What’s Your Story?

If you have a story to tell, there are a several groups in the Coolum area which offer opportunities to express yourself through public speaking or writing, as well as singing.

Or perhaps you’d rather fly a kite.

It’s the best way to become involved in community events, especially if you’re new to the Coast or visiting for an extended holiday.

When I retired here 12 months ago, I went looking for ways to become involved in the community, as I didn’t know anyone on the Coast.  My first plan of action was to visit Toastmasters clubs in the area to continue my interest in public speaking. It didn’t take long to expand my circle of friends as I went club-hopping from Maroochydore to Noosa before joining the Coolum club. It’s a great way to learn and improve your public speaking and leadership skills.

Since then my community involvement has grown exponentially as I have discovered other groups and activities, which have helped me settle into the area quickly and effortlessly.

Soon after I arrived here, I was invited to attend a community choir in Coolum, where a group of enthusiastic and very “cool” harmonians sing out loud every week. Now I’m more of a public speaker than a singer, but the choir environment is friendly, lots of fun, and we’re all encouraged to express ourselves with a bit of artistic licence, although we do hold our tunes well when performing in public.

If you prefer to tell your story in writing, I’ve discovered several writers groups on the Coast and there are regular workshops throughout the year for aspiring authors. You may even be tempted to submit your manuscript to some of the regional writing competitions.

One of my most enjoyable experiences was volunteering at the Coolum Kite Festival last year, which attracted more than 40,000 visitors. The contributions of 120+ volunteers ensured the weekend event was a huge success... although we'll now have to wait until 2011 before we see all those colourful kites fluttering over Stumers Creek again.

Whether you’re new to the region, or have been living here for a while, there are lots of ways to get involved in the Coolum community.

Photo: Sunshine Coast Literary Association members at a recent workshop (from left) Nigel Prior, Ian Laver, facilitator Bronwyn Cozens, Jenny Wood and Hari Kotrotsios.

Check out our local directory to find Community Groups that you can get involved in.