29 of the Coast's top business women have been nominated as finalists for this year's much anticipated Business Woman of the Year Awards, as the countdown begins to the gala event being held at the Hyatt Regency Coolum on August 14.

The finalists have shown they are yet again a group of remarkable local women chosen from the hundreds of entries for their achievements, professionalism and their invaluable contribution they make to our community.

Excitement is mounting in anticipation of the 26th Queensland Home Garden Expo with top landscape designers, nurseries and leading horticulturists converging on the Nambour Showgrounds for this weekend’s event. The three-day event, from 9-11 July, is set to attract over 27,000 garden lovers and horticultural professionals as well as some of Australia’s leading gardening gurus who will be hosting lectures, demonstrations and workshops and offering free advice for garden novices and experts alike.

Visitors to this year's Home Garden Expo between 9-11 July can once again be inspired by the impressive display gardens designed by professional landscape artists in a quest to win the coveted Seven Local News Landscape Challenge.

Designers from across the Coast will showcase their creative talents in nine uniquely different display gardens created in the allocated 10m x 8m plots, including last year's winner Ruth Sinnott from Hummingbird Native Design in Nambour.

One of the Sunshine Coast’s most dynamic business couples, Bob and Chris Cameron believe there hasn’t been a greater opportunity for profit and fun in the past 250 years than implementing environmental initiatives and will share their views at the Sunshine Coast Business Women’s breakfast at the Maroochydore Surf Club on July 13. SCBWN President, Sue Willis looks forward to the power couple sharing their valuable lessons with breakfast guests not only as immensely successful business people but also as leaders in implementing environmentally friendly business practices.

Entries for the Scarecrow competition in the Queensland Home Garden Expo are due to close soon with all entry forms needing to be submitted by Friday July, 2 and scarecrows being delivered the week after.

Last year's inaugural competition attracted over 40 entries with an impressive collection ranging from mannequin styled scarecrows to mermaids to Bob Abbot look-alikes.

Last year's inaugural scarecrow competition saw such an impressive display of entries from across the Coast, that organisers of the Queensland Home Garden Expo are once again calling for schools, community groups, families and individuals to enter creative designs in this year's competition.

Gardening enthusiasts are looking forward to seeing what new products, exhibitors and features will be on display at this year’s Queensland Home Garden Expo at the Nambour Showgrounds from July 9-11. Peter Heaton will launch the Heaton’s Plant Wall, a vertical garden system that is perfect for smaller homes like apartments, offices or to bring life to unsightly walls.  These impressive and striking features are two metres high and include 60 plants, but take up only 0.12m² of floor space and include an automatic watering system that also makes them a low maintenance option. 

Green fingers and gardening novices alike are looking forward to one of Australia’s largest gardening events with the 26th Queensland Home Garden Expo set to attract record-breaking crowds to the Nambour Showgrounds, on the beautiful Sunshine Coast, from July 9-11. The event is a three-day celebration of all things gardening and last year attracted over 27,000 visitors who enjoyed displays from over 360 exhibitors including 50 nurseries, breaking all previous records.

Mezze Bar in Marcoola's Town of Seaside is the first bar to open under new Queensland liquor licensing laws designed to increase the number of restaurants in residential areas, ensuring locals can meet friends and have a drink all within walking distance of their home. Owner of Mezze Tapas Bar, Con Constantinides, believes this is a welcomed change and is excited about the great response locals have had to Mezze.

Fresh from a keynote speaking role at the recent International Women in Sport Conference, Liz Hanson will inspire members and guests of the Sunshine Coast Business Women's Network when she shares her perspectives on what business can learn from sport and the most vital lessons she has learned in the ‘adventures of her career' to date.

As financial pressures continue to take their toll on developers, the recent appointment of Which Property? by Receivers and Managers to sell-off the remaining stock in Southport Central Towers 2 and 3 is creating some excellent opportunities for both shrewd investors and those looking to enter the property market.

The capital raising for Queensland 's first RV focused active lifestyle village RV HOMEBASE Fraser Coast has proven popular with investors, closing oversubscribed by more than $2million. Investors recognised the opportunities offered by building a residential village that supported one of Australia 's fastest growing community sectors – the 390,000 strong caravan and motorhome community.

Times may be tough but local businesses are standing together and fighting back as Coolum Business & Tourism today launched an exciting new website to attract visitors and businesses to the beachside enclave. The organisation, which has seen its membership more than double over the last 12 months, developed the website to attract people to the destination and to promote local businesses, events and community initiatives.

Organisers believe the pressure of the Global Financial Crisis on businesses and home owners will create a bigger and better 26 th Queensland Home Garden Expo than ever before with site bookings up over 15 per cent on the same time last year. Queensland Home Garden Expo Organiser Marion Beazley says there seems to be a trend towards increased investment in the home garden to create a welcome retreat away from the pressures of people's daily lives.

To celebrate International Nurses' Day this Wednesday, teams of nurses from across the Sunshine Coast congregated at the Sunshine Coast Grammar School yesterday for the much anticipated bed races, but none could beat the Sunshine Coast Private Hospital's ‘Heart Starters' from winning the coveted Golden Bed Pan Trophy and $1,000 prize. The day culminated in an electric final between the two fastest teams on the track which saw the ‘Heart Starters' take the trophy and the second prize go to last year's winners, the Nambour Flyers from Nambour General Hospital.

International Nurses' Day is fast approaching and the annual RNS Big Wrap for Nurses celebrations are in full swing with the action-packed annual Golden Bed Pan Bed Race being held at Forest Glen on the Sunshine Coast this Saturday, May 8. The various bed race teams from hospitals, nursing homes, community care organisations and universities are preparing for the big day where they will have the opportunity to run, grab, wrap and dodge their way to victory for the highly coveted Golden Bed Pan Trophy and $1,000 prize donated by the Queensland Nursing Council.

With temperatures dropping in the southern states, Cairns will once again become a welcome retreat for those escaping the winter chills and trends show that we can expect an increase in property sales as visitors experience the wonderful Northern winter.

Guests at the Sunshine Coast Business Women's Network can look forward to enjoying one of Australia 's most exciting and dynamic speakers, Carren Smith at the 11 May breakfast at the Maroochydore Surf Club. As a survivor of the 2002 Bali bombing along with many other challenges including the suicide of her partner and the personal impact of the 2004 Tsunami on her family, Carren's comprehension of the value of time...

The search for the 2010 Sunshine Coast Outstanding Business Woman of the Year will commence when some of the Coast 's most successful and influential women meet for lunch at the Hyatt Regency Coolum on Friday, April 16. The lunch marks the launch of the highly prestigious awards which recognise women who have made an outstanding contribution to business on the Sunshine Coast across a number of categories.

In these uncertain economic times, developers are put under significant pressure to secure a large level of off-plan presales should they require bank financing for construction – sometimes as high as 80 per cent of the gross revenue. This presents great opportunities for those looking to capitalise on the benefits of buying residential off-plan apartments.

While property markets around Australia are still recovering from the GFC, the sale of 65 apartments since September 2009 in four of Cairns ' most desirable developments demonstrates the ongoing demand for quality apartments in Cairns.

The beachside community of the Town of Seaside on Marcoola Beach certainly got people talking when it was first established some time ago and it continues to prosper with the recent addition of several new developments including MC Property's latest project ‘Seaside on the Park' .

The skies above Coolum may be without colour this October if organisers of the iconic IGA Coolum Kite Festival are not able to find anyone to takeover the organisation of the vibrant community event. Following nine successful years, festival committee members have stepped down allowing an opportunity for someone with fresh ideas, enthusiasm and energy to take the festival to new heights.

International Nurses' Day is fast approaching and preparations for the annual RNS Big Wrap for Nurses celebrations are well underway, which will see the return of the annual Golden Bed Pan Bed Race to be held at Forest Glen on the Sunshine Coast on Saturday, May 8. Now in its fourth year the event, hosted by Queensland-based Regional Nursing Solutions (RNS), aims to recognise and celebrate the invaluable contribution nurses and health care workers make to the community by dedicating a day of activities and celebrations to them.

The Sunshine Coast Business Women's Network will today Wednesday, February 17 launch their Business Mentoring Program, aimed at developing strong business skills across various industries for women in small business, at Surfair Marcoola. The personal development and business skills program which runs from March through until May will provide selected participants with the opportunity to learn from some of the region's best business professionals.

The development of Queensland's first RV-focused active lifestyle village at Maryborough coupled with the unprecedented popularity of the Grey Nomad phenomenon is expected to provide a number of opportunities for growth in the Fraser Coast region and a boost to the local economy. RV HOMEBASE Fraser Coast is set to offer an exciting new residential housing alternative to meet the specific needs of the multitude of retirees packing up their lives and taking to the road for extended trips around Australia.

Following more than three decades running successful businesses on the Sunshine Coast, two prominent brothers have joined forces for the first time to develop RV HOMEBASE Fraser Coast, an innovative new residential housing alternative aimed at the rapidly expanding Grey Nomad market. Excited by the opportunity to work together on a major project for the first time in decades, brothers Peter and John Shadforth are combining their passion for caravanning with their expertise in earthmoving, property and community development to create a master-planned village that actively supports the lifestyle of caravan and motorhome owners.

As the baby boomer population rapidly approaches retirement age and the Grey Nomad phenomenon enjoys unprecedented popularity, the development of RV HOMEBASE Fraser Coast in Maryborough, Queensland is set to offer an exciting new residential housing alternative to a rapidly growing market. RV HOMEBASE Fraser Coast is an RV-focused, active lifestyle village designed to meet the specific needs of the multitude of retirees packing up their lives and taking to the road for extended trips around Australia. The village is the first of its kind in Queensland and will provide the perfect location, climate and lifestyle to accommodate this expanding market.

When you're talking prime beachfront location, luxuriously appointed apartments and pricing below replacement cost, many may wonder what the catch is as the developer of White Shells on Marcoola Beach launches its ‘Make an Offer' advertising campaign this week. But it's thanks to current economic times rather than clever marketing strategies that campaigns such as this succeed in shifting properties, particularly at the higher end of the market.

It appears investors are ready to take advantage of opportunities in the property market, when the announcement to sell-off remaining apartments in four prestigious Cairns developments generated over 70 leads in the first 24 hours of release. Which Property? has been appointed under instructions from Receivers and Managers to sell the remaining stock in Vision, Vue, Trinity Cove and Citi Edge and has been overwhelmed by enquiries.

Hot on the heels of the recent decision by the reserve bank to increase interest rates, local real estate agency Ray White Maroochydore is optimistic that the Sunshine Coast property market will continue to maintain momentum, as they themselves lead the way making the bold move to take up residence at a new look, riverside location in the heart of the CBD. Located in the landmark ‘Aurora' building on Duporth Avenue in Maroochydore, the new location offers excellent exposure and is set to officially open its doors to welcome clients and industry professionals to inspect their new home on Thursday, October 29. (more information about Ray White Maroochydore)

Excitement is mounting as international kite flyers, artists and performers converge on the Sunshine Coast ahead of this weekend's 9 th annual IGA Coolum Kite Festival with perfect weather conditions predicted for the vibrant community event. The event, which has grown in popularity over the years, is set to attract over 40,000 spectators and kite flying enthusiasts to its spectacular beach setting with a program jam packed with activities on offer for all ages.

Festival organisers are urging all motorists to take advantage of the free parking and bus services available during the upcoming IGA Coolum Kite Festival from October 3-4, 2009 due to a number of road closures in and around the Coolum area. Over 40,000 visitors are expected to converge upon Coolum Beach for the festival, which will see Stumers Creek Road closed from 1:00 pm on Friday, October 2 to 6:00 pm on Sunday, October 4.

Fast becoming one of Australia's most vibrant and much loved community events, this year's IGA Coolum Kite Festival is shaping up to be another exciting event filled with loads of colour and festivities including an impressive line up of entertainment, workshops and performances confirmed for the weekend festival to be held on October 3-4. Expected to attract over 40,000 people to its spectacular beach setting at Stumers Creek on Coolum Beach, visitors will be spoilt for choice as this year's event will boast an extensive program with something on offer for all to enjoy.

Spring is here and carnival fever is sweeping the Sunshine Coast ahead of one of the most anticipated events this season. The Sunshine Coast Health Foundation Spring Carnival Gala, proudly sponsored by Coastline BMW, is hotting up to be a sure favourite with over 540 guests expected to attend the event in support of Juvenile Diabetes at the Hyatt Regency Coolum on Friday, September 18.

The skies above Coolum Beach will be filled with colour this October, for the much anticipated IGA Coolum Kite Festival which is expected to attract an impressive line up of high profile international kite flyers, kite surfers, artists and performers. Fast becoming a world renowned event, the vibrant festival draws over 40,000 people including an array of talented individuals from across the globe to its spectacular beach setting to showcase their extraordinary skills.

Having spent the past 27 years helping women discover their ability to achieve excellence and maintain balance in an ever increasing stressful society, Michela D'Addario will join the Sunshine Coast Business Women's Network on Tuesday, September 8 to present a special breakfast workshop aimed at helping women get more out of life. The ‘Go Gorgeous Workshop', expected to attract over 180 business women from across the coast, will explore the importance of aligning personal and professional goals to achieve genuine fulfilment, balance and success.

Preparations are well underway for one of Australia 's most popular community events and organisers of this year's IGA Coolum Kite Festival, are calling for volunteers interested in being a part of this vibrant event to register their details. Expected to attract over 40,000 people to its spectacular beach setting, the 9th annual IGA Coolum Kite Festival to be held on October 3-4 is almost entirely organised and run by volunteer efforts.

Although 2009 has already presented many challenging business conditions particularly for small business in the region, the Sunshine Coast Business Women's Network has been hard at work proactively establishing and facilitating a mentoring program specifically targeted at women in micro/small business environments. The program, made up of nine talented business mentors each leaders in their own field of expertise, focuses on the unique challenges faced by many small business owners while preparing participants with the skills and confidence to overcome some of the toughest business conditions.

The Events Centre at Maroochy RSL was a buzz last night, Tuesday, August 11 as many of Sunshine Coast 's top business women sparkled, in anticipation as the winners for the 2009 prestigious Business Woman of the Year Awards were announced. The gala dinner, saw more than 330 business leaders and professionals get together to recognise and celebrate the many achievements of outstanding business women in the community.

Nominations are in, finalists have been selected and the countdown has begun for this year's much anticipated and highly contended Business Woman of the Year Awards to be held at the newly revamped Events Centre at Maroochy RSL on Tuesday, August 11. A prominent event on the business calendar and noted for its professionalism, the prestigious awards recognise and celebrate the many achievements of women from a diverse range of industries and the invaluable contribution they make to business and the community.

Nestled in the quiet seaside town of Marcoola, Cucina Al Mare is fast becoming one of the Sunshine Coast 's standout culinary delights, with new owners Sharon and Jason Cox this week launching their extensive new menu and wine list. Cucina Al Mare upholds the tradition of great Italian food through the use of simple, uncomplicated flavours. Translated from Italian Cucina Al Mare means Kitchen at the Seaside , with the smell of sea salt lingering on the breeze the aptly named restaurant is a treat to visit.

snugabub's innovative tailored cot sheets will revolutionise how parents and carers put their newborns to bed by helping to provide safer and sounder sleep. While parents of newborns have access to an impressive range of baby clothes tailored to suit the length and weight of their child, cot bedding traditionally only comes in one size – toddler size.

One of Australia 's largest kite festivals will see the skies over Coolum Beach on Queensland 's Sunshine Coast transform into a kaleidoscope of colour. The 9th annual IGA Coolum Kite Festival, which is expected to attract over 40,000 people to its spectacular beach setting, will be held from October 3-4. The vibrant event, which has grown in popularity over the years, will attract some of the best national and international kite flyers who will showcase their impressive skills over the two days.