Sunshine down memory lane

Nev Burton and children 1971 in What's Up Sunshine. Picture: Griffith Studios, Image courtesy: Noosa Library.

By Margaret Maccoll

What’s up Sunshine? is Noosa Council’s exhibition to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the naming of the Sunshine Coast.
The exhibition features photographs and video by leading local and Queensland artists as well as historic images from the Picture Noosa collection and pieces of memorabilia.
“Picture Noosa has a significant collection that documents the life of Noosa and the region over the past five decades,” exhibition curator John Waldron said.
“These images mixed with the creative works of artist photographers reveal events both good and bad. They show the changing landscape, towns and fashion, and document people celebrating, achieving, getting on with life and having fun.
“It’s likely that local visitors to the exhibition may spot themselves in the photos on display and, if so, we’d love to hear their stories.”
August 2017 marks 50 years since the name Sunshine Coast was officially gazetted by the Queensland Government to describe the region from Caloundra to Noosa.
Then Landsborough, Maroochy and Noosa councils endorsed the name to cover the three shires for promotional purposes. “Sunshine Coast” replaced the name “Near North Coast”, which had previously been in use. It was not considered distinct enough or identifiable by southerners.
What’s up Sunshine? will run until 23 July 2017 at Noosa Regional Gallery. Excerpts of the exhibition will be on display at Noosaville Library from 25 July to 14 August.