the real people of noosa

1    Why Noosa?  What brought you here?

I've been fortunate enough to have lived here most of my life, growing up and living around the Eumundi/Noosa area. It continues to be a fantastic place to live and the beautiful beaches, national parks, Noosa River and lake systems are just some of my favourite places.

2    What did you do in a former life, before coming to Noosa?

I am a PE & Outdoor Education teacher by trade and I taught at numerous schools in and around the Noosa area. I've also done a reasonable amount of travelling for work and pleasure, both in Australia and overseas. Now I happily reside near Eumundi with my wife, Lauralee, and 4yr old daughter Rhoni!

3    What makes you stay in Noosa?  Describe your relationship with the place?

Family would be the main reason for staying. For us, it's great to be close to our family base! Plus - I've never really pictured myself living anywhere else as I always felt strongly drawn to the Noosa area.

4    What do you do?  

My wife and I are the owners and directors of Corporate FAME Australia. Our business predominantly facilitates teambuilding activities and health/fitness programs to corporate conference events. As a division of that business, we also conduct abseiling for individuals and groups, predominantly at Mt Tinbeerwah, under the name of Abseil Noosa.

5    What makes Noosa ‘tick’ and what are its unique characteristics?

I think the lifestyle that people create is what makes Noosa tick. Most people are involved in some form of leisure activity, as there is such a variety to be involved in - it's just great to see people out there doing stuff. There aren't too many places that have such an array of natural features for us to enjoy including the ocean, national parks, rivers, lakes and mountains all on our our doorstep.

6    How would you describe Noosa to someone with no knowledge of it?

Very special!! It has been relatively protected from overdevelopment which helps maintain a relaxed, laid back, almost resort type atmosphere. It caters for the modern lifestyle, without jeopardising the natural feel, enhanced by the protection of neighbouring national parks and surrounding forest reserves. With a great climate and varied and interesting mix of people Noosa has something to offer everyone!

7    What’s your favourite haunt/spot/view/thing to do around Noosa?

Surfing or kayaking around the outer points of Noosa and running through the Noosa National Park.

8    Your most unusual Noosa experience…

Surfing by the light of the full moon at Tea Tree Bay in Noosa National Park. The ideal conditions don't often come together (swell, wind, clear skies etc) but the effort of getting out there when it does is well worth it.

9    Where was your last holiday?

Rainbow Beach! We stayed at the Plantation Resort in town for a couple of nights just before Christmas and enjoyed surfing off the front beach.

10     Name someone who has inspired you and why?

I've been inspired by many people throughout my life so far, which makes it difficult to name just one. Generally though, people who give of themselves for the betterment of others are the ones that inspire me.