ISOBEL COLEMAN
On Sunday, March 9, Noosa will celebrate the first anniversary of that historical day when we voted to take back our Council, our community.
March 9, 2013, was the day we went to the polls, to vote Yes or No on Noosa’s de-amalgamation. We overwhelmingly voted Yes, to the tune of 81.38 per cent.
The jubilation as the votes were counted was just reward for the years of campaigning by so many. It was a battle led by the likes of Glen Elmes MP, Noel Playford, Jim Berardo and Bob Ansett, but it was a battle fought by everyone.
And in there fighting with the best of them was this newspaper, Noosa Today.
Still in its infancy, Noosa Today made its stand – an independent newspaper for an independent Council.
If the Noosa community was going to stand up for what it believed in, then so were we. Sometimes we had to cop it on the chin, when attacked by the few who didn’t want de-amalgamation; but mostly, we received only good things, that same belief and support that encouraged us all to fight for an independent Noosa.
Noosa’s independence was no mean feat. It took tenacity, determination, total belief and many, many hours of hard work. And even when the vote was counted, there was still a way to go.
But on January 1 this year, our new Noosa Shire Council officially stepped forth. We chose our mayor – Noel Playford, and our councillors – Bob Abbot, Tony Wellington, Joe Jurisevic, Frank Pardon, Frank Wilkie and Sandy Bolton.
Then Council chose its CEO, Brett de Chastel.
Now, just a few weeks in, great things are already being achieved and the community is buzzing. Council meetings are open to the public and, as promised, there is transparency in Council dealings.
As Noosa’s only independent paper, a community newspaper funded and produced by locals, we celebrate the beginning of a new era for the Shire.
Our ethos is simple: we support local businesses – because we are one! We support shopping locally. We support keeping your hard-earned dollars here, in the community. Noosa Today team members do just that – we shop locally, we use local services, local schools and local restaurants. So by supporting us, you support your own income.
Apart from the printing of our newspaper – which is done in Yandina – every aspect of Noosa Today – from writing and designing to production and accounts – is done right here.
We are proud to call Noosa Shire home.
