the real people of noosa
1 Why Noosa? What brought you here?
Growing up on the Sunshine Coast I always loved coming to Noosa. Following university in Brisbane and getting some work experience under my belt, I looked at moving back to the coast and the only part left unspoiled by over-development was Noosa.
As an environmental manager I wanted to work somewhere where I could make a difference. Noosa Council had a good reputation for environmental policy, so I came here to be a part of it.
2 What did you do in a former life, before coming to Noosa?
I was an environmental manager with Brisbane City Council.
3 What makes you stay in Noosa? Describe your relationship with the place?
From an environmental perspective, there has been is no better local government in Australia to work for. Beyond that, I just love the place. I will never get tired of surfing the points in Noosa National Park, strolling along the River with my kids, or watching the moon rise from Tinbeerwah lookout.
4 What do you do?
I am the Manager of Environmental Services North at Sunshine Coast Council, so visitors can simply enjoy the destination as this is what we work hard to protect.
5 What makes Noosa ‘tick’ and what are its unique characteristics?
Everyone here realises that Noosa is a beautiful place and we all have to do whatever it takes to keep it that way - even marching down George Street if necessary (read on). Noosa is about people and the environment. It is about daring to be different, and looking after what we have been so lucky to inherit. The people that I get to work with are full of passion and enthusiasm for the place and it shows in everything that goes on here.
6 How would you describe Noosa to someone with no knowledge of it?
Like Banff at the beach. It’s a series of villages in a spectacular subtropical setting with stunning beaches, expansive natural areas including the beautiful hinterland. The people are relaxed and friendly and you can get a great meal as well. It is a place for lazy sunbaking, relaxing with friends, getting back to nature and being yourself - whoever that may be.
7 What’s your favourite haunt/spot/view/thing to do around Noosa?
Surfing at Granite Bay on a big cold winter swell while the Australasian Gannets dive bomb the waves all around you for pilchards.
8 Your most unusual Noosa experience…
Taking part in a street march in Brisbane with around 10,000 Noosa people including my work colleges, the CEO, Councillors and the Mayor, protesting against the State governments forced amalgamation of the local shire.
9 Where was your last holiday?
In Spain - loved it!!!
10 Name someone who has inspired you and why?
There are a lot of inspirational people around Noosa - maybe that’s the correct answer to what make the place tick - the inspirational people. Among many was the late Dr Arthur Harold, past president of the Noosa Parks Association and a staunch environmental crusader. We all owe an enormous amount to the likes of Arthur and his friends, as they laid the foundations upon which the Noosa we now know was created.