Liver transplant may not seem like a breakfast conversation but when you have leading surgeon and author Kellee Slater as your guest speaker that all changes.
The Buderim Foundation will host a special celebrity breakfast on Thursday, 28th November at Buderim Tavern where Dr Slater will talk about the human body and its power to heal with the help of 21st century medical procedures.
Locals are getting behind a new campaign to Make the Most of the Moment on the Sunshine Coast, with more than 250 already in the running to win some great Coast experiences, from a massive prize pool valued at over $10,000.
The campaign, by Sunshine Coast Destination Limited (SCDL) and Tourism Events Queensland, is designed to get locals and tourists alike not be too distracted by mobile technology and really immerse themselves in all the Coast has to offer.
SCDL CEO Simon Ambrose said the Sunshine Coast is the first destination in the world to encourage people to “Be Smarter with Your Smartphone” so they don’t miss experiencing what’s around them.
“The Sunshine Coast is known for its great lifestyle but we all get caught up with work and don’t really enjoy what is in our own backyard,” Mr Ambrose said.
Over 500 people have participated in the campaign so far, by either completing the fun quiz that assesses their smart-phone use, or uploading a photo to the Facebook competition after they have experienced their moment.
International cookbook author, Kim McCosker of 4 Ingredients, has joined the campaign as an ambassador and said she is guilty of smartphone overuse.
“My worst habit is not switching off from my smartphone at the end of the day.
“I leave my phone switched on right beside my bed at night and I hear all the emails and messages coming through from people I do business with in the Northern Hemisphere instead of getting a good night’s sleep,” Kim said.
Kim joins ambassadors including singing sensation Kelsie Rimmer, ironman Matt Poole, artist Raelean Hall and celebrity chef Matt Golinski, who have all vowed to Make the Most of the Moment.
More than half the ambassadors who are taking part in the campaign classify them selves as being a ‘smartphone addict’ and find that their busy schedules and lifestyle make it easy to rely on social media to keep their family, friends and fans updated.
The ambassadors are calling on locals to join them and participate in the challenge and Make the Most of the Moment.
Kim said that she is going to leave her phone outside the bedroom and continue a family tradition of having phone free Sundays.
“Smartphones make doing business globally a lot easier but it’s important to take time out to reconnect with family and experience moments together,” Kim said.
To get involved jump online to www.makethemostofthemoment.com.au to take the quiz and then visit www.facebook.com/sunshinecoastqld to take the Make the Most of the Moment Challenge for your chance to win. You can also find out more at www.visitsunshinecoast.com.au/localmoments.
As the festive season fast approaches Sunshine Coast gluten and grain free food expert and cookbook author, Tania Hubbard is setting a creative challenge to find the best gluten free, grain free, nut free & dairy free Christmas Gingerbread House in Australia.
Gluten Free Grain Free Company Co-Founder, Tania said the holiday season is one of her favourite times of the year filled with family, friends, food and of course fun.
“I decided this year I would accept the ultimate test of creativity and logic and build my very own ginger bread house for the first time ever. It was so much fun seeing my house being re-created in gingerbread. It doesn’t matter if you are a professional chef or new to the kitchen this is a wonderful project everyone can get involved in.”
Pepitas, ginger, coconut sugar and eggs are the only ingredients you will need to get ready for the first ever gluten free, grain free ginger bread house building competition, plus some additions for decorating.
“It was amazing to create an edible ginger bread house made from only a handful of ingredients. I felt like a big kid and loved being able to combine two of my favourite things food and play.” Tania said.
Tania wanted to be part of Santa’s team and share the secrets you need to be able to give your favourite gluten free person in the world a new edible house for Christmas.
“This will be Australia’s first gluten free, grain free ginger bread competition and it’s a great way for the free-from community to showcase how much fun and enjoyment everybody can have with food over the holiday season,” Tania said.
To enter all you have to do is bake and decorate your own gluten free, grain free gingerbread house and then post a photo through the competition link on the Gluten Free Grain Free Company Facebook page.
The Gingerbread recipe is based on the popular Cinnamon & Ginger Cookie Recipe from Tania’s cookbook gluten free grain free – food we love and taking one look at Tania’s creation, you don’t need to be a pastry chef to create your own stylish house.
“The joy for me was piping patterns all over the house, putting way too much “snow” all over the place and creating a door to peak through.”
“Have fun and get creative, there are heaps of wonderful ways to decorate the house including home-made jellies, dried fruits, ginger bread trees and natural icings,” Tania said.
The competition opens on Friday, 25 October and entries will close on Friday, 22 November.
The lucky winners will receive a cookbook and a variety of Tania’s Cake mixes, just in time for Christmas.
Tania’s gluten and grain free journey began several years ago when she was diagnosed intolerant to the proteins found in cereal grains. It was this diagnosis that saw her go on to develop her own recipes and write a leading cookbook, gluten free grain free – food we love.
“I wanted to help people understand that living gluten and grain free does not mean giving up nutrients or taste,” Tania said.
Tania said the book offered recipes that not only tasted great, but are nutrient dense and provided a wider benefit to people other than just being gluten-free.
Tania’s cookbook gluten free grain free – food we love, is packed with over 150 pages of mouth-watering recipes, information about stocking a gluten and grain free pantry, label reading and much more, as well as her bake@home range are available at selected retailers (check website for details) and online at www.glutenfreegrainfree.com.au.
Sunshine Coast charity Bloomhill Cancer Help will be the beneficiary of the annual Bra’s n’ Bikes Ride held this Sunday 27 October.
The ride welcomes all motorcyclists on the 200km round trip from the Ettamogah Pub to Kilcoy for morning tea followed by a leisurely ride back to Club Kawana for lunch to conclude the ride.
The event celebrating its 12th ride this weekend is organised by Girl Torque Sunshine Coast and Bloomhill has been chosen to receive the proceeds of the event.
Bloomhill Cancer Help General Manager, Mervat Quirke said that Bloomhill is honoured to continue our partnership with Girl Torque and remain the beneficiary of the fundraiser this year.
“All the funds Bloomhill receives from the Bras n’ Bikes ride will allow us to continue to deliver vital support services to more than 900 clients on the Sunshine Coast affected by cancer,” Mervat said.
Registration for the ride opens at 7.30am at the north-end of the Ettamogah Pub car park for a prompt 9am start. The cost is a $10 donation per bike and limited pink bras will be available for $2 each at registration.
“Everyone is invited to get involved and decorate their bikes with a pink theme in celebration of October and support the Power of Pink,” Mervat said.
For enquires and further information about the Bras n Bikes ride please contact Helen from Girl Torque on 0412 722 303.
Bloomhill Cancer Help is a Sunshine Coast based charity that provides support and assistance to those affected by cancer. Operated by a team of dedicated professional staff and hundreds of volunteers, Bloomhill offers counselling, transport to appointments, respite care and a range of complementary therapies and other practical help.
With no ongoing government funding, the charity relies on donations and fundraising to continue providing its valuable services.
Leading Australian Sports Physiotherapist, Craig Allingham will launch his new book “Prostate Recovery MAP – Men’s Action Plan” at Bloomhill Cancer Help in Buderim on Thursday, 7th November.
Mr Allingham will host a morning discussion focusing on recovery from prostate cancer and the physical and emotional aspects of men’s lives, touching on subjects including physical recovery and mental resilience.
Craig said the loss of his father to prostate cancer prompted him to investigate men’s health from a physiotherapist viewpoint.
“Through my experience with my dad, I found that men with prostate cancer had limited access to help with rehabilitation and I changed the emphasis of the research on illness to performance,” Craig said.
Bloomhill Cancer Help General Manager Mervat Quirke said the presentation and launch of Allan’s book served as a timely reminder with the month of November aimed at highlighting men’s health issues including cancer and mental wellbeing.
“Men and women are invited to attend the book launch as Allan’s presentation also provides an insight into a women’s role as a carer or partner,” Mervat said.
The book launch and presentation will take place at Bloomhill Cancer Help Centre, 58 Ballinger Rd, Buderim at 9.30am for a prompt 10am start. Tickets are $5 per person and can be purchased by calling Bloomhill on 07 5445 5794 or alternatively by dropping into the Bloomhill Cancer Help centre.
“Funds from the ticket sales ensure Bloomhill can continue to provide support and assistance to more than 900 cancer patients on the Sunshine Coast,” Mervat said.
Bloomhill Cancer Help is a Sunshine Coast based charity that provides support and assistance to those affected by cancer. Operated by a team of dedicated professional staff and hundreds of volunteers, Bloomhill offers counselling, transport to appointments, respite care and a range of complementary therapies and other practical help.
With no ongoing government funding, the charity relies on donations and fundraising to continue providing its valuable services.
Celebrity chef, Matt Golinski and singer songwriter Kelsie Rimmer are the latest Sunshine Coast identities to join the movement to inspire locals to Make the Most of the Moment on the Sunshine Coast.
The campaign, by Sunshine Coast Destination Limited and Tourism Events Queensland, promotes the Sunshine Coast as the first destination in the world to encourage people to be “smarter with their smart phones” so they don’t miss experiencing what’s around them.
As a chef and amateur runner, Matt said his regular Noosa National Park runs are a strictly “technology free zone”.
“It’s about being in the moment and appreciating whatever you are experiencing, here and now and without distractions,” Matt said.
“When I’m running I like to tune into the smells, sights and sounds around me including the surf, the birds and the wind in the trees as well as the rhythm of my steps and breathing.”
Matt and Kelsie are encouraging locals to jump online and complete a fun tongue-in- cheek quiz that assesses their smart-phone use and then take up the ‘Make the Most of the Moment’ challenge.
It came as no surprise to singing sensation, Kelsie that after completing the quiz she was identified as a smart-phone ‘Addict’ and maybe in need of some serious digital detox.
“Facebook! I constantly find myself scrolling through a multitude of trivial, uninteresting (and often food related) status updates with no memory of how I got there, what I’m doing or why… Facebook is holding me hostage and my smart phone is the culprit,” Kelsie said.
Once people have completed the quiz they can then enter the ‘Make the Most of the Moment’ challenge, which asks entrants to upload a photo just after they have experienced their Sunshine Coast Moment.
Entrants in the photo competition go into the draw to win $10,000 worth of great prizes which include a package at Spicers Tamarind Retreat, accommodation at Mantra Mooloolaba, passes to the Sunshine Coast’s great attractions including the Ginger Factory, Underwater World, Aussie World and the Big Kart Track, day passes on the Noosa Ferry and more.
here will also be spot prizes awarded for great entries, with everyone also eligible to win the major prizes.
For Matt Golinski, his ‘unplugged’ time forms an important part of his day, providing time to keep fit, relax and experience nature.
Matt said it provides him with the chance to say hello to fellow walkers and runners and appreciate the beautiful local surrounds.
Kelsie said she will do her best to resist the tempting calls of Facebook and will try and have at least one day a week where she cuts out all social media and simply focus on being creative.
“I think it’s time we all took the steps to stop relying so greatly on our smart phones, and really enjoy all the amazing things the Sunshine Coast has to offer,” Kelsie said.
To get involved jump online to www.makethemostofthemoment.com.au to take the quiz and then visit www.facebook.com/sunshinecoastqld to take the Make the Most of the Moment Challenge for your chance to win. You can also find out more at http://www.visitsunshinecoast.com.au/localmoments
Sunshine Coast locals are being encouraged to take time to “Make the Most of the Moment” and remember why they love the region, as part of a new tourism campaign.
The campaign, by Sunshine Coast Destination Limited and Tourism Events Queensland, promotes the Sunshine Coast as the first destination in the world to encourage people to be “smarter with their smart phones” so they don’t miss experiencing what’s around them.
But this campaign isn’t just about encouraging tourists to visit the region, its also about reminding those who are lucky enough to live here, why they love it and to make the most of every opportunity to experience it.
And there will be rewards, with everyone who enters the Make the Most of the Moment challenge eligible to win great Sunshine Coast experiences, with total prizes worth more than $10,000.
Already high-profile locals are getting involved, becoming Smartphone Smarts ambassadors, making the most of the moment on the Sunshine Coast, and encouraging others to do the same.
Coast Ironman Matt Poole and artist Raelean Hall are launching the campaign and asking people to think about whether their bad smartphone habits are interfering with their leisure time with family or friends. And more and more well-known Sunshine Coasters will be joining them every day.
As part of the campaign a list of seven Smarter Smartphone behaviours have been developed:
1. Avoid being a search-it-all
Make the most of the moment and seek out your own special corner of the coast.
2. Elbows and phones off the table
Make the most of the moment with great food and company.
3. Kiss your phone goodnight
Make the most of your night with a restful night’s sleep or some romance.
4. Look before you snap
Make the most of the moment and take in this truly breathtaking place.
5. Take a phone-free day
Make the most of the moment and experience nature without distractions.
6. Talk now, text later
Make the most of the moment and enjoy this precious time together.
7. Taste before you upload
Make the most of the moment and savour every mouthful.
Matt Poole said he was stoked to be involved with the campaign and could definitely identify with it.
“The behaviours are reminders for people, like me who might be a little too attached to their smartphones.
“My mates are always telling me to stop texting and using my phone when we are out together so that’s something I am going to work on.”
For Raelean Hall, painting on location is about capturing the moment, of being aware of and responding to our surroundings.
“I love to see people taking in and experiencing what’s around them and that is something I’ve recently incorporated into my art, getting people involved in what I am creating, encouraging them to pick up a brush or a palette knife, adding their touch to the work.”
Because the campaign is all about finding the right balance between smartphones making people’s lives easier and not interfering during precious time with family and friends, there is a fun online quiz people can take to examine their own smartphone use and then share their results on social media.
“But we want people to go further,” Raelean said. “We want them to go out and rediscover their favourite moment on the Sunshine Coast and then post a photo to the competition on the Sunshine Coast QLD Facebook page.”
Matt said the judges would be looking for photos that show people have already enjoyed their moment.
“Like almost half of all Australians, we don’t want to see photos of meals before they eat them – we would much rather see friends sitting around a table with the remnants of a great meal everyone has already enjoyed so be creative!”
Once people have entered the competition, they will join Matt and Raelean as Smartphone Smarts Ambassadors and also go into the draw to win some of the $10,000 worth of great Sunshine Coast Moments prizes which include a Spicers Tamarind Retreat, accommodation at Mantra Mooloolaba, passes to the Sunshine Coast’s great attractions including the Ginger Factory, Underwater World, Aussie World and the Big Kart Track, day passes on the Noosa Ferry and more.
There will be spot prizes awarded for great entries, with everyone also eligible to win the major prizes.
To get involved jump online to www.makethemostofthemoment.com.au to take the quiz and then visit www.facebook.com/sunshinecoastqld to take the Make the Most of the Moment Challenge for your chance to win. You can also find out more at www.visitsunshinecoast.com.au/see-and-do/moments/local-moments.
Buderim-based charity, Bloomhill Cancer Help, has been selected as one of only seven open gardens to be showcased at this year’s Spring Garden Festival.
The festival, organised by the Buderim Garden Club, will take place from Saturday, 19th to Sunday, 20th October from 9am to 4pm and aims to highlight Buderim as the Sunshine Coast’s garden suburb.
Bloomhill’s General Manager, Mervat Thompson said the charity was honoured to have been chosen and it was a reflection of the hard work by the volunteer gardening and maintenance team.
“The Bloomhill property sits on ten (10) acres of lush forest land and manicured gardens, and it’s the perfect place for our clients to come, relax and take a break from their hectic lives,” Ms Thompson said.
Bloomhill is a long-standing charity, offering support and assistance since 1997 to those living with cancer and their families throughout the Sunshine Coast.
Operated by a team of dedicated staff and hundreds of volunteers, Bloomhill offers counselling, transport to appointments, respite care and a range of complementary therapies and other practical help.
To cater for its growing number of clients and to give more people access to its amazing services and support, Bloomhill built an extension to its existing therapy centre that included five new therapy rooms, state-of-the-art kitchen, additional office space and a beautiful, big recreation room. Since the opening of the new therapy centre in June 2012, Bloomhill’s client base has risen to well over 900 current clients.
“We will be opening our Therapy Centre to the public for organised tours during the weekend of the festival,” Ms Thompson said.
The Spring Garden Festival includes competitions and a Flower Show at the Buderim War Memorial Hall and Garden Sculpture Exhibition at Buderim Craft Cottage. Tickets are $15 per person and include a two-day pass to all seven gardens, incorporating the garden walk, and Flower Show.
For more information about the Bloomhill visit www.bloomhill.com.au or the Festival, please visit buderimgardenclub.com.
Buderim-based charity Bloomhill Cancer Help will host a Pink Hat Brunch on Monday 28th October at the Bloomhill Cancer Help Centre to raise funds to support locals affected by cancer.
Hosted by Bloomhill Patron, Raelene Boyle, The Pink Hat themed brunch is being held in celebration of October, which is globally renowned for the recognition of all women’s cancers.
The Brunch will kick off at 10am and include prizes for the best Pink hat, a raffle and a short presentation from leading dietician Leanne Levin.
Bloomhill Cancer Help General Manager, Mervat Thompson said everyone at Bloomhill was looking forward to the event and knew of many clients who had started decorating their hats.
“We welcome everyone to get involved with the themed hat competition and come along for a fun morning to support Bloomhill,” Mervat said.
Tickets to the brunch are $20 per person or for Bloomhill clients $15 per person. Tickets can be purchased by calling Bloomhill on 07 5445 5794 or alternatively by dropping into the Bloomhill Cancer Help centre, 58 Ballinger Rd, Buderim.
“Funds raised from the Pink Hat Brunch ensure Bloomhill can continue to provide support and assistance to more than 900 cancer patients on the Sunshine Coast,” Mervat said.
Bloomhill Cancer Help is a Sunshine Coast based charity that provides support and assistance to those affected by cancer. Operated by a team of dedicated professional staff and hundreds of volunteers, Bloomhill offers counselling, transport to appointments, respite care and a range of complementary therapies and other practical help.
With no ongoing government funding, the charity relies on donations and fundraising events such as the Bloomhill Race Day to continue providing its valuable services.
Australia’s Crochet Queen, Jenny King’s international popularity continues to skyrocket with the upcoming launch of two new books – “Figure Flattering Plus Size Fashions” and “Eighteen Inch Doll Clothes”.
In addition to launching the two new books with craft publishing giant, Annies, in just the last few months she has been on two teaching tours in the US and has been featured in four international publications, not to mention publishing two other new books.
Jenny’s designs have also been included in Vogue Knitting’s annual Crochet issue, for the second year in a row. Her designs have also been featured in Crochet!, Crochet 1.2.3, and Interweave Crochet. She also has a design in the Australia’s Family Circle July issue. Her new books include Fashions to Flaunt Crocheted with Noro Yarns and Barvarian Crochet On To Go, both published by International craft powerhouse, Anne’s.
Jenny, said she has been excited and honoured by all the attention.
“I have loved crochet since I started stitching as a child and its great to see that crochet is finally gaining the recognition and popularity it deserves.
“Crochet offers you such great versatility it means as a designer there aren’t any limits to what I can create.”
“This latest book was all about offering some great fashionable crochet designs for women with a larger figure.”
Jenny said it was a dream for her to have her designs featured in Vogue and now she has had two designs featured in as many years, as well as all the other great magazines.
“Each time we get confirmation the designs are going to be featured in the magazine, we get so excited!” Jenny said.
On Jenny’s first teaching trip she was a guest at The National Needle Arts Association (TNNA) of America in Columbus, Ohio and delivered some new designs to Annie’s head office in Texas for a new book due out in November.
The second trip included Jenny being guest speaker at the Crochet Guild of America’s Summer Conference, teaching seven classes over four days.
While in the US she also did some filming for Annie’s for a new video tutorial on Bavarian Crochet.
It is now also available through Jenny’s website – www.jennykingdesigns.com.
“The new video and the books have come together so well and were the result of popular demand by customers.”
Jenny, who has been crocheting since being taught two simple stitches when she was just eight, has been passing on her love of crochet since the 1990s and is the author of more than 15 crochet books and countless patterns that cover everything from intricate beaded bags and jewellery to swimwear.
Jenny has taught crochet around Australia and internationally including the US and offers a range of classes from her Sunshine Coast shop, JK Designs.
“Crochet is a rapidly growing trend and continues to increase in popularity as more and more crochet fashions appear on cat walks around the world,” Jenny said.
“I believe, that this, in part, has revived the lost art of crochet and prompted people to want to learn the craft themselves,” Jenny said.
