Join Sunshine Coast local and Australia’s 1# low-fat cookbook author, Annette Sym, on Friday 6^th August as she launches her latest book, Symply Too Good To Be True Book 6 which reveals all her weight-loss secrets.

“Everyone is welcome to come along to the launch, it is going to be a great day,” Annette said.

The launch will be held at Kawana Shopping World between Place Mat Kitchenware and La Balsa News, near Bi-Lo on Friday, 6^th August. Starting at 11am, the launch will include a cooking demonstration by Annette herself, book signing and heaps of delicious food to taste – all  recipes from the new book.

“I am really proud of this book, Annette said, it is definitely the best book yet”.

Book 6 is three times the size of the other books in the series and is jam-packed with Annette’s newest and most delicious recipes, Annette’s 28-day Weightloss Masterclass as well as a audio/video DVD with motivational messages from Annette.

“I know for a fact that my books really do help you to loose weight, just look at me and all the others who have used my recipes to successfully lose weight and improve their health. I used the strategies in my books to lose 35kg in 20 months and I have kept the weight of for over 18 years,” said Annette.

Book 6 will retail for $28 at all leading news agencies nation-wide from 6^th August along with Books 1,2,3,4 and 5 for $13.95.

So, if you don’t want to miss out on your chance to be one of the first to get your hands on the highly anticipated Symply Too Good To Be True Book 6 and get it personally signed by Annette, make sure you come along to the launch.

Sippy Downs, the Sunshine Coast’s rapidly growing university town, is gaining an international reputation as a hotspot of innovation and entrepreneurship, thanks to the University of the Sunshine Coast’s Innovation Centre, according to leading business magazine CNBC European Business.

In fact of 17 hotspots to be featured by the magazine in special monthly reports, which have been running since April 2008, Sippy Downs is the only location featured outside of Europe.  It was tagged as ‘Australia’s no-worries-answer to Silicon Valley’, and recognised as becoming Australia’s first dedicated university town.

In a feature article published this month in the magazine with a monthly readership of over 650,000 readers (http://www.cnbcmagazine.com/story/sippy-downs-queensland/1175/1/), Sippy Downs is identified because of the $8 billion private and public investment that will see the population double in the next ten years, the approved master plan that includes the new Business and Technology Precinct with the potential to employ 6,000 knowledge workers, as well as the location of the University and the Innovation Centre, the Sunshine Coast’s leading hub for entrepreneurship and knowledge-based business.

Innovation Centre Chief Executive Colin Graham said that the development at Sippy Downs was increasingly gaining national attention and he was pleased to see the area now getting this sort of international recognition.

“With the expertise and networks of entrepreneurs and professional service providers already located here and the future investment for the Business and Technology Precinct, the town centre and surrounding residential areas, the potential of the area is massive,” Mr Graham said.

“The Business and Technology Precinct will help the Sunshine Coast’s economy develop towards maturity, when it will no longer be so reliant on tourism, retail and construction for survival and when it will provide outstanding career opportunities for our next generation of knowledge workers.”

Sippy Downs has much in common with other hot spots identified by CNBC – although at an earlier stage of development – as well as having many advantages over them.

Mr Graham said there were some very strong themes shared by the hot spots identified including:

• conscious planning to develop them and transition or reinvent themselves as knowledge based communities;
• location of universities and research facilities within the districts;
• a champion organisation to promote developments, attract businesses, promote networking and linkages
• use of distinctive, sustainable architecture;
• emphasis on mixed use and self-contained communities;
• positioning and emphasis on accessibility and public transport;
• long-term commitment to concept by government and stakeholders; and
• major public sector funding allocations to catalyse private sector investment

“Sippy Downs as the centre of the Sunshine Coast’s knowledge economy already has many of these aspects but I think particularly there needs to be a stronger commitment from all levels of government and the stakeholders of Sippy Downs to bring forward the funding for this growth,” he said.

In terms of planning, Germany’s Duisburg is transitioning from a steel city to a knowledge-based economy; the harbour side area of Cologne is aggressively pursuing a 21^st century knowledge-based revamp following the decline of the port town.  Others are, like the Sunshine Coast, trying to diversify their economies – for example Vega in Venice is developing a 15ha Science Park to reduce their reliance on tourism.

“While the Sippy Downs Business and Technology Precinct is trying to lead the reinvention of the Sunshine Coast as a region that is not solely reliant on tourism, this reinvention does not include having to demolish 19^th century infrastructure before rebuilding.

“In many ways, we are fortunate to have a greenfield site so we don’t have to turn around a declining district – we have a real opportunity to focus solely on building a 21^st century university town from scratch and to get it right,” Mr Graham said.

Many of the global hot spots also have universities and research facilities at their heart.  Cologne is home to Germany’s biggest university and largest technical college and has staked a claim as a centre for biotechnology and games research and development.  Orestad, Copenhagen began with a university of a similar size and growth rate to that of the University of the Sunshine Coast and has since grown to become the centre for global businesses such as Dell, Accenture, GlaxoSmithKline – all taking advantage of the specialist IT institution and facility of humanities of Copenhagen University.

“This shows that in the 21^st century knowledge economy, it’s all about mining talent and knowledge, and its not just about mineral resources and ports which are so important in our traditional economy,” Mr Graham said.

Like Duisburg, Germany and Cuatro Torress in Madrid and Fjord City in Oslo, Sippy Downs has already established itself with distinctive award-winning architecture – with USC winning 33 awards for planning, architecture and construction – which helps to identify the areas and give them a point-of-difference and Sunshine Coast Regional Council’s town plan sees this continuing throughout Sippy Downs as it develops.

Mr Graham said there had been more than $100 million committed in the last two years to the development of underpinning infrastructure in the area with at least $8 billion in investment expected in housing, commercial premises and more infrastructure in the next 15 – 20 years.

“What is vital in this development is that all the stakeholders remain focused. We already have a strong framework with the University of the Sunshine Coast, its emerging research centres – including the award winning Sustainability Research Centre – the Innovation Centre and our proximity to the $1.97bn University teaching and research hospital opening in 2016.

“There is real potential to expand all of these areas and to tailor the precinct to service the knowledge economy industries the Innovation Centre has been nurturing since it was established in 2002.

“We have already achieved a great deal including supporting the start-up and growth of over 55 businesses and creating around 350 jobs.

“Now we are moving into a new stage of development, steadily expanding the services we offer – beyond the 30 plus businesses located within the Innovation Centre – and running business events to build a productive entrepreneurial network across the Sunshine Coast region.

“Our biggest priority is to continue to advance the development of the Business and Technology Precinct at Sippy Downs, working closely with public and private stakeholders, to ensure we maximise the potential of the area.”

“If we play our cards right, our international reputation as an entrepreneurial hotspot will grow further still, and with it the Sunshine Coast’s economy,” Mr Graham said.

The Sunshine Coast Literary Association is kicking off what they anticipate to be another successful new financial year with their Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, 10 August.

SCLA President Hari Kotrotsios, said the association was expecting the next year to be even better than the previous one.

The AGM begins at 6:30pm at Rivers Café on the corner of 2^nd Avenue and The Esplanade in Cotton Tree, with light refreshments provided.  The AGM is open to all current SCLA members and anyone who wishes to join on the day.

The meeting will discuss upcoming events and elect a new committee for 2010/2011.  Nominations for committee positions are open  as the SCLA is saying farewell to a few of its valuable committee members who are stepping aside due to work, family or travel commitments. Nominations can be made at the AGM or beforehand. Nomination forms are available in the AGM event listing at www.scliterary.org.

“The SCLA committee is responsible for organising all the association’s events and activities and without their hard work and dedication, the SCLA would not exist,” Hari said.

The Sunshine  Coast Literary Association was formed in 2005 to encourage aspiring writers and enthusiasts to explore their interest and develop skills. The association offers regular workshops, seminars and events, an annual Writers Competition and monthly Front Write Up performance  evenings that provide an opportunity to showcase the talents of its members. The SCLA also promotes other  regional  writing competitions that offer successful applicants great prizes and recognition.

“The SCLA is a wonderful resource for Sunshine Coast residents who are interested in pursuing a career in the literary field, “ said Hari.
“It offers people an opportunity to meet with like minded individuals and exchange ideas and advice that will assist them in developing their abilities”.

For more information on beginning your journey as a writer and becoming a member of the SCLA, to RSVP or nominate for the executive committee please email info@scliterary.org, visit www.scliterary.org or phone 0414 635 407.

Get your comfortable shoes on and join Bloomhill Cancer Help at the launch of the Bloomhill Blitz Week with its inaugural Bloomhill Support Walk on 8^th August.

Organised by Walk Co-ordinators Kerron Bromfield and Terry Bailey, the 2.5km walk will raise much-needed funds for Bloomhill and will start at La Balsa Park on Harbour Parade, winding its way to the park beside Kawana Surf Club, where a free sausage sizzle will await to revive participants. Registration begins from 8:30 am with Raelene Boyle leading the walk promptly at 9am on Sunday 8^th August.

“No matter what fitness level you are, come walking, running or jogging, anyone and everyone can join in,” Kerron said.

The walk aims to generate awareness and raise much-needed funds for this local charity. All the money received from either donations or sponsorship of walk participants will help Bloomhill to continue providing valuable services to those living with cancer and their families throughout the Sunshine Coast region.

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.

“Bloomhill depends on the generosity of local businesses and the community because we don’t receive any government funding. So we really rely on the money raised through our Op Shops, donations, grants and fundraising activities, like the Bloomhill Support Walk, for us to continue to offer our support.

All those participating in the walk will be seeking sponsorship, so please give what you can,” Bloomhill Cancer Help President, Jenny Carroll said.

The Bloomhill Support Walk is only the beginning of Bloomhill’s Blitz week, a week filled with activities that all aim to support and raise awareness about this local charity. The week includes an Open Day on Monday, Collection Day on Tuesday, Volunteer Day on Wednesday, a Blitz exterior makeover by Adenbrook Homes on Thursday and will conclude with the launch of a major fundraising campaign, Target 300, on Friday.

Jenny said everyone at Bloomhill is really excited about Blitz week.

“Blitz week is a great opportunity for the community to give back to a charity that has constantly given to others,” Jenny said.

“So, if you are unable to make it to our Bloomhill Support Walk but would still like to lend a helping hand, feel free to join in on any our Blitz week activities, everyone is welcome”.

For more information or to participate in the walk, please call Kerron Bromfield on 0438 322 098 or visit Bloomhill Cancer Help at 58 Ballinger Road or any of the Bloomhill Op shops across the Coast to collect a registration form.

The University of the Sunshine Coast’s Innovation Centre has teamed up with USC graduate and sustainability consultant Ben Everingham to offer its businesses the opportunity to reduce their water, waste and energy use through the Queensland Government’s ecoBiz partnership.

Innovation Centre CEO Colin Graham said the centre and 16 of its businesses had signed up to the 8 month eco-efficiency improvement process to create sustainability outcomes.

In February of this year Ben Everingham secured a Queensland Government ClimateSmart Business Cluster grant to assist the Innovation Centre and its businesses in attaining their ecoBiz accreditation.

Whilst completing a BA in Health Promotion (Sustainability) at the University of the Sunshine Coast, Ben was an active participant in the Entrepreneurship program run by the Innovationn Centre and was one of the student delegates at the Enterprisers course run on the USC campus with the University of Cambridge.

To return all of the support received as a young entrepreneur from the Innovation Centre Ben said this was an excellent opportunity to assist the businesses right on the USC campus.

“The businesses received a water, waste and energy audit of their facilities to measure and report their consumption” Ben said.

“I’ve since met one-on-one with each of them to give them a personalised action plan for energy savings”

“By turning off the lights, appliances and air conditioning when they are not in use, implementing a recycling system, purchasing some very affordable water efficient tap fittings and waterless urinal cubes, along with educating staff members on a range of simple and cost effective behaviours, businesses may be surprised at just how cost effective going green can be.” Ben said.

Colin Graham said that the Innovation Centre has already implemented a water efficiency plan with all taps fitted with aerators that will save the Centre approx 374400L per year.

Through the ecoBiz process the businesses are involved in a behavioural and cultural transformation to create long-term wins for a sustainable culture at the Innovation Centre.

“The key is to align your vision, mission, policies and procedures, with the business and sustainability outcomes you desire, while systematically building a culture of continuous improvement and personal responsibility.” Ben said.

Boutique construction company, L.K. Yates Constructions, are leading Brisbane’s residential building industry taking out two categories at the Master Builders’ annual Housing and Construction Awards for the Brisbane region.

The annual Housing and Construction awards, announced on Friday night, recognise excellence and quality work in the building industry. As winners of two Brisbane regional awards, L.K. Yates Constructions will now have the opportunity to compete against other Queensland regional winners for a state title.

“It was great to receive industry recognition for all the hard work we have put in,” said Lukas Yates, owner of L.K. Yates Constructions.

“Having been established since 2005, we have been working with clients to help build their dream homes and we are proud to be recognised for this work.

“I have more than 15 years building experience and it is the fulfillment of a dream to be recognised, particularly just five years after launching my own company.”

The company won Best Heritage Style Home (unlimited value) for their outstanding renovation work on a property in Clayfield and the Individual Home ($715,000 – $1 million) Award for a property at Clear Mountain.

“We couldn’t be happier with our experience,” owners of the Clayfield property, Andrew Lee and Daniel Miller said. “L.K. Yates Constructions was professional, reliable and has truly exceeded our expectations.”

L.K. Yates Constructions’ ability to maintain the original integrity of the Clayfield home whilst incorporating all the luxury features that people associate with modern living, made this company the clear winner in this division. The property’s special award winning features include its delicate and handcrafted finishes, picturesque landscaping, high timber ceilings and marble floors.

The Clear Mountain property won its division for L.K Yates’ attention to detail, high ceilings, unique lines, environmentally friendly features, spectacular views and timber craftsmanship.

Owners of the Clear Mountain property Phil and Shelley Towers said L.K Yates Constructions was a dream to work with.

“We can honestly say that throughout the entire building process I was never unhappy with anything,” Phil and Shelley Towers said, “Nothing was too much trouble or too difficult”.

The Sunshine Coast based charity; Bloomhill Cancer Help held its annual Volunteer Breakfast, on the 26^th June, 2010. The breakfast acknowledged more than 400 volunteers who have graciously given their time and support to Bloomhill each year.

The breakfast included an award ceremony where 26 volunteers were presented with certificates to show appreciation for their committed effort and support to those suffering with cancer and their families.

Alex Bert, Volunteer Coordinator said that the Volunteer Breakfast is only a small gesture of thanks to its many valued volunteers, some who have been with Bloomhill since the beginning in 1997.

“Without our volunteers at Bloomhill we would not be able to help as many people as we do. They are a vital past to the successful of Bloomhill,” Alex said.

The 5 and ten year service certificates were presented to volunteers at a formal ceremony, conducted by Bloomhill President Jenny Carroll.

The recipients of certificates for 5 years of service include: Mary Adams, Bev Bracher, Gunter Brandt, Tony Hammill, Reg Kuchel, Shirley Linney – Barber, Rosslyn Munden, Richard Perry, John Robinson, Eunice Sutherland, Ray Ward, Nancy Biggs, Jacqueline Eastop, Rosemarie Joyce, Jane Smith, Rosa Stingel, Meg Houston, Beryl Hutchison, Lynette Murdoch, Clarice Thew, Constance Dunn, Yvonne Reid, Sallie McKell, and Ann Thompson.

The recipients of certificates for ten years of service include: Marie Beattie, Barbara Brachna, Esme Cordingly, Ellen Copenech and Heather Michelson.

Bloomhill President, Jenny Carroll offered her thanks to the hundreds of volunteers on behalf of the Bloomhill Management Committee, Staff and clients. In 2010 alone the volunteers contributed more than 32,000 hours and had driven more than 52,000km in supporting those suffering with cancer.

Long-term supporter and Bloomhill patron, Raelene Boyle offered her appreciation to the supporters of Bloomhill for giving their time to Bloomhill Cancer Help over its many years of service.

Bloomhill would like to acknowledge the donators, who made the Volunteer Breakfast possible. Donations came from: Garry Crick Auto Group; Wayne and Beoo Suncoast Foods; Mick’s Meat Barn, Warana; Suncoast Flowers, Kawana; Party People, Maroochydore; Brumby’s Mountain Creek; Natural Food Store, Forrest Glen; The Caf @ Coolum; Sunshine Plaza; Buderim Ginger; Dan Murphy’s; Aldi Stores Australia; and Lollypotz.

If you are interested in becoming a Bloomhill volunteer, please phone Alex at the Centre on 07 5445 5794.

A special thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of the Volunteer Breakfast.

Year 12 student Madalyn Bayliss won a hat trick for her entries in the Young Adult category of the annual WARM Writers Competition.

The 17-year-old student from Caloundra City School took out first prize as well as the Readers Choice award for her short story “Listen”, plus a Highly Commended for another short story “Choose Your Fate”.

Madalyn received her awards at the Sunshine Coast Literary Association’s presentation dinner on 17 June,  at Cartwrights Restaurant, Mountain Creek.

Montville poet John McMaster was the other hat trick winner for his entries in the Open Poem category.

The competition was open to aspiring writers in the Sunshine Coast and Gympie areas, with four entry categories including Junior (Primary, Grades 5-8), Young Adult (High School, Grades 9-12), Open Poem and Open Short Story.

In addition to the official judging in each category, a panel of independent members reviewed the entries and selected a Readers Choice winner.

The Sunshine Coast Literary Association (SCLA) is a not-for-profit association dedicated to nurturing, showcasing and celebrating literary talent throughout the Sunshine Coast region, with the annual Writers Competition awards being a key part of that charter.

SCLA President Hari Kotrotsios said the judges were amazed at the talent of the writers who entered this year’s competition.

“There were such exceptional entries this year. I am proud to be a part of a competition that showcases the depth of talent of writers throughout our region,” she said.

Winners of the Open Short Story category were:  Bryan Ward (first place) and Peter Nolan (second place) . Highly commended awards were given to BP Marshal, Brian Gram, Peta Miller and Peter Smith. The Reader’s Choice award winner was Morgana McLeod.

Winners of the Open Poem category were: John McMaster (first place) and Bryan Ward (second place). Highly commended awards were given to Suzanne Strong, Bryan Ward and John McMaster, who also received the Reader’s choice award.

Winners of the Young Adult short story category were: Madalyn Bayliss (first place) and Jack Burnham (second place). Highly commended awards were given to Tahlia Baumann, Madalyn Bayliss and Miranda Rew-Duffy. The Reader’s choice award was received by Madalyn Bayliss.

Winners of the Junior Short Story category were: Chiara Guidotti (first place) and Isabelle Blackstone (second place). A highly commended award was given to Lucy Connolly and the Readers Choice award was given to Julian Gordillo.

The Sunshine Coast Literary Association congratulates all the talented winners of 2010 WARM Writers Competition and thanks all applicants who entered this year’s competition.

Hari said  the SCLA encouraged writers to continue developing their talents and hoped to see their entries  in next year’s WARM Writer’s Competition.

The cost of entering is $5 per entry with a maximum of three entries per candidate.  Entries close on Friday, 30^th of April 2010. Entry details and forms are available online at the SCLA website – www.scliterary.org , or by emailing info@scliterary.or

The talented fabric artists at the Buderim Craft Cottage will this winter be presenting their 4^th Biennial Exhibition of wearable art ‘Visions IV’.

This year’s Visions IV exhibition and sale by the Craft Cottage’s Fabric Art and Surface Design Group in July is set to be the most spectacular yet with internationally experienced artists all working to present garments created especially for the event.

Fabric Art and Surface Design Group president Lyn Gooch said the group has 20 members, all practicing textile artists working in many different mediums, silk, wool and cotton.

“Our members produce exquisite art to wear, textile pictures and wall hangings.  These works use many techniques, hand dyeing fabrics, machine and hand embellishment, Nuno felting, Shibori- traditional and modern,” Lyn said.

“A wearable art garment may take weeks to complete.  A work will begin with an idea, a unique design,” she said.

“Just imagine starting with that idea, having to start with a white piece of silk or other fabric, then having to hand dye and sometime machine embellish it before drafting your own pattern and hand making it to complete your ideas.

“You may then realize why members of the group become obsessed with their work.”

Everyone is welcome to come along and see this year’s unique designs with the exhibition to be held in Buderim Craft Cottage Atrium Gallery with the invitation-only official opening on Friday 16^th July at 7pm. The exhibition will then be open to the public on Saturday 17^th from 9am – 4pm, Sunday 18^th from 9am – 3pm, with the gallery display open all week and the following weekend, Saturday 24^th from 9am – 4pm and Sunday 25^th 9am – 12noon.   The Buderim Craft Cottage is at 5 Main Street, Buderim, behind War Memorial Hall on corner Church and Main Streets.  Entry is by gold coin donation. Enquiries Lyn (07) 5445 6113 Jill (07) 5477 6029.

Lyn said this year’s Visions IV exhibition would feature the group’s challenge display of ‘Wearable Art with a futuristic theme’.  There will also be a display of work from the Maroochydore High School year 10 Textile Students.

More complex online search possibilities and the merging of data from multiple sources including social media will see the Internet reinvent itself all over again in the next couple of years, according to the experts at Traffika.

This means an effective digital marketing strategy has never been more important to a company’s success.

Traffika Managing Director Matt Forman said “already search engines are becoming more sophisticated to deal with how people are using more complex search terms to narrow down their results so the strategies companies use to achieve results need to become more advanced in their approach as well”.

Mr Forman said while many companies were still just dipping their toes into the waters of digital marketing through search engines and social media, the Internet was evolving at a startling pace.

“It is not enough to just set up a Facebook page or Twitter account and post items a couple of times a week.  To get real return on investment you need to take a strategic approach, just as you would with any other aspect of your business,” Mr Forman said.

“Web 3.0 or the Semantic Web as it is caled, is already in its early stages,” he said.

“This new evolution of the web will see search engines examine the human meaning of the search words and phrases before searching.  Then information from multiple sources will be merged to provide more meaningful search results,” he said.

“For example if you do a search for ‘best plasma tv’, information on the best models, prices, customer reviews and warranties can all be returned and presented in a single result.”

Mr Forman said there was also already a meshing of social media with search, where individuals could search for information posted by their trusted networks in a new digital evolution of word-of-mouth referrals.

“Another aspect, which is already moving forward at breakneck speed because of the increasing sophistication of mobile phones and other portable devices, is local search where your location and your online social network is taken into account by search engines so you are presented with information that is more relevant to you.

“For example, if you are looking to go out and grab a coffee your mobile device could give you information about cafes as well as the locations and activities of your friends to allow you to invite them to join you.”

Mr Forman said the future was already here.  “It’s all about the meshing of search, social, local and mobile technologies and companies need to ensure that they are geared up to maximise the opportunities it brings.”

In terms of search complexity research has shown that the length of search terms is getting longer.  In the four-week period to the end of February 2010, clicks made through searches over eight words grow by 8.3%, and by 5.3% for over seven words.  At the same time searches using one word fell by 1.1%, with search over two words falling by 1.5%.*

Mr Forman said because of all the development online it meant that digital marketing strategies also had to evolve to more astutely take advantage of the benefits the technology offered.

“These changes mean that consumers will be presented with more refined and limited results so digital marketing strategies need to address that.

“We call it 360 degrees digital.  Traffika develops cost-effective strategies that address all areas of the digital world – search, social, local and mobile – in a targeted way which achieves measurable results.”

He said strategies could include digital promotions encouraging social media referrals or mentions as well as integration of a company’s corporate web presence with its social media campaign through optimisation and other approaches.

“There isn’t any one size fits all approach because there are so many different variables for different businesses.  Businesses need to taker a professional approach and seek the advice of experts.  However this doesn’t mean it needs to be expensive and people should ensure that like other marketing activities they undertake, there are effective ways to measure results.”

Mr Forman said one of the beauties of the digital world was that everything was measurable so campaigns could be tailored as they went to achieve optimal results.

For more information about digital marketing and leading industry insight visit our blog or follow Matt on Twitter at @mattforman.

*Research from Experian Hitwise from a study of the four weeks ending 27 February 2010