the real people of noosa
1 Why Noosa? What brought you here?
When you travel extensively and then year-after-year find yourself coming back to the same place for a holiday (like Noosa for five years in a row) you know you have found a place you love. If you then get to a position and an age where you can choose where you live why not settle down in the place you – and countless others – consider the best in the world.
2 What did you do in a former life, before coming to Noosa?
After nearly 20 years as a journalist specialising in politics, aviation and motoring. Ron plunged into public relations, advertising and marketing company and, along with Alison and Darryl was into publishing and events’ organising.
3 What makes you stay in Noosa? Describe your relationship with the place?
At first, a love affair with everything that is “Noosa” – the climate (for Kiwis born and bred), the pace, quality and style of a world-class holiday town never too far from the mainstream, and working and socialising with like-minded people. After 14 years we’re certified Aussies and it’s “home” (but don’t tell family and friends in NZ) and with two businesses to run we’re not going anywhere!
4 What do you do?
Silly question. Work, of course, what with two businesses run. No, for the past five years we have managed Montpellier Boutique Resort, which is no longer one of Noosa’s best-kept accommodation secrets. Everyone now seems to be able to find us in James Street, just off the river in Noosaville and just round the corner from Madissons. We offer top-quality, modern 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartments that match the best Hastings Street can offer at two-thirds the price. And we also own Noosa Car Rentals which we see as a 4½-star “boutique” companion to our 4½-star resort. We offer quality Toyota cars – only Yaris and Corolla – kept in as-new condition, with local delivery (including Sunshine Coast Airport) at very competitive all-inclusive prices.
5 What makes Noosa ‘tick’ and what are its unique characteristics?
No need to keep repeating ourselves.
6 How would you describe Noosa to someone with no knowledge of it?
Perfect – well almost. (Traffic engineers and those who do the sign-posting still have a lot to answer for)
7 What’s your favourite haunt/spot/view/thing to do around Noosa?
Madissons. It’s so close and so “Noosa.” And, as a dining alternative, Rasa (If only because we can’t escape the clutches of Kat!)
8 Your most unusual Noosa experience…
Watching the thousands of fruit bats make their nightly pilgrimages to food. The sheer numbers are truly amazing.
9 Where was your last holiday?
Noosa! We recently returned from New Zealand after visiting family and friends and it was hardly a holiday because we were running around here, there and everywhere so it was great to come back to Noosa to a more relaxed atmosphere.
10 Name someone who has inspired you and why?
Hmmm, a tough one. Basically anyone and everyone who has a go and is not afraid to put in a bit of hard work to achieve a result.