Suzie Jones, Tas - Silver (left)  Fiona Falzon, Qld - Gold (centre)  Maria Suarez, Qld - Bronze (right)

Fiona Falzon is heading for Auckland next week to represent our country in Karate's Oceania Cup, fresh from taking Gold in the Australian Open Karate Kumite Championships in Sydney earlier this month. Inspired by her 5 year old when he took up Karate, and then the story of a black-belt Grandma in the local paper 9 years ago, Fiona began a journey she says was "akin to climbing Everest". She began competing only 5 years ago and has won National titles in 2014 and 2016 in the Veteran's category (45 plus). Fiona says it has been life-changing, saying "The overall technique opens us up to insights into our life, producing inner strength through balance and peace - we don't need to lash out".

Fiona was special guest on NOOSA FM's Monday Magazine on the 30th May (podcast below) and spoke about the art and craft of Karate and the broader, holistic affect it can have on the body, mind and spirit.

For those who may be interested in learning more about Karate, Fiona suggests trying a couple of classes at different dojos (i.e. a room or hall in which Karate and other martial arts are practiced), as all are a little different, and it's best to choose based on how you are feeling while in each dojo.

Plastic Free Noosa is a whole-of-community project to reduce Noosa's plastic footprint. The project was initiated by The Boomerang Alliance, as part of their Communities Taking Control campaign, which focuses on achieving wide scale change away from plastic pollution. 

This year, Plastic Free Noosa has set an aspirational goal to reduce the use of identified single-use plastic packaging in Noosa by 50% by November 2018. To achieve this, we engage directly with food outlets, events, markets, and other organisations to switch from single-use plastics to better alternatives. We also encourage individuals to take up a plastic-free lifestyle. 

Kellie Lindsay from Plastic Free Noosa popped in to discuss their aspirations, goals and the latest with NOOSA FM.

Check out the interview below:

As the only Independent member of the Queensland parliament, Sandy Bolton MP says "I believe that I hold a special position. And not for the reason that you may think. Being answerable to the people of Noosa, and not a political party, is more than special. It is both liberating and empowering for the people of the Noosa electorate."  Sandy spoke openly with Mike Scott, host of the Monday Magazine program on NOOSA FM on the 26th March 2018.

Below are 11 segments from that interview, covering a wide variety of topics relevant to our unique electorate:

Playwright David Williamson dropped in to NOOSA FM to discuss his most recent play 'Sorting out Rachel' with Jo Hendrie. Be sure to listen to the interview on the 'Breakfast with Jo & Simon' show from 6am - 9am this Tuesday, 20 March.

Coming to Noosa direct from the World Premiere of  SORTING OUT RACHEL at the Ensemble Theatre in Sydney, NOOSA alive! Australia’s foremost regional community performing arts and culture festival proudly presents four ‘only’ exclusive fundraising performances, taking place at The J Theatre, in Noosa on Wednesday 21 March 2pm (matinee) & 7.30pm, Thursday 22 & Friday 23 March, 7.30pm.

SORTING OUT RACHEL opened in Sydney on Wednesday, January 24 to resounding success with the Sydney season already close to totally sold!  By all accounts this show is not to be missed! With only four performances in Noosa (with no possibility of extension), we urge you to book quickly to avoid disappointment.

These performances of SORTING OUT RACHEL honour David Williamson AO, the most produced playwright in the history of Australia (amongst his many other accolades across literature, theatre, film and television).  

A fierce believer in ‘giving back’ and in the importance of culture to community, David has generously donated royalties from SORTING OUT RACHEL to NOOSA alive!

‘Culture needs to be supported and encouraged by community, without it we risk being an empty shell. The greatest fun of all is to get involved and to create ‘occasion’. The Festival, now in its 17th year is something for Noosa to be proud of. It’s the only festival of its kind in Australia and it has been delivering the very best of culture and performance to the Noosa community for a very long time. It’s great to see the recognition it gets and the calibre of performer, local and visiting, that the festival attracts and showcases. Jump on board to support the Festival’s future – You will have a great time doing something truly valuable for our community!’
David Williamson AO.

Named as one of Australia’s living national treasures, David is no stranger to Noosa, in fact he and wife Kristin are synonymous with Noosa having lived locally for many years and remain founding Patrons of NOOSA alive! (formerly the Noosa Long Weekend Festival).

Enthusiastic Coolum listener Emmelie Wittermans, visited Noosa FM for an interview with Sibylle Reisch on how to ride a motorbike with a keen four legged pillion passenger.  Her pal Peter, laps it up!

Catch this and other interesting animal snippets with Sibylle on Good Night Music Pet Purri plus insights into the care of animals and the intricacies and health of your pet; all this and great music, too! NOOSA FM, 6-8pm Sundays.

Uncle Charlie Chambers was born in Cherbourg in 1936. His parents were “Stolen. Generation from Far North Queensland.  He helped R M Williams make his mark at Rocky Bar cattle station. His art is what he sees, not what others expect. It is his own, yet has a familiar simplicity and unique quality, with wondrous ways to depict the beauty of the land.

Champion footballer and boxer, all-round hard worker, softly-spoken and compassionate man, these days he lives to tell his remarkable stories and display his life's work in art, a life which until 15 "..were the best ...", he says, but where to then, no work in Cherbourg?

Uncle Charlie wanted to earn his own way through life, regardless of the limitations imposed upon him and others under the Aboriginal Protection Act, " ...I wanted to be a drover... so I escaped Cherbourg".

He finished up head stockman and manager on R M Williams "Rocky Bar Station" Eidsvold. He was inducted into the Stockman's Hall of Fame and was introduced to the Queen on that occasion. He features in a TV documentary about his life “Man Of Many Talents and renowned for his art.

Uncle Charlie was born on the  Cherbourg mission, just 2 hours North-West of Noosa. On the 4th December 2017 he visited Noosa Heads, on the coastal border of the country on which he spent his early life and spent several hours at Noosa FM, telling his stories and displaying some of his art. In the early days, children from Cherbourg traveled to Halse Lodge for holidays and many would like to visit today to revive memories of what were the few good times, and a welcome break, from dormitory life on the mission.

It was an enjoyable day for Uncle Charlie, who has recently commenced dialysis treatment, but he hopes to return soon with a full exhibition of his art work.

All information contain has been published with the permission of B. J. Chambers. For further information on this and other details, please contact Uncle Charlie's son, Billy Joe Chambers on 0498 686 792.​

Selected photographs from the filming of the TV documentary about Uncle Charlie Chamber's life “Man Of Many Talents".

As the the saying goes man is a dogs best friend. But let's be honest, most dogs are pretty well everybody's best friend.

Today Beth Robinson was in at NOOSA FM to be interviewed by Mike Scott on the the Mike on Monday Morning program to promote the Dog Lovers Show which is on this weekend (Sat 4 & Sun 5 November) at the Royal International Convention Centre,  Brisbane Showgrounds.

The 2017 Dog Lovers Show will celebrate dogs like no other event in Australia and the first Brisbane event will be one of the largest and most comprehensive Festivals for dog lovers in the world, providing an extensive array of entertainment, education and information.

Below is a snapshot of what will be on at the 2017 Dog Lovers Show:

• Australia’s most talented canines in action in the Royal Canin Main Arena showcasing Frisbee, Tricks & Agility demo’s, Weave Pole Sprint Challenge, Meet the Breed Showcase with celebrity vet Dr Chris Brown, Hero Dog Tribute show with ‘Neighbours’ star Andrew Morley and of course Dr Katrina Warren and the fabulous Wonderdogs.
• Meet & learn more about 40+ popular breeds (puppy’s & adult Dogs) in the Breed Showcase.
• Expert tips for a healthier, happier dog on the KONG Celebrity Vet Stage.
• Discover all you need to know about providing a loving home for a Dog in need in the Dog Adoption Zone.
• Information & experts on hand to help you find the right breed for your lifestyle at the Pat-A-Pooch & Perfect Match zones.
• Meet, cuddle and snap a selfie with some of the famous pooches of Instagram on the Insta-Pooch Stage!
• Expert breed talks at the Ask-A-Breeder Stage presented by dozens of breed clubs from Dogs Queensland.
• Explore faces of 100 Brisbane rescue Dogs at the Rescue Dog Art Exhibit painted with incredible adoration and detail by Stephen Gallagher.
• Tribute to Australian Military Working Dogs acknowledging the incredible contribution their Dogs continue to bring to country.
• Free vet, training and grooming advice from trusted experts.
• Buy all the latest and greatest Dog products and Services from hundreds of Exhibitors under one roof and stacks of new product launches & show specials.
• All the latest gear and services to spoil your pooch, with a Major Door Prize, free Face Painting & photo wall & loads more!

Extracts from: www.dogloversshow.com.au

Please Note: Sibylla Reisch will following up on her Sunday evening show, Pet Purri with a report from the above weekend's events.

Solli Raphael is Australia's new slam poetry champion. At the tender age of just 12 he is the youngest person ever to hold the title.

NOOSA FM's Mike Scott, and trainee Broderick Cameron, were fortunate enough to interview Solli this week and discuss his thoughts on recent events and his achievements.

Who is Solli? Known as a game-changer and a leader among his peers, Solli enjoys writing powerful and emotive poetry based on his understandings of the world around him. Solli is an eager homeschooling high-school student who has an affiliation with the likes of Martin Luther King Jr., Macklemore and many great leaders of the past.

With a vision to be an influential person among his peers, and within society in the hope to create change, Solli also enjoys running in Marathons, playing Tennis, and is currently learning to play the Saxophone.

Extracts from: www.solliraphael.com.au

Talented and beautiful Charly Bradshaw was interviewed live by Therase Burke on the Friday afternoon Drive Time program to discuss, amongst other things, her 'Avalon' CD launch next Friday 20th at The Shared, Yandina.

So why not head over to Yandina this Friday and support our very own homegrown talent.

NOOSA Community Radio has recently instated a new committee ready to entertain the region.

Sibylle Reisch is now the vice president and presents a Sunday evening show called Pet Purri that's all about our furry best friends.

"The main focus is pets and animals, I've interviewed SmartPups, the Noosa RSPCA, I made a recipe for dog ice cream, it was like a dog ice block,” Sibylle said.

"I want to contact the (Noosa) Council and the (Community) Biosphere about animal problems we have, like feral cats.
"I think there's things like that we can do on the radio show for the community.
"Animals need a voice. Everyone has a pet now.”

Sibylle started off volunteering in administration for the station, but this year set her sights on presenting.

"I only did the presenter course this year, I didn't even know it was possible (to be a presenter),” Sibylle said.
"I spend three days working on my show for a two hour show.”

Thanks to digital radio and the show's time slot, Pet Purri has fans all the way from Europe, as well as one her own backyard.

"I've got people from Ireland, Spain, UK, Germany that listen in,” Sibylle said.
"And my dog Bundy, he's a maremma (sheepdog). I adopted him.”

Listen to Pet Purri on Sunday evenings, 6-8pm on Noosa FM, 101.3fm

Photography and interview by Amber Macpherson/Noosa News

Every year NOOSA FM does an Outside Broadcast (OB) from Pomona showgrounds to support and celebrate our regionalNoosa Country Show.

The show is a traditional country show with a variety of competition sections that help celebrate the diversity of people and their talents that live in our community. Equestrian, Stud Beef, Dairy Cattle and dogs sections are the main animal sections.

Also the Pavilion with Arts and Craft, Cookery Horticulture and Fruit 'n' Vege sections was a must visit this year.

On the day the Showman's Guild supplied all the rides and amusement arcade zone with the usual favorites for the children (and dads).

This year Sibylla Reisch [Good Night Music Pet-Purri Sunday 6 - 8 pm] took the opportunity to record a number of brief interviews with various dog breeders at the show, a selection of which you can listen too below...

5/6/2017: Duet Anna and Jordan, from Maroochydore, released a new single and performed live this week in the studios of Noosa FM. You can hear their performances and interview here:

​Ricky Pascoe is a passionate advocate for his people, well-informed in the history of colonisation and traditions of his First Nations culture, and a survivor of the Stolen Generation.

In Part 1 of the interview Ricky describes the areas, languages and customs of his people and how they suffered, during, for example, the Northern NSW massacres.

In Part 2 , Ricky reveals the importance of a totem to Aboriginal people, the affects of displacement and the removal of children from their families.

In Part 3, Ricky reveals his own experiences as a member of the Stolen Generation, the challenges and consequences of separation and disbursement and his hopes for the future.

Elder Auntie Melba Townsend is a Family Support Worker  with the Intensive Family Support Service unit of United Synergies and has a specialist role as a respondent for families enduring bereavement after suicide She speaks about her people, her job and her experiences as a first nations descendant of those who arrived here during the years of “Black-birding”.
 
In Part 1 of the interview, Auntie Melba describes her country and people and her role in the community, particularly in relation to the incidence of suicide and the subsequent affects on family and friends. 


In Part 2 Auntie Melba offers some suggestions and reveals her “Black-birding” heritage and some history of the practice and the contributions "Pacifika" people have made to Queensland, as recognized  with bi-partisan support in 2000. 


In Part 3 youth issues are discussed and the intensive support services that are often required to help people get "back on the track“ in a culturally appropriate way, and a call-out for more training for Indigenous support workers to help in these areas.
​
​Below are links to the interviews:

To mark Reconciliation Week, Auntie Heather Castledine spoke to Mike Scott about the history and significance of both the Reconciliation Movement and the "Defying The Borders" walks she instigated to raise awareness of the colonial practice of creating borders around settlementsof creating borders around settlements across Australia, over which Aboriginal people, and other people of other non-European cultures, were forbidden to cross after dark.

​Auntie Heather is the past Aboriginal co-chair for Reconciliation Queensland, and says,  while she has a number of nationalities in her heritage, she is most proud of her aboriginality. "I've always wanted to do something, to make a difference... I want to give something back to help make the culture strong." she declares.

In this 3-part segment, just before Reconciliation Week 2017, Auntie Heather provides an insight into the history and significance of the Reconciliation movement, the "Defying the Borders' walks, the 50th anniversary of the 1967 Referendum and the 150th anniversary year of the cessation of the practice of "Blackbirding" . Next Monday we'll be talking with Auntie Melba Townsend from United Synergies about her work in the community, and local band @In2Nation !
​(See audio players below picture for recordings of the interview). Hope you find this interview as compelling as I did! ....Mike Scott.
Auntie Heather Castledinei is pictured above

The first Monday Morning with the Mike AMRap radio show on Noosa FM this week was a blast, thanks to Olivia Ruth.

Local The Lyrical  released his latest single "Teach Me", live and exclusively on radio with Scotty on the  "Monday with Mike" show this week, and you can hear it now, and part of the interview, by clicking the link below the photo.

On Wednesday 22nd June, thirteen year 11 students visited NOOSA Fm for a taste of a real live working radio station. They arrived at 9:30 am and were given a station tour by Jimi Mc and John Schluter.

Next up it was in at the deep end with Len Tyler for an interview live on air. Len worked his inimitable magic creating a relaxed ambience for the students to individually express their views and the general concensus was that it was a fabulous introduction to live radio! He even managed to persuade a very reluctant Monique to join in the fun.
 
Afterwards it was open forum  with John Schluter who gave generously of his time answering informal questions and sharing his immense experience in the world of TV and Radio.
 
And with a quick look at the practice studio and a teaser session with Jimi Mc the students managed to cover quite a lot in a relatively short visit.
 
Special thanks to Vice Principal Mr Stock and Film, TV, New media and English teacher Miss Lillingstone.
 
Good Shepherd Lutheran College will be our first School of the Month… more details to follow.

On Wednesady 20th April,  Mark Schafferius, Adam Lund, Josiah Bradshaw and Rodney Solomon got a taste of a  real working Radio station when they visited Noosa 101.3 fm for a behind the scenes tour and  live interview with our very own Len Tyler. The lads, with their support team led by the amazing Hazel Starr from Interact Australia, learnt about the history of the station and even had a go at working the desk in Studio 2! A lot of fun was had by all and there were huge smiles all round! Thanks for the visit and all the best!