Get your comfortable shoes on and join Bloomhill Cancer Help at the launch of the Bloomhill Blitz Week with its inaugural Bloomhill Support Walk on 8^th August.

Organised by Walk Co-ordinators Kerron Bromfield and Terry Bailey, the 2.5km walk will raise much-needed funds for Bloomhill and will start at La Balsa Park on Harbour Parade, winding its way to the park beside Kawana Surf Club, where a free sausage sizzle will await to revive participants. Registration begins from 8:30 am with Raelene Boyle leading the walk promptly at 9am on Sunday 8^th August.

“No matter what fitness level you are, come walking, running or jogging, anyone and everyone can join in,” Kerron said.

The walk aims to generate awareness and raise much-needed funds for this local charity. All the money received from either donations or sponsorship of walk participants will help Bloomhill to continue providing valuable services to those living with cancer and their families throughout the Sunshine Coast region.

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 depends on the generosity of local businesses and the community because we don’t receive any government funding. So we really rely on the money raised through our Op Shops, donations, grants and fundraising activities, like the Bloomhill Support Walk, for us to continue to offer our support.

All those participating in the walk will be seeking sponsorship, so please give what you can,” Bloomhill Cancer Help President, Jenny Carroll said.

The Bloomhill Support Walk is only the beginning of Bloomhill’s Blitz week, a week filled with activities that all aim to support and raise awareness about this local charity. The week includes an Open Day on Monday, Collection Day on Tuesday, Volunteer Day on Wednesday, a Blitz exterior makeover by Adenbrook Homes on Thursday and will conclude with the launch of a major fundraising campaign, Target 300, on Friday.

Jenny said everyone at Bloomhill is really excited about Blitz week.

“Blitz week is a great opportunity for the community to give back to a charity that has constantly given to others,” Jenny said.

“So, if you are unable to make it to our Bloomhill Support Walk but would still like to lend a helping hand, feel free to join in on any our Blitz week activities, everyone is welcome”.

For more information or to participate in the walk, please call Kerron Bromfield on 0438 322 098 or visit Bloomhill Cancer Help at 58 Ballinger Road or any of the Bloomhill Op shops across the Coast to collect a registration form.

The University of the Sunshine Coast’s Innovation Centre has teamed up with USC graduate and sustainability consultant Ben Everingham to offer its businesses the opportunity to reduce their water, waste and energy use through the Queensland Government’s ecoBiz partnership.

Innovation Centre CEO Colin Graham said the centre and 16 of its businesses had signed up to the 8 month eco-efficiency improvement process to create sustainability outcomes.

In February of this year Ben Everingham secured a Queensland Government ClimateSmart Business Cluster grant to assist the Innovation Centre and its businesses in attaining their ecoBiz accreditation.

Whilst completing a BA in Health Promotion (Sustainability) at the University of the Sunshine Coast, Ben was an active participant in the Entrepreneurship program run by the Innovationn Centre and was one of the student delegates at the Enterprisers course run on the USC campus with the University of Cambridge.

To return all of the support received as a young entrepreneur from the Innovation Centre Ben said this was an excellent opportunity to assist the businesses right on the USC campus.

“The businesses received a water, waste and energy audit of their facilities to measure and report their consumption” Ben said.

“I’ve since met one-on-one with each of them to give them a personalised action plan for energy savings”

“By turning off the lights, appliances and air conditioning when they are not in use, implementing a recycling system, purchasing some very affordable water efficient tap fittings and waterless urinal cubes, along with educating staff members on a range of simple and cost effective behaviours, businesses may be surprised at just how cost effective going green can be.” Ben said.

Colin Graham said that the Innovation Centre has already implemented a water efficiency plan with all taps fitted with aerators that will save the Centre approx 374400L per year.

Through the ecoBiz process the businesses are involved in a behavioural and cultural transformation to create long-term wins for a sustainable culture at the Innovation Centre.

“The key is to align your vision, mission, policies and procedures, with the business and sustainability outcomes you desire, while systematically building a culture of continuous improvement and personal responsibility.” Ben said.

Boutique construction company, L.K. Yates Constructions, are leading Brisbane’s residential building industry taking out two categories at the Master Builders’ annual Housing and Construction Awards for the Brisbane region.

The annual Housing and Construction awards, announced on Friday night, recognise excellence and quality work in the building industry. As winners of two Brisbane regional awards, L.K. Yates Constructions will now have the opportunity to compete against other Queensland regional winners for a state title.

“It was great to receive industry recognition for all the hard work we have put in,” said Lukas Yates, owner of L.K. Yates Constructions.

“Having been established since 2005, we have been working with clients to help build their dream homes and we are proud to be recognised for this work.

“I have more than 15 years building experience and it is the fulfillment of a dream to be recognised, particularly just five years after launching my own company.”

The company won Best Heritage Style Home (unlimited value) for their outstanding renovation work on a property in Clayfield and the Individual Home ($715,000 – $1 million) Award for a property at Clear Mountain.

“We couldn’t be happier with our experience,” owners of the Clayfield property, Andrew Lee and Daniel Miller said. “L.K. Yates Constructions was professional, reliable and has truly exceeded our expectations.”

L.K. Yates Constructions’ ability to maintain the original integrity of the Clayfield home whilst incorporating all the luxury features that people associate with modern living, made this company the clear winner in this division. The property’s special award winning features include its delicate and handcrafted finishes, picturesque landscaping, high timber ceilings and marble floors.

The Clear Mountain property won its division for L.K Yates’ attention to detail, high ceilings, unique lines, environmentally friendly features, spectacular views and timber craftsmanship.

Owners of the Clear Mountain property Phil and Shelley Towers said L.K Yates Constructions was a dream to work with.

“We can honestly say that throughout the entire building process I was never unhappy with anything,” Phil and Shelley Towers said, “Nothing was too much trouble or too difficult”.

The Sunshine Coast based charity; Bloomhill Cancer Help held its annual Volunteer Breakfast, on the 26^th June, 2010. The breakfast acknowledged more than 400 volunteers who have graciously given their time and support to Bloomhill each year.

The breakfast included an award ceremony where 26 volunteers were presented with certificates to show appreciation for their committed effort and support to those suffering with cancer and their families.

Alex Bert, Volunteer Coordinator said that the Volunteer Breakfast is only a small gesture of thanks to its many valued volunteers, some who have been with Bloomhill since the beginning in 1997.

“Without our volunteers at Bloomhill we would not be able to help as many people as we do. They are a vital past to the successful of Bloomhill,” Alex said.

The 5 and ten year service certificates were presented to volunteers at a formal ceremony, conducted by Bloomhill President Jenny Carroll.

The recipients of certificates for 5 years of service include: Mary Adams, Bev Bracher, Gunter Brandt, Tony Hammill, Reg Kuchel, Shirley Linney – Barber, Rosslyn Munden, Richard Perry, John Robinson, Eunice Sutherland, Ray Ward, Nancy Biggs, Jacqueline Eastop, Rosemarie Joyce, Jane Smith, Rosa Stingel, Meg Houston, Beryl Hutchison, Lynette Murdoch, Clarice Thew, Constance Dunn, Yvonne Reid, Sallie McKell, and Ann Thompson.

The recipients of certificates for ten years of service include: Marie Beattie, Barbara Brachna, Esme Cordingly, Ellen Copenech and Heather Michelson.

Bloomhill President, Jenny Carroll offered her thanks to the hundreds of volunteers on behalf of the Bloomhill Management Committee, Staff and clients. In 2010 alone the volunteers contributed more than 32,000 hours and had driven more than 52,000km in supporting those suffering with cancer.

Long-term supporter and Bloomhill patron, Raelene Boyle offered her appreciation to the supporters of Bloomhill for giving their time to Bloomhill Cancer Help over its many years of service.

Bloomhill would like to acknowledge the donators, who made the Volunteer Breakfast possible. Donations came from: Garry Crick Auto Group; Wayne and Beoo Suncoast Foods; Mick’s Meat Barn, Warana; Suncoast Flowers, Kawana; Party People, Maroochydore; Brumby’s Mountain Creek; Natural Food Store, Forrest Glen; The Caf @ Coolum; Sunshine Plaza; Buderim Ginger; Dan Murphy’s; Aldi Stores Australia; and Lollypotz.

If you are interested in becoming a Bloomhill volunteer, please phone Alex at the Centre on 07 5445 5794.

A special thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of the Volunteer Breakfast.

Year 12 student Madalyn Bayliss won a hat trick for her entries in the Young Adult category of the annual WARM Writers Competition.

The 17-year-old student from Caloundra City School took out first prize as well as the Readers Choice award for her short story “Listen”, plus a Highly Commended for another short story “Choose Your Fate”.

Madalyn received her awards at the Sunshine Coast Literary Association’s presentation dinner on 17 June,  at Cartwrights Restaurant, Mountain Creek.

Montville poet John McMaster was the other hat trick winner for his entries in the Open Poem category.

The competition was open to aspiring writers in the Sunshine Coast and Gympie areas, with four entry categories including Junior (Primary, Grades 5-8), Young Adult (High School, Grades 9-12), Open Poem and Open Short Story.

In addition to the official judging in each category, a panel of independent members reviewed the entries and selected a Readers Choice winner.

The Sunshine Coast Literary Association (SCLA) is a not-for-profit association dedicated to nurturing, showcasing and celebrating literary talent throughout the Sunshine Coast region, with the annual Writers Competition awards being a key part of that charter.

SCLA President Hari Kotrotsios said the judges were amazed at the talent of the writers who entered this year’s competition.

“There were such exceptional entries this year. I am proud to be a part of a competition that showcases the depth of talent of writers throughout our region,” she said.

Winners of the Open Short Story category were:  Bryan Ward (first place) and Peter Nolan (second place) . Highly commended awards were given to BP Marshal, Brian Gram, Peta Miller and Peter Smith. The Reader’s Choice award winner was Morgana McLeod.

Winners of the Open Poem category were: John McMaster (first place) and Bryan Ward (second place). Highly commended awards were given to Suzanne Strong, Bryan Ward and John McMaster, who also received the Reader’s choice award.

Winners of the Young Adult short story category were: Madalyn Bayliss (first place) and Jack Burnham (second place). Highly commended awards were given to Tahlia Baumann, Madalyn Bayliss and Miranda Rew-Duffy. The Reader’s choice award was received by Madalyn Bayliss.

Winners of the Junior Short Story category were: Chiara Guidotti (first place) and Isabelle Blackstone (second place). A highly commended award was given to Lucy Connolly and the Readers Choice award was given to Julian Gordillo.

The Sunshine Coast Literary Association congratulates all the talented winners of 2010 WARM Writers Competition and thanks all applicants who entered this year’s competition.

Hari said  the SCLA encouraged writers to continue developing their talents and hoped to see their entries  in next year’s WARM Writer’s Competition.

The cost of entering is $5 per entry with a maximum of three entries per candidate.  Entries close on Friday, 30^th of April 2010. Entry details and forms are available online at the SCLA website – www.scliterary.org , or by emailing info@scliterary.or

The talented fabric artists at the Buderim Craft Cottage will this winter be presenting their 4^th Biennial Exhibition of wearable art ‘Visions IV’.

This year’s Visions IV exhibition and sale by the Craft Cottage’s Fabric Art and Surface Design Group in July is set to be the most spectacular yet with internationally experienced artists all working to present garments created especially for the event.

Fabric Art and Surface Design Group president Lyn Gooch said the group has 20 members, all practicing textile artists working in many different mediums, silk, wool and cotton.

“Our members produce exquisite art to wear, textile pictures and wall hangings.  These works use many techniques, hand dyeing fabrics, machine and hand embellishment, Nuno felting, Shibori- traditional and modern,” Lyn said.

“A wearable art garment may take weeks to complete.  A work will begin with an idea, a unique design,” she said.

“Just imagine starting with that idea, having to start with a white piece of silk or other fabric, then having to hand dye and sometime machine embellish it before drafting your own pattern and hand making it to complete your ideas.

“You may then realize why members of the group become obsessed with their work.”

Everyone is welcome to come along and see this year’s unique designs with the exhibition to be held in Buderim Craft Cottage Atrium Gallery with the invitation-only official opening on Friday 16^th July at 7pm. The exhibition will then be open to the public on Saturday 17^th from 9am – 4pm, Sunday 18^th from 9am – 3pm, with the gallery display open all week and the following weekend, Saturday 24^th from 9am – 4pm and Sunday 25^th 9am – 12noon.   The Buderim Craft Cottage is at 5 Main Street, Buderim, behind War Memorial Hall on corner Church and Main Streets.  Entry is by gold coin donation. Enquiries Lyn (07) 5445 6113 Jill (07) 5477 6029.

Lyn said this year’s Visions IV exhibition would feature the group’s challenge display of ‘Wearable Art with a futuristic theme’.  There will also be a display of work from the Maroochydore High School year 10 Textile Students.

More complex online search possibilities and the merging of data from multiple sources including social media will see the Internet reinvent itself all over again in the next couple of years, according to the experts at Traffika.

This means an effective digital marketing strategy has never been more important to a company’s success.

Traffika Managing Director Matt Forman said “already search engines are becoming more sophisticated to deal with how people are using more complex search terms to narrow down their results so the strategies companies use to achieve results need to become more advanced in their approach as well”.

Mr Forman said while many companies were still just dipping their toes into the waters of digital marketing through search engines and social media, the Internet was evolving at a startling pace.

“It is not enough to just set up a Facebook page or Twitter account and post items a couple of times a week.  To get real return on investment you need to take a strategic approach, just as you would with any other aspect of your business,” Mr Forman said.

“Web 3.0 or the Semantic Web as it is caled, is already in its early stages,” he said.

“This new evolution of the web will see search engines examine the human meaning of the search words and phrases before searching.  Then information from multiple sources will be merged to provide more meaningful search results,” he said.

“For example if you do a search for ‘best plasma tv’, information on the best models, prices, customer reviews and warranties can all be returned and presented in a single result.”

Mr Forman said there was also already a meshing of social media with search, where individuals could search for information posted by their trusted networks in a new digital evolution of word-of-mouth referrals.

“Another aspect, which is already moving forward at breakneck speed because of the increasing sophistication of mobile phones and other portable devices, is local search where your location and your online social network is taken into account by search engines so you are presented with information that is more relevant to you.

“For example, if you are looking to go out and grab a coffee your mobile device could give you information about cafes as well as the locations and activities of your friends to allow you to invite them to join you.”

Mr Forman said the future was already here.  “It’s all about the meshing of search, social, local and mobile technologies and companies need to ensure that they are geared up to maximise the opportunities it brings.”

In terms of search complexity research has shown that the length of search terms is getting longer.  In the four-week period to the end of February 2010, clicks made through searches over eight words grow by 8.3%, and by 5.3% for over seven words.  At the same time searches using one word fell by 1.1%, with search over two words falling by 1.5%.*

Mr Forman said because of all the development online it meant that digital marketing strategies also had to evolve to more astutely take advantage of the benefits the technology offered.

“These changes mean that consumers will be presented with more refined and limited results so digital marketing strategies need to address that.

“We call it 360 degrees digital.  Traffika develops cost-effective strategies that address all areas of the digital world – search, social, local and mobile – in a targeted way which achieves measurable results.”

He said strategies could include digital promotions encouraging social media referrals or mentions as well as integration of a company’s corporate web presence with its social media campaign through optimisation and other approaches.

“There isn’t any one size fits all approach because there are so many different variables for different businesses.  Businesses need to taker a professional approach and seek the advice of experts.  However this doesn’t mean it needs to be expensive and people should ensure that like other marketing activities they undertake, there are effective ways to measure results.”

Mr Forman said one of the beauties of the digital world was that everything was measurable so campaigns could be tailored as they went to achieve optimal results.

For more information about digital marketing and leading industry insight visit our blog or follow Matt on Twitter at @mattforman.

*Research from Experian Hitwise from a study of the four weeks ending 27 February 2010

Join in the festivities with Bloomhill Cancer Help as they deck their halls for the Christmas Yuletide on Wednesday, 23 June.

This annual fundraising dinner will be held at Headland Golf Club and will include great local entertainment and a three-course Christmas buffet style dinner with all the trimmings of a winter festival (Yuletide).

Peter McAllister, event organiser for last year’s event, said it was such a great night in 2009, that due to popular demand he and Bloomhill had decided to make it an annual event.

“We are really excited to have some great new performers added to the line up this year as well as some of last year’s favourites”, Mr McAllister said.

The line up includes performances by sixties acts including the Hot Ginger Chorus Inc, Brian Carion, Pete and the Cruisers and a special appearance by Elvis.

“At Bloomhill, Christmas doesn’t just come once a year,” said Mr McAllister.

“Christmas Yuletide really lifts people’s spirits because it gives them an opportunity to spend time with friends and family and ‘let their hair down’ in the middle of the working year,” he said.

Mr McAllister said he organised this event for people to have a great time and support a worthy cause.

“Bloomhill is truly amazing. The Sunshine Coast is so lucky to have such an amazing charity caring for the community and they need our support to continue their important work of assisting people with cancer and their families,” he said.

Tickets to the Christmas Yuletide, from 7pm on Wednesday 23 June, at Headland Golf Club, Golf Links Road, Buderim are $45 per person and available from Bloomhill Cancer Help, 58 Ballinger Road, Buderim or by phoning 5445 5794. Bookings are essential and must be received by 20 June.