Person looking into telescope with dark sky with many stars and Milky Way above

Hinterland moves closer to a dark sky reserve

The Sunshine Coast hinterland is a step closer to protecting its night skies, with Sunshine Coast Council advancing plans to secure international recognition as a Dark Sky Reserve. At the March Ordinary Meeting, Council endorsed an application under the International Dark Sky Places Program and adopted a Lighting Management Plan to guide the proposed reserve.…

Woman sitting at desk with serious expression on face

Sandy slams electoral reform changes

Independent Member for Noosa Sandy Bolton has accused the state government of undermining democracy during the first sitting week of the 2026 Queensland Parliament. Sandy said urgency motions were again used to limit debate on what she described as non-urgent yet controversial legislation, including changes to youth justice and political donations. She also criticised the…

Photo of older man sitting in chair holding a 100 years birthday card

How to reach 100 years young: a life of good living, grit, love and family 

On 31 March, Jim Grant will turn 100, marking a century shaped by hard work, tough times, humour, and an enduring love for family. Added to this remarkable birthday celebration, on 25 February he also celebrated 68 years of marriage to his wife Ruth. Asked if he is expecting a congratulatory letter from the King…

aerial view of cleared land ready for building

Cooroy affordable housing project gains unanimous backing

A long planned affordable housing development at Lake Macdonald Drive, Cooroy, has secured key approvals, with all councillors voting in support as community debate continues over the future of housing in the shire. The proposal will deliver 25 small, high-quality one- and two-bedroom social housing units and a communal area on a 3,158 square metre…

Aerial view of Terella Brewing with lots of cars filling the carpark

Terella Brewing closure saddens hinterland community

The closure of Terella Brewing Company at North Arm following a lengthy land-use dispute with Sunshine Coast Council has left many in the hinterland community saddened and disappointed. Known for its relaxed farm-style setting and family-friendly atmosphere, the brewery had become a popular gathering place for locals and visitors alike. Its closure has also sparked…

smiling couple holding hands in front of large Eumundi Market sign amongst green trees

Report confirms Eumundi Markets are a major regional tourism powerhouse

An independent economic impact report has confirmed what locals and visitors have long known: the Eumundi Markets is one of South East Queensland’s most significant tourism and economic assets, delivering wide ranging benefits to the Noosa hinterland and the broader Sunshine Coast. Released on 29 January, the report was commissioned by Experience Eumundi and prepared…

three teens in swimsuits lying on colourful towels on the sand near a bright blue ocean

Teen tanning trends raise the alarm amid the last of the sweltering summer heat

As the Noosa hinterland swelters through soaring end of summer temperatures and long hot days outdoors, new research has revealed a worrying disconnect between how teenagers view tanning and the serious health risks it carries. A National Child Health Poll conducted by The Royal Children’s Hospital has found almost half of Australian teenagers say they…

Global award affirms Noosa Shire’s welcoming future

Noosa Council has welcomed international recognition naming Noosa Heads one of the Top 10 Most Welcoming Towns on Earth, the only Australian destination to feature in Booking.com’s 14th annual Traveller Review Awards. The global accolade places the coastal suburb alongside leading destinations worldwide and highlights the enduring appeal of Noosa’s community spirit, lifestyle and natural…

Katie Rose Cottage Hospice: community aid called to continue care

Katie Rose Cottage Hospice, a cornerstone of community-based palliative care in the Noosa hinterland, has temporarily paused inpatient admissions as it grapples with mounting financial pressure and funding uncertainty. Chair of the board and treasurer Les Godwin FCPA [Fellow Certified Practising Accountant] said the pause was a difficult but necessary step. “The temporary pause to…