06 September 2012

Real Food Festival expects to draw large crowds

Thousands are expected to flock to Maleny on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland this weekend for a two-day fiesta of food and fun at the Real Food Festival.

The festival, now in its second year, is anticipated to be even bigger and better than last year, with a full festival program across four exciting venues and plenty of family-friendly entertainment.

Festival Director, Julie Shelton said last year we received an overwhelming response to the festival with more than 4,500 visitors attending, so this year we extended the festival over two-days to cater for larger numbers.

“We have an amazing line-up of exhibitors, guest chefs and food experts – there is something to suit any palate and preference,” Julie said.

The festival will host more than 120 Sunshine Coast-based exhibitors ranging from specialty foods to food-related products and services. Visitors will also have the opportunity to taste the flavours of the world from more than 30 ready-to-eat food stalls offering a range of international cuisines including Indian, Thai, English, modern Australian, Mexican, Greek, Italian and more.

“There is an incredibly diverse range of exhibitors this year, covering everything from growing your own food to cheese and yoghurt-making,” Julie said.

Crowds will be following their noses to The Natural Food Store Real Food Kitchen where talented local chefs and special guest, Martin Boetz will be tantalizing taste buds with a series of cooking demonstrations. Head to the Food For Thought venue to join in discussions on a range of food topics or hear from leading experts on healthy eating and food trends in the Jeffers Market Nourishing Ideas tent.

“We also have a very special new addition to the festival this year, the REEL Food Film Festival, which will showcase a series of short ‘food’ films by local filmmakers and an international documentary,” Julie said.

The Real Food Festival will be held at the Maleny Showgrounds, 13 Stanley Road, Maleny on 8th – 9th September from 9am to 4pm daily and is a celebration of the local food industry, showcasing an abundance of local foods from Sunshine Coast producers, manufacturers and restaurants. Entry is $12 for a one-day adult pass or $20 for both days. Children under 16 are free.

For more information on the Real Food Festival, visit the Festival website at www.realfoodfestival.com.au.

30 August 2012

Local charity in desperate need of Op Shop donations

Bloomhill Cancer Help is making a desperate plea to the Sunshine Coast community to support cancer care on the Coast by donating unwanted, saleable items to their Op Shops.

Bloomhill is a long-standing Buderim-based charity that provides support and assistance to people affected by cancer and their families throughout the Sunshine Coast.

Bloomhill President, Jenny Carroll said the op shops were seriously under-stocked and in dire need of quality, saleable donations including furniture, home wares, clothing and bric-a-brac.

“Spring is almost here, so it’s the perfect time to de-clutter your wardrobe and home,” Jenny said.

Bloomhill operates five Op Shops across the Sunshine Coast, and all the money raised from the sale of items going directly to fund the charity and the vital services it provides to its more than 900 clients.

“By choosing to generously donate goods to a Bloomhill Op Shop, you would be helping us to help your local community,” Jenny said.

“To make it easier for people to donate, Bloomhill even offers a free pick-up service,” Jenny said.

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.

With no ongoing government funding, Bloomhill relies on the money received from donations, fundraising activities, their several Op Shops throughout the Coast and most importantly, the support of the community, to continue providing its much-needed services.

“We are asking the community to dig deep to support cancer care on the Sunshine Coast,” Jenny said.

Bloomhill Op Shops are located in Buderim on Main Street, Nambour opposite the hospital, Maroochydore on First Ave, Mooloolaba on Brisbane Rd and Caloundra on Bullcock Street. There are even plans to open a sixth shop in Cooroy very soon.

For more information about making a donation or to arrange a FREE collection, please contact the Bloomhill Distribution Centre on 5445 6858 (during business hours) or simply drop your donations into a local Bloomhill Op Shop.

20 August 2012

The Buderim Foundation prepares to deliver the good news

The suspense will soon be over for applicants of the 2012 Grants Program, as the Buderim Foundation prepares to announce the successful candidates at their Good News Night on Friday, 7 September.

The Good News Night will be held at the Buderim Memorial Hall at 5pm and is a great opportunity for those not yet involved in the Foundation to learn more about the concept, the Foundation’s achievements since its launch nine years ago, and about future plans to support the community.

Chair of the Buderim Foundation, Paul Clark said the grants program offered the opportunity for worthwhile community initiatives that benefit Buderim and its residents to receive funding.

“Every year our grant total amount reaches record highs, as more people become aware of the Foundation and our role within the community,” Paul said.

The annual event is an opportunity for everyone to join with the Foundation’s members, donors, directors, ambassadors and friends to share good news and to review the progress made throughout the year.

Last year the Foundation made available a record total of $22,010 for its grants program, just a small portion of the more than $100,000 that the Foundation is proud to have been able to distribute in the community.

Recipients of the 2011 grants were Fusion Sunshine Coast, Buderim SAILS, Maroochy Waterwatch Inc., Buderim-Palmwoods Heritage Tramway Inc., BATS Theatre Co., Rotary Club of Buderim, Buderim Mountain State School P&C Assoc., Coastal Caring Clowns and U3A Birdwatching Group.

“The Foundation started providing grants from 2008 and has since contributed to 25 different local organisations,” Paul said.

The goal of the Buderim Foundation is to enrich and enhance the quality of life for Buderim and its residents, past and future. The Foundation is a philanthropic, not-for-profit organisation, which aims to generate income from donations and bequests from community members and provide grants for community projects.

“As a not-for-profit public company, the Foundation relies on the generous contributions of local businesses and residents in order to continue providing grants to quality local community projects and groups,” Paul said.

The grants are offered to not-for-profit organisations in the Buderim community, or not-for-profit Sunshine Coast community organisations that are able to provide services to the Buderim community.

The Good News Night is open to all community members and refreshments will be provided. To RSVP for the event, please call 07 5456 1757 or email info@buderimfoundation.org.au by Tuesday, 4 September.

For more information about the Buderim Foundation or the 2012 grants program, please visit www.buderimfoundation.org.au.

20 August 2012

Sunshine Coast Mayor and Queensland Minister go head-to-head

Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson will face off against Queensland Environment Minister, Andrew Powell in an exciting cook-off showdown at the Real Food Festival on Saturday, 8 September.

‘The Mayor & The Minister’ Market Chef cooking challenge will take place at 10am in The Natural Foodstore Real Food Kitchen and will see Mayor Mark Jamieson put his culinary skills to the test against Queensland Minister for Environment and Heritage Protection, Andrew Powell.

Real Food Festival Director and organiser, Julie Shelton said the Market Chef cook-off was a great way to kick-off the two-day festival and foster some friendly competition.

“The cook-off is a bit of light-hearted fun but I’m sure the two competitors will be taking it a little more seriously,” Julie said.

Each will be given an assortment of ingredients and a recipe, and will be judged against several criteria to determine which team best replicated the dish.

The Market Chef cook-offs have long been a favourite event on the Sunshine Coast, with Peter Wolfe from Cedar Creek Farm Bushfoods running the programme at the Eumundi Markets during school terms.

Peter will also be running a school-based Market Chef competition at the Eumundi Markets Kids Arena on both days of the festival, which will see Maroochydore State High School vs Maleny State High School and Maleny Flexi-School vs United Synergies.

The Real Food Festival will be held at the Maleny Showgrounds, 13 Stanley River Road, Maleny on 8th – 9th September from 9am to 4pm daily and is a celebration of the local food industry, showcasing an abundance of freshly grown, local foods from Sunshine Coast producers, manufacturers and restaurants.

The festival is a weekend-long culinary adventure, featuring more than one hundred exhibitors and hosting a range of cooking demonstrations, kids activities, discussions and live local music. Entry is $12 for a one-day adult pass or $20 for both days. Children under 16 are free.

“The Real Food Festival is about authenticity and enjoying nourishing and delicious food that has been grown and prepared right here in our beautiful Sunshine Coast backyard,” Julie said.

For more information on the Real Food Festival, or to register your interest, visit the Festival website at www.realfoodfestival.com.au or email: celebrate@realfoodfestival.com.au

13 August 2012

Industry experts to present latest developments in emission reduction

Australia’s leading specialist in Diesel Emissions Management for the mining sector, Peak3, is holding a free seminar in Kalgoorlie WA on September 11, 2012 at Curtin University.

The one-day seminar will provide current information on Diesel Emissions Management Planning, Treatment and Monitoring and is designed for mining industry professionals, including those working in occupational health and safety (OH&S), mechanical engineers, maintenance engineers and ventilation managers.

Peak3 CEO Col Chandler said they had been running the sessions around Australia to help inform the industry about the latest developments and advancements in this rapidly changing sector.

“Most in the industry are aware that diesel emissions are a very serious issue but it is important to understand it is not the smoke that is the biggest problem, but the toxic compounds contained in the nano particles of emissions,” Mr Chandler said.

Diesel emissions include up to 41 toxic compounds – which pose health risks to underground miners. There are strict emissions regulation being implemented globally and Peak3 aims to become the ‘standard’ for end-to-end emissions management in the mining industry. The companies focus is on helping companies reduce costs and reduce emissions through better use of new planning, monitoring and treatment technologies and services. At the heart of that approach is Evidence Based Emissions Management.

Mr Chandler said that the seminar would include sessions, lead by industry experts including Professor Zoran Ristovski, QUT International Laboratory for Air Quality & Health (ILAQH), Associate Professor Richard Brown, Faculty of Science and Technology, QUT, Dr Patrick Glynn, CSIRO and specialists speakers from Peak3. The mine ventilation panel discussion is supported by the Mine Ventilation Society of Australia and their input is clearly acknowledged.

The sessions will include an industry update and scientific explanation of diesel emissions in a mining environment, the processes involved in developing an efficient diesel particle management (DPM) program, and a review of current treatment and monitoring systems. There will also be a session on new global industry developments including treatment and monitoring systems, treatment of nano particles and remote and automated monitoring and data management as well as presentations of case studies, panel discussions and a question and answer session.

As part one of a three stage training process; attendees will gain a Foundation in Diesel Emissions Management Certificate from Peak3.

“Trying to manage Diesel emissions costs mining companies a significant amount of money but often they don’t need to spend as much as they do. To do it properly, up-to-date information is vital which is why we have brought together science and industry leaders to provide the latest information to those managing the problem,” Mr Chandler said.

“The goal is to ensure that diesel emissions management is effective, efficient and doesn’t impact mine productivity.”

Peak3 have developed a number of world-leading emissions treatment and monitoring technologies including the Particulate Management Platform that treats nano and ultrafine particulates using ultrasonic agglomeration, a process that was developed with collaborative research assistance from the Australian Coal Association Research Program and CSIRO.

The program will run from 8.30am to 5pm. For more information, a full program and bookings please email info@peak3.com.au or phone 07 3801 4897.

13 August 2012

Gluten and grain free author encourages support of local food at festival

Sunshine Coast gluten and grain free guru and author, Tania Hubbard will be sharing her love of local food and gluten and grain free living at the Real Food Festival on 8th to 9th September.

The festival, to be held at the Maleny Showgrounds, 13 Stanley River Road, Maleny from 9am to 4pm daily is a celebration of the local food industry, showcasing an abundance of freshly grown, local foods from Sunshine Coast producers, manufacturers and restaurants.

Tania will be leading a discussion about how to easily integrate raw foods into a gluten and grain free diet in the Jeffers Market Wellness Space on Saturday, 8th at 11:30am. On Sunday, 9th from 11:30am Tania will be in the Natural Foodstore Real Food Kitchen creating one of her gluten free grain free recipes. Both sessions will be followed by a book signing in the Rosetta Books space at the festival.

Her cooking demonstration, called ‘Seeds of Change’, focuses on how a wide variety of seeds and nuts can be an easy, healthy and delicious feature in a gluten and grain free lifestyle.

“My presentation will look at the benefits of foods like chia and pumpkin seeds and how to prepare and integrate these ingredients into everyday foods,” Tania said.

“I will be demonstrating how to make cookies from scratch and also how to make a yummy tabouli using pumpkin seeds,” Tania said.

Tania, who was diagnosed with an intolerance to a protein found in grains several years ago, said her condition turned out to be a blessing in disguise, helping her realise her passion for food, which saw her develop her own gluten and grain free recipes and write and publish her own cookbook.

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

“Using locally-grown, fresh and organic produce is the best way to create meals that are full of taste, texture and nutrition and I believe the Sunshine coast is home to some of the best locally-grown produce in Australia,” Tania said.

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

“I will also be showcasing my delicious bake@home range of cakes, biscuits and bread premixes, designed to make it even easier to cook great-tasting, gluten and grain free foods in the comfort of your own kitchen.”

Tania will also join Cyndi O’Meara, Louise D’Allura and Lucy Walter for a panel discussion at 2.30pm on the Saturday to talk about ‘what is the right diet for me?’

The festival is a full weekend of fun and fantastic fare, featuring more than eighty exhibitors and hosting a range of cooking demonstrations, kids activities, farm animals, talks and live local music. Entry is $12 for a one-day adult pass or $20 for both days. Children under 16 are free.

For a complete list of stockists of gluten free grain free – food we love  and the bake@home range, or to purchase online, visit www.glutenfreegrainfree.com.au.

08 August 2012

Australia’s leading talent in modern Asian cuisine headlines Real Food Festival

One of Australia’s leading connoisseurs in contemporary Asian cuisine, Chef Martin Boetz will headline at this year’s Real Food Festival to celebrate and experience some of the best local produce in Queensland.

Martin is the Executive Chef of the renowned Longrain restaurants in Sydney and Melbourne and specialises in modern, Thai-inspired Asian foods. Drawing his inspiration from and using some of the finest produce from across the Sunshine Coast region, Martin will recreate one of his mouth-watering dishes that promises to tickle taste buds.

Martin said he was really excited to be visiting the Sunshine Coast and supporting a festival that celebrates quality food production in the local area.

“I am passionate about cooking with the freshest, local produce and ingredients and finding the perfect balance of flavours,” Martin said.

The Real Food Festival will be held at the Maleny Showgrounds, 13 Stanley River Road, Maleny on 8th – 9th September from 9am to 4pm daily and is a celebration of the local food industry, showcasing an abundance of freshly grown, local foods from Sunshine Coast producers, manufacturers and restaurants.

Martin will be hosting his cooking demonstration in The Natural Foodstore Real Food Kitchen at 2.30pm on Saturday, 8th September.

Born in Germany, Martin developed his enthusiasm for cooking at a young age and began his journey with food as an apprentice at Lennon’s Brisbane Hotel. Moving to Sydney in 1990, Martin went on to work at a number of Sydney restaurants and hotels where he realised his love and passion for Asian cuisine.

In 1999, Martin and his business partner, Sam Christie launched Longrain Restaurant and Bar in Sydneys’ Surry Hills followed by the Longrain Melbourne in 2005. With both restaurants continuing to receive rave reviews, Martin proceeded to release his first cookbook, Longrain Modern Thai Food and develop a range of Longrain Asian sauces called Longrain Produce for the aspiring home cook.

The festival is a weekend-long culinary adventure, featuring more than one hundred exhibitors and hosting a range of cooking demonstrations, kids activities, discussions and live local music. Entry is $12 for a one-day adult pass or $20 for both days. Children under 16 are free.

For more information on the Real Food Festival, or to register your interest, visit the Festival website at www.realfoodfestival.com.au or email celebrate@realfoodfestival.com.au.

06 August 2012

Australian expert to feature at Wellington Gluten Free Food & Allergy Show

Finding foods that made her wake up happy changed Australian gluten and grain free cookbook author Tania Hubbard’s life, so she is sharing her experience at a special presentation at the Gluten Free Food & Allergy Show in Wellington on 25 – 26 August.

Tania Hubbard, author of cookbook gluten free grain free – food we love said the Gluten Free Food & Allergy Show was a great opportunity for thousands of New Zealanders with coeliac disease and gluten intolerance to come together and discover what’s ‘out there’.

The show will offer a wide variety of hypoallergenic and gluten free products and foods as well as featuring a number of free seminars and expert talks from some of New Zealand’s most notable industry professionals.

Tania Hubbard will be among the special guests, performing a cooking demonstration called ‘Seeds of Change’, which will focus on how seeds and nuts can be an easy, healthy and delicious feature in a gluten and grain free lifestyle.

“My presentation will look at the benefits of foods like chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and raw cacao nibs and how to prepare and integrate these ingredients info foods,” Tania said.

“I will also whip up my amazing chia, pumpkin, sunflower seed, cinnamon, fruit and almond muesli, using some of New Zealand’s finest local produce,” Tania said.

The Gluten Free Food & Allergy Show will be held from 10am to 5pm on Saturday, 25th and Sunday, 26th August at the TSB Bank Area in Wellington. Tickets to the event are $10 or $35 for a family pass; children under the age of ten are free.

Tania’s journey began several years ago when after suffering migraines, chronic fatigue and repeated bouts of pneumonia; she was diagnosed intolerant to the protein found in cereal grains.

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

“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 condition turned out to be a blessing in disguise, helping her realise her talent and passion for food, which saw her go on to co-found the award-winning Husk & Honey Cafe with husband and business partner Eric, develop her own gluten and grain free bake@home range and write her own cookbook.

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.

Tania said her cookbook aimed to provide delicious and easy recipes and also help people understand and enjoy gluten and grain free living.

“My food isn’t just for coeliacs and those with grain and gluten intolerance, 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.

For a complete list of stockists of gluten free grain free – food we love  and the bake@home range, or to purchase online, visit www.glutenfreegrainfree.com.au.

For more information about the Gluten Free Food & Allergy expo, visit www.glutenallergy.co.nz.

03 August 2012

Bloomhill celebrates grand opening of new Therapy Centre

Bloomhill Cancer Help entered an exciting new phase on Thursday, 2 August, celebrating the official grand opening of its new Therapy Centre.

To mark the special event, Bloomhill hosted a high tea at the new Centre, 58 Ballinger Road, Buderim at 2pm with special guest, The Federal Minister for Health, the Hon Tanya Plibersek MP who played an important role in securing the grant money for the extension.

Bloomhill President, Jenny Carroll said the new Therapy Centre includes five new therapy rooms, state-of the art kitchen, additional office space and a beautiful, big recreation room.

“The new space is absolutely amazing. Our staff and clients are truly lucky to have access to such an amazing facility,” Jenny said.

“The opening event was a great opportunity to thank all those who helped Bloomhill through the grant and renovation process.” Jenny said.

In June 2011, Bloomhill received a $500,000 grant from the Commonwealth of Australia to support the health needs of regional communities thanks to the support received from the Federal Minister for Health, the Hon Tanya Plibersek MP.

Bloomhill President, Jenny Carroll said the new Therapy Centre means people diagnosed with cancer and their families from across the Sunshine Coast region will have better access to services and support.

“Bloomhill services more than 900 clients and we are constantly growing in numbers,” Jenny said.

“It is a truly unique service, focusing on the quality of life and walking clients through every stage of the disease,” Jenny 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.

Image (left to right): Queensland Senator Claire Moore; Bloomhill President, Jenny Carroll; Federal Minister for Health, the Hon Tanya Plibersek MP; Bloomhill Patron, Raelene Boyle and Bloomhill’s General Manager, Mervat Thompson.

30 July 2012

SCLA seeking new committee members

The Sunshine Coast Literary Association is appealing to enthusiastic community members to join its Executive Committee for 2012 – 2013.

The AGM will be held on Tuesday, 21 August at 6.15pm for a 6.30pm start in Meeting Room 1, Millwell Road Community Centre, Maroochydore and will discuss upcoming events and elect the new committee.

SCLA President Bryan Ward said the meeting would give community members the opportunity to get more involved in the association by joining the committee.

With all the members of the committee intending to resign from their current positions, the SCLA is calling for interested individuals to fill their roles. Nominations can be made at the meeting or beforehand. Online nomination forms are available in the AGM event listing at www.scliterary.org.

“The leadership committee plays an important role as they are responsible for organising all of the association’s events and activities,” Bryan said.

“The SCLA committee is vital to the future of the association and without a core group of dedicated volunteers the association will cease to exist,” Bryan said.

The AGM is open to all current committee members and anybody who wishes to join on the day; refreshments will be provided.

Formed in 2005, the SCLA provides a pathway for the Sunshine Coast’s aspiring writers and enthusiasts to explore their interests, develop skills and showcase their work. It allows like-minded individuals to exchange ideas and seek advice to develop their abilities.

The association offers regular literary workshops, seminars and events, awards programs and monthly Front Write Up literary performance evenings that provide an opportunity to showcase the talents of members. The SCLA also promotes other state and national writing competitions  that offer successful applicants great prizes and recognition.

“The SCLA is a wonderful resource for Sunshine Coast residents who are interested in honing their creativity in the literary field,” Bryan said.

For more information on beginning your journey as a writer and becoming a member of the SCLA, to RSVP or make a nomination for the executive committee, please email info@scliterary.org, visit www.scliterary.org or phone 07 5450 2690.

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