Max Martin takes centre stage in dream role

For Noosa District State High School student Max Martin, receiving his acceptance letter into the Queensland College of Dance’s Diploma of Musical Theatre program felt like stepping into the spotlight of a lifelong dream. “It was absolutely fantastic to find out that I’d been accepted,” Max said. “All of the time and effort I’ve put…

Photo of smiling people holding large Cooroy Rag cheques in the air

Heart of the Hinterland: the Cooroy Rag gives $10,000 in grants

The Cooroy Rag celebrated another community grants program at a relaxed evening at Crackerjack on 10 September. The gathering honoured recipients of the 2025 Community Grants, which distributed $10,000 to local organisations making a difference in their communities. The grants program represents the Cooroy Rag Community Newspaper’s commitment to reinvesting profits back into the community.…

Horses help heal trauma at Yandina Hoofbeats Sanctuary

In a quiet paddock in Yandina, rescued horses and traumatised humans are helpingeach other heal. Backed by a powerful new independent report from the University ofthe Sunshine Coast (USC), the trauma-informed equine-assisted programs atHoofbeats Sanctuary are being recognised as life-changing for participantsstruggling with complex mental health issues.“These horses save lives,” said Marie Rene, Program Director…

A Containers for Change recycling pod has been installed at the Noosa NorthShore Waste Transfer Station.

A Queensland first: National park recycling pod to protect Noosa’s natural heartA small but significant change is making a big difference on the Noosa North Shore.In a first for Queensland’s national parks, a Containers for Change recycling pod hasbeen installed at the Noosa North Shore Waste Transfer Station, giving campers andvisitors a simple way to…

McDermott Aviation flying high with national recognition

Aerial disaster response leader McDermott Aviation has been named a finalist in twomajor categories at the 2025 Australian Aviation Awards. The announcement cameas the company deployed 15 helicopters to Greece to assist in battling widespreadwildfires.Recognised in both the Aerial Services Business of the Year and Training andMentorship Program of the Year categories, McDermott Aviation continues…

Cooroy and Noosa aviation teams redefine firefighting innovation

Two leading aviation innovators based in the Noosa hinterland are set to transform aerial firefighting across Australia, and potentially, the world. McDermott Aviation, Australia’s largest private aerial disaster response company, has announced plans to introduce fixed-wing firefighting aircraft to its extensive fleet. Approval is currently with CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority), but once approved, the…

New pedestrian bridge installed in Eumundi

A new pedestrian bridge has been successfully lifted into place across the NorthMaroochy River near Seib Road in Eumundi, marking a major milestone in a projectaimed at improving pedestrian safety in the Sunshine Coast hinterland.The 30.2-tonne structure was installed overnight on Tuesday 6 May during a plannedroad closure, to minimise disruption to road users and…