Caloundra Chronicle

16/06/2026

On winter mornings at Kings Beach, there is a ritual as old as Caloundra itself.

As westerly winds sweep across the coastline and migrating mullet begin their journey north, fishermen gather with boats, nets and generations of knowledge, watching the sea for the flick of a tail or the dark shadow of a passing school.

For more than a century, the annual mullet run has been a defining feature of life on Caloundra's coastline, connecting generations through one of the town's oldest traditions.

This month's cover story explores the people behind the Kings Beach mullet fishery and pays tribute to Raymond "Boysa" Chaplin, whose passing has been deeply felt by the local fishing community. While Boysa may no longer be on the beach, his knowledge, stories and love for the tradition continue to guide those carrying it forward today.

It's a story of family, community, local history and a way of life that remains woven into Caloundra's identity.

Read the full story in our latest edition, out now, or visit the link - https://caloundrachronicle.com/boysas-mullet-legacy-lives-on/

Did you grow up watching the mullet run or have memories of the fishermen at Kings Beach? We'd love to hear them.



Image credit: Blueys Photography, Adam Chaplin

15/06/2026

📣 Have your say!

The Caloundra Chronicle Reader Survey is now open and we'd love your feedback.

Tell us what you enjoy reading, what you'd like to see more of and how we can continue to improve.

As a thank you, everyone who completes the survey will go into the draw to win one of five dining vouchers from Bianco Italian Cuisine & Bar.

The survey takes less than five minutes to complete.

Scan the QR code or complete the survey here:
https://caloundrachronicle.com/survey/

Thank you for supporting local journalism and helping shape the future of the Chronicle.

Winners will be drawn Monday 13 July.

15/06/2026

For a moment, you could be in Melbourne... or Milan.

A rare Italian wine poured by the glass.

A sommelier guiding your selection.

Shared plates enjoyed over a long conversation.

Yet somehow, you'll find all of that right here in Caloundra.

This month we're taking a closer look at Bianco Italian's elegant Wine Bar, where more than 200 wines from Australia, New Zealand, France, Italy and the Mediterranean come together in one of the Sunshine Coast's most distinctive dining experiences.

🍷 Explore Tuscany at Bianco's June Wine Dinner

On Thursday 18 June from 6pm, guests will be transported to the heart of Tuscany with a four-course tasting menu paired with Italian wines carefully selected by Bianco's sommelier.

At $149 per person, it's the first in a new monthly series exploring the flavours, traditions and wine regions of Italy, curated by restaurateur Bob, whose acclaimed wine dinners have become a favourite among local food and wine lovers.

🍇 Learn more or book at www.biancoitalian.com.au

P.S. Keep an eye out for our upcoming Reader Survey. We'll be giving away five $50 Bianco dining vouchers to lucky participants.

12/06/2026

Our June/July edition is out now ☀️

Inside this issue, you'll find local stories, community voices, arts and culture, business profiles, history, outdoor adventures and plenty of reasons to explore more of our region.

From the Mullet Men of Caloundra and a look back at Beachfest 2026, to a timely reminder about the power of small acts of kindness, there's plenty to discover in this month's edition.

📍 Pick up your free copy from your favourite local café, business or collection point across Caloundra.

Happy reading.

11/06/2026

A great opportunity for local businesses.

We've partnered with the Caloundra Chamber of Commerce to offer Chamber members 50% off advertising with Caloundra Chronicle. If you're looking to increase your local profile, build connections and reach more customers, this offer is for you.

Details below.

Not a Caloundra Chamber member yet? Read on...

For the month of June, new Caloundra Chamber members will receive an exclusive 50% discount on advertising with Caloundra Chronicle.

It's a simple offer, but a powerful one.

Become part of a network of local businesses, access valuable events and connections, and get your business in front of thousands of Sunshine Coast locals through one of the region's most recognised publications.

Whether you're looking for more customers, stronger business connections, greater local visibility or simply a way to become more involved in the business community, a Caloundra Chamber membership can help open those doors.

Business Membership: For businesses trading 2+ years with 3 or more employees.

Start Up & Micro Membership: Perfect for startups, sole traders and businesses with 2 or fewer staff.

Join in June. Receive 50% off advertising. Start creating more opportunities for your business.

www.caloundrachamber.com.au/membership

11/06/2026

🎸 WIN a Double Pass to the Sunshine Coast Blues & Roots Festival! 🎸

The Sunshine Coast Blues & Roots Festival returns to Palmview on Saturday 27 June, bringing together an incredible lineup of local and touring artists for a night of blues, roots and rock 'n' roll.

Headlined by Hat Fitz & Cara, the festival also features Sugarbag Blonde, Lecia Louise, Eightball Aitken, The Honey Snatchers and Mate Jones.

🎟️ To enter:

✅ Like the Caloundra Chronicle page
✅ Like the Sunshine Coast Blues & Roots Festival page
✅ Tag the friend you'd take with you

📍 Saturday 27 June 2026
📍 The Shed, Banana Bender Hotel, Palmview

Winner announced Monday 22 June.
Good luck!

Find out more: https://www.sunshinecoastbluesfestival.com

05/06/2026

The Hope Dreaming Foundation is presenting a series of Truth Telling Events beginning Monday 15 June 2026, exploring the theme Archaeology – Australia’s Unrealised Asset.

Speakers include Fiona Magill from the Sunshine Coast Reconciliation Group, a Gubbi Gubbi/Kabi Kabi Traditional Custodian, and archaeologist Dave Johnston via video presentation. Dr Hope O’Chin and family will conduct a Welcome to Country.

Free sessions will be held from 10.30am–12pm and 6pm–7.30pm, with limited seating available.

Bookings are essential via Eventbrite (https://bit.ly/3P5fLbK).
Supported by Sunshine Coast Council Grants Program.

03/06/2026

If you've played guitar on the Sunshine Coast, chances are you've spent some time at The Guitar Den.

For 27 years, founder Brad Moore built the small Bulcock Street shop into a trusted destination for local musicians, whether they needed new strings, a repair, lessons, or simply a chat about guitars.

Now, the shop is entering a new era.

Local musician Josh Anderson has taken over, bringing with him a lifetime of guitar playing, years of busking through the United States and Central America, and a passion for helping others discover music.

Josh's guitar journey began as a childhood obsession and eventually led him from the streets of overseas cities to local cafés, clubs and bands including Treehouse and The Drop Beers.

While the heart of The Guitar Den remains unchanged, Josh hopes to build on Brad's legacy and continue growing the store as a welcoming space for guitarists of all levels.

As Josh puts it: "Cheers for letting me take the reins. The time you put into the shop shows there's a demand for a guitar store like this, and I appreciate what you built and maintained."

Congratulations to Brad on his retirement, and best wishes to Josh as he begins the next chapter.

📍 The Guitar Den, 26 Bulcock Street, Caloundra

02/06/2026

Photography changed Riley Hubbard's life.

After experiencing bullying throughout high school and leaving in Year 10, Riley spent much of his young adulthood navigating mental health challenges. What began as a school photography project eventually became something much bigger, offering an outlet, a sense of purpose and a new way of seeing the world.

Today, the Caloundra local captures everything from marine life and coastal landscapes to community events and local stories. His photographs are grounded in a simple philosophy: helping people feel seen.

Whether he's filming for local surf clubs, photographing dolphins from a safe distance using drone technology, or sharing thoughtful reflections with his growing online audience, Riley brings empathy and authenticity to everything he does.

It's an inspiring reminder that our greatest challenges don't always define us. Sometimes they help shape the person we're becoming.

Follow Riley's journey on Instagram: 📸

27/05/2026

Vintage glamour, classic cars and rockabilly style will take centre stage when the 9th Annual Pinup Girl Pageant returns to Caloundra Hotel on Saturday 30 May as part of Downunder Beachfest 2026 💋

Hosted by Pin-Ups of Australia, the much-loved event celebrates confidence, charisma and vintage fashion, bringing together contestants and spectators from across the region for a vibrant celebration of 1950s-inspired culture.

As anticipation builds, we spoke with Caloundra local and former contestant Tess De Ville about what first drew her into the pin-up world.

Introduced to old Hollywood films by her grandmother at just nine years old, Tess quickly fell in love with the music, fashion, dancing and culture of the ’50s and ’60s.

Today, her personal style blends classic Hollywood glamour with a rockabilly edge, and she regularly takes part in events across Queensland and beyond, including the famous Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekend.

For Tess, the Beachfest Pin-Up Pageant stands out because of its welcoming atmosphere.

“It’s incredibly inclusive and welcoming, with women of all ages, styles and experience levels,” she says. “The atmosphere is vibrant, and the friendships you make are lasting.”

Follow Pinups of Australia on Facebook to stay up to date with all things vintage glamour.

Photos by Rik Bresolin. Book in your very own Classic Car Photoshoot via: https://rixpixphotos.com/