19 March 2025
 
Disaster loans available
Small businesses, primary producers and not-for-profits impacted by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred can now apply for concessional loans to support their recovery.

Disaster Assistance Loans up to $250,000 for eligible small businesses and primary producers and are available to assist with restocking, reparing infrastructure and returning to normal operations.  

Essential Working Capital Loans up to $100,000 are available to help business operations continue, including paying salaries or wages, creditors, rent or rates.

Freight subsidies up to $5,000 are also available to impacted primary producers to move stock or produce, or to have essential supplies delivered to their farms. 

This assistance is jointly funded by the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments through the Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Find out more
Access financial and business support
We understand that Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred has caused significant challenges for many businesses across the region. To assist in recovery, the following support has become available:

Disaster Recovery Allowance: The Australian Government has announced financial assistance for affected employees who have lost income.

The Small Business Financial Counselling service provides free financial counselling support to business owners.

Sunshine Coast Council’s Local Business Support team offers a range of support services to help local businesses post disaster events, find out more at Level Up program by Sunshine Coast Council.

Free and confidential wellbeing support programs are available for business owners, check out Business Wellness Coaching and NewAccess.
Manage your business before, during and after a cyclone
Ocean Street sparkles
A new streetscape refresh has kicked off along one of Maroochydore's most bustling streets with warm coloured, low voltage LED lights twisting around palm trees along Ocean street through to the Duporth Avenue.

Ocean Street is a beloved cultural hub and Council is committed to making it even better with more streetscape improvements to come.

Over the next few months, works will begin to enhance the street with refreshed garden beds, repainted kerbs and improved accessible parking bays.
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Seasons of the Dev
Season of the Dev Community Day kicked off on the weekend where 150 attendees gathered to connect and grow our local games scene.

From March to May 2025, there are a number of events available to bring together our Sunshine Coast games development community.

Screen Queensland’s Sunshine Coast Season of the Dev is funded by Jobs Queensland and proudly supported by the Queensland Government, delivered in partnership with Essential Screen Skills. 
Find out more
BIANCO Roof Topping
An exciting milestone has been reached for RCQ’s landmark development, BIANCO, as the project officially celebrated its roof topping.

The Mediterranean-inspired development will further establish Caloundra as a highly desirable destination and create job opportunities for local residents.

BIANCO is the first new development in the Caloundra CBD in two decades, bringing much-needed high-quality residential and retail spaces to the area.
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Planning for our future
The Sunshine Coast planning scheme has moved one step closer to the public consultation phase, with the Queensland Government completing the state interest review, pending some conditions.

The next step is for Council to review the conditions set out by the Queensland Government and revise the proposed planning scheme accordingly.

Once these changes are made, Council will prepare for additional community consultation.
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Register

First Nations Stronger Business Connect
March 21
Attend a day filled with networking, learning and growth in Rosemount!

This is a fantastic opportunity for First Nations businesses to connect with service providers dedicated to supporting local business growth.

Register for FREE to network, gain valuable insights and access the support your business deserves.

Light lunch will also be provided.
Register

Harmony Day Business Challenge
March 21
The Chinese Association, Health, Wellness & Table Tennis and Sunshine Coast Table Tennis have been supported by Council to hold a Harmony Day inclusive event.  

Join the Coast’s first Table Tennis Business Challenge and claim your place to battle for business bragging rights.

There will be fun, drinks and fierce competition from 4pm warm up for a 5pm start.
Register

Advanced Power Distribution at Powersafe
March 26
Join the Manufacturing Excellence Forum in Coolum for a tour of Powersafe Products.

Powersafe specializes in manufacturing robust, portable power distribution equipment, including power boards, extension leads and cable protection solutions, all designed to withstand Australia's tough conditions.
Register

AI Hub Chapter Launch
March 27
Join the official launch of the Queensland AI Hub’s Sunshine Coast Chapter, an afternoon dedicated to exploring the real-world impact of AI—beyond the hype.

This event brings together industry leaders, innovators and changemakers to discuss the role of AI in education, nonprofit work, business and environmental sustainability.
Discover the program

Horizon Arts Festival
May 2-11
The Sunshine Coast’s award-winning arts festival, Horizon, returns May 2-11, bringing 10 days and nights of art, music, performance and more, set across the stunning landscapes of the region.

This year, Horizon has arts offerings, right across the region, bringing arts tourism to key areas across the coast including Kenilworth, Mapleton, Nambour, Maroochydore and Coolum.
 
March 23
Mooloolaba Mile Ocean Swim Festival | Mooloolaba

March 29
Yandina Five'0' | North Arm

March 29-30
Mooloolaba Triathlon 2025 | Mooloolaba

April 25 - May 7
Bodysurfing World Tour and World Championships 2025 | Coolum
Sunshine Coast hosts QLD’s biggest junior footy festival
Football Queensland is excited to announce the return of WinterFest to the Sunshine Coast from July 2-6.

Welcoming more than 2,000 footballers, the state's largest junior football carnival will again be delivered by Football Queensland (FQ) in partnership with the Sunshine Coast Council and Visit Sunshine Coast.

The carnival will feature Under 9 to Under 11 boys and girls teams from across Queensland.
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