Mary Valley Rattler High Resolution-4

Mary Valley Rattler schedules record number of services

The Mary Valley Rattler will mark a major milestone next month, with a record number of train journeys scheduled for December, as strong demand from visitors builds.

The heritage railway experience is on track to run 34 services in December, a 30% increase from its regular timetable of the 26 services spread across Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays since the popular attraction reopened in early October.

Mary Valley Rattler Chairman Ian McNicol said the significant jump is a result of special Christmas services, an extension of the Retro Fridays trial and the demand for group bookings.

“We’re thrilled with the way Queenslanders have embraced the return of the Rattler, so much so that we will continue with our trial of Retro Fridays, the short haul trip to Monkland on the Silver Bullet rail motor paired with breakfast or lunch at the Platform No.1 Café throughout December. We have also planned some very special trips to celebrate Christmas,” Mr McNicol said.

“There will be a special Christmas service scheduled next month, with two additional charter services to run for private functions.

Whale 2 cropped - Shot with special permission for USC research by Dr Javier Leon-web

USC gets drone’s eye view of migrating whales

Inexpensive drones are offering scientists from the University of the Sunshine Coast a spectacular birds’ eye view of migrating humpback whales.

Two times a day, three days a week, researchers are setting sail in a Sunreef tourist boat into the waters off Mooloolaba.

Tourism researcher Dr Vikki Schaffer said the drone was an inexpensive consumer-grade model chosen so that the experiment could be replicated in other areas.

“Drones offer an aerial view that is absolutely changing the game for whale research which, to date, has been challenged because of the logistics around getting close to whales,” she said.

Brad Johnson from Bedouin Traders, Janine Gee from Trasnact Property Group, Miki Grubic from Mikimi Resortwear & Jess Bos from Meraki Thread Co-web

Exciting new fashion & homewares businesses to call The Wharf Mooloolaba home

As part of The Wharf Mooloolaba’s $10million refurbishment, some exciting new retail ventures will open their doors this week, joining a mix of cafes, restaurants, bars and recreational attractions already busy operating in the open-air precinct.

The launch of these new retail businesses is further evidence The Wharf Mooloolaba is firmly re-establishing a reputation as the place to meet, eat and explore at Mooloolaba and on the Sunshine Coast.

Buderim Foundation 2017 Community Grant recipients - photo by Ross Eason-web

Buderim Foundation’s Community Grants Celebration set to be biggest yet

The Buderim Foundation is set to host its biggest ever Community Grants Celebration next month, with a record amount of funding expected to be awarded to local community groups.
On Saturday,15th September, the popular philanthropy group will announce this year’s grant winners, the recipients of which are all community-based organisations providing services and support for residents in the 4556 postcode.

This year, the Buderim Foundation will award more than $75,000 to be shared by 23 community-based organisations which provide services and support for residents in the 4556 postcode.
Buderim Foundation Grant Committee Chair Lisa Edward said the event is the most important day on the Foundation’s calendar and continues to grow each year.

Industry Legend - Deen Saint

Sunshine Mitre 10 scoop annual Hardware Industry Awards

Queensland’s largest independent hardware chain, Sunshine Mitre 10, has taken out the top honour at the Queensland Hardware Industry Awards, with its Kunda Park store beating out some tough competition to win the Trade Store of the Year category.

Sunshine Mitre 10 CEO Travis Cunnane said the award was recognition and reward for the long-term investments the business has made to increase their product offerings.

“We are absolutely thrilled one of our stores has been recognized as the Trade Store of the Year; we’ve made improvements including larger ranges, increased stock levels across all departments and new and additional racking,” Mr Cunnane said.

“The Kunda Park store, like many of our stores around Queensland, has been configured to give trade customers the easiest and best possible experience in store.”

“Our undercover Trade drive through offers a comprehensive selection of Trade Timber and Sheeting Products in conjunction with the latest ranging of Trade Fasteners and Building Supplies.

“Trade customers make up 70% of our business and we also offer daily site deliveries using some of our extensive fleet,” he said.

Neil, Sue, Geoffrey, Bev & Aart

“Foote-tapping” Concert on again in Buderim

The extremely popular Foote -Tapping concert is set to be held again this year in Buderim’s beautiful Foote Sanctuary heavily treed wilderness area.

Singers at the Foote-Tapping Concert include Duo Neil and Sue, and Bev Gourlay and Aart Schouten with Geoffrey Hole of the Foote Sanctuary Association (centre).

The date set is Sunday July 22 with food, craft and plant stalls and a sausage sizzle opening at 11am and the Concert of local singers and players coordinated by the popular and talent Bev Schouten to begin at noon.

The address is Park Lane Buderim which can be reached of Mooloolaba Road via Foote Ave then Fountain Street. Parking is tight in the Lane but space can.

also be found in Eckersley Ave with a stroll down to the SanctuaryLocal performers Bev Gourlay(Schouten) and husband Aart, Ken O’Flaherty, Trevor Mitchell, BYTES,and singing duo Sue & Neill have a marvellous repertoire of “Foote- Tapping” songs and music.

Entrance is by a gold coin and it is suggested to bring your own seating or rugs to relax and enjoy a wonderful afternoon’s entertainment. All money raised goes towards the purchase of rain forest trees native to the area. This year the Foote Association volunteers have planted over 300 new trees with a target of 600 by year’s end.
Patrons are invited to come early for lunching before the entertainment begins.

Call Geoffrey Hole on 0415 265534 for any inquiries including media and directions for safe parking.

Wharf Tower to Chances & Marina wide shot_2_Feb_2018-40

Five exciting new businesses to call The Wharf Mooloolaba home

The second stage of The Wharf Mooloolaba’s $10million refurbishment is well underway with five new ventures to open in the precinct between now and mid-July.

The new food, retail and activity businesses launching are further evidence the precinct is once again gaining a reputation as the place to be in Mooloolaba.

Wharf Mooloolaba co-owner Dirk Long said the new businesses included The Booking Box – an activity booking and information centre, Meraki Thread Co – a new fashion boutique specialising in vintage and up-cycled clothing, Boston Shaker -a new cocktail bar with a jazz vibe, La Finca -a new café from the owners of Colombian Coffee, and Fior di Latte Gelateria – a great new gelato bar from the owners of Pitchfork Restaurant at Peregian.

“With the Booking Box and Meraki Thread Co open this week and three more openings coming up, it’s very exciting times at The Wharf.”

The Dock Mooloolaba Ale with Cheese Stuffed Jalapeno Popers with Old Bay Mayo and Smoked Brisket & Scarmoza Croquettes with green salsa-web

The Dock Mooloolaba hosts Local Beer Tap Takeover this weekend

The Wharf Mooloolaba’s newest restaurant and bar, The Dock Mooloolaba has 52 beer taps, with 16 different beers, across three bars and starting this Friday, there will be a Local Tap Takeover, with only local beers to be poured throughout the weekend.

The Dock Mooloolaba owner Jared Hart said the “Local Tap Takeover” will be a celebration of the restaurant’s four-month anniversary, and an opportunity to support and highlight our fantastic local craft breweries.

Dr Russell Stitz (Profile Magazine)

Buderim Foundation makes a splash in Profile Magazine’s charity issue

The April issue of Profile Magazine is a fantastic read – highlighting charities and people who make our community great, including the Buderim Foundation’s own chair Dr Russell Stitz.

Click here to read more about Dr Stitz and the Buderim Foundation online – or even better look for the lovely bright cover featuring Sarah Fitzpatrick at a coffee shop near you!

Photos from Profile Magazine.

Central Sippy Downs artists impression-web

Central Sippy Downs providing high-tech performance sports training and convenience for locals

Evans Long’s new Central Sippy Downs development will be home to a high-performance athletic training centre as well as being a hub for retail food and allied health.

Located at the heart of the new Sippy Downs Town Centre, on the corner of Sippy Downs Drive and adjacent to Coles, Central Sippy Downs features a modern, contemporary design, with cantilevered awnings and easy access.

The 4450sqm development comprises two, two-storey buildings, with an option for a third, and is within the Sunshine Coast Council’s Sippy Downs Business and Technology Sub-precinct. The centre is zoned for mixed use including food and drink outlets, office accommodation, indoor recreation, veterinary services and allied health for example.

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