With Christmas only days away, we are well and truly in celebration mode. Across the Shire there have been carols, Christmas lights and community Christmas celebrations. The Noosa Council Christmas Convoy has covered both ends of the Shire – from Peregian to Kin Kin – and everywhere in between, bringing smiles and joy to so many. Quite simply, this is the best time of year. For some however, it’s also the hardest.
The Mayor’s Christmas Appeal returns for its fourth year in 2023. Your support will help local charities reach more people in need in Noosa this festive season. The local housing crisis and cost of living have made for a very tough year for many residents and local charities are reporting a surge in demand for support. Any donation or contribution is so greatly appreciated. Wrapped gifts displaying the suitable age/gender of a child can be dropped off under the Christmas tree at Tewantin-Noosa RSL Club on Memorial Avenue, Tewantin. Similarly, you can also drop gift donations to our Customer Service desk at 9 Pelican Street, Tewantin. Gift cards and non-perishable food donations are also welcome. Similarly, donations can also be made directly to the six charities the Mayor’s Christmas Appeal supports including; Salvation Army Noosa, St Vincent de Paul Noosa, Santa’s Classy Helpers, Sunny Kids, Womenkind and Youturn Youth Support. Donations can be made up until the 19th of December 2023. For more information, please visit Council’s website at www.noosa.qld.gov.au
A heart felt thanks to all involved.
With Christmas holidays well and truly in the swing of things, Council is leading a campaign to see Noosa Heads declared a Safe Night Precinct. To make it happen we are working with the State Government agencies to clarify the process. It has the support of the Hastings Street Association and also our local police. I have also written to Police Minister Mark Ryan calling for a bolstering of police numbers during our peak holiday periods. The Qld Government developed Safe Night Precincts several years ago to reduce late night drug and alcohol related violence in key entertainment areas. There are 15 Safe Night Precincts in Queensland, including one on the Sunshine Coast that takes in Mooloolaba, Maroochydore and Caloundra. It is high time that Noosa had one too as this type of precinct would assist our local police to further target anti-social behaviour.
Noosa Council’s “Go Noosa” free holiday buses are back for Christmas and New Year. From now, until the 21st of January 2024, there are five free Translink services that run across the Shire. As well, there’s a free electric shuttle that runs every 15 minutes from 7:00am to 7:00pm and half hourly until 10:00pm, linking Noosa Heads, Noosa Junction, Weyba Road and Noosa Parade. Park your car for free at the Weyba Road AFL ground, The J or anywhere along the route and catch the 065 Loop Bus from there. For more information on the free bus service visit the Translink website or call 13 12 30, or visit Council’s website at noosa.qld.gov.au
This is my last column before Christmas, and it is the final time I will have the opportunity as Mayor to wish you all a very Merry Christmas. My hope is that your Christmas is full of joy and happiness; that celebrations and festivities are spent in the presence of loved ones. As we turn our minds and our hearts to those across the world who are suffering this Christmas, we are reminded of the blessings that have been bestowed upon us and how lucky we truly are.
On behalf of all councillors and all at Noosa Council we wish you, your families and loved ones, a safe, happy and peaceful Christmas and every blessing. Merry Christmas, love Clare.
