Cooroy Rag Community Newspaper, 17 Mary River Road, Cooroy (2026)

02/06/2026

Emerging artists invited to showcase talents

Emerging artists across the Noosa hinterland are being encouraged to enter this year’s Pomona Railway Station Gallery Emerging Artist Prize, with applications now officially open.

The competition aims to support and celebrate developing local creatives, offering thousands of dollars in prizes along with professional mentoring and exhibition opportunities.

Entries opened on 2 May and close on 27 June, with finalists to be showcased in a special exhibition from 29 August. Prize winners will be announced at the official opening on 5 September.

Artists living within a 50km radius of Pomona are eligible to apply, while Kabi Kabi artists living outside the region are also invited to enter. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists are strongly encouraged to participate.

The prize is open to emerging artists working in two-dimensional mediums, with artworks required to have been created within the past two years. Entrants may submit up to two works, each accompanied by high-quality photographs.

The overall winner will receive a $2,000 cash prize sponsored by Noosa Hinterland Real Estate, along with a CreateArt voucher, professional photography package from My photomotion’s Christine Hall, and a mentoring session with respected art curator Amber Creswell Bell.

An Encouragement Award includes $1,000 cash from Eumundi Rotary Club Initiative trading as Eumundi Voice, professional photography services from My photomotion, and a studio visit with Noosa Regional Gallery director Michael Brennan.

A People’s Choice Award is sponsored by Bendigo Bank Cooroy ($500 cash) and Tewantin Newsagency ($300 voucher).

Gallery organisers said the prizes provide an important platform for artists beginning their professional journey while strengthening the region’s vibrant arts community.

The entry fee is $25 per artwork, with all selected pieces required to be available for sale during the exhibition

31/05/2026

Sunday Spotlight: Noosa Pickleball Club

The Noosa Pickleball Club is riding a wave of success after hosting its biggest ever Doubles Classic Tournament, with ambitions now set on bringing major state and national events to the region.

Held at the Noosa Leisure Centre and supported by Noosa Council, the event attracted more than 400 local members along with visiting players and volunteers, making it the most attended tournament in the club’s short history.

Deputy Mayor Brian Stockwell joined the action, trying his hand at the fast-growing sport before presenting medals to competitors. He acknowledged pickleball’s rapid rise in popularity across the region.

Club president Nick Hooper said the tournament highlighted both the enthusiasm for the sport and the need for improved facilities. “The club is strongly working towards gaining our own home which ideally would have 16–24 courts and a clubhouse,” he said. “Our desire to grow this sport to be inclusive for all ages is at the forefront of our strategic plan.”

Local coach and club member Ron Gatliff said expanded facilities could position the region as a premier destination for the sport. “Having 24 dedicated pickleball courts would provide the best pickleball facility in the southern hemisphere and be a major drawcard to attract visitors when the 2032 Brisbane Olympics are held,” he said. “This would also allow our club to host the Queensland State Championships which has over 900 players, and be part of the Queensland pickleball tour series which would attract over 450 players. The Australian Championship event is also another possibility if we have 24 courts. Imagine the Australian championships being held in Noosa over a 10-day period! Interclub visits would also occur from all over Queensland, let alone interstate and overseas visitors, who currently we are turning away.

“We only have two dedicated pickleball courts at the Olive Donaldson Pavilion, and they are highly utilised. The Noosa District Sports Complex is an ideal location for a future club home with more courts, and would not cause additional congestion to tourist hot spots whilst being beneficial to local businesses.”

Nick said that interest in the sport continues to grow, with strong demand for come and try sessions as more locals look to get involved.

28/05/2026

Community urged to secure hospice future together

The Noosa community is being called on to help secure the future of Katie Rose Cottage Hospice, with concerns growing over the long-term sustainability of palliative care services across Queensland.

For more than 15 years, Katie Rose has provided compassionate, dignified and free end-of-life care for local residents and their families, offering a peaceful home environment during some of life’s most difficult moments.

Independent Noosa MP Sandy Bolton MP said the hospice had become an essential part of the community and deserved stronger support.

“Katie Rose has been there for residents and their loved ones during the most heartbreaking of times, and it is now our turn to support them,” Sandy said.

Katie Rose suspended its services before Christmas following mounting financial pressures faced by hospices throughout Queensland. Rising operational expenses, increasing rents for charity shops and declining donations since COVID have created major challenges for the sector.

As part of cost-cutting measures, Katie Rose closed its warehouse and op shop at Tewantin, while its Cooroy and Maroochydore stores remained open.

Sandy said palliative care hospices continued to operate under unsustainable funding arrangements despite playing a critical role in supporting terminally ill residents and easing pressure on hospitals. “Since 2019, we have advocated for equitable funding models for hospices that provide what terminal residents seek, as well as free up hospital beds with an economical model due to the contributions of volunteers and donations,” she said. “This should not be an ongoing plea to governments; it should be both a compassionate as well sensible approach to our very last days.”

The funding crisis has affected other Queensland services, including Brisbane-based children’s hospice Hummingbird House, which also faced significant financial challenges this year.

Sandy recently raised concerns in state parliament through a question on notice to the Minister for Health and Ambulances Services Tim Nicholls, seeking clarity on the future of Queensland Health’s Palliative and End-of-Life Care Strategy which expires in June. “This is deeply concerning for all, as well as what we have been advised is an unsustainable ratio of nurses to patients in palliative hospices versus outreach services and aged care facilities who manage palliative patients,” she said.

The campaign to rebuild Katie Rose’s future was also dealt a devastating blow with the sudden passing of respected local gerontologist Dr Drew Dwyer, who had recently joined efforts to develop a sustainable operating model for the hospice.

“Dr Dwyer’s selfless commitment was immediate to our calls, as he was passionate about aging and passing with compassion, care and love,” Sandy said.

She stated that Dr Dwyer would have wanted the community to continue fighting for the hospice’s future and encouraged professionals with experience in palliative care, hospice management and not-for-profit sustainability to come forward and assist.

Immediate financial support is also urgently needed after attempts to secure interim state government funding and fundraising efforts through a GoFundMe campaign failed to raise sufficient funds. “Katie Rose is an essential part of our community, and we cannot lose them,” she said. “In 2009, it took a village to provide this wonderful facility. Now I ask our community to come together again and ensure this incredible service where we and our families are surrounded by love and care is available into the future.”

25/05/2026

Queensland biosecurity rules under review

Queenslanders are being encouraged to have their say as the state government reviews the Biosecurity Regulation 2016 before it expires on 1 October 2026.

The regulation outlines how people can meet their general biosecurity obligations to prevent or minimise risks and has guided Queensland’s response to biosecurity threats for the past decade, helping protect the state’s environment, agricultural industries and communities from pests, diseases and other risks.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regions has opened public consultation as part of a comprehensive ‘sunset review’ to determine which rules should remain, be updated or removed.

The review aims to ensure the regulation remains effective while reducing unnecessary red tape for industries and communities.

DPI Acting Deputy Director-General Biosecurity Michael Reid said the regulation had played a critical role in protecting Queensland. “For the past 10 years, the Biosecurity Regulation 2016 has played a key role in protecting our state from biosecurity threats, safeguarding our environment, industries and communities,” Michael said. “This sunset review is a chance to maintain and improve protections against diseases, improve biosecurity risk management and modernise outdated rules to meet the needs of Queenslanders today.”

The department has worked with industry stakeholders to identify possible improvements and prepare an impact analysis statement outlining proposed changes.

While the review found the regulation is generally working well, proposed updates include stronger disease protections, improved biosecurity risk management and simplified rules for beekeepers and citrus and banana growers.

The review also seeks to clarify existing rules to improve understanding and compliance. “We encourage all Queenslanders to review the proposed changes and share their feedback. Your input will help shape the future of biosecurity in our state,” he said.

Community submissions are open until Friday 29 May, through the Department of Primary Industries’ Engagement Hub.

23/05/2026

Saturday Spotlight: Cooroy Dolphins Swimming Club

The Cooroy Dolphins Swim Club has made a strong impression at the Australian Age National Championships, with local swimmers delivering standout performances against the nation’s best swimmers.

Leading the charge was rising talent Noah Ellison, who secured an impressive silver medal in the 50m Breaststroke in the 14 years age group, finishing second in Australia in a highly competitive field. He also came agonisingly close to another podium, placing fourth in the 100m Breaststroke by just 0.03 seconds.

The national championships are widely regarded as the toughest meet on the Australian swimming calendar, attracting elite age group swimmers from across the country. For a regional club like Cooroy, achieving success at this level highlights the depth of talent within the Dolphins squad.

Noah’s result capped off a strong overall showing for the club. Blake Sutton, competing in the 16 years division, performed well in the 50m Breaststroke, while Ethan Giles impressed in the 14 years backstroke events, taking on both the 50m and 100m distances.

Across the board, Dolphins swimmers recorded personal bests and demonstrated composure under pressure, gaining valuable experience on the national stage while proudly representing their community.

Head coach Andrew Cowan said the results reflected both the athletes’ dedication and the strength of the club’s development program.

“This is what we work towards all season,” Andrew said. “To see one of our swimmers standing second in Australia is incredibly special, and to have multiple swimmers performing so strongly on the national stage makes it even more rewarding.”

The Dolphins now return home with renewed confidence and momentum as they prepare for upcoming competitions.

21/05/2026

Coolum pump track project rolls into action

Riders of all ages will soon have a new place to test their skills, with construction of a major new pump track at Coolum Beach set to begin as part of a broader park upgrade later this year.

The highly anticipated facility will be built at Lions and Norrie Job Park on David Low Way, with Sunshine Coast Council engaging a specialist contractor to finalise the design ahead of construction.

Jointly funded by Sunshine Coast Council and the Queensland Government, the project is expected to transform the popular community park into a hub for active recreation and family fun.

Pump tracks are specially designed looping circuits featuring smooth rollers, bumps and berms that allow riders to generate momentum through body movement rather than pedalling. Suitable for bikes, scooters and skateboards, the tracks are designed to cater for a wide range of ages and skill levels at the same time.

Construction is scheduled to begin once landscaping works are complete, and the final design receives approval. Upgrades across the park began in May and are expected to be completed by late September.

The works will include a new barbecue shelter, improved pathways, upgraded fitness equipment, additional shade structures and better links connecting the pump track to the rest of the park.

Sunshine Coast Council Cr Maria Suarez, Division 9 said community feedback had played a major role in shaping the project. “Our community told us loud and clear that they wanted a pump track that delivered excitement, challenge and fun, and it’s great to see construction now about to begin,” Maria said. “By engaging a specialist contractor, we’re ensuring this track will be built to a high standard and will reflect the ideas and aspirations local riders shared with us.”

Council released a draft concept plan late last year, attracting strong community support and a flood of suggestions from local riders. Residents called for taller jumps, crossover sections, jumpable lines, tabletop jumps and coastal-inspired line markings to give the facility a distinct local feel.

Maria said the new attraction would complement recent upgrades already completed at the park. “This new track will complement the basketball half court and other improvements, giving young people and families another active reason to visit Coolum Beach and enjoy the park,” she said.

The project forms part of the second stage of improvements at Lions and Norrie Job Park, following a $1.6 million first-stage transformation that delivered new shelters, barbecues, landscaping, pathways and outdoor fitness areas.

Funding for the earlier works included contributions from Sunshine Coast Council, the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program and the Queensland Government’s Minor Infrastructure Program.

The growing popularity of pump tracks across the Sunshine Coast has already been demonstrated at facilities in Caloundra West and Buderim, where riders regularly gather to test their skills and enjoy the flowing circuits.

Once completed, the Coolum pump track is expected to become another popular destination for local families, young riders and visitors looking for an active outdoor experience.

20/05/2026

Great to see so many smiling faces around town this week!

Grab a copy from newsstands across the Sunshine Coast hinterland 📰

18/05/2026

The latest edition of the Cooroy Rag is out on stands across the hinterland!

We're covering the latest local stories including:
🏀$4.18M upgrade of Cooroy Sports Complex begins in July
☀Community battery to boost solar sharing locally
🎶Sunshine Coast Music Awards spotlight hinterland talent
⛑Community urged to secure hospice future together
🚲Coolum pump track project rolls into action
🌸Noosa orchid blooms from local vision
🏆Noosa volunteers celebrated with Queensland Day awards

As always, you'll also find our regular features such as What's On, Property, Community, Sports, Comics and more.

Pick up a paper or read it online!
The Cooroy Rag - connecting our community since 1961 📰

15/05/2026

Coast seeks federal backing for priorities

Sunshine Coast leaders are calling for stronger federal support to deliver key infrastructure and community projects as planning begins for the 2026–27 federal Budget.

Senator for Queensland Corinne Mulholland joined Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli on a regional tour to highlight the council’s major priorities, including sport infrastructure, housing, transport and coastal protection. Mayor Rosanna said the coming decade would be transformative for the Sunshine Coast and the region needed the right investment to support its growing population. “The Sunshine Coast is entering a transformative decade, and we need the right infrastructure in place to support our residents, attract investment and also prepare for the opportunities of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” she said.

Sunshine Coast Council has outlined several key projects in its federal budget submission, including a proposed $162 million regional indoor community sports centre to help meet the growing demand for indoor sport across the region.

Other priorities include funding for stages two and three of the WAVE public transport system, a business case to upgrade the Bruce Highway to six lanes between Steve Irwin Way and Caloundra Road, and investment in social and affordable housing.

Mayor Natoli said the region was also seeking funding for coastal protection works, including the Diamond Head seawall and the Bradman Avenue revetment wall, as well as $8 million for the Nambour streetscape improvement project. “We are also deeply committed to protecting our coastline and community assets from the very real impacts of weather and climate change,” she said, “but we cannot do this alone.”

Mayor Rosanna said restoring financial assistance grants to at least one per cent of federal taxation revenue would help councils deliver the infrastructure their communities need. Senator Corinne said visiting the region provided valuable insight into how government investment could benefit the Sunshine Coast. “My priority is understanding how these projects will benefit locals into the future, to ensure there’s a legacy infrastructure benefit for Sunshine Coast communities for generations to come,” she said.

With the Sunshine Coast population expected to exceed 518,000 by 2041, council leaders say collaboration with all levels of government will be essential to ensure the region remains connected, liveable and thriving.

13/05/2026

Amenities under-way for Mount Coolum visitors

Relief is in sight for walkers tackling one of the Sunshine Coast’s most popular climbs, with construction underway on new public amenities at Mount Coolum.

The long-awaited facilities, located beside the carpark at the base of the mountain, began construction on 2 March and are expected to be completed by mid-May, weather permitting.

The project will deliver a modular amenities block including a unisex Persons with Disability toilet and three unisex ambulant cubicles, providing greater convenience for the thousands who use the Mount Coolum National Park track each month.

Councillor Taylor Bunnag - Division 8, Sunshine Coast Regional Council said the upgrade would make a significant difference for both locals and visitors. “As someone who loves climbing Mount Coolum with my family, I know firsthand how challenging it can be when nature calls and the nearest public toilets are 2 km away at Birrahl Park,” he said. “That’s why I’m so pleased to see this much-needed project progressing.”

Taylor said the project was the result of strong advocacy and collaboration with the state government. “After strong advocacy to the state government, we’ve been able to join forces to bring this facility to life,” he said.

Sunshine Coast Council is contributing $50,000 to the project, with the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service providing $425,000 towards design and construction.

The prefabricated block has been designed with safety and accessibility in mind, featuring an open layout to improve visibility and security, as well as a solar-powered system to support sustainable operation.

Works are scheduled between 7 am and 5 pm daily, with some temporary impacts including reduced parking and minor dust and noise.

Taylor thanked the community for its patience. “You’ve held on long enough and I want to thank residents for their patience and understanding throughout the construction phase,” he said.

Cooroy Rag Community Newspaper

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