the real people of noosa
1 Why Noosa? What brought you here?
Noosa is like a magnet - once you've been here it draws you back and back. My husband and I have been visiting beautiful Noosa on and off for over a decade. Two years ago we decided that it would be a wonderful place to bring up our little boy, so we left our hectic lives (and the weather!) in the UK and here we are... happy and warm!
2 What did you do in a former life, before coming to Noosa?
I headed up the Charter Sales division for a large private jet management company called TAG Aviation in London. The private jet industry is very much a service driven industry due to the high calibre of clientele and the high costs involved. I am passionate about customer service which also plays a huge part in the bridal industry I am in now.
3 What makes you stay in Noosa? Describe your relationship with the place?
Noosa has everything on its doorstep.....from beaches to Bunnings! There is often no need to leave the area as it is so well serviced. There is always something to do, whether it be beaches, climbing Mount Coorora in Pomona (!!) or relaxing with a glass of wine on Noosa River. I love the Noosa Farmers Market on a Sunday too.
I make sure I drive home from work along the river... as the sunsets and coloured sky against the water is amazing.
4 What do you do?
I am the owner of a bridal boutique called Pure Bridal, based in Gateway Drive, Noosaville. I sell beautiful bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses, prom and cocktail wear, shoes and stunning jewellery! I also offer a wedding dress steaming service for out of town brides who arrive in Noosa for their wedding day with a creased dress!
5 What makes Noosa ‘tick’ and what are its unique characteristics?
I believe the local's make Noosa tick. There is a great mix of nationalities and age groups but all with one thing in common - here to enjoy Noosa's lifestyle, laid back charm and beauty.
6 How would you describe Noosa to someone with no knowledge of it?
A magical place that will steal your heart! Pristine beaches, fabulous views, friendly locals and great restaurants.
7 What’s your favourite haunt/spot/view/thing to do around Noosa?
I've got a few... We've recently discovered the North Shore and love the view looking back towards Noosa. I also enjoy the Noosa River and it’s great for kids who can play in the waterside park or paddle in the shallows. You can't beat a couple of hours on the beach followed by an ice cream from Royal Copenhagen in Hastings Street either!
8 Your most unusual Noosa experience…
I haven't really got one.
9 Where was your last holiday?
Venice, Italy last October for my mum's 60th Birthday. Like Noosa, Venice is one place you should try and visit in your lifetime. It’s a truly incredible place!
10 Name someone who has inspired you and why?
My grand father. He survived being blown off the wing of his warplane in the Second World War which had been hit by opposition fire. He had crawled along the fuselage of the plane to try and release his co-pilot whose canopy had jammed shut. After the war he went on to become a very successful daredevil motorbike side-car racer for Triumph/Norton during which years, he managed to break almost every bone in his body for the love of the sport. Later in life he was involved in a horrific accident when a London double decker bus ran him over. He was hospitalised for almost a year and in that time had his right leg amputated. However, this didn't hold him back and once he regained his fitness he took to the skies standing on top of a biplane to become the oldest Wing Walker (with one leg!) at 85 and secured his place in the Guinness Book of World Records. He passed away just before his 90th birthday when he was booked in to wing walk again.