcoming events and elect the new committee.

SCLA President Bryan Ward said the meeting would give community members the opportunity to get more involved in the association by joining the committee.

With all the members of the committee intending to resign from their current positions, the SCLA is calling for interested individuals to fill their roles. Nominations can be made at the meeting or beforehand. Online nomination forms are available in the AGM event listing at www.scliterary.org.

“The leadership committee plays an important role as they are responsible for organising all of the association’s events and activities,” Bryan said.

“The SCLA committee is vital to the future of the association and without a core group of dedicated volunteers the association will cease to exist,” Bryan said.

The AGM is open to all current committee members and anybody who wishes to join on the day; refreshments will be provided.

Formed in 2005, the SCLA provides a pathway for the Sunshine Coast’s aspiring writers and enthusiasts to explore their interests, develop skills and showcase their work. It allows like-minded individuals to exchange ideas and seek advice to develop their abilities.

The association offers regular literary workshops, seminars and events, awards programs and monthly Front Write Up literary performance evenings that provide an opportunity to showcase the talents of members. The SCLA also promotes other state and national writing competitions  that offer successful applicants great prizes and recognition.

“The SCLA is a wonderful resource for Sunshine Coast residents who are interested in honing their creativity in the literary field,” Bryan said.

For more information on beginning your journey as a writer and becoming a member of the SCLA, to RSVP or make a nomination for the executive committee, please email info@scliterary.org, visit www.scliterary.org or phone 07 5450 2690.

25 July 2012

Bloomhill breakfast honours volunteers

Bloomhill Cancer Help will acknowledge more than 500 volunteers for their commitment and support of the Sunshine Cost based charity at their annual Volunteers Breakfast on Saturday, 28 July.

The breakfast will be held at the new Bloomhill Therapy Centre, 58 Ballinger Road and will see certificates presented to 34 dedicated volunteers for their ongoing service to those living with cancer and their families.

Bloomhill Volunteers Coordinator, Alex Bert said the breakfast was a great way to show our appreciation and recognise the selfless efforts of volunteers who have contributed five, ten and 15 years of service.

“Our volunteers are the heart of Bloomhill, and without them we would not be able to help as many people as we do,” Alex said.

The gourmet breakfast will begin at 8am followed by a formal ceremony, where Bloomhill President, Jenny Carroll will present the certificates and offer her thanks to all the volunteers on behalf of the Bloomhill Management Committee, staff and clients. Bloomhill patron and long-term supporter, Raelene Boyle will also be attending to show her appreciation.

The recipients of the certificates for 5 years of service include: Lynette Starr, Roger Roache, Lola Currell, Margaret Dowzer, Ria Paridaen, Brian Stevenson, Joan Purcell, Bev Gunther, Jacqui Jackson, Pam Miller, Jennifer Schuster, Faye Burke, Gail Nixon, Eileen Cox, Jenny Carroll, Ray Crocket, Frank Gerhard, Paul Hueston, Matt Jaremczuk, Lynne Jordon, Cheryl Kitson, Gavin Litzow, Ian Morris, Wilma Parnell, Margaret Coldbreath.

The recipients of the certificates for ten years of service include: Patricia O’Connor, Margaret Perry, Norma Gates, June Appleton, Beryl Bugenhagen, Rosemary Clark, Ann Clemens, Judith Laws.

Lyn Pfeiffer will receive the only certificate for 15 years of service.

In 2012 alone, the volunteers contributed more than 33,721 hours of service and had driven more than 63,624km in support of those affected by cancer.

“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: Wayne Bell, Suncoast Foods, Garry Crick Auto Group, The Natural Food Store, Forest Glen and Bakers Delight on Buderim.

16 July 2012

Bloomhill puts out team challenge for Support Walk

Bloomhill Cancer Help is putting the word out to Sunshine Coast businesses, sporting clubs and schools to get a team together for their third annual Bloomhill Support Walk on Sunday, 5 August.

This year, the charity wants to encourage a little friendly competition by involving teams and invites everyone to get creative and dress in Bloomhill Blue.

Bloomhill President, Jenny Carroll said there would be prizes for the best-dressed individual and team participating in the 5km journey with the aim of the walk to raise much-needed funds for cancer support on the Sunshine Coast.

“All the money raised from registrations, donations or sponsorship of walk participants will help Bloomhill to continue providing valuable services to those living with cancer and their families in the Sunshine Coast region,” Jenny said.

This year, the walk starts at the Kawana Surf Lifesaving Club, winding its way to LaBalsa Park on Harbour Parade and back to the Surf Club for a free sausage sizzle.

“Bloomhill is truly unique and we are so lucky to have a service like this on the Sunshine Coast,” Jenny said.

“Every family has been touched by cancer in some way, and the Walk is a great way for people to help others with cancer on the Coast who need our support,” Jenny said.

According to the Cancer Council, one in two Australians are being diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85, and having a cancer support service like Bloomhill Cancer Help is a blessing for thousands of cancer-affected Sunshine Coast residents.

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.

“No matter what fitness level you are, we welcome everyone to participate and spend their Sunday morning supporting a worthy cause,” Jenny said.

Registrations and donations begin from 8.30am with the walk starting promptly at 9am. A donation of $10 per person or $25 for a family four is requested to participate in the walk.

Registration forms are available at any Bloomhill Op Shop, the Bloomhill Centre in Buderim, National Australia Bank (NAB) Kawana Branch or at the event.

For more information or to participate in the walk, please call 07 5445 5794 or visit the Bloomhill Cancer Help at 58 Ballinger Road.

12 July 2012

Buderim Foundation to hold special Kurek Ashley breakfast

Set your day off to a great start at the Buderim Foundation’s breakfast fundraiser on Tuesday, 31 July with celebrity speaker and special guest, Kurek Ashley.

The breakfast will be held at the Buderim Tavern, Burnett Street, Buderim and aims to raise money for the B150 Community Challenge, so that the Foundation can continue to support worthy local organisations and projects.

Chairman of the Buderim Foundation, Professor Paul Clark said everyone at the Foundation was really looking forward to the event.

“We feel very honoured to have Kurek joining us to share his worldwide success,” Prof. Paul said.

Kurek Ashley is a Buderim resident and one of the most dynamic and inspirational teachers of our time. As one of the premier experts in personal development, self-discovery and peak performance, Kurek has impacted the lives of millions from across the globe working in over 14 countries and delivering up to 100 presentations a year to top corporations, sporting teams and institutions.

As a ‘man of many talents’, Kurek is also the author of the number 1 best-seller, ‘How would Love respond’ and the success coach of the Australian Women’s Olympic Volleyball team and 2000 gold medalists, Natalie Cook and Kerri Ann Pottharst.

Kurek has worked as a professional actor in Hollywood in over 38 films, working with notable celebrities including Sylvester Stallone, John Travolta and Chuck Norris and even broke the World Record for the longest Firewalk (81 meters on 600-degree coals) in 1998.

“Kurek is a perfect example of the fantastic talent that lies in the Buderim Community, and how determination and ‘big thinking’ can lead to great success,” Prof. Paul said.

The Buderim Foundation aims to enrich and enhance the quality of life of Buderim and its residents, past and future. Every year the Foundation holds a grants program that funds worthwhile community initiatives and Buderim not-for-profit organisations.

The breakfast will begin at 6.45am for a 7am start. Tickets for the event are $40 per person and include breakfast with tea/coffee.

Table bookings of 10 are encouraged. Book early to secure a place by contacting Sally Caddy on 0418 134 975 or call into The Old Buderim Post Office.

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

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