Noosa Community Afternoon Tea

Mayor, Councillor Wellington and fellow Councillors; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

I at once acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands around Tewantin and Noosa, and extend respectful greetings to Elders and emerging leaders.

It is a tremendous pleasure for Kaye and me to host this afternoon’s event for the wonderful Noosa - Tewantin community, and to say thank you for showing such camaraderie during the recent horrific bushfires.

Your region is famous for its stunning beaches, natural beauty and laid-back lifestyle, but the people living here are also renowned for their passionate spirit.

Over the years you have fought to ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy all the benefits that a modern, sophisticated community offers, while retaining the “village” feel synonymous with Noosa and Tewantin and other parts of the district.

When, in the past few months, disaster struck – not once, but twice – you came together with determination and generosity to help firefighters protect what you have worked so hard to build.

You know it is a special place worth fighting for.

In October 2019, I visited the Sunshine Coast in the aftermath of the fires that threatened Peregian. Sadly, only one month later, bushfires blazed again – this time engulfing the localities of Tewantin, Cooroibah and Noosa North Shore – forcing mass evacuations.

Our thoughts are with those who lost homes and property to the inferno, and whose lives and livelihoods, untouched by flames, were nonetheless disrupted. In a rather cruel twist, our thoughts extend to those also now affected by flooding following recent heavy rain!

My admiration and thanks go to all our amazing emergency services for their bravery, and selfless dedication.

I am looking forward to learning more about response and recovery efforts, when I visit the Noosa Heads Fire Station tomorrow.

Yet, there is also so much to be joyful about in the Noosa district!

This morning, I met with your Council to hear about the projects planned for the region, and we visited the Noosa Men’s Shed – the scene of much friendly activity.

Kaye and I then toured the marvelous Cooroy Butter Factory Arts Centre, and viewed the green space that will be transformed into a nature-inspired playground. Kaye even had the opportunity to entertain the children with a story at the Cooroy Library.

Tomorrow, we will have breakfast with local business leaders, before visiting the NoosaCare Caramar community at Tewantin, and Sunshine Beach State High School.

Our visit will conclude with an exploration of the new, cutting-edge Peregian Beach Digital Hub.

Clearly, the Noosa Shire has much to look forward to. Thank you for your active enthusiasm in keeping your region the vibrant, beautiful place we all love.