SUNSHINE COAST COMMUNITIES GO ALL OUT TO CELEBRATE QLD’S 150TH

From Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Tours to a musical theatrical presentation of Queensland’s history, Sunshine Coast communities have pulled out all stops to celebrate next year’s Queensland’s 150^th Anniversary, Premier Anna Bligh said today.

“There is outstanding interest for the remaining $2.4 million for the third and final round of the $4 million Q150 Community funding program,” she said.

The program, initiated by the Government, helps communities stage their own 2009 celebrations.

“Once again creative events and activities dominate the line-up.

“Fourteen community applications from the Sunshine Coast have successfully applied for $117,410.32 in the third and final round of Q150 Community Funding.

“They include the Nambour Community Centre’s Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Tours that provide an insight into the rich Aboriginal own3rship, history and culture of the area and Stella Maris Parents and Friends Association’s musical theatrical presentation of Queensland’s history.

“It’s great to see communities so excited about celebrating our 150^th anniversary of separation from New South Wales.

“We’ve come a long way since 1859 and we have plenty to celebrate.

“Today’s Proclamation Day and 21 sleeps until we start our biggest birthday year yet.

“We’ve added more than 300 successful community commemorative projects to the Q150 groundswell of activity that’s building up for next year.

“Queenslanders now have almost 500 Queensland Government-funded community activities they can enjoy or participate in around the State.

“This is on top of the major touring events like the Q150 steam train, Q150 shed and Q150 Film Festival.

“Queensland turns 150 only once and we’re doing everything we can to make sure celebrations touch as many Queenslanders as possible.

“From Weipa and the Torres Strait Islands in the North to Bedourie in the Far West and the Gold Coast in the South, there’s a Q150 activity for everyone.

“2009 is our year! Get ready to enjoy the events, the commemorations and the many creative ways you’ve come up with to mark this milestone in your own communities.”

Sunshine Coast Q150 Community Funding projects in Round 3:

Buderim-Palmwoods Heritage Tramway Inc, $5888.32. Restoration and commemoration of the Buderim Tramway Heritage Walking Track. This project will place two bench seats along the track at 460m and 740m from the start point.

Buderim War Memorial Community Association, $10,195. Buderim’s Big Bash, a community event to celebrate Queensland’s 150^th anniversary and showcase local volunteer groups that have from 112 years ago to the present day, created the strong sense of community of the region.

Butter Factory Arts Centre, Cooroy, $10,000. Contemporary Stories, Community Collections displays that reflect and celebrate the area’s contemporary heritage.

Eumundi Starlight Flicks in the Sticks, Eumundi, $10,000. A drive-in outdoor cinema using a family friendly community orientated location within walking distance of town rather than having to drive 20km to Noosa for entertainment.

Friends of Kandanga Inc, $10,000. A mural narrative of the development of the State of Queensland with Mary Valley, the central theme.

Maleny History Preservation and Restoration Society Inc, $10,000. Displays on the Maleny’s recent history for display at the society’s location at Maleny.

Mary Valley Oral History Group, Brooloo, $7500. A DVD on oral histories from the Mary Valley.

Mount Mee State School Parents and Citizens Association, Mount Mee, $6127. Update and reprint Amongst the Tall Timbers, restoration of 1893 School Committee Minute book as well as the construction and erection of a monument and production of a DVD.

Nambour Community Centre Inc, $4100. Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Tours will provide participants with the insight into the deep Aboriginal ownership, history and culture of the area.

Stella Maris Parents and Friends Association, Maroochydore, $10,000. A musical theatrical presentation of Queensland’s history.

Sunshine Coast Regional Council/Sunshine Coast Libraries, Nambour, $10,000. Places we make – Sunshine Coast Communities, a heritage publication that explores the history of the diverse communities of the Sunshine Coast, celebrating and commemorating their contribution over the past 150 years.

Sunshine Coast Regional Council. Nambour, $10,000. The Seed Pod Seating public art project, will be implemented as part of the Nambour Hub of the Hinterland program as a tribute.

Yandina Chamber of Commerce Inc, Festivities Committee, $10,000. A series of workshops through the Events in the Tent project conducted during the Yandina Street Festival.

Q150 program of events is available online at www.q150.qld.gov.au. More events are uploaded weekly. Printed programs will be available in local newspapers week commencing 25 January 2008 with a second printed program planned mid-year.

Media inquiries: 3224 4500

Bruce Horton, Treasurer, Buderim-Palmwoods Heritage Tramway Inc, 5456 1079, bjhorton@gmail.com

Lynn Moss, Vice-President, Buderim War Memorial Community Association, 5445 5312, geomoss@flexinet.com.au

Bernice Childs, Manager, Butter Factory Arts Centre, 5472 0107, Butter Factory Arts Centre, Bernice.childs@sunshinecoast.qld.gov

Trent Harvison, President, Eumundi Starlight Flicks in the Sticks, 5442 7880, teamharvo@bigpond.com

Adrienne Dan, Secretary, Friends of Kandanga Inc, 5488 4605, friendsofk@bigpond.com.au

Sue McCleary, Promotions Officer, Maleny History Preservation and Restoration Society Inc, 5478 4981, tsmccleary@optusnet.com.au

Maureen Lisle, Secretary, Mary Valley Oral History Group, 5484 5848, garlisle@beachaccess.com.au

Raelene Rosevear, Member, Mount Mee State School Parents and Citizens Association, 5498 2013, rosevear1@bigpond.com

Louise Bauer, Library Manager, Caloundra Office, Sunshine Coast Regional Council/Sunshine Coast Libraries, 5499 5410, louise.bauer@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

Naomi Wiley, Multicultural Community Worker, Nambour Community Centre, 5441 4724, mcw.ncc@flexinet.com.au

Allison Brown, Secretary, 0422 935 072, twoajbs@bigpond.net.au

Lisa Hill, Landscape Architect, Sunshine Coast Regional Council, 5441 8025, lisa.hill@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

Suzanne Nicholson, Committee Member, Yandina Chamber of Commerce Inc, Festivities Committee, 0438 149 814, suz@spot-one101.com