CLICK HERE TO GET THE GAZETTE DIRECT TO YOUR INBOX After a few weeks of uncontrollable local weather events in Nambour the team from I am Nambour have collaborated with Sunshine Coast Council’s Economic Development Department to shine some light on the town The aim is to deliver fresh video and photo promotional material and concepts for the marketing of the town “We strongly focused this production series on the Nambour CBD hub the businesses and the culture of the CBD with a conscious decision to focus on public transport options in and out of Nambour,” said organiser Rhonda Billett and the thriving vintage and the Nambour pre-loved shopping scene were all a part of the digital portfolio “We have significant private investment improvements coming to C Square in the  months ahead as well as proposed new businesses coming to Nambour and more Government workers moving into the CBD in the next 12 months “So there is plenty of good news and lots to explore in the town CBD.  Not to mention all of the great events coming to the Show Grounds in the next few months.  Nambour is going to be busy May until September is looking pretty full Ms Billett said I am Nambour would use the digital portfolio to promote local businesses and Nambour online “The professional footage will also give people from far and wide a reason to keep coming back and supporting Nambour and its busy “We have endured some hard times recently with the floods in our Nambour CBD but one thing we are good at is all coming together and pushing forward despite those setbacks.”  Editorial: editor@sunshinevalleygazette.com.au | 0409 424 487 Advertising: tanya@sunshinevalleygazette.com.au | 0400 069 711 Display Ads   Ad Rates   Ad Specs   Privacy   Terms & Conditions Arvind (left) and Sushil Kumar with Sushil’s mother in law Mill St Kitchen is more than just a place for a good coffee yummy breakfast and a hearty meal — it’s the story of a family pouring their heart into a business that brings people together The café is a family affair owned by a local husband and wife who have two young children attending school on the Sunshine Coast It has become a beloved local spot known for its cosy undercover seating Sushil moved to Australia from India in 2011 and the dream of building something meaningful welcoming café that feels like an extension of their own kitchen “The locals here have been so welcoming and we feel like we’ve lived here our whole lives When the opportunity to take over Mill St Kitchen came up There is a fantastic community of people who gather here during the week and on the weekends “Our business is definitely a family affair,” he said “My mother-in-law has a lot of hospitality experience so creates our delicious sweet treats My brother chefs in the kitchen and my niece and nephew help out the front My boys are young but also love coming in to clear tables chat to customers and give out dog treats.” “We wanted to create a place where people feel at home and relax and we’re proud to be part of its vibrant community.” With a growing following and glowing reviews Mill St Kitchen is proving that when you mix passion you’ve got a recipe for something truly special Sitting Fairfax MP Ted O’Brien came under sustained scrutiny from a panel of challengers and a vocal audience at a Meet the Candidates forum hosted by the Chamber of Commerce at Nambour RSL on Monday night (April 14) O’Brien (LNP) faced pressure from supporters of Labor’s Naomi McQueen and Greens candidate Sue Etheridge at the packed event attended by about 150 people.  In a spirited debate seven of the eight Fairfax candidates outlined their visions and fielded questions from voters in an event Of the candidates for the May 3 Federal election only Trumpet of Patriots’ Greg Ryzy did not attend.  who is the Coalition’s Shadow Climate Change & Energy Minister defended the LNP’s record on infrastructure delivery during his tenure “The number one thing for me has always been delivery “I welcome critics to name one region that has received more federal funding han the Sunshine Coast since 2016.”   independent candidate Francine Wiig emphasised her community-focused approach “I’ve been a swinging voter all my life and now I have found a political home with community independents,”  Wiig said “It looks like whoever’s forming parliament this time will be doing so in a minority so an independent voice on the cross bench will give Fairfax a real seat at the table.”  an air traffic controller with 21 years of experience highlighted her professional background and community involvement “Our coast and the hinterland are growing rapidly I’m keenly aware of the infrastructure and services our region desperately needs to keep pace with that growth,” McQueen said promising to advocate for “key infrastructure projects that remain undelivered by our existing member.”   The candidates tackled pressing issues including housing affordability Wiig proposed reviewing foreign investment and land banking laws while suggesting “gentle densification” around existing infrastructure O’Brien outlined the Coalition’s $5 billion infrastructure fund to accelerate new developments and a two-year ban on foreign purchases of existing properties.  The most contentious moments came when O’Brien faced questions about his advocacy for nuclear power When challenged by an audience member about the practicality of nuclear energy in Australia O’Brien defended his position: “Nuclear is to the long term of Australia what gas is to the short term Australia needs to have an always-on 24/7 source of baseload power.” In response to another question about the legislative barriers to implementing nuclear energy O’Brien acknowledged the challenges but remained steadfast: “I believe ultimately we will have the moratorium lifted and I believe Australia will in fact land at a place of bipartisanship when it comes to having nuclear as part of a balanced energy mix.”  Family First candidate Rhys Sanderson also faced scrutiny over his conservative Christian views particularly regarding LGBTQ+ issues.  “As a regular working class man Wiig appeared to receive the most enthusiastic audience response based on applause levels particularly when discussing her independence from party politics “What we have as community independents is a freedom to respond to the needs of the community We’re not locked into party ideologies,” she said The event revealed the apparent challenge O’Brien faces as the incumbent with almost all questions directed at him from the audience.  One LNP supporter said the event seemed “stacked” against O’Brien Still the MP handled the scrutiny with grace and composure and teal independent candidate signals that the historically safe LNP seat may be more competitive than in previous years particularly if preferences flow against the incumbent.  McQueen contradicted O’Brien’s suggestion that bipartisan support for nuclear energy might emerge: “I can 100 percent guarantee that the Australian Labor Party will not be offering support for nuclear energy in Australia.” • Francine Wiig (Community Independent/teal candidate) shared her grassroots motivations: “When you organise people in a positive way around a good idea you can create real and tangible change not only for yourself but for others It has really been the genesis for my interest in politics.” • Paul McKeown (Independent) called for political reform: “I want to fix a good system which has fundamentally broken down I see the perversion of party politics in Australia letting down people and dragging our nation backwards.. The people are sick of leaders who put loyalty to party or ideology ahead of the national interest.” • Ted O’Brien (LNP) emphasised economic management and local delivery: my focus as a member is all around getting a strong economy because it’s only with a strong economy that we can deliver public services.. the number one thing for me has always been delivery • Rhys Anderson (Family First) was forthright about his faith-based values: “Family First stands for policies that will help build our families rather than tear them down Family First believes human life begins at conception and should be protected from that moment until natural death.” • Naomi McQueen (Labor) highlighted her local connections and professional experience: “I’ve been an air traffic controller keeping our skies safe for over 21 years I have recently completed a degree majoring in cybersecurity and counter-terrorism I am passionate about ensuring we address actual not perceived risk to Australia’s security.” • Sue Etheridge (Greens) emphasised environmental action and social justice: “Real climate action will phase out coal and gas invest in renewables and create thousands of secure well-paid jobs including the big supermarkets who have been turning lettuce into a luxury item.” • Beatrice Marsh (One Nation) ocused on sovereignty and Australian identity: “We must reclaim our sovereignty and ensure our laws serve the people and put Australians first.. We welcome those who respect our way of life but mass uncontrolled immigration is eroding Australian identity and straining our communities.” The Ray White Nambour Rodeo is back on May 10 promising a full day of entertainment for the whole family while raising funds for local community projects through the Nambour Tramway Company this year’s event starts at 11am and spectators can expect a full lineup of National Rodeo Association events including bull riding Ray White Nambour Principal Matt O’Grady said the rodeo had become a cornerstone event on the local calendar “This isn’t just a rodeo — it’s about bringing the community together and giving back in a meaningful way,” Mr O’Grady said we raised close to $75,000 for local causes and we’re hoping to do the same or better this year We’ve raised a total of $255,506.67 over the four years we’ve staged the event It’s a priviliege to be able to give back to the community.” Organised in partnership with Honky-Tonk Rodeo Promotions and the National Rodeo Association the event is designed to be accessible to all and free or low-cost entertainment for children — including face painting and market stalls — the day caters to seasoned rodeo fans and first-timers alike “We make sure you can feed a family without breaking the bank,” Mr O’Grady said “You don’t have to spend a fortune to have a great day out and support a great cause.” Whether you’re there for the action in the ring or the community atmosphere outside it the Ray White Nambour Rodeo is a day not to be missed Major Sponsors include: Cricks Nambour & Ram Vision Solutions Glass & Aluminium and ATF Fencing.  To learn more or get involved: www.raywhitenambour.com.au | 5354 6000 | maddie.simpson@raywhite.com Nambour’s Ignite Christian Church will again host Live at the Chapel (L@TC) family-friendly evening of Christian music on Saturday 3 May Presented by Ignite Church and Aussie Grown Radio L@TC showcases local and touring Christian artists donating their time and talent donations on the night will directly support the musicians’ ministries Drinks and light nibbles will be available for purchase Headlining this month’s event is Phil Spence & Naomi J Phil will mark 45 years since the vinyl release of his debut album by revisiting tracks from that record alongside songs by contemporaries from the Jesus Revolution era who opened for Dan Peek (of America) and Randy Stonehill at Lang Park will share personal anecdotes about those performances and his encounters with Barry McGuire Rocker-turned-worship leader Nick Reeve opens lead singer of Sunshine Coast Christian rock project Soulchase and former frontman of hard-rock outfit Hammerhead Since releasing his debut Christian rock album Reeve has balanced cover-band work with his burgeoning worship ministry At L@TC he will perform a stripped-back solo set of Soulchase favourites and debut new material L@TC runs on the first Saturday of each month it’s become a highlight—a chance to enjoy live uplifting music without the usual ticket price visit the Live at the Chapel Nambour Facebook page or contact Ignite Church • For more info go to Live at the Chapel Nambour Facebook page | Ignite Church Auditorium lead singer of Sunshine Coast Christian rock project Soulchase The BOQ Nambour & Hinterland team at the Nambour branch BOQ Nambour & Hinterland was recognised early in 2023 with an Australia-wide Bank of Queensland award as the equal-best branch in Australia over the first half of the financial year.  “Being recognised in the BOQ QSTAR Bank of Queensland awards is an incredible nod to the way we operate We all feel very proud,” said Branch Owner-Manager With big banks turning their backs on town branches and personalised service BOQ Nambour & Hinterland has stepped into the void.  By embodying the spirit of community banking and keeping the focus on individual relationships and face-to-face service Matt – who took on the branch in 2021 – says he and his team couldn’t be happier with the response so far.  “A great banking experience comes down to offering truly personal service,” he said.  “And customer relationships are at the heart of everything we do here People in Nambour and the Hinterland love coming in and doing their business face to face We have a fantastic team here and we work hard to help our local customers thrive.”  While banking has changed dramatically over the years what hasn’t changed is the role a supportive banking team can play at critical moments in people’s lives.  BOQ Nambour has always been an important financial for our region attracting customers from Montville Mapleton and Yandina to Kenilworth and beyond The local branch provides a full service offering from its Ann Street premises our philosophy is to provide much more of a partnership with customers regarding the services we can provide,” Matt said.  “I strongly encourage people to put their current lender under review,” he said people whose fixed rates were coming to an end should put their current lender under investigation and consider booking a home loan review with BOQ.” You can visit the branch to chat with a local home loan specialist or get in touch via the details below The branch has a mobile lending specialist who is on the road and visits clients at home or work.  Within a short space of time BOQ Nambour and Hinterland has become well embedded in the local landscape supporting community groups and sports clubs such as the Hinterland Blues AFL St John’s College and the Sunshine Coast Youth Orchestra.  “We have been made to feel so welcome among all of these fantastic organisations and we love being a part of the local club culture,” Matt said.  “I can assure residents that we’re not going anywhere We love our community and we’re here to help them for the long term We have a great team and I think people are realising and appreciating that.” 15 Ann St, Nambour | 5376 9999  | Matt.Wall@boq.com.au | facebook.com/BOQNambourHinterland and Owner of PaintRight Nambour Duke Anderson Owner of PaintRight Nambour and second generation painter brings over ten years of experience in painting to the business Duke has worked on a number of high-profile projects including the 2 billion dollar Crown Casino in Sydney and for the prestigious specialist Sydney painting company who are widely regarded as industry leaders in decorative and luxury finishes “What these experiences really taught me was the importance of using premium products tools and techniques to get the best possible result,” he said “This is why we have an exclusive partnership with Haymes Paint which is the leading Australian paint brand,” Duke said.  which is an exceptional New Zealand brand.  “There are many paints I will not stock because I will never compromise on quality and it’s a bonus that nine times out of ten we can beat the price of comparable products anyway.” Duke’s experienced staff not only are lifetime locals to Nambour but they also bring their own knowledge and expertise to the store “Emily Shaw has worked in Paint stores for over 12 years and has studied colour therapy and colour design and is our in-store colour consultant,” said Duke “She is able to provide our customers with expert advice on colour selection and interior design “When you are investing in painting your home it is so important that you experience the ‘wow’ factor at the end of the job,” he said Lewis Trudgett has painting experience and has also worked in paint stores across Queensland for the past 7 years.  “Lewis has incredible product knowledge and can work with our customers to make sure they are getting the right product for the job We have made the store the ‘go-to’ destination for all your painting and decorating needs,” Duke added garage floor paint and all your timber needs “We want our customers to experience the best combination of advice and information because when it comes to painting and decorating some mistakes can end up costing thousands of dollars to rectify “I want to help people avoid the common mistakes I see everyday,” said Duke or even applying the correct product incorrectly We work hard to help you get your painting project done right and we even have coffee ready to go for our painters in the morning,” said Duke “We have deliveries for tradies 6 days a week from 6am into the late afternoons and a lot of the time we do night deliveries on the way home from work.” 117 Howard Street, Nambour | 07 5476 3355 | www.nambour.paintright.com.au flanked by  Namba Hotel on right and Royal George on left The Sunshine Coast Council's much-anticipated Nambour Place Plan has entered a new phase with community support paving the way for improvements to the town's central business district.  had received a resounding 94% approval from local residents signalling a positive step forward for the hinterland town that has faced challenges in recent decades Division 10 Councillor David Law shared his enthusiasm for the project's progress "Thank you to everyone who has been involved and had their say on the plan's development over the past few years as we now look ahead to construction delivery.”  He said the community's input had been crucial in shaping the direction of the revitalisation efforts The Nambour Place Plan aims to breathe new life into the CBD Currie Street in particular has long been affected by vacant storefronts a testament to the challenges faced by local businesses Cr Law highlighted the community's clear preference for prioritising improvements to the Currie Street and Mill Street intersection "We have listened to our community's preference to focus on the Currie Street and Mill Street area We aim to improve walkability and pedestrian experience along Mill Street and at the intersection with Currie Street street dining areas and new shady street trees," he said The project has secured significant funding with Sunshine Coast Council contributing $1.4 million and the Queensland Government providing an additional $300,000 through its South East Queensland Community Stimulus Program This financial backing underscores the importance of the revitalisation effort to both local and state authorities Construction is anticipated to commence in mid-2025 marking a tangible step towards realising the community's vision for a revitalised Nambour The project team is currently finalising designs based on the feedback received during the community consultation period As part of the broader Nambour Centre Activation Project the initiative will be delivered over the next decade.  Before: Currie Street looking across to Club Hotel Namba Mill Street Intersection looking across to the Club Hotel Website Feedback OnlyPlease leave your website feedback comments below kindly provide the steps you took so we can replicate the issue For general council inquiries, please see Council Contact page You can use CTR+V to paste a screenshot from your clipboard directly into the textarea above Otherwise you can upload a file from your computer below Sunshine Coast Division 10 Councillor David Law said the social energy around Nambour had been strong with a variety of Winter events bringing community together “After a successful Sunshine Coast Agricultural Show in June the Queensland Garden Expo again drew great crowds with more than 30,000 green thumbs attracted to the area in early July,” Cr Law said there’s no shortage of activity for locals and visitors to experience in our hinterland town.” Get your hands-on some fresh local produce and curate something special with local cooking school Mix Taste Eat hosting exclusive classes designed especially for The Curated Plate food and drink festival. A great way to spend your Friday or Saturday night with friends and family this weekend. Bookings essential If motorsports is more your speed, the Sunshine Coast Motor Sports Club will be hosting their Coastal Fasteners Sunshine Coast Sprints (Round 6) at Nambour Showgrounds The track is 1.1km in length with elevation All competitors must hold a current RACERS licence Cars must be registered to participate over the weekend The monthly social on Short Street will be on from 4.30-8.30pm Shop local - support local businesses and artisans by exploring the unique stalls offering handmade crafts It's a fantastic opportunity to find one-of-a-kind treasures while contributing to the growth of our community Bring the whole family for an evening of fun and laughter there is a little something for everyone to enjoy Attention campers and caravaners, the Let’s Go Sunshine Coast Caravan & Outdoor Expo is rolling into the Nambour Showgrounds over three days The expo includes an exceptional line up of more than 90 exhibitors showcasing the very latest models of caravans Visitors to this year’s expo will be inspired to explore the great Aussie outdoors with friends and family children 17 and under free with a paying adult the 2024 Australian National Golf Croquet Championships is an annual 12-day event involving the top player from each state vying for the Gold Medal The top 54 men and the top 64 women from around Australia will play for their respective national championship at multiple venues including Nambour Croquet Club The final five days of play between the state players representing each State for the Interstate Shield Ever wondered what the State Emergency Services does The Sunshine Coast SES is hosting the expo from 10am to 2pm at Nambour Showgrounds Come along and see what the SES is all about and how you can get involved Council’s Disaster Management Team will be on hand to answer questions on how you can be prepared for disasters and Queensland Police Recruitment will also be there Come along and meet the team at this free family event There are three productions lined up for Lind Lane Theatre – Robin Hood by Montessori International College (August 15) the Sunshine Cost Theatre Youth Festival (August 16-18) and Acting Up Until August 16, come visit the Old Ambulance Station to view the art exhibition: Interwoven - an emerging storyline USA band Dark Thoughts will play Black Box Theatre August 30 And while you’re in Nambour, make sure you support our local businesses by grabbing a coffee, dining at one of the local restaurants or browsing the vast array of retail offerings including the renowned Vintage and Op Shops light and laughter – One Act Play Festival | Lind Lane Theatre 7 Sep – Collectorama | Nambour Showgrounds 2 Nov – Collectorama | Nambour Showgrounds 24 Nov – Peter & the Test Tube Babies (UK) Australian Tour | The Black Box Theatre 12 & 13 Dec – Skank Sinatra cabaret | Lind Lane Theatre For all your event planning, head to https://events.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/ to find a wide variety of events happening in Nambour and across the Sunshine Coast Biosphere Experience Sunshine Coast Living and community Environment Business Development Council Pay and apply © Sunshine Coast Regional Council 2008–2025 Sunshine Coast Council TC Alfred Community Announcement: Sandbag update SES sandbagging locations will remain open for self-service until 7.30pm tonight Sandbag locations will not re-open on the weekend More information about sandbagging is available on Council’s website Keep up to date by visiting Disaster Hub Sunshine Coast Last updated :  06:00 AM, Fri 04 Apr 2025   Watch 18sJulia Jenkyns filmed rising floodwater in Prince Street, Nambour. (Supplied: Julia Jenkyns) AEST = Australian Eastern Standard Time which is 10 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) March 10) Sunshine Coast Council issued an emergency warning to residents for a flood watch and act - monitor conditions for minor and flash flooding on the coast Falls of over 400mm recorded across the Coast This intense rainfall has led to widespread flash flooding as well as localised rapid creek and river level rises in our hinterland areas More moderate to locally heavy rainfall is forecast to continue today with further river and creek level rises expected into Tuesday Nambour is experiencing flooding throughout the town with Bli Bli Road however heavy-to-locally-intense rainfall is forecast which may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding We are already seeing this throughout the Nambour The SES has received 77 requests in the past 24 hours More than 150,000 people have taken on board advice and used Council’s Disaster Hub Sunshine Coast to access up-to-date information on road closures and weather warnings We encourage our community to continue to do so There are around 100 roads closures reported across our region but we expect more throughout the day Driving during these conditions is extremely dangerous Don’t be afraid to pull over somewhere safe and wait until the storm passes Be aware there are roads that are potentially flooded that may not yet be sign-posted For a current list of roads closures visit Disaster Hub Sunshine Coast. There have been a number of power outages in our region impacting properties at Nambour For power outage information, visit Energex.com.au The place of refuge at Caloundra has now been closed The requirement for Nambour Place of Refuge will be assessed at the end of the day and we are helping those who have critical hygiene-related issues Council will provide an on-demand residential collection service for critical hygiene-related needs for those who missed last week’s service This will be for extreme circumstances and evaluated on a case-by-case basis Residents are encouraged to visit the ‘Report a missed bin’ page on Council’s website and complete the ‘Empty my bin form’ to communicate the urgency or hazardous nature of their request with the exception of Nambour due to flooding and will be free for residential properties directly impacted by Tropical Cyclone Alfred for disposal of storm-damaged household general waste and green waste Please stay indoors and wait until the potential for flash flooding has passed Keep up to date at Disaster Hub Sunshine Coast Customer service counters in Caloundra and Maroochydore are open while Nambour is closed until further notice Council is experiencing a high volume of calls Please be patient as we work to assist everyone as quickly as possible Kenilworth libraries and the Mobile Library are closed today (Monday 10 March) due to flooding Reservations ready for pickup will be available once we reopen Customers should keep library items at home until it is safe to return them For up-to-date information on current school closures please check the Emergency education facility closures If you require urgent SES assistance please contact SES at 132 500 or log a request for the SES app: https://132500.qld.gov.au/ses-webapp/ Sunshine Coast Council acknowledges the Sunshine Coast Country home of the Kabi Kabi peoples and the Jinibara peoples We wish to pay respect to their Elders – past and acknowledge the important role First Nations people continue to play within the Sunshine Coast community Our Sunshine Coast is a free community website proudly produced by Sunshine Coast Council When heavy overnight rain caused flooding through the CBD of Nambour in the early hours of ANZAC Day the Dawn Service had to be cancelled.  But in a demonstration of the true Australian spirit locals still came together to pay their respects to our fallen servicemen and women in their own way “When it became obvious that the planned Dawn Service would not be able to go ahead a group of us decided we would hold our own ceremony and a lovely lady called Melanie Silk kindly lent her car radio for us to hear the live service being broadcast from Caloundra,” said Nambour business woman “It was not the kind of ceremony we would normally experience at Nambour but there was something very poignant and special about banding together in this way to honour our servicemen and women,” she said Vicki’s sentiments were echoed on the Living in Nambour Facebook page where many others shared her pride in the way the community once again banded together for a common cause but there was something very poignant and special about banding together in this way to honour our servicemen and women,” said Vicki Arthur Ron and Katie Hicks moved to Nambour with their young children taking over a real estate business on the corner of Queen and Howard Streets and it has been a cornerstone of the community ever since.  Nambour was the business centre of the Sunshine Coast and was thriving,” Ron recalls and people from all over the coast would come here to do their shopping and a whole multitude of professional services.”  weathering economic changes and staying true to the community as  the Hicks family recognise opportunity amidst the changes.  Keyline recently purchased the building on Queen Street where their office has operated for nearly half a century It’s an investment not just in bricks and mortar but in the future of the town they call home.  “When the opportunity arose to purchase the building “We have been operating from our current location for over 45 years during which we enjoyed a wonderful relationship with the building’s owners Ron said the investment was about more than ownership; it was about contributing to the revitalisation of Nambour we plan to enhance the building’s aesthetics to contribute to the growing vibrancy of Nambour,” he said “We believe Queen Street is the most attractive street in town boasting some of the most interesting shops and businesses.  and the power of community—a story that our family is proud to be a part of'  “We are proud of the diverse group of tenants occupying the surrounding spaces This eclectic mix reflects the evolving identity of Queen Street as a hub of culture Keyline Realty’s core business lies in residential sales and rentals The business has observed a steady increase in people looking to move to or invest in Nambour and surrounds “People are drawn to the area because they love its pace and atmosphere,” Ron notes “You can drive 20 minutes to enjoy a day at the beach and then leave the traffic and crowds behind when you’ve had enough.”  there has never been a better time to set up in Nambour it is attracting a vibrant mix of people and enterprises With three generations working under one roof Keyline’s investment in Queen Street is deeply personal “Our investment not only demonstrates our faith in the town but also provides security for the future by owning the building where our business is located,” Ron said.  the Hicks family is not just witnessing the change—they are keen to help shape it Ron said Nambour was finding its identity once more driven by a community that believes in its potential.  and the power of community—a story that our family is proud to be a part of,” he said Nambour’s swim program has a fresh wave of energy with highly experienced coach Andy Muller stepping into the role in March 2025 Coach Andy brings over 30 years of coaching experience across all levels—from learn-to-swim programs to coaching state Andy’s introduction to swimming began in Townsville in the early 1980s when his family relocated from Switzerland they settled in the alpine resort town of Davos where his program saw swimmers reach Age Nationals Open Water Nationals and all state-level championships Andy is now focused on rebuilding Nambour’s program and club to its former strength “The goal in Nambour is to revive the program and the club to past numbers and glory,” he said “We would like to enable the kids to achieve their individual goals from high performance all the way to swimming for fitness Andy holds qualifications including STCA Performance and a Level 1 Strength & Conditioning accreditation through ASCA His coaching philosophy centres on Long Term Athlete Development will build the foundation of a future in swimming whatever level the athlete is seeking to achieve,” he said Whether coaching elite athletes at dawn or teaching toddlers their first strokes mid-morning Andy says each experience brings its own rewards His arrival marks a renewed focus on growth inclusion and excellence for swimming in Nambour with Hamish Jackson who qualified for seven events at the 2025 National Age Championships Hamish started in Nambour Aquatic Centre's Learn to Swim program and attends Burnside High Police are continuing investigations into an apparent random attack at a Nambour property early Friday morning that left three people injured Officers were called to the scene on Bade Street shortly after 2am following reports of violence at the address Three people sustained injuries in the incident Police confirmed the attackers fled before officers arrived Detectives are now appealing for witnesses who may have seen suspicious activity in the area around the time of the incident.  Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 Taking care of your dental health should be a priority but finding the right dentist on the Sunshine Coast that understands your needs can be a challenge Based in the health-hub district of Nambour Blackall Terrace Dental provides high-quality dentistry for patients across Nambour the commitment to individualised care has earned Blackall Terrace Dental a reputation for excellence with many new patients travelling from across the Sunshine Coast “I view our growing list of satisfied patients as a testament to the exceptional care and service we provide,” said Dr who worked as an associate dentist at the practice for a number of years “Our key values are at the heart of everything we do.  “The focus on clinical excellence and individualised care ensures we provide some of the most thorough and comprehensive dentistry available whilst dedicating the time to each patient.  “This level of dental care empowers patients with control over their oral health allowing them to make informed decisions about how to achieve dental fitness.” Hollywood welcomed an additional dentist to the team earlier in the year and will be welcoming another “We have brought on team members whose professional values align perfectly with Blackall Terrace Dental’s patient-centred approach.” “We provide positive dental experiences for patients of all ages and tailor treatments to their specific needs.  “With treatments ranging from cosmetic dentistry restorative dentistry and through to full mouth rehabilitation aesthetics and health in every treatment we provide,” said Dr “Our team utilizes modern dental technology and we stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in dentistry to ensure that patients receive the best care possible,” said Dr With their commitment to clinical excellence and personalised care for every patient Blackall Terrace Dental has become the top-rated dentist to visit for your dental care in Nambour Blackall Terrace Dental accept all major health funds and can apply rebate on-the-day through HICAPS allowing you to lower your costs instantly They also provide payment plans that help spread the cost of dental care for up to twelve months The team also understand the importance of being seen quickly when faced with a dental emergency They offer same-day appointments for toothaches and other urgent needs for when you need a dentist most www.blackallterracedental.com.au | (07) 5441 3583 | 87 Blackall Terrace Greg Rogerson fronts Thursday’s meeting “this will be the best tram of its kind in the world” Tensions flared at a recent meeting in Nambour as residents gathered at the Mill St Tram terminus for an information session and update about the Nambour Tram Originally expected to be completed in 2021 the project – designed to revitalise the town’s CBD and celebrate Nambour’s heritage as a former sugar hub – has faced repeated delays with the latest timeline pushed from 2025 to 2027 Nambour Tramway Company (TNTCo) Chairman Greg Rogerson who has led the venture from its inception and shouldered the burden of community frustration acknowledged the community’s concerns.  “I know it’s taking longer than expected but there can be no short-cutting with regard to time taken on tram design or manufacture nor on the maintenance and servicing on the future operational network tram,” he said Mr Rogerson remained confident about the tram’s potential “I'm telling you here now this will be the best tram of its kind in the world – in the world,” he told Thursday’s meeting.  “There will be train buffs from all around the world that will come to this “And others that are in the tourism industry believe that we are on a winner Mr Rogerson and other speakers told the meeting that starting a brand new fully-compliant tram operation from scratch involved stringent oversight from the Department of Transport and Main Roads and the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR) “No-one in their wildest dreams could have predicted the obstacles we’ve had to overcome,” Mr Rogerson said.  Board member and accountant Rod Tunstall detailed the project’s funding explaining it had received more than $4 million from Sunshine Coast Regional Council Mr Rogerson noted the generous support of local professionals.  “I've got to tell everybody all the engineering thus far has been done pro-bono (by Covey Associates) … There's at least a couple of hundred thousand (dollars) just in wages commercial If it was on a commercial value it'd be up closer towards the million dollars.” Covey Associates Director Kevin Covey reciprocated: “I fully support what the town of Nambour is doing for the tram Our office has been behind it since day one my family has been in Nambour for probably nearly 90 years solar-powered tram intended to run from Nambour Mill Village Shopping Centre to Quota Park with hopes to extend it to the Showgrounds The tram is being designed by renowned artist and designer Russell Anderson from Witta He's just a good man,” said Mr Rogerson.  Plans include carrying visitors during major events and even transporting students to and from school in Stage 2 The tram will have advanced electric motors be capable of travelling in both directions without turntables and rely on supercapacitor technology for efficient energy storage It was only at the end of the meeting that tensions flared One man called the project a “joke” and doubted it would ever be able to navigate school grounds as envisioned for time the project was taking A woman questioned the tram’s ability to draw crowds to a town of empty shops The project’s backers insist the delays and compliance hurdles while frustrating for everyone and especially Tramco They argue the tram will ultimately become a symbol of local pride and an innovative piece of street theatre once it rolls onto the tracks and into the sunshine In the meantime additional funds of around $190,000 are still required to reach the June 2027 target as the team works through engineering in the lead-up to what they hope will be a new chapter for the town.  Nambour’s long-awaited tram project has tested the patience of locals But we must remember to recognise the extraordinary effort and dedication of those driving it forward.  The people behind this endeavour – including board members philanthropists and professionals – are striving to achieve something truly world class.  Frustration at shifting deadlines and rising costs is natural and undrestandable But we should appreciate that this is no ordinary undertaking creative feat that few towns would even dare to attempt Chairman Greg Rogerson and his board have embraced a Herculean challenge wading through a labyrinth of stringent regulations and vast compliance requirements.  One person likened the endeavour to trying to invent something as revolutionary as the next Tesla in terms of oversight and compliance.  from council to national safety regulators must be satisfied before the tram can take to the rails.  This is not a simple or a routine project; it will be a technologically advanced piece of moving street theatre that will reflect Nambour’s heritage and define its character The project’s rising costs and drawn-out process have understandably vexed the public.  But spare a thought for those who carry the weight of these setbacks – the board and its supporters They must balance community expectations while navigating a shifting landscape of technical and bureaucratic complexities.  Their motivation from the start has been a love of Nambour it’s heritage and the hope of giving the town an attraction that will inspire pride and draw visitors from around the world Everyone is entitled to their opinion on the project understanding and appreciation for what they are achieving.  Police are looking for a suspect who fled the scene after an alleged stabbing in Nambour on Saturday night left a 30-year-old man with terrible injuries Emergency services responded to reports of the attack on the Maroochy River man at approximately 11.30pm on Currie Street the victim sustained several puncture wounds to his head neck and leg after an altercation with an unidentified man Paramedics treated the victim at the scene before transporting him to Sunshine Coast University Hospital The suspect fled the scene before police arrived But it is believed a suspect may have been identified Authorities are urging anyone with relevant information or CCTV footage from nearby businesses to come forward The incident comes amid growing community concerns over rising crime and anti-social behaviour in Nambour.  residents and local business owners have voiced their worries over frequent incidents of public intoxication aggressive behaviour and drug-related issues in the town’s CBD.  A recent safety audit conducted by Sunshine Coast Council highlighted the need for increased police presence and improved surveillance Newly elected Nicklin MP Marty Hunt has promised to address these concerns Mr Hunt hosted Premier David Crisafulli at Nambour Police Station to stress the urgency of establishing a dedicated police beat and installing state-of-the-art CCTV across the town “There were two glaring omissions from the Nambour CBD – the lack of CCTV and a permanent police presence,” Mr Crisafulli said noting that these measures were long overdue Local business owners and shoppers have long felt overlooked with repeated surveys and reports calling for stronger security measures Mr Hunt has reiterated that the issue must be confronted head-on Nambour has been told there isn’t a problem,” he stated in earlier comments Claire Fawbert “It will be wonderful to be able to bring any adventure to your doorstep.” A new family entertainment attraction is opening in Nambour combining cutting edge technology and education to deliver a completely unique experience for people of all ages Hologram Zoo is a concept developed by Axiom Holographics a Queensland based company who have taken the world by storm with their hologram technology “Along with Apple’s new AR Glasses and Apple Vision Pro Axiom was recognised in 2023 with the Time Magazine ‘Invention of the Year’ award,” said Nambour licensee “In 2024 they won a Gold award in the Edison Awards and we are so excited to be a part of it.” Claire and her husband Ash have backgrounds in technology and when they decided to start their own business “We also have young children and we loved the idea that cutting edge technology could be merged with education to create something that is absolutely unique The ‘Hologram Zoo’ contains 3D animals that come to life as you wander through tunnels walk through enclosures and under a spectacular sky roof.  “The animals are hologram projections made out of laser light that feel so real you can almost reach out and touch them,” explained Claire.  “It’s a great place for kids to take a journey into their imagination glide with crocodiles and soar with the birds.” but this experience is now spreading around the world “There are Hologram Zoos in Surfers Paradise Indonesia and Shanghai,” Claire said.  When exploring potential sites on the Sunshine Coast Claire and Ash looked at properties from Maroochydore to Noosa “We needed a very large space to accommodate this attraction,” Claire said.  “We were struck by the increasing number of young families coming to the Nambour area and we also found the Nambour community to be incredibly welcoming It just felt like the right place at the right time.” there will be scope to create almost any kind of exhibit the developers can conceive of “There will be content coming in future about the planets and the solar system It will be wonderful to be able to bring any adventure to your doorstep.” Hologram Zoo is located at 81-87 Currie St You can book tickets now and learn more about Hologram Zoo at www.hologramzoosunshinecoast.com.au A new community space is now available for hire in the heart of Nambour offering a versatile and accessible space for small events As part of the upgrades to the ground floor of the Eddie De Vere building in Nambour Namba Meeting Place accommodates up to 30 people and is managed by Sunshine Coast Council’s experienced Community Venues team The venue is part of Council’s broader vision to transform the Nambour administration building precinct into a more community-focused space Sunshine Coast Council Community Portfolio and Divisional Councillor David Law welcomed the opening of Namba Meeting Place as  another important step in revitalising the town centre “This space reflects Nambour’s identity as a place of connection providing a low-cost and accessible venue right in the town centre,” Cr Law said “The name ‘Namba’ acknowledges the area’s rich First Nations history referring to the red-flowering tea-tree (Callistemon viminalis) and many people appreciate this respectful name for our   community “It is exciting to see this first stage of the transformation come to life helping to create a vibrant and welcoming hub for our community.” Namba Meeting Place joins a portfolio of six other community venues stretching from Coolum to Kawana Forest ensuring a range of options for locals seeking a flexible and well-equipped space the self-service venue is available to book from 6am to 8pm • For bookings and enquiries visit sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au and search “Namba Meeting Place” or email nambameetingplace@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au To stay up to date on Nambour precinct projects including repurposing the Nambour administration building and Nambour Place Activation project visit sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au and search The Nambour centre activation project CNN and the BBC World Service which is copyright and cannot be reproduced Do you have a news tip? Click here to send to our news team Parts of the Sunshine Coast have been lashed by heavy rain overnight with roads closed and emergency services called to assist in several rescues A severe thunderstorm warning for intense rainfall for parts of the Sunshine Coast Somerset and Moreton Bay council areas was issued at 4.06am on Monday as the impacts of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred were felt across the region while Palmwoods and Maleny had 50mm and Nambour 35mm Sunshine Coast Council said the intense localised rainfall had caused minor to moderate flooding to occur in locations on the eastern side of the hinterland The Sunshine Coast Disaster Hub said 13 local roads were closed at 4.30am Short Street and Coronation Avenue in Nambour; Woombye Palmwoods Road Jubilee Drive and Old Palmwoods Road in Palmwoods; Neill Road (Mooloolah River Bridge) in Mooloolah Valley; Stevens Road That was updated to 34 local roads by 5.50am Paramedics responded to reports of patients stuck in a house in flood water on Perwillowen Road at 3.19am No patients required transport to hospital They also responded to reports of two vehicles being caught in floodwater on Carter Street Neither patient required transport to hospital Reports were received of a vehicle caught in floodwater on Dunning Street The incident was handled by swiftwater rescue as paramedics were unable to reach the area due to the floodwater Burnside State School and Burnside State High School will all be closed Monday Police posted to social media at 4.30am Monday to warn of dangers on the roads “Multiple roads are closed due to localised flooding in the Nambour area including Price and Florence streets Currie Street and Coronation Avenue and Bli Bli Road,” it said “Motorists are advised to avoid the area and drive to the conditions More than 70 homes were without power at 4.30am Sunshine Coast residents have been warned for several days about the potential for heavy rainfall, despite ex-TC Alfred being downgraded to a tropical low on Saturday morning a hazardous surf warning for Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast waters was cancelled on Sunday afternoon “The Crisafulli LNP Government has listened to the voices of the community of Nambour and businesses and we will deliver a permanent Police Beat shopfront in the heart of Nambour’s CBD.” Newly elected Member for Nicklin Marty Hunt has hit the ground running after declaring community safety in Nambour CBD one of his top priorities Mr Hunt announced last Thursday (December 11) that his election promise of a Police Beat for Nambour had been approved by his government He will also move to have live-feed CCTV cameras installed in the town’s centre and will conduct an audit of CBD land-use conflicts where government service locations might clash with community expectations He said Nambour businesses and residents had voiced growing concerns about anti-social and criminal behaviour Many believe the issues are impacting the morale of business owners and discouraging families and seniors from visiting main street shops Mr Hunt said his measures aimed to restore a sense of safety and confidence to the heart of Nambour but we need to face the reality of what people are saying “The feedback I’m getting from businesses and residents is clear: people want to feel safe in their own town.” the community has been asking for a Police Beat in the CBD,” he said “Labor governments and Labor representatives told us there wasn’t a problem but the evidence – from council surveys and feedback from businesses – proves otherwise The Police Beat will place an officer directly in the CBD dedicated to engaging with local businesses and providing a visible presence to deter criminal and anti-social behaviour He said the aim is to move beyond raw crime data acknowledging that perceptions matter as much as statistics.  “It’s not just about crime statistics,” Mr Hunt said Whether it’s seniors walking through town or families visiting the cinema The Police Beat initiative honours the efforts of former Lowe Street business owner Keira Fiorenza who advocated for the facility after experiencing multiple break-ins and an armed robbery at her jewellery store “Suffering from PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder) after an armed robbery at the store in 2019 Keira spearheaded a community push and petition for a permanent Police Beat shopfront in Nambour to increase community safety and deter offenders,” Mr Hunt said “She bravely stood up to try and protect her business and others from going through what she went through.” CCTV for immediate response and deterrence Complementing the Police Beat will be live-feed CCTV cameras strategically installed in the CBD connecting directly to the Nambour Police Station.  “The cameras will act as a deterrent and allow police to respond quickly to incidents,” Mr Hunt said “This is about ensuring Nambour is a safe place for everyone – businesses including new local businesses such as Bitesize Bliss Café and Walter’s Artisan Bread and the opening of a fresh cinema as signs the town is ready to turn a corner.  “There's an optimism and small business people are the people who help make a town I want to do what I can to give them an environment where people feel safe and people spending their money locally and enjoying what Nambour has to offer feel safe MP proposes audit of Nambour’s services and safety planning Member for Nicklin Marty Hunt has proposed an audit of Nambour’s community services aiming to ensure facilities meet the needs of vulnerable people while avoiding land-use conflicts with family-friendly spaces in the CBD Mr Hunt said the audit was part of his broader strategy to address safety concerns in Nambour and would complement a new Police Beat and CCTV cameras in the CBD government services designed to support people in distress or vulnerable situations are situated in locations that may not align with nearby activities “It’s important to me that the planning in Nambour ensures everything is appropriately placed and meets the needs of the whole community.” Mr Hunt emphasised that his approach was driven by what the community had asked for “I’ve door-knocked thousands of houses and spoken to people from all walks of life,” he said “The consistent message is that people want to feel safe Seniors in particular have told me they don’t feel comfortable coming into town and Nicklin MP Marty Hunt met with police officers at the Nambour Police Station last Tuesday Newly elected Nicklin MP Marty Hunt is wasting no time in making good on his promise to tackle crime in Nambour Mr Hunt on Tuesday January 14 hosted Premier David Crisafulli at Nambour Police Station to underscore the urgency of installing a dedicated police beat and state-of-the-art CCTV by the end of the year The push comes after years of pleas from local businesses and community leaders who say anti-social behaviour in the town has worsened largely fuelled by drug and mental health issues The commitment has been spearheaded by Mr Hunt who campaigned hard on the issue and says he is determined to see these measures in place by the end of the year.  “Nambour community safety has been an issue for a long long time and it’s fallen on deaf ears for too long,” Mr Hunt told reporters “I invited the Premier up here today to impress upon him how important this commitment is to get delivered quickly.” The Premier said the initiatives were long overdue “There were two glaring omissions from the Nambour CBD,” Mr Crisafulli said “One was the lack of CCTV and the other was a permanent police presence to send a message that anti-social behaviour must be dealt with “I committed before the election I would deal with both and today I’m honouring that commitment.” public intoxication and aggressive and anti-social  behaviour have been voiced by Nambour residents for years A safety audit conducted by Sunshine Coast Council highlighted calls for a stronger police presence and better surveillance in the area Mr Hunt said Nambour business owners and shoppers felt overlooked “For too long Nambour has been told there isn’t a problem,” he said “The Sunshine Coast Council’s recent Nambour safety audit indicates that more police presence is required We have to confront it and we have to take action.” At the heart of the announcement is the creation of a dedicated police beat shopfront in the CBD Although Nambour already has a police station on Currie Street Mr Hunt said expanding the police presence in the town centre was essential but Nambour police service a large area—Mapleton “A permanent police presence such as a community police beat in the CBD will be a deterrent and allow police to respond more quickly.” Mr Hunt wants the new police beat to be fully operational by the end of the year and is pushing for the additional resources to be included in the upcoming state budget “I’ve made it my number one priority,” he said “I’m meeting with the police next week to make sure we secure a lease for premises and the extra position—because I don’t want it taken from the positions that are currently in Nambour It must be an extra position and premises.” He emphasised that Nambour’s station operated 24 hours a day “This police beat presence in the CBD is about providing a police presence during shopping and business hours for the safety of the business community the community itself and shoppers,” Mr Hunt said Nambour will receive state-of-the-art City Safe CCTV cameras which will feed live into the local police station Mr Hunt says this will enable officers to respond to incidents far more quickly than the current system where police can only access footage retrospectively through council channels the police have to apply for CCTV footage from council It has to be specifically related to a crime and you have to have certain parameters of times to apply for,” he explained “This will allow police to respond in real time This will allow the sergeant at the desk in the police beat to have a look at what’s going on in town through cameras and be able to identify who’s creating the problem.” The scope of CCTV coverage has yet to be finalised but trouble spots will likely be determined during planning talks “That’s part of the meeting with the police,” Mr Hunt said “I want to know what will serve them best.” Sunshine Coast District Police Chief Inspector Jason Overland welcomed any increase in resources “The CCTV footage and the police beat announcement are just tools in our toolkit that allow us to deliver for the community,” he said “We appreciate any resources that are sent our way to assist the community.” Local retailer Deborah Hammond has lived in Nambour for 25 years and runs Hammond Optometry alongside her husband She described the current climate of anti-social behaviour in the CBD as “out of control” and says she has directly experienced its impact “You’ve got people who are abusive and having fights right outside your practice,” Ms Hammond said.  "I had to break up a fight outside last Monday My main concern is that I don’t want my elderly patients or my patients with disabilities and young children feeling frightened.” Some business owners see the news as a potential turning point for Nambour CBD giving locals hope to curb anti-social behaviour and restore a greater sense of safety Mr Hunt shares that sentiment: “We have to confront the problems and I’m committed to seeing this delivered as soon as possible Let’s make it happen—by the end of this year.” The Gazette has spoken to numerous shoppers and shopkeepers over the years who love their town but are concerned with anti-social behaviour in the CBD.  antisocial and unlawful behaviour have become regular sights in the CBD Despite the tight timeline Mr Hunt insists the end of year deadline could be met with strong political will and community support “This has been welcomed by the business community and the Chamber of Commerce and I want to see it done as a priority,” he said “We need those resources that other areas have got—Nambour’s been left behind for too long.”  A Yandina family is appealing for community support after a serious motorbike crash left local man Len Taylor facing a long road to recovery Mr Taylor was riding home through Nambour on Saturday 5 April when a truck allegedly turned across his path near Super Cheap Auto He collided with the rear tray at around 50km/h my husband had no time to react,” said Mr Taylor’s wife The impact caused extensive injuries including a broken tibia Mr Taylor has undergone two surgeries with a third expected He now faces months in a wheelchair and a recovery period expected to stretch to nine months “As the main income earner in our family and employed casually he will no longer be able to continue his work as a sheet metal roofer — a job he loved and that supported our home and life together,” Briana said The family is now facing the pressure of mortgage and car loan repayments and general living expenses while Mr Taylor is unable to work.  which has raised more than $10,000 of its $20,000 goal and repairs to Mr Taylor’s beloved motorbike he’s struggling with the mental and emotional toll of such a sudden and devastating event,” said Briana “We are reaching out with hopeful hearts and deep gratitude.” visit www.gofundme.com and search for “Len Taylor” The Coast’s premier celebration of motorcycle culture & community is back this Autumn proudly presented by Nambour’s Farrow’s Customs will take place at The Station SC on Saturday this event isn’t just about horsepower and chrome – it’s about giving back All proceeds from the evening will go directly to support the Nambour Special School’s Chaplaincy Program helping to fund vital support services for local students The event will feature a spectacular showcase of motorcycles from vintage classics to custom builds and sleek cruisers Entry is by gold coin donation that goes to Nambour Special School’s Chaplaincy program To foster the talents and passions of its students Nambour State College proudly presents the Pinnacle Program.  The Junior Secondary initiative runs for Years 7 8 and 9 and offers young minds a platform to explore special interests and reach their potential.  While students learn together for core curriculum areas such as English they also benefit from an additional lesson dedicated to their specific strand ensuring a well-rounded and engaging experience which has been met with enthusiasm from students and parents alike provides an opportunity for learners to connect and learn with like-minded peers in one of five Pinnacle interest strands: Athletes For students who enjoy sport and being healthy and active Students with a commitment to teamwork and a desire to continue this interest throughout  school Opportunities to develop skills in tactics For students who enjoy creative pursuits including the arts enjoy collaborating with others and can demonstrate  learning through performance & exhibition Opportunities to develop skills in problem-solving and critical thinking problem-solving and have an interest in agricultural production Opportunities to develop skills in contemporary farming technologies Students who are open-minded and see potential in others; whose actions lead by example and who empower and inspire Opportunities to develop skills in critical-thinking For students who enjoy solving real-world problems Students who enjoy using technology and have good skills in Science and Maths Opportunities to develop knowledge and skills in robotics For more information contact Nambour State College 07 5450 4111 | info@namboursc.eq.edu.au | www.namboursc.eq.edu.au The Nambour Cinema & Event Centre team includes (freom left) Halle Watson cinemas had to offer more than just a film—they had to bring back the magic of the big-screen experience.  His newly-revamped Nambour Cinema & Event Centre is off to a flying start delivering premium comfort with recliner seating The venue rivals the best on the Sunshine Coast all while keeping prices affordable and drawing moviegoers from across the hinterland With Nambour rallying behind the revived venue Mr Warburton told a recent Nambour Chamber of Commerce meeting he was confident in the cinema’s future It always made sense to invest in Nambour,” he said but Covid-19 was a massive hurdle for independents “The cinemas that came out on the other side were ones that were ready to weather that storm,” he said When Caloundra Cinemas struggled post-Covid “These days people want that little bit more they want the cocktails and they want the recliners So we put recliners in at Caloundra not long after we took it on and instantly it was a hit.” Mr Warburton seized the chance to take over when the previous operator couldn’t sustain the site which hadn’t been touched yet by the previous operators to just do a full gut and turn it into a full recliner cinema It certainly rivals anything else that is on the Coast.” “We turned this place around in just over three months,” he said a parents’ room and a full foyer refurb.  He credited the C-Square landlord for sharing his vision.  “There were other cinemas that I was looking at their landlords were nowhere near as proactive as the one that I have here This is just one small investment that he will do here in C-Square Luke ensured local businesses were involved in the refurbishment.  we used as much local as we could,” he said Nambour cinema set to bring live entertainment back to town Nambour’s newly revamped Cinema & Event Centre is not just about movies—it’s set to bring live entertainment back to the hinterland Mr Warburton has his sights set on reviving the venue’s once-thriving live acts scene which in the past saw stars like Guy Sebastian and many touring bands perform in town.  With the venue boasting a 330-seat auditorium and a professional fly system for backdrops Mr Warburton said the space was primed for live shows.  “A lot of festivals and outdoor events are shutting down because of high insurance and production costs We don’t have to worry about extra toilets or extra insurances—it’s all in place,” he said While the cinema remains the backbone of the business Mr Warburton said he was actively working to build up live theatre and event bookings.  “We’ve already got a few groups booked in and we’re still exploring stage lighting and production options to find the best fit,” he said Mr Warburton is also committed to making the space affordable for local groups “We want this to be a community hub where local performers can take to the stage Who’s to say we can’t have those big concerts in Nambour again?” he said RangeCare’s Nambour Social Centre hosted a special event on Thursday to celebrate some extensive renovations and express gratitude to the Nambour Community Foundation and Sunshine Coast Regional Council for their support.  Judging by the smiles RangeCare management and staff enjoyed the fun activities and social occasion just as much as the clients has undergone a transformation thanks to the generosity of the Foundation and Council.  has received a comprehensive makeover to enhance the experience for its clients explained that the grants were used to "re-carpet and revamp the whole area as well as smooth surfaces and provide ramp access" The work brings the facility in line with best practices and creates a more welcoming environment for the clients "The purpose of the Social Centre is to get people out and about They share a lovely meal that's really good for them and we involve them in some fun activities," Jess said Chairperson Lenore Simpson expressed her gratitude to the donors and the RangeCare community She said money was raised via the grants and also by donations and through the work of volunteers at the Mapleton Op Shop.  “It’s great to be celebrating this wonderful facility we've got here and also each other's company The owner of a revitalised cinema venue is optimistic it will be a star attraction The Nambour Cinema & Events Centre is set to open in downtown Nambour in late November or early December Located at C-Square, it will essentially replace Majestic Cinemas which closed amid financial difficulties in April it will be able to cater for almost 500 patrons Owner Luke Warburton, who successfully revived a cinema space at Caloundra said customers will relish the refurbished venue “Movie guests will notice big changes straight away as they walk through the entry doors into our newly-designed foyer,” he said Cinema one features more than 300 seats and will double as a live theatre space Cinemas two and three have 60 and 50 seats respectively with minor upgrades to sound and projection “We are extremely excited to bring a platinum cinema to Nambour: every seat is an electric leather recliner,” Mr Warburton said The bathrooms have been upgraded with facilities for people with disabilities The previous site manager will be at the helm of the venue The cinema will operate from 9am until late Standard tickets will be $10 and platinum recliner tickets will be $15 “All cinemas will be operating from the day we open,” Mr Warburton said “(We) will show the latest release films from overseas and locally “Murray Power will also include Nambour during his very popular foreign film festivals.” Mr Warburton explained why and how he revived the venue “I have been extremely lucky to stumble across cinema sites that have closed or been extremely near to closing and with a bit of investment and community support we have been able to completely turn these businesses around,” he said “When Majestic announced they were exiting Nambour I reached out to the landlord to see if there were any opportunities for a new cinema operator to take on the space “After many discussions and a proposal being accepted we were lucky enough to be presented a favourable lease “With everything going to plan and build works continuing on schedule Mr Warburton said his short-term goal was “to bring movies back to the big screen in Nambour” “We want to provide a great value entertainment option for all ages “We’re fully licensed to serve beer and wine along with everyone’s favourite coffee options “We have a commercial kitchen on site and plan to offer a mix of hot eats and treats.” he was optimistic the cinema would not just survive but thrive “Besides delivering a great customer experience we know that cinemagoers want to watch the latest movie on a big screen with the best drinks and movie snacks on offer,” he said “We know at Nambour Cinema that we have to ensure we deliver on this every single visit.” Nambour Central has changed hands for $9.2 million Nambour is witnessing promising signs of growth President of the Nambour Chamber of Commerce The town’s affordability and ongoing revitalisation initiatives were attracting new businesses and residents Mr Bray said a notable advancement was the planned establishment of Queensland Hydro’s headquarters at 144 Currie Street (next door to the Fred Murray building) which follows the recent sale of the building for $4.5 million.  This move is expected to open up new job opportunities and spur further economic activity in the area The office will serve as the headquarters for the Lake Borumba mega hydro project expected to create local employment opportunities and further investment in the region Their five-year lease is anticipated to be just the beginning of their tenure in the town Mr Bray welcomed the influx of investment and praised the collective efforts of the business community and residents.  “The significant investment we’re seeing in Nambour is a testament to the hard work behind the scenes to attract investment and restore town pride.  “We are excited for Nambour’s future and looking forward to continuing to help effect more change,” he said Interest in Nambour’s commercial real estate market is surging with 144 Currie Street generating interest from 30 potential buyers before its sale.  the Nambour Central shopping centre recently sold for $9.2 million Nambour Central (not to be confused with Nambour Plaza) has been recently refurbished and is anchored by national tenants Pets Domain The previous Westpac Bank location also sold recently offering another prime spot for future business operations Investors are also eyeing 32-36 Lowe Street which will continue to occupy the ground floor for at least another year Managing Director at Colliers Sunshine Coast Nick Dowling highlighted the growing confidence in Nambour’s potential reflecting the town’s upward trajectory after facing challenging market conditions in recent years the  population of the Sunshine Coast has experienced a significant increase growing by 65 percent to be over  413,000 residents in 2022 The trend towards remote work and lifestyle preferences has spurred significant migration to regional areas positioning the Sunshine  Coast as a key beneficiary.  “Nambour is currently experiencing robust growth with its demographics evolving over the past  decade into a sought-after destination for young families seeking affordable housing on the  Sunshine Coast Member for Nicklin Rob Skelton said hundreds of workers from Queensland Hydro were all set to move into 144 Currie Street “With Queensland Hydro having secured a 5-year lease on the building “I’m proud to have advocated for this outcome for the last two years on behalf of the community and I’m thankful the Miles Labor government is delivering for Nambour and the Sunshine Coast.” • For more information on how your business can support the Nambour Chamber of Commerce Aidacare has been providing assistive technology to clients across the Sunshine Coast for over 25 years the business was purchased by Aidacare 12 months ago the showroom relocated from Nambour Plaza to its current location at 45 Price Street “The new showroom provides a fantastic location for both clients and therapists to view our extensive range of mobility scooters walking sticks and other disability equipment,” said store manager “We are still centrally located and there is excellent parking available.” Aidacare provides assistive technology including reaching aids “We are one of the nation's largest disability equipment suppliers anything our clients need assistance for in the home to make their lives easier “Our field staff work with therapists to identify and trial mobility equipment for their clients and we encourage clients to attend our showroom with the relevant therapist or support worker so we can be sure that you get the correct equipment the first time “Our friendly and professional drivers and installers ensure that our clients receive the best support when disability equipment or services are delivered and we coordinate home modification work using reputable sub-contractors to ensure a high quality of workmanship and peace-of-mind for you We do have a delivery service available for a fee.” Aidacare stocks a small range of incontinence products and offers a hire service for an assortment of assistive technology to assist in post op recovery or everyday in home independent assistance.  “We work hard at a local level to support your needs so please get in touch and to find out how we can support you.” Min Simpson showcase the range of assistive equipment in the Nambour showroom A new path has been laid for a future trail connecting the hinterland to the coast The proposed Nambour to Coolum recreation trail will connect the hinterland to the coast and encourage even more people to head outdoors and enjoy our great environment Sunshine Coast Council representatives met with the newly formed Nambour to Coolum Trail Joint Working Group to discuss the project’s opportunities and challenges and determine how to proceed Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said it was an exciting project that would require a strong partnership between Council and the community “We look forward to working with our community so that we can bring this project to life,” Mayor Natoli said running and cycling opportunities for our region and provide a unique opportunity to access many different recreational “The path could comprise a network of up to 50km of trails with a core route between Nambour “The trail’s alignment has not yet been finalised and Council will continue to engage with our community making sure we respect the views of all private landholders as the alignment is further developed.” Draft alignment for the Nambour to Coolum trail Division 9 Councillor Maria Suarez said Council was committed to working with our community to enhance our environment and quality of life “At the meeting with the Joint Working Group it became clear that this is a complex project that could take many years to be developed,” Cr Suarez said there are opportunities to deliver the trail in stages over the coming years using a hub and spoke model and we are now moving forward Division 10 Councillor David Law said the first stage would secure funding to undertake a detailed investigation and design of the trail “A detailed plan would then allow Council to apply for grants and funding from other levels of government for the trail’s construction,” Cr Law said “Some funding for this first stage could potentially come from the SEQ City Deal for the Blue Heart as well as other sources “We look forward to regular meetings with the group to continue this exciting project.” JWG Secretary Fiona Hughes said the Joint Working Group was excited at the positive response and engagement by Council “We really look forward to working with Council toward our aim to have the Nambour to Coolum Trail in place by the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games” Cr Suarez and Cr Law attended the meeting along with Council officers and community members Shop owners and operators in a Sunshine Coast town have expressed their dismay after a string of troubling incidents in the area Traders along Price Street at Nambour say property has been vandalised customers harassed and garbage bins taken and dumped Nambour Print Centre’s Peter Rosendale who owns a building next to the train line said his store’s back landing and steps were ripped up for firewood and his shop has been sprayed with graffiti He said there was regular commotion from displaced people who stay in the area “Every second customer who comes into my business comments about the situation,” he said “There is a mob of people (camped nearby) who have no toilets or showers and they leave a hell of a mess for others to clean up “I’m sympathetic to genuine people who are homeless Mr Rosendale said customers were being harassed and families were afraid to spend time in the nearby park “Council just spent a fortune on setting up an area with seats and lights there but people tell me they don’t go there because they’re scared to.” He has started a petition for local businesses to submit to council in an appeal for help Bridgestone Select Tyre and Auto Nambour manager Michael Morgan posted a video of piles of rubbish dumped in a garden bed behind the business He said the shop’s garbage bins were regularly taken and emptied “I feel sorry for homeless people but not these people because they go through our bins and put rubbish everywhere they put mess around the creek and they harass our customers and everyone turns a blind eye to it,” he said The police are there every couple of days and the council said they can’t move them on so the businesses around here put up with it.” He said his staff regularly “go looking” for the shop’s wheelie bins “Sometimes they’re submerged in the creek,” he said For more local news videos SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel. Just click here If customers leave their car down the street and walk along the footpath they are yelled at and abused quite often “Wagner (the smash repairs business across the road) staff have had to walk with scared customers to the main street.” A Queensland Police Service spokesperson said officers often attended the area “Police conduct regular patrols of areas where rough sleepers are known to frequent to manage any anti-social behaviour and proactively engage with vulnerable people to put them in touch with relevant support agencies for assistance,” they said MP for Nicklin Marty Hunt said two new initiatives should help curb anti-social behaviour in the town “I am committed to making Nambour a safer place for families “That’s why we (the state government) are delivering a permanent Police Beat in Nambour and installing CCTV to enhance safety and provide a visible police presence in the Nambour CBD.” He said homelessness in Nambour was “deeply concerning” “It reflects a growing challenge that communities across our region are facing a tight rental market and economic pressures are making it increasingly difficult for vulnerable individuals and families to find stable housing “Addressing homelessness requires a coordinated effort across all levels of government.” Mr Hunt said the Securing Our Housing Foundations plan was expected to deliver 53,500 social and community homes across the state by 2044 Nambour Chamber of Commerce chairman Mark Bray said a Police Beat and CCTV monitoring should help address anti-social activities these sorts of behaviours may stop happening,” he said “They (the initiatives) will give business owners and locals some heart they have been feeling that they have been ignored … (but) that announcement by Marty is a real positive for the town.” Council workers cleaned up the mess behind Bridgestone A council spokesperson said the area is “part of our ongoing maintenance and monitoring schedule” Council also highlighted its updated Housing and Homelessness Action Plan which includes key activities to improve the housing response They include developing underutilised and surplus council land/buildings for affordable housing; considering opportunities for more diverse housing types across the region; establishing development incentives for affordable housing; finding innovative solutions to provide shelter and connection to services; and advocating for the provision of safe spaces to access amenities The aerial imagery in this story is from Australian location intelligence company Nearmap The company provides government organisations instant access to high-resolution aerial imagery and geospatial tools to assist with urban planning monitoring and development projects in Australia The Bowlers Paradise Hinterland Local League (BPHLL) wrapped up its 2025 season with a spirited Presentation Day at Nambour Bowls Club Overcoming the challenges of recent floods from Cyclone Alfred the club welcomed over 90 attendees to celebrate a season of fiercely contested matches stands as a testament to the enduring strength of hinterland bowling highlighting the high level of competition and sportsmanship "It's less about results and more about smiles and camaraderie," he said reflecting on his visit a few weeks prior to inspect flood damage at Nambour Bowls Club expressed gratitude to participating clubs and volunteers emphasising the league's role in fostering local talent owner of Sunshine Coast Bowls Shop and a Presentation Day sponsor highlighted the league’s support for smaller clubs creating a “more intimate” community atmosphere He donated a new set of bowls as a raffle prize showcasing the enduring appeal of competitive local bowls believed to be Australia's largest non-affiliated bowls competition continues to build talent and strengthen community ties through engaging competition • For information about the BPHLL see www.bphll.au “Everyone is welcome to Sit & Stitch at the Movies colour and craft together for a unique event at Nambour Cinema on February 25 “Sit & Sew is a well known pastime in the sewing world and we thought it would be fun to bring it to the movies,” said Fabric Cartel’s Virginia Price “It will be a special session where attendees can watch the new Bridget Jones movie while sewing or crocheting allowing everyone to see their handiwork.” Fabric Cartel opened in Queen Street in June 2023 with the goal to bring in young people and introduce them to the enormously satisfying world of sewing and crafting “I want people to experience the fun of this artform “Bringing this hobby to the movies seemed like an awesome opportunity to show people that it does not have to be boring Obviously there will be no sewing machines allowed but we will have other options if people are bored with what they are working on This event is not only a chance to enjoy a great film but also an opportunity to indulge in your craft To find out more contact Virginia on 0424 385 990 A renewed cinema hub has opened with plenty of fanfare and the promise of blockbuster movies at budget prices The Nambour Cinemas was officially launched on Thursday when moviegoers got their first genuine look at the revamped premises at C-Square It has essentially replaced Majestic Cinemas, which closed amid financial difficulties in April Owner Luke Warburton, who previously successfully revived a cinema space at Caloundra He said more than 300 tickets were already snapped up for the venue’s opening weekend which includes showings of big hits Wicked and Moana 2 Mr Warburton said Nambour Cinemas was unique “It’s all about the offering and the price point,” he said “We know that if people receive a great movie experience at a reasonable price they are bound to come back more often “We’ve proved that at Bribie Island and at Caloundra with continued investments like putting in recliners and upgrading sound and picture Standard tickets are $10 and platinum tickets are $15 “You can’t get that anywhere else,” he said “Having that (offering and price) I feel like we’re going to able to attract lots of people from all over the Sunshine Coast we’re at a reasonable price and cinema-going is still the most affordable out-of-home entertainment option there is.” one with 50 seats and a ‘platinum’ theatre with 76 recliner seats upgraded air conditioning and new bathrooms while hot food will be available in the new year Do you have an opinion to share? Submit a Letter to the Editor at Sunshine Coast News via news@sunshinecoastnews.com.au “It’s been an absolute journey to get here I reached out to the landlord and got the ball rolling “I made contact at the perfect time as the landlord was just about to begin (upgrade) works on C-Square.” some of the improvements at the cinemas were paid for by the landlord including the new bathrooms that include disability and parents’ rooms Mr Warburton said the launch of the venue came at the perfect time “There are so many good movies at the moment and so many on the slate for next year,” he said which has made a ton of money around the world which had the biggest animated film opening of all time.” Neighbours Aid Op Shop has opened a pop-up shop at Nambour Plaza Nambour’s beloved Neighbours Aid Op Shop is back—temporarily—after flood damage forced the charity to close its Howard Street store last month (March) The not-for-profit has opened a pop-up shop at Nambour Plaza while restoration work continues at its usual premises The move comes after asbestos was discovered during repairs that has increased the work involved,” said Ange Jones “But we were missing being a part of the local community—and had several customers tell us they miss being able to wander through our store—so we opened up a pop-up shop.” which officially opened on Friday 28 March is staffed by the regular Nambour team and some of their dedicated volunteers The response from the community has been swift and heartening looking through the clothes and commenting on being so glad that we're there,” said Ms Jones “We even had our first sale only three and a half hours after getting the key!” She said the whole idea and set-up came together in less than a day our Operations Manager found the spot on her lunch break Neighbours Aid expects to stay in the Plaza location until the end of April depending on how long repairs to the Howard Street shop take “We are so grateful to be back in the Nambour community again but can't wait for our shop to be open again and operating at full capacity,” Ms Jones said • For more information or to support Neighbours Aid’s mission of helping children and families in need, visit: www.neighboursaid.org Joanne Jones from Jay Jays at Nambour Plaza promotes the $5000 Giveaway With the end of 2024 fast approaching and Christmas nearly upon us, the cost of living is front of everyone’s mind more than ever, according to Nambour Plaza Centre Manager “As we get ready for the Festive Season we thought about a practical way to give back to our local community We wanted to acknowledge the support they’ve given us throughout the year so we are giving away ten $500 Nambour Plaza gift cards between November 1 and December the 11th.” participants need to spend $10 or more with one of the specialty retailers phone number and postcode on their receipt and place it in the entry barrel outside Specsavers “I think that most people would find a $500 boost very welcome especially at this time of year and there are so many things about our centre that make it the perfect place to shop,” Ms Lees said “We are centrally located in Nambour’s CBD we have a huge amount of undercover parking that is free for 3 hours and we have a brilliant range of retailers and service providers in the centre “With most of our retailers being locals themselves there is basically nowhere else on the Sunshine Coast where you have the same level of convenience and opportunity to celebrate the spirit of community.” The Beerburrum to Nambour (B2N) Rail Upgrade project has reached a major milestone with the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) awarding the contract to deliver the Stage 1 major rail works package This package includes duplication of the rail line between Beerburrum and Beerwah straightening the rail line between Beerburrum and Glass House Mountains an upgraded park ’n’ ride facility at Beerburrum new or upgraded road overpasses and upgraded train signalling systems B2N Stage 1 now advances to its next phase under a Collaborative Project Delivery Agreement between the Department and the John Holland Queensland Seymour Whyte Joint Venture This contract award allows the Joint Venture with its designers SMEC Australia and WSP Australia to continue to finalise the designs and start construction of the major works package The Joint Venture brings valuable knowledge and experience to the project having been appointed in 2023 to undertake pre-construction and design work as part of an Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) process This included collaborating with TMR and Queensland Rail in design development site investigations and site preparation activities as well as environmental and cultural heritage planning and approvals Preliminary designs will be further refined testing and commissioning activities delivered in a staged sequence of packages over the next three years Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads and Minister for Digital Services Bart Mellish said this is excellent progress for the Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade and great news for everyone in the community “I am excited to see Stage 1 advance towards benefits that will make a genuine difference for rail users including excellent new park ‘n’ ride facilities and more reliable connections across South East Queensland,” he said “It also helps to prepare the wider regional transport network for future growth by providing an important interface connection at Beerwah with the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line and other Sunshine Coast public transport projects “This upgrade is making an enormous contribution to the biggest decade of infrastructure delivery in our state’s history – Queensland’s Big Build “This investment will help people get home safer and sooner to spend more time with family and friends and enjoy our state’s great lifestyle road and rail users in advance for their patience and understanding as these major improvement works take place.” Awarding of this contract for the major works package follows completion of separate early works late last year This delivered an expanded park ‘n’ ride facility at Landsborough station with 300 new car parks and a new bus interchange on the eastern side of the station an expanded park ‘n’ ride facility at Nambour station with 50 new car parks on the eastern side of the station and realigned a section of Steve Irwin Way at Glass House Mountains to accommodate the new rail corridor and track infrastructure The B2N Rail Upgrade will increase the capacity and reliability of the North Coast Line enabling more efficient travel and improved passenger and freight connections between the Sunshine Coast This upgrade plays an important role in broader transport planning for an enhanced and integrated public transport network that better connects Sunshine Coast communities B2N Stage 1 ties in with the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line at Beerwah and is among the projects being planned together to improve public transport services and infrastructure for the growing South East Queensland region The $1.004 billion project is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments with the Australian Government contributing $616.7 million and the Queensland contributing $387.5 million The B2N upgrade investment is estimated to support an average of 333 direct jobs over the life of the Stage 1 project Main construction of B2N Stage 1 is scheduled to begin in 2025 and expected to be completed in 2027 weather and construction conditions permitting As Melbourne braces for a population of 9 million by 2050 global leader in smart sustainable mobility solutions has delivered on-time and to budget its Traffic Management System we’re homing in on two major topics: Tunnels and Cybersecurity All content published on this site is the property of Prime Creative Media