Crochet queen sets out to teach everyone yarn skills

Australia’s Crochet expert, Jenny King is setting out to ensure crochet skills are continued for generations with a new program of great workshops and courses.

Jenny has taught crochet around Australia and internationally including the US and operates a range of classes from her Sunshine Coast shop, JK Designs on David Low Way at Marcoola (opposite SurfAir).

Jenny said she was particularly excited to start her Hairpin Lace on Steroids course on 7 April. The class will teach them all the skills they need and see participants walk away with their own handcrafted hairpin lace scarf.

“My classes are suitable for beginners through to advanced, so there is something to suit a range of skill sets,” Jenny said.

“Each class focuses on mastering a specific crochet technique to make a range of garments from scarves to ponchos, hats and even toys,” Jenny said.

Jenny said the Hairpin Lace on Steroids (7 April), Entrelac Tunisian Crochet (on 21 April) classes are both great for beginners as they require students to only know the basics of crochet.

“The classes are fun and interactive, and students get to take home their own work at the end of the class,” Jenny said.

Jenny, who has been crocheting since being taught two simple stitches when she was just 10, has been passing on her love of crochet since the 1990s and is the author of 13 crochet books and countless patters that cover everything from intricate beaded bags and jewellery to swimwear.

“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 this has, in part, revived the lost art of crochet and prompted people to want to learn the craft themselves and I want to help give everyone the opportunity to learn,” Jenny said.

Jenny King Designs also runs weekly crochet and knitting clinics allowing participants to work on whatever project they like in a friendly social environment while also having help on hand.

The clinic times are:

  • TUESDAYS 10am to 12pm – CROCHET CLINIC with Leah Hyndman
  • WEDNESDAYS 10am to 12pm – KNITTING CLINIC with Leah Hyndman
  • THURSDAYS 10am to 1pm – CROCHET CLINIC with Jenny King

Also being offered on the last Tuesday of each month is Bubs-R-Us, a two-hour workshop where students can learn new techniques to make clothing for infants.

“This will give those with an existing interest in crocheting a chance to learn new skills from certified and experienced instructors,” Jenny said.

For more information and a full class program, visit JK Designs or go to www.jennykingdesigns.com.au

Innovation Centre launches competition to support Australian aspiring entrepreneurs

The Innovation Centre Sunshine Coast (ICSC) is continuing its campaign to encourage entrepreneurship and new business on the Sunshine Coast and throughout Australia hosting a ‘Dragon’s Den’ style National Business Pitch Competition on Thursday, 3 May.

The competition welcomes Australian entrepreneurs and students to submit an innovative business plan or idea for the opportunity to win $15,000 in prizes including $1,000 cash, a $2000 MacBook Air Lapton as well as business service packages from sponsors: redchip lawyers, BDO, RADBE Consulting, Fisher Adams Kelly, Traffika, and ICSC. Entries close Thursday, 12 April.

Innovation Centre CEO, Mark Paddenburg said the competition was just part of the Innovation Centre’s commitment to supporting new businesses and the economy.

“In these economically challenging times, entrepreneurs have to do more work to gain recognition and attract investment in the increasingly competitive environment, which is why opportunities like this are important,” Mr Paddenburg said.

“This competition provides a practical and high profile way for anyone looking to advance their business and commercialise their new ideas,” Mr Paddenburg said.

The top ten entries will be shortlisted and presented to an audience and a panel of potential investors, similar to the popular ABC TV show, Dragon’s Den. The finalists will then be given the opportunity to further impress the judges, venture capitalists and angel investors in a final pitch, after which, the winner will be announced.

The competition is just one of the exciting events that make up the Innovation Centre Sunshine Coast’s 10th Anniversary celebrations, an event that marks a decade of smart business success. Proudly sponsored by the Sunshine Coast Council, Westpac, Business Matters and Knowledge Wise (formerly EH Technologies), the event is open to the community who are invited to join leading entrepreneurs, investors and advisors for a day that is expected to be one of the biggest technology and innovation celebrations ever held in the region.

“The event is an opportunity to recognise the strong contributions made by the Innovation Centre throughout the past ten years, and its ongoing commitment to support and build innovation and entrepreneurship on the Sunshine Coast,” Mar Paddenburg said.

Since 2002, the Innovation Centre Sunshine Coast has directly supported the start-up and growth of more than 87 businesses, created over 350 jobs and helped raise $24 million in investment for client companies. By 2020, the Innovation Centre goal is to have helped nurture an additional 180 start-up companies and 420 knowledge-based career opportunities. In fact, just in the past 3 years, the Innovation Centre has helped entrepreneurs in its network raise more than $8 million in equity investments and grants and a further $2.3 million in loans.

“Here at the Innovation Centre, we work closely with entrepreneurs through our business development program, offering advice and a wide range of networking opportunities,” Mr Paddenburg said.

“We are proud of the accomplishments the Innovation Centre has achieved in its first ten years and I am expecting the next ten to be even better.”

As well as the National Business Pitch Competition, the event will also include the Sunshine Coast’s best entrepreneurs’ networking opportunity of the year, gourmet barbecue dinner hosted by the CEO and board, an update on ICSC client companies succeeding on the global stage and keynote presentations by Queensland Chief Scientist, Dr Geoff Garett AO and Lockheed Martin Deputy Director, David Fallon.

For more information about the competition, details on how to enter and the rest of the program of events, please visit www.innovation-centre.com.au.

CAN DO videos attract top viewing

Reflected Image’s Ryan Early is back after 28 days of working away on the recent state election.

Working with Frank and Dixon, Ryan shot and edited over 90 videos for Campbell Newman promoting various LNP policies. The YouTube channel was a new strategy in positive political advertising with ten of the segments being screened on the Ten network to a total audience of over one million people over ten nights.

The YouTube channel attracted 83 000 views over four weeks. The Brisbane Times called the segments the best commercials of the recent election campaign. The channel also helped to reinforce the party’s policy announcements developing a strong following among members of Queensland’s media.

You can check out the final video and the channel here.

Cookbook author offers gluten, grain free delights at festival

Tania Hubbard, author of the new and exciting cookbook ‘gluten free grain free – food we love’, will be appearing at the Kenilworth Cheese, Wine and Food Festival on Easter Saturday, 7 April to share her love and knowledge of gluten free and grain free food.

Tania will be showcasing her cookbook, bake@home range of goodies as well as holding a cooking demonstration on the day to show visitors how to make her delicious Chickpea Flat Bread.

As one of the owners of Husk & Honey Café in Nambour, Tania’s food is famous across the Sunshine Coast and has built a strong following amongst discerning foodsters.

Tania said she was excited to be a part of such a fantastic annual event that is expected to attract around 3000 visitors to the Mary Valley over the Easter weekend.

“I love the kind of atmosphere that only comes with country festivals like this one. It reminds me of when I first started selling my food in local markets before opening the café,” Tania said.

Tania was diagnosed with a grain intolerance several years ago after suffering a series of illnesses. Since eliminating grains from her diet, Tania’s symptoms disappeared and her life changed dramatically.

“I have always been passionate about experimenting with food and after my diagnosis, I decided to develop my own gluten and grain free recipes,” Tania said.

“My food isn’t just for coeliacs and those with gluten/grain intolerances, it’s for everyone and anyone that wants to enjoy nutritious and wholesome cooking that tastes great,” Tania said.

Tania’s cookbook, gluten free grain free – food we love will be available for sale at the festival and is packed with 150 pages of mouth-watering recipes, information about stocking a gluten and grain free pantry, label reading and much more.

“I will be demonstrating how to make my yummy Chickpea Flat Bread, a recipe from my cookbook. It is super easy to make and incredibly versatile,” Tania said.

“I am also excited to have a sneak peak of my new bake@home range, a variety of packet gluten and grain free biscuit and bread mixes that make it even easier to cook great-tasting, gluten and grain free food in the comfort of your own kitchen,” Tania said.

The Kenilworth Cheese, Wine and Food Festival will be held on Saturday, 7 April from 7am at the Kenilworth Town Park on the corner of Elizabeth and Charles Streets. The Festival offers a wide range of activities and attractions including farmer’s markets, cheese tasting and plenty of local wine and food stalls. Charles Street will be closed for the festival and stalls will be on both sides of the street.

For more information about Tania or her cookbook gluten free grain free – food we love, please visit www.glutenfreegrainfree.com.au

Buderim writer’s final book to be launched posthumously

‘The Poisoned Chalice’ the final book written by Buderim author Barry Corcoran before he lost his battle with cancer in 2010, will be launched by his wife Sheila on Sunday, 25 March.

Barry completed the first draft of the financial thriller just before he passed away. Sheila, together with friends and members of the Sunshine Coast Literary Association, took on the project to complete the book and have it published in Barry’s honour.

Barry, a past SCLA Treasurer and author of ‘The Third Arm’ (2008), had completed the first draft proof read by friend Helen Smith, and was about to start the final process when he became too sick to work on his second manuscript. It was one of his dying wishes that ‘The Poisoned Chalice’ be completed and published.

Thanks the Sheila, Barry’s best friend from Melbourne Kevin Smith and some SCLA members, led by past-president Hari Kotrotsios, the team stepped in to help make Barry’s dream a reality. Kevin came to Buderim and met with Barry in May 2010 and took the manuscript back to Melbourne to check all the locations for accuracy. SCLA members then edited ‘The Poisoned Chalice’ and prepared it for publishing with Zeus publications, who published Barry’s first book.

SCLA president Bryan Ward said he was proud of the work of Barry’s friends in the SCLA to fulfil his wish to complete the book.

“The members have not only honoured Barry, but also shown their dedication to literature,” Bryan said.

“I am grateful that we can now help celebrate the launch of ‘The Poisoned Chalice’ with Sheila and the rest of Barry’s family.”

Sheila said she was extremely thankful that their friends and SCLA members had wholeheartedly supported the completion of the book.

“They ensured the manuscript was completed in a respectful way to honour Barry’s skill as a writer,” Sheila said.

Barry began writing short stories after retiring from a career in finance. ‘The Poisoned Chalice’ is a financial fraud thriller, in the same genre as his previous novel, ‘The Third Arm’.

While the contents of his books are fictional, Barry used to say he was inspired by anecdotal tales he heard through his work. It is a fitting tribute to him.

‘The Poisoned Chalice’ tells the story of forensic accountant Daniel Mulhall who has serious misgivings about the financial operations of the Melbourne-based Children’s Rights Foundation. When he discovers a $350,000 discrepancy, he suspects something illegal is happening, but has to tread carefully. The Foundation’s chairman is an influential member of the church and the accounts are managed by his incompetent sister.

Daniel’s investigations are met with verbal threats, his car is vandalised and the centre’s manager is found dead. Daniel is arrested for carrying drugs in his car and a petty drug dealer is fished out of the bay.

The final threat comes when his wife and son are kidnapped. When Daniel is attacked by thugs and bundled into a car, he misses the second phone call from his family’s abductors.

Desperate to have his family back, Daniel agrees to work with the police. He’ll do anything to get them back, but at what cost?

The launch is open to all of Barry’s friends and family. Copies of the book will also be available for sale at the launch – $25 (cash only).

Otherwise, is you would like to find out more about the book or order your copy please go the Zeus Publications website – http://www.zeus-publications.com/ – and search for Barry Corcoran, or call Sheila on 07 5456 1327.

Bloomhill opens its doors for Sunshine Coast monster sale

Bloomhill Cancer Help is hosting its second annual Monster Garage Sale on Saturday, 31 March following the success of last year.

Held at the Bloomhill Distribution Centre, 1/10 Endeavour Drive, Kunda Park, the sale opens from 7am to 1pm and will offer a wide range of discounts on quality items such as furniture, appliances, clothing, sporting equipment and much more.

Bloomhill President, Jenny Carroll said the garage sale is a great opportunity to pick up a bargain and to support a worthy cause at the same time.

“Bloomhill doesn’t receive any government funding, so we rely on the money raised through out op shops, donations, grants and fundraising activities like this one to continue to provide our high level of care,” Jenny said.

The Bloomhill Distribution Centre plays a key part in Bloomhill’s success, collecting and sorting donated goods for allocation to the Bloomhill Op Shops.

“We encourage everyone to come down and take a look; the Distribution Centre is packed full and you never know what treasures you may find,” Jenny said.

“There are lots of great savings on a wide range of clothing, particularly Summer clothes. What better way to stock up your closet for next season!”Jenny said.

“We have received overwhelming support from the Sunshine Coast community in the past and we are sure there will be a great turn out to support us this time as well,” Jenny said.

Bloomhill Cancer Help is a Sunshine Coast based charity and provides support and assistance to those affected by cancer. 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 practical help.

“The services we provide at Bloomhill are only made possible by the open-hearted support we receive from the local community and businesses,” Jenny said.

More bargains can be found at the Bloomhill Op Shops at Buderim (Main Street), Maroochydore (First Avenue), Mooloolaba (Brisbane Road), Nambour (opposite the hospital) and Caloundra (Bulcock Street).

To find out more about Bloomhill visit www.bloomhill.com.au or visit a Bloomhill Op Shop.

Crochet expert offers excellent opportunity to enthusiasts

With the demand for new and exciting crochet from the fashion world continuing to grow, Sunshine Coast crochet expert Jenny King is sharing her knowledge of crocheting techniques by offering opportunities as contract crocheters to make samples of JK Designs patterns.

With 30 years of experience and certified for teaching crochet, Jenny’s passion and dedication to revitalising the art of crochet is infectious and she is currently seeking competent and consistent crocheters to help her expand her pattern range.

“This will give those enthusiastic about crocheting a chance to be involved in the growing crocheting trend,” Jenny said.

Jenny, whose shop is on the David Low Way at Marcoola (opposite the SurfAir), will be sharing with the successful applications new and innovative crochet techniques that have made JK Designs popular here on the Coast, at craft shows and fairs throughout Australia and online and in international publications.

“Crochet has been increasing in popularity for years, with more and more crochet fashions appearing on cat walks which has led to a revival in the numbers of people wanting to learn the craft themselves,” Jenny said.

Contractors will need to have the ability to read a pattern, complete work quickly, have the Internet and/or phone access and want to work from the comfort of their own home.

Jenny said some of the techniques and patterns were yet to be released to the public, so successful applicants would be required to sign a confidentiality agreement.

“New contractors will be supplied with all the materials and also receive acknowledgement as a stitcher for the pattern sample,” Jenny said.

“Contractors will be paid standard industry rates on a per garment or project basis.”

Jenny self publishes crochet patterns and books and is in demand as a pattern designer and teacher both in Australia and internationally.

For more information on JK Designs, go to www.jennykingdesigns.com.

For a contract crocheter application form, email Leah – leah@jennykingdesigns.com.

Gluten and grain free cookbook provides solution for Coeliac sufferers

With an estimated 75 per cent of Australians with Coeliac disease remaining undiagnosed, spreading awareness about this illness has never been more important, according to Gluten Free Grain Free cookbook author Tania Hubbard.

Having been diagnosed with the disease herself several years ago and speaking in the lead up to Coeliac Awareness Week from 13 – 20 March 2012, Tania knows only too well how critical it is to increase the public understanding of the disease.

Self-confessed foodie and Sunshine Coast Café owner, Tania said she believed that is was vital for people to listen to their bodies and if they believed they were suffering with Coeliac Disease to visit their GP.

“It is an easily manageable disease and with timely diagnosis and a healthy gluten free diet, you can prevent and even reverse many of the problems that accompany the illness,” Tania said.

After spending the most part of her life ‘door-hopping’ from doctor to doctor trying to find the cause of her ongoing migraines, chronic fatigue and repeated bouts of pneumonia, Tania was diagnosed in 2003 with an intolerance to a protein found in grains.

“Since I was diagnosed, my life has changed dramatically.  I eliminated grains from my diet and all my symptoms disappeared,” Tania said.

According to the Coeliac Society of Australia, Coeliac Disease affects 1 in every 100 Australians, not including those with wheat and grain intolerances, and a further 160,000 remain undiagnosed.

Tania’s condition turned out to be a blessing in disguise, helping her realise her talent and passion for food, which saw her go on to write her own cookbook, gluten free grain free – food we love.

“I was determined to continue enjoying food, despite my illness and restrictive diet, so I set to developing my own gluten and grain free recipes,” Tania said.

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.

“My cookbook is all about helping people understand and enjoy gluten and grain free living,” Tania said.

“My food isn’t just for Coeliacs and those with grain intolerances, it’s for everyone and anyone that wants to enjoy nutritious and wholesome cooking that tastes great,” Tania said.

“Food has turned my life around and I thoroughly enjoy helping others on their path to healthy eating,” Tania said.

Tania will also be appearing at the Gluten Free Food Expo from 11 – 12 May at the RNA Showgrounds in Brisbane, where she will be doing a cooking demonstration that focuses on ‘Vegetarian Gluten Free on a Budget’.

gluten free grain free – food we love is available for purchase from Husk & Honey Café in Nambour, Queensland and retails at $37.50. It is also available online at www.glutenfreegrainfree.com.au where you will also find information about Tania, Husk & Honey and the bake@home range.

SCLA workshop to delve into the dark side of writing

Begin your journey into the thrilling world of crime fiction at the Sunshine Coast Literary Association’s crime writing workshop – Murder and Mayhem, Crime Writing with Pat Noad.

The workshop will be held at the Coolum Community Centre, Jack Morgan Park, on Saturday, 14 April from 9am to 1pm.

SCLA President, Bryan Ward said the workshop was a great way to start aspiring writers on their way to crafting a gripping crime short story, full of mystery and intrigue.

“Crime fiction is an exciting area of writing and is one of the fastest selling genres in the world today,” Bryan said.

“Writing crime fiction isn’t too difficult when you have the appropriate formula, tools and dedication,” Bryan said.

Presenting the workshop is Pat Noad, a founder of Crime Writers Queensland and a successful short story writer and author of the Annie Bryce crime novels. She is also an experienced literary competition judge.

The workshop will cover: plot, setting, the language of crime, character development and how crime differs from other genres. Pat will also explain the qualities judges look for an the ‘dos and don’ts’ of writing for competitions.

The Sunshine Coast Literary Association is a not-for-profit association dedicated to nurturing, showcasing and celebrating literary talent throughout the Sunshine Coast region.

The association offers regular literary workshops, seminars and events, an annual writing competition, and monthly Front Write Up literary performance evenings that provide an opportunity to showcase the talents of its members.

The workshop is $50 for members or $60 for non-members. Morning tea will be provided but you will need to bring a pen, paper and your enthusiasm.

Spaces are limited so be sure to book you spot quickly. Tickets must be pre-purchased by calling 07 5450 2960 during business hours or email info@scliterary.org.

For more information on beginning your journey as a writer or becoming a member of the SCLA, please email info@scliterary.org or phone 07 5450 2960.

Sunshine Coast senior to paddle 2,300km journey to help raise money for Bloomhill

Sunshine Coast local and adventurer, Bernhard Weitkuhn will set off on an ambitious 2,300km solo journey up the Murray River on Sunday, 4 March to raise money for Bloomhill Cancer Help.

This amazing 73-year-old plans to row his new sea kayak almost the whole length of the Murray River from the Bringenbrong Bridge in Corryong, Victoria to Goolwa in South Australia, a gruelling mission that would test the stamina of even the fittest athletes.

Bernhard said it had always been his dream to paddle the river and after talking about it for the last 20 years, he decided it was now or never.

“I am feeling great for my age and just bought a new sea kayak, so I knew the time was right,” Bernhard said.

“I am hoping to paddle at least 30km every day, so I am expecting the journey to take me about 75 days to complete,” Bernhard said.

“For me, a trip like this is quite normal as I am still a very active bush walker and often go on extended hikes all over the world,” Bernhard said.

A member of the Sunshine Coast Bushwalking Club, Bernhard has climbed Mr Kilimanjaro and walked the Mt Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal, the Inka Trail, the famous GR20 trek crossing the Mediterranean island of Corsica, the notorious Australian Larapinta Trail twice and in August last year braved the 21-day, 340km John Muir Trail in California, USA.

“I just returned from another trip last week, where three of my fellow bushwalking club friends and I hiked up Mount Ruapehu and Mount Taranaki in New Zealand, both of which were six-day long treks,” Bernhard said.

“I love walking and kayaking and just being in nature,” Bernhard said.

“It was actually one of my friends that suggested that I paddle for a good cause, so I decided to donate the proceeds to Bloomhill,” Bernhard said.

Bernhard’s wife Elsie, who has since passed away, worked briefly for Bloomhill as a natural therapist, so he thought it fitting to continue to help the charity.

Bloomhill Cancer Help is a Sunshine Coast based charity and provides support and assistance to those affected by cancer. 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.

After Bernhard finishes his Murray River adventure, he hopes to take a short break and then attempt the Cape to Cape Track in Western Australia and begin planning a trip to Europe next year.

To donate to Bernhard’s cause, please visit www.everydayhero.com.au/bloomhillcancerhelp.

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