08 July 2025
 
 
Budget delivers for now and the future
Safer roads, projects that unite us and delivering the services our community enjoys every day are at the heart of a ‘future-focused and responsible’ 2025–26 Sunshine Coast Council Budget.

Council will achieve this while limiting the minimum general rate rise to $2.10 per week for the majority of owner-occupier ratepayers.

Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the Budget was shaped by a clear message from the community about what’s most important – along with a need for strong, responsible decision-making amidst rising costs and economic pressures.
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It's time to level up your business
Join us this August for the Thriving Through Change Expo, an afternoon of inspiration, expert insights and hands-on support to help your business adapt, grow and thrive.

Now in its fifth year, this is the place to connect to government agencies and support organisations available to businesses on the Sunshine Coast, all under one roof.

Thriving Through Change is proudly brought to you by Sunshine Coast Council in collaboration with the region's Chambers of Commerce and Industry Groups.
Register
Local foodie wins culinary ‘Osar’
"Bom trabalho" Kim McCosker! (That's "well done" in Portuguese ...)

Local food innovator's 4 Ingredients "More Diabetes" book has just won the prestigious bestselling publisher category at the 30th Gourmand World Cookbook Awards in Portugal.

Kim was one of hundreds of entries from more than 150 countries in the awards, which highlight the diversity and richness of culinary traditions worldwide.

The cookbook was recognised for its outstanding contribution to health-conscious cooking and its growing global impact.

Kim is a longstanding ambassador of business, innovation and collaboration on the Sunshine Coast!
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Buy Local Day shines
From Nambour to Caloundra, on Saturday June 28 the Sunshine Coast put their spending where their hearts are and supported local independent businesses across the region.

Shopping tours, food tastings and personal styling sessions were just a few of the events that encouraged local shoppers to support the businesses that make our region so special.

Businesses embraced the wave of enthusiastic shoppers as the community spent the day treating themselves while putting money in the hands of our local business owners.

Buy Local Day Ambassador and White's IGA director Roz White, highlighted: “This initiative really shines a spotlight on the importance of supporting our local businesses, not just on Buy Local Day but every day.”
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Cerge paves the way for accessible venues
Sunshine Coast company Cérge is on a mission to make public venues around the world more accessible and inclusive.

With backing from the Queensland Government, Cérge is helping service and hospitality teams confidently support customers with disability through tools like AI Wayfinding, virtual tours, sensory guides, and pre-visit communication.

Their platform removes guesswork, reduces anxiety, and builds inclusive communities.

Sunshine Coast Council is proud to partner with Cerge to help create more inclusive venues.
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Bundle of Rays goes global
Congratulations to local healthtech startup, Bundle of Rays, on launching an exciting Basic Life Support pilot program in Sri Lanka in partnership with the International Institute of Health Sciences.

This pilot will use Bundle of Rays’ cutting-edge XR delivery model to train 200 nurses, paving the way for a national rollout across Sri Lanka that could reach 40,000 nurses and 20,000 doctors.

Bundle of Rays is harnessing the power of virtual reality to reshape the way students and professionals learn and practice nursing through targeted sessions that drive improved learning and retention.
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July: Data and Cyber Security

Presenting The Resilient Business Series, follow along with this month-by-month program, guiding you through an editable continuity planning template designed to help you prepare for, respond to and recovery from disruptions.

Designed for busy small business owners, this series breaks down the template into actionable steps, focussing on one key section each month.

This month we are focusing on Data and Cyber Security - because one click, one weak password or one unprotected file could cost your business everything.  

From customer trust to financial loss, the risks are real - but the good news? So are the solutions. Taking a few simple steps now can save you from a serious setback later.  

 Ready to get started?  

Download the Continuity Planning template or continue working on your own and complete pages 12 to 16, the Data and Cyber Security section.  

 This month you will: 
Identify key actions to protect your business data 
Set up a simple back-up plan  
Document essential IT support contacts 
Outline practical cyber security measures 
More information
Register

Geospatial Intelligence workshop 
July 23
The Sunshine Coast is shaping the future of Geospatial Intelligence on Wednesday 23 July from 8am to 10am at Maroochydore Surf Club.

Innovators are invited to a dynamic workshop to co-create the region’s geospatial intelligence industry - don’t miss your seat at the table! 

Registration is free of charge but spaces are limited!
Register

Meet the Makers
July 25
Are you a buyer in the food & beverage industry?

Meet the Makers 2025 is your exclusive invite to discover the flavours, stories and standout food and beverage producers from the Sunshine Coast, Noosa, Moreton Bay and Gympie regions.

Ideal for chefs, restaurateurs, retailers, wholesalers, distributors, and venues - come meet 80+ local producers under one roof.  
Register

The Google Factor Sundowner
July 28
Be part of history in the making as the Sunshine Coast cements its place as one of Australia’s most globally connected region!

Thanks to a landmark partnership between Google, NEXTDC and Sunshine Coast Council, a second subsea cable will land at Maroochydore - transforming the region’s digital future and opening up unprecedented opportunities.

We welcome and encourage you to bring along key clients who may be considering the Sunshine Coast for business or are keen to hear about the exciting opportunities.
Register

Carbon accounting made easy workshop
August 5
Sunshine Coast Council, in conjunction with Business Chamber Queensland, is delivering the Carbon accounting made easy workshop for businesses ready build government readiness.

In this workshop, businesses will learn to identify emissions in their operation, record emissions data in a free easy to use platform, set an emissions baseline year to record against and document emissions data that can be provided to government buyers.
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Innovate to Grow program
August 17
Applications are open for a free 8-week program for small to medium-sized
enterprises working with innovative health care solutions.

CSIRO's free online 8-week program will help you build your skills and networks so you can learn how to advance your
idea with R&D and make informed business decisions about whether the R&D project you've identified is right for you.

Application close July 13.
Register

Supplier Briefing workshop
August 13
Are you a government supplier or keen to tap into government work?

The Sunshine Coast Council Supplier Briefing will give you oversight of upcoming work and insight into supplier requirements.

Hear from Council on the pipeline of procurement opportunities, service contracts and supplier arrangements so you can prepare your business to make a competitive bid on Council work.

Spaces are limited.
 
Stadium design EOIs now open
In the lead up to 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, expressions of Interest have been released for suppliers to engage in pre-construction design work for stadium upgrades at the Sunshine Coast.

The EOIs are for Principal Design Consultants to undertake project design work to be part of building Queensland’s largest infrastructure legacy.

The Queensland Government is pleased to be partnering with industry in delivering a Games that will make all Queenslanders proud of our state and ensure we all share in a once-in-a-lifetime legacy.
Express interest by July 24
2026 Australian Deaf Games take shape
Last Friday marked the one-year countdown to the 2026 Australian Deaf Games (ADG), set to take place on the Sunshine Coast from 4–11 July 2026.

More than 1,200 athletes, officials, volunteers, and visitors from across Australia will converge to compete in 16 medal sports and four demonstration events along with an extensive social program that will see events, tours, visits, and gatherings located throughout the Sunshine Coast region.
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July 11-13 | Queensland Garden Show | Nambour Showgrounds

July 10-20 | International Mathematical Olympiad | Twin Waters

July 18 | Coasttrek Sunshine Coast | Noosa to Mooloolaba

July 21-25 | Over 60s Winter Cricket Carnival

July 25-27 | Qld Oztag Championships | Sunshine Coast Stadium

July 25-August 3 | The Curated Plate