With the demand for new and exciting crochet from the fashion world continuing to grow, Sunshine Coast crochet expert Jenny King is sharing her knowledge of crocheting techniques by offering opportunities as contract crocheters to make samples of JK Designs patterns.

With 30 years of experience and certified for teaching crochet, Jenny’s passion and dedication to revitalising the art of crochet is infectious and she is currently seeking competent and consistent crocheters to help her expand her pattern range.

“This will give those enthusiastic about crocheting a chance to be involved in the growing crocheting trend,” Jenny said.

Jenny, whose shop is on the David Low Way at Marcoola (opposite the SurfAir), will be sharing with the successful applications new and innovative crochet techniques that have made JK Designs popular here on the Coast, at craft shows and fairs throughout Australia and online and in international publications.

“Crochet has been increasing in popularity for years, with more and more crochet fashions appearing on cat walks which has led to a revival in the numbers of people wanting to learn the craft themselves,” Jenny said.

Contractors will need to have the ability to read a pattern, complete work quickly, have the Internet and/or phone access and want to work from the comfort of their own home.

Jenny said some of the techniques and patterns were yet to be released to the public, so successful applicants would be required to sign a confidentiality agreement.

“New contractors will be supplied with all the materials and also receive acknowledgement as a stitcher for the pattern sample,” Jenny said.

“Contractors will be paid standard industry rates on a per garment or project basis.”

Jenny self publishes crochet patterns and books and is in demand as a pattern designer and teacher both in Australia and internationally.

For more information on JK Designs, go to www.jennykingdesigns.com.

For a contract crocheter application form, email Leah – leah@jennykingdesigns.com.

With an estimated 75 per cent of Australians with Coeliac disease remaining undiagnosed, spreading awareness about this illness has never been more important, according to Gluten Free Grain Free cookbook author Tania Hubbard.

Having been diagnosed with the disease herself several years ago and speaking in the lead up to Coeliac Awareness Week from 13 – 20 March 2012, Tania knows only too well how critical it is to increase the public understanding of the disease.

Self-confessed foodie and Sunshine Coast Café owner, Tania said she believed that is was vital for people to listen to their bodies and if they believed they were suffering with Coeliac Disease to visit their GP.

“It is an easily manageable disease and with timely diagnosis and a healthy gluten free diet, you can prevent and even reverse many of the problems that accompany the illness,” Tania said.

After spending the most part of her life ‘door-hopping’ from doctor to doctor trying to find the cause of her ongoing migraines, chronic fatigue and repeated bouts of pneumonia, Tania was diagnosed in 2003 with an intolerance to a protein found in grains.

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

According to the Coeliac Society of Australia, Coeliac Disease affects 1 in every 100 Australians, not including those with wheat and grain intolerances, and a further 160,000 remain undiagnosed.

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 write her own cookbook, gluten free grain free – food we love.

“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 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.

“My cookbook is all about helping people understand and enjoy gluten and grain free living,” Tania said.

“My food isn’t just for Coeliacs and those with grain intolerances, 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.

Tania will also be appearing at the Gluten Free Food Expo from 11 – 12 May at the RNA Showgrounds in Brisbane, where she will be doing a cooking demonstration that focuses on ‘Vegetarian Gluten Free on a Budget’.

gluten free grain free – food we love is available for purchase from Husk & Honey Café in Nambour, Queensland and retails at $37.50. It is also available online at www.glutenfreegrainfree.com.au where you will also find information about Tania, Husk & Honey and the bake@home range.

Begin your journey into the thrilling world of crime fiction at the Sunshine Coast Literary Association’s crime writing workshop – Murder and Mayhem, Crime Writing with Pat Noad.

The workshop will be held at the Coolum Community Centre, Jack Morgan Park, on Saturday, 14 April from 9am to 1pm.

SCLA President, Bryan Ward said the workshop was a great way to start aspiring writers on their way to crafting a gripping crime short story, full of mystery and intrigue.

“Crime fiction is an exciting area of writing and is one of the fastest selling genres in the world today,” Bryan said.

“Writing crime fiction isn’t too difficult when you have the appropriate formula, tools and dedication,” Bryan said.

Presenting the workshop is Pat Noad, a founder of Crime Writers Queensland and a successful short story writer and author of the Annie Bryce crime novels. She is also an experienced literary competition judge.

The workshop will cover: plot, setting, the language of crime, character development and how crime differs from other genres. Pat will also explain the qualities judges look for an the ‘dos and don’ts’ of writing for competitions.

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.

The workshop is $50 for members or $60 for non-members. Morning tea will be provided but you will need to bring a pen, paper and your enthusiasm.

Spaces are limited so be sure to book you spot quickly. Tickets must be pre-purchased by calling 07 5450 2960 during business hours or email info@scliterary.org.

For more information on beginning your journey as a writer or becoming a member of the SCLA, please email info@scliterary.org or phone 07 5450 2960.

Sunshine Coast local and adventurer, Bernhard Weitkuhn will set off on an ambitious 2,300km solo journey up the Murray River on Sunday, 4 March to raise money for Bloomhill Cancer Help.

This amazing 73-year-old plans to row his new sea kayak almost the whole length of the Murray River from the Bringenbrong Bridge in Corryong, Victoria to Goolwa in South Australia, a gruelling mission that would test the stamina of even the fittest athletes.

Bernhard said it had always been his dream to paddle the river and after talking about it for the last 20 years, he decided it was now or never.

“I am feeling great for my age and just bought a new sea kayak, so I knew the time was right,” Bernhard said.

“I am hoping to paddle at least 30km every day, so I am expecting the journey to take me about 75 days to complete,” Bernhard said.

“For me, a trip like this is quite normal as I am still a very active bush walker and often go on extended hikes all over the world,” Bernhard said.

A member of the Sunshine Coast Bushwalking Club, Bernhard has climbed Mr Kilimanjaro and walked the Mt Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal, the Inka Trail, the famous GR20 trek crossing the Mediterranean island of Corsica, the notorious Australian Larapinta Trail twice and in August last year braved the 21-day, 340km John Muir Trail in California, USA.

“I just returned from another trip last week, where three of my fellow bushwalking club friends and I hiked up Mount Ruapehu and Mount Taranaki in New Zealand, both of which were six-day long treks,” Bernhard said.

“I love walking and kayaking and just being in nature,” Bernhard said.

“It was actually one of my friends that suggested that I paddle for a good cause, so I decided to donate the proceeds to Bloomhill,” Bernhard said.

Bernhard’s wife Elsie, who has since passed away, worked briefly for Bloomhill as a natural therapist, so he thought it fitting to continue to help the charity.

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.

After Bernhard finishes his Murray River adventure, he hopes to take a short break and then attempt the Cape to Cape Track in Western Australia and begin planning a trip to Europe next year.

To donate to Bernhard’s cause, please visit www.everydayhero.com.au/bloomhillcancerhelp.

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.